RIBBON SAVE THE DATES

FILE CARD GUEST BOOK

CUSTOM FIT WEDDING MENUS

SIGNATURE PLATES

PLAYING CARD PLACECARDS

*GUESTBOOK OR WISHING WELL CARDS*

BUTTON SEATING CARDS

ROSE COVERED AISLE

POM POM CAR DECORATION

SUNSCREEN FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS

WEDDING EVENT FLAGS

JUST MARRIED WEDDING BANNER

WEDDING FAVOR CENTERPIECES

FABRIC FLOWER PLACECARDS

PROGRAM POUCHES

*PHOTO TABLE NUMBERS*

WEDDING FAVOR GARLAND

*ENVELOPE GUEST BOOK*

WINE BOTTLE TABLE NUMBERS

Click on the photos to go directly to the Martha Stewart page with all of the info & directions on how to make these projects yourself.  *Starred* ideas mean they are something we offer, so contact us if you are interested : )  Some of these ideas are just so inspiring!  I want to do a full blown wedding next year for our “second wedding/vow renewal/15 year anniversary” just to incorporate them!  I still haven’t gotten very far with actually thinking about May 21, 2011… but I will start soon.  2011 is going to be a year of big changes for us, so May 21st has been the furthest thing from my mind lately.  BUT, I do have an idea on how I’m going to do some things!  We really want to work with indie artists/designers/vendors only — obviously, because that is what we are, and we prefer to have the day be very funky, personal & unique.  We want to really showcase the people we work with–more than just the day of the event, but here on the blog, as well.  If you are a vendor, designer, artist, creator, etc. (for something wedding related in any way) and would like to be a part of our 2nd big day, get in touch!  I would love to hear the types of things you offer… remember we are looking for totally outside the box, vintage, unique, fresh + simple (martha-like) …you get the idea!  Plus, we have three kiddos who will be 9, 6 and 3 & our bulldog, Olive–all of which will be a huge part of the  day : )   It will obviously be a spring event, and we are thinking outdoors or a mix of both indoor and outdoor.  We look forward to hearing from all of you!!  Even if you aren’t a vendor/artist–send is your unique ideas via comment or blog form.  We would be thrilled to get them!  Anyone know of any great wedding photographers and videographers?

Back to editing for me.  Caio!

COLORED CRINOLINE

This is something I have seen here and there on other photographers’ and/or wedding blogs, but have never had the chance of working with myself.  I WANT THE CHANCE.  There are so many cool ways to make photos pop when this neat idea is put to work.  Brides: do this!  Use your main wedding color or your wedding accent color.  It could be so fun, and it’s definitely unique!

copyright becky novacek photography

Here is a “Colored Crinoline how-to” that was just recently posted on Hot Pink Brides.

Of course, Offbeat Bride has a variety of posts that show photos of this!

Here is Offbeat Bride’s article on how to do this.  It’s a little more in depth– with pictures of each step.

It doesn’t have to be a short dress.  I have seen plenty of standard length, more traditional dresses, with just this wonderful pop of color underneath.  I am seriously dying to shoot a wedding where the bride does this!  Who’s going to be my bride?!  You have tips & inspiration, so doing it should be a cinch.

Just picture the pink one above on a sweet cake like this:

Name + Esty Shop:
Abigail Halpin :: http://missavocado.etsy.com

Where are you located?
Southern Maine, near the ocean

How long have you been making the toppers?
I started making the toppers in 2008, following a few months of trial and error prototyping.

When did you open your Etsy shop?
I opened my Etsy Shop Summer of 2005. I was still in school at the time and had just taken up crocheting, so was looking for a venue to peddle my wares. As time went on though, I switched the focus of my shop to art.

Where did you get the idea to make the toppers the way you do?
I’d read an article about a wedding that used a vintage paper wedding cake topper to decorate cupcakes with and was really inspired. I went hunting down vintage toppers online and decided to try designing my own version. I was intrigued by the idea that it was relatively flat and would be easy to store after the wedding.

How many colors/styles do you offer?
Each year I’ve designed a different style. In 2008 I’d designed one that had a 1930’s feel, this past year I featured toppers that were more in keeping with the bright colors of the ’50’s and did offer color customization for brides with this option. For 2010, I’ve just started sketching ideas.

How much time does it takes to make each topper:
Initially I draw the topper, scan and then digitally color. Once printed, I create the crepe paper background, add glitter, a veil and other embellishments, then cut out each bride and groom. Not including the illustration time, I’d estimate each topper takes about an hour to assemble, plus drying and pressing time.

Advice on planning a unique wedding:
Be true to yourself! I helped my sister with her wedding a few years back and everything from the boutonnieres to the dress was made by a family member. It was a lot of work (and definitely not for everyone), but the wedding fit my sister and brother-in-law to a “t.”

And here is a lovely cake idea for the fushia topper:

And for the green:

That last cake is stunning.  Wow.  I love it.

As a little “goodie” to our readers, Abigail is offering free shipping for one cake topper to the first person who orders and mentions our blog post!  So head to her Etsy Shop and order one!  I hope I see some of these lovelies at our 2010 weddings!  Thanks, Abigail, for sharing your sweet toppers and advice with us : )

All cake photos copyright theknot.com