Single Moms deserve a night of fun!

   I hear from single moms all the time that they get bashed for going out and having a good time. It made me think. When I was little my parents would go to friends homes for cards, dinner and concerts and no one thought twice on their parenting skills. What is with people in this day and age that find it ok to comment on a woman's parenting because they choose to go to dinner or a concert. Are kids not allowed to be babysat by a older sibling these days? I say poppycock! (My new favorite word)  Was divorce suppose to turn you into a spinster and make you die a 1000 deaths ten times over. Jealousy is my only conclusion!  Plain old fashioned, she looks good and having fun and I'm not jealousy! 

     I say enjoy life with your friends and when you can take your teenager with you to see Train. 

Senior Workshop part 1

     Nancy and I hosted our second workshop a couple of Sundays ago.  We decided to focus on Seniors and step for a moment out of the bridal world.  This was a fun and crazy shoot. 10 great kids ranging in age from 16 to 19 all came together to help us create this wonderful day. Our them was Abercrombie meets Hilfiger.  I wanted a look that encompasses all the different aspects of the classic Americana Preppy look.  Dogs, bikes and car where hauled in to make this shoot memorable    

Thank you to all the individuals who made this shoot possible

Hair: Briana  Naylor and Suzzanna Hawkins

MUA : Sara Martinez

Concept and wardrobe: Hope Stanley

Coordinators: Nancy Orozco and Hope Stanley

Details Details Details: Giracci Vineyard and Farms Styled Shoot Workshop

This was an Amazing Day! Nancy and I had such a blast putting together this wonderful workshop. Thank you to all the vendors, models and artists who made this workshop possible.  A special thanks to Giracci Vineyards and Farms that where so gracious to us!  What a magical venue

Giracci Vineyards and Farms, Venue Hope Stanley, Bridal Stylist/Concept Stylist Nancy Orozco Photographer Sarah Toner, Florist Mary Me Bridal, Wedding Gowns Sugar Press Invitations, Stationary Jordan Richey & Cortney Helaine Clifford, What A Dish Cafe & Catering Rebecca Leigh, Hair Design Natalie McCracken, Esthetician Paul Santiago from Boffo Video, Videographer Persiano Event Rentals, Furniture Dresses on the Models: Saison Blanche Couture, Lazaro, Watters, Jim Helm, Pronovias, Cymbeline and Friar Tux for the groom’s tux.

Q

Brain Tumor Part 3

I remember when I went into the room for my CAT scan, there was only one technician behind the glass. But, as the test progressed one person after another flooded that tiny little room. I could see them looking, talking and then on the phone. I knew, I knew right then and there that I was sick. After the test was completed they asked me to sit in the  waiting room. Judge Judy was playing on the television and people where coming in and out carrying film. Then walks in this tall thin man. He had salt and pepper hair and beard. He was wearing dark pants and a vest. He calmly said Hope come with me. I followed him down a hall that seemed like it would never end. We entered a small room with a metal desk and a phone. I sat down on one side of the desk and he sat on the other. The phone rang he picked it up and the man she is here. He handed me the phone and my whole world crashed down in a matter of seconds

Bouquets

I've always had an obsession with bouquets that make a grand gesture. I love seeing the bridal bouquet that makes the guests go wow! Does it take away from the bride? Absolutely not! It's a wedding when else in life can you carry dozens of roses and peonies. A bouquet is the only floral accessory, besides the boutonniere that will be seen for generations.


Images via pinterest

My great week

This was one of those weeks when I actually thought, dam life is good. I was feeling great in my own skin. Hair was doing what I want, clothes where fitting good and I got to hang with my best friend. What could be better? Well let's just wait and see what's around the corner. Have a great weekend

Xoxo

Hope

Part 2: my brain tumor

My then husband had a meeting that Friday morning and called his mom to take me to see the Dr. We couldn't get into a normal appointment so I had to go to a group appointment. It was so strange sitting in that room with all the chairs in the round. My head was throbbing and all I can remember is this guy who was a year older then me in High School was 3 chairs over. I listened to wives describing their husbands high blood pressure and men complaining about their backs. I just wanted to leave, I wanted to run out Of the room and disappear forever. My turn came and I don't even know what I said. I was already outside myself looking down. I was sent to the Hospital for CAT.