Marla J for Every Occasion!

I am so excited to share this post! It was a community effort to bring such a cool little project together.

Super-talented Marla J Designs contacted me about possibly reviewing her jewelry designs for this blog. Now, I'm super-picky with fashion and art, so it's not as simple as writing a glowing endorsement about everything that comes my way. I thought to myself, "Well, let's see" and I looked into her selection. Can you imagine how thrilled I was to find that I just loved Marla J's designs?! Not only did I find her to be a super-cool person, she's an all-around entrepreneur and eco-conscious businesswoman! Those are two things that speak right to my heart. She sent me some samples while I arranged a photo shoot.

I asked the lovely Miss Broke-Ass-Bride herself if she'd consider modeling, and to my delight she said yes! She's a terrific model! I have to say, the camera loves her.

Next was finding the right photographer. I contacted the multi-talented Alexandra Breckenridge, crossing my fingers that she might be available. She agreed and we were on our way!

Oooh, so much fun!!! Check it out!

In the first pic, Miss Broke-Ass-Bride is on her way to meet the parents. A dash of old-time elegance goes a long way! Looking the part, she feels confident it will go smoothly. She's modeling a Satin Chocolate Fascinator embellished with Black Onyx and Feathers.


At her wedding shower, it's time to feel pretty and fun. She can goof around with her bridesmaids sporting a Silk Red Rose Fascinator embellished with Swavorski Cyrstals and Guinea Feathers.


When she goes for bachelorette night with her girls, Miss B-A-B takes no prisoners. The gorgeous Peacock Earrings highlight her eyes in vibrant green and blue. Eat your hearts out, boys!!!


Drama at the reception? Not for long!! Miss Broke-Ass-Bride puts every other girl to shame wearing a classic Ivory Open Rose Fascinator embellished with Swavorski Crystals and Coque Feathers. Completing her look are sheer White Peacock Feather Earrings, embellished with Swavorski Crystal and hung on Sterling Silver.


This all was sooo much fun! Please check everyone out individually via the links below. I'm so lucky to be surrounded with such talented people!

Jeweler - www.MarlaJDesigns.Etsy.com
Photographer - www.AlexandraBreckendridge.com
Model and Wedding Extrodinaire - www.TheBrokeAssBride.com

xoxo Siena

Dropping Those Pesky Pounds Before the Big Day

We can't all afford personal trainers, which is why so many of us are left up to DIY weight loss. Before and after my wedding I tried every diet under the sun. And, although they did work when I kept up with them, ultimately I'd fall off the wagon into a puddle of fat. Recently I had a huge breakthrough with commitment. Especially in the area of being fit. I would like to share my discovery with you all, in hopes, that it will help people achieve their wedding day weight.

Eating Right
Firstly, coming home from work, starving, and having to eat a salad with no dressing or fixings can really suck. But here's the thing, can you honestly remember what you've eaten yesterday, or the day before or the week before? I can't. But I can remember how miserable I feel every time I look in the mirror or at pictures. As much importance as we put on eating things that taste good, or temporary make us feel better, meals are forgetful and your wedding day you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Working Out
I had a really hard time keeping up going to the gym. I would be really good for a month, following my schedule, then I'd miss a day and really beat myself up about it and stop going - as if I've failed myself terribly. I thought, "If really wanted to get fit, I would be doing so." But here's the thing, just because life gets hectic or you get lazy and you miss a day or a week at the gym, does not mean your uncommitted to getting fit. All it means is you missed when you scheduled to go. All there is to do, is go back to working out as soon as you can and DON'T MAKE YOURSELF WRONG FOR IT!

How I Lost 17 lbs
I had been working out from time to time, nothing committed, and was stuck at 150 lbs. I felt miserable and had no stamina. The first 7 lbs I lost by accident. I discovered I had a cheese allergy and cut out dairy, which I would definitely try a few weeks leading up to your wedding. I had no idea dairy was so fattening. Then FOREVER I could not break 143 lbs. It seemed like any diet I did, I'd loose 5 lbs, fall off the diet and gain 5+ back. One day while staring in the mirror feeling miserable about myself, I realized how I had been doing this to myself. I started following the philosophy I explained above and I am now down to 133 lbs! I'm not perfect about eating right, or going to the gym, I don't have a set schedule or diet, but every time I fall, I just get up and move forward. I feel great, my stamina is awesome, and I don't hate myself for messing up on my goals!

Had I discovered this before my wedding, I would have been the weight I wanted. I did manage to loose some weight right before, but I will forever look at my wedding pictures and know that I didn't look the way I wanted to, and that's just sad. Don't let that happen to you.

Much love and support, Siena

DIY Wedding Invitations Contest

Anyone making their own invitations? Here is a perfect opportunity to show off your creative genius! Submit your invitations to Do-It-Yourself-Invitations.com with the chance to win 1st prize - a $100 gift certificate for jewelry, 2nd prize - a custom wedding poster, or the 3rd prize - a garter. There will be 2 other random drawings with chances to win prizes. The contest ends May 31st and you can submit and read more about it HERE

Win a Free Honeymoon at Sandals Carribean Resort

Yes you can! I got emailed about this and thought I would share it with all of you. It's for 3 nights and the giveaway ends May 20th and the drawing is May 22nd.

When I was searching for a honeymoon destination it never occurred to me to try to win one. Now that I'm on the other side I see there is a lot of opportunities for brides to win things for their wedding. So why not, sign up for everything, what have you got to loose?! I see now that I could have had so much more for practically nothing!

You can sign up for the Sandal's Giveaway here.

More info about the resort: You can win a three-night Dream Honeymoon for two at one of Sandals tropical resorts. Sandals has been voted World's Best Honeymoon Resort for the past eight years in a row. Imagine scenic settings where the ultimate of everything is within your reach. Including the most luxurious rooms and suites with exquisite views, along with thoughtful amenities. Each Sandals resort features a wide choice of international gourmet dining experiences, complimented by free-flowing premium spirits, served by a staff whose greatest pleasure is making you smile.
One other thing to note, I was informed the winner will have to pay a $25 per night room fee, but who cares $75 for 3 nights at a top resort, it's a steal!

Good luck and happy winning!
xoxo Siena