happy anniversary mom and dad

Today is my parent's 36th wedding anniversary.  They met while hitch hiking in Greece, and eloped in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 1975.  They were married in matching overalls because my Mom loved them so much.  Oh hippies ;)

Aren't they adorable?  It just goes to show you, a wedding that reflects you is the best kind! 

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

 

seattle proposal idea

So your friend's boyfriend asked you for some proposal ideas and you're trying to think of something fun, local, affordable and hasn't been done before (or at least by any of your friends)?  Tall order.

If you live in the Seattle area you should check out this overnight accommodation on Bainbridge Island.  A boat and breakfast with an optional sail for you and 6 people.  Pop the questions, sail the harbor with your friends, listen to some Cajun music dockside (a bit random, but still fun) then wake up to breakfast with your new fiance.  Doesn't that sound lovely? 

I came across this great deal while perusing airbnb for a place to stay this weekend, and dreamed up a whole proposal complete with oysters and champagne.  Sounds lovely doesn't it?  Check out the full meal deal HERE.

Hope you have a lovely, long weekend!

reader request: no sew garlands

Today's reader request is from Liezl.  She and her new Husband Dan will finally be living in the same state after school kept them apart.  (I haven't showed you her wedding yet have I?  I must soon).

Liezl says:
SO...Dan's moving in next week (dun dun DUNNNN!), which is pretty exciting :-) I had a vision today of making some sort of sign/garland/decoration/etc. to welcome him into my apartment...AHEM!...our new space together. I love the ideas for the garlands you post. Any ideas that aren't too super girly that I could potentially keep hanging on my walls? I'm envisioning fun, lively decorations that are not just 'Welcome Dan!' and 'Welcome Married Life!' but also 'Welcome Summer!'  Am I asking too much? :-)

The balloon garland you featured, though festive, wouldn't last more than a week. I don't have a sewing machine, so fabric flag garlands are out. I'm kinda loving this look, but of course I'm open to other suggestions.

Liezl, one word Confetti Systems (okay two).  You could totally recreate this bad boy.  But since I do recall how long it takes to make garlands, here are some easier ones you could pump out.  My vote is for the pom poms with a text garland reading "You're the man Dan".  It's welcoming, masculine and could be up all summer ;)  I also like "Home Sweet Home".

What do you guys think?

1.  Coffee filter garlands, dyed any color and cheap at your local Big Lots. 
2.  Paper garland, paper...glue stick...string.  Bada boom bada bing!
3.  Japanese masking tape garland.  You know you want an excuse to buy some!
4.  These paper flags could easily be tied onto bakers twine.  Move over BHLDN!
5.  Pom pom garland.  Make your own yarn poms, or buy a pack of colorful ones at Michaels.
6.  Have a pack of paper straws?  String them together for a fun striped garland.
7.  Everlasting ribbon garland, you can't go wrong with Martha.
8.  Free printable V-Day garlands, "U R Loved" is my fav!
9.  Love garlands, does it can any better than that?

diy capiz shell chandelier

The other day Maya of Completely Coastal introduced me to this beautiful DIY Capiz Shell Chandelier.  I've admired them from afar but they were always out of my price range.  Now, nothing but my laziness will hold me back.  I will conquer.

The Capiz shell look alikes are actually wax paper and I think they would make amazing wedding decor.  I do love my tissue poofs, but these would be stunning at the altar or hanging above reception tables.

See the full tutorial at Completely Coastal and Freshly Picked!

{via West Elm}

{via Freshly Picked}

{via Freshly Picked}

instant entertaining

I thought this feature for instant entertaining Kevin Sharkey in June's Martha Stewart Living was awesome.  He doesn't cook, so when he entertains he pulls out his fanciest dishes and fills them with store bought goodies.  I would definitely enjoy this spread. 

Kevin mixes silver serving pieces and crisp linens.  He fills a large punch bowl

with potato chips and classic sour cream and onion-soup mix,

a silver platter of pistachios,and good quality olives for his savory menu

For a heartier dish, Kevin orders his favorite pizza and sets out toppings

so guests can embellish their slice.  Fresh herbs in julep cups,

 a hunk of parmesan, red pepper flakes and selection of flavored salts

Doughnuts aren't just for breakfast or late night wedding snacks.  Kevin buys lots of coconut doughnuts and arranges

them on a cake stand or platter with a glass top.  He puts out his best linens and cake plates to fancy them up. 

What do you think?  Could you stop yourself from making millions of crab cakes and get on board with this? I could...

In other boys of Martha news, do you guys watch The Fabulous Beekman Boys on Planet Green TV?  It cracks me up, I love it.  Brent Ridge used to be the VP for of Healthy Living by Martha Stewart.   Relationship wise, he is my Husband and I am Josh.  Their fights sound exactly like ours...if we had a farm.

*all images snapped from my Martha Stewart Living mag*

movie proposal

A few friends sent this movie proposal to me last week.  The only thing better would be a Ferris Bueller type parade.  I wonder how much planning that would take? 

Congrats to my friend Rhiannon who was married in New York this weekend!  I can't wait to see photos.

simple fruit centerpieces

I can't remember what I was searching for when I came across this one, but I thought it was a beautiful, simple centerpiece and an easy DIY.  A footed trifle dish full of peaches and a few random blooms. 

You could even encourage your guests to munch with a little sign that says "Thanks for sharing our big day, you're a peach".  Yes I like the cheese..  what sort of fruit puns can you come up with?  Lay it on me...

{via Wedding Come True}

classy jell-o shots

Is there such thing?  Why yes there is.  Janet from My Semi-Charmed Life made these lemon drop jell-o wedges and I think they are a class act...for jello shots anyway.  You should stop by her blog and see the full how to.

Now you may be thinking that I am all booze and summer these days and....well you're right.  So just enjoy the buzz for awhile  ;)

{My Semi-Charmed Life via Baker's Royal}

bride and groom cupcake toppers

If you poo poo'd (yes I said poo) cupcakes at your wedding because it's been "done", I hope you'll reconsider with these adorable bride and groom cupcake toppers.  I think they dress them up just right and would be perfect on a big fluffy coconut cupcake.  Classic.  I'm at a loss for a good source, but you may be able to special order some from here. 

What do you think?  Are you over cupcakes or will these toppers have you coming back for more?

{via here}

spiked italian ices

Have you seen the cover of Martha Stewart Living for June?  Spiked Italian ices.  I would so welcome these as an alternative to a signature cocktail this summer.  Mojito, strawberry daiquiri and margarita ices. 

I'll need a limoncello and mandarin too. Just like the granita I had when I reached the top of the hill at the Piazza de Michelangelo in Florence. So refreshing!  I took a little trip to Europe by myself before I got married.  I visited family in Switzerland and my Husband's cousin in Florence.  I emailed him that day before I headed to the Piazza.  I told him Rick Steves had said it was one of the most beautiful views in the city.  He emailed me back and said "who's Rick Steves?  Do we know him?"  I married a world traveler.

thank you, save the date, how do you do....cards

Did you see this adorable photo card idea at Oh Happy Day?  I think they would make perfect Save the Date or Thank You cards.  Using photos from your engagement session or reception, make your own captions and tape them straight to the photo with Japanese masking tape.

{via Oh Happy Day, photography by Aubrey Trinnaman}

So many great uses for Japanese masking tape out there:

Check out these cute garlands with baker's twine and tape.

Here's a great roundup with lots of decor ideas.

Dress up gift tags with just a few strips.

Top a present with a tape bow.



cupcake bouquet

{via here}

I'm usually not one to like these types of things, but I think this would be adorable for a baby shower or bridal shower.  I think it's the sunflowers that get me.  See the full instructions HERE and then send them my way!

Maybe I'll make some for my Mom for a belated Mother's Day gift.  We're celebrating tonight.  See an interview with her over at Jenna's blog a little blue where she has devoted the whole week to Mothers.  That means she's probably my Mom's favorite now ;)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

wine bottle photo labels

You must be able to tell by now, I love my wine.  How awesome are these wine bottles with photo labels by Pinhole Press.  I think they will make would great thank you gifts for the people who went the extra mile for your wedding.  Ahem...me.  I'm even thinking of doing a Christmas photo this year and slapping them on some $2 buck chuck for gifts.  Maybe a reindeer red? (my dogs wearing antlers)  Wouldn't that be adorable?  Well you would think was after you finished the bottle.

{pinhole press via a cup of jo}

awkward wedding photos

I know everyone loves Awkward Family Photos, but the Today Show featured a few Awkward Wedding photos yesterday that made me chuckle.  Hope none of these brides are one of you...that would be awkward ;)

"Slowly the realization dawned: They'd just missed the last ferry to the reception"

"In years to come, their disappointment that they hadn't been invited along on the

 honeymoon would fester-- first into resentment, then into rage"

"It seemed like a fun idea ... until they noticed the hornets nest"

"Don't move! I lost a contact."

"He insisted the mortuary would be an 'awesome' place for

the ceremony, but she still had doubts"

"oh this looks natural"

I could spend hours looking at that site.  People can be so strange.

I needed a laugh, back to regularly scheduled wedding ideas tomorrow!

balloon garlands

Did you see the beautiful balloon garland Design Mom made for baby June's 1st birthday?  It's beautiful.  I love high impact and this fits all the criteria.  You can pick the colors and the size of the balloons for a different look.  But don't forget the beautiful ribbon on the ends, it makes it.

{via Design Mom}

Here are some great instructions to make your own on How To Do Things.  Easier than I thought!

To make balloon garlands, you'll need:

•Balloons

•Air or helium pump (can be purchased or rented from a party supply store)

•Thick cord with some resistance, such as nylon cord or thick twine
•Thin string or fishing line

How to make balloon garlands:

•The first step when making balloon garlands is to fill your balloons with air or helium using the air pump. Ensure that each balloon is inflated to roughly the same size. Tie off the balloons and keep them somewhere with no hot or pointy objects that might pop them.

•One of the more obvious steps of decorating with balloons is learning how to attach the balloons properly so they last the entire party. Tie pairs of balloons together. Here you can match up colors or use different ones, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.

•Using two pairs of tied balloons (four balloons all together), twist the tied ends together to create clusters of four balloons each. Again, match up the colors or leave them completely random according to your desired appearance.

•Using small pieces of the thin string or fishing line, tie tiny loops around the knots in the center of each balloon cluster.

•Cut your desired length of cord, leaving enough cord at each end to tie off the garland and hang it up. Thread the loops that you tied to each cluster through the cord, keeping the balloon clusters packed tightly together. Turn the clusters to create color patterns in the garland.

•Tie off each end of the cord, and make small loops with the cord to hang your garland from.

A few things to consider before you begin...

•Size - The size of the finished garland will depend on the size of the balloons you use. The important thing here is to make sure that all of the balloons are inflated to the same size. To make this easier, cut a round template out of thick cardboard, and pass each inflated balloon through it to fit before tying them off.

•Length - The length of the garland is completely up to you. Be sure to leave enough cord open at each end to tie off your garland and hang it.

•Number of Balloons - The number of balloons you'll need depends on the size of the inflated balloons and the length of the garland. For balloons 10" in diameter, you'll need about 6 balloons per foot of garland. This size makes good party balloon decorations.

•Balloon Colors - You can use a rainbow of colors in random clusters for your garland, or choose two or three colors to complement the colors in your decorating theme.

blankets for your guests

I was at the beach this weekend in Oregon, and if anyone knows Washington or Oregon beaches...they aren't the warmest.  I've come to terms with wearing fleece on the beach, even in the summer ;)

But in the summer there is an abundance of beautiful brides taking pictures in front of Haystack rock.  I'd love to attend a wedding there.  Maybe a laid back one where the reception is around a bonfire and there is plenty of beer and crab to go around.  When the sun starts to set, fleece blankets would be wrapped around loved ones as they roast s'mores over the flames. 

I love these blankets offered up at weddings, whether for favors or a cozy jesture.  I'm always cold so I would definitely appreciate them!

Clockwise:

1.  Buy fleece at the fabric store, cut to size and fringe the edges {via BZ Events}

2.  Roll them up and stick them in a galvinized tub for a laid back look {via Project Wedding}

3.  Colorful throw blankets cinched with ribbon look pretty placed over chairs {via Preowned Wedding Dresses} 

4.  Attach a thank you to the blanket and let your guests take them home {via the knot}

mini mason jar wine glasses

My Husband is so adorable.  Last night he asked if I wanted wine and he brought it to me in a mason jar.  The funny thing is, it was a tiny 8 oz jar left over from my salted caramel baby shower favors.   It was perfect for wine. 

Here's for size comparison. I have midget hands so a lens cap seemed a better option...

I love it!  He's so creative.  Even if unintentionally ;)

tequila tasting

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Although according to my friend, it means nothing in Mexico.  Really who cares, I love an excuse to eat guacamole and drink margaritas!

I did scrounge up this photo from our tequila tasting table at our wedding.  We bagged the party favors and went for an assortment of sipping (and shooting) tequilas.  The best thing to come of it was the introduction to tequila cream.  You must try it!

The other day Lena of La Petite Coquin posted this tequila based drink called El Diablo.  It's on the top of my summer drink list.  I'm also thinking this tequila-lime pound cake might need to happen too!

{El Diablo via La Petite Coquin}

And just because, I thought I'd share with you my 2nd favorite Mexico wedding shoot.  You might have seen it over at Style Me Pretty a few months ago, styled by Grey Likes Weddings and shot by Troy Grover Photographers.  Gorgeous!  If I could have a do over....

{see the rest of the shoot at Style Me Pretty}

Are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?  Tell me how!

honor thy mother

{via Todd Pellowe Weddings}

I realize Cinco de Mayo comes before Mother's Day, but sometimes I like to put my Mom before tequila.  In honor of the upcoming holiday I thought I'd bring you a few ways to honor your parents at your wedding.  Will you, or have you done something special to honor your family on your wedding day? 

• Walk down the aisle (the recessional) to the same song as your mother did. This is a nice tribute to your parents.
• Give a rose to your mother and groom’s mother as you walk down the aisle. Talk to your florist and have them place the two roses in your bouquet (unfastened) and then pull them out when you reach the front of the church.
• Prior to the ceremony, place a personalized handkerchief and a rose at both mothers' seats. The handkerchief will be a wonderful keepsake and remembrance. Or, you could include a special personal note of thanks with the rose or handkerchief.
• Have your mother’s bridal bouquet duplicated. Find some pictures of her wedding and give them to your florist. 
• Instead of doing a "bouquet toss", dedicate your bouquet to your mother.
• I saw this at one wedding where the bride got up and gave a little speech about someone very special in her life (without mentioning who it was) and at the end she told who it was and dedicated her bouquet to her mother. It was a total surprise to everyone especially her mother. Needless to say there was NOT a dry eye in the house! 
• At the cake table, include framed pictures of your parent’s wedding and even your grandparents wedding too!  
• Incorporate a family heirloom into your ceremony. This could include a piece of jewelry, clothing or a family bible. Some brides like to copy the entire wedding gowns their mother or grandmother wore.
• Copy the decorations or cake top used by your parents or grandparents at their wedding.
• As part of your wedding program, you can include a special poem about family. Here’s an example of a special dedication to a bride and groom’s parents… 

"We would like to dedicate this ceremony to our parents. They have taught us our values, and shown us how to laugh, love and appreciate all that life has to offer. Their generosity, support, and love is unending."

• Ask your Officiant to include the names of your parents or family in a special prayer. Many times family members that have recently passed away may be mentioned in a prayer, but it can also be used for anyone you want mentioned in a special way.

via Brookside Farms

our new baby flower girl

My neice Ava graced us with her presence yesterday morning at 2:08am.  3 weeks early!

Ava Grace

6lbs 10oz, May 2, 2011

And because I can't leave you without an idea today.  I'm hoping to make her one of theses cute headbands, her first wedding is two months away.  I really need to sew the onesies from her baby shower first. Whoops, I was supposed to have 3 more weeks!

{via Just Drink a Coke}

 

diy wine bottle candle holders

Did you watch the Royal Wedding?  Kate was such a beautiful bride, I'm sad it's all over.  I'm not ready to delete it from my DVR just yet.  So do you think Harry and Pippa will be next? ;)  On to Monday!....

I'm a huge fan of wine and recycling, so when I came across this DIY on a past Weddingbee thread I filed away in my "crafts I start and my husband finishes" file.  I particuarly like the clear bottles and think blue wine bottles would be beautiful too!  Check out the full tutorial HERE.

{via here}

{via here}