Yea, Lana & Shea! {Blue Sunshine Photography}

Eeee, how exciting! My friends Lana & Shea are featured on The Elegant Owl, the blog of wedding coordinating team SH Weddings!  Do pop on over to see a handful of their wedding's lovelies, photographed by Blue Sunshine Photography!

{Blue Sunshine Photography}

Happy Wedding Day, Lana & Shea!

{Our Labor of Love, via Once Wed}

Too many wishes to put words to.

But here is to a beautiful day, no matter the weather, the shirt sizes, the number of buckets of flowers, the tented outdoors, the plus-two-surprises, and every other wrench thrown your way :)

via The Bride's Cafe

{Ken Keinow, via Style Me Pretty }

{One Love Photo, via Marry You Me}

Sabine Scherer via Style Me Pretty

{the nichols}

And cheers to what will most certainly be an absolutely *delightful* blast.

{Our Labor of Love, via Once Wed}

And most importantly, we wish that this wedding is just the beginning of a lifetime of . . .

mi belle photography


Yea, Lana & Shea!

Wedding Math: Favors

Not like I have a wedding of my own to worry about, but sometimes, I do think favors are a bit over-stressed about. But gosh darn, isn't it fun to pick out just a little something to thank your guests with? Just a cute detail to have fun with :) Well, maybe it's just me, but it seems like if you're getting married in any sort of fruit-harvesting season, a quick and pretty inexpensive favor would be this beautiful option...

Martha Stewart

via googleimages

Supplies? Fruit + a basket. Or, even...

Cupcake liners! Because who really needs an entire pound + to themselves :)?

Coffee + gold liners: Kitchen Store on Tenth, $3.49 for 24

Cupcake Creations square liners: William Glen, $3.50 for 32

Matfer aluminum liners: $11.70 for 100 at Food Service Warehouse

Paderno corrugated liners: $6.71 for 18 at Lions Deal, or $6.50 for 12 by Panettone at Amazon

For example: L, even though we discussed how peaches aren't in season, did you know that there are a couple strawberry orchards nearby? One opens just a couple days before your wedding (hmmm, perhaps not the easiest time, huh?) and another about one month prior. I don't know how long fruit keeps once you've picked it... haha, or if it'd even be worth picking yourself! But hey, I also saw some orchards listed somewhere who retail their fruits too! Maybe worth it!

But I'm thinking even 3 strawberries a guest would be cute, contained in one of those liners so you wouldn't have to make or buy so many darn baskets! Especially if those strawberries were chocolate-dipped -- I know, that adds a whole nother level of "extra" to this. But, depending on the quality of the cupcake liner, they easily look sturdy (and pretty enough!) to stand on their own, or maybe decorated with a mini-ribbon handle & a small note! Or, even maybe the three strawberries with a sprinkling of those big chocolate chips?

So cost-breakdown: let's assume you go for the pricier corrugated liners, since they clearly stand on their own (and let's assume no ribbon). The liners come out between $0.37 and $0.54 a piece. Strawberries at a nearby orchard is $2.75 a pound (hmm, yikes?) when you pick them yourself. Assuming you put in 3 strawberries per favor (one from you, one from S, and one for love!), and I'll make some other major assumptions -- I figure that's another $0.68 for the strawberries per person.* And $2 per bag of chocolates (12 oz.)...

Cost: $1.05-$1.22 for each favor without chocolate, or $1.35-1.50 with chocolate!
Total Cost (for 150 guests): $157.50- $183 (or hmm, upwards of $195 with chocolate)

But, for the rest of you not L, if you happened to get married in apple or peach season, you could just attach a cute tag to just one of those! And costs might hover about the same or lower!, since you wouldn't have to worry about a container... Just an idea :)

*my assumptions were this: online photos looked like a pint of strawberries contained about 12 strawberries, and online sources suggested 1 pint = 1 lb. So, I then assumed 1 pint or 1 lb. of strawberries would work for 4 guests, and that's how I got to an estimated cost per person. Mm, I could do this kind of wedding math all day! Except hopefully I'd have more than, um, online photos + google for my sources :)

Sale at Michael's & Aaron Bros.

Okay, L, after that huge board earlier this week, I told myself I was going to back off.  But then I checked out Aaron Bros. to see if their Penny Sale was still going on (it is!) and so I checked out Michael's, too, since I need some frames for some awesome prints I got for Christmas.


And then I saw these things. 

Like, remember these favor jars?  Only $14.99! (Regularly $19.99) for the kit! (Not really sure what that means though :D) 

And then the votives -- $4.99 for a dozen!  I know, candles aren't in your tablescape.  But hey, if you could use those instead of jars for favors (whatever those might be filled with), that would be sooo cheaper!  Or, depending on how shallow the votives are, maybe even as mini-single-bud vases!  Okay, uber mini, but whatevs!  Oops, I guess they already include a candle.  Darn.  Well, for anyone else looking out for votives, that's a pretty good deal, to include the candle with the glass, right?


And for me, since I want to try to take up a little painting, there's some multi-packs of artist canvases -- another $5 savings (just $14.99) for either 10 of 8x10" canvases, 7 of 11x14", or 5 of 16x20"!  Perfection.


Oh, man, I hope this can count as a Necessity...

Love Shak #15: Candles?

meaghan-antoinette :: misswallflower

Dear L: I know, this is not very Rustic Chic.  But it's so pretty!  And elegant!  I know, I have no idea how I'd reconcile this with buckets.  Hee.  But I imagine buckets don't quite fit in with a winery feel, either -- isn't it crazy how just one word can change a whole perspective?

And here's those burlap ribbons I was talking about! Not exactly the same, but pretty close...

Pierce Arnold

as time goes by

I was thinking maybe something like this, although not quite as intricate:

Martha Stewart, feat. on With this Ring

But see how it's kind of laid out in a pattern, rather than a straight runner?  Hahaha, I know, just what you need: more ideas!  But -- really, this is the last one I've got scheduled :)  Less than 6 months to go, you've totally got this thing in the bag :)!

Love Shak #14: Post- Party

Jess Epstein Photography via the Bride's Cafe

L: I'm sure this isn't in the budget.  But whoa whoa whoa, post-party at a bowling alley?  What *doesn't* say Love Shak like this??  Okay, really, I'm not sure what would tie you guys in to a bowling alley.  But it sure would be fun :)  What if I said these socks would be on me?  I know, I'm *such* the negotiator.  

Love Shak #13:Table fantasies

Dear L: I know, no building tables :)  And yes, rounds will be fabulous.  But shoot, doesn't it seem like wooden tables with runners down the middle are freaking everywhere, flaunting their gorgeousness?

{100layercake, feat. Mel Barlow}

Gia Canali on 100 Layer Cake

Aaron Delesie Photographer, Inc. on Style Me Pretty

But I've also been seeing some *lovely* rounds + and long tables covered in table linens! I love the crispness + simplicity of white, a bit reminiscent of the simplicity of a runner on a wooden table, yes?

Ella Blue Studio on Once Wed

Nancy Neil on Once Wed

Oh, Darling! Photography

Paul Carlson Photography on The Bride's Cafe

Hmm, these next ones are neutral/beige-ish, which totally makes me love our idea of that burlap or ... is it muslin? that rough tan or craft-brown material, thrown over linens...  Ooh, it's like Style Me Pretty read our minds with the tutorial!

Paper Cranes and Hearts 

Transylvania Images on Once Wed

Carrie Patterson on Style Me Pretty

And then I also saw more glorious mason jar/glass bottle + chandelier action on The Bride's Cafe... totally doable! Erm, except I'm not sure how a chandelier literally works in a tent.  Hmmm...

Open Air Photography,

gorgeous florals by JMFlora Design

Love Shak #12: Wacky favors

Dear L: o.m.g.  Maybe this is nuts.  But in my head, this is brilliant :)  I don't know what your idea is for favors, but I saw this Alton Brown episode (he's the one who does the science behind foods) on the Food Network for *making mayonnaise*!!  How cute would little jars of different flavored homemade mayos be!!

Column 1: Good Things Wedding Favors (top 2); Butterfly Kisses

Column 2: Brooklyn Bride feat. Paper Hearts and Cranes + Chad Hunt Photography; Papery and Cakery, feat. Martha Stewart Weddings

And see? I can't even find any images of mayo favors!  I'll assume it's because the idea is so unique, and not, er, for any other reasons :D

Now, Alton Brown made the homemade mayo version look so easy + fun to make. The first version he made had to be refrigerated after setting, but I could swear that the next one he made, he said could be put in the pantry for up to a month, meaning they'd be fine on the tables!  And the flavors you can make!  For example, via Butterfly Kisses:

1 cup light mayonnaise
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Process all ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.Garlic-Chili Mayonnaise: Omit lemon rind and basil. Substitute fresh lime juice for lemon juice. Stir together mayonnaise, juice, and 2 Tbsp. Asian garlic-chili sauce. Makes about 1 cup.

Recipe: Southern Living Magazine.

I know you're just overwhelmed by all this awesomeness ;) 

Okay, other possible ideas: our own peach preserves, since peaches won't be in season in April.  Though, um, I guess it's November, so peach season is probably over already huh :D?  Damn. 

Well, I also saw these cuties on Style Me Pretty.

 Pies keep in the freezer (especially frozen pies that you can leave to thaw for guests while they're laying out on the tables!)... Or, hey!, assembling, freezing, then baking, then maybe refrigerating, then "thaw" to room temp while sitting on the tables? 

LloydandLauren via Not Martha

Either way: cute things in jars = great favors!  And you know you can count on me to help assemble/freeze/bake ;)!

Love Shak, reprised {#11}

Dearest L: Okay, so weekly posts might not be up my sleeve, but I see things + still think of you :)!  So now we'll get to randomness...

Like... Are you at all a fan of the paper lanterns?  Hmm, I definitely remember you saying "chandeliers," which is not in any way, erm, like a paper lantern...  But these are so pretty! And on sale!

 Pier 1

And I saw this and thought -- hey! if the moss-covered initial doesn't work out, doesn't this look fab (and easy :D?) Seems like it'd be an easy project to adapt, too! (ie, leave out the pinecones.  Um, unless you like those...)  Courtesy of + directions on Design*Sponge.

Love Shak #10: Love is in Bloom (Pt 2)

Sorry, L, flowers are just too stinkin gorgeous.  Just *look* at all these beautiful things out there!

• This beautiful DIY on design*sponge by studio choo!

• This French trend (you guys like French, right?) from 100 Idees Deco featured on decor8.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Ooh, mismatched bottles.  I'm so glad you loved how they turned out for your party last Saturday -- with your mason jars, these'll be sooo lovely! Photo from emma's designblogg, featuring Loft Life Magazine.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• And did you see this gorgeousness earlier this week on The Sweetest Occasion, featuring Country Living?

 

• Okay, and finally: via Weddings Fresh (featuring Soul Mates Photography), look how this cluster of simple glass vases can look so elegant, too!
  

• Okay, no really, finally: I know this is not.your.style.at all, but I just loved the bunches of *carnations* that these are!!

(c) Kristin Vining Photography

And ... ta-da! I think this is the last post I've got scheduled. I know you've got your venue, your cake, your fabulous dress, your centerpiece + reception ideas down... is there anything else you need inspiration for :)?  

Love Shak #9: Chalkboards Galore

L, you mentioned chalkboards -- Aylee Bits has a *phenomenal* post here, with all these visual goodies (and credits on the post).

And, in case that's not enough, here's just a few more chalkboard lovelies...

Row 1: first, second via Snippet & Ink; third via Mrs. Peacock
Row 2: first on Coasting Along via The Laurel Hedge; second Once Wed feat. photography by Leigh Miller, via Paper & Cakery
Row 3: collage of chalkboard jars: Kelvin Photographer, on Life Event Design Planning
Chalkboard +greens + jar: Heather Kincaid Photography, on Style Me Pretty
Chalkboard props by The Studio Nouveau on Chic Maps by Nikki

Lacy chalkboard invitation by Twig & Fig on Oh, So Beautiful Paper; sign with jams at Jessamyn Harris Photography

Love Shak #8: Photobooth Love {Chic Maps by Nikki}

So, L, I thought about creating a collage of photobooths, but when I was searching for next week's post on chalkboards, I came across this wondrous post by Nikki of Chic Maps by Nikki.  Holy. Cow.  E mentioned you were doing a photobooth, but I didn't know if it was one of this DIY things or an actual booth, but regardless, Nikki's post is pretty freakin awesome. 

Love Shak #7: Clouds of moss

* Once Wed, feat. Laurie Cinotto of lalalaurie on etsy

Okay, part 2 of the moss love: in my search for moss-covered initials for last week, I came across this beautiful mossy ring pillow, and it had to get its own post. Because it *comes with a tutorial*! I know, usually I am the link queen (I *try* to let the creator keep the credit!) but this post by Sapphire2009 is nearly a year old, and didn't link to the original post on Once Wed. So, just to make sure that the post doesn't get lost, here it is.

***Edit: double woot, I rock! Here's the original post on Once Wed, project created by Laurie Cinotto. But since it's all here, I might as well keep the directions up. And, sidenote: I had no idea that Once Wed had so many rockin projects that also includes cost! That's pure genius right there.

Once Wed, feat. Laurie Cinotto of lalalaurie on etsy

What You’ll Need:
A 5″ x 5″ X 2″ piece of Styrofoam
2 feet ribbon (2″ wide)
3 yards of ribbon (1/4″ wide)
A 6″ x 6″ scrap of fabric
A handful of sphagnum moss
Straight pins
Round-headed corsage pins
A pair of scissors

Instructions
1. Center your fabric face up on the Styrofoam square Fold the fabricedges over sides of the Styrofoam and secure with straight pins. Wrapthe corners neatly and pin. (see figure 1)

2. Turn your Styrofoam over so the fabric side is down. Take yoursphagnum moss and stretch it out across the top of the Styrofoam. Be surethat the moss completely covers the surface. (see figure 2)

3. Cut a length of the skinnier ribbon and run it diagonally across themossed surface. Attach both ends of the ribbons on the sides of theStyrofoam using straight pins. Repeat this process to create a diagonalgrid of ribbon on the top of the pillow.

4. Take your corsage pins and stick them into the points where theribbons intersect on the pillow top. (see figure 4)

5. Turn the pillow on it’s side and pin the end of the wider ribbon inthe center of the side, using your straight pins. (see figure 5)

6. Wrap the ribbon around all four sides, concealing the fabric edges andskinny ribbon tails. Pull it tightly as you go and keep the ribbon edgeslined up with the edges of the pillow. (see figure 5)

7. When you pass your starting point, fold under the ribbon tail and pinit down using your corsage pins. (see figure 6)

8. Trim off any loose moss bits.

9. Cut a 12″ length of the skinnier ribbon and tie it to the corsage pinin the center of the pillow. Attach your rings by tying a bow. (seefigure 7)

What it costs:
Styrofoam square $.90
Ribbon $3.00
Corsage Pins $2
Small bag of moss $1.80
Total = $7.70

PS: L, you know that all you gotta do is tell me what ribbons or pick some out, and I'm totally on this project for ya, right? hee....

Love Shak #6: 'ello, 'ello, L-O-V-E!

Jennifer Brum Photography, via Wedding Bee

Hee. It cracks me up that the hubs loves that Ashley Simpson song. It is quite catchy, I'll say that :D And um that was the best title I could come up with for this (mostly) moss-covered initials meta-post, but the segue sure is rough :D....

"K" "M": April Smith, on Style Me Pretty via Project Wedding
"B": Jennifer Sorkin via Project Wedding
"M" "A": feat. on Project Wedding
"T" "E": Ashleigh Taylor Photography via Project Wedding
"N" and "eve" by SimpleSweetDesign, on etsy
"A" "J", Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty , via The Bridal Suite
"R" "a": by Miss Mascara on Wedding Bee

Tutorials!
The Grosgrain Bride, via The Bridal Suite
Miss Mascara on Wedding Bee for hand-drawn/curvy initials