Flowers of the Week 11.30.09

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  And to start off this week, as I always do, is a wonderful bouquet that I have chosen  for the "Flowers of the Week" this week.  I am loving the dreamy feel of this bouquet...and all those fabulous pale colors and the texture from the variety of flowers...simply swoonworthy!

Soft and romantic is what I am in the mood for today...how about you?  Also, did you see the trailing turquoise ribbon?  Love!  Have a great week.

~ Ciao

...flowers by lauryl lane

Weekend Wishes

...for an absoluetly wonderful Thanksgiving.  May it start off with a handful of fresh fall flowers...

A perfectly set table for lots of family, friends, food and fun...

And a wonderful spot for you and your sweetie to nap...

Sweetie, I will meet you here later, okay?  Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  May we all make sure to take the time to be thankful for all we have...I know I will.

~ Ciao

...images elizabeth messina & linens by sarah drake designs

Sensational Stitching

I am absolutely SWOONING about the detail on this cake!  I can't stop looking at it...it has become an addiction, I think.  It looks so real.  What do you think?

This lovely cake was created by eat cake be merry (love the name)...let me tell you...I would be MERRY if I had this cake to eat!  You must check out all their a~maz~ing creations. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

~ Ciao

All Tied Up - II

About two weeks ago, I posted a pic for a cute, easy, stress free way to add a little extra detail to your table...and below is another pic that I found along the same lines as my previous post - so I just had to post.  How cute is this?

Oh my brain is going a thousand miles per minute here - with all of the options that you could do.  The butterflies are perfect for a spring or summer wedding, but change them out to fit your theme.  How about cute little mushrooms for a outdoor woodsy wedding, little stars for a december holiday wedding, fall leaves, a fern frond...the list is endless.  Plus, I L-O-V-E how the ribbon is just loose, casual and weaved (loving the word...you could take just that word and go with it) through the tines of the fork!

~ Ciao

...image via stylist martha barnabe

Flowers of the Week 11.23.09

Here is a special little treat for you!  I love the casual feel of this arrangement.  Not only that, but using elements such as fruit, veggies and herbs with a touch of flowers is so perfect these days - where weddings are defined by you and your honey.  Definitely not your "traditional" wedding flowers - but still amazing.  Couldn't you just imagine this arrangement as your centerpiece?

Just perfect.  Happy Monday!

~ Ciao

...image via kissthegroom

Decanter Details

Here's a perfect little detail...

I love this little detail for a couple of reasons.  #1.  Depending on the type and style of the decanter you choose, you can use this detail at any type of reception.  #2.  You can either set up a wine bar using the decanters, or place one (or a couple) of decanters on each table.  #3.  Use can choose a variety of types and styles of decanters for a more eclectic feel.  #4.  Multiple decanters allow you to choose a variety of wines (how cute are the labels above).  #5.  You could print out wine cards that describe each wine, and why you and your honey like it.  #6.  Group all one style like the picture on the left (choose larger decanters to make a statement) with different types of wine, and use as the centerpiece on each table - with small flower arrangements, clusters of grapes or decorated grapewood vines, and candlelight...oh so pretty!  Inspired yet?  I hope so.

~ Ciao

...image on left michael partenio & image on right project wedding

Cream, Peach, Lavender or Pink?

How do you choose the color of your cake?  With so many choices out there it can be difficult to decide.  But, who says you have to have only one cake?  Why not two, or three, or four?  And all in dreamy pastel colors...

I love how each cake is not only different in color but with the flower detail too.  It works because the flower detail on each is done in the same way.  So if you choose to have multiple cakes, keep in mind to use one element that ties them together.  I think I would choose four different kinds of cake too!  Yummy.

~ Ciao

...image rick lew

On Ice

Wow, I L-O-V-E this idea!  How fabulous is this oyster bar?  I love the way it is used for oysters, but it can be used in so many other ways too.  I really like the tealights scattered inside - but be careful here...a sleeve held too long could catch fire quickly!  I would place the tealights in votive holders to protect the flame and my guests.  But seriously this is just fabulous.  I think it could be made pretty easily too.  Galvanized steel trays, a couple of galvanized pots flipped upside down with some adhesive and your done!

Here is my twist on the idea above - you could use quarter round metal plant stands placed back-to-back.   

Use two to make a half circle or four for a full circle (there is another option at gardners.com) - making sure to get the tray liners as well. What a statement four would make!  Filling the top tray with flowers would be pretty amazing too. Since these plant stands aren't too tall, you could easily place on a table.  What I love about the plant stands is that you can spray paint them any color you like.  With the tray liners you could easily do an oyster bar like the picture above.  How about a shrimp bar?  Fill the tray liners (after a good washing of course) with water and then freeze (have your caterer do...since your freezer might not be big enough), remove from freezer, place on plant stand and display your shrimp...done.  But, you could also use it for any type of appetizers, drinks, on a buffet table or to display desserts!  Plus, there are plenty of other ways to use - display seating cards with the trays lined with moss, grass, river rocks, sand, seaglass, etc.  Or use to display favors.  As always - tons of options.  I am really loving this idea - great indoors or out, formal or informal.  Whatever you decide - have fun with it!

~ Ciao

...images brian woodcock and gardeners.com

Magic

Yes, I know...huh?  But I am adoring this sign!  And you could easily use this idea for your wedding - spell out your new last name (if it's not too long), your initials, your wedding date or you could spell out I do, love, just married...oh, I think you get my idea...

And if the structure is just not a possibility - hang letters from a tree, between trees on a rope, above the entrance door or individually staked along a path...oh yes, I could keep going!  The end result - MAGIC!  And how cute would your pictures be?

~ Ciao

...photography sasha eisenman

Very Vera

I can't help but just swoon over Vera Wang's Fall 2010 collection.  I think there is something here for just about anyone.  I will be total honest here - I never thought I would wear a big wedding dress - but when I tried on a tulle ball gown by Vera (years ago) I fell instantly in love.  It was THE DRESS as my mom had said...even before trying any on!  So I have a tendency to lean towards ball gowns...hence why I am starting with these...

Layers upon layers of tulle...I L-O-V-E!  Check out those necklines...OMG!  Similiar to the one on my dress...but I did change it.  So keep that in mind.  Both of the dresses above could be strapless and you would still get that great punch of sheer black from the sash.

What I love about the two dresses above is the way that the bottom half of the dress falls.  It's like multiple bustles - how perfect.  And check out the pleats on the bottom of the dress on the right! 

Ah, the trumpet shape.  I think this shape is perfect on the right person...not everyone can pull this off.  However, I would suggest trying on many different shapes and styles - trust me - you'll be surprised!  But I do love the way the dresses trumpet out just below the knee.

And for someone wanting a slimmer style - you can't go wrong with either one of the dresses above!  Whether you keep the dress as is, or you make some adjustments (like removing the sash or changing the color) you won't be disappointed with a dress by Vera Wang!

~ Ciao

Flowers of the Week 11.16.09

Simply stunning in white and yellow (but would look fabulous in any color)!  Love the casual feel of this arrangement.  The great thing about this simple arrangement is choose the color, a couple different flowers and a ribbon and your done. 

It would also look pretty scattered around the table and not tied together.  Either way - you can't go wrong.  Happy Monday!

~ Ciao

...photography polly wreford

Color Palettes: Cupcake Liners

Oh yes.  See I think the pic below is so lovely - calming, soothing with just a little hint of glam (the silver liner on the bottom).  How pretty would this color combo be for a wedding?  White, pale pink, pale yellow and a hint of silver for some shimmer and sparkle.  I think we've all seen pink and white - but what I love here is the yellow - it adds just a little pop of color.

I can picture it already...outdoor in spring or summer with large, casual flower arrangements...a basket of white parasols with a silver monogram...floating vases hanging from trees with tealights in some and flowers in the others...a string of white bunting flags with names and table assignments on them blowing in the breeze...pretty linens with just a hint of pattern and design on the tables with small silver mercury glass candleholders...a white cake with silver details surrounded by fresh flowers in white, pale pink and pale yellow arranged on a small table under a tree partially covered with a bed net...okay, I know...but just for a second close your eyes and see if you can see it!  Or what do you see? 

~ Ciao

...photography anna williams

All Tied Up

I ran across the pic below and thought that it was a perfect little detail that can be added to your wedding without adding a lot of stress.  Even though the table below is set more for a the holidays (with the little bells), I still think a quick knot (or bow) of ribbon around the silverware and placing the seating card in the tines of the fork is a great touch.

Whether you are having a formal wedding or a more casual one - this idea can still be used.  How about some twine just wrapped around the silverware a couple of times for an outdoor rustic type of wedding?  Or polka dotted ribbon tied in a bow for a more playful look.  Or use rope and make nautical knots for a beachy/nautical look.  And remember, not only is the ribbon something that can be changed but the seating cards too!  Different shapes and styles can be used.  Or you may choose to use just one element instead of both.  As always - so many options!

~ Ciao

...photography polly wreford

Shades of Blue

I love it when bridesmaid dresses are in various shades of one color.  The different shades of blue dresses in this pic below is just beautiful!

~ Ciao

...photography via amorology

Horseshoes Anyone?

Ever since Carrie (a la Sex and the City) wore the horseshoe necklace - horseshoes have definitely made a comeback!  Whether you are a Sex and the City girl, a cowgirl, a horseshoe player or just plain love horseshoes - this is a fun way to incorporate them into your wedding!  Fabric-covered horseshoes...

The horseshoes can be found here.  But they only have 3 choices.  That however would not stop me from making them myself...or better yet, having someone in the family make them for me (oh, you know who you are!).  Anyway too cute!  I would use them instead of table numbers, and on the seating cards I would make horseshoe shaped with a piece of the pattern that matches that the table the person is sitting at!  I would them place the seating cards into wooden trays filled with grass or possible dirt (that just sounds so bad for some reason) and hang the horseshoe shaped cards from small metal stakes!  Now, that is one perfect detail, if I do say so myself!  Plus, horseshoes are the sign of good luck...and they ring around the stake...so many ways to play this one.  Hope I provided you with some inspiration!

~ Ciao

Flowers of the Week 11.9.09

I am swooning over these flowers.  The peach is the perfect shade, and it's not overdone.  I am loving the use of apple branches with baby apples in this first pic.

The arrangements are loose and casual - perfect for an outdoor wedding.  Maybe that's it - I like peach in casual arrangements!  Plus, how cute are the pears used as accents around the centerpieces below?

They were spot on in adorning the cake - just one perfect peach flower is all it needs (well besides the greenery).  Happy Monday!

~ Ciao

...photography lisa lefkowitz

Delightfully Delicious Details

Oh Happy Friday!  Here is an absolutely amazing editorial done by the ever so talented photographer Lisa Lefkowitz for Brides Northern California glossy (Fall Winter).  There are a lot of details here...

A great way to welcome guests - they instantly know they are in for some fun!

Could the above be any cuter?  Seriously, love all the touches.  And just take a close look at the clothespins...plain - never!

I am loving the way the pies are displayed above...such personal touches.

Cake anyone?  I'm just smitten with this style.

Even the condiments got a makeover! No detail left undone...

Just some inspiration for the weekend!  Happy (details) Weekend!

~ Ciao

...photography lisa lefkowitz

Cupcakes and Roses

Almost too pretty to eat...

Almost!

~ Ciao

...photography bengt pettersson

Summer Refreshment

There is nothing like an outdoor summer wedding.  Fresh air, nature and almost usually the sun!  Which means hot, hot, hot.  Here is something to beat the heat!  Why not serve either one at these at the reception?  Even better the orange ice can be spiked with some alcohol and you instantly have a great cool personal drink/dessert/refresher.  Or you can serve them after dinner.  Nothing like fresh strawberries and blueberries - separate or mixed together - all in handy little carrying cones.

Plus I love the little orange with the tag stuck in...how perfect would it be at each place setting...oh, there is my spot!  Ahhh, perfect summer refreshment.

~ Ciao

...photography helen norman

Tartan Table Dressing

I ran across this pic and just had to share.  I L-O-V-E the way this table is covered and decorated!  First, the tartan is fabulous...loving the way it is draped and cinched...how fabulous would this be for a winter wedding - and I am not talking just outdoors, a table covered like this indoors would be just as wonderful!  But it's not just the tartan, oh no, take a look at how they covered the legs with the white fabric underneath...genius!!!  It looks like the table is wearing the most beautiful skirt.  ***sigh***

The large centerpiece of orchids is just brillant.  And a personal touch of pillows and a throw...who wouldn't want to sit here?  And to continue on with this - why not a different print!  A fun print for an outdoor summer wedding,  a green one for spring, a mustard yellow for fall...oh, the options are endless!  And the details are swoonworthy!

~ Ciao

...photography martin cederblad

Flowers of the Week 11.2.09

Here are the wonderful flowers of the week...outdoor inspired.

I am loving the branch frame.  It is a simple structure with tons of impact.  I so want to sit at that table!  Below is a closer pic of the centerpiece.  Great detail with the sticks covering the base of the arrangement.

I had to post the pic below because the little arrangement on the left is so cute.

And the finishing touch - a sprig tucked into the napkin.  And check out the wrap around the napkin with the button...just fabulous.

I love the simplicity of the flowers here.  They blend in beautifully with the setting.  Keep this in mind when choosing your flowers! Happy Monday.

~ Ciao

...photography millie holloman