Mu-Hsien and Eric loved the idea of having each of their 30 wedding guests participate in their wedding, so they came up with what we think is a brilliant idea. Before the ceremony they gave each of their friends and family one Astilbe stem with a personal note. They collected the stems during the ceremony, and used them to create the bride’s bouquet.

“We wanted to create purpose out of every portion of the ceremony. That meant I needed a reason to carry a bouquet. Other than being a pretty accessory, how could I weave it meaningfully into our little ceremony?

During the ceremony, the mother of the bride bound the bouquet – and voila, a gorgeous and meaningful DIY bouquet  -that didn’t cost a bundle!

You could also do this with baby’s breath, lavender and a myriad of other flower varieties.

If you’re having a fall wedding and looking for a super simple DIY favor to make for your guests, you’re in for a treat today because there is nothing easier in the world than making chocolate lollipops. It’s a truly fail-proof favor that your guests will love, because after all, everyone knows that chocolate tastes better on a stick.

To make our lollipops more fall appropriate we chose to use maple leaf molds and orange and red candy melts, but you can use any shape mold and color melt your little heart desires. To find everything you need to make your lollipops, check out Michaels or your local bulk food store.

You will need:

• 3 lbs. Candy Melts in color of your choice (makes approximately 24 large lollipops)
• Maple Leaf Candy Mold
• Lollipop sticks
  Continue Reading DIY Chocolate Maple Leaf Lollipop Favors…

If you’re looking for something a little extra dreamy today, you’re in luck because Maya and Lénaïc’s Provence wedding is downright swoon-worthy!

Planned long distance and with a budget of just over $5,000, Maya and Lénaïc’s intimate wedding (they’re both professional photographers) was held at Beaumes de Venise City Hall. After the ceremony, guests were treated to an intimate, cocktail reception that included a game of Pétanque (similar to Bocce), and a candlelit alfresco feast, all set in the picturesque French countryside of Provence.

We don’t know about you, but we don’t think it gets much dreamier than that!

Maya, 23 &  Lénaïc, 27

Beaumes de Venise (Provence, France)

Wedding Date: October 20,  2012

Number of Guests: 19

Wedding Cost: Dress: $1,050; Wedding reception (which was basically a huge house in Provence which was used to host a few guests as well for 10 days): $1,000; Tuxedo for the groom, brother of the groom: $8,00; Chairs from Ikea that we painted in white afterward: $250; Wood material for creating the tables: $200; Different accessories for the reception (napkins, candles, tents, light bulbs, vase, glasses, cutleries, etc): around $1,050;  Other expenses (english translator for the ceremony, papers, food &beverage): $800; Total Budget: (Approx.) $5,150

Wedding Ceremony Location: City hall of Beaumes de Venise in Provence, France

Wedding Reception Location: Typical Provence house in Beaumes de Venise. We used the garden to host the cocktail reception, dinner, and game of Pétanque.

Picture, for a moment, saying “I do” on the beach at Lover’s Point, one of the most romantic destinations for beach weddings in California, before heading back to a charming Victorian house, tucked in a Pacific Grove neighborhood. At the house, which has retained all of its Art Deco charm (think Great Gatsby era style), you and your guests are free to mingle and roam freely, while enjoying a unique butlered reception of five star cuisine created by a master chef.

Sounds pretty spectacular, doesn’t it? We sure think so! At Gatherings, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making your wedding truly unique and relaxing.

Filled with fixtures and works of art that transport guests to another time, Gatherings is truly a one of a kind glance into the past. The kitchen at Gatherings is legendary for producing succulent cuisine, and is run by the talented Chef Dean, who has 30 years of experience creating one of a kind temptations that include only the freshest ingredients.  Guests are welcome to drop by the window into the kitchen to watch him during the reception.

The staff at Gatherings is well trained, and highly recommended across the board. Let them help you make your romantic wedding a reality!

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Photo One: Jerry Yoon Photographers

Once upon a time, bridal jewelry was minimal, understated, and delicate; these days, brides are going bigger and bolder!

From glitzy bib necklaces, to big, boho bangle bracelets, statement jewelry is a gorgeous way to complete your wedding wardrobe. So, the question is, which piece would you choose?

Bib necklaces have been all the rage for the last couple of years and brides are using them as a great way to add a ton of sparkle to their wedding day ensemble.