Here Comes the Rings...

You've probably noticed my obsession with handmade items and using things for a wedding that mean something.  Originally, I had planned to purchase a ring bearer pillow from Etsy, but when Jay's grandmother offered to sew one for us with her own two hands, we were ecstatic! The ring bearer pillow is not as crucial as some other elements of the ceremony, but since it will be holding items that represent our lifelong commitment, I'll chalk that one up to symbolic!

Mimi is such a sweetheart! Check out this adorable, shabby chic ring bearer pillow she made for us out of burlap with little peach roses and ribbon to match our colors. My eight year-old cousin will carry this down the aisle with his little brother, who will be holding this Here Comes the Bride sign (he's 2.5 -- cutie!)

Is anyone else having a family member make an accessory for them for the wedding?

I'm trying to think of another use for this pillow after the wedding. Please share your ideas!

The proof is in the invitation

I started my wedding planning not really caring about things like the stationary, but the deeper I developed the theme, look and feel, it occurred to me that the invitation was more important than I had originally thought. First, it is the one and only detail that each and every attendee is guaranteed to see. Second, it sets the tone for the day and is a way to incorporate your wedding theme and colors on paper into a tangible, little package. 

Getting them sent out about 2.5 months in advance after hours of prep work was a monstrous relief. And they were a huge hit! It was also a reminder that we are REALLY getting married! Soon!

I loved the way calligraphy looked so elegant on invitations and found someone on Etsy who began work on a design that would give guests a glimpse at the handmade details of the wedding with the vibrant grass green of the bridesmaid dresses. I also wanted the wording to be unique. We chose to highlight our own names and incorporate intimate wording such as "...request the pleasure of your company as they vow to forever love, honor and cherish each other in matrimony."

Our stationer not only did the calligraphy, but drew the birds, hand antiqued the linen paper and added the green backing! 

We decided to complete the look with vintage postage stamps that revolved around writing, journalism, and shipping (our professions/passions -- also from Etsy.com), and tied the sets together with garden twine. We forewent calligraphy and special labels on the front of the envelopes in lieu of self-made ones with the vintage typewriter font that will also be used for our wedding programs and menus.

As many recently married people know, our guests are not meeting the deadline for returning the RSVP, so we're getting worried! Guess we'll be spending our weekend on the phone.... :)

 

Cupcakes take the cake

If you've ever had or are planning to have an outdoor wedding where you must bring in all of the pieces of your party yourself, you understand the importance of minimal hassle. So when it came down to finding a wedding cake that would accompany our darling ice cream parlor, we decided there wouldn't be one.

We just LOVE cupcakes. They are easy to eat, easy to get, and best of all, you can mix and match your flavors! The best part is that we wouldn't have to have our caterer take the cake into the woods or something to get it cut for guests. Guests could just take their favorite flavor and keep on dancing, or wait until the end of the night to pack one in kraft cupcake box as their favor!

Have you ever seen DC Cupcakes on TLC? It's about the owners of Georgetown Cupcake (who are adorable, by the way, shown below). We are meeting with this local DC shop this weekend and we can't wait! The great part about Georgetown Cupcake is that they are very reasonably priced at about $29 per dozen and they don't nickel and dime you for every decoration you'd like to add -- they come with your order! You also don't have to reserve the cupcakes too far in advance (they really only need three days notice).

Jay and I can't wait to get to tasting! Now if we can only decide on how many flavors...and what kind of decorations...any ideas?