Fan- tastical Fascinators!

Say it with me... GOooooRGEOooooUS! I can't tell you how lovely a bride is with a gorgeous flower in her hair especially when it's sprinkled with beads, diamonds and a birdcage veil.





A photographer friend and local makeup artist decided there just weren't enough choices for the chic bride out there. And we at Hand in Hand agree.





So they came up with Pin Me Up Couture.
Check out their etsy store!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinMeUpCouture




I have to say I just love this one on the left. It's so magical and fancy... and we all know I love anything fancy.

Couple that with Tracy's amazing ability behind the camera and looking at the etsy store is just as fun

as flipping through the pages of a high end fashion magazine.

Pin Me Up Couture can customize to your specific wedding colors or design... and will work with you to create that perfect fascinator or birdcage your dreaming of. They also have store locations throughout the Dayton and Cinci area.

Check out their blog to hear stories of brides who have purchased some of these yummy hair treats. http://www.pinmeupcouture.blogspot.com/

Also, check out Tracy's website at www.picturesbytracy.com.

She books up fast so snag her if you can!

It's an Etsy Fest!

So this morning I got this crazy idea! Wonder if I could create a whole wedding right from etsy? Dress and all? Well here it is!

I started by searching for the gown. I was surprised to find that there are really beautiful newly made gowns there along with artisans who will create the gown of your dreams. I however fell in love with this gorgeous 1920's gown. It's vintage appeal is what set the tone for the other elements. The vintage lace bridesmaid dresses is also from the 1920's and was what set the tone for the color choices.

I just love this old world feel. I imagine the use of flower pots and vintage stamps on the invitations. Old glass pieces with a touch of feathers. I even imagine the flower girl using a vintage hat turned upside down to be used for a basket while the little boy carries the rings tied onto a vintage book strap.

If you haven't been to www.etsy.com you absolutely must go quickly and waste hours and hours of time becoming inspired and awed by the amazingly talented artists and the unique items you might find there. Happy Etsying all!

Dollars Schmollars! Weddings don't have to break the bank!

For a while now I have been involved in a wonderful chatting community of brides and occasional grooms. It's always so awesome to hear their ideas and plans for their weddings. I love watching a bride come in to the forum in the beginning of the planning stages and share with us her wedding plans as they unfold.

Most are DIY brides trying to be sure their hard earned dollars stretch as far as they can. There's always wonderful advice given and some of them are google geniuses. They work together to help each other create wonderful weddings that are totally unique. They share their favorite DIY projects. Or their latest inpsirations. Many come back after their wedding to share pictures of the projects the've spent so much time creating.

I'd like to share with you some of my favorites.

Here is a great idea for activities to do at your reception. Especially if you're not planning on dancing or serving alcohol.

A DIY photo booth with picture frames we all expect but when you add cute chalkboards or better yet letter magnets you can have a world of fun and a very interesting scrapbook of wedding guests well wishes.

Or how about a fun board where guest can write their names on tags and pinpoint the year they met you. Such a simple but super fun idea for cocktail hour especially.

The next picture is a table runner. One of these amazing brides is marrying a screen printer! Sounds like a talent to use and abuse!! So she saw these amazingly cool table runners after learning she scored old woood tables at her venue! What a great DIY plan!

Remember when planning a wedding the possibilities are endless. I like to pretend it's like taking all of your favorite sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings, people, and moments all crammed into one event. I mean how could it not be a success.

It's not about the money.... it's about the time taken to create an event that represents you and your love.

That is what this community of girls is all about. And I'm so glad to be a part of them. And I'm so glad they let me give advice and tid-bits of imformation. It's a wonderful part of my day. Thanks CL girls!