11 May
2010

Posted in: Creative Photoshoots
By Diana

Cinco de Mayo Photo Shoot

“There is something magnificent in having a country to love.” One of our favorite photographers, the fabulous Carla Ten Eyck decided she wanted to do a photoshoot inspired by Cinco de Mayo and the Day of the Dead tradition. She was inspired because not very often do you see an abundance of color in wedding shoots, so we decided to mix it up a bit. I had the absolute privilege to work with Carla that day, as well as Tony Palmieri of Datura, A Modern Garden. Honestly, you have no idea how crazy talented and incredible Carla and Tony are. With every shoot they blow my mind with all the creativity they come up with!

Carla and her dad had A TON of goodies from Mexico–from masks to cards to flags. We also added a great touch with some sugar skulls–for the Day of the Dead tradition, family members eat these sugar skulls as a sign of life and longevity in remembrance of their loved ones. Add our models, Alicia and Carlos and it was pure magic!

Of course we had help from our good friend, Beth Chapman from The White Dress by the Shore! She picked out a dress that was PERFECT for this atmosphere–she really has an incredible eye!!

The color on this altar was fantastic!! Like Carla was aiming for– lots of fresh and exciting color! Even with the most simple details, Tony can still create such masterpieces!!

While this shoot was something more personal and fun, it still gave us so many great ideas and worked our creativity just as every shoot does. As always, I cannot wait for the next one… Maybe more personally inspired shoots to come!!!

XOXO

Diana

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8 Oct
2008

Posted in: favors, Vendor Spotlight
By Candice

2 Comments

Vendor Spotlight: Le Viette

I love when talented and creative people contact me about their products! Kaitlyn from Le Viette emailed me earlier last week to introduce the beautiful works of art she and her team create. Le Viette is creating a wave of new trends in gift-giving and event decorations with elegantly designed towel sets that resemble real desserts. But wait until you see them! They look good enough to eat.

Are they not amazing? I think they would be spectacular for a desert themed bridal shower (stay tuned because we are planning a great post detailing some ideas for one!), desert themed dinner party, and of course, wedding favors! I would love to be greeted, as a guest, by one of these on my plate. I think they also make a great hostess gift!

Le Viette also paid attention to detail, and put the same amount of artistry in the packaging of these beautiful faux deserts – they are elegantly gift-wrapped with satin ribbon bows, custom-made gift boxes, mini insert-cards, flower lace papers, and much more. Le Viette products cost between $6.99 and $7.99.

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2 Oct
2008

Posted in: Decor & Design, Parties & Celebrations
By Candice

1 Comment

Vendor Spotlight: Chapeau de Gateau

I came across Chapeau de Gateau on etsy.com this afternoon during my weekly window peeping. I love to poke around and see what the fabulous and talented etsy craftspeople have been up to. Chapeau de Gateau makes mini cake toppers out of ribbon. They have a very preppy “Martha-chic” feel to them and quite frankly, I think they are darling! They would also look beautiful as decor elements for a bridal shower. Wouldn’t they be lovely as a card box (if made on a larger scale) or on the desert table for decoration?

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16 Sep
2008

Posted in: Decor & Design, DIY & Templates, Latest Trends
By Candice

4 Comments

Reinventing the Guestbook: Platters, Quilts, Canvas and “Wish Jars”

I was thinking yesterday about the traditional wedding guestbook. I want to ask all my married readers: what did you do with your guestbook after the wedding? My guess is you need a super-sized swifter to lift all the dust off. Most couples file their guestbook away somewhere and never open it again, which is unfortunate, especially for those who spend good money and thought on custom designed covers and binding. So why should you purchase something that will serve little-to-no purpose after your wedding? Sure, it is a keepsake, but what is so great about a bunch of signatures? Nothing. Does that mean you should give up your guestbook? No, not at all! What it means is you should think outside the box, reinvent what the guestbook is at your wedding, and figure out what purpose it will serve after.

Some of my favorites are items that guests sign: platters, a canvas engagement photograph, a quilt made for the couple. These are all reusable items that won’t be gathering dust somewhere or stuffed in an old shoe box. Some of my favorite platters are featured below. I’ve never had a thing for gimmicks or themes, so I wouldn’t recommend your standard platter with a bride and groom in the center. To me, that won’t translate well while entertaining for thanksgiving dinner. However, a platter with your married monogram, initials, or an excerpt from your vows is extremely beautiful!

Be sure to click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized version!
Platter #1: Serendipity Crafts | Platter #2: Say Anything Ceramics

I’ve also seen a bride and groom ask married couples to send in a photograph from their wedding with the R.S.V.P card. At the wedding, the photographs were displayed on card stock which was removable from a book or hung on a tree. The couples left beautiful messages and words of wisdom next to their wedding photograph, and it was used as a keepsake for the bride and groom. Here is an example from Room Service Home:

Be sure to click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized version!

Another idea which has become really popular over the years is to have a “Wish Jar.” This is what I prefer best, because if you’re craftly like me, you can take all those wishes from your wedding guests and display them. You can have them mounted and framed in a fun collage or you decoupage them on canvas , using glazes and paints to infuse some personality. Another idea? Place them in your wedding scrapbook! What is great about the Wish Jar is you can customize the jar and use it in your home for décor or as something functional. Also, don’t get hung up on the word “jar.” As long as you can place a card in it and remove the card with ease, you’re good to go. So vintage jewelry boxes or hat boxes made a unique spin on the “jar”, as do bird cases, ice buckets, and glass bowls. You can also have fun designing the wish cards where your guests will write words of wisdom! You can tie in the design of your invitations, place cards and menu cards, or go for something completely unique. Here are some ideas for your “jar”: