speedier thank you notes?

I love a handwritten note, and I enjoy writing them. I think a poorly written thank you is better than a typed one. I still thought FontCapture was kind of a neat idea- particularly for brides. You fill out a template, scan it in and you can create your own font. A little thank you note at the back of your programs, or your signature on the menu, would be more personal than a swirly font. It could work for holiday cards or valentines.

Our scanner is being crabby, so I can't test it out, but here is a sample from the site:

At the very least, it would be fun to make your own font. Would you consider using this for thank you notes?

broke-ass bride's wedding in a week!

If you haven't been over to the Broke-Ass Bride yet, I definitely recommend that you go! She is doing a full week of fabulous giveaways. DIY facials, favors, aisle runners- everything you could need and all yours for the taking! Her blog isn't so hard to read either. She is one funny lady!

I particularly love the wedding map giveaway courtesy of Pantomime Papers.

Colorful and fun, these maps are guaranteed to knock your guests socks off. Good luck!

erica barraca photography

My friend and former coworker Erica had a hobby of taking beautiful photographs of friends and family. Everyone has been begging her to make a real business of her immense talent, and she has finally done it! Here is her lovely website with some examples of her work. Congrats, Erica!

everything but the dress launch party

The Left Bank Jewelry in Lincoln Park is starting a blog and hosting a little blog launch party on Wednesday night. This is such a sweet shop, I definitely recommend visiting, even if not for the party. Lots of fun and affordable jewels, custom veils and a variety of other wedding paraphernalia. If you know whats good for you, you will also coordinate your visit with a trip to Sweet Mandy B's across the street. Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting... droool...

a dress for my mother, part 1

My mom and I share clothes. Well, if we are being honest, I steal her clothes. We have very similar taste and gravitate toward the same stores and styles. She is a few inches shorter than me, leaving most pants off limits, but tops and dresses are fair game. I was one of the lucky girls who actually liked the clothes that my mother bought me for my birthday. I never imagined that shopping for her "mother of the bride" dress would be such a challenge.

What is with all the jackets? For a fancy event, Mom might grab a cardigan or wrap to keep herself warm at night. The matching jacket is kind of a conservative move. It definitely works for some women and it sometimes adds a little style to the ensemble. I get this look- although maybe not in that color!

From Marisa Baratelli

My mom, however, is not a dress and jacket kind of lady. We wanted something flattering and fun. Something cocktail length, nothing strapless, nothing too short or low cut and no black (mom's decision). She also didn't want to spend more than a few hundred dollars. This is what we found.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Saks

All are lovely, but none were suited to my mom. A little too country club, not enough 50's dance hall. We did most of our research online and bought a few/returned a few. Next time, I can show you the dress and her runner-up.

mother of the wedding fashion show

For the Chicago readers-

CS Brides and A'Lamour are offering a fashion show for the mommas! My mom and I had such a hard time trying to find her dress and I know others are in the same boat. I thought this might help- or at very least provide a list of new sources. There might even be a few dresses that don't come with a matching jacket!

A L'Amour & CS Brides present the Mothers of the Wedding Fashion Show

Sunday, May 17th

Fashion Show at A L'Amour

236 West Northwest Highway | Barrington

Featuring selections from Alyce, Cameron Blake, Daymor, Damianou, Jade, Jade Couture, Jovani, Modern Trousseau, Montage, Rina di Montella and introducing a new resource, Marisa Baratelli.

Please call for time and additional information. Limited Seating and Reservations Required

1.847.381.5858

pretty hairpieces

Anthropologie has a few bridal worthy and cost-effective hairpieces on their site. I love how frilly and feminine they are- although the Lilac Breeze Barrette does come in black and a lovely shade of yellow.
I saw the Duchess Headband while out shopping on Monday. The metallic thread and glass beading give it a little more sparkle than it might appear in the photo.
I love the vintage looking lace on the Honeysuckle Headband. The glass buttons also glam it up a bit.

fire lilly truffle cones

For the ice cream loving couple... I thought these FireLilly Gourmet Truffle Cones would be a pretty adorable favor or addition to the out-of-towner bag or candy bar.

They come in six flavors, including my personal favorite, peanut butter. They are individually wrapped and come in a convenient Costco-worthy container.

miss maisy

There are very few things that I regret from our wedding. The major one is that I didn't surgically attach my bouquet to my wrist. Another is that we don't have any photos of our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maisy. The Catholic church isn't big on dogs walking brides down the aisle, but she was present that day. She was allowed to stay at our hotel, which means that I got to see her that morning and she was living it up with the rest of us at the after party. I do not, however, have any photos of her.

While looking through these photos of Juliet and Gregor's gorgeous wedding on snippet & ink, all I could think was "damn!" I mean, dogs at weddings? Genius!

How freaking cute is little Gwenyth?

All photography by Meg Smith.

And here Maisy, lounging on our deck, wondering why she couldn't have been a dog model.

anne benjamin

The Daily Candy Chicago Wedding Guide came this morning. I love the DC wedding guide for it's ability to point out small but fabulous local vendors. Take, for instance, Chicago invitation designer Anne Benjamin. Even her envelopes are cool.

I wouldn't want to send this back to the bride and groom!


A modern take on the classic silhouette

And a matching brunch invitation

Birds!

A simple invitation which really highlights the letterpress-And a not so simple liner to surprise the reader.


Daily Candy also launched a site entirely dedicated to weddings today. Be sure to check it out!