Flats

Brides who pick flats seem to value comfort over style, but I'd argue that a girl wearing classic Ferragamo flats in a gorgeous shade of lilac is nothing if not chic! 

What shoes are we most likely to see you in? Boots, high heels, wedges? 

You'd be surprised to see me in anything other than a pair of my trusty J.Crew ballet flats!

Image by Maggie Conley Photography.

Joyful

 

Isn't this photo magical? The crystal necklace, those joyful grins, and that tiny, golden airplane on her shoulder: this photo captures the spirit of the day, that intangible quality that makes you smile so many years after you've cut the cake. 

When last Friday rolled around, John and I decided to celebrate the arrival of the weekend. We might be the only two people on Earth for whom "celebrate" means gorge ourselves on Indian food and watch Revenge of the Electric Car, but to each their own. Saturday moved slowly, from pjs and the paper in bed to croissants and coffee mid-morning. Late that afternoon, John headed off to play mandolin in a student-production of Don Giovanni while I devoured blogs, practiced yoga and did wedding research (almost as much fun as honeymoon research). We had a late night Italian feast after the opera and headed to bed smiling. 

On Sunday morning, we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous day with a walk through Golden Gate Park to brunch; the Beach Chalet is always full, but it has one of the best views of the Pacific in the city. We strolled home hand-in-hand to build spreadsheets and do research, two of my favorite pastimes. I decided to cook a real Sunday supper, so after a trip to Andronico's for supplies, we made a roast pork rack with caramelized carrots and a root vegetable purée, enjoyed with a bottle of Bordeaux and The King's Speech; it was a perfect Sunday evening. 

Tell me, what were you up to this weekend? Did you enjoy a stand-out meal, make a break-through in wedding planning, or start an exciting new project?

Photo by Erin Hearts Court.

Simple

I love a well-made cocktail, but sometimes there's no better way to celebrate Friday evening than with a bottle of bubbly and people you love. 

Tell me, how are you kicking off the weekend? A night out on the town, or a cozy evening at home? Both sound divine to me! 

Photo by Corbin Gurkin.


P.S. I wanted to let you all know that Charity, the beautiful bride, amazing friend and true inspiration whose wedding I featured a few months ago, just underwent her second double lung transplant. I hope you'll all send her your thoughts for a speedy recovery!

L O V E

I think it's safe to say this is my favorite ring shot in a long, long time. Does it capture your heart like it did mine?

Image by White Linen Photographers.

Carolyn and Christopher

 

 

Is there anything more magical than a wedding at a gorgeous family estate to the man you love? The answer, in this case, is actually yes–and it's all because of the ponies. 

The bride and groom were married at the bride's family home in River Oaks, Texas. The home was built my her grandparents in the 1950s, and after countless birthday parties and family get togethers, it was also the site of this beautiful celebration.

Carolyn wore a ivory silk gown by Palazzo of Chicago, paired with a cathedral length veil trimmed in Chantilly lace by Toni Federici, while bridesmaids wore draped mint green gowns. Christopher and his groomsmen look dapper in classic black tie, and as the dancing started, the bride changed into a tea length Vineyard gown. The couple departed in a shower of white rose petals and sparklers, beautifully captured by Brooke Schwab.

Tell me, what do you think of weddings at home? Sweet and charmingly sentimental, or too much work?

In the Nude

A few years ago, I shared one of my best beauty secrets with my conservatory classmates: wear nude shoes with shorter dresses for legs that look a mile long. This bride obviously agreed, and these Stuart Weitzman peep toes are nothing short of scrumptious!

Any shoe secrets you'd care to share? 

Photo by Erin Hearts Court.

Singin' in the Rain

I'm going to level with you–last week will not be remembered as one of the new year's best weeks for me. Bloggers seem to live these perfect lives full of fresh cut flowers and charming crafts (not to mention cocktails!), but I was driving home on Friday feeling like a complete disaster and vowing to be honest about the weekend. And then, of course, it ended up being exactly what I needed, if not exactly perfect. 

I came home early Friday night to an empty house–armed with processed cheese snacks and a red velvet whoopie pie. There was already some bubbly in the fridge, thank goodness. I settled in for an rainy evening of soapy melodramas and trashy reality shows, known for their restorative properties, and found myself feeling better, if not altogether cured by the time John came home. Late night Indian food in bed and someone to laugh with made me remember that no matter how tough a week might be, I'm no less lucky. 

John spent Saturday morning running errands while I cleaned house, so we meet up for migas at lunchtime. We spent the afternoon sprawled in bed, computers and library books spread around us, working on some academic pursuits and enjoying the downpour. Early in the evening, we got dressed and headed to Monk's Kettle to celebrate a beer-fiend friend's birthday–but even 5pm wasn't early enough to get a table without a 45 minute wait. We sipped pisco cocktails at Limón while we waited, then hurried to our table. After stopping by another bar or two, we all headed back to the birthday boy's apartment where craft beers were the order of the evening. Many, many hours later, we found ourselves at Mel's, smiling at each other over corned beef hash and diner mashed potatoes. 

We slept in on Sunday with the sound of more rain on the window pane, then spent the better part of the late morning and early afternoon curled up in our pjs. Eventually John headed to school to get some practicing done, while I stayed home to blog, spend some time in downward dog and splish splash in the tub. The rainy day also afforded me plenty of time with my latest read, the Paris Wife; is there anything better than curling up with the good book when the weather is dreadful?

What were you up to this weekend? Start a great new book, make snow angels or spend time with friends? I'm dying to hear all about it!

Image by Katie Pietrowski Photography.

Widow's Kiss

So the title might need to be reworked to make it a truly perfect wedding libation, but the Widow's Kiss is an ideal cocktail in the weather so many of you are enjoying. Complex and ever so spiced, this drink simply demands a crackling fireplace or a snowy view to enjoy it by!

Widow's Kiss

1 1/2 oz Calvados or apple brandy 

1/2 oz yellow or green chartreuse

1/2 oz Bénédictine

2 dashes Angostura bitters 

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker; shake with ice for 5-10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Notes: This cocktail first appeared in George Kappeler’s Modern American Drinks, 1895; it's hard to argue with pedigree like that, but feel free to experiment with the proportions here. John and I like a half ounce each of green chartreuse and Bénédictine, but there's no reason to follow this recipe exactly. Cheers!

Photo by Jaime Chung for Bon Appétit.

Happy Birthday to Blog!

It's been three whole years since I started this little blog of mine, and I couldn't have imagined all the places we've gone together. I'm endlessly grateful to all of you for reading, for the friendships that this space has fostered, and for the inspiration you've provided. I'm happy to say that each of you has touched my life, and am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of yours! 

All my love, Lena

Photo by Corbin Gurkin, Confection by Sugarplum Cake Shop.

Graceann and Kyle

When a couple chooses "magical, whimsical and happy" as the most important elements of their wedding, you can be sure their celebration will be just that. It's hard to deny the magical effect of a cupcake truck, after all! 

Graceann picked her Lucky Luxe handkerchief invitations after scouring stationers for something that would set the tone of their celebration; the reply card suggested arriving "with bells on"! In addition to custom invitations, the couple created a deeply personal wedding ceremony, including three private minutes to exchange their most personal vow (isn't that an amazing idea?).

The bride wore a classic lace gown by La Sposa paired with pearls and a lace-trimmed veil, while bridesmaids wore floor-length Amsale gowns in blush pink. Graceann's peony, hydrangea, dusty miller, and astilbe bouquet was wrapped in lace from her mother's veil and pinned with a vintage cameo from her father–a perfect something borrowed. Posey Floral also designed the floral strewn altar and the stunning table arrangements. Tucked in vintage milk pitchers, mason jars, mercury glass and lanterns, the flowers were nothing short of spectacular. 

After a ceremony on the lawn of Laguna Gloria, guests enjoyed a family style meal underneath a large oak tree. After cupcakes from Hey Cupcake!, the newlyweds enjoyed a send off prepared by their wedding coordinators, 36th St Events–bells! And on hand to capture that moment and each one before were the fabulous husband and wife team, the Nichols!