Accents that Go a Long Way...

Here we are my dear brides and coordinators ... I was going to talk about birds and love birds and all things birds, but I got distracted by .... napkin accents!! Who would have thunk?

I think napkins are something that often get over-looked but can make a lot of difference in the look of your tables - just adding a small touch can go a long way. Oodles of options out there, but I tried to find the best eye candy and here they are!!

BEADS AND TASSELS

There were some really beautiful options out there. Starting on the upper left-hand corner we have this unique jeweled design which can also double as a favor (I LOVE things that can double as something else!) found at Jenn Creations. Underneath that we have this sweet black and white beaded napkin ring complete with little sayings (Crafty Chica). I adore this silver beaded napkin accent in the middle found at A Cottage Industry. Lastly, but never leastly!, there are tasseled delights (top: Always Elegant; middle: BBJ Linen) and on bottom beaded accent with blossom at Moments by Morgan.

SILVER AND BLING

Still working with the more elegant side of things, we have these wedding ring accent rings in the upper left (My Dream Wedding) and pretty picture heart frame ring at Glass Slipper Productions. In the middle row, we have this vintage brooch as an accent (Angelic Accents) and silver ring with rhinestone (My Dream Wedding). On the bottom row these interesting silver basil accents (yes! BASIL!) at Prints and Potter, silver coral accent which looks pretty but dangerous ;) at Wrapables and silver rings with can double as place cards (SWEET!) rightly found at Gifts.

FEATHERS AND SHELLS

Well, after all that bling, I think we need a break and turn to nature! In the upper left hand corner we have this bright blue starfish - I love the unique way they have placed this napkin (LeMiga). Next to it we have a white starfish with place card attached and menu tucked into the napkin (The Knot) - detail detail detail!! In the middle we have this unique touch of feather accent (Social Couture) and down below something that looks simple but really makes the look elegant, this peacock feather which would look great tucked into a napkin at Picasaweb.

RIBBONS AND BLOSSOMS

Something done a little more frequently, but still doesn't make it any less effective, are ribbons and blossoms like this elegant affair upper left (Moments by Morgan) or elegant yet simple arrangement down below (The Knot). Beautiful fuchsia napkin accented by a bright green orchid (Rosa Gonzalez) and sprigs of green and blossom tied with coffee colored ribbon (The Wedding Channel). Upper right hand corner we have bright orange ribbons tied with various ribbon (Hostess Blog), orange napkin tied with simple golden tone ribbon and rose tied with organza ribbon (The Wedding Channel). Nice!

BUTTONS AND THINGS

Just when you thought that you couldn't possible adorn a napkin with anything else arrives buttons and things! There are monogrammed buttons (Dream Visions), buttons/letter/paper cut-outs on burlap (Vintage Indie), these lovely shell buttons (Toast and Tables), satin silk frogs (Martha Stewart - who else?!!) AND (oh yes I'm not finished yet!) ... on the bottom row we have these fobbies - I didn't know what a fobbie was - I had to look it up! But a great idea (Fobbie)! Wonderful silver dragonfly - Love the combination of the blue against the wood grain with the silver - super pretty (Tall Grass) and not to be left behind are these wire accents with cool words in scroll (Brides).

ODDS 'N ENDS

Bet you thought we were finished! But, no, we're not! In the upper left hand corner we have these ceramic picture frame napkin accents (kid you not!)(Wedding Favors Now) and down below an edible napkin accent (yum!yum!) - this bread stick heart (Martha Stewart). In the middle we have a monogrammed napkin (Flickr - Initial Impressions) and down below origami (yes I wrote that correctly) accent ring (Craft Side) and FINALLY (yes I did say it!) this grapevine accent found at Plant A Memory.

With Christmas approaching and many projects on my plate, I have no idea what I will be writing about next dear bloggers, so you'll just have to tune-in and find out! And don't forget to write me with your questions for Two Pesos Tuesdays or all you'll get are my ramblings on life in Puerto Vallarta!

Oranges, Reds, Golds, Fuschias...Where was I??

I'm sorry I'm late dear brides and coordinators! Time just flew away from me this last week as I was delving into research for various events and favors. And, then, somehow I forgot whether I was looking up oranges, fuchsias, reds, golds... so, I just put them all together - I love bold colors - so fiery and passionate and perfect for a sunset reception in our bay!

INSPIRATION BOARD

Again, just a few of the photos I really loved from this color combination. The invite and those pillows are absolutely Divine!

BOUQUETS AND DRESSES

I've decided I'm going to do a whole series just on dresses ... I love them so and, while most brides have already purchased their dresses before I ever get their design, that doesn't mean that I don't absolutely love what I see when I finally do get to see what they've chosen! Anyway.... to start we have this absolutely luscious bouquet with lilies and roses and berries - love it (McClintock Photography)! Next to it this fiery sexy orange bridesmaid dress (Elegant Mart). Underneath another beautiful bouquet from The Knot and beautiful orange bouquet (that wrap is sweet!) from Project Wedding. In the upper right we have a wispy fuchsia/pink toned bridesmaid dress and orange ties (Blog Dig) and I see this red wedding dress all the time and absolutely love it for its dramatic, ornate look - at the right wedding - HERE comes THE Bride!! (Bridal Wave Tv)

PRINTED MATERIAL AND CAKES

Well, not sure how I ended-up with the beginning and the end of the wedding put together, but here you go! I have always loved this orange cake and have every intention of doing something similar for the right bride and next to it another super fun Gerber-like cake (the knot). Underneath I love both of these - on the right we have this amazing peacock affair program (the knot), and on the left orange tiger lilies (my personal artist). Underneath - great tags from Project Wedding, colorful invite from Alannah Rose, and I like this last invite for the use of texture (Created by Fate).

CENTERPIECES

Well, I guess this should be centerpieces and tablescapes, but anywho... On the top we have this wildly colorful and oh so fun tablescape from Celebration Cayman Blogspot. Upper right we have a bright beachy centerpiece (Project Wedding), I LOVE the centerpiece underneath from The Knot, underneath we have a more subdued approach with orchids from Wedding Tactics. Next to it a very elegant and chic tablescape from Wendy's Bridal Affairs. On the bottom row, we have these escort cards which are so clean and unique (and could also make a very good centerpiece)(BlogDig), vase covered with fabric and surrounded by gerbers (Prima Donna Bride), and colorful airy tablescape (BlogDig).

SPECIAL TOUCHES

Or, in other words, other things I loved but didn't know where to put!! Row 1 - Hand-made paper flowers (well, those are ours - but so cool!), fabulous pillows (Bees N Tulips). Row 2 - love this draping fabric with alternative lighting (The Knot) and draping fabric and hanging flowers (The Knot). Row 3 - adore these Chinese lanterns (Snippet and Ink) - by now you might think I'm a Chinese lantern fanatic, but I promise this is not the case - I just love romantic and alternative lighting - anything to make an event more festive and to really help and set a "mood"! Again, this drapey (is so a word if I say so!) affect - it looks similar to what I found on The Knot, but this photo was found at Snippet and Ink. And last I couldn't tell if this was printed paper or napkins, but I loved it either way (Snippet and Ink)!

I think I'm going to tackle Love Birds next blog as it caught my eye during the red/blue blog. Or maybe not ... maybe I'll just surprise you so you'll have to peek to see what's here!

It's a Wrap!

I was going to talk about bouquets and then I was pulled into the fascinating world of bouquet wraps! I've always had a fascination with bridal wraps - they are like the icing on the cake or the cherry on top of the ice-cream sundae! So, without further ado, let's dig in!!

JEWELED BRIDAL WRAPS

I'm still very much into investigation mode for all things vintage for an upcoming event - so, of course, in the search I came across some fun finds! Top left we have this fun laced, dazzling affair I found at Project Wedding as well as the bouquet with a similar technique to the right. Also at Project Wedding, right below we have the beautiful jeweled accent letter and these amazing crystal accents!! The bottom row is vintage at its finest, all found at The Wedding Bee, with the flowered crystal, old bracelets turned into a fancy glittering wrap and my personal favorite in this collage, the beautiful lockets with photos to remember loved ones present only in spirit.

RIBBON AND BEAD WRAPS

Great, creative ideas such as this alternating cotton candy pink and salmon pink ribboned affair topped off with pearl accents found at Project Wedding or this alternating fuschia/pink flare found at The Wedding Bee. Down below, I love this crystalized accented bouquet found at Project Wedding as well as this amazing ribboned flower wrap. Bottom row we have a ruffled ribbon affect at The Wedding Bee as well as the yellow country wrap (love that ribbon!!), and champagne and sage wrap with pearl accents at Project Wedding.

MORE ORGANIC WRAPS

If your bride wants something a little more "au natural" there are always these options of a banana leaf wrap or this succuluent wrap, both found at The Wedding Bee.

For a more "sailor" touch, you might go with this wrap found at Project Wedding.

Or, perhaps, my personal favorite of this set, this cream/white affair with charm accent found at Style Me Pretty.

A LITTLE DIFFERENT WRAP

Cream and white ribbon with black and white beads found at Project Wedding.

Button wrap (love buttons!) found at The Wedding Bee.

And I love both the wrap and this feathery flowered idea found, of course, at Style Me Pretty.

MY FAVORITE WRAP

Of course, I saved my favorite wrap for last. I also love the bouquet in this ribbon, jeweled assembly and the additional jeweled dragonfly accents found amongst the flowers is just fabulous!! This bouquet was found at The Wedding Bee.

Mid-month we'll be exploring some different ideas for centerpieces, so stay tuned!! And, as always, if you have something you would like more research on, let me know and I'd be more than happy to oblige!

Beach Weddings Every Which Way!!

I think we saw two days so far this month with some sun - but I'm sure you all were as okay with that as I was, because at least it kept the first part of this month a little cooler!

This mid-month I want to show you some ideas I found for beach weddings, especially since we are on the beach! I have a doubt that we will ever get by an entire year without someone wishing to focus on our lovely beaches! :)

BOUQUETS

I love these colorful bouquets - the first of which I found at Beach Weddings by the Knot and the second at the Hawaii Wedding Blogspot. Of course, we can't copy these bouquets exactly, as there are a few flowers not available to us here, but we can get the general look and feel. I love the simplicity and tranquil feel of this pink and green bouquet found at Project Wedding as well as this bout found at Beach Weddings by the Knot. Of course, I try to save the best for last, and I think this bouquet wrap is FABULOUS with the mixture of burlap and crystals, found at Style Me Pretty.

CEREMONY

Finding a well-done beach ceremony is a little tricky, but I did find 3 that I found worthy of note. This first design huppah design was found at Project Wedding and I love the use of fabric with the shells - very beach shabby chic! I also thought this heavy seashell laden ceremony set-up was original and could be perfect for the right couple, found at Brides Buzzing and designed by Colin Cowie. Last, but not least, is this seashell ceremony aisle from The Knot.

FAVORS AND ACCENTS

These pretty, yet simple floating candles I found at PhotoLulu. I'm not sure where I found this photo, as I've had it for a while, but I really love the idea of mosquito repellent and sunblock laid-out in a nice way, available for guests to use when they need. I believe I found the cute star fruit at The Knot. This pretty hanging candles were found at Beach Weddings by the Knot and are something we could easily do here, although perhaps not with those exact votives. I love wine glass charms, and this one was found at Hot Ref as were these pretty sailboat favor candles - they were also really cheap!! Last, but definitely not least, was this really nice favor bag found at My Wedding Favors, which could also double as a place card setting!

PLACE CARDS/ESCORT CARDS

Three new place card ideas ... the first is a way of displaying them, which we've seen before, but I like the simple, plain type on these cards which belays the rather casual way of displaying them - these were found at Trista Lerit. I love the calligraphy on these rocks and think they would work great as either place cards or escort cards, found at BPJ Designs. And lastly, I adore these wave escort cards found at Beach Weddings by the Knot.

CENTERPIECES

First, we have this candle with seashells which I think is understated but elegant found at My Dream Wedding, followed by a colorful display of orange roses with beach twigs at Beach Weddings by the Knot. Still colorful, but with a much more casual air, is this centerpiece and place set-up by Social Couture. Back to the elegant side of things we have these submerged orchids and tulips at Project Wedding as well as this really fab coconut shell filled with floating orchids. I love using coconut shells, or scooping out a pineapple and utilizing the pineapple or a watermelon, etc. - I think we have a variety of different textures available in Vallarta which would make a more organic beach side wedding truly unique and fabulous!

CAKES AND CUPCAKES

These simple, yet elegant beach wedding cakes at Budget Dream Weddings and at Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas. I love this cupcake display found at Wedding Ideas and Details.

Well, that's all for this mid-month update. Next month I will focus on bouquet and centerpiece ideas, so check back!!

In With the Old and a Slight Twist of New!

I hope you all are surviving the beginning of summer by keeping cool and drinking your gatorade! To start-off this month I wanted to talk about a trend that all the bridal magazines are talking about - as well as I'm hearing it from several brides - and that is VINTAGE!

If you have a Vintage client, the first thing to do is to determine WHAT time period they are talking about - Vintage can mean different things to different people. It could be Vintage 30's, Vintage WWII Generation ('40's), Vintage 20's ... perhaps they mean Vintage Swing ('50's). Once you have the time period nailed down, then research becomes a lot easier!

In this particular blog I'm going to tackle the Vintage 30's with a touch of glam which means opulence, feathers, crystals, sparkle (but in a glam way, not in a Vegas way!), lush flowers like roses, peonies, hydrangeas, etc.

THE INVITATION

Well, as we all know, most of our brides and grooms choose their invites, many times before they even meet us. But I couldn't resist introducing these great invite ideas, which could also be utilized as accents in escort cards, place cards and table markers. I absolutely love this accent which was found at Imagine Wedding in the UK. And these classic, yet beautiful lines done by Ceci New York and Scriptura are absolutely delightful! I especially love the texture and beauty of this pink invite, also done by Ceci New York.

THE CEREMONY

I think there are several different ways you can go with a ceremony, depending on your bride and groom. One way is to go crystals - crystal everything - crystal ceremony aisle, crystal accents on programs, falling off of ceremony chairs, etc. The problem with crystals (at least here in Vallarta) is they are very very $$$ (as you all know!). So, unless you have a client dripping with money, it will be out of the majority of our clients' price range.

The other option would be to go with feathers. Feather everything. I think this look could be beautiful, if done right (and not look like a chicken coup!!). But, while more cost effective than crystals, feathers here in Vallarta are still $$. I hate to spend a lot of money on a ceremony when the ceremony doesn't become something else (i.e. say the dance floor later on, or a lounge).

Third option, which is the one I'm going to show you, would be to flower it up!! Big luscious roses, peonies, and other really open, old-world flowers are the most inexpensive choice and look amazing. I love this ceremony huppah I found at Love and Splendor. I also love this combination of roses and crystals found at The Spiraled Stem.

THE BOUQUET

So many beautiful bouquets, it was hard to choose. But I fell in love especially with these feathery creations by Michelle Rago and found at Toast and Tables. The contrast of the dark feathers with the white flowers, I think is really dramatic! For something a little simpler, but still in the Vintage theme, I also think this white/cream bouquet found at Snippet and Ink fits the style with understated elegance.

CENTERPIECES

Oodles and oodles of ideas! But some of the most interesting ones I found was this urn filled with flowers at Touch of Class. While I know it's not something we could easily purchase here, it is something that we can make - not exactly but in a similar style!! Also of note, this chandelier style found at Wedding Announcer and these hanging crystal votives found at Half Value. But what really is over the top, Vintage glam has to be this amazing feather centerpiece found at Dove Wedding Photography. My absolute favorite, however, I found here at Love and Splendor and have every intention of capturing at least the idea of this centerpiece.

SPECIAL TOUCHES
So many special touches!! Place card stands from Snippet and Ink as well as beaded purse accent. These beautiful votive ideas by Eco Art Weddings are wrapped in a pretty fabric and accented with left-over costume jewelry and they utilized a similar technique with these pretty napkin rings! I love this crystal butterfly place card stand found at The Knot as well as these pretty ringing silver bells. And last, but not least, is this wine glass accent found at Brilliant Wedding Jewelry.

THE CAKE

I thought I might have a hard time finding a cake, but no, they were everywhere! The beautiful peach cake with crystal bow accents was found at Cake That. Next to it is the exquisite, white, silver-beaded veiled affair found at The House of Clarendon. Underneath we have the jeweled top affair found at Snippet and Ink and next to it is the elegant, yet simple concoction found at Wedding Vendor Guide. At the bottom, from left to right, we have Signes Bakery, a knot pick found at The Knot and my personal favorite, of course at Lovin Sullivan Cakes!

I trust there were enough pictures in this blog to keep you busy for a while! I'm not sure what I have up my sleeve exactly mid-month, but I do believe it will touch on place cards/escort cards and table markers!