for the love of carnations

Since I started this blog, I've dedicated a few posts to showing some love for the mostly unloved, unappreciated carnations.  They may not be flashy or exotic like some of their flower friends but carnations are pretty & affordable.  I used carnations for our wedding because I stuck to a very strict, tight flower budget.  It seems I'm not the only one as I'm seeing carnations used stylishly & beautifully in weddings more & more.  Keep an open mind & take a look!

Carnation heads strung on invisible wire make for a stunning pink ombre ceremony backdrop!  It would be just as pretty in any color, indoors or out:

Carnation pomadors hanging from lovely ribbons are the perfect touch for another outdoor ceremony.  The poms would be just as pretty decorating the aisle of a church:

Small & simple, this darling carnation centerpiece is well-sized for a cocktail table.  Just make it a little larger if you have bigger tables:

A creative, overflowing centerpiece of carnations in shades of peaches & pinks:

I saved the very, very best for last.  How much do you love this modern, purple ombre carnation centerpiece?

Budget-friendly Brides, you can see it's easy to make inexpensive carnations into great wedding looks.  Give carnations a chance!

Photo 1: Elyse Hall Photography via  /  Photo 2: Sylvie Gil Photography via  /  Photo 3 & 4: Katie Osgood Photography via  /  Photo 5: Stephanice Yonce Photography via

{Sneak Peek} Candace & Keith

What a wonderful week!  I'm lucky enough to be enjoying some rest & relaxation in one of my very favorite places with some of my very favorite people.  Life is good!  My deep apologies for not visiting your blogs but I will be back later next week.  Until then, here is a sneak peek of next Wedding Wednesday:

 

Oh, this incredible Fall wedding with its fun-loving details & its cheery pink & orange color scheme.  There is just so much to admire & love.  Tune in next Wedding Wednesday for every last detail!

Photography: Karen Feder Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

she's mine

I love spotting "I Do!" on the bottom of a Bride's shoe but who says the Bride is the only one who gets to have a little fun?

 

Here is a Groom who has a proud statement of his own to make on his wedding day shoes!  Pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.

Photography: Soul Echo Studios via

{Real Military Winter Wedding} Christian & Aaron

SO very much to admire in this military, winter wedding! A lovely Bride with the biggest, prettiest smile.  A handsome Groom in uniform.  A black & white color palette, beautifully accented with deep reds, oranges & purples.  Everything done well on a budget.  Take a peek at the great photos from Chi Photography of Charleston:

Christian & Aaron became husband & wife on a sunny January day in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.        Their wedding was not only beautiful but affordable.  The Bride saved money by carefully choosing vendors, borrowing things like her cathedral veil & buying her wedding invitations & other stationery from Vista Print.  Not to mention the savings from getting married in an off-season wedding month like January.  Some great budget-friendly ideas!

After the Bride & Groom said "I Do!" in a traditional church ceremony, they took part in the military tradition of the Arch of Swords Ceremony.  The Bride & Groom exited the church, greeted by soldiers forming an arch with their swords.  The last two bearers crossed their swords to block the Bride & Groom's way.  Only after the Bride & Groom kissed were the crossed swords lifted, allowing the Bride & Groom to pass under the sword arch!  The following reception was fun, fun, FUN!  Lots of dancing & lots of mugging with the funny photo props.  Just look at those serious military men goofing around with hats & masks!    
  
My Favorite Detail:  The Bride's vibrant bouquet is stunning, just absolutely stunning.

My Favorite Moment: The military Arch of Swords Ceremony following the marriage ceremony.  Such a great honor & tradition!
Congratulations, Christian & Aaron!

VENDOR LOVE:
Photography: Chi Photography of Charleston  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  /  Ceremony Venue: Eastbridge Presbyterian Church  /  Reception Venue: Charleston National Golf Club  /  Caterers: Royal Grand Events & Crazy Dutchman Catering  /  Cake Designer: Amelia Claire's Sweets & Treats  /  Event Planner: Jubilation  /  Floral Designer: Pretty Petals  /  Ceremony Musicians: Charleston Virtuosi  /  DJ: Easy Breezy Entertainment  /  Invitations: Vista Print  /  Transportation: Charleston Style Limo  /  Hair Stylist: Vanity Salon

minima

One of my very favorite wedding details are wedding invitations yet, for some strange reason, I haven't blogged about them in quite awhile.  Almost a year- the shame.  No time like the present to make a change!

What's not to love about this minimalist wedding invitation?  The modern, simple look.  The bold chevron liner.  Available in letterpress or flat & in a rainbow array of colors, the Minima wedding invitation is beautifully suited for a modern couple tying the knot in a loft or gallery.  

The best part in my humble opinion?  You can opt for the wedding invitation to have a coordinating chevron backer!   

Photography: Paper & Parcel via

{Sneak Peek} Christian & Aaron

Here we are at the first weekend of October.  Wow!  I'm pretty, pretty excited because my hubs & I are taking our annual Autumn trip to the pumpkin farm.  I can't wait to pick out my perfect pumpkin!  But I won't leave you without giving you a little glimpse at next Wedding Wednesday's prettiness:

Yipee, another winter wedding!  With an unexpected color palette & great budget-friendly ideas, you won't want to miss this beauty.  See you next Wedding Wednesday!

Enjoy a beautiful Autumn weekend! 

Photography: Chi Photography of Charleston  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

think pink 2012

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, something that is near & dear to my heart.  I, like most, know brave women who are fighting, have fought &, sadly, have lost their fight with breast cancer.  In their honor & until there is a cure, I always do something to support the cause & spread the word during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This year, I decided to do something a little different & present you with my favorite pink finds in weddings.  Please enjoy!

Darling wedding invitation suite with just the perfect touch of pink:

How lovely is the pink hydrangea wreath decoration for an outdoor ceremony?  I imagine it would look just as lovely hanging from church doors for an indoor ceremony.

 

 My heart skips a beat or two for this lush bouquet of vibrant pink peonies:

Every beautiful shade of pink is showcased in the gorgeous wedding tablescape:

 

Feast your eyes on the sweet pink ombre cake!

I think you'll agree: everything is pretty in pink!

To spread awareness for breast cancer awareness, consider donating to a good cause, buying pink products or wearing your pink ribbon.  Every little thing leads to a big impact!

Photo 1: Something Pretty Photography via  /  Photo 2: Lisa Lefkowitz via  /  Photo 3: Gem Photo via  /  Photo 4: Mimmo & Naz via  /  Photo 5: Mustard Seed Photography via