Old World: Wedding Suitcases

I love how inspiration transforms over time. This post of pictures I found on a whim, lead my mind to the bountiful uses for suitcases in weddings. From garden showers, to black tie receptions, a thoughtfully used suitcase can add a touch of charm and character.

a spot for cards at Laurel and Jedd's wedding

{found here}

or programs

{found here}

and place cards on popsicle sticks and clothes pins

from Jennifer and James' wedding

{found here}

or even a spot for fans to "stay cool"

{from Kelly Oshiro Designs}

Paper Crush: Linda & Harriett

Linda & Harriett have redesigned their site. And their stationery is as adorable as ever. Check it out:

Plus, click here to read about their new direction.

Hangers can be Beautiful

Lila Frances has a way with hangers. Her beautiful works of art will lend a touch of elegance and personalization to your big day. So as you prep for your wedding, don't forget about the hanger that will hold your dress and veil!

Visit Lila Frances on Etsy

Baby Animal Shower

I am very excited to be planning this baby shower. I have fallen in love with the animals I used for my inspiration! There are stripes, and polkadots, and baby animals galore. I have incorporated calligraphy, rubber stamping, and embossing for the invitations. Here is a sneak peek at animal inspiration and the envelope calligraphy. But you will have to wait until June for the full picture of how adorable this shower is going to be!

I clearly couldn't decide which envelope combination was cuter...

...so I used both!

Freebies!

Wedding Chicks have done it again! They are offering free customized "printables" that get sent directly to your inbox! The steps are simple, and the designs adorable! Check it out:

Anthro Bridesmaid Dresses, Now

Earlier we posted about the exciting announcement of Urban launching a wedding line, but what about the brides who are planning weddings now? Anthropologie dresses offer a wide selection of a-typical bridesmaid dresses {aka, the kind your bridesmaids REALLY will wear again!}

Paperless Wedding + Bridal Shower

My friends Jerrod and Meredith, often called "Jeredith" by dear friends, are in the midst of planning a paperless wedding. The idea makes me cringe...no paper? That means no calligraphy, no pretty invitation suites, no programs, not even a menu or little labels to mark food at their buffet! {gasp}

The are economists who care deeply about living practically and responsibly. So what did they do? They set up an incredible wedding website and an e-mail account specifically for their big day. They tactfully sent their Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations, and even Rehearsal Dinner invites, all via the web.

So you can imagine my alarm when planning Meredith's bridal shower. How do we make it paperless?

1. I sent my very first evite!
2. We use real china, silverware, and napkins for the shower luncheon
3. We provided guest an alternative to wrapped presents - the ability to contribute to a couch fund for the couple's new apartment.

All in all, it went well. It challenged me to think outside the box and even involved an unconventional game. You see, this practical couple doesn't like to spend money, so their dates often included puzzles. Snapfish came to the rescue with the perfect shower activity. Guest put together a puzzle of the couple:

Anthro + Urban + Weddings: 2011

Urban, the umbrella company of Anthropologie, Terrain, and Urban Outfitters has announced that they are branching into the wedding market with a line to be released in 2011. Check out the details from those that beat me to the punch line:

InStyle

Fashionista

A Cup of Joe

April Showers...bring May Flowers

Well, I have certainly been experiencing lots of showers...just not the kind that involves any rain! You read about a margarita inspired bridal shower a few weekends ago. I also helped coordinate a paperless {gasp} bridal shower recently with an unusual game that I cannot wait to share with you.

...and then there are the babies! Between birth announcements, 1st birthdays, and baby showers, I am beginning to think I run an invitation store instead of a calligraphy business! There have been some really cute "baby" invites that will be posted here shortly, so stay tuned! For now, get outside and enjoy the beautiful mid-summer weather that the entire country is enjoying!