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

Seasonal Inspiration: Joy

Many famous Christmas carol tunes all proclaim the theme JOY during the holiday season. We are certainly blessed to work with couples who are so joyful in the season of their engagement, and especially on their wedding day. Wedding day's are surrounded with joy on so many levels and in so many forms. So is Christmastime, for this we rejoice!

"JOY to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King!"

"O tidings of comfort and JOY, ...Comfort and JOY...O tidings of comfort and JOY"

"Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their JOYous strains"

" Love and JOY come to you. And to you glad Christmas too."

"JOYful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies."

Here are a few inspired images that proclaim great JOY!

{including a few DIY projects that are oh-so-great!}

Choose Joy Print, DIY Book Page Wreath, DIY Fabric Pom Poms, Mini Trees, JL Designs Holiday Collection, Wrapped Gifts, Baby's Breath Tub

Wedding Decor in Italy, In Love, Rainy Day Wedding, Sunday Suppers, Promise

C&C Spotlight: InkandButton

Sigh. We are [so] proud. Working with creative brides is such a delight and what makes our job so much fun. You might remember Lisa & Derren's wedding we did last spring. Lisa was the ultimate DIY bride, which included designing each and every felt flower bouquet for their wedding. Lisa has recently opened a new Etsy boutique called InkandButton, which features her latest, brilliant creations! Run over to her online shop and check them out for yourselves...too cute!! And at this time of year, these would make ideal Christmas gifts, look wonderful in your upcoming engagement photos, or even be a creative and unique gift for your bridesmaids. She will also take any custom orders, if you brides would like one for your big day! Enjoy!

I am so, so very in love with this one, the Isabella Fascinator!

Love,

Ashlyn + Heather

C&C

Party with Etsy.

Etsy.com makes party planning just that much better. If you haven't checked Etsy out yet - you're really missing out on all the rage. Here are just a {few} finds the will make your party, holiday event, shower [or wedding!] that much cooler. And if you're a guest at a party this season, be sure to stock up on sweet hostess gifts too!

Row 1: Party Garland, Maple Log Candles, Bird Cupcake Stand Row 2: Linen Banner, Holiday Tags Row 3: Little Vases, Golden Egg Place Card Holder Row 4: Custom Cloth Gift Bag Set, Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers, Party Invitations

Row 1: Tea Towel, 2010 Letterpress Calendar, Vintage Brass Deer Row 2: White Rose Pillow, Keep Calm Print, Gourmet Hot Cocoa Row 3: Vintage Wallpaper Lampshades, Felt Lotus Blossom Set, Fabric Ball Kit

Fall Inspiration: Seeded Eucalyptus

There is something incredibly charming about seeded eucalyptus. A common "foliage" filler you can find year round, "seeded euc" is rustic, beautiful, adds great texture and is quite fall-ish! I recently bought a whole bundle of seeded euc at Wholesale Flowers and Supplies for $6! I found it in the most lovely shade of a plum purple. You can also find it many times in the more common silver dollar eucalyptus green color, burgundy or even chartreuse! There are a wide variety of shades and colors that look spectacular in any arrangement of flowers, or even your holiday decor! The fragrance is absolutely incredible and will leave your home smelling fresh and fall-like for several days. [Happy Fall!]

[photo source] row 1: Vango Florist, Martha Stewart, The Brides Cafe

row 2: Sunset, Saipua row 3: The Knot, Martha Stewart, Sunset

Love,
Ashlyn+Heather
C&C

more ::Out of the Box:: party love.

We wanted to share a few more photos from the Out of the Box party with Posh Paperie. If you didn't see the first post with more details...visit here! Much thanks again to Julie from Journey of the Lens for the photos! A few photos are also from Melody at Sweet and Saucy shop, one talented gal! :) Thanks again to the folks at Point Loma Wine Steals! The event space was perfect for the event!

Love,

Ashlyn+Heather

C&C