Between the rustic and refurbished to the formal and fabulous, reception chandeliers, lanterns and the like were enough to make my head spin! For serious! When you consider the range light ceiling accessories have, it’s almost impossible NOT to be in awe! Well-lit, hanging fixtures can be adorned with everything from flowers and bubbles to crystals and twinkles… making them agreeable to sleek and modern settings, as well as eccentric and outdoor scenes!
Not only that but it’s the fact that all these overhead fixtures will all provide lighting… and everyone – from photographers and reception hall coordinators to designers and professional planners – will all agree that LIGHTING is key when it comes to creating ambiance and setting / keeping a mood.
Sinead Kelly of Duluux Color wrote:
Lighting is such a subtle – yet vitally important – design tool. Good use of lighting will bring to life the most mundane design schemes. Put together with a great interior and you’ve got the perfect partnership. Picking a fantastic light fitting is just one element of the job. Where you place it, how it operates and the effect it has on its surrounding area is twice as important.
And I couldn’t agree more! Think about it… Consider two evenings. Both are EXACTLY the same. You’re enjoying a nice meal with a nice man in a nice restaurant, but one is by candlelight and the other is under the harsh florescence of flickering bulbs. One (the prior) has a warm, romantic connotation; while the other almost takes on a the beginnings of a horrow movie classic. Not(&)Good.
Hence why lighting is sooooo important for setting the scene on your big day, and when you’re setting it, consider some of these overhead exposures, shimmering chandeliers and lovely lanterns for creating (& captivating!) just the right one! Check out below and let the lighting inspiration begin:
courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) flickr.com, perfectweddingcollections.blogspot.com (inset), bellethemagazine.com, bridalguide.com, onewed.com, 1chandelierslighting.com, platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com, weddingomania.com, onewed.com, dawnephoto.com, stratfordevents.blogspot.com, artfire.com (inset), platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com, onewed.com, weddingelation.com and dawnephoto.com
The first time I ever saw custom lighting done was for my best friend, Bre’s fashion show at IU Bloomington. *Pause for a moment of fond recollection* Sigh, how I miss thee :)
Anyhoot, as it was for all design major students, Bre was responsible for creating a collection to present as a showcase for her final grade, and it was ahhhhmazing! The clothes killed it, but the set up was equally as INCREDS! Seeing “Bre” handwritten in what will surely become her famed signature in hot pink lighting? Fuhgetaboutit.
So, who knew after that day I would spend so many years never seeing it again? Until recently, that is. Nowadays, brides and grooms have started making a splash with custom lighting at their receptions! I mean, talk about a standout accessory! And even better? When using filters over lights, you get an extremely exciting look without taking a toll on your wedding day budget. Can you say, score? Big bang, little buck… it’s like the best of both wedding planning worlds :)
And don’t even get me started on the amount of possibilities that this bright lights, big city idea can create! Whether you choose to actually have lights made or simply use filters to create a personalized flare around the hall, I’m sure your guests will be nothing short of “ooh la la!” upon seeing it. Plus, the options are just as personal as the love the represent. Yet another win / win for the wedding world!
You can go big, bold and beautiful…
courtesy of keventlighting.com
Or small, sweet and sophisticated….
courtesy of stellardiscoveries.com
You could choose to feature something as long as your full names and wedding date…
courtesy of karma4me.com
Or maybe you want something a little shorter and more subtle? In that case, nothing works better than your just established marital monogram…
courtesy of thefrazzledbride.com
**Monograms are especially fun because you can really experiment with different fonts and varying sizes until you find the perfect fit :) Not to mention, monograms can make for interesting design, as well as a pop of personalized charm in your reception setting.
And speaking of interesting design, couples don’t just have to end their custom lighting kick with their names and dates. I’ve even seen where the newlyweds have also opted to light up the walls with all kinds of other faux fixtures. From chandeliers and damask patterns to florals and fabulously fallen leaves, custom lighting can really be exciting to experiment with.
courtesy of memorymakersdjs.com, bridalguide.com, hylite.com, karma4me.com and bridalguide.com
Really, you’re only limited by your imagination and local (or internet available) resources you can find. So, check in, check out and see just how amazing your names can look in lights :)
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.
Internet, today is a somber day. “Why?” you may be asking yourself. “Why so sad on this Thursday, you’re so close to the weekend?” I will tell you why…..SHARK WEEK IS ENDING, THAT’S WHY!! Sorry, I got a little emotional there….I love Shark Week. To celebrate the passing of another jaw-some Shark Week, I thought I would honor our toothy friends with some fun, unique, and inspired shark wedding decor! Check this stuff out!!
Some Fin-tastic Wedding Ideas! photos courtesy of Google Images
At the end of this blog post, see if you can guess just how many shark puns I came up with! Ok, lets dive in, shall we (that’s one, stay on your toes people)? Let’s talk food! Cupcakes are becoming a bigger and bigger splash on the wedding scene, because, lets face it, it’s way easier to hand someone a cupcake than to cut up 3 billion pieces of cake at your reception. I promise, these shark fin cupcakes are guaranteed to go over just swimmingly with your guests! I about went into a frenzy when I found out that you can eat the fin, depending on whether or not you’re a fondant lover that is. To me, the stuff tastes like what I think chum tastes like. Not a fan!! Regardless, they are the most dangerously amazing looking cupcakes I’ve seen in a while, and I love me some cupcakes! If you do decide to go with the cake though, totally catch yourself a couple of those non-threatening looking cake toppers. Tooooo coool!
The cufflinks….shut up. Coolest cufflinks going right now! That’s right grooms, every girl’s crazy ’bout a shark dressed man (good one right?!)!
On a serious(ly cool) note, the shark fin wedding favors (bottom right corner) are bars of soap made by LUSH, a nonprofit organization that makes handmade, organic cosmetics! The profits from the Shark Fin Soap actually goes to stop the shark fin trade that is responsible for killing a gross amount of sharks in our oceans, so support it up!!
Lastly (*sheds a single, silent tear*) my favorite things, something you can really…chomp into. The shark fin ice cubes!! What a perfect compliment to whatever cocktail your signature drink may be! Come on, who doesn’t want a “shark” swimming around in their drink?! I know I do! Right now! Too much yelling. Sorry. I feel those Shark Week withdraw fits coming on again. Until next time…da-dum……da-dum…..da-dum da-dum da-dum….
The answer is 11 by the way…..11 puns. Nailed it. :)
Sometimes it feels like the search for the “perfect” wedding favor is like finding The Holy Grail. You want something meaningful, says something about you, and most importantly, something that won’t end up in the trash! Well, through my quest to find just such a treasure, I stumbled upon this completely amazing gem!
The I Do Foundation is changing the game for the couple who wants to give back with their Big Day! Here’s the idea. You go to I Do Foundation’s website and sign up (duh). Then you take the money you had set aside for that koozie with your faces on it (not a dis! I’m a huge fan of the koozies!) and you place a donation to your chosen cause in the name of your guests. Afterwards, I Do Foundation prints up a card for you to place on the tables at the reception, letting your guests know that you have made a donation in their name (and that they will just need to drink their beer a little quicker for it to stay cold :D)! How Coool!!!
Sample Place Card. photo provided by idofoundation.org
Now, if you’re diggin’ the charity idea, but still want to get your guests a little something to take with them (KOOZIE!), then I Do gives you a few other options too! Through the website you can also set up your gift registry! This way, a percentage of every gift that your guests buy through the special set up site is donated to the organzation of your choice. Now don’t freak out, they are set up with some pretty amazing retailers; not the Quickie Mart down the street! Target, JC Penney, and Amazon just to name a couple!
I Do Foundation is a really incredible organization and if charity is something that is close to your heart you should highly consider them to help you share that dearly held value with your wedding guests. After all, you are receiving one of the greatest gifts of all. Why not SHARE THE LOVE!? :)
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
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
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.
Denise & Ryan, oh so in loaf! (courtesy of Denise Keown)
This past weekend, the Mister and I attended his step sister’s wedding in Indy. A beautiful black and white ceremony accented with richly red rose petals, the evening was filled with all the usual wedding charm. And while weddings have practically become a weekend standard for the Dietzes, it never ceases to amaze me how each one always brings in elements unique to the couple behind the celebration itself. Denise ( the hub’s step sister) and Ryan’s big day was no exception!
My absolute favorite part came after dinner when the DJ announced that everyone needed to return to their seats for at least the next two and half minutes… Two and a half minutes?? This immediately peaked my curiosity, as we all scurried back to our tables and anxiously awaited what would be revealed next.
Then, the deliberate emcee continued by saying that the bride and groom truly appreciated everyone for being there and wanted to make sure to remember each guest who was a part of their big day. He then explained that in order to do this, the bride and groom had decided to get a picture with each and every one of us!
So, while Aram Khachaturian’s The Sabre Dance (trust me, you know the tune) played over the stereo system, Denise and Ryan - followed super closely by their photographer - ran frantically from table to table posing with each group of people.
Some of the shots were funny. Some of them were serious. Some – especially by the tables who had obviously been previously forewarned – were well planned out, while others were thrown together haphazardly and hilariously… But no matter what the outcome of the actual shot was… all of them were definitely 100% authentic and 100% amazing.
And what a great way to make instant memories and set the tone for the rest evening!! Love love love it and can’t wait to see all the photos!
Congrats to Denise and Ryan and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
Because so many wedding trends tend to fashion around color, it’s no wonder that this colorful topic is among the hottest in industry news. Whether it is an unusual color combination or funky patterned table linens or even seasoned and stylized bouquets, brides everywhere have become aware of making their big day a bright and colorful occasion.
But what about the bride looking to create a cleaner look?
Well, she might try all white! Both simple and chic, all white weddings have a look that can be stylized both for vintage glam or modern flare. And if an all white pallet is simply too modern for you, try accenting it with another neutral color that will compliment its crisp design, while brining in a pop of interest. Blushes, creams and hydrangea greens all seem to do the trick. Check out below and let the inspiration begin!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blog.weddingpaperdivas.com, doveweddingphotography.com, kaboodle.com, dreamyapartment.com, weddings-invitations.org, blogs.dexknows.com and stevekoophotography.com
When throwing a shower for one of my girlfriends awhile back, I came across a little recipe for “cake pops” and have been OBSESSED ever since!
Being the regular Betty Crocker (for those of you that know me, please hold in your laughter) that I am, I decided this would be an excellent choice for a festive dessert! And if I’ve gotta be completely honest… it TOTALLY was! (Subsequently pats self on back) I made three kinds: Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.
Now, while these three flavors may seem like nothing all too impressive, it’s what you can do with them that makes them so incredible! After baking the three cake mixes in the oven (according to the box instructions), I simpled let the pans cool for about 15 minutes before crumbling each flavor into a mixing bowl and stiring in the same flavor frosting. (White w/ Vanilla, Chocolate w/ Chocolate and Strawberry w/ Strawberry.) After which, I balled the sugary goodness into small circles and covered them with candy melt toppings.
It took a little practice, but once I got the hang of it, it was super easy… and even more delicious! I topped the White Cake Balls with vanilla icing and yellow sprinkles; the Chocolate Cake Balls with chocolate candy melts and coconut, and the Strawberry Cake Balls with a melted white chocolate candy bar and pink candy heart sprinkles (my faves!). I placed some on sticks, creating a gourmet sucker look and the rest I left on decorative trays for easy, sweet munching!
There are several options on how you can create your cake pops / balls, but I have yet to find one I didn’t enjoy! Take a look below for some delicious inspiration and easy to make recipes (found below images) and start poppin’ your way to party goodness!
Choloate and Turquoise Dream!
courtesy of karascakery.com courtesy of Google Images courtesy of bzevents.com
Pretty in Pink!
courtesy of bakersroyale.com
Citrus-y Goodness!
courtesy of bzevents.com
Wrapped with Love!
courtesy of etsy.com
Turtle-Something Surprise!
courtesy of cakebybridges.com
Cupcake Cuties!
courtesy of thehappychickadee.blogspot.com
Designed by Darlings!
courtesy of camillestyles.wordpress.com
Lined with Perfection!
courtesy of thesepeasarehollow.blogspot.com
Sweetly say “I do!”
courtesy of etsy.com
Example Recipe Guide for Reference:
1 Box of Cake Mix (Choose your favorite the flavor)
1 16 ounce Container of Pre-Made Frosting (Again, choose the flavor!)
1 3 ounce Bar of Flavored Confectionery or Candy Melts (Choose your taste yet again! Mixing and Matching is half the fun!)
1. Prepare the cake mix according to package details, using any of the recommended pans for backing. Once cake is baked fully, simply crumble the cake while still warm (but after 15 minutes of cooling) into a large mixing bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2. Melt your flavored confectionery or candy melt coating in a glass bowl in the microwave or a metal pot over a pan of simmering water on the stove-top, stirring occasionally until at a smooth consistency.
3. Use a melon baller or scoop (or even just your hands!) to form small balls (use Dunkin’ Donut holes as reference) of your cake mixture. Then, either dip the balls into the melted pan of goodness using a toothpick or simply drizzle it on top using a spoon to coat each one accordingly. Place on waxed paper to set.
4. Decorate accordinly. Place on sucker sticks if desired. Refrigerate once fully cooled.
