Friday, September 17, 2010

Where have I been???

Talk about a busy month! I miss blogging...do you ever feel like you are just reacting to everything going on in life??? I have felt totally consumed by the happens of this past month! I had 4 weddings..one of them being my sisters! A 2 week trip back home to MN, my hubby and I moved to a different apartment in West Hollywood, we are looking for a new car, all the while meeting with new brides to plan their 2011 weddings and trying to soak up the last of summer days! So many fun things going on:) Here's a lil glimpse...

 Horseback Riding for my Sister's Bach Party!


Lots of Wedding Planning!


Fun Photo Shoot with an amazing Photographer!


Moved out of our cute lil apartment @ Wilshire/La Brea!


Couple shots from my sister's wedding


My bro Austin's first College Football Game!


My Sister-in-Law is Prego! I'm going to be an Aunt for the 1st time:)


Holy Cow that's a lot of stuff! Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in LA. Here is my to do list for the fall:)
1. Decorate my new apartment! I'll update you on my progress:)
2. Finish up the wedding season...4 more to go! 
3. Take a 5 year anniversary trip with Adam...I'm thinking a drive up the coast to San Fran for the weekend?! 
4. Book our tickets for Florida...my fab friend is getting married/visiting my sis & new brother-in-law! 
5. Eat a Carmel-Apple while watching a movie outdoors
6. Plan a house warming/halloween party! Lots to do before then:)
7. Write more inspiring blogs:) haha

What's on your fall to-do list?! 

xoxox, 
All-This-Fall-Talk-Makes-Me-Want-A-Cup-O-Soup:)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff


As I am running around planning weddings today I couldn't help but think that guaranteeing a flawless, perfect wedding day for my brides would be wonderful...aahh the joys of being a fairy. But no such promise can be made my friends! Sometimes things just happen and instead of focusing on the weather being too hot, too cold, too this, too that, blah blah blah...I challenge you to not sweat the small stuff. Sure, there are certain things that will need immediate attention...(like when super cheesy DJ guy decides to be 45 minutes late) but there are other things that will swallow up your whole day if you aren't careful! A couple things come to mind...

A Rainy Day


A Broken Foot


Veil Mishaps


A Tad too Windy:)


Your Groom Needing an Immediate Bathroom Break


Unexpected Guy Humor:)

All of this to say ladies...let's not sweat the small stuff! Unplanned things will happen but isn't it all just icing on the cake??? pun 100% intended:) Don't miss your wedding on your wedding day! I know it may be hard after months of planning but just know that everything will work out, your marriage is more important, and it's the day where you can finally have a piece of cake...what's there to complain about??:) 

xoxo, 
LoveTheGirlWhoCouldn'tLightHerUnityCandleOnHerHotterThanBlazesWeddingDay:)

Abby LaDuke
Something Blue Wedding Company
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com



Thursday, July 22, 2010

Fabulous Wedding Accessories


I am totally obsessed with the fun accessories by Mimi Bird! Her vintage flair to everything she creates is so inspiring and the best part about her designs is that they are totally affordable. I love being able to recycle accessories for different occasions...use your uniquely hand-crafted accessories for date night, a friend's dinner party, or just out and about! The one and only Mimi just custom-made a headband for a girl out of her grandmother's buttons...how sweet is that?!!? Take a look at some of the fun accessories and try not to drool:)
 

 Check out Mimi's Bird's website for the latest designs! 


xoxo, 
NeedMimiToMakeAHeadbandOutofMyGram'sButtons! 



Friday, July 2, 2010

Happy 4th of July!

Some of my favorite memories growing up were from 4th of July at our cabin up in northern MN! Campfires, swimming, smores, fireworks, cousins, tonka toasters (the best invention ever!) and the list goes on and on. It seems like every 4th has it's own special memories doesn't it?! One year we played 4 square tournaments the WHOLE weekend...one year the boys did this...


What the?! Yep, that's my hubby at the top of the tree putting together the ultimate swing to launch yourself into the lake!

 My sisters and I in the tent!

 My little brother Austin years ago getting ready to watch fireworks! 

All the cousins! 

 Watching fireworks years ago:)


No matter who you are, you always leave 4th of July weekend with a crazy sunburn, a stuffed root beer float/hamburger/apple pie/corn on the cob belly, and a million bug bites/memories:)

What's your favorite 4th of July memory??!


xoxo, 
4th-Of-July-Weekend-In-LA-Just-Isn't-The-Same


Abby LaDuke
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com




Thursday, June 24, 2010

Wedding Registry Tips


Putting together your wedding registry may seem like a no-brainer..Hello! You are fantastic at shopping and the thought of indulging without worrying about your bank account is a dream come true:) But it can be overwhelming and it's hard to know where to start..suddenly you are stressed over whether you should get the square or round glasses, towel colors are taking over and don't get me started on the knife set options! Take a deep breath, kiss your fiance and hold that registry gun with confidence....

  Tip #1: Register Early 
You may feel like you are jumping the gun but fear not..some family/friends would love to give you an engagement gift! To avoid crazy Aunt Sally's cat figurine obsession, throw a couple gifts on a registry to provide a clear picture of your style. You don't have to make all the decisions right away but putting some classic, affordable gifts on your registry like household decor will give your close ones some direction.

Tip #2: Where to Register
Try not to run all over town registering everywhere! Pick two to three places and have one of those be a national department store like Target or Macy's so everyone can purchase something locally. Managing your registry online has become as easy as checking your facebook page. You can update and add/delete anything you would like to...adding new items everyday is unnecessary, come on girls...self control:) 

Tip #3: Bring a List with You
It can get overwhelming if you are walking in empty-handed...even if you are a professional shopper:) This registry checklist from realsimple.com has a great list to guide you. Sit down with your fiance the night before and go through it...cross out things you already have and add what you need! 


Tip #4: Take Advantage of the Free Help
Pottery Barn, Macy's, Crate and Barrel, etc... have employees on hand ready and willing to help you! Don't do the usual "I'm just looking" speech on this shopping trip. These employees help couples put together registries every day so utilize their expertise. Not interested in having place settings to entertain 20 people??? Let them know that up front and be honest with what you are looking for...it will help them help you fashion a registry that's uniquely yours! 

 Tip #5: DO NOT Ask for Money
It is still very much taboo to ask for money directly! Feel like you have everything you need?? For unique options, check out Honeyfund.com for a free honeymoon registry or the I Do Foundation to register your favorite charities.


 xoxox, 
IWantAPersonalRegistryGun:) hehe
Photos Via: Martha Stewart
Abby LaDuke
P: 310.564.6745
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Monday, June 21, 2010

Sweet Engagement Session by the River



Is it just me or are engagement pics getting cuter and more creative?! Check out this FANTASTIC shoot from JM Photography of my gorgeous sister Ashlee and her amazing fiance Daniel. They are getting married this fall and it's been so fun being a part of the planning process with them! Justin Vagle of JM Photography is incredible and we literally had 30 min to shoot this...can we say talented??! 






xoxo, 
CanYouFeelTheLove?! :)


Abby LaDuke
P: 310.564.6745
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com



Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Sugar Cane

I love dessert...in particular chocolate. I don't believe the girls that say they don't..(unless you are my mother who hasn't eaten any sugar in the last 9 years...God bless her:) I'm not the girl that's OK with a strawberry for dessert...fruit is for breakfast...brownies, ice cream, pie, and cookies are desserts in my head. For the normal gal who doesn't have self or portion control when it comes to dessert, here are some fabulous ideas for staying in skinny bridal shape!



***250 calories in ONE...don't eat the whole pan unless you want your thighs to jiggle like jello***



Grilled Dark Chocolate Sandwich that doesn't make your stomach look like a pile of laundry!!!


Chocolate Souffle that won't make the button fly off your jeans!


Glazed Chocolate-Pumpkin Bundt Cake...gosh I am getting hungry!



***Ok this one isn't so healthy but sub wheat bread, egg whites, and dark chocolate chips and you have bread pudding that doesn't have your arms looking like sausages***


What's your FAVORITE healthy dessert!?!?

xoxo, 

Hi,MyNameIsAbbyAndI'mAChocoholic

HiAbby:)

E: abby@weddingplannerla.com








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