Monthly Archives: June 2012

Personal touches

One Heart.

Have you ever wondered why we only have one heart?

Heart Quote

DIY Projects Personal touches Wedding Decor Wedding Shoes Wedding Stationery

A Cork-y Affair.

In the last few years, we have seen scores of wine shops opening one after another, and every Tom, Dick and Harry attending wine appreciation classes. After all, who doesn’t like a glass of wine or two? Just enough to get you a little merry? Incorporate your love of wine into your wedding day by using cork as the prime theme. It’s uber versatile and a fantastic complement to your big day especially if it’s held on a romantic vineyard. Dreamy. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, nothing’s going to stop you from loving the rustic feel of the good ol’ cork. Start drinking and collecting!

 

DIY Cork Escort Card

Materials:
Bottle cork
Sharp Knife
Paper
Pen 

1. Carefully cut a slit in the bottle cork and cut till you reach the middle.
2. Write or print the guest names on a piece of thick paper 8cm x 5cm (normal printer paper won’t work as it’s too thin and will flop).
3. Insert the paper into the slit you cut earlier and voila. Easy ain’t it?

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Three Little Words, Carmen SalazarMadd Dogg of Tomorrow – Etsy, The Party Dress, Lavish Fine Events, Hanssie Trainor Photography via Santa Barbara Wedding Style, McClanahan Studio, Recork – Etsy

Bride Groom Personal touches

One for the Mums.

I realised I’ve talked about most of the bridal party, the bride (a lot!) and groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen and the Father but never have I mentioned the Mum. She’s the one who endured nine months (or some say ten) of an ever-expanding stomach coupled with labour pains (I will spare you the details because I don’t really fancy writing about it either), not to mention showering you with tonnes of love, to nurture you to become the gracious bride and gentlemanly groom you are today. Instead of presenting her with a bunch of flowers on your big day (they die and will be forgotten) which many couples in Hong Kong do, give her an item that she can keep to remind her of you. I knew both my Mum and the hubster’s Mum would cry on our wedding day and gave them a personalised handkerchief to wipe away the happy tears. Remember, money can’t buy everything so when you’re thinking of gifts, make sure it’s from your heart.

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Ella Gajewska Hats, Divine Wine, Sweet Sewing Jeans, Not on the High Street, White Truffle, Otis B Weddings

Flowers Inspiration Board Wedding Decor Wedding Food

Have Your Veg and Eat It.

I must confess, I’m a 5-year-old when it comes to eating my greens because I’ve always associated vegetables with an item of food that I was forced to eat and rebelled against. When it’s boiled and bland, it’s not exactly every person’s favourite food but when it comes to their raw state, their vibrant colours will make you think twice about ignoring them as a potential floral replacement. Scatter carrots and radishes across your table for a rustic decor and have your guests pick and choose what to bring home, doubling up as a wedding favour. Alternatively, make a bouquet out of fresh veg (artichokes, kale, cauliflower and the lot) that’s both healthy and wallet-friendly. You don’t need to have your wedding on a farm for it to work. It might raise a few eyebrows amongst your unadventurous guests but be eclectic and bring the outdoors in.

 
DIY Celery Stamp:
Ever thought about using vegetable to make a mark on your wedding stationery, such as thank you cards? Maureen of Maureen Cracknell Handmade, shows us how easy it is to use the end of a celery stalk, dip it into paint and stamp out a flower. Next time you’re at the market, take a closer look at the vegetable aisle. You’ll be surprised what you can do with them.

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Rigel Stuhmiller – Etsy, Chantal Andrea, Green Wedding Shoes, Table 4 Weddings via Gourmet Fury, Erik Ekroth, Nancy Neil via It’s A Bride’s Life, De Nueva Photography, She N He

Photo credit: Maureen Cracknell Handmade

Bride Flowers Personal touches

Bridal Bouquet Wraps.

If you’re a girl, then you’re most likely a sentimental person and you don’t need need to be ashamed of that. There’s nothing wrong with wearing your heart on your sleeve so when it comes to your special day, just because you have a bright future ahead of you with your hubby doesn’t mean you forget your past. Add personal touches to your bridal bouquet to make it about you. Instead of a ribbon, wrap yours with a monogrammed hankerchief or if you’re religious, dangle a cross necklace from your bouquet. Pin a locket with a photo of someone you wish was by your side or if your grandmother had passed on a family heirloom such as a brooch, attach it to your bouquet wrap. It’s often the small things that make your day memorable.

DIY Wedding Bouquet:
You don’t have to be a florist to put together your own bouquet. Check out the step-by-step tutorial from Wedding Chicks and if you’re not sure where to look for the materials, here’s a recap.

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Di Bezi Photography via Glamour, Jodie Miller Photography, Julia Newman, Leigh Webber Photography, Nancy Ray Photography, Brooke Boling

Photo credit: Hilton Pittman Photography via Wedding Chicks

Inspiration Board Speeches

Love Knows No Boundaries.

Love knows no boundaries. It can be the quirkiest habit or the cutest expression that draws you to that special someone. If you’ve found that person, tell them now.

When Harry Met Sally Quote
Quote from: When Harry Met Sally movie (1989)

DIY Projects Personal touches Wedding Decor

DIY Patterned Fabric.

Is it the weekend already? That means you’ve got plenty of time to handle a DIY project. As I’ve said before, wedding photo backdrops in Hong Kong are ugly and I shared with you some fun alternatives that can make yours a cut above the rest. Wouldn’t it add a personal touch if you made your own patterned backdrop? Make it fabulous by following Apartment Therapy’s tutorial on how to print your own pattern on fabric. It’s easy, cheap and easily adaptable for any pattern you fancy. Now hit the art shop for your supplies!

Photo credits: Apartment Therapy

Bride Bridesmaids Colour theme Inspiration Board Wedding Cake Wedding Decor Wedding Shoes Wedding Stationery

Metallica.

I went for a dose of retail therapy yesterday (not that I needed it) and bought a metallic skirt from Zara which inspired me to write today’s post. Who doesn’t like a bit of glitz and glam once in a while, especially when it comes to your wedding day? Usually associated with New Year’s celebrations or sci-fi movies, the metallic is back. It’s no longer seen as tacky (unless you go OTT) and can actually add a bit of class to a very special day. Swap your virginal white frock for a glittery number or foilstamp your invitations to give your guests a glimpse of what’s to come. Have fun, you sparkly chick! 

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Chelsey Boatwright via Grey Likes Weddings, Ryan Ray Photo via 100 Layer Cake, Bella Figura, Ampersand Photography, Lovely Little Parties, Anna Rose Photography via Ruffled Blog, Martha Stewart Weddings, Edyta Szyszlo Photography via Style Me Pretty, The Style Co., Sean Flanigan Photography, Wildflowers Photography

Groom Groomsmen

One for the Groomsmen.

Alright ladies, you’ve seen some of the gifts that you can get for your bridesmaids earlier this week, now it’s time for the lads. If your soon-to-be hubby’s stag-do (bachelor party for you American folks) is anything like the Hangover, then the last thing you probably want to do is to buy gifts for the groomsmen whom not only intoxicated your man but brought him back with a shaved head. Not funny. However, I’m sure many of your man’s friends are sensible individuals and will genuinely want to bring him back in one piece. They’re not going to mess with the bride. That means you’re going to be a gracious bride and thank the groomsmen with some manly gifts. You know, cigars, whiskey, shaving kits and the lot. Even if your hubby’s not a footballer, you’ll become their favourite WAG.

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Dirty Deeds Soap, White Truffle, Liquid Courage, Micheles Cottage, Woodinville Whiskey Co., Felix Street Studio, Kohana Jewellery

DIY Projects Flowers Wedding Cake

Succulent Away.

Many of you might cringe at the thought of using plants as your wedding flower because you’ve been dying to have peonies or hydrangeas in your bouquet. Yes they might evoke more of a dreamy and romantic vibe but who’s to say plants aren’t pretty in their own right? C’mon, what about embracing your eco-chic and go for a low maintenance and hardy choice such as the water-retaining succulent? It’s rustic and are more masculine than the traditional flowers yet equally charming and are as cute as ever when placed in small cups or pots to give to guests as a wedding favour. You might even get a snarl or two when you tell the florist but ignore them. Stick to your guns and give it a try.

 

DIY Succulent Favours
Wouldn’t it mean so much more to your guests if you added your own personal touch to their gifts? Check out One Wed’s tutorial on how to turn the cute succulents into a name card as well as a wedding favour!

 

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): Harrison Long Photography, Stephanie Williams Photography, Sweet and Saucy Shop, Minted, Erica Velasco, Stephanie Williams Photography, Heather Patterson Moore via Once WedSugar and Soul Photography, Neal Kreuser Photography via La Fleur Plantscapes

Photo credit: Bryan Miller Weddings via One Wed