whimsical romance || inspiration

I fell in love with a dress a long time ago.

A dress that didn't quite fit in with my wedding inspiration.  But I still dreamt of it from time to time.

The Amy Michelson Grace Wedding Gown.

Light, airy and romantic.  This gown practically lives for small, intimate outdoor ceremonies complete with lights strung from trees, hints of peach and pink and the bridesmaids all dressed in slightly different hues.

Lavender tucked in bouquets of soft pink cabbage roses and blush garden roses.

Simple burlap runners cascading across white linens.

Whimsical lace accents tied around candle vases and the handcrafted linen journals sent home with each guest.

Ribbon wands with satin lengths of peach, pink and champagne.

Oak tables nestled under a grove of willow trees house kraft place cards adorned with white calligraphy indicating each guests' place setting.  A setting of simple white dishes rimmed in gold and accompanied by blush champagne bubbling in a crystal glass adorned with a small tie of champagne colored ribbon.

Simple, whimsical and romantic.
The perfect paring for the Amy Michelson Grace Wedding Gown.

target's bridal line || attire

You've asked your closest friends to share in your special day by standing by your side as you say your 'I do'.  They are thrilled, jumping with joy, honored to be considered part of this close circle.

After the initial excitement comes a bit of a stressful moment, when your maids think about the financial obligation they've just taken on.  Being a bride isn't cheap, being a bridesmaid isn't that much cheaper.  Between the dress, shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup; your bridesmaids are investing a lot of money very willingly to take part in your special day.  While the majority of them won't give the spending a second thought, some may not have the luxury of affording the bridal party attire.

Luckily a lot of modern brides seem to be more aware of this financial implication and most have come up with ways to keep bridal party expenses low.  Some will have their maids do their own makeup, use their own black shoes or even shop around for budget friendly dresses in their color scheme.

Target's Bridal Line, is a great option if the styles and colors fit your wedding vision.  Not only is each dress priced under $70, but they are completely returnable and ship quickly.  Target features nine exclusive styles in three different fabrics and 17 color options.  They even come in plus sizes.

A perfect fit for the budget-savvy bridal party.  Or even as an option for a guest attending the wedding!

donna's birthday || brunch

I wish every Saturday began with brunch.  A kitchen full of laughter.  Bubbly champagne, the sweet aroma of bakery and the soft sizzle of the crepe maker.  It makes me want to celebrate a birthday every weekend.

This particular one was to celebrate an upcoming birthday.  A small little affair with a few close girlfriends.  Little touches of home like hand-sewn peach and blue napkins and a linen and lace runner graced the table.

Each peach-mango mimosa was adorned with a lace-topper stirrer.  And the shimmery golden people stamp from the invitation suite was replicated on the handwritten place cards. 

 Fresh white dahlias and baby's breath in different sized and patterned vases were artfully arranged on the table.

Fresh orange-cranberry scones, lemon-blueberry yogurt loaf, a walnut-cranberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing and mixed berry salad were served on simple white plates.

 

 

Fresh coffee in mismatched white cups and saucers along with sweet strawberry-banana dessert crepes stole the show for dessert.

 

 

A perfectly sweet brunch for a perfectly sweet birthday.

donna's birthday || brunch invitation

Your invitation is the first thing your guests will see.  Their first insight into the type of event they can expect.  Invitation suites should be created thoughtfully in this regard and emulate the mood and theme of the event.

For this simple brunch, I decided to use handcrafted elements to convey an intimate gathering of friends to celebrate a birthday.  A combination of kraft paper, textured cardstock and lace were used along with shimmering gold paint details.

Each invitation was hand-stamped and put together.  The peony design was carried through to the envelope and a subtle brushing of gold paint was applied around the edges of the kraft paper.  As the guests opened their invitation, the sides would shimmer in the light adding a chic touch to the invite.

Each invitation was secured with a simple strand of lace ribbon, hand addressed and mailed four weeks before the event date.  The perfect amount of time to gather RSVPs and keep the event fresh on your guests' minds.

Simple and sweet, just like the brunch that I will be able to share soon!

chris & megan || real wedding

I was blessed with being the maid of honor in a wedding recently.  A role that not only comes with responsibility, but excitement at being beside the bride every step of the way.  I had wedding jitters all over again.

Her vision was simple and modern, with a few eclectic details.

Plum, charcoal and pops of lime.

I kept telling her it was a 'modern 40's glam' wedding.

Chris & Megan's fairytale day took place at Windows on the River in downtown Cleveland.  An old powerhouse converted into a beautiful industrial room with lofty ceilings and walls of glass.

 The cake was from Wild flour Bakery in Rocky River and Lacey Claire Designs created the striking card box.

I loved that she let each bridesmaid choose a dress style that flattered their body type.  Such a thoughtful way to ensure that everyone feels glamorous in their dress.

The groomsmen wore suits purchased at Macy's in lei of renting.  Instead of spending over $100 on a one-day rental, each groomsmen spent $215 on a classic black suit that is sure to have a long lifespan.

Each detail was so reminescent of the bride's style, I loved her eye for detail in simple things like scattering a few zebra prints in the table runners to create an edgier feel in the industrial setting.

Beautiful.  Simply Beautiful.


[photography by Cavanaugh Photography and myself)

nautical wedding || inspiration

My husband comes from a boating family so naturally I now consider myself a boater.  By marriage.  Little nautical touches have a special place in my heart.

Bridesmaid dressed in the shades of the sea.

Breezy cocktails adorned with ribbon.

Sailor knot details.

Simple white flowers wrapped in hammock string.

Watercolored invitations emulating the sea.

A knot tying ceremony in lieu of a unity candle.

Each element specially designed to create an atmosphere so peaceful you can almost smell the salty ocean air.

wedding kit || planning

After finishing our meal, my new husband and I took a turn around the room to greet our guests.  As I leaned in to hug one of my dear friends I felt a pop and sure enough, one of the straps of my dress had broken.

Luckily my bridesmaid was right there will a wedding kit that would rival those of most planners.  Including safety pins that were thoughtfully painted with white nail polish to blend into my dress.  A quick trip behind the scenes to the kitchen, the addition of the safety pin (and one to re-secure the other strap just in case!) and I was ready for the rest of the night.

You can't be prepared for everything, but you can be prepared for about 95% of the incidents that occur.  Even if you don't have a planner; your maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or even you as the bride, should take the time to put together a quick kit of these essential items.  You may not use them, but you'll have a greater piece of mind knowing that they are there for backup.

Band-aids for last minute blisters.

Tums to settle butterflies or an uneasy breakfast.

Tylenol to soothe any headache.

Tissues for joyful emotions.

Band-aid friction block to keep new shoes from rubbing feet raw.

Sandpaper to scuff up the bottoms of shoes so no one goes slipping down the aisle.

A lint brush to tidy up your groom's suit coat.

Tide-to-go, which saved my SIL's wedding dress after a lipstick smudge made it's way to her dress.

Static cling for both the ladies and gentlemen.

A sewing kit with matching thread for all fabrics in the event.

Safety pins of all sizes, some painted white and some painted black to ensure the bride and groom are put together.

Clear nail polish.  For nails, for stocking runs, even to repair a pair of glasses in a moments notice.

Bobby pins in a variety of hair colors for those wisps of hair that just won't stay put.

Hairspray to further secure your perfect hairstyle.  It will also remove lipstick stains and strengthen pantyhose.

Lotion sensitive enough for dry skin on legs, arms and faces.

A small bottle of perfume for a last minute fragrance lift.

Deodorant.  Someone always needs more.  Dove seems to leave less of a white residue than others.

Water and crackers.  The excitement of the day can lead to dehydration and low sugar.  Keep both at bay.

Scope mouth freshener for that perfect first kiss as a married couple.

A small notepad and pen, readily available in case the bride wants to send her groom a last minute note before the ceremony.