What is your favorite symbol of everlasting love? A wedding ring? A bouquet of roses? A love letter? An engraved padlock?

My bosses were in Germany recently, and all I got were these three very cool photos of the “Love Locks” on the Hohenzollernbrucke railway and pedestrian bridge in Cologne. Are you familiar? A fairly new trend {last 10-12 years or so}, Love Locks are found mostly in Europe, in Canada and if you look closely, in the U.S. too. Been to Lovelock, Nevada or the Brooklyn Bridge lately?

What’s it all about? Forever love! This romantic movement involves couples professing their love by etching their initials onto a lock … attaching it to a bridge, post, fence or if you’re in Moscow–a tree–and then throwing away the key. Here in Cologne, couples toss their keys into the Rhine River.

Although not exactly eco-friendly, it is entirely romantic! Could you see yourself locking your love?

Bridges are romantic all by themselves but to see all these colorful, personalized locks has got to be inspiring!

Have you been here or seen the Love Locks somewhere else?

Sigh …

Thoughts?

The royal wedding of Prince William of Wales with Miss Catherine Middleton takes place in just a few days. Like it or not, we’re affected by this fete ~ certainly true of the wedding industry.

So, be ye sick of hearing about the royal wedding or not, here is a message that we can all embrace ~ of hope and commitment.

I invite you to watch this video with Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will be marrying William and Kate. I was enthralled by Dr. William’s eloquence regarding his thoughts on the hope and generosity- that is marriage. He talks about how every wedding has a message … That there is a mystery and delight inside the heart of human beings who still want to discover and spend the rest of their lives with another person. It’s down to earth and inspirational for those who are married and for those soon-to-married. L et me know what you think.

source: The Royal Wedding

Just like creating a wedding that’s reflective of your personal style, so it is the same in creating a personal romantic space for after the wedding.  A retreat that beckons and calls and is completely reflective of the two of you.

Do you have a pulse on your design style?

Cottage-y~ Shabby Chic…  Retro… Art Deco… Elegant… Rustic~ Cabin~ Westerm …Victorian… Shaker… Modern…

do you fall somewhere in between? combo? other style?

Devour magazines, the internet and HGTV for design inspiration.  Talk to each other about one another’s style preferences and about the important elements you want in your space to bring you to your happy place.

Practical Suggestions that will pertain to any style: Keep it uncluttered. Keep it clean. Use soft lighting, high quality linens and scented candles.  Say NO to working in this room. Oh and a must have: a really comfortable bed!!

The Inspired Room

I found this super easy style quiz to take on The Inspired Room too. It’s a great place to start!

ALSO

loving. living. small. is a blog dedicated to 1000 ft. or less of living space.  Check it out for great ideas if yours is a  smaller space.

What’s Your Design Style? {i’m country eclectic} Where do you look for inspiration?

The FIRST DANCE.  Just the two of you, in front of ALL your guests.  Is it something to stress about?  Do you take lessons… wow everyone with your Fred and Ginger-esque moves?  Do you see it as 3 LONG minutes where you simply rock back and forth~ and wait patiently for the song to end?

Or, perhaps you’ve shed enough happy tears watching videos to see that the First Dance can also be an opportunity to seriously get your groove on, get the party started, and surprise your guests!

This video is hilarious. Hi-liarous! Maybe you’ve seen it before.  But what I REALLY enjoy about this video, is the couple’s ability to be transparent.  They are totally themselves and it translates beautifully.  Indeed, they’ve got great moves and have clearly put thought into their routine, but I can’t imagine it was anything but FUN to coordinate.  And fun entertainment for their guests!

Don’t stress about the First Dance.  Take lessons. Don’t take lessons.  But be yourself!  Whatever you decide, HAVE FUN WITH IT!

What are you doing for your First Dance?