simply pretty wedding

Married. Check.

2011-06-09T09:49:00.001-04:00

Warning: when you plan your own wedding you will have time for nothing else.

I stopped blogging to focus on my new job which needed a lot of attention and to work out the final details of the wedding. And I'm happy to say that it was a great success. It far exceeded my expectations and was filled with the sweetest, happiest memories you could ever hope for. I learned a lot about the realistic and unrealistic and accomplished my goal of my dream celebration within my limited budget.

I dodged a lot of high prices. Example: the florists estimates for my bouquets and boutonniere's only started at $900. We did them for $200. And they were peonies.

We had some last minute stress factors. Like heavy rain all week, swarms off bugs on the property (so we arranged for a pest control visit), and some centerpiece miscommunication but it all came together.

Some advice that will make life easier for you on the day of your wedding. Hire a wedding planner or ask a close friend to act as the planner for the day of your wedding. A dear friend of mine did that for me and she was incredible. She came in 2 days before the wedding, stayed with me, made sure I was on schedule, that I ate, handed out the final payments, made sure I always had a glass of champagne and took care of all the vendors when they had questions. And they will have questions. I introduced her to them all and she had a list of people who could help. For example, if there were any necessary last minute purchases, she knew to go to my Aunt Sandy. They kept everything running smoothly and helped me relax.

It was amazing. And I can't thank me amazingly talented family and friends for everything they did to help make it happen.

Like my cousin who made an awesome cake! And our friend who Djed and my grandmother and sister for making bouquets and my friends for putting centerpieces together. The list goes on and on.

If you have any questions of are looking for some ideas for particular projects then please let me know. I'd love to continue to share more about what I learned. And I wish I could help couples plan their weddings full time because I love it so much. It was very satisfying to see all the hard work and planning come together but at the end of the day the best part was being married and then celebrating with my nearest and dearest.

And with this post, I retire. I was thinking of continuing and I'm still exploring the possiblity of doing some more work with wedding planning but for now I feel very content to just.... be married.

So Romantic...

2011-04-13T07:06:00.000-04:00

Photo by J. Cogliandro Photography via Style Me Pretty

Budget Reception

2011-04-13T06:54:00.000-04:00

When I first started planning, I was shocked at the cost of catering! If a full dinner is going to be impossible for you then consider hosting a swanky cocktail party instead or a decadent dessert reception or a wine tasting. All would make a lovely wedding celebration. I just saw this Ice cream parlor reception on 100 Layer Cake and thought it would be another great budget-friendly option.

Just make sure to have champagne and I'd hunt for ice cream from a local creamery.

Pretty paper lanterns

2011-04-12T06:42:00.000-04:00

These paper lanterns are just lovely. Wouldn't they be great dangling over the dance floor? They're pretty pricey but you don't need many, in fact 6-12 would be sufficient. You can purchase here.

An story of love

2011-04-11T07:01:00.002-04:00

This segment from Radiolab had me on the edge of my seat.

Wedding veil

2011-04-11T06:41:00.000-04:00

Here's a simple veil for sale. I love this classic chapel length style.

Doesn't it look romantic? You can purchase here.

Shabby Chic Reception Seating

2011-04-01T13:07:00.000-04:00

Photo by Synecdoche Photography via Style Me Pretty

I think this is a lovely shabby chic way to share the reception seating. It makes me wish that I had a wall like this at my upcoming reception.

Something Blue

2011-03-29T18:44:00.001-04:00

Image via Once Wed

If my budget was much bigger then this would be my something blue. Instead I'm going for this...

Photo via Meg Baisden Photography

These "I Do" stickers are a nice little surprise. You can buy them here or here.

Just for fun

2011-03-29T11:07:00.000-04:00

The Anatomy of a cupcake via Black Eiffel.

Signs and Sayings

2011-03-29T07:33:00.001-04:00

Put these around your reception for fun and to offer your guests some direction. They're only $12 a piece including printing here.

Here's an easy Do it yourself option. Just print the letters (or purchase them) and string them up with crepe paper twisted in between.

Map it

2011-03-29T07:22:00.000-04:00

I adore these little custom made maps. The designers will create a map from your ceremony to reception, noting landmarks of your choosing along the way. For only $60 they'll design and send you the file then you can print it yourself or you could pay additional to have them print for you. They're a great piece for your invitation but I was thinking that it would be just as cute (and less expensive) to print them yourself on high quality but not top quality paper (because let's face it, people will throw them away) and put them in welcome bags or have them handed to your out of town guests at the hotel.

More paper goods

2011-03-29T07:13:00.000-04:00

Found another stationary shop with great style at 100 Layer Cake. Check out more at Cheer Up Cherup.

Assigned seats

2011-03-16T16:27:00.001-04:00

photographs by Meg Smith

I'm in the process of deciding on seating arrangements and display. I thought this was a cute idea via Snippet and Ink to assign folks to a table which was labeled by grade. "Please take a pencil and find your class". It's particularly cute for this couple who met in 4th grade. If any of you met in school then you should consider this!

Lavender and Blush

2011-03-15T07:12:00.001-04:00

This lovely inspiration board is from the staff at The Bride's Guide.

Variety cakes

2011-03-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

Classic wedding cakes are lovely. My cousin made a wedding cake recently that featured different types of cake at each layer. Besides being delicious it was nice to have variety. You could even skip the tiered cake to keep things simple. Perhaps an orange chocolate chunk cake...

and a classic coconut

and chocolate cherry

and a lemon cream cheese?

If I wasn't wearing white then I'd wear one of these...

2011-03-12T08:09:00.001-05:00

Via Kenzie Kate

Fruit and sweets

2011-02-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

Via Ruffled

Just because.

An elegant time saver

2011-02-24T11:02:00.000-05:00

This is a perfect way to get your return address on those piles of wedding invitations. It's an quick alternative to writing you address out on each invitation and it's far less expensive than hiring a calligrapher. You can buy it here for $55.

This photo...

2011-02-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

Photo via Ruffled

makes me hope for cloudy skies on my big day. Isn't this beautiful?

If only I had enough of these...

2011-02-18T07:44:00.000-05:00

Via

Vintage tableware adds some charm to dinnertime.

Lockets are so romantic

2011-02-15T21:37:00.000-05:00

I love lockets. These little lovelies are a perfect modern version of a classic. Reference via Martha Stewart and you can purchase here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T22:47:00.000-05:00

Photos via Once Wed...again :)

Pretty print

2011-02-12T07:20:00.000-05:00

Photo by Simply Hue via Project Wedding

Valentine's day is just around the corner!

2011-02-11T07:29:00.001-05:00

Photo via Once Wed

Do you celebrate Valentine's day? How?

Oh, February.

2011-02-10T07:46:00.001-05:00

Both photos via Martha Stewart Weddings

I love this pretty combination of pale blue and white. Perfect for a February wedding.

A flea market save the date.

2011-02-10T07:29:00.000-05:00

Save The Date :: April 23, 2011 from max and molly on Vimeo.

Via Grey Likes Weddings.

Another lovely place setting

2011-02-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

From The Knot. I like the combination of old and new, formal and informal.

Vintage flower pins

2011-02-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

Photo from the Knot

I'm a lover of pins and broaches and try to wear them as often as possible. I usually shy away from these vintage enamel flower pins but I've never seen them in bulk. I love these all displayed together. It's perfect for a garden themed wedding. They double as seating cards and a gift. And they're very affordable. If you're interested in collecting them check your local thrift stores and flea markets regularly.

A filler flower with potential

2011-02-03T07:22:00.001-05:00

All photos via Style Me Pretty

Baby's breath is a common filler flower. Baby's breath filler reminds me the 1980's and I don't like it peaking out from between my flowers however on it's own, it's rather pretty. And as you know, very affordable.

For bridesmaid bouquets.

Or table decor.

Or decoration. The bigger the arrangement the better it looks.

Tips on renting

2011-01-29T07:45:00.001-05:00

Some tips on renting things. Price everything you'll need from every rental company in the area. Research will help you determine a good price and it will help get to know each company. It's time consuming but that's the trade for a less expensive wedding.

Pick the company you like the most. I chose a company based on their reputation and reliability. They were not the cheapest option but they weren't far off the other estimates.

Once you've decided on company A, call to ask some questions and reserve, but before booking, tell them that you met with other companies in the area and that company A is your preferred vendor but that their prices were a little high compared to others and tell them that you need the best price possible in these areas. Chances are, they'll work with you. The company I'm working with, matched every price of their competitors and gave us 5% off the main rentals (tent, tables, chairs, dance floor) and 10% off the table setting rentals (dishes, silverware, glasses, etc.). In total, they came in at about $500 less than the others and we're getting some free upgrades, like a bar table as well.

Why did they give us such a break? Because they want your business and I made it clear that I had options and had done my homework on what everything costs. Don't forget that you're getting ready to spend a lot of money and which gives you power to negotiate.

Finally, remember the key to making these deals--be polite and ask for help, appeal to them so that they want to help you. At a minimum, don't present your point in a way that puts them on the defensive.

Good luck on getting some deals!

Great tips to punch a party up a notch

2011-01-29T07:13:00.001-05:00

Check out these 6 tips to "take your party to the next level" by Jordan Ferney over at Oh Happy Day.

Trust your vendors

2011-01-29T07:11:00.000-05:00

Photo via Tres Sugar.

I'm so relaxed about wedding plans. As it nears, I'm less concerned about details and it's rather shocking because I thought I'd be more stressed as we get closer to the date. A couple reasons for my relaxation:

1.) I'm incredibly excited to get married
2.) All of the major details are covered: Church, Reception, rentals, music, food, dress, etc.
3.) I'm very happy with the decisions I've made
4.) I trust all my vendors

If you're planning a wedding, hire people you trust. A big part of my relief is from not worrying about whether the cake will show up or if the caterer is reliable or if the photographer is any good. In our case, we have a lot of family and friends involved so it's easy to trust.

Winter bloom

2011-01-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

If you're planning a winter wedding then this large bloom is the accessory for you.

Black, white and palest yellow

2011-01-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

I was recently reminded how much I love this color combination and after a little searching I found this beautiful Inspiration board by Snippet & Ink.

Vintage bits of lovely

2011-01-19T21:32:00.002-05:00

Photo via Parrott Design Studio

There's nothing like a little collection of vintage stamps to brighten an envelope. You can find them on ebay but if you're looking for a particular theme or color then try The Paper Nickel Stamp.

The going, going, gown event

2011-01-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Up to 60% off J.Crew wedding gowns until Thursday. They have some great dresses for deal! Check it out.

Chalk art

2011-01-18T06:52:00.000-05:00

This chalkboard art is courtesy of the the very talented Dana Tanamachi. I just came across this profile of her work at 100 Layer Cake and I just LOVE it. See more of her work at her website here.

Just because

2011-01-18T06:43:00.000-05:00

Photo by Blog Stock via Grey Likes Weddings.

Love this vintage sequin collection photo.

Floral cluster centerpieces

2011-01-18T06:36:00.000-05:00

I just came across this centerpiece cluster project. How sweet are these? They took glass votive candle holders and covered them then filled them with a few blooms. It creates a lush look for less. Get the details and Project Wedding.

Oh, the color and pattern possibilities are endless.

Fake flowers never looked this good

2011-01-18T06:23:00.000-05:00

Attention flower lovers! I've found a lovely fake flower. This large but delicate fabric bloom from Petals and Prints is really stunning! It's a little pricey but it would be a beautiful keepsake and just imagine this in a bright color.

Road trip

2011-01-18T06:13:00.000-05:00

A roadtrip honeymoon is the ultimate budget friendly option. You get the experience of exploring and the excitement of new places but without the cost of flights and other associated expenses. I love the open road, singing in the car and stopping in little towns to explore so this is perfect for us. We're planning to hike, picnic, bike, visit a few famous sites and lay on the beach. We chose our route and picked up other helpful hits at Road Trip USA.

AWESOME

2011-01-11T23:44:00.000-05:00

Just discovered this video guest book program by Thrilled for you over at Snippet and Ink. Here's a little video to see how it works but I love this idea for a guestbook! It's only $99 which isn't bad for a program that can be used again. It also gives people a chance to leave a message rather than just sign their names and there's no paper or cheesy white books involved.

Planning status

2011-01-11T23:37:00.000-05:00

Everything is coming together and I just can't wait to get married! I've been delinquent lately because life has been so busy.

New shoes

2011-01-11T07:31:00.000-05:00

DSW launched a wedding shoe shop. There's a good range of style, color and price. Check it out here.

Black belt

2011-01-07T08:43:00.002-05:00

in wedding fashion. This would be a fun addition, perhaps post-ceremony. Ideal if you're interested in a feminine black accessory to match your groom in his black tux. You can purchase Here.

Feathers in your hair?

2011-01-06T07:52:00.000-05:00

Photo via Project Wedding

Introducing...

2011-01-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings

A lazy girls guide to DIY. A Practical wedding is currently running a series of DIY projects that are worthwhile projects and still reasonable. I limped through most of my projects surviving only with the help of my grandmother (a DIY goddess). If you're looking for some practical ideas then check out this series over at A Practical Wedding.

Lighting

2011-01-03T09:58:00.001-05:00

NOW is the time to shop for light strands, also known as Christmas lights and twinkle lights. They're all at least half-off right now. It would cost us $1 a foot to rent them and our tent would require at least 200 feet. So last week I went hunting and purchased our lights at half-off retail, a total cost of $66. Two days later I returned them all because I scored an even better deal at a thrift store where all Christmas items were 75% off.

I managed to collect more than twice the amount we needed, 440 feet, for just $5.50. Go to thrift stores right after Christmas for lights. Just make sure you test them before purchasing to make sure they work.

Pretty shoes all in a row

2010-12-31T11:42:00.000-05:00

Photo via Style Me Pretty

I do apologize for my little absence. I came home for Christmas and dove into wedding planning immediately following. More to come but I thought I'd post this in the meantime.

Holly hair pins

2010-12-24T09:10:00.003-05:00

Holly bobby pins from The Honey Comb. Merry Christmas!

Beverage as decor

2010-12-23T08:09:00.001-05:00

Pretty thirst quenchers.

Photo from the Knot

Photo from Style Me Pretty

Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings

Glamorous decor

2010-12-21T08:11:00.001-05:00

photo via Martha Stewart Weddings

Champagne glass tower. Love them. Perhaps you do too?

Festive centerpiece

2010-12-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

Winter wedding? Collect some pretty metallic bulbs like these and display them in a variety of containers. They're inexpensive and will be useful again at your first Christmas. They're about the most low-maintenance centerpiece idea I could possibly imagine.

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

I loved this idea to add some sparkly buttons to the mix. So glam.

Photo above and below via bowerpowerblog

Wrapping paper decorations

2010-12-17T07:40:00.001-05:00

Photos from Eat Drink Chic

Decorate with your leftover wrapping paper! See more at Mae's shop on Etsy.

Place setting

2010-12-16T08:07:00.001-05:00

I love this place setting of a glass plate over a paper doily charger with elegant script. It doubles as a seating card. What a pretty place setting.

The classic side chignon

2010-12-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

Great hairstyle for wedding or the holidays. Photo and instructions from {This is glamorous} blog.

Biltmore Estate Wedding

2010-12-13T21:26:00.001-05:00

I'm a big fan of these lovely photos from this Biltmore Estate wedding. All photos by Woodward + Rick via Style Me Pretty.

Pretty presents

2010-12-13T20:55:00.000-05:00

Great feature on bridesmaid gifts over at Snippet and Ink courtesy of guest blogger Simple Song.

Another Love feature...

2010-12-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

Photo by Events by Elaine via Project Wedding

Memorabilia

2010-12-08T09:14:00.003-05:00

When you're planning a wedding on a budget you have to decide how you're going to spend your money. You've read all the articles about choosing to spend your money on the things that are most important to you. Perhaps the meal is the most important or the music, maybe you're most excited about a decadent cake or a deluxe bar. Whatever the category may be, you already know to spend your money there first and cut in other places.

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

But besides that more general rule, I would also recommend thinking about the future. What do you most want to keep from your wedding? Obviously, everyone wants at least a few good photos. But what about memorabilia, what things do you want to save?

Photo by Elizabeth Messina

I don't care to keep my dress or to spend a lot on my shoes or jewelry but there are other items that I'll be selecting with care. Those items include the program, cake topper, some paper decorations, my veil and a tablecloth from our table at the reception that I'll have monogrammed. I'd like to keep my cake topper for fun and as decoration in our home (I'll prove that they can be beautiful), my veil for sentimental reasons and perhaps I can lend or give it to someone later, and the tablecloth for our table on special occasions. I'm less concerned with saving and spending big money on my dress, shoes, and jewelry which is where people will push you to spend. There's obviously nothing wrong with those things but I would encourage you to think past the usual big ticket items and consider what else might be important in the future, especially in regards to your everyday life.

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

With this ring

2010-12-08T08:31:00.000-05:00

A tiny detail but, if you're having a ring bearer, might a recommend one of these for inspiration? You can find more from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Planning the honeymoon

2010-12-06T19:24:00.000-05:00

Photo by Brooke Schwab via Snippet & Ink

This is how I want to pack for my honeymoon, but I don't think my fiance' will want to carry it all.

We're discussing the honeymoon. He wants an adventure filled with hiking and the great outdoors and I want relaxing getaway filled with beaches and shopping. We're working on a compromise now, oh what good preparation for marriage. He's making a list of his top five picks and I'm making a list of my top five. I'll share them with you when we're finished, along with the chosen destination.

Simple winter table decor

2010-12-06T08:32:00.000-05:00

Enjoyed these ideas for a cozy winter table via Project Wedding.

"Your marriage is the point"

2010-12-03T08:58:00.001-05:00

Here's a great guest post on Snippet and Ink from Meg at A Practical Wedding. She's helped keep hundreds of brides grounded.

A dancin' song for your wedding.

2010-12-01T22:28:00.002-05:00

This song, "Hey, I love you" by Michael Franti has been on my favorites list for months. It's such a fun song and the lyrics fit perfectly for a wedding- "I love you, I love you, I love you", "Rockin' in the dance hall movin' with you", "But I know one thing, that I love you", etc. It's perfect for a choreographed dance, that is, for anyone brave enough to attempt it!

The great...

2010-12-01T22:17:00.002-05:00

wall of ribbons by Amanda Perkins Photography via Style Me Pretty.

So Chic.

2010-11-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

Photo by Erin Hearts Court via Once Wed.

Matching never looked so good.

Crafting a home

2010-11-30T08:30:00.000-05:00

I'm increasingly excited about setting up a home. This book, Crafting a Meaningful Home, looks like a good read, filled with ideas for creatively decorating and incorporating family photos. More from Design Sponge.

Printable matchbook covers

2010-11-29T07:09:00.000-05:00

Free downloadable matchbook cover from Creature Comforts. Use as a match book cover or as a little notebook.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Too much doily?

2010-11-23T09:05:00.003-05:00

I realize that I've been pushing doilies like a little old lady in Spring but I can't stop myself! With the right design and some modern styling they can be beautiful decorations, like this doily curtain.

If you need curtains for a tent or to cover some wall space at a reception hall then consider a curtain like this.

An underrated flower

2010-11-23T08:54:00.001-05:00

How to do a carnation bouquet here.

Believe in the beauty of our dreams

2010-11-21T14:43:00.001-05:00

A pretty print for decoration.

Remix.

2010-11-21T14:34:00.001-05:00

Spin-off of Canon in D major.

Bride and Groom

2010-11-17T16:17:00.000-05:00

I dig these Bride and Groom rosettes. I found them at Grey likes weddings and you can buy them here.

5 Show-Stopping Historical Weddings

2010-11-16T22:00:00.000-05:00

My fiance' introduced me to this show by How Stuff Works. The hosts share stories about the people, places and events that you aren't likely to discuss in school. They just posted this show on show-stopping historical weddings. I enjoyed it and thought you might. You can listen here. You can also subscribe on itunes for free. I'd highly recommend it.

Party hard!

2010-11-15T20:34:00.001-05:00

Photo by Josh Goleman Via Eastside Bride.

I've posted some of his photos before but I just found another that I really enjoyed. Here it is for your viewing pleasure.

Savings at the spa

2010-11-15T09:18:00.000-05:00

Sorry for my lack of posts these last three days. I took a little trip to visit my fiance' and got stuck without internet for three days! It was strange (and occasionally stressful) to be detached for so long but it was a nice break.

On Sunday, I had a great conversation with some friends about sites like Groupon and Living Social. I use them for many things and you probably do too. Why not use them for wedding-related services? They offer stellar deals on spa services and hair treatments/styling. Consider watching for deals on highlights, haircut, massage, facial, manicure, pedicure etc. that you could use right before the wedding.

Character inspiration

2010-11-10T21:24:00.000-05:00

Molly Ringwald, as Andi from the movie Pretty in Pink. Her character inspires me, it's a fun 1980's romance and her friends, Duckie and Iona are hilarious. I highly recommend this movie. Not much to do with weddings but Andi would have make her own wedding dress.

Another group photo

2010-11-09T23:31:00.000-05:00

Great shot of the bridesmaids from Ashley Maxwell Photography via Forget.Me.Knot.

One of my favorites

2010-11-09T06:48:00.000-05:00

I think this is my favorite cake topper thus far. Photo and directions via Project Wedding.

Charming

2010-11-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

Here is a great tablescape idea from Good Housekeeping. These particular crocheted doilies look like snowflakes. Winter wedding anyone?

A beautiful place setting

2010-11-06T20:57:00.000-04:00

Photo from via The Knot

The prettiest place settings include a charger. The charger or service plate is the larger decorative plate used to add color and texture to the place setting. They're a beautiful addition but are often only found at formal weddings because it's an additional piece to rent and clean (and transport if you're having an outdoor wedding). I love chargers but had given up on them because of the additional cost. Then I found this...

I absolutely love this idea from the Every Last Detail blog (which is filled with great advice and ideas, by the way). She used standard scrapbook paper as a charger. It's the budget friendly option. There are so many kinds of this paper at craft stores. I'm excited just thinking about the possibilities here. You could buy a variety of colors, patterns, and textures that all work together and mix the place settings.

Bonus: it's inexpensive and easy to clean. Make sure to purchase when they're on sale and/or grab a circular for a 30% or 40% off coupon. Most chain craft stores offer a coupon like this.

November wedding, Inspiration Board

2010-11-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

Navy, brown and deep orange are a perfect combination for a November wedding. These shades of navy and orange compliment each other and evoke a warm, autumnal feel. This is the time of year for heavier fabrics and textures. You could have a more lavish spread if it's a smaller reception, perhaps with a feast-like spread including carved meat, potatoes and lots of red wine.

First row from left: French-inspired invitation, ceremony, wedding dress, navy blue nails via QVogue, Second row: pretty gift, bouquet via Living Fresh, door monograms via Martha Stewart weddings, Third row: Monogram chocolate cakes, Hug photo by Erin Samuell of A Simple Photo, Fourth row: decopage gift boxes via Martha Stewart weddings, BCBG bridesmaid dress via OneWed, monogram sugar cookies, calligraphy

Engagement photos

2010-11-04T19:20:00.001-04:00

I just got our engagement photos back and I am so happy with the results! I didn't plan to get engagement photos but we lucked out with an incredible photographer who included them in his packages, which by the way, are very affordable.

I have to stop here and highly recommend our photographers, Alex and Natalia. They're both talented, professional and very friendly. I have seen too many wedding photographers who either have no idea what they're doing or are rather demanding and difficult. We are fortunate to have photographers who have become friends in the short time we've known them. Isn't that how you dream everyone you work with would be?

I've tried to stay away from being too personal on this blog but I love these photos so much that I had to share my favorites! All photo credits go to Alex and Natalia of Fedorov Foto.

We're getting married in 7 months! :)

Hydrangea

2010-11-04T18:36:00.000-04:00

Photo via Isaac Mizrahi New York

Easy centerpieces. Hydrangeas are a great wedding flower because of their big blooms. A single stem is all you need for a small vase. This is your go-to flower if you're on a budget and going the DIY route. Use ribbon, wall paper, wrapping paper, or twine to decorate the vases.

Photo by Fedorov Foto.

They make great bouquets.

Emerson Made...

2010-11-04T06:59:00.000-04:00

some classic things. I recently came across EmersonMade and was glad to discover several of their creations. Below are a few of my favorites.

Something Blue ring pillow by Emerson Made.

Love this tie. The little flower is subtle and unexpected.

Dahlia clutch.

A classic trench, traveling coat.

This is one of the most flattering dress styles for women.

Ribbon send-off

2010-11-03T07:04:00.000-04:00

This Indiana wedding is filled with cute DIY details including a ribbon send-off. These photos from Casper Hamlet Photography via Style Me Pretty certainly make me want one.

Kids would love this.

Be there or be square

2010-11-01T21:08:00.001-04:00

Photo via Favors and Flowers.

These square seating cards are modern and unexpected. A friend of mine is a graphic designer and she recently recommended a square design like this.

Love.

2010-11-01T18:05:00.000-04:00

Recently came across these letterpress cards on Snippet & Ink from Moontree Letterpress. So pretty.

Stamped-Bag

2010-11-01T07:28:00.000-04:00

These stamped bags are pretty, inexpensive and easy to make. I like these white paper bags but you could also use colored or brown kraft paper bags. Just fill them with goodies for a favor. They double as table decoration. Directions and tips here.

In the details

2010-10-28T08:15:00.000-04:00

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

A friend of mine recently reminded me about the classic monogram look. Check out the lovely hanging monograms featured in this stop motion wedding video via Design Sponge.

Hot Chocolate

2010-10-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

Hot Chocolate or a cake topped version of hot chocolate is a perfect addition to a fall wedding. You could offer dark or milk chocolate options.

Icon

2010-10-25T07:26:00.001-04:00

Photo by Levin Rodriguez

Iconic New York Photo. NYC wedding in black and white?

First Dance

2010-10-22T10:50:00.001-04:00

Photo by K. Holly Photography

How about this backdrop for your first dance?

Paris Romance

2010-10-22T10:42:00.002-04:00

Photo from Beautiful Things To Share

A Paris inspired photo.

Rustic Romance, Inspiration Board

2010-10-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

Here's another of my autumn wedding inspiration boards. It's a rustic palette of dark brown, tans, mauve and marroon with lots of texture and some pale pink accents. I'd serve a variety of wines and some spiked apple cider. Delicious.

Top Row from left: Rustic barn from Black Eiffel, wedding program, silhouette cookies and tea from Martha Stewart Weddings, wreath of wheat. Second Row: pork with sauteed granny apples from Real Simple, bridesmaid photo from Project Wedding, wine crates. Third Row: velvet bows for shoes, wine corks. Fourth Row: pressed flower frame from Country Living, fruit and cheese appetizer platter, corn husk votives and mauve roses, brownie cupcakes from Martha Stewart

Nautical

2010-10-20T08:34:00.000-04:00

Photo by Millie Holloman via Style Me Pretty.

Another beautiful background. I recently attended a nautical-themed wedding and I loved the early fall and nautical mix. The colors were navy and white with bright red, orange and pink flowers. The wedding favor was a tin of Old Bay.

Old Bay Seasoning photo from Tastespotting.com

Cheerful red

2010-10-19T09:12:00.001-04:00

Just a very pretty tree for fall inspiration.

Unique decor idea.

2010-10-18T08:09:00.001-04:00

Photograph by Eric Kelley via Style Me Pretty

Cute backdrop right? It's a shower curtain! Another creative decor idea that's useful after the wedding.

Autumn Sunset, Inspiration Board

2010-10-17T09:04:00.001-04:00

Chilly autumn weather has arrived. The days are growing shorter but the setting sun is just as stunning. An autumn evening sunset was my inspiration for this board. Browns and creams with some deep orange, pink and jewel tone blue accents. I would plan a menu of seasonal foods including brussels sprouts, apples, figs, leeks, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and parsnips.

Top row from left: Love sparklers, caramel wafer coffee warmers via Martha Stewart, Wheat wreath from Martha Stewart weddings, Veuve Cliquot Champagne Row 2: Bridesmaid with sash from Martha Stewart weddings, Mum peach and orange bridal bouquet from All Things Lovely, Autumn bride from Sane wedding planning Row 3: Mums invitations via papersource, Henry and Kate framed silhouette from This next Row 4: Orange dahlia boutinere from Martha Stewart weddings, Cashmere cap sleeve sweater by English Dept. via This next, Jewel tone blue and orange candlesticks from Martha Stewart Weddings, Wine Cork place card holder photo by Justine Ungaro