Free Vintage Postcard for DIY Save the Date!

I have collected a lot of vintage ephemera over the years. I love the colors and craftsmanship used to create the beautiful images.



Last night, I was going through one of my albums and came across this seashore vintage seashore postcard. I thought it would make a beautiful Save the Date.

(click on images to enlarge)

Go to http://www.freepremiumfonts.com/ and browse the thousands of different fonts and styles. There are a load of fonts with a vintagey postcard style. Go here for inexpensive postcard stock. Also, ask the post office teller if they can hand stamp each card; the card looks more old fashion when it's hand stamped than being marked up with bar codes. This DIY wedding project is fun and inexpensive! 100 stock cards are less than $12, and then the cost of the stamps and ink. LOVE IT!

Hello {friends!}

I wanted to let every know that I am not neglecting my blog today. I have some technical issues that I've been ignoring, and today I decided to address them and get it out of the way. I do, however, have exciting features planned for you!

As I mentioned before, I'm starting my photographers' blog list. Reading a photographer's blog is essential to anyone who wishes to have a strong emphasis put on their wedding photos. You really get a good feel of the person's style, the lighting and angles they prefer, etc. And the best part is you can get some fantastic ideas from other brides!

I'm also working on having a weekly post called "The Look and How to Get It". I take an inspiration board and tell you how to realistically attain the same look and feel. I will be doing the DIY projects that I share so I can give you a real account of the difficulty and success.

And don't forget guys, feel free to email me with any questions or feedback. I'll see you all tomorrow!

Wedding in the Garden

Being a professional wedding blogger, I have a lot of ideas for my own wedding. It's nearly impossible for me to narrow down my color choices, so I'm going with a garden themed wedding; perfect for a person (such as myself) who is unable to commit to one or two colors.

from top left: image from www.cameroningalls.com; source unknown; the knot; country living. 2nd row: victoria mag; the knot; source unknown. 3rd row: stephanie williams photography; country living; source unknown.

How to get this look? Check it out:



Do your own bouquets! When you buy in bulk from Fifty Flowers, you receive a significant discount. When you purchase their garden roses, you'll pay less than if you were getting carnations from a florist! If you would like more of a variety, include peonies and rananculus. For table centerpieces, simply arrange the flowers in large Ball canning jars (less than $1.00 each when you buy a case).



From Party Rental, LTD comes this table setting. Instead of the usual silverware, go with the white handled flatware. The plate looks like it came from Grandma's china cabinet! I chose a pink linen table cloth, white linen church napkins, white folding chairs, and hot pink seat cushions to pull the look together.



I ADORE vintage linens, and these handkerchiefs are my favorite! Peruse the pages on Ebay, visit your local antique store or flea market. Pass them out to your female guests before the ceremony. LOVE this idea! A true vintage wedding inspiration.

Sadly, we are unable to buy Laduree macarons in the United States (if you don't know about these Parisian delights, a favorite of Marie Antoinette, you are sorely missing out, or, very fortunate not to have an unquenchable taste for them). However,L'Epicerie's macarons are pretty good! Purchase in bulk for delicious favors. Pack in mint green or lavender boxes and print your message on the top in a coordinating color.

Photographers' Blogs

I am so addicted to photographers' blogs. I've been on my laptop for the past hour and a half looking at the most beautiful images. So, after I go through the rest on my queue, I'm starting a reading list just for photography blogs. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to email me! Or, if you are a photographer, send me a link to your blog and I'll be happy to check it out.

Robins Egg Blue an Pepperberry

I adore this color combination for a wedding! It's seasonless, and reminiscent of old apothecary bottles and a vintage seaside kitchen. My inspiration is the photo of the hanging gown; I love the wallpaper and drapes in the background! And the dress, with its layers of beautiful lace! Swoon.

If the photographer of the gown emails me, I would love to give you full credit and see more of your work!

Let's Face It...

I wanted to share with everyone my favorite, tried-and-true makeup choices. I don't paint my face every day, but when I do, I want a natural, not trying so hard look, and these products deliver!

Stila has a variety of smudge pots, but I particularly like the eyeliner. When applied with a makeup brush, this eyeliner givers your lids a smokey, sexy look.
Since the first time I purchased MAC lipglass, I've been hooked. Gives the lips a beautiful shine, and the selection of colors is awesome. Lasts forever!
If you haven't used Bare Minerals, make sure you get this starter kit. It's a great buy and the tutorial is worth watching. Evens skin tone without looking like you dumped a bottle of cover up on your cheeks. Beautiful!
Benefit's Bad Gal Lash is super! I use this every day! Makes lashes long and lush without looking like fuzzy caterpillars.
There is a reason NARS Orgasm blush is a staple for makeup artists; it really does look fantastic on everyone! I haven't bought another blush since trying this 8 years ago.
Shu Uemera eye lash curlers; cost a little bit more than the ones you find in the pharmacy, but so worth it. I've had mine for 7 years and still love it!
I've tried them all, and keep coming back to MAC's makeup brushes. So worth the investment; they last forever!

Do you have any go-to beauty products? Email me!

Lovely Details

I came across this wedding on Once Wed and just about died. The photographer, Bret Cole, did an amazing job, only to be outshined by the incredibly talented bride. Myriah designed and made the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. Did I tell you I just about died? Check out Myriah and Christopher's wedding here.

Happy Friday!

This has been a long week for me. I've started two other blogs and have day to day life issues to take care of. It's often assumed by friends and family that because I work from home, I must have a great deal of free time; that couldn't be further from the truth!







I'm also affected by the weather. Here in the Northeast, it's been raining all week. Being couped up in the house is getting to me. But I need to remember how when I was a kid, I loved to run in the rain, stomp in puddles, and catch rain drops on my tongue. I need to find joy in the world around me, not the one I wish for.

Etsy Love!

I'm showing my love for Etsy today. Take a look at this gorgeous dress I found!

This beautiful, vintage Molly Stone Couture dress is stunning! Offered by Etsy seller Timeless Vintage Vixen for *gasp* $375!

Hydrangea Wedding

Hydrangea bushes are in full bloom! Here at the Jersey Shore, there is nothing that says summer wedding quite like a hydrangea and sand wedding!



 

Alice in Wonderland Wedding

I imagine my wedding will have several similarities to the Mad Hatter's tea party in "Alice in Wonderland", which is why I was inspired to do this board. Most girls loved the movie as children. We can all relate to wacky friends, feeling a bit lost, and the lack of discipline when it comes to treats!



The color and whimsy of an Alice in Wonderland themed wedding will make your guests feel like they are a part of the journey and adventure on your wedding day. Just a touch here and there; not too costumey.

Rustic Wedding Inspiration

I love casual weddings. People are much more relaxed when they aren't wearing tuxedos and gowns. There is more room to play with decor and mood. And bottom line with me, the bride and groom enjoy are free from the restraints of being bogged down by all of the typical formalities.



This beautiful, natural color palette is soft and cozy. Little splashes of color pop with wallpaper courtesy of mother earth! Lots of wood, grass, leaves and flowers; nature's decor!

Happy Friday!

It's summertime...get yourself outside with a good book! Whether it's in town or the country, find yourself a quiet little patch of grass or sand, throw down a blanket, and lose yourself in a novel. I'm in the middle of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies". It delivers everything you'd expect from the title. A bit of an improvement from the sometimes preachy and overly-existential "Eat, Pray, Love", in the way of light reading, anyway.

Myself, I like the classics. Books these days are either mindless (James Patterson) or far too wrought with emotion (Jodi Picoult). Give me Jane Austen and a beach chair any day of the week!

Pretty Picnic Wedding

I adore the idea of a vintage picnic wedding. The palette is perfectly summer, the mood laid back, the dress is casual, and the food comforting.



Below are some wonderful ideas. I love the sweet tea in carafes, the food layed on the open bed of an old truck, brown-bagged favors, and lots of checked and ticking stripe fabrics!

Kleinfelds Bridal Sample Sale!

I just received notice today of Kleinfelds annual sample sale! See details below.

(click image to enlarge)

If you don't live in the New York area, fret not my friends! There are other ways to get beautiful designer gowns for a fraction of the price! Consider it your environmental duty! Here are some of my favorite sources for pre-owned and sample gowns.

Bride Power in Newton, MA- this is where I bought my gorgeous Carolina Herrera gown. I saw the gown featured in Martha Stewart Weddings and fell to pieces over it. I searched high and low, to no avail. Brides from across the country were emailing the girl who wore the dress in the magazine to track one down! Alas, it was from 2004, and the fabric is no longer made. I looked on bridepower.com's website, and didn't see it. On a whim, I sent them an email, pleading with the girls there to keep their eyes out for this dress. An hour later, I received a response that they had the dress in stock, and that is the story of how I found my dress.

www.preownedweddingdresses.com Some are (as the name indicates) pre-worn, others are samples. It's fun to brows through the different gowns, even if you are skeptical about purchasing over the internet!

etsy- Look through their vintage gowns. There are some beauties! I recently featured one such dress that was selling for $350! And it was to die for!

If you are one of those girls who's looking for the princess experience, this isn't for you. If you're looking to save a boat load of money and be environmentally friendly, I strongly recommend you at least consider the a sample or pre-owned gown.

Sunshine and Lollipops

Living so close to the ocean, I'm rarely without inspiration in the summer months. Twice a week, there are fireworks on the beach. A day doesn't go by without the smell of shrimp and lobster on a neighbor's grill. And one thing we are particularly known for in New Jersey is our sweet shops. From salt water taffy to giant lollipops, skipping in to one of the shops is sure to bring out the kid in you!

from top left: martha stewart weddings; snippet & ink; frolic; unknown

elizabethanndesigns.com; the knot; unknown

martha stewart weddings; martha stewart weddings; martha stewart weddings; martha stewart weddings

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm having trouble uploading photos. In spite of my ability to ramble, this is a visual blog. If I can't show you photos, I'm in a bit of trouble. Please be patient with me as I search for the reason behind my techno-glitch!

In the Bedroom

Boudoir photography is all the rage with the newly engaged. Most photographers now offer boudoir sessions, some even promote it heavily. I for one have mixed feelings about the whole thing.

I am an innately shy person. Some people may even say I'm a prude. I'd like to call it modesty, which is becoming as rare as a white tiger. Anyway, I digress. I've come across some boudoir sessions that are tastefully done, with a wonderful vintage flare. Others, well, I would be mortified to know photos of me with no more than a scarf covering my body are circulating the world wide web.

What I have here are the goodies. I wouldn't show them to my future in-laws, but I wouldn't be ashamed to let my mother have a peak at them either.




Pelaez Photography
The model, Sarah, was a former bride of Pelaez and agreed to doing their first boudoir shoot. The photographer captured the mood without completely disrobing the model.

I love the simplicity of this photo from www.boudoirphotography.com.uk. Check out their site for more beautiful, inspiring sessions!






If boudoir isn't your thing, consider a pin-up girl look. More is left to the imagination and still very sexy!


Whatever you decide, be sure your photographer is reputable and the shoot is done in a safe, comfortable environment. Make clear with him/her your wishes about sharing the images. And most of all, have fun with it!

Marika and Jamie- from Stephanie Williams Photography

Stephanie Williams is kind enough to let me share this FABULOUS wedding she shot in La Jolla California which took place on June 12, 2009.



The gorgeous bride, Marika, wore an eyelet silk taffeta dress from Carolina Herrera. It was important to the couple to create as little waste as possible, so Marika looked for a dress that was pre-owned, and this is what she found! (On a side note- my dress, also a Carolina Herrera, was used as a sample in a bridal boutique. You wouldn't believe how much money I saved!).







The couple was married at The Darlington House, La Jolla. It was a beautiful setting for their small gathering of family and friends. Love this shot of the couple in the library!





All stationary used for the wedding came from post consumer waste paper. You would never know it by the looks of the ceremony program and the escort cards!







All of the floral arrangements were made from flowers grown by local farmers, and old curtain were given a new life as table runners!



The bride and groom gave their guests packets of seeds of their favorite herbs, and the bride herself grew the flowers that made the Ukrainian wreaths. Talk about DIY!

I adore the wheat cake from Sweet Cheeks Baking Company. The wheat is somewhat unexpected, considering the event took place in Southern California, just steps from the ocean, but it works!

Having a wedding in San Diego, it is insistent to take some photos as the beach. I love the impromptu bouquet toss to the bridesmaids!

Thanks again to the insanely talented Stephanie Williams for letting me share her work with everyone. To see more of Stephanie's work, please go to her blog. Best wishes to the newlyweds, Marika and Jamie! May you have a long, healthy and happy life together!

Here's a Little Peek!

Here's a look at Marika and Jamie's wedding from Stephanie Williams of Stephanie Williams Photography, Los Angeles, California. The setting for this stunning fete was The Darlington House in La Jolla, California.




It was important to the bride and groom to have an ecologically friendly wedding, so look forward to seeing the details in a full post tomorrow.

Thank you Stephanie for letting me share your beautiful work! Please check out Stephanie's blog to see more wedding, engagement and inspiration photos. And if you are a sucker for vintage ANYTHING like I am, take a peek at her vintage wedding photo shoots.

Happy Fourth of July!

Have a happy, healthy and safe weekend everyone! Check back on Monday for exciting additions to my page. Happy everyone takes a moment this weekend to enjoy the simple pleasures.

It's a Carnival

It must be summer. The carnival is in town, and a delicious breeze of funnel cake and hot dogs is carried past my window. Children walk by at dusk with their glow sticks and cotton candy. Moms and dads carry blankets and baskets of snacks. Fireworks begin at 9 PM sharp.

This is how I remember the annual carnival. Like most things adults cherish from their childhood, I'm sure carnivals have changed a bit since I was a little girl. But as the Fourth of July approaches, I'm reminded one of summers pleasures, and it is the inspiration behind my board.