Style Me Pretty

Mom, Inc.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would find the name Abby Larson in an actual book. Like the kind that sits on the best seller list and includes other names like ummm, Cynthia Rowley and Cortney Novogratz, all talking shop about what happens when Business collides oh-so-imperfectly with Motherhood. Well, needless to say, I am thrilled/humbled/giddy/excited/nervous/proud to be included in Cat Seto and Meg Ilasco’s brand new masterpiece, Mom Inc., an essential how-to guide for those looking to start a business from home.

Here is an excerpt from my chapter…

How do you balance the business with being a mom? If you have any mom guilt, how do you deal with it?

As a parent, you have to be flexible every day. Every day is not going to be the same, and although you have plans in place, you have to be willing to change them without getting flustered or upset. As for guilt, it’s a constant feeling. I want to stay at home and be with Audrey and William, but I also want to run my business. I need dedicated work time when I’m not taking care of the baby. If that means bringing someone in to help watch my children, I know I shouldn’t feel guilty about it. To maintain a balance, my goal is to be an active mom—to be available to pick Audrey up from school, to sit down to dinner with my family, and to have two or three hours a night when computers are closed and we’re just playing with the kids. As Style Me Pretty grows more, the balance becomes harder. But my children will never take a backseat to this job, ever.

I’ve actually known Cat for years and years as she’s been one of the few industry friends who cheered me on when I was hand applying glitter to hundreds of notecards in my living room. She’s an amazing person, an incredible mother and someone that I look to for advice, inspiration and general loveliness. So it’s no doubt that when she partnered with the genius of Meg Ilasco, it would be nothing short of magic. It’s Meg Ilasco’s third book in the Inc. series and dare I say…it’s her best? Okay, I know I’m biased. But I’m totally serious.

The book is filled with incredible insight and knowledge into just how the women making waves balance their work life with their growing families, the imperfect dance that it requires and the general framework for getting off your toosh and really doing it. It’s sincerely a beautiful read and one that anyone who is looking to move it and shake it up a bit will devour in a single night.

Thank you so very much to Cat and Meg for sharing this with the world! I heart you. Big time. And for all of you, make sure you run, don’t walk to snag your own copy!

Los Angeles River Center and Gardens Wedding by Erin Hearts Court

There is nothing prettier than a garden inspired wedding. Think about it. You have built in gorgeousness with all of the pretty blooms. You have a sweet, outdoor space that screams romance. And generally speaking, you have a bride and groom that are unfussy and effortlessly elegant in their approach to style. Well, take all three of those ingredients and layer on a richness that scream gorgeous, texture and candlelight and a dreamy spanish guitar. And you have this next stunning celebration photographed to heart breaking perfection by Erin Hearts Court. Just make sure you remember to check out the full gallery because there is SO much more goodness tucked inside.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride & Groom… We were so happy to celebrate the beginning of our married life with our family and closest friends. Our wedding was a way to not only honor our devotion and commitment to one another but to thank all of our nearest and dearest for their continuous love and support, especially our parents and brothers. We searched for an outdoor venue that would provide the opportunity for our guests to experience California living at its best. We discovered the enchanting Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, an unexpected oasis in the city. The Spanish style courtyard and bell tower created an ambience of vintage Los Angeles romance and simple elegance. The floral arrangements by Rosebud Floral Design complemented the setting beautifully — they were wild and unique, highlighted by an endless sparkle of candlelight. The Kitchen for Exploring foods provided a delicious and marvelously presented fare of appetizers, specialty pomegranate and lime-mint margaritas, delectable entrees and a festival of exquisite desserts. We were fortunate to have the loveliest autumn weather. The afternoon light was spectacular, and the evening was cool but comfortable. It is truly poignant to see all the little details you’ve mulled over for many months come together in one grand celebration.  The lyrics to last song of the evening, “Harvest Moon,” selected by the incredible DJ Shark, express the sentiments of the day best:

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin’
We could dream this night away.

But there’s a full moon risin’
Let’s go dancing in the light
We know where the music’s playin’
Let’s go out and feel the night.

Because I’m still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I’m still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

A big thank you to all our incredible vendors whose collective talents and enthusiasm created a magical evening that we will always remember with true joy and gratitude. And a special thank you to Erin Hearts Court for capturing the warmth and nostalgia of the day in their beautiful photographs.

Wedding Photography: Courtney + Erin De Jauregui of Erin Hearts Court / Wedding Venue: Los Angeles River Center and Gardens in Los Angeles, California / Wedding Coordination: Amanda Auer of In the Now Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Amanda Claverie of Rosebud Floral Design / Officiant: Father Mike of Good Shepherd Church / Catering: The Kitchen for Exploring Foods / Wedding Cake: Proof Bakery / Wedding Invitations, Programs + Menus: Margaret Haas of Paper Pastries / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Photo Booth: Cheesy Photobooths / Ceremony Music: Arroyo String Quartet / Cocktail Reception Music: Jose Alberto Munoz of Mariachi Cantares De Mexico / DJ: DJ Shark / Wedding Dress: The Algonquin Collection from Lea-Ann Belter via The Ivory Suite Bridal Boutique Bride’s Accessories: The Ivory Suite Bridal Boutique

Puerto Vallarta Wedding at the Dreams Resort and Spa by Brandi Smyth

Mexico dreaming. That is never a bad way to spend the afternoon. We are dipping our proverbial toes in the sand, feeling that imaginary sun on our shoulders and reveling in all things Puerto Vallarta; the perfect destination to tie the knot if you ask us. Especially when it’s a perfectly executed beach affair by the Dazzling Details mixed with enough snapshots by Brandi Smyth Photography to have us booking the next flight out. Literally. See more of this beach bash right here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Kenny and I met almost five years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. We instantly hit it off and became inseparable! The challenge, of course, was that we lived five hours away from each other and needed to figure out how to make a long distance relationship work. After dating a year long distance, we knew that it was time for us to make the next step so Kenny decided to move to North Louisiana to live closer to me and my son, Camden. Kenny has always been my rock. I knew from day one that he was the person that I was going to marry, and he was the one to complete our family. He has been an amazing father to Camden and has been the perfect person to fit into our lives. Kenny proposed to me in November of 2011 with my son, hours before we were scheduled to take our family Christmas pictures. Of course, I said yes and the rest is history!

From the start of our engagement, Kenny and I knew that we wanted to have a destination wedding. The problem was just deciding on the destination. We came across Puerto Vallerta, Mexico, with the help of our wonderful travel agent. It was love at first sight. We fell in love with the charm that Puerto Vallerta offered and the beautiful panoramic views. The deciding factor was when I came across The Dazzling Details on a blog that I was reading. They seemed perfect in every way. I emailed them immediately, and within the first few emails I knew that we found our destination, and that is when the fun began!

I had a distinct vision of what I wanted for our special day. First, and foremost was that I wanted my 8-year-old son to feel very much a part of our wedding day. The second thing was to be an experience that not only we would remember but also our whole wedding group. The Dazzling Details took every email from us and translated into a masterpiece. It was unique, modern and everything that we ever could have hoped for. They included so many personal touches that were little surprises for us along the way. March 29th will always be a day that we will always cherish — it was the day that we officially became an “us.” Arriving home from Puerto Vallerta, we also found out that we brought back a very special souvenir from Mexico — we have a baby due in December of 2012. This year has been an incredible journey for us, and it’s only going to get better!

Wedding Photography: Brandi Smyth Photography / Wedding Venue: Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa in Puerto Vallerta, Mexico / Wedding + Floral Design: The Dazzling Details / Wedding Invitations: Chez Rivage / Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji via Nordstrom / Bride’s Cuff + Headpiece: Custom by Doloris Petunia / Hair + Makeup: Trisha Hughes + Britnee Pippin / Bridesmaid’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Nordstrom / Flowergirl’s Dress: Custom by Doloris Petunia / Men’s Attire: Squires Formalwear