New Floral Combs Inspired by the 2016 Pantone Colors

A while back, I created new combs inspired by the newest Pantone colors of Rose Quartz and Serenity. I absolutely love this color palette! These newest combs created with rose blossoms, freesia, magnolia blooms and greenery-all carefully attached to vintage-inspired gold combs embody the pretty pink and blue hues of 2016. I also created these combs to pair perfectly with a veil such as the Sophia Veil from the shop!

Meet the Rose Quartz Floral Comb created with a gorgeous rose blossom that looks and feels so realistic as well as pink freesia and greenery. View this comb in the shop. 

Meet the Serenity Floral Comb which makes the perfect something blue addition created with pretty dusty blue magnolia petals, ivory blossoms and greenery. View this comb in the shop.

Photos by Mallory Dawn Photography
Dress from The Dress Theory by Rue De Seine
Hair by Savannah & Co.
Makeup by Sydney M Ross
Model Chyna
Combs and Veil by Love Sparkle Pretty

Behind the Scenes of the New Blush Collection Photo Shoot

For the past few months, I've had a reoccurring vision of styling a photo shoot with a romantic and soft aesthetic centered around hairstyles that would complement pretty blossoms in the hair on a bride's wedding day. I decided to put that vision into action and started to search and reach out to some talented ladies that I knew would be a great fit. I am so thankful for this team of amazing women that helped bring everything together so beautifully! Mallory from Mallory Dawn Photography was behind the camera (actually, cameras since this girl handles business like a boss), Savannah from Savannah & Co. did all of the gorgeous hair styling, Sydney from SMRBeauty worked her magic with makeup, Marnie from Sweet Salvaged Rentals allowed us to use her gorgeous Belwood sofa for the shoot, The Dress Theory so graciously lended 3 stunning Rue De Seine dresses and I created the floral hairpieces and veils and did a bit of floral styling as we shot in a beautiful loft space in Los Angeles at FD Photo Studios.

These are just a few behind the scene shots from our day in Los Angeles! I can't wait to share a few snippets of the actual styling behind the camera soon!

Bloom with Mi children's book + crown GIVEAWAY

These past couple months, I've had the wonderful pleasure of working with one talented mama, Amy Kavelaris of Bloom Print Studio. She recently wrote her first children's book which is now a number one best seller! Congrats Amy! The inspiration behind Bloom with Mi is using our gifts to GIVE and love others which are characteristics that are so beautifully important to instill in our children. Order your book right here!

I was so excited when Amy contacted me to create some floral crowns to coordinate with Bloom with Mi to debut at Hope Spoken this weekend! I sent my largest order out of 31 crowns (33 if you count the later 2) a couple weeks ago and I'm so thankful to have worked with Amy.

Right now, Worth While Style is giving away a book and crown package on her Instagram page! Visit her page here and enter! Good luck!

The shop just got PRETTIER + a SECRET!

These pretty pieces are the newest additions to Love Sparkle Pretty! I've been working on new designs for a while now and I usually get several added at once but in this season of time, designs are trickling in. Sign up for the Newsletter to be updated when the others arrive!

Blush is a floral crown created with blush pink rose blossoms, sage greenery and pretty glass pearls hand wrapped carefully with rose gold wiring around its base.

Sophia is the newest veil design created with the softest english netting and a bit of intricate chantilly lace hand sewn to a pretty gold comb for a peek of romance. Pair this piece with a floral crown or wear Sophia by itself! 

Visit the shop for more designs!

PSST!! I will also be hosting another FLASH SALE on the Instagram Sale page very SOON! (I haven't done one in a long time and I believe one is overdue). Follow along HERE for more details on their way...

Romantic and Ethereal Designs: The Newest Flower Crown and Veil.

New designs have been added to the shop with several more on their way. Meet the 'Sienna' Floral Crown and the 'Sarah' Veil. Each of my designs are inspired by romance and ethereal aesthetic and these pretty pieces are no exception.

Sienna is created with light cream and ivory roses which look and feel so realistic. Sage eucalyptus leaves are intertwined throughout her design for a romantic aesthetic. She's perfect for the ethereal bride to grace her locks as she says her vows.

See more of Sienna in the shop here.

Sarah is a juliet cap style veil created with the softest english net veiling flowing from romantic and intricate ivory cream chantilly lace. The back of the veil has carefully sewn in cream florals and a touch of greenery to add a bit of ethereal beauty.

See more of Sarah in the shop here.

Photography credit: Desiree Shuey

Visit the shop: Love Sparkle Pretty

Self Worth, Value and Beauty-A Maternity Shoot to describe the DIFFERENCE

I have been asked what makes my crowns so different from the several that have since come out since opening my shop back in 2011. I can give several answers (and have) but a few that I'd like to share today can be expressed through these beautiful maternity photos of Nicole Davidge taken by Savannah Kate. 

Last year, I had the wonderful pleasure of creating a custom crown for Nicole for her Spring wedding as well as coordinating crowns for her bridesmaids. Before that, I also created crowns for her styled shoots for her photography business, Southern Shutter Photography. Now, Nicole just had her first little love-sweet baby Nixon. I am so honored to have been a part of Nicole's journey (even if it's just been a small part). I am so incredibly blessed to be able to work with the brides that I do. I don't just create floral crowns. I create keepsakes that can be treasured for years to come. My pieces are meant to be worn time and time again through engagements, weddings, maternity photos, family photos and even passed on to our daughters. These past few years, I have been trying to per-fect my designs to be loved and handled. I have gone through different blooms to use the highest of quality, added new techniques including hand stitching and now even adding sealant to the tips of many blossoms to keep from any possible fraying. 

The difference is in the details and the time I put into each piece. I want each woman to feel something when they wear one of my crowns or veils-a feeling of self worth, value and beauty.

Nicole is wearing the 'Leigh' Floral Crown from Love Sparkle Pretty.

Photography: Savannah Kate Photography

Dresses: Sew Trendy Accessories

Hair: Cheveux by Robbie Meshell

Makeup: Bel Viso Makeup Artistry 

35% OFF of PRETTIES!

Photo Credit: Kristen Booth

I have been away from the blog for quite some time to focus on other parts of LSP as well as spend more time with my family since we welcomed our little girl in March, making us a family of 4! Thank you to everyone for all of the love and support as Love Sparkle Pretty grows and for all of the encouragement I've received this past year!

I wanted to pop back in on the blog for a bit to share our Cyber Monday SALE (which is extended until tomorrow night)! Get 35% off your order of $30+ (excludes custom orders) with the code, "XTRAPRETTY35" at checkout! Visit the shop now!

Launching New Bridal Collection

Lately, I've been working more and more on getting the shop ready for reopening on June 1st. The moments I get to "work" have been condensed to a couple hours during afternoon nap times. It will be a change going from maternity leave for 3 months back to fulfilling orders, answering emails in a timely manner and trying to keep up with social media and the monthly newsletter. So, please forgive me if I fail miserably at first trying to keep to a decent work schedule as a new mommy of two now.

As far as the reopening of the Love Sparkle Pretty Etsy shop goes, I will be adding several new bridal pieces including a new floral crown, some shoulder pieces and a couple veils. Here is a tiny peek of the new bridal collection photographed by Kristen Booth with dresses by Chariot Marie and Simply Bridal.

{Personal} 39 Week Bump Update

As of Monday, I am 39 weeks pregnant (although this photo was taken at 38 weeks and 5 days but we will pretend it was at 39 weeks)! I still can't believe how fast time has flewn yet how slow it seems to be passing by. We are playing the waiting game over here and practicing our patience because we are so anxious to meet this little girl already.

Since daddy is now on vacation leave from work, he is also going a bit stir crazy waiting for the arrival of our little girl. I'm so excited for our Levi to meet his baby sister too! We went and got him a few gifts to give him when he meets her. From Lyla to her big brother Levi. <3

Lately, we've had family come over and help out as well as "spoil" me which I haven't asked for but I'm completely fine with since I will have my hands full before I know it. I'm not one to really ask for a whole lot. I'm learning to let people help. SO incredibly thankful for my family and friends!!

Here are some updates:

Size of Baby: In terms of fruit/vegetable comparisons, she's about the size of a mini watermelon and about 7lbs (according to baby websites). My son was 6lbs 11oz and I know I look like I'm packing a basketball in there but I'm hoping she will be around the same size as my son (yes, I was pretty big with my son too).

Sleep: It's not the best but it's more than I will be getting once our little one arrives. When 3am rolls around, I'm up (it never fails) so I use that time to use the restroom and rotate laying on my other side once I get back to bed for a few more hours (if I'm lucky).

Best Moments: Although I'm anxious to meet our little girl, I really have been enjoying the quiet moments with her. I know I'm going to miss being pregnant so I've taken opportunities to actually relax and enjoy the calm before the storm (that is, labor).

Levi has also been really cute with her and will take my stethoscope and try to listen to his little sister. He also has been really helpful too! I was having a contraction and I said, "ow!" as I placed my hand on my stomach. He immediately looked at me with such an innocent yet concerned look, ran to the bathroom, grabbed a band-aid, lifted up my shirt and placed the band-aid on my tummy. It was the cutest thing!

I've also been enjoying the time I've gotten with visits from my family. They've come over to make breakfast, bring lunch (thank you Aunt Erin for my Jack Rice!) and have cooked dinner for us! I will never turn down some yummy food and time with the ones I love!

Worst Moment: That would definitely have to be the moment where I chased after my 3 year old son at the park because he thought it was funny to run away from mommy and head to the parking lot. Without second thought (after he wasn't coming back as I called him), I ran after him-huge belly and all! Once I caught up to him, I was able to grab his shirt and when I did, I fell to my knees with him (don't worry, baby is ok). Needless to say, he got in BIG trouble for that but so did mommy because I couldn't walk for 2 days! I was in SO much pain from the strain of the running and falling to my knees.

Miss Anything: I miss being able to sleep in different positions other than on my side, being able to walk painlessly & at a quicker pace (I feel like a penguin!) and carrying my son if I wanted-now it's strictly cuddles on the couch and floor.

Symptoms: Last time I went to the midwives, I was 2cm dilated and about 75% effaced. I'm having a lot more uncomfortable contractions although they aren't consistent and more cramping. Trying to walk more when I can but really, this girl will come when she's ready.

I love you so much little one. I've loved you before I heard your heart beat for the first time, before I felt you move in my womb, before I've even looked into your eyes and before I could kiss you for the first time. I pray for you just about every day. I pray that your life would be beautiful, purposeful and full of grace, hope and faith. I pray that you would love the Lord with your whole heart and follow His purpose for your life. 

You are so incredibly loved not only by your mommy but also your daddy, big brother, grandmas, grandpas, great grandparents, great aunts, aunties, uncles and COUNTLESS more!! We are SO excited to finally meet you baby girl!

{Ethereal Woodland Bride} New Mini Bridal Collection

I've been working on new bridal pieces for the shop for quite some time now, on and off. I've had some ideas that I really wanted to create and be inspired upon but it has seemed like a little roller coaster to actually finish these pieces among lots of trial, error and creative blockades. That's the thing about coming up with a completely new collection-inspiration, above all, is KEY!

So far, I've completed a few pieces which will serve more as a "mini collection" rather than a full collection. None the less, I'm excited to bring new pieces to Love Sparkle Pretty and I'm so thankful to Kristen Booth for capturing these new adornments!

Here's a little peek at what's to come.

Poetry, the newest bridal crown created with white and ivory blossoms amongst pretty greenery. I will also be adding soft english net veils to the shop that pair perfectly with floral crowns as well as by themselves. Each are attached to two small beaded combs that make it easy for adornment.

Lina, a shear, dainty capelet with hand stitched rhinestones, beads and pearls gracing the neck, shoulders and back.

Alia, a stunning shoulder piece carefully created with rhinestones to grace the clavicles and take place of the traditional necklace. Working on a few more of these designs as well.

All of these pieces and a few more will be added in the shop by February for Pre-Orders. I will be taking maternity leave from March-May to welcome our second little baby so these pieces will ship once the shop has reopened.

Photography credit: Kristen Booth
Bridal Adornments: Love Sparkle Pretty
Dress: Simply Bridal

First Editorial Print of 2015

Hello New Year.

So excited to share a bit of our first print editorial of 2015! The Everly and Olivia Floral Crowns are featured in Southern Bride Magazine Winter/Spring 2015 issue! It never gets old when you see your work published in pretty photos-in your hands. So incredibly thankful and looking forward to this coming year with LSP!

Here are just a few shots from the editorial spread including some photos from the shoot in South Carolina at Pawley's Plantation taken by Michael Allen Photography.

All you need is love.

Photography: Michael Allen

Floral Crown: "Everly" by Love Sparkle Pretty

Dress: "Ange" by Rembo Styling

Suit: Calvin Klein

Necklace: Baroni

Ring: Samantha Wills

Bracelets: Outrage Fashion & Haute Bride

Cyber Monday SALE + Sneak Peek of Pretty Updates!!

Photo Credit: Kristen Booth

The Love Sparkle Pretty shop is hosting a sale on several floral crowns, bridal pieces and headbands for up to $80!! See all of the sale items here PLUS, get FREE SHIPPING on everything in the shop (U.S. only) by using the code, "FREESHIPPING" at checkout!! Today is the last day for the sale so don't wait-ends at 11:59pm EST.

Side note, there has been SO much going on including boutique events, holiday events, birthday parties, custom orders, etc. that I will be overloading the blog soon with lots of pretty updates! Here's a sneak peek:

Have a beautiful week friends!

{IG Auction} A Winter-Inspired Children's Crown for a Good Cause

From November 4th-8th, Pamela from MacDonald's Playland will be hosting an auction on Instagram to help raise money for children and women affected by homelessness and domestic violence through their charity, Project Lead Kindly. You can follow along with the auction at @AuctionLeadKindly on IG here to place your bids. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!!

To help raise money for PLK, I've created a one of a kind children's floral crown created with peach, ivory and sage green hues with a bit of gold detail. The crown is attached to 2 ivory shear ribbons for an adjustable fit for ages 3-10. This pretty piece is also lined with soft felt fabric for a comfortable wear paired with a little one's favorite outfit. The starting bid is just $10 so follow us on IG at @LoveSparklePretty and @AuctionLeadKindly to stay up to date on the auction. Place your bid on the crown HERE-Remember, today is the LAST DAY!

Speaking of charities, there is another that is dear to me, Operation Smile. While I was going to school to become a nurse, I remember learning about different congenital defects that can happen within developing fetuses-one of them being the cleft lip and cleft palate. There are several difficulties and infections that can occur with someone who is born with this, including difficulty eating and speaking, ear disease, dental problems and more. Since I was in school then, I was able to help out with this charity just by renting some of my textbooks from Campus Book Rentals (you know how expensive it is to buy textbooks these days). They donate to Operation Smile with each book rented!

For over 30 years, Operation Smile has been performing safe surgeries for those in developing countries suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate. What's even more amazing is that those performing the surgeries and providing healthcare for these underprivileged children are all volunteers! So beautiful! You can read more about this cause right here.

Below are just a couple of children that have been positively impacted and treated by Operation Smile.

Lucas, a sweet 5 year old boy from Brazil got a new start and was able to attend school once again after being bullied for his cleft lip. Read more about his story here.

Precious little Chisomo from Malawi, suffered from malnutrition due to his cleft lip and cleft palate but was finally able to get his surgery done after regaining health. Read more of Chisomo's story here.


What are some of your favorite charities and causes to support?

**A portion of this post his been sponsored but all of the opinions and statements are my own. I truly believe in both of these causes.**

{Photo Shoot-FBF} My First Collaboration + How to Get Photographers to Photograph Your Product

 A couple years ago when I made the decision to leave nursing school to pursue my passion of creativity and design, I had to learn new skills and what it would take to run a small business. Amongst experimenting with sewing and making different accessories, I started creating new pieces from single flower clips to floral crowns for styled photo shoots. I handcrafted these pieces specifically for shoots without the intent of actually selling them because at the time, I didn't think anyone would actually buy crowns (thankfully I was wrong).

After I had made my first crown for a shoot with a local photographer, I was approached via email by Jennifer, a part-time model in Canada. She was working with Sarah Sovereign on an upcoming shoot and wanted me to create a floral crown for their vision. This was my first collaboration outside of CA and outside of the states. I wasn't sure how these things worked but it was the start of my networking skills and I dove right in.

I remember feeling like a little sponge a few years ago (I still am) trying to learn everything I can and since I craved beautiful photos of my pieces (a cell phone just doesn't cut it all the time), I found ways to collaborate with talented photographers.

I've been asked by a few business owners how to go about getting photographers to take photos of product. I know it can be a bit nerve wrecking at first but if they aren't asking you, you ask them! Find photographers whom you really admire their work, fit your brand aesthetic and would genuinely photograph your product (I wouldn't ask a wedding photographer to photograph handmade pillows if that's what you do). Ask them if they have any styled shoots or would be interested in shooting your pieces. The worse they can say is no and you move on but if they say yes, send them your product, include a return label if requested (most photogs will graciously mail it back to you) and once they have sent you the photos, remember to share them and give them credit! It's a 2 way street. They get their name spread and you get yours. Plus, if you made a great connection, you can work together again in the future.

Here is one of the first shoots I collaborated on and since it reminds me of Fall, it seemed like a good time to share. Thank you again Sarah Sovereign for your pretty photos and thank you Jenn for reaching out to me!!

See more of this photo shoot here.

Photographer: Sarah Sovereign

Floral Crown: Love Sparkle Pretty

Model: Jennifer

DON'T FORGET!! The Fall Sale in the shop ends on Saturday! Get 30% off your order using the code, "HELLOFALL" at checkout.