Friday’s Fabulous Finds – Keeping Cool

As the first day of summer is rapidly approaching, and the heat is rising all over the world – I thought it would be a great idea to share some refreshing summer treats! These are great ideas for a wedding, picnic, summer luncheon, or lounging by the pool! Enjoy!

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1. These ice cubes are such an amazing detail that can be used for the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding, or just for fun on Wednesdays! Lol. LOVE them! I got the idea from a great website with lots of cool Design it Yourself ideas, check it out here.

2. Yup – that’s right, home made ice cream! What great favors – or even a happy ending to your bridal shower if you have invited a lot of friends with kiddos… Get directions on how to make them, with labels you can print, here.

3. Of course I couldn’t leave out the fans… these little charms have been a favorite for outdoor wedding guests for years – but the designs have become more modern and personalized. See these beauties here.

4. Having a Champagne bar is a great way to serve refreshments for cocktail hour – and you can use these ideas for any type of drinks you like – even mocktails! Check out the details here.

5. These fun non-alcoholic drinks are made from wine grapes, sparkle just a bit, and are a wonderfully effervescent alternative to an alcoholic toasting beverage. You can order it online or find a store near you that carries it, here.

6. You can look up recipes for mists online but Martha Stewart has shared a couple of great ones – and these will not only help you and your guests stay cool in the heat – but there are a couple of bonuses to these all natural ingredients too – see them here.

7. Lemons are very refreshing, why not make a batch of this candied lemon zest to put out at the bar, on tables, or to use in a personal cocktail made just for you!? Lemon also pairs very nicely with other flavors like blueberry, and even lavender! See this recipe from Martha Stewart here.

*Please follow the links to see where these great ideas came from to include the wonderful photogs that created each photo!

 

 

 

 

 

Must see Wedding Music Video!

No 52 project post this week – just too swamped – but I couldn’t leave you hanging and I just couldn’t help but share this! I, from time to time, browse vimeo and youtube for awesome wedding videos but this one was shared by some fellow photographers and I just HAD to pass along some extra smiles to everyone this week!

Awesome, right!? ๐Ÿ˜€ It put a smile on my face for weeks! So here is where you can see all the amazing details that helped them create this spectacular video that was created by David Robin! Adorama interviewed David about the video and he shared how 90% of it was done on the day of the wedding (phenomenal if you know anything about how timing is on a wedding day – I mean, he is a miracle worker!), read more of the interview here.

This couples wedding was also featured on Junebug weddings where the couple talks about their wedding details and ideas for the video. See it here.

Happy Wednesday!

 

Julie Mom Berig - June 25, 2011 - 6:29 am

I LOVE your site! Pictures are phenomenal and really enjoyed the video on your take of doing the wedding photos – it shows when you love what you do. You really stand out with great results. Keep that creative flow, work your magic and may the Light continue ever to shine through your gift!

Jenna - June 25, 2011 - 11:08 am

Awwww, I love you Mom! *hugs*

Friday’s Fabulous Finds – Light up the Night

I am a fan of evening receptions – especially outdoor receptions at sunset! Gorgeous!!! But with that, you need to light the way. Here are some fun things I’ve found that I hope you’ll love too!

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1. Rattan lights are fun for stringing up in trees, wrapping around columns, or even weaving around centerpieces. You can get them in stores around spring time, or find some great deals online, see these lights here.

2. These personalized wood glass jar lanterns with moss are some of my favorite decor options for a sunset wedding in a beautiful outdoor setting. Hang them from trees, use them as a centerpiece, Put a couple on each side of your cake, light up a pathway with them… Too cute! Get them here.

3. Paper lanterns are fun, they give off a clean glowing effect, but these design cut lanterns are just to die for if you want something different. Check them out here.

4. These table number lanterns are a fun way to make what would normally be an eye soar to your tablescape, something that blends and lights up the evening. You can even add your names and date to them if you desire. See them here.

5. Monogram lighting can be done with a logo, initials, dates, you name it – and it helps personalize your event. There are many vendors that provide this service, if you’d like a list of some local vendors – feel free to contact me. (The above image was provided by the following website)

6. Sand centerpieces were just too irresistible as I currently cover a lot of beach weddings. I really like the long lines of this piece and of course – it’s brought to you by, you guessed it – Martha Stewart. See how to create this lovely lighting piece here.


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7. Firefly lanterns add whimsy and light up anything you’d like – hang them from trees, tables, or place them in an empty (no water, lol) birdbath, put them in a decorative bowl… Make them into a chandelier of sorts and hang them from the tops of a tent… Either way you go, it will be a delightful decor choice. Get them here.

8. Ribbon lanterns have an Asian feel – but can be done in personalized colors of your choice, making them colorful additions to any event, day or night! See how to make them here.

9. Tea Cup Candles are such a fun idea for a spring time wedding I couldn’t resist. And they are a great way to light up your cake table especially if you decided to serve petite fours at your wedding. They also make fantastic favors. Idea is from Martha Stewart, see how to make them here.

10. I couldn’t resist adding this sparkling wonder to the list! It’s a spiral chandelier that really adds some wow – It’s pricey, but… Wow! See it here. The same makers create large fantastical lighted air balloons for decor too.

11. So I have to admit that I’m getting many of these great ideas from the infamous Ms. Stewart – and here is another one! But who can resist these clean lines and the sparkle? Oil lamp love, click here for more info.

12. Wanting to sail away into the sunset – these adorable votives are a great start to your adventures! Get them here.

13. Another great idea from Martha Stewart – these are some unique and fun lanterns! Modern, edgy, romantic… see them here.

*Please follow the links to see where these great ideas came from to include the wonderful photogs that created each photo!

 

 

 

A day to be proud of! AF Commissioning!

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There is generally a long thought process that goes into making a commitment such as commissioning into the military… If you do so through ROTC while in college, there is usually even more time, investment, and hard work that goes into that commitment. It isn’t something you enter into lightly. It isn’t something you do without knowing full well what you are getting yourself into. It is a position of great pride, of honor, and it comes with a great deal of hard work, personal sacrifice, and responsibilities…

There is a lot of military background within my family. My Grandfather, Uncle, Father, Mother, have all served. I did JROTC throughout high school as a military brat, and continued to do ROTC in college. Most all of my friends from high school and beyond are linked to the military either by serving themselves, or by being “married to the military” like me… My husband is active duty. And his family background is much the same as my own.

So it is with a lot of pride that I was able to attend my brother’s (in-law, but I so don’t think of it that way) commissioning ceremony. Last week he graduated from college and this week, he is an active duty officer in the Air Force! Seriously, that rocks! My husband (his brother) swore him in, Dad (retired military) gave him his first salute, and Mom took part in pinning on his rank, and I will confess, I teared up… Why? Because what he is doing is amazing, and his family being there for him on this momentous day was so touching, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of this family!

I think I can say without question how proud of you we all are – Congratulations Dom, you have an exciting journey ahead and I with you the BEST!

 

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Always with a smile on his face! ๐Ÿ˜€/

Dominique (on right) and his brother (on left).

This is week 16 of my 52 Project – see more 52 Project Posts here!

Tabitha Parker - May 25, 2011 - 1:51 am

These are amazing! I love the last one with the flag in the background! Great job! I’m so grateful for those who decide to serve our country!

Emma Godfrey - May 26, 2011 - 7:11 am

What a great and memorable day for all of you!

The University of South Florida Graduation Day

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Thursday May 5th marked Graduation Day for hundreds of The University of South Florida students, to include my brother (we’re so proud of you!!! *hugs*). Everyone gathered at the stadium on a warm spring day in Tampa, Florida, eager to celebrate with their loved ones such a momentous milestone. Here is week 15 of my 52 Project (see more 52 Project posts here).

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One of my favorite things about Graduation is seeing how everyone decorates their caps in an attempt to make them stand out for their family and friends to find them in the sea of caps and gowns… Some of my favs are the ones that are simple, but sparkly – yeah, I know, I’m such a girl! Below: Go Bulls!

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I just couldn’t help taking a photo of this lady over looking the graduates. I just loved her hat! :~)

/></a></p> <p><a rel=Congratulations USF Graduates! Best wishes to you in all your future endeavors!

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Tabitha Parker - May 25, 2011 - 2:00 am

Lovely photos! The lady in the hat is GREAT! I love the contrast of her white hat against the crowd! It’s perfect! ๐Ÿ™‚