A SPECIAL GIFT

The holidays are approaching and we are all starting to think of gift shopping.  What better gift for a bride than a gift certificate from Angel of Hearts Weddings!   Its more than a gift.  Its like an insurance policy that your special bride will have a perfect day!   You can buy a gift certificate in any denomination- for all or a portion of planning services.  

Its also a great idea for a bridal shower gift!   So, contact me today to guarantee that the bride in your life will be Queen for a Day!

THE PAINTED BRIDE

OK! I admit, I tune in to My Fair Wedding on Sunday nights. Not because I love the huge ego or the over the top productions that 99% of you will never have. But, because every once in a while there is a germ of an idea that sparks my interest. This past Sunday, one of those sparks perked up my curiosity. The bride was given hand painted shoes for her wedding. They were beautiful. So, I went in search of more hand painted and lovely things to make your day more personal. I will get to the shoes in a bit.

First, I think the hand painted signs that guide your guests to their destinations and the "Bride" and "Groom" chair markers are so sweet. This pretty sign that leads you to your country wedding is from Shore Chic. It sets the tone for this darling little wedding in the woods. But, you can customize your sign to fit any venue or theme.

Now, to the shoes! There are other companies that do this, but B Gall was my favorite. These beautifully painted shoes will be amazing peeking out of your gown. Figgie Shoes is also a fun company to find unique shoes that will say "here comes the bride" and surprise your guests. Now, you will want to know that you can also have a hand painted gown. This was not easy to find. It took me some time to find a designer and a photo. I found a gorgeous Carolina Herrera gown on Martha Stewart. But, it was an older style and in black and white. But, I did find a Vera Wang with a hand painted bodice with crystal beaded accents. And, I found this amazing designer, Samuelle- who would make a post on her own some day- who does hand painting and hand dipping of her fabrics. The gowns are ethereal and romantic. Chloe has hand painted flowers on the neckline.
Jane Wilson- Marquis is another designer who does painted gowns. These are some of her lovely things, perfect for the non- traditional bride. You may find other designers who do custom work and there are Etsy sites that sell these hand painted dresses. I just love the idea of having this original artwork oh a wedding gown.
How about hand painted invitations? I found these gems from two of my favorite companies- Momental Designs and Starry Night Design Studio- who also does hand painted aisle runners.

Another wonderful designer who does custom aisle runners, candles, parasols and other details, is I Do Originals. Kristen is lovely to work with and her work is beautiful.

And, who could resist the beauty of a hand painted wedding cake? These two cakes are just a sample of the many designs I found. The lovebirds is a picture created by Superfine Bakery. The sweet floral cake- your something blue, comes from the talents of Whipped Bake Shop.

And, finally, a few little details that just caught my eye. the Original Bridal Hanger/ Allegro Art is a wonderful little Etsy shop that creates pretty things like these bridal hangers and toasting flutes for the entire wedding party. These are a great gift for the bride- a perfect way to showcase her gown for pictures. And, a little extra for the wedding party to celebrate your special day.





















Let your imagination run wild and do a little digging and you will find many more ways to personalize your wedding with hand painted art. Oh- and for a perfect way to document you day with art- besides your photos, is to have a portrait of the wedding done by the talented Joan Zylkin. Joan will set up her easel and paint your day. You will have a piece of art for your home and a special memory to enjoy for many years. I enjoyed creating this post. I hope you do.

CUSTOM TO A TEE

I recently received an offer from ooShirts, an online custom t-shirt printing company, to try out their service and review their product. They’re a small start-up in Berkeley, California working to get their name out. It sounded fun so I decided to give them a whirl. A couple of bridal shirts couldn’t hurt!

The entire design process is done online at www.ooshirts.com using their tools. I was able to upload images onto the different brands and styles they carry to see exactly what my shirt would look like. The Checkout process was quick and within two weeks my shirts had arrived. They looked great, plus the shipping is complimentary.

ooShirts would be a good company for brides to keep in mind because of the great group discounts they offer. Custom t-shirts for bridal showers, wedding staff, and future baby-showers are made inexpensive and easy. Take a look at www.ooshirts.com and see!

GIFT IDEAS FROM THE GIFT GURU

Wondering about a unique gift for a wedding? Maybe you aren't sure what to give your bridal party. Or, you aren't sure if is it right to give money. Well, help is on the way. Dana Holmes, editor-in- chief of Gifts.com gave me some great ideas for unique gifts and some advice about what is good etiquette. These gifts are for the couple who likes to cook together. From a clever stick in the ground wine and cheese holder, to a these trays to make a rainbow of tasty treats for a cocktail party and a cookbook that is sue to "spice up" your kitchen!

Not sure what to get your maids or groomsmen? How about these sets of monogrammed beer mugs. And, for the ladies in the wedding- a gift certificate for a spa anywhere in the world and it never expires. Plus, it comes in this pretty little package. I love this collection of frames to create a lasting memory of the big day- anywhere in the house. These are only a few of the things you will find on Gifts.com. Now, cash is always a welcome gift. But,be sure to check with the wishes of the couple and always write a check. Registries are another source of finding just the right gift. But, buy from the registry, as these are things you know the couple has chosen. If you want to be unique, make sure you know enough about the couple to strike out on your own. Finally, if you are attending a destination wedding, choose a smaller gift and send it before the wedding. Or, wait until after the wedding and trip is behind you to send a gift. For more great gift ideas and answers to your wedding gift etiquette questions, visit Dana at Gifts.com. Thanks to Dana Holmes for her help and inspiration.

CHANTILLY FLORAL

When I got my weekly update from Chantilly yesterday, these amazing bouquets were featured. They are glorious! The colors are so vibrant and the designs are fresh and modern. I just love working with Charles and his wonderful staff. With two locations, you are sure to find the right flowers for your wedding. And, on the first Tuesday of every month, Charles opens up his Lansdale location from 6-8PM for a free forum. You can ask questions, see arrangements made up and talk to a knowledgeable designer about your flowers while sipping on a glass of wine and nibbling on something good. So, take the time to visit Chantilly Floral and see all the possibilities. Oh- and while you're at it, shop for a new handbag bag, that perfect necklace for your rehearsal dinner or some Vera Bradley for your honeymoon. There is so much to see at Chantilly Floral. And, there is always an event or a giveaway going on. To see more of the arrangements from Tuesdays show, follow Chantilly Floral on Facebook.

You are also going to want to see this beautiful new jewelry line- Bonn Bons. It makes a great gift or something fun to take away.

Here's a great idea for the fashionistas in your wedding party or for that fashion forward bride with a flair for art. Laura Su of Prismera Designs creates these lovely watercolor designs, as well as her own jewelry designs. They can be bought as prints or postcards. What a great way to say thanks or bring color into your new home.

MAIN LINE TREASURES

There is more to tell about the shops at Spread Eagle Village, including Interiors for the Home. Nancy has a splendid collection of lovely things for your new home, as well as an idea or two for a DIY centerpiece or a wedding favor.

Christa's is the perfect place to find your mother's gown or a dress for a special party. The selection is diverse and not the usual run of the mill "MOB" style. The staff is friendly and very helpful. I love this gold suit!

The Monogram Shop is one of my favorite places! From beautiful, soft bath towels and linens to a hanky or an intimate gift for the bride, the luxury of well made and monogramed gifts awaits you there. Here are just of few of the wonderful things you will find at the Monogram Shop.

Another place that you need to visit is The Little House Shop. There you will find fabulous weddings gifts and, for you brides out there, some of the most perfect invitations. There is a range of unique and classic choices, such as William Arthur. Or, how about this beautiful glass bowl to use for the notes the guests leave at your wedding. After the wedding, it will grace your dining table for years to come.

Finally, there is Valley Forge Flowers. All of the bouquets for the models and this amazing centerpiece came from the clever and creative folks at this little floral gem. This centerpiece is pussy willow tied to a very large glass trumpet vase and filled with river rock topped with fresh flowers. Perfect!!

WHIMSY ON A BUDGET

Are you looking for a clever, yet budget savvy way to do your out of town gift bags, your favors, even your gifts to your wedding party? Well, look no further! Cardstix has the answers and you are going to love what you find! What a fabulous idea! You pick from the whimsical designs, add your own words and your wedding colors- and Voila!, the perfect little sticky label. These are so cute and really different, plus they are inexpensive. So, what are you waiting for? Go to Cardstix and find out where you can buy them or just order them on line and you can cross one more thing off of your list!

PICTURE PERFECT GIFT IDEA

Want a great idea for a wedding gift, but don't know how or have the time to do it yourself? Then check out Give A Digital Frame. This company will upload the phtoos, wrap it and ship it right to the couple's door. How easy is that?! I love this idea. You send your digital photos of the couple- maybe an engagement party or a holiday they shared, and Give A Digital Frame will do the rest. Any couple would be so happy to get such a personal gift and you will be pleased to have given something unique and beautiful.

WEDDING VASE GIVEAWAY!!

Do you want to be one of the lucky couples that gets one of these beautiful vases?! Then go over to Abby's blog and enter! Abby has a unique collection of wonderful things like these. You just have to visit her at Make One For Me. Good luck to everyone- couples, florists, planners and parents of brides and grooms!! And, thanks to Abby for letting me in on her secret!

The Wedding
Vase Tradition

Usually a week or two before they are married the future husband's parents make the Wedding Vase. When the Vase has been made, the Husband, along with his parents and all his relatives go to the bride's house. The parents of both the bride and the groom give the young couple advice to help them have a happy and successful marriage. The holy water is placed in the Wedding Vase and the Vase is turned around and given to the bride. She drinks from one side of the
Vase, turns it round again and gives it to the groom
who then drinks from the opposite side of the Vase. This ceremony unites them as one.The couple will treasure the Vase throughout their married life. Should one of them outlive the other, the remaining person will give the Vase to a couple known to be living a happily married life.
The Wedding Vase is treasured and protected always and it is never broken

SAY IT WITH CHOCOLATE

This fabulous little company has the cutest ideas for favors, announcements...whatever! You can say "thanks" or "come celebrate with us"- all in chocolate. From little boxes with your photo on them, to your invitation in chocolate, to a lollipop with your engagement photo - what a delicious way to let your guests know you appreciate them. U Oughtta Be On Chocolate is worth the click of the mouse!

PRETTY IN PINK!

I LOVE this dress!! I have never been a "pink" person, but this dress and this photo made me think that all of you girls who love pink. Here's a way to have a pink party! The dress is Alvina Valenta. The little lunchbox is a great idea to keep all of the girls from fainting or getting tipsy on the champagne in the limo. You can put some jewelry in there to dress them up down the aisle and they will have a sweet memory of your wedding. The travel clock is so cute and a good way to make sure everyone shows up on time!