be[love]d: wire hangers

Photo credit: Cynthia Rose Photography

Photo credit: lilafrances via Etsy

Currently loving these personalized wire hangers -- a small detail that gives the dress a special touch.  Have a great weekend everyone!

she said "Yes!"

No, this post isn't about chipmunks, but this was way too cute to pass up :)

Every marriage begins with a story--a creative and unique proposal that hopefully ends with a resounding "Yes!" and of course, a beautiful diamond ring.  The Jewelry Information Center is on a quest to find the Ultimate Proposal Story, and the winner is decided by your votes!  Over 700 stories were entered, and they've narrowed them down to the Top 10.  The couple who submitted the story that receives most votes will win a Grand Prize package valued at nearly $10,000 that includes a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line and diamond-and-platinum rings from MaeVona.  Pretty awesome, right?

In addition to hosting the contest, JIC also serves as an excellent resource for anything jewelry related for those looking to tie the knot.  Considered as the objective authority on fine jewelry and watches, they provide information about fine jewelry, savvy shopping tips, care and cleaning information, jewelry history and fashion trends. 

Of course, this post wouldn't be complete without sharing which proposal gets my vote.  I love this story for two reasons.  One being that it involves traveling to another country, and I love traveling.  The other reason being that every detail was carefully thought out and planned to perfection, with each letter cleverly directing Piper where to go.  As an event planner, I know how much hard work and energy went into putting together every piece of this amazing proposal.  I hope you enjoy the story!

Long Distance Relationship Goes the Distance

Piper & Rob

I got the surprise of a lifetime when my long distance boyfriend of 4 years sent me on a romantic adventure half way across the world to propose!

Rob & I met when we were teaching music to children in the UK. After we decided to stop touring our relationship became long distance. Rob started his television production career in Los Angeles & I went to study Music Business at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

The weekend before my last Spring Break in college Rob sent me a package with numerous envelopes, each with specific instructions. He asked to me document my trip with a Flipcam.

He sent a car to take me to the airport. I suddenly found myself at the International terminal at Logan Airport without my passport! Luckily, my now fiance, thought of everything. The next envelope held my flight itinerary to LONDON, my passport and another romantic letter. I was now heading to my favorite city in the world!!

He chose my seat number: 25K. When I got on board the plane, I opened another note saying "This trip is partially to celebrate your birthday! You are going to be 25, k?"

After I landed in England, I opened the next envelope. This one had train schedules, detailed instructions to get to the stations and enough British pounds to make it all happen! I had nothing to worry about, he had taken care of everything!

The train took me to Canterbury, England, where we had our first date. When I arrived there I opened the last package: a copy of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. He told me to check our anniversary, February 23. (pg 223) On that page I found a picture I had taken 4 years earlier from a tiny bridge in a garden in Canterbury. On the back of the photo he had written, "Meet Me Here" and included walking instructions, in case I forgot.

I arrived at the bridge and it all looked the same!! We embraced and he told me that there was one more surprise on the trip. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!!!! I said YES!

We spent the next few days enjoying my favorite city in the world and even got to spend some time in Dublin during the St. Patty's festivities.

To top it all off, he even arranged for us to travel to New Jersey to see his family and Nebraska to see mine before I had to be back to school. We got to celebrate all over again with family and loved ones! I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Rob designed my beautiful ring with a center princess cut 1.2 ct diamond. The double band intertwines with diamonds and aquamarines (my birthstone). He wanted the weaving band to subtly reflect the Celtic jewelry from the place where we fell in love.

Thanks to Amanda, one of JIC's jewelry experts, for letting me feature one of these amazing stories!

real engagement: kasey + josh

It's always special to share engagements for individuals whom I know personally.  I love how this video totally captures the affection Kasey and Josh have for one another, and how much joy they share when they're together.  Each "scene" showcases a little piece of their relationship and who they are as a couple.  And as a Trojan myself, how can I NOT love the Trojan representation in this shoot?  Anyways, here's a behind the scenes look at my friend, Kasey's engagement session with CeanOne Photography!

Bowles Engagement from Cean One Photography Films on Vimeo.

For photos from their session and to see more of CeanOne's amazing work, go to their blog!

Congrats Kasey & Josh! I wish you both the best in your marriage!

do you want s'more?

Summer is quickly approaching, and that means it's time for those outdoor barbeques, camping trips, and of course, beach bonfires.  And what better way to end a summer night than with a perfectly roasted marshmallow sandwiched between two Honey Maid Graham crackers and Hershey's dark chocolate.  With dessert bars gaining popularity at weddings and events nowadays, the s'more bar is the perfect end to an outdoor wedding or event.

Photo Credit: Marien Mae Blog

You can also leave your guest with a S'more kit to enjoy on their own time!

Photo Credit: La Belle Bride

Photo Credit: Meg Perrotti Photography

Photo Credit: Love in October

These delicious s'muffins are from Gotta Have S'more, a dessert company that have taken the beautiful flavors of a s'more and use it as the basis for their desserts.  Check out more at their website!


Photo Credit: Bridal Bar vis Gotta Have S'More

S'more for everyone! What creative dessert bars have you seen?

be[love]d: graffitti proposal

I'm consistently blown away at the creativity of marriage proposals. I really love this one -- it spoke to the artist/painter in me. Hope you enjoy!