DIY THURSDAY: Yarn Air Plant Balls

It is no lie that sometimes I have moments of antsyness when I need to get off the computer, stop replying to e-mails and just sit back and craft. Mindless crafting for hours... and hours... and more hours. This kind of crafting keeps me sane. So when my best friend Rachel got engaged I told her that she better be giving me some craft projects for days when I just can't be bothered to reply to e-mails. {Disclaimer: these days are very few and don't happen often so if you are my wedding planning client reading this do not fret. I still will aim to reply to all e-mails within 48 hours.} That being said, there are still some days I have to just take a break. And so when I ran across these adorable yarn air plant balls seen on Octopus Garden's instagram I asked Rachel to please let me make these for her wedding and thank goodness she said yes. Level of difficulty is yet to be determined but here is a little guide for this DIY project I will be spending many hours to complete. Thank you Rachel for entrusting me with crafting madness for your big day!!!!!

{Shopping Guide} Hot Glue Gun via Blick // Styrofoam Blocks via Blick // Baby Alpaca Chunky Yarn via Craftsy //

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Honey Bee + Jack Daniels

How about some honey + Jack Daniels? Anyone? I know this is a super summery post, but I must say the weather here in Savannah right now is exactly what it's like during summers in Portland, Oregon where I'm from originally. But really... 80 degrees is about as hot as it ever gets. See now why I love Georgia so much?? 

{Photo Credits} Bride and Bridesmaids via Wedding Chicks, photography by Braun Photography // Jack Daniel's via Amber Housley, photography by Brooke Boling // Cake via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Love Me Do // Honeycombs via BLoved, photography by Brancoprata // Bouquet via Honey Honey Photography // Honey Favors via Couple of Dudes

{Bright Idea Thursday} SIMPLY DIY: Handmade Favors

We recently had a wedding where the bride and groom had handmade vanilla extract and honey for the favors for the guests! I love this idea for 3 reasons:

1. It's personal and I am the kind of person that thinks anything personal is more special than store bought.

2. If you are clever enough it can be something they can use & we are all about being green. 

3. This is something you and your fiance can bond over and enjoy time together doing.

So here is some inspiration for some DIY handmade favors! What is your favorite idea? Would you and your fiance consider doing this?? I know if it were my man he would absolutely love the idea of making some homemade beer for guests!!! But I personally wouldn't mind some homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, but then again maybe not a bright idea because knowing me I'd probably end up eating it all myself. :) Happy Thursday!

{Photo Credits} Hot Chocolate & Baileys via Sam Richardson // Candle via Ruffled // Honey via Style Me Pretty, photography by Serendipity Corner // Chocolate Hazelnut Spread via Ruffled // "I Do" Brew via Style Me Pretty, photography by Dan Stephenson // Wooden Coasters via Ruffled // Sugar via I Love Farm Weddings // Teacup Planter via Ruffled //Vanilla via Style Me Pretty, photography by Lemon Fresh

{Bright Idea Thursday} Ceremony Programs

Remember our boho beach shoot with Makebelieven? Well I just read a great blog post about her that you can read here. Krissy of Makebelieven is the etsy who made the headband that Nicole wore. One question and answer that I really enjoyed from the interview was: 

What would you like to see at more weddings?

Krissy: "I would love to see more programs that give additional background on the couple…how they met, favorite foods/songs, etc". 

Such a great suggestion - I love that idea!! Here are some more wedding ceremony program ideas for you plus Eco-friendly wedding advice too.

Humorous ceremony program handmade by the bride and MOB

Tiered ceremony programs handmade by the bride and family friend

Programs that are fans! created by 1420 DeZigns

Make sure the programs are secured really well on the fan! These are great because they are also functional!

fan programs

Bridal Party Programs

HOW CAN I MAKE MY CEREMONY MORE ECO-FRIENDLY?

THE FLOWERS

If you use the flowers that decorate your wedding ceremony space as your centerpieces at the reception, you’re getting more use out of the blooms and won’t be throwing them away right after “I do.” It’s also more eco-friendly to choose flowers that are in season, and even better if they’re locally grown. That way less fuel is used to ship them to you. 

THE PAPER

Print your ceremony programs on recycled paper, or make them as short as possible. If you’re having them professionally printed, ask about soy-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment. If you had planned on getting fans for your guests, save paper and make programs that double as fans instead.

THE LOCATION

If you have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place, no one has to drive from one place to the other, which saves gas. You can also try to have the ceremony and reception within walking distance of each other.

THE FAVORS

Most places do not let you use rice since it's not good for the birdies, but bird seed is a great alternative. Also consider biodegradable paper confetti or bubbles or ribbon wands!

{Vendor Spotlight} Chocolat by Adam Turoni

I lurve chocolate!! Yep, if I could eat chocolate everyday 24-7 I would, so when a local chocolatier contacted me about tasting his gourmet handmade luxury chocolate, I said YES of course. Adam has a long history with chocolate and many years in perfecting his skill. He says that, "with lessons learned from the kitchens of my grandmother to Chez Panisse to Chef Greweling I am spinning chocolates that taste like the magic of memories". You will remember his chocolate too!!! You can find his chocolates at all Wright Square cafe and Paula Deen's store or place an order with him for your event.

I was impressed with Adam's beautiful presentation of chocolates seen below, his gorgeous office space which is located on Desoto Row one of the few certified “green” buildings in Savannah, but more so by how delicious the chocolates were! Adam supports local businesses such as Savannah Bee Company, PERC, Brighter Day, and local spice and tea shops. He only uses premium chocolate chips to start with in order to make his delicacies. All of his chocolates tasted amazing, but my favorites were:

• Raspberry Mouse ganache, always a favorite combination but WOW he is good!
• Peanut Butter Cup, he makes the peanut butter from scratch and you can tell since it's so fresh and smooth.
• Sourwood Sea Salt Honey Caramels are soooo good and my husbands favorite (I let him sample my leftovers!)
• Cafe Americano has a nice robust infusion of local PERC coffee which is right across the street from Adam, perfect for an after dinner dessert with fresh brewed coffee!
• Blood Orange and Grand Marnier Truffle is very BOLD and sophisticated.
• Chocolate Covered Candied Orange Peel is also potent and a nice compliment to the orange truffle.

I loved this wall in his office that he painted and created a fun frame display!

Here is a close up of his signature Almond Bark Lion Medallion

Chocolat by Adam Turoni
2423 Desoto Ave, Savannah, GA
(570) 510-1820
chocolatat@ymail.com
http://www.chocolatat.com
facebook

{Pin it Friday} Popcorn Stand

Source: thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk via Layla on Pinterest
I love this idea of creating a popcorn station for guests to make their own favor bags or munch on at your event. Locally Savannah has a great new shop that sells popcorn kernels, as well as, popped popcorn for you to taste and take with you for a little snack. See their shop here:  https://www.salttable.com/shop/category/popcorn/ 

{Bright Idea Thursday} Sunday Wedding

Update to this post! OMG!!! Someone actually did a brunch-picnic style wedding with donuts and coffee like I did a post about!!! So cool!!! Here are their details and more on Green Wedding Shoes.

sunrise wedding

Having a brunch wedding reception or a lunch reception is a great way to cut reception costs.

There are many advantages to having your reception earlier in the day. One of the biggest is cost. A brunch reception is generally less expensive than dinner. Also, if the wedding venue is a popular one, you might have a better chance finding an opening earlier in the day.

If you are having a buffet brunch reception or luncheon, chances are your guests aren’t going to drink as much as they would at an evening reception. If you choose to serve alcohol, wine and champagne are all that is necessary, although some couples still choose to have an open bar with mixed drinks available. See my Signature drink post Also having a coffee station with help guests sober up so they can drive home! Although, having your reception run too late on a Sunday night may lead to people leaving too early or not coming because they have to drive home and work the next day.

Choosing to have a wedding on an ‘off day’, can also be a great pick for brides who don’t have a lot of time to plan. You’re much more likely to get the vendors you want (and possibly a special rate) for a Friday or Sunday wedding, as opposed to the traditional Saturday. This is great if you’re a bride with your heart set on getting married soon, but can't find who and what you want for your wedding. You're more likely to get your first choice on a Friday or a Sunday.


Or maybe there is an emotional significance behind a certain date you want for your wedding and want that date no matter what day of the week it falls on. 

Sunday Option 1: start at 3 reception is from 4-9

Sunday Option 2: 1pm cocktails at 1:30 and the reception runs until 6:30pm

Things to consider: if you want a church wedding then Sunday isn't a good day to have a wedding. You would have to work around the churches service schedule, but may be able to do one after their service if they allow it.

Jewish weddings generally have to be on Sundays (the Sabbath is Saturday), so there's not much choice.

Food ideas: Omelet Station, blueberry muffins, scones, donuts, bagels, biscuits, etc
Drink Ideas: Mimosa Bar, Champagne Cocktail, French breakfast or English Tea Time, or a Coffee station

THE ST-GERMAIN COCKTAIL
2 PARTS Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine
1½ PARTS St-Germain
2 PARTS Sparkling Water or Club Soda
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice. Add Champagne first, then St-Germain, then Club Soda. Stir completely. Garnish with a lemon twist, making sure to squeeze essential oils into the glass. St-Germain is heavier than wine, thus it will settle to the bottom so mix thoroughly. 

 French breakfast or English Tea Time

  Breakfast Wedding with Omelet Bar 

  Delicious Donuts 

 Coffee and Doughnut Selections

 Tea Time Treats

 

 Beautiful Tablescape

Signature Drinks and Drink Stirrers

Keep Calm and Marry On

As a thank you for signing with Simply Savannah Events all my full service brides will get this adorable tote that is screen printed with my own original design (please do not copy or steal!). The Soda Shop in Savannah has the screen for this and if any of my clients want to put in an order for t-shirts in ANY color with this screen print let me know and I can contact them to create the order. Other great ideas that The Soda Shop can make are personalized drink Coasters, Pins, letter press Invitations, I-phone cases, Bottles, Hats, Shot Glasses, Mouse Pads, Key Chains, and more! Here is a instagram picture of my totes:

Keep Calm and Carry On was a poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the beginning of the Second World War, intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion. Seeing only limited distribution, it was little known. This saying has gained a lot of popularity and I enjoy the original slogan, as well as the variations, Keep Calm and Eat A Cupcake, Keep Calm and Summer On, and for my brides- Keep Calm and Marry On! 

Original Poster

 source

etsy poster

 lovely little details

 lovely little details

 source

source

{Vendor Spotlight} American Bridal

Today I have another great online vendor to share with you. Planning your wedding takes a lot of time and sometimes you just don't have enough time to go shopping at 5 stores to get the last little details or gifts, so shopping online is easier!!  I was browsing online to find more ideas for unique bridal shower favors and wedding favors and came across American Bridal. They have so many great options for you to choose from and even some Eco-friendly gifts too! Some of you may know that I love bird theme weddings and they had the cutest mini bird cages and ring bearer pillow that would be perfect for a spring time or summer wedding. 

American Bridal is all about personalizing the gifts for you and finding the perfect style for your dream wedding. There are so many one-of-a-kind gifts that it took me a little while to sort through all of them. Unlike many online companies, American Bridal keeps most of their inventory in stock at their warehouse so it can be inspected before shipping. Many of their items can be personalized like the wedding favors below, and their technicians personally perform the tasks one at a time, making each gift as unique as the person ordering it. They are all about quality! 

So after browsing through their wedding favors and gifts I found 8 that I wanted to share. Here is a funny story to go along with the first favor: One of my friends had plantable wedding favors at her wedding and at the end of the night when people left theirs behind, I went to every table and took all the seed infused little cards! Of course I asked my friend if it was ok, and she said sure. So I planted all of them at my apartment and was so excited to see them bloom! These plantable favors at American Bridal can be customized with a little note to your friends and family. They are embedded with wildflowers seeds and are a great Eco-friendly choice!

At my wedding we did a bubble send off at the end of our ceremony and the photographer was able to capture some amazing photos! These little bubbles are perfect since they have a bubble wand already inside and won't stain clothes. You could add a little ribbon around the top to match your color scheme and hand them out to guests when they arrive.

These three bird theme gifts are wonderful for your garden wedding or backyard event. Plus they have various adorable bird decor items online too. These black metal bird cages include a standard tea light candle. The door pops open and there’s a “perch” for displaying the included bird-design place card. Aren't they just so charming!? Plus you could use them in your house after the wedding and put new candles in them.

When your guests arrive toting cards in their hands, providing a stylish birdcage at the gift table is a classy and convenient place for them to put their cards for you two. Your wedding doesn't have to have a bird or garden theme to use this birdcage greeting card holder, since many weddings are using this idea. The design was based on a vintage bird cage; this gift card holder is fantastic for any gift-giving event.  

The last bird theme item I wanted to share is this lovebird ring bearer pillow, which is so sweet for displaying your wedding rings during the wedding ceremony. This ring bearer pillow is embroidered with a design of two love birds in black and very graceful lines of tree branches in stunning colors. The pillow itself is in neutral ivory color. It would look great at your house when your wedding is all over and remind you of your promises made to each other. 

Besides wedding decor you can go online and find great ideas for your bridal shower registry, wedding registry and some great gifts for your bridal party! Enjoy shopping online in your pajamas or at work during a break time.

*I was financially compensated for this post. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

{Organic Wednesday} Biodegradable Wedding Confetti

To continue on with more Eco-friendly wedding favors I have added another great website filled with green wedding ideas. If you have missed my previous posts on wedding favors be sure to read these too!! 

Eco-freindly-favors

Savannah-bee-company

Robins-chocolate

bamboo-beach-favors

Give your guests biodegradable tissue-paper confetti and streamers for your grand exit and be Green. The perky popper wrapper, which gives guests instructions for use, shows a cartoon bride and groom holding hands, surrounded by festive confetti and streamers, with the words “Wedding Poppers” overhead.

Measurements: 4 ¼” h x 1 ½” in diameter

Sold as a set of 12 poppers. 

More ideas for Eco-friendly wedding favors: www.blissweddingsmarket.com

{Organic Wednesday} Salt Dough Favors

MARLEY & LOCKYER
http://www.etsy.com/shop/marleyandlockyer
These white clay tags are made out of white clay, not salt dough, but if you want to try and make salt dough follow this recipe here.

{Organic Wednesday} Eco-freindly Favors

 

Natural Color Cotton Canvas Tote Bags. They are great for crafts, hobbies, screen printing or just for carrying. These tote bags come in a full selection of colors for only $1.49 Each. I already purchased mine! cheaptotes.com

 

Maybe buy a tote that already has an Eco-friendly message and can be reused for a grocery bag. These totes are all-natural cotton and printed with a "go green" Eco-conscious message: "Reuse, conserve, recycle, sustain." Each bag measures 14.5"L x 16"W. www.beau-coup.com

Try to screen print something onto the bag that pertains to the area where your wedding will be. You can also buy the printable paper from office supply stores that can be ironed on. Going for a nautical look? Go here for a free printable anchor: marthastewartweddings.com

*Keep the monogram of your initials or your names and wedding date to a little tag since most guests may not want to use their bag again if it's not their style or has initials that are not theirs.

{Organic Wednesday} Savannah Bee Company

Savannah Bee founder Ted Dennard was first introduced to honey as a 12-year old boy on his father’s Coastal Georgia retreat property when a battered old pickup carrying beehives rattled into his life. The bee-covered driver of that flatbed truck was Roy Hightower, an elderly beekeeper scouting sites suitable for gathering “Swamp Honey” from the White Tupelo tree. In return for a place to keep his bees, Roy offered young Ted an education in that magical, buzzing world, but with a prophetic word of caution, “Son, bees sort of become a way of life.”

Returning home to Savannah, Ted kept bees along the Altamaha River, extracting his honey and pouring it into beautiful found bottles, and crafting lip balms with the wax from his hives. Mixed with luscious essential oils, his lip balm formula was hand-poured into tiny tins and given as gifts to friends and family. When he started selling his home-extracted Tupelo around town in 1998, people loved the purity and richness, and the word spread quickly. “I was bottling honey in the kitchen and keeping bees on the roof,” he recalls. When more Savannah stores wanted to sell his honey, he moved the operation to his garage. The little business continued growing, until he was forced to ask himself the ultimate question: To bee or not to bee?

With his passion blossoming into a business, Ted decided that he couldn’t ignore the potential, so in January of 2002 he quit his job, mortgaged his house, and put all his money into the venture—the Savannah Bee Company. He expanded the honeymaking “plant” into an old 800 square foot classroom at the Oatland Island Wildlife Preserve, where he paid his rent in honey. 2010 finds Ted operating a 40,000 square foot warehouse on Wilmington Island, a bridge’s distance from the City of Savannah. Savannah Bee operates three retail stores, bottles two distinct lines of world-class honeys, and manufactures a luxury beeswax-based body care line. Today’s operation is stark contrast to the days in Ted’s kitchen, but his passion has never changed. “I just love it,” he says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

How can honey help my allergies? Local honey is great and by all means support your local beekeeper and perhaps it may be better for allergies.  The Apimondia world beekeeping congress believes that honeycomb (no matter the geographical origin) is best for allergies and asthma.  Ted believes both statements above: that honeycomb is best and that you should support your local beekeeper. If you have problems with allergies try the honeycomb first and if you can’t get it from your local beekeeper then buy any honeycomb.  To reduce allergies with honeycomb therapy, enjoy a daily regime of eating 1 tablespoon of raw honeycomb once in the morning and once in the evening.  Swallow the comb, or chew like chewing gum for 20 minutes and spit out.  Delicious!

www.savannahbee.com

http://twitter.com/#!/SavannahBeeCo

www.facebook.com/savannahbeecompany 

Ted Dennards Blog

Need some inspiration and ideas??

My favorite: Honey perfection, Tupelo Honey is the gold standard by which all other honeys are measured. Two weeks every spring, White (Ogeche) Tupelo Trees bloom in the Southeastern swamps with fine sunburst-shaped flowers that glisten with nectar. Savannah Bee Company Tupelo Honey has buttery undertones and mellow, clean-finishing sweetness like a thick, slow-moving river of liquid sunshine. Tupelo Honey complements a variety of foods, but is so delicious, we like it best just with a spoon! KSA Kosher Certified.

I can't get enough of this! When I finish my jar I need to get another one because it is amazing!!

Royal Jelly, the most precious product from the hive, is combined with propolis to nourish and moisturize the skin. Packed with vitamins, lipids and amino acids, Savannah Bee Company Royal Jelly Body Butter promotes skin elasticity and smooths skin texture. Rich, softening pecan butter and a delicate blackberry scent add the final touches to this luxurious formula. 99.7% Natural ingredients. A Savannah Bee Company Best Seller. 

 

Welcome gift bag ideas or gifts for your bridal party