Burlap & Bling: The Perfect Southern Wedding

I can't believe it has already been 2 months since Kristal & Johnny's gorgeous southern wedding. It could not have been more perfect, or stunning.

Every detail was something you would expect from a world class wedding planner (or perhaps Pinterest!).

Where do I even begin? Let's start with the theme: Burlap & Bling. It was all about the details with this wedding. Her bouquet was wrapped in burlap with a hint of bling. Even the tables where the guests were seated followed this trend. I must say that there was a perfect amount of everything - every little sparkle was just where it needed to be.

Gorgeous Bouquet

As you can see from Kristal's bouquet - the colors were all very soft & natural. This held true throughout the whole wedding & reception (decor-wise). 

Where the guests were seated.

 Another clever touch to the wedding was where everyone picked up their names to see where they would be seated. Everyone's names were on paintbrushes - and the tables were colors, not numbers! (Johnny is an artist. What an incredible idea! Bravo.)

Paint Brushes & Table Color

 

Now that I talked about some of the intricate details - where was this wedding!? It was at Cedarwood - located in Nashville, Tennessee. Cedarwood is a picturesque, antebellum farm estate. 

Kristal had her ceremony just in front the old farm house. The cocktail hour was held in the barn & the reception was held throughout the farm house. It. Was. Perfect.

Beautiful Farm House

 Here is something that Kristal & Johnny made for the ceremony:

Choose a seat - not a side.

 What a way to make everyone feel welcome! I really loved this (seriously - what didn't I love?)!

Here are a few more great photos from the wedding:

Johnny painted Cedarwood (where the guests could sign) - also, see the chandelier in the tree!

Beautiful details in the barn - As Southern As Possible.

So - what color did Kristal choose for her bridesmaids & groomsmen? Kristal chose purple! So pretty!

The Bride with her Bridesmaids.

Now, for the beautiful bride & groom. Here are some favorites:

After the ceremony - husband & wife! (Do you see the cross in the background? My father-in-law made it!)

Stunning!

Now, I couldn't forget the star of the show:

Hamilton! And yes, he did walk down the aisle.

Overall, this day could not have been more perfect - and I'm so happy for Kristal & Johnny!

There wedding has also been featured in Southern Weddings Magazine! You can see that article HERE.

Also - I don't want to take credit for all these photos - some I grabbed off Facebook, but the others are from Kristal & Johhny's photogapher: Kristyn Hogan! One of the best!

This was a fun post to write - I hope you enjoyed it! ;)

...xox...

Liz

Nail Color: Today's Fashion Accessory

I think more than ever - women's nails have become such an essential part of the wardrobe. Having your nails painted - really can add to your outfit.

Ever since I've joined Pinterest & Instagram, it's very common for women to post pictures of their freshly manicured nails - trust me, I do it, too. I've also seem some crazy looking nails... (I mean... who has the time to do an intricate masterpiece on each finger nail?)

I have 3 favorite colors that I'm currently obsessed with.

Take a look:

Bright Pink Nails

Seriously. Did you expect anything else from me? I absolutely LOVE bright pink nails.

Mint Nails

I've never received so many compliments on this nail color. Mint seems to be the "in" color right now. Regardless, I'm obsessed.

White Nails

White is perfect for summer! The other day, I wore dark jeans & a light top - these nails looked incredible with what I was wearing. I would even wear this color during winter. Style is not about following the "rules" - it's creating your own!

What brand do I use for these colors? I wish I had the actual names of the colors - but they are all from Essie!

What color do you have on your nails?

...xox...

Liz

Watch Out Pilates World!

Well - I've been thinking about this for a long time. What's a long time? Since 2010 - so about two years.

I've made the decision to become a Pilates Instructor!

I have been enrolled into the Power Pilates Training Program, which starts the second weekend of September. 

Training takes about 6-9 months - then, I'll be fully certified.

I. CAN'T. WAIT.

And, I'm looking forward to educating everyone about Pilates and the amazing affects it has on your body & mind. 

My Official Enrollment Email!

 Let me know if you ever want me to train you - it won't be long before I am able. ;)

...xox...

Liz

Tips on How to Feel & Look Your Best

"How can I lose weight?" "What should I eat?" "How do I exercise?"

These are some of the questions that I'm asked quite frequently - whether it's a colleague from work or a close friend. 

I understand that some people don't even know where to begin. 

Let me give you a short list - to help you get started. Getting on the right track to looking & feeling healthy can be difficult at first. However, it's very doable - if you have the willpower.

Where You Can Cut Calories

1. Omit the cheese. Did you know that a slice of cheese on a sandwich can add an extra 100-150 calories?
2. Drink lots of water. Many times we think we are hungry - but really, we're thirsty!
3. No fast food. This is a killer to your diet. After taking this out for 2 weeks - you won't have a craving.
4. No soda. Sugar, sugar, sugar.
5. The less bread, the better. Opt for wraps (for sandwiches), brown rice or quinoa for your carbs.

I never said this was easy - but it's good to be aware what's bad for you & where you can substitute! 

Exercise Is Key

1. Cardio: run, walk or ride a bike. If you're not sure how to exercise - start with cardio. This is the foundation - and where the pounds will shed.
2. Be consistent. Workout at least 4 times a week. One hour of your day is nothing - it's only 5% of your day!

If you start by being aware of what you're eating & throw in some exercise - then you'll start seeing the pounds come off.

I'll post more tips soon!

...xox...

Liz

Excercise of the Week

I know it's been a while since I've posted. Life has been completely insane! But, I thrive in staying busy ;)

I wanted to show you a simple exercise - which should be added to your work-outs this week. It's effective and the benefits are amazing.

The exercise is called "Roll-Up" & it's from Mat Pilates.

Here is what you do:

• Lie flat on your back with your arms elongated by your sides.
• Inhale (lift your arms over your head at a 90 degree angle), then exhale and lift your head, neck & shoulders.
• Start peeling your upper, middle & then lower back off the mat. (slowly - it's all about control)
• Keep your abs tight as you reach past your toes.
• Then, roll down slowly - articulating your lower, middle & upper back onto the mat - with your head being last.
• Repeat. (6-10x)

Roll-Up

Here is some interesting information:

Did you know that ONE Roll-Up is equal to SIX sit-ups? Yea... And, it's great for achieving flat abs!

...xox...

Liz