The Ultimate Wedding Week: The Details

It's the finale of The Ultimate Wedding Week...and personally my favorite day: the details!

We all know that the details are what make an event "special".  It's the little touches that people remember.  While my wedding was not DIY savvy {this wedding was pre-Pinterest days...dinosaur I know!}, I am still so proud of all the little things that went into our big day.  I really wanted a rustic-organic-chic wedding, with vintage touches.  Succulents, mother of pearl, ruffles, pearls...it was all incorporated.

One thing I did do, was scour every single local nursery to find succulent plants.  I must have gotten 20-30 flats.  But it was a huge money saver...and I just dropped them off at the florist for them to trim and handle the day of the wedding.  

We used willow branches for the center pieces with hanging crystal and candles.  

Lots of succulents were used throughout the day...in the centerpieces, on the cake, at the place settings...I just love them!

I was in love with my cake...

Love the rustic cake topper!

We also used navy blue to tie the lake in.

 Our escort cards were pretty traditional, but we included photos of loved ones that weren't able to be there with us and one of my grandparents on their wedding day, 61 years ago!

For my bouquet...I really wanted to avoid traditional flowers...so we pulled in peonies, gardenia, garden roses {there is a difference!}, and freesia.  I loved how natural and organic it looked...not too formal!

For favors, we did mini chocolate cupcakes, which was a nice transition from our lemon buttercream wedding cake.

Here are some of my bridal details:

My jewelry was handmade by my friend...the mirror compact was a gift from one of my bridesmaids, and the handbag is vintage.

And to showcase the dress...

Sometimes when life gives you lemons...or in this case-mounted deer heads, you just have to make lemonade.  I think this photo perfectly capture my rustic Tahoe wedding...don't you?

Thanks for indulging me the last two weeks!!  Now head on over to Fresh & Fancy and link up your wedding details or inspiration!  And thanks to all of you who have been playing along!  It's been a blast!!

xo natasha

Showered with Baby Love

This past Sunday, I had my first baby shower down in Newport Beach...where I grew up!  It was such a lovely shower...my family and friends were there...and Baby Schue got ridiculously spoiled!  ;)  Get ready for some picture overload!!!

My beautiful and gracious host...she did SUCH an amazing job.  She opened her home and completely transformed her living room...

 See what I mean!

All of the centerpieces were arranged by the host...she's such an amazing planner!

I love how the blue and whites tie in the boy theme!  :) 

Ryan and I as babies!

The mimosa bar! 

Gorgeous chandelier!

Ice tea beverage station

Letters to Baby Schue...love this touch! 

Boxed lunches to keep the shower easy breezy! 

Handmade cupcakes...peanut butter, raspberry and red velvet!  Yum! 

The favors...little vanilla macaroons!

The co-host...my best friend from college!  

You may recognize this beautiful face...Courtney got to be there!  So fun!

So fun opening darling gifts...with my mom!

The auntie-to be!

Friends since high school!  You probably recognize them from all the wedding posts this week!  ;)

My dress is by TBags {Andee wore it to her shower here!}  I searched high and low for the dress and finally found it here.

All in all, it was a great day!  I felt super blessed to be surrounded by all the people I love most and have them share in on this special time of my life.  Can't wait for Baby Schue to make his debut!!!

xo natasha

The Ultimate Wedding Week: The Reception

Thanks to everyone who linked up on Monday...I can't wait to go through all of your posts and see your beautiful ceremonies {and inspiration!}.  

We're back today to talk about the party of the night...the reception!

While there are a lot of details that go into the big day...the reception has details that encompass most of the night.  There's the venue, decor, food, first dance, music, cake cutting, flower toss...and more!  Do you have a sit down dinner or buffet?  DJ or band?  Where does everyone sit?  Do you have an open bar?  The decisions are endless, but it's worth it all in the end.  Here's a snapshot of our reception!  I'm so happy with how it turned out and glad I can look back with fond memories!  :) 

We had our reception at Edgewood Golf Course.  The windows above overlook the lake...aren't they stunning?

 Introduced as Mr. and Mrs. for the first time!  

 Beverages to welcome our guests!

Our guests signed a coffee table book with our engagement photos on display.  It was fun for them to see the engagement photos and we now have it in our family room, where we enjoy all of the well wishes.

 First dance

 Surrounded in love.

 The famous dip and kiss.

Father Daughter Dance...to "My Girl"

 Mother & Son Dance

A view of the room...the lake is out the windows behind this shot.  I love the architecture!

Do you feel the love in the air?!

I think everyone did!

There were great toasts...

Great dancing...

 Great cake...

The toss!

 OH and the garter...Another One Bites the Dust was playing in the background!  ;)

All in all...it was a great night!

Dashing to the limo...hello honeymoon! 
Photos via Mulberry Photography

For the record, we offered our guests a buffet with choice of lobster, sea bass, filet of beef and rack of lamb.  We opted for a DJ, who stuck to my playlist exactly {major kudos!}...rat pack during dinner and oldies for dancing.  Our first dance was "At Last" by Etta James.  We had a sweetheart table and assigned tables.  We gave mini cupcakes away as party favors.  And we hosted beer & wine for our guests.  There are many more details...I'll elaborate more on Friday!

OK, now it's your turn to link up!  Head on over to Natasha's sweet blog: Hello! Happiness to join on the party!

xo natasha