It's All In The Details...

So my new favorite thing is adding a little something extra to your bridal or bridesmaid bouquet. To me, it is those little details that matter...and they don't have to be expensive. You can add pearls, rhinestones, charms and my favorite...broaches. There are so many things out there to give your bouquet that special touch. Try looking at craft stores, costume jewelry boutiques or your own jewelry box(you just may have that special "something old") to find that perfect accent to your bouquet.

Top row from left to right: Images found on www.theweddingchannel.com, www.theknot.com & www.theweddingchannel.com
Bottom row from left to right: Images found on www.brides.com, www.theknot.com, Studio Tran Photography

Coupon Codes

I find it hard to believe, but some brides just don't know about coupon codes. COUPON CODES! Yes, yes, yes...if you are a savvy bride looking to save a little cash where ever you can, this is for you. Coupon codes provide on-line discounts (some are printable coupons you can use in store) when purchasing products. You can find them for almost any company...all it takes is a little web browsing. I've used coupon codes to save money on everything from my save the dates and invitations to candy and favor boxes. Coupon codes often provide discounts from 5% up to 30% and free shipping. In order to find coupons, start by deciding what you want to buy and where from. Once you locate your item, search for coupon codes for the store/company you wish you purchase from. Finally, when you find the coupon code you are looking for, copy and paste it into the promotional code box during check out. Also, sometimes you can use two or more coupon codes together (i.e. 10% discount & free shipping). So, take a little time search for coupon codes and put that extra cash towards something else :)

xoxo~MJ

Below are a few websites I often use for coupon codes:
http://www.retailmenot.com/
http://www.dealio.com/
http://www.mycoupons.com/
http://www.tjoos.com/

Add a Little Spice...

I just love engagement pictures. I believe you really get to see a couple's personality and love for each other in engagement photos. Here in Baton Rouge, a lot of couples travel to New Orleans to take their pictures. New Orleans provides such a beautiful setting with its historic architecture and heritage. Couples often go to the French Quarter or City Park (as my finance` and I did) to add that special ambiance to their photos. Although I do believe setting is a huge part of an engagement photo shoot, props can add even more of that special touch. Using props in your engagement photos allows for you to show off your personality in ways that a backdrop can't. Props are inexpensive and lend to unique, fun photos that are all your own. I've seen everything from vintage bikes, antique cars, beloved pets, boats, guitars, green apples, umbrellas, cowboy boots and even big green tractors. Really, it can be anything as long as it is something that is you. Here in Louisiana, we believe everything is better when you add a little spice. So go ahead, spice it up.

xoxo~MJ

Couldn't help but post a picture of me and my baby. This is one of our engagements taken by the wonderful Beebe Tran of Studio Tran Photography.

Something Blue...

So while browsing some photography websites I noticed a few girls had these beautiful blue satin shoes under their wedding dresses. I was immediately drown to them and started to do research on who they were made by. As they are exquisite shoes, I was not surprised to find out that they were Manolo Blahnik's...they are also the same shoes worn in the Sex in the City movie! While Manolo Blahnik's shoes are fabulous, with a $945.00 price tab(on NeimanMarcus.com) I can not afford them. So, when I found these other shoes so similar, but with a price tag of $159.95 I had to share the news. So if you love the look of the shoes, but really can't afford to splurge, try on the Martinez Valero 'Zenith' Pump for size...cause every girl has a little Carrie Bradshaw in her :)

xoxo~MJ

1. Manolo Blahnik 'Something Blue' Satin Pump $945.00 at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/
2. Martinez Valero 'Zenith' Pump $159.95 at http://shop.nordstrom.com/

Glass Slippers

So I believe every girl should feel like a princess at least one day in her life. And what better way to feel like a princess than to have your very own pair of glass slippers. Ok, so they aren't really made out of glass, more like satin...but these shoes just look fitting for a princess. I love the idea of wearing fun colorful shoes for your wedding day. I know if I love my shoes it is going to make the thought of dancing in them even that more fun. I found these shoes at http://www.nordstroms.com/...

xoxo~MJ

1.)Fergie 'Safra' Pump $89.95 2.)Badgley Mischka 'Eavan' Open Toe Pump $200.00 3.)Jessica Simpson 'Hardy' Slingback $98.95 4.)Stuart Weitzman 'Paradise' Pump $395.00