something blue: friends

{Our guest blog today is by Sarah from the "I do" chronicles...enjoy! }

This idea came to me as I sat in the passenger seat of Tricia’s car pondering HOW on earth to choose a wedding party from my most incredible group of good friends. So I guess, it’s fitting that she asked me to guest blog on this topic.

Instead of embroidering my wedding gown with blue thread or donning blue shoes, I asked 13 amazing women to be my "something blue.” Blue is, perfectly, a bride's symbol of loyalty and fidelity.

I sent invitations, each with a handwritten note of thanks for our sincere friendship, asking each woman to “stand up with me in spirit” by wearing a “token of blue.”

My mom and I hosted a Something Blue Brunch in their honor, at which the ladies received embroidered handkerchiefs and spent the morning laughing, telling stories, and shedding sentimental tears. Then we packed up mimosas to go, and headed to pottery-painting. I now have a treasured set of mugs, bowls, and a creamer and sugar painted by my dearest friends.

Our programs featured a small passage about true friendships and listed each woman’s name. Some wore brooches, some wore beads or wraps, others bought dresses. They all looked beautiful in their blue!

Most importantly, for me, each person was able to give of herself in an individual way, whether that meant visiting the hair salon on the day-of, meeting for lunch on Friday, toasting with an “Ode to Sarah” at the rehearsal, or sending heartfelt cards or books in the weeks leading up to May 2 … the list goes on. I was blown away.

As the invitations said, I carried them with me in the months leading up to the wedding and most definitely on the day of. And, thanks to my sisters’ thoughtfulness, I now carry their love with me in the form of perfectly unique mugs filled with warm coffee.

Read more about Sarah’s newlywed adventures and wedding memories here.

{awesome photographs throughout, by Shea}

top 5 favorite bouquets: Andrea from Peppertree

What most people think of when they think of the change in seasons, is weather. This impacts not only the clothes you wear (especially if you live in the Midwest or Northeast) but also what flowers are available on a month to month basis. In my “Top 5” I’ll review my favorite bouquets for every season as well as my all time favorite, for any season.

WINTER
Many people think winter is a very difficult season for flowers, but that isn't entirely true. Many flowers are available and most beautiful in the winter. Here are some of them: Anemone, Daffodil, Heather, Ranunculus, Sweet Pea, Tulip, & Viburnum.

{Megelaine Photography}

This bridal included white anemonies, white freesia and white lisianthus accented with loops of beargrass. The bride also wanted me to include a special pin for her grandmother.

SPRING
Spring, as summed, is the season of plenty. Everything seems to be in bloom and its no mystery why it's the favored time of the year for weddings. Some of the flowers available in the spring are: Anemone, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Iris, Larkspur, Lilac, Lilly of the Valley, Narcissis, Peony, Ranunculus, & Tulips.

{Kevin Swan Photography}

This bridal includes of my favorite flowers for Spring, the peony. There is just something special about a peony and I can hardly resist including it in my May and June weddings. As well as the peony, roses in champagne and off white also compliment the simple but timeless color scheme.

SUMMER
Summer brings about bright colors and hearty varieties. One thing to be sensitive about in this season, please ask your florist what varieties will be least susceptible to the hot weather, especially if you are having an outdoor wedding. Some flowers I would suggest for this season include: Bachelor's Buttons, Cosmos, Dahlia, Daisies, Delphinium, Gladiolus, Hydrangea (although they can be difficult in direct sunlight), Larkspur, Ranunculus, Scabiosa, Stock, Sunflower, Tuberose, & Zinnia.

All of the colors of Summer, these bridemaids bouquets include purple lisianthus, green roses, orange mini calla lillies, orange and red dahlias and green cymbidium orchids. I love being able to work with bright colors in the summer.

FALL

Although Fall is one of the more difficult season to find a variety of flowers locally, it’s my favorite. I love the rich colors that seem to be everywhere. Although I like stepping out of the box with color and shape, I can’t help myself to not use browns, oranges and reds in a fall bouquet. Fall flowers include: Amaranthus, Chrysanthemums, Cockscomb, Cosmos, Dahlias, Delphinium, Hydrangeas, Scabiosa, & Zinnia.

Gerbera Daisies, scabiosa, hypericum berry and dahlias created the bulk of this bouquet with a few chocolate cosmos thrown in for drama. The tone on tone color scheme never gets old.

ALL YEAR

You might be surprised and the amount of wedding flowers that are available all year round. Here is a list: Alstomeria, Aster, Bouvardia, Calla Lily, Carnations, Chrysanthemum, Delphinium, Freesia, Gardenia, Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Iris, Larkspur, Lily, Lisianthus, Orchid, Rose, Stephanotis, Stock, & Veronica.

I know it’s no fun, but my favorite flower is still a rose. There are applications I don’t like them in, particularly corsages, but they just make a beautiful bouquet. There is something so utterly classic about an all rose bouquet, nothing beats it. The best part is that you can have one any day of the year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peppertree Floral
Downtown Bloomington on the corner of 6^th and College.
www.peppertreefloral.com

Great Blog: Real Wedding Experience

Sarah, a May ’09 bride and newlywed, is reviewing moments {true wedding experiences} from her wedding on her blog, “the i do chronicles.” I had to share this one, we’re in the stairwell prior to her walking down the aisle, and we both start to giggle…

http://theidochronicles.blogspot.com/2009/08/monday-moment-oh-my.html

Not only is a she a great writer, but her thoughts on real life moments, experiences with her new husband, house, dog and more are precious. You have to check it out. Big hugs Sarah!

introducing the newest member of the team!

{Photo after Kelley's first marathon planning session!}

Happy Wednesday everyone! I wanted to introduce you to the newest member of the love, lillian team, my intern and assistant, Kelley Hayes. Kelley will be assisting with this blog, the Facebook fan page {become a fan today! search love, lillian weddings & events}, and day-of coordination. Kelley, from Westfield, Indiana, is a senior this year at IU majoring in Tourism Management.

She loves weddings and all-things-wedding! She writes about her favorite parts: I love the individual style of each wedding...the way the bride and groom look at each other as they exchange vows...the heart-felt speeches at the reception...and the belief that each couple should have a day dedicated to celebrate their commitment to each other.

She {hearts} weddings as much as I do as is a great addition to the team! Welcome!

Coming Soon: Favorite Top 5 Lists!

I am so excited to be starting a new series of posts--local vendors Top 5 lists! Some of the best vendors in town have agreed to guest blog about their Top 5.

Andrea, from Peppertree Floral & Events is coming up first and she has some gorgeous bouquets and wonderful ideas. I am looking forward to featuring these vendors and their great work and ideas. Inspiration, ideas and more coming soon!

{sb childs photography}

Call for Brides...to Blog!

I am considering adding guest bride bloggers to love notes!
If you are interested in blogging about your wedding & your wedding planning process, I’d love to hear from you. Maybe you have a unique prospective (long distance planning, 2nd wedding, courthouse wedding, platinum wedding, younger bride, older bride, etc!), you have great style (of course!), you {heart} DIY projects, love to write, or have an openness to share…any or all of these things would make you great. I’d love to talk with you!

E-mail me if you're interested...I’m excited & looking forward to hearing from you!

something blue...flowers & cakes

{Photo from The Knot}

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Today we're featuring some fun blue items...cakes and flowers. Almost every bride has both of these things, have you considered bringing blue into these aspects? We started prepping for today by focusing on the flowers, the bouquet the bride carries down the aisle could have blue in it or a blue ribbon. But the color can be carried in additional ways (such as cakes).

I'm seeing blue in lots of weddings right now..from navy (for fall and spring weddings!) to tiffany blue. There are so many possibilities.

{Love to Know and Katie Elfers bouquets}




I often see hydrangeas in the blue family, great for spring!

Happy Planning!

love this!

I came across these neat floor decals a few weeks ago while looking for something for a bride and have been meaning to post about it...love it!

While lighting effects {"gobos"} are awesome, they can be very expensive and be part of a larger lighting package that some couples can't afford.

These decals can be put on dance floors and are much more affordable than a lighting package. They are made to be "low-stick" and should not damage floors. {Of course check with your venue to see if you can affix a decal before you order.}

The photos above are from Cathy's Concepts {$95 and $120 for different sizes!} and Right on the Walls {between $40 and $70!}.

If you go to the Right on the Walls website, while you are there, check out their Home Decor and other options...so many great ideas. The photos and testimonials page on their website has some great ideas and inspiration. I'm seeing a quote on the wall in my office very soon!

Enjoy browsing & Happy planning!

something blue...accessories!

{Hair pins from Etsy shops: MGMart & Frostings Jewelry}

Continuing the "something blue" post from last week on shoes, today we feature blue accessories. More fun options!


As a side note (that I probably should have mentioned last week), brides have traditionally worn or had something blue dating back to an Old English rhyme: "Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, a Sixpence in your Shoe." The blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity.

So now...on to the cute blue accessories!

{1st picture: Blue garter from Bridal Fashion Mall}

Several online retailers sell blue garters-some of my favorite are from Cathy's Concepts {featured in 2nd picture above}.

Above, earrings with aqua stones from Turq Bridal {one of my favorite for necklaces and earrings!}.

A note about the hair pins above...Etsy has a lot of great wedding options! Handmade, one-of-a-kind options, very reasonably priced. {and this is true for many items on Etsy--its a must check for brides-to-be who want the DIY style who perhaps don't have the DIY time or creative skill!}

Consider the ways you can accessorize with your "something blue."

Happy Planning!

Perfect Moment

I've always thought that a wedding day is composed of a series of moments and memories. I help to orchestrate the perfect series of moments that make for an unforgettable day. I love seeing a bride's face (and others in the wedding and family!) as the day unfolds.

On some wedding days, I'm busy and miss moments that are so special and I love seeing the photos...
I recently reviewed the photos of Geoff and Leigh-Ann's wedding in June. It was a perfect day and it was great working with them and their families.This picture stuck out to me...

{Morgan Matters Photography}

This was right before they saw each other for the first time, Leigh-Ann was actually walking up behind Geoff. It captures so much. The true excitement and love on her face, the anticipation in his...I love it.

Happy Planning your series of special moments!

Wednesday Smiles...

My husband Jon sent this to me to brighten my day.
Its one of my new favorite songs ("Smile", by Uncle Kracker)...and I had to share...

I think it would be an awesome first dance song too...
Thanks Jon, you're the best!

Something Blue.. Shoes

{the inspiration!}

I think its such a cute idea to wear blue shoes on your big day as your something blue! What a fun, unexpected addition underneath your dress! Think Carrie in the SATC movie & her Louboutin's above...

{JCrew, Maxx Studio, Manolo Blanik}

I also love the idea of having your bridesmaids sign or write a short message on the soles of your wedding shoes. What a sweet reminder...

Happy Shopping!

I'm an Aunt!

Raegan Lynn Hahaj was born on Thursday evening in Indianapolis; I'm an aunt!
She's very cute and I had to share pictures...

the girls...and then Grandpa! {our dad}


The new mommy...she's doing great! So proud of her!

The new family of three...