Holiday Delight

Hello Hello.
It has been a while since I checked in, but unfortunately we were victims to the "storm of 2010". Ha!
Traveling around the holidays is never fun, especially when flights are cancelled you are left driving home the last leg of your trip!

I wish this sign was posted at JFK and I could have been the one to grab this awesome pic!

Hope Everyone Had a great holiday!!

Photo Booth Dilema

The Photo Booth Dilema.....

They are a huge hit now at weddings, and def. bring in a new fun element. Plus what a way to introduce grandpa Joe to aunt Louise but with space limited--- what are the options?

I think DIY is a good way to go if you don't want to shell out the $1000-$1500 for the photo booth. Most  photographers offer a "photo" lounge as well with their services.

I have seen people on the knot set up their own laptops to take the snapshots (there is even software to do so)... or a good old fashioned polariod does the trick.

Don't forget the props!!

These are super easy to make with felt- or about 100 vendors sell em' on Etsy for about $2 a pop.

You can even do paper ones:

My Favorite Freebie!!

Today, I may have discovered my very favorite freebie ever!! of alllll time!!
As you know, I am not planning a "beach" themed wedding at all, although I am having my reception in an ocean front venue and getting married in a seaside chapel. Although super cute. It's just not my thing.

That doesn't mean I can't include really cute, ocean themed things into other parts of my wedding. For the rehearsal dinner we are almost positive to be doing some kind of clam bake, seafood restaurantish dinner.

This means, red and white striped table clothes, lobster bibs, and anchors galore.

I have also decided to make the "welcome" boxes at the hotels greeting my out of town guests to have the same "seaside" notes. I won't go into super detail on these boxes, but they will include local treats, tons of maps and things to do, plus some anchor themed items.

So How great was it when I came across this freebie at Weddingchicks.com? This anchor monogram. And I know just where I am going to use it. Hello Rehearsal dinner menus, invites, and even stationary to write notes to our OOT guests on. This really made my Tuesday morning....



Go snag this for yourself: http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/custom-goodies/nautical-monogram/



I did come across one little hiccup. I wanted to do one with the gold anchor and a hot pink swirl. I thought it would look super cute. But, for some reason some of the combinations of "swirls" don't show up when you use the gold anchor and lettering. Black swirl worked, pink did not. But... I wasn't really disappointed because I kind of love this one without the swirl and just want to run to Staples now to buy some linen paper to print this on.

The Long and Short of it

One thing I haven't spent much time on since its obviously a bit early is looking at dresses. For myself, I have checked out styles but I've yet to try on any dresses.

For bridesmaids,  I haven't put much thought into it yet. But I know I want something light, chiffon and in blush pink or champagne color--perhaps with a black accent.

I saw this photo of some blush pink Vera dresses that were organza and just light and airy look (google search : "blush pink Vera bridesmaid"  and you will find it) but at $280 a pop those won't fly with me for my ladies. So I found a few alternatives. Specifically from Bari Jay's line and the new LOVE Enzononi lines. Both lines are affordable and pretty trendy. Plus they carry the hard to come by (and worse to look at on a computer screen) "blush" color.

Some Great dresses:

The chiffon of these is hopefully a crowd pleaser. But then the question is long or short? There are arguments for both. I am having a decidedly formal wedding. Let's say we're going for "vintage glam" look for the girls because of this. Surely, a long dress is deemed appropriate.

Then there is the "comfort" and usability level of a shorter dress. But I'm not sure the "formality" is there. Arguably they are easier to use again, I mean no bridesmaid really "cuts down" their bridesmaid dress and wears it again. I keep thinking though (and this is likely me) that a bridesmaid dress still had the stigma of a bridesmaid dress--"wear it again" style or not. Short or long. I mean are any girls really throwing a blazer on over their old bridesmaid dress and heading off to work?! David's Bridal says they are...

Here is a cute option that I love for a short dress and I think it still says "Formal"

(albeit one of my bridesmaids has already worn it)....

Ohhh... the choices...

Winter Wonderland

It came to my attention last night while watching a Say Yes to the Dress Marathon that not everyone wants to get married in the summer.... and that just because I am-- does not mean there aren't a host of girls aren't out there that aren't (imagine that)...


When I sat back and thought about it there are an innumerate amount of reasons to get married in the winter:
The Sparkle of Snow!!!
Plenty of choices for favors (snowflake ornaments anyone? How cute is that)
Fur wraps for you and your bridal party
oh and did I mention HUGE discounts on vendors and reception sites! Enough to afford you the most magicaly of  a winter wedding.


For a quick second thinking of a winter wedding made me think about changing my wedding date--- for a REALLY quick second-- I mean imagine the things you could do with white painted Manzanita branches and crystals !!! (the i remember the work I put into guaranteeing I would get married on the dryest weekend slated for 2012 (thank you farmers almanac), in the dryest month of the year-- hello Hot august!)

but really. how beautiful are these wedding photos below:

This would be a must-have photo at a winter wedding (pending you are lucky enough to get a blanket of white)

See these manzanita branches and trees? I told you that magnificant winter things could be done....



I'm pretty sure this is the most romantic wedding photo I've seen!



DIY OF THE WEEK

I've been slacking with the blogging this week-- sorry, I have failed to be inspired by much other than green and red and things smelling of evergreen...

But I did find time to find this cute lil DIY project. Well I didn't find it now persay.. I have been talking about this little pomander project for some time-- but I thought it would be a good time to post it.

 

The ones to the right are made of actual paper. But my friend at House Of Smith's did them with crepe paper. You can find them on her blog and they came out adorable. They are nice for added decor-- or I am thinking of using them to decorate the aisle and pews.

(Pew hangers are on sale at SaveonCrafts this week!)








You can find the tutorial for these  here: 
http://houseofsmiths.blogspot.com/2010/02/hanging-roses-i-was-browsing-blogs.html


Happy DIYing and have a good weekend :)

Fabulous Florals

Flowers are another part of decor that will make such an impression on the day of...but I haven't spent much time laboring over them yet. I know I am planning on DIY'ing a ton... but I want to have a florist do my bouquet.

Here is the one bouquet that I love. It's romantic, luscious, fun and still really really pretty... how can they be all these things? Ah! Love em'

What other blooms are people loving?

Peonies make a luscious gorgeous bouquet



Obsession of the Day

Here is an obsession today. I have been talking about doing Moss covered letters except with White Hydrangeas to match my decor and put them on the outside of my church doors and at the reception venue doors....

Today I came across this photo:

I'm obsessed with these!!

So soon you will see a post for DIY letters..  but these I intend on doing a tutorial for!! Whoo hoo

Too Many Choices, Too Many Opinions

I wanted to take a bit of a different route today and "reflect" on some conversations that I have had in the past few days about Vendors, Opinions, and Options.

Here is my advice. Stop looking. When you know you have found the right place, the right florist, the right caterer-- Stop...

I will tell you a little story:
I looked at 17 venues. Yes, 17.
I spent the better half of the summer looking at venues, on lunch breaks, on weekends, at night, in the morning before work (one vendor agreed to show me a ballroom at 7:00 am)....it was exhausting.

In the end, I went with place #3 that we visited. I can tell you that I knew back in 2002 when I was a freshman in college I would get married there. I should have listened to myself.

Here's my second piece of advice today:
Don't tell people what you are planning if you don't want to hear what they have to say. Positive or negative. They will tell you... in fact, they feel its their right to tell you how they feel ,what they thing, etc... and if you are thin skinned--or just don't want to hear it, then don't talk about the wedding.

Well that's my two sense.

On to more fun stuff now.xo

Another Quickie DIY

Was in the mood to throw out another template today (non Wedding Related)

Cute little seasonal card, download and enjoy :)

http://www.downloadandprint.com/stationery-templates/1907/

DIY Project Of the Week

The DIY project of the week this week is one I will share with everyone.
I created my own logos for the wedding using the great templates from my friends at http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/

Follow their custom goodies to create some for yourself. Here are my two creations:

 I am not sure yet where I am using them--- But I was thinking the first one would be super cute printed out on stickers and stuck onto the paper bags in last weeks DIY project... rather than stamping.

The second one I was thinking of incorporating into my Menu or favors.

Inspired By Cakes

One of the most difficult decisions I have had so far is honing in on one idea of a cake that I love.
I obvisously have a lot of time over the next two years to come up with an idea, but I get inspirted everywhere- and love all the cakes. I know I am definetly one for a more intricate design-- but there are just soooooo many options.  I wish I didn't have to settle on just one design!


Take a look at these amazing cakes:


This is the original cake I was inspired by and since then my ideas have grown ten fold!





This is one of my favorites. It was featured in a Martha Stewart Binder my cousin gave me for wedding planning and its also on Martha's site. The idea of wedgewood look is so fresh-- but I was thinking of a similar design with the blush pink to match my decor. I am obessed with those draped flowers! How cute would they look brushed with gold?



this is just adorable! And all the work and details, it's unbelieveable



I don't know my feelings on monograms, but I do love the detail of tis one. And the draping on the bottom.
Basically, anything "gilded age" is right up my alley.



Speaking Of Guilded Age-- A cake fit for a Queen!



DIY Project of the week

So, as I have said I am all about DIY'ing the details of the wedding...


I have so many "little" special details that I think I can achieve by doing it all myself (with the help of some talented friends) and I get inspired every single day for a new project.


So I thought I would share a DIY project of the week. Not that I will conquer that project in this week. But its going to be an idea that gets added to the "list". Maybe, when I get closer, I will document and share all the projects that get done ( albeit I still think it'll be more than a week...but I will see what magicial powers I have when the DIYing time comes)


So without further adieu: This week's DIY project of the week is soooo cute. I am thinking these will be great send off with leftovers or a little "thank you" candy bag at the rehearsel dinner. Super casual and cute.

amazing right? I am going to look for stamps asap for these. This is how a simple brown bag just turned chic!

Wedding Grub

As promised, wedding food ideas.

So I'm really obsessed with not only the Taste of the good but also of the look of it. Presentation is key and I made sure I made that known to my caterer. Think: Experience.

I was looking around for some cute "food ideas" and came across a bunch of photos to share.

The first thing I thought about was doing some really cute apps:



These single serve shrimp cups are super cute.

And then of course, desserts. How cute are these single serve desserts?

The idea of cute "individual" desserts was too hard to pass up. I have some special treats in store for my guests.

Cupcakes:

Cupcakes are obvisouly a huge trend right now. But even better are these cute flags.

I found some great ones on etsy. But it's really a pretty easy DIY (instructions to come this week)

It's one of my first projects I'll be working on, so I will share as it develops.

I'm always looking for new "fun" foodie ideas and food DIY, so pass them along!

Turkey Tuesday

Well ya, I know that Turkey day is actually Thursday-- but I love love love thanksgiving. I mean ya the food, but its such a nice time of year. I think all the crazy sales the next day are not up my alley- but I love the whole "we're in this together" mentality.  Going shopping at 2 am and everyone running around with arms full of bags. The whole fact that this weekend really kicks of the Christmas season-- which is my favorite season of all! (Check in with me again in February when we are knee deep and snow and see if I still feel that way).

In honor of Turkey Day coming I thought I would share some great articles/recipes. I know, I know, today I'm not super wedding esque-- but not to worry I'll post later on "wedding food"...

This stuffing sounds great. My mother is going to try her hand at it. It's def.  a "lighter" version of my Nana's old Sausage stuffing that included 2 lbs (yup 2) of sausage, hamburger and pepperoni. With about 2 cups of bread.... So in the hopes of swapping out the massive calories we're opting for this:

Sausage and Mushroom Stuffing

I'm also obsessed with Ramkins, but never use them. I eyed my friends that she brought by one time. So I ran out and bought a bunch... Then she went and got these cute little crocks with lids for individual use. So I told her I loved them. She bought em' for me... So now I am literally up to my nose in tiny crocks and ramkins-- and I've never used them. I am thinking of puting them to use Thanksgiving morning and making these:
Asparagus Souffle

I'll let you guys know if it happens or not...

Budget Finds!

So happy Monday. Tough Monday huh? A big dinner awaits us in a few days and we have to stumble through these few days at work. Ugh!
So with thanksgiving around the corner- there are also tons of holiday ads. I got caught up in "Sales" this weekend and hit the mall, plus I needed a cute new outfit to see some friends this weekend. Well. I didn't buy a single present. I did however, come home with 3 bags for myself :)


At any rate. I wanted to share I found my wedding purse!! Its so adorable, and I'd love to share a photo---but I can't... and I'd like to explain why. but let's just say---it involves gifts for others.. get where I'm going.
So it was a great "budget" friendly find. My wedding clutch cost me 17.95. Yup. Full price. and It's the most adorable thing I've ever seen. And then I figured I likely won't use a clutch on my wedding. I'm pretty sure someone will have to un-superglue the blackberry from my hands, and lock it in the hotel room-- and that my DOC will have my fav. lip gloss on her at all times, and I won't need cash....or my CC. But I don't care. Ill make SOMEONE carry it or at least get a photo of it, since its soooo cute!!


To give you an idea of what it looks like here's an "inspirational" picture. Think the organza (minus the price tag) of this Valentino bag

If I was to get this Valentino bag in a clutch it would run me about $250

Savings: $232.50

(and mine is even cuter!)

clutch inspiration

On a second note of "budget" purchases this weekend. I also got the gold chargers I've been dying over for under my plates. My caterer charged $5 pp to rent them. So I bought them at good ol' Christmas Tree Shoppe for $1.00 a piece. I ordered them, and they took about a week to come in. BUT HERE'S THE BEST PART: As I was in line, I saw a woman whip out a 20% off coupon "friends and family" so I asked her if she got it online ,and where I can get it. She said "it looks like you're buying a ton hunny, here's my extra coupon"...Whoo hoo. So I purchased 150 gold chargers for 80 cents, Ya, 80 cents a piece. With plans to sell them after my wedding....I basically will have had Free gold chargers on my tables, and saved myself the 5$ pp.

Savings: around $700 bucks!!

Decor Decor

So when I started looking for inspiration, I went right to decor and flowers. And Loving flowers as much as I do, I get enthralled at looking at the pictures of them. But when I came across this centerpiece I thought it was great. Simple. understated. fancy. cute. all my fav.things.





Love how simple yet elegant this looks...
all photos courtesy of the knot.

 

Love this! (this photo courtesy Belle Mer)...

These inspired me, but I think they are too much effort to DIY becuase of the time it will take the morning of.

My Fav. Place setting. These are my colors. Love!

First Post Formality Out of the way, phew

Now that the "first post" is out of the way... let me get to the goodies.

Here are some ideas I am loving right now: Budget weddings, eco chic, all things white and gold and blush pink, manzantia branches, rustic weddings (not for myself, but my! they are gorgeous), pictures that capture amazing lighting

The list can go on. What are you loving right now for wedding stuff?

Here's my picture of the day for inspiration:

How amazing are these place settings? (all photos courtesy theknot)





First Day. First Post... Welcome!

So today is my first ever blog post.
As you can see this blog is about (drum roll..) weddings... and everything that is before, during, and after the day as well.

Please feel free to send me your suggestions for posts, pictures, etc.

So here it is, the first post ever.