Here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we make it our priority to ensure every bride gets her perfect day. Therefore, we’re always keeping our eyes peeled for the latest trends, and more importantly, our ears peeled for what our customers are requesting.
And request, you did! Remaining atop the wedding trend wall for the past few years, it seems like every bride and groom’s reception isn’t complete without a photo booth. Both fun for the guests and memorable for couples, reception photo booths add even more fun, excitement and charm to an already fabulous day… and who can’t get behind that?
One of the things that makes them so fun and artistically seamless is the background, in which the foreground can be displayed properly. Because people, props, levels, numbers and positions will constantly be shifting and changing, it’s nice to have the consistency of a fun and functional background to keep the entire look together.
Now, believe it or not, but it’s been three years (!!!!!) since we added our first photo booth backdrop designs! Crazy, right? But after popular demand, and more keen on providing something for the spring and summer wedding months, we focused on bringing in designs that work well both in(&)outdoors, as well as pair up beautifully with artsy fabrics and both rustic and contemporary atmospheres.
It’s true, most photo booths are all about the people who will be captured in the photo; so, why not give them something enticing to encourage more people and poses? In the end, it will provide you, the beautiful bride, with even more memories! Check out below for a sample of some of our new faves:
If – in fact – a wedding day is the happiest day of a young woman’s life, she’ll no doubt be smiling from ear to ear from start to finish. So, she’ll for sure want to be sporting nothing but a beautifully bright, beautifully white set of chompers whilst doing so!
While photographers have tools, such as Photoshop (thank the good Lord!) that can most certainly enhance even the least envious to most envious, they won’t have access to everyone’s film and surely not to your actual teeth (weird!) the day of!
So, what’s a bride to do when her whites aren’t at their brightest coming wedding time? Well, I’m so glad you asked!
Sure, there are the over-the-counter Crest (or otherwise) white strips available at pretty much every local and national drug store chain, and yes, while these work like a dream – just ask my bf, Bre, and her almost glowing, not-in-the-least-bit pearly, ultra white smile…
Bre (left, clearly!) and me in Vegas for a girl’s trip :)
…they can get pricey and aren’t always suitable for sensitive teeth. Take me, for instance, I have SUPER sensitive teeth and have never been able to use any of the dentally supported, store bought products. For cereal, both times I’ve tried, it ended up feeling like screaming in my mouth. Not pretty and not fun :(
However, I still – like every other woman on the planet – would like to smile bright in shining white, but because of my toothy rejection to whitening remedies, always fell a little short. Boo. In the past, I was forced to where red lipstick (yes! that TOTALLY helps!) or simply smile with less teeth showing. Double boo.
But I’m happy to report, this is no longer the case!
Below are two Teeth Whitening Remedies that I know from personal experience work FAMOUSLY for even the most sensitive teeth, and cost next to nothing! Feel free to pick your best fit, ladies, and be fully dressed with the brightest, whitest smile on your wedding day celebration!
Teeth Whitening Remedy #1
courtesy of Christina Lovelace Nair via pinterest.com
What you’ll need:
Toothpaste (of your choice!)
Baking Soda
Hydrogen Peroxide
Water
& Toothbrush
What you’ll do:
In a small cup, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and half a teaspoon of water. Put in a tiny bit of toothpaste for flavoring and mix until completely dissolved.
Then, brush your teeth for two (2) minutes using the mixture in its entirety.
Do once (1) a week until personal level of whiteness is reached. Then, limit to using treatment once a month or once every other month.
Teeth Whitening Remedy #2
This was given by Dr. Oz on one of his DIY, self-health shows.
What you’ll need:
Baking Soda
Lemon Juice (from an actual lemon!)
What you’ll do:
Using 1/4 cup of baking soda, squeeze the juice from half a lemon and mix thoroughly. The solution will begin to bubble.
Dip a cotton ball or Q-Tip into the mixture and apply all over teeth and let it sit for around one (1) minute.
Brush your teeth to remove acid. Rinse. & Enjoy!
Hope these help save you money and give your brightest, whitest wedding smile ever :)
Eco-friendly weddings are all the rage these days and for all kinds of reasons! With more and more people jumping on the Team Mother Nature bandwagon, the popularity of eco-chic is booming. Now more than ever, people are realizing what we do today will directly correlate with what happens tomorrow… and they’re gladly making greener strides to a brighter future. Gooo, us!
With support growing exponentially – especially through media and celebrity gusto-, “going green” is currently at its most stylish. And what better way to this exemplify this beautiful cause than on the most beautiful day of your life… your wedding! Below are 7 tips to make sure your wedding will be green with envy:
courtesy of wedding-pictures.org
One) Pick Eco-Chic Wedding & Engagement Rings. From the very first, down-on-one-knee moment to the big day of “I do’s,” you will have countless opportunities to go green! For instance, even your bands can be eco-chic by choosing materials that are Mother Earth approved. Consider using recycled gold, vintage jewelry or buying from green-loving jewelers. Over fifty jewelry retailers have signed the Golden Rules agreement, promising to sell only gold from mines that are actively supporting human rights, labor, and environmental concerns. In addition, it is also possible to buy conflict-free diamonds, purchased from areas not waging war over gems. Buying “clean” gold and conflict-free diamonds ensures that you’re only supporting environmentally sustainable practices.
Two) Choose Earthy Friendly Invites. While many Web sites and blogs may tell you that E-vites are the way to go, I’d have to disagree. There’s a certain level of formality weddings should uphold, and while emailing may be the most eco-friendly solution, it’s definitely not the ONLY eco-friendly solution. For the paper lover, consider using only one envelope instead two. By cutting back on the inner envelopes and just sticking to one outer, you’ll save an abundance of trees. Because the process of paper production is incredibly costly to the environment, you should also consider using paper crafted of 100% recycled materials or even ones made from other natural materials altogether. Companies like Crane & Co. and Smock offer a great line of invites crafted of cotton and bamboo, making them a great way to go green for your wedding!
courtesy of weddingbee.com
Three) Go Green with Ceremony & Reception Sites. When choosing a “green” venue, it’s important for couples to take a few things into consideration before signing on the dotted line. First, if you’re serious about having a wedding that is both eco-friendly and fabulous, you should be aware that typical venues like grand ballrooms, swanky resorts and whoo-whoo country clubs are often times guilty of using vast amounts of electricity. Think about getting married outside, on a farm or in a botanical garden where au naturale sunshine can provide the light and heating and cooling systems are null and void. If a traditional venue is a must, look for one that uses recycled, energy-efficient appliances and biodegradable products, as well as energy saving bulbs and lighting.
Extra Tip for the Extra Green: Gas emissions from cars are one of the main factors causing ozone depletion. Consider having your ceremony and reception in one place to cut back on the fuel pollution caused by your guests having to drive from one place to another.
courtesy of onewed.com
Four) Shake it Up with Organic Menus & Catering. Because food is such a large part of so many kinds of celebrations, many couples find it harder to go green for their wedding menu… but don’t panic about having an expensive, organically grown vegan menu only. There are several ways to help the earth while still keeping up the taste! Try cutting back on things here and there to make a big difference in the end. Choose in-season produce, fruits and vegetables that are grown locally. This will cut down on the shipping and packaging costs, as well as the excess pollution and trash it causes.
courtesy of lightdreamphotography.com
Five) Think Outside the Flower Box. Word of warning: don’t let the bloom fool you. Just because Mother Earth can grow it, doesn’t mean that all flowers are eco-friendly. In fact, many flowers sold commercially are sprayed with harmful pesticides and fertilizers that pollute groundwater, kill organic material in the soil and have even made the workers fielding them sick. Yuck! Instead, consider leaving blooms out altogether. In the spring and summer, switch floral bouquets with ones filled with vintage brooches and colorful ribbons. In the fall, consider a robust display of locally grown gords and vegetables, and in the winter, try using fluffy faux muffs! There are also several substitutes for eco-friendly table centerpieces. Try decorating your tables with things that can be used again, like candles or vases filled with river rocks and colored water.
If flowers are a must, consider using locally-grown, in-season flowers. Just like your food menu items, this cuts down on the cost and pollution caused by shipping. Also, try potted plants for centerpieces that can be replanted later.
Six) Bring In Biodegradable Favors & Gifts. It’s time for everyone to start being honest with one another… favors – no matter how ahhh to the mazing brides and grooms think they are – are often times forgotten. They’re either left behind or thrown away, and because so many are made with non-biodegradable products, they are causing waaaay more harm than good. I would encourage you all to do what the Mister and I did, and in lieu of favors, donate to your favorite charities in honor of your guests. This not only gives money to a great foundation, but it also be rids the excess packaging it takes to wrap the favors and any leftover “trash” it may cause!
Seven) Reduce, Recycle & Reuse Your Wedding Dress. I know. I know. This is sometimes the hardest ones for brides-to-be to swallow because soooo many of us want our very own wedding dress. However, I would suggest because so much excess fabric, electricity and travel are needed to make and ship a dress to every soon-to-be-Mrs., that she first start inside her Momma’s closet. Vintage inspired gowns are the chicest chic there is, and you can always have them altered to fit your personality and style. It’s your something borrowed and something new all in one :)
Extra Tip for the Extra Green: Also consider donating your gown after you’re done with it. Since most brides only ever wear their dress once, this provides a venue for others to get just as much joy out of it as you!
Metallics. Both classy and flashy, bold golds and sterling silvers are two trendy accessories a bride can count on to never go out of style. From jewelry and shoes to clothing and headpieces, details dressed in metallic bling take on level of fabulous that simply goes unmatched by most accessorizing counterparts.
And when this stylish sass is added to wedding invitations, brides and grooms the world over are learning just how ahhh(to the)mazing their opening statement can be! For cereal, I just received one of these metal-stamped musings in the mail this past week, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was WOW’ed when the initial reveal took place. The foil stamped invites had just the right amount of three dimensional shimmer and truly created an ooh-la-la factor without a lot of fuss. *Fridge-worthy for sure!
In fact, it was the simplicity of the design itself that caught me by surprise the most. The actual invitation used to set the background for the foiling was nothing spectacular or out of the norm… just plain, crisp white 80# cardstock. And yet, the entire look was utterly fab!
It doesn’t take much to give a lot of drama when it comes to metallic-infused invites; so, brides and grooms can go with a very simple, very basic invite – which, plus side news flash! means they start off significantly cheaper than overly ornate versions! – and still get an expensive look with both sophisticated and inviting features. Not only that, but the metallic look doesn’t have to stop with the typical brassy-colors generally associated with precious metals… you can pretty much foil stamp whatever color your little bride-to-be heart desires! Yay!
There is one thing, however. While I can’t deny the DIY nature that most wedding invitations create, I also can’t help but foresee the trouble a do-it-yourself’er may encounter when it comes to foil stamping on their own. There are several sites – not to mention YouTube videos – dedicated to delivering brides how-to info on foil stamping from home… I can’t really see how this is feasible unless you have an extra $500-$1000 just lying around. Legit, the pressing machine is nothing short of a pretty penny!
And who wants to spend their money on a foil press machine when there’s a dress and accessories to buy!?? Pfffffttttttttt!
But as far as the trend goes, it’s nothing short of hot! Hot! HOT! And while buying a foil press machine for your home may not be on your Top 10 wedding needs list, it’s still something that’s totally doable for the professionals and looks absolutely incredible when complete!
AND! even if you’re a bride a dead set on doing your invitations, don’t want to buy a foil press machine but still want the look it creates, try stamping instead! Custom stampers and metallic looking ink pads are incredibly inexpensive and can still give you that same look for waaayyyy less!
Check out below for some foil stamped inspiration OR go to our simply chic invitations and get started stamping today!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) ohsobeautifulpaper.com, kandievans.com, bellafigura.com, invitationsbyajalon.com, ohsobeautifulpaper.com, cecinewyork.com, swisscottagedesigns.com, invitationsbyajalon.com, orlandomagazine.com, digbyrose.com and invitationcrush.com
While it isn’t the latest innovation for wedding trends, burlap is certainly one of its brightest… and the reasons behind its buxom presence – as well as ultimate saying power! – are almost limitless. Follow me, won’t you?
It is country chic at its finest.
With outdoor / barnyard / backyard etc. weddings taking over in recent, the shabby chicness of burlap’s ruggedly textured exterior makes it one of the most sought after and well suited compliments to any country themed thriller.
courtesy of kellyhornberger.com
It is a natural fit for neutral palettes.
As mentioned in a recent post: Neutrally Natural & Utterly Fabulous, weddings these days are all about earthy tones. Decorating with neutral colors offers a multitude of ways to add personality to your big day celebration, and accenting them with something as beautiful as burlap is simple and radiant.
But it also works well with BOLD.
In contrast with the above thought, burlap is also extremely complimentary to brighter, bolder colors as well. Because it has such a soft tan hue, it looks great with a number of cool and warm colors. Everything from bright, turquoise blues and magnetic magentas to crisp lemons and serene greens look great with the browns of burlap.
courtesy of jodimillerphotographyblog.com
It is both Eco-friendly and economically smart.
While the entire world is going green and pinching pennies, it’s nice to know something as amazing as this wedding day delight is ideal in both situations.
courtesy of delovelyaffair.blogspot.com
It does DIY like nobody’s business.
That’s right, ladies. Burlap is one of the best materials when it comes to creating details for your wedding day. Everything – and I literally mean e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. – can be done up in tid bits of the textured fabric and made a little more fabulous. I’ve seen everything from wedding invitations, chair covers, guest favors, unity candles, table runners, centerpieces, pew bows, bouquets, ring pillows, banners, bunting, accessories, arches… seriously EVERYTHING!… decorated with details of burlap, and they really were brilliant :)
Oh, you still need convincing? Well, check out below and see what I mean:
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) iloveswmag.com, jetfeteblog.com, etsy.com, thesweetestdigs.com, bluemagpieinvitations.com, etsy.com, lovewedbliss.com, thesweetestoccasion.com, twobirdsonestonewedding.wordpress.com, thesweetestoccasion.com, etsy.com, burlapcrazy.blogspot.com, etsy.com and jetfeteblog.com
During the month of February, I can’t help but get a little case of cabin fever. Sick of the never-ending winter weather and over eager for spring to FINALLY arrive, it seems like every year, the shortest month of the year inevitably becomes the llloooooonnnnggggeeessssttt one on record.
And I feel horrible to even be mildly annoyed with it. It is – after all – the month that harbors the holiday for lovers AND both my parent’s birthday… I know. I’m an awful daughter, haha! But alas, it’s true. I’m sick of the gray, bleak, blustering days and smudged snow edging every road!
I’m ready for a warm up and a change of scenery.
With that said, I came across this wedding trend the other day, and I couldn’t help but get even more pumped for the season just around the corner and all the promise it holds! That’s right, ladies and gents, nothing quite says “Spring has Sprung!” quite like blooming fields of flowers and mouthwatering fruits and veggies.
Florals – of course – fit hand in hand with wedding bouquets. And now, so do fruits and vegetables! Don’t roll your eyes at me… I’m serious!
I know. I know. It sounds crazy, right? But when you see how it can be put in the works, I know you’ll have no choice but to agree! Not only are the colors of V8’s finest plush and vibrant, but the texture can be equally as incredible. And did I mention the cost?? Talk about a significant slim down on the cost of the more traditional blooms! Especially if they’re seasonal, you can save more than a pretty penny of your budget by incorporating these tasteful treats into your arrangements!
On the Fruitier Side of Fun: Take for instance, the apple. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the apple can create an ideal pop of color and is fun for a spring, summer and even fall weddings. Then, there’s the strawberry. Richly hued in deep red, petite in size and topped with its own greenery, this deliciously seeded fruit even has all the elements to be a fantastic floral :)
There’s also grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, lemons and limes! All proportionately sized and brightly colored, they can add just that extra pop of delectable whimsy!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blovedweddings.com, sethandkait.blogspot.com, baysidebride.com, myinspiredwedding.com, weddingsatwork.com, brendasweddingblog.com, onewed.com, etsy.com and mywedding.com
And what about the Vivacious Veggies: Hmm, where to even start? Firstly, not only are so many vegetables brilliantly colored, but their texture is a force all on their own! Sure, broccoli and cauliflower were never any child’s favorite growing up, but pair them with calla lilies and roses, and you have a killer combo of epic proportions.
Some veggie tales even come equipped with flowers! Hello!? Ever seen an artichoke in full bloom? Ahhhmazing! Heck, I could probably dedicate a whole post to the awesomeness that is the artichoke bouquet. I won’t. But I’m just saying :) Pair with carrots. Turn up the turnips and even pepper with peppers, and these textured vegetable bouquets have me sprouting all kinds of love. *Pun intended.
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) onewed.com, blueprintaffairs.blogspot.com, abbeyhepner.com, dmagazine.com, brides.com, crosspollinationfloral.blogspot.com, weddingwindow.com, elizabethannedesigns.com and beccadilley.com
And it’s not even a trend that is secluded simply to the bouquet; any of these ideas can be intertwined into so many other aspects of the big day celebration: centerpieces, main table décor and even boutonnieres! Check it :)
photos courtesy of eastonevents.com, pinkposhphotography.blogspot.com (insert), onewed.com, mywedding.com (insert) and bridalcookie.com
So, today, I found myself sucked into the black hole that is Etsy, looking for some truly unique twists on tradition when I found myself falling down an out of this world craft-tacular rabbit hole!!! Now, I’m sure everyone out there has been to a wedding or two (thousand) in their day, and I’m sure in that time you’ve seen some pretty cool U-turns away from the beaten path, but usually there are a few things that really never get tampered with, the bouquet being one! Don’t get me wrong, real big fan of flowers (who can hate on anything that comes in pretty colors and smells good!?!), but these unique-chic bouquet ideas are giving Mother Nature a run for her money!! First up on the list:
These are incredible and the color combinations are practically endless! Each arrangement is hand folded and the designs are either custom made to fit your colors, or buy it as is. Either way, a really crafty way to jazz up your bouquet (look at me rhyme)! Next up:
These button bouquets are insane! Such small detail and such huge color possibility!!! Perfect for the bride that wants to make her bouquet personal (whats up seamstresses!?!) Moving right along:
These bouquets are old Hollywood meets modern flair. Perfect for the peacock bride that wants to really strut her stuff down the aisle! Last and certainly not least:
These dazzlers absolutely floored me! They’ve got the bling, class, or vintage feel to match your theme to the ‘T’!! So, if you’re looking for a way to throw some craft flair into your big day, I would highly recommend checking out some of the cool stuff they have going on over in Etsy-land! Not to mention, instead of the bouquet dying off, you walk away from your wedding with a timeless treasure to cherish forever (rhyming master today!!!). Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some more rabbit’s to chase……hellllooooo, mason jar solar lamps!!!!
Over here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we are THRILLED to introduce our very new very amazing very spectacular very own line of personalized photo products. We have stretch canvases and framed photographs and window clings and, heck yes, bottle huggers!
Courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography
We are so excited to offer our new services to you. With the abilities of our printers here, we can capture, print, package and ship the product directly to you. You have the opportunity to personalize each product exactly how you want it, everything from text, photos and colors. So your potential of your piece is practically limitless. Any photo you deem worthy of becoming a photo is fair game. Tip: If you are thinking about using professional photography from a special event, please ask the photographer to make sure you have the rights to do so. I’d totally love to see my work on some of these beauties, personally.
The charm and personality comes alive with each piece that is distinctly you. I simply love the fact that they make perfect personal gifts for friends and family. They make it easy to share special memories, such as weddings and birthdays. I’m very tempted to buy the Custom Photo Collage Flask (PH1134C) for nights out with my best friends…just don’t say anything to them.
Personalize products to highlight big events in your life. Pictured is an array of items at www.marilynskeepsakes.com.
Marilyn’s Keepsakes offers so many different products to personalize with photos, that the uses for you are endless. Window clings for the wedding get-away, shot glasses for a (very fun) 30th birthday party, toppers for that gorgeous wedding cake, canvas prints and framed photographs to decorate your home, just to name a few. The piece-DE-resistance? The ability to create your product yourself, right on your own computer screen so you know EXACTLY what you’re getting. There’s no guessing game involved! How easy is that?
Personalized Photo Products are becoming quite the trend this wedding season and I can see why. What a lovely keepsake to cherish for years to come!
For serious, I just about DIED when I saw this tickle-me-pink treat this morning! Sent to me from Ms. T (wad up, Lauren!), via mywedding.com, this one of a kind wedding day detail is just about as unique as they come. Why? One may ask. Well, to put it frankly, it’s because it’s about the groom!
All too often when it comes to wedding planning, grooms are rarely (if ever!) mentioned. Falling to the wayside after the proposal, soon-to-be-hubbies almost always become props in their bride’s wedding day plans. But the most amazeballs part is how gladly said grooms assume their role in the way, WAY back just to please their queens. (Sigh) Whether they don’t really care about the details or they simply care about her too much, I always seem to warm from the inside out at the thought of the notion :)
With that said, however, I also absolutely la-Louvre when a groom takes matters into his own hands (without roughing the bridal waters) and provides his lady with a special surprise, unique to his personality, as well as their love.
Set up as anniversary present for his wife, Denne, Dan made a “slammin” rap mix for their one year celebration. With the help of GiftRapped.com, Dan was able to put his lyrics to music and accompany it with photos from their wedding day. Haha! Too and much. Check out below and see what I mean.
My only concern now is… who am I gonna make one of these treats for?? It’s not like you have to have a good voice to rap; you just have to have a voice! Therefore, it’s something open for all!
Forget the diamonds and pearls. You can keep your tulle and lace… because brides everywhere are flocking to flowers when it comes to finishing their looks, and the result is nothing short of stunning.
Breathtaking baby’s breath. Powerful peonies. Radiant roses. Delicate daisies. Lovely lilies and greens of grandeur all come together in one of this spring’s hottest trends: Flower Crowns!
Their popularity can really only be defined by their versatility. Sure, it’s easy to picture your happily clad, hippie friend or a Boho-chic beauty when you think of these blossoming toppers, but just below the surface of the obvious, there’s a whole new audience delightfully delving into this Mother Nature inspired trend.
Because the crowns can be anything from avant garde and over-the-top to softly serene and ethereal, they really are something every bride can adjust to her particular taste. Not to mention, they can make for an incredibly easy and fun DIY wedding project! Check out below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from left to right, top to bottom) lexiebeauty.blogspot.com, myfavouritecolourisshiny.wordpress.com, peoniesandpearls.co.uk, allyritchie.com, onewed.com, bridalmusings.com, lovelybride.com, engagedandinspired.com, portender.com, c-h-c-h-e-r-r-y-b-o-m-b.tumblr.com, engagedandinspired.com, etsy.com, wolfeyebrows.wordpress.com and chicvintagebrides.com
