Island Maps

I'm sure I've shared with you my love for maps, not just wedding maps, all maps. I just love the tiny print, pinpoints and trails leading to interesting destinations. This map is no exception, and happens to be one of my favorites.

I designed this for a couple who are having a destination wedding in South Padre Island, TX. This was actually one of the first "island" maps I've ever done, and now I never want to go back! I love the way the blue/green water frames the island, and the way her bright pink compliments those sandy shades of tan.

If you're looking for a custom map for your wedding, feel free to contact me, or visit my etsy shop!

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Double Duty: Bud Vase

I love things that serve double duty, as long as they look like they have a connection… I don’t want to see your cake topper combined with your garter or anything crazy like that!

These simple bud vases double as a place card holder, and at a price of 6 for $10.00, they are quite the steal! This concept can be translated into other ideas as well, when it comes to place card holders. You could easily borrow the concept with a tea light instead of a bud vase as well!

If you’re on a tight budget, think about using the place card vase as a table number, that way you only need one per table instead of one per guest.

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Playing catch-up

Good morning everyone! The long weekend was a much needed break for me, and now I'm back to the grind, trying to play catch-up on all of my little projects. We'll be back with more juicy posts tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Image courtesy of: Kristopher Johnson.

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Long holiday weddings

I love weddings situated over long holiday weekends, like Memorial Day Weekend! The timing can be very convenient for traveling guests, and the destination can serve as a nice little vacation for out of towners!

Your wedding events will have a little more breathing room as well, and won’t need to be crammed into a blur of two or three days. Not only will you have your rehearsal dinner and wedding day bliss, you’ll also have a few days afterwards to recoup and visit with family and friends in town.

Holiday weekends can be very busy though, so if you’re thinking of trying this for your wedding, reserve your weekend on guests’ calendars early by sending festive save the date cards well in advance!

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend everyone!

The photo above from Kent Meireis Photography Blog.

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Pretty postage

As I'm sure we all know, postage went up to 44 cents on May 11th, and since then I've been patiently waiting for some cute stamps to come out. Well, ta-da, that day has come! I just saw this post over at Creature Comforts... new stamps, and they're adorable!

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Braided tresses

The braid... a long time childhood pal... but wait! Braids don't always have to be in the form of tight pigtails or scream summer cheerleading camp. Check out these loosely braided styles for inspiration on your wedding day or beyond.

It's definitely a more casual, carefree look, so if the braid doesn't fit into your more traditional wedding, try one of these styles for your rehearsal dinner or during travel time. Your locks will be out of your face and still look trendy!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

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Lanterns set the mood, not the budget

The glowing look of lanterns swaying in the breeze is always a warm and welcoming way to greet guests, whether in a tent or out under the stars. You too can accomplish the looks above, and still stay under budget with these simple designs from IKEA.

I like these inexpensive lanterns, ranging in price from $4.99 to $24.99, because at this price, you can afford to dress up the entire venue or outdoor space. Go overboard, and switch up the sizes for a more custom look!

lantern product photos from Ikea, night sky lanterns, white aisle lanterns, tree lanterns, dance floor lanterns.

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Ring Care Tips

I remember how sparkly clean my engagement ring was when I first slipped it on my finger. Every year I go back to my jeweler and have them send my ring in to have it cleaned and buffed, just before my anniversary. I’m always taken aback at the difference that cleaning makes, and have become more aware of everyday care because of this.

I found a helpful article on Ring Envy today, about little things you can do to care for your ring between cleanings.  Not only does this article have do’s and don’ts, it also has helpful at home cleaning tips that can make your ring shine naturally!

Image courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

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Knots in lieu of ribbons

Learn how to tie a sailor’s knot to embellish your favors instead of using ribbon. This tutorial from Martha Stewart shows you how!

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Custom Cameo Silhouettes

There are times when I feel good about giving a newlywed couple pots and pans or some fun kitchen utensils. But there are also times when I want to break out of the box and give them something unique and artsy.

These custom cameo silhouette portraits would be perfect for an easy-going couple with natural or vintage décor.

I love how Jenny of jennyleefowler spiced things up by cutting out the silhouette from a piece of birch bark. Jenny has lots of experience cutting traditional freehand profiles from paper, bark, leaves and other materials. You can check out her etsy shop, flickr site, or blog for more inspiration!

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DIY-ish invitations at 100 Layer Cake

I love the look of these DIY-ish invitations featured on May 12th over at 100 Layer Cake. The colors and patterns caught my eye first, and then I saw the lovely assortment of vintage stamps that were to adorn the front of the envelope. Everything is just perfect, and not only that, the supplies are widely available to regular DIY brides, not just designers! Check out the post for more information about the supplies and how they accomplished this fabulous look.

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Birthdays + Cupcakes, like peas in a pod

Today is my 23^rd birthday, and what would a birthday be without cake? My husband and I will never finish a whole cake, so instead I think we’ll indulge in some sweet confections from our local gourmet cupcake shop.

Speaking of cupcakes, I ran across the wonderfully talented Cheryl Porro — software quality engineer by day and baker for hire by night. Cheryl operates a fun little blog called Cupcake Bakeshop, where she posts unique cupcake recipes along with tantalizing photos (caution: drooling may occur).

Not only do I love Cheryl’s photos, I love the ingredients and toppings she throws together. Let’s face it, she blows Martha out of the water in the cupcake department.

If I were in San Francisco today, I would definitely request a birthday treat from Cheryl, but until then, I’ll just flip through her pictures and recipes… dreaming.

{All photos courtesy of Cheryl Porro}

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Monkey Business

Even though this may not be wedding related, it's just too darn cute not to share! I created this monkey themed invitation for my mom, who was throwing a baby shower for her friend.

We decided on a flat 5 x 7 invitation featuring this adorable monkey illustration. We stuffed that, along with a custom map to the shower location, into a recycled brown envelope and sealed it with a monkey sticker (made by my amazing Xyron sticker machine).

I love doing projects like these, because they're simple and cutesy... And everyone needs a dose of cutesy once in awhile!

Enjoy!

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Lilly Queen Earrings

I don’t wear earrings very often, just out of forgetfulness, nothing more. But if I did want to dress up my ears a bit, I would definitely put on some of these lovely vintage style earrings by Lilly Queen.

Each set has something different going on, but they all share the same classy qualities. Nothing too gaudy or dangly, and the colors remain serene and natural.

Lilly Queen is having her spring clearance sale right now, so be sure to take a peek at the amazing prices as well!

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One Lovely Blog

A big thanks goes out to Aletha at Inspiring Fresh Ideas for passing along the One Lovely Blog Award last week! We're so happy to be a part of the wedding blogging community, and are approaching quickly on our 300th post (I smell a giveaway!). So thanks again, Aletha!

Here are the easy rules:

1. Accept the award.

2. Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and the blog link.

3. Pass the award to five other blogs that you enjoy following.

4. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

 

Here are five blogs that I enjoy following:

1. April at April Foster Events

2. Le'Trice at LePenn | Designs

3. Amber at Daisy Chain

4. Jennifer at Earth Friendly Weddings

5. Kelley at My Island Wedding

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Branch Centerpieces

Right about now, in Michigan, the flowering trees are out in full force. Just driving 15 minutes around our little town, you can see and smell the wonderful varieties of flowering crabapple, magnolia, and cherry trees.

Sometimes I think these trees can be even more beautiful than vase full of flowers. The branches have character and accent the light blooms perfectly, which is why I thought they might make clever centerpieces! Trim a few nonchalant branches from some of your neighborhood trees for a harmless way to dress up your wedding décor.

Here’s a how-to straight from Apartment Therapy on a simple branch centerpiece.

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Upcycled flower pins

These hand-made flower pins from Linda & Harriett are not only beautiful, but eco-friendly too!  They’re part of a new, Redesigned Line, and are assembled using letterpress misprints.

Use these as they are or add some natural looking embellishments for a trendy corsage at your bridal shower. Check out more dazling paper products at the Linda & Harriett site!

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Pillow Boxes from Paper-Source

The pillow box is a pretty simple, and traditional design. But pair it with a bright chartreuse and polkadot pattern, and you'll have a super trendy addition to your wedding. I really like the way they styled the photo above, tying the box with a knot instead of a bow. It’s modern and not incredibly feminine!

I’d fill these little containers with vibrant pieces of candy, like these tasty treats from Mister Bulky.

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Real Wedding from Whitebox Weddings

I love this real wedding featuring Kelly + Terrell, over at the whitebox wedding {photo blog}.

It’s real, fun, and and filled with color! The shoe shot originally attracted me to the blog, and once I was there I was completely amazed at the attention to detail. The wedding is filled with playful and coordinating details that all come together to compliment this casual outdoor venue. 

I love it, and wish I was this brave with color!

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Handmade for Mother's Day

Mother’s day is one of those holidays where a handmade gift will only do. But if you’re as busy as I am, you may not have time to start a DIY project for mom. Etsy to the rescue! Check out some of my favorite handmade items from the best place to buy & sell all things handmade.

Links: black pepper soap, potato sack market bag, porcelain mug, succulent basket, tin picture frame, tiny mexican planters, papercut silhouette, sweater brooch, recipe box.

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