tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377730472024-03-12T18:23:05.874-07:00Melissa's SmittenThe personal blog from Smitten Invitations- with a smattering of wedding info, fun from the press, with mixed-in with tidbits of creativity and inspiration!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-33037998376144910222009-10-15T16:53:00.001-07:002009-10-15T16:53:54.992-07:00Silk Screen, I do!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhM_YRP91zx5ecZ8uMkiC-8kzOTifEC8Tb3IiR5RoQQqSCIJUklLecx-YUgJcjsfZJODx3G5avliGEbwQCG5WILmCcPa2mGBJfXIH07XG5iRssZrejoN0hARPF1roh9QclWqGHA/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_SilkScreen2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhM_YRP91zx5ecZ8uMkiC-8kzOTifEC8Tb3IiR5RoQQqSCIJUklLecx-YUgJcjsfZJODx3G5avliGEbwQCG5WILmCcPa2mGBJfXIH07XG5iRssZrejoN0hARPF1roh9QclWqGHA/s400/MelissaSmitten_SilkScreen2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392976494052312418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblKCoyYUEsHIkwOY_cGjQc7DU1eY7qGkIc_SQ8C28e3UOkSsBntrc0DyOiNpbbHRabDQuA4nNi3OaLdw3s6fUZ4AU49MVM-fA4VhpGb2G88cFaHgPHJLRW36JhzJ4X9hErEPDCg/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_SilkScreen1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblKCoyYUEsHIkwOY_cGjQc7DU1eY7qGkIc_SQ8C28e3UOkSsBntrc0DyOiNpbbHRabDQuA4nNi3OaLdw3s6fUZ4AU49MVM-fA4VhpGb2G88cFaHgPHJLRW36JhzJ4X9hErEPDCg/s400/MelissaSmitten_SilkScreen1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392976486573065858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> As you know, my heart is loyal to letterpress...but lately a new love has been growing for silk screen printing too! Maybe it's because I've been learning to silkscreen <a title="shirts" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31998637" target="_blank">shirts</a> , but these invitations prove how amazingly versatile silk screen printing can be!<br /><br />Silk screening is typically used for apparel and tote graphics and in the music poster industry. In the poster industry silk screening often has a raw, edgy look...but you can see that crisp lines are now in! And one thing that silk screening still excels at: bright, bold colors!<br /><br />I love how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Satoko</span> (the bride who created the suite of red animal stationery) uses the design on paper and cloth. It tied her whole system together regardless of her medium. As for me, I'm going to start experimenting more with silk screened invitations....I'll keep you all posted on the outcome!<br /><br />Silk screen suite (top) originally posted on <a title="Martha Stewart, Designs by the bride" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/satoko-and-alex?&lpgStart=1&currentslide=1&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs" target="_blank">Martha Stewart, Designs by the bride </a>as were the <a title="Yellow Scripty Invites" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/stationery-types?&lpgStart=1&currentslide=5&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs" target="_blank">Yellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Scripty</span> Invites</a>. <a title="Crisp Yellow" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://beautifulpaper.typepad.com/oh_so_beautiful_paper/2009/07/wedding-invitations-two-trick-pony.html" target="_blank">Crisp Yellow</a> invites by Two Trick Pony.<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-72770306594044209252009-10-01T10:54:00.000-07:002009-10-01T11:19:29.978-07:00The Art of Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UF_8GuQY4E3iC2Dsh9LQb_0-xoMC9WMoVH_b_vofbCVDHA8qcH0uT35F0CM8bGkxD8E-VyPhohetdaCEPB6O_VEvp3-leFwtmtM0cPO-ur2t6-luE-2OmDDplfTHyWEXZCG0/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_WeddingArt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UF_8GuQY4E3iC2Dsh9LQb_0-xoMC9WMoVH_b_vofbCVDHA8qcH0uT35F0CM8bGkxD8E-VyPhohetdaCEPB6O_VEvp3-leFwtmtM0cPO-ur2t6-luE-2OmDDplfTHyWEXZCG0/s400/MelissaSmitten_WeddingArt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387697069765155602" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(click images to enlarge)</span></span><br /><br />This is my newest collection of illustrations, drawings and art that brides and grooms have created to showcase their personality through the arts. It brings such a whimsical, fun element to the wedding and makes the wedding so personal.<br /><br />The drawing can be an abstraction of personalities (see cupcake and beaker), tasteful profiles, or a literal portrait. Some of theses were created DIY by a talented bride or groom, some were created by a friend and others were commissioned through an artist. Regardless of who creates the art, it brings something special to the wedding!<br /><br />Images collected from <a title="as posted on 100 Layer Cake Blog" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://100layercake.com/blog/page/2" target="_blank">100 Layer Cake Blog</a>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a title="photography by Davina + Daniel" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://davinaplusdaniel.com/%20" target="_blank">Davina + Daniel</a>, Harmony Nixon, and Melissa Bumstead.<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-20717954718028655802009-09-22T11:55:00.001-07:002009-09-22T11:58:36.377-07:00In Lieu of Favors<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDVsVsxPQTMjxLYC55KI900IGoSi9_PCTT2A296nqBzVanjxXpLqWBKIgISvKX3NDcwdAGuWqAzY97bYeqQvDEwAl8VE56AA9v9OSLugf4G0xcUJQh9nL4r0I_O5ifs51KLIl/s1600-h/InLieu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDVsVsxPQTMjxLYC55KI900IGoSi9_PCTT2A296nqBzVanjxXpLqWBKIgISvKX3NDcwdAGuWqAzY97bYeqQvDEwAl8VE56AA9v9OSLugf4G0xcUJQh9nL4r0I_O5ifs51KLIl/s400/InLieu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384367536202698178" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(click image to enlarge)</span></span><br /><br />What a beautiful tribute to a loved one. This is the best way I've seen thus far to remember a family member who has passed away during a wedding. It's tasteful, meaningful and the best yet- it does something to help others by donating to a related charity.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-73370630011471579962009-09-06T18:24:00.000-07:002009-09-06T19:18:56.446-07:00Real Weddings: Agata and Bill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iLXREECaaW_mCuAUWdld-hOIrl_eoqbb4h07HMLdRju-Eo9VC5UBb5SVZ6bMEIJMVXbFik2W8_XjOSJJonUPWGPT8Y9zOq8LiphwmrpojYeWljsT1ltq1EGGoxN2TKAoC9YX/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_AgataOwl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iLXREECaaW_mCuAUWdld-hOIrl_eoqbb4h07HMLdRju-Eo9VC5UBb5SVZ6bMEIJMVXbFik2W8_XjOSJJonUPWGPT8Y9zOq8LiphwmrpojYeWljsT1ltq1EGGoxN2TKAoC9YX/s400/MelissaSmitten_AgataOwl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378543753823989778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xqdHl3VAP_TqTZSzYPLg3XaCuMcS8A2_iowpgwq0sK2EBh70B7hJbUhWdEAdzAEfLAu_OcDBKmjch_KmrdKnWFPFJUSE74ZMGTXNn86VD57HtIc7a9oQlYbdGfNxB1Wfxt7D/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_AgataOwl2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xqdHl3VAP_TqTZSzYPLg3XaCuMcS8A2_iowpgwq0sK2EBh70B7hJbUhWdEAdzAEfLAu_OcDBKmjch_KmrdKnWFPFJUSE74ZMGTXNn86VD57HtIc7a9oQlYbdGfNxB1Wfxt7D/s400/MelissaSmitten_AgataOwl2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378543736318078850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNiIuGzcsIq2Nb_KPZqmNMSjuK3NW8w2xgQ-CLv4Uhzb-D1A8aNgYAU_VQK10b-GuUyPUflmj2Qm7QTbBf_C6uLGLZdOruVEVtBeBiinCSN8NHM2rOZNp7a_IunMPbEB1MY0b/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_AgataOwl3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNiIuGzcsIq2Nb_KPZqmNMSjuK3NW8w2xgQ-CLv4Uhzb-D1A8aNgYAU_VQK10b-GuUyPUflmj2Qm7QTbBf_C6uLGLZdOruVEVtBeBiinCSN8NHM2rOZNp7a_IunMPbEB1MY0b/s400/MelissaSmitten_AgataOwl3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378543748168803794" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Agata and her husband Osgood William Lorimer (who goes by Bill) were married at Royal Palms State Beach in San Pedro. To continue the nautical theme, they created a fabulous photo wall, complete with nautical wall paper, props, hats and fake mustaches.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-84883284010878479632009-09-02T20:23:00.000-07:002009-09-02T20:35:49.816-07:00Sneak Preview: Agata's Photo Booth<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQtMvxd63xEX3BHgCgZQ7nzrpkLtqd282t2eLHSu6HII6fCllsz6qDUbJyTAX8eEi3bQS3WpIr4SMRhLLOKRIpALLmGcolUNfv9Goq9Hu0aapMeIu6lzvU_Ln2C-EgJloUHLm/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_AgataPB1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQtMvxd63xEX3BHgCgZQ7nzrpkLtqd282t2eLHSu6HII6fCllsz6qDUbJyTAX8eEi3bQS3WpIr4SMRhLLOKRIpALLmGcolUNfv9Goq9Hu0aapMeIu6lzvU_Ln2C-EgJloUHLm/s400/MelissaSmitten_AgataPB1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377079629360850770" border="0" /></a>And there's more of this nautical goodness and goofiness to come!<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-41337145646468974392009-09-02T19:52:00.000-07:002009-09-02T20:19:16.636-07:00Meet B Poetic<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://12.media.tumblr.com/PPB1TGNawr2kn5rzVIiSChiro1_400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 486px;" src="http://12.media.tumblr.com/PPB1TGNawr2kn5rzVIiSChiro1_400.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://22.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kon3asxCfg1qzksfpo1_400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 534px;" src="http://22.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kon3asxCfg1qzksfpo1_400.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I absolutely loved these vintage fabric flowers by <a title="b. poetic" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.bpoetic.com/Home.html" target="_blank">b. poetic</a> the second I saw them! In fact, I wondered how I could have survived so long in tumultuous ignorance without them! Kaitlin hand makes each of these and they're extremely feminine for anytime or weddings. That's exactly how I like my accessories- a hint of romance that's not obnoxious or overdone. I'd recommend these for the bride and they'd make great accessories/gifts for your maids too. And you won't have to worry about them wilting on a hot day like today (at least it's miserable out here in So. Cal...yuck!)<br /><br />Then I found this adorable wedding banner (below) on the <a title="b. poetic blog" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://bpoetic.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">b. poetic blog</a> and that's when I was sure of it...I am an official fan of Kaitlin and b. poetic. And because I'm gushing so much, I just wanted to note that no, there's no sponsorship or advertising going on here. Really. I just really like her stuff.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://7.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kokxgxkEKP1qzksfpo1_400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 534px;" src="http://7.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kokxgxkEKP1qzksfpo1_400.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size: 78%;"><br />Vendors in the Parade may or may not sponsors of Melissa's Smitten Blog, but are strictly selected for the Vendor Parade for their sterling reputation and outstanding work.</span></em><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-56400701358698638932009-08-24T17:52:00.000-07:002009-08-24T18:23:42.955-07:00Real Weddings: Bethany and Mikey: Reception<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZggwNBjJiiWHNY5jnTAT7RAykFPWLpl6rN2BV9rQhLWrDSKuktdPRx2VfyxJhJMBnuz8uZMjGYJ-uGBDun2hVRUBpRcXe9pZT5hjPfr40OF94lBdLlhjWwZD5DQhAVBhrWSB/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZggwNBjJiiWHNY5jnTAT7RAykFPWLpl6rN2BV9rQhLWrDSKuktdPRx2VfyxJhJMBnuz8uZMjGYJ-uGBDun2hVRUBpRcXe9pZT5hjPfr40OF94lBdLlhjWwZD5DQhAVBhrWSB/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373701218650351058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN96mmmkdGAkd8R4HXirKtMYHQTsV-3B60ay2QrtdPPFGOL9LOzOOw0xYfEFzuoNPdRF7EQgqAiNLhGdKg7_0PF4lvq2iytYkFNHQ2FBnq4HsLrf4n7gwh88Lw6eGzs-ttE-u/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN96mmmkdGAkd8R4HXirKtMYHQTsV-3B60ay2QrtdPPFGOL9LOzOOw0xYfEFzuoNPdRF7EQgqAiNLhGdKg7_0PF4lvq2iytYkFNHQ2FBnq4HsLrf4n7gwh88Lw6eGzs-ttE-u/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373701209129979058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPQsQUa9mIml8LYsPbNfogXKeI-CzkLSKQvOJKEjYNaUsMBZfJNrNqCiJGW9h7wEXbMnpeO67b38pnbBYzrJ_75OLrR4-N5BNSVbRpbM1nX7G43thBM4g-dtPmOFR8DUem1WG/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPQsQUa9mIml8LYsPbNfogXKeI-CzkLSKQvOJKEjYNaUsMBZfJNrNqCiJGW9h7wEXbMnpeO67b38pnbBYzrJ_75OLrR4-N5BNSVbRpbM1nX7G43thBM4g-dtPmOFR8DUem1WG/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373701202376271890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(click images to enlarge)</span></span><br /><br />Here are the last photos from Bethany and Mikey's wedding...sigh...I wish I could have been there under the warm summer sky, with the moon peaking out through the clouds. But from all the accounts from my relatives, it couldn't have been a nicer wedding.<br /><br />I love the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">intimate</span> spaces they set up. The soft lighting on the patio with a few simple Japanese lanterns to bring a summer's ambiance. Lovely, lovely, lovely.<br /><br />The good news is that rumor has it that another one of my husband's cousins is getting married in Wisconsin next year, so hopefully we'll be able to make that one! It's been one cousin getting married a year in Wisconsin...we'll have to see how long that trend lasts!<br /><br />Photos courtesy of <a title="Brown Street Studios" href="http://www.brownstreetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Brown Street Studios</a>.<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-25071494804708246732009-08-21T17:29:00.001-07:002009-08-21T17:36:00.812-07:00Real Weddings: Bethany and Mikey's Reception Details<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHWX8okvdNAaIepYpUW2zpTVhF5CIEOqtuVUCGsFlkdupYkm3HN0pUnbK0OGXHsHyCLB_1Mawnj3YM4kMdDgXL5YAjrYrc5vCUN1rybTIvFSX3Y72Rjy6Fdb_HM6zXOAxmgSp/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHWX8okvdNAaIepYpUW2zpTVhF5CIEOqtuVUCGsFlkdupYkm3HN0pUnbK0OGXHsHyCLB_1Mawnj3YM4kMdDgXL5YAjrYrc5vCUN1rybTIvFSX3Y72Rjy6Fdb_HM6zXOAxmgSp/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372578947773807122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCJ2topuwDAanq6bIFVVnt0GOXJs2mXyz7K3_3Ub2C8pIUKsqdMOiR1N1jTpqBc0DNeHEFWL6zVEozfQusMIsqLxE2UKHk0H32XiO8imm6PqCB2A79DIhiumSDHZI_e0OEirU/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCJ2topuwDAanq6bIFVVnt0GOXJs2mXyz7K3_3Ub2C8pIUKsqdMOiR1N1jTpqBc0DNeHEFWL6zVEozfQusMIsqLxE2UKHk0H32XiO8imm6PqCB2A79DIhiumSDHZI_e0OEirU/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372578941275187474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6fAZTW4wzHU8bP0YR6RcAFY3_2dWRxsSxVj0OS3_H1ZXNNiqXVuw71lB1vIWL67v6WNoSgirxuro1j141MyIyP_ys_5B5b811Ydf9kJ_Ikhl-AMavmx-HKkEdkoDl6ZjRbbo/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6fAZTW4wzHU8bP0YR6RcAFY3_2dWRxsSxVj0OS3_H1ZXNNiqXVuw71lB1vIWL67v6WNoSgirxuro1j141MyIyP_ys_5B5b811Ydf9kJ_Ikhl-AMavmx-HKkEdkoDl6ZjRbbo/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372578932633049650" border="0" /></a>(Click images to enlarge)<br /><br />Remember how I mentioned that Bethany's family are the nicest, funniest people I know? Point in case: the favors. I love the BBQ sauce with their pictures on it, up to their elbows in finger-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">licken</span>' goodness.<br /><br />I really like how well the casual aspects and the formal go together in their wedding, you can see it's a blend of their personalities. A gorgeous cake with orchids...and personalized BBQ sauce. Bethany's amazing dress...and Mikey's awesome shoes. Formal place settings...and handwritten <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">place cards</span>. These casual elements keep the party lively and personal but the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">overall</span> fee is still elegant.<br /><br />Photos courtesy of <a title="Brown Street Studios" href="http://www.brownstreetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Brown Street Studios</a>.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-935087850244353032009-08-19T20:12:00.000-07:002009-08-21T17:36:10.739-07:00Real Weddings: Bethany and Mikey's Ceremony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XuXG9j5VZNrLbg1LF-m-C478SN5s59hQ698x7w1mNCwBTMu2dRVqQ97ktdLuT-FtyQWJgXnUKQJBY0YiBUqIpagBwVQpOpZ-1yKJllp-dn9yZFVumI1WJy20V9DEGgxE2enC/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XuXG9j5VZNrLbg1LF-m-C478SN5s59hQ698x7w1mNCwBTMu2dRVqQ97ktdLuT-FtyQWJgXnUKQJBY0YiBUqIpagBwVQpOpZ-1yKJllp-dn9yZFVumI1WJy20V9DEGgxE2enC/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371879042180885474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns-a8Tu_XzEDrwh7UBvE3GyRPoatEzgS6rDtxhTGsOk8a8nuBsXu_y5MOjr6XWV15nwGqiNjRC8fZs4B-UWkf-Ei7BsssYoqfs49jykAGT2CtAKy4DPdsJExhJIw8xj7QY9WK/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns-a8Tu_XzEDrwh7UBvE3GyRPoatEzgS6rDtxhTGsOk8a8nuBsXu_y5MOjr6XWV15nwGqiNjRC8fZs4B-UWkf-Ei7BsssYoqfs49jykAGT2CtAKy4DPdsJExhJIw8xj7QY9WK/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371879038179689330" border="0" /></a>(click images to enlarge)<br /><br />Mikey and Bethany had a beautiful, open-air wedding with open fields and pines trees among the honored guests. A few notes from these photos that I love- I love Mikey's expression when he first sees Bethany. I tear up every time I look at it. And I really like that the whole bridal party got together for a rally and prayer during the service. It's private moments like that Bethany and Mikey are sure to treasure for years to come with their closest friends.<br /><br />As I share more pictures too, look for all the oranges! I love that Bethany was willing to use orange, I adore orange in weddings! But it's tastefully done, like the bridesmaid's bouquets and the flowers down the aisle. The fans/programs are a perfect touch to this outdoor wedding as is the acoustic guitarist. It's simple yet elegant touches like these that feel authentic and personal.<br /><br />Photos courtesy of <a title="Brown Street Studios" href="http://www.brownstreetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Brown Street Studios</a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-90677776041662302822009-08-17T20:33:00.000-07:002009-08-17T21:01:30.766-07:00Real Weddings: Bethany and Mikey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI0VfhHzBQFLCW_6jTvyT_E6lmptV8YrdZRI9SyYN8YEaNqbyKZn7C_HXDOfJXXXH63td-Wqxxh8NR4I_8DgxuugNu5WDNDwAZXekZ8jnGY_Y0KZE2kkMmE4AGKKHMnzLfWCI/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEI0VfhHzBQFLCW_6jTvyT_E6lmptV8YrdZRI9SyYN8YEaNqbyKZn7C_HXDOfJXXXH63td-Wqxxh8NR4I_8DgxuugNu5WDNDwAZXekZ8jnGY_Y0KZE2kkMmE4AGKKHMnzLfWCI/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371146477199665954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-kvITwAlQHbqdSskMOr0GZ5bFvJ7ofikEf0sREwtdX0HbZB1PVDa8-HUv6bQPIf2xph23Ylnx7TyKRjEB91tRjTnTz-9zfYJPmVQEJzk_7kMacGdWL-piV0Nn_kbXKKbD2cB/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-kvITwAlQHbqdSskMOr0GZ5bFvJ7ofikEf0sREwtdX0HbZB1PVDa8-HUv6bQPIf2xph23Ylnx7TyKRjEB91tRjTnTz-9zfYJPmVQEJzk_7kMacGdWL-piV0Nn_kbXKKbD2cB/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371146473376436002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zmuE5xON0ygKzvSQW4QI6hMF9xtSwhtF1lZu9Ol0bSf-UMCrXbvSsn2kMRtm_CiGebfzP0gb3XfHclbixx5bvuVpS_aGYR7Xo1YmONuBD8ruMPAiCTnOleazUV4xGpYhJtF7/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zmuE5xON0ygKzvSQW4QI6hMF9xtSwhtF1lZu9Ol0bSf-UMCrXbvSsn2kMRtm_CiGebfzP0gb3XfHclbixx5bvuVpS_aGYR7Xo1YmONuBD8ruMPAiCTnOleazUV4xGpYhJtF7/s400/MelissaSmitten_BeeMikey1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371146279161900754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(click images to enlarge)</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bethany and Mikey were married under an endless Wisconsin sky. Bethany is my husband's second cousin, and she and her family are the nicest and funniest people I know. I couldn't be happier for them, not to mention their wedding was stunning. I'll be sharing more pictures in the next days to come, but here's an overview to whet your pallet.<br /><br />Bethany and Mikey's love story is very sweet and I promise to get more details, but the general story is that Bethany's brother Bradley and Mikey worked at a camp together every summer. Bradley (being a very sweet brother) always bragged about how pretty and nice his sister was until Mikey was more than a little anxious to meet her. When she started working at the camp it seemed like a match made in heaven...except to Bethany. It took a bit of wooing from Mikey before she would agree to their first date.<br /><br />They soon discovered they were meant for each other and fell deeply, hopelessly in love. Sigh.<br /><br />More photos from the very talented Rebecca Carpenter, from <a title="Brown Street Studios" href="http://www.brownstreetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Brown Street Studios</a> to come this week. And yes, Rebecca does travel, but book her soon, as she's already filling up for 2010. With her amazing work, Brown Street Studios is quickly on their way to being on of US's top wedding photographers.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-42694605294883511302009-08-10T20:05:00.000-07:002009-08-17T21:03:49.444-07:00Preview: Bethany and Mikey's Wedding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89qrwhl8enjP19DE0Pw7V1lohSkIq8zt_ZTVKoj9y3cbu2nS_UMeokk8U-CylLv6g89tExz-A09Raai6nkgPwOQKxtsUrXj5_Tpe-tMB-6f2Jo8-23jJHVc8P_7NwIVRks_8QBw/s400/IMG_2145aa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89qrwhl8enjP19DE0Pw7V1lohSkIq8zt_ZTVKoj9y3cbu2nS_UMeokk8U-CylLv6g89tExz-A09Raai6nkgPwOQKxtsUrXj5_Tpe-tMB-6f2Jo8-23jJHVc8P_7NwIVRks_8QBw/s400/IMG_2145aa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Bethany is my husband's cousin. She and her new husband Mikey have the best love story, which I promise to share. They were married last weekend in Three Lakes Wisconsin. More photos to come, so stay tuned!<br /><br />Photos courtesy of <a title="Brown Street Studios" href="http://www.brownstreetstudios.com/" target="_blank">Brown Street Studios</a><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-50712543023646810572009-07-29T16:43:00.000-07:002009-07-29T16:46:15.142-07:00You know this party is off to a great start<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CnjxQRKmhUk&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CnjxQRKmhUk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Minnesota residents Kevin Heinz and Jill Peterson decided to dance down the isle to "Forever" by Chris Brown. What a fun way to start a wedding- I've never seen anything like it! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-82747577156950043072009-07-25T17:01:00.000-07:002009-07-25T17:21:58.232-07:00Q & A: Thermography<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1tekEv536xBOh6GXbDa7_AojFpOMHIQiNiE_cugQp6-Pyxuz83TXLByZ4FSGje6axK_re8X9btJZ4CqczGn3iaEwnbzu97JxDpIkCKIljbLMxVC3PjwiqZFE0uy3lghaGHub/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_Thermography.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1tekEv536xBOh6GXbDa7_AojFpOMHIQiNiE_cugQp6-Pyxuz83TXLByZ4FSGje6axK_re8X9btJZ4CqczGn3iaEwnbzu97JxDpIkCKIljbLMxVC3PjwiqZFE0uy3lghaGHub/s400/MelissaSmitten_Thermography.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362557459320295634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I really love your invitations! I just got engaged and have a while before we get married. I have been following your blog for sometime now (even before I was engaged!) and I love, love, love your DIY invitations on your site. My fiance and I are all about the DIY stuff! I'm really eager to get started but at the same time I have the desire to have the raised printing- (thermography?) I don't know anything about the printing or invitation world, but is there any way I can do it from home? Do I need special machines or can I use my regular inkjet? Do you know where I can get them? I'm really curious and interested to do this. Any help you have is greatly appreciated!! From Nicole</span><br /><br />Dear Nicole,<br />Many congrats on your upcoming wedding! How exciting and I love your adventurous spirit to go DIY. As far as thermography goes, there's no real "at home" solution that's exactly comprabable. There are some crafting supplies that can be used (think rubber stamps, embossing powder and a heat gun) but you'd have to have a custom stamp made of your wording (about $50) and then some of the letters may or may not read well with the embossing powder. Actually, it could be pretty cool, especially if your stamp was made from a caligrapher and if you were going for a purposefully crafty feel.<br /><br />Otherwise, thermography should be left to the professionals. The only problem is, it's getting harder and harder to find a good thermographer who is inexpensive and willing to do small quantities and who will work with someone without a graphic design background. Don't get me wrong, they're out there (especially if you'll be going through a fully custom option, or a store-bought option such as Papyrus) but for the DIYer going on her own...it could be tough.<br /><br />So...all that to say Nicole, you may consider going for a crafty feel and if you're looking for crisp text you might consider using the embossing powder/gun on some of the details stamped on your invite and then for the text itself, run each card through an inkjet printer. I use a Canon inkjet and the results are really pretty professional.<br /><br />Hope that helps and please share pictures of your project! We'd love to see your process and how they turn out!<br /><br />Image courtesy of <a title="Cassiopeia on the OneWed Forum " href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://forums.onewed.com/showthread.php?t=14624" target="_blank">Cassiopeia on the OneWed Forum</a> (though I wouldn't recommend using glossy paper for embossing or printing. Most wedding invitations are printed on matte paper and it will work best for most DIY projects.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-7940523940784336192009-07-14T19:57:00.000-07:002009-07-14T20:01:01.113-07:00Super Thanks!<div align="center">A special thanks to Katee Grace who included Smitten on her blog! I'm flattered...and charmed by her work. Check out her blog at <a title="Katee Grace Blog " href="http://www.kateegrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katee Grace Blog</a> to read all about it.</div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358516386502398034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuuhPJ1EGnSjGCJMJn6Y6tpdTxhXFFMAooDTcprvdCG5i1YBDsvmCMhuq3waZJKtzLL10cDb-0-Rw2XI0czmyRJCi-cHCMsb367IK5bLFFwtktRXUN1UiisTgRnpIVoPSn_R4/s400/Ultrasound_10weeks.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">Also, I apologize for not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">writing</span> as much as I'd like....so here's the big news! Yes, I'm pregnant! The doctor said my energy should be returning now and though I'm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">prego</span>-scatter brained, you should start to see a lot more on the blog! Thanks for all your patience and support!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-15215759974500331682009-06-27T12:48:00.000-07:002009-06-30T20:39:02.995-07:00Katee Grace Photography Contest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlLBPjxoQHEXvcjBEBwx30rCAUMdr_hkgBMRywtGWKZYucU8EKZW00fCZpImb0SJSzal962LUig0VoTY8CrqHEk3HY7tQkcrON6NHD-AMDL1OW-B33VZK4f0Z8W8MOkNTBMeB/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_KateeGrace.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352101400650071138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlLBPjxoQHEXvcjBEBwx30rCAUMdr_hkgBMRywtGWKZYucU8EKZW00fCZpImb0SJSzal962LUig0VoTY8CrqHEk3HY7tQkcrON6NHD-AMDL1OW-B33VZK4f0Z8W8MOkNTBMeB/s400/MelissaSmitten_KateeGrace.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">I'm very excited to share <a title="Katee Grace Photography " href="http://www.kateegrace.com/#/home-1/" target="_blank">Katee Grace Photography</a> giveaway with you! She's a very talented photographer based in Santa Barbara (yes, she does travel, thankfully!) and she will be giving away a photography package for one lucky couple!<br /><br />Simply write about your love story (and include a digital photo of you and your sweetheart) by July 25 and email it to Katee to enter at <a href="mailto:katee@kateegrace.com">katee@kateegrace.com</a>. </div><br /><div align="center">Katee suggestes including in your story: "How did the two of you meet? What makes your heart race about your soul mate? What are you most looking forward to about marrying the love of your life and living your happily ever after?I would also love to hear how you will translate your personal flavor into the details of your special day. Are you keeping it small and intimate using Grandmas fine china and heirloom linen in the family backyard? Or are you declaring your love in a poppy filled field with tall grass at sunset? I can't wait to read your Love Story!"</div><br /><div align="center">You can get the full details at the <a title="Katee Grace Blog " href="http://www.kateegrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katee Grace Blog. </a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-47569577867241228252009-06-21T19:34:00.000-07:002009-06-21T20:28:30.865-07:00Green Bridal Shower<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTEiDdAu5W4kJzWcQoHlgmahYvZflSal0VZzkW2WzGa_K4Y872Ia4i-tH37eOwdloNEbVmKs7nvw3lnejLcplEBfxpUB5802KsZMCrsSPI5Hd0NK__ZYfFnRZ9xnNLuq4A8bq/s1600-h/Masterpieces.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349987091693516082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTEiDdAu5W4kJzWcQoHlgmahYvZflSal0VZzkW2WzGa_K4Y872Ia4i-tH37eOwdloNEbVmKs7nvw3lnejLcplEBfxpUB5802KsZMCrsSPI5Hd0NK__ZYfFnRZ9xnNLuq4A8bq/s400/Masterpieces.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Here are a few pictures from reader Nikki, who threw a "green bridal shower" or her co-worker, Kristin. Her solutions were not only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eco</span>-friendly but also super-sweet. At the end of the party the bride was able to take home some very personal gifts- and I'm sure she'll treasure them for years to come, as they're from dear friends.<br /><br />Here are some ways we tried to make sure our event was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">eco</span>-friendly:<br />Rather than use paper invitations, we used a cute bridal shower template from <a href="http://evite.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">evite</span>.com</a>. On the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">evite</span>, we introduced the "green theme" and asked guests to "think digital, recyclable, reusable, and organic". </div><div align="center"><br />We served a light lunch consisting of an assortment of salads, bread, chips, dip, and fruit. Wherever possible, we made sure to buy organic and local. For dessert, guests had sorbet served in real orange and grapefruit cups. We used <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">recycled</span> napkins and all other tableware was re-usable. </div><br /><div align="center">After lunch, we had a great time painting terracotta pots and planting Kristin's favorite plants in them. We knew that she loves gardening and working in her backyard so this was a fun activity for guests to do together and it also provided the bride with lovely gifts to take home. </div><div align="center"><br />In addition to the potted plants, we all pitched in and got Kristin a gift card to her favorite cooking store. As an added touch, the gift card was enclosed in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">recycled</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">plantable</span> greeting card, which had basil and chives seeds inside.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We found this article to be helpful during our planning: <a title="eHow" href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4575857_have-green-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">eHow</span></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Many, many thanks to Nikki for sharing!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-56797043815362912262009-06-12T05:00:00.000-07:002009-06-12T05:00:01.199-07:00Real Weddings: Erick and Rhiannon<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8bwUzcsmq8tHbMN5d9xF5pV8XUH4fyhXIPiOJ2PEwWstXGbgf8mJHg0o7aZB3d-VO1vJksGcvSvKvIIcl9t-H9Z70Psg42HG-3djZht4riAXOY7XpGw-8fWVd1miPFafXiMi/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_ErickRhiannon3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339880124455886514" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8bwUzcsmq8tHbMN5d9xF5pV8XUH4fyhXIPiOJ2PEwWstXGbgf8mJHg0o7aZB3d-VO1vJksGcvSvKvIIcl9t-H9Z70Psg42HG-3djZht4riAXOY7XpGw-8fWVd1miPFafXiMi/s400/MelissaSmitten_ErickRhiannon3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQpH8G4JRlmKbaHWzUYyyFcslC-X7N1p7EOHI8xfS9euj2TQdstB5s7TEH3T9N8uUQwvJZXuzytphKBU30R4hrrqKBohyphenhyphenS-wWG8a0VhByu7bpqPp_qjLchcgcLNHs5p_KAdGn/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_ErickRhiannon2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339879127473998882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQpH8G4JRlmKbaHWzUYyyFcslC-X7N1p7EOHI8xfS9euj2TQdstB5s7TEH3T9N8uUQwvJZXuzytphKBU30R4hrrqKBohyphenhyphenS-wWG8a0VhByu7bpqPp_qjLchcgcLNHs5p_KAdGn/s400/MelissaSmitten_ErickRhiannon2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWbW__b5wwHRJeukJEwdDXR-_Ok7SPIhzs4GReRr0qXywmjVpZ37Fdy74VaOayr9ljHZKqYy8eYws13rqvT2PKXgT9Igcz8CIa4hDH7CJvHzo_BUEKVOosuoHhto_PXmbeqLv/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_ErickRhiannon1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339879124135400786" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWbW__b5wwHRJeukJEwdDXR-_Ok7SPIhzs4GReRr0qXywmjVpZ37Fdy74VaOayr9ljHZKqYy8eYws13rqvT2PKXgT9Igcz8CIa4hDH7CJvHzo_BUEKVOosuoHhto_PXmbeqLv/s400/MelissaSmitten_ErickRhiannon1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>(click images to enlarge)</em></span><br /><br /><br /><div>Meet Erick and Rhiannon, they were married at the Santa Monica Pier. Rhiannon selected the pier because she liked the fact that the reservation costs went toward the restoration- another innoventive way to give back through a wedding! It was a wedding of whimsy and charm! They had the reception out on the pier where Rhiannon said that they were married in front of friends and family....and hundreds of spectators!<br /></div><br /><div>Rhiannon and Erick served pizza, pretzels, hotdogs, churros and cotton candy in vintage food carts. It was a fun and casual way to bring in the theme and keep the fun factor high. The amazingly awsome painting of the bride and groom was by a close friend, <a title=" Jennifer Snodgrass" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.sideshowstamps.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Snodgrass</a>.<br /><br />I love too that Rhiannon hunted out her vendors from all sorts of locations...and her hardwork really paid off! Her cupcakes were created by <a title=" Julie Desmeules" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://bluecupcake.com/" target="_blank">Julie Desmeules</a> and Rhiannon couldn't say enough wonderful things about her. Julie doesn't have a shop but does events exclusively and has a booth at the Century City Farmers Market every Thursday. Rhiannon's dress was vintage inspired and crafted by <a title=" Dolly Couture" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.dollycouture.net/" target="_blank">Dolly Couture</a>. <br /><br />Rhiannon wrote, "I have a few favorite moments. First, the time I spent alone with Erick before the wedding. We spent the day getting ready separately but before the ceremony or pictures we took some us time and it was really nice just to be with each other and away from the hassle and to think about what the day is really about. I also really loved how open our ceremony was - we attracted a huge crowd from the pier of passerbys that stopped to watch. I was a little nervous at first about how they'd react or what types of things they'd yell but they were all really supportive and funny and it really made the ceremony special. Not every wedding has an extra hundred strangers yelling after the first kiss. It made it a lot of fun."</div><br /><div>Photography by Harmony Nixon.</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-26429423779637380882009-06-09T20:27:00.000-07:002009-06-09T20:49:05.140-07:00As featured on Style Me Pretty<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/events-by-evonne-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 601px; height: 1321px;" src="http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/events-by-evonne-3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/events-by-evonne-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 1192px;" src="http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/events-by-evonne-5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/events-by-evonne-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 1321px;" src="http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/events-by-evonne-4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(click image to enlarge)<br /><br />Two of my most favorite clients to date are Michelle and Henry who were recently married. They tied the knot at the <a title="Sugarman Estate" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/show/sugarman-estate" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sugarman</span> Estate</a> in Maui. It was a beautiful ceremony full of personal touches- like a French Fry station and displaying photos from their travels, hung whimsically on trees throughout the property.<br /><br />Today I discovered their wedding featured on <a title="Style Me Pretty" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/06/09/real-wedding-michelle-henry-iii/" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty</a>! Unfortunately there weren't any pictures of the invitations, but I promise I'll take some nice ones and showcase them Asap! The sweet story behind the monkey-themed invitations is that Michelle and Henry were both nicknamed "monkey" growing up. They really wanted to showcase their sweet affection for each other and with the amazing help of Evonne (from Events by Evonne) they were able to tie in all the details that made their wedding beautiful and touching. If you'd like more pictures, be sure to visit <a title="Away Soiree" href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://awaysoiree.com/2009/06/05/featured-wedding-michelle-henry/" target="_blank">Away Soiree</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em style="font-style: italic;">Vendors: </em><a style="font-style: italic;" title="Events by Evonne" href="http://www.eventsbyevonne.com/" target="_blank">Events by Evonne</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span><em style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.cakesbyjoannmaui.com/" target="_blank">Cakes by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">JoAnn</span></a>, <a href="http://www.cateringfromsouptonuts.com/" target="_blank">Catering from Soup to Nuts</a>, <a href="http://www.mauiweddingmusician.com/" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kahaiali</span>`i Productions</a>, <a href="http://www.bellabloommaui.com/" target="_blank">Bella Bloom Floral Boutique</a>, <a href="http://www.smitteninvitations.com/" target="_blank">Smitten Invitations</a>, <a href="http://www.pacificeventgroup.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Event Group</a>, Photography by <a href="http://www.dulcephoto.com/" target="_blank">Dulce by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Visionari</span>, </a> <a href="http://www.pacificislerentals.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Isle Rentals</a>, Dress by </em><em style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.pronovias.com/" target="_blank"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pronovias</span></a></em></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-3384951723800499942009-05-17T18:51:00.000-07:002009-05-17T19:02:52.632-07:00Real Weddings: Nikki and Brian (Part Two)<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKmld3Hv5U2IO8eCx36JQ6rgIEC85UzO8EXIt_ozXxjeGStzYAt1RBpqaayrkOqJp_sqVAwglyoQFiynnUQBBnQ67GniCvHO5P2uFw5Vgsu1RK7inmm0_GWuO_7mzaht7HOum/s1600-h/NikkiBrian3_638x434.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336975912245054770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKmld3Hv5U2IO8eCx36JQ6rgIEC85UzO8EXIt_ozXxjeGStzYAt1RBpqaayrkOqJp_sqVAwglyoQFiynnUQBBnQ67GniCvHO5P2uFw5Vgsu1RK7inmm0_GWuO_7mzaht7HOum/s400/NikkiBrian3_638x434.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Nikki and Brian had a charming wedding in Santa Barbara. Nikki shared her breakdown on how she was able to keep her budget to $1,500. Yes! Really! $1,500 for a beautiful wedding. Nikki's budget breakdown:<br /><br />$500 for the reception lunch<br />$500 for my dress (there's a story behind that, but that's a whole separate blog)<br />$100 chair rental<br />$200 flowers<br />$100 miscellaneous details<br />Handmade Invitations<br />Photos by friends and family<br /><br />Nikki shares, "The SB courthouse is free to use, but you can't make reservations so a few friends got there early to scope it out for us. Luckily there were no other weddings that day...kinda risky! For the reception, our guests had a selected menu - about 4 meal choices...and the food was great! For our honeymoon, we drove up the coast to San Luis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Obispo</span> for a few days."<br /><br />Nikki's Tip - "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DIY</span> events can be stressful and at times it felt like it was all on my shoulders, so I tried to keep reminding myself what it was all about...marrying my best friend...and I was also blessed to have great friends willing to help make the day a success."<br /><br />Nikki's Regret - "I wish I had been able to have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">professional</span> photographer. I love the pictures my friends and family took, but there are a lot of high contrast and blurry shots, etc. that I wish looked a little more professional."<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-4006245934644528922009-05-13T18:32:00.000-07:002009-05-13T18:58:17.622-07:00Real Weddings: Nikki and Brian<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0mktf-N0WH0dx322Zl7QR9Cs2K_HZtonriJiC7pxBoqNgcxxKeTpab_ctqiaS0TYy89ETaePYPtaarD8d3SRPjT444KDGdKtXopKWxQ5tqr70lK3-RyonJbr8EZrBPVoAfSG/s1600-h/NikkiBrian2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335490558772313346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0mktf-N0WH0dx322Zl7QR9Cs2K_HZtonriJiC7pxBoqNgcxxKeTpab_ctqiaS0TYy89ETaePYPtaarD8d3SRPjT444KDGdKtXopKWxQ5tqr70lK3-RyonJbr8EZrBPVoAfSG/s400/NikkiBrian2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmykXQbSlW_7kYdS_hQ1lM8LwYMosc8RdavXf1ZYnw3opmSdf-8OC-DzOo8dfX_xwuDUhvrCHMODHxDW4UCpRfNTMiKbF7Mvvjsu6OeuSsBCA7UpKDWdAt50mCnwGte-AKV84a/s1600-h/NikkiBrian1_638x434.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335490561502521538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmykXQbSlW_7kYdS_hQ1lM8LwYMosc8RdavXf1ZYnw3opmSdf-8OC-DzOo8dfX_xwuDUhvrCHMODHxDW4UCpRfNTMiKbF7Mvvjsu6OeuSsBCA7UpKDWdAt50mCnwGte-AKV84a/s400/NikkiBrian1_638x434.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(Click images to enlarge)</span></em><br /><br />Nikki and Brian were married July 1, 2006 at the <a title="Sunken Gardens" href="http://www.sbparks.org/Scripts/ParksDetail.asp?ParkID=3" target="_blank">Sunken Gardens</a> at Santa Barbara Courthouse. For their reception they celebrated with lunch at the <a title="Opal Restaurant" href="http://www.opalrestaurantandbar.com/" target="_blank">Opal Restaurant</a> off State Street in downtown Santa Barbara - walking distance from the courthouse.<br /><br />Nikki made some very simple yet personal touches that also allowed them to stay within their budget of $1,500. Yes, you heard me right...and see how lovely it was! Nikki made her own invitations. To keep it personal and meaningful, Pastor Jeff of <a title="Hope Chapel" href="http://www.hopechapelofthevalley.com/" target="_blank">Hope Chapel</a><br />officiated. Nikki said that Pastor Jeff was a very close friend of her family and that he knew her for her entire life. <p>To keep the budget reigned in, as well as to keep the affair intimate, they limited the guests to 20 close friends and family members. For her bouquet and the reception flowers, Nikki's friends made a trip to Trader Joes and the farmers market the day before. Potted flowers lined the aisle and guests took them home afterward...and the bride and groom still have one today on their patio! </p><p>The thing I really love about Brian and Nikki's wedding was that they had everything close to their heart. They decided to not be intimidated by their budget but to focus on the celebration. In the next post we'll go over Nikki's breakdown so you can see how she creativly budgeted her wedding, and we'll also have some tips from her as well!</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-81299178976829511052009-05-07T21:05:00.000-07:002009-05-07T21:42:42.319-07:00Sneak-Peek: Kepharts and Rhiannon Affair<div align="center"><a href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs020.snc1/3049_99915931351_502021351_2978639_6475644_n.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 424px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 604px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs020.snc1/3049_99915931351_502021351_2978639_6475644_n.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Sneak Peek!<br />The Kepharts and Rhiannon affair at the pier! It's a super sweet wedding!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-42650962209797119632009-05-02T15:47:00.000-07:002009-05-02T15:55:58.302-07:00Inspiration Board 39: Under the Sea<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGSpUimarWxD0JZx0dmMxXlSCj66LR51tIkMGa3GW-euxqO5K7UGbMkBOvSFzX8GoxesyqOq7BrTdN2k3Fs4FYB3AS11KbqtgXd9efEnNgi3TGzMygPQmuFccbCNrcMGlk7jk/s1600-h/MelissaSmitten_UnderSea.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331362282223030690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGSpUimarWxD0JZx0dmMxXlSCj66LR51tIkMGa3GW-euxqO5K7UGbMkBOvSFzX8GoxesyqOq7BrTdN2k3Fs4FYB3AS11KbqtgXd9efEnNgi3TGzMygPQmuFccbCNrcMGlk7jk/s400/MelissaSmitten_UnderSea.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(click image to enlarge)</span></em><br /><br />Were you ever like me? On the top of your "when I grow up list" did you write, "become a mermaid?" Well, here's your chance! Throw an Under the Sea wedding. This would be perfect if you had a destination wedding or one near the shore. It incorporates shells in really fun ways that will last much longer than flowers. And these flowers feel more like they belong in the coral reef! This exotic centerpiece incorporates red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dendrobium</span> orchids and buffalo orange <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vanda</span> orchids. And the dress by <a title="Melissa Sweet" href="http://www.priscillaofboston.com/designers_ms_profile.jsp" target="_blank">Melissa Sweet</a> is the perfect mermaid attire!<br /><br />Images courtesy of <a title="Brides.com" href="http://www.brides.com/" target="_blank">Brides.com</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-13613681984399910332009-04-27T20:27:00.000-07:002009-04-27T20:36:14.970-07:00More Courthouse Weddings<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF_oBZo0ZAxwW20wCBxvQi4JPlTp7UKtYc19Nel58GjRm0GQiYxA3NwExngmEwvAIEKxz3UfSLEyI6wv7q5WH1is1MHtj96dHJ_ic4FOrDHJeb4_jBybr8RUcPlHQtFFc-cMi/s1600-h/Courthouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329579811524146370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF_oBZo0ZAxwW20wCBxvQi4JPlTp7UKtYc19Nel58GjRm0GQiYxA3NwExngmEwvAIEKxz3UfSLEyI6wv7q5WH1is1MHtj96dHJ_ic4FOrDHJeb4_jBybr8RUcPlHQtFFc-cMi/s400/Courthouse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(click image to enlarge)</span></em><br /><br /><a title="Los Angeles Times" href="http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-0426-courthouse-pg,0,3548513.photogallery?index=9" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times</a> had an interesting article today about the new trends in weddings. More and more couples are choosing to wed in courthouses and then have simpler receptions or luncheons to celebrate. Several of them said that they're saving the money they would have spent on a wedding and have put it to good use....say a down payment on a house anyone? I think it works especially well for some of these couples as many of them lived together for some time, or this was a second marriage for others, or they are just the practical type. One way or another, these high school sweethearts from Poland were awfully cute...they got married after being reunited after years apart. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-36751314513805214362009-04-23T05:00:00.000-07:002009-04-23T05:00:00.817-07:00Sweet Simple Wedding Tips<div align="center"><a href="http://www.melbarlow.com/blog/wedding/fishcreek/fishcreek_013.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 700px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 756px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.melbarlow.com/blog/wedding/fishcreek/fishcreek_013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(click image to enlarge)</span></em><br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Weddings weren't always lavish $35,000 affairs. And believe it or not, the couples were just as happy, the guests partied just as hard, and the celebrations were just as fun. I hope that with today's economy couples will return to the simple wedding- where the focus is on tender moments, personal touches and being fiscally responsible instead of the tradition of outdoing each other, impressing parent's friends and showing off as much glam as possible. Sometimes I wonder how we ended up there anyhow.<br /><p></p></div><br /><div align="center">Here are a few tips to help keep your wedding sweet, simple, wonderful, yet affordable.<br /><p></p></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Keep the guest list small.</strong> When was the last time you wanted to hang out with 200 people you hardly know? Having a large guest list doesn't increase the party atmosphere...think quality over quantity. It's a sure thing that some people will be put out by not being on your list of 75 people, but they would have probably been the same person who was sitting in the corner complaining that your napkins and linens didn't match anyhow.<br /><p></p></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>The date and time matter.</strong> Plan the reception for off hours and days. If you'll be having an intimate affair with only your closest friends and family, plan the reception on a Sunday and serve cocktails instead of a full meal. That means a 4:00 - 7:00 reception would be perfect and your guests will still be able to get home at a decent hour.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Try a venue outside the box.</strong> If you have a favorite restaurant, why not book your reception there? It doesn't have to be the Hilton...and then you can share your favorite meal with those you cherish. Or maybe a friend's house. My husband and I were married in a friend's backyard and it was fabulous. And with our early departure at 6:30 pm, we didn't have to rent lights or tents. Parks, the beach and even a historic landmark would work.</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><strong>Keep it simple.</strong> Let your maids wear dresses they already own. Create a handmade centerpieces from simple ideas such as potted plants (which nicely double as <a title="favors" href="http://melissasmitten.blogspot.com/2009/03/eco-and-affordable-favors-and.html" target="_blank">favors</a>) or decorate with a bunch of bright Japanese lanterns. Instead of a 15 layer wedding cake, serve your favorite cheesecake. It's personal, it's thinking outside of the box, and it puts the focus of your wedding on you and your fiance instead of on your budget and fussy details.<br /><br />Images courtesy of <a title="Mel Barlow Photography" href="http://melbarlow.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-02-12T10%3A21%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7" target="_blank">Mel Barlow Photography</a> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37773047.post-51054873284793289662009-04-21T18:12:00.000-07:002009-04-21T18:27:32.082-07:00FireProof the Movie<p align="center"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K23hSajG2K8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K23hSajG2K8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />I want to recommend <a title="Fireproof" href="http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/" target="_blank">Fireproof</a> to all of you. To be honest, as much as I adore Kirk Cameron, I really thought it was destined to be a cheesy C movie...but I loved it! My husband and I both enjoyed it and have been talking about what we've learned from it the last few days.</p><p align="center">Quick synopsis: This movie is well written, not too chick-flick yet not too hardcore fireman movie and it has some real laughs and tears. Really- and it's not overly cheesy, it's actually very entertaining. It's about a couple on the verge of divorce and the husband decides to take the "Love Dare" to try to save their marriage. It's written very realistically and through the movie some very solid marriage tools are lived out. The movie does have very strong Christian overtones, but to those with an open mind this movie is full of marriage tools that I can guarantee will benefit you and your spouse whether if you're almost married or have been married for thirty years. Two thumbs up!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3