Theme Thursday: Cinco de Mayo

It's been a while since I've been able to post.  That's a good thing!!  It's wedding season and that means I'm busy.  But, it is Cinco de Mayo and I really can't pass up this opportunity to bring you a couple of Inspirational boards.  I hope you have a wonderful day of celebration.

Wedding Registry: Giving To Charity

How fun, right? Going out to your favorite department stores and picking a gorgeous set of china, your favorite {great quality} back-yard games, the 500 thread-count sheets... Fun I say!! 

But, when you're done with all of that, how about a little bit of giving.  After doing some research I came across a few charity sites that allow you to do a wedding registry, shop at a few places that will donate a percentage of the sale, or purchase "gift cards" for your attendants to allow them to donate to the charity of their choice.

One website that I recommend is

www.JustGive.org 

There is a link on this site that will lead you to another great one for wedding registry...

www.idofoundation.org

Are you not sure what to do for your wedding favors?  Consider, perhaps, a Charity Favor Donation Place Card. 

www.weddingshop.theknot.com/donation-favors.aspx

Do you still want to have something more than just a note at your guests seats when they arrive?

Try this:

www.trufflesforacause.com

Are you planning to do something for a charity for your big day?  Share with us what you are going to do.

Happy Wednesday!

Wedding Inspiration: Vegas Style!

A couple of weeks ago my husband had some business to attend to in Las Vegas, so, naturally, I flew down for the weekend.  I've been there before, but never really spent time looking and taking pictures {it was always business in the past}.  We had already seen a show - The Beatles LOVE - and had decided to take Saturday afternoon just walking and checking things out.  Now, I had been in the Bellagio before, but this time I saw it in a whole new light.  All I could think of was weddings!!  These are my inspirational pictures...

And you can't forget the SWEET ride!! 

Have you ever been to Las Vegas?  What was your most memorable thing that you did?  Where did you stay?  I know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but some things should be shared.  :)

Happy Monday!

The Blushing Brides{maids}

Last week was my Blush Pink week, and I've tried {oh how I've tried} to move on from this absolutely romantic color, but I just keep finding more reasons to let it hang on a bit longer.  Today, I wanted to inspire you to let your girls blush a little too.  I have to honestly say, this is my favorite color right now! 

Found at Adrienne Gunde Photography

Absolutely adore the fun comfortable {and definitely wearable} dresses here!  These were found at Design - Conundrum

The long dresses are just gorgeous!  You can find these at Two Birds Bridesmaid

Dress by Amsale

What color will your girls be wearing?  Do you have a favorite designer?  Leave a comment and tell us. 

Happy Wednesday!

Theme Thursday: Peach and Gray Elegance Summer Wedding Inspiration:

I really am one for color.  When bold colors were everywhere it was so fun and easy for me to envision a wedding design.  As soon as the softer tones started to come back I panicked  little, because, to me things should POP.  As brides started contacting me with soft pinks, grays, beige and white I really thought I wouldn't like designing these as much...Boy was I wrong!  I LOVE the soft peach, pink, white and gray tones for this wedding design. 

And how fun would a cart, full of fresh fruit {mostly peaches of course} and flowers, be for your wedding favors?!

Using soft peach drapery to highlight the reception area, shot glass sundaes, a gorgeous bouquet and a lovely cake!!  What do you think?

Spring Centerpieces: Ideas For The DIY'er

If you are looking for ideas for some creative, economical and possibly even centerpieces you can make yourself, then you came to the right place.  I'm going to give you 10 tips on keeping your centerpieces budget-friendly and easy.


1. Use flowers that are in season.
For example, Peonies {my favorite flower} are much easier to find in the spring.  So, if you're having a winter wedding you might want to forgo these.

2. Use fruit and vegetables in your centerpieces.
Bright yellow lemons and green limes are great to use in glass bowls for your tables.  They are fresh and enjoyable to look at.

3. Use large flower heads.  One large hydrangea in a glass vase is beautiful by itself in the center of your tables.

4. Keep the height down on your floral centerpieces.  Over 12" and the price goes up.

5. Use your bouquet and your girls bouquets for centerpieces when you arrive at your reception.

6. If you have florals being used at your ceremony site, get them transfered to your reception.  If you have a large "altar" arrangement, use it at your head table.

7. Use your wedding favors in the center of your tables.  These, then, will serve double-duty!  Does it get any better than that?!

8. Do you like candy {silly question, right?}  Spread the jars amongst your tables along with some little baggies for your guests to fill up.

9. Gather a group of different sized pillars up in the center of the tables.  Put them on a mirror and it will really sparkle.

10. Gather up some beautiful orchids.  Repot them in some gorgeous clay pots and line them up along the center of your tables.  The best part about this is that they are so pretty that they really don't need anything else.

Happy Tuesday!

Life Is Sweet ~ Please Take ATreat

Creating a candy buffet, dessert buffet, pie table or adding plates of cupcakes are some fun additions to give your guests something to remember.  I would love to tell you that I have "a favorite", but the truth is, I love all of these ideas!! 



Here are some ideas for your buffet:

1.   Follow through with your color scheme if you choose. 
2.   Go monochromatic for a dramatic effect
3.   Use all chocolate candies or multiple flavors, shapes and sizes
4.   Dress your candy buffet area up.  Add flowers, paper pom-poms, ribbon, signs, or elegant table covers.
5.   Make your buffet whimsical, elegant, simple or elaborate
6.   Use your candy buffet as the "favor" for your guests.  Have some nice bags {or lunch bags dressed up with a personalized label} for everyone to fill up and take home.
7.   Make sure you have scoops for your candies.  You don't want hands all over everything.
8.   Use boxes under the jars to add dimension to your table.
9.   Label your candy jars with some fun names, fun shaped labels and ribbon.
10. If your buffet will be against a wall, put up a backdrop of sorts to make it a focal point.


Here are some of my favorite inspirational pictures of the ever popular Candy Buffet.  mmm...

This is a beautiful scoop from the David Tutera collection at www.koyalwholesale.com

Did you have a candy buffet at your wedding? Let us know what you included.  

Theme Thursday: A Stylish Country Wedding {barn and all}

Living where I do, this is my kind of wedding.  So, I was so excited when I got hired by a FANTASTIC couple to help them with their plans.  They will be using the family's property for the entire wedding day celebration, including her grandparents barn for the reception.  The feel of the wedding is country, but not Western {per groom's request}. 

This is how I'm envisioning their day to look.

And, a few things that I couldn't fit into the board, but will definitely be part of the day.

Hayrides for transporting the guests from the barn where they will park to the ceremony site.

Some AMAZING hors d'ouvres to keep the guests energized throughout the night

Haybales for seating at the ceremony site

And a delicious and refreshing Signature Drink.