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Offbeat DIY: Create Your Own Wedding Rings

Posted by Jason on Monday, February 8, 2010

I happened to catch a story today on the exceptionally inspirational Offbeat Bride blog and thought it was such a cool project that I just had to share. Imagine firing up a blowtorch and working metal to create your very own wedding rings! In an article titled Fire! Hot Metal! We made our own wedding rings!, Merry describes how she and her fiance actually rolled up their sleeves and created–not just designed, mind you, but actually worked the hot metal itself to create–their very own wedding rings. You can’t get more personal than that.

Along a similar line, I have a friend who purchased raw gold, from a local prospector here in California who uses eco-friendly methods, and provided the gold to a jeweler for the creation of their wedding rings. Unique, to be certain. But Merry and her fiance take it a step further in fashioning and finishing the metal itself! Under the direction of goldsmith Sam from ring-making studio New York Wedding Rings, they worked two strips of palladium into polished, beautiful rings in 8 hours. What a great idea!

Melting palladium strip edges together

Merry pounding her ring into a circle

Finished, polished rings

Photo Credits: All photos from merryf at Offbeat Bride

This makes me want to get a blowtorch and an anvil. What a blast this must have been, and how cool to craft these timeless pieces together by hand! To read more about Merry’s and her fiance’s adventure creating their rings, and to see more photos, check out the original blog post at Offbeat Bride.

Have a great week, everyone!

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{E-Session} Natalie + Lukas Ice Skating At Grouse Mountain

Posted by Crystal on Friday, February 5, 2010

I want to share this beautiful nature-inspired engagement session of figure skating instructor Natalie and fireman-to-be Lukas at Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain. These shots took my breath away; it’s such a beautiful setting, Natalie and Lucas are adorable, and James of James Moes Photography did a wonderful job capturing it. I love the lighting, and how the bright colors of their clothing really pop in the forest greens and in the icy whites. Such vibrant colors and contrasts bring these pictures to life. James has a great eye for finding the perfect natural backdrops–like the intriguing vertical pattern provided by those densely packed trees–and his use of white space in the ice skating series is very nicely done.

This inspirational engagement session is a real treat, and truly captures the beauty of both setting and subject. Thanks so much for allowing me to share, James! Check out more of James Moes’ talented work at his online portfolio: holyholymatrimony.com.

{Photos by James Moes Photography Blog}

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{DIY Project} 14 Valentine Wreath Tutorials

Posted by Crystal on Thursday, February 4, 2010

I’ve been looking for a cute valentine wreath I can make for my red front door and I came across some excellent DIY projects that seem super easy and fun. I’d like to share my favorites as any of these valentine wreaths would look so pretty as wedding decorations with your own colors and fabrics. You can hang these romantic wreaths on your ceremony or reception entrance doors or gates, behind the bride and groom chairs, or on your going away car. I particularly love the cupcake liner wreaths. Aren’t all of these lovely?

{Tutorial: Cupcake Liner Valentine Wreath by Tatertots And Jello}

{Tutorial: Cupcake Liner Valentine Wreath by Living In France}

{Tutorial: Felt Heart Wreath by The Idea Room}

{Tutorial: Fabric Rose Valentine Wreath by Smashed Peas And Carrots}

{Tutorial: Fabric Flower & Burlap Wreath by Craftaholics Anonymous}

{Tutorial: White Burlap Heart Wreath by Craftaholics Anonymous}

{Tutorial: Feather Valentine Heart Wreath by Every Crafty Endeavor}

{Tutorial: Fabric Scraps Valentine Wreath by Little Birdie Secrets}

{Tutorial: Fabric Scraps Double Heart Valentine Wreath by Just For Rachel}

{Tutorial: Cockscomb Valentine Wreath by Martha Stewart}

{Tutorial: Fabric Valentine Heart Wreath by BloG n’ TeLL}

{Tutorial: Pink Crepe Paper Wreath by Simple Sage Designs}

{Tutorial: Valentine Wreath by Ullabenulla}

{Tutorial: Ragamuffin Valentine Wreath by This Is My Life}

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Premiere Issue of Nonpareil Magazine

Posted by Crystal on Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Nonpareil Magazine just premiered its first issue “Beautiful on a Budget” this month and I have to say I can’t wait for issue #2! Nonpareil is an online magazine perfect for the crafty, DIY bride looking for hip and fresh ideas for her special day. The magazine is a must read, featuring stylish do-it-yourself projects and inspirational ideas for weddings and other special occasions. I love the free downloadable templates and step-by-step DIY tutorials.

Nonpareil Magazine is the result of a collaboration between Maddy Hague of the Inspired Bride and Kristen Magee of Paper Crave.

Take a look at this easy Keepsake Boutonnieres and the Beautiful Boxes DIY projects, and get inspired!

{Photos via Nonpareil Magazine}

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International Wedding Festival Makes San Francisco Debut

Posted by Jason on Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Northern California’s International Wedding Festival is a wedding expo and bridal fair with the underlying theme of celebrating cultural diversity. The intention of the show is to highlight the colors, traditions, sounds, and tastes of different cultures in weddings today. Vendors and wedding professionals of different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to participate. The event’s fashion show features cultural dance as well as products by clothing designers of western (and not-so-western) styles.

Models show off Swati Couture's South-Asian-inspired fashion line at the International Wedding Festival in San Francisco this past Sunday.

Of course, culture is an important part of who you are, and it will influence the choices you make when planning your wedding. It can especially be interesting when you and your spouse-to-be are of different cultures, different faiths, or both. How you express yourselves with your wedding celebration will be the most important part of the end result. And, for me anyway, what makes memorable weddings stand out from all the rest is when a couple’s own unique personalities and styles are really well represented and thoughtfully expressed.

The International Wedding Festival has a track record in more inland areas of Northern California; locations like Modesto, Livermore and Stockton have been their bread and butter. This past Sunday was the show’s first foray into the city by the Bay, more our neck of the woods, so I dropped by to check it out.

The venue was the very impressive Westin St. Francis Hotel of San Francisco, which boasts quite a beautiful ballroom. It’s also conveniently located across the street from Union Square, a shopping and tourist hotspot, so there is plenty of local interest for out-of-town guests. Do pay a visit if you’re considering a wedding in San Francisco.

One of three main ballrooms of the International Wedding Fesitval in the Westin St. Francis this past Sunday

The International Wedding Fesitval was held in the Westin St. Francis of San Francisco this past Sunday. Forefront: cake by The Buttercream Studio (thebuttercreamstudio.com)

There were a number South Asian vendors and wedding professionals, and many western vendors as well, so the show’s signature line of “East Meets West” was fitting. The fashion show highlighted Swati Couture of Milpitas, with South-Asian inspired styles, colors, and fabrics, along with dance by Fashion Rhythm Dance Company and Leung’s White Crane Lion and Dance Association.

My favorite part of any wedding show is always chatting with the local wedding professionals, and hearing their entrepreneurial stories. Always so inspirational! As I mentioned in my last post, these hardworking folks really put their hearts and souls into what they do. Take Tracy Auseklis of The Buttercream Studio, who started her cake business a year ago with her husband right after their own wedding. In fact, they launched The Buttercream Studio with money that they saved by opting out of their original big-wedding plans in favor of something a lot more simple. After scouring the Bay Area for a location, they finally found a former Domino’s Pizza shop in South San Francisco and poured everything they had saved into the fledgling business. When Tracy recounted the endless scrubbing of “black grease” in the beginning, I was reminded of what makes the entrepreneurial spirit–and therefore the wedding industry–so special.

Tracy Auseklis, founder of The Buttercream Studio, at Sunday's International Wedding Festival

The International Wedding Festival will be appearing throughout the next few months in several northern California locations, including Modesto, Stockton, Livermore, and even a reprise of their San Francisco debut. Check their website for the latest schedule.

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Great Time At Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Party

Posted by Jason on Monday, February 1, 2010

Last week I introduced the launch of one-of-a-kind nonprofit organization Wish Upon a Wedding, and Crystal and I were lucky enough to attend the launch party Thursday evening. The setting was the beautiful Montalvo Arts Center, nestled in the Saratoga CA hills. It looked absolutely spectacular at night, with its Mediterranean-style architecture bathed in soft pastel lights.

Montalvo Arts Center at night for the Wish Upon a Wedding launch party

Montalvo Arts Center at night for the Wish Upon a Wedding's launch party

Montalvo Arts Center at night for the Wish Upon a Wedding launch party

Montalvo Arts Center photos from Wish Upon a Wedding’s Facebook page via Danielle

It was also a heartwarming get-together, reminding me about how extraordinarily caring, thoughtful, and generous the good folks of the local wedding industry are. These entrepreneurs and business owners put their hearts and souls into their hard work year after year, creating wedding memories that will last a lifetime for each one of their clients.

Wish Upon a Wedding depends on these independent wedding professionals to donate their time and money to create a wedding for engaged couples facing life-threatening illnesses. Recipients may have been given literally months to live by their doctors, and so you can imagine the work involved in putting together a wedding that will need to take place mere weeks or even days from the recipient’s acceptance. All the details of a recipient’s wedding will come from these generous “wish granters” donating their resources.

It was nice to meet and congratulate the generous and thoughtful folks organizing this great cause, including Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, and Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events. Sasha’s blog, if you don’t already follow it, is a must read at sparkliatti.com.

While attending the launch party, we learned that Florence and Michael, the very first wish recipients, have just been selected! Florence was diagnosed with breast cancer, recently underwent surgery for a double mastectomy, and has been given one year to live by her doctors. But–dark prognosis notwithstanding–there is also a love story, and thanks to Wish Upon a Wedding, Florence will be able to enjoy a beautiful wedding on March 13, something she hadn’t dreamed possible financially or practically. Read more about Florence and Michael at the Wish Upon a Wedding blog.

Florence and Michael, Wish Upon a Wedding's very first recipients!

Truly inspiring! Have a fantastic week, everyone.

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{Inspiration} Antique Storage Pieces As Wedding Decor

Posted by Crystal on Friday, January 29, 2010

I’m a total antique furniture junkie and love to repurpose pieces of furniture that have a shabby chic flair. And I absolutely love it when I see couples incorporating vintage furniture pieces for their wedding displays. If you have a special family heirloom piece you would like to use in your wedding, or you got lucky with a great find at your local flea market or antique store, there are many ways to incorporate a fabulous piece of furniture. Use an old hutch or a bookcase to display pictures, store your wedding gifts, or create something creative like a candy bar station. Use an antique dresser, chest or a nostalgic index card file cabinet to hold escort cards, your guestbook, or to even place your wedding cake at your reception site. These pieces can be very chic and perfect for a vintage style wedding.

{Photo Credits: ROW 1 Lisa Lefkowitz Photography

ROW 2 Millie Holloman Photography via Style Me Pretty

ROW 3 Stephanie Fay Photography, Jose Villa Photography via Jessica Claire

ROW 4 Dixie Pixel Photography via Style Me Pretty, Bethalee via Design Sponge}

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“Wish Upon A Wedding” Launch Party Tonight

Posted by Jason on Thursday, January 28, 2010

I wanted to introduce a brand new nonprofit organization, Wish Upon a Wedding, dedicated to granting weddings and civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for couples facing life-threatening illnesses. It’s the only organization of its kind today. The group is just now accepting applications for wedding wishes, and will be drawing on a regional database of wedding vendors to coordinate granting those wishes for recipients.

Wish Upon a Wedding was founded by San Jose wedding planner Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, and will be drawing upon a regional database of wedding vendors in their quest to make wedding wishes come true. Props to Liz and San Jose Wedding Consultants for all their thoughtfulness, time and effort putting this together. How meaningful this can be for so many couples facing challenges I can’t imagine.

To celebrate their launch, Wish Upon a Wedding will be hosting a party tonight from 6:30pm - 9:30pm at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, CA. The details are provided at the following RSVP Page. I am planning on attending, and look forward to congratulating the group on their launch. If you’re local, please do drop by and support them. Hope to see you there!

RSVP for tonight’s event at pingg.com/rsvp/xpxde8n36rk5mi2fg

Photo Credits: pingg.com

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{Rainy Day Fashion} Rain Boots ~ Part 2

Posted by Crystal on Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Here’s part 2 of my wedding rain boot fashion post…for that special day that just happens to be a rainy one. Rain boots come in many fun and funky styles, colors and patterns. Choose from plain solid colors, polka dots, animal prints, florals, themed designs, checkered, or plaid patterns. Boot heights also vary but I prefer the classic tall or mid-calf rain boots myself, with the all-terrain 0.5″ heel like the ones below. If you didn’t catch my previous blog post, go to part 1 to check out some brides wearing rain boots at their outdoor photo sessions.

Here are some of my favorite chic and flirty rain boots available out there today, perfect for any bride!

{Photo Credits: ROW 1: Floral Barefoot Tess Rain Boots via Endless, Allison Floral Rain Boots - Multicolor via Target, Orange Patchwork Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots via Zappos,
ROW 2: Argyle Plaid Rain Boots - Berry/Pink via Target, Merona® Zaney Polka Dot Pink Rain Boots via Target, Gabriella Rocha Golfing in the Rain Boots via Zappos,
ROW 3: Kamik Hearts Rain Boots via Zappos, Mint Plaid Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots via Zappos, Chooka Metropolitan Rain Boots via What a Pair,
ROW 4: Turquoise Patchwork Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots via Zappos, Gabriella Rocha RB Safari-Z Rain Boots via Zappos, Yellow Plaid Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots via Zappos,
ROW 5: Dav Rain Gear English Sketchy Lace via What a Pair, Dav Rain Gear English Floral via What a Pair, Cougar Franklin in Brown via What a Pair,
ROW 6: Giraffe, Cheetah and Zebra Ballard Rain Boots by Ballard Designs,
ROW 7: Nomad Puddles Dots Rain Boots via DSW, Chooka Posh Dots Rain Boots in Pink via Endless, Mod Dot Chocolate Rain Boots via Target}

Here are some black & white rain boots that are super cute too!

{Photo Credit: ROW 1 McGibbon Floral Rain Boots via Target, Fleur-De-Lis Rain Boots via Target, Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots via Zappos,
ROW 2 Gabriella Rocha Rain Boots Argyle-Z via Zappos, Gabriella Rocha Rain Boots BUFF-Z via Zappos, Nomad Puddles II Floral Rain Boots via DSW}

If you prefer the original solid color style rain boots, here are some cool colors available.

{Photo Credits: ROW 1 Fuchsia Hunter ‘Original Tall’ High Gloss Rain Boots via Nordstrom, Violet Hunter ‘Original Tall’ High Gloss Rain Boots Shopbop, Metallic Hunter ‘Original Tall’ Rain Boots via Nordstrom,
ROW 2 Yellow Nomad Hurricane Rain Boots via DSW, Red Chinese Laundry Bog Rain Boots via Piperlime, Glitter Rain Boots via Forever 21,
ROW 3 Eggplant Chooka Dual Buckle Rain Boots Nordstrom, Cobalt Chooka Dual Buckle Rain Boots via Endless, Hunter Green Chooka Dual Buckle Rain Boots via Endless}

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{Rainy Day Fashion} Rain Boots ~ Part 1

Posted by Crystal on Tuesday, January 26, 2010

During the rainy season, I’ve seen more and more brides putting on their rain boots to go into the wet and muddy outdoors for some fun shots. I love rain boots, and nowadays you can find just about any color and pattern designs you can think of. Give a pop of color to your outdoor engagement or wedding photo session!

Just take your rain boots with you this rainy season to switch it up a bit and you’ll get some really cool shots like the ones below. Match your personality or your wedding colors. You can even have the bridesmaids join you with matched or mismatched rain boots while you take some outdoor photos. It’s a fun look and you don’t get to ruin your fancy shoes in bad weather.

Come back tomorrow to check out some of my favorite rain boot findings in Part 2!

{Photo by Lucida Photography}

{Photo by Meg Perotti}

{Photos by Jessamyn Harris Photography via Style Me Pretty

{Photo by Aaron Shintaku Photography}

{Photo by Justin & Mary Photography}

{Photos by Lisa Boggs Photography, Anna Kuperberg Photography, Bethany Vargas Photography via Flickr, Jose Villa}

{Photo by Kerry Morgan Photography}

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« Previous Entries

Offbeat DIY: create your own wedding rings. http://bit.ly/bzWLij Fire up the blowtorch! Cool idea via @offbeatbride http://bit.ly/cgEFKw

9 hours ago
RT @BrokeAssBride: Please follow Wish Upon A Wedding's LA/OC chapter twitter feed! @WuW_OC_LA (pls RT)

10 hours ago
Here's to another great week :) RT @PaulPannone: Good morning. @unisonevents @Fiancee2Be @GekdEvents @wedshare @RaleighEventDJ @MikeyLegs

11 hours ago

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Offbeat DIY: Create Your Own Wedding Rings

{E-Session} Natalie + Lukas Ice Skating At Grouse Mountain

{DIY Project} 14 Valentine Wreath Tutorials

Premiere Issue of Nonpareil Magazine

International Wedding Festival Makes San Francisco Debut

Great Time At Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Party

{Inspiration} Antique Storage Pieces As Wedding Decor

“Wish Upon A Wedding” Launch Party Tonight

{Rainy Day Fashion} Rain Boots ~ Part 2

{Rainy Day Fashion} Rain Boots ~ Part 1

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