wedding inspiration

Real Wedding
Watercolor Wedding Venue Invitation Artwork
- September 26, 2017
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- by Allison
Maria and Licinio got married in a historical cathedral, and then celebrated at the stunning Park Savoy Estate in North Jersey this past winter. They decided to have a separate reception card in their invitation suite, which featured the exterior of this beautiful building along with the fountain and lush gardens adorning the entrance of the Park Savoy.

I painted this custom artwork and bordered the painting of the venue with the romantic florals that were to be scattered throughout the wedding from the bouquets to the centerpieces. Focusing the invitation artwork on the beauty of the ceremony venue on the invitation and reception venue on the reception card excited the couple’s guests to the lovely places they would be celebrating this monumental event.

As you can see from yesterday’s and today’s blog post, this wedding was simply gorgeous, but what were the bride’s favorite details and moments at her wedding? I took the opportunity to ask her a couple of months after her wedding, allowing for the event to soak in. Here is what she said.

Allison: “What was your favorite detail at your wedding?”
Maria: “Our favorite detail (besides our amazing invitations) is our Portuguese Roosters on our cake.”

Allison: “Favorite moment at your wedding?”
Maria: “Our church ceremony and dancing all night!!!!!!”

It was so much fun creating these hand-painted wedding venue inspired invitations with the couple for their special day, and I hope this gives you ideas on how to customize your wedding invitation in a unique and special way. To learn more about Custom Wedding Invitations, click here.

Wedding reception venue: The Park Savoy Estate | Photographer: Predestined in Love | Wedding invitations: Hand-Painted Weddings

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Hand-Painted Invitations, Real Wedding
Whimsical wedding inspiration for an outdoor wedding
- January 29, 2016
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- by Allison
There was just too many dreamy wedding details in this styled shoot to fit into one blog post, so today I’m featuring more of the wedding accessories such as the stunning lace BHLDN wedding dress, the beautiful ring from Trumpet and Horn and bridal jewelry from BHLDN, the boho floral crowns by Emlily Floral, and of course, the watercolor wedding invitation set by yours truly. By the way, the Mystical Forest watercolor wedding invitation is available in the Hand-Painted Weddings Shop.

I was lucky enough to join my friend at a BHLDN dress appointment in NYC last summer, and let me just say… I’ve never seen such beautiful laces and unique, delicate touches. Every dress was a work of art. BHLDN is truly inspiring to the wedding market.

I’m in love with the lush flowers in the bride’s bouquet….oh, if I were to get married again, I’d have a bouquet just like this.

I’m also swooning of the casual, wispy wedding hair the bride and bridesmaid have with their floral crowns. It is so delicate and effortlessly beautiful. The color of blue in the bridesmaid dress is perfection. It has a hint of earthiness to it, while still be classically blue, which is apparently the most popular color for bridesmaid dresses in the U.S.

I’m still in awe that I was able to contribute to this dreamy wedding in California. I hope it was as inspiring for you as it has been for me!

Photographer: Katie Ricard Photography @katiericard | Florist: Emlily Floral @emlily_floral | Wedding Dress and Bridal Jewelry: BHLDN @bhldn | Engagement Ring: Trumpet and Horn @trumpetandhorn | Cake/Desserts: Just Baked SLO @justbakedslo | Cake Topper: Lovely Grain Studio @lovelygrainstudio | Invitation/Save the Date: Hand-Painted Weddings @handpaintedweddings | Calligraphy: Letters from Lindsey @lettersfromlind | Hair Stylist: Rece Evans @receevans | Models: Bride – @allycevans | Groom (also photo and styling assistant) – Emerson Ricard @emerson.ricard | Bridesmaid – @colleenricard

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Hand-Painted Weddings, Real Wedding
Dream, ethereal wedding inspiration with effortless, boho touches
- January 27, 2016
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- by Allison
A dreamy wedding styled shoot which came together in such a magical way. I responded to a request for a wedding stationer on one of the creative entrepreneur Facebook groups I’m on, and was chosen to be a part of this amazing group of vendors organizing a styled shoot in the Oak Forest in California. The wedding shoot took place amongst the most gorgeous, mystical trees with Spanish moss hanging from them. The Spanish moss and the weaving trees were the inspiration for the mystical wedding invitation set I painted and designed. The Mystical Forest wedding invitation is now available in the Hand-Painted Weddings Shop.

The wedding inspiration is full of dreamy light photography featuring ethereal, boho crowns, whimsical flower arrangements full of texture, gold brushed french macarons, and a textured buttercream cake with beloved cake topper. These elements all come together as an effortless, lovely, and nature-inspired wedding look.

Tomorrow I will be sharing more dreamy wedding inspiration focused more on ethereal wedding fashion details.

Photographer: Katie Ricard Photography @katiericard | Florist: Emlily Floral @emlily_floral | Wedding Dress and Bridal Jewelry: BHLDN @bhldn | Engagement Ring: Trumpet and Horn @trumpetandhorn | Cake/Desserts: Just Baked SLO @justbakedslo | Cake Topper: Lovely Grain Studio @lovelygrainstudio | Invitation/Save the Date: Hand-Painted Weddings @handpaintedweddings | Calligraphy: Letters from Lindsey @lettersfromlind | Hair Stylist: Rece Evans @receevans | Models: Bride – @allycevans | Groom (also photo and styling assistant) – Emerson Ricard @emerson.ricard | Bridesmaid – @colleenricard

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Press
Alice in Wonderland Wedding featured on ModWedding
- November 17, 2015
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- by Allison
So happy that the wedding blog, ModWedding is featuring the Alice in Wonderland wedding styled shoot Hand-Painted Weddings collaborated with a lot of talented, creative vendors in Chicago on earlier this spring. As the article says, this wedding features “enchanting florals, from oversized peony blossoms to layers of moss, were complimented by other natural pieces, such as handcrafted wooden furniture and a naked cake.” These design elements worked really well with the whimsical watercolor designs I did for the wedding day paper and invitation (available in the invitation shop).

I’m super excited to be currently working with a client who is doing a high tea for her wedding and is using this styled shoot as inspiration. This warms my heart because this is the goal of styled shoots….to inspire future engaged couples with ideas they’ve never seen before.

I also love that I was able to collaborate with this styled shoot from afar…this style shoot took place in Chicago. I love these collaborations so much that I’m creating unique artwork for one in California in December and one locally in Philadelphia on Black Friday, so stay tuned on Instagram for behind the scenes glimpses of this unique, creative work.

Photographer: Ed & Aileen Photography | Event Coordination: Dotted Events | Venue: Lacuna Artist Loft Studios | Wedding Gown & Jewelry: Mignonette Bridal | Bridesmaids Gowns: Brideside | Tuxedos: Menguin | Rings: Gage Rings | MUA: Marguerite Preston | Hair: Marisol Saucedo | Stylist: Patrick Niles | Floral Design: Blümgarten | Furniture: Makers Chicago | Chairs & Linens: Classic Party Rentals | Lighting & Draping: Art of Imagination | Place Settings: Rent Vintage Chicago | Backdrop: Chyrel Banias, Lil Epic Event Design | Stationery: Hand-Painted Weddings | Bakery: Swedish Bakery
Real Wedding
Real Wedding: Literary Wedding in Philadelphia
- August 6, 2015
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- by Allison
Today I’m sharing with you a continuation of yesterday’s post introducing Shannon and Bryan’s gorgeous literature wedding. One of the reasons I know weddings are the right place for me as a painter and designer is because I truly feel a connection with the couple and what they are going through with wedding planning and also a connection with how the wedding is crafted together. I care about the thoughtful design elements that are incorporated into the wedding as well as the intangible moments that happen during this monumental day in the couple’s lives.

While I know as an artist, I could certainly just put my attention on the art only, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t give thoughtful, caring attention to the couple. I think that this care resonates when couple’s work with me.

I believe the lasting details of a wedding consist of the feelings or surprising interactions and the visuals that linger in your mind as you look back on that day. With that in mind, I have asked the bride, Shannon, the following questions about her wedding day:

Question: What was your favorite detail at your wedding?

Shannon: I loved so many of the little details, but I have to say it was the handmade signs our friend made for us were my favorite. Aaron of The Point to Point created such gorgeous and memorable signs that really added a special touch to the day. Everyone was commenting on them because they looked so cool, but they also served a function and completed our literary theme. Plus, of course, the fact that they were made by a friend made them even better.

I also loved our band. The ballroom where we had the reception is known for its acoustics, so going with a live band was the natural choice. The band we chose, though, was amazing. They had everyone up and dancing the whole night, and they played all the songs we wanted perfectly (which is saying a lot we are very fussy about music!) They really set the atmosphere and made it a truly fun night big props to the Uptown Getdowns!

Question: Favorite moment at your wedding?

Shannon: Immediately after the ceremony, Bryan and I had to hide while the guests left the room and headed to cocktail hour. We waited in a small, quiet space and just chatted, taking in the enormity of the situation. That was definitely my favorite moment of the day. We have been together since high school (1999), so to finally be married and to have a few moments alone after the whirlwind of planning and prepping for the day, was really nice. Honestly, I think it’s my most vivid memory of the day and the rest of it seemed to fly by so fast!

A close second favorite moment would be my dance with my dad. The band did a really nice cover of a song that always meant a lot to us, “Learning to Fly” by Pink Floyd.

It’s tough to pick a favorite moment, though, since the entire day was so fantastic. Everyone says that it’s the happiest day of their lives, which sounds so cliche, but it’s really true. It was hands-down the best day of my life.

Stop by tomorrow for the final post about this gorgeous wedding, which will feature a really unique ceremony cocktail…yes, I said cocktail!

Wedding Invitations: Hand-Painted Weddings Photos: Adam Atkinson Planner: Natalie Diener Florist: Beautiful Blooms Venue: German Society
Hand-Painted Programs
Inspired for Fall: Perfect Addition to Your Autumn Ceremony
- August 21, 2014
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- by Allison
It has been a fairly mild summer in Philly this season, and even though it is still August, I already feel the first signs that autumn is right around the corner. I love autumn, but I’m making these last few weeks of summer count with trips to the water park, beach, and the many outdoor beer gardens that have popped up in Philly this summer.

In preparation for all the exciting autumn weddings that are right around the corner, I wanted to share these two lovely photos that were taken of the Hand-Painted Weddings Pumpkin ceremony program in action as well as a peek of the customized Pumpkin invitation framed in the basket at one of our fall 2013 clients’ wedding. It doesn’t get much more autumn-inspired than the pumpkin! This would be a perfect addition to any fall wedding.

Remember, if you are interested in customizing any of the hand-painted signature invitation suite designs into ceremony programs, please contact me. I’d be happy to provide more information!

Photos courtesy of McConville Studio.
Announcements
Fourth of July Styled Shoot on 100 Layer Cake!
- July 4, 2013
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- by Allison
What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than to have a wedding! Well, a couple of months back I was lucky enough to be involved in Styled Shoot that was themed around the Fourth of July in the most appropriate place, the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia. The venue is right across the street from the Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell!

I am so excited to announce that this shoot was featured on 100 Layer Cake, wedding blog extraordinaire! It is such an honor to be on 100 Layer Cake. I remember when I first heard about 100 Layer Cake; I was on the original mailing list announcing its launch.

This photoshoot was a lot of fun. It gave me the opportunity to design all of the paper elements of a wedding from invitations to table numbers to escort cards to menus to dessert table signs and signature drink signs. The fun challenge about working with a couple on all the paper elements of a wedding is that the graphics become part of a more robust theme which grows and develops throughout the varying pieces. For instance, the red and blue color palette as well as the font choices in these pieces are consistent but the graphics vary from windy ribbons, to straight, uneven ribbons to cherries and stars and sparklers.

I was so lucky to get the opportunity to work with some wonderful, talented, local wedding vendors on this shoot. I recommend all of them! All of there information is below.

Happy Fourth of July!

Photos by Lindsay Docherty Photography. Paper by Hand-Painted Weddings. Planning by Truly You Events. Event styling by Campbell Studios and Mellow Yellow Creative. Make-up by Cheekadee. Hair by Hair by Meghan. Venue: Independence Visitor Center. Models: Emily Cai and Christopher Rex Stone
Hand-Painted Reception
Hand-Painted Roots Wedding
- May 24, 2013
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- by Allison
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.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Hand-Painted Invitations
Hand-Painted Roots Invitation
- May 23, 2013
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- by Allison
I have definitely been bit by the garden bug lately…figuratively speaking. Gardening is such a rewarding hobby. You plant seeds or seedlings, tend them, and watch them grow. Sometimes they make their way into a savory dish. Sometimes they make their way in a vase decorating your home. Sometimes they are so special that they are inspiration for a painting…or even an invitation!

If you are a longtime follower of this blog, you may recognize this painting of my chives plant. It was painted almost a year ago and was featured on one of my first blog posts, Inspired by Spring.

It took nearly a year for the Roots Invitation to grow, but here it is! Roots are a lovely analogy to relationships. With support and care, the relationship grows larger and stronger, while the roots carry on supporting the connection. The Roots invitation is a wonderful choice for a couple who is celebrating their special day in a garden, or with many organic, nature-inspired decor.

The Roots Invitation is available to order under the Invitations, or by clicking here.
Inspired by
Inspired by Watercolor Patterns
- May 20, 2013
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- by Allison
There are so many inspiring watercolor artists out there. I think this is why my Watercolor board on Pinterest has a whopping 524 pins and counting. Today I want to feature a few watercolor pattern artists I admire. Pattern designers create artwork that makes its way into textile designs. Fashion is art, but when you have a watercolor pattern decorating your dress, handbag, jeans, or top….well, then you just pumped up the art factor!

What I love so much about watercolor patterns is that the spacing within the pattern isn’t identical. As with all watercolor art, there is an organic nature to watercolor patterns that lead to its beauty.

Be sure to follow my Watercolor Pinterest board for more inspiring watercolor patterns.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Hand-Painted Reception
Hand-Painted Backyard Charm Wedding
- May 17, 2013
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- 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!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Hand-Painted Invitations
Hand-Painted Backyard Charm Invitation
- May 14, 2013
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- by Allison
The air is getting warmer. The flowers are blooming. There are picnics and festivals and lounging in the park. There are outdoor concerts and camping trips. Oh yes, and it is wedding season!

In the spirit of all these relaxing Spring/Summer activities, I created the Backyard Charm invitation which evokes the essence of casual, outdoor charm. With its loose green watercolor wash, mason jar flower arrangement, and chimes, this invitation is sure to warm the soul of your guests with all the happy memories of lounging outside during these gorgeous Spring/Summer days. This invitation would be perfect for a couple who is getting married outside, especially in a park or backyard. This invitation could also be adjusted to work as a Bridal Shower invitation. (Contact me for more details.)

The Backyard Charm Invitation is now available to order in the Hand-Painted Weddings Invitations Shop.