Manic Monday

Today is graduation today! SCARY! Everything has been crazy with packing and my ceremony site getting changed last minute. In true Oregon fashion we go from having a gorgeous couple of days to torrential downpour. There is one good thing about graduating though: I finally learned how to create a formal invitation. I'm not going to lie it took me a few tries to get it right, but all of my invitations were sent!

Formal wedding invitations are also pretty specific, but I found a great drawing that explains it simply.

For everyone graduating today, congratulations! For everyone else, happy Monday!

Alternative Bouquets

While most brides opt for the traditional floral bouquet, there has been a rising trend of using alternative materials to make gorgeous arrangements. This option is also great for anyone who has allergies or needs to save costs!

This bouquet made of vintage broaches is both colorful and sweet.

The elaborate beading and jewel tones create an elegant bouquet.

The bride created this giant paper flower as an alternative to the real thing.

These felt blossoms are fun and easy to make.

Parasols are another alternative for a non-floral option.

This bride used vintage butterfly clips to create this whimsy arrangement.

Don't forget about the guys! Here are some crepe and origami paper blossoms for the boutonnieres.

Real Wedding: Jenn & Matt

I am head over heels for this DIY Bohemian wedding that is sweet, colorful and perfectly beautiful! This wedding is so unique and so special with all of the personal touches and great details. I love that the couple used rainbow colors throughout the day, from the bridal party to the decor as a symbol of promise.

The wedding was held at a family friend's camp house .

I love the lighting in both of these images. The pictures are absolutely stunning.

Even her jewelry is rainbow!

The couple watered a tree together during the ceremony that they plan to plant behind their house and watch grow every day.

The groom's ring has "everlasting light" engraved into it which is the song the bride walked down the aisle to.

The couple's love of nature is intertwined throughout the decorations and details

All of the decorations were crafted by the bride, family and friends.

Gorgeous photos by Three Nails Photography.

Monday Fun!

Blogger had some issues on Friday and I wasn't able to post this, so I'm turning my "Friday Fun" idea into some Monday fun!

I've been into craft projects lately that re-use household items to create new and dynamic designs. Here is a creative and simple DIY project I found that will add flare and elegance to any lighting design.

This design included egg decorations in the tree and on the table, but I really just like the flowers!

Mix it up with flowers, lights and lights with flowers!

You can also add some color, or in this case break up the color, with little paper flowers. These are made from coffee filters.

Here are some other projects I've been working on.

The necklace is made from washers and ribbon.

This is the Braided Hex Nut bracelet from a few weeks ago.

Happy Monday!

Cork Art

We played a silly game this weekend while wine tasting to share something about yourself that not many people know. My fact was that I collect wine corks which got me thinking about how one day I'd like to make something with all of my doubles. It also gave me a few ideas about wedding and event decor! Here are some stylish and creative designs to incorporate corks into any setting. Enjoy!

This is a design series from Anthropologie.

Shades of red and purple would make a pretty heart shape!

How cool are these?

I bet you could incorporate any type of hanging flower or arrangement.

Place cards done two ways.

DIY Snap Station: Reception Fun!

It's been around for a while, but there has been an increase in the trend of using disposable cameras for guests to document wedding receptions. I think this is a great idea and can make for some really cute pictures, but you also run the risk of people leaving with the cameras. Also, disposable cameras really aren't the prettiest items to have on your tables, so The Bride's Cafe and Hillary Burgess set up a DIY Snap Station project as a spin on the old favorite. The idea is to use more creative cameras that are user friendly as an activity for guests.

Cute, right?

What A Weekend!

To celebrate the momentous weekend we just had, today will be another double-post day!

As promised, I took a few pictures of the decorations from the party before Barn Dance, so enjoy!

The mason jars had small tea candles in them.

There was also a sting of bandanas tied to the fence next to the table!

The hay bale made for really cute pictures!

Funny story: when I went to pick up the wheel barrow, it wouldn't fit in my car! I felt so silly and the guys helping me were so nice while trying not to laugh at me as I got more and more frustrated. Oh, well, it still looked great!

DIY: Rolled Rosettes

I've seen a lot of cute hair accessories around campus lately, so here's a super easy tutorial on how to make rolled rosettes from Happy Together. This project is great for using up any leftover fabric scraps you have laying around.

These rosettes are great for embellishing clothing, creating jewelry and accessories, and as decorations.