We realized that we never blogged this stunning shoot we did with Katy Shay Photography. How is that possible?! There's something so special about fall weddings that make them seem extra cozy and romantic - the colors, the textures, the extra cuddles the couple needs to sneak in to stay warm. It's just the best time of year and we're so excited to FINALLY share these! 

If you couldn't tell, we love fall and Halloween. Be sure to check out our first ever Hallowedding styled shoot that we did in Seattle! 

Photographer // Katy Shay Photo
Florist // Flower Happy Floral
Model // Nichole Stolin
Rentals/Design/Coordination // Champagne + Linen

Let's talk guestbooks! 

Our motto is you do you and guestbooks is a great way to showcase your relationship! Love to travel, have a special song, love photo booths?! Show those in your guestbook! Here are a few of our favorites. 

What unique guestbooks have you seen?! We love them ALL! 

Cheers,
C+L

Your wedding ceremony MUST be this way/order/etc/etc...
Truth: Let’s be real, our least favorite question to answer is “is this right?” especially when it comes to the ceremony. It’s YOUR ceremony. The bridal party can walk down  in any order you prefer. You can stand on either side of the aisle. You can put anything you dream of in your vows. YOU DO YOU! 

Myth: Having your wedding on family property is cheaper. 
Truth: Meaningful location. Save the cost of a venue, right? Well, most venues include a few key things: tables, chairs, shelter, parking, BATHROOMS! Many assist with set up and clean up. They have vendor referral lists. They have has so so many weddings at their venue and know what works best. ​

Myth: You can just use a playlist for your reception.
Truth: You CAN. You totally can. But there is something to be said about the energy that a band or DJ gives off. They pump up the crowd. They get the party going. They read the room and can seamlessly transition out of a song if it’s causing people to leave the dance floor.

There are so, SO many other myths. The moral of the story is do what makes you and your fiance. There’s no cookie cutter mold these days for weddings. The sky's the limit. 

Tell us a myth that you have heard about weddings! ​

Hi friends! We are 44 days into 2019, and what a 44 days it has been. Here are my favorite things right now.
​
C+L Dinners // Without fail whenever Alicia, Ariel, and I meet there is some bomb food involved. Nothing beats when we cook a delicious homemade meal together, pour some wine, and laugh around the table. Sometimes we get fancy and light a candle and use cloth napkins. Sometimes we have our hobo clothes on and eat straight out of the pizza delivery box. It’s all about balance. But most importantly, it’s all about the company - and Alicia and Ariel are always great company.

White Chili // At some point within the past four years I started making White Chili in my crock pot. The recipe is slowly started evolving, and tasting even better every time I make it. Now it’s a crowd favorite. The best part about this recipe is 90% of the time I already have all the ingredients in my kitchen no matter how desperately I need to go grocery shopping.

So check it, at the start of your day you put a container of chicken broth, two or three seasoned chicken breast (I use salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne, garlic salt, and onion salt. Really whatever feels right), chopped white onion, can of diced chili peppers, a can of corn, and a can of great northern beans (or whatever beans, I’m not here to tell you what to do, just make sure they’re white). Cook on low for eight hours, or on high for four-ish hours. About thirty minutes before you serve, mix in heavy whipping cream and softened cream cheese. Cook and stir until nice and thick.

Garnish with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, anything your heart desires. Look, I’m not the best at typing out recipes because I don’t measure anything. I just guess and hope for the best, because that’s the way I handle everything in my life.

Game of Thrones // Up until a couple months ago, I was probably the only person on the planet who hasn’t seen an episode of Game of Thrones (I haven’t read the books either). Anyways, GOT isn’t really a guilty pleasure, but it is something that has been occupying a ton of my time lately, and has been a good distraction from my daily responsibilities. I’m about halfway through season five, and really the only reason I keep watching is for Tyrion Lannister (I really really love little people, and his character is just awesome). Khaleesi and her dragons are pretty dope too. Also, I don’t want to give away any spoilers for the other 2% who haven’t watched the show, but King Joffrey is the biggest douche canoe ever. He’s actually King of the douche canoes. So needless to say I had a celebratory glass of champagne when Joffrey died. Oops, sorry, spoiler alert.
As an added bonus, I would like to share a GOT Drinking game with you! Because GOT wouldn’t be GOT without half of the characters getting smashed every episode.

** Take One Sip Every Time **
Jon Snow is called a bastard 
Littlefinger creepily hits on Sansa 
Cersei casually sips wine
Daenerys lists all of her titles
Someone mentions The Iron Throne 
Whenever Hodor says, “Hodor!”

** Take Two Sips Every Time **
Anyone says, “Winter is coming.”
Arya goes through her revenge list 
Bran’s eyes go white 
Anyone says, “King of the North.”
You see a dragon or someone mentions dragons 

** Take Three Sips Every time **
When a sword is drawn 
Someone says, “A Lannister always pays his debts.”
Someone is naked on screen
Gay sex scene 

** Finish Your Drink When ** 
Incest happens or is mentioned 
When you see a White Walker 
Whenever Joffrey acts like a major dick 
Dragon breathes fire 
A major character dies

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my “What’s Good”. I am excited to share more good things with you this 2019! We would also love to hear your personal “What’s Good” So drop us a line, let's chat about it! In the meantime make yourself some white chili, put on Game of Thrones, and pour yourself a drink! You deserve it! 

​Warmest regards,
Mariah
​

Photography // Marissa Irene Photography