It's been a rough week for our beloved city. It's been amazing to see how Boston has pulled together to help those in need, and I have no doubt that we will continue to do so. Let's all cross our fingers that Boston will be back to normal in the very near future, and keep those affected by the recent events in our hearts. Stay safe this weekend, Boston friends.

Last night Case and I attended an amazing meet-up/networking event hosted by three incredibly talented women in the Boston area, Emily Starr Alfano (owner of MStarr Event and Design) , Sofi Madison (owner of Olives and Grace) and Kate Pokorny (owner of Pluck PR).

As women swapped stories and passions, I couldn't help but be inspired by the buzz. It was a great reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with positive people, energy and spirit. And I'm not just talking business here, I'm talking real life, the teams you build for your everyday, whether it's a business, your community, your wedding vendors, your running buddies, whatever the case may be, it's important!

So, what's this have to do with weddings? Well, Kate of Pluck PR, who I mentioned before, last night she introduced us all to Carats and Cake. Yup folks, not the kind you bite, the kind that bling. It's this amazing new site where both vendors and past brides can share their weddings and brides-to-be can ooohhh and aaaahhh as they plan their perfect day. Now head on over and check it out!

Happy Friday, y'all.

What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully you can stay inside with a warm drink and enjoy this winter snow through the windows. Spring is nearly upon us (looks like we might hit 50 on Tuesday!) but for now, I'm still enjoying hibernating.

So work on your invitation design, answer emails to your vendors, or do a little online shopping for some new honeymoon outfits. Spring will be here before we know it. Happy planning!

I'll leave you with some winter inspiration from a recent winter wedding in Vermont...
Photo by Hello Love Photography

Are you and your sweetie planning anything fun for Valentine's Day tomorrow? In the craziness of wedding planning, it can be really great to take a break and go out on a romantic date to remember what brought you together in the first place. Put the planning aside (no discussing DJs or catering menus!) and spend some time together. If you're a last-minute shopper, here are some cute cards from Gus & Ruby Letterpress in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

And if you're looking for a one-stop shop, you can pick up a card and some beautiful flowers arranged by our talented Becca at a pop-up flower shop they are holding tomorrow! You can find all of the information below.

Have you been to any wedding shows in your search for vendors and venues? They can all start to feel the same after a while, but I'm here with some good news! This weekend in Boston is the Lovesick Expo.

Billing itself as a "concert-like event that unites engaged couples and vendors who typically wince at the thought of attending a wedding expo," the Lovesick Expo sounds like the place to go if you're looking for unconventional and modern vendors. You'll be able to browse and meet loads of photographers, DJs, floral designers, fashion boutiques, planners, and more. There will even be live bands and a bar! Sounds like a fun beginning to a date night in the city for you and your new fiance. ;)

Photo courtesy of Love Me Do Photography

The Lovesick Expo will take place from 11:00 - 3:00 at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter (which is one of my favorite wedding venues) at 100 W. 2nd Street in South Boston. Tickets are $6.50 online at www.lovesickexpo.com and $10 at the door. More information can be found at www.lovesickexpo.com.

Winter Sundays in my house are for sitting by the crackling fire, sipping peppermint tea, cozied up under a warm blanket. It was under these comfy circumstances that I glued myself to the TV screen and welcomed back my favorite PBS family. That's right, those incorrigible Crawleys are wandering about Downton Abbey again...the fact that this week featured an over the top wedding was just the cherry on top.

(I don't want to give too much away, so if you haven't seen it, I promise not to ruin it. Watch the trailer below for scenes to come in Season 3)

Lady Mary wore the most perfect drop-waist, long-sleeve, whisper-white dress that trailed down the grand stairway into her her father's arms. The elegance and simplicity of this dress alone was a show stopper.

At weddings, I'm continuously a sucker for dresses and flowers, these are the elements that strike a chord (or not) right away. I went to one of my all time favorite ladies, Chelsea Tyler, owner and wedding stylist of Everthine Bridal Boutique for her expert opinion on which dresses will act as the perfect inspiration for your own English-garden-inspired wedding.

She chose two drop dead gorgeous dresses both by Jenny Packham.

all images by Michelle Gardella
xo, becca