Saturday, June 6, 2015
DIY Wedding Sign Inspiration
DIY Wedding Sign Inspiration: Buy or Make?
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| Courtesy of Country Pallet Creations |
For this week's blog post, I really wanted to focus in on all of the amazing things you (or I) could make with the simplest of supplies... I mean think about it, how many places of business do you drive by and see them discarding pallets? Why NOT go and ask for those throw-away pallets that have been tossed aside and turn them into something beautiful? With a little paint, perhaps some templates from the craft store (Ranging from .49-$5.00) for cool lettering or script effects, a simple little jig-saw and some stain for the wood and you could TRULY create some personalized, amazing art for your event or home.
While out in Colorado a few weeks back for a big wedding, I was especially struck and LOVED walking throughout the reception venue, discovering all of the added touches that were like seeing my Pinterest boards brought to life.The couple had spent months ahead of time (see our last blog post) along side their children, plugging away and creating all of these awesome, welcoming, fun and charming touches....
There was cute signage welcoming guests and awaiting the adults up at the bar reading, "Alcohol, because no great love story started with someone eating a salad." Another adorable sign welcomed guests in to an entire corner turned photo-booth area; photo props like mustaches, glasses and silly signs as well as fun feather accessories filled the area which also included a backdrop for the photo shenanigans and printer for guests to take home their fun, memorable shots.
Perhaps my favorite piece from the evening; the happy couple's non-traditional guest book! Tell me again, why on earth these weren't thought of when I got married??? Sweet, small wooden hearts
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| Non-traditional, wooden heart filled frame guestbook. |
Now, I realize... Some of us (guilty here!) have some grand ideas and even more grand Pinterest boards to daydream about creating personal pieces like all of these. However, personally, I can plan to set aside time to work on these projects but sadly; by the time that "time" comes around, I'm either tired, something else has popped up (like a rescheduled make-up baseball game) or some other random, family added "to-do" has taken precedence and it's all just sitting in a heap still in my office. (Not to mention it adds to my already struggling piles of attempted organization. Sigh...)
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| A Country Pallet Creation |
I actually got really lucky in knowing a very special lady who designs and creates these types of pieces alongside her husband. Country Pallet Creations is their hobby and side-business that they've recently started and is sure growing in popularity! Based in Oregon and run from their home, the two take your ideas or Pinterest finds and turn them into the personalized and unique sign you've got your heart set on. (Would you look at this cute sign I fell in love with and had her make me? "Love" is painted on the pallet and accented with adorable burlap string and rosettes.)
The little "mom & pop" shop is just brimming with adorable creations! If you have time, do yourself a favor and check them out on Facebook. You can find tons of photos of their past projects to either create something similar or slightly different to accent your personal home decor, etc., Below are a few of my favorites from their past creations:
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| Courtesy of Country Pallet Creations |
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| Photo via Salt and Pepper Moms blog. |
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| Photo via HouseofHepworths.com |
One last DIY tutorial is by House of Hepworth's blog. Another great, step-by-step tutorial that includes lots of great photos for guidance and also uses not just pallets, but also leftover wood fencing! Definitely worth checking out!
Alright, enjoy your crafting or buying!! Until next time....
xoxo
Friday, May 22, 2015
Love, Travel and WEDDINGS!!!
Love, Travel and WEDDINGS!!!
It's been an AMAZING, but whirlwind-speed, two weeks that have passed since our last |
| Feeling proud of my labors of love. =) |
post! Our little family (like a lot of you, I am SURE) are consumed each day with shuffling kiddos around to and from their various activities on top of our regular jobs, responsibilities and homes to take care of... It's taken to another entire level when you add in holidays (Mother's Day), travel (Colorado!) and special events (Weddings!!!).... So, with all three of these hitting within the last two weeks, humor me while I catch my breath and catch you up on US...
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LOVE: MOTHER'S DAY ~
After a week spent between time working on wedding store projects and time battling the dandelions sprouting in our lawn, I was toast. Literally... My sunburn was ridiculously awful. (I nag my children constantly about sunscreen and somehow forget myself on possibly THE sunniest day we'd seen yet here in northern Illinois. How in the??? Ugh.) In case you're wondering, it didn't even turn into a tan, it simply peeled because it was THAT bad. Booooooooooo.
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| Us and our kiddos. |
TRAVEL: COLORADO ~
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| Our girls were tired! (Our baby girl and her Gram) |
It was such a short, jam-packed, beautiful visit. It's always bittersweet going back HOME, but even more so when you have such limited time and let's face it; time is just something there is never enough of, no matter the situation....
I never get to see everyone that I want to see in one, extra-short visit.
However, it was definitely a great weekend of family and of seeing the
faces I had missed SO MUCH, in the flesh, to hug and squeeze with
all my might. I absolutely relished the time with both sides of our
family. Seeing all of my nephews, hanging with family, going HOME and
sleeping in my old bed, laughing together
with all of our family-it's these special times that my heart
hangs on to most when I am yearning for yet another visit...
THE WEDDING ~
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| 7AM Set-up and decoration time!! |
The main event of our visit was our Uncle Paul and Aunt
Val's wedding. We enjoyed every moment of helping out with
decorating, setting up and tried to take advantage of every
second we could possible, to just "be together" with everyone. When you
get a group of us Padilla's together- you have the amazingly
soul-filling gift of laughter... Always.... So, spending time together
prepping the decorations and adding elegant touches to the tables on the
morning of the wedding, wasn't work by any means at all. Instead, it was just (early) fun, family time that we honestly felt so grateful to have...
From the awesome rehearsal dinner to the "big day" itself, everything was such a seamless, thoughtfully put together affair. Uncle Paul and Aunt Val , I am sure, felt so proud of all the work they had put into the wedding, together with their kids for months before the wedding.
Elegant ambiance filled the room, anchored by multiple mason jars embellished with lace, crystals, floral and burlap touches that lit up each table and was accented by the burlap table runners bringing it all together. Beautiful hand-crafted, Pinterest inspired signs added whimsical and rustic touches to the atmosphere. There was music, laughing, dancing, chasing kiddos, MORE laughing.... IT WAS an an AMAZING and beautiful wedding... Congratulations, again, to Uncle Paul and Aunt Val!
"May joy and peace surround you,
contentment latch your door,
and happiness be with you now
and bless you evermore!"~Irish Wedding Blessing
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| The happy couple and some of my favs' from their special day. (Notice the cute butterflies from our store!?) |
All of our love, to our friends and family in Colorado!! See you again SOON!!! xoxo
Friday, May 1, 2015
It's Wedding Season!
It's Wedding Season!
Wedding season is officially upon us!!!
Can you feel it in the air???
I can!!
With invites and special save-the-dates pinned to the cork-board for upcoming weddings, wedding shows and exhibits; I found myself just consumed with excitement this morning. The usual "What will I wear?" type questions as well as the excitement of seeing the seasons new dresses on the runways themselves- had my stomach in complete "butterfly mode. (It's almost as though it's my wedding I'm planning here, every time I have the honor of serving another client. I seriously get THAT excited and yearn for it to be THAT perfect...ya know?)So .... In honor of the next few weeks and months of a busy, exciting season- I'm posting a video sneak-peek with some of our newest arrivals! We've gotten so many amazing new products in the last two weeks that I really just want to close the shades, turn on movies like "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Wedding Date" and just play dress up and..... bake... lol Seriously, I'm ridiculous over here and I'm dying for you to see some of the fun and beautiful stuff we've gotten lately... (To boot, it's been super hectic but I didn't want to just skip our weekly "catch-up" time here on the blog.)
With that said, in the spirit of girlfriends coming over to see your latest "finds" from shopping - take a peek... =)
xo
Friday, April 24, 2015
Unique, DIY Wedding Flower Touches
Unique DIY Paper Wedding Flower Touches
This post is for you brides-to-be that may want to know where you can add those little touches of your personality into your special day via your wedding bouquet or floral decorations. While the more traditional trends are beautiful, some brides are really searching for those more uncommon ideas to incorporate that aren't so generic and run of the mill. It's a real dilemma, trying to figure out where we can add some DIY and personalized touches, save money that could be used elsewhere, (all while staying true to your unique vision) right?This week's blog is based around my 5 favorite DIY ideas and finds of the week. Every single one of them includes a DIY tutorial that you can truly DO yourself and that is a beautiful take on the traditional floral ideas of the past. These are gorgeous! So, if you have the time, patience and perhaps just a tad bit of crafty "want-to-know-how", then check them out!
1. Giant Crepe Paper Roses:
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| Smile Mercantile Craft Co. |
These are so beautiful and whimsical. Their giant, beautiful look makes them unique and almost Alice in Wonderland'ish . They could be used for amazing statement piece decor throughout your wedding reception decorations or perhaps to frame your grand entrance and be used as wedding aisle decorations. There are a million ways to use these things! (Btw, I'm making these for my foyer high-wall decor shelves and for an accent in my masterbath-I'll be sure to post the finished touches. So, these don't have to be used JUST for weddings.)
You can thank the crafty Smile Mercantile Craft Co. for this awesome step-by-step photographed tutorial to follow and make it doable' to put these gorgeous roses together.
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| Smile Mercantile Craft Co. |
I can't even begin to tell you how much I love these! Whether you choose storybooks, love poems or a favorite romance novel; the look is going to be absolutely beautiful. It's almost cottage chic meets vintage romance with a twist of true originality. The size and idea behind these is gorgeous.
If you haven't already seen from #1 on this list, Valerie Lloyd has a super awesome talent for organizing and beautifully constructing a simple step-by-step tutorial that's direct and easy to follow as well as looking anything BUT basic. These look weathered, have character and a charm that is so sweet. Original crafter and creator, Lloyd sums them up on her site; "These unique flowers can be bound into bouquets, or worked into creative centerpieces and decorations. I use antique books to create my flowers, and I love the combination of the ivory paper and old world typography. You can use a favorite poetry book, sheet music, newspaper – anything!"
They'll be sure to add just the right ingredient to invoke "awwwws" and "ooooohs" from your guests when they see them in the midst of your wedding reception decorations.
3. Origami Paper Flower Bouquet:
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| TheWeddingScoop.com |
The origami paper flower bouquet has an infinite amount of possibilities with simply using different patterned, varying colors and size choices of paper. The tutorial actually walks you through each fold in the paper as well so you're not just left guessing and trying to make something from "nothing". A very detailed and complete tutorial for the bride looking for an outside-of-the-box floral idea for your wedding.
4. Coffee Filter Flowers:
There are a lot of coffee filter flowers out there. A LOT. But, if you're looking to make quite a few of these things, I would go with this one, by the Two Shades of Pink blog. She gives you a beautiful step-by-step photo tutorial on how to dye these any color you want, but also includes a video to see it in action.
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| TwoShadesOfPink.blogspot.com |
5. Glowing Crepe Paper Waterlily Luminaries:
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| Smile Mercantile Craft Co. |
While they may be a little bit more time consuming with the cutting and stretching of each petal (not that much), the work is well worth it with the realistic look they contribute and overall stylishness of your reception tabletop decor. Who knew a mason jar and crepe paper could turn into this? (Seriously!)
The tutorial is again, full of photos taking you step-by-step, giving you reference points and markers on the pieces you're working with, so you can gauge your work to match, step for step.
Happy Crafting!
xo
Thursday, April 16, 2015
What Your Wedding Photographer Wants YOU To Know
What Your Wedding Photographer Wants You To Know
I have to admit and say with a bit of regret- I skimped on
the wedding photos and was also too stubborn (and shy) to take anything but a few pictures from our lil' wedding chapel photographer in Vegas'. When we actually had our
“reception" in our hometown- we still didn’t opt for professional photos, any wedding reception decorations (aside from family putting up streamers) and to boot, I stubbornly
refused to wear the dress I got married in. (Mule!Right?) Instead, not wanting to be in the spotlight, I wore a simple black dress and I later created my wedding album from photos I snapped myself or our guests snapped. (It's not impressive, I'm sure you can imagine.) I’m an introvert, what can I say… The very thought of people having
all their attention focused on me walking down a church aisle was enough to push me into the
idea of our low-key Las Vegas wedding as was the thought of standing and posing with a 'Chandler Bing'esque portrait-smile' being all I needed in my mind, to shut it all down.
As fate would have it though, here I am in the wedding business and I recently had the fortunate opportunity to pick the brains of one of Chicagoland’s most chic and talented wedding photography
boutiques: H Photography. So, in my attempts to negate this regret-energy I still (sort of, a teensy-weensy-bit) hold onto, I in turn decided to pass this on to you, so that you may be a little better equipped than I was when I panicked and bailed on the entire idea of a traditional wedding, wedding photographer, etc.,
So, what does your engagement/wedding photographer want YOU to know? Read on my dear, read on.....
Q: What advice would you give couples for getting the best
results possible in their wedding and engagement photos? Is there anything they can do or actively plan for, to ensure good photos?
HP: Smile and be in the moment with your loved one. It’s your special day, so don’t think about whether your mother-in-law likes you, don’t think about the costs of the wedding; think about your partner in front of you and how wonderful that person is and why you’re getting married to that person. Don’t “act” in love, BE in love with one another and SMILE. Get lost in your partner’s eyes and really enjoy the time you spend with one another.
Locations are key!
Q: Are
there certain backdrops/locations that make for really interesting and good
pictures?
HP: Consider going to a location that's
meaningful to you as a couple, but be prepared for bad weather (if the first choice is outside and is a no-go.) Sometimes
if the weather is bad or we simply can't go there on that day for whatever
reason, we'll offer a location that has the best backdrop. For example, many
couples love to capture the Chicago skyline or the Chicago River, so we often
choose places like the Adler Planetarium or the Fox River.
Don't let Clothing trip up your photo shoot!
Q: Are particular colors of clothing for engagement photos better for photographing? Do you have any advice when it comes to clothing for our couples?
HP: It can be a bit tricky for couples, because the women always look
so fancy and their husbands always look like a hot mess. I often suggest to
couples that they dress up as if they're going to a REALLY nice dinner party,
like if you were to meet the President would you want to be in jeans? Think
like that.
We do sessions where the couple changes wardrobe in the middle so it
doesn't have to be so formal throughout the entire photo session. The
wardrobe change is usually when we integrate a theme into the photos (they like
to play guitar, snowboard or other hobbies). The bottom line message is to try to
compliment each other in dress code instead of being on the opposite sides of
the fashion spectrum.
Q: How do you accommodate bridal insecurity issues
or body issues that may effect how well a photo shoot goes?
HP: It depends on the person and what exactly
they’re insecure about. For most
women, it’s their stomach area, so we will change posing or lighting to help
them feel more secure. Some brides
don’t like to be photographed from a side angle, so we’ll accommodate with the
man maybe covering some of the perceived problem areas with his arms (hugging
the bride, holding the bride, etc.,) to make her feel more comfortable.
Pets in engagement/wedding photos- a rising trend!
Q: Have you encountered or have any tips for
couples wanting to incorporate their furry family members in the photo shoot?
HP: Yes, we have done a number of husband, bride
and pet photos. We often advise
couples that your pet should definitely be well fed and “dressed for a wedding.
The Pinterest effect?!
Q: What is the hottest trend you’re seeing right now?
HP: The largest trend we've seen so
far are couples bringing signs and
props along to the photo shoots. I think this has increased over the years mostly because of websites like Pinterest that help inspire people to do creative and goofy things in their wedding or engagement photos.
* It's pretty safe to say I'll never have the dreamy Pinterest inspired engagement or wedding shoot however, perhaps one day I'll be able to use alllll of those hundreds(seriously)of treasured Pinterest gems for my second wedding (HA! Just kidding my love) vow renewal or for our 20th wedding anniversary- right... ;) Perhaps all was not lost and there just may be room for do-overs there...
xo
P.S. Enjoy some more photo inspiration by H Photography below. You'll be glad you did. ;)
Friday, April 10, 2015
The 5 Most Efficient and FREE Wedding Apps
5 Efficient and FreeWedding Apps
Let's face it- we do everything while on the go. We're busy and trying to multitask our lives to death in order to save a little extra time, effort and money that could be well spent on other, way more fun things.
So, to help the wedding planning couples, here's my list of the 5 BEST and most efficient wedding planning & organizing apps. (Yes, I could have added a ton more and given you a list of 20 or so- because believe me, there are enough out there. There are oodles of apps for wedding photos, songs, dresses, etc., However, after actually trying this multitude of apps and being budget conscious myself, this was the list I came up with for being the best, free, fun and efficient wedding apps...
So, to help the wedding planning couples, here's my list of the 5 BEST and most efficient wedding planning & organizing apps. (Yes, I could have added a ton more and given you a list of 20 or so- because believe me, there are enough out there. There are oodles of apps for wedding photos, songs, dresses, etc., However, after actually trying this multitude of apps and being budget conscious myself, this was the list I came up with for being the best, free, fun and efficient wedding apps...
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| Wedding Wire |
If you already have an account with Wedding Wire, even better. You can actually link into it via the app so that all of your current info is accessible and saved.
The app offers planning inspiration with their photo galleries and forums, view your local wedding vendors along with over 2 million newlywed reviews and you still have access to other tools like guest lists, RSVP's and manage your wedding checklist as you attack each "To Do".
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| The Knot Wedding Planner |
Couples can access real wedding and vendor photos for inspiration, find and contact vendors as well as access their reviews and portfolios all within the app.
Keeping track of your personalized checklists and budget tools make planning your wedding and finding inspiration is a little less overwhelming and a lot more "doable".
3. 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner-
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| 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner |
Inspiration isn't excluded either, as this app also lets you view photos and inspiration from real vendors as well as comment, add notes and bookmark favorites.
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| iWed Planner |
Inspiration is also accessible, though maybe not center-stage, with websites and vendors to browse mixed with the app's separated features/folders for your photos, hairstyles, links and other various ideas you come across in your search. The app is more on the simple side of all of the apps listed but ranks high in efficiency and keeping your head on the task at hand with reminders and tips along the way.
5. Appy Couple- This app marries fun and functionality. This adorable app functions as your own wedding website complete with over 500 cute layout choices! Photo sharing with you and your guests also allows for so many more photo album opportunities to choose from!
Added benefits for your guests include having your own "guest concierge" for accessing maps, travel, flights, things to do, all while being able to personally message with your guests back and forth via chat.
Now remember, I'm just the girl who downloaded ridiculous amounts of wedding apps, just to try and see which worked the best, which should be thrown out and which I'd actually use. These, are the few I'd actually use- if I weren't of course already married. ;) P.S. IMO- if all you need is the inspiration part of these apps- you probably already have the best one on your device..... Pinterest is still tops for organizing boards for dress ideas, themes, cakes, boards that only you and your bridesmaids can pin to, you name it- all while having access to unimaginable amounts of other pins/ideas/shares of other brides and dreamers just like yourself.. Just a thought... xo
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Wedding Keepsakes and Mementos:
The Flower Preservation Workshop
So much imagination and heart are put into planning a wedding. A lot of us have kept
wedding planning journals, wedding idea books, folders and thanks to the gift that is
Pinterest, we have cyber bulletin boards dedicated to all of the color palettes, flowers, dresses and accessories, decorations, party favors and
other random sweet touches that we’ve spotted over the years and have fallen for so deeply
that we’re committed to holding onto it until it’s our turn to bring this dream of
ours to life.
What if I told you fellow memento-keepers that
you didn’t have to settle for some dried, brown, frigid arrangement created from
the remnants of your wedding flowers and that you could actually preserve your
wedding flowers, in their glory- alive, colorful, vibrant and beautiful!? (You think I’m kidding, right?) The good news is that I'm not just yanking your chain here.
What they do?
The family owned and operated master craftsmen with 28 years in the floral industry are based in the UK and have a unique approach to the preservation process. Starting with their freeze drying process, your flowers keep color and lifelike quality and are then preserved to last a lifetime inside of a 3D paperweight.
How much does it cost?
Prices start at $158- $372 depending upon size and design.
Is this service/product available in the U.S.?The Flower Preservation Workshop does accept international orders. However, you will incur some extra costs and have to take into account perhaps some rush shipping in order to get your flowers to them within the 10 day time frame of the event and having your flowers be preserved at their best. Special instructions and additional information is available on their website FAQ page! You can visit their shop at Flower Preservation Workshop.
Enjoy!
xo
Dana
*All photos courtesy of the Flower Preservation Workshop.
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