DIY Wedding by Anita Martin Photography

This wedding is a DIY bride's dream. It is filled with countless details each an infusion of the couple's style. Get those pin buttons ready to go as you are going to need them for this fabulous DIY California wedding!

"Charming, rustic, and very DIY backyard wedding in Orangevale California, at the groom's childhood home! Beautiful fall details and color in this perfectly intimate wedding. Ashlynn and Charlie met in San Diego. They planned a backyard wedding at the home of Charlie's parents. The couple had a first look under Willow trees that Charlie remembers planting when he was young. Ashlynn incorporated many family heirlooms/personal details into her wedding day: The maid of honor, bride's mom, aunt and future mother in law and bride spent a few days working together to make batches and batches of homemade jam for our wedding favors. Charlie and Ashlynn handmade all of the nail and yarn table numbers, wooden signs, bunting, vases...most of the decor. Ashlynn's grandmother made them a wedding quilt that has events in our lives and relationship on it and also sewed the bunting banners, the bridesmaid's purses, and personalized hankerchiefs for each girl! The couple had a type writer as their guest book, which belonged to Charlie's grandpa's who passed away a few years ago."

Photographer:  Anita Martin Photography
Floral Designer:  Ambience Floral Design

Steps to Sample Sale Success

Ohh check that alliteration in the title. Snazzy, right?Gosh I think I'm clever. Ok, ok time to get down to business. You've probably heard it all before but one of the easiest places to save some money when wedding planning is on the dress. But how? If you're anything like me, you've watched just about every episode of Say Yes to the Dress and have drooled over all the beautiful, high priced gowns they showcase. I had heard a few success stories from girls who had chosen to go the Sample Sale route but honestly, I was very weary of that. My initial thoughts were the limited options, lots of people, and the thought of settling based on a good deal. But even with those negative thoughts running through my head I decided to give it a shot and I'm so glad did!

These 6 steps are why I think I was successful at finding my dream dress at a sample sale and I hope they'll help you too:

1. Attend sample sales that takes appointments

2. Go to stores that carry dresses you like and may normally be out of your budget

3. Make your appointment on the first day of the sale (if possible)

4. Go in with a clear budget in mind

5. Have a good idea of what you're looking for

6. Be ready to buy

Shopping for a wedding dress is such a fun and exciting time. Enjoy yourself and if you're looking to save a little money know that there are options out there for you to do just that!

Did you attend a sample sale? What was your experience?

Showering the Bride {themes}

When I was home over the holidays my cousin offered to host a bridal shower for me! I am beyond excited that I will get to have a shower in my home state and get to see so many of the ladies who will be at my wedding a few months later. The next thing she asked me was what kind of shower I wanted to have, themes, etc. And to tell the truth, I had never thought of this before...I mean I know showers have themes and their own unique flair, but I had never thought about how mine would be. I will be happy with some great ladies around me, a fun game or two, and something to eat and sip on. But, of course, I started some searching to get inspiration. Whether you are planning a shower for someone or looking forward to your own, it is fun to look at all the creative ideas.

Being a lover of perfume, I think this Coco Chanel, French-themed shower is pretty darn cute. And before you start thinking that this is way too over the top - Yes, it is a 'shoot' (not a real shower), but adorable nonetheless.

Guests could mix their own scents.

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I don't think I was a Girl Scout long enough to be qualified for this shower, but wow, so awesome!

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How about this tiki-themed shower. So fun!

These ladies did flower arranging.

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Love the how they took the traditional pink flamingos and turned them gold!

And here we have a 60's-inspired fete.

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Are you having a 'themed' bridal shower? Did you do something related to your wedding?

{DIY} Getting Crafty With Wooden Flatware

It is so easy and totally fun to get creative with this wooden flatware. The options are endless depending on your color palette or feel for a given event. I originally made these for dessert takeaway boxes but have since used them in a few different places. Thanks to Kara Miller Photography for photographing this lovely DIY.

Step 1: Tape in any pattern you like. Then spray!

These were even easier, if that is possible! I used stamps to stamp the pattern on. Seconds later, you are done!

Enjoy :)

Going Postal the Pretty Way

As we get close to sending out our Save the Dates, I have been looking for ways to jazz up our mailing (and cut some corners). An address stamp seems to be a must these days and luckily Etsy has so many wonderful customized options to choose from.

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

Sources: 1 & 2

 Of course cool postage is also on my mind. I found tons of amazing vintage postage on Ebay, Champion Stamp, Kenmore Stamp Co. and Invites by Jen. I am usually great at finding deals, so the though of paying double the price just for a pretty stamps if hard to justify.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

 Luckily and surprisingly to me the United States Post Office actually has quite a few unique stamps to choose from, so I think I will probably end up going with one of the following options.

Source: USPS.COM

How did you get creative with your mailings? Do you know a great resource for reasonably priced vintage stamps?

The Lab iPhone App is Here!

I know we have unofficially announced this, but today, for real, our iPhone app is officially LIVE and up for grabs! Download it here.

For the past I don't know how many months I have been working on this little project of mine. And finally, it is time to share it with the world. As I said in my last post, I am oh so very serious about helping brides connect with the perfect vendors for them. Finding vendors doesn't have to take as much time and stress as it currently does. This app was created to eliminate this insanely time consuming process and make it easier than ever to find your perfect fit.

See something you like while at the event? Easily favorite the vendor who created it, or better yet, send them an email right then and there to ensure you don't forget to get in contact with them. We have it all, and we want to share it with you brides! Not going to be able to go to The Lab? No problem, you can still look through all the portfolios of our fabulous vendors! Download it here.

The Lab Event is just a handful of days away! Engaged or know someone who is?? This event is something you won't want to miss. Get inspired, find your vendors and have way too much fun. Get your tickets now.

Bridal Beauty {resolutions}

Happy New Year! I've never really been one for serious New Years resolutions because I try to make little resolutions all year long. I already work out on a regular basis, drink lots of water, and make healthy food choices (most of the time ;-), but in these last seven-ish months leading up to our wedding I definitely want to step it up a notch. When I'm dancing in my wedding dress, I want to know that I gave it my all. So this New Year marks a chance for me to make some little resolutions so that I'll be the best version of myself by my wedding day.

Here are my bridal beauty resolutions...

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- Set ambitious, but do-able, fitness goals. My goal is 3-4 Dailey Method classes and 2 jogs per week. The Dailey Method is a similar workout to The Bar Method or Barre3. I started DM early in 2012 and was so thankful to finally find a workout that I enjoy this much. I love that it is always challenging, but, at the same time, you don't feel like you are beating yourself up. It feels healthy. And gives us ladies that long, lean, and strong body. I like to mix in some jogs for cardio and because it's something my fiance and I like to do together.

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- More tea, water, and veggies. Less coffee, sugar, and starches. These are sort of on-going, but I will be making an extra effort to amp up the water and tea and cut down on the coffee and dessert up until my wedding. Also tipping the dinner plate in favor of veggies over starches and white breads. I know these aren't the most measurable goals, but I'm a big believer that you can have most things in moderation, so I don't like to set hard-and-fast rules when it comes to food.

- Take my vitamins daily. I have vitamins but I always forget! Keeping them at work and taking them right after lunch has proved to work pretty well for me recently. Vitamins are great for that glowing skin and hair.

 

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- Facials. I'm going to schedule one this month to make sure I'm using the right products and then shoot for three, about once a month leading up to the big day. WebMD recommends scheduling your last facial no later than two weeks prior to your wedding day. I might have to throw in a massage for general relaxation :-)

If all fails, I'll be surrounded by some pretty awesome family and friends, and one wonderful fiance, and I think that's what really gives us brides our 'glow.'

Some healthy, glowing bride inspiration...

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What will you be doing in the new year to make sure you are looking your best by your big day?

Less than 6 months out

Ok, I know everyone says it but seriously, time flies. One day you have 14 months to plan your wedding and then pow you're less than 6 months out. Crazy if you ask me. We're now at the planning stage where things could potentially get stressful, all the moving parts are coming together and we need to make sure it all blends well and makes for a great day. I am 100% a goal setter and I need goals/lists/checkboxes listed out in order for me to get things done. So with less than 6 months to go, I vow to:

 

How was the final 6 months of planning for you? What were some of your major accomplishments?

Minted Design Contest

Minted always has the best collection of stationery, invitations, and cards. Today you get to be the judge and choose the next Save The Date design that will be available for sale on Minted! The designer of the winning card will receive a cash prize (how awesome is that?!) AND Minted is giving away not 1 but 3 $100 Minted giftcards to 3 random voters! HOW TO ENTER:

Choose your favorite design + comment which number it is!

PRIZE:

3 random commenters will each receive a $100 Minted giftcard to use for anything on their site. The winners will be announced January 15, 2013.

Good luck to all!