The "Casual" Dining Room

The Move

The past few weeks have been very hectic for us. We are officially in! Going on our fourth week here and we LOVE it. We have made really good progress with decorating and unpacking. Partly because a home doesn't really feel like a home to me until artwork is up and most of our items are unpacked. 

Birthday Celebration

A couple of weekends ago was Bobby's birthday so we had our very first overnight guest stay at the house (Bobby's parents)! We had a blast and did dinner with my family at the Iron Bridge Wine Company. Anyone in the Howard County area... YOU MUST GO. It's our favorite local spot! 

Now lets get to my favorite room in the house…

Ellie Cashman

Let me start off by saying, thank you to my husband for trusting me with this room. He understood the design and was not afraid when I said, "black walls, floral wallpaper and dusty blush curtains!" 

It was a dream come true owning this wallpaper (Ellie Cashman Design). The pictures don't do it justice. It looks incredible in person! The funny thing is, there aren't that many people who work in the trade anymore (installing wallpaper/murals). It was very difficult finding someone with experience. I wanted someone who has been in the business for decades and who truly understood how to handle all forms of wall coverings. While researching, I found Fine Line Paint & Wallcovering, Inc. They did an AMAZING job. So whoever is in the Maryland area looking for similar services I would go to them! 

The never used room

I grew up in a household (I'm sure many of you can relate to this) where we only used the dining room over the holidays. We didn't want that. We wanted this to be a casual dining room where it didn't matter if we were eating pizza or having a fancy feast… a place that would bring us together every night! 

We got the Curtains, Area Rug and Dining Table at West Elm. 

Black Walls

We really wanted to go bold and create a beautifully inspiring atmosphere that made people think outside the box. Don't be afraid to go bold. The whole dining room was centered around the wallpaper. We thought, LETS DO BLACK. I mean its just paint… so we went for it. Best decision. What was once in my head and then seeing that vision become a reality is so special and somewhat of a relief that it all worked out. 

Future

You know, I feel like the dining room is a dying room... not many families sit around a table anymore and just focus on enjoying one another's company. Sometimes we just need to shut the world out (phones, tv, etc) and for at least one hour every night sit and eat with our family and friends. That is what the dining room offers. I just think about all the memories we will be making in this room. From Birthdays to Holidays to weeknight dinners. Cheers! xo

New Age Blue

Labor Day Weekend

Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend! We decided to paint the front door "New Age Blue"! Bobby did such a great job picking out the color. We went with blue because it would compliment the red brick exterior with our black shutters. But we didn't want to do any regular ol' blue…

You Prep, I'll paint

Bobby prepped the door and then I painted it. Took some time because the door is a little more intricate. 

2 Coats Later…

Kitchen Update

The hardware, farmhouse sink and the flooring is in! All that is left is the countertop, backsplash and then we are DONE. We looked at slabs of quartz this past weekend since our original pick is still on back order. They are going to come out this week to measure and then install next week!!! Things tend to work themselves out because I ended up loving the second choice over our original pick. The backsplash will be a classic white subway tile with dark gray grout.

HARDWARE

With stainless steal appliances, I wasn't afraid to do bonze/brass fixtures in the kitchen. It brings some warmth to the space. The last thing I wanted was a  "cookie cutter" kitchen. We really wanted this custom kitchen to be eclectic.  We can't wait to see it all come together. More to come!

Renovation Update

Takes Twice as long + Cost Twice as much

We are slowly getting there... our kitchen has come to a halt because our countertops are on back order. We are going to be checking out other options to see if we can speed up the process. Bobby and I are trying to stay patient but we just want to move in and get settled! The house, though, needs to be professionally cleaned before we officially move everything in. So we are just waiting for the kitchen to be done before we do! There are also some other things we are trying to update like the well pump, air ducts, etc... honestly, it's a never ending list. There will always be something but this house is totally worth the effort and it will truly be magnificent once we are done with it. 

Where I Shop

Since our home was built in 1961, we are really keeping to that era and the mid century modern style. Ill be showing you more of the furniture in future posts but the ones you see here, are from Article. I highly recommend them. They are modestly priced and their delivery system is, simply put, amazing. Then we have a West Elm couch for the den and getting some area rugs from West Elm delivered this week. Honestly, I ADORE anything from West Elm. They just get me!

Favorite Room

For me, the dinning room is going to be the show stopper. I can't wait to see it all come together. It has bronze fixtures, BLACK walls (YES), with an accent wallpaper wall. We will be installing the wallpaper once the kitchen is done. I've been obsessed with this wallpaper from the first time I saw it three years ago! Its from Ellie Cashman Design. Fill you in more on the details when I do a post about the dinning room! 

I feel like I have tons more to say but don't have enough time right now to carry on. I will continue with another post later. In the meantime we took some photos from this past weekend below. Clearly Montecristo is the star. Enjoy! 

HOME SWEET HOME

Welcome to Clarksville

I'm still in shock that we got a single family home in Clarksville. We closed on June 6! This was a long time coming... we saved for over three years before we took the plunge into homeownership.

We were extremely particular on location!

We limited our search to only Ashton and Olney for Montgomery County and for Howard County: Clarksville, Highland, Fulton, Dayton, Glenelg and Ellicott City (but only the centennial school district of EC) — like I said "particular". We wanted to stay along the I-95 corridor, along 32 but to the west of 29... — the perfect middle ground to DC and Baltimore. CONVENIENCE was key! 

The second thing we were adamant about was a single family home. We really did not want to share walls if we were going to live in the suburbs.

When I saw this home come on the market, I knew it was going to be a long shot. There was no way we could have paid the listing price. Not to get into too much detail on this, but we got a deal on this home. A DEAL. A part of me thinks this home chose us... there were just so many signs leading us to this home. All in all, WE GOT THE HOUSE! 

Renovation: Intorduction

Even though we closed on June 6th, we are not moving in until late August early September. This home was a fixer upper from the start. We are talking all new electrical, fixing/patching the roof and the flashing around the chimney, replacing the concrete front slab due to years of neglect, replacing the gutters, new water heater, external pest extermination, removing the old landscaping, and the list goes on and on. Pretty much the things you don't really see... EXCEPT we decided this past week to renovate the kitchen!!! Regardless, we had to get all new appliances for the kitchen because the ones that were in the house clearly had not been updated since the 60's. So after talking with my AMAZING family friend contractor, Wayne, we decided to pull the trigger on the kitchen remodel! Seriously, a dream come true for me to design our own kitchen. More to come on the renovations but demo pictures from yesterday below: 

What's Ahead

I'll be getting back into blogging — I'll document all the renovations and the home decor. Honestly, this is what I LOVE TO DO! I adore interior design and I can't wait to share with you our homeowning adventures! 

We have over an acre property with a huge front yard! 

Laguna Niguel, California

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

I had an opportunity this past January to tag along with my Mom on her business trip to Laguna Niguel. I have been fortunate enough to visit this town nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles once before so I knew already how beautiful/extravagant of a trip this would be. This place is truly magical.

Club Level

The hotel is magnificent. The property sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. We were only there for 3 days so I pretty much stayed on the hotels property the whole time. I just wanted to cherish every moment and did not want to leave. We had a ocean front room on the club level... I can't stress enough: I HIGHLY RECOMMEND staying on the club level of this particular Ritz. Everything you would possibly need (food, drinks, services) you have unlimited access to on this level. The club level is beyond worth it! 

Day to Day

It was such a relaxing/peaceful trip. I slept in every day, walked the beach, sat on our balcony every evening watching the sunset. Their gym overlooks the pacific, so every morning while I was working out I would watch the surfers catch waves. I totally understand the California lifestyle and why people decide to move out west.

Orange County 

Ive been to California many times but I never flew into Orange County Airport. If you are going to travel to this part of California and want to avoid the major cities, I would definitely suggest this airport. The first thing I said about this airport when we landed was, "there are more private planes then there are commercial". It's like a whole other way of life out there... Also, when flying in or out of Orange County you will notice that the pilot will not reach maximum power of the aircraft because under the Orange County laws the plane can't make high level noises in order to not disturb the residents of Orange County below... like i said, a whole other way of life — so don't be alarm if all of a sudden the sound of the aircraft lowers and you feel like you are floating rather then flying. 

As you can tell from the photo's this property is a photographers DREAM. The views are breathtaking and some of the best in the country. I want to take Bobby here so badly (possibly future anniversary trip) + they have a golf course... so he is sold.

Till we meet again Laguna! 

Charleston, South Carolina

Taken at our Hotel | The Spectator

Celebrating our 1 Year Anniversary

Can't believe it's been 1 year since our wedding. We thought of no better place to celebrate our anniversary than Charleston, SC. It was my first visit and Bobby's second. Charleston is a southern town like no other. They say that people who grew up in the New England/Mid Atlantic area who then move to Charleston adapt very easily to the Charleston lifestyle and I can see why. It's the only place in the South, thus far, where I thought "I could definitely live here". 

The Spectator

Bobby and I used our reward points to get free flights so we decided to splurge on the hotel. The Spectator: This was one of the hotels I actually had on my bucket list (yes, never too young to have one!). It's one of the best in the world and I'm telling you, it really holds up to its reputation. The Spectator is a small boutique hotel with a very personalized atmosphere. The moment you walk in... you feel comfortable and at home. You are blown away by the classic decor. I've been fortunate to have stayed at a Four Season and Ritz Carlton... but there was something about this hotel that exceeded even that standard of excellence. Maybe it's all the little details like special in-room treats and snacks, greeting you by name, creating your signature cocktail,... All of that comes at a price that's absolutely warranted. If you feel like splurging, I highly recommend this hotel. It is worth it. 

The Sights

The architecture alone, is worth a visit. I have never been to a city, in the States, that has maintained its historic presence as much as this city has. A lot of the buildings were built in the 1600s... let me state that again, 1600s!!! That's even hard to find up in Boston. The architecture is what made me fall in love with this city. I have such an appreciation for places that respect and preserve their history rather than replacing it. 

Eating our way through Charleston 

THE FOOD. I don't even know where to begin... when Bobby and I travel, food plays a BIG role. I plan a itinerary for our trips around the places we eat (not joking). I make reservations at the best places in town, weeks before the trip to make sure we eat where we want to and experience the best restaurants. Yes, we are foodies. That being said, the food in Charleston was out of this world.

I listed below our trip itinerary to give you all an idea of how we travel and plan our trips + it list (and linked to) all the restaurants we recommend in Charleston. This itinerary is somewhat detailed and y'all may think I'm OCD... but I like to have a plan (we don't always stick to it) and I like to be prepared. I never want to feel like I missed out on something when I travel! I highly recommend doing research before you visit a new place so that you make sure you see everything that is important to you. Also, planning it out before hand makes your trip easier. We always want to make the best of our trips and take advantage of the time we have together. 

Itinerary

NOVEMBER 12:  

• Depart BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, MD (BWI) on Southwest Airlines at 08:40 AM
• Arrive in CHARLESTON, SC (CHS) at 10:30 AM (25 Minute drive from Airport to Hotel)
• ARRIVE to Hotel 1130-1230 (check in)
• 1:00PM Lunch @ Slightly North of Broad (3 Minute walk) 
• 3:00PM– 5:00PM Explore Charleston City Market (2 Minute walk)
• After the Market head back to the hotel (2 Minute walk), relax, get ready for the evening!
• 6:30PM Pre-Dinner Cocktails at the Spectator Bar
• 7:45PM Dinner @ Hanks’s Seafood (3 Minute walk)
• Explore the city at night!

NOVEMBER 13:

• 8:00AM Room Service Coffee & Get ready for the day (wear comfortable shoes, tons of walking)
• 10:00-12:00PM Explore King Street (shopping, etc. Walking about 1 Mile)
• 12:00PM BRUNCH @ The Darling Oyster Bar (along King Street) 
• 2:00PM Stop off at The Spectator (drop off any shopping bags; 20 Minute walk back to hotel)
• 3:00PM Walk down King Street (opposite direction) to Explore The Battery
  (White Point Garden; 18 min walk along the water)
• 5:00PM Walk back to The Spectator (rest, relax, get ready for the evening!)
• 7:00PM Dinner @ The Historic McCrady’s Tavern (5 Minute walk) 
• Explore the city at night!

NOVEMBER 14:

• 10:00AM Pick up Breakfast / Explore Rainbow Row (8 Minute walk)
• (ARRIVE AT 11:45) 12:00PM-12:45 Charleston Distilling Co. Tasting Tour (20 Minute walk or Taxi)
• Head back to Hotel to Prepare for Photos/RELAX
• 4:15PM Meet with Billie Jo & Jeremy @ The Spectator
• 415–530PM Anniversary Session
• 6:30PM Pre-Dinner Cocktails at the Spectator Bar
• 8:00PM (the only time available) Dinner @ Magnolias

NOVEMBER 15:

• Sleep in, pack, grab breakfast! (Up in the air)
• 12:15 Leave for Airport (25 Minute drive)
• Depart CHARLESTON, SC (CHS) on Southwest Airlines at 2:45 PM
• Arrive in BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, MD (BWI) at 4:10 PM

Capturing the Moment

I decided to hire photographers for a mini photo session of Bobby and I in Charleston. I found Billie Jo and Jeremy! They are extremely talented husband and wife team that capture the best moments. I highly recommend using them if you are in the area or they do travel as well! Here are a few from our session with them! 

Photos By: Billie Jo & Jeremy Photography 

Click "View Full Post" to see more pics!

Studio →

Inspired Environment 

I wanted to share with you a glimpse of my home studio. This is where I do most of my Freelance work and blogging.

I'm influenced by my surroundings!

My style is eclectic. I love everything from Mid-century Modern to French Country. This is my temporary studio space since Bobby and I are planning on buying a home by the end of the year. But I wanted to share with you some of the items you will find in my studio. First off... I'm not a big fan of matching furniture, I really love when each piece is unique and tells its own story.

UPITT Desk From the 1940s

The desk is one of my favorites! I acquired this desk from my Dad. Both my Mom and Dad went to graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1975 the University was getting rid of old furniture and my Dad was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. The desk is from the 1940s and the thing I love most about it is the wear and tear. Most people would want to refinish it... but I LOVE when furniture shows it's history. I love the fact that it has water stains from all the glasses, cups and mugs that have graced its surface... I love that the wood is chipped, the veneer is peeling off and the drawers squeak. This desk is at least 80 years old, revere it, let it show it's age! The chair comes from the University too and dates ca. 1950's. Classic furniture always stands the test of time!   

Art Collection— Mixing Old with New

Whichever house Bobby and I eventually move into, we are going to have to have a ton of wall space. We love to surround ourselves with art. My favorite photograph (not seen in these pictures) is a photograph of Frank Sinatra casually walking through a casino with people all around him... but no one notices him. Everyone is focused on gambling and he is just strolling through as if in that moment he was just another guy. I love the sense of anonymity the photograph represents.

Individual pieces when put together can create a unique tableau, a work of art. A lot of it comes from mixing old with the new — bringing the past and the present together.    

Fresh Flowers... Everywhere

Needless to say, I love flowers.  If I could, I would have them everywhere, everyday. When you bring the outdoors in with natural light streaming through the window, it stimulates the mind and relaxes the soul.  When working at a desk all day, these little indulgences make all the difference!

Future Home Decor

I can't stress enough how exciting it's going to be for me when Bobby and I have a home of our own. If I weren't doing Graphic Design I would totally be doing Interior Design. My mind is so full of ideas for how we are going to decorate, sometimes I feel like decorating just one house isn't going to be enough! I can't wait to execute my ideas and see them come to life, and to share them especially with all of you. I'm inspired every day by my surroundings and I hope to one day have a home that inspires people to decorate their environment and create an oasis for family and friends to enjoy in each others company. 

Twenty Six →

So I am now officially closer to 30 than I am to 20… and honestly I'm starting to feel like my age is finally catching up to my personality. I've always been an old soul, so bring it on - another year and a year older. 

Montecristo's birthday is one day before mine so its a week of celebration! This year, I decided to have a low key birthday. All I wanted to do was go out to one of my favorite restaurants with my family and that is exactly what happened.

Washington, DC vs. Baltimore, MD

We are fortunate enough to live in the part of Maryland that is between Baltimore and DC (A tad bit closer to DC). I was struggling to decide where I would like to go. I narrowed my options to my favorite Greek restaurant Black Olive in Fells Point and the amazing Birch & Barley around Logan Circle! Since I work in Baltimore, I haven't gone out in DC in awhile so we went to Birch & Barley! They are known for their wide collection of beers and their phenomenal food. If you decide to drive in, instead of using the metro, just a heads up, the parking situation is a little tricky. So plan ahead. Regardless, both restaurants are amazing, you can't go wrong with either! 

Looking Ahead

I'm excited for what lies ahead. Our goal this year is to buy a place of our own! It's going to be a big obstacle but Bobby & I can tackle anything together. We have worked so hard to save money over the years that we are ready for this next step and responsibility! I know whatever place we do end up getting, my creative mind will insist on changing something. So I'll be sure to document and share the home buying/decorating/renovation process with you! 

Here to another year & more beautiful memories — cheers! 

The Story behind "Dottie Jo" →

JOSEPH & DOROTHY

My Grandparents (Joseph & Dorothy) inspired me so greatly. They both grew up in Boston and remained in the area for the rest of their lives. Boston is where they fell in love, got married, had two beautiful daughters and lived out their unconditional love that will forever be imprinted in time.

THE WAR

In the midst of World War II, my Grandfather (Papa) and my Grandmother (Nana) exchanged love letters. They weren't yet married at this time... Papa didn't want Nana to be a widow because he believed he wasn't coming back home. It was obviously a tough time for them and the country but their love for one another never faltered even in the midst of the heartbreak and terror of war.

I remember having a conversation with Papa at the infamous kitchen table in Medford, MA asking him about the war. It's a conversation I'll never forget. I have always been extremely interested in World War II; it's such a monumental time in history. I feel like if you don't remind yourself of the past, it'll be like the past never happened. It was obviously hard for Papa to talk to me about the war.

In World War II, Papa was a medic in the United States Army... what he had seen was unimaginable but he never lost his spirit and hope in humanity. You read things about World War II or see documentaries but it doesn't compare to listening to first hand accounts. I was fortunate enough to have this conversation with Papa before he passed. A part of me thinks he talked to me about it because if you talk to a younger generation about the war and instill knowledge then maybe the horrors of the past won't be repeated. At that point it was 60+ years after the war when we had this conversation... and the emotions were still raw. The horrors were forever embedded in his mind. Nana told me how when he first got back from the war Papa would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and ducking under the bed thinking he was in his foxhole and taking heavy fire. Back then PTSD was unheard of and with time, wounds healed but memories never vanished. 

THE LETTERS

These letters are just a small glimpse into that historic time and how true love can conquer and rise above what ever horrors the world may be facing. I was fortunate enough to inherit these letters. I was fascinated by them and Papa noticed that and gave them to me. They are the most precious things I own. Papa and Nana's love lives on in these letters...  and honestly this blog post it the toughest I've written because it's so personal. But I wanted to share their special story with you. They showed me what true love is and I'm forever thankful they are my Grandparents. Their lives live on in the hearts of their two daughters and three grandchildren. 

WHAT TO TAKEAWAY 

True love really does exist, but in today's world some may think it doesn't. Ever lasting love takes sacrifice but we have expectations now-a-days for perfection. We put too much pressure on relationships to be perfect in every way. Just take a look at the pressures from social media alone. Love as much as you can and be true to yourself. Be genuine in all that you do.

I have hope for my generation and for generations to come. We have to rise above the pressures that we set for ourselves and our partners. We have to be more compassionate and not so superficial. 

I was fortunate enough to witness positive relationships growing up and I know that not everyone gets that. But I do believe that whatever your background, everyone is capable of loving unconditionally. We're born with it. Ultimately you just have to love yourself first before you are able to love others. It starts with you. 

The final thing I want to express here is to never forget where you come from and the sacrifices the generations before you have made. You are who you are because of your past. Take knowledge from the generations before you, try to understand it, have respect for it and I guarantee the future will be a better because of it. 

Montecristo's Second Birthday →

THE COUNT OF MONTECRISTO 

I can't believe my child (I'm clearly obsessed) is turning 2! It feels like it was only yesterday that we were picking him up from the breeder in Harrisburg, PA. Bobby and I can't imagine our lives without our little Monte. He has such a big personality for such a small dog. 

We surprised him with his very own Teepee from Pipolli! Montecristo is taking his time with the Teepee. I think I was more excited then he was. He is still scoping it out. Monte will come around to it (I hope)! Side note: We get all of Monte's collars from Crew La La!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR MONTECRISTO!

Denver & Vail, Colorado →

First thoughts

Bobby & I were in Colorado last week (my first time)... I GET IT. I totally get the hype of Colorado now. This state is absolutely stunning and the people are just so friendly. Granted, we stayed at the Four Seasons in both Denver and Vail... we were very spoiled on this trip. 

I was lucky enough to tag along with Bobby on his business trip to Vail and considering I'm a Graphic Designer, I can do my job from anywhere so I seized the opportunity and went. Even though I worked during the day it was one of my favorite trips with Bobby. 

Stranded in Denver

We got stuck in Denver for the first few days due to the storm so we couldn't make the drive to Vail. But it ended up being a very good thing. We got the chance to explore Denver as well as meet up with Bobby's sister who lives there. It all worked out! When we were first checking in at the Four Seasons  I noticed a group of really tall men in the corner of the lobby and then I noticed their shirts said "Toronto"... I looked over at Bobby and I'm like "Who are they?!" Bobby explained to me that they play for the Toronto Raptors (they had a game that night). Even though, i know nothing about the NBA, I thought how random... and yet how awesome is this - haha. 

Bobby's winter coat crisis

Bobby, of course, had to buy a jacket while in Denver because I don't know why anyone would only pack a peacoat for Vail - haha. I, on the other hand, played it smart and packed my Helly Hansen. We went to multiple stores around Denver and he found coats that he "liked" but if you're going to drop a decent amount of $ on a coat I said you have to "love" it and he obviously agreed. In the end Bobby was finally warm once he bought his winter coat at this local shop right next to all the bars on 14th street and now he is obsessed with it, great purchase. 

Two hour drive felt like 15 minutes 

The drive from Denver to Vail, was my favorite part of the trip. It's a little less than a two hour drive but I was so immersed in the magnificent scenery it felt like 15 mins. Vail is like a winter wonderland you only see in movies. The Four Seasons had a heated outdoor pool! We dared each other to go in and we did in 8 degree weather! Minus your wet hair freezing, it was a blast! 

The places to eat in Vail + Denver

If you ever find yourself in Vail, the best place to eat is Sweet Basil. You MUST go! Their food is so creative and unique. Some of the best food I've ever had in the States! For Denver, Bobby and I adored Euclid Hall; we loved this place so much we went there twice. Really great atmosphere and people. We were there on an Avalanche game night, so it was packed full of fans. The service was so great, even at their busiest. 

Visually stunning and beautifully liberating! 

Wedding Day →

November 14th, 2015 | BALTIMORE, MD

Video by Whiddon Productions

The morning of my wedding 

Well it was no shock that I couldn't sleep the night before my wedding... was running on empty by the time the sun was up. But honestly, it doesn't really matter if you get sleep the night before because your adrenaline kicks in and you are all set! 

Tears of joy

I was shocked by how much I cried. I'm not that emotional... especially in public but tears started flowing as soon as I saw Bobby. It was like this tidal wave of emotions took over and I broke down in complete happiness. It was pure joy and you can see that from our photos of first looks.

Rain or shine

Every bride is fearful that it could possibly rain on their wedding day. Luckily, my entire wedding was inside but we wanted to do all the photos outside by the Mount Vernon Washington Monument. The thought did cross my mind... "It better not rain" or in this case even snow (November). Well the weather was in our favor... sort of. Even though it was sunny and the perfect time for the photographer to capture photos in natural light, it was COLD. I'm surprised you couldn't tell from the photos.... most of the time my face felt numb but my Robert kept me warm. I was happy the sun was out to play! 

Vows

I highly recommend doing your own vows. It just makes the wedding much more personal and unique. Bobby and I had no idea what each other's vows were until we spoke them at the ceremony which made it all that more exciting and beautiful! 

I am a very fast reader when I read out loud so I kept reminding myself, take it slow, pause now and then. These are all things that go through your mind but in that moment, when I reached the end of the aisle... I was only focused on Bobby. It was like there was no one else in the room other than him which actually made any nervousness reading my own vows just disappear. 

Party Time

I swear, our family and friends are AMAZING... they didn't need any motivation to start dancing. As soon as dinner was done everyone hit the dance floor. I loved that! Our wedding was so enjoyable, and full of heartfelt genuine moments. 

I could go on and on but honestly the video and photos say it all. 

My Wedding Dress →

THE STORY OF MY DRESS IS A UNIQUE ONE…

When i first got engaged I did what every newly engaged gal does, look at wedding dresses. About an hour into my research I stumbled across the designer Ersa Atelier... I fell in love with the beading and the lace but most importantly, the versatility of the dresses. There was one dress in particular that stood out from all the rest. I thought to myself, well this dress looks good on a model but will it look good on me and how not to be disappointed if it doesn't. 

New York City

I was so eager to try this dress on... the only boutiques that carried this designer at the time were located in Chicago, NYC and Beverly Hills. We figured NYC is the closest, by train instead of plane, so we decided to go there (also 'cause, I mean, after all it's NYC... enough said!).

A moment with my Mom

From the beginning I wanted to share the moment of trying on a wedding dress for the first time just between me and my Mom. I wanted limited opinions and my Mom's opinion is always honest and she will flat out tell me if the dress just wasn't right for me, which I needed.  But not just that, my Mom and I have an incredible relationship and what was most important to me was to have us have that moment together - just us. So we made a NYC weekend trip out of it!

There is only one

As soon as I got to the boutique I narrowed in on the exact dress. In person it was even more stunning. The bead work and the lace were more intricate and yet understated than I had imagined. And I absolutely loved how it was practically 3 dresses in one (I could take off the tulle skirt and the lace top, etc). Immediately I tried on that first dress... it was perfection. It took all of 10 minutes for me to find my dress. The lady asked if i wanted to try anything else on... I said "No need to, this is the one." Just like that I got my dress! 

Current & future brides

Don't be overwhelmed by all the options and value the opinions mean the most to you; those you truly value. Keep things simple. At the end of the day, it is just a dress... don't get me wrong, it should be the best dress you ever wear in your life but don't over complicate it. You will find the right one and simply put "you will just know".

Photo Credit: Edward Winter from Readyluck

Honeymoon — Sint Maarten →

Wait a day

We left for our honeymoon the Monday after our wedding. It was perfect timing because we had all day Sunday to rest and pack. At first, I thought lets just go on Sunday, we can just sleep on the plane... I'm happy that didn't happen. We needed that Sunday! 

Beach bums for 7 days

Bobby & I stayed on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten and visited the Island of Anguilla... needless to say it was gorgeous! We were fortunate enough to have a butler suite looking out over the ocean (thank you parents-in law!). One of the most entertaining places to eat while on the Island is Cheri's Cafe. It's a hilarious good time, the show was great and the food was amazing (very big portions though, we over ordered... typical - haha). Other than that we pretty much stayed on the beach 90% of the time. Our last vacation was in London, and that was a very well planned trip with an itinerary and all (which was needed for London)... this time around we literally wanted to just go with the flow + a year's worth of wedding planning along with daily life was exhausting. Our time there was incredible! 

Wedding Favors →

Monochromatic

We kept our wedding mostly monochromatic... sticking with ivory for most things like the flowers and the linens because (a) I love color simplicity, infusing substance with textures and layers, and (b) my wedding favors brought in a wide range of color to complement the venue in the place settings.

Surprise Inside 

I really wanted to do something unique for the wedding favors. I figured since we are getting married at The George Peabody Library, obviously the first thought was BOOKS! But I couldn't just do books, I had to add my personal touch. We wrapped them in simple twine with a little "gift for you" note and then we had a surprise inside!

Books are from Barnes and Nobles — Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions.

Postcard Guest Book →

WHAT to do?!

I was trying to come up with some ideas for a Guestbook... I didn't want to go with an actual book because I feel like no one ever looks back and reads their guestbook. Bobby had this amazing idea to do postcards and have each person sign one with a thoughtful note! Next thing I knew my Mom was like "I found postcards you are going to love." She was right.

As a graphic designer I really appreciated the graphics on these cards and how each one was unique! We got them from Anderson Design Group Studio. I decided that we'd have a mailbox to collect the cards and after the wedding, we would get a double-sided glass frame, do a collage and have the all cards on display; front or back! 

Wedding Welcome Bags →

Baltimore in a bag

We had welcome kits for the people who stayed at the Hotel Monaco for the wedding! They were filled with Natty Boh (National Bohemian beer), bottled water, Bergers cookies, Old Bay crab chips, Advil, etc. We wanted to incorporate Baltimore as much as possible hence the Bergers cookies! I came up with the tag design with a personal touch, which didn't take long once I finally figured out all the correct information! 

Traveling Guests 

If you have a wedding in a location where most of your guests need to travel, the welcome bags are a great idea and adds that extra touch your guests will certainly remember and appreciate! To see how they came together... 

Bridal Shower →

My endless ideas

From the handmade flower crowns to the milk bottles for the pomegranate mimosas (big hit)… my vision, although at times random, came together perfectly — thanks to my beautiful family and friends. I told my Mom and MOH "I want flowers… lots of them! Decor hanging from stairway balconies…" and my ideas went on and on. 

Not just your typical shower

The shower was small and intimate (close friends and family). I focused a lot on the atmosphere and wanted the experience to be "not just your typical bridal shower" where you watch the bride open presents for hours on end and everyone dies of boredom. I wanted people to walk into the house, look around and fall into a magical bridal world… that's too much, right? Haha. Honestly though, my main consideration was for everyone to be comfortable and to enjoy themselves.

It really is the little things… 

Making sure you have enough seating for EVERYONE and comfortable seating especially for the elderly makes a big difference. Have the special people in your life participate in special ways - like making individual flower arrangements with loving notes! The next thing was to split up the gift opening with games in-between (I highly recommend doing this - thanks K). That way your guests don't have to endure the painful process watching you trying to open box after box for 3 hours. Which leads me to another thing, scissors!!! Make sure you have a pair of scissors by you so that way you can easily open gifts! The last and final piece of advice (most important) make sure to take the time to thank each generous person who gave you a present!

Time just flies away

Luckily, I had a bridal shower with about 25 people so the gift opening didn't take up too much time. But before I knew it the shower was over… and to be honest this TERRIFIED me. It is amazing how time just slips away. A few people said to me "You thought your shower flew by just wait until your wedding day"! But this showed me that even though planning a wedding can be stressful at times and overwhelming, you had better slow down and cherish each moment because before you know it this precious celebratory time will be gone; in an eye blink. I'm so blessed to have such incredible family and friends, and without them this shower wouldn't have been possible. So thank you to all my loved ones. I'm truly one lucky bride! 

Bridal Shower Favors →

Bring on the champagne

I also thought a lot about the shower favors because similar to the wedding favors I wanted them to be unique and memorable; with a bit of a graphic designer's personal touch. I wanted to give my guest a favor they would enjoy or in this case consume!

Everyone loves champagne! Bobby found these cute mini champagne bottles at the local liquor store and then I came up with a label design... I got the idea from previous freelance experience designing personal packaging. My bridal shower was very "floral" so I stuck with that theme and out came this romantic design. To see more of the creative process...

Engagement →

Mt. Vernon

We took our engagement photos in Mt. Vernon, Baltimore close to where we are getting married. We wanted a city backdrop for the photos and Montecristo became the star of the shoot! 

Photographer: Stephanie Barone — Stephanie Barone Photography