Memory Lane Events LLC

One thing MLE hasn’t yet touched on in our blog is wedding makeup! From soft and sweet to dark and bold, there are several different looks to wear on your big day. Today’s focus, the beautifully bold! Move over dress & shoes, the woman wearing you is making a bigger statement than you! Isn’t that how it should be? Take a look at some of MLE’s favorite smoky eyes! Fashion and Styles Weddings By Lili Ellie Makeup Wedding Party

Offbeat wedding planning & designing is such a passion of mine so it is only natural that I share a couple of photographs shot by Charlene Morton Photography in a stunning UK estate. This 1920’s inspired shoot captures the unique illustration & style in which MLE strives to capture in our designs. When styling your wedding, don’t be afraid to incorporate corky or chic inspirations that you have dwelled on for years. More importantly, don’t be afraid to collaborate ideas with your partners. His or her vision might be the perfect fit to your absent thought!

It’s Friday, It’s Friday, Happy Fashion Friday! From soft neutrals, shimmering metallic’s, dark colors with leather accents, some of the hottest 2013 fall trends are turning heads! My head… Glued on the stunning red gowns, leather accents, and killer studded accessories! Could you blame me? Photo Credit: Thebestfashionblog.com

Good Morning to you all. I hope your weekend was absolutely fabulous and memorable! I have to start this week off with this gorgeous engagement session shot by the incredible Leah Kua! I am absolutely head-over-heels in love with the couple, their style & sophistication and of course, the stunning Italian backdrops. published by #GreyLikesWeddings, Deborah and Andy's chemistry is undeniably romantic! Their subtle and sweet touches were perfectly captured as they assisted in each other's last minute getting ready moments. Not to mention the adorable intimate kisses exchanged throughout the entire shoot. I always love sharing photos that undoubtably express the love the couples shares with one another. To convey the emotional connection that is simply all love and naturally effortless is priceless within a photo. It's inspiring and beautiful! ❤️

Kelly Clarkson has finally tied the knot! She looks absolutely stunning as she exchanges her intimate vows with now hubby Brandon Blackstock. Congrats to the happy couple! Click the link above to see a clip!

You know that feeling of bliss and absolute adoration you feel when you are head-over-heels in love with someone? Would you say that you have control over keeping that feeling alive over the duration of your relationship/marriage? Can you fall in love with your spouse more than once? In my opinion the answer is without doubt, yes to all of these questions. After reading an article on failed relationships & the true meaning of listening to your partner, it touched my heart and I was inspired to write. It goes without saying; every couple goes through their fair share of rough times, tough obstacles, and hardships. But how often do your disagreements end with an ‘I’m sorry” or an “I love you” that is truly meant and/or accepted? Do you actually care to understand your partner’s feelings or would you rather just hear an apology or apologize just to get the fight over-with? Everyone is guilty of it! But your selfishness in neglecting to listen and understand can hurt your relationship in the long run. Okay, so now what.. What if we all changed our minds and our hearts before an argument ever begins. Could this concept actually alter a potentially destructive disagreement? The thing is, it’s been proven that women will never fully understand the full range of feelings and emotion that men experience daily and vise versa, which is where the underlying disagreement happens in the first place. “Why doesn’t he understand how I feel right now!” “Why can’t she just leave me alone for 5 minutes!” So how do we begin to understand each other as a unit.. By LISTENING! If your lady needs you to listen, attentively hear her out. If your man needs to walk away for 5 minutes, give him that time to cool off without pushing him out the door. The key is to respect each other’s way of handling certain issues (talk them out before the big blow out!) and conclude ultimately by coming together and resolving the issue in a way that you both can be happy with. Now I’m no therapist, relationship counselor or scientific genius, but of course I’m going to share my thoughts anyways! Through personal experience, I know that listening & understanding your partners needs is critical to the success of the relationship. By allowing your partner the opportunity to share his/her thoughts and concerns before you blast your side, gives them a sense of reassurance that you do care and are listening. When you act in the best interest of your partner and truly mean or accept each others ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I love you(s)’, you connect on a deeper level. A stronger bond forms, an intimate level of respect is shaped, and your love for one another grows & matures. When listening & understanding is practiced, (and I mean practiced! This isn’t an overnight adjustment) it can be individually life-changing but more importantly relationship altering in the best way! Practice putting your partner first!

The Emmy’s never cease to showcase the ‘big hits’ and please ‘never agains’ of the seasons most elegant and edgy trends. The warm color palettes (cobalt blue & purple) and bright pastels were stunning and a perfect introduction into fall. The beautiful a-line gowns and the super sexy mermaid & empire silhouettes completely set the tone for the rest of the evening; certainly to be discussed for at least the rest of the week! Check out all of MLE’s favorites from TV’s biggest night! Each piece above is perfect for your big moment down the aisle, wouldn’t you agree? If not down the aisle, your MUST have party dress for the reception! What was your favorite gown or a your please ‘never again’? Photo Credits: E News

Wedding Accessories are certainly becoming rival statement pieces alongside a bridal gown and decked out florals. From shoes to jewelry, headpieces are making their contribution singly or in addition with a veil, showcasing its elegance and femininity. With several different styles and textures, this subtle yet romantic element is perfect for a vintage, bohemian, and even the most graceful bride! Photo Credits: Top Left/Right: Marisol Aparicio Bottom: Erica Koesler Wedding Accessories

There are two things about this ombre inspired wedding that I have absolutely fallen in love with. One being the couple of course! The effortless moment captured by JOSH ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY, is breathtaking. There is no short of love or absolution displayed in this photo, that’s for sure! The second being that dress!! Covered in all white roses, this gown was designed and handmade by Antonio Riva. Just to put it this into perspective, this piece came straight off the runway and was the only one made of its kind. Now that is something special, not to mention uniquely gorgeous!! Site Credit: http://www.greylikesweddings.com/real-weddings/ombre-wedding-an-inspiring-story/

It’s day 5 and final day of MLE’s Leather & Weddings Fashion Week! (sadface) I couldn’t think of a better feature to close out this chapter then with every woman’s worst addiction. Heels! From ordinary to the most unconventional bridal heel, there is no limit on how extravagant these babies need or have to be for your big day; So go big OR.... still get married.. hehe.. Truth is, bridal shoes haven’t always been a top priority on the wedding planning checklist. However, with a present demand for the picture perfect shoe photograph, it is becoming increasingly important to have a killer heel! Or even chuck (Chuck Taylor) for that matter! Find a shoe that expresses every bit of your personality.. Your guests and photographers will experience yet another element from your wedding day that can be appreciated! Thank you to all who’ve followed MLE’s Leather & Weddings Fashion Week. Inspiring individuality is what I strive to do with every one my couples and leather, in relation to weddings, is certainly a unique contribution. I hope some of these posts have inspired you to ‘live a little’ outside your comfort zone and encourage your creative side a bit.. thus truly making your special day that much more special! Happy Thursday! Cheers! Xx 1.) Miu Miu 2.) Evanka Trump 3.) Mia 4.) Shefinds.com

It’s day 4 of MLE’s Leather & Weddings Fashion Week and today’s feature comes from a real wedding in the August issue of Brides Magazine. Ashley Yao & John Chao were married at The Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Aside from their amazing décor, several personal touches were applied to the overall theme of their wedding. Bridesmaids stunned in long black gowns set with fur around the neck and an individualized style clutch to carry with them down the aisle. Ashley’s fingernails and lips dressed in red, culturally symbolizing good luck in her culture.. just to name a couple. But one of the best elements, in my opinion (and it was difficult because the wedding spread was literally amazing), is the leather-striped table linen that was used to brilliantly convey the overall aura of their big day. I have seen linen with extra fabric, fun designs, and statement worthy; but I must say, this one takes the cake for me! Just simply stunning.. If you have the opportunity to pick this issue up on newsstands, I would strongly urge you to. Not only are there gorgeous gowns and weddings to drool over, but there are also several pointers and resources to reference when planning for your wedding! Happy Hump Day! Cheers!

It’s day three of MLE’s Leather and Weddings Fashion Week and today’s feature is all in the details. Martha Stewart Weddings showcased a Real Wedding West Coast style in a 200 year old farm house in the Figueroa Mountains. Along with several meaningful wedding details, the couple incorporated these super cute vintage inspired leather embellishments. All invitations were packaged in onionskin paper and twine then slipped into hand-stitched leather envelopes to be sent out to all guests. All Place settings were classically leather wrapped and wax stamped with the couples initials. I absolutely love the attention to detail throughout the entire décor planning process. If you plan for a small intimate wedding and do not wish to spend a ton of money, keep your focus on the small décor elements that your very close friends and family will cherish and appreciate! Happy Monday! Cheers! Xx Photo Credit: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/284313/jose-and-joel-los-olivos-california/@center/272446/real-weddings#283392

Vera Wang’s 2014 Monochrome bridal collection couldn’t be more perfect to feature on day two of MLE’s Leather & Weddings Fashion Week! From the simplest lace gowns to the more intricate ballgown, Vera Wang nailed the edgy meets chic look with addition of those leather arm-length gloves! I am completely head over heels for this newly released collection. The best part about this look is that it can be accomplished and replicated using your own bridal gown with the addition of those fabulous leather gloves! Would you be brave enough to rock this look down the aisle? Cheers! Xx

It’s Fashion Week for MLE! My obsession with leather trending for pre-fall is beyond normal right now! With that being said, welcome to MLE’s Leather & Wedding Fashion Week. Each day, I will be venturing into the world of ‘leather & weddings’ as it pertains to the wedding industry. Obviously, ‘leather & weddings’ are hardly used in the same sentence when brainstorming décor options for the big day; however, this week it is! As I’ve mentioned a million times over, designing occasions that are just as unique as my couples is ultimately why I love to do what I do. Creating out-of-the-box or out-of-the-norm events are exciting and undeniable riveting for MLE… so obviously I had to share this wedding immediately! 100 Layer Cake featured the wedding above of ‘Carina & Joao’ which took place in the gorgeous city of Lisbon Portugul. With only a few touches of leather and personal style, it is absolutely undeniably that their special day was just as chic as it was edgy or ‘rad’ as Californians like to say! Stay tuned for a fun filled week of ‘leather & weddings’! Have an awesome Thursday! Cheers! Xx Wesbite: 100 Layer Cake/ Photography: Piteira Photography / Venue: Palácio Dos Condes D’Óbidos / Catering: Morgadio Real / Design: Como Branco Wedding Concepts / Make up: Marta Sousa / Wedding Rings: Eternis / DJ: Vitor Ferreira / Bride’s dress: Susana Agostinho / Groom’s suit: Dolce & Gabbana

Personalized spoons! How adorable.. Not only are these wonderful for the detailed photographs in your wedding album, but these spoons are the perfect ‘something borrowed’ that can be passed down in family generations! In love, I must say… Photo Credit: http://www.strawberriesandfacecream.com/wedding-bits/

Mirrored Tabletops, I believe, can be one of the most underrated décor options available to brides. I’m not talking the one to three tiered mirror centerpieces that can tend to look a bit cheesey.. I’m talking the entire tabletop. Look at how elegant, chic, and timeless these tablescapes turned out! Maybe your tablescape is already planned out but you love this look.. Why not add a little romance to your ceremony (photo 2) or reception décor (photo 5)?! All of the above… check mate! The only downfall to this gorgeous addition is the cost. Whether it be a wedding or a special occasion, you really have to take into consideration the cost of each glass top per table top. I would recommend this option for a small wedding or bridal shower or a very intimate wedding reception. This will for sure have your guests in ‘awe’ and future brides itching to incorpoate such a beautiful option to their big day! How could this mirrored option fashion your celebration? (1) Kelly Brown Weddings (White Centerpieces) : (2) source- Aisle Décor : (3) Melissa Jill Photography : (4) Henry Lin Photography : (5) Elizabeth Messina (glass mirror) : (6) Bloomed to Last (Hanging Jasmine and candles)

One of my favorite parts of being a planner is the opportunity to walk a venue. Each location presents its own characteristics thus making all of its elements, architecture, history, ect. unique in their own way. My mind always begins to wonder frivolously as various décor options present themselves each time I enter a new site. Even the ones that I have previously worked at, each time, provide a blank canvas to create something just as beautiful and exceptional as my clients. Crevier Classic Cars is a distinct venue that is rarely used for weddings but is the perfect location for an avid car loving couple! Accompanied by over a dozen collectable vehicles, this location is graced by several modern touches. Their warehouse inspired atmosphere is surrounded by a vaulted ceiling, large propeller ceiling fans, and vintage gas pumps. All of which surround a generously proportioned area perfect for any hosted event. MLE’s focus for this layout was to accentuate the beauty within the venues valuables.. the classic cars! MLE centered its attention around the heart of what a vehicle is actually comprised of… metal, nuts & bolts, and all of its shiny parts. The metal additions give the tablescape a masculine touch while the striped linen portrays the memorable pinup era where vintage cars now, back then were our modern day Ferrari’s. Each piece in this tablescape works effortlessly to create a masculine/feminine experience for such a remarkable location. Many times, couples become so caught up in creating an extravagant floral centerpiece that can cost well of $50 per table. But when a couple/guests are allergic to floral and/or do not want floral showpieces, it becomes more of a question of “what do we do now!?” As shown above, with a little creative push, you can assemble 'out of the box' centerpieces for well under a typical floral budget! Have fun with it.. “Create your own visual style... let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” - Orson Welles Photo Credit: Brittany Kalaj Margulieux Telgenhoff Photographers (Car Photos)