Goodies by Chickies

Those sassy gals behind the blog Wedding Chicks now have even more to offer their readers. . .they've launched a new product line of wedding accessories (thanks Style Me Pretty).
The gals are offering up T-shirts, stationery and even signage. . .but my favorites by far are their custom canvas tote bags ($26 each). . .perfect for goody bags for your bridesmaids or out-of town guests.

Crown me

Ok all you earth-mother types, looking for an alternative to a traditional veil? How about this beautiful headpiece I just saw on Wedded Bits? San Francisco Bay Area-based designer Into the Looking Glass created this $25 crown using dried braided willow branches, fabric flowers, dried baby's breath and a vintage brooch. Check out hair accessories at the Into the Looking Glass Etsy shop, here.

Edible Art

Well I certainly hope everyone's enjoying the long weekend as much as I am. We spent Saturday lounging by the pool and I devoured the June issue of Vogue, which is just filled with wedding ideas and inspiration. My favorite is Lauren Howell's Mosted Wanted piece. The accessories editor is planning an October wedding on the San Francisco Bay and ever-so-coolly citing inspiration from artist Wayne Thiebaud, she's having friends and relatives (who must have some serious kitchen skills) each make small cakes for the wedding, kind of similar to what we saw this bride do.
It's a great solution if you're having trouble deciding on cake styles and flavors, and what a fun way to keep things whimsical without copying the cupcake trend. While you're being so creative here's a suggestion, why not have a different cake centerpiece for every table? Save on centerpieces and come dessert time guests can help themselves!

(Picture 1 Cakes by Wayne Thiebaud, photo from Cliff1066, Picture 2 from Sarah Magid's Custom Organic Cakes)

Linda & Harriet & Jenna

It's hilarious to me to think that when I was a kid, I used to hate writing thank-you notes. Literally, my mother would have to sit me down and watch me write note by note if she wanted to to see it get done. Thanks mom, the supervision definitely helped because now, it's one of my favorite things to do!
I know, I'm pretty easily pleased, but I just love picking out the perfect card for someone . . .
. . .and there are just so many gorgeous options out there these days, like these letterpress notes by Linda & Harriett with calligraphy by the amazing Jenna Hein, (remember her?). A set of 3 is $12.15.

Flower Fun

Thanks to this creative little bride, I am a big fan of craspedia. They are such fun and childlike flowers, and can add the perfect touch of whimsy to your wedding. Sometime in between your coffee breaks, work meetings and online shopping today, head on over to Snippet and Ink to check out this cheery craspedia-inspired inspiration board.
While you're at it, don't forget to congratulate the newly-engaged blogmistress Kathryn! Now there's a gal you know will have a gorgeous wedding.

Steady as we go

If you ask me, there is nothing better than a great family wedding. Denis and Erica were married a few weeks ago, and our whole family had the time of our lives celebrating the night away. Today I finally got my nosy little hands on their professional pictures, taken by Pablo Sartor of Freed Photography. They're just gorgeous, I particularly love the one above of the two of them standing at the doors of Dahlgren Chapel right after the ceremony. As promised, I've pooled together some of the professional and not-so-professional pictures for your viewing pleasure. Don't they look lovely?
Wedding invitation by Melissa Bluey.
There's that stunning ring again.
The much talked about bridesmaid dresses from Lazaro. (One of these bellies is not like the other. . .) I loved, loved, LOVED the color combination.
This just might be my favorite picture of the entire wedding (taken by my sister-in-law), Denis' mom checks out the wedding ring post-ceremony.
The reception was held at the Washington Marriott.
Cake by Creative Cakes.Flowers by Shelly Bagdasian.

With these words

Did anyone out there write their own wedding vows? I have to admit, I have yet to be a part of a wedding where that was the case, but I'm eager to work with a couple who wants to compose their vows from from scratch.
Darcy Miller took to the Bride's Guide recently to recommend Words for your Wedding, to help get you started. So of course, on to the Goodreads bookshelf it goes. 'Cause when Darcy recommends, I definitely listen.

Simple and Stunning

Like I think every other Once Wed reader, I fell in love with the pictures from this free-spirited wedding, photographed by Ashley Garmon.
My absolute favorite details are the exquisite vintage-inspired John Galliano dress. . .
. . .these perfect papaya-colored flats (don't you just love?!). . . . . .and the lady-like layering of pearls.

Kings and Queens

Is this not the perfect touch to your soon to be mailed wedding invitations?
Thanks to one of my favorite daily blog reads, Thoughtful Day for pointing them out.

Pink Prints

I'm still on my pink fix and I'm starting to figure out where it's coming from. So of course I am completely charmed over by these gorgeous invitations from Mika78 on Green Wedding Shoes.
Sigh. Maybe some early work on birth announcements and baptism invitations will cure me.

Pink loves Gray

I am still coming down after the fabulous time I had at Denis & Erica's wedding this past Saturday. Not only was everything gorgeous (the flowers, the cake - even the weather worked out!), but it was also a blast and we danced until the wee hours.

I'm still gathering up pictures to post for you all, but I couldn't wait to share one thing in particular: The pink and gray color scheme. The bridesmaids wore silver colored dresses and we carried the palest of pink roses. I cannot tell you how much I LOVED this combination, like, I couldn't stop talking about it.

Here are some of my favorite Pink and Gray inspiration boards for the always impeccable Snippet and Ink, thoughts?

Well-preserved

Whereas some of those more practical-type brides opt to have their gown preserved immediately after their wedding, I'm one who has definitely dilly-dallied quite a bit. Like, its been two and half years, and my wedding gown has not once come off of it's hanger and out of it's plastic covering. Truthfully, I just haven't been sure what I'd like to do with the darn thing, and indecision has led to inaction. So when Nina and Cindy each recently asked me about gown preservation, I realized I had to do some actual research.
First, if you didn't already know, gown preservation refers to the special cleaning and packaging methods that ensure a wedding dress maintains it's beauty, shape and color. When a gown is taken to be preserved, a professional will survey it for the materials used, embellishments, and any mishaps or stains, and then formulate a specialized cleaning procedure unique to your gown. After cleaning, your gown is wrapped and placed in a box for keeping. Let's talk dollar bills y'all. You can expect to pay $400-$800, depending on the gown's materials, embellishments and degree of wear and tear.
So how do you find a preservationist? The Knot recommends you start your search early. Before your wedding, ask former brides, your wedding vendors and gown shops for referrals. One word to the wise, lots of dry cleaners will claim to clean wedding gowns, most are not specialized at gown preservation.
Happy hunting!

(Photo 1 by Love Life Images, Photos 2-4 by Kate Triano)
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