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03/14/2010
 vintage III lovebirds I glitter candle II sonyas candle memory      |
Freebie Contest Drawing!!!
From Ashley Nichole Designs-Etsy
Okay Ladies...I love you all on here & am VERY excited to be a part of a very special giveaway for a lucky bride-to-be OR wife.
As some of you know, I purchased my chandelier unity candle, Memorial candle wrap, kids' favor/bubble tags & damask paper fans all from Ashley Nichole Designs: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DomesticDivasFancy Well, I've noticed some brides feeling frustrated, tired, & even hurt due to low or no comments left on their posts. I can't do much about those situations, but I do like to see others happy, so I'm teaming up with Ashley to promote a giveaway valued at $35!! This means if you need a Unity Candle, Memorial Candle, Favor Tags or stationary items like Thank You cards or personalized cards (great for the married girls as well), then this is an awesome oppurtunity. Her prices are awesome, so you could totally end up with more than 1 thing out of her shop. If you want to place a larger order & apply the $35 towards your purchase, that works too. We are also going to send a few other "goodies" in your package! It's a surprise. The contest winner will be a random drawing. The winner will be posted on my blog on APRIL 10th! Depending on the # of responses, I may see about helping not 1 but 2 girls. To enter: Make a comment here including what item you would like to have from Ashley's store & why. (Don't forget to visit her shop). Go to her blog & "follow" (join) her. You do not have to have a Blog, but it's great if you do. You can also leave a message on Ashley's blog if you'd like to. I'm certain she'd love to hear from you. http://ashleynicholedesigns.blogspot.com/ That's it!! Keep in mind that Ashley also does custom orders. Best Wishes!!! |
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03/13/2010
 sparklers II sparklers I   |
Ask a Question
Wedding Sparklers at A Decent Price?
I'm working on all things reception right now & am into the decor & special touches. Sparklers are on my list & I really don't know what is a "good" price for 36 inch sparklers. If prices are crazy, I will probably only purchase a small quantity :)
Please share any advice on places to buy from, including any sites/locations you may have already purchased some from!! I have the matches done & the sparkler box is almost done. Will post pics when it's all completed :) |
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03/13/2010
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Hey Mr. DJ...
Jumping on The Bandwagon!
Thanks to Gorgeous6 for that Weddingchicks post about the DJ song request cards. I thought it was a great idea & another way for our guests to be involved in the hype at the reception music.
Anyhoo, these will sit on a table with some pens so that guests can jot down requests at the beginning of the reception. The design is perfect for my FH because he used to "scratch" records and do the turntables. He still mixes music every now & then, so this pic suits him well :) Plus he used to sport his "boombox" on the shoulder when he was growing up, lol! It is actually a design already on Vistaprint, I just added my text. This was in my box of freebies that I mentioned below. It was 100 4x6 postcards (front & back). |
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03/13/2010
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Reception Details
Photo Sharing & Program
We decided to hand out simple reception programs & photo sharing cards in a set at the reception.
Our photo sharing info will be included in the welcome booklet for our oot boxes, but not all guests are from out of town, so instead of having a bunch of things to hand out, we decided to combine the 2 in a pretty way with crystal brads to attach in the corners. I rounded the corners for a polished look. The print job was $0 because I sent everything to Vista Print for their 5x7 postcards with a free promotion! Thanks again to Shayne (printablebride.com) for the photosharing card design & Ashley (Ashley Nicole Designs-Etsy) for helping me perfect my reception card. PS-The Reception Program is just a simple itenerary for guests to know the order of events that will take place that evening. No extras. |
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03/07/2010
 jeweled cake stands |
Jeweled Cake Stands
For Our Favor Table
I absolutely love this look!
I recently adorned an aqua blue cake stand that I already had here at home, but when I saw this picture, I knew I had to do more! I've decided to get some of the inexpensive plastic chandelier beads & embellish a few of my glass cake plates that I already have. I think I only have 3, but that should be enough. I will display our favor boxes on them, & put the existing jars (for candy) around them. For instructions on how to complete this project, copy this link into your browser: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/good-things/jeweled-cake-stands |
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03/05/2010
 candy bag IV candy bag I candy bag II candy bag III     |
Ask a Question
Please Vote For Your Fave
Candy Bags!
I'm stuck. I really haven't given much thought to cute phrases for our candy bags because our sweet treats sorta expanded from seemingly out of nowhere. We started off with one box of favors, and now it's a few different types of candy on a table (a very petite candy buffet). Anyway, we will be ordering the cupcake boxes, candy bags & napkins all from the same place & I don't know which design to go with. Please pick a fave. TIA!!! Update: Here are my revised designs based off of you all's help!! The Sweet Ending, New Beginning quote is a keeper, so now I am going to figure out which design to go with. Will keep you guys posted. #1  #2  #3  |
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03/04/2010
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Update Packs
Wedding Weekend 411
I have been collaborating a few things here & there for 2 of my close friends who will be acting as our Day of Coordinators. A couple of months ago, I picked up 2 damask accordian files (pictured) from Marshalls for 4 bucks.
I formatted update notes instead of newsletters this time, for the DOC's, our moms & a few other key people in our wedding party, including our Pastors. I didn't realize how out of the loop some of them were until I talked to my girlfriend & she seemed so lost! I forgot that what I blog is what I see...not them, lol. So, an update card is what you see in pic 2. I slipped each card in it's own glassine bag that I got from Etsy. The bag has a little dress with tiffany blue "tulle" (it's actually crepe paper). I also have a detailed outline with a few pics in a separate attachment I made in Word (not pictured) that includes a basic itinerary & wedding setup info. I chose the accordian style file so that they can keep everything all together easily when the wedding finally rolls around. Everyone else mentioned still have the glassine bag, but no accordian file is needed. I'm mailing their things later with a few other goodies. The fabulous chandelier cards were designed & printed by Pretty Little Studios at Etsy.com. |
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03/03/2010
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Kid's Area Details
Chair Signs!
I saw the cutest little bracket-type chair signs on Style Me Pretty recently, & I decided to have something similar for the chairs for our "Kids Area" at the reception. There will be less than 20 kids, & I thought this would be a fun detail to add to our growing collection of whimsical styled decor that I am putting into the kids section. I will be cutting a slit thru these so that they can be tied to the chairs with black & white polka dot ribbon. The signs read:
No Adults Allowed. Kids Area." lol. Pretty Little Studios is the mastermind behind perfecting my wish. She was super fast & super sweet on this project. |
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03/03/2010
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Charger Monograms
For Our Head Table
So, I saw this beautiful inspiration pic (#3) & decided to add a little personalization to our own chargers on the head table. If we luck out with really inexpensive chargers for the rest of the tables, we will put menus.
I made the actual monogram in Word. I can't believe I actually made a monogram, lol! But it's no ordinary monogram! It has a special message that me & Mr.Gratefulbride & now share. ...."Worth the Wait". I know it's awful to look at...very poor picture quality. It's printed on metallic pearl cardstock. The actual insert dosen't fill the entire indention on the charger, but I'm okay with that. The 3rd pic was only my inspiration, I wasn't trying to be identical. But, I do plan to add the rhinestones around the perimeter of the charger, like pictured. I do think that will set it off. |
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03/01/2010
 tiffany brooches II |
For Each Hostess
Tiffany Pins/Brooches
We really don't want our hostesses to have to go out buying a whole new wardrobe for our wedding day, so we are asking that they wear something in classic black. These are the pins that will adorn their outfit. Simple & chic tiffany blue rosettes with rhinestones & white tulle.
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02/26/2010
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Tiffany Blue Necklace
Rosettes Galore :)
I love unique jewelry, & I had been wanting a chic accessory for our rehersal dinner, because I'd really like to wear a white or ivory wrap or strapless dress to get in the Bridal swing of things :)
Anyway, LoveStiched made this awesome bib necklace for me in Tiffany Blue, with rhinestone & pearl adornments. She is absolutely wonderful & SUPER fast. I have a couple more items from her that I will post soon. They are for a few members of the Wedding Party. |
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02/24/2010
 ngame |
Reception Fun
The Newlywed Game
Between the toasts, the dancing & the eating, I can honestly say that this game is one of the highlights that we're going to incorporate that I REALLY am so excited about!! I first heard about playing this at the reception from a fellow blogger, & she mentioned that it was the funniest part of their evening. They enjoyed it, as well as their guests. Here are just a few questions that was shared with me, that we will be using: * When you began dating, who made the first move? * Who was the first to say "I love you"? * Who is the better kisser? * Right now, who has more money on him/her? * Who has the crazier family? * Who is a better cook? * Assuming it hasn't already happened, who will be the first to pass gas in front of the other person? * Who will be the first to fall asleep tonight? * Who is the bigger flirt? * Right now, who do love most in the world? To answer, each of us will hold up in the air something representing the bride or groom-whichever applies best to the answer. For us, it may be a shoe, or Im thinking of making a little sign for "bride" & "groom". |
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02/13/2010
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Tiffany Blue Feather Pomanders
Trial I
So, I gave it a try! Let me know what you guys think-the good, the bad & the ugly! I am posting this because I got quite a few emails on the outcome, so hopefully this helps.
I used what I had, which was some 3 inch styrofoam balls (end result is about 6-7 inches with materials). I attached a strand of crystal-like garland first to the plain strofoam ball. I secured it with hot glue. Then, I started wrapping the feather boa around & round, being sure to attach with hot glue after the positioning was right. Depending on how full you want it, you can keep wrapping the feathers around. Lastly, I experimented with one of the "blinged out" brooches that I got at Forever 21 a few weeks ago (posted with the ribbon bracelets). I also added a little strand of crystal garland to the bottom of the pomander. I really don't plan to spend alot on brooches for each pomander, so I'm going to use vintage crystal earrings for the rest. That way, I can buy in sets. I am making a total of 10 pomanders....5 for each side of the aisle! The white pomander isn't mine. It was the inspiration. |
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02/11/2010
 invite giveaway II invite giveaway I   |
Invite Giveaway!
Contest Dates: 2/8/10 thru Valentine's Day
There is a "start to finish giveaway" on "Truly Engaging's Blog"! That means you can enter the contest to win the following items:
100 FREE of each Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations, Reception Items, Favors, Thank Yous, Labels & Seals There's not much of a catch. The Blog is celebrating their anniversary, & in honor they are hosting a very generous giveaway. You do need to go to Magnet Street Weddings & pick out the invitations you like. If you visit the blog, you can get the exact instructions. Hopefully this can bless one of you!!! Good luck! If interested, copy & paste the link into your browser. http://www.trulyengaging.com/a-truly-engaging-giveaway |
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02/10/2010
 calligraphy_II calligraphy_V calligraphy_I calligraphy_VI_calligraphy_buffet_markers calligraphy_III buffet_frame_markers candy_sign        |
Calligraphy Signage
In Tiffany Blue & White
I love the look of calligraphy, but cannot afford it for big projects like invites. For a small price, but big impact, I contacted The Dancing Pen on Etsy (absolutely fabulous) & she created a small signage suite for us, based off of an inspiration photo I had (pictured in pink).
So, the pics are basically of a calligraphy "flag/banner" that will be on our sweet favors table. I am going to flex it a little so that the ends curl. Pretty much all of our favors are going to be edible. We are not doing a huge candy buffet, but we will have the treats set up like one...just on a smaller scale. The tent cards will be placed in front of the pedestals & glassware holding the candy. The oval inserts pictured are going inside of the vintage buffet marker frames (pictured as well). |
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02/08/2010
 pedestal I pedestal IV pedestal III pedestal stand-before favboxI favboxIII favboxII        |
DIY Wedding
Pedestals with Crystals
{Favor Table Part I}
I've had this really cute, sortof shabby chic Robins Egg Blue Cake Stand in my wedding stuff for awhile now. I bought it a couple of Easters ago at Walmart for like $4. Instead of letting it just sit here, I decided that I'm going to try to glam up our favor table with some pedestals & a few apothocary jars. This cake stand is serving as a riser to some of our boxed favors, & then we'll have a few chocolate treats & aqua blue candy rods in the apothocary jars. I added a little crystal (acrylic) garland to the stand with a glue gun. I only have clear stands left, but I still plan to use them since the jars are clear. I put a couple of images of the favor boxes we're using. Some have feather toppers, some have monogram labels. |
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02/08/2010
 baroque frames |
Ask a Question
Baroque Frames, 8x10?
Does anyone know where I can find Baroque picture frames in 8x10 (at a good price)?
I need the actual photo portion to be 8x10. I've checked my local Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, Marshalls & Target. I've checked a little bit online, but I'm hoping someone can help. If you come across any like these, please let me know. My preference is white, but I can always spray paint them. TIA!!!! |
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02/08/2010
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Memo Board-Part I
Chandelier Wish Cards
I had a total revamp of what we're planning for our "guestbook" plans. We started out with the plan to do a fabulous photobook for our guestbook...even had the design laid out. But everytime I got ready to order it, seemed like I just wouldn't. I love them sooo much, but we are going to give them as gifts to our parents, & have one for our own home, plus we will have a table with our engagement pics at the reception, so to change up having photos overload, we are doing a little simpler, with a couple of memo boards!!
I am ordering some Tiffany Blue fabric & making my own boards :) I have the vision in my head, & haven't seen exactly what I want, so I'm looking forward to this DIY! Step 1 for now is the cards for the guests to sign. Printablebride.com made up a chandelier image for me, and then I sent that to Pretty Little Studio at Etsy to frame the image with a bracket. She also printed, cut & added some tiffany blue to the images for me. I didn't elect alot of tiffany blue for the cards since the memo boards will be blue already. I added little rhinestones to the chandeliers, but they really don't show up well at all. The other image is from Printablebride.com for the guestbook sign. I will show the printed version once I have the frame for it & the boards completed! Stay tuned! P.S. The picture quality here is AWFUL, but there are actually lines on each card so that guests can easily write their well wishes to us. |
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02/07/2010
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Tshirt Project Started!
Thanks to Vista Print
I picked up a package of tshirt transfer sheets from Office Depot, but I still need the t-shirts. Before I officially started on the project, I saw a free offer for 1 shirt on Vista Print, & I decided to try it out. I am very pleased! I mean, it's no Gucci, lol, but the print quality & cotton weight is definitely a thumbs up for something like this.
I might take advantage of another free tshirt offer when I need to order something else since you still pay shipping. I will post pics of the iron on shirts once I complete those :) Oh, & I am still thinking about the clear mailing tubes to package these in, but most online places only offer bulk. I need around 7. Plus, the ribbon will pretty much do the job for me & I already have that on hand, so I like the free part :) P.S. If anyone sees any inexpensive aqua tshirts, especially vneck, please let me know! That is the style I am trying to do for my girls!! TIA! |
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02/01/2010
 dads gift I dads gift II moms_hanky    |
A Gift for My Dad
I Think I Found It :)
I love this handstamped keychain. It's rustic, simple & masculine, but it has so much meaning. I think my dad will love it. It reads "Dad" on one side, & "The First Man I Loved" on the other.
We are gifting our parents photo books with our engagement pics, & are also giving our moms the pictured handkerchiefs (from Etsy). The keychain is $12.50 & from seller leathermadenice. |
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01/31/2010
 feather boa aqua feather boa white pomanders feather III    |
Ask a Question
Please Vote: Feather Color
I changed my mind on using pew cones for our inner aisle decor, & am now officially set on making my own feather pomanders. I was checking out Ebay tonight to just get a good estimate on the feathers I'll need, when I came across a shade close to Tiffany Blue!
You guys pretty much know our colors, & we are working on getting inexpensive white or ivory chair covers for the sanctuary (the chairs are currently maroon). And candles will line the aisle. Which would you vote for-Tiffany/Aqua Blue or White feathers? |
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01/24/2010
 damask fans II damask fans III   |
Chic Paper Fans
Soft Damask
I came across this wonderful site with 3 gorgeous damask fan templates. I always wanted to have personalized fans at our ceremony, & this was a pretty easy DIY. I am unable to print right now, so the amazing Ashley over at Ashley Nichole Designs on Etsy printed & assembled the fans for me.
I'm unsure whether to add ribbon or not. Do you guys think I shoud add ribbon or leave it off? I also thought about adding rhinestones to the sticks... If you are interested in the template, check out this site: http://www.colormeinspired.com/2009/08/24/65/ |
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01/23/2010
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Damask Activity Mats
Reception Fun
I love things to keep kids entertained. These pics are paper placemats/activity mats in damask & tiffany blue. They are front and back. Since we have crayons (along with other toys & treats) in the activity boxes already for the children, they can also doodle during the reception. You guys know how bad my pics are, so I'm sorry!
Thank you to Unpredictable Bride for completing the layout for me! |
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01/22/2010
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Wrist Ribbons {Bling Style}
For Attendants
I wanted wrist corsages of some sort for my 2 friends who are acting as our Day of Coordinators. I had some Tiffany Blue striped ribbon left, & I bought a couple of rhinestone brooches (they are really a good size) from Forever21 for $5.80 s piece. I just pinned them on 2 straps of ribbon, & voila...a beautiful wrist adornment, and a really inexpensive project. Plus the girls can wear the brooches later without the ribbon.
Sorry for the awful pics :) |
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01/18/2010
 brooch bracelet ebay |
Beautiful Brooch Bracelets
For Less....
I have my wedding day jewelry complete, but I've always adored the brooch bracelets that I keep seeing. I am wanting to gift one to my Matron of Honor, along with some earrings for her jewelry.
I heard that La Fancy Beads on Ebay has very pretty jewelry that dosen't have a cheap look, for less. Just wanted to share with you guys. Looks like the average range for this style bracelet in their shop is around $40 & up. |
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01/17/2010
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New Project
Thanks to Style Me Pretty
I can't wait to begin this T-Shirt project next weekend. It's personalized Tees for the Wedding Party. Mainly for the night of the Rehearsal Dinner to wear & represent :). I already have the designs pre-made on my computer, and had been hesitating sending the images to a local print shop due to cost, but per the article on Style Me Pretty, you can have your images sent to Kinkos for T-Shirt printing as well, which I didn't know. But, since I figure our attendants won't wear these all the time, I am going to buy the transfer sheets for less at Office Depot & do it myself!
Here's the link to the article: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/12/07/diy-groomsmen-t-shirts/ The packaging tubes are super cute as well. I might order a few to package the tees in for the adults, depending on what the price is like. Otherwise, I will use some tiffany blue ribbon on hand. I will post pics soon. |
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01/12/2010
 scavenger hunt bling camera scavenger hunt damsk scavenger tiff     |
Photo-Scavenger Hunt
Reception Fun
I've seen these scavenger hunts on The Knot, as well as here on WBC, & I honestly didn't think a whole lot of them at first, but now I think it's a really fun & cute idea to get the older kids & teens involved. I know how boring it can be as a child at weddings, so I think this may help add a fun spin on things, plus I'll have a few disposable cameras for them to capture more pics for us while having a good time.
You can click on the image to see some of the "Hunt" items that I included. Some of the requirements include taking pics of the following: A group pic of everyone at your table, biggest smile, best dancer, someone with a camera taking a pic, lol, and more.. **Credits to Shayne for the layout** PS I cannot take credit for the poem. If you know who it is from, I will give proper credit. |
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01/09/2010
 rehearsal_menu_II rehearsal_sign_I rehearsal_menu_I    |
Rehearsal Dinner
Menu & Signage
I just wanted to share with you guys the signs that I had ordered awhile back from Jujubee Designs on Etsy. We're doing heavier damask & tiffany blue at the reheasal dinner, & more steel grays with tiffany at the ceremony.
The Rehearsal Dinner budget is el cheapo, but I do not like to skim on quality. So, I felt the signs add a little personality & style to our disposable table cloths & plates. A couple of family members & friends have committed to making the food (everything except the pizza, which will be ordered from local restaurant). Italian food is my FH's fave, so I wanted this time to be fun & relaxing for our oot guests, parents & those in the wedding party. The menu includes: Lasagna, Shrimp Alfredo, NY Style Pizza, Salad, Bread & Ice Cream Station for Dessert The location will be at my church's fellowship hall, so the benefit is that it's free, & easy for those there to stay at one location right after rehearsal. I want to be as accomodating as possible to our oot guests. The table cloths are actually in "carribean" which is closer to turquoise, but it's not a problem at all. I got the table cloths (disposable), damask dinner & dessert plates & damask napkins (enough for 100) at a local store here called 'If It's Paper' several mons ago for $25. All of it. The store was having a closing sale, & I was able to rack up then on those items, as well as the white gable boxes for the out of town boxes (see older post). The signs & menus pictured here will simply be put on easels for display. I have lots of signage to share with you all from Unpredictable Bride as well, once Im able to find some inexpensive frames. I highly recommend Jujubee Designs (Etsy) & Unpredictable Bride here for any signage/stationary needs. They take the time to do the job right & make sure you're satisfied. I love their work! |
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01/08/2010
 crystal tree up close crystal tree again crystal tree    |
Ask a Question
Crystal Tree- Should I Leave It Alone?
I bought this crystal tree from Victorias1911 several months ago, & I absolutely love it. On the other hand, I also love to see the manzanita branches with full blooms attached (like last pic). My tree is a little less full (right now) because I removed the purple crystals that Amanda included & a few of the acrylic strands, until we actually set it up at reception.
In your opinion, do you like the tree the way it is (main pic), or would you add a few flowers to some branches/base? |
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01/02/2010
 advice |
Ask a Question
What Advice Would You Give....
If you could give 2 forms of advice to someone planning a wedding OR to a newlywed, what would it be? Whether you've been engaged for awhile, or are a newbie, we all have the common element of becoming a wife, so what would you share?
Planning a wedding is fun, beautiful & even stressful at times, but your words may be key in helping some of us to really make it seamless. Or, your words may help in encouraging each other in marriage! If you only have one thing to say, that is fine! |
gratefulbride
| 186 | days to wedding |
Sonya
Hubby :)
Sep 18, 2010
Charlotte,
North Carolina,
United States
My Church
TBD
I am anxiously excited about planning our special day, & living our very special life together. God has been so very good to us, & I will forever be grateful. Our colors are aqua, irridescent white & steel gray with damask chandelier motifs. No theme really, just putting things together one day at a time. Wedding will take place in Summer of '10!
Blue
number of visits: 76314
