Thursday, July 24, 2014

Life's A Long & Winding Ride, Better Have The Right One By Your Side...

...happiness won't drag it's feet & time moves faster than you think.
-Kip Moore (our wedding song that my husband picked out :)

I'm so happy to share a few- ok more than a few- photos from our wedding day. This weekend my husband and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary on 7.26
The year flew by practically as fast as our wedding day!
I cannot explain the immense happiness I felt on the day of our wedding. Saying my heart was over-flowing with joy sounds so incredibly cheesy but it's true. I literally could not stop smiling and thinking back to this time last year makes my heart skip a beat. I thought for sure I'd be a crying-sobbing-happy-tears-bride...I cry when reading books, watching commercials...ie: Johnson&Johnson's You're Doing Great Mom...tissue please, movies, my sister's wedding--pure water works. But on the day of our wedding I simply felt so excited, so content to be spending the rest of my life with my best friend, my rock and the greatest man I know...pure bliss. Certainly emotional and teary-eyed but thankfully the tears weren't streaming down my face. Marrying the love of my life = huge perma-smile on my face.
Being surrounded by our family and friends on a gorgeous summer evening was icing on the cake. Our loved ones - especially my Mom- poured their heart & soul into the tiny details of our wedding. From gold compasses made into napkin rings, starfish and compass place-holders, gold plate chargers, nautical maps for entrance table décor, coastal decorations in my bridal suite- my creative Mom did it all. She was amazing. 
When David & I got engaged, we both wanted an outdoor, coastal New England wedding- The Inn At Longshore in Westport, CT was the perfect backdrop to our day...I could not believe our luck with perfect, late-July weather. I can remember saying to him "this feels like a dream!"
It was a heavenly day and we cannot thank our family enough.
Ok...pass me the tissues!
Here are a few details to give you an idea of our big day- if you're planning or know someone who is planning a coastal, nautical wedding please feel free to add my images to Pinterest and email me if you have any questions!
Our insanely talented photographer who captured our day so beautifully: Katie Slater
Our florist who truly listened and brought my vision to life...and then some: Flowers By Danielle
Our picturesque venue & phenomenal staff: The Inn At Longshore
 

Bow & ruffles on the back of my dress.

My beautiful Mom helping me into my dress.


Hydrangea happiness


When I first saw The Inn at Longshore- it reminded me of a scene from a Great Gatsby lawn party. I later read in a Westport, CT book that F. Scott Fitzgerald spent summers in Westport in the 20's and the Inn at Longshore hosted large summer soirees on their lawn. I'm a nerd, so that little historical tidbit was so awesome to me!

My Dad walking me down the aisle.



Believe it or not, the ruffles and bows on the front of my bridesmaids dresses were not planned to match the back of my dress...my sister pointed it out while getting alterations! #PutABowOnIt

Our French Bulldog, Baxter took a few pictures with us...he's family!



Thank you D for being such a good sport and taking a whole lotta pictures :)



This guy.




Hard to see the gold compass napkin rings with a little note: Let love be your guide.



Can you tell I loved my flowers?!

Love Anchors The Soul.








Grilled Cheese is my favorite food group- having the Melt Mobile for a late-night snack for our guests was so fun!

The most magical, romantical night.
My hubs has planned a surprise weekend trip, cannot wait to celebrate and reminisce about our wedding!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love From The Coast,
Courtney


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Dolled Up For Date Night Under $100



 I'm so excited to collaborate with Danielle & Kristen, two awesome bloggers with fantastic style! We're linking up to show you our date-night looks from head-to-toe. The best part is that each look is under $100!
Danielle from Shikshin
Check out their date night looks...and if you're not already, be sure to follow these two sweethearts on  Bloglovin' & Instagram as well!!!
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My husband and I were just leaving our favorite place to grab fish tacos & margs when I saw this beautiful marsh to take pictures next to. I'm always on the look-out & he's such a good sport for being the man behind the blogger...it's almost a date in itself and we have so much fun finding new places to snap pictures and laugh at some of my ridiculous poses/faces/not-so-graceful moments. Thanks babe! :)
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My entire date night look came to $99! I love adding fun, on-trend pieces to my wardrobe for a great price. I'm a big fan of shopping sales at my favorite stores however my go-to places for consistent wallet-friendly finds:
Zara
T.J Maxx / Marshalls
H&M
Gap
Joe Fresh
Old Navy
Forever 21
I'd love to know, what are your go-to stores for great pieces at great prices?
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I chose a black jumpsuit- so comfortable! $30 - Forever21
The exact one is not online but this one is similar and same price: Jumpsuit
A bright and summery scarf since I tend to always get cold. $16 - Zara 
  Unavailable online but I just picked this up in store this past weekend.
Turquoise & gold jewelry. Fun & super inexpensive accessories. Necklace $8/Earrings $5 Forever21
 Unavailable online but just purchased in store this past weekend. Similar necklace: here & here earrings: here & here
A black, straw clutch which is sure to become my summer staple. $12 H&M
This is probably my favorite find! Clutch
Nude heels.  $25 T.J Maxx
 (I could not take pictures without squinting so I had to wear my sunnies- these are not included in my under $100 look...sorry! Squinting is just not a good look and causes wrinkles so can you blame me?! :) )
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Hope you're all having a wonderful week!

 Love From The Coast,
Courtney