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Happy Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2011 | editorial team

Happy Thanksgiving dear Junebug readers!

We believe that gratitude and delicious food are two of the best things in life, so what could be better than a whole holiday dedicated to celebrating them? We have so many things to be thankful for this year (each and every one of you reading this included), and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say so…

the dinner table, photo by Chrisman Studios
(Beautiful dinner table photo above by Chrisman Studios)

Blair: I feel grateful that I can honestly say I have no regrets about my life today. Not that I wouldn’t do things differently if I had a chance to do them again, just that every day I am grateful for the path and the people who’ve brought me here. Specifically, I am grateful for my husband Bob, my son Reid, my sister and fellow Junebug Sydnor, my amazing business partner Christy, Molly our ridiculously competent Photo Editor, Emily who works side by side with me to keep me organized (yes, she is a saint), my friend and Junebug co-founder Kim who always delights and inspires me, my Himalayan cat who still acts like a kitten, my home amid towering trees, distinctive photography, dancing with abandon, cooking almost anything, working in my pajamas, and connecting with old friends and new ones online, in person and around the world. My work surrounds me with beauty, love, and phenomenal people everyday, and although I know I tend to work too much, I just can’t get enough of it.

Christy: I’m thankful for so many things this year that it’s hard to narrow the list down to a manageable and blog post appropriate length! I’m eternally grateful for my partner Blair, who has been my friend and creative collaborator for more than 12 years now (wow!), the incredible team we have here at Junebug (just look at those beautiful faces!), my one-of-a kind boyfriend Matt, my brilliant sister Chela, and my wildly supportive and loving family and friends. Seattle and its endlessly opening new restaurants, how cozy my home office feels as it pours down rain outside, and the fact that I’m leading my Fantasy Football League bring me huge amounts of joy. And all the wonderful wedding professionals, artists, and readers who allow me to do this job – I thank my lucky stars for you everyday.

Sydnor: This year, I am grateful for the chance to bear witness to the stories of humanity and courage within our community – stories of love found and love lost, of glorious celebration and of heart-wrenching struggle. The drive of the human spirit to love, to create, and to heal despite great challenges are my joie de vivre! I am particularly thankful every time I find myself dancing to music that brings me alive – as well as having room for stillness and silence. For the wonderful ‘Bugs, and for my sister, whom I love and adore. I am grateful for my boyfriend, Omar, who is my soul mate and best friend and for my family and close friends who keep showing me what love is all about.

Molly: Wow I have so much to be thankful for this year! As always, I’m hugely thankful for my incredible community of family and friends. I’m thankful to be done with school (finally)! I’m thankful for the exposure to all the gorgeous wedding and portrait photography I get at Junebug, and the personal artistic inspiration that comes with that. Most recently I’m thankful for my co-workers, family, and friends who helped facilitate the amazing trip to France I was so blessed to get to take this month!

Emily: This year I am thankful for so many things in my life. My amazing husband and family who encourage me through life, being able to work in a field, and with people, that I love, and for the amazing community that I have met over this last year… and for warm apple cider. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

And from all of us: Thank you, thank you, thank you for tuning in here everyday and sharing your wedding planning experiences with us. We are honored to get to play a part in such a monumental season in your lives, and we hold your trust, your comments and your friendship close to our hearts. We couldn’t do what we do without you!

Now go enjoy your friends, family and Thanksgiving feasts, and we’ll see you back here on Monday!

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Hip, Stylish, Modern Wedding Inspiration Photo Shoot at the W Hotel Scottsdale

November 23, 2011 | editorial team

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

As soon as I saw the the wedding bouquet wrapped in zippers and the hot pink spray painted succulents (not to mention beautiful photography!) I knew this was a wedding inspiration photo shoot I would love! Phoenix based photographer Melissa Jill and the event planning team from Outstanding Occasions joined with an all-start group of wedding professionals to create this photo shoot filled with modern wedding ideas and looks, and we’re smitten with so much of it. Thanks for sharing your hard work ladies!

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

From photographer Melissa Jill Photography: The W Scottsdale was the backdrop for this modern inspiration shoot depicting the contrast between masculine and feminine details. White, grey and black were the main colors with a pop of pink. We created a story to go along with our design concept for the photo shoot: Tori, an interior designer and fashionista from LA, met Tyson, a quirky, Arizona guy who grew up riding horses.

The bride wore a full, pocketed WTOO wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline from Mariee Gallery. Camelback Flowershop designed a soft grey bouquet with a zipper detail. This ceremony look was accessorized with a punch of color in the necklace by  Laura Eva Designs and the stunning earrings and ring were from Emmaquist. The groom wore a black and white jacket, a gingham shirt and black satin bow tie and black pants along with some black glasses to add some quirkiness. He also wore a soft grey boutonniere that coordinated with the bride’s bouquet. For the reception, the bride’s Matthew Christopher Dahlia dress was fitted and feminine and was accessorized with gorgeous Chanel shoes. The groom changed to a polka dot tie and black silk pocket square with a boutonniere to match.

The invitation suite designed by Idieh Design incorporated hounds tooth, plaid and other patterns as well as leather details. The “escort cards” were actually planted succulents spray-painted pink and small terra-cotta pots painted black. We added the handwritten names and table numbers in white. Camelback Flowershop looped leather, fabric and ribbon with white carnations to create a pattern in the mirror piece and the white lacquer horse that we spray-painted added in the groom’s love of horses in a modern way. The three amazing cakes from Classic Cakes and Confections also incorporated the hounds tooth, pinstripe and plaid masculine details, and donut pops and glazed donuts with chocolate, caramel and sprinkle toppings provided by The Donut Shoppe.

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

stylish, hip, modern wedding style inspiration at the W Hotel Scottsdale from Outstanding Occasions and Melissa Jill Photography - black, white, gray and pink wedding color ideas

Photo Shoot Team:

Event Planners: Outstanding Occasions
Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography
Floral Designer: Camelback Flowershop
Reception Venue: W Scottsdale
Invitation Designer: Idieh Design
Dress Store: Mariee
Modeling Agency: The Agency Arizona
Cake Designer: Classic Cakes and Confections
Linens and Coverings: Classic Party Rentals Phoenix
Makeup Artist: Bliss Spa
Hair Stylist: Organic Hair Lounge
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue
Jewelry: Laura Eva Designs, Emmaquist
Personal Stylist: AVE Styles

Want even more wedding style inspiration? Check out our wedding photo gallery where you can search by color palette, fashion look, decor items and more!

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Holiday Wish List – Gorgeous Alternative Wedding and Engagement Rings!

November 22, 2011 | editorial team

alternative wedding ring from MITRA Jewelry - Herkimer diamond in an oxidized sterling silver setting

If an engagement ring, wedding band or just a new everyday stunner is on your wish list this holiday season, take a peek at these fantastic alternative wedding and engagement rings hand-crafted by independent jewelry designers! So much creativity here!

alternative engagement and wedding rings - pearl, gold and diamond wedding rings

Top image: Herkimer diamond ring with an oxidized sterling silver setting and band from MITRA Jewelry

Above image, top row: Pink pearl, black pearl and mirrored pearl rings from Mindan’s Designs available on Etsy.com. Sweet, affordable and great as bridesmaids’ gifts too!

Second row: Knottedrush gold ring from Bario-Neal

Bottom row: Avens large diamond and 18k gold ring from Bario-Neal

alternative engagement and wedding rings - rough cut diamonds and stackable wedding bands

Top row: Green amethyst and 18k yellow gold Woodland Sun ring by Alex Monroe from BHLDN.com and 20k yellow gold hammered square wedding band by Sarah Perlis

Second row: Herkimer diamond solitaire wedding ring and Peach freeform diamond ring from Melissa Joy Manning

Third row: Set of eight 14k gold stacking wedding bands and Set of eight yelow gold, rose gold and oxidized silver stacking wedding bands

Bottom row: Custom made fingerprint wedding bands from Brent & Jess

What’s on your holiday wish list and giving list this year?

Looking for more ideas? Check out last week’s post on bright and colorful wedding shoes!

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings