I took a screen shot of the M&Ms I would want for the candy bar. It's so cool that you can customize colors and wording to whatever fits your theme :) Now time to find cute packaging.
I have always associated Dashboard Confessional with love, loss, heartbreak, and tender songs. Everything they write is chock-full of emotion and they are able to convey the deepest of feelings so eloquently. Feelings that everyone knows and can clearly relate to. Feelings so relevant. And that is why I love Dashboard. They put my feelings into such beautiful words.
We saw them play Staples Center in October. The show was amazing. For as long as I've been a fan of Dashboard, it has taken me forever to get to a show, and I am glad I finally made it. Our seats were nice and we had an unobstructed view of the stage. It was almost like we had our own private show in our living room. We sang along and imagined, "what if they played the wedding?" This, of course, is another dream band, wishful thinking since we probably cannot afford them. But it's great to dream while listening to some of our favorite songs.
While a lot of Dashboard's songs hit the sad note, about breakups and the like, there are those select songs that are filled with hope, goodness, and light-hearted love. Songs like the intimate love of "Rooftops and Invitations", the beautifully blissful "Stolen", the wonderment of something new in "So Impossible", the ease of "As Lovers Go", and the best day of "Hands Down".
We may not have the band, but we'll definitely give our dj a list of some of our favorite Dashboard songs. We may even do our first dance to a song. Other ideas include naming the tables after song titles (or lyrics) which would be a great way to incorporate the music we enjoy, and for our guests to get to know more about us. 
On a recent weekend in Monterey, we heard mass at the Carmel Mission. I love all of the California Missions. Growing up we were able to write reports, create models, and visit them. They are all such an important part in CA history, and since a lot of them are located near major cities, it would be almost a given to have a wedding ceremony in one. The Carmel Mission being one of my favorites. 
The Spanish culture and rich history surround you with such a welcome feeling. The altar is so simple, with warm colors, and relaxing ambiance. 
And of course the organ music is beautiful and classic. 
Even their gift shop is beautiful.
And I love all of lovely flowers in their garden. So romantic. I really hope to attend a wedding ceremony there.
photo of the mountains in downtown santa barbara, taken 4/08 from stearns wharf
I am in love with JCrew cardigans and obsessed with flowers. When I saw this cardigan in the store, and in purple, it was a must buy. I love the little flower details. Then I saw how this stylish bride incorporated it into her wedding day wardrobe. Totally awesome! 
Excuse my arm in the photo above . I really like the merino wool material for its light weight feel and the warmth it provides. The color also works for our likely wedding colors and for my NY resolution. I might be finding any excuse to incorporate JCrew to the wedding.
Above is a cute hair flower. It's delicate and understated. Lovely for a simple gal.
Top Row: MS Weddings, MS Weddings, ML via Coutorture, the knot, the knot, elevee.
Sweet, sparkly, fun, individual, and avant-garde. Those are the words that immediately come to mind when I think of Tarina Tarantino jewelry. I was first exposed to Tarina Tarantino when a girl in one of my classes was sporting a chunky Lucite necklace and bracelet. It was clear and simple and added punch to her outfit. 
The next weekend at blue bee I purchased the same necklace in orange. It was divine.
TT has had very successful collaborations with Sanrio and Mattel. Through Sanrio came the Pink Head collection, which as an avid Hello Kitty fan, definitely has been among my favorites. The pendants and earrings and rings bring to life a little girl's aesthetic to an adult's wardrobe. 
They come packaged in individual pink baggies. Ideal for storage :)
Above is a Pink Head mod bag charm.
When she created the Pink Head bridal collection, oh I fell in love some more. I purchased these cute earrings because they're so adorable. The ring would make such a cute engagement ring stand-in or a cocktail ring worn for one's wedding.
The carved rose earrings are small and simple. The pinks would be perfect for a garden wedding.
It's a lot of fun to mix and match the pieces. You can't really tell in the photo above, but the color blue is so cool. 
These yellow carved rose pieces look like lemons :)
All the possibilities make me think of accessories I could gift to my bridesmaids. All of the styles will be uniform, but the colors would be perfect for individuality. I think we'll purchase anywhere clips for the bridesmaids' hair or as groomsmen's boutonnières, maybe some flower rings, and even some quirky Pink Head bridal.
Sparkly small vintage flower rings are also very perfect for a night out.
With boutiques in West Hollywood, Milan, and Soho, the sparkles are everywhere. I have been to the boutique on Melrose, which is just lovely. It's pink and like you're stepping into a dressing room or jewelry box, so many sparkles and the displays are beautiful. It adds some fresh and pretty on a busy street. 
A few Saturdays ago we went to Elings Park in Santa Barbara. I had heard it was a beautiful place to visit and had a few locations for outdoor weddings. So we passed the lower fields to make our way up the mountain. The area we spent the most time in was Singleton Pavilion. It's an open, grassy lawn with a nice gazebo, a few shade trees, and natural stone terraces. 
Above you can see the lawn and a path that takes you to the gazebo (in the shade on the right).
There is plenty of space to set out your perfect seating arrangement.
It's a calm place and secluded. Guests would enjoy an intimate ceremony and reception here.
The gazebo would provide shade for the coupe during the ceremony.
I took a photo of a cool looking bush. Beyond it you can see the driveway that leads up to the Singleton Pavilion and the rest of the park. And beyond that are the mountains of Santa Barbara.
This dirt path takes you from the Singleton Pavilion to the parking lot. My shoes got a bit dusty from walking it, one would have to be careful walking through in their white wedding dress.
Another gorgeous view from the top of the mountain.
Been busy with work and trying to read everything election related. Today was historic, epic.
Took this photo of the TV during President Elect Barack Obama's speech. Chills. Horray!
