{ideas} vintage hankies

i have been collecting vintage handkerchiefs for the past year to hand out as favors for the ladies..i plan to have them gathered in an old wine crate with a sign that reads something like "ladies, please take one for your tears of joy.."

today i washed, ironed and tied them with a bit of baker's twine:

i also have picked out a few to belong to myself, my girls, and the moms:

i have about 60 right now and am thinking i need at least 20 more..

i don't really have favors for the gents..is that bad? i'm thinking they don't really think of things like that and i doubt they want man-kerchiefs...what do you think?

{random} honeymoon dreamin'..

spring here is a funny thing. the hills are green, the flowers are in bloom, but quite frankly, i'm freezin' my butt off! i am so ready to be hanging out in the warm sunshine, my toes deep in the warm sand, hiding under a hat as i sip my freshly made mango mojito...

$12.99 from here.

less than $10 for both from here.


only $12.99 from here.

anybody else jonesin' for a little sunshine, warm sand, and big floppy hats?

{ideas} bay area brides + pointers

i didn't know what to expect really when i decided last minute to attend the "wedding university" on sunday. i had never been to a wedding event .. so i didn't have it anything to compare it to, but i imagined it to be some huge commercial for local vendors, lots of walking around, and lots of pushing and shoving by a bunch of bridezilla's. i was so wrong.


the event was held at four season's hotel in palo alto california (about 45 min. south of san francisco). the hotel was magical...beautiful, serene, and comfortable. we were greeted with a glass of champagne on a silver platter and were welcomed to try a freshly sliced cut of prime rib with truffle au jus, roasted brussel sprouts, and potatoes. there was an array of fresh beverages that were available throughout the day, including pelagrino, fiji water, soda's, and tea with honey or coffee.

we each were given a folder with an agenda..each bride's agenda varied to the color of her name tag, so we were split most of the day, which made for a relaxed atmosphere, as the groups were made up of about 20 girls. the mini-classes were great! not only did we learn about the vendors giving the presentations, but they were very informative...like how to choose a photographer or dj...the right questions to ask, what to look out for, and normal pricing and what to expect for each price point. i learned so much and wished there was an event like this one earlier in my planning that i could have attended. i hope to go over some of these tips within the next few weeks, but for now, enjoy some eye candy from the day:








the above designs were created by:
paper :: chewing the cud
flowers :: nancy liu chin florals
design :: sash and sugar
lighting :: enhanced lighting
tabletops :: hartman studios
linens :: wildflower linens

and the event was hosted by jubilee lau events

{ideas} glowing inspiration...

a coworker of mine recently got engaged and she was kind enough to let me share her gorgeous inspiration board with you...

i like that her first inspiration board totally focuses on the mood and setting...she calls it "lights & leaves." she is determined to have a plethora of lanterns and soft candlelight amidst an umbrella of trees...just beautiful.

{ideas} unexpected inspiration

when we start planning a wedding, we naturally think of all the common places to have our ceremony and receptions including churches, homes, parks, hotels, or even our favorite restaurants..but did you ever think that a zoo could be the perfect place to say "i do?" me neither..until i saw this on herecomestheguide.com:

from here.

and with rental fees at $300–5,200 depending on space and time rented ...you could definitely celebrate like animals.

{ideas} $500 or less contest

a while back, diy bride posted a contest for an inspiration board that included a dress, accessories, and shoes for a bride that would cost less than $500. I sent one in immediately, and it's finally posted on the site! There are lots of other creative ideas, so if you are looking for a way to cut down on cost, definitely check it out. here's mine:

{ideas} beautiful inspiration

i just love this pic, and i have to admit, i am a huge fan of anne hathaway...

from here

{random} from boulder with love...

hi y'all...i haven't been ignoring you...i promise...i'm working from boulder, colorado this week on a new project and am very busy...but i do want to share a few things with you..

first...here is the view from my lovely hotel room: (p.s. sorry about the quality of pics..they are from my cell phone)


next up...it's funny where you find sources of inspiration...and how when you are planning a wedding...everything around you that you like...you try to figure out how you can incorporate into the big day! this photo is also from my cell phone, taken in the lounge area of my hotel room...they are bright yellow tulips, in a black modern vase, placed on a traditional table of marble and brass. i know..sounds strange, but oh so lovely..


i'll have more for you later..but for now, i think i'll sip my wine and relax in a nice warm bath...