craving: croissants.

this morning i woke up craving croissants. again. i ate a croissant every morning on our honeymoon (even while we were in prague!) i don't remember eating a lot of croissants when i studied in paris during college, so i am not sure what the recent obsession is but dannnng they are tasty! buttery, flakey - hard on the outside and soft and doughy in the middle. drool. 

audrey - croissants via, via

now for the important question -- where do i find a decent croissant in chicago?!

what are you craving?

xo, 

jillian

good things - i'm a mrs!!!

happy monday -- we're back from the honeymoon!! it was ahhmazing and i can't wait to share lots of photos and stories with you this week! the wedding was gorgeous and everything was just perfect. it was an unbelievable feeling to be surrounded by so many people who care about you -- there was so much love! :) h was SOOO handsome and i find myself thinking about snippets of the big day all the time -- and then smiling like a crazy person! now that the wedding is over and i am married (WAHHOOO!) i feel calm and happy. no more planning or making lots of wedding related decisions, i get to focus on other things (like finally finishing our gallery wall of frames in the kitchen). here are some other good things i am smiling about lately:: 

- i cut my hair!!! three days after the wedding i got 8 inches chopped off and i LOVE it. no more crazy long hair and pony tails. (if you're in chicago, i highly recommend holly at sine qua non salon)

- seeing h with a wedding band and replacing fiance with husband :) :)

- my best friends wedding is right around the corner, just 2 months away! i am hosting her bachelorette party this weekend with her bridesmaids and attending her shower in a few weeks - the wedding fun continues! 

- the photobooth photos from our wedding were hilarious. the same 4 or 5 couples jumped into the booth quite a few times! so happy we have digital copies.

- i have the BEST blogging friends - thank you to all of the wonderful guest bloggers last week!

xo, 

mrs. m

{guest post} - very loveleigh.

to jillian & her new mr:

my mister and i celebrated our 3rd anniversary just a month ago. in reflecting on these past three years, i know that we have learned so much, and fallen even more in love than i could ever imagine. i wanted to share two things that we have done with great success and one thing that we wish we would have in hopes that you have a beautiful beginning to your life together.

1. make plans for big or small adventures

[via]

whether it's a great meal the two of you want to cook together or a row boating adventure, make plans. my husband & i love to make lists together and try new things. lately, we've been mapping out little bike riding adventures with fun stops along the way. i know you two love to bike ride, so i highly suggest this. get out of your comfort zone though too. i recently found myself jumping out of a boat in the middle of the lake--not something i'd normally do--to indulge myself in a little risk-taking and adventure.

2. be flexible when things do not go as planned

[via]

we have found that life is not like the movies--or pinterest for that matter. you may have plans for something that just cannot happen right now. we have had big plans [where we want to live] and small ones [how we want to furnish a guest room] that just did not happen. don't sweat the small stuff in your marriage--especially those first few years. i read a quote by elizabeth edwards that i especially loved, "she stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails." stand in that storm together and adjust together and i promise you that life will be even happier that the movies--and pinterest.

now for that wish:

3. take a nice picture on each and every anniversary. 

[via]

something that i am truly kicking myself about is not taking a good picture on our anniversaries. sure, i have pictures, but not any really great ones of us together in good lighting, without sweatshirts on [our first anniversary was spent at the beach in a thunderstorm], etc. you don't have to do something super fancy, but this is a tradition that i completely and totally regret. 

06.05.09

06.05.12

it really is so fun to see how you do--and don't!--change.

sending too much love to the newlyweds! michigan & illinois are far too close for us not to grab dinner sometime!

love, leigh of very loveleigh

 

{guest post} - EV photo chic.

Hello, I'm Liz from Coach House Pictures and am so excited to be guest blogging today for the sweetest newly wed  I know :) Today I am sharing a few photo tricks ( from a photographers perspective) on how to create and help your photographer capture the most authentically memorable wedding photographs that you will be happy to revisit long after you pronounce I Do! Let's get started, shall we? 

Photo Tip #1:  Build a relationship with your photographer. This is probably the most important thing you can do soon after you book your photographer (in my opinion). Building a relationship with your photographer not only builds communication and trust but also an understanding that he/she will do everything to make sure it comes true. Establishing a good relationship with your photographer will also make them feel like a friend on your big day rather than hired help. 

Photo Tip #2: Don't hold back! On emotions that is! Capturing raw emotion is a beautiful thing and it's what your day is all about. Being i the presence of such heartfelt and authentic moments is what we as photographers strive to capture ( no faking it here ) and you'll be amazed and happy that we did! So dance like no ones watching and wear waterproof mascara (if you are the water works type). 

Photo Tip #3: Pretend like the cameras not there! Although this may be hard for some to do, some of the most natural and authentic moments happen when you and your groom are not looking (or don't notice) your photographer is around. And trust me when I say that as a photographer these are the shots that my couples really love the most. 

Photo Tip #4: Strike a pose! Search your favorite wedding mags and blogs to find poses that you love! Then (kindly) ask your photographer to help you recreate some of them! Nothing excites me more than when couples have a few poses they want to incorporate into there day. Wether your poses are a bit playful or show attitude, it's your day and you get to rock it out anyway you want!

Photo Tip #5:  Your day is in the details! Give your photographer beautiful eye candy (besides you of course) to photograph. Details help your photographer to shape a visual voice to the story of your day.  At the end of the day your photographs are all you have to help you recreate your memorable day! 

{guest post} - something charming.

Hi friends! Jillian has so graciously asked me to take over for her little blog today, and I am so glad she did! Iím sure you already know, but this beautiful lady is busy getting married. I've been fortunate enough to have been following along since she got engaged, and I know how excited she is to finally be tying the knot.

I kind of love weddings, which makes me that much more excited about all of this. I love weddings so much, in fact, that I launched my own wedding planning company last year. These past eight months have been amazing and crazy and exhausting, but I wouldnít have it any other way. If anything, it just makes me realize how fortunate I am to be living my own dream.

There are a lot of things that I love about weddings and owning my own creative business. 

I love love. 

The main reason why I do what I do is because I just love seeing people commit themselves to one another. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I'm a sucker for a good romance, so being able to see a couple live out their own love story first hand is amazing to me. And knowing that I helped make their day that much more special is just the icing on the cake. 

Pretty things make me smile.

Like most people, I'm drawn to beautiful things. I've always loved looking at wedding photos and other types of inspiration, but it wasn't until last year that I realized that I can create beautiful things too. Knowing that I designed something and helped bring it to life is one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced. 

Running a business...

...is difficult. It's confusing and frustrating and really, really hard. But it's also incredibly rewarding. I knew nothing about starting my own business when I first started, and I still have a long way to go. I have learned so much in these past eight months, and I've met so many amazing people. I really don't think I can turn back now. 

It's for all of these reasons that I am so excited for Jillian right now. She's living out what I love to do for a living. Seeing the smiles on my brides' faces at the end of the night, and hearing them say that they had the perfect day is exactly why I do what I do. I just wish I could be there for Jillian to make sure that her day is perfect too! But I just know it will be. 

Congrats my dear. I hope you have the most beautiful life together.


xo, 
joelle of something charming

{guest post} - the boot.

Hi everyone! Are you like me in that every summer night all you want to do is grill? You get to be outside, flipping away, getting those great grill marks and anticipating the deliciousness that is to come. But, to be honest, I get sick of the traditional fare of hot dogs and hamburgers pretty fast. Today I have some new (vegetarian!) things to try on the grill. Let's face it, vegetables are good for us and cheaper than meat, so why not?

Portobello Mushroom Burger

[this baby is packed with spinach and sun dried tomatoes, yum!]

Grilled Vegetable Salad

[i love the unique dressing that's paired with this salad!]

Grilled Peaches with Marscapone and Raspberry Sauce

[you could vary this in so many ways, but i love the marscapone/raspberry combination.]

Nectarine Basil Sangria

[my favorite summer drink right now!]

Thank you so much for having me today Jill! Now get those grills going ladies! 

And if you'd like some more food inspiration from me, come by the boot! 

xo,

marissa

{guest post} - crimsom kiss.

Hi, I'm Lena–the cocktail consuming wedding blogger from A Crimson Kiss, and I'm absolutely delighted to be spending some time with Jillian's amazing readers while she's off getting hitched and exploring Paris and Prague with her newly minted husband! To toast the new Mrs, I thought I'd share my most recent cocktail discovery–the Mississippi Mule! It's perfectly tart and sweet, thanks to lemon and crème de cassis, and would pair beautifully with a cantaloupe and prosciutto salad for your next al fresco dinner party!
 

Mississippi Mule

1 1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz crème de cassis
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

We are Plymouth drinkers, but when the bottle was empty, we found ourselves using Miller's Westbourne gin to make this cocktail–and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 Cheers, and congratulations again to our dear friend Jillian–to a life full of adventures and love!

xo,

Lena of A Crimson Kiss

{guest post} - things that sparkle.

Hi Cornflake Dreamers, I am Alex from Things That Sparkle and I am so excited to be here today subbing in for Jillian during this exciting time!!

My wedding is coming up in September and being an interior designer, I took my inspiration from this beautiful living room.

via

I love all of the layers of white, the textures and the reflective elements. It feels so rich without being overwhelming. Exactly how I hope my tent will come together. This room also serves as inspiration for an outfit for day or night. I love how interiors translate so perfectly into fashion.

Day: dress, handbag, sandals, necklace Night: dress,  earrings, clutch, pumps


xo, 
alex from things that sparkle 

{guest post} - style foodie.

Hello Cornflake Dreams chickadee!

I'm Z and when I get the chance I blog over at Style Foodie. For the most part I talk about food, so for a little change of pace I'm going to take you a virtual tour since the lovely Jillian is over in Paris, SO Jealous! I'm going to show what my perfect day in Paris would be, so get your imaginations ready!

First let's wake up in a fabulous apartment like this...............

Parisian excursion outfit

Grab a cafe au lait at a little cafe.................

And we're off to see some sights...........

After a morning at the louvre, I think lunch has been earned..............

Croque Monsieur Mmmm.........

Of course a trip to Laudree for Macaroons!

A walk through the park......................

And some antique shopping............................

All of course to end the night with another fabulous meal and a walk................

All images via my Paris pinboard

Outfit- Madewell chambray shirt / James Perse racerback tank / Wallis twill jeans / TOMS ballet shoes / Chloé leather crossbody handbag / Ray-Ban wayfare sunglasses / Canon PowerShot S95 Black 10MP Digital Camera w/ 3.8x Optical Zoom,...

I hope you enjoyed my perfect day in Paris and are now inspired for your own virtual day trip some where. A BIG thank you to Jillian for having me and congrats on being a Mrs.!!!!

xo,

Z of style foodie

{guest post} - ashley nicole catherine.

hi, all! ashley, here, from fashion and lifestyle blog ashley nicole catherine. i just got married myself, so i'm thrilled to be guest posting for jillian while she's off getting hitched! one of the first things i did when planning my own wedding was decide on a color palette (peach, ivory, and grey) and jillian and i have had fun chatting wedding colors over the past several months. i'm thrilled with the palette i chose, but if i were to pick again, a rainbow of powder hues just might draw me in. what color palette is your favorite? if you love weddings as much as i do, be sure to check out my wedding details reveal series, where i shared details about my wedding planning process. a huge congrats to jillian and h and i can't wait to see pictures!

xo, ashley of ashley nicole catherine

{guest post} - sarah tucker

Hi There!

Sarah from Fairytales are true here filling in for Jillian while she's becoming a Mrs. and globetrotting.

When I heard Jillian was going to Paris & Prague on her honeymoon, I was so excited!

I love Paris, but wanna know a secret?  I love Prague even more.

Something about the pretty pastel buildings, an enormous castle on a hill with guards, fireworks in the evening, pubs Einstein used to freqeuent, incredibly beautiful squares... well, add it all up and you've got LOVE for me.

Here are a few suggestions for the new Mr. & Mrs. in Prague:

#1.  Old Town (Stare Mesto):

Grab lunch or a coffee or a pint and set up shop to people watch.  This town square might be my favorite in Europe.  Don't forget to watch the clock too!

#2.  The Castle District is something else!  I loved wandering around here.

#3.  While you're up there... Go to the Castle.  It is something else!  and watch the changing of the guards.

#4. Walk across the Chapel Bridge.  Buy some art work.  Eat at one of the cafe's under the bridge

#4.  go to cafe louvre for lunch or an afternoon snack.  Einstein and Kafka frequented this cafe! 

i love the cafe culture in Prague.

#6.  take lots of walks!  

Enjoy your time in Prague!!

xo,

sarah from Fairytales are true

{guest post} - aspiring kennedy.

During Jillian's wedding bonanza,

I'm happy to chime in to the well wishes.

If you've ever read my blog, Aspiring Kennedy,

you might know that I like to travel.

In fact, it's kinda my thing.

I live in England and traveling is my job.

But above & beyond this favorite past time,

I hope you've also remember something else about coming to my blog:

I absolutely adore my husband.

Ooooh, so cheesy right?

Right.

But guess what?

We are super happy together

and a big part of that comes from 

making sure that the other person knows, 

without a doubt,

that we are both 100% in this.

If you don't trust the advice of an Aspiring Kennedy,

perhaps you'll appreciate the words of Audrey Hepburn...

Who doesn't love a pretty fairy tale?

I mean... we are the generation of Will & Kate,

but let's be real-

all fairy tales have their fair share of trouble.

They aren't perfect & have to work for that happy ending, 

but you two have the chance to make a beautiful story.

Go on. 

Be a bit of a domestic goddess.

Those pancakes & martinis will pay in spades 

when you want him to unclog the drain,

take out the trash, file your taxes, pay your on-line bills,

or any other task you wish to stereotypical pass to your loving husband.

Don't be a husband basher.

For some reason, a big part of girl culture

involves sitting around drinks and talking trash on our husbands...

Might I recommend that you skip this little indulgence?

If you start making your husband sound like an idiot-

it only makes you look dumb for marrying him.

Make him look good... and not only will you keep his trust,

but you'll remind everyone how smart you are for snagging him.

IF I GET MARRIED, I WANT TO BE VERY MARRIED.

- audrey hepburn

This last picture...

well no advice given here.

Just reminded me of you, J. 

Best wishes & lots of love!

Thanks for letting me be a small part of your big day!

xo, 
lauren of aspiring kennedy

image 1, 2, 3, 4

{guest post} - long distance loving.

Hello there, cornflake dreams fans! It's {av} from {long distance loving}, standing in for my bloggy bestie as she preps to get MARRIED tomorrow :) For this week's Friday's Fancies, I pulled together a dreamy rehearsal dinner look for Jillian via Rent The Runway! With the exception of the glittery flats, every item in this look can be rented--a nice feature for any bride or wedding guest on a budget. 

Take a peek at this happy {and very bridal!} look...

Yumi Kim is famous for her easy breezy dresses and this Snow Mountain Maxi is no exception. The soft creamy hue is perfect for the beaming bride-to-be! {rent for $85}

For a touch of summery color, this Chan Luu Twisted Jade Necklace does the trick. Jillian would rock this with ease :) {rent for $20}

Even though she's got a bevy of bridesmaids to hold all her necessities, this little Lauren Merkin Gold Eve Clutch would be a fun touch to hold her iPhone...for instagramming, of course! {rent for $25}

This bold and beautiful Crystal Orbit Cuff from Alexis Bittar glams up this get-up without overpowering the look. {rent for $30}

These Ann Taylor Vivi Glitter Ballet Flats round out this sweet ensemble. Knowing Jillian's love of flats, her feet deserve some comfort before her big day. {buy for $119}

total rental costs: $160 ~ total rental value: $985

---

I absolutely cannot wait to witness {jd} become {jm} tomorrow :) She's sure to be a stunner! Her {h} is one lucky man. I am so excited to continue the party when we're both in Paris next week. I hope you'll join me in sharing your congratulations to this fun-loving and fabulous pair. Enjoy your weekend!