A Faux Gift Card Holder

I wanted a unique card-holder for our gift table that wasn't the typical bird cage. Also, I didn't want the cards to be seen, hence ruling out the birdcage idea.  My (soon-to-be) MIL posted a pin to pinterest that depicted three, decorated and stacked, faux, gift boxes that hold the cards.  There is a slit in the top to drop cards and the boxes are completely hollow in the center.  When I saw this idea, I knew I could recreate it in our colors.  I purchased three, paper-mache boxes from The Paper Source.

I also purchased wrapping paper while I was there.  This wrapping paper isn't your typical wrapping-paper-on-a-spool.  It's superior, high-quality, hand-blocked paper.  You could use any wrapping paper, but since I was there and since I only needed three sheets, I splurged for this amazing paper.

I wrapped each of the three boxes, including the lids, just as I would have wrapped a regular gift.  After all were wrapped, I stacked and traced where the boxes fit and cut through the tops of the bottom two boxes.  I then glued all in place and, voila :

 I'm SO pleased with how this project turned out.  I'm already thinking of ways that I can use this gift tower in the future since we will DEFINITELY be keeping this around after the wedding.

Centerpiece Decorations

Our reception tables will be very long and thin, ala family style seating.  I'm in love with the look of long banquet tables.  Perhaps this originates from my devotion to Downton Abbey and all of their grand dinner parties?

I'm going for a romantic, low-lit atmosphere during dinner with tons of candles as our centerpieces.  These photos were a huge source of inspiration.

Lindsay and David's Wedding via Elizabeth Anne Designs

This table-scape is closer to the feel of our wedding.  A bit more casual and so many candles!

To achieve this look, i'll be purchasing (and decorating) many, MANY, mason jars in various shapes and sizes.  I'll use a variety of lace ribbons, twine, and jeweled buttons to decorate the jars.

She's Crafty

I've recently completed one of the big DIY crafts on my long list:

A custom-made peach crate for the dessert table

I built the crate (with a little help from my fiance) using pine boards and large-head nails.  I designed a custom "label" for the front and hand-painted the label using acrylic paints.  I finished the sides with the "Grubb Brand" logo - also painted by hand with acrylics.  After all of my hard work - building the crate, sanding the wood, and hours of detailed hand-painting - I took a deep breath and then sanded, scratched, nicked and dented the entire crate for a well-worn, antique feel.

The peach crate will act as a riser, and stand, for our wedding cake - placed upside down on the dessert table.  After the wedding, we'll keep the crate and put it to good use in our future home.  I imagine this decorative and useful accessory being handed down through our family for generations.

First Purchase

Besides the deposit for our venue, this is the first purchase I've made for our wedding.  This is shocking since I love to shop, especially online.  I've shopped for our wedding A TON, but haven't committed to actually purchasing anything until now.  It's good to make some firm decisions regarding decor since there is an overwhelming abundance of choices while planning.

My first purchase: A porcelain magnolia flower for our cake.  It's from BHLDN - I just adore this store. The magnolia will replace the traditional cake topper and since it's porcelain (and not a sugar flower) we can keep it and display forever.

The "When" and the "Where"

We have a date!  We have a place!!  We've chosen The Sage Farmhouse in Media, PA to host our wedding.  The date is Saturday May 4th, 2013.  So relieved, thrilled, anxious, excited.

Can not wait to check this off my list.  Get here sooner, May '13!

The Perfect Venue

My two bridesmaids, Jenna and Megan, have been so great accompanying me to tour wedding locations.  Jay works most weekends so instead of post-poning these visits, I take Jenna and Megan.  Recently the girls went with me to tour The Sage Farmhouse in Media, PA.  I don't want to get my hopes up, because nothing is 100% yet, but this place is PERFECT.  Kim, the owner of the farmhouse, could not have been sweeter as she showed us around the house and the property.  She has maintained and decorated the farmhouse BEAUTIFULLY.  You can tell that she really cares about this place.  There's even a magnolia tree on the property as a potential "first look" location - it's a sign!  A southern sign!

As we were leaving Melissa, the event coordinator at The Safe Farmhouse, handed me an adorable gift bag with vendor information, coupons and a tiny notebook.  How cute is that?!

I have been to many venue locations, and not one of them has given me parting gifts.  This is a nice little touch that makes a huge impression.

Bee My Bridesmaid?

I asked my best friends to be my bridesmaids... with cookies!  Long before we were engaged, I knew I wanted these four women by my side on the big day.  Thank you for accepting, Nicole, Rachael, Jenna and Megan.  I love you, ladies!