A Much-Needed Bridal Confidence Boost

January 21, 2016

Sponsored with love, by Crest Professional Effects Whitestrips

From the moment he pops the question, you’re going to be in front of the camera more than ever before…well, unless you’re a professional model or actress. But for the rest of us, the non-stop presence of endless cameras can be a bit overwhelming.

The moment he gets down on one knee, the engagement party, the engagement photo session, the wedding day, the honeymoon and so much more…You are going to be become best friends [or worst enemies] with that camera.

Personally, I am a bit camera shy. Why? I’m not the most photogenic person in the world and most of all, I am always thinking about what makes a great photo – a great smile and authenticity. A great photographer definitely helps but that can only take you so far. Your photographer can put you in the perfect pose or make you laugh an authentic laugh but without a personal confidence and most of all, a confident smile, your photos are not going to be totally you, just as they should be. Authenticity comes with feeling comfortable and if you aren’t comfortable with your smile, then you aren’t going to look authentic. You aren’t going to look like a real bride. And that is where Crest Professional Effects Whitestrips comes into play in the bridal world!

Many of us find it hard enough to be the spotlight of a wedding and so many events leading up to the wedding, but we all want those jaw-dropping photos. While you know that your hair and your makeup are going to look fantastic since you've already had a trial with your hair and makeup artist, the one thing holding you back is your smile. Without feeling comfortable with your pearly whites (with the help of Crest Professional Effects Whitestrips), you are not going to feel as comfortable and confident as you stand in front of your family and friends and most of all, in front of your wedding photographer. And no matter how much you may not care about your wedding photos in the present, you are 100% going to want them in the future – real, authentic and totally you.

So in order to feel as beautiful as can be and allow your photographer to capture your amazing, true personality behind that lens, make Crest Professional Effects Whitestrips your best friend while planning your wedding, so the camera can also join in that friendship.

Date Night Recipe // Guacamole Wraps

January 20, 2016

Written with love, by Sarah-Elizabeth Stone

date night ideas - guacamole wrap recipe

The deep freeze has begun. For the great majority of people, January is cold and bitter. A lot of couples find themselves digging out of the Christmas money pit, or changing up their diets to compensate for the 'No Calories in December' rule. I begin to get loured in by fast food and easy options as dark and cold makes for little inspiration. All I find myself wanting is easy and warm food that fills me up.

So I've come up with the perfect combination of foods that make for a filling meal, that's warm and won't make you feel like you've been cooking for hours. Pair with a nice hot soup, under your cozy blanket and you've got yourself a stellar night ahead.

Ingredients

•         2-3 avocados
•         1 small white onion, chopped
•         1 head of garlic
•         1 tsp of lemon juice
•         1 tsp of lime juice
•         2 tomatoes, slice
•         1 cups of cubed cheese
•         6 pita or tortilla

Directions

1. In a bowl shell the avocado, and mush it into a paste. Mix in lemon and lime juice

2. In a frying pan, over medium heat, stir the onion, garlic and sliced tomatoes (you could also add chicken or bacon)

3. Spread the guacamole onto the tortilla bread, add in the tomato mixture, top with cheese and fold

4. Experiment with adding mayonnaise or ranch for different tastes

Featured Wedding // A Chico Event Center Wedding by Katelyn Owens Photography

January 19, 2016

This stunning blush, white, and gold wedding was held on a beautiful November day. The bride and her gorgeous bridal party got ready in the amazing penthouse suite of the Hotel Diamond in Chico, California, filled with laughter and champagne while Marissa and Vanessa glammed up these gorgeous gals!

Everyone was in awe of the florals when Lisa delivered the bouquets, wrapped with lace from the mother of the groom's wedding veil. The couple opted for a first look in the historical Bidwell Presbyterian Church, with personalized notes written to each other for that morning. After spending some alone time together, the bridal party headed to the amazing oak tree in Lower Bidwell Park as they posed among the breathtaking landscape.

The wedding reception was held at the Chico Event Center, located just a few blocks away from the church in beautiful downtown Chico. From a giant floral "C" representing the couple's new last name together to the handmade cake topper complete with vintage jewelry, the brass details mixed with soft roses and peonies made this wedding not only elegant, but romantic and classic.

After the bouquet was tossed, cake had been cut, and the dances had been danced, the bride snuck away and slipped into her fabulously beaded Adrianna Pappel reception dress, complete with key hole back! DJ Sana from PlatinumProductions had the guests on their feet all night and kept the party going through the last song "Don't stop believing" by Journey.