THE FROSTED PETTICOAT

I am just so excited to do this post!! For a long time, I have been mesmerized by The Frosted Petticoat. Their whimsical blog, full of all kinds of off beat "couples" and their immensely creative inspiration boards, make my day! NOW! They have an Etsy shop that is full of more whimsical goodies- chocolate ones!!! Can't you just see these lovely snowflakes sitting at each place setting of your winter wedding? They are so pretty and they are delicious too! Are you planning an engagement party, a shower, your rehearsal dinner and looking for something unique to add to the fun? Try some of these ideas- all chocolate!! Buttons, jewel boxes (OH, maybe a Valentine proposal), stars, flowers- even a corset. I just love them! And, I just love The Petticoats!! They are ingenious and as sweet as their chocolates. So, visit the Etsy shop and make your day by visiting their blog! You will be glad you did!!!

SUMMER LOVIN'

What better way to spend a cold, snowy winter's day than to dream about a summer, beach wedding! Well, that's just what I did. For all of you summer brides, here are two inspiration boards geared to helping you with great ideas for your wedding.

When it comes to the dress, there are so many styles to choose from. I have found some beautiful selections from designers such as Lazaro, Jim Jhelm, Claire Pettibone Pronovias and Vera Wang. You can be very bridal and still be cool and comfortable on the beach.

Flowers on the beach can be vibrant or cool. But, make sure you choose hearty varieties that will hold up in the heat and humidity. Orchids are wonderful, as they not only stay lovely all day, but they make you feel like you are in the tropics, even if you are only at the Jersey shore. Roses are always a good choice and they smell so good in the ocean breeze. Using flowers to create an aisle is such a beautiful way of making your entrance dramatic- and what a photo op! These chair covers in a shimmery, sheer and luscious turquoise bring that ocean right up to your guests. Lanterns, candles and shells are all ways of keeping the theme of your beach wedding oh, so lovely.

Favors are never hard to find at the beach. I love these little buckets full of candy. And, how about flip flops for all your guests to walk to the sand for the ceremony. Programs and escort cards can also carry the tone of your beach wedding using shells or little parasols. How sweet!

Then there is the cake. Whether you love this luscious chocolate creation with a seashell decoration or a more nautical cake like the navy and white striped one, it's the filling that is the best part of any wedding cake. Why not try more than one flavor- a different one on each tier.

Keep the decor simple, airy and give it the feel of the sea. Fill your vases with shells of color and then scatter petals or candles on the table. Use your creative juices and the ocean's own beauty to astound your guests was they approach your venue. These are only a few of the ideas I found in my search for this post. There are dozens more. Thanks to The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings for the photos.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter weddings! There are so many possibilities. Pocking a dress is usually first on the list of things to do. Maybe you want to be a fluffy billow of snowflakes Or, maybe you have a vision of being a snow queen or an ice princess or the sexy Hollywood star on the red carpet. Make a statement with a red dress in the whiteness of winter or glide down the aisle in satin elegance. Whatever your vision, there is a dress for you.
Top Row: Lazaro, Vera Wang, St Pucchi
Second Row: Pnina Tornai
Third Row: Oscar de la Renta, unknown, Oscar di la Renta
Fourth Row: Reem Acra

Once you have that perfect confection to wear, you can start to think about the other things that will create your winter wonderland. I just love these cakes, pure and lovely. And, what better to have sitting on the tables for dessert but these chocolate snowflakes. This icy raw bar as a fabulous addition to any wedding in the winter months. And these branches with crystals give a wintry sparkle to this table. White bouquets are perfect to keep that white theme. But, this amazing red bouquet will surely give a warm light to a white wedding. When it comes to favors, these interesting and unique ideas really finish the winter theme in style. Potted orchids or rosemary infused sea salt in cute little jars. And, if you are really creative and like ancient tradition, then how about this paper compote filled with sugar coated almonds. They are sure to bring you good luck. Thanks to Martha Stewart weddings for these photos.

Whatever your taste, whatever your vision, a winter wedding doesn't have to be dark. My own daughter got married in February. She wore a white tulle Lazaro gown with a silver embroidered lace overlay. Her girls wore silver tulle skirts with satin, corseted bodices. Her flowers were white with sprayed, silver accents. The centerpieces were simple floating candles and mums in silver vessels. And the cake was the palest silvery blue with painted snowflakes and a Swarovski crystal snowflake for a cake topper. It was very understated, but really elegant and we all felt like we were in an icy glade. So, use your imagination and warm up to the idea of a beautiful winter wedding.

NUTS AND SWEETS

Are looking for the perfect favor that guests won't leave behind? Are you still in search for that traditional Jordan almond for good luck? Well, Superior Nut Store has just the thing! You can choose from chocolate covered espresso beans, Jordan almonds in many colors and favor bags too. Superior Nut has been serving up delicious treats since 1929. You can buy in bulk for your candy buffet or just enough to send your guests home with a tasty morsel. Select from all kinds of nuts, chocolates and dried and candied fruits. Superior Nut also has a great blog that has all kinds of interesting recipes and such. It's worth a peek!.