Tag: wedding advice
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 lifeworkmediablog.wordpress.com
Drape them on your chairs. Tie them up in trees. Dangle them from ceilings. Cinch them in bouquets or simply let them fly free… but no matter what, be sure your big day celebration gets some serious use out of do-it-yourself ribbons!
According to the founder of Style Me Pretty, Abby Larson, “Ribbon details are huge right now.” She says, “Draped off the back of Chiavari chairs or hanging in a colorful line from a dessert table, ribbon is a cheap and gorgeous way to add that pop of color.” (glo.msn.com) And we couldn’t agree more!
With their cheap cost and whimsical appeal, brides and grooms everywhere are learning just how beautiful ribbon decorating can be! And because they come with such a punch of DIY status, you’ll really have fun seeing what kind of decor you can come up with next :)
It can be as monumental as canopying the entire ceiling of your reception hall with their silky goodness or as simple as creating small ribbon wands for guests to wave… truly the choice is up to you. See some inspiration below:
photos courtesy of (from left to right, top to bottom) amysallthingswedding.com, decorationideas.wordpress.com, amysallthingswedding.com, intimateweddings.com, mydreamweddingceremony.com, mydreamweddingceremony.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, emmalinebride.com, filledwithheart.wordpress.com, theknot.com (insert), prettypetals.typepad.com and wtfimalmostthirty.blogspot.com
April 5, 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
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
With fairytale classics being remade into blockbuster gold like Mirror, Mirror and Snow White & the Huntsman, it’s no wonder why enchanted wedding decor is at an all time high for brides. Both artsy and fanciful, woodsy inspired details just seem to capture the kind of ambiance brides want for their ourtdoor, forest or barnyard weddings.
And one area I’m truly pleased to see reflecting such a whimsical look is none other than the bridal bouquet. Ethereal in inspiration and decadent in design, these one of a kind bouquets create just the right amount of “once upon a time” magic that will easily have couples living “happily ever after.” (Yeah, I totally went there.)
Start the pallet with large blooms, such as cabbage roses, robust ranunculus, heart stopping peonies or diva-esque dahlias. Then, mix in wildflowers or other natural, earthly, nonfloral elements to your already blossoming bouquet. Finish it off with a dash of sparkle or touch of flowing feathers and see how fantasy can turn into real life enchantment.
But don’t take my word for it. Simply check out below and be amazed for yourselves :)
photos courtesy of (tope to bottom, left to right) thefrenchbouquettulsa.com, marthastewartweddings.com, floweropera.wordpress.com, acephotographs.com (inset), marthastewartweddings.com, greenweddingshoes.com, greenweddingshoes.com, ruffledblog.com, kristynhogan.com, floweropera.wordpress.com, Google Images and ashleysbrideguide.com
March 27, 2012
Due to the runaway success of our previously launched Personalized Aisle Runners, we’ve received some seriously high demands to create even more personalized fabulousness for your wedding day celebrations. Well, ask and you shall receive, my dear brides-to-be; because here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we like nothing more than to please…
… And yes, I totally just made that amazeballs rhyme up. All I need now is two turn tables and a microphone :) But until then, I’m SUPER PUMPED to introduce to you our 4 NEW! Personalized Aisle Runners! Still available to be accented in one of today’s hottest wedding colors and still personalized at absolutely no extra cost to you… I give you, your proper runway…
Classic Monogram Aisle Runner
Classy Aisle Runner
Our New Monogram Aisle Runner
Modern Love Aisle Runner
March 22, 2012
courtesy of weddingwindow.com
Huffington Post’s Kara Reinhardt reported 7 tips on how brides can budget on their wedding gown shopping, and they were soooo good I knew I had to share! She makes her money as editor of Cheapism.com; so, you can imagine, she’s quite the expert :)
Check out below and see how some brides choose to save and still stay sassy on their wedding day:
1. Consider a bridesmaid dress in white. A sales consultant at a salon may not volunteer this option, but many elegant designs come in an array of colors — including white or ivory. If you prefer a clean, simple silhouette to a full skirt and sequins, a bridesmaid dress could play a starring role for the cost of a supporting player.
I actually had a friend who did this – wad up, Leah! Not only did she looked absolutely b.e.a.uuuutiful on her wedding day, but she OBVS saved moolah on the gown; therefore broadening up her budget on other areas!
courtesy of Leah Matis
2. Plan a less formal event. If you imagine yourself at the altar in a cathedral-length veil, skip ahead to the next tip. But couples open to an outdoor wedding or any other casual setting can save a lot on attire. A lightweight dress for a beach ceremony is likely to cost far less than yards of embellished silk satin.
3. Seek out sample sales. Bridal salons offer big discounts a couple of times a year to clear out sample dresses, selling them as is. You may cringe if you’ve seen scenes of brides-to-be lunging at piles of marked-down gowns. But things may be more civilized at a local salon — some even take appointments during these sales. Ask about upcoming events and sign up for email lists.
4. Don’t overlook department stores. Off-the-rack retailers such as J. Crew and Ann Taylor have become go-to sources for brides on a budget, offering attractive styles and prices. But department stores have also embraced the bridal business. Cheapism found that Nordstrom is one of the best places to buy a cheap wedding dress. You can order online or make an appointment with a wedding stylist at select locations. Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor also feature “wedding shops” on their websites. The dresses don’t take months to come in and can be returned.
5. Don’t assume mass-market means cheap. While these retailers set prices as low as a few hundred dollars, sticker shock is still possible. Most styles by BHLDN — the Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie wedding brand — carry four-figure price tags, and the most expensive is $6,000. Bebe is introducing a bridal collection expected to start near $1,000. Many salons carry lines that start well below that level.
6. Give secondhand sources a chance. You may balk at consignment shops and classified websites, despite the alluring prospect of a designer gown at a discount price. But sites such as Recycled Bride and Encore Bridal often feature new and sample dresses as well. New dresses don’t necessarily carry the bad karma of a called-off engagement, either. One bride is selling a $1,430 Mikaella for $600 on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com because she switched to an outdoor venue and a simpler dress. My own bargain was hiding in the basement of a bridal consignment shop and could be ordered in my size. The experience came complete with a pedestal in front of a mirror, an attentive sales consultant, and a tearful sister-in-law exclaiming, “This is just like ‘Say Yes to the Dress’!”
7. Choose a color other than white. At New York’s bridal fashion week this fall, none other than wedding dress doyenne Vera Wang showed not one white or ivory gown. Many of her designs were black (can you believe it?), but even blush could help you sidestep the markup on anything labeled bridal. White isn’t always the easiest color to wear, and a different shade might better complement your skin tone. If you’re the type of woman who likes to turn heads, refraining from white is a surefire way to make a statement with your wedding gown.
(Kara Reinhardt, huffingtonpost.com)
March 13, 2012
So, here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we always like to brainstorm new product ideas… no idea is too big, too small, too ugly or otherwise. Thus, why brainstorming is fabulous… even the ugliest idea in the ‘storm can turn into a beautiful rainbow after all is said and done! (And yeah, I totally just took it to that cheese level. Boom.)
At our most recent brainstorm sesh, one of the girls (holllerrrr, Tonya!) brought an idea to the table that I absolutely loved: Pure Rhinestone Wedding Garters! One, because I love sparkle. Two, because there’s no better day to sparkle than your wedding day, and three, because it’s a Zsa Zsa twist on an age old tradition!
But I wanna know what you all think. Do you like the idea of a garter that dazzles?!?! Obvs, it would have to be done right, fastened with an enclosure that wouldn’t pinch and inset enough where the stones wouldn’t scrape, but pending those two factors… would this be a look you’d love to sport on your wedding day??
courtesty of Amy Ressa via pinterest.com
March 8, 2012
courtesy of weddingringpillows.org
I love kids for a number of reasons.
- They’re fearless. They haven’t lived long enough to know true heartbreak or ache, making them far braver than any adult counterpart.
- (An extension of one) They love recklessly and unconditionally. They’re pure spirits, yet untainted by the worries and stress most people know all too well.
- They’re hilarious. Dead sere, no one makes me laugh like my 3 year old nephew and 2 year old niece. In a word, they’re riotous.
- But most importantly, they’re honest. While they learn the difference between what is right and wrong, they still have the innate ability to give responses that both refresh and revive the soul.
And when you combine points 3 and 4, you generally have some severely comical moments. I recently received an email forward from my crazy Aunt Julie – holla AJ! – and I thought I would share it all with you. So, so funny!
1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and be sure to keep the chips and dip coming. – Alan, age 10
-No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with. – Mary, age 10
2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
-Twenty-three is the best age because you’re old and practically known the person FOREVER by then. – Camille, age 10
-Once I’m done with kindergarten, I’m gonna find me a wife. – Bert, age 6 (Who says only older men want to commit?)
-No age is good enough to get married. You gotta be a fool to get married. – Isaiah, age 6 (He must not know Bert.)
3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
-You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. – Derrick, age 8 (Brilliant!)
4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
-Both don’t want any more kids. — Lori, age 8
5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. – Olivia, age 8
-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. – Martin, age 10 (Seems logical enough – hehe)
6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
-When they’re rich. – Lucy, age 7 (Pam’s my favorite so far – haha!)
-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that. – Curt, age 7
-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do. – Howard, age 8 (And who said chivalry was dead? Look at Howie here… so incredibly noble!)
7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
-It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. – Anita, age 9 (bless you child )
8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN’T GET MARRIED?
-There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there? – Kelvin, age 8 (Sooo cute!)
But the best answer by FAR…
9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
-Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck. – Oscar, age 7 (Haha! Amazeballs!)
February 23, 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 fiftieswedding.com
Happy Valentine’s Day to all those who love! Whether you’re in it or out of it, love truly is all around us, and there’s no better day to exploit it (or try and avoid it, haha!) than February 14th!
Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the big V-day… even during my most single and sullen of days, I learned quickly to appreciate the holiday as one to simply celebrate love… in all its forms! The love I have for that someone special. The love I have for family. The love I have for friends. Etc. Heck, if nothing else, it’s a day to simply celebrate the fact that mailboxes are a little more full with pink and red cards and stomachs with pink and red cupcakes. Yum-may.
And with all the pink and red being displayed – from store front to home front - I couldn’t help but think about two-toned weddings and just how b.e.a.uuuutiful they can be — and in today’s Cupid themed case, just how b.e.a.uuuuutiful Pink + Red can be! Be sure to not only check out the images below, but also take some time to spread the love to someone today! After all, it is in giving that we receive :)
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) lovefromtheoven.com, halterneckwedding.onsugar.com, jessicalewisphoto.com, blog.celeb16.com, colorsareblushandbashful.blogspot.com, thestylishbloom.com, blog.paper-source.com, etsy.com, sophistimom.com and flickr.com
February 14, 2012
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