Guest "Book" & Garage Sale-ing

So, I took a look at guest books not too long ago, and they are (can be) super expensive. I really don't like the whole idea of people just writing their names in a book anyways. Why pay $25+ for some fancy lined paper when you could do something fun instead?

Here's my inspiration from Martha Stewart Weddings. For Martha's featured idea, they had like a journal type book for each table, but I figured, for my small wedding, this would be wasting a lot of paper. We'd just have these books that are only 1/3 of the way full. 

So, I decided to change it to fit my needs. I went to a craft store and found a photo album that I liked (and waited until it went on sale).

That picture is clearly NOT my family...LOL. 

I bought some cream card stock and scored each sheet so 4 cards could be cut from each sheet.

It was a 50 sheet pack so I made about 200 cards.

I'm going to create questions for our guests to answer for us, and we'll put the cards in the photo book after the wedding.

So, yesterday I went garage sale-ing. For our reception in Idaho, we're going to have a dessert bar. I'm going to have 6 different kind of cupcakes, and I don't have any stands or dishes to put them on. Because I like the antique look, I'm finding candle sticks and plates to make cake plates.

Here's my loot so far.

Once I find more candle sticks and plates, I'm going to make a tutorial. But here's an idea of what it would look like if i were to combine the sticks and plates I got.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

My Grandma's Diaper Cakes

So, I know this post is WAY different than anything I've done before, but this is really cool.

My Grandma Karen has been making diaper cakes for over 10 years now. I've sat by her side and watched her make these amazing cakes, and now I'm helping her by setting up a website and facebook account for her business.

This is a photo of one of her girl cakes. Super cute, huh?

The cowboy cake is one of her most popular. She's always having to buy new boots.

She also makes gender-neutral cakes like ducks, frogs, and bears!

My Grandma K's cakes are amazing and she spends her time customizing it for you. Her diapers aren't rolled into cylinders like some of the ones you see online. She rolls them so they actually look like layers of cake. No hot glue is used on her cakes, either. She attaches all of her items with safety pins and curly ribbon. 

So, do me a favor and go check our her company website: Diaper Cakes by Design. 

Also, go LIKE her on Facebook.

Pomander Inspiration

So, I really like the idea of using pom poms. I was worried that they wouldn't fit in with the vintage feel that I want to convey at our receptions, but then I found this:

I found these newsprint pomanders from One Lovely Day, Project Wedding's blog.

I think they're gorgeous! They'd look super cute hanging from the gazebo in Idaho Falls. Later this week, I'm going to try these out and see how it works before I commit to making a bunch of them.

On another note: I got a call from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR. I submitted an application to the School Psychology specialist program, and they've invited me and nine other people to interview on the 31st of this month! Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

I found a Boy...and a photographer

Happy Monday!

This weekend Justin and I took engagement photos! Terry Carter of Jeanette's Photography took our portraits at Forsythe Park. Here's a few of our favorites.

Any preferences?

Making Plans

 Last Friday, I flew to Idaho to make plans for our wedding. We are getting married in the Idaho Falls temple and are having a reception that evening and one in Natchez the next weekend. 

 The summers in Idaho are gorgeous. Not too hot during the day and cool at night; the only thing you have to worry about is the wind. Because an outdoor reception is basically not do-able down south in July, we decided to have it outside up north.

  We're going to have our reception at a park next to an art museum. Its' got a gazebo for dancing.

It overlooks the Snake River, and has lots of trees.

It even has something small for the younger crowd.

I'm so excited. This part looks gorgeous in the summer when all of the trees and flowers are in bloom.

The night before I left to fly home, my family threw me a bridal shower.

I got a "salad" bowl.

Josie made me an owl apron and matching kitchen towels. She's amazing!

Four generations of my family.

I had an amazing time. I'm glad to be home, but can't wait to go back this summer!

On a last note....I found a wedding gown! No pictures. It's going to be a surprise.

Monograms Part Deux

I did some more work on my monograms earlier this week. I finished painting them. I was initially worried that the color I picked was going to be wrong, but it turned out fabulous.

I have become infatuated with buttons. Antique buttons, to be specific. I ordered some on etsy last week and they got here on Monday. Aren't they gorgeous. They're worn and chipped...absolutely perfect.

 I cleaned them up with some good ole soap, water, and a tooth brush.

 I used craft glue to put them on my M's.

I'm going to find some scrapbook stickers or something that say "Mr." and "Mrs." to put on them; I tried to paint it and it just didn't look good. So, I'll try something different.

I want to hang them from the back of our chairs at the reception(s) with my turquoise ribbon. I don't really want to drill some holes in them. Does anyone have any ideas how I should do that?