As we put the finishing touches on another pretty SMP week, we’re reminded of all the love filled affairs we have the pleasure of featuring. But we’re not the only ones that get a little sentimental about all these happy couples. Andrea Eppolito Events sent us this sultry Arizona engagement shoot of one of her dearest friends and we couldn’t help but share this couple’s story (and all-out gorgeousness from Raylene Streuber Photography) ! You can see the rest of this sunshine filled e-session right here in the gallery. Happy weekend lovelies! See you back here first thing Monday morning! XO
From the Bride… While studying with my nursing school classmates at Create Café, my eyes locked with the most handsome man I’d ever seen. Brian was sitting across the restaurant from me, eating lunch with his family. I rushed to the restroom to freshen my lipstick and let my hair out of a ponytail. When I returned to the table I sat directly in his line of sight and gave him my best “come hither” hair toss. He still teases me about that, but the engagement ring on my finger tells me the tried-and-true hair toss is still effective.
We kept stealing glances at one another, as Brian struggled to muster the courage to approach a table of six ladies to ask for my phone number. As my classmates began packing their books to leave, I remained at the table. My classmate asked, “Aren’t you leaving?” I replied, “I’m not leaving until that man comes over to talk to me.”
Brian walked out of the restaurant with his family. I turned to my classmate and said, “I was wrong. I guess he’s not interested” and began packing my things to leave. Meanwhile, in the parking lot, Brian told his father, “I’m going back inside Dad. There’s a girl I’m going to talk to.” His dad gave him a surprised, “Good luck!” as he walked back into the café. My classmate whispered to me, “It looks like you were right after all.” Standing in front of me was my future husband, and I’ll never forget what he said… “Hi; I’m Brian. I’m sorry to bother you, but if I left without asking for your number, I’d be kicking myself for the rest of my life.”
From Andrea Eppolito… It’s not every day that one of your best friends meets the man of her dreams, falls in love, gets engaged and then allows you to help plan her wedding!
On the night of her nursing school graduation the two attended a celebratory “pinning” ceremony at a beautiful event center in the scenic outskirts of Tucson. After everyone left, Lori & Brian stayed behind to tour the grounds. As the sun was setting, he knelt down on one knee, promised to love her for the rest of their lives, and proposed. Quite the striking ring! I love halos around square cut stones! The ring was a complete surprise! Brian chose a a limited edition design from Fred Meyer’s Jewelry featuring an emerald cut center stone. Enhancing the classic style is a halo of round diamonds set in white gold, with pave diamonds encircling the band. To celebrate unique spirit of their romance photographer Raylene Strauber set the two against the gorgeous colors of Tucson, Arizona and among the books that brought them together.
As a friend, I could not be happier to see this darling girl marrying such an amazing man. And as a destination wedding planner I could not be more excited about helping her plan what I know is going to be a fabulous desert wedding!
Personal Note to Brian & Lori: Lori ~ From the moment we met nearly 20 years ago you have been a bright light in my life, my partner in crime, my confident and one of the truest friends I have known! I love you like family and it is my honor and privilege to help you make your wedding day amazing! Brian ~ You aren’t just easy on the eyes, but easy on the heart! Thank you for making my sweet friend so happy and for letting me be a part of your day!
Photography: Raylene Streuber Photography / Wedding Planner: Andrea Eppolito Events
Pretty posts from this week…
a dreamy Boulder bash, Part I and Part II
a Tolstoy inspired photo shoot in Ohio
a very vintage affair in North Carolina
a colorful California celebration
a rustic Valentine’s game night
a round up of some of the prettiest cakes we know
a Cincinnati garden soiree
a sophisticated fall wedding in Chicago
a magical Missouri romance
a charming Portland party caught on film
some fun links from around the web…
Nature-inspired escort cards from Elizabeth Anne Designs
We’re sure we’re not only the ones with this problem via Etsy.
Packaging that makes even french fries cute via A Fabulous Fete
Brides + Grooms to be – Don’t forget about our LBB! This week’s Don’t Miss List spotlights our Little Black Book VIPs who take the stress out of planning your big day. In between saying “Yes!” and exchanging “I do’s,” plan to perfect your soiree with the professionals WE couldn’t live without.
Food is one of the biggest factors in your budget, shouldn’t it be fabulous!?!? If you’re in their neck of the woods, check out The Casual Gourmet, Barraud Caterers Limited, Seasons Catering.
There’s cinematography and then there’s cinematography done right, Valerie Barnes Film, Ever After Video Productions, Urban Light Films, Tweed Weddings, 15 Minutes of Frame, T-Square Production, and Chris Watson Films are just that.
Fabulous florals and event design will take your day from memorable to magnificent… so check out Kathleen Deery Design, Violetta Flowers, Inspired Floral Design, Blossom and Branch, Finch & Thistle Event Design, and KITANIM, a floral design and event company.
A photobooth is must have guest entertainment these days, give Photobooth Planet and Shutterbooth a shout.
We know there are a million photographers to choose from, but we just happen to know some of the best of the best. Make sure to check out, Q Weddings, Wildflower Photography, Amanda Forbes Photographer, First Comes Love Photo, Anne Robert Photography, and Laura Ivanova Photography.
That’s a wrap folks! Have a fabulous weekend! XO