You're my centerpeice: White Vases

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The above centerpiece by La Partie Events was my favorite inspiration among the many I collected. The white vases, varying heights and textures, yellow runner, and beautiful flowers make up a simply bright and elegant centerpiece. There's just enough detail, while the colors provide simplicity. This was the idea I spent the most time talking with florists about. But I also wanted to make it my own, add my style.

Enter these lovelies from ikea. White stoneware vases with simple textures, reminiscent of milk glass and small enough to flank a larger vase.

We purchased them in bulk :) Two to go on each table (estimating 17-20 tables) and a few for around the guest book table.

Next was the search for the larger, main vase. Because the smaller vases are stoneware, they have a matte look which a glossy or glass vase would contrast. Our goal was to search for a corresponding stoneware vase or something less shiny. We also wanted something with a wider opening to fit more flowers.

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This vase made the consideration list. It's created in the same material and design as our smaller vases, but the opening on top is quite small.

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I love the look of this vase, with embossed branches and leaves, but again it has a smaller opening.

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Then we found this vase/pot plant. It's got simple lines, a wide top opening, and made of stoneware. The photo above makes it look shinier than it really is. I think it's perfect, with clean lines and a simple design to correspond with our vases.

We are purchasing these vases on our next trip to LA. Our florist is really excited about the flowers he can use to top them :)

How did you decide on your centerpieces? Did you utilize certain vases, candles, shells, or other details to tie your look together?

Blog title is from lyrics by Van Morrison

RSVP, it's a private affair: RSVP Wording & Design

After narrowing down our invitation wording, another part of the invitation suite to consider is RSVP wording and design. On our RSVP card we want to note the standard: guests' names, amount of guests, response (yes or no), and reply by date, but we also want to add something more. Something to further infuse personality into our stationery and allow guests to write a response longer than yes or no. And since we are offering a buffet rather than meat vs fish vs veggie, this leaves a bit of room for something fun.

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I like the idea of an RSVP postcard, which saves on paper and postage, yet allows a cozy amount of room for the wording since a portion of room on the card is designated for our address and stamp. So how about utilizing the opposite side of the postcard? The side that usually contains a photo or drawing. Instead of a photo of Santa Barbara or flourish design we can add a few lines if guests have anything "furthermore, would like to say..." ala Mrs. Lovebug from WB, some "words of wisdom" guests could write to us, or a box to "draw what love means to you". These are our main ideas and we're interested in what our invite designer comes up with :) Also, I love receiving letters via snail mail and RSVPs w/ special notes would definitely make my day.

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How are you designing your RSVP card? Are you going for a card & envelope, postcard, or something else?

Blog title is from lyrics by Heart

In the Chinese lantern glow: Reception Decor

Our reception venue has exposed wood beam ceilings. I like the look and open feel of the ceiling, but want to explore my options for decor. For something extra to draw the eye up and add some extra texture and design. Below are two photos of our reception location.


It was around Christmas when the photos were taken, so there are a few wreaths and garlands hanging around.


The something extra I'm thinking of are Chinese lanterns. About 25-30 lanterns of similar color and different sizes, arranged at varying heights would look perfect hanging from the beams. And the mood lighting the lanterns provide would add ambiance quite nicely.

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To dance under them would be a dream.

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The lanterns look so pretty photographed. A bit reminiscent of bubbles.

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They provide a sort of intimate feel.

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And look great as center pieces.

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I love that they appear to be floating.

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They are available in various colors to match your wedding motif.

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And tie your whole design together.

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Alternative options are also available. The shape of the ones above is quite fun.

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Martha Stewart tissue paper pom-poms come in great colors and textures. I love their soft, sweet look.

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And mini lights around dark balls add just enough sparkle.

We are researching our options with design and lighting companies, seeing what would work best. Will you be using special lighting or decor to add ambiance to your venue?

Blog title is from lyrics by Pat McCurdy

Beat of my heart: Matters of the Heart Ork Print

We've all see their city posters, and now Ork has come out with something more lovely, a set of "Matters of the Heart" posters. Thump thump. A piece of art that would be a super cute wedding day gift, a modern piece depicting my heart beating for you.

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I haven't thought of wedding day gifts for the fiance, but think the poster would be a very quirky, super fun gift to remind us of our wedding day. Other gift ideas for him are a shiny watch, snazzy belt, or baseball tickets.

Have you already purchased your fiance's wedding day gift?

Blog title is from lyrics by Hilary Duff

Are you gonna be my girl: Proposing to my Bridesmaids

Being the first of my generation to marry, I knew my wedding would be the debut opportunity for my siblings and cousins to be part of a bridal party. To mark this special occasion I wanted to 'propose' to my bridesmaids in a very personalized and fun way. A way to thank them for their friendship, infuse shared loves, and make sure they say yes :)

Growing up I was really close to two cousins, N & P, since we are in the same age range and gone through the same experiences at the same time. We shared plenty of high school crushes, attended local shows, summered and skated, obsessed over everything and nothing, and published a fanzine. While time has changed us, our relationships remain constant and I could not imagine a wedding without them.

We are huge LA Lakers fans and have select favorite players. When brainstorming ideas for their cards, I came up with the idea of having their favorite player sort of 'propose' to them.

Above are the two A6 fold over cards from Paper Source. I chose super cute photos of their favorite players, Jordan Farmar and Andrew Bynum, to mount on the front of the cards. To tie the photos in with my wedding colors, I used Picnik's photo editing tool 'duo-tone' to change the photos' colors to shades of purple and yellow. The photos say "will you be..." and are embellished with gray ribbon and purple crystals.


What's a proposal without rings? I wrapped Ring-Pops in clear plastic and tied them up with pretty bows.


The rings fit perfectly in take out boxes, also from Paper Source.


The take out boxes are embellished with brads and pretty paper from Michael's.

I loved their reactions after looking at the cards and opening the boxes, and am very honored to have them share my special day.

Coming up is how I asked my sister to be my maid of honor :)

How did you ask your bridesmaids to join your wedding party?

Blog title is from lyrics by JET

I can hear the bells: Forever Stamps & Bell Details

I mentioned earlier that I have accepted the idea of using the Forever stamp for mailing our invitations. The bell design may not be as fancy, creative, or match your invitations like a character or specialty zazzle stamp, but I like the meaning of "forever".

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The purpose of the forever stamp is it's universal use despite the USPS' current price changes. It is a stamp you can buy now, and use years from now. Forever. Forever like what you promise your spouse on your wedding day. A day marked by the ringing of bells. Wedding bells.

With pretty bell inspiration, the forever stamp doesn't look so bad.

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A pair of bells to as a cute detail on invitations can be carried through an entire stationery suite.

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A bell attached to an escort card helps guests ring in the bride & groom and is such a cute keep sake.

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Bells as cake toppers are another cute idea. The above photo from Martha Stewart Weddings is too adorable.

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Bells can make an appearance on favor boxes, like this tin of mints.

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And bells for guests to ring as part of the end of the night farewell is a great idea.

How did you choose your stamps? Did they correlate to your invitation design or other wedding details?

Blog title is from the musical Hairspray

She wishes for flowers: Bridesmaids Jewelry Options

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Anthropologie has a 3-D Nursery filled with a variety of flower themed jewelry just in time for the Spring and wedding season. I love flowers and having them as jewelry accents is too perfect. Here are some that would fit my bridesmaids' dresses, personalities, and styles.

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The necklaces have to be my favorite. You can dress them up and down :) and they are just so fresh.

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How are you choosing bridesmaids jewelry? Do you have any favorite styles or pieces?

Blog title is from lyrics by Jewel

Hey Mr. DJ: DJ Search

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Music and DJ is a wedding detail the mister is very involved in. He wants great songs to start the night of with a relaxed, classic vibe and end the night with fun 80's music and energy. A DJ that provides a club-like atmosphere that is friendly enough for the older and younger folk, and someone relatable, confident, and not too cheesy. While there are very talented DJ/MCs of the matured variety, we also looked for someone in tune with our ages. Enter Santa Barbara DJs :)

Having gone to college in Santa Barbara, once we turned 21 we frequented the downtown scene for 80s night (Tuesday), College Night (Thursday), and various weekends, coming across a lot of the DJs who are part of SBDJs. Their list of young, experienced professionals is what we've been looking for!

I have been browsing their site and love it. It's loaded with information about events, sample play lists, DJ profiles, instant price quote, and answers to questions I didn't even think of. They're also offering a budget friendly 15% off for events booked before April 30th! It's like their economic stimulus package :) Our consultation is this week and I will be bringing along this very helpful list of questions put together by Newport Nuptials.

How did you decide on your reception music? Were you leaning towards a DJ or band?

Blog title is from song by Madonna

The Simpsons: USPS Stamps

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With the prices of stamps going up, I have accepted purchasing Forever stamps for our invitations. They aren't as fancy as themed ones (wedding, Disney, or famous people), but they get the job done. If I purchase them now I'll be paying $0.42 not $0.44, which is a little bit of savings and every bit helps.

Well, this announcement may have changed my mind. USPS and Matt Groening are in collaboration to release a set of The Simpsons stamps! Hmm, what to do.

Will you be using personalized stamps, themed stamps, or forever stamps?

I gotta get myself a boutonniere

When putting together inspiration for our florist consultations, I forgot to add photos of boutonnieres we liked. It didn't turn out to be a problem since we could just pick out some of our favorite flowers (gardenia, gerbera daisy) and simply use them. I have always loved the look of a flower pinned over one's heart.

After the consultations, I started thinking about the significance of a boutonniere which are seen in most formal events including weddings, prom, and funerals. The men wearing boutonnieres at our wedding will be the groom, groomsmen, father, and grandfather, so the boutonniere will denote members of the bridal party and special family members. Boutonnieres can complement the suits, the bridesmaids' dresses & bouquets, fit the wedding theme, display fun personality, make a statement and be a good keepsake. And they can go well beyond just flowers. Here are bouts I love.

A gerbera daisy is so happy

A gardenia boutonniere for the groom's lapel would be a great match to my bouquet

Ranunculus and lilac blossoms are so delicate and pretty

A nice, green option is a clay flower. They would be a great keepsake

Sea shells adorning a lapel is perfect for a beach themed wedding

A peacock feather is so stylish and colorful

These button boutonnieres by Princess Lasertron are also a stylishly bold lapel accent

You can also go for a statement making white knot, seen on Dustin Lance Black and Cleve Jones, as a symbol of marriage equality

How did you decide on boutonnieres? Will they correspond with the look of the bouquets?

Blog title is from lyrics by Oscar Peterson