I Do II - The Zhush

A warm welcome to the uber-talented Sue from THE ZHUSH.  Sue collaborated on the post with her daughters, as they are pros at Polyvore and what little girl wouldn't love to plan a fantasy wedding!?

If Sue were to do her wedding all over again the only thing that wouldn't change would be the groom (thankfully!) She has fond memories of her special day - a fall black tie affair in Manhattan...very swank, but quite uptight too. Black tie?! 

Her fantasy wedding would be casual on the beach. Sue's dress and hair would be relaxed and guests could come dressed as they wish. The party would rock all night with a top tier DJ instead of the large 12 piece live band that Sue had at her wedding. The getaway car would be a boat, where she and Mr. Zhush would ride off into the sunset (or sunrise!) to a private beach somewhere to enjoy the honeymoon. Wow, that was a fun daydream!

Here are the two versions of the wedding she did with her daughters. Adorable!

Beach Inspired Wedding: Middle Daughter's Vision

Beach Inspired Wedding: Oldest Daughter's Vision

Thank you Sue (and your daughters) for joining us today. 

Top Image: Style Me Pretty

Orange Crush

Since orange is the new pink and perfect for fall, here is an "ode to orange" for all things entertaining and party attire! 

Photos: Style Me Pretty and Pinterest

Decadent Dessert: Chocolate Stuffed Poached Pears

While reading ERIN'S interview with the head of Veranda Magazines (one of my favorite shelter mags), Dara Caponigro shared her favorite dessert to make is Chocolate Stuffed Poached Pears. What??? How had I never heard of something so delicious?!

So I found this RECIPE and will be sure to give this a try. Perfect for fall - a warm dessert with a red wine sauce. Yum!

Photos: Bake Me Blush

Because I Love It

Photo: Wedding Wonderland Blog

New Blog Obsession: Camille Styles

While we all have plenty of blogs bookmarked on our computers to enjoy with our morning coffee, I would encourage you to add CAMILLE STYLES. I am obsessed!  Camille and her team are regulars on HGTV and have the best ideas for food, drink, entertaining, inspiration - you name it! 

Inspiration

Food

Drink

Parties

I Do II - The Buzz

One of my first blogging pals was Carolyn from THE BUZZ. I love her style and she is so so nice! Her blog for her family company (sound familiar??) is one of my daily reads. Be sure to check it out if you are not a regular reader. I am delighted to have Carolyn as the next guest in the series I Do II. 

While Carolyn's wedding 18 years ago was dreamy – small white church, blue skies, elegant flower-filled reception at the country club – there are times when she and her husband travel to new places and say to each other “what a perfect setting for a party!” Big Sur is one of those places and who wouldn’t love to attend a wedding in a large rustic barn overlooking the Pacific Ocean?! And just because the barn is rustic doesn’t mean it can’t be beautifully decorated with crystal chandeliers and fairy lights, the tables dressed with china and silver, a color scheme of peach, apricot and gold throughout.

While Carolyn's hubby would prefer a more casual attire (no black tie, please!), Carolyn would opt for a fabulous frock from Eli Saab or Naeem Kahn. Perhaps she could convince him to wear crisp linen shorts and a jacket? Given that they both love California style, the menu would be farm to table cuisine with plenty of California wines on hand. After a night filled with music and dancing, they would make sure everyone left the party with something in hand – a pretty box of macaroons from Laduree and poppers filled with fun surprises.

P.S. If Carolyn's husband is reading this post, she suggests possibly celebrating your 20th anniversary in Big Sur?

Photos: Pinterest, Matchbook Magazine, Style Me Pretty, Brunch at Saks and Rifle Paper