We LOVE the use of lemons in weddings – it brings such a freshness and vibrancy to your decor.

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No Comments | In: centerpieces, decorations, DIY, Escort Cards | | #

Love these tips on creating on dessert buffet from Melody Brandon, the pastry chef at Sweet and Saucy Shop via Ruffled blog.

We normally recommend 3-4 mini desserts per person if your guests aren’t eating a slice of cake. As far as options go, you don’t want to overwhelm your guests with too many choices so we typically say only do 2-3 more options than the amount you are allotting each guest. For example, if you allot 3 desserts per person then maybe have 5-6 dessert options total.

Dessert set up…
I am a firm believer that people eat with their eyes first, so I always want to present my desserts in the best way possible that pulls the whole theme of the wedding or event together. I would recommend having your dessert person talk with your planner/designer, florist, and wedding invitation company about the color scheme, design, and look of the event. Most of the time I always have an amazing team of talented people behind me that do the backdrop, menu cards, and florals for me….this can really help take your dessert station to another level.

It is always fun to try setting up the table on something different than just a table with a linen…why not try a vintage dessert cake, an exposed wood table, or a dresser. Another key part of set up is the stands, platters, and dishes that you present the desserts on. I had such a hard time finding the perfect stands for the longest time that I actually ended up creating my own online store Sweet & Saucy Supply where you can find almost everything you need to create a gorgeous display!

Dessert packaging…
I feel like one way to pull in the look of an wedding or event is through the color scheme and patterns/designs that are going on. With desserts one simple way to do this is to buy adorable cupcake liners, fun sprinkles, or adorable packaging. You can also change the whole mood of the table if you use a wooden spoon & wood stump vs. a silver platter and spoon. I love working with talented invitation designers too and sometimes use their actual designs and print them on edible frosting sheets or mimic them onto a cake.

For more photos and photo credits, please click here.

No Comments | In: Candy Buffet, decorations, Desserts, DIY, Wedding Cake | | #

We recently met Mandy from When and Where Invites and absolutely loved her sweet, unique and custom made boxed invitations. Learn more about When and Where Invites below for this week’s Feature Friday!

1. Tell us a little bit about you and what you do. 

When & Where Invitations is a unique paper company that focuses on the extraordinary. We want your guests to be excited about your event. When & Where does that by providing quality, boxed invitations.

2. How did you get interested/started in stationary?

I have always been interested in design, but when my daughter turned one, I wanted something that people could remember her special day just by looking at it. We had a woodland theme for the party so I handmade mushroom magnets and placed them in the box with the invite. Almost two years later, I go to visit friends and family, and there is the cute little mushroom hanging out of their fridge. So out popped the idea of When & Where Invitations.

I love that I can work around my kids. My son, who will be one in April (Gasp! Where has the time gone?!?!) and my daughter, who will be three in May, are my top priority. I get the best of both worlds; to be a stay-at-home-but-still-working-mama.

4. Advice to couples searching for wedding stationary? 

1. Don’t sacrifice quality because of your budget!! Designers will work with your budget to help you create a unique, beautiful invitation. Flat invites can still be beautiful and customized. They can still make your guests smile and make them ooh and aah if they know what they’re doing.

2. Know what you want but be open enough to listen to “the experts”. Sometimes, we can make your idea that much more spectacular.

3. Don’t be afraid to be different. Gone are the days of the traditional black on white invitation. Be bold and daring with your colors or theme.

5. What inspires you? 

So much inspires me! From a leaf blowing in the wind, to an blog article I read on someone’s blog.

I  can see a picture of a stuffed monster and I think, “Oh how cool would that be to create a monster with an invitation in his mouth like he’s eating it?” Because, after all, monsters do that.

 

1 Comment | In: Etsy, Feature Friday, invitations, Stationary | | #

We’re lucky to get beautiful sunshine most of the days here in So. Cal, but with the occasionally rainy weekend, we can’t help but adore the look of wearing super trendy Hunter Boots! Hey, maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if it rained on your wedding day!

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No Comments | In: Accessories, Shoes | | #

Thanks Bridal Musings for posting these awesome processional songs. Check out their blog for samples of each of the songs below.

1. “Reign of Love” – Coldplay
2. “I Love NYE” – Badly Drawn Boy
3. “Longing to Belong” – Eddie Veder
4. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Ingrid Michaelson
5. “She” – Elvis Costello
6. “Hoppipolla” – Sigur Ros
7. “Moth’s Wings” – Passion Pit
8. “Rose of My Heart” – Johnny Cash
9. “Halo” (Beyonce cover) – One Republic
10. “Sparkplug Minuet” – Mark Mothersbaugh
11. “Let Me Tell You About My Boat” – Mark Mothersbaugh
12. “Sky Cloud Winter Breeze” – Orba Squara
13. “Falling In Love At a Coffeeshop” – Landon Pigg

No Comments | In: Music, Tuesday Tunes | | #

We introduced you to this lovely couple a few days ago, but here are the rest of the photos from their beautiful day at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom led their guests through the resort with a mariachi band in tow. The band played through the fun and casual cocktail hour and as guests made their way into the reception room. After a delicious meal (grilled asparagus with prosciutto and parmigiano-reggiano, braised beef short ribs, white sea bass, broccolini, truffle mac & cheese…can you say droooooool?), a full night of dancing ensued, followed by a sweet (!) dessert station with chocolate chip cookies, milk, lemon meringue tarts, and mexican wedding cookies. The night couldn’t have been more perfect!

And thank you to our amazing bride and groom for this glowing review – “Simply put, Shannon and Vikki are exceptional at what they do – when you combine their team approach with their personal touches, the result is excellence and an unforgettable event. Worth every penny. If you are looking for a coordinator, stop looking and just hire Shannon and Vikki – you won’t regret it.”

1 Comment | In: All You Need Is love, Cocktail Hour, Desserts, Featured, Introducing Mr and Mrs, Love this, Ojai, Real Weddings, Reception, Reviews, Weddings | | #

Thanks Real Simple for posting this great article about wedding dresses for every budget!

{BCBG gown for $288 here}

{JCrew gown for $450 here}

{ABS gown for $511 here}

{Anna Taylor gown for $895 here}

{White by Vera Wang for $1298 here}

Check out even more fab options here!

No Comments | In: Clothing, Dresses | | #

I’ve been slightly obsessed with raw cotton lately…something about it…so dreamy, romantic…I could see it used for weddings in some many fun ways.

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1 Comment | In: centerpieces, decorations, Floral Thursday, Flowers | | #

This homage to kisses, hearts and strawberries is a perfect inspiration board for this day of love!

No Comments | In: All You Need Is love, Inspired | | #

Thanks Soundtrack To I Do for posting these great recessional songs!!

Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra

You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates

What I Like About You – The Romantics

We Found Love – Rihanna

God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye

Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap

Just Like Heaven – The Cure

I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas

Now That We Found Love – Heavy D & The Boyz

Accidentally In Love – The Counting Crows

Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen

Good Life – Kanye West

Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder

The Sweetest Thing – U2

I’d Rather Be With You – Joshua Radin

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown

Sunshine Goodtime – The Minnutes

You’re My Best Friend – Queen

We’re Going To Be Friends – The White Stripes (or Jack Johnson)

Forever – Chris Brown

Marry You – Bruno Mars

Everyday – Buddy Holly (or Rogue Wave)

All You Need Is Love – The Beatles

Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti & Spearhead

I’m A Believer – The Monkees (or Smashmouth)

Beautiful Day – U2

Happy Together – The Turtles

Love Story – Taylor Swift

(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You – UB40

For Once In My Life – Stevie Wonder (or Frank Sinatra)

Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves

Let My Love Open The Door – Peter Townshend

Rhythm Of Love – Plain White T’s

She Loves You – The Beatles

Joy To The World – Three Dog Night

Lovely Day – Bill Withers

Wouldn’t It Be Nice – The Beach Boys

I Melt With You – Modern English (or Modern Romance)

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Love And Marriage – Frank Sinatra

Good Life – OneRepublic

Do You Realize??? – The Flaming Lips

Somebody To Love – Queen

Great Balls Of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis

Gimme Some Lovin’ – The Spencer Davis Group

Crazy In Love – Beyonce

The Best Is Yet To Come – Tony Bennett (or Frank Sinatra)

No Comments | In: Music, Tuesday Tunes | | #