NYC Wedding: Taline + Mark

The groom has requested a dedicated blog post to his amazing wedding last weekend (yes, the groom reads my blog)... so here I am with the details!! I'll try to sum up how fantastic the entire night was, but honestly, I'm positive a little blog post will do no justice to just how fabulous the wedding really was! :) First... let me introduce you to Taline and Mark!  I love how Taline wore a non-traditional / non-white dress -- her gown was to die for!!

{Whitney Stanek Photography}

Cocktail hour started at 7pm and offered the most amazing appetizers ever!  Actually, I am pretty sure there was so much food at the cocktail hour that they didn't even need to serve us dinner later on! ;) Not only was there a sushi bar and chef - there was a seafood bar, a cheese bar, and trays of unique appetizers... including classy sliders,  duck, serving spoons of lobster mac and cheese, and more!  Drinks included a fully stocked bar of top shelf liquor, beer, wine, the signature cocktail and champagne! 

I didn't take too many photos during cocktail hour because I was... well, mostly eating and drinking,  as well as meeting the rest of Alejandro's college friends... and then we went up to the rooftop to take a few photos!  Here is my favorite one from the night:

Ashley & Alejandro

The Tribeca Rooftop (the venue) is an amazing space and Mark + Taline sure did a great job with the decor! How lovely are these tables -

The table arrangements were magical...

When we got to the tables... we had a little surprise for us - each table had a bottle of grey goose vodka and every place setting had a shot glass!  You don't see that at every wedding....

Some other surprises included professional dancers (amazing) and a choreographed performance by a sexy violinist! Speaking of music - not only was there a violinist, there was an acoustic performance during cocktail hour, a live band (or two) during dinner and a DJ for the after party which was from 12-2am! Music galore... and good music too (which we all know can make or break a wedding)!

Dinner options included grilled filet mignon or miso glazed sea bass - both of which were absolutely delicious (taking Alejandro's word on the steak ;)! And... the dessert bar was top notch - including, well, just about every desert you can imagine + wedding cake! 

But... my favorite part of the night was spending time with Alejandro and meeting the rest of his fabulous friends!  Oh, and props to the best man for the GREAT speech! :)  

Wonderful wedding Mark and Taline!!! Congratulations, again! xxoo.

PS. Thank you for {voting} on my dress for the wedding! The {sunblaze lace dress} won and I received many compliments!! :)

Happy, Happy GGB!

On Monday (while I was on vaca), the Golden Gate Bridge turned 75!  Just wanted to give a little shout out to my favorite city... I miss living in San Francisco every single day!!  Would move back there in a second if I could bring all my friends and family with me! I will forever remember my bedroom in the most amazing Marina flat... with my own GGB view!  Ahh, bliss.

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Wedding Wednesday: {Bridesmaids}

Even though my "dream wedding" plans have changed every year since I was a little girl – one thing has stayed constant… I ♥ when bridesmaids wear different dresses! :) I am not one who loves uniformity or symmetry and I am definitely not a “matchy-matchy” kind of girl.  So… when I see images of bridesmaids in different colors, shapes and fabrics - my eyes perk up! This image sums up the perfect look - love every single thing about it... specifically the mismatching shoes!  xxoo.

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Also loving these coordinating looks -

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Cinemagr.am: Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  About a month ago, I learned about {cinemagr.am}, an iPhone app that makes your photos move! Check it out... it's fun, but you might need a little patience mastering the skill of cinemagrams! ;) Once you download the FREE app, you will be prompted to take a hybrid of a photo and a video. Once you capture your image, you will select which portion you want to keep in video form. A couple tips: 1. hold still, 2. find good lighting and 3. make sure the background is still!  And... you have yourself a fun little moving image like the one below!! :)

my dad's flag in their backyard in kentucky

As much as many of us are pumped for beaches, bbqs and boats (I know I am!!!) - I thought it would be a nice time a remember the real reason we are celebrating Memorial Day! Let's take a second to think about all of the men and women who have died in our nation's service. Have a safe holiday! xxoo.

Friday's Facies: {Nautical by Nature}

Happy long weekend!! :)  I am super excited for this weekend because Alejandro and I have so many fun plans!  We'll be in NYC until Sunday... then heading to the beach for a couple days... then on Tuesday we have a day long date - just the two of us before his crazy work schedule kicks in!!  Inspired by the beach, boats and some serious preppiness (is that a word?!?) - here is my {Friday's Fancies} inspiration for memorial day weekend!  Have a great holiday!!

all images {via}

Ahh... doesn't this make you want to go to Nantucket or something?!  Here is my outfit inspiration:

Shop this look:

{tank} {shorts} {shoes} 

{sunglasses} {earrings} {bag} {ring} {nail polish}

Her "Vintage" Prom Dress

Ahh.. I am so excited for this post!  A couple months ago, I came across my senior prom photos and was instantly reminded that the dress I wore was by far one of my favorite dresses I've ever owned!  A few weeks later, Alejandro's little sister was looking for a prom dress!! :)  Well, to make a long story short... she fell in love with the dress and ended up wearing it last weekend to her Prom!  And... I think it's safe to say - she rocked it!  So beautiful on her!!!  See Mom... there was a reason I've been making you hold onto a dress that is a few sizes too small for me.... for 11 years! :) :)

This dress will always be one of my favs because it was my first purchase ever from Saks Fifth Avenue... I ordered it the week before prom via phone (that's before online shopping became huge)!! It came in from California a few days before the dance and was just perfect! :)  ...A teenage girl in Ohio with a dress from California -- I have to admit, I thought I was pretty cool! haha, jk (kind of)! xxoo.

High Fives for Everyone!

I mentioned {here} how much I adore cards... and last week I came across some fun new stationary by {High Fives for Everyone} on etsy!  Based out of Chicago, High Fives for Everyone offers bold and modern cards, save the dates, and other invitations for a great price!  How fun are these!!?  My favorite is the {olive juice} card (not pictured)!  

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What time is it?

Had to share my newest purchase with you guys.... I love it that much! Check out these super adorable {watches} from {anthropologie}! Not only are they fun and colorful.... they are beyond affordable!!  My two favorite color choices are sky and pink - but I went with pink!! :)  What is your favorite color?

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Dress Help!!!

Hi Friends!! Hope you all had a great weekend (and Monday)!  This week is going to be a short one for me because I have a 5 day weekend coming up and will be in 3 states this weekend!!! Not sure if you noticed yet, but I like to cram a lot of plans into a short amount of time! :)  On Saturday, we have a wedding in NYC!  I am extra excited about this wedding because it is at the {Tribeca Rooftop} which I have heard amazing things about!  I kind of went a little crazy and bought 3 dresses for the wedding and need help narrowing down my choices!!  What do you think... ?!? And... yes, I am having a red moment - so at least I kept that consistent!!! :) Thanks for voting! xxoo.

Shop these looks:

{One Shoulder Satin Dress} {Sunblaze Lace Dress} {One Shoulder Jersey Gown}

What dress should I wear on Saturday?

Friday's Fancies: {Chambray Season}

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I wear my favorite {chambray shirt} at least once a week... sometimes twice!  This versatile shirt can be paired with almost any outfit in my closet, but my two favorite ways to wear chambray is with colored shorts and sperry's or dark denim and colorful flats! But like I said... chambray goes with almost everything - here is a little inspiration from {pinterest}....

all images {via}

I know this is {Friday's Fancies} where you are supposed to create dream outfits... but chambray isn't a dream for me... It's a huge staple in my wardrobe!  ...and this is what I have on today (for real)! :) 

 Shop this look:

{chambray shirt} {mint shorts} {pink belt} {white sperry's}

Just Saying...

I love this quote just about as much as I love the beautiful pink peonies I received at work yesterday! :) Aren't they so pretty?  They make me smile BIG!! Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!! xxoo.

Wedding Wednesday at Ashley Nicole Catherine

Hi Friends!! I am over at {Ashley Nicole Catherine} guest posting while she is in the final stretch for her big wedding weekend!  I ♥ weddings... and if I am not attending one, I'm probably dreaming about one! If you follow me on {pinterest} you know that I am always pinning pretty inspirations to my {wedding style board} or my {wedding cake board} or my {tablescapes board}!  But... even though I am obsessed with wedding decor and details, amazing tablescapes, beautiful photography and unique papery, I took a different twist on weddings today.... 

{images} taken at City Hall in San Francisco

Hop on over to my {guest post} for some City Hall wedding inspiration!  xxoo.

Style + Color Inspiration

Just some inspiration of a couple colors and styles that I am loving right now... Wouldn't wear these two colors together, but separately they are perfect - especially for summer!! :)  xxoo.

images {via}

Ashley Gale Photography: {Ohio Spring Sessions}

Hi Friends!  I am very excited to share some of the photos I took when I was back in Ohio last weekend.  I was nervous about a rainy day, but the weather cooperated and I was able to capture these little kiddos having fun!  My favorite thing about the three sessions below is that this is the third time I have photographed each of these families!  Love watching them grow...

Goodbye Instagram Linkup :(

I learned last week that life is about to get a little crazy with all of the travels I have coming up (good crazy)... but because of the good crazy, I am not going to be able to host Instagram Linkups on Monday anymore! :(  I am sad... but at the same time, I know I will still be able to follow you on instagram or hop on over to your blog to see all of your pretty photos!!! :) Even though I haven't been around as much lately, I am planning on getting back to four or five posts a week... so stay tuned for more photography, fashion, home decor and inspirations of things I love!  And... I will still have the occasional instagram posts as well! :) Here are a few photos I snapped lately:

Obsessed with my new {Sperry's}!!! :)

But... back to my instagram linkup goodbyes - I wanted to thank the 120 bloggers who have linked up with me over the past 36 weeks!  It has been so great to meet new bloggers and to see your weekly instagrams!  Because I am so thankful... I have linked your blogs for all to visit!  Thank you again (and always) for reading my blog... it means the world to me!  xoxo.

Check out the blogs of everyone who has linked up to Instagram Mondays:

A + M | A Day in the Life and Mind | A Diary of Lovely | A Glimpse of the Gouglers | A Hasty Life  | A Little Bit of Lacquer | A Little Bit of This and That | A Mom without Facebook | A Newfound Treasure | A Night Owl Blog  | A Simple Affair | A Spot of Tea | A Suburban Wife in Heels | A Touch of Lovely | Adam and Brittany | All the Chic Things | Allie's Bubble | Beauty and the Beard | Belles and Bowties | Birdie to Be | Can't Google Everything | Case Study | Cashmere and Candy | Cheeky D in Heels | City Girl Chicago | Cornflake Dreams | Curly Eats | Daily Crush | Daisies in November | Dash of Glam | Deacon Does DC | Dear Friend | Diapers and Dog Tags | Eclectic Snapshots | Elegantly Academic | Elembee, Etc | Elle Elizabeth | Every Shade of Green | Everything Happens for a Reason | Expressive Style | Fabulous K | For Love of a Cupcake | GossettGirl | Hemenway Street | His and Hers | Home is with You | It Happened on a Sunday | It's My Life and I Love It! | J'aime Bleu | Just my Style | Kylee Noelle | LA in the Bay | Last Year of Twenty Something | Laughing through Motherhood | Learning Patience | Lemon and Lavendar | Let it be Beautiful | Life is a Sunset | Life... Unscripted | Lifestyles of Lauren | Life Spelled JEN | Lila Grace | Little Bit of Class, Little Bit of Sass | Little Girl in the Big World | Little Miss Holls | Lacy in the Sky | Long Distance Loving | Low Life Couture | Luella and June | Mae Badiyan | Maggiano Takes Austin | Meggabytes | Messy Dirty Hair | Mrs. Alana's Miscellany | My Cliffnotes | Ooh La Law | Page Twenty-Two | Party of Four | Pocket Full of Chuckles | Prairie Hen | Pretty Little Things | Sandy a la Mode | Savor Home | Semi-Charmed Kind of Life | Sequins, Plaids and Paws | Sew Caroline | Siddathornton | Simple Girl, Simple Pleasures | Simply Irresistible | Six Twelve Place | Skip to Malou | So Anthro | Something Charming | Something Fabulous | Spikes and Sparkles | Sprinkles on Everything | Spoon Full of Sugar | Strong Sense of Style | Sunshine and Some Tea | Swanky Chic Fete | Sweet Tea & Stilettos | Sweetness in Starlight | Take me for a Twirl | Teaching in Heels | Ten Scenic Drive | The Ambitious Procrastinator | The Arizona Russums | The Caffeinated Closet | The Kina's | Fashion, Style and Art | The Nickels Family | The Rest is Still Unwritten | The Short and Sweet of It | The Terpblog | The Weekend File | This Enchanted Pixie | Three's a Crowd | Traveling Anchor | Uyema Family Matters | Vineyard Loveknots | Virginia Belle | Wanderluxe | Wattlebird

One more day!

Hi Friends! Just wanted to remind everyone that there is one more day to enter the {Zhulia Jewels Giveaway}!  These classic pearls with a modern twist will be a great addition to any summer outfit!  And... while they wouldn't be there in time for Mother's Day, you can still always surprise Mom or another lady in your life with this necklace as well!  Click the image to enter!! xxoo.

Instagram + I'm Sorry!

Hi Friends!! So sorry I didn't have my instagram link up posted yesterday. I was delayed getting back to Philly from a wonderful weekend in Ohio & Kentucky! One of my favorite moments of the trip - when I headed to "my room" at my parents house and saw this super cute gift from my mom waiting for me!  {Bar cart} accessories and a {picnic} basket - I think someone reads my blog ;) !! Thanks again, Mom!

I have added the linkup for today through Friday! Feel free to join! xxoo.

Friday's Fancies: {Kentucky Derby}

It felt a little natural to post some Kentucky Derby inspiration since I will be in Kentucky this weekend!! Unfortunately, I won't be heading to the derby this year, but I am looking forward to some fun with the family!  I am actually heading to Ohio for 24 hours and then Kentucky for 24 hours - and I am super pumped for my jammed packed weekend! :)  Even though I won't be attending any derby parties, I did ask my mom if we could celebrate with some mint juleps... in pretty glasses... kind of like the drinks in my inspiration board below:

all images via {pinterest}

Inspired by mint juleps and big hats... here is my {friday's fancies} outfit for the derby - too much?!?? :)

Shop this look: 

{floral dress} {nude wedges} {chanel bag} {necklace} {bowtie}

Ashley Gale Photography: Claire

Was just going through a few photos on my computer and came across this photo I took two weeks ago of my co-workers daughter!  I love the lighting in this photo and how I captured her playing with her momma's hair! :)  I have some outdoor sessions scheduled back home this weekend and I can't wait to see some of my favorite kiddos!  I've been checking out inspiration on {pinterest} for weeks now! Have a great night! xo.

May Giveaway: Zhulia Jewels

I am very excited to introduce you to my newest sponsor - {Zhulia}, pronounced Juila.  The designer, Julia, has always been fascinated by the beauty and simplicity of freshwater pearls and has designed gorgeous jewelry that is fashionable, yet timeless!  I am a big fan because I love classic pieces with a twist and she offers just that in her collection.  Today, she is hosting a giveaway of the {rose} necklace from her Spring 2012 collection, a $300 value.  To say this necklace is stunning, is an understatement! Check it out for yourself....

Don't you love it?  Well... you could be the lucky winner of this amazing necklace!  Just enter below using the rafflecopter form between now and May 12th!  Also, if you love any of her other pieces - enjoy $20 towards your purchase using code: dashofash.  Good luck!! xxoo.

PS. pearls are for weekends {too}! :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway