I know I’m not the only one still broken hearted over the tragic events that took place in Newtown last Friday. I had a hard time focusing this week. My heart hurt. And I cried a lot. So many things just didn’t seem to matter as much. Not when the things that mattered most to so many were taken from them so suddenly.

It’s after tragedies like this one I really start to question where our society is headed. And I’ll be honest, it scares me a little. I begin to lose hope. I start to wonder if we’ll ever find our way back from something like this. And then there are people who do things, small things, great things, that remind us all that there is still good in this world. Like The Olivia Act and #26Acts and Coffee Elfing and so many more. When people are kind to each other, and help each other, goodness spreads from one heart to another.

I saw The Hobbit last night and something Gandalf said really resonated with me. It was very apropos for what’s been happening lately. He said: “It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay…small acts of kindness and love.”

My wish this year, one of them, is that we don’t forget to do these small everyday deeds. That we don’t stop doing nice things for people after this week. That we don’t stop once we hit twenty-six things. That we keep it going. That we pay it forward.

Life is really short. Too short. To not focus on the things and the people that matter most. So that’s my second wish for next year. For each and every one of us to focus on what matters most. And not just this week, or next, but all the weeks that come after that. Take time for yourself and take time for those that matter most. Continue to hug your loved ones close. Life is nothing without love, so love with everything you’ve got.

My third wish is for all of you to know just how thankful we are for you. We’re already so lucky to do the work that we love to do, but to share it with all of you? That’s what makes it special. Thank you for a remarkable year. We’ll see you in 2013!

via we heart it

Happy Holidays, everybody!! Our final wedding inspiration board (of the year) is more of a tribute to making your weekend merry and bright. Finish up that Christmas shopping, wrap the presents and bake some awesome cookies and goodies. Go share a hug, a cuddle, a kiss :) with your special someone, family and friends. Enjoy good cheer, a warm cup of chocolatey goodness, and sing some carols.

Colors: Christmas Tree, Ornament Red, Snowflake, Gingerbread

Above all, may you find peace, joy, grace and goodness during this holiday season, and share it with those that matter most.

xoxo

Row 1: Couple photo via Macon Photography, Snowflakes photo (Unknown), Cookies photo via Annie’s Eats

Row 2: Hot Cocoa photo by Love is a Photo via Inspired by This, Making Spirits Bright print via Minted, Pretty Package via HGTV

We’ve gotten to know so many amazing vendors this year. They are kind, and sweet, and talented beyond measure. They believe in love, and they are dedicated to meeting their couple’s needs and making their dreams come true. They are truly a bright part of every couple’s special day. And a bright part of ours too. Working with them this year has honestly been one of our favorite things to do. We’re so thankful to have been a part of each of their journeys, and cannot thank them enough for all of the love and support they’ve shown us in return.

Each of these wonderful vendors brings so much amazing to the table. Brides and Grooms would be lucky to have them be a part of their special day. To all of the couples they have worked with this year, you know how lucky you are. And for those couples still in need of bridal accessories, stationers, wedding planners, photographers, or wedding canopies, I encourage you to take a look at the talents of these vendors, whom we believe in with our whole hearts.

Happily Ever Borrowed // Njeri Bishota Photography // Jillian McGrath Photography // Danielle Pasternak Wedding Coordinator // Simply Designed // Live View Studios // ALH Designs // Katherine Henry Boudoir // Britt Croft Photography // Olam Wedding Canopies // MagnetStreet // Blush Printables

Couples looking to wed in the New Year and after, we look forward to introducing you to these vendors, and many more!! Check back to the Vendor Boutique and Directory as we continue to grow the Heart Love Weddings family! Vendors, if you’re interested in getting involved, just fill out this form and we’ll be in touch! Remember, space in our Vendor Boutique is limited going into the New Year, so get in touch with us as soon as you can! There’s still time to get your business a Christmas present :) We would truly love to work with you next year!! xoxo

Yes, we are rapidly closing in on the big day – Christmas Day that is! And just like prepping for Christmas, planning a wedding is just as much fun, especially when you have this kind of wedding inspiration to go on!

Colors: Evergreen, Cranberry, Gray Sky, Cinnamon Stick

I am so in love with this gorgeous bouquet – the combination of bright and light shades of red, and fuzzy, soft evergreen is magical in every sense. The soft touch of fur worn in the background is pretty perfect too. Red shoes have to be one of my favorite choices for a bride, especially when they are shiny and pretty like these are. The naked cake (a new trend in wedding cakes) is another one of my favorite things too! Aren’t the acorns a fun little accent? They look edible too! Presents wrapped up in all kinds of pretty are, well, pretty. I’m in AWE of people who have the wrapping skill – I, myself, am challenged in this area. Alexandra too. We’re tissue paper and bag kind of people, you know? Doesn’t this holiday mojito look inviting? I’d love to try one. Like today. Right now. And of course, no holiday wedding inspiration board is complete without a sparkly Christmas tree.

Cheers to wrapping paper and mojitos, too!

xoxo

Oh my goodness, what-a-morning!! My sincerest apologies for the lateness of today’s post!! Technical difficulties may be a bear, but they’ll never hold us down for long ;) We’re over the moon to share this newest love quote printable from Blush Printables with you today! It’s a piece of one of my all-time favorite songs by Frank Sinatra. It’s such a happy little tune that always seems to bring a smile to my face. You recognize it don’t you? You’re humming it now, too, I know :) And didn’t Jen do an absolutely beautiful job bringing the words to color and life?! In fact, all three designs (neither of us could choose a favorite, so we thought we’d let you decide) are just gorgeous!! The blue is pictured below, but the pink and the yellow are just as pretty. Download one or all, print and enjoy!! xoxo

Blue // Pink // Yellow

Blue // Pink // Yellow

Blush Printables is a fabulous member of our Vendor Boutique. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.

P.S. We are working on bringing all of our pretty love quote prints to desktops and iPhones near you very soon… stay tuned!