Why Am I So Obsessed With Wooden Flatware?

This is why.  This gosh-darn adorable set of wooden cutlery spied at Kate's Paperie.  In a sewn paper pouch, with a cloth napkin, it makes me think of picnics and summer, strawberry shortcake and potato salad!  But at $5 per set, it might be best to use these for a dinner party and find something else for a wedding.

Good thing there are affordable alternatives out there!  Jessica over at Budget Savvy Bride was the first blogger to call my attention to wooden flatware, and she made her own cutlery sets for her wedding.  She found them to be quite sturdy and perfect for her guests.

[caption id="attachment_2601" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Look how cute hers turned out!"][/caption]

A little wooden flatware, a little paper, a little baking twine or yarn, and you've got yourself an easy DIY that is as cute as a button!  And did I mention that this stuff is biodegradeable and compostable, unlike their plastic counterparts?  Earth friendly!  I'm TOTALLY stealing this idea for my brother's engagement party cookout this summer.  A quick google search will find you some affordable flatware from a great many retailers.  Quick tip: buy in bulk  (BSB got hers in cases of 1000 from Ecoware Biodegradables for $56.99 which includes shipping) if you're planning a wedding.  But if you have a smaller crowd, you can buy sets of 100 wooden forks, knives or spoons for $6.49 at the Web Restaurant Store.

So all this is quite excellent and lovely.  But my crush was taken to a whole new level when I saw these over at Totally Tabletops: monogrammed, personalized perfection.  This sort of personalization doesn't come cheap, but it sure is cute.  And you can find them, for example, at Neiman Marcus (36 pieces for $64).  But the crafter in me has to wonder- don't you think you could do this yourself with a little custom stamp?  I'd love to hear if you've tried!

[caption id="attachment_2614" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Who needs boys when you can have these?"][/caption]

Do you love this flatware as much as I do?  What would you to to personalize it?

[caption id="attachment_2602" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="Ok, one more adorable example for you, from the Bride's Cafe!"][/caption]

My Bridal Shots- No Trashing of Dress Required!

So I know I've mentioned how much fun I had with Jessica  Morrisy working on my bridal shoot at the Brooklyn Bridge... and now she's got highlights up on her blog!!  Here's some samples, but definitely head over to her blog to check them out!

 

 

Vendor Review: BluePrint Cleanse

Is it just me, or is cleansing the new fad diet?  (Well ok, cleansing and gluten-free).  You probably have heard of these cleanses either from people who love them or people who hate them.  Personally, I know people who have literally lost ten pounds in a week on these things and kept it off.  So when it came time for me to take my boudoir photos, I was tempted... quick and easy weight loss?  Seems like something most women would like!

Of course I should mention- most cleanses say that they are not intended to be a weight loss technique.  What they are actually supposed to do is rid your body of toxins and all that yucky stuff.  So take it for what you will.  Also, a brief legal disclaimer: be careful, talk to your doctor, and know that I'm making no claims, promises, etc. regarding the safety or effectiveness of cleansing.  You're on your own peeps.

And thus, my research into the world of cleansing began.  Now, my first exposure was to the Master Cleanse- which seems wildly unhealthy to even my non-medical mind.  The cleanse involves drinking only a concoction made from fresh lemons, grade B maple syrup and cayenne pepper.   For days.  No solid food is eaten for the entire cleanse, and for me that was a deal breaker... I was not spending all this time and effort to get skinny only to wreck my metabolism.  Plus, no food is a really bad idea for me, because I get cranky.  So I kept looking.

Next I considered GOOP which is the cleanse made famous by Gwyneth Paltrow.  The nice thing about this cleanse is that you DO get to eat.  The drawback for me was that you have to have lots of fresh food on hand and you have to fix everything yourself.  For regular people this is totally doable.  But for me, given my work schedule which is generally hectic and unpredictable, it wasn't realistic.

But then, I found the BluePrint Cleanse.  BP is actually a company that makes a few types of cleanses and they're all pre-made and juice based, but the juice has calories so your body doesn't go into starvation mode.  The drawback to BP is that their 3 day cleans runs about $190- that is a lot of dough to spend on juice.  But they delivered it to my office and it was all pre-pressed and convenient, which was ideal for me.  I decided to try their Renovation Cleanse, which at the time was the best for beginners.  I loved that the juices tasted good- nothing to grassy or gross- and for your last juice of the day, you get this cashew milk blend which has cinnamon in it, and it is downright delicious.  It is also the most filling of the beverages, so when you're really about to chew off your own arm, the cleanse comes through for you with some sustenance.

These days, BP is also offering a new cleanse, the Juice 'Till Dinner, which the website says consists of a daily supply of four juices, a two course vegetarian meal, and two snacks.  With foods like Cucumber Basil Soup with Cashew Cream on the menu, I think it sounds pretty good.  If you've tried it, I'd love to hear about how you liked it!

So, ok, review time. 

Pros:  The BP Cleanse offers tasty juice, and is 100% convenient.  I did my fast in very hot August weather and worked out every day, but in spite of these two facts I was never left feeling shaky or weak.  The cleanse helped me lose 3 pounds, at a point in my wedding diet where I had been at a three week plateau.  My tummy was as flat as it has ever been in my boudoir photos and I felt great.   

Cons:  I was hungry.  Very.  No lie.  I was cranky.  I was emotional.  I cried once (or twice).  The BP Cleanse was also expensive- but then again, that may have been a pro because when you spend that much on a cleanse, you ain't cheating.

Would I do it again?  Sure, so long as I have the kind of job where I can afford it.  But my MIL made a good point too- you could probably do a day drinking V8 and get similar results.  Ok, you might not feel like you were eating 10 pounds of freshly pressed cabbage, but for less money I might try that next! 

Have you ever tried cleansing?

Horseshoes And Weddings? Yes, please!

Today, I am madly in love with all the horseshoe wedding inspiration I'm finding on etsy.  As a girl who hearts horses, it is only natural.  But even if you're not an equestrian, I bet you'll feel the love too!

For instance (click images for source):

[caption id="attachment_2393" align="aligncenter" width="344" caption="Check out this incredible red glossy horseshoe heart by AlteredIron!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2396" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="How can you not love this Horse Heads Horseshoe Trivet from brianbrazeal?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2395" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="And of course, BringingHomeBrandi's rustic version"][/caption]

Can't you just see it now?  Decorating an escort table, incorporated to hold table numbers, weighing down outdoor tablecloths, or hanging at the bride and groom's sweetheart table-- I feel like there are so many ways one can use horseshoes to add a touch of country chic to your wedding!  And let's not forget the element of jewelery inspiration too!

What do you love today?!

 

jewelsbyn's lucky horseshoe necklace

The Moments of a Lifetime: Our Ceremony!

Once again, these fabulous photos are courtesy of Jessica Morrisy!

Well, we all made it down the aisle and nobody fell!  Bridesmaid R. said she nearly did (whoops, aisle runner!) but graceful as she is I'm sure nobody knew.   And my dad walked me down nice and slowly, so as to savor the moment and also to help me keep my balance!  It was so nice to see all the amazing people in our lives who came to show us their support and witness our marriage.  I was overwhelmed!  But something happened when I got to the end of that aisle-- J. and I sort of went into this perfect "bubble" and I barely noticed anyone else for the rest of the ceremony!

The pastor began with a welcome, and then the congregation was invited to sing a hymn (we chose "Joyful Joyful" by Mozart).  I'm not sure how thrilled our bridal party was to be singing, but they pretended well.  And given that I come from such a musical family, it couldn't have been any different!  I sang my heart out and it calmed whatever nerves I had left.  I still remember the feeling, it was incredible!

Next came the questions of the parents.  I loved that the pastor allowed us to customize this part of the ceremony such that questions were asked of both J.'s parents AND mine.  I can't stand the idea of a woman being "given away" like livestock (no offense to you traditionalists out there!  I see the romance, even if it doesn't work for me).  But I adore the idea of entering into marriage with a public declaration of support from the parents of the bride and groom.  I think it was a teary moment for all of us!  And then, my dad raised my veil and gave me a hug.  (Yes, awwwwwe!)

Next, readings from my dear friend J. who read from the Song of Ruth ("where thou go I will go...") and J.'s cousin B. who read from I Corinthians ("Love is patient, love is kind...").

Followed by the homily.  One of the reasons I really liked our pastor was because he was so intelligent.  His homily was about us and not simply some regurgitation of whateverpeopletalkabout.  He spoke about the importance of being individuals, not just of being a couple.  Of finding unity though our differences, and allowing each other the space to be the people we are- and using those differences to find strength together.  For two people who lived a fair amount of life before finding each other, it was beautiful, poignant, and perfect.

And by the way, remember that aisle runner I made?  Turned out pretty great, huh?

Ok ok, back to the important stuff.  Some prayer, followed by vows.

J. said his vows so loudly and clearly, it literally brought me (and him) to tears.  By the time it was my turn, I could barely get them out.  But I did!

And then the rings.  We had them engraved with a private message, and our wedding date.  And we even put them on the correct fingers!

Then, more prayer followed by the lighting of our unity candle.  At this point, I was trying hard to savor every second, because I knew the ceremony was coming to a close!

And then, the best possible thing happened.  We were pronounced husband and wife.  We kissed!  And then, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. J... MISPRONOUNCED LAST NAME!"  Um, what?!  Hilarity ensued!  It was the first of many mispronunciations I expect are in my future, now that I have a new last name.  But I don't mind AT ALL.  We got a great memory and a great photo out of it!!

We were married!  Hooray!

And how did we get here?  Checking In;  Practice Makes Perfect: The Rehearsal!; The Rehearsal Dinner!; The Rehearsal Dinner Slide Show; Girls Gone Wild!; Got Mah Hairs Did; The Guys Get Groomed; The Girls Get Glammed!; Get Me To The Church on Time!

Real Wedding: Amanda and Wesley!

Hey, its Friday (!!) and I know it's been a while, but I've got another jaw dropping wedding to share with you this week!  Today's feature comes from Kim Chelwick of Black Pixel, an up-and-coming photographer in Columbus, Ohio who, as you can see, absolutely nails the casual, natural-and-yet-glamorous elegance of this outdoor event.   Of course, it helps that she had such a drop-dead gorgeous bunch of subjects.

So let's talk turkey- if you can believe it, Amanda and Wesley are actually high school sweethearts who met at a ninth grade dance!  After learning they lived only one mile from each other, the couple soon found out they were "meant to be" and the rest was history!  After six years together, they finally tied the knot on September 26 at Brush Lake Lodge.  The day started out gloomy with rain but the clouds parted just in time for the ceremony, sending out the most perfect light for the photos!   The bride wore a stunning full length gown with intricate lace and beading, and the bridesmaids wore green and fuchsia frocks which suited them and the outdoor event perfectly!  I am particularly fond of the flower girl's 1930's style party dress, which to me channels everything both subtle and glam about this wedding!  Perhaps most special of all, the couple's adorable baby girl (the charmer with those sparkly eyes!) was there to celebrate with them.

I won't ramble on, I'll just let these amazing photos do the talking.  Congratulations to Amanda and Wesley, and to Kim for capturing their day with absolute and utter flair!

Ten Wedding "Musts" You Can Live Without

I think it is pretty obvious at this point that I heart weddings.  But I do not heart the wedding industrial complex.  And since the season of bridal shows has arrived, I feel compelled to share how much I likewise do not heart bridal shows.  Generally, I found I could categorize them into two classes: (1) full of great things I could not afford or (2) full of overpriced, mediocre things I could do without.  In either situation, I left the shows feeling guilty (is my wedding good enough?  is my wedding too over-the-top?  am I too judgmental?  am I too picky? am I being too cheap?)...  I ended up with a lot of email spam too, and no, I did not win any contests.  And these sorts of events made me feel insecure about my choices... something in retrospect I now see was ridiculous.  Vendors and websites often try to tell you what you "must have" or "must do" when planning such an event.  I'm here to tell you it's all a lie.  You can have whatever you want (within reason and budget of course).   So with this in mind, I wanted to give you a list of the top ten things I think you CAN live without.  Let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief!

[caption id="attachment_2339" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="this bride clearly went to the same bridal shows I did"][/caption]

(1) Wedding Planning Books

Admittedly, this is probably controversial, and I mostly love books.  But you don't need this kind.   All you need is a box, scrapbook or binder with ideas torn from magazine pages, inspirations from fabric, and so forth.  I did, and it sure helped when trying to explain my vision to vendors.  But with so many free online resources, why spend money on one more?  I suggest you visit The Knot, Brides, and WeddingChannel for starter checklists and tools, and then make your own.

(2) Fancy Undergarments

If you are going to shell out cash for a nice wedding gown, chances are it has good lining and support.  You probably don't need to spend $200 more at the bridal shop on their fancy undergarments.  I've seen seamless, strapless bras and corsets at Macy's for very reasonable prices, and I got my own strapless from the Body by Victoria line.  And though I am generally pro spanx, you're probably going to feel hot in your wedding dress as it is- you don't need to layer shapewear under it too.  If you are not comfortable it will show in pictures.  Basics are best.

(3) Ceremony Programs

Sure, programs are nice, but let's be real- nobody saves programs.  In fact, most people hardly notice them.  Of course, I had them, I slaved over them, I loved them.  No regrets.  But I don't really think anyone else cared.  So if you're looking to shave some savings and sanity off of your wedding planning, this is the place to do it.

(4) Bridal Party Gifts

Ok this is a situation where I definitely did not take my own advice- but- you really don't need to go overboard with the bridal party gifts.  My wedding planner had to, on two occasions, remind me that people were in our wedding because they loved us, and we did not need to feel the need to compensate them somehow.  This was excellent wisdom.  Keep it simple!

(5) Favors

Most wedding favors languish in people's junk drawers.  I've received a few really great, personal, thoughtful ones, but if you just don't feel like you can find the right favor for your budget, don't buy junk, just skip it.  Make a small charitable donation instead- people never mind, and it is a nice touch.

(6) Calligraphy

Let's keep it real here.  Callgraphy goes on the envelope.  Envelopes= garbage.  Even people who save invitations do not save envelopes.  I love calligraphy so much - it is an amazing luxury that I adore.  But it is not a need and you should not feel guilty for spending money elsewhere.

(7) Wedding Websites (at least, the kind that cost money)


With so many free options that can be totally customized, you need a really good reason if you are going to spend money on a wedding website.

(8) Fancy Engagement Albums

I'm all for taking engagement photos (in fact, I think this is an absolute "must" to get comfortable with your photographer before the wedding).  But I don't think you need to buy a fancy album of photos-- if your photographer is willing to give you digital images, you can make a very nice album for yourself using programs like Snapfish.  We are planning to splurge on a nice wedding album, so we saved on the engagement album by designing our own, and I have no regrets.

(9) Anything That Says "Bride"

If you really just must wear "bride" gear, get it on sale, ask for it as a gift, or wear it as a "something borrowed" because you'll NEVER wear it again.  Ever.  Look, I'm not a total killjoy, I know that it's fun to wear that stuff for one day, I just don't consider it a "must".

(10) A Ridculous Floral Budget

You do not need to throw thousands of dollars at flowers if you can't afford it.  Men can skip boutoniere's and wear pocket squares instead.  Ladies' bouquets are always negotiable.  Centerpieces can be simple and candles can always be used instead of fancy high arrangements.  I love flowers, but I don't think this is a place where you should feel guilted into spending money.  Speaking from personal experience, my florist tried to guilt me (in a nice but persistently annoying way) and at the end of the day going with my gut kept our budget- and my vision- in check.

Do you agree?  Disagree?  What wedding "musts" do you think you could live without?

image source