Love.

While I don't love this model's posture, I do like the dress quite a bit. Part of the Love by Enzoani collection, this chic little number looks like it could have graced an Oscar after party.

I also wanted to send some love to Muffy Martini for her kind post about my Punctual save-the-date cards last week. And, on that note, here's to a fabulous weekend!

Smoky crystals.

I am loving this smoky crystal headband by Jennifer Behr (as seen in the current issue of Brides). Unlike a veil or tiara, this could certainly be worn again. I'm picturing it out on the town with a pair of nice jeans... hmm.

Photo by Caroline Knopf / Brides

The modern wedding dress.

This photo for Spanish designer Rosa Clara's '09 collection puts several thoughts in my head and they are all delightful! When I first saw this, I noticed how mod she looks... kind of like Audrey Hepburn in a favorite flick of mine, Two for the Road. Then, there's the dress! What a statement. Overall, the quiet and simple elegance of this photo just amazes me.

So, I started looking at Rosa Clara's full collection and easily think it is one of the best I've seen. The dresses are so unique—modern yet vintage-inspired at the same time. Several designs recall London in the 60s. Others would be perfect for a very chic beachside wedding. Eastern influences are apparent with a few pieces, as well. If I were in the market and came across these, I'm pretty sure it would be impossible to choose.

Click the following thumbnails to view larger.

Assembling invites.

Since I see a lot of repeating themes pop up with clients, I thought it might be helpful to occasionally share tips regarding wedding invitations + stationery. While I tend to think that sticking to the "rules" of wedding etiquette is mostly not necessary, it's good to have a reference point for what's expected of us at times. So, on to the first topic: assembling your wedding invitations.

Unless you've ordered a complex invitation suite that includes a pocket folder to tuck everything into, it might not always be obvious how to assemble your set. Here is the standard way to layer all of your enclosures (from bottom to top):

1. Invitation (face up, on bottom)
2. Reception card (followed by any additional insert cards)
3. Response envelope (don't forget to add stamps to these)
4. Response card (tucked under flap of its envelope on top of the pile)

When stuffing the entire stack into their envelopes, all print should face outward. I always suggest mailing one to yourself first, as well, just to make sure you don't need to alter how the post office is handling them. If you have any questions about invitations or wedding stationery, leave a note in the comments and I'll be sure to post an answer in the very near future.

An Etsy find turned mini scrapbook.

When I came across these letterpress coasters from Sarah Parrott's Etsy shop, I knew there was no way I could actually use them as coasters. They're just too good for holding wet beverages. ;) Instead, I turned them into a meaningful gift for my musician hubby.

To make my mini album, I first ordered a handful of 3.5 x 5 reprints of meaningful music-related photos involving my DH in some way. I included shots of us at a show, one of him leading Christmas carols, another of him singing at our wedding... you get the idea. I then adhered the photos to the back of each coaster using a strong double-sided stick tape and trimmed off the excess with a pair of fine point scissors. On the back side of the final coaster, I adhered a little music-related love note that I printed at home.

The whole project took less than an hour and was quite a hit when I gave it to him for Valentine's Day. For more details, click each photo to enlarge. Enjoy!

Collette Foley.

Not that it's too surprising, but this week has been all about a chocolate jones for me. My sweet hubby gave me two new flavors of Theo bars for Valentine's Day and I devoured them by mid-week. Naughty! If this Collette Foley cake were set before me, I'm sure the result would be no different... ;)

Enjoy your weekend!

Platinum yum.

As if the Reverie dresses weren't enough, I just discovered this tea-length gown from Priscilla of Boston's Platinum line. Swingy and adorable!

Adding color without the extra cost.

Just wanted to share an image from my studio last week... These two orders side-by-side would work so well as one invitation suite. Because the addition of ink colors typically adds to the cost of invitation production, consider mixing up the envelopes for an easy way to bring accent colors into play. Yum!

Color inspiration.

This tidbit is related to my earlier post about color... If you are having trouble deciding on a palette for your wedding and have looked at one too many wedding photos online, try getting back to basics by checking out nothing but swatches. This Adobe website is fun and you'll surely come away with some solid ideas. Enjoy!

Spring color forecasts.

With Fashion Week in full swing, it couldn't be a better time to take a look at current color trends... and I'm thrilled to see many personal favorites in the mix! As you start taking a look at new collections, you'll notice these colors popping up here and there. I'm loving these new bridesmaid dresses from J.Crew and Simple Silhouettes—all spot on matches for the swatches above. Are you planning on using any of these colors in your spring or summer wedding?


Vibrant Green - J.Crew


Super Lemon - J.Crew


Salmon Rose - Simple Silhouettes


Palace Blue - Simple Silhouettes

If I were to do it all over again...

There are a few things I know I would do differently if I were planning my wedding again. I'd have a stronger theme, I'd get tea-length bridesmaid dresses, and I would jump at the chance to exit the ceremony on a Vespa with my DH. So, naturally, Dennis + Christal's winter wedding at Rock 'n Roll Bride stopped me in my tracks. Be sure to pop over there to check out the full feature...

Photos by Sota Photography via Rock 'n Roll Bride

Dreamy.

Inkeeping with what seems to be a theme of romantic and dreamy posts this week, I need to share this image from Coren Moore. The dress, Avery, is innocent looking and lovely. Perfect for a navy + pink wedding, too... Happy Valentine's Day!

Sharing a save-the-date.

Just in case it isn't obvious, things are pretty busy this week! Not only did I finish updating and reorganizing the Maida Vale studio, I've been putting together invitation packages and save-the-dates. One particularly kind client, Kara, ordered my Punctual save-the-dates in a yummy monochromatic palette of gray + powder blue. She and her fiance, Paul, were thrilled to receive them, saying that they "absolutely love them". Happy clients = a very happy me.

If you like the monochromatic look shown above, I'd encourage you to check out today's post on color inspiration over at the Elizabeth Anne Designs blog. The elegant ideas shared in it came to light in a unique way, and the resulting look is too good to miss.

Etsy find: 5eizen.

When window shopping on Etsy last week, I came across 5eizen. The modern ring pillows particularly caught my eye. The color combinations and luscious fabrics are very unique. I'm looking forward to seeing the new products they have on the horizon...

Romantic bridesmaids.

Today I'm loving the soft look of these romantic dresses from Jenny Yoo. I'm not usually a pink girl, so there must be something in the air...

Also, I drew a new winner for the Real Simple giveaway last night, and Jessica Tupper (#21) is the lucky recipient. Thanks again to all who entered! =)

Monday blog love.

Happy Monday from snowy (but sunny) Seattle! It's busy here today, but I wanted to pop in to share some blog love: Bubbly Bride.

Caroline is a client of mine and had an unbelievably beautiful wedding in Indianapolis (my hometown!) last year. She shares her experiences and ideas in the blog and even mentions my Eaton invitation. Along with her hubby Josh, she is the original inspiration for the design. Thanks, Caroline! I look forward to following the blog... ;)

The EAD Library.

I'm happy to announce that Maida Vale is proud to be part of the newly expanded Elizabeth Anne Designs Library! As I mentioned last week, E. & A. have been working very hard to build upon what was already a fabulous resource for brides. Feel free to drop by our listing (and leave a review if you're one of our amazing clients!). Happy planning!

Paging Samantha Tonini...

If Samantha Tonini is out there, I still need your mailing address. Please email me and I'll get your copy of Real Simple Weddings in the post. =)

Otherwise, if I don't hear back from Samantha by 8 pm Pacific on Monday, I'll draw another winner...

Gray + Grape.

I love the unique color combination this fun Madina Vadache dress inspires. Wouldn't gray + grape make for a sophisticated evening wedding? Just something to think about as we head into the weekend... enjoy!

Credits (clockwise from top):
The Cake Girls, Photo by Calla Evans via Once Wed, Madina Vadache via Seattle Bride, Emily Porter, Bride's

Madina Vadache makes me coo.

Photo by Seattle Bride

This dress from Seattle designer Madina Vadache makes me oh-so-happy. I love the scallop details and unique color combination. Check back tomorrow for what it has inspired...

Lovely wedding blogs...

I'm a bit tardy in posting this, but my appreciation for mentions on the following blogs must be noted! =)

Classic Bride
I'm pleased to be a new sponsor of Classic Bride. Sarah offers such great ideas (and occasional giveaways!) to her readers. Her calligraphy is downright dreamy, as well.

Etsy Wedding
Jen and I share a similar passion: scouring Etsy for unique (and yummy) finds! Her blog has turned me on to so many Etsy sellers. I'm now thrilled to be one of them!

Be sure to check these two sites out for oodles of inspiration. Thank you, Classic Bride and Etsy Wedding!

DIY: Reception card box.

If you liked the card box shown in Monday's featured wedding, here is a step-by-step guide to creating your own. Enjoy!

SUPPLIES
All supplies can be purchased at a local craft and hardware store. This supply list makes 32-40 ribbon wands.

• Paper box: Purchase one large paper mache box from a local craft store.
• Varying widths of double-face satin ribbon
  For added interest, choose a combination of colors that complement your wedding palette.
• Paint: Purchase one small bottle of craft paint in the color of your choice.
• Sponge brush

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a utility blade, carefully cut a slit into the lid of the box. Be sure to make it wide enough to accommodate large greeting cards.
2. Paint the box.
3. Cut the ribbon into appropriate lengths to fit around the box. Cut ribbon at an angle to avoid any fraying that might occur.
4. Using a heavy-duty permanent adhesive (such as a Tombow roller), adhere each ribbon strip to the box. Create variation by alternating wide and narrow widths of ribbon. Adorn the lid as desired.

Great planning resources: EAD.

If you haven't discovered Elizabeth Anne Designs already, be sure to drop by the relaunched site. In addition to a newly added forum, Ami & Rebekah have expanded their ever popular library to provide more information about listed vendors. It's a great resource worth checking out!

The winner is...

Thanks to everyone who entered the Real Simple giveaway! Using random.org, the winner was comment #8: Samantha Tonini.


Congrats, Samantha! Email me your address and I'll get your gift in the mail. =)

Real couple: E&G.

All photos by Chris Robb + Maida Vale.

Thanks to a wonderfully sunny weekend in Seattle (a rarity in January!), I'm inspired to share details from a lovely warm weather wedding. Using some basic money saving tips, the bride was able to create an event that stayed within her modest budget.

To do so, she carefully chose a venue that would host both the ceremony and reception. This saved thousands of dollars and created a seamless event. As soon as the ceremony was over, the party kicked off. The bridesmaids wore dresses found on sale at a major department store and carried inexpensive parasols instead of flowers. Flowers were also left out of the reception centerpieces, replaced by modern candles instead. Finally, simple lanterns and holiday lights dressed up the ceremony site, which turned into a sparkling dance floor late into the evening.

The resulting wedding was a labor of love—something that was truly palpable that day. Congrats again, E&G!

Click the following thumbnails to enlarge.