CHOKED UP

Really, I'm getting choked up looking through old pictures. I didn't realize then that I was rocking a future trend! I used to LOVE chokers. And, be easy on me! This was before contouring and filters! lol. Just shows that I have true love for you guys to show you my blasts from the past! haha. I hooked you up though by adding some of the hottest new chokers in many varieties and brands at affordable prices! Be sure to use the arrow to see them all on your device.  Enjoy!

MUST HAVE

Nothing beats that knock on the door when a package arrives. Well, except for maybe the excitement of not knowing what's inside the package as you hurry it inside and try to rip away the carefully taped edges and your curiosity grows stronger as you have to grab a pair of scissors to help with this feat. I very much squealed with excitement upon receiving my Must Have Box! I peered down and saw this pretty pink package of goodies enveloped in hot pink tissue paper! The message said "Happiness Delivered" and it was spot on! I wanted to immediately tear it apart to see what was inside! Was anyone watching me so full of giddiness and glee I wondered? Who cares? 

Who doesn't love a surprise? This is what the POPSUGAR Must Have Box IS! It's that surprise you can sign up to receive once a month because, well, you deserve it! And, if you don't like surprises and want to know what your money is buying, POPSUGAR reveals what the monthly contents are. It is an incredible deal for only $39.95/month. My last box was valued at over $145!!!

Inside was a very trendy Black Wide Brim Hat by Jack & Lucy which retails for $58!! Underneath that were tons of goodies like Brigogeo Deep Hair Conditioning Mask (retails $36), NCLA MANI-ER Tool Kit (retails $16), a FLINT Lint Roller (retails $9.99) which was really unique - my fiance is somewhat obsessed with de-linting his clothes, so he is getting a lot of use out of it. There was also Red Lip Laquer by Smith & Cult (retails $22) and finally a sweet treat - Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites by The Gluten Free Bites (retails $4.99). This one box added to my wardrobe, let me pamper myself with a hair conditioning treatment and manicure, enjoy some yummy chocolates that were good for me, slap on some bold red lipstick, and let my fiance even have a gift to play with while I was busy indulging (it's the little things). Wow does something like this just lift your spirits! It's like a little reward for being you!

While POPSUGAR sent me this box to try, I have something special for you too! Please use the code SHOP5 (which never expires) for $5 off your FIRST Must Have Box! 

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX HERE!

If you have any questions about any of the products, I would be happy to answer and give my opinion. 

#MustHaveBox #shopstylecollective
#flint #theglutentfreebites #smithandcult #jackandlucy #brigogeo #ncla #popsugar #influenster #popsugarmh

Bridal Shower Bride

In a few months your wedding will be here, so you know that the time must be headed your way where your family and friends will shower you before your big day! Or, maybe you're that bride who wants to know when your shower is so that you are sure to not show up in sweats and a bun, but rather something bridal and fun! And, let's face it, the Bridal Shower is really another chance for you to be the "bride" for the day - so why not dress the part? Have fun, wear lace, be the center of attention because this is also your day!

Scroll through where you will find many amazing options for your bridal shower attire from cocktail dresses to maxi dresses to rompers to jumpsuits to boho to classy…there's a little something for everyone. AND, they are all under $200!

Be Their Guest

Spring is here and it's time to change wardrobes. With that, it's time to get your outfits ready for any events like bridal or baby showers you may be attending this spring! Attire at events is becoming more and more glamorous, so don't wear the same old skirt and cardigan. Fancy it up a bit by choosing a romper, jumpsuit, culottes, or tulle skirt. Don't be afraid of lace and frills (especially this season).

Here are some great finds in fun colors (no black) all under $150 that you can scroll through:

STEP RIGHT UP!

When I saw these super cute items by Kate Spade, I had to share right away. They remind me of Carnivals, the Circus, the Boardwalk, Summer. Since these tend to be some of the most popular party themes too, would it not be super cute to accessorize for them? The ticket clutches are my favorite, but I really can't help but smile when I see the Ice Cream Truck Sandals!!! Click through to take a look!

Happy Wife Deli Life

Did you follow #happywifedelilife this weekend? That was the hashtag I kept checking as Lauren Manzo's guests were filling up Instagram with beautiful pictures of behind-the-scene looks at the Scalia Wedding. I really can't wait to see it all unfold on 'Manzo'd with Children'. Lauren looked absolutely stunning in a Vera Wang tulle ball gown. Seems like mom Caroline caused some jaws to drop too - sit down for this - she wore a strapless WHITE gown! She really did, and she looked awesome! And you know what? I have a feeling we are going to start seeing this as a new trend! Lauren asked her mom to wear white - and why not? 

The entire wedding seemed to be very elegant and classy. Lauren's bridesmaids were in absolutely gorgeous alternating gowns of blush and champagne. There was a church ceremony and a reception at the family-owned Brownstone. I also saw that my friends at SCE were the DJs for the evening! With some of the Housewives in attendance, it must've been one giant party! 

Congrats to the Newlyweds!!! Remember Happy Wife = Deli Life? Hmmm. I'm sure we'll find out more on that.

Boho Chic and Musically Unique

 

It's a Wedding Planner's dream to get a bride who is not afraid to go against the grain and take things to another level! It also doesn't hurt when a bride is crafty and willing to get her hands dirty by creating and painting some of her own decor. This past year I had the pleasure of working with one of those brides. When she came to me, she described herself as being a hippie at heart and wanted her wedding outdoors or in a barn. She told me of the love her and her fiance had for music especially with the groom-to-be being in a band. After finding what would soon become the perfect venue settled on a beautiful vineyard in Newtown, PA…Rose Bank Winery…my bride's true colors came to life through planning, and while her Bohemian style and the love of music played first fiddle, her glamorous side crept in, and therefore, Lindsay's Boho Chic wedding was born!

Lindsay and her bridesmaids arrived by trolley to St. Anthony's in Trenton, NJ for a traditional Catholic ceremony. Her brides were decked out in gorgeous statement jewelry atop their alternating blush gowns. Lindsay in her Maggie Sottero gown met her country-grown hubby-to-be, Chay, at the alter looking quite dapper in his blue suit which was one shade lighter than his groomsmen's navy suits which had matching blush ties. The bride carried a beautiful bouquet of pink peonies, champagne Sahara roses, white hydrangea, and pink astilbe by In Full Bloom while the bridesmaids bouquets were left simply to baby's breath as to not overpower their attire and to give a hint of what was to soon be at the reception.

The ring bearers carried adorable hand-painted signs with cute sayings made by the bride as the flowergirls carried fairy wands.

After the ceremony, a bag piper played (yes, there's a wee bit of Irish in the married couples' genes) as everyone waived their Boho Chic ribbon wands with tiny bells.

The next stop was to the Tir Na Nog - a local Irish Pub (that wee bit of Irish again) which is quite a monumental place for the couple. It's where they met for the first time when Lindsay happened to be in the crowd as Chay was playing with his band. It was the place where Chay would then propose to Lindsay on New Year's Eve. And, it would never be forgotten as the place Lindsay would traditionally frequent with her father on St. Patrick's Day before he sadly passed. 

The bride honored her father in two very special ways at the wedding.

After a quick "cheers" at the pub and some more unforgettable pictures by Heather M. Shier Photography, it was time to head to Rose Bank Winery for Cocktail Hour.

The country-fed groom had a mashed potato bar, and craft beers were aplenty for guests. Inside the Buckman Barn located at Rose Bank Winery, rustic light bulbs draped the ceiling and hand-painted signs adorned the room featuring the most favorite song lyrics of those in the bridal party.

 More DIY was incorporated as the bride made her own seating charts out of windows which were on the patio where guests mingled.

A guitar box was the means of a card box, once again implementing the bride and groom's love and life of music.

It is quite a gratifying accomplishment to be able to take an absolute blank slate of a venue such as the Rose Ballroom at Rose Bank Winery, and create an atmosphere unique to what the bride is dreaming of. As you see from the before picture, we began with just a nice big rustic room. After simple draping was hung by Adam's Rental according to the bride's wishes, gold Chivari chairs were brought in along with different shaped tables that we strategically placed. 

The magic happened once entering the ballroom. A combination of round tables and rows of long tables topped with beautiful ivory linens and gold sequin runners flooded the room to house the very large group of guests. The tables were then decorated with magical creations by In Full Bloom. Some tables held tall branch centerpieces with bloomed quince, some had medium-sized centerpieces of baby's breath, and then tons of gatherings of vintage vessels were planted on tables boasting assortments of beautiful pink peonies, roses, hydrangeas, and more! Mercury glass vases and votives were brought in to create an extra glamorous touch.

A custom marquee sign, again made by the bride, sat as a simple and sweet backdrop marking she and her husband's territory at the sweetheart table.

Tears flowed from many as the bride danced with her uncle (in lieu of her late father) as her new husband serenaded them with acoustic guitar and sang Coldplay's 'Fix You'. It was a very powerful moment.

A family-style dinner by Joe Derrico's Revere Restaurant was absolutely exquisite as was the service! The couple's Moscow Mule Signature Drink was enjoyed by many.

Early in the night, the crowd enjoyed the high-energy sounds of the groom's band Some Assembly Required!

One outrageous crowd of guests then danced the night away to the ever popular sounds of DJ Bruce Mancia.

An unbelievably delicious cake from Coco's Cakery was made-to-order and put a sweet ending on the night!

This was one wedding that won't soon be forgotten! It was Boho Chic and musically unique!

Photos by: Heather M. Shier Photography

Wedding Planner/Design: All The Rave Events by Heather, LLC.
Venue: Rose Bank Winery
Caterer: Revere Restaurant
DJ: Bruce Mancia
Florist: In Full Bloom
Trolley: Bucks County Trolley Company
Cake: Coco's Cakery
Photographer: Heather M. Shier Photography
Videographer: Wedding Bug
Draping: Adam's Party Rental
Invitations/Signage: Liz Battaglia Design