We are beyond excited to welcome someone new to our Lovely crew. You may remember Merrill from so many ways…she had the most killer wedding and engagement photos to ever circle the blogsphere, she was our very own model when we first opened Lovely, and she now current works at our Lovely shop during the week. But the funnest part….she is currently training in the Lovely fashion so that she can open our Los Angeles store next year! We have yet to set the date, but look for announcements this Fall on an exact opening date. We love L.A and we super love Merrill! Merrill is hereby deemed our Editor of west coast style and decor.

What do you love most about wedding planning: Seeing the couple’s innermost dreams for their big day come true. This is a time when you are allowed to have big ideas and you are encouraged to think outside of the box and create a wonderful day that you will remember for the rest of your lives!

One tip you would give brides-to-be: Utilize your resources. I was definitely a bride on a budget, but I didn’t let that stop me from dreaming big! If you see something in a magazine or a blog that you want but can’t afford doing, call up that crafty cousin of yours, use your seamstress bridesmaid, even ask your carpenter of a future brother-in-law to help. Believe me, these people are more than happy to help make your big day exactly what you want it to be.

What is your new favorite wedding trend: Photo booths! I love the DIY kind where there is a really cool background with tons of fun props. Not only does it give guests something to do at the wedding, but it creates amazing memories and totally awesome souvenirs! While it’s fun to look back at your wedding pictures that the photographer took of the two of you, looking at all of your friends playing dress up and having a blast at your celebration of love really is the icing on the cake.

And it’s no wonder the Merrill loves photobooths, because she spends many of her weekends working with her husband Tim Melideo as the fantastic wedding duo, Sweet Little Photographs. Talk about a Renaissance woman! Merrill does it all!  We are so excited that Merrill has been with us on the whole Lovely journey and that she will be taking us into the next phase by opening Lovely L.A.  It was like fate brought her to us and we are so blessed!