STRIKE A POSE {The One with Bright Red Balloons}

This section is dedicated to creative couples who have found new ways to pose for photos.  Usually a photographer will ask you beforehand what poses you would like to make sure to have, and here is an idea to get you going.

Who says your photo shoot has to be full of lovey-dovey photos.  Add some humor to your engagement shoot.  If you and your sweetie enjoy laughing and having a great time, let your shoot show it.  Its all about having fun and being yourselves.  A good photographer will get to know you as a couple and help find poses that suit you best.

 

MUSE BOARD {The One with Pools of Sunshine}

For the couples setting the date in the summer time, here is a great palette of bright and lively colors.  These colors can brighten any day and add to the cheery and joyful occasion your wedding will be.  Even if the weather outside is gloomy on your special day, no one will notice with such vibrant colors setting the mood. 

Shades of teal can often look wonderful together but be careful not to mix the wrong ones.  Teals and turquoise are made of a combination of blue and green, and each shade will have an obvious dominate color.  This palette includes teals in the blue family.  When your shopping for your teal decorations ask yourself which undertone you see before committing.  Other than the undertone of the color, just about any shade will fit with your vibrant scheme.

 

{Juniper, Pool, and Lemon Yellow}

 

 

 

{Credits}  Bride in Vintage Car    Invitation    Bowl of Lemons    Bridesmaid Dresses    Napkin Holders    DIY Petal Mobile    Cake and Bride    Bridal Bouquet    Bride and Groom

LOVE TALK {The One with Jeremy Taylor}

I hardly think this quote needs an explanation.  Jeremy Taylor on the other hand sounds like an interesting guy.  Not all of his quotes have to do with love or marriage, but he has some interesting things to say.  I’ve only skimmed a few, but I do enjoy them.  This one in particular is a favorite of mine.  Let me know what you think.

LITTLE THINGS {The One with the Fingerprint Wedding Bands}

This is an adorable idea.  Why not personalize your wedding bands by getting your loved one’s fingerprint embossed on the ring?  A wedding ring already symbolizes so many things, and now it can represent the fingerprints that have been left on your heart.  Maybe it doesn’t have to be that sappy, but for those of you who are searching for something a little less dramatic than tattooing your soul mate’s name on your back, this could be a nice replacement.  You can find them various places, but this one in particular is from one of my favorite sources: Etsy.

HOMEMADE TOUCH {The One with the Cut Out Save-The-Dates}

This is one of my favorite save the date ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings.  If you have the time (or a few willing bridesmaids), this could also be a money saver as well.  It is unique and memorable and sure to get everyone excited for the creative wedding to come. 

{Supplies}  Cardstock or patterned paper (enough for the envelops and cut out letters), ribbon (between .5-1 yard for each save-the-date), stamps, small hole puncher.
{Tips}  You can purchase envelopes various places, but you can also make them yourself.  There are plenty of envelope templates you can find online, or you can cut the template out with a die cut machine.  You’ll also want to use a die cutting machine for cutting out the numbers, which will save you loads of time.
If you’ve never used a die cut machine, you’re in for a treat.  Die cuts are pre-made stencils that cut the paper flawlessly so you don’t have to.  Just run the paper through it and you’ve got yourself a perfect envelope outline ready to be folded.  You can purchase your own (and feel your wallet get a little bit lighter) or you can find one if your town (usually found at select scrapbooking stores) and pay for time to use it.
If you’re interested in purchasing your own die cutting machine, I would recommend either a Sizzix or a Xyron.  If you’re looking for a one time use deal, start by searching your local scrapbooking and craft stores.  Ask if they have a die cut station, and how much they charge for its use.  For Seattle residents, there’s no better place than Lasting Memories in Lynnwood.
You can choose to use your die-cut machine for anything from your save-the-dates all the way to your thank you cards, it’s a great resource for the DIY Bride.

BEYOND TAFFETA {The One About Picking Your Wedding Style}

Have you found the perfect theme for your wedding yet?  Maybe you’ve bee racking your brain and just haven’t come up with anything.  Maybe you’ve thought of a million different themes and color schemes and haven’t been able to commit to just one.
The theme is an important decision for your wedding, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one.  In fact, there could be a lot of fun added to it.

{Your Style} Start by sitting down with your fiancé, and evaluating what kind of personality you have as a couple.  Are you hip and fun?  Try bright colors and modern decorations.  Are you traditional and sophisticated?  Muted or soft colors with black, gold or silver would make a wonderful evening.  Perhaps you are opposites attracted to each other by your polarities, in which case you could have a lot of fun combining your personalities to create a unique wedding theme all your own.  Having a hard time defining your “couple style” (kudos to Bride Wars for that phrase)?  Ask your friends to give you three words that describe each of you.  Just remember that every color and theme offers a different mood to its environment.  You’re sure to find one that will scream the future Mr. and Mrs. (insert your name here).

Photos Courtesy of The Knot

{Your Season} The second thing to consider when choosing a wedding theme and color scheme is the season you’re getting married in.  The rules are pretty basic, and there is always room to break them if you want too.  Spring is the season for pastels, summer sun brightens everything, fall brings everything down to earth tones, and winter shimmers in silver, gold and white.  Nature, especially for an outdoor wedding, will always have a say in the atmosphere, and sometimes we have to succumb to mother nature.

Photos Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

{Your Reception Time}  This is something that always gets overlooked, but Emily Post says that the formality of your wedding is determined by the time of day the reception is set for.  The later in the evening the wedding is set for, the more formal the evening will be, and the more formal the theme should be set to.  Granted, if a bride is set on a backyard BBQ at sunset, Emily won’t go knocking on her door.  If you’re a bride looking for some extra guidance, or if you’re at all like me and prefer the structure, this is considered a standard rule.  An evening reception typically implies an elegant affair.

MUSE BOARD {The One with Pink and Gold}

The royalty of gold and softness of pink.  Pink can add a variety of moods to an occasion, but in this muse board I decided to use it for a fun yet fancy vibe, and the gold (as always) for a classic fanciful feel.  The teacups and champagne flutes add to an old fashioned wedding theme, but the dessert table, save-the-dates, and invitation add a modern touch as well.

 

{Venetian Gold, Carnation Pink, & Ivory}

 

{Credits}  Gold Ring Bearer Pillow    Save the Date & Tea Cups    Bride and Groom    Dessert Table    Invitation