Handmade Weddings

I. love. etsy. Seriously. I think it is possibly the coolest site on the whole wide web. A treasure trove of unique (and usually cheap) jewelry, clothing, candy, furniture, artwork etc etc. If you can make it, you can sell it on etsy.com. While trolling for inspiration the other day, I came upon some fantastic finds just perfect for a handmade wedding. And while I am the first to extoll the virtues of a real flower versus a faux (the scent! the texture! the ephemeral-ness!) some of these paper flowers and pom poms are just divine!


twigs & honey shop: myrakim
Kari Herer Photography
Party Poms
paper platypus

Why I love Shutterfly…

I recently started posting some of my events on a Shutterfly page (http://finchandthistle.shutterfly.com/) and I wanted to share how fun and easy it is to make a professional looking (and free) website with their new member pages. You will have to sign up with Shutterfly (also free) to make a site, but once you are a member they have numerous layouts and doo-dads (is that a technical term?) that you can add on. Very cool. The best part is that anyone you direct to the site can download your pictures to print or post on the internet. What a great way to share family photos! And don’t even get me started on the photo books…I am in the process of putting together some formal portfolio books right now and couldn’t be more excited about having a professionally printed, bound book to show future clients.

Inspiration – Ballard Farmer’s Market

Inspiration from a stroll around the Ballard farmer’s market yesterday ~

Found Objects

Green and eco-friendly weddings are no longer a trend; they are an increasingly popular way to showcase a couple’s creativity in a recession. Brides everywhere are looking to spend their budgets wisely and an everlasting centerpiece is a frugal and easy way to go.

As I was spring cleaning yesterday, it occured to me that my house is filled with items that could easily double as cheap but elegant centerpieces. Found objects in glass fishbowls, orchid plants in silver julep cups and succulents planted in Japanese noodle bowls can all be found in various nooks of my house and each of these ideas cost under $15 to put together!

As you plan your wedding or special event, take a look around your home, your garden, your local park to see what you might have lying around that can play a part in your big day. Glass lanterns in your backyard? Fairy lights in your attic? Breakfast bowls to use as vases? Moss covered branches? Baskets? All can be repurposed for your big day, stunning your friends with your creativity and leaving you a little extra money for that honeymoon…

Kay & Matt, May 2009

A small sampling from last weekend’s wedding…

Bride

Groom

Bridesmaids

Groomsmen

Mothers

Fathers & Grandfathers

Ring Bearer