Well, we think that Whitney and Marshall’s Lexington, Kentucky wedding will absolutely inspire you!

What perfect wedding colors for a springtime wedding! The flowers were designed by The Best of Flowers in Lexington. Just beautiful.

The wedding ceremony and reception were held at the Headley-Whitney Museum.

Cute, cute, cute Kate Spade shoes! Whitney’s gorgeous gown was designed by Renella Defina and the bridesmaid’s dresses are by Jenny Yoo.

Wedding Cake by Martine’s

Whitney and Marshall’s monogram was woven throughout the wedding, a fantastic way to personalize a wedding. LOVE the monogram on their cake!

Very unusual and beautifully crafted place cards …

A little bit from the beautiful bride, Whitney … “Marshall and I actually met at the hospital the day after I was born. Our fathers went to High School together in Lexington and our families have remained close ever since. Our families have gotten together for years at Lake Cumberland but Marshall and I hadn’t seen each other for several years since he was living in Jamaica and I was in Italy. When we did, I fell in love at first sight (reluctantly). It took several years to get on the same continent but it is a blessing to have “in-laws” that we love like family!”

Congratulations Whitney & Marshall!

A huge thank-you to Melanie Mauer Photography for sharing this beautiful Kentucky day!

Oh! And just a quick reminder … you can find many of your favorite shots from Style Me Pretty weddings in our Photo Galleries. For example, if you love Melanie’s photograph of the bouquets (above), you can go into the SMP Photo Gallery by category (flowers) and then click to the last page (photos are loaded from oldest to newest) and you’ll find the beautiful shot of Whitney’s bouquets … along with the color palette! Pretty cool!!

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Post tags: Headley Whitney Museum, Kate Spade, Kentucky, Lexington, Martine's, Melanie Mauer, Monogram, Place Cards, The Best Of Flowers
Post categories: Bouquets, Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

table numbers, welcome bag tags, valet tags, hanging place cards, coasters, menus, programs, and another gorgeous seating chart …

If you didn’t check out her work when we first announced the Seating Chart Giveaway last week … you really should. Oodles of paper pieces with so many ideas for personalizing your own wedding!

Sooooo…..

We couldn’t wait any longer … we’ve decided to announce the winner of Gourmet Invitation’s Seating Chart Giveaway one day early! We’ve had SO many fantastic entries and as always, it’s just so hard to select one winner. In fact, it was so hard that we are selecting two!!

First winner, selected by Tifany is Julia C !

Julia’s entry …

Hi Tifany, thank you for this wonderful gift! Your designs are pieces of art and I would so appreciate having the opportunity to have one of your amazing pieces showcased at my wedding next March 20th, 2010. I am in love with your invitation set for Molly and Carl. My colors are pink and I am doing a romantic 18th century feel. You see I waited 30 years to find my soulmate we got engaged Christmas eve this past year unfortunely we live in Michigan and my fiance lost his job just shortly after we got engaged. I am trying my hardest to make our wedding day what we both have dreamed of but because of our situtation we have to make some cutbacks. However, having one of your seating charts greet my guests as they walk in would make my day all that more special! thank you!!

* * *

Second winner, selected by Style Me Pretty is Vickie D ! {Because it tugged at my heartstrings … and as the mom of three brides thru the years, I can totally relate to her feelings. And, I love it that moms read Style Me Pretty~Eddye}

Vickie D’s entry …

These are the most elegant options for a seating chart. I am the Mom of 2 brides , marrying within 11 weeks of each other and I am running out of time and money. This would be a lasting treasure for Katie to keep always. What a fun surprize this would be for her. The black one with the chandeler is perfect.

* * *

We will be in touch with both of you soon! And for those of you not selected, please do give the Seating Chart idea a thought. They are a very reasonably priced and an eco*friendly option for your wedding!

Everyone else … head over to Gourmet Invitations website and blog to see the full range of possibilities! Thanks SO much Tifany!

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Post tags: Butterfly, Coasters, Fan, Gourmet Invitations, Menus, Place Cards, Programs, Seating Chart, Table Numbers, Valet Tags, Welcome Bag Tags
Post categories: Contests, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Invitations & Stationery

Here is yet another fabulous DIY project for all of you…custom place cards!

Materials
Color Printer
Paper Cutter
8.5 x 11″ 80lb white card stock
Pre-folded Place Cards 80lb Cardstock (like this from Paper-Source)
Permanent Double Sided Tape

Instructions
1. Download the Wildflower Place Card Template ( or click here for vegetarian, here for chicken, here for fish and here for beef). Print using the highest settings on your color printer to ensure that the image is crisp. There are 10 place cards per sheet.

2. Cut each card on the dashed line, making sure to cut off all of the black ink so that the edge of each card remains white.  The size of the cards should be 1.75” x 3”.

3.  Trim down the pre-folded place cards down to 3.5” x 2.25” using a paper cutter.

4. Secure the card to the pre-folded place card using double sided tape.

5.  Fold the place card along the pre-folded line and Voila!  The wildflower place cards are ready for your handwritten text!

* * *

Up next, we are announcing the Fuzzynk Design Giveaway Winner!

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Post tags: DIY project, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Place Cards
Post categories: DIY Projects

But rather than let that deter the so-so-so- happy couple … they chose to embrace the day!

Little Black Book member, Heather Dwight of Calluna Events in Boulder, Colorado coordinated Joanne & Jake’s  wedding. She’s written a great piece on her blog about ‘a day in the life of’ a wedding planner based upon Jake & Joanne’s wedding!  The point being … no matter how well organized you are, “stuff” happens. Think of a wedding coordinator as a fireman wearing many hats who puts out lots of little fires! Heather, you guys did a fantastic job!!

Jenna Walker Photographers … Jenna & Katie … are sisters, who each, in their own rights, are mega-talented photographers. They capture the emotions, the passions … and the FUN … that make this day, of all days, AMAZING!

from Jenna’s blog …

Joanne & Jake are the type of people you can’t help but admire. They are the creative types. Adventurers. Authentic, no holds barred. All with the sort of humility that many aspire to, but few attain. Joanne is a well-traveled, sharp-shooting architect. Jake – the Editor-in-Chief of Skiing Magazine: see also witty journalist guised as a ski bum. Put the two together, give them a map – and you’ve got a story worth listening to. Sit down. Grab a beer. They will make you laugh. Given this combination, it was with deep respect that the task of shooting their wedding would become. They know photography. They know clean lines and soft light and composition. But more than that, they understand what is real, what is true, what is them.

. . .

A family full of writers makes for a series of toasts worthy of publishing. Everyone had a go at the mic – even the littlest lady of the family put in her two cents. As a finale to a series of 4 or 5 speeches, Jake toasted Joanne in a laugh-till-you-cry speech.

The precious cupcake flags, table numbers and place cards pictured were made by LBB member, Bird Dog Press. Cupcakes by Tee and Cakes.

For a more complete list of wedding vendors, please see Jenna Walker Photographers and Calluna Events blogs …

And so … there are only a handful of the “best days of your life”. Your wedding day ranks WAY up there. I think Joanne & Jake got it right!!

A HUGE THANKS to Jenna & Katie, … Colby Brown … Joanne & Jake … for sharing this day!

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Post tags: Bird Dog Press, Boulder, Calluna Events, Colorado, Cupcake Flags, Cupcakes, Denver, Jenna Walker Photographers, Place Cards, Table Numbers, Tee and Cakes
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Style

Aron is soooo handsome and Emmy is just about the most radiant bride I’ve ever seen! The sunshine striking her parasol and saturating her skin gives her that glow that we all long for  …

After all the months of planning, the look on her face is what it’s ALL about!

Emmy and Aron were married in New Orleans at the end of March. A true southern REAL SPRING wedding!!

Megan, with the Casey Cunningham Photography sent us Emmy and Aron’s story … it’s so VERY heart-warming …

Being from opposite sides of the U.S. (Aron grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Emmy grew up in the Midwest), having met in Boston, and having friends all over the world, Emmy and Aron struggled with where to hold their wedding. They consider Washington DC their home now but travel to the gulf coast and New Orleans quite a bit. Through their many visits while Aron has helped to finance the recovery of the city, they witnessed a unique spirit of hope and rejuvenation.

They came to realize that many of the elements essential to building a great city reflect those of building a great marriage: communication, collaboration, patience, faith, and enduring love. This realization, coupled with the desire to put money back into the city, solidified their decision to hold their wedding in the beautiful New Orleans area. Not only did two Yankees hold their wedding in the deep south … transforming Emmy into an elegant southern bride … but they also incorporated the Lutheran and Jewish faiths into their ceremony.  Both a Rabbi and Lutheran minister were present for their vows.

Emmy and Aron fell in love with Houmas House and all of the towering oak trees and Spanish moss; this was their great starting point for design inspiration. Their ceremony took place under the “Cathedral of Oaks” on the front lawn with the reception immediately following on the back lawn. Timing was everything for this couple, making sure the sun cascaded beautiful shadows during the ceremony.

Afterwards, the guests were treated to a walking tour through the bottom floor of the majestic house while they made their way out back. Upon walking through the kitchen, Emmy and Aron treated their guests to a taste of  New Orleans with a cup of butternut squash and corn soup!

Casey and Andrea Cunningham have a distinct knack for capturing the very essence of EVERY wedding they shoot. No, that’s not quite right. They capture the very essence of the people they film. They may be on the outskirts of the activities … at times, you won’t even know they’re there … but their brides and grooms are at the center of their being.

,

Random Acts Of Beauty … Casey and Andrea’s pledge to all their couples … to capture those special moments that this very day is all about.

… to tell their story with images, almost to the point that words are unnecessary …

I

I mean,  I feel their joy … don’t you? And what better way to end a wedding day … than strolling down the streets of New Orleans with a sparkler in one hand and your honey in the other!

Thanks to ALL for sharing the day … Andrea and Casey ~ you’re the best!

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Post tags: Casey Cunningham Photography, Houmas House, Jewish, Lemonade, Louisiana, Lutheran, New Orleans, Parasol, Place Cards, Spring
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

Jaime and Carl were married in June 08 at the exclusive beach resort, the El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya, Mexico.  The El Dorado Royale is part of a collection of luxurious all-inclusive, adult-only resorts known for their exceptional hospitality, cuisine and amazing vacation experiences!

Aimee of A.Dominick Events, one of our fabulous Little Black Book wedding planners coordinated this lovely destination affair for Jaime and Carl. We’ll have lots more beautiful photos from Andrew Reilly Photography in just a bit…

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Post tags: A.Dominick Event Planning, Andrew Reilly Photography, Beach Wedding, Destination Wedding, El Dorado Royale, Mexico, Place Cards, Riviera Maya, Sand Dollars
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Planners & Designers

Materials

Small 6 x 6 piece of wood, depending on the shape you want to create
Wood Carving Tool
Spray Paint
Sand Paper

Oil Based Pen

Instructions

1. Design and cut out the desired shape out of wood. Some scrapbooking stores make pre-cut pieces of wood that make it much easier!

2. Once you have your wood shapes, sand all sides to get rid of any rough spots.

3. Spray paint in your desired color, then let dry.

4. Use a light sand paper on the edges of the piece to give an antique look.

5. Using an oil based pen write the name of the guest on every piece. Be careful there is no going back!

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Post tags: DIY Project Instructions, Place Cards
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects

Top Image…how decadent and yet completely appropriate are those bottles of limoncello. Perfect for a late Summer, outdoor cocktail hour.

Second Image…Elegant starfish make perfect favors and keepsakes for your guests.

Third Image…love, love, love these innovative place card holders. Tiny ceramic vases filled with branches serve as both a favor and a place card.

Last image…I just really like the packaging on the favors. It’s sweet and yet elegant…not to mention, something that your guests will hold on to.

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Post tags: Love Life Images, Photography, Place Cards, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

Top Image: A pretty candy bar in your wedding colors is the perfect way to add a huge splash of color, while offering guests (especially the little ones) something fun to do!

Second Image: This bride served soft pretzels between the ceremony and the cocktail hour…Philly Pretzels are such a cute and appropriate touch!

Third Image: These paper bags were perfect candy containers…cheap and super cute!

Last Image….Placecards set in wheatgrass and contained in an incredibly chic pink lacquer container. Love it!

Thanks Heather!

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Post tags: Heather Fowler, Philadelphia, Photography, Place Cards, Wedding Favors & Gifts
Post categories: Wedding Details, Wedding Photography

Each button was chosen by the bride and groom to represent the personality of that particular guest. LOVE IT! Thanks so much to EJP Events in Portland for sharing this brilliant idea with us!

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Post tags: EJP Events, Place Cards, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Wedding Details

How to make the Placecard Tree…

I have received a fortune or two at weddings, and yet they never fail to make me smile. These custom fortunes are such a cute way to add a little personality and whimsy into your affair…

Instructions on the fortune cookies from the designer…

The cookies were personalized with messages of our choosing and came individually wrapped. I found them on this website http://www.specialfortunecookies.com. They were reasonably priced and service was great. I would recommend them to anyone.

Using Wilton’s clear mini treat bags, crinkle shred craft paper, and raffia, we wrapped up the cookies and it made for a cute little presentation. And as you can see by the pictures, this can be easily changed to fit the wedding party’s color {my colors were greens and chocolate brown}. It is simple, elegant enough and very inexpensive when having to consider quantity.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2007. | Permalink | 22 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Place Cards
Post categories: DIY Projects

Instructions on making journal place cards…

Materials:
Assortment of Decorated Papers (various craft stores)
Ruler
Blank Journals
X-cto Knife/Scissors
Printer or Alphabet Rubber stamps (local craft store)

Here’s the step by step:

Gather a bunch of decorated papers from your local craft store. Spread your journal open and measure from back cover to front cover, including spine. (13 inches.) Add 3 inches to total length. (16inches) My papers came in sheets of 12″ x 12″ so I cut them in half and glued the pieces together to form a long book jacket. Measure 1.5 inches at each end and fold inwards. Wrap jacket around your journal to create folds around the spine area.

Rubber stamp guest names on the spine area. (I created a template on my computer and printed the names using my epson printer) Wrap jacket around journal and rubber stamp table number/grade on it.

***

The polaroid guestbooks are the best way to incorporate a little personality and fun into an age old tradition…

Instructions for the polaroid guest book from the designer…

I bought fabric vintage fabric in my wedding colors, and my dad made a frame for it to hang from. We provided two polaroid cameras for guests to take pictures of themselves in front of the backdrop. Then they taped the photos in my guest book and signed a message. It was a great way to remember all of the guests who made it to my wedding, and was a lot more informal than a traditional guestbook.

Stay tuned…more to come!

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Post tags: Chewing The Cud, Guest Books, Place Cards
Post categories: DIY Projects

To Make DIY Luggage Tags:

These luggage tags were backed with white linen and tied with gold and pink taffeta ribbon. I used sheets of watercolor paper which had a lovely textured surface and I printed A4 sheets with 9 cards on each, designing the layout in photoshop. I cut each card to a luggage tag shape before spreading a very fine layer of PVA glue on the back, making sure that every inch of the card was covered to avoid getting any air bubbles, then laying them onto sheets of white linen. Once the glue had dried I cut around them, punched a hole in the shaped end using a hole punch then added an eyelet through which I could tie the ribbon. Adding the eyelets was the most difficult part as they require some serious banging with a hammer and I kept hitting my fingers!

Then I popped them in envelopes and sent them off!

All of the materials I used were very basic and available from any arts and crafts shop – watercolour paper, linen (or any fabric you want), ribbon, metal eyelets, PVA glue + glue spreader, scissors and envelopes to fit. The cards were a bit fiddly and time consuming but looked gorgeous when they were finished and have received loads of compliments which made them worth the hours of work!

***

How clever are these dress form place cards, inspired by a vintage clothing display…just goes to show, creativity and inspiration can come from so many different places!

To Make the Fashion Inspired Place Cards…

All I did was find some vintage fashion illustrations and ads, mostly on Flickr. I used Photoshop to crop out any background noise, but mostly I chose ladies with clean white backgrounds so this wasn’t necessary.

I printed them on heavy paper and cut each lady out with an x-acto knife, cutting a tab at the bottom. I then cut strips of red card stock, glued them into a circle, and cut a slit across them to mount the ladies.

I used stencils to draw and cut out the numbers (again with an x-acto knife), and glued these to some bamboo skewers, cut to size with wire cutters. I glued these to the ladies and voila!

Paper was from Paper Source: http://www.paper-source.com Tacky glue, x-acto knife, and stencils from any art/craft supply Images from Flickr: http://www.flickr.com

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Post tags: Place Cards, Save The Dates
Post categories: DIY Projects

If you punched a hold at the top, then hung them from pretty grosgrain ribbon on a cork board or from tree branches (something kind of organic to contrast the preppy factor of the cards), they would be a perfect way to add a little lighthearted color to your decor. Make them extra cute by handwriting the names and table numbers!

Along that same note, these silhouette tags are completely adorable. I am picturing them hanging from a strawberry pink ribbon, names & table numbers scrolled across the front. Too cutesy?

And these tags, are just too perfect. I know that they could be used for something great…

Place cards would be the obvious choice, but what else? Can you guys think of anything else? What about food or dessert tags specifying what each item is. Or little thank you notes tied onto your favors.

Check back a little later for some other great Etsy finds!!

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Post tags: Etsy, Place Cards
Post categories: Wedding Details