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.

Kids 'Do' the Darndest Things

I am a huge fan of kids in general, especially when they are not my own! That isn't to say that I don't want any of my own one day, but for now I'm just fine. But I will absolutely have them in my wedding!

Photos by Paul Johnson Photography

I must admit that when my bride's mention they are having a flower girl and ring bearer I cringe a little, especially when they put a disclaimer on the children. Like 'they are really cute kids, but they may not be too happy about walking in a straight line.'

Photo by Paul Johnson Photography

And then I realize...some of my favorite pictures are of the kids just being themselves! Although, at the time them being 'themselves' is loud, unruly and down-right annoying at times but it always makes for some great photos!

Photo by Mark Adams Photography

All in all, don't be afraid to have children in your wedding! OK...well be a little afraid, but as long as you keep it under 3-4 kids you'll be alright. And you will have some great photos to look back on and you will forget all about them throwing that tantrum on your wedding day.

Blowing in the Wind...

While some brides have strayed from the more traditional veil styles, some are foregoing them all together! Which is alright for some bride's but I say it's a shame! Not only do they provide a beautiful frame for a bride during her 'I do's,' they are a great photo prop!

Photo by Paul Johnson - one of my absolute favorite's!!!

I would have to say some of the most breath-taking photos I've seen are the ones that capture the veil in that perfect breath of wind.

Photo by Ed Pingolo through Trash the Dress!

These shots are not always easy to get in the time allowed before your ceremony or in your cocktail hour, when most couples take their formal photos. So why not have a 'Day After' or a 'Trash the Dress' session with your photographer? It allows you the option, if you are open to it, to be in places and poses that may ruin your dress, but will give you that perfect shot! Not to mention you will be on your own schedule and won't be rushed to fix your makeup and rejoin your guests.

Photo by Denise Neufeld

Simplicity is best. Here's the best motto for getting these beautiful shots: Think the more natural and organic the better. You cannot setup these types of shots, they just happen; and the best photographers know how to capture these special moments.

Photo by Paul Johnson

In conclusion...pick your photographer wisely and wear a veil!