2010 in Review

What a year this has been!  Below is my favorite inspiration board of the year :)

A quick {abridged} recap of the year:

• On September 25, Patrick and I were married after months of planning our wedding from across the country.  Wondering where all the pictures went?  Well, that's another surprise for 2011 :)
• My family lost a wonderful person, one of my favorite people in the world, Mimi.  I included her in our wedding in special ways and I know she would have been proud.
• I lost 26 pounds in "operation wedding dress" and I vow to keep it off and maintain the healthy lifestyle we are working towards :)
• One of my best friends, Erin, was married to an amazing guy and I was part of the matchmaking :)
• Pat and I continued to make new friends and really tried to "settle in" to our life in San Francisco (but we are still east coasters at heart)
• She Said Yes! was nominated for the Best Real Bride Blog award on WeddingChannel.com, and only lost by 2%.  This was a blessing in more ways than one, as it introduced me a new and very dear friend, Erin (Sparkle and Hay)
• I applied for a part time writing position for Examiner.com and was accepted as their new "Fisherman's Wharf Wedding Planning Examiner"!
• Pat and I ran the San Francisco half marathon on the hottest day of the year - 90 degrees!
• Erin and I started a new partnership together and started working away on a new project, Real Weddings {Revealed}.  We may live across the country from each other, but we are both determined and motivated to make it work.  Two minds are better than one, and we are so excited about what is to come.
• I became friends with so many people through the blogging and twitter world - it's so funny how a little comment on a blog post can truly make someone's day, and I can't thank you all enough for your support and kind words.  You all make me such a happy person!
• She Said Yes! evolved from my diary to the altar to a place of daily inspiration for brides to be.  I realized my true passion lies within the lovely little details that go in to each event, and I followed my dreams.  I threw fear of failure aside and made things happen.  lovely little details was born, and I can't be any more enthusiastic for a positive 2011.  I am optimistic and ready for the countless late nights and hard work that is ahead of me.  I might look tired sometimes, but deep inside I am more motivated than ever to KEEP MOVING!

Wishing you all an amazing New Year, see you in 2011!


~jacin

winter loveliness part 7

Wouldn't these be perfect for your bridesmaids to keep them warm for your winter wedding?

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lovely little details - update

Hi!  As you know, she said yes! is currently in the process of changing over to lovely little details {LLD} and I've been working whenever possible (still snowed-in on the east coast and currently playing musical houses and staying with whoever we can each night, so work time is limited) to keep things moving along. Today I finally changed up the actual back-end name to lovely little details, but to those of you who are so kind as to list my blog in your sidebar, you may have to change the name manually.  I can't even tell you how much I appreciate being listed and I'm sorry to trouble you with changing the name!

Also, you'll see that if you go to www.lovelylittledetails.com, that link is now active as well :)

More to come very soon :)

~jacin

winter loveliness part 6

I love this shot - I can picture some amazing bride and groom shots with this twinkling cycle...

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winter loveliness posts:

pretty red cups, inspirational images, pretty ornaments, think summer, snowy windshields, snowflake manicure.. 

thursday purseday

Such an amazing clutch for the bride or lucky bridesmaids from cady briar!

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Thinking of purchasing clutches for your bridesmaids?  Or need one for yourself?  Take advantage of this 20% off coupon before December 31!  Enter the code SHESAIDYES1 at checkout to score some major savings!

winter loveliness part 5

Loving this sparkly snowflake manicure...

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lovely little details is featured on destination diva today!

So excited to have been "interviewed" by Destination Diva today!  Want to learn more about lovely little details?  Go take a look :)

winter loveliness part 4

A pretty desk setup from country living...

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missed some of the loveliness?
pretty red cups, inspirational images, pretty ornaments, think summer, snowy windshields...

for the late night crowd

inspiring on so many levels!

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winter loveliness part 3

Sums up my feeling of winter coziness in one red cup.

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winter loveliness part 2

I'm loving the bright colors in this!

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couldn't have said it better myself

as I sit here snowed in, I can't help but think:

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winter loveliness...

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I have recently come across so many inspiring and wintry lovely little details that but I didn't want to put them all in one post.  So this week will be dedicated to just that - the winter lovely little details.  Have something to share?  Send to me!

twinkling lights for your big day

Hope everyone had an amazing holiday weekend!  I know I did - and I'm still enjoying the benefits of being home, as I am totally snowed in and extended my stay an extra day due to the blizzard!  I love it!!!

my parents' back porch with the blackberry cam

So Christmas is over, and all the returns will be happening in the next few days - and to you brides who are looking for twinkling lights at your wedding, this is YOUR time to get out there and purchase lights!!  With the holidays over, strands of holiday lights are going to be significantly reduced in price so make sure you head out (when the roads are clear!) and pick some up this week!

In the spirit of twinkling lights and sparkling accents, here are a few images I pulled from one of my pinterest boards :)

Images from: blog.flicker.net, andrea-marie.org, photos.ibibo.com, fallwedding.tumblr.com, luxist.com, honeyandjam.com, cottage living.

Happy Monday!

i joined bloglovin'

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mason jar sunday

yes - my dad MADE this for me for Christmas!!  how amazing, right?  I love it and we can't wait to replace our current chandelier in san francisco with this beauty, made of a chandelier repurposed from my beloved grandmother's house and old canning jars from our wedding.  so excited!

taken with my blackberry cam

blackberry cam

happy holidays everyone!!

xoxo

Happy Holidays!!

I will be taking some much needed time off from the computer for the next few days to enjoy time with my family while I'm back east for Christmas!

I wanted to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday and if you're taking time off too (which I hope you are!), Happy New Year!!

Thank you all for being such amazing and supportive people, the response to my new name and logo over the past few days has been overwhelming and has truly filled my heart with gratitude.

xoxo ~jacin

thursday purseday

there are no words to describe the amazingness of this Tory Burch messenger bag!  i think my macbook pro wants to snuggle up inside this thing right. now.

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a new name and look for She Said Yes!

I've been buzzing about it for months now, and have been working on a plan for a few years. You've heard me hinting about it on twitter and facebook, and on the blog too...

By the new year, She Said Yes will be fully converted to my new name, lovely little details.  And I could not be more excited!!!

Why the name?  I find myself focusing on the tiniest of details - the romantic gardenia in the bride's hair, the textured, fluffy gowns, the scattered petals lining the aisle, the groom's tiny, detailed boutonniere, the burlap table runners, those to-die-for red Louboutin heels.  The "lovely little details" may not be noticed at first, but when put together, they create a swoon-worthy event is that is personalized and memorable.  Those lovely little details are what turn inspiration in to reality - and I love that.

And why does it say "Weddings & Events" underneath?  Well - there's much more to come but I can tell you that the 8 brides (so far!) whose weddings I am designing and planning in 2011 will soon be showcased as well :)

one of my favorite Christmas memories

Those of you who know me by now know that I grew up working at my family's hardware store on the Connecticut shoreline... I worked there what felt like literally everyday after school, and every day in the summer.  The store was started by my grandfather and has been in our family since 1939 and Wal-Mart is a curse word in our house :).  Anyways!  One holiday tradition at Page's is to have Santa's Mailbox out front between Thanksgiving and Christmas, for all the kids in town to write to Santa and receive a letter back from him*.

Every year there are a few letters that trickle in on Christmas Eve, and I have always been the one to step in to some hefty shoes and write back to the children.  I usually include a little black and white cartoon picture of rudolf so the recipient can have fun coloring after they read the letter.  Once they're all written, I drive around town (usually with my brother) and put all the letters in the mailboxes - if it's close to the end of the day, I call the house and tell them Santa just dropped a letter off in the mailbox and the kids get all excited.

Well one year in particular (back when I was in college, working at the store over holiday break), I was going through the last-minute letters and a little boy arrived with his mother, who was telling him "it's too late, Santa won't be able to write back in time" - I told her we would do what we could and smiled at the little boy, who's letter asked "Dear Santa, All we want is a Christmas tree.  We know we couldn't afford one last year but we don't even want any presents, just a tree".  This broke my heart and luckily at the store we also sell artificial, pre-lit trees and holiday decorations galore.  Together with the rest of the crew who happened to be working, we purchased several ornaments and decorations, and a few small toys, and my brother and I set off on our way to drop off the surprise.  We waited until after dinnertime and drove to the address from the letter.  The funniest part was - I was driving so poor Todd had to be the "runner".  But we had already decorated the tree so it wasn't exactly something you could "run" with, and there were also a few gifts.  But I had to be in the car, ready to make our getaway so the kids wouldn't see us!  I explained in the letter to the children that we had to drop the tree off on the front porch because the chimney wasn't open until midnight.  So Todd is running/walking/balancing this huge tree/presents down a LONG driveway and gets to the front door, when all the sudden their automated lights went on!  Todd set down the tree and presents, put the card on the tree and BOOKED it back to the car faster than I've ever seen anyone run before!  He was barely in the car when I slammed on the gas, making sure we weren't caught!  It was one of my favorite memories because we knew we made a difference in that family's holiday, and we all banded in to do it together.

Several months later, a mysterious letter showed up at the store, thanking the "Page's elves" for making their children's holiday so special.  I still have the letter and bring it out every year to remind myself of the true meaning of the holiday.

And as I was chuckling to myself remembering Todd sprinting up the driveway, scared to be caught, I figured maybe I would share that memory with you, too :)

Tis the season!

*there is a local women's group who writes back to all the letters as long as there is a return address.

winter inspiration: flowers! {guest blogger valley & co}

From Jacin: Wow do I have a treat for you today!  The lovely Aleah of Valley & Co. (please check out the blog, twitter, facebook and website!) is here today to share her favorite winter flowers.  I LOVE flowers, they are one of my favorite components of wedding and event design, and I knew Aleah would nail it with today's guest post for winter inspiration!  Thank you Aleah for stopping by today, it is so great to have you here!

From Aleah & Nick:

'Tis the Season for Gorgeous Wintry Blooms

Thank you to Jacin for inviting to guest blog today; we're thrilled! We're Aleah + Nick Valley of Valley & Co., the husband + wife wedding and event planning and design team™ since 2003. Today we've whipped up some lovely wintry floral inspiration for Jacin's readers. We hope you enjoy!

Creating interest with a variety of winter blooms is a way to set your winter wedding apart. Step away from the classic red and green combination and lean towards textured blooms that are in season but are unique.

Pale Green: Queen Anne's Lace is an incredibly delicate flowers that brings a level of texture to bouquets that is romantic and cozy.

Bouquet from Martha Stewart | White and green bouquet from Bloomery Weddings 

Blush Pink: Blush orchids are so sweet and when paired with elegant garden roses add some curiosity to a winter table setting. They are durable and make for the perfect boutonnière flower or a simple napkin adornment at your reception.

Images for Valley & Co. via Jeremy Leffel

Winter White: Narcissus {or paper whites} are some of our favorite holiday flowers as they put off such a subtle, beautiful scent. Their bulbs can be purchased at any garden store and are forced indoors. Perfect for fresh January weddings, you'd have just enough time to force them for your wedding. Even better, they make for wonderful take-away gifts for your guests. This simple centerpiece is textured using perfect wintry elements: a dark, anchoring urn, festive fruits, and orchids feathered by simple greens. It is winter floral perfection.

Paper Whites from Southern Living | Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty

 Tropical Flair: Protea {or sugarbushes} are such an interesting species that grow through the winter months. With a color wheel that ranges from pale pink to lava orange, protea can be the star of your table or bouquet. Acting at the center of this bride's bouquet, the protea is a treat for the eyes. Surrounded  by a collar of sweet roses and delicately wound curly willow, this winter bouquet is memorable and creative.

Bouquet image from Brittany Hanson | Orange protea for Valley & Co. from Llanes Weddings

We hope we've inspired you to get creative with your winter blooms. While we love traditional winter floral decor, there's something so whimsical and magical about using colors and textures that are fresh and sweet.

mason jar sunday

hot chocolate favor mason jar?  yes please!

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have a mason jar image you'd like to share?  contact me!

anything is possible

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, a lot of new things are happening (check out my new collaboration, real weddings {revealed} with Erin Ethier of Sparkle & Hay) and it's all very exciting but sometimes a little doubt gets in the way.  I came across this quote from my good friend Anya Korepanova and it was a perfect fit in my current state of thinking; so I turned it in to a pretty picture so I could share it with you, too.

Think about it - life's too short to not live out your dream.  So go for it!  The worst thing that could happen is you never tried at all.

Happy Friday everyone!

winter inspiration: cake toppers! {guest blogger bwed exclusive}

From Jacin:  I am thrilled to have Alexandra from Bwed Exclusive guest posting again today.  She is such an inspiration and I'm honored to have been able to connect with her through twitter.  She's at the MTH2010 reunion this weekend - how exciting!!  Check out her website, facebook page and find her on twitter!


From Alexandra: The holiday season is upon us! And I for one, could not be happier! Because not only do the holidays mean family time, yummy treats, sparkly lights, and Christmas decorations - it also means that winter is finally here! I LOVE winter! I love bundling up for a walk in a winter wonderland, sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace lit by merry flames, and making snow angels in sparkly snow. Love it.

When I found out Jacin was putting on a Winter Inspiration Series as a follow up to the fabulous Fall Inspiration Series - I jumped at the chance to participate! I am so excited to share Wintery Cake Toppers with you all today! Thank you, Jacin, for putting on yet another fantabulous series! I’m honored to be a part of it once again!

The wedding cake is a centerpiece of any wedding reception. But the cake topper really ... takes the cake!! :)

How about this handmade beauty? Sweethearts, mistletoe, and a Christmas tree!

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Or this super sweet Mr. and Mrs. Claus topper?

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How fun is this Skiing Bride and Groom topper?

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Why not add a little sparkle to the top of your cake?

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These snowman cake toppers are just too CUTE for words! Better yet, they’re customizable!

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I saved the best for last! It’s my absolute favorite!

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How pretty are those painted pinecones on top of that sparkly cake?
So simple! Yet so, so pretty!

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If you're having a winter wedding (or wish you were), which cake topper would you choose?  Know of another wintery cake topper? Share it with us!

Happy Holidays!

XXOO

Alexandra

Here's the winter inspiration posts you may have missed this week:
Favors
Boutonnieres from Charity Wedding
Cocktails from Sparkle & Hay
Paper Design from Paper Moss

Accessories from Linz Loves You

Placecards from Custom Paper Works

Decor from Realistic Wedding

winter inspiration: decor! {guest blogger realistic wedding}

from Jacin: wow as if this week couldn't get any better with the guest blogger line-up, this afternoon we have Claire Gallam from Realistic Wedding to discuss her favorite winter wedding decor.  I am loving all the inspiration that Claire provides everyday on her amazing blog - please check her out if you haven't already!!  Thank you Claire!!


from Claire:  Hi friends and fans of She Said Yes!  Let me first preface this article by stating a true fact: I find it really bizarre that it's snowing AND sticking in Atlanta, but the sun's out and there's not a lick of snow on the ground here. I'm in Northern VA, almost Maryland! Shouldn't it be the other way around?  I could vent about that forever [I like snow, that's why I moved up here instead of staying put in sunny Savannah]!

Okay, now onto the pretty wedding inspiration.  I'm in LOVE love love with winter weddings. There's something so magical about saying "I do" under soft, glittering snowflakes.  Snow adds such a gorgeous backdrop that you really don't need much decor at all!  Just a few standout pieces and centerpieces and your day will be transformed to a stunning winter wonderland. Create a warm and cozy environment so your guests will forget the freezing temperatures and focus on you, your groom and your stunning decor!

Cranberries in hurricane jars with flickering tea lights create a warm, cozy and festive ambiance.

Replicate the snow frosted trees outside by hanging small crystal strands from the ceiling or a window!

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Lush ferns, glittery golds and pine cones add a rustic/festive charm to your wedding decor.

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Add a splash of cranberry, black or silver to your all-white floral arrangements for just the right amount of color!

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One of my favorite centerpiece ideas for wedding nuptuals are glitter painted sticks!  They look glamorous and are very cheap to DIY!

Place glittered sticks with tea candles along the entry way to make guests feel comfortable and warm.

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The warm throws, the giant & sparkling chandeliers and the gold-plated dinnerware... what's not to love?

Missed out on some of the winter inspiration?  Here's the line-up thus far:
Favors
Boutonnieres from Charity Wedding
Cocktails from Sparkle & Hay
Paper Design from Paper Moss

Accessories from Linz Loves You

Placecards from Custom Paper Works

winter inspiration: place cards! {guest blogger custom paper works}

from Jacin:  I am so excited to have Kate from Custom Paper Works here today to share her favorite winter place card findings.  Kate is so creative and enthusiastic, you must go check her out if you haven't already!  Thank you Kate for the amazing round-up!


from Kate: There's something about winter weddings that make them immediately unique. Especially if you know you'll be fighting (or working with) weather in cold and snowy locations ... or maybe that's just my take because I'm usually working on invitations for tropical beachy destinations! I had a blast getting into a wintery mood to gather some fun place card inspiration.

Place cards are an often-overlooked opportunity to show some personality at your wedding. That little card is usually what first welcomes the guests. Make them special! Have some fun! Create a mood for the reception right at the enterance.

Try a twist on the traditional...

{Paper feather place cards for whimsy.}

{A snowy place card display is so cute.}

{Icy textured paper perfect for chilly nights.}

Or try a crafty holder...

{Votive place cards do triple duty as table ambiance and favors too.}

{Snowball puffy cuteness.} {Gold pine cone holders, so elegant.}

Or make your place cards favors as well...

{These would be amazing hung amongst a ribbon wall!}

On a related note, personal table numbers are such a charming touch. I know a certain someone who will love this idea! (from jacin - you're right!!)

{Wood table numbers. That mason jar is calling for sprigs of evergreen!}

Just catching up on the winter inspiration?  Here's the line-up thus far:
Favors
Boutonnieres from Charity Wedding
Cocktails from Sparkle & Hay
Paper Design from Paper Moss
Accessories from Linz Loves You

Granting a Wedding Wish: Photography Package Giveaway from Michael Maler Photography

from jacin:  I am so honored to have Michael and Marcie Maler guest posting today about an amazing opportunity for a very deserving couple during this holiday season.  I am all about paying it forward and trying to do what I can to help others, and today's post encompasses all of that.  Michael and Marcie are a husband and wife photography team based in Connecticut (check out their work!) and they are not only some of the most talented photographers I've worked with, but also amazing people and I am so lucky to call them friends.  Inspired by personal experiences and the season of holiday giving, Michael and Marcie are giving away a photography package (worth $3,500+) for a couple in need.  Want to help (I am!  Stay tuned for more on this Friday when I reveal my new name!)?  Keep reading, and please feel free to re-post this (and link over to Michael Maler Photography) to pass the word; together we can work to make an amazing impact! 

from Michael Maler: Once upon a time there lived a little boy and a single mother. The mother worked tirelessly to provide for her son and constantly sacrificed her needs for his.

At the time, the mother and little boy did not have a home to call their own. Sometimes they would stay at a relatives, and other times at a family friend’s. This did not matter to the little boy. He loved being around his family and could find adventure no matter where they were.

One day, the mother sat the little boy down. With a tear in her eye, she told him that she had lost her job and they needed to move to a shelter temporarily. The boy didn’t quite understand, but no matter where his mother was he knew things would be ok. While at the shelter, the little boy enjoyed playing with puzzles, eating family style dinners with the other residents, and sleeping in a bunk bed close to his mother. Life to him was normal.

Soon it was Christmas and the mother and little boy left the shelter to spend the night at the boy’s grandparents house. When they arrived, the little boy was so excited to see presents under the Christmas tree. Christmas Day was very special to the little boy. Not only was it when Santa came, but it was also his birthday.

To his amazement, Santa had brought him two gifts. A pair of Ninja Turtle Gloves, and a new football. To him, they were the best presents ever.

That little boy was me.

Not many people have heard this story and I will forever be grateful for my mother, family, the volunteers at the Spooner House in Derby, Connecticut, and the Toys for Tots program.

The Promotion

My experience in life has taught me to always give back. There are so many people in need, and even the smallest contribution can make a difference. So with that, Marcie and I are proud to announce a promotion we are calling “A Wedding Wish.”

Times are tough, and for some they are barely making ends meet. This promotion will grant one couple who really need assistance, a free wedding photography package. The package will include full day wedding coverage by both Michael & Marcie, a DVD of the high resolution images, and 100 4×6 prints.

To enter, please submit a short story explaining how this could help you, three digital photos of you and your fiancé spending time together, and your contact information to weddingwish@mmaler.com. The winning couple will be chosen by January 31, 2011.

Here are the fine print details:

Entries must be submitted between December 15th, 2010 and January 15th, 2011. The promotion is open to those who’s wedding will be held in CT, MA, RI, or NYC Metro Area. The wedding date must be before January 14th, 2012 and cannot not interfere with a date that has previously been booked. Finally, the selected couple acknowledges that their story and photos will be shared upon selection.

Want to Get Involved?

If any vendors would like to contribute to this promotion, feel free to send an email to mmaler@mmaler.com with the details.

Not a vendor but still want to get involved? We are accepting donations in which the money you contribute will be used towards additional products and services for the chosen couple. To contribute, simply click the donate button below.

We look forward to helping someone in need this holiday season – and with that we cannot do it alone. Please help us by reposting, sharing, blogging, tweeting, etc. Together, we can make a difference.

Happy Holidays!

Love,

Michael & Marcie