Spring Inspiration From Martha Stewart Weddings

Hello little owls! This past weekend I was so inspired by the Spring 2011 Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, that I had to share some favorites with you. For another sneaky peeky, check out my video review of this as well by clicking here.


(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)


I'm dying for this gorgeous color palette for Spring, Summer and Fall. Who says bridesmaids can't wear shades of ivory?



A great DIY birdcage veil tutorial.


Confetti programs are such a great way to have a beautiful recession back down the aisle without too much coordination!


How cute is this vintage-inspired place setting pattern from Lenox?


I'm smitten with this adorable backyard wedding.


Get your fringe on with this fun and creative themed wedding!

For more information, visit Martha Stewart Weddings for all kinds of inspiration overload!

Martha Stewart's Favorite Etsy Vendors

Even Martha knows about Etsy!

In the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha picks her favorite Etsy vendors catering to the bridal industry. Here are some highlights of the 79 vendors she selected.



Cake toppers by Millalove




Clutch by Davie and Chiyo




Glass earrings by Jean Pelle




Wire hanger by Lila Frances




Lollipop wedding favors by Olio Designs




Floral headband by Coco Boudoir




"Kia" bridesmaids dress by Nostalgia




Lace shrug by Holly Stalder




Boutonniere by Ruby Feather




Felt birdie magnets by Red 2 White




Banners made from recycled calendars by Something's Hiding in Here




Pottery by Sara Paloma

(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)

Martha Stewart's "Good Things" for Spring Weddings

It's not anywhere near Spring in Chicago yet, but I'm definitely in a Spring kind of mood. So, of course, I've turned to my favorite place for inspiration, Martha Stewart Weddings, to find some wonderful Spring-themed ideas for ceremony and reception decor. Let's see what Martha's come up with this time:

(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)


Edible plants; votive candle holders filled with chocolate pudding, topped with cookie crumble "dirt", complete with a sprig of lavender, mint or lemon verbena. Complete the look with a wooden ice cream spoon.



Pom pom car decoration; these poms are attached to the car with suction cups to prevent paint from peeling.


Envelope guest book; give a store-bought album a personal touch by affixing small gift envelopes with double-sided tape to its pages. Leave small notecards for guests to sign, and tuck them away into the album for safe keeping and easy access.



Bird place cards; instead of traditional folded tent place cards, have these cut-out birds perched on each guests's drinking or wine glass so they know where to sit.



Personalized chocolate bars; a new spin on the monogrammed candy bar label. Instead use photos from your childhood so guests get a peek into your past as a keepsake, and also a delicious treat!



Flowers-to-go favors; display vases of fresh-cut flowers around your reception room for guests to pick, and provide waterproof bags to take them home.



Creative food containers; send your guests home with a dessert in a container they'll want to use again and again.



Flower girl parasols; click here for the how-to!



Teacup centerpieces; collect vintage teacups from flea markets, fill them with candles and you have an elegant centerpiece that you can keep for a lifetime.



Dress embroidery; have your initials and wedding date embroidered on the back, or inside lining of your wedding dress.



Signature plates; have your guests sign white dishes with a permanent marker, and display them on your wall at home.



Colorful program; have your programs printed in different colors and stack them for guests to take as they enter your ceremony venue.



Customized kid's table placemats; click here for the how-to!



Fragrant garland; Lilies are abundant in the Spring, and make for a beautiful decoration that also smells delightful.


For Martha's full list of "Good Things for Spring," be sure to visit Martha Stewart Weddings! Are you incorporating any Spring-like projects into your own wedding? Do share!

Ballet Chic With Martha Stewart Weddings

Happy Monday, everyone!

I'm thrilled about today's post. You see, the ballet holds a special place in my heart, as it's a huge part of my past. So imagine my excitement when I got nuzzled into my couch yesterday afternoon, blankets perfectly spread over my legs, tootsies nice and warm and I cracked open my new issue of Martha Stewart Weddings to find an entire bridal fashion shoot devoted to the ballet. AND, and, the models are dancers from the American Ballet Theater. Ahhh! I almost yelped out in happiness. So, today my dear readers, I'm sharing these truly amazing photos with you because I'm just cool like that (but, if you enjoy all things weddings, or fashion, or ballet, you might want to run out to get your very own copy of MSW Magazine just for your own collection).

I present to you, an evening at the ballet:

(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)


Vera Wang Gown


Invitations, illustrations and calligraphy by Leigh Wells; printing by Print Icon; Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Pink, Chanel; "Cleopatra" solid perfume, Tocca; Earrings, Haute Bride; "Murillo" comb, Christina Garcia.


Wedding Gown by Reem Acra, style Queen Anne's Lace; necklace by Cartier; earrings by Harry Winston


Bride's gown by Anne Barge


Bridal gown by Amsale, style Caprice; Bridesmaids dresses by TwoBirds Bridesmaids; Headband by Jennifer Behr, style Ava


Bridal gown by Rivini, style Savia; Flower girl dresses by Dagmar Daley


Bridal gown by Jim Hjelm, style 8009


Gown, Ines Di Santo; suit by Brooks Brothers; chandeliers from save-on-crafts.com





Jenny Packham gown, style Tiara


Halter wedding dress by Wtoo Maids; "Couture" bow d'orsay pumps, Valentino; "Sunrise Amber" two-tone dress, J. Mendel; "Tres Decollete" heels, Christian Louboutin; Sleeveless tulle dress, Luisa Beccaria; "Macaroon" heels, Jinny Kim Shoes


Bridal gown by Monique Lhuillier, style Sabine


Bridal gown by Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston, style Uma


Bridal gown by Peter Langner, style Zanzibar

For full details on this lovely Ballet-Inspired Bridal Fashion Shoot, be sure to visit Martha Stewart Weddings, or pick up their new Spring 2010 issue, in stores now.

Bouquet Inspiration With Martha Stewart Weddings

Today's post is all about florals! And we're kicking off with bouquets. What better source of inspiration than the amazing editors over at Martha Stewart Weddings? Here is a sampling of what the folks at MSW consider to be great wedding bouquets that are sure to inspire. Get ready, 'cause here they come:

(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)


Anemones and white sweet peas, tied with black velvet ribbon


Striped Abracadabra and Hocus Pocus roses, marigolds, ranunculus, and rose hips


Garden cabbage roses, miniature spray roses, and hybrid roses


Hellebores, allium, sweet peas, ranunculus, and vintage silk feathers


Grape-hyacinth and lavender florets


Zinnias


Double narcissus, classic white narcissus, and tubular freesias


Carnations, Marguerite daisies, daffodils, chamomile, variegated tulips and alchemilla


Peonies, sweetpeas, azaleas, white mock orange, bell-shaped campanula, clematis, and garden roses


Nikko Blue hydrangea, blue lace flower, scabiosa and nigella


White and pink picoteed ranunculuses and translucent capiz shells


Creamy Cymbidium Lionello, astilbe and buds of society garlic

Be sure to check out all 50 Great Wedding Bouquets by visiting Martha Stewart Weddings.

Check back later today for some boutonnieres to hoot over!