the fairmount bride

Gifts for your Bridesmaids

I keep thinking about what I am going to do for gifts for my bridesmaids, and when I saw Myna Bags, I was instantly inspired.  Not only do they have super cute bags that you can buy off of their site, but they will work with you to create and design the bag you want. 

I love the idea of picking the fabric and adding various beading or ribbon, to match each of the girls personalities.  And every girl can always use another cute bag! 

(photos from Myna Bags)

Va Va Voom

When it comes to bridal style on the big day, a lot of brides opt for the neutral colored nails and toes, gorgeous makeup, with light pink lips and dazzling eyes.  I think that these choices are always beautiful, but there is something to be said with spicing it up and going for a bright color on your nails, toes and/or lips.  Like a dark red. 

I love the steamy elegance that dark red lips bring, it's so dramatic, but not overpowering or obnoxious.  And I have thought for a long time that I will do my nails and toes in a dark red, just for added sass, and really because that is what I like.  But, I am curious as to whether I am in the majority or minority when it comes to changing it up, and would love to hear other thoughts on the subject.   To color or not to color?

(photos from Eleise Theuer Photography)

Fabulously Fun

I think it's great when a bride and groom are visibly having a blast at their own wedding.   It isn't all that unusual to watch two people get married and spend their reception going through the motions, almost so concerned that everything is properly done that they forget to have fun themselves.  I think that's why this wedding, done by Whitebox Weddings, was so appealing to me.  Their amazing talent captured a very fun loving couple, and bridal party, thoroughly enjoying the big day!

Very cool shot of the bridal party.

This is great!  Props will definitely make for a good time and great pictures! 

I just thought this picture was amazing.

   

The pink and light green work so well together, and I love the simplicity of the design and details.  Not to mention that the natural light of the venue makes this room just pop!

More fun details, especially the portrait of them on the wall.  Great touch!

Everybody needs "the best wedding guest ever!"

And the happy couple, clearly enjoying themselves! 

There are more pictures of this fabulous and fun wedding on Whitebox Wedding's website, so head on over and check them out! 

(photos from Whitebox Weddings)

Who Me?

A city girl at heart, I find the idea of moving to the suburbs at this particular point in my life to be frightening.  However, I will say that if my life winds down that road, and moving to better school systems is an inevitability, this is the suburban housewife you can probably expect me to be...  Love it! 

(photo from Eleise Theuer Photography)

Mind your Manners

Growing up in a household where thank you notes were a must for every present given, with each note being personalized to both the person, as well as the gift, I am fully prepared for the thank you note writing process that is about to ensue.  These days with engagement, shower and wedding gifts being the norm, a girl needs to be able to have fun and cute note cards to pen each of those properly written thank you's.  That's where Fabulous Stationary comes in quite handy!  Located right here in Philadelphia, but also available online, their designs are inspired, and the modern edge definitely gives them a wonderful uniqueness.

For the bride-to-be, perhaps these custom designs would fit the bill for all those shower gifts:

Now that your a two-some, perhaps all that wedding gift appreciation would be better suited with one these:

And lest we forget the all import calling card to tell people where your new digs are located:

These are just a few of the samples that are provided at Fabulous Stationary, so make sure to pay their website a visit.  Your guests will "thank you."

(photos from Fabulous Stationary)

You Think You Know... Tag.

I just got tagged by Amy over at Fiance Meeting You Here!    It's my first time being tagged, so I hope I am doing this right..

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was 19, and had just finished my first year of college at Indiana University.  I was back home for the summer, waitressing and bartending to earn cash, and trying to explain to my parents that a year away at college totally meant I was an adult and didn't have to follow their rules anymore.  That argument fell on deaf ears...

2. What 5 things were/are on your to-do list today?

Well, I already accomplished two of them, which was to workout when I woke up and then get on a conference call for work.  The next three things I have to do are finish a report for work, get my hair cut and highlighted, and meet up with friends for happy hour.  A very much need happy hour!

3. Snacks you enjoy?

Pretzels, any kind of fruit, baby carrots, and nuts. 

4. Places you have lived?

Troy, MI; Bethlehem, PA; Morristown, NJ; Wayland, MA; Lower Gwynedd, PA; Bloomington, IN; Philadelphia, PA

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?

Learn how to Dance Like a Star, Travel whenever and wherever, Raise money for various charities, Never wear the same thing twice, and pay my friend's salaries so they didn't have to work and could do all these fun things with me!  :) 

Now, this is when I tag someone else, right?  Ok, I'll tag Polka Dot Bride.

I Heard it Through the Grapevine

Still in the stages of finalizing the layout of our invites with my designer Meredith, and in doing research have found some extraordinary talent out there.  My latest find is Grapevine, whose owner Karen believes strongly in your stationary telling the story of your wedding.  Judging by her online portfolio, she is a fantastic story teller!  A few of my favs...

I love that it comes all tied together in a little metal compact!

   

A ceremony paddle fan for perhaps an outdoor wedding.  In Florida...?

These are great way to get your guests excited for a destination wedding! 

See more of Karen's portfolio on her website.

(photos from Grapevine)

Puppy Love

In this blogging world that I have found myself apart of, I have to admit that one of my favorite places to go are photography blogs.  You could probably glean a bit of this since I continue to post about real weddings, and all the detail that makes them great.  But, without a great photographer, these amazing images would never be captured.  Which brings me to Josh and Michelle, the fantastically talented duo behind mi belle.  Their photos are amazing, and the following wedding is just one of many that I plan on showcasing.   Happy Wednesday!

I'm having a small love affair with colors used in these bouquets, especially the green orchids used in both and the purple accents in the bridesmaid bouquet.

Another small love affair is being had with his tie. 

Their floral archway is beautiful.

I love that they incorporated their dogs into the wedding.  It may be the best detail of the whole event.  And the first of the two pics is absolutely priceless!

   

I think every bride should wear cowboy boots, but that's the country music loving influence coming out!

Beautiful reception details.  Again, the flowers are just gorgeous.

This is a great sequence of the bride and groom watching the maid of honor give her speech.  So great!

By far, my favorite shot...

Thank you Josh and Michelle for sharing these wonderful pictures!  You can see more of their fabu work on their website and blog.

(photos from mi belle)

A Fun Giveaway

I just want to let you guys know that EZ, over at Creature Comforts, is have a fabulous birthday giveaway extravaganza to celebrate her blog turning 1!  In case you have never been, her blog is a design mecca and is a daily read of mine.  Plus, I love how she put the contest together, with submissions being a comment to the post of your favorite quote.   I was reading through them, and there is some pretty great inspiration, not to mention, some odd, and quite a few funny.  Oh, and did I mention the loot she is giving away?!!  Head on over, and check it out! 

Hip, Hip Hooray for Tissue PomPoms

I have been grappling with my floral budget of recent.  I would like to think it is unlimited, but then I realize that the depths of my pockets unfortunately don't reflect the depths of my floral appreciation.  I came upon a wedding that was profile on Snippet & Ink, and saw these tissue pom-pom's used as ceremony decor and was instantly hooked!

Rather than spending the money to have flowers on the chairs at the reception, I could create these in the deep pink color we are using for flowers and decor.  I think that they are super cute, and are an amazing cost saver!  And fishing around Martha Stewart, I was able to find this link , which gives a step by step tutorial on how to make them.  Now, all I have to do is figure out how I am going to get them to Florida...

(photos from Jessica Johnston, via Snippet & Ink)