Bringing in the sunshine

I am really not a fan of winter, the grayness and blues that it brings to my emotions is really horrible. Having experienced a cold below freezing winter here on the east coast I thought that I would try to usher in Spring, with its warmth and sunny yellow hues. I chose yellow because it is suggested that it brightens up grays and blues in the world of color. Yellow is warm and cheerful, and if you could close your eyes you can almost feel the warmth of the sun. Here is my inspirational yellow board with some of my web finds.



1.86 ct. t.w. Yellow Diamond Bridal Ring




Yellow etsy bag - Edens Elegance

Augusta Peep Toes $225 J.Crew

Yellow bouquet
Asiatic Lily, roses, Alsrtomeria, Rannunculus, Stock, wax and Salal


Yellow Flowers Wedding Invite



Yellow Jade & Copper Necklace set

Be Inspired by bright, sunny yellow

Calligraphy: A Special Touch

Your wedding invitations say so much. They set the stage for your beautiful day; give a hint of your colors and formality. They can leave a lasting impression. Why not enhance the presentation of your wedding invitations by working with a calligrapher? In fact you can add a calligrapher's touch to escort and seating cards,menus, programs and more. Calligraphy has a long history that you will surely be interested in.

One resource that can offer this service to you is Connecticut Calligraphy. Connecticut Calligraphy serves clients in Connecticut and New York City. Judy Mitchell is the owner and head designer of Connecticut Calligraphy. She has been hand lettering for more than 25 years. She has a wealth of experience in a various elegant lettering styles including Copperplate and Italics. Judy is member of The New York Scribe Society and has studied at workshops and with premiere professional calligraphers. You can contact Judy at Connecticut Calligraphy to set up an appointment to meet in person or virtually, she would be happy to show you her extensive portfolio.

Another resource is Calligraphy by Nan Deluca conveniently located in the heart of Greenwich Village, NYC, Calligraphy by Nan Deluca serves clients across the United States. She has been working in the art of calligraphy for 17 years and is also a member of the the New York Scribe Society. You can contact her between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm EST to set up an appointment. Visit her site when to answer any questions you may have in regards to calligraphy or if you are ready to work with Nan Deluca.

Be inspired by a elegant art form!!!!!!

Budget Weddings

Brides are looking for ways to cut cost in various areas of their weddings. Cutting costs does not mean that you have to sacrifices your vision or the quality of the items that you will have for your wedding.

If I had to select one resource to refer budget brides to it would be Save on Crafts. The items that are available on this site to enhance your wedding day are limitless. Some of the products available to you are Floral Supplies, , Lights, string lights, LED lights, Wedding Supplies, Party Supplies, Silk Flowers & Garlands, Discount Vases, Tulle , Favor Supplies, Wedding Bird Cages, Charger & Base Plates.

Lighting can enhance your decor ten fold, Save on Crafts offers elegant event lighting decor options.


Last Photo is from Lasting Impressions Event Design for the Discriminating, Tulsa, OK

Anything that you can possibly need to make beautiful centerpieces is available. From the containers to the preserved roses in varying shades. With the wide selection offered by Save on Crafts, you can plan for a rustic centerpiece with branches and moss or a traditional look with roses in an antique silver plated bowl.


Not sure how to use all that is available to you? Save on Crafts also has a selection of books to set you on the right path. See their Projects & Inspiration section for step by step directions to working with various products.

It does not take much to make a huge impact so don't do any impulse buying; this can leave you with a whole lot of items that may not work together. In addition, you will have wasted alot of money. Be deliberate in your choices. Look through magazines and websites for inspiration and then decide what you will need to get those looks for less.

Save on Crafts is definitely a one stop shopping experience with great products but remember your ultimate goal is to get your dream look while saving money.

Be inspired to plan a beautiful event for less!!!!

Bridesmaids Dresses: The Dessy Group

The Dessy Group was awarded “2009 Best Bridesmaids Collection” by the Bridal Buyers Award. Why? The Dessy Group houses a wide collection of amazing bridesmaids dresses from Alfred Sung, Lela Rose, After Six, and The Dessy Collection by Vivian Diamond. For Spring 2010 they have over 80 new styles. These bridesmaid dresses are available in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics; you will not encounter a problem selecting the best dress to fit the style and color of your wedding.

On their user friendly website you are able to coordinate accessories, view bridesmaid dress trends, search by colors, styles, fabrics, and more. To enhance your bridal parties coordinated look browse the accessories available for the men in your wedding. Color coordination is made easy with Pantone color swatch cards. These cards will help you to communicate your wedding color choices to your vendors. Not sure on what color you want, the Dessy Group has a PANTONE WEDDING™ Color Fan Guide which is a great wedding tool to help to choose a color scheme and communicate your exact color vision.

The Dessy collection is available through various retailers and their site allows you to search for retailer near you. With locations in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland, and Australia you will be sure to find a retailer in your local area.



Top Left: style 6557
Bottom Left: style 6587
Center: style 6554
Top Right: style 6561
Bottom Right: style 6562

2010: People, Product and Ideas that will inspire

I was reading an article about the top 50 people, products and Ideas that will inspire us in 2010. We can find inspiration for our lives, our art, or work in many places, so I was really interested in checking out this list. Here are a few of their choices that I thought would be inspirational to Inspired's readers.

The Healthy Bride

The Healthy Bride wants to assist brides in feeling fit and looking fabulous on the way down the aisle. They also strive to "train you for life" so that you could stay that way after your wedding. Among The Healthy Bride pages you will find Bridal Fitness information and Workouts, even the ability to download these workouts to your MP3. Personal and Web training programs, wedding Weight loss articles, and podcasts. For Brides in the Seattle area you can sign up for Bridal Bootcamp Workouts. Cheers to The Healthy Bride who will continue to inspire future brides to a lifetime of healthy living.

Eddie Ross

The great thing about inspiration is that it can come from so many different sources. Have you chosen wedding colors and wondered how they will work together? Need some ideas for centerpieces? Hosting a pre-wedding party. Visit lyfestyle expert Eddie Ross at Eddieross.com to get the inspiration you need. Eddie has gone from catering to giving antiques new life to Senior Style Editor of Martha Stewart Living and competitor on Bravo's Top Design. With every step he has shared his passions in print and televised specials. He currently shares his years of fleamarket finds in his Etsy shop, where you will find beautiful handpicked finds all under $100.00.

Etsy

Well, I love Etsy.com. A marketplace for crafters and artisans with many wonderful finds in every category. Need something for your wedding, there are over 183,325 unique finds ranging from favors to invitations to dresses. Check out Etsy.com and get hooked. Check out Etsy Weddings, a blog that shares unique "offbeat finds for the eclectic bride".

Inspired January Giveaway: Mini Clutch

I featured these clutches on my blog in July and I loved them. I actually fell in love with a lot of items in this Etsy shop. I thought the clutches would make great bridesmaids gifts. The *lola mini* clutch is cute and perfect for girls-on-the-go... it's a great size clutch that can fit into your purse so you can bring your everyday make-up or other things to work (although I think they are too stylish to be a make-up bag. It can also fit snugly in your hand or under your arm if you wanted to take it out for the night with your best girls. Andrea of Amarie, enjoys working with silk, satin, pearlescent paper, brocade and has some great designs.

Amarie will sponsor this month's giveaway. One winner will go away with a mini custom clutch. The winner may select from a wide variety of fabrics.

Here is how to enter:

1. Subscribe to this post via RSS Feed or email.

2. Visit our sponsor, http://www.etsy.com/shop/loveamarie

3. Come back and post a comment about one other item in the shop.

4. End your comment with January giveaway

5. You will earn 1 extra entries for advertising this giveaway on Twitter, your blog or any other social site, (please do not advertise on Facebook) . Come back and post a comment with the link to earn your extra entry.

6. You may enter daily, come back and comment on any other post, end your comment with "January Giveaway"

Saying Thank you to your guests

Sending thank-you notes to wedding guests and participants (wedding party, clergy, vendors, musicians, etc.) can be overwhelming, but it’s it is not something that you can opt out of. You may not be sure of the proper way of expressing your gratitude, however their are many guides available to help you through the process and give you the complete know–how.

Why is a thank you necessary?

A thank–you note lets guests know their gift was received, alleviating the concern that a gift was not delivered (lost in mail, nabbed from gift table, etc.) and offers gratitude for their consideration.

To be prepared to write your thank yous order with your invitations. Matching thank you cards are available with your invitation ensembles.

Now through February 5, 2010, you can receive a free thank you guide when you purchase your Wedding invitations from Aleximani Events. Aleximani Events offers a large selection of wedding invitations by Carlson Craft.

Pockets Collection



Additional ideas for making the most of this promotional item:
Order enough to have on hand for immediate delivery upon purchase.
Include as a gift for bridal couples placing large orders.

WR6769-775IG

MRN9360-714


WRF1681-65

Historic Wedding Venues: NY

Choosing the venue where you will have your wedding is an exciting process. Your venue choice will be influenced by many personal requirements. If one of your requirements is having your wedding in a historical site then the NYIT de Seversky Center will be a fabulous choice.

Located in located on the Campus of Old Westbury it is considered a gold coast mansion. The Neo Classical Georgian Mansion was part of a stretch of famous estates on Long Island's North Shore.

The Mansion is available for a multitude of special occasions and weddings. Depending on the type of event that you are having the mansion can accommodate up to 400 guests. You are able to have your ceremony on location along with your reception. This location is excellent to capture your beautiful day and can be rented for photography purposes only. Work with the Executive chef if you need to create menus to meet special needs; contact the Events Coordinator for Kosher events. The menu items available for weddings are endless and include exquisite culinary delights such as Thyme scented wild mushroom ravioli and Herb infused crab cakes. Executive Chef and General Manager, Robert J. Rizzuto the finest gourmet dining experience for your wedding and other events.

Contact Pilar Visconti, Event Coordinator at 516-686-7185 to book you wedding. Click here for directions.

New York City Events at Dyker Beach Golf Course

Dyker Beach, a true gem in the heart of Brooklyn, is one of the oldest and most historic courses in New York City. It was first opened in the late 1890’s as a private club. In the 1950s and 1960s, Dyker Beach was the most played course in the world with over 100,000 rounds played annually on average.

Dyker Beach can accommodate up to 275 guests in their new banquet hall featuring golf course views. Dyker Beach can also accommodate outdoor ceremony and reception locations for your special day.

To book your event or schedule a tour at Dyker Beach’s new venue, contact one of our sales representatives at 718-836-9722.

Tarrytown House Estate & Conference Center



Nestled in the heart of “Sleepy Hollow Country”, the Tarrytown House Estate has long been a cornerstone of the historic Hudson Valley region of New York. If the estate walls could talk you would be able to listen to wealthy families of tobacco and railroad industries of a bygone era. This site was also hosts to countless galas and events thrown by the wealthy.

Located in the historic Hudson Valley, NY, less than an hour from the heart of Manhattan, Tarrytown House boast great views and a great location for a destination weekend wedding. Its within driving distance of New York's many historic sites and mansions perfect activity for your destination wedding guests.

Host your beautiful event in the private setting offered by Tarrytown House Estate & Conference Center. Its seasoned staff of professionals will provide you with top notch service. Tarrytown House Estate & Conference Center is the perfect location for Hudson Valley weddings and events.

Wedding Registry: Be a Queen for a Day

While going through the many catalogs that come into my home, I came across a great wedding registry idea developed by Crate & Barrel.

They will let you as a bride-to-be enjoy the royal treatment by letting you have the entire store to yourself to create your registry. You will have direct access to advisors and meet other brides while enjoying food, drink and fun.

You will need to make reservations to take part in this special event. To make reservations and to find locations near you, visit http://www.crateandbarrel.com/Gift-Registry/Events.aspx

Fabulous Finds around the Web

I love when I come across unique finds on the web. Just the name of this Etsy shop makes you want to take a peek, Wine Coutures. I was also excited to discover that all of the wine charms and wine bottle necklaces were made from made from 50% to 90% recycled materials. I view the world through "wedding colored glasses" so everything I come across becomes a wedding related item; whether in inspiration or actual function. This is what happened with Wedding Coutures, my mind started racing at all the possible ways that these beautiful wine glass charms and wine bottle charms could be incorporated in your wedding.



The first function to me was decor. Adding a little bling to the wine bottles that will be used at your wedding reception or pre-wedding parties would be great.



Wedding favors

Maybe you are having a wine theme to your wedding. A set of two wine charms wrapped in a nice box would make a great wine themed favor. Possibly a different set for every guests, this will allow for Wine Coutures to continue her philosophy of eco-friendly wine charms.



Bridal party gifts

Do you have a wine connoisseur in your bridal party? A set of these wine charms would be great, maybe even a set of wine charms with a wine bottle necklaces. Maybe you have an old damaged pearl necklace that belonged to your Grandma, Michelle the creative owner of Wine Connoisseur, would be happy to work with your to create a custom order. This would make a nice gift for mom. Presenting a bottle of wine to your bridal party, dress it up a little. Ask your bridemaids to bring any broken jewelry, earrings that are missing a pair, broken beads (don't let them know why you need them) and have Michelle make them into wine glass charms or wine bottle necklaces, I love personalized gifts.

Your Engaged!!!!Congratulations

December is by far the most popular month for engagements. So there is a chance that you are reading this post as a newly engaged person. Congratulations! After it finally registers, you will undoubtedly want to start planning.

Where do you start?

Set a date


Think about the season that works best for you. A month that is special to the two of you. When you start looking for a venue, the date will be the number one questioned asked by the event coordinator.

Select a style



Decide on the type of wedding that you like. This might dictate color choices, fabrics, invitations, favors...well you get the picture. Decide if it will be a destination wedding or you will stay local.

Set a budget

Yep.. the good old budget. The budget will definitely dictate the direction of your wedding. It is something that should be close to you when you are making choices for your wedding. Having the budget memorized will prevent you from putting yourselves in debt before you have a chance to start your lives together.

Book a venue

A venue can be booked a year or more in advance. The more popular the venue or the month that you select, may increase the chance that you will not get the date you want for your wedding. Knowing where you are going to get married will help you make other decisions. As you can tell everything is connected.

Consider hiring a wedding planner

Whether you are a detailed person and excellent at planning or someone who gets overwhelmed at the idea of planning, having a planner is a good choice. The planners involvement will be dictated by you. You can go for full planning services, partial planning or Day of Coordinators, it is all up to you. Professional wedding planners have invested time in building relationships with other wedding vendors, you could benefit from these relationships. Planners can save you time and money and there experience planning can make your wedding, the wedding of your dreams.