Comments Off on Puerto Rico Beach Wedding Inspiration
by Allison
Puerto Rico is an amazing option for getting married. For one, if you are a U.S. citizen, you don’t have to worry about asking your guests to get passports for your destination wedding. That is a big plus! If you reside in Puerto Rico, you only have a ferry ride away to get to the beautiful sandy beaches of Culebra or Viequez for a gorgeous beach wedding, similar to the one inspiring this blog post. The first photo above is one of my photos from my trip that inspired the Puerto Rico Beach watercolor wedding invitation.
The other inspiration I collected for couples considering or planning a Puerto Rico wedding focuses on the simple beauty of the island, with flairs of bright color to reflect the colorful Puerto Rican culture.
Comments Off on Country Backyard wedding – DIY and personal touches
by Allison
As I mentioned in Tuesday’s blog post, the bride in this Country backyard wedding did a lot of DIY touches. She spent a long time designing and “crafting” for her wedding. I was lucky enough to work with her on some of the hand-painted touches such as the music themed wedding invitations, thank you cards at each person’s place setting, escort cards which were strung on an antique windowpane, and Country Cobblestone thumbprint guestbook.
The couple both shares a love for music so they included that love visually in their wedding invitation design with the music notes graphic. Laura is a wonderful singer, who wrote and recorded their first dance song at their wedding. This song literally gives me chills…it is so amazing! Craig plays the guitar, so they had a white guitar at their wedding for guests to sign with a gold metallic Sharpie marker.
Impressed by the amount of DIY touches, the bride created for her wedding, I asked her a couple of questions about her tips for other DIY brides out there, as well as how paper products are incorporated into a DIY wedding.
Allison: How did your wedding paper tie into the look of your wedding?
Laura: The Hand-Painted Wedding touches captured the the rustic elegance I was going for. Purples and greens were bled together in a simple, understated elegance as the backdrop for my wedding invitations, escort cards and personalized thank-you cards at each place setting. I chose the Country Cobblestone thumbprint guest book which was perfect because it looked just like the dirt road behind the alter at our backyard country wedding. I hand made almost every decoration in the wedding and so I really appreciated the originality and the beauty of the Hand Painted wedding paper. Allison Krosnick is so talented and I feel so lucky to call her my sister.
Allison: What tips do you have for other DIY backyard wedding brides?
Laura: “Be easy on yourself! Seriously, if you are anything like I was, you are putting way more pressure on yourself than other people are. After a year of planning and crafting, a million pins on pinterest, and a few dozen spreadsheets, the wedding finally came. It was clear about two hours into hair and makeup that things weren’t going to go as planned. Tents were flying upside down, I was a full table short of place settings, and half the lights on my DIY backdrop made with organza and Christmas lights wouldn’t stay lit! The groomsmen forgot their boutonniere and my aisle runner was blowing in the wind as I stood at the alter!
And it was STILL one of the most amazing nights of my life. I stressed out trying to make everything perfect and then nothing went to plan and I realized it didn’t matter anyway, and no one cared. So please brides, be nice to yourself, you are only one woman.”
Comments Off on Alice in Wonderland Wedding Day Paper
by Allison
Wedding day paper includes menus, escort cards, ceremony programs, favor tags, thumbprint guestbooks, and other various signs such as dessert table signs, such as the macaroon sign above. As you can see, adding this little detail of custom paper to your wedding day brings the whole look of the event to another level.
The paper are the items your guests will be holding and using to navigate throughout your event, so it makes sense to give them the same attention you would for the invitation set. In fact, the wedding day paper items are also a way to carry the theme from the wedding invitations throughout the wedding.
In the case of the Alice in Wonderland wedding the detailed illustrations from the Alice in Wonderland wedding invitation set are not in the designs of the wedding day paper. Instead a colorful watercolor wash is used in the design to coordinate with the invitation but not be too matchy-matchy. One of my strengths as an artist is figuring out how to transition and grow a design into the coordinating designs so that they all feel like they are in the same family, but aren’t identical.
The Alice in Wonderland theme is really interesting because while there is the eclectic tea party aspect of the event, there is also this mystical haze throughout the forest Alice is wondering about. The watercolor wash is inspired by that haze. I just love this design, as you can tell. The team of vendors did such an amazing job designing the decor and the table settings. I love how all the details came together. It is really an inspiration, and I am so excited that other couples can use bits and pieces of this inspiration for their wedding days!
Comments Off on Amethyst Quartz Wedding Inspiration
by Allison
The Amethyst Quartz wedding inspiration revolves around the color purple. I love an ombre purple wedding with colors ranging from soft, muted purples to deep violets. This color palette looks lovely paired with soft whites, or more vibrant with magentas. I’ve had a lot of custom wedding paper requests lately with the color purple, and it seems to be a popular wedding color these days. It also, by the way, looks great as a watercolor wash, allowing the purple ombre to organically transition from dark to light.
This inspiration board is a collection of bouquet, jewelry, wedding gown, cupcake, and favor inspiration, alongside the Amethyst Quartz wedding invitation.
I love how the lilacs pair with the magenta peonies and the touch of amethyst quartz in the bouquet. Long quartz necklaces, earrings, or even rings are lovely bridesmaid gifts. You can even attach them to a card that reads, “Love Rocks” or “You are my Rocks” as a meaningful gift.
Giving gemstones as a favor at a wedding is probably a little woo woo for most weddings, but I can see it being appropriate for the right wedding. It could also be given as a more select gift for the wedding party.
The purple or lilac wedding dress is to die for! I don’t know why we don’t see more purple wedding gowns. It is all blush or soft blue….why not lilac?!
Also, maybe my favorite is the amethyst cupcake. Chop up purple crystal candy and sprinkle it on top of a cupcake = pure unique perfection!
Like many couples, my engagement was about 16 months long. It felt like a long time, I’ll be honest, but it did allow me to plan ahead. My wedding was in October, so I was very inspired by the season. In fact, the year before I collected leaves off of one of my favorite trees in the park when the leaves were changing colors and stuffed them amongst the pages of a very large, heavy design book. Miraculously they didn’t crumble throughout the year, and I was able to place one on every one of my guest’s place settings. If you have an autumn wedding that is later in the season you can pick off the leaves right before your wedding, in which case the leaves will probably be more bright than if they hang around for a year. But my wedding fell on a year that the fall foliage held off until November, so I was lucky that I planned ahead.
If you don’t want to be that “interesting” person picking leaves off trees and putting them in a thick book for a year, you can get the same look by having autumn leaves escort cards. I painted these leaves from real ones I picked up around home, so they look very much like the real ones…probably brighter actually! Autumn leaves escort cards are small yet make a big impression to your table settings at your wedding. As one of my recent bride mentioned in a review on WeddingWire, “I didn’t realize how important these little details could be until I saw them with the rest of the decor the day of the wedding.”
Part 2 of Julia and Dan’s beautiful wedding. It was so much fun “hand-painting” this wedding! One of my favorite parts of doing wedding reception paper is the challenge of designing a theme which transforms and grows as it flows from the invitation to the menu to the escort cards to the signs, etc.
For Julia and Dan’s wedding paper there was a focus on the laid-back vibe of hand-written typography, which translated into script font and a capital non-script font. Some graphics from their theme were the string lights that also were hung in the trees, mason jars which also were the centerpiece bouquet glassware, and the Love Sculpture illustration, a nod to Philadelphia. The uniqueness of the reception location was also highlighted in the design of the invitation, with a beautiful dock built over a pond. Working in conjunction with the wedding planner, Chrissy of Truly You Events, was so vital to building this beautiful theme and making sure all the elements were cohesive.
Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have a lovely weekend!
Click here for Part 1 of this wedding. Click here for the rave review from the bride on WeddingWire. Photos by Love Me Do Photography. Paper by Hand-Painted Weddings.
Comments Off on A Few Glimpses of Julia and Dan’s Wedding
by Allison
As a stationer I often feel very connected with a couple during the planning and preparation phases of their special day, but often miss seeing how all the elements come together in the final masterpiece, also known as the wedding day! It is for this reason, I love being connected to the photographer of the event in order to get a glimpse of the day through the talented eyes of another artist.
That was certainly the case for Julia and Dan’s wedding. I wasn’t attending the wedding, but I was checking the weather forecasts in hopes for a beautiful day for their laid-back, outdoor wedding. In the beginning of the week of their wedding, it wasn’t looking good in terms of the weather, but as the day approached the chance of rain went lower and lower and they were able to avoid any rain during the hours of their wedding! I was very happy for them! As a previous bride who had rain on her wedding day, I really understand the extra stress that brings.
Here are a few glimpses of the wedding day festivities, particularly the table settings and dining aspect of the wedding. Tomorrow I will share with you more photos from this beautiful wedding!
Comments Off on Hand-Painted Water Ripples Wedding
by Allison
The Hand-Painted Water Ripples Wedding is dramatic in its use of blue ombre (the varying of color from light to dark). This blue ombre theme is strong enough to stand on its own, but if a couple is getting married on the beach or on a boat, a subtle nautical theme can be easily added for texture.
Ombre is very trendy in design right now, and I can see why. Monochromatic designs are always a bit more dramatic and then you add the soft vertical striation of one color into another, and it really becomes striking (but in a soft way). It is completely cohesive with the watercolor medium because there isn’t a better medium for soft seeping of colors into one another.
Couples who are looking for a touch of drama in a soft, relaxed aesthetic will be attracted to the Water Ripples theme. Also, couples who are highlighting the water (whether a pool, lake, stream, or ocean) in their reception environment will also connect to this theme. I think that “refreshing” is a good word to describe the Water Ripples Wedding. Oh, and the choices are abundant for your “something blue” if that is something you are incorporating into your wedding day!
Yellow…the sunniest of colors! I’m always drawn to yellow flowers because they are just so cheerful! The Flower Vine wedding is a mix of sunny yellows and cheerful flowers with a hint of vintage charm.
This year is the perfect year to have a Flower Vine wedding because decorative flower patterns are so in trend right now. Wouldn’t surprise me if this trend makes its way into 2014 as well because it is such a joyful style!
The Flower Vine wedding features organic, loosely styled flower arrangements on reception tables, ceremony chairs, and quite frankly adorning any and every surface possible.
This curated garden wedding features plants and flowers in their natural form. Using potted plants is a wonderful way to have a “green” wedding because the plants last much longer than cut flowers.
You can choose to use the potted plants as favors for your guests or bring them home to embellish your garden after your wedding. I love the symbolism and remembrance of planting flowers from someone’s wedding into your garden. The flowers grow; the friendship grows; the couple’s budding relationship grows.
Another popular option for garden wedding favors is custom-made seed packets. The last wedding I attended I received a pretty little box with two tulip bulbs inside.
I hope this inspiration board has opened your eyes to using potted plants in your reception decor. It is a unique twist on classic cut flower bouquet centerpieces.
Comments Off on Hand-Painted Backyard Charm Wedding
by Allison
The Hand-Painted Backyard Charm wedding soaks in all the glorious comforts of a beautiful Spring or Summer day spent outdoors. Playing lawn games with your guests while the sound of chimes twinkle and mingle with the sounds of crickets and birds. Streaming ribbons and dangling string lights adorn the trees. The smell of flowers and barbecue in the warm air. All in all, the Backyard Charm captivates the senses with natural sensations that you and your guests are sure to hold onto forever.
A Hand-Painted Backyard Charm wedding brings in a lot of natural elements that are casually beautiful like loosely put together bouquets and natural confetti tosses of lavender buds and dried herbs. Hang a vintage frame from a sturdy tree branch and you have yourself a unique twist on a photo booth. The ideas are endless…just conjure up your ideal Spring/Summer day hanging out with friends, and you are sure to come up with some unique ideas that are special to you that fit wonderfully for a backyard wedding.
I hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy spending some relaxing outdoors!
A hand-painted ikat wedding is feminine and fun. It is loose and cheerful. Perfect for a spring or summer wedding, but could easily translate into fall with a few color palette adjustments.
The ikat wedding feels at home outdoors or on the beach. Textures and patterns allow for a wide range of decorative elements. They mesh well with solids creating an environment that isn’t stuffy and has a nice unique, human touch.
Today is part 2 of the Cinderella inspired wedding which features the lovely, soft details of the table decor. To see part 1, click here. I love the textures that appear in this table styling created by Krista Leigh Hurst Photography. The delicate beaded table cloth overlay and the baby’s breath are a perfect match for the hand-painted ivy border in the menu and table number design. Please note that I did take the liberty of putting the sweet pumpkin carriage on the corner of the menus to add a bit of whimsy, but that element can be omitted if a bride is interested in a more subtle fairytale theme.
The Cinderella table looks stunning in an outdoor setting, but I also think this theme would look gorgeous in an old mansion, castle, or gothic-styled reception site. Themed weddings are so unique and fun. I love how the Cinderella inspired theme is filled with whimsy and translates so appropriately with the ethereal magic of weddings.
Have a magical weekend!
If you are interested in ordering the Cinderella Invitation set please click here. Please note that you can also add these coordinating table elements such as the menu, table numbers, and escort cards to your package.
Comments Off on Cinderella Inspired Photo Shoot -Part 1
by Allison
Once upon a time (aka a few months ago), I was fortunate to be asked to join a few other talented wedding professionals on a styled Modern Cinderella photo shoot. The chance to work with other talent on a purely creative photo shoot is one of the reasons I love this industry. There is such a beautiful sense of camaraderie in working together to create art. The different styles and viewpoints each artist brings together truly create a masterpiece.
I provided the invitation, menu, table number and escort cards. Today’s post features the overall whimsical aesthetic of this shoot, along with some of the beautiful Cinderella themed details Krista came up with, such as the white pumpkin, the paper crown, the spool of thread, and of course, this gorgeous pale blue gown. I love how all of the light blues come together into this dreamy masterpiece.
This photo shoot was featured on the blog Bridal Musings, who put together a gorgeous post that you simply must check out to see more photos!
Also, in tomorrow’s post I will be featuring the Cinderella inspired tablescape details. See you here tomorrow!
Comments Off on Hand-Painted Romantic Lace Reception
by Allison
Ombres, coral pinks, and unexpected dip-dyed elements decorate the Hand-Painted Romantic Lace Reception. Accenting with pale aquas and natural textures like burlap or kraft paper is a perfect way to make your wedding reception casual and soft, while keeping the natural elegance of pink and lace.
I think that is my favorite bit about this inspiration board. It can be very monochromatic and feminine, or it can transition to a more approachable, effortlessly elegant look, which would be perfect for a more casual wedding, with the addition of a few textural accents. All in all, this is a wonderful reception style for your spring or summer wedding.
Comments Off on Hand-Painted Winter Frost Wedding Reception
by Allison
The Winter Frost wedding reception is hand-painted with glittery silvers, delicate whites, and frosty blues. Pine cones, white taper candles, snow globes, and of course piles of white snow adorn the Winter Frost reception. Hot chocolate and mulled wine are cozy, festive options to add to your catering package.
Consider having your Winter Frost reception at a lodge, ski resort, or winter inn, where you can enjoy an entire winter weekend with your guests and spend the late hours of the night chatting over a fireplace. Spend the next day on a skiing excursion or winter hike through the woods!
Comments Off on Hand-Painted Reception: Inspired by Oranges
by Allison
I love the idea of having a winter wedding that has accents of refreshing oranges. It is so unexpected, yet completely seasonally appropriate. It really has a lighthearted sense to it also. I have seen a lot of pear-themed, apple-themed, and even lemon-themed weddings, but not really orange-themed weddings. I’m not sure why.
The Hand-Painted Winter Berry wedding is elegant in its rich red accents and rustic in its wooden textures. Red berries are a beautiful accent to any winter wedding detail. You can use them mixed in with a bouquet of flowers, or you can simply place the berry twigs in mason jars.
Dried berry branches are somewhat fragile, so I am also a fan of the artificial berry garlands (which you can get in any craft store this time of year). You can wind the berry garlands (which will likely be on a flexible wire) amongst candles in a table display, curl it around the base of your cake stand (I did this for my wedding!), or make into an adorable hair piece for a little flower girl.
Bridesmaids will look striking in red dresses, and the bride will look stunning with a red shawl or cardigan around her shoulders for a winter berry wedding. Red flower hair pieces are also a gorgeous way to bring this elegant red accent to the bride’s attire.
This has been a busy week/weekend, but I didn’t want you to miss out on the Hand-Painted Pumpkin Reception ideas which completes Pumpkin week, so here is a rare Sunday night post.
Whether white or orange, whether painted, decoupaged, or naked, pumpkins are a beautiful element to add to your festive fall wedding. They work beautifully as escort cards, in table settings, or lining the aisle at your ceremony. They would also be very cute as guest gifts.
Pumpkins can be paired with their traditional counterpart colors, burgundy and plum, or they can be paired with bright, cheerful colors like fuchsia and bright green. If you opt for white pumpkins, they pretty much go with any color palette, but look particularly great with neutrals like beige, brown, and black.
