Something Grey Dress

It is so refreshing to see brides who break the rule regarding the color of their wedding gowns. This one shoulder, pastel grey dress is dreamy and check out that long tulle train. And, notice she put her brides in white dresses.  Adriana de Moura's is a cast member of Real Housewives of Miami.

DIY Lampshade - Before and After

Remember my DIY lampshade post ...well you can check it out in the new issue of Occasions magazine. I have always been a crafter and DIY fan. Spending hours at a craft stores and off the beaten path sorting through a thrift store for treasures is my idea of a good time. I can't wait to share my next project!

Before photo

Great buy - lamp & lampshade at the Goodwill

Photo by Harwell Photography

Photo by Harwell Photography

Peyton's Very Hungry Caterpillar - Hostess with the Mostess

So excited to see cutie pie Peyton's Very Hungry Caterpillar first birthday party featured on the Hostess with the Mostess. The little party guests enjoy a storyteller, games and fun cuisine including that caterpillar cupcake and sandwiches. It was the cutest party EVER! Happy Birthday Peyton.

MTV Casting Brides & Bridal Parties

Well, here is your opportunity to document your wedding plans. MTV is searching for the next cast members for their new bridal show. See details below! Good luck and plan on....

Bourbon Sweet Ice Tea

A meal isn't complete in the South without a tall, cold glass of sweet tea. And, Southerns are love their   Arnold Palmers (lemonade/tea mix). Well, check out this recipe by Celebration at Home. I changed the bottle tea to brewed tea and added lemon. Great cocktail for warm summer days.

The recipe:
4 oz flavored ice tea (Lipton 100 Calorie Hal & Half) mix Tea and Lemonade
1 1/2 oz bourbon
3/4 oz pomegranate juice

Combine all ingredients together over ice. Garnish with lemon slice.

Trak Dot Luggage Tracker

Dude where is my luggage? I absolutely love this product - Trak Dot luggage tracker. There are approximately 26 million lost bags a year - wow! The process is simple, install the device which goes to sleep once you are in the air and it pings your phone once you luggage lands - genius! No more waiting or watching that conveyor belt go round and round. This would definitely make a great gift for ME!

The Wow Factor

When working on design elements with my clients, I always encourage them to incorporate at least one Wow Factor into their special day or event. The Wow Factor could be an amazing Estate table or altar (see below). This couple incorporated a black/white statement tent as their altar backdrop. It looks amazing. They also added a black/white runner with red rhinestone initials - so cool. What Wow Factor will you add? Check out additional pictures of this wedding on Middle of the Map blog - photos by Simple Splendor Photography.