Filed under: DIY Divine
Being that the Mister and I attend such a large number of friends’ and family weddings (51 & counting – boom!), I’m always leery to ever classify anything as “THE BEST.” In lieu of not wanting to catch feelings but also because I pretty much la-LOUVRE everything anyone does, it’s never an easy thing to pick out favorites amongst friends…
However – and this is a HUGE however – a couple weeks ago, we received what is legit THE BEST Save the Date EVER! It was super cute, super inventive and perfectly personalized with the couple’s names in mind.
Her name: Katie Matis. His Name: Liam Smith.
Mash them together in holy matrimony and what do you get?!??
Mr. & Mrs. Smith, of course!! So, you can imagine my delight when I opened the mailbox and found this save-the-date dream waiting for me!! There’s nothing I love more than when a couple makes their wedding their own, and in this case… it couldn’t be more perfect! It is just sooo them, and sets the tone for what will no doubt be an unforgettable evening of family, friends and matrimonial celebration!!
I mean can you say, genius?? Here’s the front:
And the back:
Heck, the reception is at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of this year’s Pats VS Giants Super Bowl rematch! I mean, how can it not be amazeballs?
The wedding may be months away, but I’m 100% confident in predicting… it’ll be one for the record books :) :) :)
February 2, 2012
courtesy of phindystudios.com
After attending a friend’s wedding (wad up, Tay!), I was inspired by her incredible strength and her unique ability to personalize every part of her day with meaningful details and touches that oozed with her impeccable taste. But it wasn’t until months later when her professional wedding photos (and an additional pinterest.com image sent from our very own Lauren Trisler!) came across my desk that I was reminded of a the beautifully inspired way she chose to keep the memory of the ones she lost close to her heart during her wedding ceremony.
They go by a number of names, but they are best known as Bouquet Charms or Bouquet Lockets and are placed along the stem of bridal bouquets for keeping safe and stunning looks. The thought behind the bouquet charm is to give brides a perfect place to keep the ones who have passed on with them as they say ‘I do.’ You can literally hold the ones you’ve lost near and dear during all the big moments of your ceremony, all the while creating an instant keepsake that looks spectacular and feels even more special.
Even if your one of the most fortunate brides ever and have never lost a loved one, you can still get amazing use out of this sentiment by adding your nuptial initials or favorite quotes to a charm and wrapping them around your bouquet! After all, what bride couldn’t use a little extra meaningful ‘oomph’ at her wedding?
Not to mention, these gorgeous gems make for great DIY details… giving every bride the opportunity to be as fanciful or simple as she wants! Check out below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) ohdearphotography.com, etsy.com, Wedding Inspirations via pinterest.com, vancitybride.com, divajewelsco.com, aileentran.com, boards.weddingbee.com, jubilantwares.com and stylecollective.com
January 24, 2012
courtesy of Xposure via graziadaily.co.uk
Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, laaaavender’s green, when I am king, dilly dilly, you shall by queen!!
Purple has never been my pick of the litter when it comes to color, especially considering what works best on a wedding dress. However, after a work friend (holler for a dollar, Carolyn!) sent me a link revealing Sofia Coppola’s wedding dress, I have to admit, I pretty much fell in love :)
Recently wed this past weekend in the garden of the Coppola family’s Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda, Italy, the daughter of revered film director, Francis Ford Coppola, looked like a breezy bridal dream sporting her tee-length, lavender wedding dress… and I gotta say, she (and it) deserve a double snap. Not only does this trendy tress look amazing, but it compliments her chic, nonchalant style impeccably. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself and see! It looks like she should be twirling in every pic!
courtesy of Xposure via graziadaily.co.uk
See, she needs to be aswirly twirly in these pics :)
courtesy of Xposure via graziadaily.co.uk
And if you’re a bride who loves this lavishly lavender trend but still longs for the more traditional look, why don’t you pull a Khloe Kardashian and just accent your gown with the pretty purple??
courtesy of okmagazine.com
And while Khloe K did it via Vera Wang, I also love love love this Claire Pettibone vintage number :) It would make for a super chic DIY project!
courtesy of blogs.wishpot.com
September 1, 2011
Looking to make a real statement? Well then, do yourself a favor and check out our DIY Video on Paper Pennant Bunting below for great ways to create a one of a kind look without a one of a kind price!
Both fun and simple, bunting is one of the industry’s latest trends to hit the scene, and we’ve made it simpler than ever for every bride to use!
August 25, 2011
When a girlfriend at work (wad up, C-rock!) sent me a link featuring a finger-licking-good cupcake bouquet, I thought I had died and gone to heaven! I mean, c’mon! An amazingly colored rosebud bouquet… made of cutie pie cupcakes??? Um, yes please!
While we offered several options for alternative brides looking for their fix of unconventional arranging in Flowerless, DIY Wedding Bouquets, we did not include this double duty cutie, and after seeing some of the prospects below… I can’t imagine why! Just look at these mouth-watering treats! Some even rival the looks of the inspired flowers themselves! Bravo, bouquets, bravo :)
courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) littleruffledfeathers.blogspot.com, delishcupcakes.net, pinterest.com, brideandjoy.ie, morningglorybakes.blogspot.com via thecupcakeblog.com, delishcupcakes.net, littleruffledfeathers.blogspot.com, delishcupcakes.net, katherinesconfections.com, claudiaowen.wordpress.com and Eat My Shots
August 11, 2011
courtesy of katiedayphoto.com
The use of parasols on a wedding day is hardly a new concept. In fact, it’s more than likely one of the oldest ones there is. However, with the modern bride growing trendier and trendier every day, the perception of the traditional parasol has taken flight and landed somewhere near, on or around amazeballs!
Not only do these bumber-shoot (what me niece calls them) beauties look and feel fabulous in photos, but they also pull double duty in the function arena, as well! Check out below for some inspiring ways to make your wedding soar with parasols…
Get Creative with Color. Use parasols opposite on or complimentary to each other on the color wheel to really make a statement drenched in “ooh la la!”
courtesy of (from top to bottom) stylemepretty.com, Amanda Cremona Moorefield, riweddingguide.com, katiedayphoto.com, katiedayphoto.com, weddingbee.com and weddingwire.com
All White is All Right. For the ladies-in-waiting looking something a little more classic, use all white parasols to create a look of crisp freshness.
courtesy of (from top to bottom) 2sistersblog.com, weddingbee.com, theknot.com and terrismithphotoblog.com
Divine Decorations. Use these ultimate umbrellas sprinkled into your wedding decor and transform an average shindig to a whole new level of hooplah!
Courtesy of (from top to bottom) big-wedding-tiny-budget.com, Google Images, pinkfrosting.com.au, blog.hgtv.com, blog.hgtv.com and pauljohnsonphoto.com
Parasol with a Purpose. Ideal for outdoor and destination weddings, hand these bad boys out as favors for your wedding guests to relax and enjoy in style.
courtesy of (from top to bottom) lunabazaar.com, sincerelyyoursonline.blogspot.com, perdekoop.co.za, theknot.com, snippetandink.com and apartmenttherapy.com
A Touch of Vintage Glam. When prints and lace are added to your parasols, they become an instant rewind for all things fabulously retro!
courtesy of (from top to bottom) jamiedelaineblog.com, ruffledblog.com, herecomestheguide.com, ruffledblog.com, ruffledblog.com, amorologyweddings.com and jenstewartphotography.com
Statement Pieces… literally. Encode and reveal your own messages for the ultimate of chic treats for your big day celebration!
courtesy of (from top to bottom) weddingbee.com, idooriginals.com and divadecorating.com
August 4, 2011
courtesy of treschicbride.blogspot.com
When throwing a shower for one of my girlfriends awhile back, I came across a little recipe for “cake pops” and have been OBSESSED ever since!
Being the regular Betty Crocker (for those of you that know me, please hold in your laughter) that I am, I decided this would be an excellent choice for a festive dessert! And if I’ve gotta be completely honest… it TOTALLY was! (Subsequently pats self on back) I made three kinds: Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.
Now, while these three flavors may seem like nothing all too impressive, it’s what you can do with them that makes them so incredible! After baking the three cake mixes in the oven (according to the box instructions), I simpled let the pans cool for about 15 minutes before crumbling each flavor into a mixing bowl and stiring in the same flavor frosting. (White w/ Vanilla, Chocolate w/ Chocolate and Strawberry w/ Strawberry.) After which, I balled the sugary goodness into small circles and covered them with candy melt toppings.
It took a little practice, but once I got the hang of it, it was super easy… and even more delicious! I topped the White Cake Balls with vanilla icing and yellow sprinkles; the Chocolate Cake Balls with chocolate candy melts and coconut, and the Strawberry Cake Balls with a melted white chocolate candy bar and pink candy heart sprinkles (my faves!). I placed some on sticks, creating a gourmet sucker look and the rest I left on decorative trays for easy, sweet munching!
There are several options on how you can create your cake pops / balls, but I have yet to find one I didn’t enjoy! Take a look below for some delicious inspiration and easy to make recipes (found below images) and start poppin’ your way to party goodness!
Choloate and Turquoise Dream!
courtesy of karascakery.com courtesy of Google Images courtesy of bzevents.com
Pretty in Pink!
courtesy of bakersroyale.com
Citrus-y Goodness!
courtesy of bzevents.com
Wrapped with Love!
courtesy of etsy.com
Turtle-Something Surprise!
courtesy of cakebybridges.com
Cupcake Cuties!
courtesy of thehappychickadee.blogspot.com
Designed by Darlings!
courtesy of camillestyles.wordpress.com
Lined with Perfection!
courtesy of thesepeasarehollow.blogspot.com
Sweetly say “I do!”
courtesy of etsy.com
Example Recipe Guide for Reference:
- 1 Box of Cake Mix (Choose your favorite the flavor)
- 1 16 ounce Container of Pre-Made Frosting (Again, choose the flavor!)
- 1 3 ounce Bar of Flavored Confectionery or Candy Melts (Choose your taste yet again! Mixing and Matching is half the fun!)
1. Prepare the cake mix according to package details, using any of the recommended pans for backing. Once cake is baked fully, simply crumble the cake while still warm (but after 15 minutes of cooling) into a large mixing bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2. Melt your flavored confectionery or candy melt coating in a glass bowl in the microwave or a metal pot over a pan of simmering water on the stove-top, stirring occasionally until at a smooth consistency.
3. Use a melon baller or scoop (or even just your hands!) to form small balls (use Dunkin’ Donut holes as reference) of your cake mixture. Then, either dip the balls into the melted pan of goodness using a toothpick or simply drizzle it on top using a spoon to coat each one accordingly. Place on waxed paper to set.
4. Decorate accordinly. Place on sucker sticks if desired. Refrigerate once fully cooled.
5. & ENJOY!!
August 2, 2011
courtesy of marthastewart.com
A girlfriend at work (holler for a dollar, Carolyn!) sent me a link on deconstructed wedding cakes last week, and I have to admit, it had my mouth watering for cake before the sun could rise and you could question, “Cake, for breakfast??” With all the new (not necasarily improved) but super fun ways brides are choosing to divy out dessert on their big day, I was sooo glad to see deconstructed wedding cakes as one of them!
And don’t let the chunky, clunky name fool you, because these beauties are anything but! Not only can the sleeker, chic’er cakes have a crisper, cleaner look, but they can also be filled with a countless number of flavors, which their larger versions are often times limited to! Um, hello?? More cakes to sample?? Yes, please!!
Whether a bride chooses to do each cake a different flavor or a select a specific amount of tantalizing tastes to divide between the masses, these deconstructed darlings have an abundance potential that will have your head spinning. Some brides even choose to double them as centerpieces, which encourages guests to mix ‘n’ mingle while trying to uncover which table has the BEST flavor!
Oh, and did I mention that the cost for these un-tiered dreams can be significantly, less? Yeah, add that to the win column too, ladies! Haha! Check out below for even more, mouth watering examples!
Stick with the same theme and shape for a more uniform look…
courtesy of theknot.com
Play with textures, sizes and shapes to really create a unique look…
courtesy of bridalguide.com
Decorate your deconstructed cakes in theme or according to the season…
courtesy of projectwedding.com
When doubled as centerpieces, disassembled cakes encourage guests to get up and move about…
courtesy of baileysbrides.blogspot.com
Ideal for creating a rustic, do-it-yourself ambiance…
courtesy of featherlove.com
July 26, 2011
photo courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography
At Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we recognize the importance for the DIY bride to shine in all her shabby chic goodness! We also recognize, however, that she can’t shine fully if not provided with the proper tools. After all, not all of us our born killer crafters with do-it-yourself goodness infused into our DNA!
We can, however, own the right to fake it ’til we make it with our line of DIY Stationery. Among the most recent addition is our DIY Paper Pennant Bunting Kit! This do-it-yourself, dream project kit will leave your guests “oohing” and “awing” from the minute they step onto the scene to the minute they bid you adieu. Because of its versatile nature, this one of a kind flag banner ensemble really lets your creative side shine by garnishing all your favorite events with a personalized touch of charm.
And by kitting these items altogether in one, simple package, we leave the fun part up to you for making everything from outdoor weddings and baby showers to anniversary extravaganzas, birthday parties, holidays and more a little bit more fun and a lot more personal! See below for product details and decor options:
Paper Pennant Bunting Kit Includes:
- 50 Flag Pennants
- 12.5 yards of White Satin Ribbon
- Complimentary CD with 40 pre-designed Templates for mixing and matching
- Test Printing Sheets and Instructions for use
When creativity reaches a lull, use one of our design options available on complimentary CD to re-inspire you! (courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com)
July 21, 2011
Modeled after our best selling program fans and shaped to curvy cutie perfection, our DIY Heart Fan Program Paper Kits are an ideal source for trendy brides to get really creative. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor ceremony or taking your guests on a dream destination, it’s easy to see why these fun, heart shaped fans are one of the wedding industry’s leading accessories for brides to la-Louvre!
And because each kit comes with a complimentary CD of designs (see choices below), brides can choose to edit one and make it their own or start from scratch for a wedding day original. It’s truly up to you and will leave your guests with a breezy attitude for your beautiful day!
Click here to pick up a set today or check below for an example of the designs featured on our complimentary CD!
All templates available on complimentary CD!
June 14, 2011
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