Heading to the Beach....

Here I am, near the Eastern Shore of Maryland. If someone was having an outdoor wedding here...the words "crab fest" come to mind! Would something with a beachy theme work? Sure...why not!? I found these fun beachy items that would be perfect for a destination werdding too!!

From Etsy Seller Beach Grass Cottage Shop - $75.00

Wedding Star Cake Picks! Love these from Magartsypartycrafts! You get 10 for $30.00

And finally...the best for last! I love these urchin place card holders! You get 10 for $15!

Reminder: Bridal Gown Giveaway

Before signing off for the night, I wanted to remind my readers about the Bridal Gown Giveaway over on Bonny Bridal Blog! I totally meant to mention this over the weekend but the time slipped away from me! You only have 2 more days to enter! I would love to have one of my blog readers win a free wedding gown! I blogged about this in the beginning of the month and I picked out some of my favorites from the Bonny Collection:

The Tiny Kitchen - Baltimore

On our 1st morning in Baltimore, I got an email that featured The Tiny Kitchen, a small bakery in Baltimore (a serious coincidence!). I was infatuated with the Lavender Layer Cake with Lemon Cream that I saw in the picture! I read about them and thought it was meant to be that I blogged about them. I contacted the owner, Michele, to let her know that I mentioned her and she generously offered to stop by on her way to make a delivery and bring us a sample (lucky us!). We have 3 little ones here and 3 adults...who can pass up cupcakes?! No one in this house! Michele stopped by with her adorable son, Simon, who my daughter was totally in awe of (she is 3!). Michele brought us 8 cupcakes: 2 coconut, 2 carrot cake, 2 chocolate and 2 lavender (score!). I was really interested in trying the fresh lavender! 

Michele is super nice! Delivering these delicious yummies was a treat for all of us! The girls could hardly wait for us to slice them up! We had to try a bite of each. My favorite was (surprisingly) the coconut! The frosting was so incredible and too amazing for me not to pick it as my favorite! Don't get me wrong - I loved all of them and I am a die hard chocolate fan! The ganache frosting was melt-in-your-mouth! The lavender did not disappoint - it was so unique and I would order an entire cake made from the lavender if I had a special occasion! It's a very light lavender flavor and would be a huge hit for its originality! Michele told us she uses local, organic ingredients whenever possible - and you can tell the difference! You can taste the fresh cream! I am so sad that delivery or pick up is only available here, in the Baltimore area, because I can assure you if Michele was in So Calif - she would be getting my orders for special occasions and/or birthdays! My friend, who we are visiting, is already working on an order of cupcakes. We have decided we must try: The Caramel Apple, The Carlini (coconut cake filled with mocha buttercream - gasp!) and the Mocha cake with coffee buttercream frosting. Thank you again, Michele. You were a hit with everyone here in our house and I look forward to seeing you and The Tiny Kitchen prosper! This is something you are obviously meant to do...and you do it well!! xoxo.

Cupcake Wrappers

Found a great new site I wanted to share with everyone! Paper Orchid has several items for weddings - their specialty is laser cut "cool stuff"! Their description is pretty accurate because I thought their cupcake wrappers were pretty cool, especially the Blossom monogrammed cupcake wrapper!

Their prices are $25 for 25 wrappers for standard size cupcakes (they also offer mini wrappers or jumbo wrappers on some)! Some of the wrappers, like the Perfect Pair Cupcake Wrapper, come in a variety of colors - that is a nice option!

It's June Giveaway Time!

After blogging about the Banners and Bags from Funkyshique, I had a conversation with the store owner, Amanda, who generously offered a set of Gifty Bags for one of my blog readers! I decided to throw in a banner too - because I think they are so adorable! So here is the deal - this is a QUICK GIVEAWAY! A winner will be chosen on 06/30/2010....

THREE WAYS TO ENTER:

• You must choose to follow my blog PUBLICALLY! Visit Etsy seller Funkyshique and tell me what your favorite banner or gifty bag is
• For a SECOND entry blog about this contest and leave an ADDITIONAL comment to let me know you did that with a link to the post (I will check!)
• For a THIRD entry twitter about this contest and leave an ADDITIONAL comment to let me know you did that with a link to the post! You can find my twitter page here

BONUS ENTRY: Grab my Blog Button and add it to your page (leave an additional post with link to let me know you did this!) and get a bonus entry!

You have the opportunity to get 4 entries into this contest if you want to win! Yay!

This giveaway will end on: June 30th at 5pm EST and the winner will be posted shortly there after!


What you win: 1 lucky winner will receive a banner of their choice and 4 gifty bags from Funkyshique

Value of giveaway (including shipping to winner): Varies - based on banner selected!


This giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS ONLY!

Carved Birch Heart Favors

Came across these custom carved birch heart favors that could also double as place card holders or wine charms. If you used them as place cards I was thinking if they hung from a wooden peg board that could be totally cute or from a tree branch...! Your initials or monogram can be lightly carved into the birch bark heart, which is trimmed with a natural jute twine. The back has a mini chalkboard (love this!) that can be used again and again. These would also make great gift tags. They come with a natural jute cord or satin ribbon tie. 

Birch Heart Place Card Holder

Writing your own wedding vows?

I have been spending the day catching up on my bridal blog reading (not my own personal blog, the other bridal blogs out there). I somehow found myself at $2000 Dollar Wedding, reading their wedding vows. Are you or did you write your own vows? We used the standard, recite after me vows...I could barely follow along with that because of nerves - I couldn't possibly have been creative enough to write and speak them aloud! Anyway, I really loved how the vows were written...and wanted to share - in case you are writing your own. The style is to start everything with "I love you because...." and then on the last statement you end it with, "Because I love you...." I couldn't stop thinking about it once I read it, so it was worth sharing!

Banners and Bags

I love coming across random items and seeing potential in them for amazing wedding ideas. That is what happened to me today when I came across these burlap banners. I wasn't sure about burlap and weddings...but then I started visualizing an outdoor wedding, a wedding with some rustic touches, a beach wedding and then these started to take shape! Matching bags could be used for a candy buffet or at place settings...pretty soon it all just clicked! Etsy seller, Funkyshique will even do custom banners! Think of your monogram...or last name...or Mr & Mrs...! Cute. Love these.

Perfect for an outdoor beach wedding! This burlap banner has a pretty scalloped finish. It's $20.00! 

I loved the little extra touch on this Starfish Banner! The little buttons dress it up! $18.00

One of my favorites! Handmade bird nest burlap bags. Set of 4/$12.00

Love. Weddings. Hearts. This one happens to be painted. $20.00

Red Glitter Hearts Burlap Bags! Set of 4/$12.00

Happy Father's Day!

Father's have an important role in their daughter's wedding - and no, I am not talking about just paying the bills (although that would be super, duper nice right?). They have the honor of walking you down the aisle, getting in that Father/Daughter Dance and making a toast to the bride and groom! To celebrate all the Dad's out there I added a new song to my playlist - one of my all time favorite songs by 10,000 Maniacs called "How You've Grown". I also found some great toasts...in case your dad gets a little tongue tied or doesn't quite know how to express himself...these toasts will surely help! Happy Father's Day....to all the dads out there!

What was your father/daughter dance song? Share with everyone to exchange some ideas...or if you just want to post a thought about your dad...do it here! I would love to read some stories! My mom walked me down the aisle, so I didn't have that experience...although my mom was the most appropriate person for the job!

Antrim 1844 Inn

The first time...well, the only time...I was in Maryland for a wedding was when the friend I am now visiting, got married! What an awesome Wedding Weekend that was! I was already working in the bridal industry - for a manufacturer, so my feet were wet, so to speak, in the business! Somehow, the memories of this wedding still make me feel it was one of the best weddings I have ever attended! (it was that good!).

It was held at the Antrim 1844 Inn located in Taneytown, Maryland. The grounds are absolutely lovely! The staff was amazing....I just wonder if they still have the red phone booth?! At the Inn...there were no phones in the rooms just one in the library....no TV's were in the guest rooms (I say yay!) and the bathroom featured claw footed tubs! The beds were the most amazing-sink-right-in and get cozy beds, I have ever felt. My "room" was on the 2nd floor of this building, the main building....the 3rd window (counting from the left)!

Their website states:

Built in 1844, Antrim was once a thriving plantation and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Dorothy and Richard Mollett have masterfully restored the mansion and the estate buildings on this 24-acre site. Visitors can enjoy first-hand the adaptive re-use of this exceptional restoration.

This is the Smith House. One of the guests rooms. It was actually the place that my friend and husband to be stayed at. It is VERY nice! From the main house you can see this across the yard. I remember the porch...I loved hanging out there!

The Original Ice House! Is this awesome or what?! The maid of honor and her family stayed here. I remember going in there once....I remember thinking how amazing it was! I loved the Wood-burning fireplace and double Jacuzzi! Fun Fun Fun!

There is a "pub" located there - called the Pickwick Pub. It's in the Wine Cellar. I remember meeting down there late into the evenings! :) Also, the restaurant on site is so delish! Everything served that weekend was ahhh-mazing!

The Inn is located just 15 minutes from Historic Gettysburg so your guests can get a little away time and get in some sightseeing or history! The Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel is just a spectacular setting for  weddings! I LOVED being a guest here...and I loved watching my friend marry her BEST FRIEND! Love you both very much! xoxoxox

Signing in from Baltimore!

Source

Hello from Baltimore! I have taken myself on the road and find myself 3000 miles from home! I will be here for about 5 weeks and am looking forward to finding all kinds of fun things to share with you while I am here! I happened to have a yummy in my email box this afternoon - and if you are local to Baltimore you are in luck! This cake sounds absolutely delicious! From Etsy seller TheTinyKitchen

Lavender 3-Layer Cake with Lemon Cream - 25.00

Three 6" layers of delicate lavender cake filled and frosted with a light lemon cream.

*Made with organic lavender.

*Serves 6-8

*PLEASE NOTE: At this time cakes are only available for local pick up and delivery. See shop policies for more information before placing you order. 

Strawberry Cake Favor Boxes

Noemi has done it again! Last month, our giveaway featured Etsy seller Imeon Designs. Noemi makes BEAUTIFUL paper cakes that you can use for favors. I just love her designs. Today I saw this new one and I am in love!!

Each box measures 3" long, 1 1/2" tall and 1" at its widest point. The crust is removable, so you can insert little candies or trinkets. An entire cake has 12 slices!

As an added surprise, the strawberry on top can also be used to hold small candies, such as M&M's, mints or jellybeans. How fun is that?! FUN!! Great job Noemi...seriously this is so cute!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Fork Set

Vintage silverware engraved with Mr. and Mrs. What could be more perfect for your cake table? I thought this was an interesting little touch to add to your wedding! Of course you can always reuse for special occasions and your anniversary!

These would make a nice little gift too...if you are looking for something for a bridal shower! This particular set was already sold (for $13!!!) but the Etsy shop BeachHouseLiving takes special orders. Also, check out the Just Married spoon and they also do table numbers!! Fun stuff!

I love brooches! Especially if you are using them as a finishing touch on a bridal bouquet. There is something very nostalgic about them - they seem to fit right in with a wedding to me. I came across these two beautiful brooches (because sometimes they can be hard to find) and I loved the colors!

Camilla's Heirloom Style Light Blue Cameo Brooch - $36.95

Sara's Heirloom Style Pink Pearl & Crystal Cameo Brooch - $41.95

Another thing I loved about these two brooches - the size! You really would notice these - especially pinned to a bouquet! A lot of real antique brooches are tiny! If you really want an antique brooch though (and you can't find one from grandma for your something borrowed....) check out this site! They have quite a few beautiful brooches and some at really low prices!

If you are one of my crafty do-it-yourself types - and you know how much I envy you - then I have found an awesome seller on Etsy where you can get the items you need to make your own brooch! I think this could be a lot of fun - that is if I was a crafty, do-it-yourself type! Check out Dangled - she has a lot of neat items and the prices are unbelievable! Also, there is a special type of glue you will need - and I found that for you too (and the price is pretty amazing to boot!).

Your Bridal 15 Minutes of Fame!

Just in case you ever wanted to be on TV...or you want to try and win a honeymoon...here's your chance! If you live in NY, NJ, CT or Dallas/FT/Worth areas you could be in luck! Your wedding has to be coming up or before September 2010! The show will give brides the opportunity to discuss what they have planned with other brides, attend each other's wedding to see how it all turns out (FUN!) and then one lucky bride each episode WINS their honeymoon! Sounds good to me! Check out the casting info here!

Black Beauty

I personally love the color black - especially for weddings! It has become a fashionable color at weddings - because let's face it - it matches everything, it's dramatic and it's beautiful! I saw a post from a blog I love that featured these shoes! A-Mazing! I so wish I could wear heels....sigh.

Betsey Johnson Women's Calandra Peep Toe Pump 

I also love parasols! I think they make beautiful photo props for weddings! I found these amazing parasols at Historical Emporium. They specialize in authentic 19th century ladies' fashion and furnishings! What a fun site this is - and they have a special Western section too! Seriously, you must check out this site! They have some awesome Victorian accessories!

Battenberg Lace Parasol Black - $39.95

Black Goose Feather Parasol - $39.95

Wedding Pictures - Renting Cameras

Been thinking about wedding photos lately and came across Camera Renter. They tell you they are the more "eco friendly". They say: "Tens of millions of disposable wedding cameras are disposed of every year. And if you’ve ever used a disposable wedding camera, then you know that millions more disposable wedding pictures are also wasted." I will pretty much agree with that statement - because we bought disposable cameras for our wedding - and it was a total waste! Some of them didn't work and when we got the pictures developed they were horrible quality. While I think the guests had fun with them the money was a total waste (on the cameras and developing!). So, enter Camera Renter. From them you can rent Digital Cameras (in either sets of 10 or 20).

The rental fees are: 

• 50 to 150 Guests $495 - 2000 Photos/80 Minutes Video - 10 Digital Wedding Cameras

• Over 150 Guests $995 -  4000 Photos/160 Minutes Video - 20 Digital Wedding Cameras

What do you think about this service? My thoughts are mixed. Is it a valid cost for a wedding? Do you not think out of 150 guests 10 people will bring digital cameras? You might not get 2000 photos from your family and friends - but do you really want to go through 2000 photos?! My thoughts came down to this - if you are having a destination wedding (I suppose only within the US) this would be an ideal way to capture the special day/weekend. Hiring a photographer in another area (could prove difficult) or paying a photographer to travel with you could cost a lot more. 

If you think this is an amazing deal well google them and add something like coupon code or discount code because a lot of sites were offering $100 savings and also Camera Renters has a giveaway going on their site!