Here Comes the Bride...

One of my closest friends, Diana, went on vacation a few weeks ago and came back with a beautiful souvenir! Instead of finding seashells on the beach in Florida her husband-to-be surprised her with an engagement ring that is absolutely gorgeous! She broke the news to me in an email with a photo slide show. Knowing her for almost 20 years and sensing something was up, I immediately skipped to the last slide and there was the sparkler! I couldn't be happier for the both of them. 

Soon after they announced the date for February 2013 we all sprang into action with wedding planning ideas! We are now in full on Jennifer Lopez circa Wedding Planner mode. 

Can you believe that Di found her dress on the first day of shopping?! And it is perfect! 

While Di, her sister/my close friend Tho and I were out searching for reception venues we checked out the Courtyard on St. James Place.  Located near the Houston shopping mecca the Galleria, or as I call it heaven on earth, St. James Place is in a beautiful location and the property certainly stands it ground there. With wrought iron staircases and lanterns lining the walkways it is reminiscent of the New Orleans French Quarter. Ivy climbing the outside walls will make a perfect backdrop for bridal pictures should this be the chosen location. 

Di (that's her pictured above), Tho and I were accompanied by Tho's cutie pie daughter Kaylin. For a three year old she was a real trooper when it came to shopping for hours. Hmmm...perhaps we are rubbing off on her at an early age! ;) 

We hit up BHLDN, otherwise known as Anthropologie's version of a wedding store. It is well documented on Joy De Vivre how I feel about Anthropologie(excitement just passing by, anxious over what new goodies the shopping Gods may bestow upon me, basically pure glee, etc.) and BHLDN is no different. 

From the outside BHLDN looks like a pretty little cake, on the inside it is filled with gorgeous dresses, glistening shoes and displays that make you go why didn't I think of that. 

They have a room full of wedding reception decor for several different themes. Each completely different yet adorable! Having a nautical themed reception and need tabletop decor? Or perhaps a dessert bar and you are in need of colorful paper goods...they have it all! 

Also spotted..these love birds! How cute would these be as a cake topper? VERY! If I do answer my own question!. ;) 

Anyone have any good wedding idea websites to pass along? Any ideas are welcomed!