Things We Love - Succulent Summer Wedding Flowers

Soft, supple and so sweet for a summer wedding, succulent flowers are one of the many things that we love! Recently we have noticed that these fleshy little beauties have found their way into wedding ceremonies and reception decor everywhere. The unexpected use of these non-traditional flowers makes for a striking and simply lovely look! While usually a soft green or gray shade of these plants are used to accent more traditional floral selections, these plants also come in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes. For all you nature conscious brides out there, these plants are known for their eco-friendly qualities. The plants are able to survive in very dry and arid climates and can survive on very little water. Because of their easy growth, usually no pesticides or chemicals are used. Also, the plants live nearly forever! Once succulents are cut for use in your bouquet and other wedding decor, they will last for weeks and can then be planted! These hearty flowers are perfect for summer weddings because they can withstand the heat of the day without wilting. Check out our inspiration board featuring gorgeous succulents paired with shades of green, cream and yellow.

If you think you might be interested in incorporating succulent plants into your wedding theme check out these popular varieties: Aeonium, Graptoveria, Echeveria, Rosularia, Sempervivum.

Image Credits: Engagement ring and succulent from Green Wedding Shoes, Bride and groom, Boutonniere close up, Peony succulent bouquet, Bridesmaid bouquets, Imagine succulent wedding favors, Daisy and succulent centerpieces from Simply Bloom Photography, Chair and bouquet

Apricot, Peach, and Blush - A Wedding Color Story

Spring and summer weddings will be full of romance and soft colors this year. One of our favorite palettes combines shades of apricot, peach, and beautiful blush. The warm tones in this color scheme are invitingly soft and delicate, yet manage to be subtly striking and breathtakingly gorgeous. We've seen these colors used most often in vintage and Victorian inspired themes, so we combined them here with hints of lace, English roses, and beautiful Victorian cameos. This look has everything a blushing bride could ask for, with a whisper of romance and a hint of hopeful spring blossoms.    

Image Credits: Peach and Lace Dress from Simply Bloom Photography, Burlap and Cameo invitations from Invitation Crush,  Cupcake Heart Photo from Ooh Pretty Shiny on Etsy, Pink Cupcakes from Martha Stewart, Cameo Cake from JL Designs, Roses and Lanterns from Lisa Lefkowitz via Snippet and Ink

How to Use Cake Toppers to Create Stunning Centerpieces for Your Wedding

Wedding centerpieces do not have to be large flower filled vases that break the bank or floating candles that are used most commonly. If you are looking for a way to create something that is truly unique and different then you should consider cake toppers. Yes, cake toppers. Wedding cake toppers come in so many beautiful styles and designs that you can create something that is completely original.

Cake topper picks are a new and trendy item we see on wedding cakes, but don't forget that these picks can also be stuck into your flower center pieces to add drama and interest. If you love DIY like we do, then consider creating your own unique centerpieces with this idea. Stick the picks in vases filled with sand, rocks or floral foam. You can use your initials, monogram and even spell out different small words, like LOVE, JOY, KISS or U&ME according to how large your vases are. This look will definitely create a buzz at your wedding reception.

Bride and groom figurine cake toppers have certainly come a long way since your mother got married. You can find figurines that are funny, serious, and romantic, with blonde hair, red or blonde. Place different bride and grooms on each table to show off you and your fiancés hobbies, sense of humor or romantic style. The figurines can sit on the tables with votive candles and flower peddles surrounding their unique pose. This idea is not only fun by your friends and family will love it.

Personalized cake toppers would add a special touch to each table centerpiece. You could place the cake topper on a mirror with decorative table confetti and votive candles to create a stunning look that your guests are sure to love. This also gives you a way to show off your personality. Personalized cake toppers come with many design options, color themes and letter style. You could even have something different printed on each cake topper to give your guest something to admire and talk about during your reception.

Ornamental cake toppers are another perfect way to show off your personal style. Choose a cake topper with a modern design or something that matches your heritage such as an Irish claddagh design. You can also take these gorgeous love birds and place them in a nest and lay one on each table as the photo shown. This is a beautiful and very special way to show your wedding guest, friends and family your taste, personality and style.

When it comes to making a centerpiece there is no wrong answer. I hope these ideas inspire you to create a masterpiece of your own. The most important tips are: keep it simple, keep it out of your guests view line and make it unique to your wedding. Good Luck.

Sundresses and Sandals - A Bright and Cheery Wedding Color Story

With the winter well underway, we are ready for bright and cheery spring and summer weddings!  Check out this lemon, tangerine, and sangria inspiration board.  With the bright yellows, oranges, and pinks you will be sure to love the exciting photos we have collected with warm and sunny days in mind.  The fun and cheerful wedding ideas featured here have us daydreaming of sundresses, sandals, and flowers in our hair.

As shown in the inspiration board, there are many great ways to bring color into your wedding.  One of our favorites is the use of bright blooms in so many different ways.  We love colorful flowers in different types and sizes mixed and matched for a stunning look.  Depending on your location, you may even be able to grow or pick wildflowers in every shade imaginable.  Have your florist, or a friend with a green thumb, give you some recommend some great types of flowers for your wedding.

Image Credits: Lemon Centerpiece, Bright Bouquet, Cake, Mason Jar Drinks, Umbrellas, Flag and Flower Centerpiece, Handkerchief, Bright Flower Centerpiece, Yellow Shoes, Macaroons, Reception Table, Bride’s Bouquet 

How to Make Photo Centerpieces with Candles

Inspired from the DIY master Martha Stewart, we had to try these super cute do it yourself photo centerpieces for ourselves (with our own wedding twist of course).  Read on to learn how to make these glowing photo masterpieces.  So simple and inexpensive, one centerpiece cost us just around $4.  View Martha's original tutorial here.

We think these lantern centerpieces are particularly great because they are easy to make and are great conversation starters.  They work for any type of setting from wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners to anniversary parties and birthdays.

With just a home printer and a few household items, you can create this stunning focal point for your wedding and truly let your own personality shine through. (pun intended.  heehee)

What you'll need:

3-4 same size picture frames (makes one centerpiece)

Translucent vellum paper in white or ecru (or 24lb paper stock substitute)

A few of your favorite photos

Home printer

Glass enclosed votive candles (or LED substitute)

Cloth Tape

Scissors
Windex

Step 1 - Get all your supplies ready for assembly.  We recommend grabbing a few friends to help and create a bit of an assembly line.  Begin to disassemble your frames, removing and discarding the backing completely.  Keep the front of your frames and the glass inserts.  Paint or stain the fronts of your frames if desired letting them dry completely.

Step 2 - With photo editing software like Photoshop or PhotoFiltre, convert your photos to black and white or sepia.   Resize your photos to fit the frames you've purchased.  Print your photos onto the vellum paper you purchased.

Step 3 - Cut out all your photos trimming and discarding the excess vellum paper.  Set aside your cut-out photos to be inserted into your frames.

Step 4 - After cleaning your glass inserts with Windex, place the glass back into your frames.  Once dry, insert your photos into your frames face down.  Keeping the glass fronts in your frames will help protect your photos and make your centerpieces a bit sturdier.  Fold your picture frame tabs in place to hold your picture.  If your frame does not have tabs, simply add some tape to the edges of your photo to hold it in place.

Step 5 - Line up each of your frames side by side making sure they fit snugly together.  Place a line of cloth tape down the seam where your frames meet and press firmly on the tape to secure.  Continue repeating this until you come to the last frame.  Place a strip of tape so that half of the tape hangs of the edge of your frame.  Stand your frame upright and connect your exposed sides together to finish off your centerpiece.  Place your photo centerpieces around a glass enclosed votive candle to ensure your lantern does not catch fire.  You can also substitute your candle for an LED votive for added fire safety.

We created cube shaped centerpieces by using four 5 x 7 frames.  You can also opt for triangle shaped centerpieces by using three frames instead of four.  For added visual interest, choose frames that are different heights.  Make one centerpiece using 5 x 7 inch frames and another using 4 x 6 inch frames.  Set each completed centerpiece next to each other and surround with additional votive candles and flowers for a show stopping wedding table setting.