Beautifully Ever After

Ebay Chic

2010-02-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Another dress post! Dont forget about eBay and ready-to-wear designers for beautiful and affordable dresses. This one is BCBG and is being sold for $50. Take a look!

I can just see it on a city bride with a small reception at a chic resturant!

1950's Stunner

2010-02-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

A vintage themed bride would wow in this 1950's stunner from Timeless Vintage Vixen

Paper moons!

2010-02-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Im back! Sorry for the long hiatus. After returning from our honeymoon I just couldn't go near anything wedding for a while. Posting may be more sporadic than before, but there will be posting! First up:

How adorable is this Flickr collection of Paper Moon photos? I thought this would translate as an adorable idea for a wedding photo booth. Especially if the wedding is vintage themed. As props you could have vintage ladies and gentleman's hats or some of those popular mustaches on a stick!

Via Sweet Sassafras

We Did It!

2009-10-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Something Blue

2009-09-23T08:14:00.001-07:00

Another DIY project completed: Something Blue!

I made this sweet little garter in about 10 minutes. I started with some beautiful French embroidered ribbon from M&J. Then some double faced satin in 1/2" and 1/4" widths. I also spotted the adorable blue glass flower button with crystal center.

I backed the French ribbon with the 1/2" satin, and fed 1/4" elastic through it, and sewed up the back.

Then I tied a little bow and topped it off with the flower button!

Voila! Total cost= about $12 bucks!

Cupcake Flags

2009-09-21T19:09:00.001-07:00

Here is a little DIY project I've been working on for our rehearsal dinner! Cupcake banners! The dinner is being held at a brewery, so the atmosphere will be very laid back. Still, I wanted to add some special details to dress up our dessert!

First, since E and I live here in NYC, I used an MTA map as paper! It comes in a very large fold out size, so I cut out four 8.5 x 11 sections and just fed them through the printer. Easy peasy. Then I designed some personalized banners on Illustrator. I chose colors to compliment the map, and also cute phrases to feature. For example: "E & M", "10-10-09", "Amore" and my personal favorite "Sweet Love." I cut them all out, hot glued a crystal bead on the top of the tooth pick, glued and folded! So easy, and since I already had all the supplies and MTA maps are free, this project cost me NADA!

One Hand, One Heart

2009-09-19T17:17:00.001-07:00

I will be walking the isle to "One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story.

Lyrics to "One Hand, One Heart"
from West Side Story

Make of our hands one hand,
Make of our hearts one heart,
Make of our vows one last vow:
Only death will part us now.
Make of our lives one life,
Day after day, one life.
Now it begins, now we start
One hand, one heart;
Even death won't part us now.

-Music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

(Only 3 weeks 'till my big day!)

Pint-Sized Bridesmaids

2009-08-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

How sweet are these pint- sized bridesmaids? I love the sweet blue ribbon detail against their brown dresses. They look like they feel so special! Precious.

Amy Squires Photography

SMP Style Circle

2009-08-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Have you guys joined the Style Me Pretty Style Circle yet? Here is my first inspiration board.

Go try it if you haven't already!

Be-ribboned Fans

2009-08-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

I love these be-ribboned fans for bridesmaids. So elegant and creative! Photos by Jonathan Canlas via Green Wedding Shoes.

See Through Save the Date

2009-08-06T16:08:00.001-07:00

Adorable see through Save-the-Date by Lisa Rupp via Creature Comforts.

Miniature Rhino!

2009-08-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

Miniature Rhino giveaway over at 100 Layer Cake!

SMP Contest

2009-07-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

I submitted this Inspiration Board to Style Me Pretty's recent contest.

Flush Designs

2009-07-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Love these colorful invites by Flush Designs.

The details of the envelope liners and stitched border give them a little something extra.

Fresh take on Bridesmaid Fashion

2009-07-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Featured on Pretty Chicky via Hip Hostess

Blow Off Some Stress!

2009-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Who said Bachelorette parties have to be all pink and frills? Check out what A Practical Wedding (my fave. wedding blog) did for hers!

What a great way to blow off some of that stress!

Bad Blogger!

2009-07-18T14:11:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've been a bad blogger! Im less than three months from MY wedding day, so Im having trouble finding the time and energy to spend on theoretical ones! I hope you all understand! So, posting will most likely continue to be light. If you'd like, feel free to pop over to my personal blog Costume Diva's Dirty Laundry. Meanwhile, here's a little board I did to gather all my thoughts on the progress of my October wedding!

Will you be my bridesmaid?

2009-07-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Check out the wonderful blog Will You Be My Bridesmaid for inspiration from days gone by!

What trend of today do you think will be that of ridicule tomorrow?

My Publisher!

2009-07-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out My Publisher for a coupon for a FREE Photo Book! Here's the deal: If you are a first time user, you can download the soft wear and you'll get a coupon to receive a free second photo book!

These books are awesome! I just ordered mine to use as our Guest Book. There are so many design and layout options! Go get yours before July 20th!

Utterly Engaged

2009-07-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Check out the premiere issue of this awesome e-magazine Utterly Engaged!

I love how the Real Wedding section features a budget breakdown- and it has lots of DIY tips and ideas.

I cant wait to try this truffle recipe! MMMM!

Also, try your luck on their $40 Date Night Challenge!

I think this a great new resource for all us brides-to- be out there! I hope you like it, too!

I SPY

2009-07-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't this "I SPY" game from Martha a great idea?

Here's what Martha Says:
"Place a card, a disposable camera, and a pencil at each child's setting, and see which kid can photograph all the items on the list first. You won't need an incentive to get the kids playing, but a small prize for the winner is a good idea."
The card is available to download here.

Its suggested to be for kids- but I think children of all ages would enjoy it! Of course, you could always make your own and add some different items to the list. Or, you could make a kids version and a grown- up version. So fun!

P.S. Only a few more hours left to vote for # 6, #7, or #8 over at My Island Wedding's Inspiration Board contest!

Details of a DIY Wedding

2009-06-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

I Love, Love, Love the details in this DIY wedding I found on Project Wedding. Photos by Robert Sukrachand.

Please dont forget to vote for inspiration boards #6, #7 & #8 on My Isalnd Wedding! Thank you!

Its voting time!

2009-06-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's time to vote for your favorite Inspiration board over at My Island Wedding. My entries are

Number 6- Into the Woods

Number 7- Eggplant Lavender and Silver

Number 8- Fiesta Brunch

Your votes would be greatly appreciated! Did any of you enter?

DIY Contest at The Brides Cafe!

2009-06-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

Do you guys have any fabulous DIY projects up your sleeve? Head on over to The Brides Cafe and enter her contest for some fabulous prizes! I just sent over my Fiesta Flowers! Good luck and let me know if you enter, too!

Contest @ My Island Wedding!

2009-06-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies! I entered these three previously posted inspiration boards in the contest over at My Island Wedding! I'll let you know when voting begins, I would love your support! Thanks!

DIY "Book Page" Hurricanes

2009-06-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a super cute idea from The Treasured Petal! I think I may use this one for my own wedding!

DIY Hurricanes: Here are the DIY instructions I promised for the book page hurricanes I made for Julia and James’ wedding. Super easy!

(An excerpt from Little Women)

1.gather up some old books. Poetry books, old love stories, books that tie in with your theme or have special meaning to you as a couple. Picture books look especially sweet!
2.choose some pages, and scan them onto your computer.
resize them so that they will fill up the entire page in landscape when you print them.
3.print them onto vellum paper (Joann’s has 50 page packs for less than 10.00).
4.wrap around small cylinder vases (I used vases that were 8.5″ tall, or shorter, and 3.5″ in diameter). Use vellum tape, or clear double stick tape to secure.

These hurricanes are ideal if your venue forces you to use LED candles instead of real flames- the vellum paper camouflages the LED candle perfectly, and all you see is a warm glow illuminating the book pages. So romantic!

Take some time perusing the rest of her blog for some seriously beautiful flowers and all kinds of inspiration!

Dusty Rose

2009-06-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

I love this palate of dusty rose with shades of gray and plum!

Rings, dress, bowls, flower pin, fabric flower centerpiece!

Fiesta Bridal Shower!

2009-06-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

I'm back and my previously mentioned Fiesta Bridal Shower was a hit! I had a wonderful time and my girls did a wonderful job planning! Here are some shots from the beautiful (and HOT) party!

My little sis is my maid of honor!

My beautiful girlfriends!

The flowers I made and the "Picture Perfect" game where guests had to guess how old I am in each picture!

Waters and the margarita glasses my sis and I painted!

Corona's on ice!

Tissue Paper pom poms!

It was so much fun! Hopefully I'll have a new inspiration board for y'all (hey I was in NC for a week) tomorrow!

Well Wish Signs

2009-06-02T06:05:00.001-07:00

I had a fabulous time at my friend Lindsay's Charlotte wedding. Check out their fabulous "Exit Shot" by photographer Kristin Vining!

The "well wish" signs were the brain child of her wedding planners from Weddings and the City. So beautiful!

Headin' South!

2009-05-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off again! This time to do some wedding planning of my own. I've been planning my NC wedding from NYC for 1 year now- and this week I finally get to go down south and meet with my vendors! My girls are also throwing me a Fiesta Bridal Shower, for which I made these flower hair clips as favors.

Be back soon!

Sweet Amb's Cookies!

2009-05-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Check out these AMAZING cookies by pastry artist SweetAmbs!

Wouldn't these make fabulous favors? Make sure you stop by her blog to enter her free cookie give away ending May 29th!

Printable Press

2009-05-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

While planning my own wedding (on a budget) one of my most frustrating tasks was finding a beautiful, unique and affordable wedding invitation. Enter the fabulous Printable Press. They custom designed our stationary suite and I couldn't be happier! Check out their "custom" section soon- you may see them! Anywho.. here are just some of my favorites from their site used as easy inspiration! Enjoy!

I'll be on vacation for a few days. Enjoy your Memorial Day!

invitations, dresses, necklaces, bouquets.

Sweet Summer Night

2009-05-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Can you feel the heat and smell the sweet summer night air?

Row 1: Hair-do via Heather Bailey, Candles via Martha, Parasols via Meg Smith. Row 2: Dresses are LulaKate via Bella Bridesmaids, Street facade via Flickr user Megellano. Row 3: Desserts via Matthew Mead, Jar table numbers via Once Wed.

DIY Garter

2009-05-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this adorable DIY garter at Purl Bee.

Mother of the Bride!

2009-05-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day! Don't forget that she can look beautiful on your big day, too! Here are some stunners from Nordstrom!

Regina B. Accessories!

2009-05-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

I am loving these vintage inspired earrings from Regina B.

Check out the rest of their fabulous accessories, too!

Rustic Romance

2009-05-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Row 1: Flower arrangement and candle via Matthew Meade, Couple photograph via Meg Smith Photography. Row 2: Get away car via Brides, Chapel Door via Lilian and Leonard. Row 3: Necklace via Twigs and Honey, Piano and bouquet via The Brides Cafe!

A little drop of Red

2009-04-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Berry favors via Brides, Love boat via David Christianson, Bride via Stephanie Williams, Tablescape, Apple and Fabric Flowers via Martha, Invitations via Snippet and Ink, Cockails via Brides.

A Colorful Affair

2009-04-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Top Row: Brides Cafe, Martha. Row Two: Sandra Rap Photography, Martha. Row 3: Oh Joy!, Twigs and Honey.

Robin's Egg Blue

2009-04-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Row 1: Twigs and Honey, Martha, Artfool. Row 2: Bridal Wedding Favors, Papier Valise, Martha. Row 3: A Cottage Industry, Crafty Lil Momma, Matthew Mead.

Orange you glad...

2009-04-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Image Credits: Orange ties (Im working on it...), Favors via
Martha, Flowers and Cake via Brides, Bouquet via Martha, Wedding Party via Sandra Rap.

P.S.- My recent Eggplant, Lavender and Silver post is featured on A Wedding Cabaret!

Into the woods

2009-04-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

A woodland-faerie tale wedding...

Images: Bird garland via
Once Wed, Chandelier via Brides, Wedding Party via Stephanie Williams, Suit via Brides, Ring Pillows via Martha, Flowers and Bride via Stephanie Williams

Eggplant, Lavender, and Silver

2009-04-08T14:43:00.001-07:00

Purple is one of my favorite colors and I love how it looks here. Very rustic and romantic!

Clockwise:
Etsy seller Nomsa, Brides, Plum and Sage, Lucky Magazine, Brides, Jenna Cole Photography.

Travel Accessories from Pylones

2009-04-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Love these travel accessories from Pylones!
A passport cover, luggage tag, and wallet will make perfect shower gifts for the bride and groom to be! These will make spotting your items easier on the honeymoon- when the last thing you'll want to be doing is digging around for a hiding passport or mis-claimed suitcase!

Yellow and Brown

2009-04-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

Invitations are Yellow Owl via LH Everything, Couple photograph by Victoria Souza, Yellow flats are J.Crew via Perfect Bound, Save the Dates by Letter Punch Design.

Stephanie James Couture

2009-03-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

If you don't do anything else today- please check out the amazing vintage inspired dresses by Stephanie James Couture. To die for!

Found her via The Wedding Cabaret.

Keep guests sunburn free!

2009-03-28T12:38:00.001-07:00

This is a great idea for a outdoor wedding! No one likes a sunburn, so offer your guests individually wrapped sunscreen towels! At $19.99 for 30 these LaFresh wipes can't be beat!

Picture via Martha.

Fiesta Brunch

2009-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Clockwise: Place cards viaMartha, Cake via Brides, Strawberry favor basket and topiary via Martha, Papel Picado via Brides, Cocktails via iVillage, Cutlery via East side Bride, Invitation via Printable Press.

Pretty in Pink

2009-03-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Images from The Knot, Martha, and Brides.

DIY Pocket Square

2009-03-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

I found this awesome and totally personal DIY project over at the wonderful Once Wed blog. You could stitch an inside joke, a piece of your vows, a line from your song, a quote from a special movie or book... the possibilities are endless with this project.

Your groom will tuck it into his jacket pocket, close to his heart- and it will become a keepsake to pass on for generations!

Lovely Lavender

2009-03-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Dress by Jim Hjelm, Flowers from Martha, Invitation by Hello! Lucky

Sunset

2009-03-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

Take a cue from the gorgeous sunsets for a destination wedding in hues of teal, yellow and orange.

Pictures from
Etsy, Project Wedding, The Knot, and Brides

Handmade Inspiration

2009-03-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

These DIY projects will add an intimate feel to your special day.

Images from Martha, SMP, and Once Wed.

Jolie Designs

2009-03-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

I played for an hour on this website site for Jolie Designs stackable rings! The colors and delicate vintage inspired designs are after my own heart!

DinosaurToes

2009-02-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Spotlight on Etsy seller DinosaurToes.

The beautiful brooches would be great on bridesmaids, mothers, grandmothers, or even in your hair!

Bud Vases

2009-02-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Using bud vases on your table top lets you spot light a particular flower you love or is important to you and your fiance. Cluster them on the table as a centerpiece and have each guest take one home as their favor.

Clockwise: 1, 2, 3, 5, 4, 6, 7

Fox n' Lily

2009-02-25T14:03:00.001-08:00

Could these flower girl dresses by Fox n' Lily be any more precious?

Gorgeous Clutches on Etsy

2009-02-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

Love, love, love these clutches from Etsy sellers Red Ruby Rose and Shakuyaku.

These gems would make a beautiful bridal accessory and could even double as your "something blue". You would also make any bridesmaid happy giving them one of these beautiful clutches. Depending on the material, they range in price from $50 to $105.

Stone and Honey

2009-02-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

I love these muted and elegant colors together.

Dress
Clutch
Flower Girl
Table

Sea Glass Beauty

2009-02-22T22:06:00.000-08:00

This sea-glass color palate would be perfect for a classy beach wedding. No sand and shell centerpieces here!

Cake
Dress
Necklace
Flowers