tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68628173510550472322024-03-18T20:14:50.845-07:00starfish and coffeewedding inspiration for the budget friendly, eco conscious, design loving brides out there!laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-9283541642432450702009-12-07T10:48:00.000-08:002009-12-07T10:59:48.123-08:00where, oh where, has muscari gone?I'm in love with Easter Yu's designs for Muscari. She designed the hair flower that I wore for my engagement pictures, and subsequently got my photographer 5 demanding commenters asking for the source of said flower. She's been featured in all of the major wedding magazines and blogs, mostly for her unique birch and moss ring bearer "pillows," but she makes the most amazing floral arrangements for your cute little bridal head.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh771mg1s6Iwn9EfoCLmADNpMsoljxGDFUFKusDTylQJWtxT9YVQGZxWZ_jfja8fadpAlcXoDDuLoxtBhjNRq6jWLRKDdcTi3guTCHTpN0H9QEndYO3N7twqvF5_JP26XWxZJ6kT-vslhdB/s1600-h/smallpic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh771mg1s6Iwn9EfoCLmADNpMsoljxGDFUFKusDTylQJWtxT9YVQGZxWZ_jfja8fadpAlcXoDDuLoxtBhjNRq6jWLRKDdcTi3guTCHTpN0H9QEndYO3N7twqvF5_JP26XWxZJ6kT-vslhdB/s400/smallpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412569089494873346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Closeup of my gorgeous Muscari flower</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It also happens that every time I see a bride wearing a spectacular hair flower, I squeal and think to myself that I must have it... and every time, it's one of Muscari's creations. I kid you not. I think this talent for picking out Easter's flowers goes along with my talent to unknowingly pick out the most expensive item in a store as my "must have" purchase, while my brain glosses over the more affordable pieces in its quest to ruin my pocketbook. No really, it's an awesome talent.<br /><br />Anyway, I would love to get my piece picked out and ordered, but whenever I navigate to Muscari's website, there are broken links galore and her previous site is gone! I really hope she isn't closing down shop... I think I would go into Bridezilla-induced shock, which I haven't experienced before but I hear is pretty bad. Just watch We TV on a Sunday.<br /><br />Does anyone know where Easter and Muscari Designs have gone? I'm hoping this post reaches her or someone who knows of her status.<br /><br />Up next - my revamped color palette, complete with Pantone swatches!<br /></div></div>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-76044916081591939582009-12-06T08:29:00.000-08:002009-12-06T08:48:12.357-08:00decisions, decisionsWedding planning today is nothing like it was 10 years ago. Future brides have got a million different channels of inspiration available to them - whether it's gorgeous wedding blogs like Style Me Pretty or TV channels who feature wedding programs all day (We TV) - weddings have become serious business.<br /><br />I came upon <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/12/03/one-cohesive-idea/">this</a> post on Elizabeth Anne Designs the other day, and it really hit the nail on the head for me. I consider myself to be quite the creative type, but unfortunately this also means that I am extremely indecisive about my overall vision for the wedding. Here's what I've done to help my process along:<br /><br />I've hired a lovely DOC to help me out with small things and she has been fabulous in helping me stay on the right course to a cohesive, beautiful event. One thing that helped me immensely in narrowing down my vision was to revisit my <a href="http://cbf.org/">venue</a> at the suggestion of my DOC. I immediately saw that my muted color palette was <b>not</b> going to work for my venue, which is full of galvanized metal and wood detailing. I realized I really needed to use bright colors to pop out against the modern industrial setting. I also figured out that although I lean towards really whimsical weddings (<a href="www.oncewed.com">Once Wed</a> style), my venue almost demands a modern, minimalist approach. This isn't to say I can't incorporate a bit of whimsy into the event, but those <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/23104/wedding-blog/diy-wedding/diy-miniature-fabric-flower-garland/">lovely flower garlands</a> that I was thinking of making really won't look right at our venue.<br /><br />I made a list of key elements that I absolutely <i>must</i> include when thinking about 'branding' my wedding. The list includes modern calligraphy from our calligrapher (Mara at <a href="http://neithersnow.blogspot.com/">Neither Snow)</a>, using fabric (hand printed and store bought) in various aspects of the wedding, and keeping everything clean and simple while putting unexpected pops of color throughout.<br /><br />I still waver on most design decisions, but this has helped tremendously. What are you doing to help narrow down your choices?laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-68446306276305523682009-09-10T18:58:00.000-07:002009-09-10T19:11:09.264-07:00our eco-friendly nuptialsI've always cared about the environment, and I try and make my life choices accordingly. I didn't even really think about having an "eco-friendly" wedding, but it appears our wedding is shaping up to be just that, and I'm liking the label.<br /><br />We're having our reception at one of the most eco-friendly, LEED certified buildings in the country, the <a href="www.cbf.org">Philip Merrill Center</a> at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis. It's right on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and is gorgeously modern, with amazing architecture and this stark sense of minimalism that I love. The rental price was pretty steep, especially since we're having the cliche Saturday-wedding-in-June due to scheduling restrictions at the Naval Academy Chapel (where we're having our ceremony). However, it felt good knowing that the rental fee was going towards a cause I support instead of the coffer of a hotel... and did I mention it's stunning?<br /><br />Our caterer is literally 2 miles down the road, so our locally-sourced meal won't have far to travel to get to us. I'm assembling centerpiece decor from thrift store finds and other, recently married brides (thanks Weddingbee classifieds!). My wedding dress is a sample dress, so the time/work/energy that would have gone into creating a custom ordered gown isn't going to be an issue. Our florist is using locally-grown flowers whenever possible, and our potential cupcakery is run out of a friend's home using fresh and organic ingredients. I did all of the above without even thinking. Unfortunately, 90% of our guests will be flying in for the wedding (we're originally from Texas and are having our wedding in Annapolis) which doesn't do much to cut down travel waste, but Annapolis was really the one place we imagined ourselves tying the knot.<br /><br />I'm trying my hardest to make sure my event doesn't put the universe out too much. Except for the part when the stars align under our wedding reception. That part I'm requiring.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-85876622665807698732009-09-10T18:51:00.000-07:002009-09-10T18:58:11.780-07:00registry woesOur registry process has been a little choppy in terms of deciding what to add to our list. We've had nothing but great experiences with our places (Crate & Barrel and Macy's), but occasionally we'll stumble when it comes to picking out the important stuff, i.e. knives and pots/pans. For some reason, Mr. Starfish and I are really stressed out about picking such important pieces for our kitchen! We both cook a lot, so we can definitely appreciate a good utensil or two, but being young, we haven't had the luxury of top-notch kitchen gear. I guess we're just anxious about choosing good quality tools while still hitting the right price points for our guests.<br /><br />We went over to Williams-Sonoma to talk to supposed cutlery and pots/pans experts and were extremely disappointed. We've done some research online, but still can't figure it out. I love the look and feel of the Shun knives (if I could do my entire house in faux bois, I would... hence my obsession with the texture of the Shun Classic set) but Wusthof is more popular and less expensive, we like Calphalon but want to stay away from nonstick due to chemicals, All-Clad is nice but expensive... I want to pull my hair out! Right now, no decisions have been made. Do you have any advice or product recommendations?laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-63983191655178292792009-09-02T19:57:00.001-07:002009-09-02T20:02:35.560-07:00my wedding pictures are going to be a blurbI could be like most other brides and sit back and have my photog create a wonderful coffee table book for me with the best pictures from our special day... but that wouldn't be the very hands-on and fabulous miss starfish way to do things, right? Of course not. I've got a better plan.<br /><br />When Mr. Starfish and I took a recent trip to Ireland, we took some a-mazing pictures. As in some are worthy of National Geographic, they're that good! Maybe I'm just biased, but I wanted them to be showcased in something other than a Facebook album or one of my oh-so-trendy Ikat picture frames on my bookcase. That's when I found Blurb!<br /><br />Blurb is an awesome service that lets you upload your pictures, add pages, and do your own thing before they make it into a BEAUTIFUL, hard cover, dust covered, glossy piece of perfection that looks stunning on your coffee table. All for a price that's not too shabby. Especially when you google a coupon before you order. So that's where my wedding pictures will be going... straight into the Blurb machine!laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-15328660147240611132009-09-02T19:52:00.000-07:002009-09-02T19:56:30.142-07:00the starfish spotlight: delicious linksNo, I'm not talking about yummy sausages, I'm talking about delicious, i.e. the most amazing wedding/daily life tool I've ever come across! delicious is a self described 'social network for bookmarks,' meaning you can share your links with people easily. Basically, whenever I get inspired or see something I love on the internet, I click my handy delicious button on my toolbar (easily download for any browser) and tag it under whatever category I choose. I have a ton of things filed under categories from hair to honeymoon and inspiration to cupcakes. If you're brave, check out <a href="http://delicious.com/livelovelc">my delicious account</a>... but beware, there might be too much information for you to handle! My delicious account is kind of what my room looks like now... yikes. I need to organize both.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-36642855316080367012009-09-02T19:30:00.000-07:002009-09-02T19:39:17.717-07:00my dress came from neiman'sSample sale, that is. While at a bridal show in Austin last year with a good friend, we picked up cute little memos reminding us to head out to the Neiman Marcus Last Call bridal sample sale in a few months. I was ecstatic, considering I had never been to a sample sale, nor had I even started to think about the dress. I invited my mom and grandmother to come up for that weekend, but sadly they couldn't come. I was devastated, thinking there was no way I could even chance getting "the one" without my family there. My friend suggested we head over there anyway, just to look.<br /><br />Well, that's what I thought. After trying on a few fluffy Veras and searching for the MS Dora to no avail, I was about to give up... when I saw it. Mermaid silhouette (check), sweetheart neckline (check), covered from head to toe in abstract chiffon roses?! I swooned a little as I got closer (the oddly shaped roses reminded me of a Monet or something) and then I did a double take when I saw the price. An Ulla-Maija, it originally retailed for $9,000. It was listed at $1,000. I had to try it on.<br /><br />It fit like a dream. I called my mom, who actually wasn't too pleased that I was considering getting a dress without her, but I was in LOVE! Yes, there wasn't the cliche tear-on-mom's-eye or the gleeful clapping of commission-based salespeople, but there was me, the dress, and a good friend. In true Miss Starfish fashion, I chose a good deal over a bunch of brouhaha - I bought the dress and called it a day. And that is how I got the dress for 8 grand less than it should have been. Did I mention I already booked an appointment with the coveted seamstress/angel of the DC metro area, Angie? I'm on top of things, ya'll.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-9240354530507157452009-09-02T18:56:00.000-07:002009-09-02T19:17:35.615-07:00our save the datesOur save the dates were made in about 3 hours after Mr. Starfish and I realized that his roommate had decided to get married on the same day as us (yes, drama ensued. more on that later) and I, in a bridezilla moment, decided we needed to get our save the dates out as soon as possible to mutual friends so they could commit to us first. Mature? No. Did the save the dates come out awesome? Yes.<br /><br />Before I even decided on our color palette (see my earlier post) I knew I loved the look of vintage postcard invites, like <a href="http://with--this--ring.blogspot.com/2007/11/save-date.html">these</a> or <a href="http://www.bridalbuds.com/2009/01/greetings-from-california-save-the-dates-part-1/">these</a>. I found a vintage Annapolis postcard on ebay, scanned it in, and then created the back, complete with designer fonts and a little bit of <a href="http://images.marthastewartweddings.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf2/msw_fall_03_handmade_ty_cd.pdf">Martha</a> flare. I sent them off to VistaPrint, and we had them in our hot little hands a week later!<br /><br />the front<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lalexander.org/images/Postcard_Front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://lalexander.org/images/Postcard_Front.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>the back<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lalexander.org/images/Postcard_Back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 311px;" src="http://lalexander.org/images/Postcard_Back.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-51244676966641452502009-09-02T18:35:00.000-07:002009-09-02T18:51:40.796-07:00b is for bartering (or how I got my wedding planner for free)Like most budget-conscious brides around, there have been times when I've had to tell myself to forgo an awesome vendor or idea because it was just too pricey. The thing is, I'm not a take-no-for-an-answer kind of gal. In fact, when I was in college, the whole University of Texas campus went nuts trying to get lottery tickets to go see the Obama and Clinton debate, which I entered and didn't win. Instead of sulking and watching the debate from home, I emailed CNN and got to attend the debate as a student reporter. As my mom said, "it never hurts to ask," and that's how I approach just about everything.<br /><br />When I first heard about the concept of bartering/being creative to get things for your wedding, I wasn't sold initially. The wedding industry seemed cut and dry enough, and I thought I'd be laughed out of the store if I offered to do something in exchange for a cake, for instance.<br /><br />I really wanted a wedding coordinator, but Mr. Starfish and I have absolutely no budget for one. However, when he started suggesting using his poor mom to set up centerpieces at our reception site, I knew something drastic had to be done! I started googling wedding coordinators in my area, and started picking out ones that needed a website makeover. I emailed a few and offered to redesign their website and blog in exchange for day of services... and what do you know, I received responses from every single one of them wanting to work with me! So now I get to do what I love (design) for a wonderful wedding service, and get something to put in my portfolio.<br /><br />Next time, we'll discuss how I got my photographer (who starts at $4,000 for her basic package and has been featured on many of the popular wedding blogs) for free. Be jealous. Be very, very jealous.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-18083097695301165102009-09-02T18:24:00.000-07:002009-09-02T18:35:06.388-07:00DIY-ers anonymousI got engaged over a year ago and I'm not getting married until June 2010... so naturally, this has translated to a <span style="font-weight: bold;">long</span> love affair with all things wedding. Nothing has quite captured my fancy as much as the DIY project. I'm a graphic designer, so I naturally always figured on doing our invitations, but now my list of DIY projects has gotten out of hand! With so much time between now and the wedding, I think I can pull off most of them.<br /><br /><u>The List</u><br />Save the date postcards (done!)<br />Invitations (gocco printed, of course)<br />OOT bags (on the fence about this)<br />Table runners (either fabric or colored paper, not sure)<br />Escort cards<br />Programs<br />Labeled bags for candy buffet (also another undertaking)<br />"Faux"tobooth set up with polaroid cameras and fabric background<br />Tissue paper poms<br />Collecting enough milk glass vases for the centerpieces<br />Flowers for the centerpieces<br /><br />phew! I need to go to an AA-style meeting for crafty folks! Is this possible? Am I crazy? Let me know. Well, you know what they say... where there's a will, there's a way!laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-52916638609370167052009-08-31T19:36:00.000-07:002009-09-02T18:56:07.147-07:00sunshine on the sea<p>When I originally envisioned our wedding reception, I imagined lots of sea greens and blues, since we're having our reception on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. After realizing how overdone that palette is for seaside soirees, I decided to add in a punch of yellow and bit of muted gray to really make our decor pop. We'll be surrounded by a lot of steel and wood accents because our site is very modern. I think this works, in a wonderfully random, sunshine-on-the-sea sort of way. Do you agree?<br /></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDq1E0k1d98EFERL92PFz6eU2M2D1fXVfN68DPjlA2dlR5R-9bj2KGppRRkFCnCAK-pPZEAnCufi_ljlrKjzJKAknfjYtLYhYXIa0BYXPtWcc_f4n7HqXPhej8yjmvRDEfaZNhB7CRWwG/s1600-h/6a0120a52e0bb1970c0120a4ea6393970b-800wi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDq1E0k1d98EFERL92PFz6eU2M2D1fXVfN68DPjlA2dlR5R-9bj2KGppRRkFCnCAK-pPZEAnCufi_ljlrKjzJKAknfjYtLYhYXIa0BYXPtWcc_f4n7HqXPhej8yjmvRDEfaZNhB7CRWwG/s400/6a0120a52e0bb1970c0120a4ea6393970b-800wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376323018534290786" border="0" /></a><br />Bouquet via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35424121@N02/3568674315/">flickr</a>; Bride on <a href="http://www.brides.com/beauty/hairstyles/gallery/editorspick/detail/170318?f=582%3a583&offset=40#_chip=0" target="_blank">Brides.com</a>; Stamped envelope from <a href="http://thingsrbetterwithaparrott.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/05/press-post-april.html" target="_blank">Things Are Better With a Parrot</a>; Invitation suite via <a href="http://www.utterlyengaged.com/" target="_blank">Utterly Engaged</a>; Morroccan tiles (my own); Succulent arrangement via <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/gallery/cotton-idea-studio+297/2" target="_blank">Lauren & Mike's wedding</a>; Cupcake decorations via <a href="http://www.layercakeshop.com/Shop/Decorating/Toppers-Picks/Flowers-Trees/Forsythia-Picks.html" target="_blank">Layer Cake Shop</a>; Tabletop via <a href="http://www.utterlyengaged.com/" target="_blank">Utterly Engaged</a>; Glass at Ikea via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sallypics/60601180/" target="_blank">flickr</a>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-28064763143389827662009-08-31T19:34:00.000-07:002009-08-31T19:36:28.036-07:00cake vs. cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYHQiZTiU0AUs2Y4MU5tGlAgJ57X0ckV4dO5YD3IkfNuza1LFUaF2LEsSUVTnxwL-K09DIBaDIamWWQnMajtvcSocUzJFs8fcqIEAyrbfYUnIGSoxckIcdQ3ig7ut4MwuYe7JKpvb5cu4/s1600-h/6a0120a52e0bb1970c0120a558175f970c-800wi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYHQiZTiU0AUs2Y4MU5tGlAgJ57X0ckV4dO5YD3IkfNuza1LFUaF2LEsSUVTnxwL-K09DIBaDIamWWQnMajtvcSocUzJFs8fcqIEAyrbfYUnIGSoxckIcdQ3ig7ut4MwuYe7JKpvb5cu4/s320/6a0120a52e0bb1970c0120a558175f970c-800wi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376322153339234018" /></a><br />My favorite weddings are the events that are true reflections of the couple, incorporating their personalities into every detail. Well, if you know me, you know that I'm obsessed with two things: koozies and cupcakes. I've already designed our koozies, so those are definitely making an appearance at our cocktail hour, but I'm not sure about the cupcakes. I'm torn between a traditional cake versus cupcakes because I don't want to lose out on the tradition of the big wedding cake. However, cupcakes are very "in" right now, and I'm a cupcake lover... so I'm leaning more towards the little guys.<br /><br />Just how obsessed with cupcakes am I? Well, here's a list of just a few cupcakeries I've frequented over the years (they're spread throughout the country, so there might be one in your area!) <br /><br />Hey! Cupcake, Magnolia Bakery, Sugar Mama's Bakeshop (their key lime cupcake is my all time favorite), Nostalgia Cupcakes (we will most likely use them for our wedding), Hello Cupcake, Sprinkleslaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-37133891098838630942009-08-31T19:31:00.000-07:002009-08-31T19:33:09.092-07:00and... we're back!so I have neglected this blog for about a year, moving on to other blog topics, but wedding blogging is still near and dear to my heart. I've decided to apply to be a Bee at WeddingBee, so I need to get some more posts up to show them what I've got! I'll keep you posted on whether or not this blog will be migrating to a more fabulous home...laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-79128321499748411292008-09-26T13:26:00.001-07:002009-09-02T19:51:31.814-07:00the starfish spotlight: kittychen couture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x_0BfqfUNti47IHbJtv2gH2n0t3n0Kmohu2R-KAm9LRhlVkqWyEH_xs0Y-awZxf1IXjgHeAa5fvgHXAgtEUodMDU90IE-G1K0qlOYfk4CJk2kKLLz-Z32-4sxiAO4mCfEDC6Md5SQiVU/s1600-h/kc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x_0BfqfUNti47IHbJtv2gH2n0t3n0Kmohu2R-KAm9LRhlVkqWyEH_xs0Y-awZxf1IXjgHeAa5fvgHXAgtEUodMDU90IE-G1K0qlOYfk4CJk2kKLLz-Z32-4sxiAO4mCfEDC6Md5SQiVU/s400/kc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377067413217561858" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SN1H8Z_i3JI/AAAAAAAAAgM/wtI13QmgEDM/s1600-h/brier_rose2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SN1H8Z_i3JI/AAAAAAAAAgM/wtI13QmgEDM/s400/brier_rose2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250431843679001746" border="0" /></a>Every once in a while, I'd like to highlight a relatively undiscovered wedding find that I've found to be so amazing that it needs a bit of publicity! For the first "starfish spotlight," I want to show you where I would have gotten my dress if I hadn't happened on it in Austin. While not really well known, I think <a href="http://www.kittychencouture.com/">Kittychen Couture</a> is fabulous. She's based in California and designs some of the most uniquely romantic dresses I've come across. Priced in what I consider to be a very affordable range, I think Kittychen gives brides the opportunity to look amazing and very un-cookie cutter for a great price. Go check out more of her styles when you get a chance!<br /></div>laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-67444194291262957292008-09-24T18:24:00.000-07:002008-09-24T18:31:15.186-07:00diy wednesdayi just looked at <a href="http://delicious.com/liveloveLC/wedding">my delicious links</a> (check them out if you want some major wedding chaos) and realized i had a bunch of DIY projects i have collected for a while. i think they should be shared! so from now on, every wednesday is a DIY wednesday. if I can remember.<br /><br />these envelopes and eco-friendly invitations were just featured on <a href="http://www.etsywedding.blogspot.com" target="_blank">etsy wedding</a>, one of my favorite blogs. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5796210">reinked</a>'s etsy shop is full of unique envelopes made out of old maps, magazines, etc!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SNro-oB5AjI/AAAAAAAAAek/u985SHvdm8I/s1600-h/il_430xN.28590828.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SNro-oB5AjI/AAAAAAAAAek/u985SHvdm8I/s400/il_430xN.28590828.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249764478248616498" /></a><br /><br />me, being a very optimistic DIY-er, found <a href="http://secret-agent-josephine.com/blog/2008/08/31/how-to-make-your-own-funky-envelope/">this tutorial</a> online that gives great directions on how to DIY your own map/wrapping paper/paper bag invitations! I love it.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-13601373053683345392008-09-16T16:34:00.001-07:002008-09-16T16:39:05.492-07:00i am obsessed with...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SNBCiSzIhII/AAAAAAAAAeA/NE9CIlbF49Y/s1600-h/morgan_iscool.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SNBCiSzIhII/AAAAAAAAAeA/NE9CIlbF49Y/s400/morgan_iscool.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246766722815919234" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/morgan_iscool/" target="_blank">morganis_cool</a>'s amazing flower arrangement skills.<br /><br />Morgan works out of a flower shop called Valley Flower Company in New Hampshire. I am extremely jealous of all of you Northern brides, I would pick Morgan as my florist in a heartbeat! Out of all of the florists you see that get lots of blog space on the usual wedding blogs, I think Morgan's talent is right up there with them.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-13770995466940321482008-09-15T19:23:00.000-07:002008-09-15T19:36:19.821-07:00austin sample saleSo I know I'm going to be getting into the whole sample sale scene as I start looking for dresses, since I'm a couture lover but a broke student. Imagine my excitement when I got this flyer at the Austin Bridal Extravaganza yesterday... and, to my later surprise, the flyer itself goes with my layout, so I scanned it in:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SM8Y99oJg4I/AAAAAAAAAdw/Hkxi3-aj0ZU/s1600-h/neimans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SM8Y99oJg4I/AAAAAAAAAdw/Hkxi3-aj0ZU/s320/neimans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246439543703962498" /></a><br /><br />Austin ladies, get your game face on. I'll be there come rain or shine, way earlier than you.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6862817351055047232.post-74017805564272792532008-09-15T19:18:00.000-07:002008-09-15T19:23:09.140-07:00first post & other fun things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SM8Xu4aXvXI/AAAAAAAAAdo/LA-t7acF7TA/s1600-h/picssc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K7dCCuX6b8I/SM8Xu4aXvXI/AAAAAAAAAdo/LA-t7acF7TA/s320/picssc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246438185094331762" /></a><br /><br />So... it's my first post! I'm looking forward to making this a fun place to get inspired for my wedding... which is a loooong time away in May of 2010.<br /><br />Above, me, Sammi, and Christina... all proud Naval Academy fiancées at the Austin Bridal Show this past Sunday. Not going to lie, I was really intimidated by all of the wedding brou-haha, but it was still fun! I mean, I found the perfect photographer for Fi and I's Austin engagement photos! <a href="www.shannoncunningham.net/blog">Shannon Cunningham</a> is amazing. Check her out.laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11790670543592036113noreply@blogger.com0