if i could only write this beautifully,
then i think my life would be complete…
GRACE CONNEL DESIGNS
is absolutely amazing…xoxo

TWIGS & HONEY & DROP IT MODERN & GIGIPRESS

“Twigs & Honey by Myra Callan is a line dedicated toward creating unique & innovative accessories that are designed to compliment & accentuate the wearer’s features. The pieces utilize both modern & old millinery techniques for assembly from hand dyeing & sewing to pressing of petals & curling of feathers. The designs are not created to follow trends but rather to create pieces that are original, beautiful & wearable. New styles are being adding regularly but all are heavily influenced by vintage fashion, patterns & textures in the natural world & fine materials. Perfect for special occasions & weddings, Twigs & Honey designs are created to work wonderfully for your event while remaining timeless in form & function for years to come.”
TWIGS & HONEY

“Drop it MODERN© is a line of modern photography gear and luxurious backdrops that have been made famous by their rich textures, modern designs and quality materials. drop it MODERN© is the “Original Modern Backdrop Company,” that features custom made prints by owner of Drop it MODERN©, Breanne Schaap, to best accommodate every genre of the photography industry. With one touch you will feel the difference. drop it MODERN© is an inspired company, set to inspire you to enjoy chasing that creative thought in your mind.”

drop it Modern© donates a portion of the profits of every backdrop
purchased to provide clean water to thirsty people worldwide.
DROP IT MODERN

“I don’t remember when I fell in love with letterpress stationery, but always knew
it was in the cards for me. On the eve of my 25th birthday, my quarter-life crisis
prompted me to take the leap. My main objective was to create a collection of stationery
that was modern, minimalistic, and smart. Using a printing technique from the 15th century,
simplistic design philosophy, and only the finest papers and inks….

Our mission is to draw attention to the beautiful things in life,
while preserving our earth…one letterpressed note at a time.”

GIG PRESS
________________________

jillian creator of GIG PRESS on her wedding day

in the spirit of love & life & KISS THE GROOM & valentine’s day….
i asked the 3 talented designers to share a personal KISS & TELL story….

______________________________________________

myra’s kiss & tell….
TWIGS & HONEY

The day that Matt and I were married was truly an extraordinary day. We were blessed with having our loved ones near, lucky to have perfectly warm weather, and thankful for having each other. I didn’t think that I would be the bride that would get overly emotional during the ceremony, but I felt my knees get weak while facing my future husband and struggled to hold the tears back. I really don’t remember much of anything that was said during the ceremony but I mostly remember the flood of emotions and those reciprocated by my better half. When it came time for us to kiss, I recall thinking that this was really the “first” kiss ever. It would be the kiss that would signal our lives together as husband and wife. After we kissed, I remember smiling ear to ear as we were announced as husband and wife and I’m happy to say that Matt and I still flirt and kiss over 3 years later.

breanne’s kiss & tell….
DROP IT MODERN

“It was new years eve, and there were lots of people there. I had a crush on him for as long as I could remember.  It had been a week since our first date and I hadn’t heard from him since. I live in a small town and everyone I knew was crammed in an old rusted out shop on a cold foggy night on the outskirts of town…..Popping champange and trying to keep warm. I was wearing gold sequins from head to toe so he couldn’t miss me in the crowd….the countdown started…. 10……7……he makes his way towards me…..3…..2……1….it was sweet, soft and sexy….. and it went on and on and on…..a perfect start to the new year and the rest of my life….”

jillian’s kiss & tell….
GIG PRESS

“our first married kiss…  i look at photos, and i’m reminded of exactly how it felt…i pray i never forget the feeling!!  the all to short moment was filled with so much joy and excitement.  my heart was fluttering…and i remember trying so hard to commit the moment to my memory forever.  it was so romantic, and sweet enough for the world to see.  it truly was a taste of what was to come…of what our life would be like as mr. & mrs.  i cannot believe it’s almost been one year…. wedded bliss…time flies when you’re in love…”

__________________________________________________

another sweet little detail of GIG PRESS designs

may love & light & kisses be with you always….

one lucky girl will win stationary from GIGI PRESS….
& my favorite sea blue backrop from DROP IT MODERN &
the birdcage veil (i wish was mine) from TWIGS & HONEY

happy valentine’s day….XOXO

________________________________

(to enter the contest simply write “xoxo” in your comment)

i think rain may actually really be good luck on your wedding day….it certainly makes for beautiful images….jillian & rick were married on a rainy afternoon….jillian the owner of a lovely letterpress compnay GIGI PRESS, was beautiful in her MANOLO BLANIKs & MONIQUE LHUILLIER….please go visit SNIPPET & INK today and see all of the lovely details….including amazing calligraphy by GRACE CONNELL & beautiful flowers by SQUARE ROOT DESIGN…..and so much more…

here’s to true love & raindrops…xoxo

pssst….come a little closer, i have something to tell you….i am putting on my mittens & heading to kentucky….i am going to be giving a presentation at the WOW event in lexington kentucky, on january 8th (for wedding professionals) & on january 9th (for brides) & i am hoping you’ll come too…

this event is produced by KENTUCKY BRIDE MAGAZINE….and i am particularly excited to share with you the cover i just photographed for them…i am so smitten with southern hospitality, so i just had to return to kentucky to celebrate & share with other people who love weddings…if you like these

photos you are gonna love this magazine….
& if you are in the mood for a little southern
hospitality, meet me in kentucky at
the WOW event….xoxoxo

i am especially fond of CHEWING THE CUD & viola, the incredibly talented creator of the innovative company….viola designed all of the printed materials for A LOVELY WORKSHOP in napa & she is working tirelessly on amazing letterpress & printed surprises for A LOVELY WORKSHOP in france coming up in may 2010….she is also working on a very special personal project, a sweet little bun in the oven….to see more of her lovely designs & unique ideas you must check out STYLE ME PRETTY, abby will be putting up some more of viola’s work very soon…..

i just love the BIG IDEAS books…..

“Why chewing the cud, you ask? We like to ask “why,” and then we like to ask, “why not.” chewing the cud defines that moment of meditation before taking a calculated leap. For the most part, we remember to bring our wings.”-viola….there is a sweet simplicity & loveliness to viola’s designs…

i always think its interesting to find out what inspires someone who inspires me….

and these are a few of viola’s favourite things…..

“running in the rain. flip flops. spotted feathers. cookbooks (with lots of photographs). steamed custard. square wreaths. laughing out loud. stripes and dots. tongue-scorching hot sauce. freshly picked lavendar. foldable bags. foggy mornings. pleats. wet clay. starry nights. crooked lines. books and blankets. white daisies. movies in the park. french macaroons. cigar boxes. dark roast coffee. lazy sundays. did I say coffee?”

these fabric wraps stole my heart the first time i laid eyes on them….these beautifully designed pieces are fabric are meant to be used to wrap a gift…i love this idea…a gift within a gift….its clever & sweet….and they make beautiful head scarves, my daughter has been wearing one around the house lately……here is some more information about the super stylish fabric wraps  in viola’s own words….

remember to stop by STYLE ME PRETTY & CHEWING THE CUD & let yourself be inspired….

THE GIVEAWAY….

two lucky winners will receive 3 CHEWING THE CUD gift wraps…as well as a BIG IDEAS book…each winner will get a yellow fabric “give luck” wrap, a blue fabric “give luck” wrap, and a flower fabric wrap….you can keep all three, use them as art for your wall, a scarf for your hair or maybe keep your favorite & give 2 to two of your favorite people….& i love the BIG IDEAS book, perfect to slip into your purse & pull out when something special pops in your mind, who knows how big your ideas can get?? so please leave a comment, cross your fingers & i will select 2 winners very soon….xoxoxo

SARAH DRAKE DESIGN is a simply wonderful invitation company that has (lucky for us) started a new line of beautiful home products…stunning linen table clothes & napkins….linen sheets….dishes….& more…& everything can be personalized with you & your hubby’s monogram…

about
SARAH DRAKE DESIGN

i must confess….i have known sarah (one of the founders) for some time…i photographed her wedding years ago & have long been a fan of her creative design work…but these home items have me a bit weak in the knees- (i am waiting for my very own grey linen table cloth & napkins with bated breath)

and they have a line of every day dishes that is so simple….perfect for any meal

which you can have personalized for your family too

SARAH DRAKE DESIGN’s products feel like home

“i am my beloved’s & my beloved is mine”
SONG OF SONGS

ohhhh….and i love the knit throw….its perfect for a lazy afternoon or a walk in the park

whether you want a perfect invitation, a bowl of figs or to fall asleep in a field of dreams….

take off your shoes & snuggle up with
SARAH DRAKE DESIGN

the simply stunning bride, isabelle & her lucky groom, daniel were made for each other….

their unbelievably lovely wedding was planned to perfection by MINDY WEISS

all of the incredibly beautiful paper products were created by GRACE CONNELL DESIGNS….she is such a talented & amazing artist….every detail of this wedding was stunning from the one of a kind invitations (each one was hand painted)…to the tables numbers (also hand painted)…to the ridiculously fabulous map (hand painted as well) created especially for the bride & groom’s guests…..

speaking of RIDICULOUS….you must check out what MINDY WEISS has planned for sunday october 11th, 2009….she’s assembled a wonderful group of wedding professionals to share their information & creativity with brides & other professionals alike….i am honored to be one of the speakers alongside inspiring women like  AMY ATLAS, amazing event planner & sweet conesure from new york & ANTONIA VAN DER MEER, editor & chief of MODERN BRIDE & ELEGANT BRIDE, & many more – at mindy’s weiss’ most RIDICULOUS wedding event ever! if you are anywhere near los angeles on october 11th, you must check it out….
 

back to this beautiful wedding, the entire celebration took place at the SAN YSIDRO RANCH

the bride was stunning in her monique lhuillier gown & handmade LEAH C headpiece

the bridesmaids, oh the bridesmaids, were all so stunning, each adorned with LEAH C headpieces

the SR HOUGUE florals were a stunning compliment to the beauty of the SAN YSIDRO RANCH…

the celebration lasted late into the night….so much love….so much beauty….

isabelle & daniel are such a sweet & beautiful couple….

i simply adored being part of this wedding….

i hope these images help inspire your dreams & plans for your wedding day…..

this wedding is currently featured in one of my favorite magazines

ELEGANT BRIDE

handmade paper is a perfect after school project for your children…simple, a little messy & lots of fun….you can make paper out of almost anything….we made lavender & grass paper….and even cinnamon paper….here’s the 411 about making your own paper….use your imagination & enjoy….

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED:

INSTRUCTIONS:

this is a great way to teach little ones about recycling & when your paper is dry you can draw or paint on it…handmade paper would make super sweet save the dates for a wedding or birthday party too!

XOXO

gia graham is the founder & creative genius behind betsy white
 her company creates such clean & fresh designs….i am particularly
in love with the wedding logos….a couple can choose from a wide
array of designs on betsy white’s website & have a beautiful graphic
to represent their entire wedding…such a cute idea….here are a few
personal words from gia graham about her lovely company…..
 
 

So who’s Betsy White?
I actually don’t know anyone named Betsy. betsywhite is a word that sprung from old Barbadian dialect (that’s where I’m from – Barbados). It refers to the song of the local black bird, which sounds a heckuva lot like “betsywhite” (at least when Bajans say it!).
 
What’s Betsy White all about?
We’re all about offering brides stylish stationery options they can actually afford.
 
A little bit about me…
My name is Gia. I’m really short (5’), I can’t sing, I suck at math and I’m not a very good swimmer (despite growing up on an island and spending countless hours on the beach). I am however, a pretty decent designer….and I can organize the heck out of just about any space (The Container Store = Disney World in my book).
 

here are some of betsy white’s lovely designs…..

My kiss & tell tale…
I’ve been married for almost 8 years and my hubby’s smooches just keep getting sweeter! They make me smile, they give me energy, they keep me grounded and make me want to fly. When it comes to kisses, I say go for quality AND quantity!

-Gia Graham @ Betsy White

most of you know how i adore viola from chewing the cud….i just had to show some more of her fantastic artistry….she is as clever as she is creative….check out her original cards….my favorite of her innovative cards are “i wheelie like you” and “let’s ketchup”…so lovely & sweet & original…..

if you are in need of invitations, seriously clever cards or just a little inspiration visit chewing the cud

xoxoxoxo