The Wedding Chronicles: "Bridal Portraits"

The most talented photographer in Houston, Julie Soefer, shot my bridal portraits the weekend before my wedding at the Hotel Derek. Thanks to her great relationship with the folks there we were able to salvage a planned outdoor, rainy day shoot by moving it indoors at this posh hotel. There are about a million more images that I am totally obsessed with. Click here to view them all.  

The incredibly talented Victoria Callaway did my make up and hair and truly made me feel like a princess-alebrity for the day. One more thing, the lovely Hotel Derek people said we could shoot there if they could have the rights to all the images. So, keep your eyes peeled for my face on their wedding page soon. Can you imagine? I love it.

The Wedding Chronicles: Epilogue "Epic Wedded Bliss"

It began last Wednesday, we wrestled a wedding dress through security and onto the plane...

We heard no less than 4 languages at the Las Vegas courthouse marriage Bureau, plus some really excellent fashion choices including pajama-chic and wtf-wear. Marriage apparently is not so serious here. It is for us. We swear!

We day partied large cabana style Friday... 20+ bottles of Veuve were consumed. No small feat. 

The Crunk City Council united and an angel got it's wings.

My older sister made the most amazing rehearsal dinner video ever complete with How Harry Met Sally and Princess Bride clips. Did I mention it was amazing?

Our first picture as husband and wife (thanks, Kathy!). We both cried the majority of the ceremony. 

The escort cards and luggage tag party favors were a hit!

As was the sea bass and filet dinner pairing. This was hashtagged #yumyuminmytumtum.

We cut the most beautiful cake ever. It was more difficult than we thought. That thing was a marvel!

Brad was initiated into the Crunk City Council and his official name is... Censored.

There was a bridal portrait processional through the casino (thanks, Noble!) and the pictures were loved (thank you, Julie Soefer!)

We then completely jumped the shark and late nighted in the casino club, Lily Pad. Nothing quite like being a bride in da club.

The next day we contemplated the magic that is Las Vegas and counted our blessings for such a fantastic wedding weekend, wonderful friends and family.

Now we are off to Maui (yes, this is our third and final selection of honeymoon locations: Santa Fe, Miami Beach, MAUI - sorry for the confusion) See you soon Houston, but not too soon! Follow all the action via my Instagram @aftonybalogna and make sure to recap all 99+ images via the insta hashtag #braftonvegas.

Had enough hash tagging? Make sure to watch this video by J. Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon here. 

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT SIX "Pack Attack: Cocktail Party &Rehearsal Dinner Outfits"

Pack Attack really appealed to me for this wedding post because it is a play on panic attack (I am also up to my eyeballs in items to be packed). All my close friends know that off and on through my life I have struggled with panic attacks and as this big, big day approaches I am feeling some anxiety pangs. However, as it gets closer I am getting more relaxed. I am at that point where if it has not happened then it will not happen. And that is OK. There is only so much one person can do. It's kind of like studying for a big test. You prep and prep and prep and if you do not have it the night before then it's too late to cram. This is my proverbial night before the test and I am ready to start relaxing and enjoying... the test? Maybe that's the wrong analogy. 

Thursday Night Party: DVF Jumper, Zara Heels, Zara Necklace, Chanel Purse. 

Friday Rehearsal Dinner: Anthropologie Blouse, BCBG Maxi Skirt, Nude Gucci Heels (no longer available, similar here), Zara Earrings, Valentino Rockstud Clutch. 

5 more days! I am SO READY to get to Vegas and be with all my loved ones in one place. Let the fun begin!

XO.

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT FIVE "The Gringo Honeymoon Packing Guide"

Can't believe our wedding is just a week away and Maui is just after that!!!

1. In-flight Wear: Proenza Schouler Pants, Equipment Silk Blouse, Acne Loafers, Zara Scarf (big, soft and affordable - just how I like 'em! What?), Ray-ban aviators, Valentino Rockstud Trapeze Bag.
2. Beachwear: Norma Komali bather, J.Crew Straw Bag, Ara Matthews Sarong, ILLESTEVA sunglasses, Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza toquilla straw sunhat, Musa Metallic braided leather sandals
3. Island Hopping Threads: Ray-Ban Aviators, Nike Air Max tennis shoes, J.Crew Shorts, MIH Jeans Safari chambray shirt, Chloe Marcie Mini Shoulder Bag.
4. Fancy Dinner Date: Aurelie Bidermann Earrings, Charlotte Olympia Clutch, Michael Kors Wedges, Issa Silk Dress.
5. Additional Swimwear: Lemlem cover up and Beth Richards Faye mesh-paneled swimsuit.
6. Lingerie (duh, this is your honeymoon after all): L'Agent by Agent Provocateur's teal stretch-satin chemise.
7. MUST HAVES: Goody Bun Coils (easiest up-do ever!), Burt's Bees chap-stick with SPF, Moroccan Hair Oil (helps limit those island frizzies), SPF 70 Neutrogena sunscreen (have you seen how ginger-white Brad is?), iPad (music! books! Candy Crush!), Ear buds (baby proof that flight).