Category Archives: Inspiration

inspiration for fall brides

(Chameleon Photography via The Knot)

It’s mid July which means wedding season is in full swing, and it’s the summer brides’ time to shine! So, for all of you fall brides, here is a little fall inspiration while you wait for your big day– we haven’t forgotten about you!

LOVE these ribbons! What a beautiful accent for your bouquet! You could certainly use this fun idea in any season, but these colors just scream autumn!  I found this picture forever ago and don’t know the source–If you do, let me know and I’d love to post it!

summer party perfection:Pt 1:fabulous invites!

(photos-Etsy-tucci paper co.)

In the midst of wedding season, it’s easy to forget all the other great parties to plan! The weather is beautiful, grills are fired up, drinks are flowing…it’s the perfect time to throw a party (with or without a reason)! So, in honor of party season (for those of us in the midwest who don’t have this beautiful weather year-long), we’ll have a short mini-series dedicated to throwing a fabulous summer soiree!

First, you need the guests! Don’t just send out a cookie-cutter invite…we’ve all gotten the “You’re Invited” invite before…it serves it’s purpose, but it certainly doesn’t get me excited to “get the party started.” To start it off right and set the fun tone for your shin-dig, check out these cute invites from etsy seller tucci paper co.  I love the phrases on them like “see food party,” “let’s get jiggy,” and “party like a rockstar” (my personal favorite)! Check out the site for many more, plus some ultra-cute wedding and shower invites, too!

Next time:Part 2:Fabulous food!

chapel envy

I’ve got serious chapel envy over the amazing Leaf Chapel in Japan, designed by Klein Dytham. How people even dream up such amazing pieces of modern architecture astounds me!

The chapel is formed from 2 separate pieces, meant to look like leaves that have fallen from the sky and gently landed on the ground. Even the supports of the structure emulate the veins of a leaf, becoming thinner as they run away from the stem. The retractable cover of the chapel is perforated with over 4000 holes, to resemble the pattern of a brides veil! Each of these tiny holes has a lens attached, and light filters through to create a beautiful lace pattern. As the groom lifts the bride’s veil, the lacey top retracts, to reveal the beautiful pond and scenery outside! Just beautiful.

pretty in {orange and pink}

What a fabulous color combo! It reminds me of orange and raspberry sherbet (delicious)! We’re assisting Tracy+David with their Friday wedding as we create a beautiful pink+orange design concept…I absolutely can’t wait to see how it all pulls together! Here’s a little sneak peek at some of the design elements!

“Something old” never looked so good

(Top Left:1940 Vintage Cameo Shell Brooch $476 ,Top Right:2000 VIntage diamond cultured pearl brooch $1.596.00 , Center:1920 Diamond Brooch $3,116.00 , Lower Left: 1950 Vintage retro period pearl diamond brooch $2970.00, Lower Right: 1910 Vintage Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Brooch $3,996.00)

If I had a thousand dollars (or three or four) to buy “Something old”….what about one of these beauties? Brooches look gorgeous pinned to a bouquet or on a gorgeous sash on your dress. I had a recent bride {the lovely Miss Claire} who pinned a family heirloom brooch on her bouquet, and later for the reception, we pinned it in her hair for a beautiful vintage touch! {Note to Self: Find some “budget friendly” brooch options this week}

(photo by Stella Event Design)

summer style at pottery barn

( Top Left: Coral 29.00/39.00, Top Right:Glass Oil lamps $7.99 , Middle Left: Glass Votive Holders $12.00/set of 6 , Middle Right: Resin Starfish $16.00/set of four , Bottom Left: Vase Fillers $12.00, Bottom Right: Green Glass Votive Holders $14.00)

I love this time of year—even though summer has just started, many stores are already marking down their seasonal summer accessories! I love a sale. And, if you’re planning a beach or outdoor wedding for 2008 or 2009, this is the perfect time to snag some great deals on beach-inspired decor! These are some of my summer sale faves from Pottery Barn!

My favorites are the sea urchin, starfish and sand dollar vase fillers which would look amazing in vases, candle holders, or scattered on a table. You could also use them to affix to boutonierres or your bouquet (maybe dangling with ribbons?).

(the Knot)

Even better, use the sand dollars as place cards, and have each guests’ names written on them–it will be much easier than using the real thing, and will be a beautiful and personal touch!

custom cake toppers {elegana handcraft}

I don’t know about you, but when I saw these adorable cake toppers by Lily Tsai at Elegan Handcraft, I couldn’t believe I didn’t have one for myself! Each topper is made by hand, and you can’t believe the detail on them–it’s absolutely incredible–each individually crafted flower, jewel, and you can even see the stitching!

Better yet, you can have a custom topper crafted to look like you and your fiance! I love this idea! Check out some of the custom pieces…

I actually came to the site to check out some of the amazing jewelry, but the cake toppers are what kept me there to check it all out! Visit the site—there are so many more fantastic toppers to check out, and the jewelry and handbags are just icing on the cake topper!

(all photos via Elegana HandCraft!)

beach beauties

(Top left, Top Right, Left Center, Right Center, Bottom Left, Bottom Right)

I love beach weddings—they’re some of my favorites to plan, and they are always so special and unique–not to mention BEAUTIFUL! For all of my beach wedding gals, here is a little inspiration for you as you prepare for your time to shine!

etsy Love {petalbypetal}

I have been an absolute Etsy fiend this week! I’m absolutely loving these beautiful clay flowers created by Etsy artist PetalByPetal. They look so real! These would be beautiful to incorporate into your cake design, or to use for decor—no wilting! Check out the PetalByPetal store for more beautiful creations. You can also request custom pieces to match your wedding motif!

*all images via PetalByPetal

city inspiration

(Citybird via With This Ring)

The always wonderful blog With This Ring never fails to delight me with fun finds! Check out today’s post on fun chicago-inspired finds to incorporate into your guest bags, favors, or as gifts! I have lots of Chicago brides who plan destination weddings with me in Southwest Michigan, and I think these would all be wonderful ways to incorporate a little bit of Chicago love into your beach side nuptials!

BUT, the city-inspired fun isn’t just for the Chicago gals! Etsy seller Citybird is located in Detroit, Michigan and offers a TON of fun Detroit-inspired items like this vintage detroit map journal! Please excuse me while I shop!

(via Citybird)

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