Wedding Pics: Getting Hitched in Greece

James and I met while on a volunteering trip in Greece four years ago, so it just made sense that we would get married there. Especially since he has family in Greece and his parents own a house on the island of Aegina: a perfect setting for the reception. We went for a low-key setting, and the whole day and evening exceeded my expectations. I'm not surprised though: every time I go to Greece, I am overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscapes. This, paired with most of our friends and family, coming from literally all over the world, made for a magical day that I will remember forever. Here are a few pictures of my big day, all by Dimitris Vlaikos.

BHLDN (Anthropologie's bridal store) is hands down my favorite bridal boutique. I was lucky enough to be able to try on some of their dresses at the trunk show they hosted in Nashville in February, since they don't have a whole lot of locations. Don't be afraid to order online though: they have great customer service and enough reviews to figure out your size. Anyways, you will probably end up altering your dress, whether you buy it in store or online (though I didn't even have to have mine altered!). Their prices are reasonable and I love the style of their dresses (I'm not so much into big ballgowns and poofy dresses).

Wedding gown: BHLDN, Sash BHLDN (sold out), Headband Ivory and Lace Bridal, Veil Jackson Bridal Veils, shoes: Michael Kors (sold out in silver) and Dolce Vita. Bridesmaids dresses: mismatched, their own. If you have any questions about any of the bridal decor or outfits, don't hesitate to contact me. 

Red Rider

Last weekend I wanted to test my new Keds from the Fall '14 collection, so I took them on a bike ride. They are super comfortable and complement well a nautical/sporty outfit. I think they are a perfect match with this striped romper, which is a no-brainer for any summer weekend, especially paired with a denim jacket. It's the perfect outfit for any park activity.  

All Pictures by James Michael

Shoes: Keds, Romper: American Apparel, Jacket: H&M (old), similar here., Hat: Boston Red Socks. Sunglasses: Pangaea, in-store. 

The New Braiding Handbook by Abby Smith: Fun Braids for Dummies

A couple months ago, I received this wonderful book by Abby Smith (from Twist me Pretty). You've probably seen her before, she is all over Pinterest and always sporting the prettiest, most intricate blonde braids you've ever seen.

Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters

Photo Credit: Twist Me Pretty

I would say that I have basic braiding skills, which means I can do regular braids pretty quickly, my French braids look okay and my Fishtail braids are messy but wearable. I have read the whole book, and let me say she is a true artist. Some of the braids, even with the book, I could never dream of achieving. She says it herself though: it takes a lot of practice. Even with step-by-step instructions, some of the braids cannot be achieved on the first try. My main limitation is that my arms and shoulders get tired quickly, so I lose patience and become sloppy. The results are not always polished like hers.

In the book, each hairstyle comes with step-by-step instructions with photos. Like college classes, some hairstyles have prerequisites: one cannot hope to achieve a fishtail bun without mastering the fishtail braid! This book has been helpful in the way that it made me realize that some hairstyles, like milkmaid braids, are way easier than they seem! Here is my version:

Not so bad, right? And I've got medium-length hair. I'm not particularly meticulous in the way I do my hair, so I think that with this book and practice, there is hope for the braid-challenged gals out there. Be on the lookout for new braided looks on the blog in the future! This books has definitely helped me discover new styles I didn't even know existed. My only complaint is that the step-by-step explanations are not directly under the pictures, which sometimes makes it hard for a visual person like me. Other than that, the instructions are clear and the pics, beautiful and inspiring!

The book is available on Amazon and at Urban Outfitters.

Do you style your hair in a braid often? What is the best way to learn for you? Videos? Books? Tutorials? With a friend? What's your favorite braid? I want to know!