Who Say's You Have to Use Real Flowers?

Real flowers are beautiful, you cannot deny that, but for those brides on a budget they aren't always an option. So instead of the immediate jump to silk flowers, think out side the box! These gorgeous Felt Flower Ring Bearer Pillows can be found on the Design Sponge blog and orders can be placed via lluabv.co@gmail.com.

Not only do I love these because they are vintage and fabulous, but more than that, they won't die! Real flowers are to die for (literally& figuratively), but in a few days all the time and money that was spent will end up in the garbage can and you will only be left with photos...HOW SAD?!?!

So why not have something that you can save and reuse? How about using one of these great pillows...umm...on your couch! I know you're thinking, pillow on a couch, who woulda thunk it? They can also be disassembled so that you can add a flower to your hair when your out on the town, or add one to your favorite purse or to an outfit as a broach. Talk about a conversation piece!While I realize this is a mid-production shot, I couldn't help but think 'how cute would these be as the groom & groomsmen's boutoinnere's?" I'll tell you...REAL CUTE!

You Can Find Inspiration Anywhere!

I am a big believer in finding inspiration where it happens to find you. Whether it be the architecture of a building, the colors in a garden, or for this bride: your notebook! Meagan told me she wanted a monogram to tie all of the details of her wedding together so I started work on some monogram samples, after about an hour I get a frantic call from her that says 'Oh My Gosh!! I found the perfect thing for my monogram!' In my mind I'm thinking (& hoping) that it is a pre-made monogram that I can just plug in the initials...NO! She was sitting in class and she looked down and realized the symbol on her notebook was perfect!

While I'm waiting for a scan of this fabulous folder to be sent over she says 'I love it but I want my initials in the middle so if you can just split it that would be great!' And while it sounds easy to just 'split it,' it's a little tedious but totally worth the effort. My mom was having surgery so I decided the 4 hours in the waiting room would be the perfect time to focus on this project, and I came up with this!!!

As you can see, I had to do some adjusting. A lot of zooming in and touching up, erasing sections, etc... to make room for the couples monogram, but the couple was really pleased. Once that was done we implemented the monogram onto their Save The Date Postcards, which I also designed, and onto some custom printed napkins for the bar.

The piece de resistance? The cake!!! The couple opted for a bold pattern of black and white floral, to play off of her love for damask, and the perfect touch: the monogram!
This great photo was taken by a local favorite of mine: Karla Fountain
Tip: Don't be afraid to take an idea and run with it, proudly!

Almost Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

T-minus 3 days until Lindsey Hovel & Scott Smith's BIG day! I am beyond excited for them to spend the rest of their lives together, starting with an amazing wedding day. They will be wed on the outdoor patio at Mystic Dunes Golf Club & Resort. The reception will be held in their spectacular ballroom, the room is flanked with large windows over looking the sunset over the golf course.

Here is a quick showcase of what is to come,top left is a wine bottle label I made from the monogram and flowers I designed for their 'Save the Dates,' the bottom left is one of my Chic Maps. Pictures of the big event will be posted asap!

Paper is not just for writing...

You may find yourself drawn to bright pops of color and patterns that may not match your wedding colors or themes BUT you would still love to use them somehow...well...use them at your bridal shower, or save them for your, or a friends, baby shower! This adorable place setting was pulled together by using a piece of 12" x 12" piece of scrapbook paper!

Can't find the confetti you want, or the right monograms for your decor? No problem! Above they used stars as a theme and used punch-outs as confetti, below, the event had a monogram theme and they printed and punched out monogram tags for the guests cups, they also added the green polka-dots by using the butt end of a paint brush. The key to getting these looks: Don't be afraid to be creative and when you can't find what you're looking for...make it yourself!

I have to admit that when I think of lace doilies, wedding isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind. I think of grandma's house and drinking tea in the afternoon; not exactly the aesthetic most brides are looking to portray at their wedding. But much to my surprise I found a new and innovative way to make lace doilies modern and romantic. Martha Stewart showcased these adorable luminaries in their 'DIY' section and I was immediately in love. You don't even have to cut the doilies, leave the bag flat and place the doilie on top and fold the doilies to the height you want and drop it into your paper bag DONE. For a touch of color you color stain your doilies, add warm water to your sink and use food coloring or tie-dye coloring and dip your doilies in and let them sit (continue checking until you get them to the desired color), lay them onto paper towels and allow them to dry. Simple and beautiful.

I completely fell in love with these paper covered vases and candle holders. It's such a great way to change up the look of the typical clear glass holders and give it a touch that is uniquely for your wedding. You can choose any paper that catches your eye, from something BOLD like the turquoise wraps or simple and elegant like the embossed white wrap, here are some paintable wallpapers that I found that will give it that same look at a really low price.

The new BIG thing in weddings (& life) is to be 'green!' This particular wedding was that of Martha Stewart's Assistant,Liesl Menning, and Josh Turner's guitar player, Kevin Haynie. They wed under a old oak tree and danced the night away in a local barn in Franklin, Tennessee. During the ceremony the flower girl tossed flower punch-outs of biodegradable seed paper. You could also punch out different color paper so that it still they more closely resemble flower petals

They made huge strides in not only 'being green' they were extremely budget conscious. Yes, when Martha Stewart is your boss your bound to get cheap decorations, but even for us non-Martha employees it is still within reach. In an effort to reduce & reuse they used paper wood veneer to create the lamps that hung above the guests at dinner. To give them a special touch they cut the edges with Martha Stewart edge trimmers (available at Wal-Mart), cutting off about 1 - 2 inches and then used those trimmings to wrap the base of candleholders that lined the banquet tables.