Soulmates

Ok. All you brides-to-be out there. Meet Soulmates. Ingenious ideas or hideous heel appendage? Would you outdoor brides wear these? Or hand them out to guests?

Anyone wish they trademarked these things?

Update on Rue la la

Here's an update on Rue la la girls. From now until December 31, if you do the following, they are going to give you a 10 dollar credit to use for their sample sales. Do I need to mention that the John Hardy boutique is up and running this morning AND shoshanna starts tomorrow? And by doing this, you automatically are invited to join the fun, so I am going to stop manually adding those of you who commented on the last post.

Here's what you do:

1. Go to www.ruelala.com/gift
2. Enter my e-mail: preppywedding@hotmail.com

And WOWSA. You get a 10 dollar credit.

Thanks to our friends at rue la la.

Great Bridesmaid or Christmas Gifts

UPDATE:
The Vera Bradley code is no longer working. I hope lots of you got some deals before they pulled the plug. As for rue la la, let me know if you're interested and I will invite you!

Don't know if you gals are looking for cute bridesmaid or Christmas gifts this year, but Vera Bradley has an awesome sale going on right now.

Cosmetic bags for 12 dollars (and an extra 50 percent off)
Belts for 5 dollars (and an extra 50 percent off)
Duffels and purses for as low as 15 dollars (and an extra 50 percent off)

Go here now to order friends!

Here's the details on the free shipping and extra 50 percent off:
Additional 50% off clearance with code VBMILITARY and free shipping on orders of $100 or more with FreeShipDec (the free shipping code expires today).

Also, are you girls members of Ruelala? It's a members only site that is like one big sample sale. Today is the Kate Spade sale and the next sales will be David Yurman and Shoshanna. Some awesome deals there too. If you are interested in being a member, just leave your e-mail in the comments section and I will send you an invite!

Guess whose Christmas cards are done? All for $5.50, shipped. Times are tough and this preppy gal is adapting. Head to snapfish to order yours today!

Great Christmas Card Deal

Just wanted to share this fantastic deal I found online last night. If you order 20 of the 4x8 photo cards from snapfish and enter the code CARD08 at checkout, the cards are only 1 penny each, a total of 20 cents plus a few dollars for shipping and handling.

While these cards aren't as cute as some of my other favorites, this is a great deal. I think the code expires on 11/23, so get them while you can!

Here are a few of my favorite designs -

The Preppy Empire Expands

First, I want to thank so many of you for your concern these last few weeks. I have been a bad blogger lately and it shows. No posts, no fun quips from yours truly, no preppy wedding finds, not even a peep about politics.

Well, I am hoping all you readers out there in blogland will blame this on my inability to do anything other than spontaneously gag, sleep and cry these last few months.

And if you really need someONE to blame....

Try the little preppy baby that Mr. Preppy Wedding and I will be having in May. That's right - we're pregnant.

It's been three months, but I am still trying to wrap my head around the whole having a baby thing. I'm so excited, but I am also nervous and am just glad that as I enter my second trimester, the whole day sickness phenomenon is starting to wane.

So, here's the deal. I am still going to post on this site. I'm going to tailor my posts specifically to wedding related stuff. And if you want to hear more about all things preppy baby, check out my new site.

It feels good to finally fess up to you guys about my absence. Don't give up on me though, I've still got lots of preppy inspiration to share.

Happy Halloween

Hi Everyone ... I'm Fine

Hey everybody -

Thanks for all the well wishes gals (and guys). I am so sorry for my absence these last few weeks. Things just got pretty crazy and overwhelming, so I needed to try and take a blog breather.

And not to worry, I have not been hiding under a rock this last month, instead, I have:

- Seeing Bailey perform as Elle Woods in one of her last performances of Legally Blonde on Broadway. LOVE. THIS. SHOW. I was singing Oh My God, Oh My God You Guys the entire time I was in NYC.

- Hung out with my in-laws for a week in Duck. We stayed in an awesome neighborhood AND I got to stop here for a fro-yo flurry on the way there and on the way home.

- Found the perfect fall dress. In leopard print. For 20 dollars. Warning for you gals who wear larger than an A cup, this dress makes your girls look huge!

- Am almost done planning my 10 year high school reunion. We're having a party on Saturday here and a picnic in our hometown that's kid friendly on Sunday. Anyone want to drive over to my house to help me stuff 30 grab bags for the kids on Sunday.

I promise to bring you some wedding/fall/preppy inspiration in the coming days, I just wanted everyone to know I was ok.

Oh and one more thing, I need help lovely readers. As you know the preppy pooches, Dempsey and LuLu always make a costume statement on Halloween. I am totally stumped this year. I haven't seen anything cute at my normal go-to places (target and old navy). Suggestions?

Preppy Pop Art Paintings

Kristine over at Figment studios sent me these really cool pop art inspired wedding portraits. I totally dig them. Get your own here.

Preppy Bride Organization

Calling all money is no object preppy brides. You NEED these monogrammed file folders to hold your important wedding planning papers (ok, well they can hold the contact information for your celebrity wedding planner). And, if stripes aren't your thing, try toile.

Also, do not forget your pink retro phone for taking important calls from said planner. You know cell phones can be rather irritating to the wrists.

Preppy Wedding Inspiration

So, Patricia Lyons just sent me a link to the fantastic Charlottesville wedding I attended in August. It was just the inspiration kick in the butt I needed. Easton Events served as wedding planner. So, so gorgeous. I think this one belongs on the Southern Weddings Blog. Don't y'all agree?

Check it out here:
http://www.patricialyonsphotography.com/KellyandGraham

Fall Fun

Some things I am LOVING about September:

1. One Tree Hill on Monday nights. You know it's not high school anymore!
2. Doing some advanced planning and invitation shopping for the first annual Halloween Party at chez Preppy Wedding.
3. Having an excuse to make chili.
4. CNN stalking. See that B.A. from UVA in American Politics makes it impossible to turn off the election coverage.


Things I am NOT LOVING about September:
1. Getting on the highway this morning and realizing I had a flat tire.
2. Planning for the high school reunion, why is it that you can never make EVERYONE happy?
3. Being totally uninspired wedding wise. I need to get back on my game.

Back from the Beach

As you'll see below via wordle, we created lots more memories during Beach Week 2008. Hope everyone had a good week without me.

Vacation

Hmmm. Did I tell you I was going on vacation? Because I am. For one blissful week. I'm going to shop, eat, read, and drink. Be back in a week!

Things I Love: Almost Fall Edition

I'm back friends. And as the days get a little shorter and the temperatures a little cooler, I find myself looking squarely into my very favorite season. I love everything about fall: football games, a hot pink J.Crew Jackie cardigan and my favorite jeans, apple cider, the kids Halloween costumes at OldNavy, the perfect pair of brown boots, the smell of a new, perfect pink eraser (even adults should be able to buy new school supplies).

So, I thought I would put together my list of almost fall favorites. These things will help me transition into the nights of extra blankets and pumpkin pie.

A Note From Cards

O.K. I know I am not a teacher, but I can pretend with these cute notecards.

Bananna Republic Silk Wrap Dress
Have I mentioned to you all that the husband and I both have our 10 year high school reunions in October? So, I am on the look-out for a good night time dress that doesn't look like it is trying too hard. I think this lovely number says, yes, I was in the math club, but I also enjoyed a good Jack Daniel's Watermellon Cooler from time to time.

The Kate Spade Halle Wedge

One word - YUM. I treat myself to a new pair of black work shoes in the spring and the fall. Love these, but the price is a little steep. Good thing Jessica Simpson has been taking time off her day job to design shoes. These are almost as good as the Kate Spade version.

The J. Crew Jacinda Jacket in Honey Glaze

This would be great with jeans for a Saturday and equally great with some navy work pants for a Monday meeting. Love the wearability.

What are your almost fall favorites?

For the Preppy Bridesmaid

I'm off to Dallas tomorrow morning, EARLY. Like so early, I think the last time I had to set my alarm clock this early, it was to cram before the SATs.

Anyways, wanted to share this lovely stamped monogram necklace from GemsByEm on etsy. This would be a great bridesmaid/hostess/just for me because I am awesome gift. Agree?

Preppy Party Craft Kick

O.K. This project makes me want to learn how to sew. I love the look of this home-made garland. Also perfect for your next birthday party or shower.

Via The Purl Bee. WARNING: This website will make you want to be a craftier person.

Monogrammed Chocolates

I am obsessed with this personalized candy board via Martha Stewart.

This will be on the agenda for the next shower I throw. Especially these babies. They are almost too pretty to eat.

YUM

Loving the neckline and look of J.Crew's Gracie wedding dress. Also loving the price ($395) and that it comes in petite.

Also really loving the Cecelia dress for the maids.

And the Matilda or the Super 120 (in purple) if you're attending a fall/winter wedding.

Pink & Green Preppy Wedding

Here's a picture from the lovely wedding I attended this weekend. As we entered the afternoon cocktail hour, we were greeted by servers with silver trays filled with signature cocktails (pink lemonade & vodka and bourbon & gingers) and these beautiful table arrangements overlooking the lush lawn of the Farmington Country Club.

The event planners for the wedding, Easton Events were fantastic. I even got to chat with one of their planners, who sent me a link to this beautiful wedding they coordinated. Check it out gals, it is lovely.

And in case you're wondering, Jamali Garden Supply has the best selection of trays, julep cups in varying sizes and lots of galvanized products (we used their french vase to hold our sparklers).

Hypothetical Do Overs

If I had it to do all over again ….

I would look like this.

Mr. Preppy Wedding and I would hop on a plane and climb to the top of this castle.

I would learn how to say A Perfect Fit in Italian.

There would be nutella gelato instead of a wedding cake.

Now how about you girls?

Richmond Wedding & Home Inspiration

I just love it when I find bloggers who live in my city, it's like your cheering for the same hometown team. In the last few weeks, I have been searching for more inspiration and found these two little Richmond based gems:

- The Little White Book - awesome site for Richmond wedding planning. There are vendor reviews, location ideas and lots of other inspiring tidbits. Check it out.

- This Young House - some great information on DIY home projects. And the couple who runs the blog had a super cool, low key wedding.

Which leads me to my second point. I've also gotten a few e-mails from Richmond brides-to-be and new married ladies who were interested in having a meet-up. I am proposing limeaid and raspberry white chocolate cookies at Mosaic Cafe on September 17 at 6:00pm. So, shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment if you're interested in coming. We can talk about weddings, how much we love Richvegas, where to get the best pedicure in town, celebrity gossip, whatever you want. I look forward to actually getting to meet some of you!

Onto pressing matters. I have a plane to catch this afternoon and then it's off to Charlottesville for a wedding that is going to be super, super chic and very UVA. Patricia Lyons is photographing the event, so I can't wait to meet her and can't wait for you all to see the pictures!

Martha Stewart Does Wedding Collection at Wal-Mart?

Guess where I am this week?

Hints: It's very hot, everyone is very fit and Will Smith did an awesome song about this city a few years back.

And while I was turning into my plush hotel bed last night, I saw a commercial about the new Martha Stewart Celebrate Collection at Wal-Mart. Did you girls know about this? I checked it out and there are a few cute things and everything is at a perfect price point. Here's a grouping of the eyelet collection, it is tres cute.

Photo Frame Cake Topper & Eyelet Lanterns

Two more hours to vote girls!

And while I know you are probably tired of details from my wedding, I'm going to link to our recently added knot real weddings post anyways!

UPDATE: Numero FIVE is the Winner. Congrats to the Number 5 bride. Erika - forever-more, you can tell people you had the preppiest wedding of 2008!!

Like totally impressed

I am so, so impressed by how many votes have been cast in a day's time. Thank you so much for delurking and weighing in, it makes me happy to know that you all care about and read the blog.

I'm giving y'all until 3pm tomorrow to cast your vote. Right now wedding #5 is in the lead. So, if you don't agree, vote!

TIME TO VOTE

Guess what? I finally had a second to breathe last night and so I think it is time to vote for your favorite preppy wedding!

Now, I have over 2,000 hits to my site in a day, so you lurker fans out there, I want YOU to vote too. Wanna know why? Because my favorite preppy vendors have agreed to provide prizes for the winner of the contest. Here's a rundown of the most prepptastic prizes for your favorite bride:

A Set of Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins from To Bee Named

To Bee Named, the perfect place to personalize napkins, guest towels and coasters for your next party or wedding! Also, with many gifts to chose from for bridesmaids gifts, hostess gifts or "me" gifts! And we all know the Preppy Napkin blog written by To Bee Named's owner Jennifer.

An Awesome Oval Serving Dish with a Mini Accent from The Merry Martini
The Merry Martini believes that every day is an occasion where you should celebrate in style. Their online store is the first place I go to look for interesting wedding shower gifts, they a great eye and their products are truly unique. And guess what you brides-to-be? You can register on their site. There's also a Merry Martini blog - check it out.

A Customized Apron (pick your own design) with a set of monogrammed salad bowl set from The Palm Gifts

The Palm Gifts the first place I go for anything monogrammed. They have a great selection of things to spoil any preppy gal or guy. This is a great stop for wedding party gifts and the quality of their products is stellar. Their blog is also a great resource for finding cute things on sale and for checking out the preppy trends out there.

TO VOTE, all you have to do is leave the number of the wedding you love the most in the comments section of this post. And, just in case, here is a run down of our contest entries (click on the picture to read the original post):

OK. Still stalling. I forgot I had to meet Mr. Preppy Wedding at a viewing tonight. And I have been working since then.

And now, I am too tired to put together the big post I had planned. Instead, I am jammin out with my precious Dempsey Dooodle to Chris Brown's Forever.

Can you picture it? He does a MEAN robot. Here's a pic of Dempsey to help you imagine....

Right. So I only got this one night, and I gotta sleep :)

Whew.

Before I give you any excuses let me give you a rundown of my week:

- Scraping glue off my kitchen floors until 1am in preparation for new, fantastic, beautiful floors that were installed monday
- Boarding a plane to NYC, working a bunch and getting back on said plane to return to Richvegas (of course there was a jaunt to Taste-D-Lite in there where I had the most amazing red velvet froyo on earth)
- Attending 80000,0000 meetings today
- Watching Bailey win the starring role on Legally Blonde (which I had guessed since I saw Bailey outside a theatre on my last trip to NYC)
- Scheduling a bunch of other immediate work trips for Thursday and Friday
- Letting out a congratulatory gasp last night when I found out Mrs. MMM is preggo

Now, give me a few hours and I will be back with a proper post. That is unless I drop from exhaustion in the meantime.

5 Favorite Summer Wedding Gifts

Prize post coming tomorrow (I'm still waiting on one more vendor). I've been getting lots of emails about shower/wedding gifts. Here's a list of my top 5 this summer:

- Monogrammed Hangers. Totally customizable. Seriously, this is a preppy person's dream.

- Williams Sonoma Monogrammed Carafe. This would be awesome as a bed-side table standby. Totally chic.

- Personalized Birch Tree Mugs. How super romantic and unique. This would make me smile every morning while sipping my diet coke (I'm not a coffee person quite yet). Thanks to Jessie for sending my way!

- Homemade Party Tub with a gift certificate to your local gourmet beer/wine store.

- Framed, Customized Wedding Day Silhouette.

Later gators, hope everyone has a great Thursday!

The Last of The Preppy Wedding Contest

Just wanted to share with you the last entries for the preppy wedding contest. There are also some good honorable mention detail shots that will give you some great inspiration!

I'll be back tomorrow to talk about prizes and to open up the voting for all you readers.

Croquet at a wedding. Sign. me. up. For more details, check out her knottie bio here.
This lovely bride is a fellow Wahoo and had her wedding in Charlottesville. Take a look at the bridal party on the Rotunda. Nothing better in life than some Take it Away on the lawn with wine & friends. Except maybe a night on Rugby Road with keg stands and friends, anywho I digress.
And look at this awesome beach wedding. Beautiful bride and groom, check. Cake that looks like its covered in sand dollars, check. The most awesome candy bar known to man, double check.

Here's a better look ...

OK, moving onto the detail shots.

Outdoor weddings need beautiful flowers and a focal point for the ceremony. Like this.

Check out more pictures on her blog.

Everyone's furry best friend needs to look good on the day of the wedding. Enter, this guy.

Everyone needs to fly their families crest on the day of the wedding, like so.

Talk about breathtaking event design. Wow. (Photographer is Angela Anderson)

Guess What I did this Weekend...

Girlfriends, Sun & Fun. The BEST way to spend a Saturday.