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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: vows

Inspiration Photo Friday: Experience

30 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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Tags

bob marley, happiness, Inspiration, journey, life, marriage, suffering, true love, truth, vows, wedding

The other day I came across a quote shared from the one and only Bob Marley. It resonated with me a great deal because its the truth. Not only did I totally agree with his words, felt it had a true connection to my life. These are the words of wisdom:

“If she is amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you won’t give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy… Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for”. ~ Bob Marley

Some may read this and say, true love doesn’t involve suffering or getting hurt and it shouldn’t be too hard. Well, you are wrong. Life is not a fairytale and neither is love. No relationship is easy. When I look back on just the few relationships in my life where I was actually in love with the person, they were all challenging. And some were even crazy at times. Sure, you will love a lot of people in your lifetime, and of course I have, but the few that were monumental are the ones that greatly contributed to who you are today. They are the ones which helped you grow and evolve as a person as well as helping you to learn what you need and want in a relationship.

I can say for sure that I’ve never been easy. It’s not that I am a difficult person to be with, I just have a multi faceted personality and bring a lot to the table. There were times where the person I was with never gave up on our love, as did I, and others where ending it was the right choice. And sometimes you just have to deal with the fact that you can be in love with someone but you are not meant to be together. It happens all the time and I know first hand how it feels. And Marley knows what he is talking about when he says everyone hurts you, because its true. It’s all a matter of who is worth suffering for and how much you can take. It’s a testament of patience, loyalty, and love – to know if the one you are with is worth all the hard work.

It all comes down to experience and learning through growth. I have had many challenges thrown at me, in all aspects of my life. And since a child, I was always curious  to see and taste the world around me. Because of this I’ve experienced a lot, like many other people. Sharing what I have been through with others has always been something I felt obligated to do. For it’s only the ones who have overcome that can inspire and help others.

As far as love, I believe we can never know if we were meant to be with someone forever, because people eventually change and everything always comes to an end. But I do know that who we choose to be with, prove to be the right ones over time. You simply can’t know in a month or a year, if it will truly last. But after you’ve both lived life together and taken on challenges as a team, your experience will speak volumes.

My husband Dan and I have been together for 5 years and married a little over a year. We have been through a great deal together since we met back in the summer of 2008.   I’ve never dreamed of getting married like many other girls. My success as an artist was always number one. But when I shared my vows with Dan on our wedding day, I was honest and true with every word. Below is a photo of our vows along with my bouquet, which I preserved. I treasure these very much because they are a testament to our relationship and the start of a new chapter of our lives together.

Neither of us has given up on each other and I feel we have both suffered enough in this relationship, as Marley states, for it to last years to come. All I can say for sure is that our connection will grow with each day and our love shall keep us strong. I believe we have created a foundation that will guide us when we are lost and provide comfort when we need it. For true love has no boundaries. And when you realize the true worth of that love, happiness overcomes the suffering.

bouquet1

Our Vintage Farm Wedding

07 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Real Weddings, Weddings

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

animals, antique, barn, country, dancing, dr suess, earth, eco friendly, farm, flowers, garden, hitherto, ivory, lord of the rings, may, natural, nature, new york, organic, queens, queens county farm museum, rust jewelry, spring, vegan, vegetarian wedding, vintage, vows, wedding, winnie the pooh

Daniel and I shared our vows on May 20, 2012 on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. Our wedding was held at The Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park where the surroundings are natural, rustic, earthy and filled with beautiful animals. This farm was close to our hearts as we fell in love with it the minute we saw it. Not only was it the backdrop for our wedding but a main character as well.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

I had put so much time and work into this day. You see, I designed and created everything from the decor to our bouquets and pretty much planned it all out with Dan by my side. This was my chance to put together an event that was 100% Danny and I and you can bet I was excited. Even though we didn’t have a large budget, I felt our style and my aesthetic truly shined and us as a couple were represented flawlessly. We both give thanks to our families who helped make it all happen and our friends who happily accepted to play a part in our special day.

Our wedding was very much thought out and all the details clearly show that. We made sure our natural lifestyle and love for the Earth was a main focus. From the recycled paper I used to print the invites, programs and table charts to the favors which guests could plant, we chose to be good to the planet. Our vegetarian menu expressed that as well. We both felt it was important our wedding represented who we are as well as creating a beautiful and organic environment for our guests to enjoy.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

The morning of, Dan and I along with my best friend and maid of honor, Meg, arrived at the farm bright and early to set up. Although there were a number of complications and less hands than we planned, we did our best to get everything situated as fast as we can. Since the venue was 45 minutes away from our house we only had a few hours to finish up.

Well, a few hours turned into more hours than we thought and the morning was very much rushed. Let’s just say we all sped home way past the speed limit and got ready like clockwork with Dan heading off to his parents and Meg and I taking turns getting our makeup done. My hair was being curled by my Grandmother and Meg at the same time while my friend Jen was creating my flawless face. Meg wasn’t even done when we left because we were going to be late! Due to time, we couldn’t have our first look shoot at the house either which was a bummer. But off we went determined and anxious.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

As our guests waited outside in our ceremony space, which was adorned with burlap and vintage fabric I had purchased on Etsy, the girls and I got dressed inside the barn. My mother wore a garden inspired dress from Anthropologie while Meg looked beautiful in a navy dress from JCrew. My flower girl and Meg’s daughter, Leona Faye, was absolutely adorable in her plaid dress and sandals, showing off a french braid done by my mother. I wore a Hitherto ivory sweater and ivory lace skirt along with Lulu Townsend heels. Azaara earrings graced my ears showing a little shine, a crystal bow and my love for pearls.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Then it was time to walk out and meet my future husband. As we stepped out of the barn and began our little journey over to the pavilion, I was taken back by the visitors that surrounded me, it was surely a busy day at the farm. I had great excitement to finally share our vows before our dear friends and family.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

My good friend, Hernan Feraci, played an original song he wrote for us on guitar as I walked down alongside my mother. My eco-conscious bouquet was mix of pink peonies, white and pink daises and button mums, held together with ivory vintage lace and the vintage key Dan gave me during our engagement. Meg’s bouquet featured hydrangeas along with the same as mine while Leona sprinkled dried pastel hydrangea petals down the aisle.

{These were the only natural elements we used that were taken from the Earth so I made sure they were whole trade and eco certified}

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

The groom wore gray plaid pants from Banana Republic with a wool plaid bow tie from JCrew and gray suspenders while the best man, his brother Nick, wore all gray with an ASOS vest and a JCrew wool plaid tie. Those are two handsome guys!

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

As our officiant, Mona Gulino, proceeded with the ceremony, we shared teary eyes, smiles and laughs with our guests. Filled with personal readings, chosen quotes from Winnie the Pooh and Dr. Seuss and a small dedication to my mother, aunt and grandmother, it was pure joy to stand by Dan and vow to love him forever. We shared custom vows typed on vintage paper and before we knew it we were husband and wife!

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Proceeding the ceremony, everyone joined us in the barn for cocktail hour. We wanted to have light and healthy food served before dinner because it wasn’t long for meal time.  Our guests found their place by the table charts I created and each were greeted by an earth friendly favor they could plant anywhere they chose. The tables featured various mini garden centerpieces I put together, each adorned with twine and a vintage key. Vintage fabric was used throughout the space on all the tables and all of the jars and birdcage where items from our collection.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

We had natural soda pop as well as iced tea and lemonade as refreshments. Wine and beer were served table side along with the yummy food before dinner.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Dan and I danced to Under the Milky Way by The Church which spun into Two of Hearts by Stacey Q to get everyone up and dancing. We both handpicked the playlists for the event to make sure the music we loved was a character as well. Our DJ, my friends brother Joey, filled the room with good vibes and bangin beats. There was a mix of 80s, dance, some goodies from the 90s and instrumental tunes. Our favorite bands were showcased gloriously. And as you can see I was very excited to get the party started!

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

From there, we all danced, ate and had a great time. We had an open buffet of vegetarian italian options along with salads and breads, all served on bamboo plates. The weather was perfect and I was so happy to see all our guests explore the farm grounds. This venue is truly a playground for love, joy and happiness. Dan’s brother gave a great speech, which I missed while in the bathroom!, and everyone loved. Good thing I was able to watch it on our video thanks to my good friend Craig who filmed the whole reception.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

I was also thrilled everyone attacked the cupcakes which we ordered from Georgetown Cupcake. They are the best! We also set up a little candy bar and served fresh fruit and italian cookies for dessert.

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Although the day went by so fast, I will always cherish the special moments and all our friends and family who came and became a big part of making it a success. It was surely a day to remember. Now my best friend is my husband and 3 months later I can look back and say we created a fabulous day full of love. What more could a girl ask for 🙂

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Our Vintage Farm Wedding - © Lauren Elle Photography

Event Details:
Makeup by Jennifer Lombardo
Officiant – Mona Gulino
DJ- DJ Ello, Joseph Mondello
Catering by Buona sera
Cupcakes by Georgetown Cupcake, NYC
Filmed by Craig Webb, What! Productions
Photography by Lauren Elle
Wedding Bands: {Melissa} Rust, England & {Dan} official Lord of the Rings ring

Wedding Details that Last Forever

13 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Crafty Ideas, The Bride & Groom, Weddings

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Tags

bouquet, bride, ceremony, dried flowers, flowers, groom, nature, vows, wedding, wedding ceremony

Wedding Details that Last Forever

Most brides choose to throw their bouquet at their wedding but since I created mine, I wanted to preserve it for years to come. So I dried the flowers by hanging the bouquet in my basement for 2 weeks. It’s the darkest and driest place in my house. It took me awhile to find a shadow box that was perfect but 2 months later, I found it and couldn’t be happier. It was on sale too!

I laid out my bouquet in the center and dressed it up as it was on my wedding day. Adorned with vintage lace and the key Danny gave me during our engagement. I showcased each of our vows under the bouquet, in their original state, and then added a few more dried flowers from our wedding in the corners along with another small vintage key.

I can’t say enough how much I love my wedding box. I feel every bride should have something like this. Now I can treasure the details of our ceremony forever and have a beautiful memory showcased for all to see.

Wedding Details that Last Forever

First Look

28 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in The Bride & Groom

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bridal, bride, ceremony, first look sessions, groom, photography, vows, wedding

A lot of people think its bad luck for the groom to see the bride on their wedding day. I disagree. Although it is nice to walk down the aisle and see each other for the first time, it can’t truly be captured. At least not with both of you in the picture. This is why I love first look sessions.

Not only do you have special time put aside just for you and your partner, you get to capture it in all its glory. Because it’s just you two (and the photographer) your true emotions show and it will forever be remembered. Walking down the aisle is somewhat of a performance, or at least it seems that way. Everyone is looking at you! This surely affects how you act and feel.

Dan and I decided to have a first look session because that personal time with each other means a lot. In that one moment in time, it’s just us. With excitement gleaming from our eyes and subtle displays of nervous undertones, both looking the best we ever have looked. How happy and beautiful we will both be, sharing our last moments of individual bliss. Anxious to speak the words that will bind us forever. How can you not want to capture this?

Here are some inspiring images from couples who feel the same as me. Looking at these photos made me so happy. Not to mention, excited about my wedding day. This is why seeing each other before you’re married is not bad luck. Just look at their expressions and you will see for yourself why this moment is priceless.

First Look

First Look

First Look

First Look

First Look

First Look

First Look

First Look

First Look

First Look

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