Oh How I LOVE Ikea!

As gas prices are rising and it seems like everything is costing more... it only makes sense that brides and corporate planners will try and use cheaper items to make their event magical. I am and will always be a fan of Ikea. I know some people may not agree, but they have some great items for decorating a space or venue for your special day or event. These items are normally super cheap can can sometimes be ordered so that you can get as many as you need. A lot of other home decor stores are really expensive or don't carry a ton of one item. Here are some of my favorite items to use during an event to same some money!


Great vases, wire baskets, lanterns, trays and more! There are so many things that Ikea has that are useful at weddings and events! They are cheap and are easily transitioned to be used in the home!

Pictures from www.ikea.com

Re-Use and Recycle: Bottlehood on Esty

I am IN LOVE with bottlehood's shop on Esty.com! The company recycles beer, wine and liquor bottles and makes them into cups, candles, cheese boards and vases! I am getting some of these for my bf {shhhh don't tell him} and I started thinking about the great way you could use these at your wedding or event. These may be kinda expensive if you are buying all your guests items, but how great to have a wine bottle vase or a liquor bottle as your vase centerpiece. I also saw that the company will make items requested for wedding registry's! These items are so unique you will never find them anywhere else! What a great gift as well for the lucky couple or even as a birthday present for your man! Also just great for use at your home bar or home... what a great conversation piece!
Check out their shop on Esty: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bottlehood

Here are a few pictures of items they sell! I love the variety and the locality of the items. Most items tell you where the bottle came from (all local from CA).

The Top 10 Things You Don’t Want Your Photographer to Miss

I have found this new profound love for photography and am working on shooting and light techniques. Although I may not be a super pro yet, there are many things during a wedding or event that you do not want your photographer to miss. Even the best photographer loses some points when not remembering to take these photos. Make sure you tell your photographer that you want these things to be captured, as well as make sure you have them available for them. Make sure your photographer captures all the important moments of you two together… but done forget these important mementos!

For a Wedding:

1. Picture of the Rings
2. Picture of the Brides Dress and Brides Maid Dresses
3. Picture of the Brides bouquet and Brides Maids bouquet and reception floral
4. Picture of the Brides shoes and Grooms shoes (separate and together)
5. Picture of the grooms/grooms men boutonniere
6. Picture of the Ceremony space (pulled back)
7. Picture of the Reception space (pulled back)
8. Picture of the reception table/menu cards
9. Picture of the escort cards
10. Picture of the wedding favors
11. Picture of the Wedding cake (and cake cutting of course)
12. Picture of the brides hair
13. Cocktail hour space (pulled back)

Last But Not Least… ask for some photos taken before getting ready of both men and women and get some quirky candid photos of the bridal party throughout the day.

{thanks to TheKnot.com for some quick inspiration}
{Photos from http://goslingphotographyblog.com/ }

For an Event:

1. Picture of the Event location (pulled back)
2. Picture of the Tables
3. Picture of the Escort cards (if any)
4. Picture of the Gifts (if any)
5. Picture of the Food and/or dessert/cake
6. Picture of the Important guests/speakers
7. Picture of sponsors information (if any)
8. Picture of the floral
9. Candid pictures during the final set-up/of workers during the event
10. Picture of any important locations during the event… bar area, any special tables or rooms
11. Lastly make sure you get pictures of signage and the invitation/thank you’s

Of course there are many great photographers all over the country, but people always forget some things. By talking to your photographer before the wedding or event and telling them specific things you ABSOLUTLY want pictures of you will get them and the photographer will make sure you get the best shot possible. Hopefully taking some great photos soon and posting them…keep an eye out!

Birds of a Feather: twobirds bridesmaid



Dress Colors

I am IN LOVE with this company's dresses! twobirds bridesmaid dresses are so versatile and come in a variety of colors and you can style it in so many ways. I saw these dresses at a recent wedding and I loved how different every bridesmaid looked individually, but still how cohesively they looked together. These dresses are great if you want everyone to have the same color dress but different styles, since there are over 15 styles. These dresses are flowy and fit nearly every size and shape, which makes these dresses so great. They are also a great dress to wear after the wedding since you can make the dress so many styles it can fit many occasions. Starting at $270 per dress they are comparable to other dresses. The company offers flower girl dresses, matching groomsmen ties and other accessories. You can order them online and there are also stores in NY and Cali. The company is international so look at the website to find other locations and information about purchase. They also have a great how-to guide for all the different designs you can make with the dress. Visit their site for more information about the dresses! http://www.twobirdsbridesmaid.com/

This is going on my list of things I have to have for my own wedding... whenever it may be!