A Note for the Bride & Groom...

I love reply cards that leave a little space for guests to write a little message. During my newbie days of designing my own invitations, I didn't know you were allowed to do that — but we still had a few folks write messages that touched our hearts.

Ever since then, I've jumped at the chance to include this little area on other reply cards. It's been difficult at times, to squeeze it in among all the other information on the card, which is why I think I love this example so darn much!

I ran across this beautiful letterpress invitation set via Oh So Beautiful Paper, designed by Kathleen. I love how simple the reply is — no nonsense, just yes or no. I think this type of space is so great, especially if you want to look back on all the sweet memories people sent your way!

Have a happy friday all!

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Color Inspiration

A little color palette inspiration to brighten up your Monday morning!

This real wedding from the knot features Megan and Casey and their outdoor wedding celebration in Hailey, Idaho. Aside from the gorgeous colors, one of my favorite details happens to be the spider mums that pop up throughout.

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Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this week to be over. I've been up and down, sick with the nasty stuff that has been going around our little town (school closings and all). Fortunately I'm starting to feel a bit better — unfortunately I haven't had a lot of time to spend on blogging this week.

Not to worry though, I'll be back in full force next week with some inspiring new ideas!

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Specimen Calendar

Every year I get a new calendar, duh. But no, it has to be something special, I can’t just get the same old standard desk calendar — that would be boring and so not creative!

Last year my sister-in-law got me a gorgeous calendar from Snow & Graham, and it was so perfectly me, I nearly cried. So since we only have two more months in this calendar year, I’m eyeing up this little pretty from Postal Press. First seen on design*sponge. Edit: Postal Press is now Mossiere. Visit them here.

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Loving Envelope Liners

I really like envelope liners. I’m not sure why. But I often find myself drooling over that touch of pattern, rather than the invitation that is covering it up. I think I just love the fact that the sender took the time and effort to line an envelope, make it all presentable inside and out, just for little ol’ me!

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your lining experience more pleasant (‘cause it can be a lot of work)!

Templates are available at Paper-Source so you can cut to perfection, every time, along with some pretty neat pre-cut liners. But I can understand if you want to be different… In that case, vintage wallpaper can be used instead of expensive scrapbook paper, or even better, a roll of wrapping paper!

There’s a Habitat for Humanity ReStore near my house, stocked with old paper… I think I’m going to run over there and see if I can’t find the ugliest roll of old wallpaper ever for my personal stationery envelope liners. I’ll be updating soon!

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

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A Lifelong Commitment — Choosing Your Photographer!

The first time I ever had my picture taken professionally was after I got my braces off, around the age of 13. It was part of the whole orthodontic package, and made me feel like a superstar, sort of. Next, senior pictures at the age of 17, and a family photo somewhere around 18. Finally came my wedding, and the whirlwind of photo ops along with that.

I think it was after the wedding proofs came back, that I really realized how much I valued a good photo. Since then, I’ve been dreaming up occasions to have a photo session again — anniversaries, new puppy, future baby bump shots, and the list goes on.

If you can, think about using the same photographer for all of these monumental moments. That way when you flip back in your photo album, or hang up a selection of framed prints, they’ll all look cohesive and focused.

Above, a selection of photos from one of my favorite local photographers, Kaela Lang of Kaleidoscope Photography. Kaela has photographed everything from weddings and engagements to babies and families. She has a way of capturing the most beloved moments, and has some great location ideas as well. If you’re in the Mid-Michigan area, you should definitely schedule a shoot with Kaela. Check out her blog for more inspiring photos.

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LOVE that etsy shop: Rigel Stuhmiller

I’m starting a new section, here on Bridal Buzz, called LOVE that etsy shop. Since there are so many darn etsy shops out there, I thought I would start a little collection of my favorite artists.

To start off this feature, I’d like to kindly introduce Rigel Stuhmiller's shop. Rigel is an illustrator/printmaker, and is darn good at it too. Her illustrations are playful and graphic, and the letterpress printing just tops it all off. My favorite collection is the funny pet portrait letterpress cards she has up on her shop, they’re so full of personality!

Most of Rigel’s designs would be perfect for a quirky set of wedding invitations, or just for a collection of thank you notes for home.

You can see more about Rigel Stuhmiller at her site, or purchase her lovely prints/cards at her Etsy shop. 

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Mixed Media Cake Topper

I saw this sweet little post over at design*sponge on friday about Grace's fabulous wedding food, including the cake. I about died when I saw the cake topper, in all it's vintage-y glory. Grace commissioned Kate Runnels to design her cake topper, where she mixed a pair of vintage paper wedding figures with other mediums including some dainty embroidery.

I love the idea of repurposing an old cake top, and making it into a trendy accessory for your wedding cake, especially if you're going for that vintage feel. Go ahead, peruse your grandmothers attic, or even ebay for that matter. I guarantee you'll find that perfect little piece to sit atop your cake.

Photos courtesy of design*sponge.

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Sexy Side Buns

The low side bun seems to be making an appearance among starts lately, and I’m just taking it all in. I wish my hair were a little more giving, and then I might try to pull off one of these stunning looks!

The side bun look can actually be quite diverse, seemingly polished and sleek on some ladies, or messy and playful on others. Either way you wear it, this look is stunning and sexy, and I’m all about it!

If I could pull this off, I'd be particularly in favor of a looser look, that way you won’t have a meltdown during your reception if a strand of hair comes loose — because you know it’ll happen sooner or later.

Sources: Evangeline, Audrina, Taylor, Miley, Tyra, Kristen, Kelly, Isla.

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Vintage Photography + Wedding Invitations

It's not often I get asked to incorporate a photograph into a wedding invitation — in fact I usually find them to be hard to work with. But this time around, it was too perfect for words.

Caryn (a good friend of mine) came to me with the photo, and wanted her wedding invitation to be designed around it. The black and white photo was of her grandparents, and looked like one of those inserts you see in a really expensive vintage frame. Let's just say it was picture perfect.

We decided to mat the photo onto the front of her plum booklet-style invitation, with the rest of the information tucked safely inside. The whole thing slipped into a vellum envelope, with the photo peeking out through the front, and then safely tucked inside the outer envelope.

I loved the finished piece, so unique and modern, with a touch of vintage.

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Young House Love Giveaway

So one of my favorite home inspiration blogs is having a giveaway after my own heart. Open until Wednesday, October 7th, YHL is giving away a custom framed date from Frame the Date. We raved about them back in June, so here's your chance to win one! There are also rumors of a discount code after the giveaway is over, for all us losers. Don't miss out!

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Make My Day — Dahlias

I think fall has officially fell here in Mid-Michigan. The leaves are slowly taking over the ground, flip flops are since retired, and sweaters are out in full force. I like fall, but not as much as summer. The light and dainty flowers of summer have now turned to seed and some of my perennials are already ascending into the ground.

The one bright and beautiful flower I still see around town are the dahlias. They've been catching my eye recently, especially when everything else is turning brown! Dahlias come in so many colors and have such interesting patterns and textures. You could literally build an entire wedding around this amazing little flower.

Don't feel like your options are limited if you're having a fall wedding, check out all of these colorful options!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

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Try It On tool from OPI

Most people don’t know this about me, but I love nail polish! Maybe it’s the clean lines of the glass bottles all lined up in a neat row at the salon, or that tiny brush that creeps into every corner of your nail. Whatever it may be, it’s fun and feminine!

The reason most people don’t know I like this stuff — is because I never wear it! You see, I’m the type of person who thinks only certain colors of nail polish look good on me. In my mind, I will never be able to pull off bubble gum pink, goth black, or really any shade of red. I usually stick to a nice neutral shade of skin tone pink, or a cream color.

On my wedding day, I went with those simple tones, but would have loved to experiment with something a little more interesting, if only I had this tool —  Try It On from OPI! It’s the perfect little palette to experiment with any color your little heart desires.

Above are some of my favorite shades.

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Travel Themed Place Cards

I love the whole travel themed idea for weddings, especially when they're executed like this one, featured on Style Me Pretty! Holly and Sean had lots of little details from around the world, like their world map seating chart, their Singapore Slings cocktail hour, and these crafty little place cards!

Holly found a bunch of vintage envelopes from the 50's and 60's on ebay, so she encorporated small shipping labels tied around the vintage envelope that had the guests' name written on them. Here's what Holly had to say:

When you got to your place, the envelope was there, acting as your seating card, and you opened it to find your menu inside, which Sean made — we had four courses and we named each course as though you were on a plane: the amuse bouche was “Check-In,” then the salad was “Take-Off” then the entree was “Airborne” and the dessert was “Touchdown.

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Real Wedding: Jennifer & Ray

I don't usually feature real weddings on here, but one has come to my attention that I just can't pass up. Jennifer & Ray were married in Dana Point California, and boasted a fresh and fun color palette. The wedding was put together so well, with fresh florals, timeless bridesmaids and some pretty funky invitations, but the thing that I liked the most were the way they executed their place cards.

To keep with the funky pops of color, they added a variety of patterned napkins to each table, and then used tiny swatches from those patterns on the guests' escort cards! It's an entertaining way to guide guests to their appropriate table, and adds a ton of flavor to the wedding decor! Table numbers were also present, but I like the matching game more!

You can find an easy how-to guide at the Martha Stewart website here, or see the featured wedding details here!

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Artichoke Color Inspirations

I’m not sure what draws me to them, but artichokes have my attention! I love their rustic color, unusual shape and ability to transform into a place card! I love those prints you can sometimes find of vintage artichoke diagrams and what not, I covet them for my kitchen.

While the artichoke is awesome and all, I’m not sure it’s appropriate to carry a vegetable through out your wedding décor. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for inspiration! Here are a few of my favorite artichoke inspirations.

Sources: table number, place card, cake, vintage print, shoes, bridesmaids, bouquet, artichoke dip, place setting, invitation.

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