Oh So Excited!!! ... and a HUGE Thanks!

We have the sweetest neighbor. Her name is Cass and she just had her 89th Birthday.  It had been a couple weeks since I had seen her so this morning I stopped by to say hello and wish her a Happy Birthday.  As I was over there, she said to me: "Oh dear! I have a package for you and kept meaning to bring it over."  She left the room and came back with a box.  I thanked her and left... On my walk home I looked down at the package and it was Cameron Homemade!!!!  If you don't remember her... check out this post

I ran into the house and tore open the package to see the most adorable bag EVER!!!

Thank you so much Cameron for sending me this BEAUTIFUL bag! 
xoxo,
Tara

Wedding Bouquet Twist - Nic's Button Buds

As a proud member of Smitten Soiree, I have the opportunity to come across some of the most talented artists I have ever met.  Meet Nicole (Nic) from Nic's Button Buds.  I fell in love with her unique twist on traditional wedding bouquets and, of course, had to share her bouquets with you!

I WANT ONE SO STINKING BAD!!!!! AMAZING BROOCH BOUQUET!!!

Gorgeous colors!

For the whole bridal party!!!! What a great souvenir for your ladies to keep after the wedding!

I love pink.  Light pink, hot pink, neon pink, baby pink, blush pink... it doesn't matter to me!
Aren't they positively drool worthy? *Sigh* Well... Of course I had to ask her how she got started making these beautiful pieces of art.  I also wanted to find out: why a button or broach bouquet instead of a traditional arrangement?


How did you get started making your bouquets?
I got married in the country where I grew up (Marysville) and with no nearby florist, I didn’t want to have to organize on my wedding day for someone to do a 1 ½ hour round trip to a florist so started looking at alternatives.  I found that decent quality fake flowers weren’t in my budget (with fresh I was just going to go with something bright, cheap and in season)  So I stumbled across loads of alternative bouquets on the internet that being a craft person and having a DIY wedding really appealed to me.  I loved the way  could express my personality and that of my Bridesmaids through the bouquets.  I will admit I spent double the amount on buttons than I had budgeted on fresh flowers BUT I had something unique that really represented me!  After making mine I made a few for fun for others before things really just snowballed to where I am now.  Aside from the button bouquets I am also now making brooch bouquets, button and brooch accessories and hand painted fingerprint tree canvasses (another DIY project I had at my own wedding).

Playing devil’s advocate – why get a button bouquet as opposed to a more traditional bouquet?   
I actually really love and admire beautiful fresh flowers, I wish my husband bought them home a little often (or at all…. Lol) – but the fact is they aren’t for everyone.  Reasons brides look for an alternative bouquet really do vary – some have allergies to flowers and have not developed a connection with any particular flower so like the idea of the bouquets being unique, some brides enjoy the way they can customize and incorporate personalities.  They are great for destination weddings and also for brides like myself who’s weddings are not located near a florist.  The biggest reason if people just want something a little left of centre that they can keep for ever.

I can just picture her telling me this in her cute Australian accent.  I love Australian accents - but I guess that's not the point.  Isn't she adorable? Can I keep her?  Maybe stick her in my basement with a bunch of brooches and buttons and force her to make me a bunch of bouquets? 3 for every room in my house? :)

If you're like me and totally feel like you need one of these, here's where you can find her:
Etsy Store
Website: My Button Bouquet
Facebook

Okay, okay... just one more:

xoxo,
Tara

New Website Coming Soon...


I am overwhelmed with the positive response I have gotten from all of my customers in this short period of time! I have already quickly outgrew my current website and am working on a new, enhanced website... I am hoping to launch my new website within 2 weeks.

Thank you to all of you for allowing me the opportunity to work with you all - and I look forward to working with more of you in the future!

xoxo,
Tara

Teal & Brown Damask Door Hangers

I love teal. I love brown. I love damask. So I guess it's only natural that I was excited to get this order for my Wedding Favor Door Hangers!  I added a crystal to each door hanger for an extra bit of bling.  Oh so pretty!





Need custom door hangers for your out of town guests? Contact me!
xoxo,
Tara

Bridal Party Vintage Ticket Tags

Some of you may remember my post on my groomsman gifts.  Well, because of the crazy, popular exposure these have gotten, I have sold quite a few... but I just wanted to quickly share one of my favorite color combos! :) Red, black and ivory.  I think they turned out so pretty!





Contact me if you are interested in your own custom ticket tags!
xoxo,
Tara

Marie-leigh'chelle Boutique

Every once in awhile you happen across something so spectacular, it takes your breath away! Well, the other day I stumbled across the most talented, adorable hats I have ever seen! Enter Marie-leigh'chelle Boutique.
I gasped, held my breath, squealed and then promptly contacted her to see if she would mind if I shared her amazing hats with all of you!

What's amazing about Brandi? She takes so much pride in her work. You can tell that each of her hats are lovingly made and 100% original.  She also loves to work one on one with customers to create custom designs.

Enough talk right? Show me the hats!




Amazing right? I can't wait to have a little one running around... she is going to have a hat for every day of the week!!!!  When you purchase a Marie-leigh'chelle hat it will arrive boutique packaged and in a box. (Baby Shower Gift, anyone?)

Plus... I got the inside scoop! For 2012, Brandi plans on expanding her collection to bridal top hats (OH I CAN'T WAIT), pill box hats, mini-mini toppers, and line especially for the Mr.'s (I see an awesome photo opportunity here).

I don't know why you're still reading - I would already be shopping for a new hat here.  Or checking out her website here.

Her only rule? You Must Have The Perfect Hat!

Enjoy!
xoxo,
Tara

New Collection - Vera

Animal prints never seem to go out of style although I have noticed that the leopard and cheetah prints are a big deal this season... which I am so excited about.   After creating this collection, I am dying to plan a leopard print, red and black party now!

I am in love with this collection! It was inspired by my new friend Vera at Bella Card Creations.  (Just in case you missed it - you view the post here.)  But in case your short on time - Vera had a beautiful leopard print and red card that I fell in love with.  So I decided to create my own leopard print and red stationery set.  It such a fun combination.  It somehow combines vintage and retro with classic and modern.  Not an easy feat for paper!!!  I had a blast creating this and I hope you enjoy!

Full Collection: Table Numbers, Bridal Shower Invitations, Thank You Cards, Place Cards, Menus, Programs, Favor Tags. (Formal Wedding Invitations are available as well... they just didn't make it into the photo shoot this time around!)

Bridal Shower Invitations

Favor Tags

Thank You Cards

Place Cards/Escort Cards

Menu

Table Numbers
About the Vera Collection: The Vera Collection is fashionable as well as daring and bold. With a classic leopard print background and vibrant red and black accents you will definitely stand out from the crowd! The Vera Collection pairs vintage backgrounds with modern fonts that helps this collection become a hit with classic brides and off beat brides alike!

Other coordinating items are in the works regarding this collection! Bouquet holders, leopard crystal cake toppers, ring bearer pillows, signs, and candy labels are just a few of great items that my shop will have soon.  Can't wait? Contact me and order yours!

xoxo,
Tara



Dimitra Designs Online Bridal Shop

It can be difficult to find an online bridal shop that you can trust.  There are so many online bridal shops that boast "designer" dresses, only to take your money and send you wrinkled, horribly sewn knock offs instead.  Luckily, I can introduce you to a beautiful online Bridal Shoppe that will have everything you want to find: Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaids Dress as well as Flower Girl, Mother's and even Rehearsal Cocktail dresses! Meet Dimitra Designs. With a store located in Greenville, SC, Dimitra Designs has everything you will need for your wedding day.  Skilled bridal consultants are available in store and can also be reached via their website form.

Here are just a few of my favorite swoon worthy designers that Dimtra Designs carries:

San Patrick


Sottero & Midgley

And don't forget about your bridesmaids.  I am in love with the Mori Lee Collection.  Is has a huge variety of styles and colors... the best part?  These dresses are so affordable!


As if that's not enough they have my-favorite-ever-wish-I-could-get-married-again-so-I-could-wear Benjamin Adams Shoes! DROOL!

If you are looking for any type of bridal attire, I highly suggest you give them a look.  I'm pretty sure they have something for everyone!

Even if you're not looking for any dresses or accessories, you should at least check out their blog. You can find lots of inspiration and ideas there!

xoxo,
Tara