I have a confession, ladies and gents. That’s right. Here amongst friends, I need to admit something I’m not 100% proud of, and because everyone knows a public blog forum is the most discreet place to make an admission, I’m sure that’s where this will remain, right? Ooookkkkaaaay, here goes. I love peonies! Okay, well, that’s not the confession, but it’s important for establishing the premise of what will be noted as such :) But see, so pretty…
courtesy of Next Exit Photography
Alas, I digress. It was in my youth that my original obsession with the peony started. As I would ride my bike around the neighborhood, I was always drawn to the overgrown, bushy plant that began to bloom every spring in Mrs. Brown’s front yard. Because of the size of the plant, it would often grow outward and onto the sidewalk. It was in the moments of early summer, that my confession comes into play.
The plant – as you may have well guessed – was that of the beautiful blooming peony. Now, because the plant would sometimes end up a little on the sidewalk, I couldn’t help but run into it every now and again. So, if my bike “accidentally” (on purpose) veered toward the bush and knocked off a peony head or two, it would’ve been wrong of me NOT to take them home and enjoy them the way pretty flowers like the peony deserve to enjoyed, right? Yes? No? Maybe? Is this thing on?
*Hangs head in shame* I knew it! To you all, and most especially to you, Mrs. Brown, I am eternally sorry for my youthful thievery, but please know it was done out of love and they were appreciated to the fullest extent! <insert giant, sweet smile>
And now that I have that off my chest and more than likely worried some of you reading this – especially if Mrs. Brown ever comes across this blog, haha! – I’d like to move onto the real meat ‘n’ potatoes of the post, which is – of course! – the peony itself!
courtesy of weddingchicks.com
According to the Bridal Guide and brides the world over, the peony is the go-to flower for bouquets looking to create the most gusto! And it’s no wonder why! Comprised with deeply lobed leaves with large, bulbous and often fragrant flower blooms, the peony is available in just about every color under the sun! It’s petals – decorated in everything from reds and yellows to shades of whites and pinks – this beautimous blossom can be incorporated into every wedding color and theme there is :)
Great as a stand alone flower, paired in a bouquet of nothing but its own blooms OR accompanied by others equally as exquisite, the pretty peony is surely one standout flower that will have heads turning and breaths catching. Check out below and see what I mean for yourself :)
courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetweddingflower.com, visionsweddingboutique.com, bellethemagazine.com, etsy.com, exploredreamdiscoverblog.com (insert), countrybouquetsfloral.com, kissthegroom.com, bellethemagazine.com, bellethemagazine.com and elizabethannedesigns.com
Last summer when Matthew McConaughey tied the knot with long time girlfriend, Camila Alves, in front of 100 of their closest family and friends, a new trend was born! According to US Magazine, McConaughey and Alves took their guests, which included famed Woody Harrelson and filmmaker Richard Linklater on a “high end” camping themed wedding adventure at their home in Austin, Texas.
But this was not just your average, childhood, sleep-away camp escapade. Sure, the couple reconstructed their property into a campsite, but that doesn’t mean guests were roughing it by any sense of the phrase! McConaughey and Alves not only offered the option of “celebrating all night long, camping out in state-of-the-art tents set up on [the couple's] property,” but they also offered showers, restrooms AND air-conditioning! (Maybe the good ‘ole Kidwell family should’ve taken lessons from this duo before taking us on one of their camping “extravaganzas.” Ppppfffttt.
courtesy of dreamlovephotography.com
In regards to this kind of star-studded nuptial digs, however? Um, yes please! And I’m not the only one! Because celebrities tend to celebrate our biggest fashion and social trends, it’s no wonder that this idea took flight for brides and grooms planning their 2013 nuptials!
Coined “glamping,” grown up or glamorous camping has become all the rage with today’s modern brides and grooms looking to have a little fun! According to Bridal Guide, couples are finding the idea of an adult version of summer camp super fun and a way to keep the celebration going. Thus, paying proper homage to their ceremonial “I do’s.”
Not only that, but just like Matthew and Camila, they’re also doing it in style! These wedding themed campgrounds aren’t filled with leaky, over heated, days of Yore tents covered melted ‘mallows. Oh no. Brides and grooms taking on grownup camping are all about serving up guests with oversized, ultra luxe tents, complete with electricity and fresh linens! Talk about a new take on an old tradition!
Absolutely love love love this? But how about you? Would any of you turn your ceremony into a s’more-filled celebration?
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
The day of my wedding, I was eerily calm. I suppose the wedding coordinator at the church was more accustomed to bridal flip outs and freak outs, however, because she just kept repeating very calming mantras over and over again as we all waited to walk down the aisle.
Not one to rain on anyone’s parade, I just let her do her thing, and was incredibly grateful I did. When it was just my dad and I and her left behind the double doors she uttered the following words, which left me forever grateful I never shushed or shut her out:
“Bottom line, there’s a lot that could go wrong today, but no matter what those things are, no matter how big they seem, just remember – at the end of the day – you’ll still be married and get to spend the rest of your days being a wife to a husband who’s so happy you said yes… that’s what the day is all about anyway.”
While I wasn’t stressed in the very least, I could totally understand how this could calm down even the most nervous of brides. Seems silly to be stressing over the details when the main event will still be yours to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, etc. for as long as you both shall live. And knowing this will happen regardless if the napkins are folded at 90 degree angles and / or the flower girl makes it down the aisle without a meltdown should be enough, right?
Welllllll, I’ve been involved in enough weddings to know that this is not always the case. Sometimes all the calming words in the world won’t bring a bride down from her inevitable meltdown. So, what’s one to do in preventing this? Well, my pretty ladies in waiting, the answer is simple: plan, Plan and PLAN.
Just like in sports where practice makes perfect, when it comes to wedding day bliss… planning will always be the most important ingredient. The more you plan, the better your chances of having everything go smoothly will be. Therefore, don’t leave everything to chance and last minute scramble. Start early. Finish earlier and breath easy. One of the best guidelines – I use the term “guideline” here because that’s precisely what they are… a guide, a jumping off point, if you will, to set you on your way… was created by wedding planner Dewey Beene along with Dolly Lewis.
Check out below and let the wedding planning begin!
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
I’m a huge fan of color. Like HUGE. In fact, I expressed this la-Louvre in a previous post, Stand Out in Style: 10 Unique Wedding Color Combos, where I showcased some of the most over-the-top-amazing palette pleasers I could think of. Over the course of the years, I’ve even had several photographer friends agree that bright, bold colors make for incredible wedding photos.
With all that said, however… and this is a big HOWEVER… After coming across this trend for weddings dressed to the nines in nothing but neutral over and over again, I have no choice but to say: IT’S LOAF! Seriously, talk about keeping it classy, while remaining colorless. The look – seen everywhere from Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot to Brides and InStyle Weddings magazines – definitely has the “it” factor. I mean, check out these neutral beauties:
photo courtesy of ohwhatlove.com
I guess I was always of the notion that neutral meant colorless, and colorless meant boring… But I could NOT have been more wrong! Incorporating neutral, earthy tones on your big day celebrations means that everything from the setting to you will stand out all the more!
Better Homes & Gardens described it best with the following:
Decorating with neutral colors offers a multitude of ways to add personality to your rooms, proving that neutral decor is anything but dull. Soft hues, such as beige, khaki, and rain-cloud gray, create a calming atmosphere, while the contrast of a black-and-white color scheme introduces drama and flair. Go bold with splashes of rich neutrals, such as chocolate brown or slate gray, or go sleek and subtle with tone-on-tone white. (bhg.com)
Taking this into consideration, it almost seems like nothing would make more sense for a wedding day than a neutral color palette. After all, it provides a beautiful backdrop, in order for you to be the only star of the show… and what bride wouldn’t love that? Check out some ideas below :)
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) greylikesweddings.com, emmalinebride.com, brookealiceonblog.com, fabyouliss.com, zazzle.com (insert), truephotography.com, weddingbee.com, onetowed.com, brookealiceonblog.com, wonderfuldayweddingsmn.blogspot.com and loveandlavender.com
Nowadays, it seems as though weddings are becoming less and less about tradition and more and more about trends. Be it trends of the times, trends of the industry, or my personal favorite, trends of the bride and grooms themselves, today’s weddings are all about individualized style and customizable flare.
And why shouldn’t they be?
America is known as the melting pot of the world. With all the different races, religions, cultures and ethnicity, we – as a country – already have the ingredients for a pretty ahhh(to the)mazing, custom-made meal. AND when you pile on top of that all the different family makeups and breakdowns; we’re left with one of the most eclectic family extensions known to man… EXCITING, isn’t it!!??
***If you’re still sitting in the middle of your seat and have yet to be scooted to its edge in anticipation, then consider what this kind of cultural shock means for everyone’s wedding day celebrations… Oh yeah! Now, you’re with me!***
It’s true. One needn’t look any further than a newlywed’s nuptials to recognize just how exciting our assorted arrangement is.
Because, while the meat and potatoes of wedding days may all be the same: boy meets girl, girl greets boy, boy and girl fall in love, boy asks, girl answers, marriage follows, etc…. the side dishes for the “I do’s” couldn’t be more different!
In fact, it never ceases to amaze me that no matter how many weddings I go to – and Trust(AND)Believe, I go to A LOT – there’s always something unique and different involved with each and every single one of them.
I think that’s why I love going to them so much :) And when it came to the tailored portion of the below bride’s big day, she did a little something I like to refer to as Nailing It :)
Because while I find it heartbreaking and downright criminal for any bride to ever find herself absent a father for the father / daughter dance, this particular bride had to deal with just that. <insert heartbreak here>
And even though her papa had passed away just a few months prior, the beautiful bride (along with her brother) still came up with one heck of a tribute — for reals, it’s nothing short of spectacular.
So, grab some Kleenexes (trust me on this one) and check out below to see what I mean:
Originally posted by their photographer, Michael LaFrance, who wrote:
Andrea had a very special dance with some very close family and friends at her wedding. Her father passed away so her brother [recorded] “butterfly kisses” and she danced with with all of them during her Father and Daughter dance. it was a truly touching moment not a dry eye in the house. Her dad, Mark, died earlier in the year from pancreatic cancer. Andrea’s first dance is with Mark’s father, followed by her brother Luke, then brother Nick and finally her new father-in-law Scott.
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
For the past few years, jewel toned weddings have been on the rise, and after having a front row seat for their unstoppable surge to the top, I’ll be the first to admit… it’s no wonder why :)
2011 introduced us to the popularity of sapphire blue, and we watched as brides and grooms the world over brought down the house with this variously shaded standout and all its regal splendor. In 2012, we sat in awe as the vibrantly hued blue was overtaken by the ostentatious amethyst and reveled in the progressive shades of purple and the royal authority it brought along with it. And this year? Well, 2013 is proving once again that “I do’s” will continue to make jaws drop for jewel… and maybe even a little green with envy.
How? Well, by incorporating Pantone’s Color of the Year: Emerald into the big day celebration. Quoted as “Lively. Radiant. Lush… Emerald is the color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.” And who wouldn’t want all of that to be a part of their big day??
One of the biggest reasons behind all the bejeweled brilliance of wedding day glory is the mulch-faceted nature of the gems themselves. Because jewel tones are modeled around the gems they represent, they take on all kinds of sparkling, shimmering shades, making them easy to mimic and individualize for every bridal debut.
And as far as emerald is concerned… no jewel tone can do it better. That’s right, ladies and gents, emerald may be considered cool as far as hues are concerned, but it is FIRE HOT when it comes to presentation. It provides you with have a wide range of hues to choose, in order to create your ideal, wedding day palette. From rich teal and deep hunter to dazzling jade and stunning shamrock greens, all the facets of emerald add up to a whole lot of ahhhmazing! Check out below and see what all the fuss is all about:
photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) onestopwedding.info, pinterest.com, melissa-munding.com, beautifulblooms.com, jetfeteblog.com, weddingomania.com, arabiaweddings.com, bravobride.com and tumblr.com
So, after a slight hiatus (so sorry to have been gone so long, loves!!), I’m super PUMPED to announce Marilyn’s Keepsakes is back to blogging and embracing all kinds of business boosting changes!!
That’s right, my fellow blog-a-teers and bride-to-be’ers, MK is gearing up for the New Year in a completely New Way!!!!! And if the ultra ecstatic wording and excess use of exclamation points haven’t set your SQUEEE levels to the appropriate setting, please take into consideration the dancing doll-baby below!!!!! Haha!
^^Yep. That pretty much sums up my excitement level right now!^^
Firstly, the Blog is Back!! And will return to its former glory with dual weekly postings every Tuesday and Thursdays! So, mark your calenders, pretty ladies, and start your eCommerce loving engines.. because our journey back to awesome starts today!
“Why the sudden return to the bi-weekly awesomeness known as MK’s blog?” one might ask.
Well, that’s do entirely to the even bigger awesomeness that we are now under new management, ownership and overall ahhh(to the)mazing direction… <enter stage right> Amy Furrow!!
No stranger to shooting for the stars and making big things happen, Ms. Furrow – our fearless leader and your new favorite retailer specialist! – has now set her sights on her growing passion for growing business… and the best part? It’s all for you!
So, keep your eyes peeled, ears open and excitement levels engaged for all that’s in store! And in the mean time, feel free to take a gander at our new digs, ya dig?
