Blog Love: Rock 'n Roll Bride

Rock'n Roll Bride posted these pictures over a year ago, and I'm *still* madly in love.  Check it out!

Blog Love: Offbeat Bride

Even before I ever thought about planning weddings, I was smitten by Offbeat Bride.  The blog is lovingly written and carefully monitored by Ariel Meadow Stallings and her staff, in order to keep it an "ongoing celebration of couples who dare to walk off the beaten aisle."  It's been a huge inspiration -- as a designer, a wedding planner, an entrepreneur, and as a modern-day woman.  (And where else can you find goth, punk, indie, steampunk, same-sex, renaissance, fairy, vintage, tattooed, multicultural, feminist, fantasy, and geek-tastick weddings all in the same place?!) Check it out!

Some of my favorite shots:

http://offbeatbride.com/2010/08/hows-it-feel-being-married

 

 http://offbeatbride.com/2010/09/maryland-victorian-military-wedding

http://offbeatbride.com/2008/04/philadelphia-wedding-photographer

http://offbeatbride.com/2010/09/indiana-wine-box-wedding

http://offbeatbride.com/2009/11/carnival-themed-wedding

http://offbeatbride.com/2010/01/heavy-metal-wedding

 http://offbeatbride.com/2010/08/monday-montage-owls-thumbs-and-swords-oh-my

And DEFINITELY check out her book that started it all, Offbeat Bride:  Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides!  Even if you aren't engaged, it'll have you in tears laughing -- with chapters like "One Ring to Rule Them All," "Holy Fuck, It's Actually Happening," and "Getting Wifed," what's not to love?

Concept Boards - Wonderland Garden Wedding

Featured Vendor: Bookity

I am *madly* in love with the work of Etsy vendor Bookity -- can you blame me?  In Lou's own words,

"Bookity began as a way for me to recycle books that no one wanted - ones that suffered from unfortunate coffee stains on the pages or were just hopelessly out of date... I use these books to create unique and beautiful gifts and decorations, ranging from paper garlands to book handbags. I love old combining illustrations, cheesy book covers, aged brown paper and beautiful fabrics."

I ordered some of the heart garlands and confetti for an upcoming photo-shoot, and the whole package is wonderful -- everything is even better than the photo's.  Lot's of attention to detail, immaculately crafted, and incredibly unique. 

Head over to her shop, and check out all the other wonderful things she has to offer!

*Amazing* Sketch

I just stumbled across carbonmade for the first time, and I am in awe.  The concept is simple -- helping artists and designers display their work in an easy-to-post, easy-to-use format.  But WOW.  First of all, their homepage just makes me smile from the overwhelming cuteness:

Pink Unicorn + Mustache Log-In Button + Magical Mountain = OMG squee!
 
What truly impressed me, though, was the quality of work it features.  Here's some of my favorites:

This is a sketch done by Viet-My Bui, an illustrator and digital artist based out of Australia.  My mouth's watering just *thinking* about using this as a wedding concept.  So vibrant, full of movement and possibilities.

Photograph by Alexandra Cameron, based in the UK.

Painting by Nicole Duennebier, based out of Massachusetts. 

And way too many more to post!

Teaser Photos!

Here's a sneak peak of the photographs of Kam and Dalia's wedding, taken by Bob & Jan of JStudios NY Photography & Video:

These guys did an *amazing* job -- not only were they a pleasure to work with, but they worked their tails off in order to capture everything (including performances by a belly-dancer and a Whirling Dervish!).  The end result was phenomenal -- more to come soon!




In their own words:

"JStudios NY Photography & Video is a team of two professional photographers (Bob & Jan) with a passion for capturing art and beauty.  The moments we capture are magical and we love what we do!  The type of photography we use is a mix of photojournalism & traditional photography to create the new look that customers love to see in their Wedding Photo Albums.  Please visit our website for more information on our company or to book your special wedding or any other event at:  http://www.jstudiosny.com.  You can also visit our online gallery at: http://jstudios.zenfolio.com/ ."

JStudios NY Photography & Video
http://www.jstudiosny.com
Jericho, NY
516-749-4000

Table Numbers - Egyptian Fusion Wedding

For Kam and Dalia's wedding, I wanted to incorporate traditional Middle Eastern patterns in a clean and modern way, without overpowering the tables.  The table numbers and place cards were the perfect solution -- small but bold, bright, and *fun.*  Here's a small sampling:  

Event Inspiration

My biggest inspiration is the amazing work I keep stumbling across from event planners all over the country.  These pictures taken by Widdis Photography of Carole and Ali's wedding (designed by Exceptional Events) are *breathtaking* -- and really show how 'less is more' can still apply to offbeat and unusual weddings!

Concept Model - Egyptian Fusion Wedding

This was my first model for the wedding, focusing on a 'treasure chest' of lanterns, candles, and charms in the center of vibrant linens.

Inspiration Boards - Egyptian Fusion Wedding

Concept:  An Egyptian-American fusion wedding incorporating rich, traditional elements with vibrant color and modern elements for a fresh, fun, unique experience.

Lanterns: Z Gallerie
Coasters: Images d'Orient, available through Nelson Bridge
Napkin Rings and Charger:  Save On Crafts 
Manzanita Branch Jewelry Stand Tutorial: available via My Right Brain
Egyptian Charms: Lustrous Things