Around here we love LOVE! Along with that, we love to write and send notes – thank you notes, I’m thinking of you notes, love letters, I’m sorry letters, all kinds of letters. We love cards and pretty paper (and yes, it feeds our office supply addiction). But when we saw these little “on-the-go love notes” on Etsy, we just had to share!

His | Hers

Our lives are so filled with high tech this and digital that, we thought what a sweet surprise for our loved ones to find. From the heart, just a little note of love for the everyday, on the go. Something they can physically touch. Something that will no doubt make them smile. Tuck into a lunch, a pocket, or beneath a pillow for them to find at a later time.  That’s why we heart this!

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

*Fabulous finds are not sponsored. They are comprised of things I find that I think are fabulous.

Blueberries and lemon – what a yummy combination! Whether by color or choice of food, you can’t go wrong. We designed this inspiration board with a backyard wedding in mind as well as a backyard budget. Much of this inspiration is perfect for the DIY bride and groom who wishes to have their love story brought to life in their own backyard. How fun and easy are those vases filled with sliced lemons and white snapdragons (picked up at your local farm stand or farmers market). Talk about your perfect floral centerpiece at a great price! The homemade wedding sign is a great use of scrap wood created by your favorite, handy husband-to-be. And the bridesmaid dresses (other colors available) are a steal at just $54.95! Your bridesmaids will love you! You can’t go wrong with a refreshing drink of Lemon Slush. Who doesn’t love a slushie with a kick? And lastly, how about a cookie that tastes like cheesecake? Sign. me. up.

What do you think of this blueberry and lemon combination? Great for colors, or just for food? What other combinations do you favor? Food and colors?

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

Row 1: Rustic Wedding Sign via Itty Bitty Impact | Lemon Floral Centerpieces via Brittany Janelle Photography | Sun Umbrellas by m three studio via The Sweetest Occasion

Row 2: Bridesmaid Dress via eshakti | Frozen Lemon Vodka Slush Recipe via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Cheesecake Cookies via Hot Polka Dot

Color Swatches: Caramel, Lemon, Blueberry, Grass

So in case you haven’t noticed, there is a new author around these parts. I’m finally coming out from behind the scenes and sharing a little bit about myself. I’m Karin, Alexandra’s mom and biggest supporter, cheerleader, researcher and handy dandy assistant. Since we wanted to share a little about the heart behind Heart Love Weddings, here is my story.

{My Other Hat} My day job for the last almost 30 years has been working with my husband as a tax accountant and small business consultant. Yes, I work with my husband 24/7/365. He takes a lot of heat for it on the golf course. Not me. Don’t know why he does. When we married, we wanted to have a business where we could both be available for children when they arrived. When one did arrive, we shared the task of taking care of her and our day job. My heart just melts at all the things my husband had the opportunity to do. He did all the things that I couldn’t seem to do with her like grocery shop, take her on the BIG slide in the park, read stories with funny voices and bike rides. We did the working from home mom AND dad thing before it was in vogue.

{I Live to Organize} I love to be organized. I NEED to be organized. It is a battle sometimes and in certain areas. My husband is not. However, I think it works that way. I actually don’t think we’d get along very well if he was as obsessed with it as I am. I just know that it saves time, saves money, keeps me sane and prevents meltdowns. I really hate that some people think I am weird because I am neat and organized. Why is this a fault? I think they are just jealous. I am proud that on any given day and at any given time, I am not embarrassed for visitors to stop by my home.

{I am the Internet Queen} In our house, that is my name. Whatever did I do before the internet? Oh yeah, duh, the library or Barnes and Noble. I am a reader, a prober, knowledge sponge, researcher, and the queen of questions. As an only child, books were my best friends. I would go weekly to the library and would get 10 or more books. I passed that love of reading down to Alexandra, starting her in the womb. I have been known to read 2-3 books at a time – fiction, business, motivational, etc. The internet has opened so many opportunities to do research and read rather than having to run to the library. We joke in our house that I’ve been to the end of the internet a couple of times. I miss the library and on occasion will wander into my local one just to smell the old books and browse.

{Photography} I love to take pictures! My husband and I used to take a lot when we were first dating. We submitted to local competitions and won a few awards even. We also had a darkroom where we processed and printed black and white prints. Over the years, we got away from the artsy fartsy photos and concentrated on the baby and growing up years. Scrapbooking ensued. Now, I’ve gone back to taking more photos with an emphasis on creativity and learning more technique. With all the new technology, opportunities abound.

{Betty Crocker} I do love to cook, it’s the planning that I hate. So many times I get so caught up in my work day that I don’t think ahead enough and then am faced with the dilemma of “What’s for dinner?” I really need to plan that better. You would think that since I like to plan everything else I would do that better, but no. Someday though.

{Paper Products} Yes, Alexandra and I both love paper. Office supplies, stationery, pens, pencils, etc. are my best friends. Right next to books.

{Bucket List} I want to take a letterpress class, a calligraphy class, and go zip lining. I want to travel and see the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Victoria and British Columbia, Paris, England, Scotland and Norway. I will get there. One day.

{My Outlook on Life} I’d like to think I am a positive person. I believe in positive imagery and love to read motivational books. Norman Vincent Peale is one of my heros and “The Power of Positive Thinking” is one of my favorite books. I believe in prayer and in God. They are my rock when things go wrong and my joy when things go right. I try to express gratefulness and thankfulness every day even when I can’t see it.

{In 10 years,} I have a secret dream to take a workshop from one of the many super talented wedding photographers out there, sit at their knee and soak up as much as I possibly can. Guess it’s not a secret anymore, huh? I want to volunteer at a local hospital as a Baby Buddy and rock those sweet babies that are too little to go home yet. I’d be really good at that. I am so looking forward to grandchildren. :)

And because Heart Love Weddings is all about the love story, here is mine…

Ours is a little unique… aren’t they all? But here’s the thing… my husband never actually proposed! Didn’t say the words. Nada. It’s all a misunderstanding. Just kidding. Here’s how it goes… we met when I was 16. He was 23 almost 24. We were partners in a lifesaving class. The minute I saw him, cupid struck and I knew he was the one I would marry. Yes, really. For the next two years, I only knew what he was up to from his sister who I went to high school with. I never spoke to him, but found out that he almost proposed to some other girl during that time.

The summer I graduated from high school, we both worked at a local amusement park and on July 7th, 1977 (that’s 7/7/77), he asked me out on a date. My horoscope for that day said I would meet my true love. How very true it was. I wasn’t too sure that my parents would approve of me dating an older man so that summer, my “boyfriend” aged 4 years with each date so that they could get accustomed to his age.

Fast forward a few years to January 1980, and my husband faced a major surgery that he struggled with for many months. The decision weighed heavily on his mind to the point that two weeks before he had the surgery, we broke up. The surgery that he had was to intentionally break his jaw as the final step for aligning his teeth along with braces. This was the culmination of a four year process. I was very distraught and really wanted to know how he was doing in the hospital.  Despite the fact that we were technically broken up, I had to see him. After pacing for two days, I finally decided to go. What a sight when I walked in! I saw a man that looked like he’d been hit by a bus and wearing strained peas. (Yes, wearing.) But it was so good to see his face – what I could see of it. We hand signaled for a bit and I left, content that he was at least doing okay. He was in the hospital for 10 days and apparently had a lot of time to think.

I arrived home one evening and much to my surprise found his car in my parent’s driveway. I had NO idea why that would have been. I found everybody sitting around the kitchen table. My husband gesturing, my parents trying to understand. He pointed for me to sit down and close my eyes. Now just to clarify, my birthday is the day after Valentine’s Day, so I thought maybe he was giving me a card as a token of our friendship. He tapped me on the shoulder and I opened my eyes to, sure enough, find not one but two cards. First, a Valentine’s Day card, then a birthday card, and behind that a little box. Again, I had no idea what to think. None. I opened the box and there, nestled inside, was a ring. A diamond with two gemstones on either side. A ruby (for his birth month – July) and an amethyst (for my birth month – February). Now remember, he can’t say a word (his mouth was wired shut from the surgery) and so due to the uniqueness of the setting, my first words were, “Is this a friendship ring?”, popular in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He then shook his head no and I looked at him and said, “No, wait. Is this… are you sure?” With a twinkle in his eye, he nodded.

Here we are, 30 years later, married. Still under the assumption that his eyes and only his eyes, asked me to marry him. I think it’s safe to say I assumed correctly. ;)

Do we have something in common? Give me a shout in the comments below! Or on Twitter! I’m new and you can follow me here! I can’t wait to connect with you!

xoxo

When Gina Zeidler came to town to take my head shots for the blog, she suggested I get my makeup done professionally. I reluctantly made the appointment as I believed I did a pretty decent job with my makeup all on my own. But the night before the formal shoot, Gina took some photos of me without the professional makeup application. Great, right? Wrong! Well, not wrong, just very, very different.

The next day, we hopped over to my favorite local salon and day spa, Puffer’s, where Jenna began my makeup application. For the first time, I was sporting a smoky eye and loving it! Then the topic of false lashes came up. I was hesitant, but Gina insisted I do them. Mind you, fake eye lashes and I have been frenemies (yes, frenemies) since my competitive dance days. And while they looked great from afar (you had points taken away if you weren’t wearing them), they were bulky, heavy, and all around inconvenient. Then there was that one time my mom glued my eye shut. (True story.)

But what Jenna pulled out was not the band of thick, heavy lashes you apply to your eyelid with gobs of sticky glue. She pulled out a clear, plastic box of individual lashes. These lashes were dainty, elegant. These I could handle… then she started putting them on. They felt funny, fluttering around every time I blinked. And when everything had set and Jenna told me to look, I was afraid I was going to look like a clown, or Dolly Parton, or worse, Lady Gaga! (Have you seen the ones she wears?!) And while, at first glance, they were a bit startling, they looked amazing on camera and completely natural (just a little more robust) in the photos. Just look at the difference in the photos below!

Photos by Gina Zeidler

See how my eyes kind of, basically, all but disappear in the first photo? That would be me doing my own make up. The second photo is all Jenna’s handiwork. See how my eyes pop in that oh-so-gorgeous-movie-star way? I 100% support professional makeup application (but that’s another post entirely) with the addition of false eyelashes for your wedding day, engagement photos, or any other time a professional may be sticking a camera in your face.

And since we’re on the topic, here are my 5 tips for luscious lashes with a little help from the lovely Jenna!

{Try Them Out} If you’re having them done professionally (which I personally recommend), go for a test run. That way you know exactly what to expect on your wedding day. It also gives the professional and you time to decide exactly what you want. Have a girlfriend go with to take a picture of you before and after, you’ll be amazed at the results. If you’re doing them yourself: try, try, and try again. I can almost guarantee you won’t get them right the first time around. You’ll want to practice a lot. Why? Because practice makes perfect.

{The Look} Thick, thin, natural, dramatic, short or long – so many choices and only two eyes to choose them for! They even come in different colors! (Although those are better suited for a Halloween party or dance competition than your wedding.) Get an expert’s opinion on what they think would look best on you. Ask questions. Especially about mascara. Some brands don’t work particularly well with fake lashes. And depending on the thickness and type of lashes you choose, you may not even need any. Some brides opt out entirely, choosing instead a more natural look. It all depends on your wants and needs.

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{Do-it-yourself or Go to a Professional) The choice is yours really, but again, I recommend going to a professional. Less stress, less hassle, more fun, and you’ll look pretty close to perfect in their hands. The cost isn’t too bad either. The cost for daily wear (about 8 hours) is around $25. They’re also water proof! Most makeup professionals use a brand called Ardell, which can be found in most drugstores as both band and individual lashes. Be sure to leave enough time when doing them yourself as it could take you anywhere from 5-10 minutes to 3 hours to apply them.

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{Emergency Kit} Make sure eyelash glue is part of your day of emergency kit. While fake eyelashes are mostly water proof, all those happy tears and tissues may dislodge a lash or two. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

{Honeymoon Lashes} Besides the daily wear lashes, most salons have a heavier duty glue that can adhere fake lashes for 1 to 2 weeks. But if you’re looking for something a little more permanent, look no further than Xtreme Lashes. Essentially, these are extensions for your natural lashes. An individual application that adheres to your own lash and falls out when you lose your own (approximately 4-8 weeks later). While very water proof, you cannot get them wet for the first 24 hours, so be sure to allow adequate time for application before the big day and subsequent honeymoon. And only if you’ve got a little extra room in your budget. A full set costs $300 with fills starting at $100. See a video on them here!

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So, we want to know, who did fake eyelashes on their wedding day and who did not? Why or why not? To those who did not, do you wish you had? For those still debating the issue, what do you think now? Will you embrace the extended lash or go the au natural route?

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

I am just pleased as punch to share this beautiful Southern wedding with you today from the über extraordinary Shannon Kelley Photography. Not only am I completely charmed by Leslie and Andy’s love story, but the details of their sweet, Southern affair are some of the prettiest I’ve seen. And Leslie is quite possibly the happiest bride ever. There is not one photo where she isn’t smiling (and boy, is it contagious). She even beamed through her tears as she and Andy shared an emotional first look moment. My favorite ever. You’ll see why in just a little bit, but first, let’s see how these two lovebirds met!

Leslie is completely convinced that she and Andy met through pure fate. While they shared several mutual friends and had heard each other’s names come up in conversation, it was a beach music festival that finally brought them together. They made eyes at each other throughout the day, but it wasn’t until the bus ride home that they began to really hit it off. Andy chose the empty seat beside Leslie and they got to talking. Before the ride was over, the two exchanged telephone numbers. Leslie made it a point to inform Andy that she was a lady, and he would have to call her. (Ha! How cute is that?!) He did call her. The very next day in fact.

After talking on the phone for several weeks, Andy invited Leslie to spend the weekend with him in Ocean Isle Beach and have their very first date. It was a three-hour drive and even with a GPS, Leslie got lost. (Sounds like me.) She called him to confirm landmarks and after successfully giving her directions, offered to stay on the phone with her until she got there. (Such a gentleman!)

When she finally arrived, she was overjoyed to finally be seeing him again. He was even more handsome than she remembered. As he took her suitcase and led her into the house, Leslie mentioned wanting to change and freshen up a bit from the long drive. He turned to her and said, “You look beautiful.” Then he kissed her. Leslie says it was one of those first real kisses, where you’re caught off-guard but his hands go to all the right places – on the back of your neck and around your waist. She didn’t bother changing or freshening up after that because in that moment she felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. (Le sigh. I’ve only ever had one first real kiss like that. I’ll never forget it. I’m sure Leslie won’t either.)

While Andy was technically the first to say those three little words (during an argument ironically enough), Leslie says she was the first… unofficially. They had taken the boat out to one of the islands surrounding OIB. After laying out in the sun and playing in the water a while, Andy saw a storm coming and insisted they go before they got caught in it. They were mistaken on which way the storm was moving though, and drove right into it. Andy covered Leslie with a few towels and took control of the wheel. As the rain came down in torrents, Leslie said, “Andy, if this gets any worse, I need to tell you something.” Andy just grinned really big and put his arm around her. Leslie said it was a sweet little moment, just the two of them… in the pouring rain and gusting wind.

Andy realized he was in love with Leslie when it dawned on him one day that he would rather spend time with her than with anyone else. He knew she was the one from that moment forward, but says he did the “typical guy thing” and delayed actually proposing. (More like prolonging the inevitable. It’s easy to see they were meant to be together.)

Leslie can’t pinpoint the exact moment she knew Andy was the one as she insists she was head over heels for him from the beginning. There was a moment though… (and although she can’t pinpoint it, I think it’s safe to say this is it.)

During the first few months of their relationship, Leslie was living in Raleigh, interviewing for jobs, three hours away from Andy in Ocean Isle Beach. An interview she was scheduled to have was cancelled, so she decided to surprise Andy at his house. But when she got there, she remembered he was at a boat building class. She took Pedro (Andy’s German Shepherd) for a walk and decided to wait for him. She curled up in his recliner to watch TV and eventually fell asleep. She awoke some time later to the sound of Andy’s feet literally running up the front porch steps and opening the door as fast as he could. They didn’t speak for several minutes, just kissed. It was evident he was just as happy to see her as she was to see him. (That has got to be the most romantic thing I have ever heard.)

Both Leslie and Andy are dog lovers. When they moved in together, they both quickly became as attached to each other’s dog as they were to their own. About a year and a half before Andy proposed, they had to put Leslie’s dog to sleep due to old age. Leslie was heartbroken and became instantly more attached to Andy’s dog, Pedro. Sadly, Pedro had to be put down not long after Buddy (Leslie’s dog) after being diagnosed with an incurable disease. Both Leslie and Andy were so broken up about the loss of their pets that they didn’t want to replace them right away. But after four or five months, the house was just too quiet.

Andy had purchased the ring he intended to give to Leslie months before, but had yet to decide how to actually propose. Cruising the internet one slow day at work, Andy began looking for German Shepherd puppies in their area. He came across a website advertising a litter of puppies not too far away and his plan to propose fell into place. He contacted the breeder, only to be told that just one puppy remained and they planned on keeping her. After some persuasion, Andy convinced the breeder to sell him the puppy, and off he went to get her.

Leslie had gone to her parents’ house that weekend to celebrate her mother’s birthday. Andy took his time driving the five-hour round trip to get the newest member of their family. He made it home with plenty of time and slipped the ring he’d picked out around a snazzy pink color that he fastened to the pup’s neck. Then he waited. Leslie was due back any minute. Or so he thought. On her way home, Leslie had decided to stop and shop, and it was several hours before she finally returned home.

He saw her pull up and immediately went to hide in their bedroom so the only thing she would see walking in was the puppy. The only problem was the puppy wanted to follow him. He shoved the puppy out of the room and quickly closed the door. Leslie walked in moments later and was instantly on the floor with her.

Andy came out of their bedroom, smiling at how quickly Leslie and the puppy had taken to each other. She asked him, “Who’s this?” He replied, “Abigail.” Leslie was almost immediately in tears, overjoyed that their family would be a little more complete with Abigail. But had yet to notice the ring. After a little prodding from Andy, Leslie finally noticed the white and yellow diamond ring dangling from the collar. He asked her to stand up then so he could get down on one knee and ask her properly. Of course, she said yes! (Reminds me of that adorable Fancy Feast commercial that everyone just loved.)

{From the Bride} When I look at my wedding photos, it makes the entire day come back to life for me. It does seem as though everything went by so fast, but there are special moments I remember. I specifically remember the way Andy looked at me when I walked down the aisle. I didn’t see anyone else. I was so happy and into Andy that I even told my mom that I didn’t hear any music. It was just him and me. The day was amazing and exciting! We were married under huge live oak trees and people say they felt like they were in Savannah in the 1800s. 

We danced the night away, sipped our signature drinks, and never left each other’s side. It was so memorable! I had help from a planner and a coordinator with the wedding. Although, I knew every detail I wanted to do. I wanted the entire day to be stress-free and for Andy and I not to worry about a thing. It turned out perfectly! Even the band said that it was the most fun wedding they’d ever played at!

{From the Groom} The wedding was perfect. We could not have asked for better weather. Leslie was absolutely beautiful. Our wedding was at an old rice plantation near Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. Our ceremony took place under what they called the Avenue of Oaks, a stand of very old Live Oaks complete with moss hanging from their branches. Very “Gone with the Wind” picturesque. Every detail was perfect. Leslie pretty much planned the wedding herself and made sure every attention to detail was tended to. 

There were several moments that highlighted the day: the first look photos, Leslie walking down the aisle in her beautiful dress, and the “I do’s”. If I had to pick my favorite moment though it was probably our first dance. It was really nice to see all our friends and family surrounding us on the tiny dance floor leaving us just enough room to dance. There is a great picture of this moment. Everybody danced and laughed the whole evening. I don’t think there was a single person there that did not have a good time. I can honestly say though that when it was all over, we were completely exhausted.

{Advice from the Bride} The best advice for brides-to-be would be to seriously enjoy the planning part! Take joy in every aspect! Even though we planned our wedding in less than 6 months, I should have taken time to enjoy even the little things. Make time for each other during the engagement period too – this is your most special time together. :)

{Advice from the Groom} If I had to give anybody advice it would be this, take time to get to know each other. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Plan the wedding you want to have, not the one everybody else wants you to have. Leslie definitely had exactly what she wanted. She created the perfect atmosphere for us. Last and most important, have fun… your wedding day will be one of the most memorable events in your life.

What I love most about Leslie and Andy? Leslie mentioned they filled out our love story questionnaire over a romantic dinner! How awesome is that?! I want to impress on all the couples we feature to do this! What’s better than a romantic evening with the one you love, reliving your love story? I can’t think of a single thing. :)

Congratulations Leslie and Andy! Thank you so much for sharing your love story with all of us today! We wish you so much love, laughter, and smiles (together and with Abigail too) in the years to come! And, as always, the biggest of thank you’s to Shannon of Shannon Kelley Photography! I just can’t get enough of her incredible talent, can you?

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Shannon Kelley Photography is a member of our Vendor Boutique. For information on how to join our growing family, click here.

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Ceremony and Reception Venue: Litchfield Plantation – Wedding Planner: Hoopla Event Planning

Dress & Accessories: The Little White Dress – Hair & Makeup: Stox and Co.

Cake: The Bakery at Piggly Wiggly – Flowers: Calabash Florist

Officiant: Rev. Dan Brown – Invitations & All Printed Designs: Leslie Tyson (bride)

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Happy Monday!

xoxo