The happiest decoration of all

Pinwheels have got to be the happiest decoration we've ever seen. They seem to make everything better with their colorful, playful shape spinning in the wind. Lately we've seen a few ways to incorporate pinwheels into weddings {or other events} and we couldn't resist sharing such cute ideas! Though time consuming to make them, this can be a super cost effective decoration and depending on the style of the wedding it could be a great way to repurpose old books, magazines and bags.

{1} As a back drop:

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{2} On the cake in lieu of flowers:

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{3} Add some sassiness to the beverages:

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{4} Spice up those bouquets:

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{5} Use as escort cards:

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{6} On favor boxes instead of bows:

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Now that our wheels are spinning {pun intended}, we can't stop thinking of ways to incorporate pinwheels into daily life! Any and all ideas are welcome!!

A snowy Colorado wedding: Alison & David

Even in the midst of a scorching summer we mustn't forget those who are planning a winter wedding. This seemed like the perfect time to share Alison and David's stunning wedding that took place in Durango, Colorado. Their day was filled to the brim with fun, romance, sentimental details... and laced with rustic goodness. Josh Durias Photography {based in Washington state} did an incredible job at capturing the love these two share!!
Ali and David decided to make a Chuppa to symbolize God being over their union and the sides being open to represent community entering in both to their home and their lives as a married couple. What a beautiful symbol and the one they constructed was a perfect compliment to the rest of their decor!
Venue: The Glacier Club in Durango, Colorado
Wedding gown: La Belle Elaine
Bridesmaid's dresses: The Limited
Bridesmaid's accessories: Made by the bride's sister
Groomsmen's suits: JC Penny
Flowers & decor: Friend of the bride

* All photos courtesy of Josh Durias Photography

Well suited

If your man is in the market for a new suit {whether it be for your wedding, another wedding or a job interview} you simply can't miss these words of wisdom! Especially when it comes to the wedding party, the last thing you want is photos of the groomsmen in ill fitting attire. Of course, if the guys are renting a tux this won't be an issue, but it's becoming more and more common now for them to buy their suits. So, listen up on what Emily Post has to say about suit shopping: 1. Go to an established men's store where trained professionals are on staff. These experts are more knowledgeable about make, style, cut, and fit than most of us can ever hope to be. They can teach you the different between traditional, European, and athletic styles and which will work best for you. Yes, even if they're donning an all seersucker suit!

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2. You should be aware of the following fit issues:

  • If it feels too tight, it probably is. You should be able to fit the flat of your hand in between your chest and the front of the jacket when buttoned and the back vents should lay flat.
  • If it feels a little big, it can probably be tailored: men's suits can often be taken in a full size.
  • Trousers should fit at the waist (one finger inside the waistband) so you have room when you sit.

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3. The correct jacket length? Stand with your arms hanging naturally at your sides. The jacket should hit just under the curve of your derriere.

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4. The sleeve of the jacket should hit where your wrist bends so that your shirt can poke out 1/8" to 1/4". {This guy knows what's up.}

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5. Trousers: a "full break" is the bottom of the pant altered to hit 1" above the floor. Pleated trousers should have cuffs.

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Happy suiting!

Put on your dancing shoes

Here's one for all those brides who are planning to party down at their wedding! Reserve a pair of these little gems so you can slip out of your Louboutin's and into your dancing shoes... undefined

"Every woman should own three pairs of shoes- high heels, flat shoes and Havaianas."

~Christian Louboutin

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AND why would Havaianas pass up a chance for customization?? Yes, the geniuses behind this company also allow you to Make Your Own flip flops... heaven help us!

Brighten up

After being in 9 weddings, we're always on the search for cute bridesmaids dresses- it's now engrained in us. Whether bridesmaid-to-be or bride-to-be, it's always good to know your options. We're in L.O.V.E. with these new pops of color by Alfred Sung and just had to share! They would make such fun party dresses too!

Which one is your favorite? Some of them even come if white if you're on the lookout for a

reception or getaway dress...

*Photos courtesy of The Dessy Group

A Titanic inspired wedding

Few things brighten our day as much as hearing that our paper has been featured in a blog {or magazine} that we absolutely adore. It's a moment of sheer childish giddiness and we want to put it on the metaphorical refrigerator for all to see!! Apparently, this blog is our refrigerator... It was such a joy working with some of our favorite DC based vendors on this Titanic inspired shoot that was recently featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs. Hop over and see the rest of this vintage gorgeousness! :)

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*Photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

Coral & Smoky gray: the perfect palette between summer & fall

I'm ecstatic to share that we {Paper Moss} just mailed off a gorgeous, elegant & modern smoky gray and coral invitation suite to a beaming bride and her fiancé. Yes, that beaming bride happens to be my {Anna's} soon-to-be sister in law and that fiancé of hers happens to be one of the greatest older brothers to walk this earth. :) I'm biased & completely blessed!! Take a gander at the color palette for their September day... a perfect combination to transition out of summer & into fall! undefined

{Photo credits clockwise from top: Brent Van Auken Photography; The Wedding Chicks;

Jamie Delaine Photography; Style Me Pretty}

undefined{Photo credits clockwise from top: Sweet and Saucy Shop; Style Me Pretty;

Pink Lemonade Design; Style Me Pretty}

You better believe that we'll be sharing photos of the invites {once they're sent out, of course} and photos of the wedding. :) Happy Wedding Wednesday!

Be Poetic

While going through the shoe closet the other day, I realized that there are several pairs that have been neglected. It would be SO much FUN to compulsively run to Saks with our current "must have" shoe list, however my wallet and sense of reason led me to think otherwise. So alas, what better way to revitalize a pair of flats or heels than to add one of these cute shoe clips by B.Poetic?! They add the perfect pop of color & style to that plain pair that's been shoved in the corner a little too long.

undefined *Photos courtesy of b.Poetic

Baby got back

One trend that we've been adoring lately is backless wedding gowns. Seriously, it might just be the classiest way to show some skin and add variation in a way other than through the neckline or sleeves/straps. Whether you want a sleek, classic silhouette or full, romantic gathers of fabric, a backless {or low back} dress adds so much elegance! Don't you agree? Especially like this first one- covered in lace! Love! undefined

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With "something blue" in hand

If those Louboutin's from Tuesday Shoesday aren't your cup of tea & you're still on the search for "something blue", maybe opting for one of these is a better bet? Can you believe the range of shades, textures & shapes clutches are coming in these days? What an adorable way to tie in those wedding colors... and you'd probably find yourself using one of these zesty little numbers quite often!

{Clockwise from top: Kara Ross; Menbur Apperleya; Kara Ross; Avance Belloto}

*Photos courtesy of Endless

Wedding inspiration: Soft blue & rich red

A red, white & blue wedding? Yes... it IS possible to embrace this color palette without feeling like Uncle Sam might pop out of the cake. :) Feast your eyes on this inspiration board- filled with a vintage flair & laced with touches of modern elegance. By taking a soft blue and rich red tones, we succeeded in dodging a patriotic feeling! What do you guys think about the combo? Would you ever have a red, white & blue wedding?

{Clockwise from top: Utah Bride Blog; Staircase; Martha Stewart; Lucida Photography}

{Clockwise from top: Paper Moss; Pen & Paper Flowers; Paper Moss; Erin Reynolds Photography}

And after a day full of patriotic flair, what better way to end than with a gigantic, loud & sparkly BOOM...?!

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Classy cakes

Have you ever come across something that is too beautiful to eat? Maybe it sounds silly, but we're serious! While perusing wedding mags & blog hopping these last few months, we have come across some of the most striking cakes by Washington DC based, Maggie Austin Cake. While we're all about appreciating different art forms, this one tugs at our heart strings just a little. We hear however, that they taste just as delectable as they look.

Never in our right mind did we imagine a time that looking at cake would be a fun as eating it. Which one would you choose??

undefined *Photos courtesy of Maggie Austin Cake via The Kitchen

Wave those banners!

Letterpress, the color blue & all things nautical... these are a few of our favorite things. We were thrilled that while working with Allison and Doug, their custom design process led us to this crisp and classic invitation suite. Their wedding is actually this weekend and we couldn't resist putting together this little inspiration board in their honor!! undefined

{clockwise from top: Paper Moss; Style Me Pretty; Rope; Ritzy Bee; Betty and Barclay}undefined

{clockwise from top: Jasmine Star Photography; Paper Moss; Style Me Pretty; Paper Moss; Wedding Whimsy}

A huge congratulations to the happy couple as their festivities begin!

*Paper Moss photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

A little of this & s'more of that

A childhood classic... A sign of the times... A chocolatey crunchy combination with just the right amount of goo... yes, S'mores. Of all of the ideas for customizing food {or building an interactive display} at an event, we are head over heels in LOVE with the ideas of a literal S'mores Bar. Jennifer from Cookie Creatives came up with the most stellar of them all.

I mean seriously, flavored marshmallows? White chocolate? Toppings such as toasted coconut? OMG, let's try out some of these combos ASAP and have some people over!

Anyone planning a summer wedding or shower?? :)

*Photos courtesy of Cookie Creatives

The little lady

Once long ago, we had the duty of being a flower girl. Somehow it was not a pleasant experience... perhaps it was due to the hideous dress or the plastic flowers we carried down the aisle?? You know what we're talking about... did you have a similar experience? We are beyond thankful that there are so many adorable options for flower girls today thanks to companies like Jcrew, Janie and Jack and even Etsy. Don't get us wrong, we LOVE the tutus that we see in so many weddings, but here are some other options if you're not into that...

How great are these sun umbrellas?!

*Photos courtesy of Jcrew; Janie and Jack; Martha Stewart Weddings

A 1920's Vintage Chic Wedding

Melissa and Jason tied the knot last spring- it's hard to believe it has already been a year! We adored their vintage chic invitation suite and wanted to rekindle the magic of their special day by compiling this inspiration board. Picture it: a 1920's inspired affair- complete with a stunning gown, crystal chandeliers, music and mint juleps on a warm spring afternoon. Sounds like a little piece of heaven, right?

Photos clockwise from top Paper Moss; Oh How Charming; Weddings On the French Riviera; Paper Moss; Paper Moss; Ritzy Bee; 100 Layer Cake

 

An easy way to impress those guests

You're busy with work, errands, going to the gym {on a good day}, keeping the house clean, going to appointments, trying to relax {somewhere in the madness} and then... maintaining a social life? Birthday parties, get-togethers, showers and other celebrations pop up all the time. So what do you do if you're strapped for time but need to bring something? The clever and classy lady can follow these easy suggestions to make a Betty Crocker Box cake mix into stunning cupcakes. Start with these precious designer cupcake wrappers. Oh yes, they're real and worth every penny! Either match the theme of the party or keep some on hand for those last minute occasions.

 

And then get your hands on some decorating tips {also can be found on The Cupcake Social} such as these.

 

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Follow the frosting tutorial on Decorate This to add some fancy frosting décor. It's really not as difficult as it looks!

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And last, put them on a cute stand such as this one we found on Delightfully Lovely.

Now, you can party like the savvy yet busy woman that you are. How who wants an excuse to make cupcakes??

 

*Photos from respective sites

 

Something Royally Sweet

Happy Wedding day to Prince William and Kate! We love weddings {obviously} as well as all things British {if you didn't know, now you do} and another favorite, would be cookies! Can you BELIEVE these royal cookies made by Katie of Katie's Something Sweet? This is an art form that we will never acquire, thanks to our appetite and lack of self control... but that makes us appreciate the art form all the more!!

{See the rest of the Royal Cookie Collection}

Ok, so did you wake up at 4 AM to watch the Royal Wedding?! One of us did - rather sleepily. The others will be watching it later, thanks to Tivo! :)

Defining those duties

Just last week, we were asked to be in our brothers wedding {YAYYYY!} We adore his fiancée and are ecstatic about being a part of their big day in September. While getting in the mindset of being in the wedding party, it seemed appropriate to define some of the traditional responsibilities for wedding attendants. This is such a common question for many people, so what better time to find an answer?!  

General Responsibilities of Attendants

  • Pay for their wedding attire and accessories (excluding flowers).
  • Arrive at specified times for all wedding-related events.
  • Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner; attend other pre-wedding events when feasible.
  • Give an individual wedding gift to the couple, or contribute to a group gift from all the attendants.
  • Assist the bride and groom whenever possible.

*** Specific Duties for the Ladies***

Maid or Matron of Honor

  • Helps the bride select the bridesmaids' attire
  • Organizes the bridesmaids' gift to the bride
  • Holds the groom's wedding ring and the bride's bouquet during the ceremony
  • Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate
  • Helps the bride during the reception {gathering guests for the cake cutting, dancing, the bouquet toss}
  • Helps the bride change into her going-away clothes, and takes care of the bride's wedding dress and accessories after the reception

Bridesmaids

  • Attend the bridesmaids' luncheon, if there is one
  • Supervise flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) if asked
  • Assist the bride at the reception as requested
  • Contribute to the bridesmaids’ gift to the bride
  • Host a shower, bridesmaids’ luncheon, bachelorette, or other pre-wedding party or get-together

*** Specific Duties for the Dudes***

Best Man

  • Coordinates the groomsmen and ushers' gift to the groom.
  • Organizes the bachelor party for the groom, if there is one.
  • Instructs the ushers in the correct seating of guests.
  • Keeps the bride's wedding ring during the ceremony.
  • Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.
  • Offers a toast to the bride and groom at the reception; dances with the bride, the mothers, the maid of honor, and other single female guests.
  • Gathers and takes care of the groom's wedding clothes (returning rental items on the next business day).

Groomsmen and Ushers

  • Attend the bachelor party, if there is one.
  • Contribute to the ushers' gift to the groom.
  • Greet guests and escort them to their seats.
  • Know the seating order; review special seating arrangements prior to the ceremony.
  • Help guests who need directions to the reception site.
  • Be on hand to assist any guests who are infirm or disabled.

For the FULL rundown of duties according to an etiquette expert, visit the Emily Post site.

 

*Photo courtesy of  {bridesmaids} Jill Thomas Photography and {groomsmen} Rebekah Westover Photography