52 Weeks of Mail

 

I know, I know; I've been a bad blogger.  A non-existent blogger to be exact.  I do apologize.  Please bear with me as I try to find a balance between raising two boys under the age of 2, running my business and everything else that's on my list of things to do.  I'll get there, I promise!

In the meantime... I ran across this great event that is about to go underway...52 Weeks of Mail.  If you're anything like me, your daily trip to the mailbox usually ends up with a hand full of bills, a couple miscellaneous catalogs that you have no time to peruse and a brochure for the latest and greatest retirement home (are they trying to tell me something?).  How special do you feel on the rare occasion that you actually receive a hand-written, lovingly thought out correspondence from a friend and loved one?  So I'm making it a point, between diaper changes and trips to Michaels, to send out a handmade card each and every week for the next year.  Are you game?  I triple dog dare you!

Gilded Nuptials

Hello!  Yes, I'm still alive.  No, I haven't slept in about 3 weeks.  We recently welcomed our second child and couldn't be happier (or more tired).  Nevertheless, here is my latest Etsy Treasury, featuring items from the fabulous Etsy Wedding Divas to create an elegantly gilded wedding.  Enjoy!

The Color of Love

I know, I know - I've been a bad blogger.  I admit my blogging has been neglected as of late and for that I do apologize.  Luckily though, it's for good reason - I've been very busy working with some wonderful brides and grooms on some incredibly fantastic custom invitations.  I hope to have more time to devote to blogging and share some great wedding related goodness soon, but in the meantime, here is my latest Etsy Treasury, featuring items from the fabulous Etsy Wedding Divas to create a handmade red hot wedding day in the name (and color) of love.  Enjoy!

A Romantic Renewal

image courtesy of Ivy & Aster

I confess, I've pretty much been planning my vow renewal since the day after our wedding almost three years ago.  While it may be a few more years before we reach that special day, I think I just found the perfect dress!  This beautiful new dress from Ivy & Aster is the perfect combination of chic, understated and romantic, going along flawlessly with that outdoor garden celebration that is yet to come.  Simply gorgeous!  And be sure to check out the rest of their new collection, including some unique options for bridesmaids.

Fit For A Queen

Here is my latest Etsy Treasury, featuring items from the fabulous Etsy Wedding Divas to create a wedding fit for a queen.  So break out the tiara, grab some tea and crumpets and have fun planning your fairy tale wedding to that lucky prince charming.

Bursts of Inspiration

 

image courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer - download full image size for your desktop

First, let me apologize for my absence.  Between being a "running a business from home mom" with a cold that just won't relent and 8 weeks away from having our second child, my blogging has suffered.  While I get back on track, head on over to LillyPulitzer.com for some lovely inspiration, full of bold, retro-style prints and bright colors.  Now back to my unsweetened decaf hot tea.

A Divalicious Wedding

I recently became a member of the prestigious Etsy Wedding DIVAS and am extremely excited to be a part of such an inspiring and talented team, to say the least.  To share some of the wonderful items and shops that I am proudly in company with, I created a treasury list with just a handful of the great items available from these wedding artisans.  And be sure to head over to Project Wedding where the team is featured in an impressive $1,000 Handmade Wedding Giveaway.

Vintage Floral Invitation

Here's another design just added to my Etsy shop...a contemporary take on a vintage flower motif. This is a simple yet elegant design that will look great in any monochromatic color scheme or even in contrasting bold colors. Head over to the shop for more details.

Yay Spring!

photographs by Erin Hearts Court

Today is the first official day of spring, so naturally I have flowers on the brain. I wanted to share these gorgeous flowers by La Partie Events from Jacqui & Amir's elegantly charming wedding. I love the "just picked from the garden" feel and magnificent collaboration of colors. Visit Megan's blog for more images of the big day.

For Japan With Love

In honor of those lives affected and to pay respect to those lives lost by the tragedies in Japan, we will be taking part in the Blogger's Day of Silence for Japan on Friday, March 18th and remaining silent for the day. Our hearts and prayers go out to all.

A Gumball Wedding - The Treats

photo courtesy of Phillymag.com

What better way to wrap up our gumball wedding set than with the sweet treats. First, we go to the cake. Adorning this beautifully modern cake from Truli Confectionary Arts are gumballs of various sizes, creating a bold yet fun statement.

photo courtesy of Kara's Party Ideas

And how about these cute little cupcakes by Dippidee, via Kara's Party Ideas. Kara put together this Gumball Birthday Party for HGTV and topped these adorable cupcakes with, what else, gumballs!

photo courtesy of Kara's Party Ideas

And these are gumball machine cake pops! I have been infatuated with cake pops for a long time and these are the perfect, quirky addition to our gumball wedding treats. Check out Kara's blog posting for even more great gumball ideas and thanks for following along. I hope you had as much fun as I did!

A Gumball Wedding - The Centerpieces

photo courtesy of Lindsay Comer Photography

Continuing with our gumball themed wedding, check out this adorable gumball topiary I found. Great for an outdoor celebration and can even double as a favor! But, if you're not feeling too crafty, you could have your florist join in on the fun with these beautiful centerpieces...

photo courtesy of Party Wishes Blog

Donna at Party Wishes filled tall glass cylinders with an array of colorful gumballs and bright gerbera daisies for a festive touch to her celebration. For a more formal look, stick with one or two colors of gumballs (of course corresponding with your wedding colors) and perhaps add an elegant satin ribbon. The paper lover in me is also picturing personalized labels to continue the gumball invitation theme. Groups of these centerpieces in varied heights and sizes, topped with flowers of your choice, are sure to add a touch of whimsy to your tables.

A Gumball Wedding - The Favors

The first, and possibly most obvious addition to our gumball wedding are these Mini Classic Gumball Machines from Beau-coup Wedding Favors. By filling them with gumballs of your wedding colors and adding a fun little tag or sticker, these can easily be personalized for your big day. Perhaps some new items for my Etsy shop?

photo courtesy of Julia Vandenoever Photography

Or how about these unexpected mason jars filled with, you guessed it, gumballs? Simple and affordable, when filled with gumballs of your wedding colors and adorned with a fun sticker or tag, these are sure to make a bubbly impact.

A Gumball Wedding - The Invitation

Introducing the newest design to hit my Etsy shop...a playful theme centered around a vintage gumball machine. Who doesn't love a good old-fashioned gumball? All the more fun when it comes from a fancy machine! This customizable invitation suite was created for the kid in all of us who's always up for a good time, all the while remaining uniquely stylish. Head over to the shop and check out the details...later this week I'll continue with more ideas to build on this theme for a funtastical gumball wedding.

A Starfish Inspired Wedding by KL Weddings

inspiration board by KL Wedding Designs

Check out this beautiful inspiration board by KL Wedding Designs. Kerry contacted me to let me know our starfish invitation was not only featured, but that the board was based around the design. This board makes for a colorful and refreshing beachside wedding. Thanks Kerry!

A Classic Made Affordable

Look familiar? Say hello to my old friend, the Rosazissimo by Christian Louboutin, one of my favorite pairs of shoes to date. While they are no longer available for purchase, I happened upon a wonderful, and more economical option if your feet are still longing for a bit of feathery glamour...

Tada! Add these fun shoe clips from Chloe & Maddie to a pair of red satin pumps and voila, your very own version of the Rosazissimo for a fraction of the price (depending on how much your pretty pumps set you back). Available in a variety of colors, I can't wait to add these to some of my shoes!

Happy Friday to our feet!

If I Were a Princess...

photo courtesy of Erin Hearts Court Photography via Style Me Pretty

...I would wear this dress. I found this beauty courtesy of Style Me Pretty and oh what a joy! It's from Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2010 collection. And I absolutely adore the matching bolero! Not to mention the phenomenal photography...great pictures, fabulous dress and wonderful wedding all around.

That's a Wrap

I am a huge fan of these lovely bouquet wraps from MiaVonMinksWedding on Etsy. What a great way to add a unique piece of glamour to your bouquet. I especially love the Beaded Tulle Wrap. It seems so subtle yet makes a statement nonetheless. Check out Mia's other bridal accessories as well - loving all the feathers!

Music To The Eyes

Another Etsy feature, but I just couldn't help myself when I saw these beautiful vintage paper rose place settings from Vintage Twee. These would be perfect for a music-inspired wedding or party, used as seating cards or even as favors or favor decorations. I could see these adorning the tops of candy boxes, perhaps chocolate candies?

Just Hanging Around

I've seen these in various wedding pictures before and finally found the source to share. These beautifully crafted hangers are handmade by LilaFrances on Etsy. A unique way to add another personal touch to your day and another excuse to show off that dress even more. And as an added bonus, 10% of all profits are donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund in honor of her mother. A great product and a great cause. I'm so glad I found the original designer to share with you - enjoy!

Bridesmaids in Bloom

I'm always on the lookout for a bargain, especially bargains for the budget-minded, yet fashionable, bridesmaid. Check out this adorable dress from ModCloth, perfect for an amethyst-infused outdoor wedding. Your bridesmaids are sure to look garden-chic, yet still love you for not emptying their pocketbooks.

Yes, I'm Still Here

{ The BEST Chocolate Cake }

Yes, I'm still here. It has been an inexplicably long time since I've contributed to this blog, and for that I apologize. Since my last post, a lot of very exciting things have happened both with the boutique and in my personal life. I won't bore you with a laundry list of every event, but let's just say I am ready to get back to the basics and concentrate on why I started this venture into the world of weddings and stationery. So, thank you for your patience and let's share some chocolate!

If you're looking for THE BEST chocolate cake, look no further! I myself have tested this recipe and it is in fact THE BEST. The icing is phenomenal as well - perfect for a shower, party, or to simply satisfy a craving. Thanks Kevin & Amanda.