TBT: A Rustic Wedding in the Garden

I wanted to share some beautiful details from a wedding a few months back.  It was simple but full of great ideas.  Like the place cards:

I loved how string, clothespins, and pieces of paper created a beautiful-yet-functional display.  The outdoor venue is beautiful.

It had a beautiful open atrium using rustic wooden beams.  It is such a beautiful outdoor space.

Think outside of the box for photobooth props; a galvanized letter will be perfect in photos. 

The groom made wood pieces for the centerpieces.  He made round ones and he also made this long wooden one:

Gorgeous, right?!  I am a fan of the eclectic jars and single blooms.

The table numbers were designed to match the place cards and there were Throwback photos of the couple at each table.  Each number symbolized something for the couple and there was a write-up explaining what.  For example, table number could coincide with age or grade, or table 4 would have a photo of the bride with 4 teeth missing in the second grade - haha.

I was able to provide the floral designs for the cake. I love how the flowers are classic and whimsy.

I created a halo of greenery around the perimeter of the cake plate before putting the cake on 

The key to rustic floral arrangements is to focus less on blooms and more on greenery and filler.  The goal is to have a 'picked from a field' appearance.

It was fun styling the cake and I love the mix of the lace tablecloth with the greenery and dahlias.

This casual and elegant wedding was sure to be a beautiful and fun day for the bride and groom!  Happy Throwback Thursday!  Who doesn't love a good #tbt?!

A Surprise Vow Renewal

For her birthday, Melina's mom was given tickets to a play.  The event was hosted in NJ and her daughter also included a promise of glam for the day - hair, nails, lashes, the works!   As the day approached, Lucy was told the tickets included VIP access to the event which offered photo-ops and access to attend an all-white party.  The couple headed to NJ for the event and, when they arrived for the party, they were greeted by their children.  Their 4 daughters were dressed in matching dresses.

Mrs. Lucy's husband was guided by his brother to the ceremony site.

All of their family and friends showed up for the ceremony.  Talk about surprised.  The couple was thrilled!

I drove to NJ.  I brought my kid.  I arrived early.  I was supposed to take pictures during the ceremony.  I was supposed to be at the ceremony.

THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

On the ride to NJ, Melina called and told me she set it up and everything looked good.  She wanted me to stop by and check it out before heading to the ceremony site.  I arrived onsite at the reception venue.  It was so nice but I had some concerns.  I needed to make some changes.  Melina arrived.  She was panicked.  On the way, the cake was damaged and needed some TLC.  We only had 15 minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to start and so many things that needed to get done.  Then, I said it,

"Go.  I'll set-up.  This needs to be right and done on time.  I'll stay.... it's okay."

She hated that she had to leave.  She hated that I wouldn't be there.  I was in the zone.  Munch and I worked.  We finished with enough time for Munch to change and get her hair done.  As I returned to my car to add a little makeup, mother of the groom tapped on my window and asked a question.  That was my sign.  The ceremony was over and our guests were arriving.

They entered the space and Mrs. Lucy locked eyes with me.  She was so surprised.  She was so excited.  She was -- happy.

Did you see her face light up when she saw me?  She ran over to me and gave the biggest hug.  She was SO happy everyone she loved was in the building for such a special occasion.  The photobooth was a crowd favorite for guests of all ages.

The space was beautiful.  Ambient lighting, tufted white couches, chic striped walls -- the decor was on point.

My favorite moment at the reception was when the dances started.  It started with Mrs. Lucy dancing with her son, Kenny.

After a few minutes, each of her children had a few moments to dance with her.  Then, it was her grandchildren who danced with her and lastly, her brothers.  Lucy spun into the arms of the people who were closest to her.  It was such a beautiful moment.

Happy anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  May God continue to bless your union!

Day 25: Mirrored Vase DIY

Hi, Islanders!  

I found these mirrored candle holders at the Dollar Tree and made a fabulous vase!  I'm sharing this quick tutorial, because with $5 and 5 minutes, you can make a beautiful vase that dupes those sold for 5 times more!

Wedding Planning - Graphics and a Gift!

After the chalkboard-themed graduation party, I returned home to change my clothes and load the car for the wedding later on that day.  It was a lovely day.  I'm sure I'll have 'to die for' images from the photographer because her same-day teasers were awesome!!

The day was great.  It was a lot of work but it all came together fabulously.

I knew it was a good time when guests were dancing during the meal!

Did you recognize the above image from the Proof I Survived post?  Of course you do!  Well, I was super excited for that picture because it's my personal reminder that my new services have exceeded my clients' expectations.  OMG!  I designed that table number up there!  Actually, I designed all signage and programs for the wedding!

My bride decided to hang tulle poms from the gazebo as her ceremony decor.  I designed the above "poms" for the top of her programs and, in Microsoft Word, I added gray lines above each one(feel free to borrow! You can change the color and size in Word too).  It was the perfect way to tie in her ceremony decor.   I then used the pom design to unify all signage.  Oh, and guess what!

I'm sharing all of the signage with you below.  I know! I know!  Simply print the table numbers as 4X6 photos and the other signs as either 5X7 or 8X10!

I've even included a blank sign that you can personalize for whatever you need (candy buffet, photo booth, favors, thanks, bathroom signs, etc.).  Why?!  Because you guys have supported me along this crazy journey.  

Now, what do I need from you?  

WW:Proof I Survived the Weekend

Wordless Wednesdays