Behind the Scenes

We threw this photo shoot together pretty fast, and the sun was setting so we really hurried.  I grabbed some "snow" from Michaels to try and get that winter effect and Naphtali stood on the table throwing snow at Rachel.  Next time we'll plan a little more, but we still had a fun time!

I also found these little frame charms at Michaels and put my Grandma's picture in there.

And we did eat the cake - but not like that.  It was just a funfetti cake mix, but I love love them!!  Those little letters are from Michaels too.

My cute little niece did not feel like having her picture taken.

Wedding Details: Lawn Games

Lawn games are extremely popular wedding reception events right now. And with good reason! It's a fantastic way to keep your guests entertained and having a wonderful time while you finish pictures, everyone eats, etc.. These are especially great if kids are invited - a wonderful way to make sure everyone enjoys the party!

Here's a few ideas, and of course, these can be personalized to match your wedding scheme.

Cornhole, bocce, croquet, balloon darts, ladder ball, frisbee golf, and badminton (might get a little sweaty with this one).

Any more ideas out there!?

(pictures: cornhole, sign, collage, balloons, sign, bocce, badminton, silhouette cornhole, ladder ball, frisbee)

Wedding Details: What to do for your exit?

Exits can make fantastic pictures!  There's a lot of different options for what you do when you exit from the ceremony, church or reception!  I had bubbles (yes that's me and Mike up there), my oldest sister did petals while leaving the church, my other sister passed out bells as they exited late at night. Here's some to get your creative juices flowing;
balloons, bubbles, petals, sparklers, rice, flying lanterns, cut up paper confetti cones, confetti poppers, ring bells, wave ribbon banners, etc..
Any more favorites out there?

Boutonniere Details

I love detailed boutonnieres! (Even though I use that word ALL the time, I still have to double check my spelling on it!) They're like the appetizer of flowers - one perfect bite. The classic rose is definitely fine but I'm a fan of the unique.

Lenora was really easy going and had so many colors in her flowers that the bouts had endless possibilities. While we were at the cutting garden one of her bridesmaids spotted the chive heads and that's exactly what I wanted to use! I found some poppy pods and we were set to go! I added a sprig of lavender to mimic the bridesmaids and also to mask any scent that the chive might give off. The twine suits it perfectly don't you think?

Any pictures of favorite boutonnieres out there?

Harry Potter Party Ideas

We're headed to the final Harry Potter tonight and I happened to stumble on this today!  Fun fun!
Butterbeer recipe here from Heather Bailey via birthdaygirlblog.
Broomstick tutorial here.

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Alternative

(image from Style Me Pretty)
Instead of having little kids throw petals or carry the rings why not have them carry signs, flags, or banners?!

(image from Martha Stewart)

Wedding Details: Personalizing Shoes

I love extra, unnecessary details that make fabulous pictures!  Above are stickers placed on the bottom of the bride's shoes from Your Happily Ever After. A fun easy way to get your something blue!  And below they just used sharpies to write the initials of the couple.  Easy and extremely affordable!  (The bottom picture is from Style Me Pretty, I think - I grabbed it awhile ago and forgot to page mark it!)

Shout Out: Bray Wilkins, Tenor

I have to give a shout out to my brother in law, Bray Wilkins!  He's a fantastic tenor (and sang the processional at my wedding by the way - one of the favorite details about my wedding! I'll try to post that at some point and get my sister to post about the importance of your wedding music selection.) Anyhow he's launched a facebook page where you can hear some of his work - so head on over and check it out!

Heart Shaped Thumbprint Cookies

Continuing on through Valentine's Day ideas: 

I saw some peanut butter and jam filled heart cookies in the latest Martha Stewart and since I hate pb cookies just decided to try out the idea in a basic thumbprint cookie.  And they turned out pretty well!!

I used Emeril Lagasse's recipe and made some alterations - alterations in italics. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or jelly
• 1 tablespoon Chambord or kirsch (I just use any berry liqueur I have on hand)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (I didn't have lemon and substituted grapefruit - worked great!)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets.

In a small bowl, combine the jam and Chambord. Stir to combine.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt andwhisk to blend.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks, lemon zest, lemonjuice and vanilla. Add the flour mixture in 2 additions and beat just until moist clumps form. Gather the dough together into a ball.

Pinch off the dough to form 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1-inch apart. Use your floured index finger or 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to create depressions in the center of each ball. (Instead of just doing one impression, push slightly to the side and then to the other side.  Clean fingers make a neater impression.  Make sure to avoid a low side or your jam will run out. I would add a 20min chill in the fridge here to help maintain the shape.  I didn't do it and some of them got a little flat and less heart shaped.)   

Fill each indentation with nearly 1/2 teaspoon of the jam mixture. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. (took less time)

Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy!  They'd be really cute in a window box, clear bag with ribbon, wedding day favors, etc...

Can't Find Your Phone?

I gotta say - this came in really handy today!  I saw it on my friend, Ashley's, blog awhile back and it stuck in my head soo when I misplaced my cell phone today (with it on vibrate!) this came to my rescue!

www.icantfindmyphone.com

Personalizing Bouquets and Boutonnieres

I love tiny personal details - especially on flowers! There are a lot of unique options you can do to add a special extra touch or your "something old" to your bouquets. Notice the batman pin hiding in the background up there? You could also use an antique broach, pins, rings, necklaces, handkerchiefs, lace doilies... the list goes on and on! So be creative with your flowers - I'm sure your florist will love the unique detail and extra thought.

all images from Style Me Pretty

Wedding Details: Dress Hanger

In case you didn't have enough details to think about on your wedding day I thought I'd bring up the hanger for your wedding dress!  Your dress will most likely be photographed and as a result so will the hanger.  Instead of just bringing the dress in on the hanger from the bridal salon, take an extra second and grab a wooden one or some other kind of hanger.  Take a look at the difference between the two photos below.  Small detail but it makes a big difference.

(image from here)

(image from here)

If you want to have a little more fun with your hanger you can get personalized hangers or paint your own.   There are oodles available on etsy.

(image from here)

(available here)

(available here)