Secret Wedding Details

Sometimes the best things in life are the littlest details. While grand gestures are amazing and awe-inspiring, sweet nothings are just as nice. There are many ways you can incorporate secretive messages and details into your wedding day celebration. Here are just a few we thought were worth sharing:


via On the Go Bride via Brenda's Wedding Blog

via Spot On Events

via Andrea Loves

This year has absolutely been full of some HUGE life events. Sometimes, however, it's good to just sit back and appreciate the small things, which is exactly what intimate wedding details are all about.

Photo Booth Save-the-Dates

The first step to ensuring you have an awesometastic wedding is making sure there are people to come-by sending out your save-the-dates! Now, we know this isn't a MUST DO for every bride, but if you do decide to do Save the Dates, remember, this is the very first impression for your guests of your wedding....

We love seeing the ideas that people come up and fell in love when we saw these on WedShare Daily.  How awesome are these photo booth inspired save-the-dates (and easy too!)?!?

                                          We love when couples have fun with it!

Your guests will love getting something personal from you! Are there any creative ways people you know have invited you to their weddings??

Kid's Corner

Although the planning might be considered one of the most stressful aspects of the wedding experience, sometimes it feels as thought the thought of entertaining kids at the actual ceremony may come in at a close second.

Have you thought about inviting that one Aunt you have but don't really want to imagine her 6 kids running rampant?

Or wanted to attend a wedding but didn't want to spend the night chasing your kids around because you couldn't find a sitter?

Well fear no more- if you know there is a possibility that there will be several kids at your wedding, you may want to invest in the creation of a kid's corner. Spending a little extra cash hiring a professional sitter and providing them with some distraction toys may make your night a whole lot more enjoyable-as well as the night of their parents! 

Table as seen in: Intimate Weddings

Personal tins eliminate the need for sharing-because we all know how that can go-or....not go. 

Photo Taken From: Kate Parker

Photo Taken From: Kate Parker

Markers, and play-do, and toys, oh my! You may even need to look for some of your "adult" wedding guests at these tables! 

What are some of your ideas to keep kids busy during a wedding reception??

Baby's Breath Bouquet

Sometimes the best things in life are those that are a bit underrated. For example-baby's breath flowers oftentimes make a floral arrangement, but rarely get acknowledged. In this case Intimate Weddings showed us that these tiny flowers can be the centerpiece, and are they gorgeous or what?

This gorgeous series of bouquets would be so perfect for any Winter Wonderland ceremony or even a delicate, chic wedding!

How perfect would these be for a rustic or outdoor themed ceremony?!?

Paper Flower Lanterns

As I may have mentioned, I am a big fan of paper lanterns. They look so amazing when they're all lit up-simple but elegant. Here is a twist to the paper lantern I loved-flower paper lanterns.

These flower paper lanterns from the Crafty Nest are a simple Do-It-Yourself that I think you'll love!

Step 1: Begin placing the fake flowers around the paper lantern using a hot glue gun. 

Step 2: Hot glue a pom pom ball into the center of each fake flower. 

Step 3: Insert the cord and hang! 

You can find more directions on the Crafty Nest.

You can get creative and use any kind of fake flowers you want to match your color scheme. How fun are these lanterns?!?

Merry Christmas!

Blogesphere meet Zachary, born November 9th! Our insanely cute little miracle!

Merry Christmas from our little stocking stuffer to your family!

Celebrate!

I have been writing this post in my head for a long time.

A long time.

And now that the time has come to actually write it, I am almost a loss for words.

This never happens to me.

For those of you that don’t know, I have been a wedding planner for more than 18 years now, and I love every minute of it. My life has changed irrevocably because of you, my readers, my clients, the vendors that I love like family, you have all touched my heart and because of you, my life is full.

So much has changed in 18 years, married, started MasterPiece Weddings, did some amazing weddings, cancer, I kicked it’s ass, we can’t have babies, oh wait, we did, and Gabriel has changed my heart forever, incredible clients with amazing weddings, cancer again, kicked it’s ass again, oh another  baby…. Zachary has shown us how big your heart can grow. These two widdle miracles have forever changed our lives. Seriously.

I love my life! I love my clients! I have countless clients that have had babies, we’ve even done a few weddings for client’s children –that means I am getting OLD! But I am seriously blessed to have played even a small role in the beginning of their lives together.

I have countless letters from clients thanking me for the hard work, and how much relief they felt from me planning their event, but really, honestly, I have learned so much from my clients, who I now count as friends, each one hold a special place within my heart. And it is with that knowledge, that I will move forward and grow, professionally and personally.

Life has given me so much to be thankful for, there are not too many people who can say with a smile on their face that they have started a business, grown it, nurtured it and watched it grow for 18 years. I have.

But, it is time to move on.

So, I am proud to announce that starting January 1^st, the new Owner and Lead Planner of MasterPiece Weddings is Rachel Griffin! You will learn more about Rachel soon! Rachel has so much to share and tons of energy, you will love her! That’s right, I am retiring from Wedding Planning.

Don’t fear, or fret, this blog is not going anywhere, I am still going to be writing it, and have SO much in store for the blog! Plenty of product reviews, absolutely incredible weddings to show you, details, and  ideas galore. Please don’t think that I am leaving you, I am still going to be write here (pun totally intended) – Rachel and MasterPiece Weddings will have a whole new blog to share with you.

There is plenty of fun still up my sleeve and many new projects to start.

So, stay tuned!

Christmas Star Escort Cards

One of my favorite parts about the holidays is the tree-I mean, it's a Christmas staple. You have to love the smell, the decorating, and of course, watching the kids unwrapping all the presents that go around it.

Oh the memories... This may be why I fell in love with these Christmas tree star escort cards we saw on Better Home & Gardens.  In fact, I may steal this idea for our Seven Fishes Feast this year!

How adorable are these for a holiday wedding??

DIY Snowflakes

Sticking with the snowflake theme, there is one more DIY project that I thought was so awesome!

Remember back to when you were a kid and you played with those giant craft sticks? Well they're back!

These painted craft stick snowflakes we found on the Crafty Nest would give any home or event that rustic/old north winter feeling!

Check out the Crafty Nest for more detailed instructions and more snowflake designs! What do you think??

Snowflake Garland

What is one thing people always think of when they think of Christmas? White. A storybook white Christmas, waking up to falling snow on Christmas morning, the sparkle of sunlight on the dangling icicles...ahh it must be nice to live up north at a time like that. Minus the below freezing temperatures, of course.

Snowflakes are integral part of the Christmas season and they can be an integral part of your Winter Wonderland wedding too or the windows on your house! This DIY snowflake garland from Intimate Weddings is the perfect touch of winter for your wonderland!

Photo Taken By: Katy Elliot

How awesometastic is this Anthropologie storefront window decorated with streams of snowflake garland?? " It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

Birdseed Heart Favors

One of the best parts about Christmas is the tree, especially when it's all lit up and decorated!
When I picture forests of pine trees I also think of those cute little birds that live in them, which reminded me of this fantastical wedding favor idea I saw on Intimate Weddings.

These birdseed heart favors are just wonderful and can be used as decorations inside the house or placed outside for the birds when your guests get home! They're so easy to make and SO adorable!

In fact, one of our brides used these very favors at her wedding, so we got to see firsthand how awesomesauce these favors are!

via Russell Martin Photography

via Russell Martin Photography

How preciously perfect, right? Here is how you can make your very own birdseed favors:

Step 1: Mix the flour, water, gelatin, and corn syrup. Add birdseed and stir well. 

Step 2: Press the birdseed mixture firmly into the heart shaped cookie cutter. Make sure you wipe the cookie cutter down with cooking spray so it doesn't stick when it's done!

Step 3: Using a chopstick or skewer, make a hole near the top to thread the twine through. 

Step 4: Remove cookie cutter carefully. Let dry for 6-8 hours. 

You can find more detailed instructions at Intimate Weddings!

A little bird told me that these favors are to die for. Do you agree?

Fairytale Reception Sign

The wedding day is the one day every girl dreams of from the time she's a little girl-the one day on which she gets to be the princess in her own fairytale.

What better way to keep the fairytale alive than with this sign from Etsy pointing guests in the direction of the reception??

Photo taken by: My Primitive Boutique 

 Hope everyone has a magical holiday weekend!

Alyssa and Justin's Fairytale Wedding

Sometimes a wedding contains some last minute changes, and you roll with it. That's our job, afterall.

So, we make it happen. It's gotta get done.

With, Alyssa and Justin's wedding, we had changes that needed to be made 4 days prior to the wedding.

The venue.

This could have been a disaster. But, the bride and her family were amazing, and allowed us to handle the details, and the end result was amazing.

If I do say so myself.



Highlight - Alyssa and Justin's Baughman Center Wedding from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

Vendors:
Wedding Planner: MasterPiece Weddings
Caterer: Blue Water Bay
Decor and Florals: The Unforgettable Event
Photography: Footstone Photography
Video: Platinum Digital Video
DJ: G-nys Entertainment
Cake: Dream Day Cakes
Ceremony: Baughman Center- UF Campus

S'more Love, please!

I think it can be an almost proven fact that everyone craves a good s'more once winter weather roles around (or anytime you want to reminisce about that magical summer at {insert childhood camp name here}), which is why a S'more inspiration board is something that we simply had to create!

Ring, Table Numbers, Cake, Groom, S'more, S'more Love, Stars & Graham Crackers, Dress

The colors are perfect for a winter wedding and your guests will adore all of the marsmallowy-chocolatey-goodness that your favors will provide.

What to do for S'more wedding favors, you ask? Well, we found these adorable s'more wedding favors on Pinterest and fell in love! They are so perfect for guests to take home and make their own treats.

...just in case there wasn't adequate time to do so during the reception (but who are we kidding, there's always room for s'more).

via Pinterest

How much would you love "s'more love" when you leave your next wedding??

Natural Wedding Decor

We've had seen so many brides want to incorporate natural elements in their weddings, and frankly, I couldn't be happier about it!!!

I'm all for this (Go Team Nature!) and think that while quite a few of Mother Earth's elements could make some fabulous decorations, using tree trunks is a fabulous touch to any wedding and/or reception.

There are so many different ways to use them, but here are a few of our favorites:

via Blue Velvet Chair

via Wedding Bee

via Cottage Tales via Etsy

via Peace.Love.Betsey

How rustic and beyond awesometastic are these natural details? Can you think of any other uses for tree trunks as wedding decor- or do we have you "stumped"? (I am just full of these puns lately!)

Bridesmaid Gifts

So now that we've gotten the groomsmen (see yesterday's post) taken care of, let's cover the girls. A bride picks her bridal party from her sisters, her best friends-the people who mean the most to her in her life-which usually means who she's made some of the best memories with!

Picking gifts for your bridesmaids can be so much fun, and can be something which creates yet another amazing memory between the two of you. Personal gifts are always so sweet and things they can use for years to come!

                                                  What girl doesn't LOVE photos!??

Every bride knows she will NEED her bridesmaids day-of to help her get ready, keep her laughing, and help her get into her dress without ruining hair and makeup! How adorable are these personalized robes found on Shop The Knot that everyone could wear to get ready in?!? It makes for great pictures too!

Groomsmen Gifts

The holiday season has a lot to do with giving, we figured we'd honor that spirit by reminding you about a few people you don't want to leave out on your wedding-your wedding party! The people who will be with you through the whole process, help calm your nerves, as well as help you survive your bachelor/bachelorette parties!

Let's focus on the guys. Forget about fighting hordes of people to get to checkout lines, racing a mom to the shelf for the last "it-toy" in the store, and painstakingly long trips to the mall. Luckily, buying gifts for your groomsmen pales in comparison to the ever-dreaded Christmas shopping.

When picking out a gift you want to make it something personal and special, something that they'll use for years to come and always think of your friendship and the memories you share. Depending on the bonds you've formed, here are some great ideas of useful gifts guys will love!

Glassware from Williams-Sonomma

Engraved Cigar-Flask from Things Remembered

Grill tools from William-Sonomma

Personalized cigar lighter from Things Remembered

What are some groomsmen gifts your or someone you know has gotten for being in someone's wedding?

Traditions: The Wedding Ring

A wedding ring represents so many wonderful things. It symbolizes the connection between you and your significant other, the bond between you, your vows, and above all- your everlasting love. Wedding rings just stand for all things romantical- even the tradition behind them will make you swoon!

via Footstone Photography

History tells us that the wedding ring has been worn on the third finger of the left hand as far back as Roman Times. The Romans believed that the vein located in what's now known as the ring finger ran directly to the heart. Because of this belief, the wedding ring was shaped into a circle to stand for ever-lasting love. (source of ring facts)

via J.S. Photography

When in Rome...do as the Romans do. If you have a love that you know is everlasting...put a ring on it!

Traditions: The History of the Bouquet Toss

We've all witnessed it (and most of us have even taken a part in it). The single women all crowded onto the dancefloor with hopes of catching the Bride's bouquet so they can be the next lucky bride. How did the tradition of the Bouquet Toss come about, you ask?

via Wedding Bee

Way back when, wedding gowns were not as big of a deal as they are today. In fact, brides usually got married in one of their best dresses instead of going out and buying a new fancy white one. Since brides never planned on marrying again, preservation of wedding dresses wasn't an issue.

Touching the bride's dress was considered good luck and managing to snag a piece of the dress was considered the height of all luck. So, guest began to rip pieces off the bride’s dress while she was still wearing it. Clearly this started to become problematic...and a little risque.

Since having their dress ripped to shreds was not something most brides wanted, they needed another idea of something "lucky" that they could throw into the crowd to keep their single lady friends under control.

That is why the bouquet toss was born! Nowadays there may be a mad rush to catch the bride's flowers, but at least her dress is out of harm's way! (source of bouquet history-isms)

Traditions: Tiered Cake

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season and the traditions that are carried out each year, a few posts on wedding traditions is an absolute must!

via Ms. Debbie's Cakes

Today we're starting with the most delicious part of any wedding reception- the wedding cake!

As much as we love the new trends of dessert tables and cupcake cakes, there is just something to be said for the tradition behind the tiered wedding cake.

via KB Cakes

The tradition of having a tiered cake at the wedding reception started back in Anglo-Saxon times. Each guest brought a small cake to the wedding and those cakes were stacked on top of each other. Later, a clever French baker created a cake in the shape of the small cakes and covered it in frosting, which is now what we know as the tiered cake. (Source of wedding cake wisdom)

via Dream Day Cakes

Pretty cool, huh? Who knew that cake shape had so much meaning and history!?