I love weddings with a Ring Bearer and Flower Girl, there is just something so innoccent and sweet about them.  If your ring bearer is old enough, here's some lovely ways for him to get those rings down that aisle...

The traditional ring bearer pillow

I love this flower...but try getting a little boy to carry it down the aisle!  Maybe the flower girl can???

For a rustic wedding- so perfect!



I love this little bird ring holder...use this on your wedding day and then keep your wedding ring safe throughout the year because you'll always know where you put it.



A perfect Ring Bowl engraved...you can find these all over Etsy!



If you want to add lace or a vintage touch- place your rings upon these beautiful lace ring bearer bowls
http://loveisyouloveisus.wordpress.com/



No explaination needed!

If you have a unique way you had the ring bearer carry hold/carry your wedding bands- send me an email with a photo if possible.  I'd love to share your idea!

April Showers bring May Flowers...

Rain, Rain go away.....or stay? Either way, Spring is upon us, and the wedding season is slowly emerging.  For those brides who are brave enough to plan a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony, plan ahead with some chic, elegant, and fun umbrellas! Check out these awsome sites that allows you to rent them and they even ship them right to your door!! Splendor for your Guest http://www.splendorforyourguests.com/weddings/how-it-works/umbrellas/ and Bella Umbrellas http://www.bellaumbrella.com/



absolutely beautiful!





Mix match for a guest conversation piece



Flower girls! So cute....gift idea??

Elizabeth Messina Photography

http://www.bellaumbrella.com/

You don't need rain to use umbrellas at a wedding. They provide instant shade for outdoor summer ceremonies.

Your Guest with Thank-You!



La De Da Fine Art Photography



  They are the perfect accessory for a fun portrait session



http://www.splendorforyourguests.com/weddings/how-it-works/umbrellas/



Distressed Furniture

Okay, so it was a work in progress, but I finally finished painting and slightly distressing this furniture piece I found out at my In-Laws storage building.  I took a before and after photo, and hope to improve my furniture distressing abilites over time...but for a first timer, I'm satisfied.  Advice and Tips are always appreciated ;-)

Before Photo

After Photo in Bridal Shop/hard to see the distress marks

I'd love to see example of other distressed pieces, so if you have something - send me a photo and tell me what your go-to process was.  

Emergency!

Every bride needs to have a Wedding Day Survival Kit. If you do not have a wedding planner, I would advise in investing in one of these!

Check out http://www.msandmrs.com/ for all kinds of fun emergency kits for HER & HIM! These can be purchased as a gift for all sorts of occassions.

Post-Wedding Brunch..."Yes Please!"

If your worried the time at your reception will breeze by and you'll be saying goodbye to your family and guest as soon as you said hello... 

You might consider having an informal brunch at the home of the parents of either the bride or  groom the following day so that you both can leisurely enjoy some time opening gifts and visiting with relatives and out of town guests before they leave. 

A simple menu might include an assortment of muffins, cut up fruit and mini quiches.  Mimosas, Bloody Marys, juices, tea and coffee will be perfect for beverages.  A special toast can be incuded as a personal touch!

Most brunches begin between 11:00 a.m - noon.  They only last a couple hours and allow guest to come and go as needed.  "The aim of a brunch is to delight the eye and refresh the body," says Serena Bass, founder of Serena Bass Inc., a New York City catering and events company.

When hosting a brunch that involves colorful decor, fresh food and personalized touches, you've found the perfect way to say good-bye to your guest and let them know you appreciate them sharing in your special day.

Have the host send a seperate fun invitation if your choosing to invite only those who traveled or limiting it to family/close friends



This might be an opportunity to offer family made gifts/favors to your guest.



Outdoor settings can be played up and give a beautiful, yet relaxed and casual feel to your gathering.



Display beverages in glass containers with slices of fruit; the bright bursts of color will pop.



Create simple and colorful looks so the bruch is not considered too formal.



:-) Remember those Bloody Mary's, this will be an extra special treat

Apothecary Jars = LOVE!

Apothecary Jars have been around for Centuries, and the original ones were used to hold spices, wine and other luxury items.  In the 16th Century they transitioned into more modern styles that were used by Pharmacist to store medicine, herbs & botany.  Now days, they are a stylish home and wedding accessory that I absolutely have fallen in love with.  There's just something about their versatile use and their vintage/modern combonation that just never lets me down. 



If your looking for a unique centerpiece, conversation starter, and something timeless, consider Apothecary Jars.  I love how this Bride turned the lid upsdie down and used it as a number holder as well as a centerpiece! 

Photo by Brookelyn Photography

Spreading the Word...

An amazing online auction is going live tomorrow Thursday April 7th for a fabulous cause.  Check out some of the awsome items up for auction at;

 http://hyenacart.com/laynieandbelle/

Below is a list of vendors that are participating!

If you scroll down to the bottom of the link you can read about the Burn's family.

The family had set off for their annual trip to St. Pete Beach for a relaxing week! In Macon, GA their family trip came to a heartbreaking stop when their car was struck by a semi.  By God's Grace Dylan and Colton were unharmed. Melissa was taken to the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon where she has had Fabulous Care but will endure several surgeries to fully recover.  Melissa lost her soulmate & the boys lost their Amazing Dad, Brent.

Normally, I won't be promoting online auctions, fundraisers, etc on my blog, but being a wife and a mother of two, Melissa's story has touched my heart and caused me to slow down and enjoy my family more.  It's one thing to watch stories like this unfold in movies and another when you hear about it and your friends are victims of the heartache it causes.  So take time tomorrow and see if there is anything your interested in...Amazing Jewelry, cosmetics, headbands, clothing gifts books and more!!!