Tuesday Thought: Garden-in-a-Bag

Now this is a great and eco-friendly idea...

My initial thoughts was what cute favors these would make.  And these are favors that your guests acutally might use...because no finding dirt, a pot and then having to plant.  Not me of course...because I love to garden!  But then my brain kicked in, and I was thinking that these would make wonderful simple centerpieces!  I would use a variety of herbs for each table, or you could do just one.  Or a variety of flowers, and again you could do just one.  But they would be perfect for a backyard garden wedding or a eco-friendly wedding.  The plants are grown in bags - so no mess or fuss.  Just arrange some on a table with some other decorations and you would be set.  Potting Shed Creations are the maker of these wonderful little bags.  They have so much more to offer and items to choose from on their website, so please be sure to stop by.  Also, the thing that sold me...they are customizable!  You could put something as you initials or "where love grows."  Just a thought!


~ Ciao


...images via potting shed creations

Flowers of the Week 3.22.10

Happy Spring!  Now this is a way to start the week...

...with a gorgeous centerpiece!  I love the hot pink flowers draped over the sides, the softness and colors of the flowers, the mercury glass votives in silver and pink and the branches - casual elegance is how I would describe it, and me likey a lot.  Below is another arrangement from the same wedding - it's a little different then the one above, but still gorgeous.  And how about those crystals draped over the branch, and hanging in the background?  There is that bling and glamour I need.

How's that for some Monday morning inspiration?  Have a great day!

~ Ciao

...photography visionari

Spring Green

Ah...just one more day to go until the offical start of Spring!  And with that, I thought I would end this week with a wonderful spring green creation that is just so sweet...

Don't you just love the white detail?  Hope everyone has a Sweet Weekend!

~ Ciao


...image via wedding style guide

On the Table: DIY Herbs

Well, since I have been on a green kick this week - I figure why not continue!  I love to cook, and I love herbs...so how about herb centerpieces?

It's an easy DIY and low cost option.  All you need are dirt, herbs and some small containers (you can get really creative with the containers).  Also, I like the fact that you can give them away as gifts to a couple lucky people at each table, or favors for that matter!  Or you could do one big arrangement with a cute stake with the table number on it.  I'm thinking a large strainer (with the inside lined of course, plastic wrap would work) filled with herbs!  Strainers come in all kinds of colors, or better yet buy inexpensive ones and spary paint to match your colors.  Or have each table be a different herb.  I think you see that there are lots of options.  Anyhow, it is perfect for a chef, someone that loves to cook or a couple that just loves food. 

P.S. - I'll make up a large strainer and take some pictures for you.  I'll post them next week!  So keep your eye out.

~ Ciao


...photo emma mitchell

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Just a little green inspiration for St. Patty's Day! 

Oh, those hanging lampshades with flowers would be easy to make!  And wouldn't they look spectacular hanging from a tree at an outdoor wedding.  Yet, they would be just as fabulous inside too...like in front of a blank wall, to glam it up a little bit.  It would be the perfect place for a custom photobooth, or just a great place to take pictures.  Change out the color and style to suit yours and your good to go.   Hope your enjoying some green today!

~ Ciao


...photography anna williams

Tuesday Thought: Love in the Grass

How cute is this?

Just simply lovely!  But here's a thought:  with some wooden letters, painted in the color of your choice, you could say anything...happily ever after, over the moon, magic, or spell out your names or last name.  Oh, the options are endless. 

~ Ciao


...image via wedding style guide

Flowers of the Week 3.15.10

Looking for an eco friendly bouquet for your rustic wedding?  Well look no further - because I found it! 

How gorgeous is this bouquet designed by the uber talented lauryl lane?  Oh, so gorgeous!  Just look at all of the texture.  And I love how the brown adds warmth.  Happy Monday.

~ Ciao

...image via lauryl lane

Written in Stone

I can't tell you how much I am loving these little stones at the moment!  What a perfect little, special gift for the bride.  Or if you are the bride, what a great gift to yourself.  Keep it on your desk - like a paperweight...and always remember...

Whether you like just initials, as above, or prefer something a little more like the initials in a heart below...

Or if you would rather just have the date as a remembrance...

...any of them would be fabulous!  You really must check out sjengraving's store on etsy - they have tons of items, options and shades (even though I prefer the white ones).  They also have great options for favors, seating and more!

~ Ciao

...images via sjengraving on etsy

Who Says...

...you can't have carnival games, and serve blue shaved ice at your wedding?

It's you day - do it your way!  And if you are a lover of carnivals and games...then why not host a carnival themed wedding?  At least you wouldn't be the only one with a blue tongue!

P.S. - Loving the colors here.  I think I see a colorboard coming...

~ Ciao

...photography cade martin

Tuesday Thought: Shades of Purple

I have a tendency to shy away from purple.  You see it is my mom's favorite color, and I think I had purple overload while growing up!  But, when I saw these pictures I knew I just had to share them with you.  What I love about this tabletop are all the shades of purple that are used - from lavender to a much deeper, darker shade...

The tabletop is simple, but elegant with the duponi silk tablecloth and napkins.  And the flowers follow the same theme.

And I L-O-V-E this wedding cake!  The simple design on each tier, topped off with some fresh flowers is so my style.

I think I am losing my shyness to purple!  But don't just stop at purple...every color has a variety of shades - it would be so pretty in yellows, oranges, blues, etc...  How about picking one color for your wedding and using a variety of shades of just that color?  Just a thought!

~ Ciao


...images via wedding style guide

Flowers of the Week 3.8.10

This weeks flowers are centered around a couple types of flowers and a couple of shades. 

I love the variety of vases - an orangy red, pink and lavender - it all works because the flowers are consistent from vase to vase.  What a beautiful idea for your reception tables!  Happy Monday.

~ Ciao

...image via wedding style guide

Sweet + Sparkly

I think it is only fair to tell you that I have an obession with chandeliers!  I L-O-V-E them!  They shine, sparkle and are down right glamourous in my book.  So when I saw this picture - I just knew that I had to share it with you.  How perfect is this...

...absolutely perfect, I think.  I really like the simplicity of the cake itself with the smooth fondant and simple black ribbon and bows - it lets the chandelier take center stage!  Simply swoonworthy.  Happy (Sweet + Sparkly) Weekend!  See you on Monday.

~ Ciao

...image via wedding style guide

Something Blue

How sweet are these pencils from Earmark on Etsy?  Not only are they blue, but a truly great favor to remind your guests of your special day!

Simply stated, and they make me smile.

~ Ciao

...pencils from earmark on etsy

Coloboard #2: Stunning Spring

It all started when I ran across this amazing picture of the pink pleated dress and the stunning location...

What a wonderful color palette for a wedding!  This palette can be used in a variety of ways - use the leaf and petal with teal accents, or use the teal and leaf with petal accents...you get the idea!

~ Ciao


...photography: girl - ewa marie rundquist, marshmallows - vanessa wu, envelope via ffffound, pink pattern - charlie drevstam, light - tria giovan and flowers via saipua

Tuesday Thought: Seeing Stripes

I have been on a black, white and chartreuse kick this week - hence this post!  I am going to ask you to stretch your imagination here, so bear with me.  How fabulous would a backdrop like this be at your wedding?  I know you are probably thinking - Yikes!  I was too, until I really started to see the possibilities.  The black and white stripe is pretty fabulous, though a little busy for me.  But, think of just the two of you at the head table with a backdrop like this, or one that fits your wedding.  Are you thinking?

Good - because now you can imagine it with any type of table, flowers, material, color, pattern, design, or even monogram.  See the possibilities?  And they don't end there - later on move out the table and chairs, and it becomes a great backdrop for a photobooth!  Or use it as the backdrop at your ceremony.  Remember, it can be easily made with some plywood, hinges and paint or material, and can fit your theme and colors.  Just a thought!

~ Ciao

...image via homes and gardens

Flowers of the Week 3.1.10

A beautiful Spring bouquet...

Designed by Saipua, who makes the most gorgeous arrangements.  I love all the different flowers in this bouquet, the softness of it and the wonderful loose, unstructed arrangement.  Happy Monday.

P.S. - I am sorry that I have been gone for a while!  I am taking an amazing class through Decor8 called Blogging Your Way.  I have one week to go, and hopefully my blog will be better from it.   But I plan on being back starting today.  So I shall see you tomorrow.

~ Ciao

Flowers of the Week 2.22.10

I am so simply over the moon with these flowers!  The peachy, white and chocolate color palette is just yummy.  And those chocolate cosmos - I L-O-V-E.   Oh, and we must not forget the paper pinwheels, and that wonderful aqua number 8 so perfect! 

This wonderful arrangement is by A. Hana Designs out of San Francisco...nice and close to me...yeah!  Check some of Asana's a.maz.ing arrangements and bouquets on her website - the are all swoonworthy in my book!  Happy Monday.

~ Ciao

...image and flowers via a. hana design

Flowers of the Week 2.15.10

As it is my play day today, and Spring is pretty much here in California...I thought not only would I show you some proof of Spring, but also some thinking outside the box!  Here is a picture of the plum tree blooms from the tree out back...

And I remembered to take a look at the camillia tree, and look at what I found...

But I thought that I would decorate my grape wood branch with them and this was the result...

So beautiful don't you think?  Sometimes if we just look around us - we see that there are lots of options, like our own backyard...flower cost = $0.00!  Oh, how I love Spring.

~ Ciao

...photography by me

Lovely Manuscript

To write your own love story!

I know that everyone already has some type of wedding planner.  But what about a journal as you go through one of the most exhilirating times of your lives?  I'd use this to jot down feelings, thoughts, wishes, hopes, dreams...

~ Ciao

...image via here

Who Says...

...you can't lay on a bed full of handmade roses and get your picture taken!

~ Ciao

...image via emersonmade

Centerpieces: Oversized Wine Bottles + Flowers

How fabulous would it be to get these oversized wine bottles for your table...

And fill them like this...

Now that would make a statement!  And the pink flowers are keeping with Valentine's week.

~ Ciao

...image via pottery barn and via coco+kelley (house beautiful)

Flowers of the Week 2.8.10

It's Valentine's week!  And what better way to kick off the week than with an a.maz.ing bouquet in shades of pink sitting on a red chair - just fabulous!

I love the colors, texture and softness of this bouquet.  So dreamy!

~ Ciao

...photography anna williams

Who Says...

...you can't crawl atop a taxicab and get your picture taken!

Yes I know this was staged for a photo shoot, but it is A.MAZ.ING!  When thinking of the types of pictures you want - scour the area of your wedding to find some perfect spots for perfect shots.  And it wouldn't hurt to ask if you could do...something like this.  What's the worst thing they can say - No?  But they could say - Yes!

~ Ciao

...photography rodney smith

On the Table: Moss & Grass

I have to be totally honest here: I L-O-V-E moss! Well, this kind of moss at least. And as I am sitting here thinking of Spring, I couldn't help but state my love for it. You are probably thinking I am totally off my rocker. Anyway, can't you just see these little pots lined up on your reception tables.  My initial thought is that they are perfect for an outdoor reception, or in a barn...but in the garden or on a terrace would be fabulous too.  It's the pop of green, and a reminder of Spring that I love so much.

And if the moss really doesn't do it for you...how about grass?

Both are great ideas for the table.  All that is needed is a couple other little items on the table and your done.  A great cost effective, do it yourself alternative to flowers.

~ Ciao

...image via molly wood garden design

Flowers of the Week 2.1.10

I am loving these simple stems in milk bottles.

When grouped together, as above, they make a wonderful statement.  Yet, I also like them lined randomly down the center of a table.  A cost effective way to save money on flowers, and something you can do yourself.

~ Ciao

...image via the inspired room

Sweet Heart

How sweet are these hearts?

It's the little details that make a big impact.  I heart these sweet little treats.  Happy weekend!

~ Ciao

...image via sunday suppers

Colorscope

A while back I posted this on my luna and chloe blog...but thought I should post here too.  Why?  Just check out the color combinations...

This is Paper Source's Colorscope and it says "let our color palette tell you more about yourself."  Yet, when I scanned it in I knew there was no way you could actually read it - so I broke it out for you. 

I L-O-V-E it!  Me - chartreuse of course, with a little papaya.  So what color did you choose? And, what color are you?


~ Ciao

Cookie Jars

Am I the only one that has flashbacks of bright colors and animal shapes when I hear the word - cookie jars?  Maybe it's my childhood coming back to haunt me...who knows.  However, take a look at these cookie jars...

So cute, don't you think?  Now this is my idea of a cookie jar!  And, be honest, who doesn't love getting into the cookie jar?

~ Ciao

...image via amorology weddings

Colorboard #1: Rich Fall

A rich and warm color palette with a vintage vibe for Fall!

~ Ciao

...photography row 1: john dolan & lisa hubbard & row 2: shana faust stylist, matthew robbins design & emma mitchell

Flowers of the Week 1.25.10

This week's flowers are a little different - I guess that's why I like them so much!  How cool is this for a centerpiece idea?

Some simple buds coming out of a piece of wood = rustic elegance!  So what do you think?

 ~ Ciao


...krislyn design

Branching Out

I have to admit that I am completely smitten with Eat Cake Be Merry's creations!  They are simply stunning.  Take a look-see...

Not overdone.  Dainty in a way (I think it's the flowers).  I love that it has only one branch at the bottom branching upwards  - which takes center stage.  The work and detail are perfection.  I thought I would end this week on a sweet note - pretty sweet don't you think?  Hope you all have a Happy (Sweet) Weekend.

~ Ciao

...image via eatcakebemerry

Centerpieces: Going Green

Here is a simple centerpiece idea that is good for enviroment! 

A runner of cotton, linen, or even burlap would be good, with some fresh loaves of bread, fruit and small bottles of just a couple of stems of fresh flowers is a simple, causual centerpiece idea.  And I love, love, love those mismatched cloth napkins!  The centerpieces are subdued in color, but the mismatched napkins bring in some brighter color.  Now if this isn't enough color for you - just make a couple of quick changes in the runner color, your choice of fruit and flowers, and you can take the whole color scheme up a notch!  Just remember if you see something and like it but it just doesn't fit you color scheme - picture it in the colors you are using and possibly you will see it in a whole new light!  Imagine yellow and greens of lemons and limes, reds of pomegranates or apples...

~ Ciao

...photography julia newman

Couture Millinery

I am loving these veils by Leah C.

This second one is my favorite. 

I L-O-V-E.

~ Ciao

...images via leah c

Soda Pop

What a totally cute idea! 

One for each guest, and then they can toast you when they open them (whether it is at the reception or another day)!

~ Ciao


...image via lisa lefkowitz