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I'm feeling like I'm off my game this week as far this blog goes. I know it's supposed to be Green Thursday today, but I'm already sick of the color of the year and we still have 11 months to go. But you know what? I was never really one to follow trends anyway and just because I started a wedding blog, why should I start now?

Plus, the brides I've loved working with in the past have always made their events unique and off-beat. Never a trendy affair. So I've resigned to a new decree: I write what I want and flip the bird to the fads, trends, and mainstream. We make designs for the curious and unconventional, so this is no place for trends anyway. I will still have color combos, beautiful pics of my favorite gowns, blooms, and even some DIY projects that I've found from some of the blogs I admire, but I don't want to try to fit into some sort of "box."

When I started this blog, I used others' as an example of what makes a blog successful. Since then, I've come to realization that what really makes a blog successful is consistency, individuality, and above all passion.

 I'm the first to admit that I am not a writer and most of the time I don't even think I'm good at it. I ask myself, "Why would anyone want to read what I have to say?" I've worked in the floral industry for just under 10 years. This, by no means, makes me an expert in my field. I still have a lot to learn. I still want to learn.

I worked under an award winning designer and was basically her apprentice for that amount of time. I recreated her designs. I did this very well. All the knowledge I have gained about weddings, events, and floral design in general has all been from this one person. In the past couple years I've started venturing out and trying to make a place for myself in this highly competitive industry.  I had a job with a large retail chain which had an in house floral shop. It was there where I was able to create original designs for the first time. It gave me confidence to consult with clients and make their vision come to life. I've since left that company but the knowledge I gained is immeasurable.

So where do I go from here?
As a start-up company/blog writer, I ask myself this question daily. Often, a few times a day. And even as I sit here typing this, I'm not really sure of the answer. But what I do know is this: I love design. I love pretty things. I love different. Tradition and the untraditional. And I know that everything I create is made with care, attention, and a wild passion that can't be tamed.

From La Dolce Vida

Signature Cocktails to Match Your Wedding Colors

Signature cocktails are a great way to bring some personality into your wedding as well as save you some moolah. Open bars can get pretty pricey and having a signature along with a few beer and wine selections is a great way to save your budget.
Finding a cocktail that matches your color pallet isn't as hard as it sounds.

Here are a few of my favorites from across the web.

Rose Petal Martini from thenibble.com

 Pink: Rose Petal Martini 

1 1/2 shots gin or vodka
1/2 cup lychee juice
Shake ingredients and pour into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a rose petal.

Blue Indepence from cosmopolitan.com

Blue: Blue Independence (change the name to a more wedding themed moniker)
1½ oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin
¾ oz. lime juice
½ oz. Blue Curaçao
1 oz. peach schnapps
¼ oz. simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass.

Fennel Orange Sparkler from limnandlovely.com

 Yellow: Fennel Orange Sparkler

1 ounce of fennel simple syrup
2 ounces of orange juice
2 ounces of vodka
Seltzer to fill glass
Garnishes: Fennel stalks and orange peel
To create a flavored simple syrup:
Slice desired flavoring agent (roughly 1/2 cup fennel) and add to a small saucepan. Add equal parts water and sugar to the saucepan and bring to a simmer for several minutes until the liquid becomes thick. Strain the fennel from the syrup. This method can be used for nearly any flavor!
To mix cocktail:
In a tumbler, add chilled vodka, fennel syrup, and cold orange juice. Stir to combine. Add chilled seltzer to the glass to fill. Stir lightly to keep the drink carbonated.

Mary's Cucumber Mojito from Burkespublichouse.com

Green: Cucumber Mojito 
 1 lime, quartered
2 sprigs fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 slices cucumber
6 cubes ice, or as needed
2 ounces cucumber vodka

4 fluid ounces club soda Squeeze the lime quarters into a highball glass, and drop the limes into the glass. Add the mint leaves and sugar. Muddle well with the back of a spoon or with a muddler. Place the cucumber slices into the glass, and fill with ice cubes. Pour in the rum, then top off with club soda. Stir gently and serve.

Watermelon Tarragon Cocktail from tablespoon.com

 Red: Watermelon Tarragon Cocktail
3oz non-botanical gin (like Miller's)
1 sprig tarragon
3oz watermelon puree
2oz lemonade
1oz triple sec
Muddle together gin and tarragon. Add the rest of the ingredients to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into 2 glasses. 


What are some of your favorite cocktails? Would you have a signature drink at your wedding? Let us know in the comment section! Cheers!

Indie Wedding Playlist Plus a Happy Video

 I've been on spotify for a bit now but I didn't use it until recently. Let me just tell you, as a life long music lover of all genres, I'm hooked! If you don't know what it is, it's basically an internet radio site that allows you to save playlists and full albums.

So over the weekend I compiled a list of indie music for you to play at your wedding. When I was planning my wedding this was one of the most important things. The song that played while I walked down the aisle with my dad was Tom Waits- Little Trip to Heaven and after the ceremony, guests heard Hoppipola by Sigur Ros. My husband and I didn't have "a song" which made this task exceptionally daunting; trying to come up with the perfect tune took many late nights with the headphones on trying not to wake him. We ended up deciding not to have a scheduled first dance since we were already being super unconventional. But we did end up dancing to Unchained Melody later in the night in honor of his late parents which was their wedding song.

 To help you get some sleep, here are a few of my favorites to either play as your first dance or just mix in with the rest of your more grandma and great-aunt Thelma approved jams.

First Day of My Life- Bright Eyes
I'm the Man Who Loves You- Wilco
Little Cup- Thao and Mirah
Hysteric (acoustic)- The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Heartbeats- Jose Gonzalez
There is a Light That Never Goes Out- The Smiths
Let's Get Lost- Elliot Smith
Naomi- Neutral Milk Hotel
Lover, You Should've Come Over- Jeff Buckley
Here Comes Your Man- The Pixies
My Love- The Bird and The Bee
Anyone But You- The Moldy Peaches

This list could really keep going. Maybe I'll just keep adding to it as I think up more. Another thing I want to mention is an album by The Vitamin String Quartet called The Indie Wedding String Collection. They play tributes to some of the most influential indie acts of all time like The Cure and The Smiths among others. It's great for background music as people make their toasts.

And of course, here is the video for Hoppipolla. I love love love this video. It just makes me happy. I'm promising myself I'm still going to have this kind of fun when I'm old.

What do you think of this list? What songs would you add? What will you be dancing to at your wedding? We'd love to hear from you!

                                                           

Photo Round-up: Alternative Guestbook Ideas

A lot of brides have been asking me about alternatives to the traditional guestbook. I made a little photo round-up featuring some really creative ways to carry on the tradition without buying those little white books.

My favorite is the globe. As someone with an affinity for maps and globes, when I saw this, I wanted to squeal with delight! How original! And in case you can't quite make it out, image number 4 is quilt pieces! Guests sign a square and then you make them into a quilt so you can wrap yourself in love! 

 What are some of your favorite guestbook alternatives? Would you use any of this ideas? What's your favorite? Let us know in the comment section!

Color Inspiration: Emerald Green and Navy Blue

Are you ready for your weekly dose of green? I hope so, because I made my first digital mood board ever. I'm still getting the hang of it, so don't judge me. I've made tons of tangible, real life mood boards, but this is a little trickier. I promise I will practice and get better and you'll be begging for more! Ok, ok here goes....

Image Sources:
1. Lemon Stripes
2. & 5. Calliespondence
3. Ann Taylor
4. Zazzle
6. Green Tea Design
7. Style Me Pretty

What do you think of this combo? Would you use these shades for your fete? What colors do you just LOVE? Tell us in the comment section and we'll make an inspiration board featuring your color palette!

Black Mermaid, Silver Aphrodite

It seems like everything in the fashion and design world is being influenced by the release of The Great Gatsby, due out this spring. Don't get me wrong, it's always been one of my favorite reads, and I love art deco, but not everyone can pull off the flapper style without looking like they're going to a costume party. And drop waist dresses are only flattering on waif-like girls. So if you're dying to join the fashion craze this season, do it with head gear!

Silver Aphrodite

Last night, while combing the interwebs, I stumbled upon this little treasure of a shop based in Edinburg, UK. Rene Walrus is a jewelry and accessory boutique. They have beautiful pendants, hair combs, and veils, but what I really love from the talented woman behind it all, is the headdresses. They evoke an ethereal and enchanting spirit.

The Queeny Headband

Kelp Headdress

The Black Mermaid line is made up of bejeweled headbands and tiaras.  With names like Silver Aphrodite and Black Mermaid, you feel like a mystical and alluring sea siren.

I love these pieces and you don't have to be a bride to wear them. They would go just as well with your little black dress as they would your glamorous gown.

Are you excited for the release of the movie? What do you think of these works of art? Would you wear one? We want to hear about it! Tell us in the comments section!

a wedding, a flea market, and lots of sweet treats

Saturday, we welcomed a new member into our family. My cousin, Lauren, was wed to her best friend, Joe.

 It was a lovely, intimate ceremony with close family. The night was hosted by Under The Moon Café, located in Bordentown City, NJ. This place is so cute and has so much personality. The tables and chairs are all mismatched and you eat the Argentinian fusion cuisine out of random dishes. I felt like I was eating at someone’s kitchen table, which I absolutely loved; so charming. Small weddings are always my favorite. I feel like the couple’s individuality really comes through in all the details. 

The Cheesecake

The food was exceptional, especially the crab bisque and the dulce de leche cheesecake.  Let me just tell you, if you are ever in the Bordentown area, go get the cheesecake. It is made on the premises and I swear you won’t regret it. Amazing. For dinner, guests had a choice of vodka rigatoni with chicken, zuppa de pesce, or pork osso buco. I had the zuppa but everything looked delicious.

Lauren's 4 year old son, Dylan

Lauren and her brother, John

My sister, Dana, and step-mom, Trina

The happy couple tying the knot

Best wishes for a long and happy marriage! Love you guys!

Sunday was the first ever Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market. My husband and I went to check it out and had a great time. There were so many unique handmade and vintage finds along with vinyl. Lots of it. I ended up getting a cute Pantone coin purse and the guy selling them gave me a free little notepad with graph paper inside…which I was pleasantly surprised with since I love writing on graph paper.  And some comfy, broken-in Doc Marten boots.

But what I really want to talk about is the cupcake! Those of you who know me, know I love baked goods. I don’t like baking, but the eating part is fun. This little piece of chocolately heaven was made by Confections of a Rock $tar located in Asbury Park, NJ. The appropriately named, Rock n Roll cupcake was rich chocolate cake topped with fudgy buttercream frosting, packed in an adorable little pink box. As soon as I got home I looked up their website and let me tell you, they do amazing work! Go check them out, they take special orders.

image of a locket from origami owl

Another thing I wanted to mention is Origami Owl Custom Jewelry. Michelle Lawlor of Lucky17 Photography sells these little gems. They are completely customizable and interchangeable. The lockets have a clear face that you fill with charms to suit your personality. I love these. They are the perfect bridesmaid gift! Click over to her site to see the complete line. 

All in all, it was a great weekend. 

What did you do this weekend? Did you go to the Punk Rock Flea Market? What treasures did you find? Let us know in the comment section!