be mine, valentine. [vol.3]

It's time to get a little crafty, bust out the heart shaped cookie cutter and get to work! With all the rain we've been getting, surely you'll find just a bit of time. If there is one thing C&C loves more than our very own husbands, it's a good DIY craft. So deck the halls with your very own labor of 'love' and celebrate your craft skills at the same time!

Here are a few DIY decor and craft fun projects to get you in the moooood.

Row 1: Wool Sache, Etsy Row 2: Creamy Fudge Hearts, Lace votives Row 3: DIY Felt Hearts, Yarn Wreath

Engaged: Julie + Brad

We met these two one evening at Starbucks, and right away just knew we had to work with them. I'm not sure if they felt that way about Heather and I, but we adored them from the start. Brad and Julie are simply adorable, and their love is so sweet. They had shared how completely opposite they are from one another, but any one who spends a moment of time with them can see just how perfect they fit as one. If you can't tell, they're planning a vintage wedding full of dozens of darling and perfect details. Their "Picnic on the Plateau" was photographed by Nothing But Miracles Photography. Here are a few of our favorites:

be mine, valentine. [vol.2]

Don't you just love long weekends? We sure do. Both Heather and I also love travel and fun getaways. So what's even better is a long weekend+valentines day+a lovely little getaway! Here are a few trips to consider over the long holiday weekend - sure enough to fit the mood for anyone.

photo credit: L'Auberge Del Mar, Snow Resort, Palm Springs Ace, Snow Love Birds, Bread & Breakfast

Grab your hunny and head for the sun. The Palm Springs Ace Hotel is the ultra hip, happening place. According to the Los Angeles Times, The Ace is, "a fun, affordable retreat that is a bit urban, a bit like a camp-out.” Sounds like a fun time!

Most of us could use some R&R with our loved one. Nothing more perfect than a drive up highway 101 towards northern California - where the trees meet the coast. A darling little quaint town tucked off the beaten path, you'll find Cambria. No better a place to stay then one of the dozens of adorable bed and breakfasts. Take a hike, spend time reading a new book, and a candle light dinner is in order once your reach your destination!

If you're ready for an adventure, pack those bags, find an inexpensive flight on Travel Zoo and head for Sandpoint, Idaho! There you will find one of the most gorgeous mountain villages in the world. Sweitzer Mountain is the Switzerland of the states. Breathtaking scenery with lots of snow! Bundle up with your snow bunny and hit the slopes or sit in the lodge fireside sipping hot cocoa.

If it's too much to leave town, stay local! We are so blessed by the abundance of completely awesome hotels here in California. San Diego has many boutique hotels, and some for a great price! We've fallen in love with the L'Auberge hotel in Del Mar. This is an ideal spa and vacation destination for anyone around the world! So if you're local, take advantage of all that we have to offer here! The hotel is laid back and elegant, with that southern California beach charm. Sit on the patio and enjoy cocktails at sunset.

Love,

Ashlyn+Heather

C&C

be mine, valentine. [vol.1]

we love, love. obviously, we'd certainly be without a job if we didn't. there is just something so sweet about love, and the way every individual lives it in unique and creative ways. valentines day is just one day out of the other 364 days that gets special attention, but we believe every day should be soaked in love. Ralph Waldo Emerson says it best, "To laugh often and love much... to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one's self... this is to have succeeded."

some lovely things to get you in the mood:

row 1: Hanging Hearts, Love Journal, row 2: Paper Tape, Coasters, row 3: Garland, Coffee Love

Love,
Ashlyn+Heather
C&C

Engaged: Brooke & Nathan

A very special wedding for us ladies at C&C is taking place this next week, and we can hardly wait! Brooke, the very darling bride, and Heather are as close to being sisters as it gets, sharing such a special relationship. Heather has helped Brooke plan this wedding every step of the way, and will also have the privilege of being a bridesmaid – while yours truly makes sure everyone gets down the aisle.

We’re so excited to see Brooke and Nathan get married January 17th! As you can tell by their engagement photos below, they’re not only a beautiful couple, but they are truly one of the sweetest, fun, and playful couples you could ever imagine. Brooke & Nathan, we can't wait for you to join the married club as Mr. & Mrs. Nugent! The amazing photos below are courtesy of Aquario Studio Photography.


Love,
Ashlyn+Heather
C&C

2009: You Were Good!

It’s somewhat hard for us to say goodbye to 2009 because really, it was such a wonderful and blessed year full of so much JOY. 2009 was a year for the books. Not only because it was our first official year as Carter & Cook, but because we were surrounded by so much love and so many incredible people. All of the couples & families we had the privilege to know in 2009 and all the incredible & creative vendors we worked alongside have inspired us in such great ways that make us even more EXCITED for what’s to come. We’re looking forward to continuing our journey as we grow, develop and make new leaps towards our goals for 2010.

There are several new and exciting projects that we are beyond excited to share with you in the next few months. So cheers to 2010 - a fresh year, lots of creativity and new friends we get to meet along the way.

photo credit: Sean Walker Photography

Love,
Ashlyn + Heather
C&C