Fab Pic Friday: C-A-N-E-S!!

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It's a CANES thing-- you wouldn't understand! 

Anyone else excited for the return of football?  Be sure to check out my post how to include mascots in your wedding here if you're as pumped as I am!  Have a wonderful weekend!

xo, Elissa

Baby Got Back: Statement Back Gown Inspiration

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Almost did a throwBACK Thursday post, but I figured a good ol' reference to Sir Mix A Lot would be appreciated.  When trying on gowns, so many girls forget to focus on the rear of their dress.  I happen to think that the back is just as important as the front, as that's all your guests will see when you're passed them walking down the aisle and up at the altar/chuppah/ceremony spot!  For those who love the classic backwards-over-the-shoulder pose, an intricate back may be even more important!  Below find a few of my favorites from various designers and see what inspires you!

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^^ The Scarlett is always a popular choice among girls who love lace with a modern twist^^

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^^Mark Zuckerberg's bride, Priscilla Chan, chose this beautiful back for their big day!^^

As you can see, statement backs don't always mean a sultry look!  For even more inspiration, the blog Sparkle & Stuff has endless photos (even divided by categories!)-- wouldn't want to compete with that!

xo, Elissa

How to Polish Silver Using Only Baking Soda & Water!

Last week my grandmother gave my mom this jewelry with beautiful turquoise.  The silver was badly tarnished and my mom almost tossed it away!  I loved the Native American influence it displayed (those feathers?  I die) and remembered a trick I had first learned on Pinterest about a year ago.  While the pieces were lovely before, now their newly discovered sheen makes me so excited to wear during this fall season!  WARNING: I can't endorse using this on all gemstones (ones like turquoise are porous and can possibly be damaged by this soak) but I have done it on a ring with a pave diamond halo and I can tell you nothing makes it shine more!  This would be fantastic for any silver you inherit during your engagement/wedding.  This DIY will definitely make those family heirlooms look brand new again!

^^Since this cuff had turquoise, I did it one side at a time so the stone was never fully submerged.  But that change?  Wowee!  Check out that line that shows the part that was in the solution from the part that was out-- huge difference!  Follow the steps below to make your silver look brand new!^^

^^Possibly the easiest materials ever, I feel almost silly making a photo representation for it!^^ 

^^Just place your tarnished silver in the foil covered tableware and cover with some baking soda.  Make sure the piece is touching the foil (and not just sitting on a heap of soda!)

^^Pour the boiling water over the powder and watch it bubble away!  The reaction of the baking soda + boiling water + tin foil can smell a bit sulfuric (here's your warning!) but it shouldn't be too overwhelming.  Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes^^

^^The bubbles all over your piece confirm that the mixture is doing it's job.  You can almost see the tarnish come off right before your eyes!^^

^^Then just rinse in some hot water and polish with a microfiber or other scratch free cloth!  I did the necklace one half at a time so you could see the difference!^^

^^As you can see, while it was shiny before, the difference in the brightness of the silver is unremarkable!  And didn't require any goopy (or pricey) silver polish!  I went over the areas near the silver with a SOFT headed toothbrush (that I keep strictly for jewelry) and a slight paste of baking soda & hot water (and washed it off right away).  I've since cleaned all my silver jewelry again and can't believe how brand new it looks!

2 steps for brighter silver?  Can't get better than that!

xo, Elissa

Something Blue: Aisle Runners

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Forget the yellow brick road Dorothy, our modern day bride can waltz down a cooler hue that can also serve as her "something blue"!  Aisle runners have always been a good way to personalize your ceremony in a subtle way and I love how the following inspiration images show the different ways you can make them yours.  Want to be seeing blue as you go down the aisle?  Get some ideas and inspiration from the pictures below!

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Walking on a blue runner?  A colored runner?  Tell me about it!

xo, Elissa

Monogram Monday: Koozie Up

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Anyone else pumped for football season? Nothing like tailgating for your favorite team with some cold drinks in hand!  Cold drinks are essential for any sort of event, big or small, to keep all attending hydrated.  These monogrammed ones would be perfect for personalizing your event while keeping those drinks cold and your hands dry!  Plus, we've already showed you HERE how to DIY them to make your own!

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One of my closest friends (hi gel!) always has her koozie on hand for if such occasion should arise, so you know this is a favor that would get utilized (and not kept in "that" drawer).  Are you a koozie user?  What do you think?

xo, Elissa

Fab Pic Friday

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While not for everyone, I personally love shots with a little sensuality like this one.  It would be perfect in the master bedroom, bathroom or even the lovely lady's dressing area.  If you were to ever have a rough day in your relationship or going through a tough time, a quick glance at a photo like this is sure to spark some happy/loving emotions and the memory of why you chose this guy in the first place.

Hope your weekend is just as spicy!

xo, Elissa

Thematic Thursday: School Days Wedding Inspiration

With most kids going back to school this week, it was a happy coincidence that I have been educating myself as well at a workshop for the past 2 days.  It's been a really fulfilling experience to confirm what I already know/do and learn some new trends and practices as well!  While you have heard time and time again that I'm not a theme wedding person, I love the kitschy details below that can be used little by little as a nod to a teacher or a couple that met in school.  Fit into any of these categories (or just a professional student at heart?)-- see how you can make it your own below!

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Per usual, get even more ideas on my Pinterest board!

xo, Elissa

Something Blue: Underwater Wedding Photography

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I promise to stop with the beach/ocean related posts soon, but trying to soak up the last of summer while I can! "Trash/Rock the Dress" have almost become the modern "bridal session" and underwater shoots have taken these photos to the next level.  Perfect for your everyday mermaid or friend who just lives in the water!  What could be a better "something blue" than that beautiful ocean!  Still not convinced?  Look at the pictures below and see for yourself!

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Where my water babies at?

xo, Elissa