Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog

Smiles from a Survivor…

Abby Larson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:12:41 +0000

When I put the word out to our Little Black Book vendors that we would be doing a week of breast cancer awareness posts, I immediately started receiving little notes from vendors filled with stories as to how breast cancer has touched their lives. But it was this next story that really blew me away.

Kristen, of the FABULOUS Greenbean Designs, was forced to face the big “C” at an age where most of us are just learning who we are as women. And to be honest, she has come out of the ordeal with so much more grace and beauty than I think I ever could. There really are no words of introduction, I am just going to let Kristen tell her story…

It was a Friday night in November of 2005; my husband, Michael, and I were at home watching a movie (Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx…I won’t soon forget that movie). And, in classic form, I was multi-tasking away… watching the movie and wrapping a birthday gift for a very dear friend of mine (so pleased that I found the most perfect gift weeks ahead instead of the night before). I had a little itch under my arm. Honestly… it was a little itch. Not supposed to be a significant itch… but this little itch scared me silly. I instinctually raised my arm to relieve this little nuisance and go back to wrapping the gift when I felt something. Not a “lump” (as if I knew what a “lump” truly felt like), rather my entire underarm and breast felt dense, almost rock-like. I never noticed this before. How long had this been here? Immediately, my mind raced to negative-town. I had just turned 30 years old. NOT POSSIBLE!!! I tried to convince, control and calm myself and mentally dismissed it as a fluke thing.

But, each day…my concern grew, as did the itchiness, radiating heat and rash. So, I made an OB/GYN appointment. That’s where it all REALLY began, just after the holidays…

January 9th, 2006 I found myself sitting in my breast surgeon’s office waiting for the news. Good or bad? “Oh God, please let it be good. Let it be an infection or a cyst. Amoxicillin will fix everything, right?” I repeated this over and over in my head believing that the news would be fine. However, my heart knew it was something else… Starting with a whirlwind doctor office tour just days before… first at the gynecologist office leading to a same-day office visit with a radiologist for a mammogram; which, by the way, the mammogram yielded no result because mammograms are less effective for women under 40 years of age, to a sonogram (showing a large mass in my right breast) to a biopsy with the breast surgeon… And, here I was! I waited out what felt like a very long weekend and at the same time, a weekend I never wanted to end, in fear of bad news at the end of it. But, here it was, the day of the results… anxiously wringing my hands, holding on to the arms of the office chair (sure that I have left some fingerprints ingrained in the wood). All I was hoping to hear were the words “It’s nothing”. After all, there was no family history.

The results came back. It was Stage 3 breast cancer. Her2 triple negative. The rest of the news sounded like that of the Peanuts cartoon teacher lecturing her students. I heard nothing except my own repetitive thought…. “Am I going to die? What now? Am I going to lose my hair? What about work? Am I going to die? How are we going to tell family? Am I going to die? God, is anyone else sweating in here? I think I am either going to pass out. Maybe if I pinch myself, I will wake up from this nightmare.” I pinched, and blinked and refocused and there was the surgeon continuing to speak in what I thought was tongues to my husband who listened intently but with despondency in his eyes. Our lives had forever changed after those words… “It’s cancer”

I had my first surgery (and first one ever in my life) to have a port put in and off I went… I began chemotherapy immediately to stop and reverse the growth of the tumor. For 5 months (every 3 weeks to be exact) I sat in a chair in a room that had a longer waiting line than the deli counter on a Saturday morning. Except, rather than everyone in a hurry to accomplish their Saturday shopping, this group (aged from teen to twilight) was ready to settle in for 3-5 hours of what we called “cocktails”. Only this hangover made the morning after a few glasses of wine feel like a walk in the park.

I found so much strength in these other patients. Each surviving and, most importantly, LIVING through this disease. Some newly diagnosed, some “LIVING” with the disease after 10 years. Who would have thought you could laugh so hard in the face of cancer? The oncology doctors, nurses, and volunteers (who by the way passed out sinfully delicious cookies on an almost 5 minute rotation schedule) made the hours spent there like a group, comedy therapy session!

So, of course my hair fell, but on the upside, I saved a fortune in hair care products, not to mention lots of time in styling each morning. My chemo completed, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, radiation and finally, multiple reconstruction surgeries. It has been almost 3 years (this January) and 3 major surgeries (not to mention countless little surgeries).

Like so many women that have lived through this disease or have been great heroes and lost their lives in the battle, we must find a cure. I believe it is so important to educate all young women to do self-exams. Cancer has no boundaries, but early detection is critical. Please, please visit your doctor.

My greatest life lessons: Always listen to what your own body & mind are telling you. Do what you love and LIVE everyday. Tell that special someone that you love him or her as often as possible. Hold the door for the person behind you (you never know what their personal struggles may be, it may just make their day) and take that puppy for a long walk, don’t put it off till tomorrow!

I will always hope and pray that the cancer does not return, but in the meantime, I have a lot of living to do! And many beautiful wedding invitations to design!

And in the spirit of positivity and paying it forward, I am designing a new edition to the Greenbean Design that will truly inspire and hearten our always fashionable and socially responsible brides-to-be! The new website is coming soon and it will be worth the wait!

Warmest Regards,
Kristen

Thank you so much, to Kristen, for all of her loveliness. You are an inspiration to us in so many way…you’ve reminded us to love with every inch of our hearts, to let our creativity thrive and most importantly…to take care of the one body that we have no matter how busy our lives may be.

And, if you haven’t visited Greenbean Designs…you are in for SUCH a treat!

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Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Survivor, Greenbean Designs, Pink Week
Post categories: Community

Pink Inspired Real Wedding

Abby Larson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:00:39 +0000

Our next pink inspired real wedding was sent to me by one of our loyal readers, Tiffany, whose grandmother is a breast cancer survivor!

I love how simple and pretty this wedding is…almost delicate. From the sweet little cake toppers, to the bottles of root beer, there is just a hint of whimsy in an otherwise lovely style. Thanks so much, Tiffany, for sending!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Cake Toppers, Whimsical Wedding Details
Post categories: Real Weddings

Abby Jean Giveaway!

Abby Larson — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:52:40 +0000

As many of you know, before I wrote Style Me Pretty, I designed a line of invitations called Abby Jean…I sold my little company to the talented girls at Fontaine Maury, though I continue to work really closely with the brand. I am totally in love with their new designs as it seems like our two aesthetics just blend seamlessly.

Well, I am partnering up with Abby Jean once again, to do a HUGE giveaway in honor of Pink Week here on SMP!

We are giving away a set of 75 letterpressed personalized stationery with printed envelopes! The value is over $350 so it’s a pretty good prize! You can pick from the Sophie, Hannah or Elizabeth collections so that the stationery really reflects your own personal style.

You know the drill…just let us know what your favorite invitation from the Abby Jean line is, and we’ll pick a random winner! All winners from this week’s giveaways will be announced tomorrow afternoon! Good luck!

* * *

And the winner is…Desiree!

“Pretty much…I am in LOVE with Jill…the invitation that is! The best thing about the “Jill” is that is modern for my taste; not too feminine for my Joe’s taste, and a hint of trastional that is just enough for my Mother to go for. I heart Jill. ~Des”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 195 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Abby Jean, Breast Cancer Awareness, Fontaine Maury, Giveaway, Letterpress, Personal Stationery, Pink Week
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Pink Inspired Flowers, III

Abby Larson — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:00:14 +0000

This next set is all girl. It’s pretty, it’s frilly, it’s totally feminine…

Top Row: flowers by grandiflora, ribbons by Blush / Middle Row: flowers by Soiree Floral / Bottom Row: bridesmaids’ flowers by Blush, pink flower by grandiflora

I am a girly girl to no end, so I love these looks. The peony is hands-down my favorite flower and paired with pretty pink ribbons and details, well, it just works!

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Post tags: Blush, Breast Cancer Awareness, Bridesmaids, California, Color Palette Pink, Connecticut, Grandiflora, Nantucket, New York, Peonies, Pink Week, Ribbons, Soiree Floral
Post categories: Wedding Flowers

Pink Inspired Flowers

Abby Larson — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:00:49 +0000

Today we are celebrating Pink Week with a flower extravaganza! I have to admit, as girly as it is…pink is my all time favorite color. And, a pink flower? Well, that is just perfection in my eyes. So, here are my picks for the most beautiful pink florals, from sleek and modern to feminine and a bit frilly.

Top Row: flowers by Waterlily Pond and Hello Darling / Bottom Row: flowers by Waterlily Pond and Modern Day Design

Okay, these florals are the perfect examples of how to use pink in a totally sophisticated, fresh way. By bringing in varying hues of pink, blacks and golds you instantly add a shot of chic that even the men in your life will appreciate. I am obsessed with the pink and gold scheme in the top left photo and equally smitten with the pink and black palette in the bottom right photo. Love, love, love.

If you are in need of a little floral inspiration, check out the sites mentioned above…honestly, the best way for your florist to understand your many loves, is by printing out images of your favorite designs. Waterlily Pond, Hello Darling and Modern Day Design are all filled with tons of beautiful ideas!

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Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Chicago, Color Palette Pink, Hello Darling, Modern Day Design, Pink Week, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Waterlily Pond
Post categories: Centerpieces, Wedding Flowers

Introducing…Lisa Hoffman!

Abby Larson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:20:34 +0000

To cap off our Pink Week Stationery feature, I wanted to share some HUGE news that we have here at SMP! I’m sure many of you know that I have been a huge Lisa Hoffman of Ceci New York fan, for a very long time. I believe wholeheartedly that her work is some of the best that there is and that she is one of the foremost trendsetters in the world of stationery design…

Well, lucky lucky us…Lisa is joining SMP as a featured writer, with a monthly guest blog all about invitation design, color trends and so much more!! Lisa has designed for the likes of Katherine Heigl, Diddy and Billy Crystal and now, she’s joinig the SMP team to share invitation ideas that are one part inspirational, one part educational. Ideas for REAL BRIDES on real budgets and ideas for those who simply love stationery design…

New York Magazine said that Lisa was “arguably the most talented custom-stationer in the city.” She was named a Top 25 Trendsetter by Modern Bride and is regularly called upon for advice by New York Magazine, InStyle, Town & Country, Elegant Bride and Modern Bride to name a few. So needless to say, I am beyond thrilled that she has agreed to be a regular contributor to Style Me Pretty!

You can look for LIsa’s guest blog on the 15th of every month, launching in November. She has so many beautiful ideas up her sleeve, I can’t wait to see what she’s up to! And, to celebrate Pink Week and our new Ceci NY addition to SMP, we are giving away a set of 50 letterpress notecards from Lisa’s Social Collection…

Just leave a comment with your favorite design from Lisa’s collection and we’ll pick a random winner!

For other giveaways, check out today’s features on Chewing the Cud and Byrd + Bleeker, Olive Route, Cat Seto, Love at First Invite and Paperzest. We’ll announce all winners this Friday!

* * *

And the winner is…Juliette!

“I adore her work! She perfectly fits/matches/wears my personal view of how an elegant and precious and unique invitation have definetely to be.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 90 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Ceci New York, Giveaway, Letterpress, New York, Pink Week, Top 25
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Invitations by Paperzest

Abby Larson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:00:16 +0000

We have yet ANOTHER giveaway to celebrate Pink Week on SMP! Didn’t I tell you that today would be great! Our next giveaway comes from PaperZest out of the DC/Virginia area…

Christina, the owner and designer of PaperZest, is completely in tune with what real brides are looking for…simple, chic designs that celebrate their own unique occasion. And, she’s giving away 100 CUSTOM save the dates to one lucky SMP reader. Just leave a quick comment (1-2 sentences max) as to why you love SMP and we’ll choose a random winner!

* * *

And the winner is…Rebekah!

“SMP has literally been my best girlfriend through my wedding planning process! With all of my friends living so far away, the ideas, advice, and inspiration offered on your site has been a priceless resource and 24-hour wedding planning companion.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 87 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Giveaway, Herndon, PaperZest, Pink Week, Save The Dates, Virginia, Washington DC
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Stationery by Cat Seto

Abby Larson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:00:45 +0000

When I told my dear friend Cat of Cat Seto in San Francisco, who just happens to be one of the most talented designers around, about Pink Week on SMP…she was so excited, she designed this insanely gorgeous watercolor notecard to celebrate the occassion!

Each of the 10 notecards that Cat is giving away to a lucky reader, is embellished with the most gorgeous Swarovski Crystals…if you haven’t seen Cat’s work in person, the images just don’t do it justice. It’s honestly, gorgeous.

For this giveaway, we’re asking brides all about their color palette…what colors are you loving right now?? We’ll pick a random winner! Oh, and definitely check out Cat’s awesome blog, ShopFriends, when you have a minute!

* * *

And the winner is…Lara!

“What fantastic notecards! I love the combination of a deep aubergine and a light, violet gray. I’m thinking of adding hints of light, pale green to the palette.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 77 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Cat Seto, Color Palettes, Giveaway, Pink Week, San Francisco, ShopFriends Blog, Watercolor Notecards
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Pink Stationery by Olive Route

Abby Larson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:27:14 +0000

Our next featured invitation designer that is helping us celebrate Pink Week at SMP is Olive Route…this great letterpress studio in Berkeley, California. Olivia, the lead designer, has the best eye for fun, personality filled invitations that really speak to the style of the wedding…

Olivia will work with clients from around the country on a custom piece for your wedding. One that genuinely reflects who you are as a couple. Here are some fun, pink inspired examples from her line…

And, to join in on the fun of Pink Week, Olivia is giving away a set of 50 letterpressed thank you cards to one lucky reader! Just leave a comment as to which is your favorite design from her collection and we’ll pick a random winner!

* * *

And the winner is…Chandra!

“The Caroline-Kevin collection is my absolute fave. I see it is quite popular in the comments section, but I had to pick it because it really is my favorite. I love the yellow and green, and it is very California, which is where my wedding will be next year.”

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 90 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Berkely, Breast Cancer Awareness, California, Giveaway, Letterpress, Olive Route, Pink Week, Thank You Notes
Post categories: Contests, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Pink Wedding Fashions, III

Abby Larson — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:50:22 +0000

You guys know how much I heart Olivia Luca. Her work is not only environmentally smart, it’s also gorgeous! Here are some of her pink inspired creations…

More to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Bridesmaids Dresses, Olivia Luca, Pink Week
Post categories: Bridal Party, Wedding Fashion

Pink Wedding Fashions

Abby Larson — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:00:43 +0000

If you haven’t heard of Coren Moore yet, she is an absolute must. Her beautiful collection of bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses and bridal gowns is absolutely beautiful, with simple and completely timeless silhouettes. Coren sent me some of her pink inspired dresses that I know you are going to love…

I am loving these two fun, flirty designs…

Check out Coren’s full collection of bridesmaids dresses here, and when you have a minute…you must check out her wedding dresses. They are so so pretty!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Bridesmaids Dresses, Coren Moore, Flower girls, Pink, Pink Week
Post categories: Bridal Party, Wedding Dresses, Wedding Fashion

Pink Week Real Wedding, III

Abby Larson — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:00:05 +0000

This week on SMP is all about raising awareness for breast cancer and celebrating the life of those who have been touched by this disease. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, we are GOING PINK. And this real wedding is seriously all about the pink…

How insane are these pink inspired details! They are literally dripping with luxury. Aaron Delesie, the beautifully talented photographer that sent me this wedding, has such an eye for detail. I love that each image really gets to the heart of the day. Whether it’s the perfect place settings or the gorgeous bride and groom, each image completely speaks to me.

Coming up next, we are celebrating pink fashions! Stay tuned!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Aaron Delesie, Breast Cancer Awareness, Color Palette Pink, Pink Details, Pink Roses, Pink Week, Table Settings, Wedding Cakes
Post categories: Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Details

Pink Week Real Wedding, II

Abby Larson — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:16 +0000

Today is all about pink fashions, but before we dive into our topic for the day, I wanted to share a few more images of the pink inspired wedding that Aaron Delesie sent to me! The pink fashions from this wedding are simple and pretty…a complete fairytale wedding.

I have a few more images from this beautiful real wedding to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 1 comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Aaron Delesie, Breast Cancer Awareness, Pink Week
Post categories: Wedding Photography

Pink Week’s Photographers, IX

Abby Larson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:00:26 +0000

If you missed our earlier posts, this week we are having a pink inspired fete to honor those who are fighting, surviving and those we’ve lost to breast cancer. Today is all about pink photography…images of those perfect little wedding details that turn a pretty evening into a completely memorable affair!

This next set comes to us by Sedona Bride, who we love here at SMP…

I am MADLY in love with that cake! And the hodge podge of pink bridesmaids dresses, paired with the more colorful floral…GORGEOUS!!! To see more pink hued Sedona Bride inspirations, click here!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Bridesmaids Dresses, Color Palette Pink, Pink Week, Sedona Bride, Wedding Cakes
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

Pink Week’s Photographers, VII

Abby Larson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:00:27 +0000

Our next photographer is a favorite on SMP…Myrtle and Marjoram! The soft pinks in this weddings color palette are so beautiful. They are feminine and elegant while still being incredibly sophisticated!

Myrtle and Marjoram also shot this wedding that we featured a while back…it seems like every photograph is thoughtfully planned and articulated. Each one is so clean, so sharp they just beg to be admired!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Color Palette Pink, Myrtle & Marjoram Photography, Pink Week
Post categories: Wedding Photography