Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Now That's Cool: VIII

Ahhh -- yes that is all I can say at this point. I have been so MIA on the blog lately, it is just ridiculous - but there is a reason why I just have not had time to sit and write lately! For one, we are buying a house! Yay :) Although I am so excited, as you can imagine, the whole "buying-a-house-pack-up-your-life" ordeal is kind of taking over my days! On top of that, I have several weddings in the works (which I am so excited to be a part of!)..one if this weekend! In a nutshell, I am just running around at a million miles an hour and unfortunately my blog updates have taken the brunt of it. Although the posts may be more sparse than usual during the month of October, they should be popping up more regularly in November - so be on the look out!


In the mean time, I will try to get some of my favorite pictures and finds from across the weddingsphere weekly! Here are my "Now That's Cool" moments of this week..enjoy!


Thursday, September 22, 2011

DIY: Chalkboard Plates!

I always try to be on the look out for projects that you can not only "do-yourself," but also that are easily manageable (both with time and effort!). Although there are countless ways to be a crafty chic for your BIG day, this DIY project just might win a "easiest ever" project award! I came across this picture when hunting down photos for the "Now That's Cool" post:








Not only can these chalkboard plates be used for wedding signs, but they are also great for shower gifts, wedding menus, table numbers, or anything else you would usually write down for display. Not only is this project easy to do, but it is SUPER inexpensive..here is how it goes:


Materials
Plates or Platters of Your Choice (be savvy, pick them up from a local thrift store, or out of your Grandma's attic)


Painter's Tape


Chalkboard Spray Paint


...and that is it, seriously (were are talking like $10 bucks here)






Instructions
Step 1: Lightly clean you plate/platter if needed. Use a dry cloth to rid surface of any loose particles.


Step 2: Use the painter's tape to tape off the section of the plate/platter that you DO NOT want "chalked"


Step 3: Once the borders are covered, use the chalkboard spray paint to paint your desired area


Step 4: Once dry, remove the tape, and begin writing!


....again, seriously, that is it...we are talking $10 or less and 5 minutes of your time for an AMAZINGLY cool and functional project! 



Here are some more examples! Enjoy, and as always, much love!




Thursday, September 15, 2011

Color Alert: Blue and Coral

With this weather going on outside, I am beginning to think my "summer" posts must come to a halt (and I am not complaining, it felt AMAZING out there today!). So to end the summer series of posts, I bring to you a trendy color combination - BLUE & COREL. These two hues, individually, are often combined with an other color out there...so why haven't we put them both together more? Coral and blue make me think of sitting on the back porch, enjoying a slight breeze, on the shores of South Caroline (why SC, I have no idea, it is just what comes to me with this color combo ha!). The great thing about these two hues is that is creates a very versatile palette for the BIG day. If you are having an early spring wedding, you can use the pastel shades of blue and coral...and if the BIG day is in the midst of summer, go with the BOLD! And since there are multiple variations of both blues and corals, mixing and matching tones is easy to do! So ladies, if this is one of your last days of summer, sit back, and enjoy the night breeze on your back porch...and check out a little inspiration below!



Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Trend Alert: Statement Necklace

The blog is back in action - please excuse my mini hiatus, I took a little vacation time..which every girl needs right?! So I am starting things up with the latest trend going around...Statement Necklaces! Traditionally a bride wears one of three things...a pearl necklace, a diamond pendant, or no necklace at all, but as usual, brides are giving those necklaces a modern mix-up. Simple pearls have turned into bold beads and a single diamond has multiplied into a fully bedazzled accessory. While the traditional ways certainly present an understated elegance, a bold necklace can really complement your attire on the BIG day. 

There are a couple rules of thumb when going with a statement necklace:

1. If you have a statement necklace, go with more simplistic earrings. Bold earrings accompanied by a big necklace is often overwhelming -- your guests want to see YOU!

2. Don't be afraid to use color! If your wedding has a color theme throughout, a statement necklace can be the perfect place to add a splash of that hue on you!

3. Mix-and-Match! Some of the best statement necklaces are those that are actually multiple necklace worn together (J.Crew stylists are masters at this!). Experiment with wearing two necklaces of complementing texture and style -- you could come up with a perfect combo!

4. Make sure the necklace is not HEAVY. Remember that you may be wearing this necklace for up to 12 hrs..and although it is supposed to be a "statement" it is not supposed to be a "drag!"

If you are loving this new trend and want to know how to get it, head on over to some great stylized websites. Check out what their models are wearing - more often than not, company style their models with at least two necklaces! For example, I found this necklace I absolutely loved on a website, and called the company to only find out that it was THREE necklaces they sold all worn together! J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Stella & Dot, and PiperLime are all great places to hunt down a statement necklace and Nordstrom is your best bet when it comes to department stores. 


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Now That's Cool: VII

I am not going to lie -- this week was the opposite of how stuff usually goes when preparing for "Now That's Cool" posts. Typically, I am saving a bazillion photos cause amazing stuff keeps popping up around the weddingsphere...but this week, it took me forever to find some amazing and inspirational stuff?! Maybe all the other wedding gurus around the web are having a crazy busy week like me, and just cannot find the time to get the blog posts up (it really has been a plain out crazy week for me, and unfortunately the blog has suffered a little, my apologies). Nevertheless, after some thorough exploring, I finally found all sorts of cool stuff! Here are some things to check out below:

  • One of the first pictures is of a way-cool hair style that literally has a ribbon twisted within it - a modern braid for sure!
  • I am LOVING the collection of vintage stamps used on the wedding invitation envelope, so eloquent and unique. 
  • I have absolutely NO IDEA what the harvest wedding cake is made of...but lord does it look scrumptious!!! Bring on Fall, I say!
  • Try zooming in on the tag with a quote on it attached to the yellow throw petals. Such a cute poem if you can get a closer look!
  • The pink "Party People" card is part of a fun couple's program, and all the wedding party is named throughout the cake graphic - so festive and modern.
  • If you are wondering what those large and lit white things are... they are floating lanterns! This way-cool couple had a their guests participate in a send off that lit the sky - these lanterns float in the sky once lie, similar to a hot air balloon effect!
  • At the end, you will see a cake with lots of intricate work on it -- the soft architecture created by buttercream and fondant make this dessert look to die for. And next door sits two super cute and custom made figurines as cake toppers - so creative!

risostudio.com
annerobertphotography.com
 lisasmithphoto.com/
krakorastudios.com
nataliebellphotography.com
carlymccrayphotography.com
carliestatsky.com
orangeturtlephotography.com

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Now That's Cool: VI

The Registry Workshop will wrap up at the beginning of next week...so if you have no idea what I am referring to, head back a couple of days and check out all you have missed thus far!

Finding pictures for this week's "Now That's Cool" was just way too easy this week! There were more "cool' pics out there than I knew what to do with (so once again, I am filing up that hardrive with pictures for another post!). First off, I noticed lots of amazing alters from some super creative brides! I did a past post on Alternative Atlars, and I only wish that I could have added some of the pictures below to that previous post. My favorite altar is the one that uses hanging candles from the ceiling and rustic, empty picture frames as the backdrop...like seriously, who thinks of that concept. Speaking of creativity, take a look at the pencil Save The Date a couple created --- talk about a unique way to remind your guests of the BIG day. Also down below, you will find a picture of a signature drink, and I do not know what the heck it is..but it sure looks super yummy. Be sure to zoom in on the wedding rings too! If you look close enough, you can see the intricate custom engraving (definitely some tedious work!). And of course, I always have to feature at least one adorable kid -- this little ring bearer is too cute! Lastly, in the spirit of the upcoming football season, I featured a photo of a wedding that offered rounds of corn hole to their guests (wish I was invited to that one!). As always, have fun, be inspired, and think creatively! Much Love!



Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Now That's Cool: V

This week the web was full of fabulous styling! When it comes to having a highly stylized wedding, it is all about the intricate details. Whether it be the simple pink balloon you hold for an artsy photograph or to oh-so-sweet "I Do" tags you tie to the wedding favors -- these are the small things that can make a BIG difference. Check out the adorable flower girl too! Someone sign her up for Vogue or something! I am also loving the "happy tears hankies" for guests -- what a sweet spin! Further down you will find a super cool cupcake tree that is literally that...a TREE!? I also picked up a photo of something I have never seen at a wedding before -- wristlet corsages for the bridesmaids -- what a convenient and comfortable idea for your girls! Last, and certainly not least, my favorite -- the napkin shaped in a bow tie! If you are having a country-club styled wedding, this detail could be the ticket! Enjoy!

 


 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Picture This!: The Peacock is Out!

I don't know how many of you caught the news alert earlier this week, but a Peacock escaped the New York Zoo, and was caught roaming around both streets and buildings. I have to say, although this "peacock" escape seemed like a silly matter to broadcast so widely, it was such a nice relief to all the economical drama flooding ever TV channel, PLUS it gave me a perfect muse of inspiration for this week's post!


Peacocks...simply put, one of the most beautiful and vibrant animals in existence (at least in my opinion!). That bird is a true piece of work from the great Lord above; there is simply no way that such genuine colors came together out of pure randomness. I try to highlight ideas and color combinations that create opposites (kind of like an oxymoron), and a peacock's BOLD and ELEGANT stature is no different. Peacock inspiration will easily add richness to your BIG day with lots of eye-pleasing pops of color! Enjoy!



Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Now That's Cool: III

Hello all! If you have been a daily reader of the mini-series, Engagement Photos: 101, be sure to check back next week for the last two posts! Next Monday and Tuesday will feature the "WHERE" and "HOW" concerning engagement pictures!

While cruising across the web this week, I seemed to be constantly clicking the "download" button to save a photo that I thought was just too darn COOL! This week's featured photos seem to really highlight the INGENIOUS people out there - I mean seriously, who THINKS of this stuff! For example, how would you like to have multiple crystal chandeliers hanging in your outdoor ceremony!? Or how about your own custom beer labels that look so cute that you have your own brewery. One of my favorite finds below is the couple again an urban mosaic wall -- how wonderful to bring tradition to the streets. There is also a cake featured below that I swear is made from real lace (but don't be fooled, it really is icing!). Make sure you take a close look at the back of the wedding dress below -- amazingly detailed! And last, but not least...the uber sweet quote about love on a chalk board...I think I am going have to put this somewhere in my house. Anyways, have fun checking out the "Now That's Cool: inspiration board, and remember to add some amazing element to your own BIG day!


Photos by:

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Engagement Pictures 101: When is the right time?

If you did not catch yesterday's post, you missed out on the beginning of a informational mini series! The last post concerned "What is it all about?!," and took a closer look at why engagement pictures have become such a standard thing recently. Today is all about the WHEN...and how your personal engagement shoot should fit into your wedding journey timeline.
Typically, engagement photos are used in someway for your Save The Dates - that being said, the real question should seemingly be "When to send out Save The Dates?" I advise brides to start sending out your Save The Dates as early as 10 months, but no later than 6 months out from your BIG day. Most likely, and dependent on your contract, photographers will take up to 3-4 weeks to edit your photo shoot film, and then you will need to time to create/assemble/print the actual Save The Date -- so if your crunch all those numbers you can see that engagement photos should be taken no later than about 6 weeks prior to the date you wish to mail the Save The Dates out. 


Although you want to get the photo shoot going at least a month in advance to your mail out date, that does not mean that you have to wait till then -- really, your engagement shoot could be scheduled as far ahead of time as you wish...and there are several things to consider:


1. The Weather
2. Your Outfits
3. Color Composition
4. The Backdrop


Taking these four elements into consideration will definitely dictate when you want your engagement shoot done. For example, if you want a soft muted background, schedule your shoot early winter. If you want to be shot wearing a sundress, choose spring. If you want to be shot with more of a warm hint to your skin, choose summer. If you want a backdrop full of ambers and oranges, choose fall. It may seem like people don't go through this "thinking" process concerning their engagement shoot, but putting a little thought into it will assist in your satisfaction of the final photos. 


Check back next week for the last two posts for this mini-series -- the WHERE and the HOW are up next. Take a looksee below to check out some GREAT Save The Dates, and see how your engagement shoot can be used!


Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Now That's Cool! III

Although I post a number of "too cool" pics I have collected over the week from across the "weddingsphere," there are a couple that always stand out as "cooler than cool!" This week, let's just say, that I have way too many favorites! For example, check out the wedding cake that has a color gradient inside!? Like who thinks of that, and who took the artful time to bake it?! Or, how about the wedding rings that I think are stunning -- I certainly love my own ring, but that super thin COPPER band..how unique! As always, I HAVE to feature a fabulous pair of shoes, and these shoes with large ankle bows certainly fit the spot. And last, but certainly not least, I want to highlight the headband that looks straight up out of ancient Greece! Truly unique, truly creative, and truly TOO COOL! Enjoy!




Some fabulous photos by:

Friday, July 22, 2011

Picture This!: A Destination without the Trip

So far, there has been a photo, a quote, an animal, and an activity featured as the "Picture This!" weekly series inspiration. I try to use various types of inspiration to show that literally ANYTHING can be your muse for the BIG day! It is all about knowing yourself, your significant other, and you both as a couple - things you love to go together, places you enjoy traveling to, schools you root for, the type of music you listen to...I mean the possibilities are seriously endless! I often hear of girl's ranting about how they would LOVE to have a beach wedding - just think...saying your "I Do's" on a sandy Hawaiian Beach or against a Puerto Rican Sunset, geez, you cannot get more picturesque than that! Although a destination wedding definitely has it's perks, there is a list of sacrifices you make to have a tropical affair. No fear ladies, if the beach has your heart, but you still want to make your hometown-big-wedding dream prove true, simply let a vacation picture from your favorite trip inspire your hometown wedding. Bring the "Aloha" to Atlanta and a beachy breeze to your ceremony! Check out an inspiration board created purely from a beach photo below:



Monday, July 18, 2011

DIY Project: Flower Pomanders

I hop everyone had a fabulous weekend! It was my husband's 25th birthday on Sunday, so we celebrated with a fabulous steak dinner at Hal's located in Buckhead, Ga. If you are look for a outstanding date night with your loved one, Hal's is definitely a place to check out - their intimate setting and "brick" sized filet mignon is a perfect way to enjoy any evening.

I was looking over some pictures I had saved a while back and came across a photo of flower balls, or flower pomanders as they are properly referred to. Although flower pomanders are often the responsibility of the florist, in my opinion, these are a perfect DIY project that will surely save you a couple pocket's worth of muh-lah! Flower pomanders are great for pew markers, flower girl bouquets, table centerpieces, and overall wedding accents. Here is the key to keeping them low budget: use artificial flower buds. Why you ask? Well, for one, silk flower buds can be easy obtained online for a fraction of the price of the fresh stuff, and two, it is a general rule of thumb that people cannot actually tell if decor flowers are fake if they are at least 3 feet away from them - hence, a silk flower is perfect for a large table center piece or other accent decor not immediately at the guests' finger tips. Here are some simple instructions on how to easily (and cheaply) create flower pomanders to dress up your BIG day!:

DIY: Flower Pomanders
Materials
  • Styrofoam Balls (these may vary in size and in number depending on your needs)
  • Silk Flower Buds (Carnation's fluffy texture are perfect for this project, but other types may be used. Check out online resources for great deals - I found a large pack of silk carnation buds for only $2.99!)
  • Optional: Hot Glue Gun, Sewing Pins, Hanging Ribbon
Step One: The silk flower buds will have a tiny bit of stem on one side - use this side to "punch" into and adhere to the Styrofoam ball. If the stem is not substantial enough to hold you may use hot glue to adhere the back side of the bud to the Styrofoam or, use sewing pins to pierce through the bud and into the foam.

Step Two: Continue adhering buds, by your chosen method, around the foam ball. Be sure to use proper spacing so that the ends of the petals overlap slightly - this will prevent foam from showing through and will ensure that your ball looks fluffier (and real!).

Step Three: If your pomanders are going to be hanging as a part of your wedding decor, make sure to attach a decorative ribbon. The easiest way is to use hot glue for attachment.

This project is by far one of the easiest out there - perfect to do while your watching your favorite TV show at night. The pomanders will bring a modern chicness to your BIG (without the big bucks! $$$). Check out the board below for some pomander inspiration. 
J. Cogliandro Photography

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Insider Tip: Make Your Outdoor Wedding a Pleasant One!

Today's weather - a heat advisory and an afternoon thunderstorm - is the inspiration behind this post. Heat or rain (or heaven forbid heat & rain together! yikes!) are a quick mix for outdoor wedding day drama. Having a ceremony, reception, or both outside yield tend to come with some major risks. Rain on your wedding day in general is a bug "taboo," but rain when the wedding is OUTSIDE can realistically be disastrous! And let's talk about the thought of heat as the sun beams down on you and your guests - you $100 make-up job will literally drip off you face! So why are so many of us drawn to having an outdoor wedding this time of year when your BIG day is the most vulnerable? Simply because the outdoors is a naturally beautiful backdrop to any wedding celebration! There is an uncanny fresh and subtle ambiance that an outside wedding has, and it is well worth putting your day against the risks. A successful outdoor wedding is most certainly possible if the proper steps are taken as a precaution to "mini-natural disasters." To help ensure that your outdoor wedding is not drowned in water or beaten by heat, follow these insider tips:


The Guests

  • Provide your guests with a wedding favor that has some purpose! Whether it is a pair of sunglasses, a colorful umbrella, a paper fan, or some flip flops - give them something to keep cool while you say your "I Do's!" If you need some "cooling favors" inspiration, check out our previous post: The Summer Heat - How to Keep Your Wedding Cool
  • Let your guest know that all or part of your wedding will be outside. You can do this by putting a tag line on your invitation - this way, your guests know to dress accordingly for the weather.
  • Keep your ceremony to a minimum. Now this does not mean RUSH through it, it simply means to have the ceremony not last more that 30 minutes if possible.
  • Offer your guests water or a cool lemonade to sip on during your outdoor ceremony. For the reception, make sure your bar is stocked with lots of water and cold beer (wine typically won't be of much interest on a steamy day)
  • In corporate "cooling" things into your big day if the weather is going to be HOT. Ideas: an ice cream bar, a cooled summer salad, or frozen margaritas as your signature drink.

In Case of Rain or Shine
  • If you are having an outdoor wedding, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have a back-up plan! Your back-up plan, depending on the facility you are using, could simply be to move the wedding inside (i.e. a ballroom, banquet room, etc); however, if your venue does not have an appropriate "indoor" area for emergency, you SHOULD rent an event tent. Your event tent should be big enough to cover all your guests, decor, seating, band, food, etc. More often than not, an outdoor wedding should have some sort of tent no matter what the weather - this not only helps with inclimate weather, but it is a perfect source of shade for guests and to keep the food from spoiling. There are some majorly beautiful event tents out their for rental -- check out your local renting company or event coordinator for further information.
  • If you know the weather is going to be pretty toasty that day, rent an AC unit. These units are not that expensive for rental, but can quickly cool off anyone under a tent. Large cooling fans (sort of like the "cooling zones" at theme parks) can be rented as well.
The Wedding Party
  • Include a hand towel in your wedding party's gift set. If you want to step it up a notch, have the towel monogramed with each person's name.
  • Encourage the groomsmen to rent an extra shirt. An extra button down is only $2 more dollars at any tux rental - well worth it!
  • Allow your wedding party to go barefoot or wear flip flops during your reception. 
Overall, I 100% believe that an outdoor wedding can be perfectly successful if you are prepared! A wedding with nature as its backdrop is always breathtaking and memorable to all - so if you have always dreamed of a wedding against a big ole' oak tree or in a luscious garden - my advice = GO FOR IT! Check out some beautiful outdoor weddings below!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Now That's Cool! I

There are millions upon millions of creative ideas out there - I try to put my two cents into the melting pot of ideas, but I am continually finding myself jaw dropped in awe of others. I guess that is my favorite thing about creativity - creativity lends itself to an infinite number of creations, each one totally unique from another. I find myself saving pictures of stunning ideas just so I can "drool" over them later...however, this abundance of eye-candy creative ideas is making my computer sooo slow! To alleviate my overloaded hard drive AND to share the "there are no words to explain" creativity of others out in the big ole' weddingsphere, I am starting a new weekly series. The "Now That's Cool!" series will be a weekly post compiled of photos that are simply too cool for words (the photos speak for themselves!). Whether it is a breath taking view, a stunning use of photography, a unique decor set up, a mouth watering cake, or a ultra couture dress...just sit back and ENJOY! These photos are simply for viewing pleasure, creative sharing, and inspiration spiking!


Check Out the Amazing Photography Provided by: