Vintage Sweet Shoppe Inspiration Board

Don't you wish we could all go back to the days of old-fashioned ice cream parlors and soda fountains?  Back when life was simple and the hardest decision you had to make was what flavor of ice cream to have.

Well, while I wander off and continue to have visions of ice cream cones and trips to the water hole, I hope you enjoy this vintage inspiration board I've put together in honor of past days.  Combining the light and airy shades of my three favorite flavors of sherbet ice cream; orange, raspberry, and grape.  What flavors would you put together? ~ Allie

Row 1: Bridesmaids dresses via Martha Stewart Weddings. Row 2: Mason Jars from Emerald Weddings, letterpress invitation by Starshaped Press of etsy.com. Row 3: Wine barrels via Jason and Anna Photography, purple bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings.  Row 4: Bride and groom courtesy of Jason and Anna Photography.  Row 5: Flower bouquet and vintage bird seed favor via stylemepretty.com, photography by dandelionandgrey.  Row 6: Hanging dresses courtesy of Jason and Anna Photography

Delicious DIY Summer Favor - The Watermelon Cookie

Just in time for summer weddings, these adorable DIY watermelon cookies are compliments of the ultra-creative and talented Meaghan from the decorated cookie.  How adorable.  These would be perfect for a backyard wedding or summer bash, don't you think?  I can already picture them sitting at each guest place setting; right next to a nice cold pitcher of pink lemonade.  Such a conversation starter and almost too cute to eat....almost.





What you'll need:
dough
frosting
3 inch (or larger) circle cookie cutter
sharp knife
frosting food coloring
5 disposable, 12" decorating bags
5 couplers
5 decorating tips (1 of size #5, 2 of size #4, 2 of size #3)
5 rubber bands
squeeze bottle or spoon

To pull it off, just gather up a couple friends and family members and start baking!  I bet these could even be refrigerated for a few days ahead of time so you aren't scrambling at the last minute to finish your favors.  Read the full how-to here and enjoy.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Damask Wedding Favors

One of the hottest trends this year for wedding themes and favors is damask designs. When I think of damask designs I think vintage, classy and sophisticated which is exactly what todays brides are looking for.

Add a modern twist to this classical favorite design by accenting your reception tables and decor with a vibrant color such as blue, green, yellow, red, purple or fuchsia. There is a wide variety of damask themed wedding favors to choose from. Family and friends are going to love taking a special momento home with them as a treasured keepsake for sharing in your special day.

Renee'

Not-So-Distant Destination Weddings

Want a Destination Wedding? Look no further than your own backyard! Well, okay, maybe a few miles down the road at least! Either way, it is definitely possible to bring your wedding closer to home and still feel like it has taken place in an amazing and unique location.

If you have your heart set on a beach wedding and are not lucky enough to live in a coastal state, it is most likely that there is some sort of sand surrounded body of water nearby. A lake can be just as beautiful and seem almost as vast as the ocean. The picture above, for example, is compliments of  the Lake House Inn on Lake Erie, Ohio. Consider renting a lake house to combine lodging and venue costs. This way you can have your ceremony overlooking the water and then invite guests to your outdoor reception at the lake house. This would work best if your wedding was small and you enjoyed a casual atmosphere. A bonfire and s'mores on the beach would be the perfect ending to your day!

State Parks are another great place to find beautiful locations for weddings. Some even offer wedding packages that include lodging and photographers. If you are a nature lover this would be the venue for you! If you and your guests are adventurous, one unique idea is to invite them to spend a few nights camping, canoeing, and exploring the park. Finish the mini-adventure with a beautiful ceremony and a big bash to follow! Even the fussiest bride could make this work by finding local salons and designating dressing areas ahead of time. The National Park Service can help you find your state's parks.

Other options for a not-so-distant destination wedding are local bed and breakfasts, small wineries, local farms, and favorite local landmarks or historic sites. Some of these places may not advertise their space for weddings, but remember that it never hurts to ask! They may say no, but they may also be pleasantly surprised and grateful for the business.

Finding a closer destination site may also make the ceremony that much more special. It may already be a place that is close to your heart. Also it will be that much easier to revisit on your anniversary!

Bon Voyage!

~ Jenna

Fall Themed Weddings

It may seem to soon to think about falling leaves and the smell of crisp fall air but not if you're planning a fall themed wedding now is the perfect time to start making your plans.

Fall themed weddings are my favorite of all weddings. I love the colors of fall, such as green, orange, red and brown. Mix in some gold, copper and bronze to add drama.

Fall is also the perfect time of the year for an outdoor wedding, when it is not too hot or too cold. A fall outdoor wedding or outdoor reception can utilize all the wonderful natural things about the fall, like pumpkins, gourds, straw, corn stalks, apple cider etc.

You can make beautiful table centerpieces just by using the natural items that are available in the fall. Hollow out pumpkins or gourds to hold beautiful fall flowers such as daisies, sunflowers or mums. Add fall fruit to your center pieces such as apples, cranberries or pears.

When you’re thinking menu, think comfort food. Turkey, red potatoes, cornbread dressing and all the fixings are perfect for your fall themed wedding. For a beverage serve hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks.

Fall wedding favors can be homemade like fudge, candy apples, honey or jam. Another idea would be a candy buffet of all your favorite Halloween candies.

The ideas are endless and some much fun. Be creative and happy planning!

Carrie