Wedding Inspiration: Pearls

    Whether as earrings, details or as signature pieces of the wedding day decor - pearls have the ability to evolve into what you need them to be. They can be dainty and pretty. They can be fun and flirty. They can be innocent and elegant. They can be modern and chic. Depending on how you use these organic pieces .... depends on the personality they'll bring.

     Take this cake and cupcake for instance. The pearls add instant femininity and a "bridal" spirit. 

via weheartit

And this little pearl jewelry set screams old-fashion beauty for brides who want a vintage-esque feel.

via etsy

This fun, sassy necklace is perfect for a bohemian, eclectic bride looking for some relaxing prettiness.

via ruffledblog

Your guests will open up this wedding invitation and not only want to celebrate, but elegance and grace will ooze just by the pearls taking center stage.

via rockpaperscissorsdesign

     These are just a few examples of how pearls can be used to transform some of the most simple parts of your big day. Sometimes pearls get a bad rep for being "boring" or "too stuffy" but when used right .... they can become the centerpiece or theme of the entire celebration.


--Grace L. Fleming

Vendor Spotlight: DIY Weddings Magazine

  
  DIY Weddings Magazine is the perfect outlet for crafty, creative brides or brides that may need just a little inspiration.

They describe themselves as, " a DIY wedding magazine written and created by brides for brides." Who doesn't know better than brides .... what brides need for their big day?! 

What I personally love about this magazine, is the seasonality. They're all about incorporating the season into your wedding in subtle, adorable ways. You capture the essence of the day and moment with each of their ideas creating an entire atmosphere solely from your hands.

If you go check out their website you can find tutorial videos to follow, Real Weddings and inspiration boards that can help anyone with a creative-block become inspired. 

Here are some of my favorite DIY's they've gathered on their site:

Wine Jello Shots from MathaStewartWeddings

Paper Vase Favor Bags from OnceWed

Outside Reception Draping from Real Bride, Jennifer Shah

Rubber Stamp Printed Candles from sparkleandhay.com

Cupcake Escort cards view project credits here

--Grace L. Fleming

Wedding Tips & Etiquette: Reception Toasts {Part 2}

    Last week, we took the opportunity to lay out a few tips on how to keep your reception flowing in the midst of all the (sometimes dreaded) toasts and speeches.

    And this week, it's time to pay attention to the toasters and give them some pointers on how to give a good toast without going overboard and without stressing.

1. If you're the type who still has nightmares of public speaking class. Write it down. Having a note card during the toast will only help your speech go smoother. When you're at a loss for words or if your nerves get the best of you all you have to do is look down and know exactly what you wanted to say! 

2. Have a drink. But just one. A glass of wine may settle your nerves and help you relax, but two or three could make the speech more of a distant dream than reality.

3. Again, if you didn't ace that public speaking class or you can feel your heart beating when you just think about standing up in a front of a crowd giving your speech, practice. It doesn't need to be verbatim but being prepared will help you feel better and more confident.

4. Make sure you raise your glass to the person/couple you're toasting and look their way. Having the glass down at your side and your eyes at the floor .... well .... that doesn't seem like you're giving the best well wishes.

5. Announce who you are to the couple. There may be several people who have no idea who you are or your relationship to the bride and groom. So just add a little hint at the beginning of your speech to avoid the wondering and whispers when everyone tries to figure out who is talking.

Hopefully these few tips can help you on your way to a great toasting speech. Good luck to those who are the toasters and best wishes to the ones you're toasting!

--Grace L. Fleming
photo via Cedarwood Weddings

DIY Inspiration: Cupcakes In A Jar

    Inspired by Cakies, today's DIY is one of my absolute favorites: cupcakes in a jar. When I first started seeing these on the blogs, I thought to myself, "Wow, that looks like hard work." But when I finally researched how they're made .... it blew my mind how easy it is!

   Honestly, I have not a clue what my guests' favors will be. I have no idea where to start and it's on the bottom of my priority list. But I feel like these treats are a great choice for those who can bake, are crafty and want their guests to feel a sense of home when they leave the reception.

    Obviously, the first step is baking the cupcakes. Use any recipe you'd like. (If you want to cheat, use a boxed mix ... or at least use one for a practice round!). This coca-cola recipe sounds like fun! 

*Note red velvet cupcakes were used for this tutorial.

  Once you've got your cupcakes baked and cooled, cut each of them in half. Make a stack of tops and a stack of bottoms.

 

Next, place a bottom in each of your jars. 

 Now the fun really begins! The layering! After you've got your bottoms inside the jar, start filling the "in-betweens" with icing.

 After the first, sugary sweet layer of frosting you're going to smash a top onto it.

Then swirl on another bout of icing! 

 

Easy right? Now, depending on the size of your jars, depends on the size of your cupcakes or how many layers to use. Just have fun and remember to stay creative .... maybe with some sprinkles?!

   


-- Grace L. Fleming
all photos via Cakies

Fashion Friday: David Tutera for Mon Cheri

    During one of my nightly rituals, which consists of planting myself in front of the TV while watching My Fair Wedding, I learned something fabulous. David Tutera has teamed up with Mon Cheri designer, Martin Thornburg, to create an entire new line of beautiful bridal gowns.

    David Tutera for Mon Cheri debuted for Spring 2012 and is a literal smorgasbord of bridal bliss for all types of brides. Frills or lace, contemporary or conservative - there's something for everyone to swoon over. And when I mean everyone, I don't mean just in style or size. This collection is perfect for brides with a budget as the dresses range from $750 - $1,575. But it's not like the dresses took slack from the impeccable pricing, each gown is made with fine fabrics and Swarovski crystals.

Here are some of our favorites from the line: 

Check out more styles here.

--Grace L. Fleming