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Category Archives: Stuff We Like

Bridal Gown Bliss

(photo by LVL Photography)

I was reading through a blog over the weekend (yes, StillMotionagain!) and a shot of the brides’ dresses caught my eye. YES, I said dresses—not two, but THREE amazing gowns! I did a double take—and then thought, “the more, the merrier!”

Wedding after wedding I never fail to be amazed by the gorgeous, gorgeous dresses my brides have chosen! I’ve seen hand-beaded marvels, simple styles, stunning strapless gowns, and splashes of color—but I have yet to have a double-dress bride! Perhaps 2009 will be the year!

Are you a double-dress bride? A triple dress bride? Will you be sporting a formal gown for your ceremony and pictures, and then slipping into a sassy cocktail dress to dance the night away in?!

The “Almost” Meeting

Do you see each other before the wedding or not? It’s completely up to each couple, but more and more brides and grooms are opting to see each other beforehand, so they can get some of those millions of pictures out of the way and give themselves more time. If you’re not seeing each other (which many people still do!) I think this is just the gosh darn cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time! The “almost” meeting before the wedding…

This gorgeous picture was captured at a recent wedding by the very talented Jen of JK Photography. The couple didn’t see each other before the ceremony, but stood on each side of the door and held hands to snap this fabulous shot! I love it. Check out Jen’s blog for more amazing pictures from this wedding—it’s absolutely amazing!

On a quick side note, I have to apologize for my absence from blogging (for over a week!) but we have 2 big weddings coming up and lots of 2009 consultations, so life has been crazy! Not to mention our full-service 2009 weddings are getting into full swing! I promise to (try to) be better!

Personal Monograms for Your Lake Michigan Wedding

A quick break from Photography Week for some fun details from an upcoming Stella wedding!I love details—it’s what really brings a wedding together and makes it feel personal!

First, let me say, I am no graphical wizard. Give me a piece of paper, flowers or candles and I’ll whip you up something beautiful—but if you put a mouse in my hand and ask me to design…well, we’re in trouble! So I turned to April from Blu Sky Designs for a monogram design for the September wedding of Kelly+Russ!

Here is a little of what I gave April to go on:

Kelly LOVES daisies, and we’re tying them in wherever we can! It’s a casual and intimate wedding on the beach, followed by a dinner reception at an upscale restaurant overlooking the lake! We’re tying in the colors of fall…red, yellow, orange and green, without having an overall fall theme!

Check out what April came up with! Which is your favorite?

Check out the Blu Sky blog for more fun monograms and amazing custom invites! (The secret’s out…We’re going with the first one!)

Stay tuned as Photography week continues tomorrow with our guest blogger Ben Pancoast, who will give you the tips on how to work with your photographer for the most fabulous pictures!

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!

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!)

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)

Cake Gazing

I am in love head over heels in love with this cake! Taken by the always wonderful Jen of JK Photography, I saw this cake pic earlier this week, and haven’t been able to take my eyes off of it! It has such a subtle vintage beauty, and is dramatic, while so simple. Love it!