Julie Will You Marry Me?

This post comes from a very unlikely source (thanks eyespeak!). A friend of mine told me his coworker had glanced at my blog and found something she had been looking for- woo hoo!  I don’t know a lot about the company these 2 work for so checked out their site and blog. I was interested in reading the first post from the Friday Favorite entry from 7/22.  It should be no surprise that I automatically clicked and found this…

PERSONAL FAVORITE: JULIE WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Jim, the guy Julie lives with, has created a one of a kind, personal, artistic, funny, and downright cool website to… wait for it…. Wait for it… propose to his girlfriend (duh she said yes). The illustrations are fantastic and I have every intention of highlighting Aly Bellissimo and Socks Incorporated in the very near future.

Fellas- if the words aren’t coming to you or you think you’ll be distracted by fumbling words, sweaty arm pits and clammy hands, or if you just think you're going to pass out… this could be a nice alternative.  And something you can keep for always. 

They're Here

Look above and you'll see the newly added About Me and Contact Pages.  If you have a question, comment, concern, or just something to share I'd love to hear from you anytime!


The middle of summer and 100+ degree heat waves have slowed the CharlotteLucey parade some. Have no fear!  A friendly reminder which provided the same pinch as sitting on a needle has me up and running again.  Can't wait to share more with you. 


Stay cool and hydrated! 

Cotton Candy Arrival

For those of you who may be glued to the Food Network or Cooking Channel like I am, this new favorite food fad will be of no surprise.  Cotton Candy has been around for decades, but is making a new type of appearance.  No more is the spun web of sugar a mere side-kick, but rather the main event of inspiration. 
Cotton candy is now used to inspire everything from event couture, to drinks, to the food we eat. 

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Vera Wang Dress #3 Fall 2011

Cotton Candy Martini?  No problem, take your favorite cotton candy and place it in a martini glass.  Mix of up your favorite vodka concoction and pour over the cotton candy. Your left with a sinfully sweet and delicious cocktail.  It’s also a fun surpriseyou’re your guests to see how the drink is made.  Cotton candy doesn’t have to be pink either, although sticking with a classic is never a bad thing.  Cotton candy comes in all colors and can match any décor you have. 

It also serves as a fantastic garnish to any plate you serve. Don’t want flowers on your cake?  Separate the tears with cotton candy! Guest favors?  Yes please. Create a custom label for your wedding and place on small bags or boxes of the fluffy stuff.  Any guest would be happy to continue the celebration after the lights have gone out. One of the things I love most about cotton candy is that you never get full from it and always want more. 

Sources:  100 Percent Cottam: Party Details I'm Loving, Stacy K Floral:  Circus Wedding Please , Josh Golman Photography: Adam and Halli's Wedding, Bella Figura:  Antoinette, Vera Wang Fall 2011 Collection: Dress # 3 

Thank you

To all of my friends:
Thank you for always being there for me. For being in my life and providing support, encouragement, understanding, and silliness. You mean the world to me and I'm so lucky and blessed to know each and every one of you.  Always keep your head up and...

Be your best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense
Never let your prayin knees get lazy
And love like crazy

[and for the men]
Always treat your woman like a lady
Never get too old to call her baby
Never let your prayin knees get lazy
And love like crazy

I love you all dearly,
Renee

It's Raining... It's Pouring

I love thunderstorms and the rain. It always gives one a good reason to nestle up in bed with thick socks and a cup of tea to either read a book or watch a classic movie on TCM. Inspired by cloud shapes, colors and hues I created an inspiration board with deep, rich hues. 

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Bella Figura 'String Calligraphy' Wedding Invitation
It looks like the wind made it.

The wedding dress below comes from the Vinyard Collection of Priscilla of Boston.  I love the shaw which can be worn throughout the evening or detached. It looks like a set of sweeping cumulus clouds (yes I know my cloud groups).  The other fantastic thing about this dress, which was a great fine, is that it's price is under $2,000.00. 

The bridesmaid gown is from Melissa Sweet.  I attended a wedding back in May that chose the color "storm" and it was stunning.  It's light weight and airy and is completely appropriate to wear again for another formal occasion. 

Who says that inclement/rainy weather has to ruin a wedding. If it's not a torrential down pour why not provide umbrellas to create an awning over your guests and bridal party.  Ian Johnson photography captured endearing photos that make this wedding even more special.

Click the link below to listen- I think any storm/rain pessimist could find some cheer in this song by Real Tuesday Weld 'I Love The Rain'.
...It's raining, it's pouring, but I 'aint complaining 'cause I love the rain...

Sources: Priscilla of Boston Vinyard Collection 'Hunter' Wedding Gown, Melissa Sweet Style MS410 Bridesmaid Gown, Bella Figura: String Calligraphy Wedding Invitation in Black, Tastefully Entertaining midnight reception, Ian Johnson Photography 'Rainy days'

Bliss Doesn't Have to Bankrupt You!

I cam across this great article and video on AOL today about wedding dress shopping and budget!  There are some great tips and instead of having to scroll through an entire article, a quick 3:44 minute video is a nice break during your day. 

That's right! I'm telling you to take a break during your work day and watch a video on gown shopping. Enjoy!