Summer says, “I think the idea works beautifully for anyone looking for a beautiful gift to give someone…be it their fiance on their wedding day, their mother on mother’s day, etc. What I love about giving it to my boyfriend is that we can both continue to add to it as our relationship grows and requires new promises. I also love that our children will be able to paw through the box and understand in very tactile ways what we do to put our love in action.”

What an amazing and thoughtful idea, Summer. Lucky boyfriend.

photography by Caroline Tran

Summer is available to do custom styling for photographers, venues, designers, engagement and lifestyle shoots.

Hello lovelies! As promised, here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a kimono-style napkin fold for your table setting. You can, of course, place just about anything in it. Perhaps a menu card, or place card, or even a second favor!

1. Place fabric wrap face-down. Fold the top side towards you and fold again to create a pleat.
2. Take one corner and fold towards the middle.

3. Repeat on other side to form the kimono collar.
4. Take the side closest to you and fold towards the kimono collar and make a pleat.

5. Turn the whole thing over.
6. Take one end and fold in.

7. Repeat on other side. You should have a neat rectangular shape now. Turn it over….
8. … voila!

It’s been such a blast being here this week. Thank you so much, ladies, for having me on your lovely blog! Till next time…

xoxo
viola

{all images c/0 chewing the cud}

Now we start:

Her dress was made by Iain Harris Barlett, a friend who also runs their London office. Amazing, no? There are a few more shots further down. It’s pretty much epic. Oh and the venue is Wilbur Hot Springs in Northern California. Very magical!

Her headpiece is Jennifer Behr, and available online here.

Colors are so lovely. As is the Tim Walker inspired parade leading to the ceremony. Because We Can made the shadow puppets, and Eunice and crew hand painted and edged each in gold.

Um stage? Amazing. Again made by Because We Can.

DRESS.

Mustaches and gold crowns from Archie McPhee for favors…

And a vintage photo booth from Magnolia Photobooth Company with all sorts of amazing hats and crowns and props.

Beautiful photography from Gia Canali with Sara Remington.

You can see tons more photos and all sorts of behind the scenes stuff on The Bride’s Guide and a full list of all vendors at Hello Lucky.

While I work with many engaged couples to design the details for their big day, I also have a line of paper and textile products that are often incorporated into weddings.

Recently I created a line of reusable fabric wraps which became rather popular for events. The idea behind this is that each wrap in itself is a gesture of giving. The design of each wrap speaks to the corresponding message of “Give Luck. Give Love. Give Cheer…” etc. I often have brides who ask me for suggestions on how to incorporate these for their weddings. Well, I think it’s such a lovely gesture to send your guests wishes of luck and love… so here are a few ideas…

Use them to wrap gifts for your bridal party. Or, fashion headscarves for your bridesmaids.

Tomorrow I’ll be sharing a DIY tutorial on how to fold my tea towels into kimono-style napkins for your table setting.

xoxo
viola

{all images c/0 Elizabeth Messina}

About the couple: Doug and Tracy are one of the most dynamic and passionate couples I’ve ever worked with. Both share a love of collecting iron-wrought furniture and planned to furnish their first home together with these pieces. They also knew that they wanted their wedding to be opulent, sexy, and adorned with a dramatic, bold palette of black and red. Black chandeliers and red blossoms were to play a big role in the décor.

The most sentimental gift they ever exchanged were their initials tattooed on each others wrists. I took inspiration from their tattoos and created an identity for them.

This quote from Bob Dylan has a special place in Tracy’s heart, so we thought it apt to include it in the invitation suite.

Tracy revealed that they were going to have a Finnish crown ceremony on the big day. That little detail became the inspiration for the place cards.

Instead of a traditional program, the couple wanted something fun that would illustrate the bridal party like a family tree. The chandelier icon acted like a lineage diagram while Gabby the bulldog stood beneath it for her 15 minutes of fame.

The same chandelier appeared as an ice sculpture at the bar.

To tie everything back to the invitation suite, the menus and table numbers held similar design elements, from the chandeliers, the sparkles to the calligraphy.

How are you guys using details to personalize your wedding? I’d love to hear some ideas out there…

xoxo
viola

{all images c/o chewing the cud}

Now, let’s start. We have some cute idee-ers for you all.

Winter in our part of California is clear and cool.

Danielle used paper whites, tulips and loads of pine cones for a simple, rustic vibe. We mixed in greys and browns with the weathered wood, plus some simple vintage textiles you can find at any flea/antique market, proving that you don’t need snow for things to feel cozy and winterful.

Blue hydrangeas and berries for a more colorful option. Plus vintage apothecary bottles (also from the flea market)… we were sold on the little numbers.

For favors we made English Toffee, which is a super yummy little treat for guests that goes perfectly with cooler weather. It keeps in the fridge for weeks so you can make it well ahead of time and package it just before the event. (You can see the recipe and tutorial on Lovely Morning, if you’re so inclined).

And perhaps our favorite detail, vintage clip-on earrings for placecard holders. There are endless options available at thrift stores and flea markets, they’re great mixed up with each other and they’re inexpensive. AND pretty darn cute, right?

Two lovely bouquets… simple tulips and paperwhites, and a more textured version with berries and a big velvet ribbon.

Thanks so much Jose, Danielle, and Gretchen from the Farmhouse! Such a beeeeautiful venue. And such talented peeps.

Vintage Finding Tags

Here’s a quick and sweet diy for you, using simple vintage and found objects, some you may have around your house! I thought this would be a fun and affordable thing to make. Items like the tags and paper clips come in a packs of 100 or so for less than $10. So you’re really not spending a lot to make these. So here we go!

Here’s what you’ll need:
- Manila Tags, I used 4 3/4″ x 2 3/8″ but you can go slightly larger or smaller.
- Jute Twine
- Assorted patterned paper
- Library date stamp (and ink choice of your color)
- Gold paper clips
- Vintage charm findings (found on etsy or ebay)
- Small lace crochet doilies (lot found on ebay)
- “save the date” letter stamp (via martha stewart stamp kit)

Cut the doily in half place onto tag, leaving some extra room on the side to trim. Sew onto right side of the manila tag.

Cut excess of the doily off so you have a nice straight edge.

Stamp your date onto your patterned paper. Make sure the background isn’t too busy so you can see the date, and choose an ink color that will show up.

Cut out the paper with the date stamp and paper clip onto tag. Stamp your “save the date” onto the tag.

Take your twine and tie around your tag and string charm onto the twine. Tie in knot.

You’re all done! You can switch up placement of stamps and the charms on your tags for a real one-of-a-kind feel.

You can send these off or give them to friends and family you see. Place them in a kraft or glassine bag and they’re ready to go! (bags available at nice package) To send in the mail, purchase some kraft envelopes and send them off!

Thanks Danni for all your thoughtful ideas this week and good luck with your wedding plans. We look forward to see how your engagement session turns out.

This Sunday Jillian will be at BAM along with talented friends Love*Jenna and Blossom & Branch showing some unique tablescape ideas. If you’re in the neighborhood stop by and say hi!

To receive a 50% discount on your tickets go here and enter the code: “bambride”

{dress by Johanna Hehir, eco wedding dress by threadhead}

First we start with the fabulous Jane Austen inspired dresses. I love the simplicity of these dresses, the tiny details and how they flow.

{dresses by Dolly Dimple, necklace by Muntedkowhai, lace umbrella by Pink Frosting , floral hair comb by Whichgoose}

Beautiful laces and trims and fabrics seen in these original and replica regency dresses from the BBC costume set. I’m pretty sure my wedding will include all things lace: love this lace necklace and lace umbrella. Wouldn’t it be fun in a photoshoot? Top it off with a simple floral headpiece and I’m set!

{image c/o: bath assembly room by archidave, book by penguin classics, house by Charles Moorhen}

An old ballroom from the Bath Assembly Room, England. Beautiful chandeliers and ceilings. I will probably have my reception outdoors but I do love this room. I’ve seen old books being used as decor in many weddings, I love collecting old books. This home was actually owned by the brother of Jane Austen. If I could find an old house with a lovely open field, I’d have the wedding of my dreams.

{image c/0: dried flowers by Elizabeth Messina, long table by Small Masterpiece, calligraphy by Kathryn Murray, floral by Adebond}

Love these dried flowers as decor. Especially love the one long table idea and definitely plan to have this at my reception. Calligraphy addressed envelopes are so fabulous and depending on where you live, I’ve seen many calligraphy classes offered so if you have the time, you could learn yourself!

Tomorrow I have a super cute DIY save the date idea. xo, Danni!