It's Friday Night...

While I can't believe it is already over, this week has definitely been one of those I'm glad to see end. I am sitting here drinking a cup of coffee and taking a moment to breathe, but I really need to start packing; this weekend, I am heading to Kentucky to see my best friend from college and celebrate her little girl's 1st birthday.

Noe Dewitt

There is nothing quite like catching up with an old friend in person, and I can't wait for my feet to hit that snowy ground. I hope you also have something planned for this weekend that you're looking forward to doing, even if it is simply doing nothing at all.

Black & Gold: Fashion

Before E's first deployment, as we began our transition from years of being "just friends" to being a couple, we only had a brief period together to sustain us through a year of separation. During that time, a lot of things felt exceptionally important. Talking. Sharing old memories. Creating new ones. Being side by side.

Annika Aschberg

And, for me, somehow so did making sure E was aware I was a "silver girl." I figured it couldn't hurt to offer some guidelines should he decide at some point to give me a gift of jewelry. Gold just wasn't my thing! When telling him this, I might have used the word "hate."

For our first Christmas as a couple, one spent on opposite continents, E gave me a silver bracelet. He had taken my words to heart.

James Bennett

Then, while E was still deployed, something happened. At first, I swore it was a one time thing, but slowly I realized it was more than a passing flirtation. I found myself adoring gold.

So, I added a pair of gold earrings to my jewelry collection. Soon after, a set of gold bangles found their way home with me too. In a state of utter bliss, my love affair continued.

James Bennett

I failed to confess my change of heart to E, but it wasn't long after he returned home that he discovered it for himself. One afternoon, I watched surprise and disbelief flash across E's face as he registered the color of metal hanging from my ears, and he exclaimed, "I thought you hated gold?!"

Perhaps hate was too strong a word.

L: Urban Outfitters. R: Tory Burch.


Anthropologie

Left and Right: Anthropologie

ModCloth


L: Tory Burch. R: Badgley Mischka.


tuleste market


L: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. R: Fiona Paxton.


Alanna Bess.


L: Landver. R: Forever 21.

Forever 21

L: Free People. R: Ippolita.

Black & Gold: In Still Life

Because I've been loving the color combination of black and gold, the subdued takes on this palette in each image below is what first caught my eye. While the colors drew me in, it was each collection's glimpse into something I love-- history, interiors, cities-- that drew me back for second glances.

Johnny Miller Photography

L: Anita Calero. R: Alexandra Rowley.

Black & Gold: At Home

I have been completely enamored with the combination of black and gold for quite a while (see here). While it's a palette that could easily veer toward gaudy, especially when used in interiors, it also can be classic and traditional, a bit rock n' roll, whimsical or even just simply done.

Jessica Antola

L: Nate Berkus. R: Peter Pennoyer Architects.


Mikkel Vang

Although I'd love to see a room with these colors as the predominant scheme, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this combination into your home on a smaller scale.

Left & Right- Horchow.


Lawson-Fenning


L: Modern Dose. R: Painted Porch Antiques.


Pieces


L: VintageModernDesign. R: Haviland.


Pieces


L: f2images. R: Leah Duncan.


The Love Shop



Anthropologie-- clockwise from top left: Here, here, here, and here.

If this palette strikes your fancy too, know there is more black and gold ahead!

This Little Light of Mine

Today was one of those winter days where gloomy clouds clung determinedly to the sky from dawn-to-dusk making the entire period overcast and dark (or well, I assume, as I didn't actually see dawn...)

Michele M. Waite

After such a day, I'd love to find myself surrounded by glowing candles, their light softly flickering and casting comforting shadows around the room.

Mark Wallis via Style Me Pretty

These photos perfectly capture the warmth candles bring to darkness, something I'm certainly craving tonight.

Photogen Inc.

For me, this weekend's plan include a bit of work, but I am hoping there will be some time for play too. Whatever your weekend plans hold, I hope you find time for play as well!

{Early} Moments- Final Mirror Check

It has been quite a while since we last looked at {Early} Moments, a part of the Moments series, but so far we've seen images of the bride as she has her makeup done, as she is helped into her wedding dress, and as she applies the finishing touches to her look by securing hair accessories, jewelry, and shoes. Yet in this process of getting ready, there is one step we've not yet seen.

I don't know about you, but I must admit almost anytime I leave the house, I try to take a quick glance in the mirror to ensure nothing about my appearance is out of place. On a wedding day, this look in the mirror holds even greater importance.

It is more than simply making sure your look is put together and straightening anything that is askew. It is taking in the day as you realize where all your preparation has lead you and also reflecting on where you are headed. It is truly seeing yourself as a bride.

For this reason, the images that follow-- bride's taking time for a final mirror check-- seem to be a natural conclusion to all the other {Early}Moments.

Suthi Picotte via Style Me Pretty

Leda & Jonathan- Sarah Rhoads Photographers via The Bride's Cafe

L: Kayela & Spencer- Michael Howard via Southern Weddings. R: Genevieve Leiper via Style Me Pretty.

Sheree & Song- Our Labor of Love