Candyland Birthday!

Finishing Touch had our first children's birthday party this weekend! It was so much fun, and absolutely delicious! Lydia Belle and Joshua turned 2. What child wouldn't love a Candyland birthday party? The kids played a cake walk and dug in to the candy schmorgesborg!

Birthday Boy!

Birthday Girl!

The "Gumdrop Mountain" cake was perfect! We created it using cake dippers from Cakery Affairs in Bryant & a small round cake for the base.

Tons of candy! The decorations included a "Chocolate Swamp" made of chocolate icing smeared on gram crackers and topped with chocolate chips. The "Candycane Forest" was created by hanging candycanes on manzanita branches painted yellow. The Lolipop Centerpieces were adorable! And the party was finished off with a game - a "cake walk" for the kids!

My big helper, Annaston...The big sister!

These beautiful photos are again by Shannon of A Moment Captured Photography. She's fabulous!

Meet Rachel & Matt

Rachel & Matt are getting married on May 2 at the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These are just a few of their hundreds of fabulous engagement photos taken last weekend by Shannon of A Moment Captured Photography. We can't wait for the wedding! If these engagement shots are any indication, the wedding photos should be incredible!

Wedding Coordination with 15 Minutes Notice!

My husband was a groomsman in a friend's wedding this weekend. I went as a guest, but quickly became more. The poor bride was so stressed out by all of the questions she was being asked, the huge number of guests without seats, and details of the wedding processional that she was in tears. I was already there, so when she asked, I stepped into my usual role 15 minutes before the ceremony began. I was happy to help, and she was able dry her eyes and focus on becoming Mrs. Rogers! The ceremony went off flawlessly!

For all of the brides who think you can do it on your own, it's not worth the stress to save a few bucks! Hire someone to help, at least for the day of your wedding. Let someone else deal with the stresses, so you can be the bride!

Fabulous Vintage Designer Wedding Gowns!

Thefrock.com offers gorgeous vintage designer wedding gowns! With prices starting under $1,000. there's something for every budget. Granted, wearing a vintage gown is not for everyone, but if you've always imagined a vintage gown this is a great site to check out. How romantic to walk down the aisle in a gown with a story behind it! Not everyone can wear their mother's or grandmother's gown...this is a great option. Here are 2 of my favorites...This stunning Lanvin embroidered tulle gown from 1955 is available for $3,700. It would be gorgeous long or shortened - think Audrey Hepburn from "Funny Face".

This ethereal tiered gown by Christian Dior was created in 1955. It is absolutely timeless! The skirt looks like something on the runway this year. Purchase this gorgeous gown for $3,800.

Fall is in the Air...Perfect Favors!

In preparation for a wedding I have coming up this weekend I've been looking at and making all kinds of fall centerpieces, decorations, and favors. I'm addicted! and I wanted to post just a few fabulous fall favor ideas...

Caramel apples (above, left) are a wonderful fall favor and make for beautiful decoration as well. For a more formal event, you can use these as seating cards as well.

Place apples in a burlap bag with a decorative label (above, right) and include your favorite apple pie or apple dumpling recipe. Even better - include your grandma's recipe for a more personal touch!

Grandma's jam (above left) with a decorative lid & label to go along with your wedding invitations and decor.
Bag of nuts tied with twine & wedding label. Displayed in a dish full of nuts, these favors are fabulous! You can include your favorite pecan pie recipe if you use pecans.

Custom Stamps for your Wedding

Why settle for the 2 different wedding stamps offered by the post office? Create your own to compliment your wedding perfectly! Once you've chosen a color scheme and invitations, design a beautiful stamp that goes with everything. It is the perfect finishing touch for your wedding and shows the dedication to detail for your perfect day! Visit Zazzle.com and get started today.

Chewing the Cud Wedding Invitations

Yes, that's right, Chewing the Cud! They create adorable, whimsical invitations for the unconventional bride. If you're looking for something a little quirky, you'll find it here!Chewing the Cud is a wonderful way to go Green for your wedding. They use 100% cotton, tree free papers, and soy based inks. Every invitation is created the old fashioned way - using a vintage flywheel letterpress, each invitation is hand printed.

Surprisingly Chic Carnations

Carnations have gotten a bad rep over the years as a cheap, ugly, filler flower. They have been consistently avoided by brides. Granted, a few sparse carnations in a vase filled with greenery and babies breath does conjure memories of childhood ballet recitals. This is not the type of arrangement I'm talking about. A carnation is a relative of the VERY expensive and delicate Peony. When used correctly, carnations become barely distinguishable from their more expensive cousin.
Look what happens to this often overlooked flower when it is used in mass:

These wreaths are stunning for any wedding! Imagine this white variety used to create a floral monogram.

Unique guestbook idea - Have guests sign pre-made cards & pin to a floral pomander. Later, place cards into a photo album to make a keepsake for your home. For a larger wedding, create several pomanders and display elegantly.

A very affordable and incredibly chic combination of white carnations & moss. They combine to create a stunning garden wedding.

Finishing Touch Loves Boss Mae

It's obvious from my previous posts, I am obsessed with vintage! The perfect vintage piece will truly create a one-of-a-kind look for your wedding day and future family heirloom. Jessica of Boss Mae creates amazing jewelry from vintage pieces. She adds the perfect modern touch to these antique treasures! Jessica's smaller necklaces would be a stunning accent to your wedding gown.
Her signature is these absolutely gorgeous lockets, pictured above. They are the perfect gift for your bridesmaids. Mae's Emporium is located on West Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Visit their tiny shop soon to discover all of their amazing treasures!

Election Day Weddings!

In honor of election day, I had to post these wedding photos of both presidential candidates. Enjoy!

Barack & Michelle Obama - October 3, 1992

John & Cindy McCain - May 17, 1980

Butter by Nadia

I've just come across the gorgeous bridal collection of Butter by Nadia. I cannot get enough of these amazing wrap dresses! They are absolutely beautiful, comfortable for a long night of dancing, and universally flattering.

This is the perfect collection for you to let your bridesmaids choose their style. They would all blend together perfectly! Think of the bridesmaid look from Sex and the City.

Quirky, Fabulous Head Pieces

I've just come across these adorable headpieces by ban.do that are the perfect finishing touch for a quirky bride who cannot see herself in a traditional veil. They're colorful, fun, and full of personality! Made from silk, feathers, rhinestones, and much, much more these gorgeous accessories are sure to make a fabulous statement! I also love them for a bride to change into after the ceremony to add a little pizazz to your look for the reception.They do offer a few traditional head pieces such as the one on the bottom left here, but most of their pieces are unique, modern, and tons of fun. Prices range from $50 to $175. Enjoy!

Funny Wedding Cards

Having a hard time finding the perfect card for your friends' wedding? These hilarious letterpress cards by Tom Foolery are great, as long as the recipient has a sense of humor! Give these cards at your own risk!!

"Til death do you part......*or til monogamy gets boring"

"Here's to the bride and groom.....*thanks for all the free booze."

I apologize in advance for the language on the following card, but it is so funny I couldn't resist posting it. It is fitting for so many couples.

"You popped the question!.....*about f***ing time."

Gorgeous Golden Touches

The new Martha Stewart Weddings, on stands now, is full of fabulous ideas for making your wedding your own. My favorite part of this month's issue is Golden Touches - gorgeous golden details to make your wedding elegant & regal!

This monogram is absolute perfection! Made from Camelia leaves and sprayed with gold spray paint, it doesn't get better than this!!

Make an impact absolutely everything! Start with Manzanita branches spray painted gold and hung from ribbons. Extra wide ribbon is draped over the branches and adorned with calligraphed seating cards. Glittering faux flowers add the perfect finishing touch!

See the rest of the gorgeous golden details at marthastewart.com

For Pets on Your Wedding Day

If it was possible, our dogs would have been included in our wedding day. Many couples want their pet to be the ring bearer or at least to be included in a few photos. I've seen many ways to dress up your pet for the big day, but none quite as cute as this DIY Bride pearl collar.

What you need:
Embroidery Thread
Large Faux Pearls (these are 18mm, ordered from ebay)
Sturdy Needle
Double Faced Satin Ribbon matching your wedding colors
Plastic Clasp

It seems simple enough, but full instructions are posted on the DIY Bride website. Imagine the adorable photos of you in your wedding gown with your pooch!!!

The Perfect Something Blue...

These rhinestone appliques for the bottom of your shoes are absolutely adorable! They make for great photos and serve as an incredibly chic something blue! And for just $6. Why not??? Find them and much more at Wedding Things.

Project Runway's Leanne Marshall

Leanne is my pick to win the show, especially after last weeks wedding challenge I posted about. I have just discovered her Etsy shop and had to share it with you all! Granted, this has nothing to do with weddings, but I couldn't resist. It is full of fabulous clothing that absolutely reflects her aesthetic that we've seen throughout the show: Lots of ruffles, pleats, and waves. Gorgeous!Too bad we didn't know about this Etsy shop earlier! It looks like everything has sold out in the past couple of weeks due to her exposure from the show.

Crazy about Project Runway!

Tonight's Project Runway required designers to create wedding gowns - always my favorite challenge. In the first season Jay McCarroll designed an amazing fitted, jersey gown that was incredible! I have scoured the internet looking for a photo without success. I would love to post it, but I absolutely love these 2 dresses designed for tonight's Season Finale of Project Runway. They are modern and stunning!

Designed by Leanne

Designed by Kenley

NWA Bridal Fair Update

This weekend's Bridal Fair in Rogers was an absolute success. I met some wonderful brides and, believe it or not, even a few grooms! We had a great time getting to know you all. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth. I hope to work with several of you very soon. Here are a few photos of Finishing Touch's booth.

An overview of our booth. We set up 2 different styles of tables to give brides an idea of a very romantic wedding and a very modern one.

Above is the finished Peacock Inspiration Board that I posted earlier in the month. It has received lots of oohs and ahhs. Below is a black and white bouquet created by Finishing Touch for the fair that consisted of only hydrangeas and some very modern & inexpensive feathery mums.

These are the other floral arrangements created by Finishing Touch for the bridal fair. Top and middle left: a romantic inspired centerpiece consisting of hydrangeas, wild roses, snap dragons, and various greenery in a silver footed bowl. This arrangement is perfect for a garden wedding. Top right: Large arrangement consisting of hydrangeas, yellow mums, yellow lilies, irises, snapdragons, and various greenery - perfect for a buffet or gift table arrangement. Lower left: A white pommander or "kissing ball" made entirely of white feathery mums. Middle right & Lower right: My obsession of the moment! A sleek centerpiece consisting of white roses, one yellow mum, an artichoke, and eucyliptus leaves in a square metal tray. It is modern and Asian inspired and absolutely perfect for a modern bride wanting to surprise her guests with something new. I have been dying to create this arrangement and the bridal fair was the perfect opportunity!

Thanks again to everyone we met at the fair!

Anxiously Awaiting Marchesa's Bridal Collection...

I could plan an entire wedding around one of Marchesa's gowns! I have been desperately waiting for their Bridal Collection to launch and am unfortunately still waiting. But, thanks to the Spring 2009 Ready to Wear Collection, here's a little hint of what we can expect. The Bridal Collection is bound to be unbelievable!

Keep checking back - more of Marchesa's Bridal Collection to come.

Modern Cake Silhouette

By now we've all seen the "mad hatter" cakes & the use of cupcakes as a wedding cake. The most modern cake silhouette is this more sleek shape. No stair step needed with these. They're simple, modern, and gorgeous!

Add polka dots to really emphasize the modern shape.

These polka dots are arranged in a grid like fashion, again emphasizing the modern shape.

Add flowers to soften the style of the cake.