I so rarely have time to do something purely fun and creative just for myself. When I saw {Tastefully Entertaining}'s post about their 25th Anniversary Celebration, I had to send them something! Here is the result... Happy anniversary, TE! Thanks for the inspiration! Be sure to check out {Tastefully Entertaining} this week to see the rest of the entries.

Sources: Crocheted Votives, Doily Flower Arrangements, White Cutout Bag Table Décor and Blue Mug, Blue Cakes, Blue Favors, Blue Bouquet, Bridesmaids Dress Sketch, Wedding Dress: Pronovias via Brides , Wedding Gown Detail: Carolina Herrera via Brides , Blue and White Bouquet, White Paper Flower Table Treatment

{Southern Weddings} is having two fabulous contests this week!

Enter the {Ideal Favors Contest} and win a fantastic package of personalized goodies from {Ideal Favors}... submit your entry by Thursday at midnight. 

Any other contests we should know about?  Leave a comment here and we will be sure to post about them.

Good luck!

Our lack of blogging is about to change, folks.  We have been SOOO busy!  Danielle had a wedding this past weekend and we have one every weekend for the next 5 weeks.  Who ever said that August/September were down months?  Yes, we still have a bunch of weddings that haven't been blogged yet.  As soon as we get the pro pics, we will have a slew of Blissful inspiration for you. 

I want to share an upcoming celebration with you that is very near to my heart....  I'm flying to Florida in a few short weeks to do a fabulous wedding for a very special couple.  I am so excited to see these two walk down the aisle.  The bride and I have known each other since we were very young, so I promise I will be balling my eyes out as they say their seaside vows.  I am passionate about all of my brides, but for Britt I am determined to pull out all the stops+++!  I won't give away any of the many surprises, but I thought I would share some of the behind the scenes action with you over the next weeks. 

On Friday we ordered 180 feet of burlap, 500 feet of natural muslin, mahogany chargers, bamboo chairs, beautiful natural linens, paper, paper, and more pretty paper, lanterns, knotty baskets, spectacular shells and a smattering of the following...    succulents, jade and limbo roses, white dendrobiums, cherry brandy roses (my favorite variety of all time), green cymbidium orchids, kale, more succulents, and plumeria.... among about 25 other varieties that I wont share until the wedding day.  The flowers are going to be stunning!  Natural, modern, fun, conversational, and surprising...  all words I love to hear guests use in passing conversation over a fabulous dinner.  I am so excited for this wedding! 

Check back later this week for more... Happy Monday!

PS- BIG Bliss announcement coming soon...  sit tight... it's gonna be HUGE!

Danielle created some lovely guest blog posts for {Elizabeth Anne Designs} this week. Be sure to check them out...

{Bliss Guest Blog on EAD: Danielle Introduction}

{Bliss Guest Blog of Elizabeth Anne Designs: An Interactive Event}

{Bliss Guest Blog on EAD: Ditching the Norm } 

{Bliss Guest Blog on EAD: Unique Favors}

{Bliss Guest Blog on EAD: More Than Just a Drink}

{Bliss Guest Blog on EAD: DIY Invitations}

  Recent Bliss Link Love:. (thank you so much!) Please let us know if we have missed your link and we will be sure to add it. Have a wonderful weekend~

{Southern Weddings Magazine}, {Snippet and Ink},{The Wedding Chicks},{Alltop Weddings}, {Brenda’s Wedding Blog}, {Rae Leytham Photography}, {Style Me Pretty: Little Black Book Blogs}, {The Smart Planner: Meet the Planners: Lara Casey }, {Lucky Me!}, {Top 100 Wedding Planning}, {Tying the Knot}, {Blue-Eyed Bride}, {Nearly Knotted}, {Delightful Blogs}, {Arden Photography: We Love BLISS}, {Modern Vintage}, {It’s A Jaime Thing!}, {Weddings Fresh Blog}, {An Atlanta Bride}, {Pearl Events: Link Love}, {The Knot Talk Board}, {Life. Love. Lipstick}, {Cook Images Photography}, {Teardrop Weddings}, {Bell Creation}, {Si, lo Voglio}, {Just Dandy!}, {The Wedding Workroom}

This wedding is southern but still oh so modern. This wedding would take place in an outdoor venue with the reception following in a beautiful ballroom at an upscale hotel. The bride would wear a gorgeous indie-inspired gown by Wai Ching and carry a breathtaking yellow bouquet. This bouquet allows just the right amount of contrast so that the colors on her dress really stand out. The bridesmaids would also be wearing white, but they will carry a bouquet with blue hydrangeas with green accents. This combination creates a fresh and clean look. The tables in the beautiful ball room would be adorned with a blue linen with yellow and gold accents and a green hanging structure, that is centered over the table. This tablescape truly encompasses all of the colors of the color scheme. The invitation is unique and modern just like the bride. The invitation features a peacock motif which is elegant and still very unique. The food would be light but still filling. The cuisine would consist of tapas and hors d'oeuvres both inspired by classic southern recipes and elements. The southern elements of this wedding are the floral choices and accents as well as the outdoor area where the wedding will take place.

Sources: Bridesmaid Dress {David's Bridal}, Bridesmaid Bouquet {The Knot}, Bride's Dress {Wai Ching}, Bride's Bouqet{The Knot}, Tablescape {The Knot}, Invitation {Fine Stationery}

This wedding is a vintage inspired southern wedding. This wedding is for the very girly bride. The primary color scheme is different shades of pink. The main flowers used are roses with orchids as accent flowers. The bride would wear a beautiful gown by Joan Shum that is tea length with beautiful embroidery covering the entire dress. She would carry a simple bouquet of open pink roses. The bridesmaids would be adorned in a pink Siri dress with contrasting pink sash. They would carry a small clutch of multiple shades of pink roses. The centerpieces on the tables would be primarily pink. The other items featured on the table would be various glass items and candles. This wedding would take place in a house of worship followed by the reception at a local country club. The menu would truly be inspired by the south. The food served would all be twists on old family recipes. Some of these recipes would be shrimp and grits, macaroni and cheese, and chicken and dumplings. All these food items are so typically southern as is the girly theme of the wedding. The invitation is pink and white with a design that is vintage inspired. This wedding would be the epitome of a southern wedding that captures tradition and modernity for a girly bride. 

Sources: Bride's Dress {Joan Shum}, Bride's Bouquet {Bloomery Weddings}, Bridesmaid Dress {Siri}, Bridesmaid Bouquet {Bloomery Weddings}, Tablescape {Best Wedding Site}, Invitation {Wedding Paper Divas}

We get a lot of emails about new products... some of them not so exciting, but we love these beautiful wax containers from RS Wax!  They provide a soft glow as candle containers and are a fabulous alternative to the basic glass container if used for flowers and decor.  They come in pretty much any size and shape, so the options are endless!  Visit their website, www.RSwax.com, for pricing and more details.

This wedding is modern but still has some vintage elements.  It would take place in an outdoor venue that is airy and open. The bride would wear a breathtaking Reem Acra dress that has a modern vintage feel. She would carry a beautiful lily of the valley bouquet, which is so gorgeously modern.  The bridesmaid?s would wear beautiful Mori Lee dresses which incorporates the elegance of vintage, but in a modern silhouette. The bridesmaids would carry a sweet bouquet of lilies which is also modern. The champagne invites have a vintage feel to them. The tablescape is gorgeous with lily of the valley center pieces and champagne accents and very modern table linens and overall setting.  The food would be a full seated dinner with salad, soup, and choice of a chicken or steak entrée.  This is the most formal type of food and with the vintage element, formality is a must. The modern twist on the food would be to incorporate unusual flavors and combinations to make the meal memorable. This wedding would be perfect for any bride who wants to have a formal yet modern event.

Tablescape {Rebecca Thuss}

Bride's Dress {Reem Acra}

Bride's Bouquet {Bloomery Weddings}

Bridesmaid Dress {Mori Lee}

Bridesmaid's Bouquet {Bloomery Weddings}

Invitation {Crane}

This wedding would be perfect for fall. The main color scheme is hues of orange, yellow, and brown. The bride would wear a gorgeous Morgan Boszilkov gown with a drop waist accented with a yellow sash. She would carry a bouquet of sunflowers which perfectly coordinate with the sash. The bridesmaids would wear a black sweet grass fibers dress with an asymmetrical hem. They would carry a bouquet of sunset colored calla lilies. The table would have centerpieces of dried fruit and sunflowers. The overall look of the room would be draped in white and brown fabrics with orange accents. The invitation is simple and features clean lines with a simple orange accent. This wedding is inspired by the beautiful fall weather that we have in the south. The shades of the colors used appear to be taken directly from nature and transplanted into this beautiful event. The food would be a complete seated dinner starting with a salad topped off with roasted sunflower seeds and then followed by a choice of a chicken or fish entrée. The food would be rich and warm and filling, all of which is inspired by the southern fall season.    

Bride's Dress{Morgan Boszilkov}, Bride's Bouquet{Organic Bouquet}, Bridesmaid Dress{Sweetgrass fibers}, Bridesmaid Bouquet{Organic Bouquets}, Tablescape{My Eco Chic Wedding}, Invitation{Oblation Papers}

This wedding is still environmentally friendly but also has a modern twist. The wedding would take place at a park with picnic tables and a tent frame as the backdrop. The overall atmosphere would be open and exposed to the elements. The bride would wear gown by Conscious Clothing. She would carry a simple bouquet of cybidium orchids, which are so beautiful and chic.The bridesmaids would wear a modern drop waist black dress and carry a small bouquet of white calla lilies. The table setting would feature potted green plants and other various potted white flowers. The invitations are modern and yet inspired by the environment. The food would be organic, vegan, and vegetarian meals inspired by and featuring the local fare. The overall feel of the wedding would be a modern day in the park followed by a picnic. The southern element of this wedding would primarily be the picnic aspect. However, the potted plants would all be plants that are popular in the southern region of the country. When all of these elements combine they create an elegant, environmentally friendly, modern event which is perfect for any southern bride.

Bride's Dress {Conscious Clothing}, Bride's Bouquet{Fifty Flowers}, Bridesmaid Dress{Edun}, Bridesmaid Bouquet{Blog Green}, Tablescape{Hostess with the Mostess}, Invitation{Greenwich Letterpress}

We have a three part series of Eco-Fabulous Weddings you will see throughout the week. All of the fashion pairings are all made from sustainable products, recycled materials, organic or a combination. Enjoy!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This gorgeous wedding would take place outdoors in a grassy or very green area. The overall mood would be light and airy and in touch with the environment. The bride would wear a gorgeous Threadhead gown that is made entirely of sustainable materials. She would carry a beautiful bouquet of different hues of white and green, which are the main colors of the event. The bridesmaid dress is patterned and very flowy and features the green and white color scheme. The bridesmaids would carry a beautiful gardenia, which reflects simplicity and elegance. The table setting also reflects the open, airy, and relaxed atmosphere of the event. The main centerpieces are cake plates with candles on top. This way the area will be filled with soft light that is so natural. The southern aspects of this wedding would be the outdoor environment and the flowers used. The gardenia is a southern flower and I imagine that the ceremony would take place in a grassy area surrounded by Spanish moss trees. The food would be local from the area and the majority of the fruits and vegetables will be purchased from the nearby farmer?s market. The food would all be healthy, light, and refreshing. The invitations are made from recycled paper and feature a fern leaf, which is so commonly found in nature. All the elements together allow overall image and feeling to be accomplished.

Bride's dress {Threadhead}, Bride's Bouquet {Katy Stardust}, Bridesmaid Dress {Annatarian}, Bridesmaid Bouquet {Sparkling Lotus Land}, Tablescape {Toast and Tables}, Invitation {Greenfield Paper}

Nobody quite does school spirit like the South. Being based in Florida, we are constantly working with brides and groom who are worried about planning their wedding around "the big game" in the fall. With that in mind, one of our fantastic Summer interns has created a series of inspiration boards that will please both the bride and groom by interpreting your school colors and traditions into an elegant soiree.

From Joyce: As an upcoming senior at the Florida State University, I have come to realize my time in Tallahassee is running slim, however I know I will forever stay true to my alma mater and garnet + gold. For the next few weeks, I will be doing some inspiration board “tributes” to a few schools of the South-- the best being first, naturally. Enjoy!

Invitation {Wedding Paper Divas}

Flowers {The Knot}

Cake {The Knot}

Table {BBJ Linens}

Tie {Team Fan Shop}

Favors {Brides}

Bridesmaid Dress {Jenny Yoo}

Doak Campbell Stadium + Chief Osceola {FSU.edu}

I had to post these images from {Kelly Moore}'s blog--oh my goodness, I am in love with these shots!  How fun are these umbrellas!?  Not to mention the bride is gorgeous and all the bridesmaids look so happy...

A huge thank you to Danielle from {Weddings Fresh} for the beautiful week of guest blog posts.  Every post was inspiring and absolutely gorgeous!  Be sure to check out her blog and add it to your reader.  She posted some very sweet words about Bliss on her blog today...  Thank you, Dani!

I think every bride should follow this time-honored tradition of old, new, borrowed and blue.  Not only does it make for great photo moments, but it's a wonderful tradition to pass along to each new generation.  Most brides use their dress as something "new" but get a bit more creative on the other categories.  What did or will you use to fit these four categories on your wedding day?

{Dani} used this tradition as the inspiration behind the inspiration board.  It's a lovely collection with a timeless feel.

Wedding Gown {Martha Stewart},

Clutch {Franchi},

Eiffel Tower {What Junebug Loves},

Flower Ring Pillow {Martha Stewart},

Building {Martha Stewart},

Butlers {Martha Stewart},

Blue Bell {Martha Stewart},

Bouquet {The Knot},

Just Married Sticker {Cox and Cox}

Ever the fashionista, {Dani} has found a wonderfully fresh and modern dress to compliment this green and white garden theme.  This one really is my favorite for the season.  The colors are light and airy and every photo just has that little 'pop' to it.  It makes me want to get married again every time I see one of these inspiration boards.  Ah, if only my husband would indulge me!

Door Monogram {Brides}, Cake{Brides}, Boutonniere {Modern Vintage Designs}, Jones Soda {Brides}, Tablescape {Rebecca Thuss}, Polka Dot Table Cloth {BBJ Linen},Vases with White Hydrangeas {Brides}, Invitation {Ceci New York}, Estate and Landscape {Brides}, Wedding Gown {Le Spose de Gio}

Dani has done an incredible job pulling together some fabulous inspiration boards.  I think this one is my favorite, but I'll probably say that again tomorrow too!

 
Reception {Love, Luck & Angels}, Wedding Gown {Vera Wang}, Chocolate Decadence {Sweet Paul}, Pearls {Snippet & Ink}, Cake {Rebecca Thuss},Champagne and Pink Fabric {Zinke Designs}, Bouquet {Love, Luck & Angels}, Invitation {Etsy}, Good Wishes Tree {Instyle Weddings}

Our fabulous guest blogger this week is Danielle from {Weddings by Dani}.  More to come on this designing diva.  Enjoy!

Fall Preview:

Violet Gown {Vera Wang},Green Chair {The Knot}, Linens {BBJ Linen}, Cake {Rebecca Thuss}, Bridesmaid Dress {Alvina Valenta}, Green Pear Placecard {Brides}, Purple and Blue Bouquet {The Knot}

We have thousands of these candid behind the scenes shots!  Enjoy this little peek into Bliss...

Clockwise from top left: Bliss girls photo shoot with {Rae Leytham}; Lara assisting with the cake cutting {Almasy Photo}; Bliss girls photo shoot with {Kim Sellers} and {At First Sight Photo}; straightening chair covers {Kim Sellers}; the before and after effect we love so much! {Salter Photography}; installing flowers at a Travis Tritt benefit event;  Laura N, Bria, Leah and Ashley ready for Lauren and Craig's wedding {Rae Leytham}; Lara, Kirstin, Stef and Amanda holding mini pinneapples after installing massive florals for a Kid's House benefit (note Amanda's battle wound from a glass vase attacking her!); at the Bragg Mitchell Mansion with Bliss model Tammy {Rae Leytham}; prepping flowers for Travis Tritt; Danielle and intern Lindsey fixing a bouquet at a bridal shoot; Lara at a photo shoot--too many brides, so many beautiful bouquets! {Kim Sellers}.  Happy Saturday!