Featured Wedding // Brianna + Nadim's Timeless Ballroom Wedding

From the bride's princess ball gown to the regal and timeless ballroom, this wedding was simply elegant, romantic, and classy with a coral, peach, silver, and gold color palette. This graceful spring wedding took place on Sunday May 31st at The Golf Club of California located in Fallbrook, California in San Diego County.

The ceremony was held at the Golf Club of California outside on the romantic and private courtyard boasting of tall palm trees and overlooking the beautiful green golf course. Coral and peach rose petals lined the aisle and on every other white ceremony chair, a coral and peach rose bouquet with matching ribbon was placed. The wood alter was decorated with white draping and popping floral bouquets consisting of a mixture of coral, peach, and ivory colored roses. In the wedding program, the bride chose to include a poem called “My Little Girl Don’t Cry for Me” to honor her late father. The words were perfect as she knew they were exactly what her father would say to her on her wedding day.

The reception was held in the Golf Club’s elegant and romantic ball room. The ballroom was filled with light from a dozen softly glowing delicate chandeliers. The bride added amber uplighting around the ballroom for a more warming and enchanting ballroom ambiance. At each table stood a tall elegant vase with a beautiful stunning floral centerpiece on top consisting of peach, coral, and ivory roses, white hydrangeas, peach stock, dusty miller and baby's breath. Simple yet elegant menu cards and exquisite crystal bride and groom thank you favors were placed on top of each silver charger. To enhance the romantic feel, the Bride and Groom chose a stunning four-tiered cake detailed with soft Rosettes, a glitter hologram texture, crystal sugar pearls, sparkly sliver bling, and coral colored gum paste roses. The hit of the party was the Smore and Hot cocoa bar available in the evening time for guests out in the fountain plaza under the twinkle lights.

Congratulations Brianna and Nadim!

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The Golf Club of California, Fallbrook, CA // Ceremony + Reception Venue
ARM Photography // Photography
Kristen, Kayla, Aubree - The Golf Club of California // Wedding Coordinationn
Pure Image Photography & Videography // Videography
Splendid Sentiments // Floral
Southern Cali DJs // DJ
Elegance on Display // Wedding Cake
Maggie Sottero, Beverly Hills Bridal Exchange // Bridal Gown
David's Bridal // Bridesmaid Dresses
Calvin Klein, Men's Wearhouse // Groom + Groomsmen Attire
Luxury Limousine // Transportatiion
SMORE PLAY // S'More + Hot Cocoa Bar

Kettlebell Crush It! // An at-home workout for brides

Written with love, by Nikki Lian

Kettlebells have been used in training since around the 1940s. The Soviet Army would use them as part of their conditioning programs. With that being said, why wouldn't one think we can benefit just as much from using these simple pieces of equipment?

Here are some exercises you can do with a single Kettlebell that can be stored easily and  neatly anywhere in your home, at work or in your car!

Kettlebell Swings

300 hundred swings a day will burn you 937 extra calories according to breakingmuscle.com. This exercise is incorporated into a lot of fitness routines, including Crossfit and circuit training.

Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, swing the Kettlebell through your legs and back up above you as high as you can without it flipping over. Start out coming up low and work your way higher so you get a feel of the momentum. Keep your belly button in and while coming up pop your chest out slightly to straighten your back. This can also be done one arm at a time, depending on how heavy your weight is. For example, if you're working with a 5 or 10-pound Kettlebell, you may want to start off with one arm and then switch after you've done enough reps.

Kettlebell Deadlifts

This is a great exercise that isolate your hamstrings and your glutes.  Again, starting with your feet shoulder width apart, simply hold the kettlebell with both and bend at the waist down toward your toes, keeping your legs straight but your knees soft.  When you feel a stretch in the back of your legs (hamstrings) come all the way back up to a standing position. It's almost like doing to toe touch but with weight. 

Goblet Squat

A goblet squat is simply using a very wide stance. You're trying to get your butt as low as possible to the ground.

Starting with the wide stance and your feet squared, hold the kettle bell with both hands in front of you and squat as low as you can. With this deep squat, you will feel it in your thighs (quads) as well as your glutes.

Bicep Curls into a Shoulder Press

You can do this exercise with either one or two kettlebells. Start with a weight that you would normally use to do your upper body exercises, such as bicep curls or shoulder presses. You're simply combining the two exercises while using your kettlebell instead of a dumbbell. 

Start with your feet shoulder width apart so you have a good base. Keep your belly button in and pop your chest out slightly to keep your back straight. If you're doing one arm at a time, hold the kettle bell palm up and do a bicep curl. From the bicep curl, turn your hand so your palm is facing forward and press the kettle bell over your head. Then bring it back down the same way to your side.

I would start with 10 to 15 repetitions and then do the other arm.   Remember, this exercise can be done doing both arms at the same time with to kettle bells of the same weight.

Kettle bells can be found in any sporting goods store. You can also look for them at stores like Marshalls, Ross, and TJ Maxx.  Although the quality of those won't be as good as an iron one, it'll still do the job

I'd like to thank my model for this week, Michelle, for being my visual for all of you. We did these photos right after she finished three rounds of Fit Camp. She is a machine!
Thank you Michelle.

Today on The Bridal Boutique // Fingerprint Wedding Bands by Brent & Jess

From long before my husband and I began searching for wedding bands, I saw an image of a band that had a fingerprint on it. And I knew that was the ring that I wanted. I searched and scoured and could not find a company to make them for us, and then I found Brent & Jess. This is the most meaningful and beautiful wedding band a couple can wear and just thinking about getting these for my husband and I one day makes my heart flutter. Have you ever seen a more meaningful ring in your life?? I know I haven't! Shop below :)

All photos courtesy of Bleudog Fotography

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