So This is Bliss :: A Northwest Wedding Blog by Luxe Event Productions: September 2009

No Posting...

So lots has happened in my Luxe Life lately...so much to share too however I will not be committing to posting everyday until we launch the NEW SO THIS IS BLISS. I am taking submissions everyday though and also have so many Luxe Style Wedding Inspiration Boards made and I am quite excited to show you. So here's the deal...for now why don't you follow us on Facebook and become our fan so you can stay connected...

Then before you know it we'll be announcing the re-launch of the all new totally urban and oh so chic {So this is Bliss}. Can't wait!

...and thanks, really...it means so much to me that you are stickin' around. I can promise you wont be sorry...You think you love us now.

No Post today...or this weekend...but have you seen all our {Luxe Style} Boards?

Maybe you'll see one you like... { SEE OUR LUXE STYLE BOARDS }let us know what you think! If you have a color or idea let me know and I'll make one custom just for you -for any event: Birthday, Baby Birth, Wedding, Soiree, Holiday etc...whatever your upcoming event visualize it with a {Luxe Style} inspiration board. There are so many color combs...which one is right for you?

P.S. Thanks again for hangin' in there with us...can't wait to show you the cool Real Weddings, E-sessions and other fun postings we have lined up for you; our new blog design is coming soon. I can't wait to show you!

Being Creative today...Getting ready for our NEW BLOG LOOK!

Photo by Geneoh Photo

{Real Wedding} :: Just a Snippet from a Seriously GREAT Photographer :: Denise Bovee -thanks Gina for sharing!

One of our Luxe NW 7, Gina Emerson, sent me over to see one of her favorite photo blogs and I spent the next hour looking and dreaming. See Gina will be shooting my Anniversary Session early this October...more about the Anniversary Session soon….it’s a little something we’ve been working on that I know you’ll love. All in due time…once the new blog gets rolled out I will have so much to share including some really fun photography packages and offerings to share with our BLISS readers.

For now take a peek at Denise Bovee’s work. It is stunning. I have saved many shots from her sets so that Gina and I can use them as inspiration. Here is what’s on her front page now…just amazing and impressive work with light. {Enjoy.}

This first one here is so my favorite. Oh I just adore it! Look at her lil' nose crinkle...darling, pure, real.

Brilliant, just brilliant.

Alfred Angelo On TOUR HERE IN OREGON! :: September 18-20th

Happy Monday! :: Be Inspired by Love ::

No post today...Having trouble catching up -so much going on here on our end. Soon though....hang in there I'm stocking up on cool content to share! For now...enjoy this image from a GREAT photographer,Geneoh Photo.com

{Luxe Style} :: Inspiration Board :: Lemoncello, Memories of Italia -Sorrento Style:: Yellow, Slate, Black & White

I love this {Luxe Style} it's a fave for sure. Ever since our trip to Italy I have been even more in love with the rustic and yet refined elements of Italia glamour.

While in southern Italy I noticed an abundance of olive and lemon trees; That grew the freshest of olives and the sweetest organic lemons you ever tasted. Lemon ice and Lemoncello were better than I have ever tasted and the oilo was to kill for. So rich with culture and flavor your taste buds cried when you stopped eating. Truly divine.

Southern Italy was my favorite place to visit and explore on our trip. Sorrento and Positano were the best. Near the Almalfi coast and the chic island of Capri nestled in the bay of Napoli we found ourselves awe struck too many times to count. So this is the first of our {Italia Series}. A tribute to our honeymoon adventures in the captivating country of Italy, Sorrento style.

Colors: Lemoncello, Slate, Black and White

Energy: Rustic yet glamorous Italian chic

Top: Suggested diagonal stipped tie with freesia bout found on Wedding Channel; Sassy suggested bridal shoe with stripes and big bow from Steve Madden; Fresh olives and a sassy scotch siesta from our trip to Roma take by myself; Dipping olive oil and bread from Wedding Channel.

Middle: Italia bride and groom in this board both from Wedding Channel; Lemon Sage Panna Cotta and Lemon inspired menu from Brides.

Bottom: Serve home filled bottles of Lemoncello as your favor -guest will love and it's cost effective too. Image found on Once Wed; Super cute, sexy and sultry lemonada swim suit from the talented Nicolita Collection of Nicolita Di Rocco; Lemon cheescake instead of celebration cake for a change found on Wedding Channel.

If you don't like the ruffley number in the board for your honeymoon swimwear...here's a second option for you from the same fabulously haute "Nicolita Collection" called "Ciao Bella".

{Luxe Find} Summer Revival :: Nicolita :: Caliente Swimwear

This summer my girlfriend, Misty, (Yes her name is Misty too.) and I were in search of a killer and I mean HAUTE new bikini. After all the searching we had done we stumbled upon Nicolita Designer Swimsuits. My mouth about dropped when I found them and I felt I had found IT; Conservative yet seriously sexy, even a bit "Betty-Like" 2-piece swimsuits that would make any sassy sultry woman look dynamite! I had to get one! They made me feel European just looking at them. I could see myself as the model. Besides I think the photography helped a bit too.

Below I have posted some of my faves. Not sure if you know but I swoon over most all things Italian or Italian-Chic inspired. There is something special about the culture that captivates me; not to mention I married a Sicilian... Oh I love Italian men.

Most younger Italian woman I have met, or have as friends, all exude a painfully sweet and passionate aura; captivating, intoxicating and infectious. Much like the way you feel when you look at Nicolita Di Rocco's line of swimsuits. And I bet you feel that way when you put one on.

My husband planned our honeymoon, a tour of Italia. Started in Naples then to Sorrento, Positano, Almalfi, Roma & last Turin, to see a dear friend. Last August seriously was the very best 4 weeks both of us had ever experienced before -if I could convince him to pack it all up and move to Italia I'd do it in a heartbeat. As I look at these suits and read their clever names it takes me back to those lemon and olive tree lined streets and the salty smell of the Mediterranean sea in the air...But I don't think any amount of eye lash batting is going to make him want to move across the world anytime soon so we are stuck with day dreaming...
especially since our hot summer nights are numbered and the coolness of autumn is knocking at our door I thought it would be fun to bring a bit of that feeling of warmth, lust, and sexy summer lovin' to you by way of sharing with you Nicolita Di Rocco's "Nicolita".

Let's take a peek and do a lil' day dreaming. Let's pretend we are sipping lemoncello on a sun deck in Sorrento...

...Feast your eyes on these sexy things. Now if this isn't one of the hottest {Luxe Finds} I don't know what is.

Now tell me...which one do you want? Which one are pretending you are wearing? I think any one or two or three would do...if you can't honeymoon in Italy why not bring a lil' Italia flavor with you or I should say "on you". Ahhh...summer lovin'. Sigh...

Amore Designer One Piece Swimwear with Deep V Backside

Angel Hair Bermuda Triangle Bra and Ruffled Bottoms Swimwear Bikini

Gorgeous Gondola Off the Shoulder Tube Top and Hipster Bottoms Bikini

Bocce Beauty Sheared Tube Top and Hipster Bottoms Swimwear BikiniHavana Honey Guaya Two Piece Bikini Swimwear
Limonada Ruffled Bra and O Ring Scrunch Bum Bottoms Swimwear Bikini

Rosita Multi-String Triangle Bra and Low Rise Hipsters Swimwear Bikini

Ciao Bella Underwire Bra and Hipster Bottoms Swimwear Bikini

There are so many more suits to see. Make sure you jump on over to see the rest of Nicolita's collection. You can also follow Nicolita Di Rocco on Twitter and even her Blog so you can keep up with her as she Designs, Travels, and Plays...{Enjoy.}

{Luxe Style} :: Inspiration Board :: Southwest Salsa :: Turquoise, Red & Adobe

This {Luxe Style} is one of my faves. Years ago my husband and I traveled to New Mexico and soon found ourselves back 2 years later this time getting to stay longer and explore the state some more; ever since those trips I have been in love with southwestern culture. Our first trip was to attend a wedding...so this {Luxe Style} inspiration board is for Quinten & Greg. We loved your wedding and are so glad you invited us to share your day with you!
Here's to the La Hacienda!

Colors: Turquoise, Red & Adobe

Energy: Family style, rich with culture and warm with love. Spiced with the perfect amount of heat and sultry swagger. Casual, whispy and loose natural hair and fabrics

Top: Southwestern worn window found on Brides; Tribe inspired vintage linen wedding gown image found on Vintage Glam Weddings; Tablescape center piece found on the Knot. Margarita's on table from Pottery Barn.

Middle: Sultry bride with her maids image from real weddings on the Knot; Mariachi band image from the Knot as well.

Bottom: Cute Spanish "love note" necklaces for the bridesmaid gift found, where else but Etsy baby! Sombrero wearing chica poster from Wild Western Entertainment; Travel post card Save the Dates and Fan images all found on the Knot.

{Real Wedding} :: Photo Friday Feature :: Amanda Lynn...has done it again!

I will not steal the thunder of another artists but I will share a snippet of their work to promote their coolness! Feast your eyes on this destination wedding shot by the totally amazing Amanda Lynn...Gosh I love fun brides. Head over to Amanda's blog and see the rest of this quirky and fun and oh so original wedding she shot in Healdsburg Sonoma.

Go on...you know you want to see the rest...go already...

Happy Friday All! {Enjoy.}

P.S. We are back on track...lots to see this weekend. Spent good quality time working on our new blog design it's almost ready. It's taking much longer than I thought, such as life though you know? But I know when you see what I have been working on you will be so happy you stuck around. Enjoy the weekend TGIF!

Ciao for now!

{Luxe Style} :: Inspiration Board :: Exotic Elegence :: Purple, Navy and Peacock

As you well know I LOVE peacock feathers. I think I just love feathers in general. I have been using feathers in events long before they just became so dang popular. Nonetheless they are fabulous and so LUXE. Hence our peacock logo...Feathers in your event decor scream elegance, class and glamour. They are so cost effective too. I really enjoy seeing what types of things people come up with and new ways they use feathers to save money.

I am surprised I didn't make a {Luxe Style} inspiration board with feathers as the feature before now? So without further adieu...I bring you Exotic Elegance

Colors: Purple, Navy and Peacock

Energy: Exotic glamour and sassy "come hither" smiles

Top: Floral arrangement found on Brides; Peacock Invite designed by Luxe Event Productions; Center piece with purple plumes found on One Wed; Dress from Brides and Peacock feather far right found on Style Me Pretty.

Middle: Maids in a row with deep plum peep toes from Jerry Yoon Photography; seriously awesome peacock fascinator made by Castle Brides; Peacock place setting found on Wedding Channel.

Bottom: Pin stripe suite from Men's Warehouse; Aqua and white floral decor from Raeleytham.net; Cake from Brides and fabulous bride and groom image found on Brides

Busy! Busy! Busy! :: No Posting Today ::

Sorry All, I am trying to catch up and get the new blog platform ready...meaning lots to do this week so posting will be a bit scarce.

However know that I have 2 beautiful inspiration boards, a hand full of {Real NW Weddings} and also some really fun "DIY" & "How To" stuff coming later this week.

So thanks for sticking around and I promise lots more to come as the week unfolds. Happy Tuesday! Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend.

XO -Misty

{Engagement Session} :: Alyssa Jul Photography :: REAL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY... WITH A SPARKLE! Part II

How could you not be inspired by LOVE? Take this e-session and let it inspire you for the rest of the week....ahhh the joys of blissful, pure, organic and innocent...love. Thank you Alyssa Jul for sharing with us. So happy you are one of our Luxe NW 7; it's so deserved.

You can see much more from Alyssa Jul by visiting her blog anytime...always a great place to stop by if you're looking for a lil' inspiration. ;o)

{Engagement Session} :: Alyssa Jul Photography :: REAL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY... WITH A SPARKLE!

Ok so this engagement shoot is just the way all of them should be, fun, carefree and pure. Alyssa Jul, Portland Oregon Wedding Photographer knows just how to bring the best out of people she photographs. Her work is clean and carefree and I love the sweetness she seems to capture in her clients. The session she shot in Lake Oswego in George Rogers Park. The couple is Holly and Tim Porter.We'll be sharing their wedding shots soon. For now take a lil' peek into their e-sesh...

{Love on Sunday Morning} :: 40's Style E-Sesh! :: By SIKORA Photography

Happy 3-day weekend! Check out a few more shots from this session...SKIORA Photo has caught my eye and I think they catch yours too...{Enjoy.}

{Saturday Sleep-in Feature} :: Real NW Wedding :: Shot by Soul Mates Photography

Excited to be back online! Sorry for the spotting posts lately -life has taken over and I have been so busy! However all is well now and we are back on track! Thanks for stickin' around.

Let's get started!

This morning's Saturday Sleep-in Feature is a Real NW Wedding submitted by one of our readers, Katie Soule. Her wedding is the perfect display of NW charm and family love. Married in Canby, Oregon and photographed by Melissa of Soul Mates Photography. Katie and Brendan's day was beautiful to say the least. Shades of green and complimented with white and black; their event didn't miss a detail and she said her momma was the planner! So sweet.

It's lots of work to be the planner, and the mom, so my hat's off to you my dear! Job WELL DONE! I absolutely adore this picture below. I hope it's in a frame...it's so precious. I think it goes in the "OMG I love this!" section...if I had one of those. Soon though with our new blog platform we will! But really, enough about us, more about Katie!

Here's what Katie had to say about their day and how it all came together.

We first met (and briefly dated) our freshman year of high school. A few years later, we found ourselves once again in each others company. After a year together in high school, Katie left for college in Idaho and we decided to take a shot at a long distance relationship. After four years apart, including Katie's semester in Italy and countless miles driven Oregon to Idaho, we were still a couple. Thankfully, we are once again in the same state and city. This time it will be for good.

The date of engagement wasn't originally planned on Valentine's Day. Brendan had set the date for Friday the 15th but after a candlelit Valentine's dinner at Katie's, his plans changed. If you ask him when he decided to propose a day early, he'll tell you it was during the soup. After dinner he tucked the ring in his pocket but the perfect location wasn't quite settled on, so off they went to "take a drive." He couldn't locate that perfect place while driving around in the west hills, so the second stop was at the waterfront. The night was clear, the water was calm and Katie was freezing. With no knowledge of why they were walking around in the cold, she wanted to head back to the car and it took some persuading to guide her out onto the dock.

After a few moments for Brendan to gather his courage (and more than a few deep breaths), he finally asked the question that Katie had been waiting so long to answer. Luckily, that answer was yes. We were married on a beautiful farm in Canby, Oregon under large Oak trees. Katie wore bright green shoes with her bridal grown. The barrettes in her hair were created by her dad, the sparky pin on her dress was created by Brendan's mom, and the pearls around her neck belonged to her grandmother. The bridal party had an amazing eleven bridesmaids and six groomsmen. All of the bridesmaids wore simple black taffeta dresses and carried bouquets of mixed green flowers including hydrangeas, lillys, and red berries. Following the wedding was a reception in a beautiful barn decorated with lights and lanterns. The colors pallet was various shades of green that was picked up in small jars of jelly beans, m&ms, flowers, and candles.

All wedding save the dates, invitations, and programs were designed by Katie and printed at a local print shop in Portland. Brendans father brewed the beer for the event, the aunts arranged table decorations, family was a big part of the whole event.

Now for all those special details that made so many lil' memories:

Ceremony and Reception Site: Postlewaits Weddings & Events

Photographer: Soul Mates Photography

Flowers: Country Florals

Cake: Holiday Essence
Caterer: Wild Currant
Rings: La Rog Jewlers

DJ: Best Man, Kiley
Gown: Tower Bridal

Formal Wear: Tuxedos from Mens Warehouse

Bridesmaid Dresses: Tower Bridal
Hair: Pulse Salon

Invitations: Designed by the bride
Honeymoon: Secrets Silversands
Planner/Coordinator: Brides Mom, Nancy

Congrats Kaite ( and Brendan too)! Welcome to "Cloud 9" ,as I call it, married life that is...love is such a sweet thing. Thank you Kaite, so much for sharing your day with all of us! You were a beautiful bride.