Weddings and Baby's Breath 2.0

I recently jumped on the Pinterest bus {thanks to Courtenay!} and one of my first boards turned out to be a winter wedding inspiration. Which then took the jump to this:


 I was just having a conversation with Courtenay about using baby's breath in centerpieces. I am totally in love with this. I feel like it's a fluffy cloud that I want to curl up on. While I was going with a winter theme the more I searched the more versatile it became. BTW - I totally posted about using baby's breath in 2008.  Hello ahead of the curve. hehe.

Vintage:

Modern-ish:

Romantic:

{There's something so right about baby's breath and candle light.}

Whimsical:

Ceremony:

Bouquets:

{This is still my favorite}

But please, let's not go here:

Just like carnations, I think baby's breath is one of those flowers that you should use in large quantities, on their own. Let's keep it in the twenty-first century, k?

{{And if you jump to my pinterest board be patient, I'm just getting started!}}

Unique Ceremony Backdrops {fabric, ribbon, paper flowers..oh my!}

I received an email from a TC bride today asking me "what we can do for a ceremony backdrop that doesn't involves flowers/arches etc.". I did a quick search to see what's out there in the world of backdrops and here's a few of my favorite finds. 

1. Ribbon Wall 

(photo by Kelly Guenther Wedding Photojournalism via Wedding Aces)

2. Projected Image

.

I found this one via wedding by color and just love the idea. Super easy and relatively inexpensive. This has the same idea as a projected the image {gobo} on a wall popular at receptions.  

3. Fabric 'Frame'

via Ready Made

 I love this idea. In fact, it might debut at my niece's 4th birthday party next week...DIY secrets on Ready Made! 

4.  A Pink Wall {or any other color you like!}

I couldn't think of any other way to describe this other than 'wall'. Because that's what it looks like! And it is STUNNING! This was designed by Celebrity wedding planner Diann Valentine via Wedding Paper Divas. I think something like this could be accomplished using dry wall. Anyone ever tried??

5.  Paper Flower Wall

St. Jude's Creations constructed this intricate paper flower wall inspired by a Chanel fashion show. It is not just amazing? I think I need one. Jump over to her site to see the flowers up close to fully appreciate their brilliance. 

6. Furniture

 {Stephanie Fay Photography}

Seriously, how adorable is this? I saw these images last year and just fell in love with the idea. 

Anyone out there do any of these backdrops for your ceremony? What's your favorite??

Rustic Wedding Details from Etsy

I stumpled upon Bragging Bags etsy shop and just had to share. The items are a perfect fit for the popular rustic weddings. Here are some of my favorites!

BTW - what did we do before etsy?? Oh yeah - 50 billion DIY projects ;)

Helloooo Gorgeous!

Stay tuned for more from our day with Court and Kort. Ah-maz-ing. Lots of love S+J!

Tent Me!

Can't you just imagine your ceremony in here......

How freakin' fabulous is that tent?? Meet  Boutique Tents. How amazing would it be to have one of these as a cocktail lounge for your guests?  {big oversized couches, tons of fab pillows with cocktail in hand} Or you could even turn it into a dessert bar room! Love it!

Here's a little more information from their site: "We like to think of our tents outside of the box. They are, of course, a perfect and useful addition poolside and can shelter an outdoor seating area or al fresco dining. But our tents can be indoor elements as well. With a normal peak height of 9 feet, these tents can be set up in any indoor space where the ceilings can accommodate. They are freestanding and when set up indoors, there is no need to stake. These tents can be used to create intimate little pavilions in which to hang out at parties and events. The frame and covers allow for hanging a center chandelier, either votive lit or electrical, so the mood is set! They can also be positioned over a bar or food station area, or any place that you want to emphasize with an ‘architectural’ element. These tents have often been used to create a sense of human scale and intimacy in a very large space by defining smaller areas within that larger volume. No matter how they are used, these tents are guaranteed to be the talk of any gathering and the destination of choice for partygoers!"

Petals!

One question I get fairly often is how many flowers to use on an aisle. While I'm a big fan of the 'carpet-petals' here's some information in case you prefer the real thing. Information is from the rockin' site fifty flowers.

• Recommended delivery date is 1 to 2 days before your event. If your event is Saturday suggested delivery date is Thursday or Friday.
• Rose Petals are available year round.
• You will receive 13 bags when you order 6,000 Rose Petals, and 26 bags when you order 12,000 Rose Petals.
• Each bag of Rose Petals contains no less than 8 cups and no more than 12 cups, holding 460 petals or 0.44 pounds.
• One bag of Petals will completely cover an area 20 inches by 9 inches.
• 6,000 Rose Petals is a minimum of 104 cups. 12,000 Rose Petals is a minimum of 208 cups.
• Fresh Rose Petals are packed in individual plastic bags for protection during shipping. This also makes it easy to decorate your reception site, fill up a flower girl basket or sprinkle across a table. The bags are even easy to bring along on your honeymoon!
  Since flowers are a product of Mother Nature and due to variation in monitor resolutions, the exact color tones of this flower may vary to some degree.
• Package contents and prices are based on availability and are subject to change due to weather and market conditions.

In the Round...

For some reason I have been all about ceremonies lately. One of my all-time favorite ceremony set ups are set in the round. No one has gone for it yet but I'm working on a few of our 2010 couples ;) Not only is it crazy unique but it has such symbolism. The circle represents the same thing that your wedding bands represent - there is no beginning or end and you are literally surrounded by the love of those around you. So c'mon - step outside that box and spring for a round ceremony - just be sure to give your photog a heads up so they can prepare for a fabulous picture like those below!

On a personal note I wanted to apologize to you all for the lack of blogging. While Rick and I were away my grandmother passed and it's been a rough road since. We're all doing alright but it's especially difficult this time of year. So everyone hug your loved ones extra tight and make sure you count those blessings each night! 

G - we love you and you will forever be in our hearts. 

{balloons released at her funeral - each person took a balloon and released it to join her in heaven. It was beautiful and very sentimental}

My favorite aisle - how to.

So this was one of the inspiration pictures for my own wedding in 2006. I ended up purchasing the extra large hurricanes and lining the aisle with them but I never did figure out how to make that aisle so full of petals. I just didn't see how they would work with an outside wedding without blowing away. Plus when I priced out how much a gazillion petals would run me I decided it wasn't worth the cost.

Well I finally figured it out. These are rose petals scattered on the ground at all! In fact {wait for it.....wait...} it's petal fabric! Yep petal fabric - genius! And it only took me 3 years and endless hours on the internet to finally stumble upon it. 

Click your way over to Edley Associates for available colors and pricing. Seriously how did I miss this??  :)

Real Wedding - Cermony Decor

I am a firm believer that ceremony decor should be minimal. This is when the focus should be on you and your husband-to-be (as well as your family and religious beliefs) and the love you all share. I don't think you need a lot decor to make it shine.

However, at a recent wedding we attended (yes attended, not worked!!! wahoo!) I found the ceremony decor was so simple and beautiful. Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers - they make a huge impact when used in bulk so I was thrilled to see someone use them. I even like the pew bows and that my fellow readers, doesn't happen often ;)

Stunning

I stumbled on these photos while searching the web. Its a bio from The Knot and I think it really incorporates a lot of the trends in weddings today. I try to find pictures and ideas to inspire my brides and anyone else out there who's reading! Hopefully something below inspires you :)

OK I digress...back to these stunning details from my new favorite bio.

Peonies, roses and hydrangea mix - Classic and modern at the same time.

Ceremony Decor:

Keep it nice and simple. Line the aisle and then create a focal point. I also love the simplicity of lining the aisle with thick lines of rose petals. Filling the entire aisle with the petals makes a huge impact as well. Just make sure your purchase enough petals to make a it full!

You can find shepherd hooks like these at stores like Michaels..hit them at the end of the summer, the will be under $5 each!

Very unique backdrop. It would also be beautiful with flower letters like this one from Courtenay Lambert

Reception Decor:

O.M.G These centerpieces are gorgeous!! I love the variety of the mix of round and rectangle tables (props to HP). When looking at these photos pay attention to the small details on each table.
HP - this could be a good option for you..I would look for clear candle holders vs. the wrought iron. But imagine those in the Cincinnati Club!!

I have a secret - I am oddly obsessed with napkins. Nothing makes my skin crawl like fanned napkins inside a cup. I'm sorry if I offend anyone with that statement. But there are so many other ways to actually use the napkin to add a visual element to your table! I have never seen the set up above but I love the graphic image it creates. I may add it to my repertoire of napkin folds :)

I am loving the strings of crystals - this is a pretty easy way to add another layer to your CPs. It can transform a simple CP to something special - imagine the (cost effective) arrangement below with the addition of a couple crystal drops.

For you, ML :)

A beautiful and unique sweet heart table

I swear I had this idea years ago!! I have been trying to get someone to listen! Maybe now that I have a visual to put with the idea someone will...how fabulous - leaving a thank you note in your guests cars via the valet. I promise 99% of the general public have never seen this before and it will leave a lasting impression on every single one of them! A close second is to leave a note hanging on the outside of your hotel guests' rooms for them to discover upon their return from you unforgettably chic wedding :)


OK there were lots of details/ideas in there...which were your favorites?!? I want to hear from you! (please and thank you!).