Best Wedding Sites Magazine - Issue 03

2 | ISSUE 03

I am so excited to present the April issue {3rd edition} of The Best Wedding Sites Magazine. This issue focuseson Spring pastels including bubble gum pink, mint greenand robin’s egg blue. And, this month on my daily blog,Brenda's Wedding Blog, I featured the third round of theWedding Vendor Challenge with 7 vendor teams fromacross the US that put together amazing creations. Thismonth’s challenge required the teams to create a bridalshower tablescape with a dessert display {and of coursethe ideas showcased can also be used for weddingsand/or any type of party}. Like the previous two challenge

months , I have great DIY downloads for you from each photo shoot - both as downloads andat home creations with a simple list of supplies. Each month as the photos from the challengesstart coming into my inbox I am just astounded at the creativity of the team members. I amhonored to be given the opportunity to work with each of you and showcase your work tomy readers.

In this issue, I’m featuring the top 5 Handmade "Spring" gift picks from fellow wedding pros and bloggers plus Real Weddings. And, there’s so much that’s new - including a Spring Shopping section, cocktail recipes, a wedding book feature, and an AMAZINGGiveaway for my readers, you will love the prizes being awarded

I even have an exclusive photo shoot that Pamela of Party Starters created just for this issuebased on the color palette but with a little twist. Instead of bubble gum pink with the robin’segg blue and mint green - Pamela introduces a new color.

And, I have to give a special thank you to the contributors that have helped make this issuesuper special. We’re joined by Corrine of Buds and Blooms, Jo Gartin and Rani Totman ofSt. Pucchi wedding gowns.

Enjoy . . . xoxo Brenda

PS: I’d like to give a special thank you to Samantha of Papermints {www.papermints.com} who has helped me

behind the scenes in designing the layout for the Real Weddings and Wedding Vendor Challenge spreads.

A Special Note For Vendors:

The May Wedding Vendor Challenge is already underway and there’s a few slots left at the time of publication for a few more teams. If you are interested in participating in the May challenge or reservinga spot for June, please let me know. And, if you would like information on advertising in either the magazine, blog or wedding directory, please email me at bestweddingsites{at}gmail{dot}com

Co

ver

Pho

to c

our

tesy

of

The

McC

artn

eys

Pho

tog

rap

hy •

ww

w.m

eett

hem

ccar

tney

s.co

m

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 3

in this issue . . .

above: from a vintage circusthemed bridal shower shoot

by StudioSister Photography

Start your weddingday journey . . .

KnotTheGroom.comWedding Accessoriesfor the Bride-To-Be!

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 5

An Exclusive Magazine Feature from Pamela of Party Starters. So many sweet ideas in this photo shoot

Pamela put together exclusively for this issue where orange is introduced with robin’s egg blue and mint green.

A Robin's Egg Blue Bridal Luncheon

Styling & Photography: Pamela Smerker • www.partystart.me

Vendors: Styling + Photography: Pamela Smerker of Party Starters • www.partystart.me | French Macarons by Green Eyed Susan

www.greeneyedsusan.com | Custom mini tags byTag Me Chic • www.etsy.com/shop/TagMeChic | Custom Message Board by

Rae Design Studio • www.etsy.com/shop/RaeDesignStudio | Custom "Sunny Bird Collection" Paper products by Party Starters

www.etsy.com/shop/PartyStarters - items include mini, small and large cake slice shaped boxes, dress boxes, popcorn boxes,

"love" bunting, bird cupcake picks note cards & "thank you" sign

6 | ISSUE 03

Robin’s Egg Blue Bridal Luncheon by Pamela Smerker • www.partystart.me

Favor ideas from Pamela:• Individual Mint Herb Plants

wrapped in plastic bags were

placed in decorative scalloped

popcorn boxes

• Mints or small candies fit nicely

inside of cake slice shaped

favor boxes

• A single French Macaron fits

perfectly into a dress favor box

Tips from Pamela:• Message boards make a nice

display for thank you notes, which

recipients can grab and take with

them. Add photos of the bride to

be and the bridesmaids for a

personal touch.

• Decorate fruit with fun ribbon

and custom tags

8 | ISSUE 03

Jo Gartin’s

Spring WeddingTips andTrends

[ by ThisNext lifestyle tastemaker and celebrity wedding stylist, Jo Gartin ] www.thisnext.com/by/Jo%20Gartin

Jo Gartin joins us with some

spring wedding trends and

wedding planning tips

• All my wedding menus are taking advantage of the local farmers market produce boasting fresh organic ingredient and artful presentations.

• Neutral color palettes are big this year... shades of greysand taupes venturing into mushrooms and eggplant are the perfect foundation and allow you to add punches of colorthroughout. Coral and fuchsia are prominent accent colorsthis spring.

• For an upcoming wedding the outdoor cocktail lounge willbe scattered with an abundance of potted herbs in assortedceramics that the bride made in pottery class. Each pot hasa love note written to her groom on the underside. Theseherbs will add a wonderful scent and I have the florist replanting them in the couples garden after their big day!

• I love for wedding receptions to feel like one giant, decadent dinner party. Bringing in home accents to personalize a wedding creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. Coffee table books, vintage games eclecticcandles add charm to your celebration and will be sweet reminders of your wedding day afterwards when they arescattered throughout your home.

• Print out your wedding ceremony and paste it into a keepsake journal for your officiant to read from during yourceremony. Include your vows too, if you have decided towrite them to each other. Take your journal on your honey-moon writing all your wedding day memories while they arefreshest...

• Keep a list or have your DJ put together a playlist of all thetunes played on your special day.... soundtracks are greatkeepsakes!

Photographs courtesy of Amy and Stuart Photographywww.amyandstuart.com

It is spring in the northern hemispherewhich means colour has returned toour gardens and in our wardrobes! Put away the dark and breakout the light and the bright!

Bridal fashions can also take a clue from the return of colour on the runway. Adding colour to your wedding day“look” can run the gamut of donning a coloured gown tosimply adding hues to your accessories. One only has tolook to Kate Spade’s recent wedding collection “WeddingBelles” to see pops of colour added to bridal fashions withaqua jewels and bright pink hosiery!

Perhaps donning a coloured frock or brightly hued tights isnot your thing; you can still add pops of colour to your ac-cessories from your head to your toes!

Here are some of myfavourite suggestions:

Start with your head! Headpieces are a great place to addsome colour to your outfit. Fabric blooms, headbands orfeather fascinators offer a very flexible way to add colour toyour wedding day fashions because you can wear them thewhole day or just for your reception. This Double FeatherFlower piece, shown here in Robin Egg Blue comes in over100 colour combinations and is fully customizable.

Accessorize your Gown: Tie on a sash in your favouritecolour to add a splash of colour to your look! Like a head-piece, sashes are a great way to add colour because theyare easily removed and can be worn for only cocktails if youwant to stay with a traditional look for the rest of your day.Belts not your thing? Pin on an oversized bloom, like thisbubble gum pink broach, to make a statement in full colour.

Brighten up your Shoes: Sure you can get some gorgeouscoloured shoes, but if you don’t think you’re ever going to

wear mint green pumps again, you can stilladd colour to your feet. Turn a pair of neutral shoes into couture, one-of-a-kindcreations by adding shoe clips in yourcolours! These ones in mint green featurechiffon ribbon flowers and vintage sequinsin mint green.

Whether you’re feeling bold, or just want a hint, adding colourto your bridal fashion is easy and fun!

About Corrine of Buds and Blooms:Buds and Blooms is an independent Canadian design label specializing in delivering high-quality,hand-made, reasonably priced, gorgeous adornmentsand embellished apparel to fit any lifestyle.

10 | ISSUE 03

Adding Colour to YourWedding Trousseau

[ by Corrine O'Neill of Buds and Blooms ] www.etsy.com/shop/CorrineONeill

please support our sponsors who have graciously helped in the productionof this issue by visiting their web sites and sharing them with others

12 | ISSUE 03

Garden InspiredWedding

Photography: Karrn Frost Photography • www.karrnfrostphotography.comCoordinators: Pearls Events • www.pearlsevents.com

[ Eileen & David ]

When Eileen and David met with Aletha

of Pearls Events to plan their wedding, Eileen came

prepared with beautiful design ideas and David

had already dreamed up the out-of-this-world dinner

menu. And on their wedding day, it went just

as planned - casual, intimate and with all the

gorgeous details in place.

Upon arrival to the ceremony site, guests sipped

champagne and gathered on the bluff overlooking

Lake Michigan to witness Eileen & David exchange

their wedding vows.

The Tiffany blue linens and the lush floral arrange-

ments with peonies, garden roses and ivy were just

perfect for the spring wedding. Aletha writes . . . “the

little bird nests, with the chocolate eggs inside, add

just the right look for the garden-inspired affair

overlooking West Michigan’s most beautiful body

of water, Lake Michigan”.

Vendors: Coordinators: Pearls Events | Photographer: Karrn Frost Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Ventura Pines Cottage | Event Designer, Flowers & Linens: Stems Event Design

Cake: Eileen, the bride | Caterer & Bar Services: Martha’s Vineyards | Rentals of Tent, Chairs, Tables: A-1 Rent All

Rani Totman, President and Designer of St. Pucchi, is here to answer some questions before sharing a select ion of gowns from her latest col lect ion.

How did you start designing for Bridal?

Having grown up around fabrics as my family was

one of the largest purveyors of fine silk in Thailand, I think

fabrics and design are in my genetics. With no formal

training, and a degree in English Literature, I opened my

first boutique when I was 20 and specialized in ready to

wear and evening gowns. My venture into bridal wasn’t

until in 1985 when I was asked to create a bridal gown as

a finale for a charity event. For that I created an intricate

hand embroidered, hand beaded blush colored Thai Silk

bridal gown and so began my journey in bridal couture.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Being able to design every day is a blessing,

especially when you see your imagination, ideas and

inspirations transfer on to the fabrics and all elements fit

together to complete a whole. It is truly music to the Soul.

What makes St. Pucchi unique?

Our first ever collection in 1985 was a collection of

15 dresses, most in color at a time when people weren’t

using color in bridal. This launched a trend and St. Pucchi

became the first bridal house to use color in wedding

gowns. So if you ask me what sets St. Pucchi apart from

other bridal houses is that we do not follow trends even

though it means taking a risk.

Where do you draw inspirationfrom as a designer?

Everywhere and everything! Many times, my inspi-

ration doesn’t come from only what I see but also a

feeling, sensation or in general, a vision. The Smolny,

Hermitage, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain were

all great works of art & architecture that all came to life

because someone had a vision. (These places also

inspired by 2010 collection)

Do you feel brides have changedover the years you have worked inthe industry? If so, how?

Yes, today’s brides are very savvy and well informed

thanks in part to the internet and forums where brides can

share information. In the past, bridal gown shopping was

simply going to the nearest bridal salon and making a

choice based on whatever the salon carried. Either that

or it is couture. Nowadays, we have samples, fittings, cus-

tomization – wedding dress shopping has definitely be-

come more interesting.

Are there any other new projects that areyou currently working on that you wouldlike to share with our readers?

My newest project is the Anais Collezioni

{anaiscollezioni.com}, a modern, flirty and whimsical

affordable luxury bridal collection that I have launched with

my two sons Montree and Kris. Bridal gowns is a family

business with us.

Q

A

Q

A

Q

A

A

Q

A

A

Q

Q

14 | ISSUE 03

Question and Answerwith Rani Totman

[ President and Designer of St. Pucchi ] WEDDING GOWN DESIGNER FEATURE

www.stpucchi.com

Grecian strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline and vertical strips of ricamo net flowingfrom under the bust. Alencon lace fills the bodice

and floats as streamers down to the hem.

Silk Organza fitted mermaid style dress with a sweep train. Hand rolled flowers in

various sizes adorn the neckline and grouped randomly on skirt. Satin sash ties at back.

St. Pucchi unveils an avant-

garde collection in honor of

their 25th anniversary

“With a focus on fabrication, this collec-

tion is inspired by the futuristic appeal of

geometrics combined with femininity and

romance,” says Rani. “It celebrates the

simplicity and minimalism of modern

contemporary structures.”

16 | ISSUE 03

The eight new designs in the St. Pucchi avant-garde

collection pay homage to the feminine form. Intricate

designs with beads and crystals are replaced by fabrics

manipulated to create different textures. The collec-tion consists of strapless gowns withsweetheart necklines, one shouldered

gowns and modified mermaid piecesbuilt from luxury fabrics like pure silk organza, silk shantung, ricamo net, tulleand Alencon lace. Totman’s signature touch adds

an element of surprise to each style with elaborate flower

forms and geometric designs.

ST. PUCCHI’S AVANT-GARDE DRESS COLLECTION

Ricamo Net ball gown with draped bodice andstacked, layered skirt.

Satin sash at waist,adorned with jeweled motif, ties in the back.

Silk Shantung, strapless bodice filled with embroidered floral motifs. Tiered skirt with

vertical soft ruffles of silk organza. Sweep train.Sash at natural waist adorned with intricate

floral jeweled center.

Pure Silk Shantung ball gown with a dropped waist. Front bodice has a rose swirl draped into a one shoulder neckline. Full silk skirt

with pick ups revealing layers of tulle underneath. Chapel train.

Silk Organza strapless dress fitted thruthe hips and flared into a ruffled, pleated mermaid skirt. Bodice adorned with hand

embroidered circular motifs.

Silk Shantung bodice diagonally draped and woven with silk organza sash that tie at side

waist. Skirt has asymmetrically woven stackedlayers of tulle with a two-tone effect and

floral swirl at one side. Sweep train.

Wrap-around address labels (pink, blue and green) from Pink Studios {www.etsy.com/shop/pinkstudios}. The ones shown are for #10 envelopes, but Marii will make them fit whatever size the winner needs. Spring Bracelet

from Meredith of Tilley Jewels {www.tilleyjewelsbride.com}. The bracelet is mother of pearl, freshwater pearls, swarovski crystal and sterling silver, adjustable from 7 1/2-8 1/2". Ivory, Green Mint and Pink satin rosette brooch/hair clip and a

set of hairpins from Miroslava of Peace and Glory Details {www.etsy.com/shop/peaceandglorydetails}. One 50 footDamask non-slip fabric aisle runner from The Original Runner Company {www.OriginalRunners.com}. Six color

choices to choose from to match your event perfectly, $215 retail value. Any pair of eco-friendly sandals or flip flopsfrom OKA b. - Shoes That Love You {www.shoesthatloveyou.com}, up to $40 value.

So exciting - it’s your chance to enter to win amazing prizes from great vendors.There will be 6 total winners. Contests runs thru 11:59 pm Thursday May 19, 2011.

Winners announced on Brenda’s Wedding Blog the morning of Friday May 20, 2011.

Enter Here: www.brendasweddingblog.com/contest-issue-03

it’s a Giveaway!

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 19

Vintage InspiredWedding

[ Emily & Mike ]Photography: Linda Lewis Photography

www.lindalewisphotography.com

Planner: Simply Natural Eventswww.simplynaturalevents.com

Many of the table setting details, favors and decorations were handmade by the bride and

groom themselves. Mike is a graphic designer and there’s an amazing attention to detail throughout the entire

wedding. Mike created all of the stationery for the wedding and even made his own paper.

The invitations were made out of paper towels.

20 | ISSUE 03

[ Emily & Mike ]

Planner: Simply Natural Events • www.simplynaturalevents.comPhotographer: Linda Lewis Photography • www.lindalewisphotography.com

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 21

Vendors: Reception Venue: Marina del Rey Marriott | Ceremony Location: St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church

Photography: Linda Lewis Photography | Event Planner + Stylist: Simply Natural Events | Floral Designer: Ann’s Flowers

DJ: Dash Entertainment | Makeup Artist: Blushing Bridal Make Up | Stationery: the groom, Mike Paz

Classy OceanfrontWedding

Photography: Kristin Rogers Photographywww.kristinrogersphotography.com

[ Rachel & Christian ]

Guests drove along the coast and made their way up to the cliff for the wedding of Rachel

and Christian. The backyard wedding took place in a beautiful home with a classy little set up.

IN SANTA BARBARA

| 23

Vendors: Photographer: Kristin Rogers Photography | Venue: Hacienda Oceanfront in Santa Barbara

Makeup and Hair: Luna Bella of Santa Barbara | Bridal Dress: San Patrick from The Image Bridal of Los Angeles

Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm from Dina’s of Santa Monica | Catering: Lorraine Lim of Santa Barbara

Cake and Flowers: by bride’s mother | DJ: Kidd Spin of Santa Barbara

Maureen ofBon Moment . . . www.bonmoment.com

A selection of honey-flavored gifts, thought the bee-theme would relate with your spring gifts nicely

1. Chaparral Natural Solid Perfume, Honey from Illuminated Perfume • www.etsy.com/shop/IlluminatedPerfume

2. Two Bees Clutch from Eva Katharina • www.etsy.com/shop/evakatharina

3. Absinthe Infused Gourmet Honey from Pixxxie Pie & Posie • www.etsy.com/shop/pixxxiepieandposie

4. Hand Knit Honey Comb Cable Slippers from Knitched • www.etsy.com/shop/knitched

5. Honey Comb Mug from Just Mare • www.etsy.com/shop/justmare

Christina of Postcards and Pretties . . . postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com

They're all under $50 too!!

1. Obi Clutch from Grace Design • www.etsy.com/shop/gracedesign

2 Vintage Butterfly Gallery Art Locket Set from Verabel • www.etsy.com/shop/verabel

3. Handmade Leather Journal from Peaseblossom Studio • www.etsy.com/shop/peaseblossomstudio

4. Cotton Gauze Scarf in Lemon Cream from Janny's Girl • www.etsy.com/shop/JANNYSGIRL

5. Tiny Hammered Stacking Ring with 14k Gold Set Faceted Stone from Mary John • www.etsy.com/shop/MARYJOHN

HandmadeTop 5 handmade “spring” gift picksfrom wedding bloggers and vendors“Spring” Gifts

1 2

3

4 5

1

2 3

4 5

24 | ISSUE 03

Sarah ofNot So Witty Witterings . . . notsowittywitterings.blogspot.com

Gorgeous gifts for the newly-weds home

1. Raw Silk Picnic Blanket and Napkin set from Rubiyat • www.etsy.com/shop/rubiyat

2. Three Tier Bluebell & Violet Cake Stand from Pearl and Godiva • www.etsy.com/shop/pearlandgodiva

3. Personalized Bird House from Clegg Farm Creations • www.etsy.com/shop/CleggFarmCreations

4. Home Map Sculpture from Little White Dog • www.etsy.com/shop/littlewhitedog

5. Irish Love Screenprint from Placed • www.etsy.com/shop/placed

Lindsay ofLC Vintage Jewelry . . . www.lcvintagejewelry.etsy.com

1. Oliver Rue: Love her vintage wine stoppers for a hostess or bridesmaid gift. Great for Spring entertaining.I'm planning to buy some to give the hosts of my upcoming Bridal Shower. • www.etsy.com/shop/OliverRue

2. Watflooswing: Love her handmade scarves. They are so pretty for Spring and also make a great gift. • www.etsy.com/shop/watflooswing

3. J&M: These vintage inspired bags are perfect to accent a Spring bride or something pretty for the bridesmaids. • www.etsy.com/shop/jandem

4. Mane Message: I love the duel benefits of these pretty hair ties. They are chichair accessories and double as a bracelet. • www.etsy.com/shop/ManeMessage

5. Lucky Elephant: She has lovely wrap bracelets.This weddingone is my favorite! • www.etsy.com/shop/theluckyelephant

Handmade“Spring” Gifts

Each item links to the shop for easy buying.

Thank you to all who submitted their picks.

543

2

1

543

21

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 25

26 | ISSUE 03

Spring Shopping in pastelscolor palette: bubble gum pink, mint green and robin’s egg blue

Twirlie Whirlies creates handmade paper party accessories. Specializing

in made-to-order party pinwheels, hats, favors, and decor.

www.etsy.com/shop/twirliewhirlies Vatne Designs is a unique collection of timeless and romantic jewelry and

accessories. The casual elegance in eachpiece of jewelry easily takes you from day

to night, completely wearable everydayout and about or to a special event.

Created and crafted in Bellingham, WA.www.vatnedesigns.com

Chris Galli’s Spoonful of Sugar Bake Shop bakesrainbow cookies, gluten free cookies, dairy free cookies, and autism awareness cookies includingthese Gluten Free Tea Cookieswww.etsy.com/shop/chrisgalli

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 27

Invitation Consultants carries wedding and party invitations as well as stationery. And, because they believe ordering invitations andstationery online should be easy andconvenient, Invitation Consultants canalso address, stuff and mail your items,for your convenience.www.invitationconsultants.comThe brand is Red Leaf Papersby Invitation Consultants

Shown: Palm Perfection, Floral Fashion Aqua, Delightful Daisies Rose

OKA b. Shoes That Love You are 100% recyclable, waterproof, made in the USA and priced under $40. Thecomfort shoes and sandals for women,girls and men also come in endlesscolor combinations.www.shoesthatloveyou.com

28 | ISSUE 03

Sugar Bunch Creations is the collaboration of the creative minds of two life-long friends that have an eye and taste for style, perfection, and overall fun. www.etsy.com/shop/Sugarbunchcreations

Leslie Vega Design is a boutique studio specializing in customcouture letterpress invitations. Along with their stunning pre-

designed collection, they understand the style-savvy bride andoffer quality custom designs to fit the client's event perfectly.

Camilla Suite, top: Flat printed on rich cotton paper, the romantic pink graphics and soft script calligraphy

are the perfect match for the elegant bride that appreciates intricate ornate details and patterns.

Marla Suite, bottom: Letterpress printed on luxuriously soft cotton paper. Inspired by the elegant bride who appreciates elegant ornate touches yet a clean and

bright approach for the perfect spring wedding.www.leslievegadesign.com

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 29

Spring Shopping in pastelscolor palette: bubble gum pink, mint green and robin’s egg blue

Lasso'd Moon carries sweet & exclusiveinvitations to celebrate your unique style

on paper. Specializing in custom designed invitations and social

stationery with modern and vintage flair.www.etsy.com/shop/LassodMoon

Top Left: as seen in this month’sWedding Vendor Challenge

Favor Days is your source for greatfavors for your wedding or any other special occasion. From practical favors to tasty edible treats, you will find great products at great prices.www.favor-days.com

Shown: Mix-and-Match Favor Boxes

30 | ISSUE 03

A Grand Music City Wedding

Lana and Andrew Johnston chose the century-old Hermitage Hotel fortheir hometown Nashville wedding.The silver and pink wedding, photographed by

David West, was a blend of casual elegance and

understated grandeur.

The intimate wedding ceremony took place on

the hotel’s sky-painted veranda and was followed by

a reception in the Grand Ballroom with Russian walnut

panels and intricate hand-cast plaster ceiling. This

historic room has not only hosted generations

of brides but also a president or two. Dinner for the

reception was inspired by the menus at the hotel’s

Capitol Grille and supplied with seasonal vegetable

from the sustainable, period garden at Glen Leven,

an historic farm located just five miles from The

Hermitage Hotel.

Reception tables were dressed with white linens and

floral arrangements of baby pink and hot pink roses,

beige hydrangeas and white and pink day lilies.

Photographer: David West PhotographyVenue: The Hermitage Hotel • www.thehermitagehotel.com

[ Lana & Andrew ]

AT THE HERMITAGE HOTEL

| 31

Vendors: Venue: The Hermitage Hotel {www.thehermitagehotel.com} | Photography: David West | Food: The Capitol Grille

Cake: Leland Riggan at Dessert Design | Floral Design: Kathy West | Day-of Coordination: Marsha Husband

32 |

Vendor Challenge | Spring Issue

Vendors: Photographer and Designer: StudioSister Photography • www.studiosister.com | Invitation and Paper Goods Designer: Papermints

www.papermints.com | Floral Artist: Make Believe’N • www.makebelieven.com | Cream Mini Top Hat: La Coco Rouge

www.etsy.com/shop/lacocorouge | Papier-mache Masquerade Mask: Artisan Maskers • www.etsy.com/shop/artisanmaskers

A Vintage

Bridal Shower

DownloadDIY

VintageCircus

Toppers{http://ht.ly/4GmYF}

The color palette of bubblegum pink, mint green and robins egg blue are the inspiration for this carnival of candy and circus of sweets, with a soft feminine touch. The tablescapewas prepared using a unique pillow wall as the backdrop for the table, adding to the overall colorful appearance.

Mint green material was used for the tablecloth, aswell as the chair cover. The chair was accented witha plaid-patterned bow that complemented theplaid/gingham print plates and cupcake wrappers. All of the fabric was purchased from the clearancesection at Jo-Ann Fabric. The fun and flirty bouquetresembles a big round stick of cotton candy - perfectly fitting the carnival/circus theme.

The table displayed an array of desserts and candies, including jelly beans, salt water taffy, rockcandy, cotton candy and cupcakes. Maria made the cupcakes with a strawberry cake recipe and buttercream frosting, then topped each with eitherblue sugar crystals or pink glitter gel. A pink lemonadecocktail with fresh-cut lemons was displayed on thetable in a large glass pitcher as was a bin full of icecold glass bottle sodas.

Easy DIY Projects include:

• the cupcake carousel {an easter egg holder accented by candy sticks with attached carousel animals}

• the pink and white cupcake stand {a candlestick and plate with some epoxy glue and pink paint}

34 |

Vendor Challenge | Spring Issue

Hand-Crafted

Bridal Shower

This bridal shower’s casual,

homespun, hand-crafted look

was achieved with a quilting fabric

in mint green as the tablecloth,

crocheted place mats and the use

or yarn and twine with buttons on the

invitation and napkin rings. Also, used

were paper napkins and robin’s egg

blue cupcake ramekins with pink

frosted cupcakes with sprinkles.

The tall but compact, garden-style

centerpiece was created in a

vintage-style, ivory, opaque, ceramic

urn. It contained hot pink, Ravel

roses, light and medium pink

lisianthus, soft blue hydrangea, light

green carnations, and blue/green

seeded eucalyptus.

Labeled and awaiting each guest

was a hot pink tin pail as their favor

that was filled to the brim with pastel

pink, blue, and white miniature

Cadbury eggs.

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 35

Vendors: Planners/Designers: Brenda of Best Wedding Sites and Brenda’s Wedding Blog along with Kim of Something Spectacular Custom Floral & Event Design • www.SomethingSpectacular.com | Florist: Kim of Something Floral www.SomethingFloral.com | Photographer: Kate of Kate Elliott Photography • www.kateelliottphotography.comInvitation and Paper Goods: Brenda of Wedding Girl • www.etsy.com/shop/weddinggirlCupcakes: Meijer, Warren, MI • www.meijer.com | Location: Warren Community Center Park • www.cityofwarren.org

DownloadDIY

Springtime CupcakeToppersand/or

Gift Tags{http://ht.ly/4GkX0}

36 | ISSUE 03

Vendors: Project Design and Coordination: Sandra Downie Event Designs • www.sandradownie.com

Paperie & Paper Accessories: Sandra Downie Paperie Studio • www.sandradownie.com

Photography: Sassy Mouth Photography • www.sassymouth.net

Cookies: Sweet SugarBelle • sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com

Vendor Challenge | Spring Issue

DIYDownload

bridal showera

This beautiful vintage glam bridal

shower features the talents of

Sandra Downie Events, Sassy Mouth

Photography and Sweet SugarBelle.

The lovely centerpiece features tulips,

hyacinths and snapdragons.

Sandra and her team at Sandra

Downie Paperie Studio have

created a DIY download of the

Drink Stirrer Flags as well as a

bonus download of the Pretty in Pink

Cupcake Toppers. The Flags can be

downloaded here {http://ht.ly/4Dui2}.

The toppers can be downloaded here

{http://ht.ly/4Gkvm}.

38 |

This elegant tablescape &

dessert display features

pieces from the Simon

Pearce collection which is the

retail store of The Simon Pearce

restaurant where the shoot was

held. Items included the celadon

“Belmont” plates as chargers, and

the white “Corinth” design for the

dessert plates. All of the vases

shown are from Simon Pearce’s

gallery as well - the glass vases

were from the “Shelburne”

collection and the white vases

also from the “Corinth” collection.

Florals for the centerpieces on

the table and side bar included

peonies, blue muscari (which looks

similar to hyacinth), pink tulips,

green dutch hydrangea and blue

“Bella Donna” delphinium and

geranium leaves. The side bar

features beautiful “Hartland” cake

domes and pedestals.

Vendors: Venue: Simon Pearce Restaurant • www.simonpearce.com | Photographer: Paige Hiller Photography

www.paigehillerphotography.com | Florist: Jasper and Prudence Floral • www.jasperandprudence.com

Invitation and Paper Goods: Lasso’d Moon • www.lassodmoondesigns.com

Vendor Challenge | Spring Issue

An elegantly

Bridal Shower

DIYDownload

Circular Place SettingBridal Advice Cards

{http://ht.ly/4Gm8W}

40 | ISSUE 03

Vendor Challenge | Spring Issue

Vendors: Coordinator and Stylist: Events by Sarah Elizabeth • www.eventsbysarahelizabeth.com | Venue: Terrain • styers.shopterrain.com

Photographer: Jim Heine Photography • www.jimheinephotography.com | Florist: Peicha Chang with Falls Flowers • www.fallsflowers.com

Baker: Emily Malloy with Le Fouet • www.lefouetbakery.blogspot.com | Paper Goods: Brad Wason with 23rd & 5th • www.23rd5th.com/work

A romantic

Bridal Shower

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 41

DownloadDIY

Love Blossom Tags{http://ht.ly/4GnXq}

This garden inspired bridal shower shootwas held at Terrain which is a boutique garden center

in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Sarah created a

spring atmosphere that was welcoming and

romantic with bubble gum pink, mint green and

robin’s egg blue. When she received the pint and

quart size blue mason jars Sarah knew they’d be used

for the centerpieces since they were the perfect shade

of blue. And, Sarah said the dessert table was so

much FUN because after the shoot they all got to EAT

everything! Some of the great desserts included:

- make your own fruit kabob station

- cupcake macaroon

- pastel chocolate covered pretzels

42 | ISSUE 03

Vendors: Photography: The McCartneys Photography • www.meetthemccartneys.com | Paper Goods: The Event Essentialswww.theeventessentials.com | Flower Centerpiece & table: Evolutions in Design • www.evolutionsindesign.com | Cupcakes: Sweet Lola’s Cupcakery & Bakeshop • www.sweetlolascupcakes.com | Robin Egg Blue Floral Cloth Napkins: The Artists’ Housewww.etsy.com/shop/theartistshouse | Bitty Blue Bites: The Fetching Hound • www.etsy.com/shop/thefetchinghound | Pink, Green, and BlueEaster Truffles: Hits the Spot • www.etsy.com/shop/hitsthespot | Cotton Candy Fudge: Jewel of the Lion • www.etsy.com/shop/jewelofthelion

Vendor Challenge | Spring Issue

Since this photo shoottook place in Wisconsinwhere things are still quite brownthis time of year, Kelsy of The McCartneys Photography brought ina vibrant tablecloth - it was actuallythe bottom half of a prom dress{which was found at a second handshop in the perfect color}. Duringantique shopping, Kelsy foundrustic vintage flatware thatworked perfectly for the DIY cupcakes and the petite plates. To

bring in more pink and green to thetable - there was pink lemonade andpops of green with limes and cucumber slices and DIY cupcakesin pink inside of a mason jar. Vibrantcandy was incorporated with thesalt water taffy hanging in tiny jarsfrom the gorgeous canopy-stylefloral centerpiece. And, lastly thecotton candy fudge, pink/green/bluetruffles, blue bitty bites, and floralnapkins were all compliments ofgreat etsy shop owners.

bridal shower witha

Kelsy created these DIYCupcakes in a Mason Jarper the instructions from MyCakies (however she usedwhite cake mix from a box,and added food coloring tobring it to the bubblegumhue she desired)

44 | ISSUE 03

Vendor Challenge | Spring Issue

bring Flowers

BESTWEDDINGSITES.com | 45

Vendors: Coordination, Florals and Paper Goods: Jacin of Lovely Little Details • www.lovelylittledetails.com

Photographs: Gladys of Gladys Jem Photography • www.gladysjem.com

DIY from Jacin: A simple “favor/placecard” which includesa seed packet for guests to take home

So many special touches forthis themed bridal shower:- mobile made with taffeta to represent the “rain”

- wellies with baby’s breath and hydrangeas

as a “vase” to represent rainy weather

- peat moss pot with malted milk balls and

green pixy stix to represent grass

- pink carnations for a simple floral design

using bud vases and an antique watering can

- mini pink takeout boxes for guests to

take their sweets home in

- “potted” cupcakes with custom embossed

flowers created by Jacin herself

46 | ISSUE 03

Host a P ink Soireefrom The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley WITH PINK COCKTAILS

The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley ishere to share some pink cocktail ideas. Sograb a gaggle of gal pals and celebrate withthese delicious cocktails. With WeddingSeason in full swing, these cocktails canalso work wonders for Bridal Showers andWedding Receptions.

Showcasing delectable flavors including lychee,

pomegranate and raspberry, these libations are rich in

flavor and can be enjoyed by male counterparts as well!

Bubbles’ pink and bubbly nature makes it perfect

for a girl’s night. Perfect Purée Raspberry, Pink Guava,

and Lychee purees create a fruity base; while port wine,

lemon juice and a topping of champagne produces a

nice spin. Whip up a big batch in a pitcher for your

guests to enjoy.

About The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley: The Perfect Purée of

Napa Valley is the leading U.S. producer of premium fruit and veg-

etable purees. Since 1988, The Perfect Purée, through its Culinary

Traditions™ line, has introduced more than thirty exceptional

flavors, ranging from the staple raspberry, strawberry and banana

to the exotic lychee, passion fruit and pink guava. The fruits are

harvested at the peak of season, pureed and packed frozen to

maintain the ultimate in fresh flavor and color.

Every good hostess knows that a non alcoholic beverage is as essential to entertaining as cocktails. Serve the Berry Sparkler mocktail which is simple and flavorful; none of your guests will even miss the alcohol. Simply mix Strawberry, Raspberry and Cranberry purees with club soda and serve. To dress this drink up abit, garnish with a lime wheel.

Berry Sparkler2 oz. Perfect Purée Raspberry, thawed1 oz. Perfect Purée Strawberry, thawed1 oz. Perfect Purée Cranberry, thawed2 oz. club sodaMethod: Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake gently and strain into a chilled glass. Serve.

The Pomegranate & Ginger cocktail has a tequila base with Pomegranate puree, limejuice, ginger ale and muddled ginger. Serve this cocktail at a Pink Themed BridalLuncheon for a refreshing treat.

Pomegranate & Ginger1 oz fresh lime juice1 oz simple syrup½ oz Perfect Purée Pomegranate concentrate, thawed½ oz fresh grated ginger1 ½ oz Corzo Silver TequilaGinger AleMethod: In a mixing glass, muddle lime juice, simple syrup, Pomegranate Concentrateand ginger. Add Corzo Silver Tequila and ice. Shake and double strain to remove gingerinto an ice filled tall glass. Top with ginger ale and garnish with lime wheels inside glass.

www.perfectpuree.com

Art of Celebration - The Making of a GalaGeorgia Edition www.panache.com

Top Left: Modern feel with black tones and multiple centerpiece styles, Ben Vigil Photographers

Top Right: Initials made out of dendrobium orchids adddelicate, whimsical element, Scarlett Lillian Photography

Left: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme with satin bows andtwinkling crystal on the table, Harold Alan Photographers

The End

Vendors interested in advertising in the next magazine or participating in a vendor challenge, please email me for more information at bestweddingsites{at}gmail{dot}com

www.BestWeddingSites.com | www.BrendasWeddingBlog.com | www.WeddingGirl.etsy.com