I love the architectural pink bow on these Louboutin shoes. Photo by Laura Novak.

I love the idea of juxtaposing rustic elements with classic ones. The inspiration for this board came from these elegant earrings against wood slats by Vallentyne Photography. I picture this wedding taking place at a ranch with such elegant touches as a Sommelier presenting a wine and cheese pairing menu during the cocktail hour.

Description:  Silver, white, elegant & rustic elements combined, touches of netting and lace

Images from left to right: {Row 1} 1. William Meppem 2. Jose Villa 3. Vallentyne Photography 4. via Michelle Rago {Row 2} 1. James Christianson Photographer 2. Anna Kuperberg 3. via Michelle Rago (Row 3) 1. Joanna Henderson 2. Rings by Whitebox Weddings 3. Rolls Royce by Amelia Lyon 4. Polly Wreford

I love how the movement of the ring is captured. Photo by Amelia Lyon.

This year was quite the busy year. I got married (!), became an avid blogger, and visited dozen of wedding locations (4,200 miles!), met with the best vendors, and gathered much needed resources to help Santa Barbara brides plan their wedding day.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of my readers and have them share their own unique wedding stories (hey Wendy!),

explored what goes into making couture paper goods,

been lucky enough to have my favorite wedding bloggers share their inspiration (Snippet & Ink, coco & kelley),

and had some of the best photographers in the biz share their words of wisdom (Elizabeth Messina).

All in all, it’s been a very fulfilling year and I look forward to an even busier 2009. I hope everyone has a happy (and safe) New Year’s!

Images: 1.Harper Smith Photography 2. Rancho Dos Pueblos 3. Image from Wendy’s post 4. Laura Hooper Calligraphy 5. Snippet & Ink Inspiration Board 271 6. Elizabeth Messina

I’ve been tagged by Weddings Fresh for the “Your Blog is Fabulous” award! Thank you Dani, what a way to end the year!

Here are the rules: list 5 obsessions/addictions that you have, and tag back to the person who gave you the award. Post these rules and tag 5 more people.

Here is my list of obsessions/addictions:

1. Shoes, yes I know, completely shocking.

2. Magazines, particularly Elle Decor and House & Garden (oodles of inspiration in each).

3. Reading other blogs. I have about 40 I peruse daily and maybe another 50 I visit weekly. I’m pretty sure that counts as an obsession.

4. Tequila. I’m not talking Cuervo, but Don Julio 1942. Simply the best.

5. Tagliatelle with ragu from Ca ‘Dario. If you’re in Santa Barbara you must go there. Must go there.

And my list of fabulous blogs:

1. coco & kelley

2. Snippet & Ink

3. {this is glamorous}

4. A Practical Wedding

5. With This Ring

Images: 1. via Wedding Fresh 2. Leigh Miller Photography 3. via Elle Decor 4. via Tequila 5. John Valls

As the last Shoesday of the year, I thought some extra glamour might be appropriate. Photo by Nato Welton.

I love this fun combination of yellow with a deep purple. I picture this retro wedding taking place in an art gallery or in a loft setting. Inspiration came from the center picture of lights by I.Anton’s flikr.

Description: Yellow, purple, retro, modern, and some bling

Images top to bottom: {Column 1} 1. Erez Sabag 2. Next Exit Photography 3. John Dolan 4. Mamluke Flikr {Column 2} 1. Tina Rupp 2. I.Anton’s flikr 3. By Leah 4. Shoes by Oscar de la Renta {Column 3} 1.Purple dress via this is glamorous 2. Nato Welton 3. Jeff McNamara

I’m signing off for the week and running out to get the very last present on my list. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Images by Chris Everard.

Lately, I’ve had quite the love affair with gray & yellow. For this board I decided to branch out a bit and pair gray with a deep red. The invitation in the upper right hand corner by Peculiar Pair Press served as inspiration. Enjoy!

Description: Gray, deep rich red, silver accents, modern lines

Images: top to bottom {Column 1} 1. Shoes via Brides 2. Rings by Anna Kuperberg 3. Lounge by Laura Novak 4. Christmas Lights by l.anton’s flikr 5. Gray Draping by Michelle Rago {Column 2} 1. Invite Photo by Anna Kuperberg 2. Cake by The Cake Girls 3. Orchids in vase by Kate Mathis 4. Suit via Brides

I love the bamboo in this ring shot, photo by Whitebox Weddings. And stay tuned for a review of a brand new estate that has stunning ocean views and is avaliable for overnight accomodations as well…

I’ve been seeing even more peacock feathers around lately and thought I’d share these lovely photos.

I love the combination of the red dahlias with the peacock feathers. Unexpected, but oh so pretty.

How cool are these peacock trees from Two’s Company?

Layers of glamour with peacock feathers, it’s definitely over the top!

This headband by Collete Malouf could be fun for bridesmaids or even the bride to wear.

I like this graphic interpretation of peacock feathers from Plum Party. It would be fun to use to this for tray passed appetizers or drinks.

Images: 1. & 3. The Velvet Garden

I love the deep grey color of these Christian Dior shoes. Photo by Next Exit Photography.

I’m a big fan of any type of outdoor wedding and a garden wedding is the epitome of romance. The inspiration for this board was from a photo by Terry Michael found via Artfool (top photo). Pink peonies, lush green grass, it’s just the perfect backdrop for a spring wedding.

Description: Garden, shades of pink , peonies, sweet details

Images, from left to right: {Row 2} 1. Ngoc Minh Ngo 2. Martha Stewart 3. Jasmine Star {Row 3} 1. Jasmine Star 2. Myrtle & Marjoram Photography {Row 4} 1. Sandra Lane 2. Tim Evan-Cook

This ring shot by Whitebox Weddings cracks me up.

The weather can be any bride’s worst nightmare. But let’s face it, you don’t control the weather and neither do I (man, that would make my life easier!). But since life isn’t perfect, your wedding day isn’t bound to be perfect either. My advice, roll with the weather, you may get the most stunning photos out of it like these beauties.

Don’t the bride and groom look so cozy in their getwaway car?

The groom holds the umbrella for his bride. How sweet is that?

Does this bride look like the rain is bothering her? Nope.

Stolen kisses in the rain, so very romantic.

Images: 1. & 3. Laura Novak Photography 2. Parker J Pfister 4. Jasmine Star 5. & 6. Meg Smith