Collector's Table

"Collector's Table"

If you're an antiquer or just love to collect old vintage tins, jars, vases, etc., get your tushy over to this post on Elizabeth Anne Design's Blog. Right now. Gorgeous inspiration incorporating all of your favorite vintage treasures.

Friday's Flower: Billy Buttons (or Balls or Craspedia)

Sorry for the slow posting this week. Life and an ongoing employment search kept getting in the way. I knew I couldn't slack off today though because I absolutely love Billy Buttons (balls, whatever..) I had also mentioned them earlier this week and I'd hate to disappoint. =)

Billy buttons are native to Australia and New Zealand and are relative to daisies. Important to brides: they're available March through October. According to most wholesale sites, shipments of Craspedia are not always reliable. Most sites have disclaimers about growers not always having enough supply, etc. In other words, I'd stick to supplemental use of Billy Buttons and not use them as the sole flower in your bouquet or centerpieces. They're so quirky and fun though! I really love the pop of color they give bouquets and centerpieces.

Billy Buttons

From Top Left: updo, bout, place cards, place setting

bouquet, cake, bouquet2, invitation

bouquet3, centerpiece, centerpiece2, bouquet4

place 'rocks', veggies and billy's, tablescape, daisy ball

A Classic Navy and Yellow Affair

I love how nautical and classic this color scheme is today. So many great flowers to choose from and even fruits to choose from! Adding in other subtle colors like white, soft pink or gray are also great options for this color palette. Great colors for an oceanside, summer wedding or just summer in general!

The table number below has a short DIY tutorial from the bride. Also, the guest book below is just one of many amazing designs found on the designer's website. Go check it out.

Loving the billy balls that keep popping up in posts? (the little yellow ball like flower) Stay tuned for Friday's Flower.. =)

From Top Left: aisle runner, bouquet, place cards, programs

cake buffet, lemons, boutonniere, table numbers

guest book, flower girl dress, yellow shoes, blueberry votive

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the best pops in the world. I love you!

my father about to give me away

photo by Ed Hetherington

flowers by Gertie Mae's

Friday's Flowers (or plants): Succulents

Today's post was extremely tough to put together. The sheer amount of succulent eye candy out there is overwhelming. There are so many beautiful arrangements utilizing succulents that it was tough to limit it to the few I've chosen! Succulents are a wonderful choice for the budget conscious bride, the DIY bride and the earth friendly bride. These little beauties come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors.

Succulents are apparently difficult to define and some sources include plants that others do not. In any case, desertmuseum.org defines them as such: "any plant that possesses a succulent tissue that serves and guarantees a temporary storage of utilizable water, which makes the plant temporarily independent from external water supply." This basically translates to: these plants work great in arrangements because they don't require water! Another great reason to choose succulents is that even after using in a bouquet or arrangement, you can then turn around and re-root them. Some brides choose to grow their own centerpieces or 'place cards' and offer these arrangements as gifts to family and friends after the wedding. Don't have a green thumb? No problem, check out Etsy.com and you'll find dozens of succulent growers! Now, on to the eye candy....

fondant succulent

boutonniere

place cards/ favors

From Top Left: vibrant, centerpiece, centerpiece2

altar decor, rustic table, arrangement in box

From Top Left: bouquet1, bouquet2, bouquet3

bouquet4, bouquet5, bouquet6

pomander

Vibrant Color Palette

When I came across this super hero inspired wedding, designed by Amorology in San Diego, I immediately fell in love. Go check it out.

It was such a nice change of pace from the pastels and muted weddings that are dominating wedding blogs these days. Don't get me wrong, I love a soft color palette and classic pastels BUT there is something refreshing about a vibrant color palette. Full scale color palettes are definitely not for everyone. You have to admit though that the below board makes you smile.

From Top Left: earth-friendly bouquet, tablescape, soda bar, arbor

ribbon runner, tablescape2, confetti, cinco de mayo

bride, kites, dessert bar, mason jar drinks

cake, place 'limes', pinwheels, tablescape3

How amazing are the blue mason jar drinks? Simply take yesterday's tutorial a step further by painting heart shaped chalkboards on each jar for guests to label their own drink. (Consumption based brides take note - help guests keep track of their cup!) Brilliant.

DIY: 4th of July Decor

This morning's post is not wedding related but when it comes to America or Halloween, I will take liberties with the blog! =) Hoping to see 4th of July related wedding decor? Just wait! I have the best inspiration board lined up for you!!

I'm a total sucker for all things 4th of July. I enjoy decorating for America's birthday almost as much as I enjoy decorating for Halloween. (Alright, it's not even close. I LOVE decking out my house for Halloween and scaring small children.) In all seriousness though, I look forward to celebrating Independence Day each year and everything it stands for. As a former US government employee and with a US Naval officer for a husband, I have a deep love for our country and feel blessed to be a citizen of this great nation. Between Memorial Day and Independence Day, our house remains decorated in the Red, White and Blue! (Actually, year round in our Americana room!)

If you'd like to spruce up your home and/or 4th of July festivities with a few easy, low cost decorations, head on over to Hostess with the Mostess to see their DIY tutorials! The swizzle sticks below would be perfect for an Independence Day wedding signature cocktail! The sparkly garland would also look great hanging as a curtain for an outdoor altar.