Filed under: The Inside Track
Just a warning…be prepared to get lightheaded after this one. It’s gonna take a lot of breath for all of the “awww’s” about to leave your mouth! :D
The poet Robert Louis Stevenson probably said it best about a peaceful forest when he wrote, “It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.” Well, a farmer from the UK became a living example of those words nearly 17 years ago and created one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever seen. Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
Winston Howes, now 70, married the love of his life, Janet, back in 1962. For 33 years they lived happily on a 112-acre farm in the English countryside. Tragically though, in 1995, Janet unexpectedly passed away at age 50 from sudden heart failure. Devastated by his loss, by being cut away from his only love, Winston set out to create a lasting memorial to Janet, a peaceful place where he could go to be with her. That place remained a secret known only to Winston and his family until just last week.
A hot air balloonist by the name of Andy Collett was flying over the countryside near Howes’ farm when he made this enchanting discovery.
A perfect heart-shaped meadow with a singular path leading into and out of its center. How beautiful! Collett was stunned, “I have my own balloon and am quite a regular flyer – but this was the most amazing sight I have ever seen from the sky. It was a perfect heart hidden away from view – you would not know it was there. You can just imagine the love story,” and what a love story it is!
After the heart wrenching loss of his beloved wife, Winston, with the help of his son, planted 6,000 oak trees on his land, the heart perfectly cut out by a hedge he planted first.
“I came up with the idea of creating a heart in the clearing of the field after Janet died,” Howes says,” I thought it was a great idea – it was a flash of inspiration – and I planted several thousand oak trees. Once it was completed we put a seat in the field, overlooking the hill near where she used to live. I sometimes go down there, just to sit and think about things. It is a lovely and lasting tribute to her which will be here for years.”
He goes on to explain how he has planted daffodils in the middle of the clearing, and how each year in the spring, they bloom big and beautiful. What an absolutely unbelievable love story, a true modern romantic!! I must say my heart melted a little bit when I heard this story the first time. It’s an affirmation of true love, a genuine reminder of the power of affection! I know, I’m starting to ramble a bit. I just can’t get over how awesome this is!!!! Anyways, I hope this brightened your day like it did mine!
The End. :)
July 17, 2012
courtesy of netsolhost.com
Like everything else in today’s modern weddings, the shoe selection has also taken on a less traditional approach. No longer are the days of white and ivory pumps and black tuxedo shoes – oh no, my friends!
Today’s modern brides and grooms are opting on the side of trendy and leaning towards shoes that showcase their personalities. Sure, sure, everyone knows that wedding shoes with color have been around for a minute, but I’m not just talking about color. I’m talking about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g from color and comfort to crazy and charismatic.
Chuck Taylors are now the new fashion forward flats. Cowboy boots are the edgier Manolo Blahniks, and trojan sandles are the cutting edge of slip-on’s.
I’m telling you what, there just doesn’t seem to be a limit to what brides and grooms will wear… and I la-LOUVRE it!! While I was all over the idea of colored shoes years ago, I can’t help but smile when I see this trend put into action. Don’t believe me?? Just check below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) magnetstreet.com, weddingsandeventsbymuse.com, onewed.com, stephen.lovelifeimages.com, weddingallabout.com, topthiswedding.blogspot.com, hionfashion.blogspot.com, greenweddingshoes.com, bridalbuds.com (insert) and joshuagenephotography.com
April 12, 2012
courtesy of threenailsphotography.com via greenweddingshoes.com
Many years ago, a small-framed girl with a booming voice stepped out in pigtails and curls and belted out:
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. And dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
And if dreams that you dared to dream really do come true somewhere over the rainbow, what better place to test that theory than on your wedding day??
That’s right, my little chick-a-dees, bold brides everywhere are choosing color, color and more color to accompany their wedding day themes, and I must say – after further inspection – I can really see why.
In all fairness, I was originally turned off by this all inclusive idea. Being a fan of the less is more approach, I have a tendency to not always see “more as better,” but simply “more.” However, after conducting my old standby investigative Google research, I’m happy to report I was pleasantly led into a world of “ooh la la.”
When you take the colorful theme and weave it into a DIY, nature-enfused, woods-inspired atmosphere, it radiates a feeling that is beyond reproach and incredibly hard to miss.
all photos courtesy of threenailsphotography.com via greenweddingshoes.com
But for the even bolder brides… you can take the rainbow theme to even more vibrant levels and leave no detail left in the dull and REALLY let color shine!
photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) bohocircus.typepad.com, raspberrytart.tumblr.com, brides.com, racksandmooby.blogspot.com, iftheringfits.blogspot.com, boards.weddingbee.com, bridalmusings.com, diazdays.blogspot.com and etsy.com
Either way, it really is an interesting concept, and one most definitely worthy of a share :) After all:
Someday I’ll wish upon a star, and wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops… that’s where you’ll find me :)
April 3, 2012
designed by Tony Fleecs, courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Zap! Boom! Whoosh! Bamf! POW!
That’s right. As geek chic becomes more and more popular, so do all the nerd-tastic trends it represents! And brides and grooms everywhere are learning just how fun incorporating these once less desired details into their big day can be!
As a lifetime-achieving, self-proclaimed nerdy bird, I’ve got to admit, I love this… especially when it comes to the comic book themed invitations. My brothers and I were raised on comic books and continue to little-kid-at-Christmas excited every time the latest Marvel or DC dream is released to the silver screen!
But I’m not naive enough to think that everyone will delight in this trend as much as me. In fact, I’m sure the more traditional and classic-minded folks out there might even turn up their noses to it… but even the most cynical comic book critics have to admit… they are one of a kind at the very least! And when done appropriately, turn out pretty amaZING!
Check out below and see what I mean…
Designed by Tony Fleecs for Heidi Atocicco and Chris Ryder’s wedding, this 5 page invitation was nothing short of a page turner :)
courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Hello Kitty meets Archie Comics for this couple’s ‘happily ever after’ invite :)
courtesy of canvasandcanopy.com
Get super literal with a comic book cover invite, captioned with all the big day details and custom illustrated just for you :)
courtesy of emmalinebride.com (left) and stormwolfstudios.com
Take it even a step further by filling your invitation with graphically inspired inserts and super fun details :)
courtesy of nandlnotes.com
Or simply pop in thought bubbles with your favorite photo and BAMF! you’ll have a one of a kind invite like Jay and Anna :)
courtesy of minted.com
No matter how they do it or choose to showcase it, there’s no denying these original invites stand out and leave audiences (err, guests) hoping for the *To Be Continued…
February 21, 2012
courtesy of thesweetestoccasion.com
While we’ve discussed how you can create a custom look on your wedding day with the article DIY Divine: 5 Ways to Personalized Your Wedding Dress, we haven’t talked about the importance of your dress’ sentimentality!
I mean, helloooo?!!? It’s a wedding, people! It’s all about sentiment!
Which, as sad as I am to use this reference, I was reminded of by Kim Kardashian (dun dun dun) on her 2 day / 4 hour E! wedding special. On the days leading up to her wedding, Kim was shown rummaging through her late father Robert Kardashian’s old button down shirts. She wanted to find one that she remembered, in order to incorporate it into both her wedding gowns.
Once the shirt was chosen, she had two heart-shaped panels cut out of and sewn onto the left sides of both of her custom made Vera Wang dresses. Because her dad couldn’t be there physically, this was her way to keep his presence and memory alive during the celebration… and while the marriage may have died 72 days later, the idea of sewing sentiment into your wedding dress has lived on!
Thanks to Pinterest, my beautiful co-worker, Jessi and a Google Image search, I was able to gather some pictures of how real life brides are taking on this filled with feelings challenge and including it on their big day through…
Custom Labels. Whether you choose to use your name, monogram or simply represent the date, custom labels and patches can be created and sewn under the bodice on the inside of the dress for an extra special touch of love.
photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) etsy.com, vivestyle.ca, itsabrideslife.com and bridalwave.tv
Custom Patches. For the riskier bride hoping to make a statement and /or really capture a memory, you may try sewing on a meaningful patch of fabric or a symbolic panel or shape directly onto the dress itself.
photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) beautyfashiontrends.com, weddingbee.com, sequinsandcandy.com and purlbee.com
Custom Hangers. If the thought of sewing something permanent into your dress gives you the bridal gasps… might I suggest doing a fun personalized hanger? Not only do they look great and make for amazing photography shots, but they are also non-damaging to your dress! Boo and Yeah!
all photos found on pinterest.com via (from top to bottom, left to right) Stephanie Holland, Jessi, Victoria, Chloé Plénet and Jessica Elizabeth
January 19, 2012
People always ask us… what are your best sellers?? Whether they’re concerned for trend purposes or overall styling, our Top Sellers can fluctuate throughout the year.
But as it stands today, the numbers are in! Here are our top selling porducts for 2011! Feel free to check them out, send them on to a friend or purchase one for yourself :)
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
December 20, 2011
courtesy of coutureclosetboutique.com
These days, a wedding isn’t just a brief moment in time… it’s a monumental event for the ages! In fact, I’m often reminded of a quote from Wedding Date - the 2005 film starring Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney (dream!) - when I think of just how epic some weddings have become. Shortly after Kat Ellis (Messing) arrives in London for her sister’s wedding, her mom (played by Holland Taylor) informs Kat that:
“This is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve got welcome cocktails today. Then, tomorrow’s Young People in the Park and Stags and Hens. Friday’s the picnic, then the rehearsal dinner, and since you left you no margin for jet lag, I need you to hydrate.”
Of course not everyone goes that over the top when planning their big day, but that doesn’t mean their day feels anything less than a marathon. From sun up to sun down, a bride, her groom and everyone else in between have a lot of ground to cover… and while some might say the key to duration is hydration… others are more lenient towards sustenance of the chewable variety.
And in big cities like New York, Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, grub is precisely what they get! These big time metro poles are famous for their food truck industries, which they are becoming all the rage in wedding day agendas! In LA, for instance, mobile grub doesn’t get much bigger than In-N-Out Burger, which has been providing years worth of service to brides and grooms looking to keep their guests full and focused well into the night.
It’s also a great way to talk to guests you may have missed! One bride (pictured below) used In-N-Out Burger at her reception and said, “We didn’t do a receiving line at the reception, but while everyone was lined up to order their food my husband and I went down the line and greeted everyone while they waited. It worked out really well and helped fill the time that people were just standing around.”
courtesy of weddingbee.com
Love love love. Of course, there are so many other ways to keep on truckin’ even if there are no trucks.
At my sister and brother-in-law’s wedding a couple years ago, there was a break between the ceremony and reception for the bridal party to get pictures; so, while everyone else was enjoying a wide assortment of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, the bridal party was schlepping through a park trying to capture the perfect shot. Matt and Jess (the SIL and BIL) didn’t want their favorite people to suffer however and provided all of us with White Castle burgers and fries to go, as a tied-me-over ’til dinner.
You might also consider:
- Food Carts
- Hot Dog Stands
- Popcorn Machines
- Goody Bags
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Late Night Pizza Delivery
- Midnight Snacks
- Homemade Treats
December 6, 2011
Haven’t you heard about the bird? I said a bird, Bird, BIRD! BIRD is the word!
It’s that time of year again… to give thanks for all we appreciate! And here, at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, there’s nothing we appreciate more than you — our fabulous fans and loyal customers!
So, in order to say thanks properly, we’d like to send the savings on to you with an exclusive $25 coupon! Whoop, whoop!
Thanks for all your support and have a blessed and WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2011
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Maybe it’s the brilliant designs or the standout color blocking… perhaps it’s the fun, graphic schemes or simply the epically b.e.a.uuuuutiful photography (whaddya say, Lindsey K!)… either way, there is no if’s, and’s or but’s about it… I love love love our new table runner designs!!
Available in a variety of colors and designs to match any taste, each runner can be personalized at absolutely no cost to you! Simply choose from one of our hot color options, fill in the overhang with your names, monogram or initials and see how many ‘ooh’s and aww’s’ will be gasping the day you say ‘I do.’ Don’t believe me? Well the proof is in the pudding, my friends; so, grab a spoon and enjoy these tasty creations!
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Personalized Table Runners cover a lot of ground and create a lot of drama, and they are extremely simple and easy to use! Printed on durable 100% cotton, our fabric table runners feature a polymer coating for a soft, canvas like texture to produce superior draping.
Because bold colors and schematic patterns cut down the need for decorations, you’ll be able to save on extra costs by simply adding your place settings and centerpieces to the already well fashioned tables.
November 17, 2011
I love fresh flowers. I know with their “here today, gone tomorrow” persona, it’s easy for some women to pretend poo poo them because of the expense. But I just can’t help myself! Even if their dead the next day, they are still a little slice of heaven while they last… no matter how short that while may be :)
And one of the hottest flowers to step out on the bridal market this fall are the colorfully cute, large blooming Dahlias. With their wide assortment of color schemes and statement-worthy blossoms, it’s no secret why these chic-topped stems are all the rage these days.
But if you still need convincing, check out the color arrangements below and see what I mean :)
White Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) marryyoume.com, unitedwithlove.com, jessicalynn402.blogspot.com (inset), bouquet-bouquet.com and diycoordinator.wordpress.com
Pink Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetbridal.blogspot.com, stjudescreations.blogspot.com, stjudescreations.blogspot.com (inset), floretcadet.com and sprout-flowers.com
Purple Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) stjudescreations.blogspot.com, birchblooms.blogspot.com, karmanlee.com (inset), stjudescreations.blogspot.com and boards.weddingbee.com
Yellow Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetweddingflower.com, exquisiteblooms.blogspot.com, exquisiteblooms.blogspot.com (inset), fleurchicago.com and bouquetweddingflower.com
Orange Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) google.com, thefullbouquetblog.com, theknot.com (inset), sprout-flowers.com and afloral.com
Red Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) boards.weddingbee.com, bouquetweddingflower.com, weddingbee.com, savemoneyonawedding.com and weddingbee.com
October 18, 2011
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