8.08.2011

Lady Gaga Concert: In Pictures

Mother Monster- a vision in silver
Welcome to a long overdue post! We ordered tickets for this concert in October (256 days early) and it felt like forever for April to arrive. When April 19th finally rolled around, we couldn't contain the excitement. Perhaps you saw my tweets during the day? Mrs. Smith and I made a lunchtime walk down to Bridgestone Arena to try and catch a sneak peek of the Lady herself, and were only able to see the tour bus and about 6 tractor trailers which were no doubt full of the set.

Before the concert we had dinner and cocktails at Past Perfect. Their infused vodkas are fantastic and Mr. SE enthusiastically recommends their bison burger (1/2 price on Tuesdays). Once dinner was complete, we made the walk up Broadway past many crazily dressed fans! It was great to see everyone walking around with their version of infamous Gaga outfits-- too bad I didn't take any pictures!



Mr. SE and I

En route to Bridgestone Arena after Past Perfect
Me and Mr. SE
side note: My shoes were so uncomfortable and I still have marks from the blisters, lesson learned: I'll wear sneakers next time (just kidding)
The lovey Smiths 
Too many rainbow jello shots for Mr. Smith?
Me and the lovely Mrs. Smith
Careful, Gaga- don't get eaten by the fame monster!


Ra-ra-ra-ra-ra Caught in a Bad Romance
The Fame Monster
She danced and sang the entire time- unstoppable

Overall, this concert was fantastic. There were some elements that were quite out there- but the whole thing was crazily entertaining and I can't wait to get tickets for her next tour. . If Lady Gaga comes to your city for the Born This Way tour I definitely recommend getting tickets-- it's something you'll never forget!

8.03.2011

Nashville Wedding Recaps: All In The Details

As much as any bride, details were a huge focus during my wedding planning. I wanted to ensure that our guests had a fun experience-- that they left feeling and seeing the love between Ryan and I, as well as having a blast. It was important to us that everybody was dancing and having a good time.

One of the ways we ensured this, was to hire a DJ that we knew would rock the house. Josh Rose of Cosmo Creations did not disappoint. I've said it before and I've said it again-- if you have an upcoming event, hire Josh!

Now onto the details---

Gold chargers purchased from Brocade Designs
Satin napkin (teal) from Connie Duglin Linens
Satin Pintuck Table Linens from Connie Duglin Linens
Clappers tied with corresponding ribbon, courtesy of my mom. Funny story- we were at the party store the week before the wedding...I picked these up and told my mom how fun they'd be for our entrance or exit. She told me that they were tacky and dismissed the idea. Fast forward to our wedding day- ELATION! When I heard those little clappers on our entrance my heart was singing. What fun!


Table numbers, designed by Amanda of Customized Stationary, represented our favorite restaurants that we've eaten at together

The table number stands are from Black Lion. Those were surprisingly hard to find, so if you're interested in buying mine (I have 22) please let me know!

Gray working per usual it- making ordinary glasses look fab!
Another gorgeous centerpiece by Hillary and her team from Brocade. We had 3 different types of centerpieces, to make the room more dynamic. This also helps cut costs, so you're not doing large pieces on every table. 
Water with, lemons and limes, and fruit tea. So refreshing since it was 100 degrees!
Our bar menu, which lists our signature drinks Playa Mujeres Mojito (our honeymoon site) and Jack Daniels and Coke (the groom's favorite). 
A bridesmaid bouquet resting on a cake stand. Use your bridal party flowers as decor!
The cake! A simple Swiss dot was perfect for us. The cake was white with lemon filling. Hilary scattered left over flowers around the cake stand. 
Fruitwood folding chairs. Order chairs! I cannot say this enough! In my personal opinion, chair covers are too much fabric, and often distract from the rest of the decor. Unless covers are provided by your location, you'll likely save money just ordering chairs. These chairs were perfect for our rich color palette. My only preferable choice would've been gold chiavari chairs, but we decided that $12 per chair was too much. 
Guest book writing station. The guest book sign gave instructions that read "Please write your wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs". This was also designed by Amanda at Customized Stationary.
A shot of the guest book in action


Fruit display during the cocktail hour. We wanted to ensure our guests weren't overheated, so our cocktail hour food consisted of mainly cold items. 

Bruchetta station during the cocktail hour. Catering was provided by Down South Delights.


Customized napkins. Loved these! We chose three sets: a peacock feather, cowboy boot, and "All you need is LOVE". They weren't too expensive, watch for a sale from The Knot, and were a fun conversation starter.

Our totally awesome guest book, designed by Amanda of Customized Stationery. This print mimicked the layout of the ballroom, giving our guests a tip on how to find their seats. This was truly a labor of love, but I was thrilled with the way it came out, and love that we now have it displayed in our bonus room. It's a great reminder of the family and friends who were there to celebrate with us. 
Centerpiece
Centerpiece
Pintuck Linens, Gold Charger, Teal Satin Napkin
Drink Station
Close up of cake- sigh!


Were you a "details" bride? Or if you weren't consumed with details, what was the one detail that made your wedding unique (or just your favorite detail)?

8.01.2011

Button Monograms: DIY Style

While perusing Pinterest today, I stumbled on the CUTEST image. A wall hanging with a monogram made entirely of buttons. How fantastic! The pillows and wall hangings are absolutely gorgeous, but right now I can't swing the $65 price tag. If you have the money, definitely support Letter Perfect Designs and purchase one of hers!

We'll be making the wall hanging, but isn't the pillow cute too?

For our house, I'd rather save for a date night with my handsome hubs (who doesn't mind the flurry of fabric scraps and glue that is my craft world). They seem simple enough to make, and I might even try it one night this week. Armed with coupons (I'm back on the train full force), I'm sure I can do this for less than $20. 
Hobby Lobby canvases on sale for 40% off
(or get a square piece of scrap wood at Lowe's)

Fabric for the back
All Waverly is 50% off at Joann's!
 This neutral/silver fabric is perfect and I have JUST the place for it

Buttons from Joann's (w/coupon)


Have you done any fun knock-off crafts lately? Please post a link!

Update: the table + leaf + 4 chairs has arrived from North Carolina (via my mom and aunt) and I cannot wait to start staining it. Once we have the table stained gorgeous walnut, we'll be able to pick and install a new chandelier, as well as buy a matching rug. So exciting! The most neglected room in the house (dining area) will now be on par with the rest of its' room friends. 

7.22.2011

Check It Out

Here's a little Friday fun to liven your workday. Enjoy the weekend!

*you 100% must listen with sound*



I hope someday I have a son that can dance like this. Surely we'll dance together!

7.21.2011

Fall Already?

With the 4th of July past us, retailers are already setting their eyes on fall fashion. Who's to blame them? Boots, sweaters, capes-- everything about fall fashion is so warm and cozy. Although it'll be in the 70's here in Nashville until late October, I can't help but get excited myself. Here's some goodies I've been eyeing...








All of the links and prices for these items are up on my "Shopping Spree" Pinterest board.

Follow Me on Pinterest

Here's a random wedding picture- because I just uploaded about 300 on Facebook this week and can't get enough. Most handsome husband ever? Yes.