This first idea tops my list of recommendations…

I’m not sure how to begin, as I really don’t remember where this idea originated.  But I have to say, this was one of the most memorable parts of the weekend.  

One day it just hit me.  I wanted to do something special with my bridesmaids before my wedding.  Most of the girls are creative, and all of them like to have a good time.  I personally love flowers and have always wanted to learn more about arranging them.  Why not have a little bouquet creation class, so the girls can hand-pick and design their bridesmaid bouquets?

So that’s what we did.  We had a bridesmaids bouquet outing on Friday morning, the day before the wedding.  It was a surprise for all of the girls — they had no idea where we were going or what was planned until we arrived at the florist’s studio.  Which, by the way, was in the middle of the Virginia countryside.  It was simply beautiful.

Each of the girls was given a large vase of flowers from which to create their bouquet.  Shawn Cossette, the amazing talent behind Beehive Events (and the florist extraordinaire behind our Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding), lead our bouquet class.

She first taught us how to shape roses — how to open up the petals so they become “fluffier.”  Then we learned how to wrap orchids around a wire stem.

Photographer Sarah Cramer was on hand to capture the careful pruning, pulling, wrapping, and arranging…

Oh, how I love these women.  The finished products were simply perfect. 

And my, what flower-arranging skills they have!

While I love receiving wedding photos, I get so excited to see proposal pictures in my inbox — especially when they were shot by my ridiculously talented friend, Sarah Cramer of Cramer Photography.

Last November, Dan proposed to Danielle at King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia (outside of Charlottesville, Virginia).  I am pretty sure this is the most perfect place for a proposal — it is peaceful and private, with breathtaking views and tons of wine.  What more could you need?  

And, well, Sarah Cramer really outdid herself with these pictures.  No wonder she books up so quickly!  She is so friendly, so fun, and so unbelievably talented.

It’s so beautiful, right?  Here’s how it all went down…

He asked…she said yes!  (With horses looking on!)

These two just may be the cutest couple I’ve seen in a while!  Sarah did an amazing job capturing the sweet way about them…

Congratulations, Dan & Danielle!

If you think these pictures are incredible (like I do), you will LOVE Sarah’s wedding photography.  Be sure to check out her website and her blog for a huge dose of wedding eye candy.  

Check back later today — we’ll be randomly selecting the winner of the Julianne Smith garter giveaway!