Anderson Center Bridal Show

I just want to thank everyone who came out to visit me as the Chocolate Paper Boutique made its local debut at the Anderson Center Bridal Show. I met a lot of new friends and can't wait to work on some new and exciting invitation designs. Below are some pictures of our table display. Now onto getting that website updated...

I'm In Love With A Shoe

Christian Louboutin has done it again...these jeweled beauties came my way courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman. What better way to start off the day than by colorful inspiration from one of the shoe world greats! Not only am I already picturing these puppies on my feet, I'm also picturing a joyful wedding celebration featuring a vibrant color scheme inspired by those shoes. Oh the possibilities!

Burnout Bridesmaids

While shopping around for some dresses online, I found this beautiful JS Collections Floral Burnout Dress at Dillards.com. Picture your bridesmaids all wearing this black and ivory satin gown while carrying bouquets of fresh cut flowers down the aisle. A nice change from the traditional bridesmaid dresses.

Boutwell Studio

Every once in a while I'll run across a photographer who reminds me just how much I love the art of photography...I was overwhelmed when I discovered Boutwell Studios and Chenin Boutwell's breathtaking wedding photography. Take some time to check out her site and wonderful blog. Here are just a few of my favorite images from Boutwell:

Ice Ice Baby

Recently, a friend of mine who is getting married was talking about alternative colors for her wedding dress. Lucky for her there are plenty of options other than white, including these exquisite designs in ice silver from Romona Keveza. Simply stunning! More colorful wedding gowns to come...

Everything's Coming Up Roses

I've been wanting to share this wonderful DIY project I saw on Martha for a while now as these paper roses are just too much fun. Templates and instructions are provided at Martha Stewart.com. Imagine a whimsical wedding celebration with these lovelies used as centerpieces down some long guest tables. And if you don't feel ambitious enough to do it yourself, you can order them through Amble Through Bramble, the creator of these fanciful fleurs. There are even barrettes and broaches to match!

Feeling Flat

I've recently found myself in need of shoes with a low to non-existent heel, so I've been on the lookout for flats that wow me as much as my beloved peep-toes, platforms and pumps. I have to say that what I've found has left a lot to be desired. However, I did stumble upon these fashionable flats available in a rainbow of colors (possibly for a rainbow of bridesmaids?) on endless.com, along with a glimmer of hope that there may be other attractive flats out there. My search continues...

Flowers In Her Hair

One of my favorite details from my very own wedding was the flower from muscari that I wore in my hair for the reception. I'm pleased to pass along the word that their new site is now up and running. So check it out - you can customize the colorful carolina with a choice of 18 beautiful colors and find a matching ring cushion for your ring bearer.

Wedding Style at the Oscars

While I may be a bit late in posting this, I still wanted to share these Oscar fashions from Sunday night's show that could also double as wedding day attire for the fashionable bride.

Taraji P. Henson wearing Roberto Cavalli
Love the asymmetrical layers, and check out the red clutch!
photo by Jeff Vespa/Wireimage.com

Penelope Cruz wearing vintage Balmain
A perfect example of why we love vintage!
photo by Steve Granitz/Wireimage.com

Evan Rachel Wood wearing Elie Saab
Simply stunning!
photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Marisa Tomei wearing Versace Atelier
*Daily Dose's BEST DRESSED Winner
Love the color, love the neckline, love the layering - love it!
photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

Check out more Oscar fashion at Yahoo.com.

Flipping Out Over Flip Flops

Check out these colorful flip flops I found at OldNavy.com. With an array of different colors available, these would be great gifts for bridesmaids or even for guests at a reception. Fun, comfortable and stylish, at a great price (only $2.50 each if you buy 2 or more), I may just stock up on some myself for those lazy days on the beach!

Guest Book Quilt

I'm a huge fan of Martha, so I'm sure this won't be the last post about an inspiring project from the wedding guru herself. I'm also a huge fan of unique guest books that aren't really "books" after all. So imagine my excitement when I ran onto this fantastic idea of a guest book quilt on MarthaStewart.com. Martha's assistant Liesl was recently married and there are all sorts of inspirations that can be found from her extraordinary wedding, which of course is featured on MarthaStewart.com. I would expect nothing less from someone who is around Martha 60-80 hours a week! What a wonderful keepsake (and possible heirloom for later generations) that can be cherished for many many years to come.

Sneak Peak

Shhh...don't tell anyone, but here's a sneak peak into a wedding invitation set I'm designing for a good friend. Since the wedding's not until this summer and I don't want to spoil the surprise for the guests, I can only give you a tease. The bride wanted something simple and elegant with an understated monogram. Look for the entire set once the invites have been sent out this spring!

This Little Birdie

I'm not usually a fan of cake toppers, however I can't resist loving this adorable little pair of lovebirds from Etsy seller RedLightStudio. Not only would these be darling atop a fanciful cake, they are also a great keepsake by which to remember your special day. And these little guys are completely handmade and hand painted. What a special way to add another personal touch to your wedding. Be sure to check out the entire shop for even more handmade goodness.

Hello Lover!

In the spirit of Valentines Day and cherishing the ones we love, I chose this Valentine's eve to celebrate another close love of mine: shoes. To be specific, Christian Louboutin. And he's done it again, with this breathtaking pair of mirrored platform pumps coming this spring to Neiman Marcus. If this isn't motivation to work hard and save up a couple grand, I don't know what is. :)

Have a Happy and Chocolatey Valentine's Day!

6-Ways to an Easier Life!

That's right - and it all comes in one little gadget. I received this little doodad for Christmas and I can say hands-down that it is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten! Besides the fact that it comes from one of my favorite stores, Crate and Barrel, it has come in quite handy at times when the hubby's not at home and the Coke bottle has turned against me. Not only does it open those stubborn bottle tops, it can open any jar, any pop can, any bottle cap, those stubborn safety seals that cover my peanut butter jars, and even makes opening snack bags a snap! I highly recommend this as a gift to anyone, especially yourself!

Paris in Puce

Anyone remember that movie (Dance til Dawn) from 1988 with an overabundance of then teen stars such as Christina Applegate and Alyssa Milano, Tempestt Bledsoe and Tracy Gold, to name a few? It's also one of the first times I remember seeing Matthew Perry in anything. Anyway, it's about prom night at Hoover High, with a prom theme of "Paris in Puce." So why the flashback in time? I was in the grocery store the other day and heard the checkout girls talking about looking for their prom dresses, and all I could think about was Patrice's (Applegate's) dress, which perfectly matched the "Paris in Puce" prom theme she designed. I highly suggest watching that movie, if you haven't already, just for kicks! It's highly entertaining. So I decided to peruse some prom dresses that are out there today and found a couple from Jovani that I might actually wear, if I was going to prom again. They're definitely much better than the big poofy yellow dress I wore to my senior prom. Enjoy!

When life gives you lemon trees...

I've been busy working on the boutique and wanted to share this fun little design I came up with for the shop. I must be craving citrus because this bold, graphic tree reminds me of a lemon tree - hence, the name of this invitation set: "The Lemontree." The colors are of course customizable to match any wedding color scheme and this design will look great printed with either one or two colors! Just imagine an "orangetree" or an "appletree" or even a "grapetree" (?).
This is just a taste of things to come, but if you like this design or want something completely original to your wedding, simply stop by the boutique and throw me a line! Now off to Penn Station for some of their fantastic freshly squeezed lemonade.

Motorcycle Chic

In continuing with the Glam Rocker theme from yesterday, I found this little ditty at VictoriasSecret.com...definitely a must for this rocker's repertoire. Now all I need is my Harley and I'll be set!

For Those About to Rock!

According to Bergdorf Goodman, and lucky for those of use with a little rock running through our veins, one of the new spring trends is "Glam Rocker." So here's some inspiration from just a few of their great items in this collection. I would totally wear that hot pink Doo.Ri Pleated Tank Dress to a spring wedding, along with the gorgeous Kenneth Jay Lane Leaf Hinge Cuff. And how about those Ralph Lauren Gold Linen Clarissa Pants? Love the wide leg! And last but certainly not least are the fabulous Jimmy Choo Tie Dye Patent Slingbacks - those are definitely a must in any rocker's wardrobe!

Not-so Mellow Yellow

Is yellow one of the main colors in your wedding? How cute would this bracelet from J.Crew be as a gift for your bridesmaids?! It also comes in "natural" white, in case the bride wants to join in on the fun too.

Here a Poppy, There a Poppy

As promised, here are some more items from my very own wedding/poppy collection. Included are lollipop labels, favor tags, a thank you card and photo upload instruction cards with a "mod poppy" twist. More pictures to come - enjoy!

Happy Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day everyone!

This groundhog is busy working on the shop, but I'll be back in touch soon with more goodies. Here's hoping our buddy Phil doesn't see his shadow today.

Poppies will make them sleep...well, we hope not!

My first wedding invitation design was of course for my own recent wedding. We chose poppies as our theme for their bold, graphic, yet classy look. So I elected the help of my friend and local artist Robin Ewers to create an original drawing of poppies for our invitations. Her artwork was breathtaking and I was able to create a nice clean, bold look using some of Photoshop and Illustrator skills. So without further ado, I give you our poppy invitations...


The invitation set included a reply postcard, satin ribbon band with poppy seal and matching address labels. The main invitation card, about us card, directions and reply postcard were held into the folder using black photo corners. I also lined the envelopes with a poppy pattern...pictures of the actual finished product to come.

Matching favor tags and more to come from this poppy design...

Come and knock on our door...

The Chocolate Paper Boutique is currently under construction. But that doesn't mean we're not open for business! So check out our temporary store front and contact me for all your invitation needs.

Where's my milk?

Welcome to your Daily Dose of Chocolate.
If you find yourself asking what you're doing here and where's all the chocolate, don't worry, I'll explain...my name is Mary, I am a designer and yes, I love chocolate. But we're not here to discuss the difference between Dove and Hershey's - no, here I'd like to simply share my daily thoughts, inspirations, and any other finds I just can't keep to myself.

So why "chocolate?" I am in the process of starting my own invitation business - Chocolate Paper Boutique. I chose that name as I want to create designs that look so good you'll want to eat them. And what's my favorite thing to eat? You guessed it - chocolate. So grab your favorite chocolaty indulgence, pour yourself a tall glass of milk, and let's have some fun!