Board #164: Sshhhhhh...

...it's a library wedding! Complete with library card save-the-dates and stacks of books under every centerpiece. You can use an old typewriter for your guest book, and give small journals for favors. Here, even the bridesmaids' bouquet is part book (would that be a book-et? bad pun?), wrapped with colorful ribbon and decorated with chocolate cosmos. Another idea is to use book catalog cards as seating cards, and name tables after sections in the Dewey decimal system. Even if you don't get married in a library, the stacks of antique books as part of the centerpieces is one of my favorite elements, and is an easy way to incorporate your and your fiance's love of reading.

Mood: erudite elegance
Palette: rich red and mahogany, faded-paper ivory

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: boutonnieres from Rebecca Thuss, library book save-the-date by Crossroads Creative, cupcakes from Jen's Desserts
Row 2: bouquets by The Green Vase, Priscilla of Boston dress from Brides
Row 3: photo by Heather Waraksa, centerpieces by Artfool, library card invitation by Lily Darby, vintage type via More Ways to Waste Time (photo by thetypejunkie)
Row 4: centerpiece by LMD Floral, bow tie photo by Jessica Claire, old typewriter from Matthew Mead, book bouquet from Chewing the Cud (photo by Anna Kuperberg)

Update! I meant to include this earlier - Martha B did a library-inspired wedding board awhile back and it is truly lovely. For more library inspiration, take a look!
Update! How about this perfect invitation?
Update! Look at these beautiful invitations by Sesame Letterpress via Faye & Greer.

Real Wedding: Linda & Cameron

Today, a classically beautiful wedding between two high school English teachers at - where else - the library! From the lovely bride, Linda: We went to the Harold Washington Public Library in downtown Chicago on one of our first dates, and we just sort of knew that if we ever got married, it would be there. Our friends and students weren't surprised by our choice of location - we got a lot of responses like "Of course you would!" After we booked the gorgeous Winter Garden room, which has domed skylights, ivy and trees, we decided on a literary theme. We spent lots of time scouring antique stores for books we'd like to keep, as well as some that would be good conversation starters.






Since we didn't have a ring bearer, Cameron and I tied our rings around our wrists before the ceremony. We untied each others' ribbons before we exchanged rings, and I will remember that forever.




My dress is a custom-made Alvina Valenta. The designer happened to be at the Ultimate Bride in Chicago during a trunk show, and she was so nice. When I mentioned liking the styles of two dresses, she offered to combine them for me!


Heather and Jon from One Love Photo are ridiculously talented and fun, and having them come all the way to Chicago was incredible. They knew about our literary theme, and found a bookseller called Printer's Row that had a wonderfully homey feel for our after-ceremony pictures.














The most memorable moment has to be our first dance. Our wedding happened to fall on Venetian Night, which is like a big parade of boats on Lake Michigan, and the city does fireworks for it too. We had no idea until the fireworks started, which happened to be right when our DJ began playing our song!

Some planning tips from Linda, "My (totally subjective) advice to other brides: 1.) Saying hi to all of your guests is important, but so is dancing with them! 2.) Don't allow wedding magazines to make you feel like your details are not up to par (inner envelopes? why?), but don't let the indie bride blogs make you feel lame for not wearing a feather headdress or giving out felt mustaches, either (I'm looking at you, Etsy). 3.) Do NOT purchase a pre-worn dress if the seller writes "no returns" at the bottom, unless you have an opportunity to go try it on. Opening the box and finding stains on your dress is a sad (and expensive) moment! 4.) DIY does not necessarily mean less money, especially if you don't have a crystal-clear idea of what you want and what you're doing beforehand. 5.) Read A Practical Wedding."

Ceremony venue: Old St. Patrick's Church, Chicago, IL

Reception venue: Harold Washington Public Library

Bride's dress: Alvina Valenta from Ultimate Bride

Groom's suit: Formally Modern Tuxedo

Seating "card catalog" / centerpieces: DIY

Congratulations Linda and Cameron! Thank you for sharing your lovely wedding with us, and thank you to Heather and Jon at One Love Photo for sending over these beautiful photos - see tons more from this gorgeous wedding over at their blog.

Real Wedding: Keren & Asaf

I first saw some snippets of this wedding over at The Wedding Library's blog, and just had to know more! There are so many lovely elements in this wedding, shot by the very talented Karen Hill, that I think I'll skip the introduction and just get to the photos...


Mr. Boddington's Studio designed all of the stationery, including these invitations that were perforated to resemble a ticket. Claudia Hanlin at The Wedding Library helped to coordinate the day and made sure that everything went smoothly.


Keren's bouquet was tied with beautiful French, Italian and Swiss ribbons.










Originally, the couple wanted to get married in the bride's parents' back yard. When that didn't work out, they didn't want to sacrifice the low-key elegance of a garden setting, and opted to hold the wedding at the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden.


The bride wore a gorgeous dress by Lanvin that she purchased off the rack at Bergdorf Goodman, and then changed into a short Marc Jacobs dress for the rest of the reception. She wore shoes by Lanvin, and borrowed jewelry from her mother and best friend.






All of the gorgeous flowers were designed and created by Matthew Robbins at Artfool. Keren says, I loved that he used vintage mirrored platters and had small vases with little variety of flowers so guests could each take something home as opposed to a huge centerpiece at each table. I love aromatherapy, so Matthew did an incredible job incorporating fresh herbs at the ceremony and reception.






Ron Ben-Israel designed the simple cake using the stationery as inspiration.


A jazz trio played during the cocktail hour, and Golem, a punk klezmer band, played for the reception. Afterward, a DJ kept everyone dancing into the night.





Congratulations Keren and Asaf! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful day with us. And thank you to Karen Hill for sharing all of these stunning photos, and to Claudia Hanlin for letting me know about this beautiful wedding. I thought I'd leave you with some wise words from the bride: I went into the weekend telling myself that something will go wrong because that's life but not to worry - all those little things will give our wedding charm and make it memorable. With that thought in mind, really nothing went wrong. It was perfect. And it doesn't even matter as long as you enjoy the moment and get back to what it's really about: you and your new partner, your family and friends! Without those things, it just wouldn't matter. So that would be my advice to someone else... plan and prepare as best you can and then let go of control for the big day. If you have fun so will everyone else!

Elizabeth Anne Designs Library

If you're planning a wedding, or just in need of some inspiration, you definitely have to check out the brand new library of wedding vendors over at Elizabeth Anne Designs. There are hundreds of resources, from dress boutiques to stationers to photographers. And of course, while you're there, be sure to browse through the Elizabeth Anne Designs blog - full to the brim with inspiration!

Discounts, Giveaways, Etc.

Discounts


If you haven't seen the new custom stationery at Black Pearl Press, definitely check it out. And get 25% off until January 31.

Snippet & Ink sponsor, Bliss Weddings Market, is offering readers 5% off any purchase. Coupon code: SNIP0109

Paper PerSe is offering Snippet & Ink readers 20% off their products, including custom orders. Coupon code: SnippetAndInk

Giveaways

Wedding Fanatic is hosting a contest giving away $3000 worth of hotel rooms from Hilton Family e-Events. See details here.

For $50, enter the Pink Initiative's raffle for the chance to win $5000 worth of photography coverage (wedding, engagement, personal, etc.) by Emilie Inc. - proceeds go toward breast cancer research and awareness. Read the details here.

The Hip Hostess blog is hosting a contest and giving away a pair of M. Flynn earrings. Click here to enter.

Customized Wedding Creations is offering three Snippet & Ink readers a personalized parasol. Send an email to blog@customizedweddingcreations.com by Sunday, January 12, letting them know how you would use the parasol.

Couture Events by D is giving away $3500 worth of design and planning services to one couple getting married in the New York area. See details here.

Etc.

Fellow blogger, Classic Bride, has started offering calligraphy services. See her work here.

The Wedding Party, hosted by The Wedding Library, is happening January 24 at 10:00AM. Sign up for the chance to meet Colin Cowie and Lela Rose. See more details here.


If you're planning on seeing Bride Wars, keep an eye out for photos from Christian Oth Studios, the exclusive featured photographer in the movie.

Click HERE to see all previous discounts and giveaways, including discounts that are still valid.

Discounts, Giveaways, Etc.

Discounts

Snippet & Ink's newest sponsor, 321 Photobooth, is offering 25% off any of their services until February 14. Coupon code: SAI25


Order a sample pack of my favorite Bella Figura invitations by January 5 for $10 (normally $20), and 100% of the cost goes to The Conservation Fund. See details HERE.

Peculiar Pair Press is offering Wedding Library blog readers 25% off until March 15. See the post HERE for details.

Giveaways

PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com is giving away $1500 toward one of their wedding dresses. You have until February 28 to enter. Go HERE for details.

Etc.


Southern Weddings magazine has launched (and yes, that's Chelsea and Tec on the cover), and I'm so flattered that Snippet & Ink made it onto their list of favorite blogs! Pick it up on newsstands, or order your copy HERE starting January 6. Congratulations ladies!

Paper Relics is now selling darling cake toppers. Check them out HERE.

Click HERE to see all previous discounts and giveaways, including discounts that are still valid.

Discounts, Giveaways, Etc.

Discounts

Sonya Renee Jewelry is offering Snippet & Ink readers 50% off all orders until February 24. Coupon code: snippetlove

Missy Photography is offering 15% off to Bridechka readers. See details here and here.

Sanskripts is offering Snippet & Ink readers free shipping AND 10% off all orders. Coupon code: SNIPPET

Giveaways

If you're in the Charleston area, Perfect Bound is giving away free tickets to the Charleston Weddings Bridal Couture Show. She even extended the deadline until Monday for Snippet & Ink readers! See details and enter here.

Jessamyn Harris is giving away an engagement session (or love session - it's open to any two people who love each other, engaged or not!) to one creative couple. See details here.

To celebrate their new website, if you book Erin Hearts Court for your wedding photography in 2009, you'll get a free engagement session. See details here.

It's a Jaime Thing is giving away a copy of the book Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style by Christina Friedrichsen. See details here.

Lucky Me is giving away a custom monogram to celebrate their new blog launch. See details here.

Do-It-Yourself-Invitations.com is hosting a contest for the best handmade wedding invitations. See all of the details and prizes here.

Etc.


If you're in the Virginia-Maryland-DC area, definitely check out the I'm Getting Hitched event in Georgetown on March 19. You can see all of the details over at Ritzy Bee.

The Wedding Library is hosting a Thread Trunk Show this weekend - you can get 15% off if you order during the trunk show. See details here.

Click HERE to see all previous discounts and giveaways, including discounts that are still valid.

Board #93: The Silver Screen

Since it's Saturday night and I'm spending it watching Ugly Betty online (what?) and my best friend is spending it in the library on Law School Exam Lock Down we both felt a weekend inspiration board was in order. A little Hollywood glam a la Marilyn. If this were my event, I'd walk down the aisle on a red carpet and I'd set up a movie screen for the kids. There would be a popcorn bar and lots of champagne.

Mood: Hollywood glamour
Palette: red, white, silver, black

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: Marc Jacobs peep toes via Spork Fashion, bouquet from MS, photo from Dan Heller
Row 2: popcorn from MS, calligraphy by Maybelle, hairstyle from The Knot, cake from MS
Row 3: bouquet and photo both from Brides, old theater, starlight earrings from H. Samuel
Row 4: Marilyn Monroe from Art Knowledge News, film reel from Props Unlimited, programs from Brides, vintage camera

Board #447: Fantaisie de Noël

I love the holiday season and the way it lends itself to fantasy and whimsy and even a little mystery. Today's wedding board was inspired by this idea, and by the laurel garland from Tail of the Yak*, with the olive green, the pop of pink ribbon, and the aged gilt of the mirror behind it. I think it's a luxurious and unexpected twist on the traditional Christmas green and red, and it's definitely full of holiday fantasy.

(*Tail of the Yak is an incredibly well-curated and magical little shop in Berkeley, and if you ever have the chance to visit, do. It also happens to be where my engagement ring came from, which might make me a little biased, except that it actually is the most wonderful shop ever to exist. Promise.)

Mood: sumptuous holiday whimsy
Palette: laurel and pine green, fuschia velvet, bronze and chocolate

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: laurel leaf garland with pink ribbon from Tail of the Yak via Oh Happy Day, chocolate taffeta dress photo by Rodney Smith, centerpiece with magenta rose and begonia leaves by Ariella Chezar
Row 2: place setting with red napkin photo by Silvana di Franco via Wiley Valentine, vintage-style Roman-inspired crown from Heather Bullard, fuschia velvet chairs via My Little Apartment
Row 3: snowy library from Anthropologie's Nov. '09 catalog, bouquet with deep pink garden roses and jasmine by Artfool, hand-lettered menu with pink garland border by Cynthia Warren for Chez Panisse (photo by Aya Brackett)
Row 4: vintage fuschia velvet shoes via Nostalgia at the Stone House, designer Christmas tree with glass ornaments in shades of pink, chocolate chestnut wedding cake with sugared fruit and laurel leaves and diamond engagement ring in fuschia velvet box both from Martha Stewart Weddings

(I know I've been writing a lot more lately, and I hope that's okay with everyone. Some of you are probably just here for the pictures, and that's okay too.)

In the context of our recent conversations about keeping things simple, today's wedding inspiration board might not make much sense, especially if you are thinking of "simple" as "minimalist." There is certainly nothing minimalist about this sumptuous holiday wedding that I've imagined for today - it's full of outrageously rich fuschia velvet, it's decorated with garlands and Christmas trees, there's a crown and illustrated menu and fabulous vintage shoes, and a tiered chocolate cake covered with sugared fruit. I think, no matter how you try to make it fit, "simple" just doesn't apply here.

But I don't believe that richness and thoughtfulness are mutually exclusive. In fact, I think that they can and should go hand in hand. That was how I thought about today's inspiration board - it's the way I'd like to approach the holidays, my own wedding planning, and most parts of my life. It includes finding and creating beauty - both material and spiritual - in every day, thinking carefully which objects you choose to surround yourself with, giving to others, and doing these things in a way that is authentic for you. Below is part of an email I wrote to my friend Meg awhile back (she even posted it on her blog!) that seemed appropriate for this conversation, and that I thought I'd share with you:

...[I was thinking] about was why do I love all of the wedding details? Because I really do love them (well, most of them; there are a chunk that I find absurd). And I realized that it's because I love details in general, I love things that are done thoughtfully and beautifully, that are meaningful, and that are little gifts to other people whether they realize it's a gift or not. And if a bride doesn't feel that way about the details, and if all she feels is pressure and like she doesn't measure up, then that's not thoughtful or meaningful in a good way, and it's not a gift to anyone! People need to remember that their wedding day should reflect who they are, and if for them that means walking down the aisle to Johnny Cash, and not perfectly coordinated vintage stamps, then THAT'S their gift.

So, what do you think? How you feel about this idea? Is it something that resonates with you? How are you applying it to your own wedding planning (or holiday shopping, or whatever)?

Happy Weekend!

This week just flew by, leaving me with some delightful things from around the web to share with you...


{by Kari Herer}

Love this round-up of suspenders.

The cleverest save-the-date I've seen in awhile, via simple + pretty.

Max Wanger rocks.

Inspired by air mail.

And by photos of magnolias.

Lovely dress by Leanne, via East Side Bride.

A Tennessee wedding captured by Dixie Pixel.

Send well wishes the old-fashioned way, via the Wedding Library.

And be sure to check out my guest post on The City Sage, my interview over at Old Sweet Song, and Darci's DIY series (one, two, three, four, five) based on one of my inspiration boards!

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!

Discounts, Giveaways, Etc.

Discounts

Get free ground shipping when you place an order with Jennifer Behr, until 3/1. Coupon code: ISW2010

From now until 3/31, when you buy 10 or more props from Etsy vendor WhiskerWorks, they'll throw in a free mustache on a stick. Just mention Snippet & Ink in the notes to seller when you checkout.

Wiley Valentine is giving 10% off all wedding orders placed by 3/31. See details here.

Giveaways

Southern Weddings is giving away a free wedding photography package from Brion Hopkins. See details here.

Classic Bride is giving away 6 beautiful vintage pieces from Orange & Blossom. Check them out here.

Enter your engagement story over at OneWed* for the chance to win a grand-prize package that includes platinum jewelry and a getaway in Santorini Greece. See details here.

Thimble+Twine is giving away two tickets to the Wedding Library's Wedding Party at the Palace Hotel in New York on 2/20. See details here.

Peaches by Plums is giving away a wedding photo package by Joseph Prezioso. Learn more here.

Project Wedding* is giving away a pair of chandelier earrings from Bel Canto Designs, as well as 10% off any purchase. See details here.

Brenda's Wedding Blog is giving away 50 4x6 photo cards from Dolcetto Designs. See details here.

Etc.

Congratulations to Paloma's Nest* on the new site launch!

And congratulations to Minna Designs on their new site, too!

Brooklyn Bride is hosting a wedding event, Urban Wed, on 3/23 and 3/24 in NYC. See details here.

Happy Weekend!

Lots and lots of catching up and holiday projects this weekend for me - including getting some gift guides ready for you next week! In the meantime, some of my favorite things from the internet this week (half of them are a little holiday happy)...


{via Zakkaliciousness' flickr}

Fun library card bookplates to download.

I'm going out tomorrow and buying Portland Bride & Groom to see more from this adorable wedding.

The pretty packaging for these candles, via ffffound!

Advent calendar garland, via DesignMom.

Hollister Hovey's "Lumps of Coal" gift ideas, via The Invitation Lady.

A pretty pinecone bouquet you can do yourself.

Real Wedding Saturday: Jackie & Joby

When Alison, Kelsey and Stacy at the fabulous Alison Events told me that they had worked on a wedding with a Beatles Go To India theme, I could not wait to see what exactly that would look like. Jackie & Joby's wedding on the California coast was photographed by Jesse Leake and filmed by Fifty Foot Films, and it is just further evidence that inspiration can come from anywhere. I'm sure you're curious too, so without further ado...


Invitation by Peculiar Pair Press.




Venue: Costanoa Lodge and Retreat


Jackie and Joby asked that guests bring an object either from home or found on the beach at Costanoa to help create a wedding shrine. Also, in lieu of a traditional registry, the couple asked that guests inscribe and bring a book to help them start their "inspiration library." The included ex libris cards with the invitations for guests to paste into the books.










Flowers and event design by Sillapere.




Personal styling by Teresa Kuhl of TRuEStyle.




Tents from Raj Tents and Classic Party Rentals.






Lighting by Refraction.






Cake by Edith Meyer.

Thank you to Alison Events for sending this unique wedding to Snippet & Ink, to Jesse Leake for sharing his beautiful photos, and of course to Jackie and Joby for sharing their wedding day with us!

{to submit a real wedding, email me at kathryn@snippetandink.com}