I have a bunch of friends just having their first wedding anniversary and it had me thinking about the paper anniversary.  Yes, yes custom stationary is very posh and makes you look like a hoity toity bad-ass when you are writing letters and notes.  But, if you don’t want to go that route, consider these amazing origami creations by Ruti’s Roots, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors:

Origami Bowl from tea bag wrappers:

Origami Paper Swan:

Pleasantly Plump Origami Swan:

Origami bigger bowl:

It’s correct in color Origami Swan:

Stationary is just not very original compared to these cool works of art.

So… since we are only a couple months away from Wedding madness time, again, I thought I would put  a post out there on wedding cake toppers.  I have seen my fair share of cake toppers and they can range from odd, impersonal to just too girly/ glitzy for my taste.  I also really appreciate something personalized, but not a big initial.  As a modern woman, I am not necessarily celebrating getting a new name, although I have one, as much as I was celebrating a new family.  So I particularly like toppers that focus on the notion of a new couple and their interests.

Here are some places I have come across that I think are interesting:

Middleburg Folk Art Studio has things under the heading cake toppers and then other folk art items which would be perfect cake toppers.  So click through if you like the idea of Folk Art, there are faxes and all sorts of neat things.  Here is a Spring Easter themed one:

Next up is perhaps my favorite.  Star House.  They provide fully customizable cake toppers that are hipster cool while totally appropriate  and super cute.  The big plus is it is something that you might actually want on your shelf at home afterwards.  Star House will make you, your SO and even your pets.  I don’t have a cake to top at this point, but I still want them!

This next one is actually a fake cake, well two tears of it, but I think you could put this on top of a tear of just use the top part.  After living in Annapolis at one point, I can just see this on top of a clean white bottom tear of cake in one of those beautiful row houses in Old Town.  Made by Vintage MagPie.  And the bunting really reminds me of sailboat pennants.

If you are looking for vintage cake toppers then this next one is the one for you.  In many normal vintage toppers they are so-  brown hair, brown hair over the top cookie cutter- but these are so cool. I think they have such a fun idea to them, there are also shadow ones if you click into her site that are really neat too.  Amadalebel, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Last, but not least is Red Light Studio.  Now no assumptions because of the site name, it’s not like that.  Actually she creates completely custom full length or bust toppers, and makes birds and other animals too.  I think these would look great on top of a simple and modern cake.  As a note since she does completely custom work you have to order these out a bit.

Anyway hopefully this gives all of you some good resources.  I think Etsy may be the absolute best place to find a cake topper.  I haven’t found any other site or place that has this close to the selection and originality.

Peeps, as I get ready to attend my seventh wedding of this year, with some already scheduled for next year, I have had some thoughts.  Particularly about wedding cake toppers.  It seems like there aren’t a lot of good options out there; yet, a quick search on Etsy yields a lot of promise.  So if you are struggling to find a wedding cake topper that says you, if you aren’t a princess or you and your husband don’t look like the current plastic dolls with matching hair colors check these out:

I really love the Cake Toppers by Middleburg.  They are folky and rustic, but sweet.   These are just a few of my favorites:

Next up is Star House, which I love because they are very cool, like Indy Rock cool.  And they are completely customizable.  You can get people, your pets and animals.  Here are a couple examples:

I also really like these little birdies from Cotton Bird Designs:

If you are into vintage then you might like amadalebel, who has some quirky over the top things, and some neat very vintage items:

Another winner for having modern, completely customizable selections is Red Light Studio, I think they have some of the best figures I have seen:

So hopefully this gives you some options for something that says you, and isn’t generic or without style.  Some are things I would love to put up on a shelf afterwards, especially something by Star House.

Long time no post, I know.  Sorry Peeps!  But I have had a plethora of weddings and trials at work that have kept me busy. You are getting this Wedding Wednesday on a Thursday because I was just exhausted last night.

Luckily for you all these trips have given me all sorts of inspiration.

Last weekend was Adam and Rita, my brother and sister in law’s wedding in beautiful Garrett County, Maryland.  It was really a lovely wedding, and everything they wanted.  The weather held up nicely, too, always a bit of a question this time of year in Garrett County.

The venue was Chanteclaire Farm in Friendsville, Maryland.  This is a lovely farm that has been remodeled to fit all the needs you have for a special occasion.  The food was fantastic thanks to Christiana and Fred Bergheim and their great skill with French cooking and baking.  There are real bathrooms, they have a new hardwood floor for the barn, so no tripping or having to watch your step.  The barn is beautifully decorated.  There are nice outside spots for pictures.  And there are other small buildings for getting ready.  A few pictures below:

My only qualm is that I wish the walkway to the ceremony location was dug out and the stones cemented in to make it a little easier to walk down, but that is a minor quibble.

Another highlight was Karlo Gesner’s photography, site here.  Karlo took amazing pictures that really captured the essence and personality of my Brother and Sister, without being intrusive.  I have seen a lot of wedding photos, but these really had an amazing artistic quality to them and were much better than many I have seen. My brother and sister had a vintage themed wedding and the pictures had an amazing vintage quality to them while still being crisp and fresh.

I would highly recommend Karlo.  Check out his gallery on his site, I will post a couple pictures he took of Adam and Rita when I get them, with their permission.  And by the time the reception was taking place he had edited the best photos and had them up on his iMac so that guests could view them which was really neat.  There are a lot of photographers that can capture great photos, but I think some wedding photographers such as Karlo and Dominique Attaway (who took my pictures) can really capture so much more in a photo and it is worth seeking those people out, as their prices are really the same.  And when you are paying that much for a wedding package, you really should get the best.

Next week something that seems to be a problem- good wedding cake toppers.

There is nothing quite like the bond of siblings, I should know I have nine!  Most recently, my sister Kelly got engaged.  She is getting married at the beautiful Christ Church in the Northern Neck of Virginia.

Last weekend I got the joy of helping her to find her perfect wedding dress at J. Crew.  It is a simple, but sleek gown that just mirrors her effortless beauty.  The Cecelia (as a note she looks much better in it than the model):

I told her I would send her the link to Lilac Bijoux as they have really neat jewelry, but their online selections were lacking in choices appropriate for a wedding dress.  Thank goodness for some of my favorite Etsy shops that I can give as a back-up!!!

So to follow are some inspirations I had- and as a note to Kelly who actually reads my blog, don’t feel like you need to like any of these, but check out the shops they have some really neat things.

Kelly has a beautiful tan complection and dark hair, and that made me think of one of three color combinations: 1) bright and fun accessories 2. golden hues to celebrate the Golden August of her wedding month or 3. aqua colors that she seemed to gravitate to when shopping.

On the colorful theme Whichgoose had this beautiful Artic Roses Teal clip set.  I adore all of Whichgooses sight and it helps that she is from Frederick, MD.  If you ever want neat floral or nature hairpieces, shoes or clips try her sight first.

Some fun earrings and a necklace from Joojooland.

And a bracelet from Jenny Trinh. (I would add one Peruvian turquoise bead right beside the pearl, and I am sure Jenny would add it for you too)

For the golden theme, this bridal hair comb caught my eye.

These golden earrings by Persimmon Tree, who has fantstic things in other colors, as well.

Or these golden earrings by Erica Leilani Designs.

And this simple, but elegant necklace from one of my very favorite Etsy jewelers, Made by Sam.

(Customizable… so is the item below.  You can change the stone color, metal color and initial) And matching bracelet.

Or go for a set and get the matching earrings too.

And lastly the aqua color.

These earrings from Erica Leilani Designs really caught my eye. And below are two bracelets that might pair well from the same designer.

This baby belle necklace from JooJooland.

And this hairclip to tie it all together by chicallure.

So even if you don’t love these combinations for your look definitely check out the above sites for nice jewelry and accessories.  I have found those stores to be reputable, with good quality jewelry and good customer service and ability to customize orders.

In this time where everyone (or just Fox News) is telling old people to buy gold, and telling everyone else to sell their gold, gold has become passe.  Which is a real shame because gold is a fabulous statement.  Gold is classic, like Coco Channel, if you pick the right pieces it will look amazing forever.  Anyone who doesn’t like gold just has never owned the right piece of gold.

But let’s face it when it comes to dining you just can’t afford the gold or sterling silverware that used to be customary in yesteryear, and it is so pricey you feel bad even putting it on a registry.  But with many of the beautiful china styles, with amazing colors and warm hues out there you really do need a classy set of gold settings.

The solution: Seletti Midas Cutlery.

Normally available on Yoox.com or Bloomsburystore.com, it is all sold out right now because it is fabulous, but don’t despair  because The Conran Shop Online has a full 24 piece set for $225.00.

This is gold plated steel cutlery with a matte finish.  Allowing it to blend with modern and classic china sets.  I think it would even look particularly stunning with mixed plates or plain white casual china, as well.  And it comes nicely packed in a china box, small enough to actually fit in all those places you would want to store your china.  I am really quite smitten with this set of silverware, actually less smitten more absolutely covetous.  So get it while it isn’t sold out.  And if you are looking for a nice wedding present for those brides out there who aren’t registering (ahem bad idea) I think this would make a really nice present that any modern couple would find quite pleasing.

*Sigh* If only I had seen this BEFORE Christmas.

Welcome back from the Holiday everyone (except you Greek Orthodox who will be celebrating soon).  I am making it my New Year Resolution to improve the blog with more articles and maybe even some guest entries, so feel free to send me any ideas or suggestions.

This Wednesday I am dealing with a post-wedding issue.  My Mother loves the pictures taken at my wedding- thanks Dominique Attaway you are fantastic- but asked me about getting one turned into an oil portrait.  I really hadn’t known about this service until I ran across OilPortraits.com.  But apparently, even Hubby and I can be turned into masterpieces of art and you can too!

Pricing goes by the number of subjects and they will paint people or pets.  I think their black and whites are extremely good looking. And they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so they seem like the right company for my business, I don’t like to take risks when it comes to me on display.   So anyone looking for this service should check them out.  And they were on OneKingsLane.com with a discounted price about a month ago, so you may watch and see if they ever pop back up.

I really like the look of old fashioned hair accessories.  Big horn combs and such, you know the ones without tons of gobbly gook Swarkovski crystals.  I think they are subtle and really show well in the hair.  Lily Millicent makes hair accessories that just ooze that upper crust class made from vintage lace and pearls.  Want a peak, here you go:

I really love vintage lace…

I should have news soon, as in tomorrow, on the job front yay!  But all this has been such an ordeal.  So here is to more fun and pretty things!

I love to check out engagement rings.  I check out my friends’ rings, that girl on the metro next to me, that woman shopping in Neiman Marcus with the to die for bag, all of them.  And there are some really pretty rings out there.  For me though there are only two kinds: simple and elegant or detailed and antique looking in design.  I have a beautiful Tacori ring that is really detailed and very classic and I love it.  But I caught sight of these rings and decided in a different life if I were going to go with simple and elegant the rings from Everlon are what I would choose.  They don’t have their own website, but are available from many retailers, including JR Dunn who has a very handy online website here.

I have always really liked the look of knots.  That nautical knot jewelry is just so neat looking.  I am fascinated by braids essentially hair knots of different varieties.  Knots of all kinds just are really beautiful to me (unless I have to get them out of course).  These knots are so simple looking but just the smooth medal against a beautiful diamond just really highlights both elements.  So guys if you have a gal that is the simple, but elegant type I think this will be a real winner. They are very reasonable for engagement rings- a 14kt white gold with 3/4 carat diamond is $2990.00.  So long as your gal doesn’t want something huge 3/4 carat is a really nice size. (Another view)

AND as a deal sweetener  There will be ample ideas for engagement gifts as they have matching earrings, bracelets and necklaces.  Some of my favorites are below.

I love this diamond necklace- it would look beautiful alone or with just plain brilliant (round) diamond earrings, which many girls own.  It could be worn on a chain or with a nice omega, which is a thicker gold necklace that has a bolder look.  I really like reversible omegas one side being white gold one side being yellow gold so it is really versatile.

Both of these earrings are really nice for a girl who doesn’t have diamond earrings.  They are so simple they would match nicely with other diamond jewelry that she may acquire over the years. I personally don’t like drop earrings as much as ones that are closer to the ear so I prefer the bottom pair, but both really are nice.

I have wanted a white gold diamond bracelet now for a while, but I will be waiting as they are a pretty penny and my dear Hubby just bought me a stunning engagement ring and wedding band that is just as beautiful and detailed.  There was one bracelet I saw in a cute little jewelry store that I love in St. Micheals that was similar to this one that I just loved.  So maybe ten or twenty years from now this beauty will come my way.

Last, but not least is a stunning ring for the right hand it has both white gold and yellow gold.  I really like this idea because I have a really nice watch that is two tone, and some really nice gold jewelry in yellow gold so it kind of brings it all together in a matchey matchey way.

So if fancy and detailed isn’t your thing check out Everlon.  I was really impressed with the style and design of their products.  It has a real wow factor to it, without all the bells and whistles of some rings.

I have always been one of those lucky women who can wear a hat, almost any hat really.  And there is something grand about a hat.  It hearkens back to an era of civility.  It dares to go where few women these days tread.  But with the recent resurgence of the head band with large fascinators I dare to say hats will be coming back.

Recently my Mother traveled through Ireland and she found Kathleen McAuliffe a woman who makes extraordinary hats.  When she saw these hats she immediately thought of my friend who is going to have the most beautiful wedding this summer and who has really fun style.  So I wanted to pass along the fun for any bride or wedding party that dares to be a little more eclectic in a really beautiful classy way.  They are pricey, but absolutely beautiful and really top quality, as they are hand made and have been featured worldwide.  Below are some of my favorites:

Perfect for accompanying a cute simple bridesmaid dress.

Black used to be a no-no at weddings, but nowadays anything goes, and ooh wouldn’t this go so well at a formal outdoor wedding?  I can just see it looking so beautiful and demur for a wedding set on a beautiful stone patio.

For the bride who doesn’t want a gigantic bird, but a gorgeous loopdy loop instead.  This would be to die for with a simple form fitting dress.

Now this to me is a show stopper, and it would photograph so well.

The perfect Mother of the Bride hat.  It won’t be prettier than the bride, but it will grab the appropriate amount of attention the Mother of the Bride deserves, plus I think it has a bit of authority to it.

Now if you go to a wedding and someone is wearing this, you just know you are going to have a good time.  It is called Kate and it is just longing to come home and reside with this Kate.

This hat is just so cute.  And wearable to so many things.  And wouldn’t it just pair so well with a formal tux?

Now Ms. McAuliffe makes more casual hate too, and while I love her show stoppers above, her casual hats are really exquisite and much more affordable.  This one below looks like the perfect honeymoon getaway hat to me.

Of course you don’t need a wedding to own one of these, they would be perfect for a derby, a cocktail party or for a really cute night out.  I am so glad my Mother found this place, and it is such good timing because I am telling you- hats will be back.