Dress peek

*Image by Jasmine Star Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

This bride customized her dress, but from behind the metal taffeta is unmistakable. I love seeing how other women have chosen to wear and accessorize the dress, it changes every time I see someone wear it. I am lucky enough to be wearing a dress I bought from another happily married woman who is now a mother. I don't know her personally, but thanks to the internet I found my wedding dress for half price. I hope to make another bride as happy after I've had my turn.

Books

*Image via Good Stock

Books count as paper right? I just happened upon a fantastic site where you can create custom books, picture books really, but more. Some of my favorites were commemorating milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family trees and inside jokes. I know that most photographers offer custom album information, but some of the accordian books look like they'd make a perfect keepsake or gift. I'm thinking of my mom. Plus, I'm always on the lookout for a good DIY opportunity. The Kolo website has some great photo albums, and some great sale prices too.

Photos

*Image by Max Waggner via Green Wedding Shoes

We were supposed to have our engagement photos taken last weekend but opted to postpone them due to the unpredictable weather. It has been unusually cold here in Seattle and we've had much more snow this year, and this week, than ever. We decided to wait a week or two because we're scheduled to shoot outside and the ground was going to be either soggy or frozen. I want to know how these brides-to-be do it? How do all of the engagement photos I see look so fabulous. These are real people, but yet so cleverly arranged, so in love and so glamorous. I'm working on it, really. I'm going to go swim and then practice strutting my stuff.

Trendy

*Image via Neiman Marcus

Flowers and fancy shoes have both been big trends lately therefore, I'm guessing that flowers on fancy shoes can't be far behind. This shoe could cost potentially half as much or more than your wedding dress. This shoe could also be a DIY project for a budget and fashion savvy lady. Maybe my fabric flower experiments could include shoes too.

Oh Martha!

*Image via Martha Stewart

While I was looking for inspiration and helpful tips on making hair flowers/decorations I found this awesome photo gallery with instructions for making your very own paper and fabric flower embellishments. Of course Martha beat me to the punch. Because she's awesome and accomplished (and has minions that I don't) check out her posts for some guidance and inspiration while you anxiously await my tutorial post. I'm going to use some of Martha's tips to help give structure to my creations.

Cutch this

*Image by Jennifer Ladd via coco+kelley

I have some anxiety about sewing more complex patterns. Really, it has nothing to do with ability but regardless, I am anxious. While browsing the blogs I saw a clutch on coco+kelley and became inspired. Inspiration was twofold 1. a beautiful pattern 2. an empty wallet. I would like to add this to my list of wedding tasks to accomplish. With five attempts, I should perfect the task.

Stationary

*Image via Linda & Harriet

Aside from wedding blogs, the entire reason I began browsing the web during my planning was for letterpress stationary ideas. I am a paper junkie, and mostly buy cards to stash for either the perfect occasion, or to hold onto. Trevor and I just got wind that our first registry item has been checked off. Now I'm looking for thank you card ideas. I am pleased by the infinite designs and possibilities of the internet. I can't wait to write letters to the people I love.

Art

*Image via ReForm School

When I first discovered ReForm School it was due to the Keep Calm poster craze. I admit, the poster caught my eye and the sentiment was something I thought would bolster me. Last year, I hung the poster next to my classroom desk as a reminder to myself. It was a bonus if it worked on my students. This poster was a gift to Trevor on our first dating anniversary, and now it's like a bonus gift to myself. It sits framed and propped up on his dresser in our bedroom and is a nice, daily, gentle reminder (especially when we're stressed).

Attendant

*Image by Joe Mikos Photographers via Snippet and Ink

For some reason people have been asking me if we're including the dog in our wedding ceremony. This question has always seemed absurd to me until I saw this picture. I get the desire to include the beloved pet, but it didn't quite click, until I saw the bedecked bulldogs. No, I have not changed my mind. Having Odin in our engagement photos will be enough. I can see the other side more clearly now.

Revision

I wasn't completely satisfied with my previous hair flowers. They needed some more structure and a little more oomph. I'm working on it. Here is a preview of the materials I'm adding to my fabric flowers. Once I'm pleased with the results, I'll add another tutorial post.