{trends} school is cool

 It's September!! Can you believe it?  Yippee! I'm such a autumn girl the changing of the leaves, the crisp air and any excuse to hit the back to school aisle at Target is okay by me. Granted, I no longer need to pick up a snazzy new trapper keeper {Ha! do they still make those?} but I love everything that has to do with going back to school.  I broke down a few of my favorite subjects for all you school inspired wedding fans.   

Class is in session! 

Homeroom

How cute are these old school desks and don't you love these decorated lockers? 

{Martha Stewart Weddings} {Our Labor of Love via Ashley Meaders}

Period 1: English Literature 

If you appreciate timeless classics and Mr. Darcy has you swooning then your favorite class is definitely English Literature.  Accessories like a ruffly capelet and pretty hair fascinator are romantic while a book mobiles add a bit of whimsy. 

 {Megan W. Photography via Ruffled} {Lisa Lefkowitz}

Period 2: Science

Hydrogen, Oxygen, Lithium oh my! If the periodic table and is more your style then you'll love a Science inspired wedding filled with test tube centerpieces and beakers details.  

{Apartment Therapy} {Gideon Photography via Amorology} {The Knot}

Period 3: Art

If you're not afraid of a little color and love being creative then you will love Art. This is the perfect subject for all you DIY brides that are going the extra mile to inject personality and individuality on your big day.  

{jen huang photography} {jenny haas photography} {sarah rhodes photography}

Period 4: Lunch

Have your guests pick up their buffet style meal and treats in vintage lunch trays and have them grab a seat in one of those brightly colored chairs that remind you of your school's cafeteria.  

{Design Sponge} {Martha Stewart Weddings} {The Sweetest Occasion}

Period 5: Gym

Jock or not, you'll love Gym! I love the idea of transforming a basketball court as a reception lounge and handing out these fun pennants for your guests to cheer you on.   Go Love! 

{Annie McElwain Photography} {Gabriel Ryan Photographers} {Paper Moss - Kate Headley}

Period 6: Math

If you love #2 pencils and equations like you + me = ♥ then Math is probably the subject for you! 

Class dismissed...

{Dave Robbins Photography}

{trends} shimmer

 in case you missed it..a few days ago i had the pleasure to guest blogged on {lanalou style} and shared my prediction for 2011 weddings. its all about shimmer and it's making it's way in decor, wardrobe and desserts.

are you considering adding shimmery elements to your wedding?

{light and luminous}  

{posh and polished}

{dark and dramatic}

1.{sunday suppers |  2. {color-collective} 3. {j. crew} | 4.  {jill thomas} |  5. {purl bee} 

6. {confetti system} | 7. {pinterest} | 8. {this is glamorous} 

{trends} kraft paper

i'm kinda disappointed with myself for not checking out {pinterest} for gift packaging ideas earlier. but, i noticed a common trend - kraft paper! not only is it really cool and a huge roll can be used for many occasions but it's also eco-friendly and you can dress it up any way you want... with yarn, buttons and ribbon.  if you want to skimp on the tag completely, just stamp the name of the recipient on the front. 

don't you love that?

{sweet paul} {bugs & fishes} {eskimimi knits}

and if you really want to have a eco-friendly holiday..visit your local trader joe's where their holiday shopping bags can be reused as gift wrap and tags.  love!

{a creative mint}  {ink & post}

{trends} breakfast

everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but have you ever considered it as a theme for your wedding or engagement shoot?

loving the 

pancakes, hankie garland with retro alarm clock....

{design sponge}

breakfast buffet sitting on top of an vintage dresser with jars filled with crispy bacon...

{dandelion & grey} {the olive juice} {dapper paper}

breakfast in the meadow...

{simply bloom photography}

wouldn't delicious fromage blanc and homemade granola make the perfect wedding favor?

{sunday suppers}

so what do you think of this trend? love it or not so much?

{trends} floral crowns

 talk about flower power.... i'm in love with these floral crowns that are popping up everywhere. would you wear this trend?

{100 layer cake} {anthropologie}

{jose villa} {green wedding shoes}

{trends} pickup trucks

has anyone else noticed that pickup trucks are the new "it" prop for today's outdoor country weddings? 

{union photography} {brides}

{ union photography} {travis hoehne} { union photography}

i think this is a pretty cute idea too... use the bed of the pick up truck as a buffet or a cocktail station.

{country living} {martha stewart weddings}

so how do you think this pickup truck trend escalated?

 

{trends} handkerchiefs

handkerchiefs ….what can i say i heart you.

last summer while visiting a region in portugal called minho i came across {lenços dos namorados} or lover’s handkerchief. i was told that this poetic and lovely tradition consist of white cotton or linen handkerchief are hand embroidered in different colors with names, poems and secret messages by girls of marrying age as a declaration of their love for the man they would like to marry. when the handkerchief was complete, it was secretly passed to the lucky guy by a friend.
how romantic is that!!!

{photo from  here }

another reason why i’m loving handkerchiefs is because they are popping up everywhere in weddings. here are a few ideas on how you can incorporate them in your wedding.

wrapped up wedding bouquets

{martha stewart weddings}

create a handerkerchief ring pillow

{martha stewart weddings} {the knot}

use handkerchiefs in your wedding decor

string some up as garland {jill thomas via amorology}

sew on beads and you have yourself a drink cover {martha stewart}

use as table number {design sponge}

diy hanging handkerchief vases {once wed}

 use these pretties as a fun and unique save the dates and invitations

save the date {fiona e}

diy handkerchief save the date {benign objects via wedding chicks}

handkerchief wedding invitation {bird and banner via martha stewart weddings}

{update}

omg...i found this diy handkerchief invite at {tulle and feathers}. love it!!

{trends} pinwheels

there is something about this classic toys that makes me feel like a kid again. they are popping up all over weddings. i found a tutorial from {martha stewart} and you can find it here.

couple engagement photo {cheyenne shultze photography}

pinwheel excorts {brides}

pinwheel centerpieces {bhg}

kissing couple {dana and jeremy photography}

{trends} kites

{deepgray} {zinchuk studio} {clayton austin}

move over super large balloons - {kites} are making their way as 2010 photo props.

which do you prefer balloons or kites?

{trends} candy trays

i love the idea of taking the vintage vendor trays as seen in {#9} marigold and chocolate and filling them with snacks for your guests. it's a great alternative to the popular buffets seen in today's weddings.

 this can also be a easy diy project. just purchase a tray{s} and loop ribbon on the side handles and voilà.

{snacks for vendor trays}

assortment of dried fruit and nuts {free downloadable labels from wedding style guide}

candy

gum

cookies

popcorn

cotton candy

mini doughnuts

cupcakes

{trends} popcorn bar

loving the popcorn bar from {utterly engaged} . who knew popcorn could be so glamorous and sophisticated. have plain air popped popcorn and allow your guests to flavor it with sweet toppings like chocolate or caramel or go savory with garlic salt or parmesan cheese.