Credits: Rochelle Mort, Blooms by Martha Andrews, Twin Lens (3), Back Bay Flower Co. (2), Karen Wise, Jen Huang, Andrea Polito Photography, Inc., Carla Ten Eyck

So…our super talented vendors are going to be hard at work, making this a little piece of inspiration that you can take with you during your wedding planning. I can’t wait to see what they come up with! Here are the vendors that are heading up the shoot…

Vendors: Meagan Gilpatrick of Maine Seasons Event Planning, Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien of Griffin-vites, photography by Brea McDonald Photography, Videography by Meg Simone and Flowers by Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral.

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Post categories: Contests, From Inspiration to Reality

Our next featured team is headed up by Meagan Gilpatrick of Maine Seasons Event Planning and will include custom stationery by Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien of Griffin-vites, photography by Brea McDonald Photography, Videography by Meg Simone and Flowers by Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral.

Credits: martha stewart (3), presents, Boutonniere, Favors (3), duet-weddings, Decoration, shannon fricke, Flowers, Candy Buffet

Inspiration Board designed by Pinga Amor

Here’s how to enter…

Head on over to the Style Circle where our Inspiration Board Builder lives. If you don’t have a Style Circle account, sign up is super easy and you can start designing boards right away. You can design your inspiration board based on any theme that you want…from a modern loft wedding to a backyard celebration (and anything in between).  Make sure to title your board INSPIRATION CHALLENGE #4 to be considered an entry.

Meagan and crew will be choosing their winning board tomorrow afternoon so the pressure is on! We are SO excited to see what you come up with!

You can click right here to read about the original feature that inspired this incredible new SMP adventure!

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Post tags: Brea McDonald, Griffin-vites, Maine Seasons Events, Meg Simone, Soiree Floral, Style Circle
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality

photo by Carrie Patterson

My mom’s a pretty amazing seamstress. She learned to sew in her teens, which means she’s been sewing for more than 40 years. In addition to sewing her own prom dresses, she made our Halloween costumes growing up, from princesses to cheerleaders to space women to ladybugs. Planning my wedding, she was a huge resource. And even though she has lots of sewing experience on her belt, she said that anyone with a sewing machine can make these super simple 14-foot long runners! Plus, you can customize your look and use any type of fabric/thread color combination!

Materials

One bolt of 54-inch wide burlap (you can use less, but 21 runners took the full bolt)
Teal Blue Thread

Directions

1. Cut fabric in lengths of 14 feet, two inches.

2. Cut in half lengthwise so that each strip is 27 inches wide

3. Turn the ends and sides under one inch and hem

4. Stitch with a zig zag stitch (my mom used the largest zig zag, about a quarter of an inch) on her machine and chose satin thread)

5. Iron flat

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Post tags: Cara and Spencer, DIY Table Runners, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Jackson Hole
Post categories: DIY Projects, The Blog, Wedding Decor

Sarah chose a board that she called Equestrian Elegance and got to work designing an invitation that captured the spirit and style of the winning board. First up, the design that started it all!

And the GORGEOUS invitation (and I mean so gorgeous that I get all giddy…and start wanting to dream up an equestrian themed wedding) that the board inspired…

From Sarah Drake…

After seeing Tonia’s inspiration board, I thought that barn red and white combination were so subtle, like an equestrian inspired invite should be! I didn’t want to be too obviously horse-y!

It’s a booklet invite, which is always a great option for couples who need to add more elements to their invite. So many brides ask me how to neatly place everything in the envelope, which can be a challenge when you have separate reception cards, accommodations, maps… So, a booklet is a nice alternative to loose cards if that is important to a bride. One trick for money-saving is use the folder cover of the booklet as a program cover too. That way the bride isn’t paying for two separate covers if she’s planning on printing programs down the road. We just print double the amount needed, which is so much more cost effective than printing twice!

I also fell for her knitted items, and worked really hard to get the yarn element in the invite, without being too crafty ( I tried knitted, crocheted, then the simple wrap with a bit of a braid seemed to make the most sense, without taking the focus off the invite. I love a monogram, too, so I liked showing a simple type treatment here (again, subtle) within the wreath to tie it all together.

I mean are in you love yet? This is so unbelievably lovely and I seriously hope that it inspires a simple, tailored equestrian wedding design so that we can show it off on SMP! Thank you so much to the fabulously talented Sarah Drake for taking on the From Inspiration to Invitation Challenge. I would call it a ridiculously huge success!

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Post tags: Equestrian, From Inspiration to Invitation, horse, Sarah Drake
Post categories: From Inspiration to Reality, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

First up, a classic suit.

The classic suit just might be the most lovely, most stress free way to dress your fiance. You can’t go wrong with something that is as timeless as a black, gray or navy suit. Pair it with some nice shoes and a pretty tie and there is no doubt he’ll look gorgeous.

Row 1: This suit, by Tommy Hilfiger at Macy’s is simple and tailored. Pair it with a gorgeous silver and black striped tie, also found at Macy’s and a pair of loafers from Zappos and you have a really gorgeous style. The total for all three pieces is $375.99 and all you have left is a white shirt and a pair of black socks!

Row 2: There is just something about a man in a gray suit that screams sophistication to me. This one, by Kenneth Cole that we found on Overstock (which actually has an awesome collection of namebrand suits at ridiculously low prices) is all gorgeousness. We paired it with a classic tie by Macy’s and shoes by Steve Madden that we found on Zappos. The total look is $309.93.

Row 3: Navy equals handsome in my opinion. My husband wears a navy suit more than his black one because there is just something so yummy about the look. Particularly for a wedding. This one, by Calvin Klein at Macy’s, is perfection and paired with a tie we found at Macy’s and shoes that we discovered at Payless (yup, payless people) is the definition of hotness. The total for all three pieces is $417.19. A little pricier than the first two options but a steal nonetheless.

* * *

Next up, some options for the more the casual groom. There is something really great about a casual groom…the confidence, the effortlessness, the personality tucked into the details. Here are some super budget finds for the more laid back groom.

Row 1: The first look is PERFECT for the beach, the lake, anywhere that laidback chic is a must. A basic pair of khaki pants from Old Navy, a white button down from the Gap and leather flip flops by American Eagle…all super simple, all super hot. You can dress this look up a touch by having the boys tuck in their shirts and put on a great belt. Total cost for this look is $108.50

Row 2: This camel suit from J. Crew is total perfection. It’s casual while still being really special, really fashion forward. Pair it with some Steve Madden Mocs from Macy’s and a simple, old school tie and you have a look that is a little bit vintage, a little bit school teacher. Totally and completely handsome. Total is $356.50

Row 3: Here’s a tip for you ladies. If you are looking for a suit that is off the beaten path…searsucker, madras, linen…check out Haspel. They have been making suits for decades and they have it down to a science. They aren’t the most luxurious suits you’ve ever seen, but they have fun fabrics and really fun prices. This one, a white linen suit is perfect for a day wedding, a garden affair, a beachside celebration. With shoes by Kenneth Cole and a subtle, striped shirt by J. Crew, the look is totally delicious. You can even pair it with some flip flops for a casual affair. The entire looks costs 258.49.

Coming up next, we have our Classic Tuxedo Picks!

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Post categories: Look for Less, Round-Ups, Wedding Fashion

And they just happened to choose the cutest freaking board EVER to transform!

Credits: snippet and Ink, once Wed, Once Wed (4), Priscilla of Boston, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart

Congratulations to Kate who designed this perfect inspiration board. I love the sweet, girly style and cannot wait to see what the talented vendors above will do with it. Fabulous!!!

For those of you that need a refresher course on our From Inspiration to Reality, click right here. We have vendors lined up from now until 2010 who can’t wait to turn all of your Style Circle Inspiration Boards into a reality…filled to the brim with steal-able ideas and inspirations that you can infuse into your own wedding!

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Post tags: From Inspiration to Reality, Millie Holloman, Salt Harbor Design
Post categories: Contests, From Inspiration to Reality

Which is exactly what we are going to do with this PERFECT Lisa Vorce wedding.

photos by Megan Sorel

The easiest way to translate this wedding is through your color palette. Using layered shades of pink and orange, then letting natural greenery in your flowers bring in a bright green hue, your palette will have depth, dimension and total style. Bring in elements of rich wood to round out the palette and give it a gorgeous foundation and sophistication.

Next, really look at the details tucked inside this wedding. There are elements of whimsy, elements of charm, elements of total sophistication. Pick 2 or 3 and run with them…

1. Give candy take-aways instead of favors. Oversided lolipops (like these from Hammonds) and other whimsical goodies will leave your guests smiling. Use old wooden boxes (found at flea markets) to hold the candy which will give them even more charm.

2. Instead of giving pashminas or wraps to your female guests, just stack a few blankets near an outdoor seating area. Wrapped in pretty ribbon, this is SUCH a charming touch.

3. Bring a bit of organic style to your look with natural linen napkins, using a simple fold. Tie them with a pretty, rich pink ribbon and tuck a stem inside. Super easy, super beautiful.

4. Parasols can be found at pretty great prices through companies like Luna Bazaar. In a variety of colors, you’ll add even more texture to your wedding decor. Open a few of them up for even more of a pop!

5. Wrap mason jars with satin pink and orange ribbon then fill with one type of stem in a monochromatic hue. Carnations packed in tightly would even look pretty adorable and would save you a pretty penny.

6. Throw pillows. Toss some brightly colorful pillows on seating areas that you either made, or bought inexpensively through places like Target and IKEA. This will add instant warmth and style.

7. Ribbon, ribbon everywhere. You can buy ribbon in bulk from places like JKM Ribbon and Trim and it will go a long way in giving your look some serious pretty.

8. Cut your flower budget by alternating with wire baskets filled with tangerines or oranges. SO striking and guests won’t think that you were skimping.

9. Wire chandeliers are a genius touch and will add so much personality to your look. The great part is that they use candles so there isn’t really a lighting charge. Most of the wire chandeliers on the market are pricey but you could also get the same effect by using wire baskets that you hang from a chain and fill with candles like this one that I spotted over on Sunset. Birdcages spray-painted black would also be gorgeous.

10. Have your maids pick out their own little black dress to compliment your chic but effortless style. They’ll love your for it and will save THEM a lot of mula.

I know that we sometimes feature weddings that are outside of many of your budgets. BUT, it’s really the ideas that are tucked inside of these weddings that makes them special. Ideas and inspirations that can be translated into any affair, on any budget. With just a little bit of editing and creativity (and getting your hands a little dirty) a budget wedding can be JUST as beautiful as a luxury affair.

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Post tags: Barker Decor, La Tavola, Lisa Vorce, Megan Sorel, Mindy Rice, Oh How Charming
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Look for Less

Credits: this is glamorous (3), 100 layer cake, Jose Villa, Jose Villa Photography, Interieurs et Fleurs

I LOVE that they picked such a high glam board to transform. It will be incredible to watch this really come to life, to see the ideas and inspirations that Agnes and team will come up with. SO, SO, excited! Just a quick sidenote…the photoshoot will be featured around the 24th of November as it will take a couple of weeks to order flowers, get the styling done, and process the images. Seriously, can’t wait to see the final product!

We will be announcing our next From Inspiration to Reality Challenge very soon! Coming up next…the most incredibly gorgeous Jose Villa wedding you’ve ever seen.

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Post tags: Agnes Lopez, Eric Torres, From Inspiration to Reality, Liza Chung
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

Please note, we kept our bags without names on them, as when we created them, we weren’t sure how we wanted to use them. To complete the seating card DIY, you’ll need to write in your guests names above the number. If you want to use the scalloped hole punch, we’ve allowed enough room on the template for you to do that. Otherwise, we used little dotted lines that are super cute and you can simply cut around them for a pretty darned great look.

Materials

Mini Brown Bags (found at Michaels)
Strawberries
Tissue Paper
8.5 x 11″ Card Stock
2.25″ Square Scalloped Hole Punch (found at Michaels)
Color Printer

Instructions

1. Using your color printer, print out this template. Note that we have left room above the numbers for you to write in the names.

2. Using your hole punch, punch out the squares. Or alternatively, using a paper cutter, trim around the dotted lines.

3. With double stick tape, adhere the labels on to your brown bags, right in the center.

4. Using a red or black pen, scribble in the name of your guests above the number. Don’t worry about being too perfect, this project is all about charm.

5. If you don’t want to fill completely with fruit, stuff the bottom half of the bags with red tissue paper, then fill to the brim with strawberries.

These would look especially cute with cherries!

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Seating Cards, Strawberries
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details

Materials

Pie Dough (pre-made or homemade)
Pie Filling (we went with Cherry, starting with this recipe then using the pre-made stuff instead)
Disposable Mini Pie Tins
Red and Pink String (or whatever color you want)
Bamboo Spoons from Green Feet
White Bakery Boxes (6″ found at Michaels)
Red cocktail napkins (or whatever color you want)
Pie Tags by Grapevine Invitations

Instructions

1. Make your mini pies. Leaving this part totally up to you! For cheaters even bigger than me, I spotted some cute mini pies at the grocery store over the weekend.

2. Using both colors of your string, wrap the pies like a package, tying your spoon onto the top and making a cute little bow.

3. Tuck your unfolded napkin inside your bakery box, then place the pie on top. You can either slide the tag right inside so that it’s a complete “look” when your guests open it OR you can use more string to tie up your bakery box threading your tag on to your string before you tie the knot.

Voila!

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Pie Favors, Wedding Favors
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

I knew that I wanted to do some homemade pies, inspired by these little beauties that I spotted over on The Cookie Shop, but with a more vintage inspired twist. I just couldn’t figure out the packaging. So, with about 48 hours before the shoot, I frantically emailed the fabulous Karen Bartolomei of Grapevine Invitations to help us design some tags that would properly show off these adorable favors. When I tell you that Karen whipped these perfect little tags together in literally an hour, I am being completely serious.

It’s not terribly surprising considering Karen has written a book called Paperie for Inspired Living devoted completely to paper treats, but still…does it get ANY cuter?

And guess what…she’s sharing them with you today! Here’s the DIY project for the adorable Pie Tags just for SMP readers!

Materials

80 lb white card stock from Paper Source
Color Printer
3 inch circle hole punch found at Michael’s Craft Store

Instructions

1. After choosing your colorway from the attached template, print the circles on 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock (please note, the circles are slightly bigger than the hole punch)
2. Turn the page over and print the back checkered pattern. (optional, of course)
3. Using a 3″ circle hole punch I purchased at Michael’s craft store I hole punched each tag in a perfect circle shape

Coming up next, we’ll show you how to make the pies and assemble them in such a pretty way for your guests to enjoy! Thank you so much to Karen for being so generous with her time and talents!! We are going to be doing a fun giveaway with Karen in the coming days so definitely stay tuned.

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Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, From Inspiration to Reality, Pie Tags
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

So in celebration of the new feature, I thought that I would share some of my favorite DIY projects from our last From Inspiration to Reality Shoot! Starting with these really cute, REALLY easy Penny For Your Thoughts Bags! Oh and all of the GORGEOUS photographs are by Justin and Mary Marantz.

My vision was to have these cute little bags right next to wishing cards that your guests could write messages on for you. It turned out really cute and I was amazed at just how easy these little favors were to create.

Materials

8.5″ x 11″ Full Sheet Label Paper
Color Printer
Paper Cutter
White Paper Bags (3½-inches x 2-inches x 6¾-inches, found at Michaels)
Large Red Brads (found at Michaels)

Instruction

1. Print out this template on 8.5″ x 11″ full page label sheets. Set your printer to the highest print setting to make sure your text is crisp.

2. Using a paper cutter, trim the labels to size.

3. Adhere labels to the center of your white bags, before opening the bags to fill.

4. Fill the bags with your favorite penny candy. We used little gummies that looked just like pennies that we found at CVS.

5. Fold the top portion of the bag over and punch a small hole in the center.

6. Insert your red brads to close the bags and keep them secure.

Next to these cute little bags, scatter a few wishing cards and a tray or a bowl that guests can place them in when they are done.

We’ve made this super cute wishing cards template for you to use. Just print it out on 8.5″ x 11″ white card stock and trim down to size. Voila! Coming up next, the super duper cute pie’s and coordinating tags!

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Post tags: DIY project, Do-It-Yourself, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Favor Bags, Penny Candy, Wishing Cards
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

Board by: Crystal on the Style Circle. Credits: www.projectwedding.com, www.countryliving.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, www.marthastewart.com (4), www.theknot.com (2), Byron Hoffman and Lasting Images, CUSTOM EVENT GROUP, Sedona Bride, Sedona Bride

You can design your board based on any theme that you want…from rustic chic to modern elegance. Agnes and Crew will choose the winner this Monday, November 9th. To enter, head on over to the Style Circle and create an inspiration board. Make sure to title your board INSPIRATION CHALLENGE #2 to be considered an entry. If you don’t already have a Style Circle account, now’s the time! Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!

We have tons of goodness coming today including some fun DIY projects from our last From Inspiration to Reality Challenge.

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Post tags: Agnes Lopez, From Inspiration to Reality, Inspiration Boards, Style Circle
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards, Style Circle

It’s time to unveil our absolutely incredible photo shoot, all inspired by Bran Coprata’s ridiculously fun inspiration board. Before I get to the photos, I have to say that we had an insanely talented team of vendors working on this shoot with us. Photographers Justin and Mary Marantz, event designer Sarah True of True Events, florist Yumiko of Hana Floral, fashion guru Beth of The White Dress by the Shore, make-up and hair artist Jennie Fresa and invitation expert Karen of Grapevine Invitations helped us put together a shoot that is filled to the brim with gorgeousness, filled to the brim with so many steal-worthy ideas.

all of the images were shot by two of our very favorites…Justin and Mary Marantz

Our shoot was held at the Back Porch Restaurant in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. It’s this great little spot right on the water and served as the perfect backdrop. We wanted to throw a really girly, vintage inspired affair that was affordable and accessible on any budget. For the most part, everything was salvaged or DIY. We used vintage juice glasses for vases that we filled with an effortless collection of garden flowers (more on that later), little ice cream bowls packed tightly with carnations and a collection of mismatched found plates (you can also rent things like this). We used the restaurant’s flatware, homemade pies (baked by your truly), colanders filled with strawberries and old perfume and apothecary jars to accent the table.

all images by Justin and Mary Marantz (who I love, love, LOVE)

The centerpiece of the table was really those AWESOME poms. Aside from being a breeze to put together, they brought that huge pop that we needed. Love, love, love them and will definitely be using these a lot going forward. We accented the table with some ridiculously adorable details…old coke bottles (found at the grocery store), pies that we tied with yarn, and tucked a wooden spoon into, and the most adorable menus/seating cards that Karen at Grapevine did for us that we tied to the back of each chair.

We have lots more coming up from all of our vendors…including info on the ridiculously fabulous dress that our cute model, Lyndsey, was rocking. Stay tuned!

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Post tags: 50's Inspired, Grapevine Invitations, Hana Floral Design, Inspiration Board, Jennie Fresa, Justin and Mary Marantz, Justin Marantz, Photoshoot, The White Dress By The Shore, True Events, Vintage
Post categories: Inspiration Boards, Wedding Decor, Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

Well…you all might remember the Inspiration Board contest where we asked readers to design a board based on a wedding style that they would like to see come to life. We had some of the most amazing entries you’ve ever seen but managed to choose our very favorite board….a 50’s inspired style with girly, super flirty details. Designed by the FABULOUS Bran coprata over on the Style Circle, this board was perfection.

photos above by Martha Stewart Weddings (poms and wedding cake), My Vintage Vogue (bathing beauties), Alessandra Mortola (ice cream sundae and cherry cup) and Nicole Hill Gerulat (table setting, bar, cobbler and recipe box)

So coming up today, we are going to share the photos from the shoot that we did, literally bringing this inspiration board to life! The day definitely exceeded all of our expectations and we ended up with a wedding style that just about anyone could do no matter what budget they are working with! Stay tuned.

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Post tags: From Inspiration to Reality, Inpiration Boards, Style Circle
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards