Getting Married? Get Committed!

Getting married? Looking for ways to keep it eco-friendly? Then you need to come check out Committed! 

This is a fantastic wedding show featuring wedding vendors who are all members of the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance. (Like me!) Not only will you get to meet some great like-minded wedding folks, there will be plenty of food to nibble on, drinks to sip, and more! 

While you're there, be sure to visit to the Rumpus Room, where there will be fun, hands-on activities. That's here I'll be hanging out as a volunteer for the event, so be sure to stop by and say HI! 

For tickets, click HERE

DIY Flower Crown

Just saw a tutorial on Offbeat Bride with showing how to make your own flower crown for your wedding. 

The process is pretty easy and the results are so pretty! 

Check it out HERE, my crafty friends!

When Your Wedding is Out of This World.....

...... wear this!

This necklace would be so cool for bridesmaids ..... or a bride! Originally posted by the folks at Think Geek, the necklace (and other fun planet-themed jewelry) is created by ShopGibberish and can be found on Etsy. 

And my close, personal friend, Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, will be happy to know that Pluto is not represented in this necklace.

Luis & Dan's Incredible Wedding Photos - with Bacon and Eggs Socks!

This past fall I officiated Luis and Dan's wedding ceremony at Uncommon Ground (known as the "Greenest Restaurant in America.")

They were lucky enough to hire the amazing Hilda of Angel Eyes Photography. Not only is she always fun to work with, I knew there would be amazing photos. Boy, was I right! 

Be sure to check out her blog post about the wedding. Don't you just love those bacon and egg socks? 

Here are a few photos in the meantime, but be sure to go to the blog for more!

Breakfast footwear

Handfasting during the ceremony

Luis and Dan light up the night!

If you need a photographer for your wedding, Hilda is fantastic. But you can already see that from her work. And did I mention how much fun she is??

Fun, Flower-less Bouquets

As much as I enjoy flowers, not everyone is into the idea of carrying a bouquet on their wedding day. So, I always love seeing ideas for alternatives to the traditional flower bouquet. 

I just came across this article from Equally Wed, which has some great suggestions! 

Here's my favorite...... the lollipop bouquet!

Be sure to check out all the great ideas HERE. And for you DIY folks, this should be right up your alley.

DIY Project - Ringbearer's Pillow

Hey all you folks with mad sewing skills - check out this great project from Sew 4 Home. This darling pillow has a little sparkle and shine, and a whole lot of SWEET! You can find the instructions HERE. 

An Ode to the Octopus

I know, the octopus was very trendy for awhile. But, it seems that the fickle fashionistas have moved on to the cute little owl. I, however, remain loyal to my tentacled friend.

Who can - in an instant - change shape AND color? Who can squeeze into unbelievably tiny spaces? Who can brilliantly mimic other sea creatures? Yes, that's right - the octopus, my friends.

So, in honor of my love (some might say obsession) with all things cephalopod, I present to you, octopus-themed wedding ideas..... Enjoy!

Wedding invites by RSVP Invites

Ties by RokGear

Ocean cake by Cake Lava

Cufflinks by Southern Belle OOAK

Fascinator/Hair clip by Hair for the Dramatic

Cake topper by My Custom Cake Topper

Favor bags By Richner

Being YOU on Your Big Day

I have an acquaintance who opted not to wear make-up on her wedding day. She never wore make-up in her daily life and didn't see the point of putting it on for the wedding. She mentioned this to a co-worker and was asked, "But don't you want to look good for your wedding?" She responded with, "Don't I look good now?" That ended that debate.

I just came across the post, Beautiful Without Makeup, on 2000 Dollar Wedding. It was about this very same thing!

The story made me remember my own wedding day. A friend, who was a professional cosmetologist, offered to do my make-up before the wedding. I went to her home studio, where gave me my "new look," insisting I needed to be "more dramatic" for the photos.

When I got to my car to go home, I checked my face in the mirror. I looked ridiculous! I burst out laughing and wound up wiping most of it off.

So, why do brides feel compelled to be someone different on their wedding day? There is so much pressure put on women to conform to a fairy-tale version of beauty on the Big Day. It's compounded by magazines, t.v. shows - and even friends and family,

But if you're not inclined to go that route, is it really such a big deal? So what if you don't want to put on make-up? Who cares if you wear your hair down, just like you always do? It's YOUR wedding!

I am happy to say I've met many wonderful brides who've chosen to do their own thing - without worrying about other people.

My favorite was a recent bride who wore a gorgeous, traditional, long, white wedding gown - with sneakers. I overheard two older family members talking about it. One lady said incredulously, "Wow - she just does whatever she wants." And the other replied, "And it works." Love it!

I'm all for doing what ever the heck you want on your big day. If you want to wear crazy-high stilettos, go for it. But if you want to wear flip-flops instead, you have my blessing. Just be YOU.

Highlights from Weddings - Eye Candy!

I've been going through photos on my computer and saw that there have been so many wonderful little details from weddings I've officiated. So, I thought I'd share some with you today.

We have Lisa & Ben's cupcake tower, Kate's Converse, Jenny & Evan's bird nest place cards, Jessica's heels, Susan & Tawni's blessing stones.... and their sweet canine ring bearer.

Enjoy!

Shoes That Make You Want to Dance!

I really enjoy the Rock N Roll Bride blog and happen to be a follower (stalker??).

In any case, she recently featured Ban.do shoe clips in a recent post and I thought they were fabulous!

But.... it also sent me on a hunt at etsy, to see what lovelies may be hiding there.

Oooh.... I found lots of goodies!

Here are a few you should definitely check out:

• Feather vintage rhinestone clips made by Prettied These are to die for! (Just take a look at the picture!)
• Classy beaded hearts by Fink Shop
• Fun & funky sequin hearts by Mila Rose Designs
• Lovely red silk rosettes by Brydferth

And for my crafty pals - I found an ebook tutorial to make your own flower shoe clips!

So, get some clips for your shoes - and then go kick up your heels!

Hair's to Celebrating!

Many brides hire a hairstylist to fix their hair for the Big Day. Well, rather than the traditional up-do or curls, what about beautiful braids?

I recently met Katje Sabin, talented braider and owner of Crowning Glory Braids. There are so many fabulous, intricate designs that would be a wonderfully unique addition to your wedding.

Planning a Steam Punk theme? A romantic Renaissance-flavored celebration? A Pagan ceremony? Then this is right up your alley!

Or, maybe you just want something a little different...

You - and your bridal party - can have lovely, unique hairstyles. The braided design can even incorporate flowers and ribbons to match your wedding colors, if you wish. The possibilities are endless!

Be sure to check out Katje's website to learn more about her. The images here are just a sampling from her photo gallery.

Seeing these gorgeous photos makes me wish I still had long hair!!

Cedric & Jessica's Wedding (Part 2)

A few more delicious details......

Jessica's dress was so fabulous - and laced up the back. She looked amazing! And just to add one more sweet note, her hot pink shoes featured a heart on the sole.

(For those of you who can't imagine walking in high heels, I'm happy to report that Jessica was completely graceful in these beauties. So there.)

The bridesmaids were lovely in green dresses. The groomsmen wore coordinating green ties - and cool black sneakers. Love it!

The reception, in addition to being a feast for the eyes, was also literally a feast! There was tons of amazing Brazialian-themed food, including grilled steak, beef with plantains, black beans.... and, of course, a variety of cup cakes for dessert. My kind of party!

Wedding Beads for You!

I know I've written a post about BeadforLife before, but I was motivated to do so again when the most recent newsletter popped up in my email.

This edition of The Bead included an article called "Shopping Is Giving: Add Beads to Your Wedding!"

Well, you know that had my name all over it.

The article shared the story of a customer who proposed to his wife by presenting her with - not a diamond ring - but a bracelet from BeadforLife.

The woman (who is now his wife) said, “The fact that Ugandan women made these beads added a tremendous amount of value to the engagement! This symbol of our commitment to each other also represents something real and valuable to those Ugandan women and their families.” How cool is that?!

If your proposal has already happened, BeadforLife can still play a role in your wedding. For example, brides can give a jewelry set to bridesmaids - complete with necklace, earrings and bracelet - for as little as $25! Not only are the pieces very affordable, the jewelry really is gorgeous. Trust me, I know.

I have hosted Bead Parties for the past five years and own more BeadforLife bracelets than any one person really should. Just ask my husband, who puts up with my bead habit. Actually, as I sit here writing, I realize that right now, at this very moment, I'm wearing a BeadforLife necklace, a band bracelet, and two bangle bracelets. I love them all! And there's lots more in my jewelry box.... and the bathroom cabinet.... and the table next to my bed..... you get the idea.

Besides being attractive, inexpensive, and durable - your purchase makes a huge difference in the lives of the beaders in Uganda.

So, if you're still thinking about bridesmaids gifts, or shower favors, or even jewelry for yourself, consider shopping at BeadforLife's online shop. Just take a peek.

C'mon. You know you want to!

Shoes for You = Shoes for a Child

Check out these fun shoes from TOMS. They're cute and reportedly very comfortable - and what makes them even better is that, for every pair purchased, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. Cool, huh?

They have boots as well as a variety of shoes, including silver and gold glitter shoes. Very cute!

There is a gallery of photos on the website, showing how different people wear their TOMS. The photos here are from weddings.

How cute are these shoes?!?

You may want to consider TOMS for your wedding - your bridal party will love being comfy and you'll love that your wedding helped children in need.

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....

I Love My Funky New Earrings!

It all began when I was searching for an octopus pin. Well, let me back up.....

I was paging through Madeleine Albright's book, Read My Pins, in which she shares anecdotes about her pin collection. I've always liked pins and realized I hardly ever wear them. So I was determined to get a new pin - but what to get? Inspired by Ms. Albright, my new pin needed to make a statement.

So, I decided to search for an octopus pin on etsy. You see, I kinda have a thing for cephalopods. Squid, octopus, cuttlefish - I just can't get enough. They're just so darn cool! They change color, they change shape.... how can you not love them?!?

I found an octopus pin in the shop of Mama's Little Babies. Well, doggone it - I had to keep looking at this funky little shop! My browsing led me to my other favorite - mermaids. And that's when I discovered the newest love of my life....... these Mermaid/Merman Earrings.

They arrived in the mail today and I'm ecstatic! The packaging alone sent me over the moon! They came in a cute red box with a checked ribbon, decorated with a sweet little sparrow charm. Even though I ordered the earrings myself, I felt like someone had sent me a present! Thanks for making my day, Cheri!

As you can tell, I absolutely love my new earrings. That, of course, prompted me to go back to the Mama's Little Babies shop and see what else I could find. And don't ya know it - the shop is full of fantastic little goodies! Better yet - the website has even more!!

Look at these adorable Bird Silhouette Earrings. Wouldn't these be great for bridesmaids?

And while you're shopping around, check out the Tiny Tweeters Bird's Nest Necklace. It would be perfect for a spring wedding.

Just keep your hands off the Tattoo Guy Earrings - I saw them first!

Bead for Life comes to town!

If you've read my blog, you probably know that Bead for Life is near and dear to my heart. That's why I'm happy to announce that I'll be hosting a Bead for Life Open House on December 5th!

The event will take place at Sweet Remembrance, a wonderful new coffee shop in downtown Des Plaines. (I'll be writing more about it in the future, because it's fabulous!) The shop's gracious owner, Randy Toelke, has allowed me to use the space to host the event. Thank you, Randy!!

Here are the details:
Bead for Life Open House/Bead Party
Saturday, Dec. 5th from 2 to 5 pm at Sweet Remembrance
614 Lee St., Des Plaines (just north of the Metra station)


Come check out the gorgeous bead jewelry, handmade from recycled paper. You can finish up your holiday shopping and help a worthy cause. These make wonderful, meaningful gifts. A necklace and bracelet set would be perfect for your bridal party.- and affordable for you! Or, think shower favors - bracelets are only $5.00!

Best of all, your purchase makes a huge difference to the beaders in Uganda, who are working diligently to lift themselves out of poverty. You can learn more about Bead for Life by visiting the website.

Come have a cup of coffee (and maybe one of the amazingly delicious cookies!) and check out the bead jewelry. Join the fun!

Etsy find - adorable accessories by PunchDrunkPrincess

I happily discovered these fantastic accessories over at Etsy, created by Punch Drunk Princess. Not only are they pretty darn adorable (and eco-friendly!), I think they'd be a perfect addition to a wedding.

Planning a fall wedding? Just imagine wearing a charming maple leaf hairpin for your ceremony.

Need something nice for your wedding rings? The personalized Love Letter coin purse would be perfect.

For the bridesmaids, the cherry blossom hairclips would be really sweet. But, I think my favorite is the Pink Rose brooch - it's perfect for a simple bridesmaid dress. And, I think it would be perfect for my favorite black pantsuit!