Get your custom made sterling silver guitar pick here.

I came across this adorable video over on the Story Board Brides blog. I’m guessing that Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” was probably 2009’s top wedding song. This little guy would have been a hit at any wedding! Cute!

These gorgeous pics are from my friend Kelly’s wedding this past year. They had the most amazing reception venue with so many fantastic back-drops for photo ops. I referred Kelly & Scott to my own wedding photographer and boy am I glad I did. Their photos turned out beautiful! So my friends, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you {again} to my favorite wedding photog Sean Loring Schofield with an awesome e-session giveaway!!! Sean is generously offering one lucky Bridal Inquirer reader a free 1-2 hour sitting at any place of your choice. You will also get to keep the cd of your images…can you say HELLO save the dates?!?! But wait…there’s more! If you book Sean as your wedding photog, he will throw in a free 20 page 8×8 leather bound engagement book! I am so excited girls & boys. I LOVE giveaways!!!

How to Win:

All you have to do to be entered to win is comment on this post on why you want to win! I want to hear the best reasons so get creative =)

Contest ends Feb 1, 2010. One winner will be chosen at random and notified via email so please be sure to leave a valid email. E-Session must take place in OC or SD.

{EDIT: CONGRATS TO KATHY…WINNER OF THE FREE E-SESSION FROM SEAN LORING SCHOFIELD}

Getting engaged is one of the MOST exciting times for a girl. I remember how special I felt on the day of my bridal shower. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life. So when I read this story, I teared up a bit thinking how lucky I am that I had both of my grandmothers there with me that day. I am a sucker for anything sentimental and I thought the teacup tradition was so special that I might make my best friends throw a teacup exchange party for my birthday. This way we could use our teacups as an excuse to get together more often. So, my question for you is…did your grandmother/mother/best friend carry on a tradition in your honor?

Introducing Divine Events by Helena…Bridal Inquirer’s newest Featured Vendor!

{photos by Melissa McClure Photography}

Helena is a romantic at heart who loves nothing more than seeing two people join their lives together in marriage and celebration with loved ones. Helena worked as a wedding coordinator’s assistant and gained valuable experience establishing the skill set necessary to successfully plan and execute flawless events. She quickly realized that she wanted to begin planning weddings for her own clients and launched Divine Events by Helena.

Helena offers Day-Of, Day-Of Plus, All Inclusive and Destination Coordination packages. All packages include itinerary development or assistance, day-of vendor coordination and time management. Contact Helena today for a more detailed description of her services and to schedule your free consultation today!

Wines that Rock is a bad-ass collection of wines inspired by rock ‘n’ roll. I am thinking a bottle on each of the wedding guests tables would make an awesome centerpiece and/or conversation piece! Or if the bride & groom are classic rock fans, grab them the rainbow three pack which includes a bottle of each!

Tasting Notes The 2007 Merlot captures the attitude of Mendocino County’s style. Aromas of black cherry, with hints of mint are followed by rich flavors of plum, black cherry, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cedar. This dry red wine is a fine match for herb-roasted chicken, grilled beef, or smoky chili.

Tasting Notes The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon captures the attitude of Mendocino County’s style. Aromas of black currant and cherry are followed by rich flavors of cassis, toasted vanilla bean, and hints of chocolate. Enjoy this rich dry red wine with hearty chicken dishes, beef and lamb, and red-sauced pasta.

Tasting Notes The Woodstock Chardonnay opens with an enjoyably eclectic mixture of rich pear, mineral and papaya aromas followed by fresh flavors of Asian pear apple, citrus, and tropical fruit with great acid on the finish—or, as Mark likes to say, “sunshine in a bottle.” Enjoy this rich dry white wine with salmon, chicken, creamy soups, and white-sauced pasta.

I already submitted my requests for their next series…ANY of the Led Zeppelin albums, Prince’s Purple Rain and The Eagles. What would you like to see on your next bottle of vino???

Congrats to Kristine…winner of the free DOC from After the Engagement!

Read more about this romantic love story on the Bridal Inquirer Forum.

{P.S. I forgot to ask who the photog is so Kristine, if you read this…do tell! Fab STD!!!}

these cupcakes are a fashionista’s dream. i found them here. dying.

lv brides dream

I am beyond thrilled to announce that Bridal Inquirer made the list of top 100 wedding blogs (and tweets) to follow for 2010!!! Thanks BrideTide.com for including Bridal Inquirer. I am honored to be listed amongst so many inspirational bloggers!

As more and more brides begin turning to online media for the majority of their wedding planning, 2010 will certainly be a defining year for online wedding blogs. These sought after bridal resources truly define the pulse of the entire wedding industry by seamlessly sharing the latest wedding trends, current design inspiration and timely personal advice with today’s planning bride. With that being said, BrideTide is excited to present the top 100 wedding blogs to follow in 2010. Each of these bridal blogs demonstrate the qualities of being a truly wonderful planning resource for a planning bride or groom in 2010. Enjoy the list and congrats to the blogs listed! Bridetide.com

{clockwise: 1. Smashbox Photo Finish Light 2. Sephora Smoothing Primer 3. Philosophy The Present}

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you will know that I have been on the hunt for a makeup primer. This new obsession happened when I stopped by the Philosophy counter one day. I had never tried any of their products, but the girl at the counter had the most amazing skin I had ever seen! She introduced me to The Present, which is clear makeup (or a primer). I am quite shocked that I didn’t buy it that day, especially after I tried it on the back of my hand and loved how smooth and matte it looked. When I got home I read all the reviews on Sephora.com and decided I HAD to have it. I also bought a small trial size of the Smashbox Photo Finish Light and added the free sample of the Sephora Smoothing Primer. Here are the results:

1. Smashbox Photo Finish Light-This ended up being my favorite of the three. It is SO much lighter than Philosophy….I guess because it is made of 60% water. My makeup goes on smooth and I am pretty happy with the results.

2. Sephora Smoothing Primer-I actually ended up really liking this one, especially when I looked at the price difference between it and the Smashbox primer. It was very light too, which I liked.

3. Philosophy’s The Present-Surprisingly, this ended up being my least fave (of course the one that started it all and the one I bought the full size of)! It is SUPER thick and even when I let it dry completely, my makeup just did not go on smoothly and made me end up feeling oily with splotchy makeup. Very disappointing. I guess I will keep using this on my hands only!

In conclusion, that girl at the makeup counter was probably half my age and was born with gorgeous skin…lol.

EDIT: I found this beautiful drawing of this girl on polyvore and have been searching and searching the internet for who drew it because I just love it so. I found out it is an artist named Danny Roberts who is in CA!!! His art is UNBELIEVABLE! Please stop by his blog. I am DYING to be included in his blogger portraits.