#SignatureSaturday :: For Tequila Lovers

This year's Pantone color of the year is This one is for the tequila lovers! Flowery, herbal, a bit fruity and of course NOT TOO SWEET!!!

@organictequilas cobalto
@thebigoliqueur ginger
@giffardusa Creme de Mure
@scrappysbitters Lavender
Lemon Juice
Butterfly Pea Syrup


Cocktail from @the_garnishguy

Royal Wedding :: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge & Catherine Middleton

In honor of the upcoming royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle, I'm featuring some of the wedding photos of royal weddings past! This is the wedding of Prince Harry's brother, Prince William, to Catherine Middleton.

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The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton took place on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London, United Kingdom. The groom, Prince William, is second in the line of succession to the British throne. The bride, Catherine "Kate" Middleton, had been his girlfriend since 2003.

The Dean of Westminster, John Hall, presided at the service; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, conducted the marriage; Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, preached the sermon; and a reading was given by the bride's brother, James. William's best man was his brother, Prince Harry, while the bride's sister, Pippa, was maid of honor. The ceremony was attended by the bride's and groom's families, as well as members of foreign royal dynasties, diplomats, and the couple's chosen personal guests. After the ceremony, the couple made the traditional appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. As Prince William was not the heir apparent to the throne, the wedding was not a full state occasion and many details were left to the couple to decide, such as much of the guest list of about 1,900.

The bridal dress, designed by the London-based designer Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, was made of satin and featured an overlaid lace bodice and appliqued skirt. The lace bodice incorporated machine-made lace, sourced from manufacturers in France and Britain. Floral motifs were cut from lengths of these and then appliquéd by hand onto silk net (tulle) by workers from the Royal School of Needlework. The veil was held in place by a Cartier Scroll Tiara, made in 1936 and lent to her by the Queen. It was purchased by the Queen's father, the future King George VI, for his wife Elizabeth three weeks before his accession. Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) received the tiara from her mother on her 18th birthday.

See the full post at Wikipedia.

DIY :: Wood Chalkboard Sign

I've seen so many great chalkboard signs lately I thought I'd share how to make one! These are smaller sized signs, good for table tops or smaller displays. We'll feature DIY posts for the larger signs too! For now, here's a great DIY for a rustic wood chalkboard sign.

Supplies:

• wood round (found in the wood section at most craft stores)
• chalkboard paint (I used Rust-Oleum Brush-On Chalkboard Paint)
• foam brush or roller
• chalk

Step 1: Paint one side of the wood with chalkboard paint. I painted two layers, letting them dry about 4 hours in between coats. Be sure to check the label for specific manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Wait 3 days for the last coat of paint to fully cure before using the chalkboard. Then prepare the chalkboard by “seasoning” it… just rub the long side of a piece of chalk all over the painted area until the entire surface is covered. Then use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away all the excess chalk dust, and you’re ready to write or draw on the sign!

You can display your new chalkboard on a table or bookshelf, or you could also add a hanger to the back and hang in on the wall.

See the full post at I Heart Naptime.

Planning Tips :: 5 Tips for Wedding Invitations

#TuesdayTips
Happy Planning!

1. Don't forget the postage!
I have heard soo many brides say it...."I didn't think about postage!" Postage is an added expense to your budget. Remember these invitations have to be mailed...and the heavier they are, the more expensive that will be. It's also customary to stamp the RSVP envelope for your guests to easily and quickly return the RSVP cards to you.

2. Don't list your registry on your invitation!
It's truthfully not good etiquette to list on your formal wedding invitation where they should buy you a gift. However, it is acceptable to add an enclosure card directing guests to your wedding website (where they will find things like the date and time, photos of you, directions to the wedding, time line for the wedding, bridal party introductions, and oh yes...where you're registered for gifts.)

3. Do number your RSVP cards.
I've seen a lot of RSVP cards over the years, and a lot of times handwriting isn't the best. I've gotten to where I suggest numbering each RSVP card, and keep a list or spreadsheet of what guest is what number. That way, if you receive and RSVP with non-legible scribbles, you can refer to your list to see who the scribbles belong to.

4. Do order a few extra invitations.
Order extra invites just in case...as an insurance policy....for when it dawns on you that you forgot to invite your future groom's Aunt Paula! Be prepared for any oopsies by ordering some extras from the start. 

5. Do order a lot of extra thank you cards.
You'll have showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinner, wedding day gifts, mailed gifts, and a time period after the wedding where you'll probably receive gifts. Order more thank you cards than you do invitations because you'll be sending a lot more of those. You should those who helped you and those who sent you gifts (and remember the postage!)

Venue Spotlight :: Southern Serenity Ranch & Retreat

Southern Serenity Ranch & Retreat is a bed & breakfast in Canton that will lovingly accommodate weddings and can host up to 23 over night guests. There are acres upon acres for outdoor photos (including a pond, great for photos or an outdoor ceremony), a white barn that can be accessed for ceremony or reception, and a beautifully decorated Colonial home for overnight stays.

Website :: www.southernserenityranchretreat.com

Facebook :: Southern Serenity Ranch & Retreat LLC

Instagram :: @southernserenityranchretreat

(903) 368-2296

I had the pleasure of participating in a vintage open house yesterday at Southern Serenity Ranch, and it was a lovely affair! There was amazing food, absolutely delicious cake, wonderful vendors to network with, and brides looking for vendors for their big day! We provided some flowers for the farm tables and the lounge area. The wind was a killer, but thankfully the rain held off! It was really a great day!

  

 

 

#SignatureSaturday :: American Berry Smash

Muddled fruit makes a great addition for a whiskey cocktail! Check out this amazing cocktail recipe from Women & Whiskies. They have so many great cocktail options available on their site! Be sure to check if out if you need a signature drink idea!

1 oz. Wild Turkey® American Honey
1 oz. Wild Turkey® Bourbon
1/2 Lemon, quartered
1/4 oz. Honey Syrup
1 Strawberry
10 Blueberries

Combine berries, lemon, and honey syrup in a pint glass. Muddle to release the juices. Add the remaining ingredients, then ice, and shake for 8 seconds. Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with berries or an edible flower. Serves 1.

Recipe from Women & Whiskies.

DIY :: Moss Can Centerpieces

These lovelies are perfect for spring time events and gatherings! Not to mention, inexpensive and easy to put together!

What You’ll Need:

Tin Cans (an assortment of sizes)
Crochet Thread or Kite String
Sphagnum Moss
Daffodils (or any small blooming plant will do)
Small pebbles
Scissors

Directions:

1.  Begin by washing and removing the labels from your tin cans.  Be  careful not to cut yourself on the edge of the cans.

2.  Take a piece of moss, lay it on the outside of the  can and wrap your string around the moss and can several times until it’s secure.  (see figure 1)

3.  Add another piece of moss and wrap the string around again. Repeat until the can is covered.

4.   Take your scissors and trim the moss from the top and bottom of can to make the edges neat. (see figure 2)

5.  Wrap the string around several more times, pulling tightly while working your way up and down the sides of the can.   Tie off with a knot.   (see figure 3)

6.  Trim off any loose bits of moss with your scissors.

7.  Put a layer of small pebbles in the bottom of your can for drainage  and plant the daffodils.

8.   Cluster a set of five or six vases in the center of each table. (see figure 4)


What it cost:

Cans – Free !
Crochet Thread – $1.99
Moss – $5.00 for a large bag (which was enough to cover 8 – 9 cans)
Daffodils – $5.00 (for two four inch pots filled with multiple bulbs)


See the full post at Once Wed.

Designer Spotlight :: Randy Fenoli

Randy Fenoli of "Say Yes to the Dress" fame has released his first namesake line of bridal gowns for Spring 2018, and it's definitely a stunning line full of sparkles and shimmer and ruffles and florals! See more of this collection at The Knot.

Instagram :: @RandyFenoli

Facebook :: @RandyFenoli

Website :: www.randyfenoli.com