New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve Wedding via The Free Wedding

Happy New Year everyone! I hope tonight brings the promise of a beautiful New Year, filled with romance and good cheer!

New Year's Eve Wedding via Intimate Weddings

And if tonight's your wedding night, congratulations on having the perfect person to kiss at midnight!

New Year's Eve Wedding via Snippet & Ink

Happy New Year!!!

Proper Table Setting

With New Year's Eve right around the corner, I thought that this might come in handy for any of you planning a dinner party to ring in the New Year.

Place Setting Etiquette via Alexan Events 

There's a range here, obviously, and you can feel free to combine both examples, depending on the level of formality and what makes sense spacing-wise at your table.

Proper table etiquette is always a "good thing," as Martha would say, and really makes a table shine and look perfectly put together.

Happy Partying!! :)

Mistletoe Ceremony

I hope that everyone had a very merry holiday filled with Christmas cheer and romance!

I couldn't resist posting just one more holiday wedding idea:

Mistletoe over Ceremony via Southern Weddings

What would be more perfect at a winter wedding than a bunch of Mistletoe hanging above your first kiss as husband and wife?!

You could even hang it at the reception with a cute chalkboard sign for your guests...or as a photo booth backdrop!

I love this idea! Would you hang Mistletoe at your Winter Wedding?

Christmas Magic

I've always felt there was a special magic at Christmas, especially under the Christmas tree. I used to lay in front of our tree when I was small and stare at all the twinkling lights, imagining myself one of the ballerina fairy ornaments, and wishing I could stay in that magic place all night.

That magic has stayed with me as I've grown and my favorite part of all of our decorating is still our tree. Our boys are now old enough to help with the decorating. It was so special this year telling them all about the different ornaments, and where they came from, as we found the perfect spots to hang each of them.

I even caught our three-year-old the other day, laying under the tree, staring up at the lights, exactly as I used to.

Our Boys and Our Tree

So from our family to yours, Merry Christmas! May the holidays be truly magical to you this year as well, and may God bless you in the New Year to come!

Wine Bottle Cork Napkin Rings

Did you love the Wine Bottle Centerpieces from Wednesday's post as much as I did? Keeping with the theme....check out these DIY Wine Cork Napkin Rings, perfect for any wine inspired wedding!

Wine Cork Napkin Rings via The Brass Paperclip Project

The full directions can be found on The Brass Paperclip Project, here. You'll need about 3 sliced corks (check out her blog for directions and tips for slicing up your corks), heavy needle, stretchy thread, beads, ruler and scissors.

You alternate threading cork slices and beads until you have 6", then tie them off and you're ready to go!

Depending on the beads you chose, you could change up the look dramatically - colorful or sparkly beads would be beautiful and add a pop.

Want to incorporate other wine elements into your wedding?

How about using them for your seating?

Wine Cork Seating Chart via Home Talk

Or....

Wine Cork Seating via Pinterest

And - I'm loving this for a dessert bar!

Wine Barrel Dessert Bar via Pinterest

What do you think? Comment and tell us how you're using wine at your wedding!

Wine Bottle Centerpieces

Glowing candlelight adds tons of romance at any wedding, and who doesn't have a surplus of wine bottle this time of year calling out to be up-cycled? How about this as a beautiful (and affordable!) centerpiece for your wedding?

Wine Bottle Centerpiece via Karin Lidbeck

The mix of different glass colors and heights of the bottles is key.

To make yourself:

Wrap the center of the bottle with pretty wrapping paper, using double-sided tape to make a clean seam on the back. Use different, but coordinating patterns for a varied look. (A great way to use up those scraps of wrapping paper from oddly sized packages you've been saving for years!) Then simply tie on a ribbon and add your candle - Ta-Da!!

They look fabulous for a winter wedding, but by changing up the wrapping paper and ribbon, would look just as amazing any other time of the year as well. I love the elegant effect they create!

After Christmas sales are the perfect time to shop for wrapping paper and ribbon galore too!

I love this idea so much, I may use it at my next dinner party, what do you think?

Something Blue: Jingle Bell Hair Pins!

You know that I'm always on the look out for unexpected little touches that make a wedding unique - These completely fit the bill!

Jingle Bell Hair Pins found on The Brass Paperclip Project

I love them as an unexpected touch of something blue for a fun winter wedding! There's so much whimsy in jingle bells, you can't help but smile when you hear them jingling.

You can find them at Bella Mia Designs on Etsy.

What's your something blue?

DIY Evergreen Stars

I just had to talk about one final DIY project from Monday's Inspiration board - these gorgeous Evergreen Stars!

Evergreen Stars via Martha Stewart

I found the project on Martha Stewart, the goddess of all things do-it-yourself! These seem slightly time-consuming, but easy enough to make.

You'll need basswood strips, a craft knife, wood glue, cut greens (Martha used fresh, but I think silk would work great too), and a hot glue gun.

DIY Evergreen Steps via Martha Stewart

You start by using the wood glue to glue the sticks into your desired star shape and then use the hot glue gun to glue on the greenery.

You can find the complete set of instructions and a handy star template HERE.

It might take a little while when you take into account letting the glue dry, but look at what an amazing effect they create all together!

Evergreen Stars via Martha Stewart

I can picture them hanging behind a sweetheart or cake table or on the side of a barn just as easily.

What do you think? Are they worth all the glue?

DIY Christmas Card Centerpiece

While I was having fun creating Monday's Inspiration Board, I fell in love with the Christmas Card Vase!

Christmas Card Vase via Karin Lidbeck

It's so unexpected and a great way to up-cycle your favorite Christmas cards. I kept picturing how great they'd look at a wedding. You could use all vintage or retro cards or go completely glam with foil or glittered ones. You could even buy your favorite ones at an after-Christmas sale!

The complete DIY Instructions can be found here. It seems pretty straightforward and easy to follow.

You'll need four Christmas Cards (she recommends 5x7), two yards of ribbon cording, hole punch, double-sided and regular tape, and a jar or vase for the flowers that fits into the completed opening.

Tape the cards closed, measure and hole punch the sides, then thread them together and you have this unique centerpiece!

You'd be able to complete the project far in advance (my golden rule for wedding DIY).

I know what I'll be trying with my favorite cards from this year! How about you?

Red and White Christmas Inspiration

Our Christmas tree is finally up, my Christmas shopping is making headway, and, thanks to my amazing mom, we have a clock that chimes Christmas Carols every hour. All this combined has completely put me in the mood for this year's holiday season. I'll be singing "Haul out the Holly...." any minute now!

I figured it was the perfect time for a little Christmas wedding inspiration in Red and White:

Sapling Favors, Invitation, Church, Bouquet, Cookie Dough Favors,
Silver Bells, Couple, Evergreen Stars, Chairs, Christmas Card Vase 

I love the retro vibe and simple colors!

Are you having a Christmas Wedding? What are your favorite details that you're planning?

Churro Favors

I saw this and all I could think was - YUM!!!

Churro Favors via 100 Layer Cake

I love everything about the presentation too - the brightly colored chevron bags, rustic crates for serving them, and the adorable chalkboard sign.

What a delicious treat for your guests! What do you think about churro yumminess at your wedding?

Gator Tailgate Wedding Video

I promised you I'd share video from Dena and Andy's big day - and here's what you've been waiting for!!

Check out the amazing highlight reel from Gator Bride Videography of Dena and Andy's Gator Tailgate Wedding. It's Orange and Blue and simply fabulous, like them!


Andy + Dena // Highlight Reel from Gator Bride Videography on Vimeo.

The day was so much fun and made me love my job even more than I already do. The Gator's even pulled out a win in the final minutes of the game! (Dena insists it was a wedding present just for them - I have to agree!)

Kyle and Kimberly from Gator Bride Videography did such a great job capturing the day and all it's fun moments. I can't wait to work with them again!

Vendors who made it all possible:
Wedding Coordinator: MasterPiece Weddings
Catering: Celebrations Catering
Photography: Russell Martin Photography
Videography: Gator Bride Videography
Cakes: Dream Day Cakes
Florist: Prange's Florist
Ceremony Music: Eric Redmond
Make-Up: Image Insight
Hair: Salon 716
Ceremony Location: Paynes Prairie
Reception Tailgate: College of Vetenary Medicine
Motor-coach: Luxury Motor Home Rentals

Mismatched Plates

If you are going for a romantic, vintage, casually elegant feel at your wedding, nothing completes the look like mismatched china place settings on your tables.

Mismatched Plates via Pinterest

Mismatched Plates via Me and You

Each place setting becomes unique and an individual little work of art. You can stick with a certain color scheme, or go with anything and everything. Tie the table together with napkins, glassware and centerpieces that are consistent and let the plates speak for themselves.

If you love the idea of vintage plates, but want a more subtle look, select pieces that are mostly white with accents in the same color palate.

Mismatched Plates via Style Me Pretty

 I just love how they look stacked all together for a buffet or a dessert station too!

Mismatched Plates via Style Me Pretty

It would be such a fun challenge with your fiance' throughout your engagement going to thrift stores and garage sales hunting out your favorites. Or, wouldn't it make a great bridal shower idea to have your friends and family each bring a plate with them to shower you with for your wedding?

Possibly my all-time favorite thing about this idea though is that you can hand-select your favorite plates and display them in your home after the wedding!

Mismatched Plates Display via Art Symphony

Mismatched Plates Display via Art Symphony

What a great reminder of your wedding day!

Mismatched Plates Display via Art Symphony

What do you think of this idea? Would you use it at your wedding?

Draped Outdoor Reception Entrance

Outdoor weddings are some of my favorites. Gorgeous weather, stunning landscape, head-over-heels couple, what's not to love?

If your venue is like a lot venues though, it's sometimes hard to make that grand first entrance into your reception as husband and wife. Many times there might not be a spot to line up your bridal party before you get announced in. Check out this for a solution:

Draped Outdoor Entrance via The Wedding Chicks

They created their own draping! I love this!! It looks beautiful tied back as well, prior to the grand reveal.

Draped Outdoor Entrance via The Wedding Chicks

You could have it tied back like the above picture while your guests are finding their seats and then have your wedding planner, or someone specially designated, release the drapes when you are ready to be announced in officially. 

They would be a great DIY project with major impact!

How are you making your first appearance as newlyweds? 

Chalk Board Photo Booth

I always love a great Chalk Board at weddings. They can be dainty, casual, informative, quirky, and always completely original.

When I saw this though, my photo booth loving heart skipped a beat!

Chalk Board Photo Booth Backdrop via The Bridal Closet

I think that it's fun with that perfect touch of elegance! And the quotes are spot on - "True love stories never have endings" and "A kiss to build a dream on!"

They come from a company called Chalk Shop I came across on The Bridal Closet.

Thank You Sign via The Bridal Closet

Are you head-over-heels for these chalk boards too?

Gorgeous Zinnia!

When I think of Zinnia, I think of my grandmother's garden. She lined all her walkways with Zinnia every year. They were gorgeous, bright and happy flowers in rainbows of colors with butterflies flitting in and out of the blossoms.

I just love the idea of using them for your wedding bouquet! 

Zinnia Bouquet via Alexan Events

They make such a beautiful addition to a wildflower grouping, or used by themselves. You could pick them as your main flower and carry them throughout your whole event. Here they are used on an invitation:

Zinnia Invitation via Esty

They fit with so many color schemes and arrangements. I think they're perfectly lovely! 

How about you? Are there any flowers out there that just make you smile when you see them?

Saving a Seat for a Loved One

Do you have a loved one that is too special to be remembered with only their name in your ceremony program? I saw this and thought it was so touching.

Chair for a Loved One via Grey Likes Weddings

It's such a simple, but perfect way to honor them.

Interesting Ombre' Wedding

The Ombre' effect is such a popular element in weddings right now, for good reason. I came across this bouquet and was in complete Ombre' Heaven!

Ombre' Bouquet via Grey Likes Weddings

First off, I loved the non-typical color choice - corals and bright orange - stunning! Plus, I thought it was such a unique way to execute an ombre' effect. I love how the color flows throughout the bouquet. You usually see the effect used with the bridesmaid dress color or on cakes, linens, etc. I thought this was really pretty and different.

Check out how their table centerpieces mimicked her bouquet:

Ombre' Tablescape via Grey Likes Weddings

Gorgeous, right?

Polka Dot Bridesmaid Dresses

Happy Monday everyone! While nursing my tootsies after our Gator Homecoming Wedding (pictures coming soon!) on Saturday, I was having tons of fun working hard catching up on some of my favorite blogs and wedding trends. I came across these completely adorable bridesmaids dresses and knew I had to talk about them.

Polka Dot Bridesmaids via Grey Likes Weddings

The bride wanted to bring back the feel from her grandparents' wedding photos. All that great vintage, timeless style was reflected in all the fashion for their day. Her dress came from a vintage shop in her home town, circa 1950's and the groom got in on the action with his gorgeous white tuxedo coat and bow tie.

Polk Dot Couple via Grey Likes Wedding

I just love these dresses though! I think they capture the feel the bride was going for and create such a unique and classic look as well.

Polka Dot Bridesmaids via Grey Likes Weddings

Are you up for prints for your ladies, or do you like the look of solid gowns better? Comment and weigh in!

Gator Tailgate Wedding!

"Something Old, Something New, Something Orange & Something Blue!"

Gator Bride via The University of Florida

We are SO incredibly excited about our wedding this weekend! Our amazing University of Florida Alumni couple, Dena and Andy, are breaking all traditions and having a Gator Homecoming Wedding!

Yes, you read that right! :) They will be getting married out on Paynes Prairie early Saturday morning and then having a Tailgate reception over at the Vet School on campus. If that wasn't enough, the newlyweds, with most of their guests, will be headed over to the game to cheer for the Orange and Blue!

The University did a spotlight story on their upcoming wedding:

When you watch the video, keep an eye out for their amazing "Alligator - Wedding Edition" invitations. Dena created them herself! Complete with the story of how they met, directions, Gator traditions, and tips for what not to wear ("It is strongly suggested that guests refrain from wearing vermilion, or any shade of red, to avoid appearing to support the opponent...) - they are completely adorable and perfect for them!

We simply CANNOT wait for their big day! We'll be sure to share all the amazing pictures from Russell Martin Photography and video from Gator Bride Videography with you soon!

In the meantime, Go Gators! Beat the Ragin' Cajuns!

DIY Candy Apple Favors

What's more quintessentially Fall than candy apples? Even better - how are these for a great favor for an intimate Autumn wedding?

Candy Apple Favors via Intimate Weddings

I love how simple and pretty, not to mention delicious, they are! The contrast between the branches and the delicate white plate is the  perfect combination for a Fall wedding; rustic and classy simultaneously.

And you can make them yourself!!! We found these easy to follow DIY instructions on Intimate Weddings Blog. Click here for all the step-by-step instructions.

There's a small list of inexpensive, easy-to-find, ingredients. You will need to have a candy thermometer for this recipe.

Candy Apple Steps via Intimate Wedding

You might not want to make 200 of these as wedding favors if you're having a larger wedding, but they would make a great addition to any dessert bar in that case.

What do you think? Are candy apples the perfect Fall wedding favor?

Fall Cake

It's obvious that all the malls and stores want us ready for Christmas now that Halloween is over. Fall is my favorite time of year though and I'm not ready to give up on it yet! I don't know about you, but I'm still holding out for Thanksgiving!

That's why when I came across this cake on Dream Day Cakes baker's blog,  it put me immediately in the mood for pumpkin pie, turkey and gorgeous fall weather.

Fall Cake via Dream Day Cakes

I love how whimsical the design is and all the bright fall colors. The initials in the tree are adorable!

Fall Cake via Dream Day Cakes

It's the perfect cake for a beautiful fall wedding!

What do you think? Are you ready to move on to Christmas or are you savoring the last month of Autumn too?

Dancing Coasters

"Don't take my drink... I'm dancing!"

Dancing Coasters via Every Last Detail

I came across these on a blog that I completely love, Every Last Detail, and thought that they were the coolest touch!

You've had that happen to you too, right? You leave your drink at the table for a dance and then when you get back, it's been cleared away. Now, your guests won't have to worry about their drinks while dancing the night away at your wedding! Plus, it lets your guests know right away that they are in for a super fun night!

It's something small, but something I'm sure guests will remember.

Would you use these at your wedding?

Lisa & Mahesh

We recently had the honor of coordinating Lisa & Mahesh's beautiful wedding! We loved working with Joy Marie Photography and she was so sweet to send us these gorgeous images from their day! 

The day was full of romance, starting with an emotional first look. 

The flowers by Keith Watson Productions were so colorful and looked stunning against the bright blue dresses!

After their ceremony at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, here in Gainesville, Florida, they headed off to take pictures with some of our majestic oaks in the area.

Their reception was held at the Florida Museum of Natural History and deliciously catered by Sweetwater Branch Inn. It's such a great and unique venue here in town. For those who don't know, they have an amazing Butterfly Rainforest. Cocktail hour was held right at the entrance and Lisa & Mahesh arranged for their guests to be able to enjoy the gardens and all the butterflies throughout cocktails.

Butterflies showed up throughout the night, incorporated on their escort cards, favors, and even on their beautiful centerpieces by Keith Watson Productions.

Their first dance was "I Want to Grow Old with You" from the Wedding Singer!!! It was one of my favorite details of the day!!!

Gyns Entertainment kept the party going all night!

Head over here to check out the entire highlight reel from Joy Marie Photography that has the stunning images from their Indian Ceremony the following morning.

Congratulations Lisa & Mahesh! We loved getting to be a part of your day and know you'll have many happy years together!

Vendors who made it all possible:

Photography: JoyMarie Photography

Videography: Visions Media

Ceremony: Queen ofPeace Catholic Church

Hair: Sixth StreetStation

Make-up: YourWedding Make-up

Flowers and Decor: Keith Watson Productions

Reception Venue: Florida Museum of Natural History

Catering: Sweetwater Branch Inn

Music: GnysEntertainment

Cake: Publix

Rentals: PartyTime Rentals