Lydia is an artistic, free-spirited bride who did not conform to your standard wedding. She decided to forego having a reception all together so they could spend their day more intimately with family and friends.

What were your biggest priorities for the day of your wedding?

1. Photographer 2. Dress 3. Flowers 4. Venue 5. Announcements 6. Cake.

I didn't have a reception so decorations didn't really matter to me. I only had a dinner, so the venue was semi-important. But for me, the photography was most important, and everything that went into the photographs were second most important - so that would be the dress and flowers. Photography is one of my most favorite art genres, though, so I'm a little biased. I had also dreamed up my bouquet for years. And though the cake was last on my list - it also had a special place in my dream day. Chocolate cake means a lot to me, haha.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

All the friends and family that were there who showed their love and support. That was pretty amazing. The whole day though was all a memorable bunch of perfect party wonderfulness.

Was there a special personal touch to any detail in the wedding?

I really am in love with the way my announcements turned out. They were also a small form of art in themselves and I will treasure them forever.

OH and also my bouquet was literally the most perfect, beautiful flower arrangement I have ever seen and it was perfect in every way!

Where did you find inspiration for your wedding?

Looking at my favorite photographers on Facebook and blogs, hands down. That's how I found my dress! But other than that, just good friends.

One piece of advice for brides planning their wedding?

Get a wedding planner. And I'm not just saying that. You can see on my blog that that's the number one thing I recommend to brides. I wrote a whole post on it!

VENDOR LOVE

Custom Dress- Sharon Kirk, (435) 760-6295 (located in Logan, UT)

Photographer- Opal Dream Photography

Paper- Rooney Hand-Lettering

I've been a bit under the weather lately. What started out as allergies has drastically worsened into an ugly sinus infection. Fortunately, one of my favorite recipes doubles as an amazing sinus decongestant. It's spicy and delicious, but keep a box of tissues on hand, you will need them as you enjoy this Mexican Chicken Lime Soup.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

6 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Juice of 3 limes

Salt and pepper

2 hass avocados, thinly sliced

Tortilla chips

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, turn the heat to medium and cook until the onion browns, about 5-6 minutes. Turn the heat to high, push the onions to the side of the pan, add the chicken and cook, turning, until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the chipotles and adobo sauce, then stir in the chicken broth. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, skimming any foam. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper.
Place desired amount of avocado slices in bowls and pour in the soup. Top with the tortilla chips.
Enjoy!

The Retrospective Bride [series]: Lydia / August 9, 2013 by Emmily Jones

Mexican Chicken Lime Soup / June 25, 2013 by Emmily Jones