Handpicked | A Guy's Wishlist

It's that time of year again! All you ladies might be wondering "I hope Ilario gives his yearly wishlist soon so I know what to get my special guy this year." Well, without further adieu, here are some products that I would not mind getting this year for Christmas (hint, hint) and I hope there are some gift ideas for your man in the kerfuffle below.

1) T-Shirts!: Last year I directed many of you to 6dollarshirts.com and as I would recommend them again, you may also want to check out T-Shirt Hell (warning!) and Mental_Floss for additional t-shirt ideas.
2) James Bond Ultimate Collector's Set: Yep, you read that right. I'm talking 42 discs of James Bond goodness. 21 movies starting with Dr. No and ending with the 2006 Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig. Each movie has an additional disc of bonus features.
3) Streaming Media Player: With the rise of Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, and cable/satellite bills, it has become more and more common place for individuals to have a computer connected to their TV or to use gaming systems like XBOX and PS3 for uses other than actual gaming. If you have any of the above mentioned accounts or use your gaming system to watch movies, a streaming media player may be for you. I have linked a chart with information with multiple options. Find which you feel is better for your needs and visit that particular website for purchasing information.
4) Bluetooth Handset Gloves: Oh my! Not sure what my initial reaction would be to a person talking into their gloves, but I am sure once I understood what was going on, I would have many questions for that person. First off being, "Where did you get those?" The Answer: Right here :)
5) Micro-Plus EX 9-in-1 Multi-tool: I have found myself looking for a pair of pliers or a screwdriver while being outside of the home more times than I care to count. With a nice little tool like this one ... Problem solved!
6) Board Games & Puzzles: Going a little low-tech here, but there is nothing wrong with a good game night with family and friends to warm a cold winter evening. I have only recently stumbled upon Mental_Floss and when I got to the board game / puzzle section, I was unable to choose one (heck I couldn't narrow it down to less than 10) choice
7) Deluxe Valet: If your man likes to be organized and you have the desk space, this valet might do the trick! All of his essentials will have a place and a place for all his essentials. If you want to take it to the next level, there is also a Leather Valet w/ Watch Case or a Men's Valet + Charging Station.
8) Natural Wooden Watch: I just recently bought a new watch, but watches are like shoes to women ... Can you really have too many? These are the first natural wood watches I've seen and I have to say that I'm intrigued. They are also available in Brown, Beige and Two-Tone. If you happen to buy one, I would love an email or comment as your thoughts on it's quality.
9) Car/Bike Smartphone Mount: Is your guy a driver or a rider (or both)? Smartphones have become such a staple in everyone's life that it is impossible to go for any length of time without checking the latest facebook/twitter-verse happenings. Smartphones however, are also useful for navigation and exercising with apps like endomondo and nike+ it only makes sense to have that phone attached to your windshield or bike handlebars. While you are at it, you may even want to get your man holder for their  arm or forearm for running or weightlifting. There are so many options out there, so I did not necessarily want to point you in the direction of one over the other, however, all are easily accessible with a quick search engine search.

Thank you for taking the time to read my yearly post and I hope that you have found some useful gift-giving ideas.

Baci Designs | Jami + Eric's Wedding {Defiance, Ohio}

October 8th, 2011 was the best day in my life.

I got to plan my own wedding with the help of my talented sister, Amanda. As most of you may know, Eric and I's wedding date was not only special to us, but to both of our parents as well. October 8th was Russ & Deb Jesse's and Tom & Jane Guilford's anniversary as well. When Eric and I got engaged, Eric called the K of C Hall in Defiance to see if October 8th was open..and IT WAS!!! We knew it was fate :) 

Eric and I wanted to incorporate the special date into our wedding, well little did I know Grandma Shirley put Amanda in charge of getting a custom rosary made for me (Leaping with Faith did an amazing job!) and on the back of my cross there was Eric and I's wedding date and our parents!! It was perfect!!!! I also wanted to incorporate my grandfathers into our wedding because they both meant a lot to me and are no longer with us. I found a gorgeous vintage locket and put a picture of them in it. The rosary and locket hung from my bouquet and was close to my heart!!

Our photographer, Montana of Montography fromWauseon, Ohio did a fabulous job capturing special moments on our big day. One thing Eric and I knew we wanted were pictures having to do with baseball. Eric lives for summer AND fall playing ball at the park and I live to watch my husband do something he loves!! Eric gathered up his grandpa's old glove and an old ball bat to take with us on our wedding day (only in Northwest Ohio would that happen, ha). However, the props made for awesome pictures!!

I can't forget about my wonderful bridesmaids and groomsmen!!! They were super easy to pick and absolutely wonderful people to be part of our wedding!!! 

Eric and I couldn't been any more pleased with how the day went, everything was perfect :) 

Wedding Wednesday | Vera Wang Black Collection

Prepare yourself ladies, Vera Wang is releasing a BLACK by Vera Wang Collection at Men's Wearhouse that features two of the hottest tuxedos for our main men.  With the wedding season fast approaching, your guy will need to be looking his best to match your hot, new dress.  These tuxedos are definitely fashionable.... and sexy. ;)

{Images via Vera Wang}

Handpicked | A Man's Wishlist

Here I am again, letting you all know some of the products that exist out there for the special guy in your life. Some of these products I personally own and others would be nice to have. I have a few things for the handyman, the party-er, and/or the "geek" in your life. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but some of these products may spark additional ideas when Holiday Shopping.

1) Craftsman 154 piece Mechanics Tool Set - $99.99 - I personally own one of these ... received it as a wedding gift from the parents of one of my friends. I LOVE this tool set and use it all the time! This tool set has come in handy so many times when completing work on one of our cars. This tool set has everything organized and makes everything easy to find. Additionally, the set is mobile thanks for the hard case. If your man is not handy on the car, this tool set may spark a new interest in learning.
2) PUMA Pulse Watch - $85.00 - If you have a runner, athlete, or someone who likes to work out in your life, chances are he would be interested in his heart rate when engaged in one of those activities. Teamed up with a smartphone app such as Endomondo or Nike+ your guy will have all the information he needs when working out.
3) Leather Excursion Travel Case - $129.95 - I have a similar case and it has earned its place in my travel bag. This bag will organize of your man's (and your) toiletries while being stylish and small enough to take up little space in your luggage. Additionally, the hook at the top allows him (or you) to take the bag into the restroom to hang without having to take all of the products out of the bag.
4) Cigar Humidor - $89.95 - Does your man smoke cigars? If so, he definitely needs a humidor. He'll love you (even more) for it!
5) Mr. Beer Premium Home Brewery / Wine Making Kit - $49.95 / $179.95 - Have a guy who enjoys having a drink, but is also a 'do-it-yourself-er'? Why not let him do both?
6) DODOCASE iPad Case - $59.95 - I have a DODOCASE for my iPad. It is hand made from a company in California. It is made "using traditional book binding techniques" and I get compliments from everyone who sees it. The company keeps you updated on the progress of your case and let you know when it is ready to be sent to you.
*Note : Case for the iPad 2 will not allow for use of the rear camera when in the case. Explanation here.
7) 6DollarShirts - $6.00/each - The only problem is narrowing down the number of shirts you decide to buy, but they are only $6.00 so go for it!
8) WIRED Magazine - varies - I have had a Wired subscription for over a year now and it is an excellent read throughout. Even Amanda says the magazine has an amazing layout and enjoys reading it, too!
*PS - A print subscription now includes access to the iPad version of the magazine!
9) CRKT Eat'N Tool - $7.99 - An excellent stocking-stuffer for the geek in your life that has everything. Make sure he is prepared for anything with this multi-tool.

I hope that these products have given you some new ideas for your guy. Many of these products could be substituted with other similar brands and may be found for different prices with a little searching. Either way, have fun shopping and enjoy the look of happiness on his face when he opens any of these gifts!

Questions, comments, suggestions? Feel free to contact me: ilario {at} bacidesigner {dot} com or comment on this post.

Four Years!! {The Bride + Groom}

These photos by Brandy J Photography really need to introduction - just me and my incredibly handsome husband :o)

Yes, this house really is leaning the far to the right. . . it's actually no longer standing, so our photos will remain unique and memorable!  Incredibly memorable because we were screamed at shortly after taking them. . . that's a story for another time though ;o)

Since we were married Halloween weekend, the Halloween Parade was going on downtown.  We were lucky enough to get some really awesome shots in front of one of the vendors - they thought were clinically insane, but they are honestly some of my favorites!!

Four Years!! {The Bridal Party}

I'm going to keep the Amanda and Ilario Wedding Par-tay going for a little while longer :o)  Right now its some of my favorite photos of The Bridal Party then we'll finish it up tomorrow with some shots of just the two of us and The Reception!!

I love, love, love the photos of my sister and I - we have the middle one framed on our gallery wall in our home because I love it so much!

My hubby is so handsome and our fathers look just as dashing in the photo to the right.  We have the photo of the men walking down the street framed on our gallery wall as well - love it!

There was never any doubt that our photographer, Sticky, was going to be an amazing father after seeing these photos of him and our flower girl,  Hannah. . . also, no doubt Hannah is going to grow up to be a stunning beauty!

The corn field may have been a bit messy, but the results were well worth it!!  Love, love, love :o)

Four Years!! {The Ceremony}

Today I'm continuing Ilario and I's Four Year Wedding Anniversary by sharing some beautiful details from our Ceremony - enjoy!

I love how beautiful my mom looks in this photo below and I can't get over how little my baby brother is!! Four years later and he's a handsome and strong young man, towering over all of us :o)

Now to explain the blue tongue that I walked down the aisle with - lol!!  Minutes before, I took a dissolvable mouth strip and it was the culprit - I love that the moment was captured because I probably wouldn't have remembered such a funny, random occurrence :o)

I can't express in words how talented my family members are when it comes to singing - my Aunt Sherril, cousin Sophie, Uncle Frank and Aunt Deb sang so beautifully on my wedding day, it's one of my most cherished memories!

I love my daddy!!  These photos can make me smile even when I'm having a bad day :o)

When I cry, I laugh - so throughout our vows I was simultaneously bawling and giggling :o)

Ilario and Uh-mana-dah Cursaro (yes, our priest said my name wrong because he was concentrating so much on Ilario's) - lol!!!

All of the photos captured of the children involved in our wedding are amazing - below our flower girl, Hannah, looks so sweet with her aunt Sarah (who I grew up next to) and my gorgeous nephew, Grant, is having his tie straightened. I LOVE IT!

Four Years!!! {Getting Ready}

Can you believe it?!?!?!  Ilario and I have been married FOUR years today!!!  I couldn't be more blessed to have found such an amazing man to spend my life with!

And since reliving that very special day is one of my favorite things (EVER!), I'm going to spend today and tomorrow showing you all some of my favorite details.  Right now, it's all about the ladies (and a few of the handsome men) getting ready.  All photos by Brandy J Photography :o)

My bridesmaids, flower girls and mom spent the morning of October 27th getting ready at a salon in my hometown, which unfortunately is no longer open :o(  My dear friend and hair dresser, Jen, flew in from Charlotte to do my hair while my cousin Kristie and another stylist at the salon helped out with hair as well.  I also was lucky enough to have the talented Jordanne Clyde doing my makeup and an Arbonne specialist working on the rest of the ladies!

I adore the moments captured in these next few photos - my sister is obviously making fun of me while helping put on my jewelry (lol!!), I'm assisting my cousin's little girl, Alivia, put the finishing touches on her flower girl dress and then Alivia and our family friend, Hannah, twirling in their gowns - LOVE!!

The photo of my garter is a very special one - my grandmother, mom and aunts have all worn that garter on their wedding days!!  Jami even wore it earlier in this month :o)

Once again, a few more of my favorite moments - I was having a little fun while the ladies were fluffing my crinoline and then my mom making my brooch (which I purchased in Charleston - where we were engaged!) look just perfect.

Stay tuned for photos from our ceremony!!

Wedding Wednesday | Jamie + Grant's Intimate Tennessee Wedding by Shannon Kelley Photography

Today we have a special treat to lay your eyes on - A Real Wedding by the seriously talented Shannon Kelley of Shannon Kelley Photography!  Shannon is not only inspiring behind the camera, but she's doing some pretty incredible things in her personal life as well.  In January, Shannon and her family will be moving to Haiti to do work with World Wide Village.  To learn more about this amazing woman and her journey be sure to read her blog.

Now for a little about this gorgeous wedding, from Shannon herself - 

Jamie and Grant are the perfect example of how you don't have to sacrifice beauty and details with a small wedding. They held a destination wedding for them and their family at a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Jamie planned out the gorgeous details like the peacock feathers in her hair and for the boutonnieres. The small intimate wedding also let them incorporate really sweet details like each member getting to say a little something to them during the ceremony and, of course, some fun pictures of the whole family together. It was a great day to celebrate their beautiful wedding!

I am in so in love with Jamie's dress - it's the perfect combination of ethereal and sexy!  And are you kidding me with that gorgeous view and the peacock details - swoon!

I adore the emotion Shannon was able to capture - had it not been such an intimate ceremony, those moments could have gone unnoticed.  It truly is beautiful.

The details of this ceremony are exceptional - even the guest attire matched the wedding colors!

A huge thank you goes out to Shannon for sharing these beautiful images of Jamie and Grant's day!!  It's an honor to feature such a gorgeous and unique event :o)