Dessy Group: beautiful in blush

{Photo via: 100 Layer Cake, dress by: The Dessy Group}

How lovely is this photo?  While web-browsing, I came across this Dessy bridesmaid gown from the wedding blog 100 Layer Cake and fell in love with the soft tulle, pale blush color, classy elegant feel, and the vintage love seat.  It captures my vintage modern wedding theme and palette perfectly!  Enjoy.

The Story of Lipstick on Paper

{Photography by: Vivian Sachs, www.viviansachs.com}

We excitedly received our engagement photos last weekend!  My friend Vivian Sachs was our photographer for our photo session in late April; which was taken at Carmel & Pebble Beach.  Looking through our photos, I can't help but feel a sense of disbelief on how far we've come as a couple.  How far I've come from my single, independent and heartbreaking dating days.  As a girl, I always wondered who would be the man I'd one day marry - it's still a trip for me to realize that I finally have my answer.  How did I ever get here?  What did I do to deserve this profound happiness?  And what lies ahead for me in the next few years?

Last weekend, I took a brief overnight trip to Monterey - just me on a solo retreat.  While meandering through the streets and walking along the pier, I wanted my life in the past couple of years to just slowly sink in.  I wanted to have a better sense of how I will approach the future years.  I wanted to also figure out the direction of my writing, especially with this blog: Lipstick on Paper.  Contemplating about that took me back across the spectrum of my past relationships and struggles, all somehow working out in the end and leading me to this milestone year.  Enjoy reading the Story of Lipstick on Paper - this is dedicated to J & our optimistic future together.

P.S. Happy Anniversary, babe.  6 years and 7 months strong.

Catalog Inspiration

I'm drawing inspiration for my engagement photo session from two retailer catalogs - both with beautiful, stylish, and romantic aesthetics.  So European, urban, yet soft and chic.

J.Crew

Vintage and modern J.Crew's Passport to Portugal photo shoot in Lisbon.  I love the mix of old world architecture with vintage, yet cool attire.

Photos from: J.Crew Passport to Portugal

Anthropologie 

Photos of real couples for the August 2009 catalog in Paris. Romantic, sweet, and slightly playful.  I love all things Paris. 

Photos reposted from the Anthropologie Addict.

Our lovely engagement photo shoot session will be with the talented Vivian Sachs in a few weeks!  I'm curious to read what other people find as sources of photo inspiration - which retailer best defines your style?