Wedding Week Details {t stones}

Well, my big day is just around the corner. The festivities will begin this Saturday, and on Sunday I will marry Vinnie- my love, my best friend, and my better half. Although there have been some hiccups along the way, all-in-all, this planning experience has been fun and educational. I mean, who knew I could plan such a big & beautiful event!? One of the things I've truly enjoyed is magically stumbling upon talented people to help me. It happened once with finding LizzyBLoves, who designed my gorgeous invites & programs, and it happened again with the gifts for my bridesmaids. I had a vision in mind for the jewelry I wanted my girls to wear. I searched high and low at stores and couldn't find the right thing. Then I happened to run into my friend Tiffany Adams who owns a jewelry line called "T Stones". She showed me her portfolio and before you know it... boom! I had stunning custom, hand-made jewelry for my bridesmaids that totally complement the dresses! It's amazing how eventually your vision just comes together in the end. I can't show you what Tiffany made my girls, because I don't want to ruin the surprise ;-) but here's a peek at some other pieces she's made. If you live in Los Angeles you can check out her work at Cami in Manhattan Beach or give her a call to have something made just for you... The holidays are just around the corner (hint, hint)! The necklaces and earrings are made with high-quality stones and are reasonably priced! Here are two of my favorites:

Photo Credit: T Stones Jewelry

My advice to other brides out there is to have faith that it will all be beautiful and wonderful like you imagined, DELEGATE, and stay organized. It has helped me tremendously that I have been doing little things for my wedding all year; I learned recently how important delegating is too. This week I have ironed out the following details:

• seating chart (not as bad as I thought it would be)
• welcome bags (fun & affordable)
• party favors (delegated to the moms- check!)
• put someone responsible in charge of gifts & cards
• DIY table numbers & directional signs

Other than that, I just have to pick up my dress tomorrow and show up on Saturday for the rehearsal! I feel relaxed & ecstatic at the same time! I know that this weekend will be one that I'll remember always!

On that note, I'll leave you with some breathtaking "first looks." I can't wait for mine! :)

Photo Credit: Bridal Guide

Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty

Photo Credit: Style Me Pretty

 It's hard to believe that I have contributed 46 posts to this fabulous blog over the past 11 months. This has been such a rewarding experience. THANK YOU Allison for this opportunity. I'll be back posting on E&I a couple more times to share with you my thoughts from "the other side" and of course share photos and video with you once they're ready.

Yours Truly,

Taya (soon-to-be DiCarlo)

{Real Wedding} Liz and Ryan: First Look

Liz and Ryan have become two of my favorite people. Their relationship is very solid and such an example of what a marriage really should be. I love them to death and their wedding day really was just as amazing as it all looks. The romantic setting of the venue was the perfect place for them to start crafting this gorgeous wedding day.

Of course they had Bronx and Sarge there (their doggies!)

I really have never seen such an amazing first look. The photographs really show the excitement, love and emotion of it all. Obviously I wasn't there for this part, but we were on the balcony of the venue watching and crying during the whole thing!

Photography: Jason + Anna Photography Venue: Murietta's Well. Livermore, CA Florals: Wildflower Event Florals Dress: Vineyard Collection Bridesmaid Dresses: Express, H&M, Forever 21, etc. Boys Attire: Express for Men

See the rest of this wedding: Getting Ready, First Look, Ceremony, Reception

The First Look

The first look was one of my favorite parts of Ryan and Liz's wedding. Of course none of the bridesmaids were at the scene, but instead, we were all crammed together on the end of the balcony trying to get as close of a look as possible. Even from that distance the moment was amazing, you really could just feel it. The body language really spoke for itself. I love this little sequence below because it takes no words to describe. The love and excitement is so present between the two of them that it is rather hard to try to put words to this incredibly romantic moment.

The First Look:

How do you feel about first looks? Are you going to do one??

I wasn't really that into them before, but after seeing this and thinking about it more, I really do think I am going to do one. The reasons I have been able to muster up would be first and foremost, the photography opportunity! It is really hard to get these kinds of shots while walking down the aisle, and could you imagine if they didn't have these gorgeous shots? Oh and a side note would be that you could get some of the photography shot list done before the wedding. Second reason would be the intimate moment of the whole thing. I would like the moment between him and I to be special, intimate and alone. Plus you can say a few words to each other possibly lighten the jitters a bit?? Plus I think the walking down the isle moment is in such a different element, that he will look just as he would've if he didn't see you in the first place.The last reason for me personally is that my eye sight is really bad, so chances are, I won't even be able to see him half the time I am walking down the isle!

So what are your pro's and con's on the first look? Are you adding it to your wedding, or are you sticking to tradition??

Photo Credit: Jason + Anna Photography