From the category archives:

Pure Inspiration

Engaged and Inspired

by Katie on February 21, 2010 · 0 comments

in Featured Blogs, Pure Inspiration

I’m so excited to share with you a new[er] blog stuffed full of ideas, inspiration, resources, and photos - Engaged & Inspired! The creator of Aspiring Couture, Allison, brings you fresh, modern, chic ideas from the wonderful world of weddings. Recently engaged herself, Allison started the blog to provide fellow brides with “a complete bridal resource offering top inspiration, gorgeous detail ideas, fabulous suggested vendors, and a wedding shop full of hand-picked original designs”.

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My favorite part of Engaged & Inspired has to be all the great eye candy – tons of fabulous photo inspiration that I simply can’t get enough of. I forced myself to pick just one to share with you here…. don’t you just ADORE all these great tags!?

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Providing all the pretty pictures ties in perfectly with the services Allison also offers via her blog – custom, made to order inspiration boards (with a bunch of extras). All you have to do is send her a few photos of things that represent your style, venue (if you’ve already tied it down), color choices, etc., and she’ll send you the following:

- A full cohesive plan with plenty of details, to pull your wedding style together.
- “How-to’s” and “Where-to’s” for purchasing and creating items from the idea board so you can execute wedding plans efficiently
- A suggested list of vendors to work with that fit your style and budget. (Researched by us in advance to ensure quality of service!)
- Suggested design plan for setting up the venue, or how to add in those details that you can’t live without.

Such a great idea, especially for the bride that needs a little help getting the creative juices flowing. So, go see all of this fabulousness for yourself, or email Allison directly – allison@engagedandinspired.com.

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Escort Card Trees

by Katie on January 14, 2010 · 2 comments

in Pure Inspiration

I am absolutely OBSESSED with escort card trees. Whether you go all out and pay a ton to have one done for you or roll up your sleeves to DIY, you simply can’t go wrong with these eye-catching beauties! Check out some of the inspiration photos below!

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All images from Brides

Before you go, check out this FABULOUS video on how to make your own crystal tree!


Wedding Ceremony & Traditions:
How To Make A Crystal Wedding Tree

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Happy Halloween

by Lilian on October 31, 2009 · 1 comment

in Decor & Event Design, Pure Inspiration

Happy Halloween to all the Blogger Brides out there!!!

I know Halloween parties are all about the creepy, scary, disturbing decoration. Which by the way, I love it !!!

However, if you are thinking of some elements a little bit more sophisticated for your wedding celebration, there out tons of ideas out there. You can definitely incorporate some elegant touches without running away from the theme.

Here are some inspirations for the Halloween Brides.

Have a Spooooooky Holiday!!

All images borrowed from MarthaStewart.com

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Bella’s Gown

by Katie on October 28, 2009 · 1 comment

in Fashion and Trends, Pure Inspiration

Any Twilight fanatics out there? I’m definitely one (yes, I admit it!), so I was THRILLED to see this article from InStyle. The magazine asked top designers to sketch their ideas of Bella’s dress (4th book). Check out what some of them came up with – love ‘em!

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Even if the color red is not a part of your wedding scheme, you’ve got to love these pictures.
The red was so elegantly blended in this celebration, that everything looks spectacular.
How simply and creative the flowers were arranged at the isle for the ceremony…
Very original details for great inspirations. I just can’t get over the cake table with the submerged flowers.


All images borrowed from {here}

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The happiness of your wedding does not need to end when the day is over. We’ve shared ideas for when you’re feeling charitable before. But you can never have too many ideas — spread the love and make a difference. Here are a few ways to be generous to others and kind to the earth on your big day.

Instead of wedding favors, make a donation to your favorite charity. Trinkets are easily lost, but a contribution to a nonprofit can make a lasting impact.

Some brides and grooms list stores at which they have registered on their invitation or website. Add that favorite nonprofit to your list so guests can make a donation in your honor.

Use recycled paper. Invitations, save-the-dates, napkins, thank you notes, programs . . . opportunities are endless!

Use less paper in the first place. Send a simple invite with the date, location and time; direct guests to your blog or website for further event information. Skip the reply cards and ask guests to RSVP via telephone or e-mail.

Eat locally. Ask your caterer if he or she has access to fruits and vegetables from a nearby farmer’s market. You will reduce your carbon footprint and know you’re helping local growers.

The farmer’s market can also be a source for fresh flowers. If you are a do-it-yourself bride, craft the bouquets yourself using those locally grown blooms. Not crafty? Recruit a friend who is!

Share your décor. If you don’t plan to reuse your centerpieces, or components of it, donate the arrangements to a place that could use some brightening. Ask nursing homes, women’s shelters or community centers. The items may give the place just the lift it needs!

Don’t stop here. Let these ideas inspire you to contribute to others, on your big day and beyond.

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Balloons Balloons Balloons!

by Lilian on August 6, 2009 · 0 comments

in Pure Inspiration

Looking around for engagements pictures inspiration, I’ve notice many couples are incorporating balloons. How fun and creative!! Below are some great images ideas.
{source}benpancoast
{source} CarolineTran
{souce} JillThomas

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I’m sure many of you have seen these. I got an email about this amazing artist, Chef Omar, AGES ago, but rediscovered it today as I was cleaning out some of my computer files. The cakes are displayed in a powerpoint, so I pulled out some of my favorites to share with you. These are the definition of eye candy! Yum!

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I did a little searching for Opera Cafe, which is supposedly run by Chef Omar, but I didn’t find much. If you have a URL or some more info on this fab guy, please do share!

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I used to have something against baskets. I always envisioned them as something just … “not my style”. BUT! I must say, I’ve recently fallen in love with them. Especially in home decor.

Here is a nice example from Apartment Therapy ~

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So, of course, as with many other fabulous home decor items, they can too easily be applied to weddings! Here are some ideas for you, if you wish to include baskets in your big day!

The Usual

Flower Girl Baskets – This one is pretty obvious. In fact, it’s pretty much the first thing I think of when I hear “wedding” and “basket” in the same sentences. They come in just about any shape, size, and style. If you’re going to go with a basket for your little lady (or ladies), just make sure you coordinate the size of girl and size of basket – you don’t want a tiny person tripping down the aisle with an over sized basket! Here is a super sweet example from Yande Bridal (as seen on Etsy). Too precious!

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Welcome Baskets – These little treats are a great way to welcome guests to your wedding destination! And hey, you don’t have to be having a “destination wedding” to use them. Say you grew up in Kansas City and that’s where your wedding is. You’re not really from out of town, but that doesn’t mean some of your guests aren’t. They might really enjoy a few local treats and some additional info on the city or town your wedding is in – things like places to see and visit, good spots to eat, etc. Plus, who doesn’t like a few goodies when they arrive in a new place? Here is an awesome basketfull of fabulousness from Kate Parker Weddings.

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Ceremony Program or Card Holder – This is one we see quite often. Baskets are a great for holding things…obviously. That’s why they were created, after all! And, because they come in so many different looks (and can often be found in many nooks and crannies in houses and churches and banquet halls), they are a perfect, last second addition to any wedding program or gift table. Here is a snazzy shot from the marvelous Erica May Photography!

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The Not-So-Usual

Bridesmaids Bouquets – I don’t think many brides envision their ladies walking down the aisle before them armed in baskets full of flowers. But think how sweet they could be for a garden or outdoor wedding. Once they arrive at the alter, have the girls drop off each basket in a predetermined spot then move to their assigned spot. I like this arrangement from FTD of all places! Order baskets that are just a bit different from each other to mix things up and stay out of the too-matched trap.

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Get Away Vehicles – This idea is just too cute for words. While I wouldn’t recommend strapping a basket full of flowers to your limo, if a bike is your transportation of choice, tie one up! I love this photo from terry_hug.

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Centerpieces – Lots of centerpieces are gussied up with glass and candles…maybe some pin lighting here and there. But, if baskets are your style (or you have some from a ceremony held earlier in the day [see above and below]), placing them atop your reception tables might be all you need for reception decor. How beautiful is this lovely arrangement from Prescott Wedding Florist?

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Aisle Decorations – Here is another spot just waiting to be filled with flowery baskets – your aisle! Pair with lanterns of different shapes and sizes and voila – you have a charming, lit path for you to stroll down to meet your significant other. I LOVE this sweet and very natural basket form Country Living.

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Favor Holder – This one might fit under “the usual” category, but, with unique favors, I think it’s placed right where it should be. While baskets a great for holding and helping to hand out bubbles or flower petals for a grand getaway, why not house your favors or little reception extras in some good sized baskets. For weddings in nippy weather, where your guest might enjoy an additional cover up, place some soft scarves (or light blankets tied with ribbon) into a basket in a high traffic area with a sign that instructs guests to take and use. I adore this shot from Jo Gartin.

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Do you have any other fabulous wedding basket ideas? Please do share with us!

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Something Fabulous from SMP

by Katie on April 28, 2009 · 0 comments

in Pure Inspiration

I could spend years of my life looking through architecture and interior design/decorating books and magazines and websites. There is always something new, interesting, and inspiring to uncover. So of course, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about Buzz Media Company’s Room-to-Wedding Inspiration boards via Style Me Pretty. Abby did a great board a while back and Buzz Media is keeping the inspiration coming. Check out a fab example below.

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