Wedding in the Garden

Being a professional wedding blogger, I have a lot of ideas for my own wedding. It's nearly impossible for me to narrow down my color choices, so I'm going with a garden themed wedding; perfect for a person (such as myself) who is unable to commit to one or two colors.

from top left: image from www.cameroningalls.com; source unknown; the knot; country living. 2nd row: victoria mag; the knot; source unknown. 3rd row: stephanie williams photography; country living; source unknown.

How to get this look? Check it out:



Do your own bouquets! When you buy in bulk from Fifty Flowers, you receive a significant discount. When you purchase their garden roses, you'll pay less than if you were getting carnations from a florist! If you would like more of a variety, include peonies and rananculus. For table centerpieces, simply arrange the flowers in large Ball canning jars (less than $1.00 each when you buy a case).



From Party Rental, LTD comes this table setting. Instead of the usual silverware, go with the white handled flatware. The plate looks like it came from Grandma's china cabinet! I chose a pink linen table cloth, white linen church napkins, white folding chairs, and hot pink seat cushions to pull the look together.



I ADORE vintage linens, and these handkerchiefs are my favorite! Peruse the pages on Ebay, visit your local antique store or flea market. Pass them out to your female guests before the ceremony. LOVE this idea! A true vintage wedding inspiration.

Sadly, we are unable to buy Laduree macarons in the United States (if you don't know about these Parisian delights, a favorite of Marie Antoinette, you are sorely missing out, or, very fortunate not to have an unquenchable taste for them). However,L'Epicerie's macarons are pretty good! Purchase in bulk for delicious favors. Pack in mint green or lavender boxes and print your message on the top in a coordinating color.

Sunshine and Lollipops

Living so close to the ocean, I'm rarely without inspiration in the summer months. Twice a week, there are fireworks on the beach. A day doesn't go by without the smell of shrimp and lobster on a neighbor's grill. And one thing we are particularly known for in New Jersey is our sweet shops. From salt water taffy to giant lollipops, skipping in to one of the shops is sure to bring out the kid in you!

from top left: martha stewart weddings; snippet & ink; frolic; unknown

elizabethanndesigns.com; the knot; unknown

martha stewart weddings; martha stewart weddings; martha stewart weddings; martha stewart weddings

Marika and Jamie- from Stephanie Williams Photography

Stephanie Williams is kind enough to let me share this FABULOUS wedding she shot in La Jolla California which took place on June 12, 2009.

The gorgeous bride, Marika, wore an eyelet silk taffeta dress from Carolina Herrera. It was important to the couple to create as little waste as possible, so Marika looked for a dress that was pre-owned, and this is what she found! (On a side note- my dress, also a Carolina Herrera, was used as a sample in a bridal boutique. You wouldn't believe how much money I saved!).



The couple was married at The Darlington House, La Jolla. It was a beautiful setting for their small gathering of family and friends. Love this shot of the couple in the library!


All stationary used for the wedding came from post consumer waste paper. You would never know it by the looks of the ceremony program and the escort cards!



All of the floral arrangements were made from flowers grown by local farmers, and old curtain were given a new life as table runners!

The bride and groom gave their guests packets of seeds of their favorite herbs, and the bride herself grew the flowers that made the Ukrainian wreaths. Talk about DIY!

I adore the wheat cake from Sweet Cheeks Baking Company. The wheat is somewhat unexpected, considering the event took place in Southern California, just steps from the ocean, but it works!

Having a wedding in San Diego, it is insistent to take some photos as the beach. I love the impromptu bouquet toss to the bridesmaids!

Thanks again to the insanely talented Stephanie Williams for letting me share her work with everyone. To see more of Stephanie's work, please go to her blog. Best wishes to the newlyweds, Marika and Jamie! May you have a long, healthy and happy life together!

It's a Carnival

It must be summer. The carnival is in town, and a delicious breeze of funnel cake and hot dogs is carried past my window. Children walk by at dusk with their glow sticks and cotton candy. Moms and dads carry blankets and baskets of snacks. Fireworks begin at 9 PM sharp.

This is how I remember the annual carnival. Like most things adults cherish from their childhood, I'm sure carnivals have changed a bit since I was a little girl. But as the Fourth of July approaches, I'm reminded one of summers pleasures, and it is the inspiration behind my board.

Petals & Pedals

I live three blocks away from the beach. The church we are getting married in is two blocks, and our reception venue is ocean front. I am always looking for interesting ways to do things (I am totally unable to shut off the creative part of my brain) so when transportation came up, I pondered it for a while. I figured since we live in a seashore community where the common mode of transportation in the summer is a beach cruiser, why don't we have the whole wedding party go from the church to the reception in a bicycle caravan?

It seems that I am the only one not concerned with ruining my dress. So, since my brilliant idea was poo-pooed on, I pay homage to those brides lucky enough to pedal their way through the day!

Pink Lemonade in the Shade

I love the combination of citrus colors for a summer wedding! So fresh and clean. Don't forget to ask your reception venue if the bartender knows how to make a pink lemonade and make it your signature drink!


from top left: image from martha stewart weddings; image from martha stewart weddings; ditzie cakes; j crew crewcuts dress. middle row: image from the knot; image from the knot; image from martha stewart weddings; polka dot shoe photo from jennifer skog; image from martha stewart weddings. bottom row: image from martha stewart weddings; image from martha stewart wedding; image from the knot.