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I know, I know, the holiday season is everywhere. Tinsel lights. Christmas trees. Ornaments. It can be overwhelming, but I say, “Tis the Season!” The holiday cheer is at Tutto Bella now too. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love this time of year for so many reasons.

We will have a variety of posts for you this holiday season.
{I’ll fill you in on a little secret…we have spectacular features coming up with fabulous giveaways…Tre Sorelle’s Favorite Things…stay tuned for that because you won’t want to miss it}.

First things first, an Advent Calendar. My parents had one for us girls growing up and I couldn’t wait to see what was hidden in the pocket for me every day. I loved the tradition and the joyful spirit it brought into our home. I wanted to create that same sense of excitement for my kids, so last year I purchased the Santa Advent Calendar from Pottery Barn Kids.

But, if you have the DIY bug in you like I you, you are going to love these unique Advent Calendar ideas from talented DIYer’s across the web.

Santa Advent Calendar, Pottery Barn Kids
{this is the one I bought…I love it}

Baby Sock Advent Calendar, Martha Stewart
{for a full tutorial visit here}

Magnetic Holiday Calendar, Twig and Thistle

White Christmas Ornament Advent Calendar, Love Nordic

Kraft Paper and Twine Advent Calendar, Pinterest
This reminds me of the famous song, “Brown paper packages tied up with string…these are a few of my favorite things…” {nothing like Sound of Music to make me smile…yes I admit, I love that movie}

Daddy’s Advent Calendar, 2 Little Hooligans
{my hubby would love this advent calendar with treats like beer inside}

Barn Wood Advent Calendar, All Things Thrifty
{this would be so cute with a small hook and a variety of ornaments hung next to each number}

I love the idea of using family activities instead of candy and goodies like Kim at All Things Simple did for her family.

{images via Pottery Barn Kids, Martha Stewart, Twig and Thistle, Love Nordic, Pinterest, 2 Little Hooligans, All Things Thrifty, All Things Simple}

passion for all things vintage

It’s no secret that we love ALL THINGS VINTAGE around here, so we are thrilled to introduce you to Colorado’s newest and finest collection of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces available for rent…at prices you can afford. Let us introduce you to A Vintage Affair Rentals.

We {the tre sorelle trio} recently sat down with the darling owner and creator of A Vintage Affair Rentals, Jessica Strong. Among weddings {she is a lovely bride}, creative photo shoots, wedding invites and her latest mouth-watering baking masterpieces…we discussed the need for a company like hers. Like many brides and planners, Jessica became frustrated with the lack of resources available for brides who wanted a vintage-inspired wedding, but didn’t want to break the bank.

Thus, A Vintage Affair Rentals was born.

The event decor rental company does not just supply brides with coveted antique pieces for their special day…photographers can rent items for engagement shoots, new moms can rent the vintage farmhouse scale for their newborn’s first photo session, and party planners can add that show stopping piece to any party.

From the large items such as the lemonade stand {also a perfect kissing booth}, charming white farm dresser and distressed door to the small items like wood crates, skeleton keys, milk glass vases and a gumball machine, her collection makes the modern woman long for a piece of something antique.

Visit Jessica’s site to see her growing collection and beautifully styled photo shoots. Her inventory will impress. She shared some of her pieces with us, photographed by the talented Laura Murray Photography.

{images via Laura Murray Photography}

amanda + jon

Happy Wedding Wednesday! I am smitten to show these photos to y’all. Not only is this couple gorgeous on the outside, but they are as gorgeous and sweet on the inside. I call them Barbie and Ken … because, well, look at them! I am crazy about the photos from their Mexico wedding.

Amanda and Jon met at the University of Kansas during their college years. Although they were good friends for the first two years of college, when Amanda studied abroad in Barcelona Spain, they couldn’t help but think about one another and talk to each other daily. Fate? I think so! From the sound of it {Amanda confessed to $1,700 in phone bills}, they talked to each other several times a day.

The proposal in Amanda’s words: We began dating Junior year, and after college we moved to Denver, Colorado. After four years together, we decided a trip to Barcelona {the place where it all started} would be a great summer vacation {or at least that’s what I thought … but Jon had other romantic plans}. The first night of our vacation, as the clock struck midnight I was ready to sing Happy Birthday to Jon, as it was his 24th Birthday, but just before I began to belt out the song, Jon got down on one knee and proposed on our suite’s rooftop over looking the beautiful city of Barcelona.

Amanda and Jon married on February 26, 2011 surrounded by 150 of their closest friends and family in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

We decided to have the wedding in Playa del Carmen because it is a place special for both of us. We spent our spring breaks there throughout college, and my family owns a house & restaurant, Wicky’s, at the beautiful resort city. With the wonderful help of The Fabulous Jenna McKinlay, we planned our destination wedding, starting with the most gorgeous invites {ever} that set the tone for our vintage, 1940’s Mexican theme.

The jayhalk love birds had special touches throughout the day that made their wedding day unique and fun … they took rickshaws from the wedding ceremony to the reception, projected Casablanca during the reception, served delicious {and strong} Wicky’s martinis and true to their college days, they chanted the KU rock chalk chant with guests at the end of night.

I know this beautiful couple will live happily ever after!

wedding dress

getting ready

groom getting ready

stunning bride

the dress

the groom

the bride

groomsmen

gorgeous bride

handsome groom

couple by ocean

gorgeous landscape

on the beach

sunset

the church

church ceremony

sparklers

wedding party

wedding party at the beach

bridesmaids with vintage cameras

first dance

reception

reception speeches

wedding cake

groom speech

VENDOR LOVE

Photography: Vincent Ribon from Zasil Studio 

Ceremony: Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church

Bridal gown: anna bé

Reception: Wicky’s

Decor: Euphoria

Hair/Makeup: Styling Trio

Cakes: Dolcet Cakes Cancun

Invites: designed by Jenna McKinlay

DJ: Mood Service

Wedding Planner: Linda Burchett from Wicky’s & Gelena with Weddings Riviera Amaya

b & w

Black and white – they are two colors on opposite ends of the color spectrum, but together they are bold, classic and yet modern, vintage and elegant. One can never go wrong with a black and white cake…it’s a timeless choice. Delectably delicious. 

For you Colorado brides, we have a fantastic cake designer in town, Rachael Teufel, owner and cake designer of Intricate Icings Cake Design. She, too, has designed some beautiful black and white cakes for her clients.

Rachael designed my friend Shannon’s gorgeous 6-tier cake for her wedding this summer and my sister’s stunning all-white cake. With over 10 years experience, she’s done it all and her cakes {unique pieces of art} will inspire you. I have to say, her cupcakes and almond-flavored cake balls are absolutely delicious too!

{images via Lovella Bridal, Kate Miller Events, Wedding Cakes Pictures, Brides, Real Simple, Intricate Icings Cake Design}

braid-tastic!

Braid away ladies!

Yes … braids are apparently back in style. Look out pippy long stocking! These braids are for the big girls. Sophisticated and easy, I am seeing braids everywhere. I was watching the Today show the other day {my morning guilty pleasure}, and there was a segment on the braid trend comeback with every woman – career women, actresses, stay-at-home moms, college girls, and even brides. Braid an updo for your wedding day, the Oscars {lucky girl!}, or let your braid low for an effortless, natural look. Braid yourself or have done at a salon for your special occasion. Express yourself with your hair!

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{images via globalfashionreport.com, purplelacedies.blogspot.com, beautyhigh.com, resalonandmedspa.com, joonbug.com, getmarried.com, nexthairstyle.com}