Surprise! It's Your Wedding Reception!

Thanks to my wonderful Celebrant colleague from New York, Valerie Coleman, for forwarding this video. It's a surprise wedding reception, staged by Improv Everywhere. It made me day!



In a follow-up from the ImprovEverywhere blog, here is from an email sent by the couple after their surprise reception:
"Whatever becomes of our “scene” we just wanted to say thanks because it was freakin’ hilarious. The most important thing for us is that you gave us just about the best wedding story anyone could have to pass on. Take good care."

Indie Weds - the last word

Okay, I know I've been posting like crazy about some of my favorite finds at IndieWed. But, I really can't help it! This show was chock-full of fun & funky vendors!

So, here is my last post on the subject.....

I loved the ideas of Foodie Registry. What a great concept! Couples can register for gift certificates at their favorite restaurants. This is perfect for couples who have all the "stuff" they need, but family members keep asking, "Where are you registered?" Where was this when I got married??

Another find was the fabulous Love, Lulu Mae. I adored the hats and hair clips. Look at this picture! Who wouldn't be smiling in such a fabulous hat!!

I am also in love with the Frida Kahlo-inspired flower headband I found on the website. The feather hairclips are also Fantastic!!

What's really cool is that Love, Lulu Mae can also create custom designs for your wedding, incorporating vintage items - like that funky old rhinestone pin you love.










I was also intrigued by VaVoom Pinups, a "pinup & boudoir photography studio."

Apparently, many a bride has ventured into VaVoom territory by having a sexy (and tasteful) boudoir portrait done as a wedding gift for her beloved.

Another fun option is a party! A girls' night out would be quite a memorable experience here! I love the sentiment on owner Agnes Miles' business card: "ARTcessories for the Modern Woman with a Vintage Soul."


Well, all I can say is that, since Saturday, I have been fantasizing about raiding my mom's closet for some funky vintage dresses!

I think I've re-discovered my vintage soul....

Another Indie Wed favorite - CUPCAKES!!

SO, is there anyone out there who doesn't know that I love cupcakes? Probably not.

Well, for those fellow cupcake-fans who are also bakers, I must introduce you to Layer Cake Shop, an amazing resource for cupcake enthusiasts!

At IndieWed, Layer Cake Shop had the most fabulous display with a dizzying variety of cupcake toppers and paper baking cups. This was one popular booth, too! I guess I'm not alone in my cupcake worship. My favorite were the packages of themed cupcake decor, especially the Rockabilly and the Pirate Cupcake Kits.

If you're planning to make your own cupcakes for your wedding, you NEED to check out the website. It's a baker's dream come true!

Enjoy!

Indie Wed favorites - continued (I can't stop!)

Another highlight of my trip to IndieWed was Pollen. I had a chance to chat briefly with owner, Lynn Fosbender, who was just as nice as can be! I decided that her bouquets (see the pictures!) made me want to walk down the aisle again!

Pollen is a local Chicago florist that does custom floral designs. As you can see by the photos, their designs are beautiful!

What makes their bouquets even more spectacular is that they are eco-friendly. Pollen focuses on using organic, locally grown flowers, as well as Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified flowers.

As noted in Kate Harrison's excellent resource, The Green Bride Guide, conventionally grown flowers have a whole host of issues that would make any eco-conscious bride cringe. Pollen is the ideal florist if you're planning a green wedding..... or if you just love gorgeous flowers!



P.S. Be sure to check out the Pollen blog!

Indie Wed favorites - continued

I enjoyed a fashion show at Indie Wed, which included work by several different designers.

One of my favorites was Dame Couture, a local Evanston shop, which had the loveliest wedding dresses!

I learned that the Dame Couture dresses are custom made and that they will even work with brides to create original dresses. So, you could take your mother's wedding dress and have it "re-imagined" into a style that's all you. How cool is that!?





Although I'm not a very good photographer, I still managed to get a few decent shots of the dresses. I thought all the dresses were fabulous, but I especially loved the one in the top picture with the striped fabric train. So gorgeous!













I think I want to get married again. I'd keep my husband, but I'd definitely wear a different dress. (no offense, Mom). I'd wear one by Dame Couture!

Indie Wed favorites

I had the pleasure of attending Indie Wed this afternoon at the Ravenswood Event Center, where I saw (and tasted!) many interesting and funky wedding offerings. I'll spend the next few blog posts telling you about my favorite finds.

First and foremost, I have to gush about Tipsy Cake, one of the first vendors I happened upon when I walked in. This is the fabulous bakery that I've heard about, but whose treats I haven't had the chance to sample. Until today, that is.

Not only are the cakes gorgeous, they're utterly delicious! They offered samples of red velvet cake (which, I'm compelled to mention was a gorgeous, deep red). Pretty, and oh, so tasty! There were also little "melting moments," shortbread cookie sandwiches with a lovely tart filling. Soooo good! My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.

Check out the pictures here to see how fantastic the cakes look. I especially love the fun cake with the koala bear couple on top!

Cupcakes for you Brainy Types

I'm sure you're well aware that I LOVE cupcakes.

So, let me introduce you to my newest darlings -
The Brain Slug Cupcakes, found on Boing Boing.

They're so darn cute, I want to hug them. But I think I'd rather eat them.

Mmmm..... brain frosting!