Hot Wedding Trends // Summer 2014

This summer has brought some great trends in the wedding industry. I love seeing all the new color palettes, especially rose gold!

(By the way, how GORGEOUS is this dress!) 

Rose Gold and Layered Neutrals

Peach was a big trend this spring and summer, which brought the attention to more muted but gorgeous neutrals. Champagne and sage grew in popularity along with rose gold accents. The colors are very elegant up against a white table cloth. Definitely loving this trend!

Bold Patterns

White and blue patterns are very in this summer. So is embroidery. This summer is all about the cocktail hour, so why not spice up the usual white table cloth clad reception tables with fun and vibrant patterns! Animal motifs, wooden accents, and hanging elements are popular as well!

Jeweled Bouquet

Think flowers are the only way to go? Not anymore. Brides have added some sparkle to their wedding day bouquets. Brooches, family jewelry, pearls, and hat pins are among the wedding bling!

Local Fare

The "eating local" movement is in full swing, especially in Birmingham. Brides are starting to get in on the action. Looking for locally sourced ingredients in the food encourages a fresher fare that can make a wedding meal much tastier and unique!

Charity 

While many brides love grabbing that registry scanner and finding a great set of china to scan, the socially conscious brides are choosing to ask for a different kinds of gift. Charity contributions are being added to the registry list more and more! I love the idea of adding the choice on the registry!

Last Minute Trips // Fourth of July

Can you believe that it is already the week of the fourth of July? This year seems to have flown by! 

I am usually a HUGE planner and when I travel I like to have things booked weeks in advance. But for those spontaneous travelers or even the procrastinators, it is not too late to find a great vacation spot for the fourth of July weekend!

Enjoy fireworks, s'mores, and kid-friendly activities at all of these great locations!

St. Pete Beach, Florida

TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

Gorgeous beach front property with plenty of family-friendly activities. The fourth of July brings carnival games, cookouts and music! Entertainment is included in the hotel cost! There is even a HUGE slide on the beach. How can you not enjoy that!?

Litchfield Park, Arizona

Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

You can't go wrong with a four-diamond golf resort and spa! The resort hosts picnics and BBQ on the fourth and even the days prior to the holiday! Great fireworks, pools and waterslides for the kids! 

Blaine, Washington

Semiahmoo Resort

Beautiful lakefront resort full of kayaking, whale watching, and fishing! All-American! Watch an outdoor movie or even roast marshmallows on the beach! Celebrate the fourth with pony rides, fireworks, a parade, and burgers! 

Whitefield, New Hampshire

Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa

Fall in love with this eco-friendly resort that overlooks mountain ranges and hiking trails! There are pie-eating contests and campfires galore! Bring in the fourth with a traditional family barbecue with a firework finale!

Dubois, Wyoming

Triangle C Ranch

This dude ranch is the real thing! Hiking, fishing, hunting and the real cowboy way of life! This is a great place for the kids and it will bring the cowboy out in you! Ring in the fourth with a rodeo and old fashioned BBQ!

Pine Mountain, Georgia

Callaway Gardens

This resort puts on a variety of shows for the holiday. From fireworks to live music and even a circus! Enjoy the weekend while you play mini-golf, swimming, rock climbing and a floating playground! There is a beach party on the fourth so make sure you do not miss that!

Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July! God Bless!

All-American Vacations // Best of 2014

Want to get a true taste of America and marvel at the nation's natural wonders?

Well here are some all-American vacation destinations just in time for the Fourth of July!

Black Hills, Dakotas

Want remote, rugged beauty with a heaping helping of Americana? Then heading to the Dakotas should be on your summer schedule! Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorials are some of the largest mountain carvings in the world. You may see buffalo, prairie dogs, deer, and maybe even wild horses! This is a great trip to explore these historic sites!

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Looking for a gorgeous body of water and a great place to hike? Crater Lake National Park is the place to go. You will not see a body of water this blue at many places. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and craters. You can try your hand at fishing or enjoy a picnic with a gorgeous view!

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Nantucket is just off the coast of Cape Cod and is full of New England charm. You will find great restaurants, eclectic shops, and stunning beaches. Find a quaint inn to stay in and you will feel right at home in Nantucket!

Everglades National Park, Florida

Going to the Everglades is a very unique experience. You will encounter subtropical plants, birds, and rare wildlife. You may even see a manatee. Take an airboat tour and make sure to keep an eye out for alligators and crocodiles. This is a must to add to your bucket list!

U.S. Summer Getaways // The Hot List

Summer for me always means getting to go to the beach or the lake. I count down the days to when the pools open and I can finally relax in the sun. Nothing brings in warm, sun-soaked memories like a classic summer destinations. Whether it is under a swaying desert palm or a bustling boardwalk in a costal town, summer is here! 

Find your place in the sun at these four great iconic summer destinations!

Adirondacks, New York

This is a perfect escape for the nature lovers. There is everything from kayaking to bird-watching and even whitewater rafting! Summer is the time time for new adventures such as rafting on the Hudson River, wind surfing on Lake Champlain, and mountain biking on rugged trails. The Adirondacks are a place for adventure and discovery and summer is the season for road trips! This is your gateway to endless outdoor recreation! 

Clearwater Beach, Florida

While everyone is jetting off to beaches along the famous Scenic 30A Highway, Clearwater Beach is a nice change.  It is home to some of the best beaches in the country. It is home to an emerging downtown area plus a bustling Beachwalk. This makes for endless activities! Clearwater in known for the pink sunsets and crystal-clear waters all summer long! 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Seafood shacks galore fill the seaside towns and coastal trails. You can get your fill of lobster rolls and fried clams. Cape Cope is home to the Kennedy compound and artsy fishing villages. Of course Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket offer nautical charm! These is a wide range of lodging options to suit every budget! 

Ocean City, Maryland

This is a very family-friendly summer destination. Packed with flat beaches, boardwalks, and of course Chesapeake Bay crabs! There are countless free or cheap activities such as putt-putt, Go Karts and outdoor movies! Every night of the week there is a free family fun event! These include laser light shows, concerts, beach olympics and much more!

Have a wonderful fun-filled summer!