Succulents!

SucculentAt the moment my husband and I are in the midst of decorating our backyard.  It is a project we have been trying to tackle since we moved into our home almost 4 years ago. It has been an unchecked item on our to-do-list for far too long, so you can imagine my excitement to finally get to it. I had expected the process to be quick and painless, however, we have run into a few obstacles.  Nothing major, but significant enough to prolong the project.  Thus far, we are one month into it- longer than I had anticipated- though happy to finally be at this point.succulent

As we wait patiently we occupy ourselves with plant and flower research. Our main concern: What will thrive in the Texas heat? In the past we have made the mistake of buying a plant purely for aesthetics sake. Never doing our research and eventually losing it to the brutal Texas weather. The Texas heat has ravaged many beautiful flowers, but no more.  This time we do our research!

One plant high on our list are succulents.  These beautiful looking plants have the most unique colors and shapes, and, most importantly, are indestructible. They will last through extreme heat and require little water, therefore, requiring very little care on our part. Another plus is how great it looks when accompanied with flowers. Succulents and flowers come together so well it got me thinking about weddings. I always have weddings on my mind.succulent bridal bouquetsucculent bridal bouquetSucculents would make a wonderful addition in a bouquet or centerpiece, as well as, favors for guests. Their elegant shape allows them to be an appropriate choice for such a glorious occasion and the perfect choice for a spring or summer wedding in my home state of Texas. This magnificent specimen will do just fine in our brutal Texas heat, that means it will stay in tip top shape from beginning to end. The best choice for an outdoor wedding!Succulent Bridal BouquetBoutonniere

I hope you enjoyed this succulent inspiration and it has gotten your wheels turning!
Succulent WreathSucculent Accent

A Colorful Marathon, Texas Wedding

Cinematography has taken my husband and I to many beautiful places and on some extraordinary adventures. That in turn has given us some pretty fantastic stories and memories.

One such adventure led us to West Texas- Marathon to be exact.  We had the opportunity to fly, but decided to take advantage of the scenic drive.  This would be our second time in West Texas, our first was to Big Bend, so we were happy to make the trip.  It is quite a trek clocking in at about 510 miles by car, but we couldn’t say no to such a breathtaking drive.  It is a drive you never forget. Living in the Rio Grande Valley doesn’t give you much in varying terrain as it is very flat here, so a drive like this is incredibly eye opening.  On this scenic drive you are exposed to some of the most stunning views, for instance, the awe-inspiring mountains you are surrounded by as you drive through the highway. Our first time in the area was such a surreal experience we had to do it again.

The drive through West Texas did not disappoint, it was just as lovely as our first trip.  As we arrived to Marathon, Texas and caught our first glimpse of the small town, we instantly fell in love with its charm.  It is a small town  of about 430, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. I would describe the buildings in Marathon as rustic, charming, unusual and real gems. Many of the buildings house some tasty eateries, but on first look you wouldn’t know it. One of the gas stations there serves up some of the best burgers and fries.  Another building, that on first look you would think is a car repair shop, has the best homemade (from scratch) pizza I have ever eaten (Big Bend Pizza). The residents of Marathon are so kind and friendly, not to mention a whole lot of fun to talk to. It is a town you will want to visit time and time again.

This wonderful trip came to be because of a beautiful couple and their desire to exchange vows in a town they frequently visited while dating. The wedding was a glorious affair that included the help of the entire town. NO ONE does weddings like the town of Marathon, Texas.  The entire town makes the couple, bridal party, and guests feel at home with their outstanding hospitality.

The residence of Marathon created such a welcoming atmosphere, while the bride created a festive experience.  It was a magnificent Mexican inspired wedding, so you can imagine the array of colors incorporated into the wedding. The bride thought of everything- from the adorable paper flower wreath on the hotel doors welcoming guests, to the brightly colored embroidered cummerbunds and bow ties to the reception gazebo covered in paper flowers. The bride was sure to leave a festive stamp on EVERYTHING.

The decor was outstanding, but more importantly there was an immense love. Nothing can compare to a couple in love or a couple so loved by their family and friends. A love so beautifully captured by John Arriola Films in this lovely highlight film.  Enjoy!

 

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Lovely Vendors
CINEMATOGRAPHER John Arriola Films
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LOCATION Marathon, Texas | HOTEL ACCOMADATIONS The Gage Hotel | CEREMONY St. Mary Mission| RECEPTION VENUE The Gage Hotel | PHOTOGRAPHER Shannon Skloss Weddings

Yay, May is here!

Hip Hip Hooray! May is finally here!
HelloMay-2016

I am so happy to see that May is finally upon us.  It is one of my favorite months of the year, the others being Christmas, because of the holidays, and February, because it’s the month of love.

Why am I so crazy about May? Well, there are a few reasons I jump for joy when this spectacular month comes around.  For one, my birthday falls on May, so that means it’s my birthday month.  And when I say birthday month, I mean I celebrate ALL month long.  I’m not talking about receiving gifts all month long; it’s deeper than that.  Personally, I feel that everyone should celebrate the entire month they were born in, because there are so many significant things to commemorate. For instance, you’re one year wiser, you’ve accumulated one more year of adventures and memories, you have been graced with another glorious year, and now you begin a new year.  There is so much to celebrate and rejoice in.

The month of May will hold a huge place in my heart for another VERY important reason.  On this month many years ago I met my wonderful husband.  As May approaches I am filled with such nostalgia. That day all those years ago was and will always be one of the most incredible days of my life.  Who knew that at 19 years old I would meet my prince charming? In a months time, I met the man of my dreams and fell in love with a fantastic human being.  May will forever be a month full of wonderful and unforgettable moments, memories, and life changing events.

So when my birthday approaches all I can think about is how life is to be celebrated, enjoyed, lived, savored, experienced, and most importantly not taken for granted.

I wish all those May babies a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I wish you a beautiful year filled with such overwhelming love, great laughter, and immense happiness.
XOXOBrendaMartinez-Arriola

 

Unique & Unusual Vessels

Anyone who knows me is fully aware of my addiction to thrifting. I frequent thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales in search of unique and unusual pieces for my home, parties, or other projects I may be working on at the moment or in the future.  I especially love vessels/receptacles/canisters to house flowers and other items. These vessels need not serve a purpose in order for me to purchase them, sometimes I buy them purely as decorative items.

I, for one, think that unique and unusual vessels are especially a great decor detail for weddings.  If you are a big fan of the phrase “It’s all about the details,” then you know the importance of including carefully curated details into your wedding decor. These details personalize your wedding allowing it to feel more like your own.  As well as, add that extra something to your wedding- the wow factor.

Table decor is the best place to begin.  Your guests will likely spend a significant amount of time at their table (hopefully not too much time as they will be dancing, mixing and mingling) and it is important that the table setting and centerpieces are not only beautiful, but memorable, as well. But how does one make these centerpieces a show stopper? By choosing unique and unusual vessels.

The more unusual or unique the vessel the higher the chance it will make a lasting impression on your guests.  For instance, vessels with unexpected shapes or textures or reimagining the use of an item that may typically be overlooked. These unique finds will help create a vignette your guests will be raving about.
unique and unusual vesselsunique and unusual vesselsunique and unusual vesselunique and unusual vessels

Who said cake stands are just for your baking confections. This pretty display makes use of an ordinary cake stand and I must say it makes my heart a bit giddy.  This display adds such whimsy with a touch of delicate elegance- perfect for a wedding or bridal shower.  It would look lovely for a tea party or brunch wedding or even an engagement party.Unusual VesselTextured vessels add one more layer of interest to your table decor.  When accompanied by other textures or textiles (table linens, charger plates, and napkins) they add a great deal of depth to the table’s over all look.
unique and unusual vesselsunique and unusual vesselunique and unusual vesselunique and unusual vessel

The great outdoors- gardens, garages, and sheds- have a lot to offer in terms of unique vessels. For instance, watering cans, galvanized receptacles,  old oil cans, and vintage camping dishes, just to name a few, are wonderful options.
Unique and unusual vesselsunique and unusual vesselsunique and unusual vessels

When you think outside the box the options are endless and easily found.  You just have to allow yourself to let loose and use your imagination.

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