Pretty Picnics

May 16, 2011   

Yay!!  It’s Picnic Time!!

I don’t know about you but I LOVE picnics.  They’re cozy, intimate and sweet.  Hmmm…  sounds like a perfect wedding theme to me!

The orange pillows look comfy and inviting.  They are a great pop of color for this picnic wedding.

via Jules Wedding Ideas

This picnic is adorable.  The patterned blanket, overflowing basket and use of crates is fantastic.

via Tinywater

I love how the blankets form the aisle for this picnic wedding.  GREAT set up!

via Manolo for the Brides

You can’t have a picnic without a fabulous quilt.  And why would you?  Look how cozy they look.

via The Stories of A to Z

The checkered tablecloth…That’s right up there along with the quilt.  A picnic must-have. 

via Style Crush

I can only assume the single pink blanket is the sweetheart table blanket.  Adorable, right?!?

via Project Wedding

The pillar candles bring elegance to this picnic wedding table.

via Elizabeth Anne Designs

bridesmaids picnic wedding

PB&J, strawberries and those sweet bridesmaid dresses… AYKM??  This is the PERFECT picnic wedding!!

via Green Wedding Shoes

Supplying extra pillows is an idea I’m sure your guests will appreciate.

via The Abbey Blog

I will leave you with this image.  It’s too gorgeous not too :) !

via Classic Bride

What to toss

January 25, 2011   

Can’t decide on what to have tossed at you and your groom after you say your “I DOs”?….  Sometimes the smallest wedding details are the hardest to decide on. With that said, the tiny details are what make your wedding special, unique, and stand out from the rest. So don’t let this detail go undone. 

 If you’re looking for some inspiration you have come to the right place.  Libby’s got your back ;)   !!  Here are some of my ideas.  Please let me know what you think or if there are any I forgot!

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Rice:     This is an obvious choice but *yawn* it’s so predictable.  It is tradition though.  Rice grows abundantly and quickly, so is seen as  a symbol for fertility. Guests throw rice at the couple to ensure prosperity and fertility.  If you were thinking of using rice because you like to follow tradition, go for it (as long as you don’t mind picking it out of your hair the entire night). Don’t let me or the popular belief that rice is harmful for birds deter your decision.  It’s just my opinion and the whole rice/bird thing  is totally FALSE.  However, you do want to be cautious because once thrown, a hard surface covered in rice will be slippery to walk on.

found at Minneapolis + St Paul

 

Birdseed:     Another popular choice, very similar to rice.  And though birds will eat the rice, they will most likely clean up the birdseed in a more timely manner.  That is why I prefer seed over the rice.  It doubles as something to throw but also feeds some feathered friends… VERY ecofriendly.

found at Dinofa.  Be sure to check out the rest of this wedding.  It is Super SUPER cute! And while you’re there browse around… Tim and Lauren always have some great eye candy!

 

Bubbles:  Another popular option is to blow bubbles.  I think bubbles look fab in photos.  However, the weather doesn’t always cooperate.  If it is extremely windy the bubbles don’t stay around very long making the photographs a bit tricky to capture.  But on a positive note, they are very inexpensive and if you plan to have kids around… PERFECT.  What kid doesn’t LOVE bubbles.  This will keep them occupied and they would enjoy blowing as many bubbles as you need to get the photos just right!  They also double as a cute little favor!

found at The Knot.

 

Confetti:     I would stay away from confetti.  Talk about a serious mess!  However, I would TOTALLY recommend ECO-FRIENDLY CONFETTI!!!  What is eco-friendly confetti?  Well I’m glad you asked.  It is confetti that actually melts away.  Yes, that’s right…. biodegradable confetti….. PERFECT!!!  It comes in many colors and even styles. You can purchase Eco-Friendly Confetti at Beau Coup or another online vendor. 

 

found at Aisle Dash

 

Flower Petals:  They come in an endless array of colors.  You can buy real or artificial (Although, if you buy the fakes or are inside… you will need to clean up afterwards).  Petals are commonly thrown and look very nice but I suggest adding some lavender buds  into the mix.  If you do, it will bulk up the petals a bit so you won’t need as many but even better than that… It will smell AMAZING!

found at NY City Weddings

 

 

Bells:  Okay, so you don’t actually throw the bells.  I love this idea because ringing some wedding bells after the ceremony is such a change of pace.  Bells come in different shapes and sizes and can be tied on different colored ribbon, depending on the color scheme.  I also think this is a great idea if you are having a videographer.  It will look cool in pictures, but will sound beautifully and will be appreciated more so via video.  I have been to a wedding where the bells were also rung at the reception signaling the bride and groom to kiss.  CUTE idea!  They were placed in a basket in the church lobby with a sign that read :

I’m a little wedding bell

I’m here to wish the couple well

Ring me loud and ring me clear

When the bride and groom appear

Ring me at the reception too

So they may share a kiss or two

 lex pix 034

This is a photo from one of our featured weddings Heather and James

 

Ribbon Wands:  I love a great DIY project so this idea is right up my alley.  With endless color options ribbon wands can fit ANY wedding scheme.  And look how amazing they photograph.  What a wonderful project for you and some bridesmaids :)

found at the ONE and ONLY RUFFLED.  Oh Ruffled, how I love thee…..Be sure to check out their site for a fabulously easy  DIY Ribbon Wand Tutorial!     

  

Paper Airplanes:  LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea.  Super cute and inexpensive.  Just get some scrapbook paper and start folding!  How unexpected and fun!  Visit eHow for an easy paper plane folding tutorial.

found at The Knot

 

Doves:  This is definitely different!  And believe it or not, there are quite a few Dove vendors out there.  Lasting Memories is just one, but you could Google it and I’m betting there is a vendor or two near you!  This would be unforgettable and make for wonderful photos.

found at Something Pink Girls

 

Butterflies:  Not sure about releasing Doves?  How about butterflies??  You could order them from Butterfly Weddings, or again use Google to find a vendor in your area.  I think butterflies are a lovely option and a MUST HAVE for a garden wedding!  Just look how gorgeous they can be…

found at Butterfly Sales Outlet

 

Balloons:  You could hand each of your guests a balloon as they leave the ceremony. When they  release them when you make you grand exit, your photographer has no choice but to snap a great photo.  I have heard of brides leaving notes on the end of each balloon so when they eventually land, whoever discovers it, has the story behind it!  I must admit, though I think this is a cute idea, I’m not a huge fan.  You never know where the balloons will end up which makes them a possible hazard and littered around town.  Balloons are one of the least eco-friendly option!

found at Once Wed

 

Sparklers:  If you are having an evening ceremony, I adore this idea. There are some cons though… You must be cautious with the children, the embers could fall and damage clothing, and be careful if you are standing near a building.  The amount of sparklers being used will result in a fair amount of smoke. This is why I love the idea for a beach ceremony!  If you are near your ceremony site,  close venue doors and allow smoke to recede before opening them back up again.  Okay, we went over the cons…. How about the pros…  VERY inexpensive, EXTREMELY fun, and look how GORGEOUS….

found at Erin Ax Events

 

 Chinese Wish Lanterns:     Although they seem like a fire hazard, Wish Lanterns are safe to use.  They have been used for hundreds of years and made of flame resistant material and are biodegradable (although I would double-check that any lanterns you purchase follow that criteria).  Not only are they safe and eco-friendly… again, they make for stunning photos…

found at Wish Lantern

A Perfect Pear

January 4, 2011   

Before the holidays, I told you about some inspiration boards I put together for a party I was planning.  I have already posted my Picture Perfect inspo board.  Today I’m sharing A Perfect Pear.  I love this idea for a bridal shower or wedding. If you are creative enough, this theme could also be tweaked  for a twin baby shower. What are your thoughts?

A Perfect Pear

Winterize your wedding – Part II

December 9, 2010   

If you missed Part I of Winterize your wedding, be sure to check it out.  It is full of winter wedding attire ideas.  Right now, it’s time for our second edition. I hope you enjoy! …..

Part II

Winter Wedding Ideas

This is just gorgeous isn’t it?  I love the effect the blue light has in the room.  Gives a cool and icy feel.  A purple tint also looks winter-y, but I prefer the blue!  Fairly easy way to enhance your wedding venue.

Found on Brenda’s Wedding Blog

A very popular DIY project winter brides take on is ice kissed branches .  Look how dramatic this aisle looks lined with them.  It’s a statement detail that is very easy to achieve.  I found this over at Weddingbee and thought it was way too fab not to share with you.  Check out their site for their simple 3-step tutorial.

How cute are these girls? Rather than bouquets why not let your bridesmaids wear muffs down the aisle.  A very untraditional idea, which I love!

Found on Wedding Wire

This is an adorable ring pillow that can only be pulled of in the winter.  It also has a matching flower girl basket….

Found at Wedding Ideas

I searched and searched but I couldn’t find a better picture of my next idea….. Aisle snow.  Something different for your flower girl (snow fairy) to throw.  It’s a little trickier to clean up, but definitely a creative touch.  You can find the snow at almost any craft store or order some online. Party Package would be a good site to use.

Found at The Knot

And while you have snow, why not have your guests throw that after the ceremony rather than the traditional rice or bubbles.  You could get creative in the packaging and add a little saying….

The wedding is over

 To the reception we go

 On our way out

Please throw some snow

Photography by Helen Maybanks

Saying by yours truly ;)

A wreath is seasonal and one of the easiest ways to dress up church doors.

found at Flickr

Not getting married in a church?  Have you considered braving the cold and marrying outside? I love this idea, especially if you live in a snowy area. Have your guests bundle up and take advantage of a stunning snowy backdrop.  If you are worried about your guests, you could provide more warmth with blankets that coordinate with your wedding colors.

Found at Eleven Senses

I found this cute blanket display at Weddingbee.

How FUN is this.  A skating wedding. AYKM!!!!

found at Bellies and Babys

For a dramatic departure rent a gorgeous sleigh to take you and your groom away.  Of course snow is a necessity, but if you have it, this is a getaway you, family and friends will remember for a lifetime!

DIY – Cake stand

December 2, 2010   

Looking for a cake stand?  Why not make your own?  Here are a few great DIY stand ideas I have come across during my daily blog stalking!  :)

DIY CAKE STAND #1

I found this over at Hostess with the Mostess.  I thought it was very cute and extremely easy to customize.  It’s probably the trickiest to assemble (It’s not really that hard, especially if you’re a crafty gal… or guy) but oh-so worth the effort. 

Materials needed:

 - Corrugated cake boards
 - Canned goods (unopened)
 - Several sheets of scrapbooking-weight paper
 - Tools: x-acto knife, ruler, cutting mat, pencil, rubber bands, non-toxic glue

For a full tutorial at  Hostess with the Mostess, click here.

 

DIY CAKE STAND #2

This one is fairly simple and again, customizable.  I found this idea at Eat*Drink*Pretty.  You can visit the site to see their full tutorial. 

Materials needed

- 1 plate
- 1 candle stick or goblet
- Epoxy
- 1 heavy book
- 1 can of spray paint
- a sheet or paper to protect surfaces while painting


Look how lovely the finished project is.  This looks totally store-bought and is a great holiday gift idea!

 

DIY CAKE STAND #3

I found this tree-ific stand at Project Wedding. Visit them for a tutorial if you’d like to attempt this one.  It is a great idea for the fall wedding season and I just love the carved initials!!

 

DIY CAKE STAND #4

This cake stand was saved for last because it is my personal favorite!  It is similar to the 2nd but with a vintage twist, which I LOVE! 

What you would need to replicate this beauty…

  • vintage plate
  • glass candlestick
  • crystal drawer pull (this is optional)
  • epoxy glue (slow drying if you are making more than one vintage cake stand)
  • ruler
  • Sharpie
  • Popsicle stick
  • Q-tip
  • something to mix your epoxy in
  •  

    I found this over at Intimate Weddings.  Go to their site for a great tutorial on how to make your very own vintage cake stand.

    ******************************

    Well, there you have it…. Cake stands galore!  I hope you love these as much as I do.   If you are super cool and decide to tackle any of these, please PLEASE send me a photo.  If it’s fab, I’ll post it in Libby Land!!!

    Peacock Love

    December 3, 2009   

    I love the colors in a peacock feather, they look fantastic translated into a color scheme!

    Found on Always a Blogsmaid via StudioWed

    Found on Paper Olive

    New Years is fast approaching

    December 2, 2009   

    Oh New Years, I have been thinking about you a lot lately! What a great date for a reception, your family and friends are already celebrating why not provide the great drinks, great food, music, and dancing! It would be a New Year’s no one would forget.
    New Year's Eve

    Credits: Atrendy Wedding, Kristin Vining Photography (4), Lillywillow Paper and Press, ON PAPER, Belathee, Belathee Photography, Jake McBride, Christian Oth Studio, Q Weddings, Kendall Brown, Kate Webber

    Weekend Wrap-up

    October 9, 2009   

    I totally had a different plan for today’s post but I have seen so many fantastic weddings this week that I had to share.

     

    tent-option-1
    I posted about this yesterday but today Millie Holloman posted the rest of the images, so beautiful!

     

    IMG_4061
    Can you see the love? This couple had such a fantastic wedding, I love every detail. A must see for all wedding lovers, photographed by Jessica Strickland.

     

    NEWJLP59021
    Photographed by Jeremy Lawson, he has a great shooting style. The wedding was chic and one heck of a party.

     

    BlogDamarisDonald0015
    Tyra Banks would be proud of this picture. Photographed by the amazing Jasmine Star, the wedding was full of elegant details.

     

    bouquets
    Color, color and more color…this wedding was brighter than a bag of Skittles!
    Photographed by Vue Photography

    Amazing Wedding

    October 1, 2009   

    Can you imagine getting married here? 
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    I am so in love with this wedding, it started at Battery Park in NYC.  The whole event was planned by Always a Blogmaid (another favorite read) and photographed by Robert Wagner
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    No detail was left out and the guests took a ferry over to Ellis Island for the reception…amazing.
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    untitled

    Always a Blogmaid has more picture coming….

    The Main Attraction

    September 30, 2009   

    And by main attraction I mean the dress, of course. I have seen some great dresses posted this week and it’s only Wednesday. Check these out.

    IMG_9784
    Simply stunning
    Posted and Photographed by Jessica Strickland

    l
    The lace…the bow…so charming
    Posted and Photographed by Amanda at Millie Holloman

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    AYKM with the flow of this dress, love it!
    Posted and Photographed by Janae Shields

    30s-style-wedding
    30’s inspired
    Posted on Once Wed
    Photography by Jessica Johnston

    3966966454_68e0e5632d_o
    I love Hindi weddings, the colors are always so amazing.
    Posted and Photographed by Robert Wagner