Takes the Cake

After talking with some engaged friends about where to get there wedding cake, I realized I hadn't shared one of my favorite cakes! I wrote about Alyssa and Ryan here, here and here. :) How did I leave out their gorgeous cake, designed by the bride and created by Wanda's Cake Gallery.



If you're looking for a great cake in the Tulsa area, here are a few other bakeries I recommend:

1. Mallory's Mud Pies
2. Ludger's Cakes and Catering
3. Anne's Bakery

And just for fun, here are some really pretty cakes that I swoon over!







All three of these are from Cakegirls in Chicago and have been in my inspiration/ideas file. I doubt they do cakes in Tulsa, but I heart them anyway!


Stephanie

Piecing together...

Centerpieces. Figuring them out for your wedding reception doesn't have to be daunting. Here are a few that I love and tips along the way.


1. Use tall centerpieces to keep a table conversational.

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2. Find unique and interesting containers.

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3. Mix flowers and candles to provide a glowing atmosphere.

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4. Use containers and centerpieces in odd numbers (usually 1, 3 or 5). Our eyes are naturally drawn to things grouped in odd numbers.

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5. Submerge Flowers. This is a personal favorite. I love the clean look of glass cylinders and yet you still get a pop of color.

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I really suggest that you choose more than one height for your centerpieces. Again, we're naturally drawn to odd numbers so maybe try 3 centerpieces. Use equal numbers of tall, medium and short centerpieces.

Here's a possible layout:
1. Use something tall and thin enough to see around and be conversational.
2. Opt for submerged flowers for the medium height.
3. Use a collection of low mercury glass and low rectangular floral arrangements.

Post links to your favorite centerpieces in the comments section, and I'll do a follow up post with reader favorites!

Stephanie

Great Way to Start a Monday....

While this wedding probably wouldn't happen on my watch, it's a great way to start your week off. I think the sunglasses really are the finishing touch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

Happy Monday!

Stephanie

Woodlands Backdrop

I'm swooning over this ceremony backdrop! If you heart a more woodsy look for your special day, check out this great backdrop designed by Stoneblossom!

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Happy Friday!

Stephanie

Calling all Brides!

If you're still on the hunt for "the one", and by that I mean, the perfect wedding dress, don't look any further! Style Me Pretty has just posted their brand new Look Book and it's full of fabulous designers: Amsale and Lela Rose topping my list. You'll find entire collections, links, great descriptions of fit and fabric, as well as some pricing. They've done all the work for you!

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If you require a dress that won't eat away at your life savings, use the dresses in this Look Book as inspiration when shopping. My inspiration dress has always been from Anne Barge's Spring 2006 collection.

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This dress is timeless, and I still love it. I will love it forever! I'll likely never own it, but it makes my heart swoon every time I look at it. It serves as my springboard for all wedding dresses that I have loved since laying my eyes on it while shopping with a girlfriend for her dress at Kleinfeld Bridal. It will be my inspiration for all dresses that I might love in the future.

Go find your inspiration dress today. Try it on, buy it or just file it away to pull out on a rainy day (or even better, when you get engaged).

Stephanie

Birdcage Veils: My Obsession.

I’m obsessed with birdcage veils! I've even been dreaming of them lately. Most recently, I dreamt that I not only wore a birdcage veil for the ceremony, but changed into a very chic navy blue hat/veil combination for the get-away moment…something like this:

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Forget dreaming about the beau, dream about the veil!

This veil has long been my inspiration and will continue to inspire me:

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To me, a birdcage veil is flirty, feminine, and so very fun! If you’re in the market for a great birdcage veil try these sites:

1. Kasia Fink Veils
2. BatCakes Couture
3. Unveiled Bridal Designs
4. Castle Bride
5. Hats by Leko

Stephanie

Impromptu Dinner Party!

Two posts in 1 week! Let's see if I can make it three! I seem to want to post in lump sum rather than posting consistently. Sorry, I think that's just what happens when I get busy, but I am trying to post more consistently. I always have a 1000 posts swimming around in my head. I can't ever seem to get them all down on paper (or uploaded to the Internet, it's not really paper...is it?). If it weren't for that pesky day job! :)

I had girlfriends over for dinner Sunday night to put off Monday coming just a little longer. I made The Pioneer Woman's Penne a la Betsy (shrimp w/tomato cream sauce, named for PW's kid sister). We had a few laughs, yummy wine and delicious pasta!



Even though these girls are in-and-out of my home often, I felt like making it just a lil' special and put a floral arrangement together. I spent $12 at my local grocery store and pulled out a simple glass vase. In 15 minutes I had an arrangement done.

I'm not a professional and have never had a floral design class, but I've seen how enough arrangements are put together and always try to bring those elements into my own home.

Here's how I did it:
1. I chose 3 types of flowers and kept them all white. Clean and simple.
2. I made a grid across the top of the vase with tape to help hold my flowers in place. I'm sure there is special tape for this, but my desk drawer only has scotch tape. I cut the strips in half lengthwise, so they wouldn't be too thick. I used 4 strips of tape to create 9 sections. Here's a how-to video: Making Tape Grids for Flower Arrangements.
3. I cut my flowers under running water and made each cut at an angle.
4. I started with the tallest flowers in the middle sections and worked my way out from there. At the end I filled in the center with a few extra daisies for fullness.

The Result:

Probably not perfection by most standards, but the girls loved it! Don't think that just because you're on a budget you can't create a special atmosphere. Whether it's for girlfriends not quite ready for Monday to arrive, a baby shower, bridal brunch or just because, you can do it for less than $15!

Try to do your own floral for your next casual and impromptu get-together! The result and your ability may surprise you.

Stephanie

Meghan & Thomas Tie the Knot!

I did a wedding two weekends ago with photographer Jesse Reich. This was my first time working with him and it was a pleasure. The reception was at Five Oaks, in Jenks. Meghan & Thomas are such a sweet couple. I've known Meghan's family for a few years and they sure know how to throw a great party! I'm thankful I could be part of the celebration!

Here's a picture of their cake from my iPhone. It sure doesn't do it justice so for the real thing, head on over to Jesse's blog. He captured some really great moments!


Stephanie

From the aisle to babies

Remember that old rhyme from your childhood playground?

Jenny and John
Sitting in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G
First comes love
Then comes marriage
Then comes the baby in a baby carriage

It’s true! I’m watching it happen all around me! I have a slew of close friends and family that are in different stages of pregnancy and two friends, a cousin and a coworker, brought babies into the world Monday evening. Sometimes it’s a scary thought....bringing new life into our crazy world, right?!?

I try to focus on the happy, sweet and fabulous things about pregnancy and child rearing. My sister-in-law, Amanda, is 7 months along. She’s my greatest inspiration in the search for all things baby.

Let me share a few of my favorite things.

Handmade finds:

1. As my sister-in-law and I scour the Internet for cute hospital gowns, we discovered this great Etsy shop, Lily & LOU, where the colors and fabrics of the gowns seem like anything but a hospital gown:

(Photo courtesy of Lily & LOU)

2. We were also searching for cute, handmade slippers for the hospital and found these in the Etsy shop, Craft Junky:

(Photo courtesy of Craft Junky)

3. I purchased these baby boat shoes for my nephew, Graham. He will arrive in September and I can’t wait for him to wear these. Thanks to CrochetKisses over at Etsy, he’ll be stylin’! Keep your eye on this shop. I talked to Beth of CrochetKisses and she’s in the process of moving her stuff to a new shop and she's worth keeping tabs on.

(Photo courtesy of CrochetKisses)

I could go on all day about great Etsy shops, just keep your eye on the EtsyBaby Blog for all things handmade and baby!

Blogs:

Ohdeedoh. This Apartment Therapy Blog has me hooked. If you’re a parent or soon-to-be parent, check it out! They have the best nurseries, tips and ideas. They also do a birthday feature which is a unique way to find some baby name inspiration.

Here’s what’s inspiring a girlfriend of mine. An awesome nursery!

(Photo courtesy of Ohdeedoh)

My favorite wedding blogger, Grey Likes Weddings, also has a baby blog! Grey Likes Baby. And Grey Likes Nesting. I digress.

Here’s a list of other sites that have caught my fancy:

Bloesem Kids

Dimples and Dandelions

Tiny Décor

Blooming Bows

Baby Style Watch

I hope you take the time and put forth the effort to bring your baby into a happy and healthy environment…..and maybe with a little style.

Stephanie