Original Wedding: Kaori and Jon at Turf Valley's Terrace on the Green

Having made the decision to attend a Marine Corps presentation, solely based on the free pizza, I can’t imagine that Jon ever thought that that one move would lead to the rest of his life. Not only did it decide his career path, it also led him to Kaori.

Kaori and Jon met in Japan, where Jon was stationed shortly after training and Kaori was earning her Master’s Degree and working on base. As Jon describes it, he wandered into her office one day and remembers thinking about how lovely she was, but doing nothing about it. Months later, he asked Kaori out and she said yes. She continued to say yes and when their relationship made it through stressful jobs and deployments, Jon realized he couldn’t leave Japan without her.

The Perfect Wedding Day Emergency Kit

One thing that has taken Nora and I a couple of years to perfect is NoLo's wedding day emergency kit. This is something that we bring with us to every wedding. It's filled to the brim with things that not only the couple or a guest may need, but items that we may need throughout the day as well.

Don't get me wrong, our first emergency kit was useful and functional. And Google was a great help in putting it together! But over the last few years we have added things that we ended up needing and taken out others that just seemed to go to waste.

Pinterest and Wedding Planning

When you type “Wedding” into the search bar on Pinterest, thousands of pins will pop up. With several sub categories to help narrow your search, it’s no wonder Pinterest is one of the biggest social media platforms used when planning a wedding. How on earth are you supposed to sift through the never ending pages of DIY tutorials, planning checklists and centerpiece ideas? Here are a few tips on how to use Pinterest to your advantage when planning your wedding!

Alternative Guest Book Ideas

A wedding guest book is a great keepsake and a reminder of who was there to share in your special day! Guest books can come in all shapes and sizes. Traditionally they are bound books with lines for your guests to simply sign their name. However, new and unique guest books are trending in the world of weddings.

Original Wedding: Melissa and Zeb at Corradetti Glassblowing Studio

The first time I spoke with Melissa I was so excited to discover that her and Zeb's wedding would take place at Corradetti Glassblowing Studio in Baltimore. If you've never been there, the space is a beautiful combination of exposed brick and unique works of art, and the perfect setting for an intimate wedding ceremony and reception. From the touches of babies breath on the tables, to the delicious menu, Melissa and Zeb's wedding day was just that-- Perfect!

Clearance Bin Wedding Finds!

I am my mothers daughter. If there is a deal to be had, a clearance section to sift through or coupons to be clipped, I am SO there! This passion and skill come in handy when planning a wedding.

Color Us Styled

Last week, thanks to an awesome team of vendors, NoLo was able to check an item off of its “to-do” list for this year. That item? Participate in a styled shoot. Check.

The woodsy, boho-themed gorgeous-ness will be on the blog later, but in the meantime we just wanted to satisfy your curiosity with some behind the scenes action shots and fun facts!

Happy Thursday!

Working with My Best Friend

Here we are on the brink of wedding season! There is a certain flutter in my heart and excitement in my veins. Another year of being part of the best day in our lovely couples’ lives. Another year of feeling accomplished with all the hard work we put into our passion. But most of all, another year I get to work alongside my best friend!

Caribbean Honeymoons - All-Inclusive Resorts VS Cruising

I LOVE vacations. I mean, who doesn’t? Although I’ve only been on one honeymoon, I’ve done my fair share of traveling. I’ve stayed at different brands of resorts on multiple islands and just recently disembarked from my first cruise. I’ve never come face to face with a vacation I didn’t like, but there are definitely some things I favor about one type of trip over the other, especially for a honeymoon.

Getting Grooms Involved

More often than not the bulk of the wedding planning is done by the bride. This is probably because she has been planning her wedding even before you were in the picture...Sorry buddy, blame Pinterest!

However, as long as your groom is willing why not get him involved? Think about it, by delegating jobs and sharing responsibility that means less stress for you. When sharing in the planning of the wedding you are working towards a common goal i.e. the biggest day of your life! Plus, when your bridesmaids are sick of hearing about the cost of peonies for the 147th time your beau will there to lend an ear and help offer a solution. Keep your fiances strengths and weaknesses in mind. Don’t ask them to help you with tasks that play to their weaknesses, I promise you, they will not stick around for much of the planning process.