It might be hard to believe, but on our last trip out West we discovered a wedding gem hiding right in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf. The Fishermen’s and Seamen’s Memorial Chapel is located across from Pier 45 and overlooks the boat basin, erected in tribute to all those who have worked the docks and battled the sea. The chapel’s campanile houses a bell that was crafted in 1860 and above the front doors is a breathtaking stained-glass window. We would love to see a beaming couple married here. Of course, it would be totally perfect for an engagement photo shoot, too. We can already envision a couple posing beneath the stained-glass, ringing the bell, and standing on the dock looking out at the water. So simple, so lovely!

I’m very excited to share the photos from Luke and my e-session. The photos were taken by our amazing wedding photographer Weddings by Two. Ben and Laura were so much fun to work with and we absolutely love the final result! Our engagement shoot took place on my birthday, so the fiancé and I decided to go all out and stay at the Ace Hotel in NYC the night before, have dinner at the Breslin, and then take our photos at the hotel in the morning. Luke proposed to me on his birthday, so it seems birthdays are becoming a theme during our engagement. We took tons of pictures in the room and then moved onto the lobby. It turns out you need the hotel’s permission to take photos, so our time in the lobby was cut a little short. But we didn’t mind and were happy to change into our jeans and venture on to Madison Square Park and then the subway. It was an unforgettable birthday. From the hundreds of photos Weddings by Two sent us, it was super difficult to share just a few. But I tried to choose one from each look or location to give you a sense of our day. Enjoy!

Since this is Lovely I thought I should add an update on the fashion. My first dress is from Alice & Olivia (Katya Printed Dress). The white lace dress is Built by Wendy (I believe from the Fall 2009 collection). The jeans and belt are J.Crew, white v-neck from American Apparel, blazer is Aqua, and the shoes are Boutique 9.

First off, in the room…

Then the lobby…

And ending outside!

If you’re on the fence about doing an e-shoot, I’d highly recommending going for it. Even though we aren’t including these photos in a save-the-date or invitation, it was invaluable to get used to working with our photographer and establish a relationship. Plus, it showed me some weird faces I make so as not to repeat them in our wedding pictures!

Upon seeing the  adorable Forget-Me- Not leggings from Stetsis, we immediately thought how perfect they’d look with a whimsical Sarah Seven dress.  But for some reason the inspiration just wouldn’t stop there.  Thus, we present to you the probably the most romantic, dreamy, girlie and soft look we’ve ever put together! Perhaps its for a bride or perhaps just a magical stroll through a field of baby’s breath…or in the clouds.

{Mini Veil – Twigs & Honey via SMP, Leggings – Sretsis, Shoes – Prada, Vintage Bow Bracelet – Gabriela Artigas, Dress – Sarah Seven, Lip Gloss – Mor, Vintage Clutch – Charlotte Casadejus, Banner – Banter Banner, Floral Backdrop - Ruche}

This is one great dress captured in one great photograph. The bride’s champagne dress shines under the glowing sparklers, and if you look closely you can see every color of the rainbow in the embellishment. Not only is are the sparklers and dress glowing but the bride’s face is definitely glowing with the joy of just getting married. In a sea of indie weddings, we are loving the formal old worldliness that exudes from this stunning picture by one of our favorites, Weddings by Two. The photo seems to tell a whole story about where they’ve been and where they’re going… I think a glamorous getaway car!

I wouldn’t say I’m too shy for lingerie, but maybe just too much of a goofball for it. It’s funny to take myself seriously, especially when it’s so meditated. But with the beautiful vintage inspired lingerie that Jenny Packham is introducing, I think I could put on my game face and become a real pro. The kimonos alone are enough to make you want to start bedtime at 5pm! Now if I remember correctly, the sheer exhaustion that follows a wedding day would make these lovely treats a bit of an effort. But throw them in your suitcase and relive all of the love on your honeymoon!

Don’t miss out on the fun if you’re already married. These adorable sleep dresses (a much more giggle-less way to say teddy) are perfect for this valentine’s day…and with plenty of time to hit the gym and tone up for the big reveal.