The timing of St. Patrick's Day and bridal shower season seem to coincide a bit, so if your bride has a little wild side, why not throw a little spin on the shower and get inspired by the good ol' Irish!
Welcome the lassies with a customized pin...

And start with some yummy traditional drinks...
{irish coffee}

{nutty irish{wo}man}

{black & tan}

Serve some homemade Irish concoctions that'll comfort every soul in attendance...
{open face roast beef sandwiches}

{irish stew}
Finish it off with a dessert bar featuring stout & ice cream floats, shamrock cookies and cupcakes, and as the focal point, an emerald graduated green layered cake!




...and send the lassies home with these little shamrocks as a sweet little favor!
cheers!
paige
p.s. click on the photos for links to the how-to guides
photo credits: marthastewart.com, iam baker layered cake, and mad hungry blog for black & tan

It's all in the details.
For all you devoted readers, you have seen me repeat myself from week to week. But let's face it...those weddings that are featured on countless blogs and magazines get noticed by the strategic planning that went into the Big Day. And more times than not, the most beautiful details are affordable, simple touches.
I Do Originals is your go-to website for custom hand painted or printed parasols, banners and aisle runners. Kristin, the founder and owner of I Do Originals launched her line in 2006 with the idea to offer brides cost efficient ideas for custom designed products that required NO DIY effort on the bride's side (there are only so many hours in the day for DIY).

parasols are perfect props for photos

love, love, love
say thanks with style
Kristin answers all your questions with regard to monogram etiquette. Here is one very important question to keep in mind when determining how you want to use your wedding monogram:
Q: When can we start using our wedding monogram?
A: If you want to use traditional wedding monogram etiquette keep these simple rules in mind:
{before the wedding ceremony} if you are following traditional wedding etiquette it is a big no-no to use your married monogram before you're actually married. so that means using a monogram with your new last name or initials on your save-the-dates, invitations, thank you notes, etc. is taboo. instead, use a monogram that has just your first initials or first names.
{during the wedding ceremony} this is still a gray area for some, but I say if you want to use your married monogram, go for it! the married monogram is a visual symbol of two people joining as one... so the wedding ceremony is a perfect time to begin to use your new monogram on anything from the aisle runners, unity candles, programs, etc.
{after the ceremony} anything goes! Use your married monogram on anything you wish...

banners are precious for a ring bearer to hold

colored banners make your monogram pop

my favorite bible verse

showcase your new last name with pride!
Let us know how you are implementing your monogram in your wedding. We would love to hear your dazzling details!
xoxo

It is amazing how little details of your wedding day can slip through the cracks until the very last minute. Your ring pillow being one of them. Now granted it is only centerstage for a few minutes, but why go through months of planning all of your other details and let one of the most pure and heart pounding moments of your day slip through the way side?
5eizen (pronounced 5-E-zen) is another one of my favorite Etsy designers. Irene Lam is the founder of 5eizen. Her own wedding inspired her to create the dazzling line which reflects her style and sensibility. Every one of her products is original, well designed works of art that will pair beautifully with your wedding details.
The ring pillows featured below are just breath taking (I can't even believe I am saying this about ring pillows!) She has over 94 designs and also accepts custom orders...pretty incredible, huh?!

ivory bloom and dupioni silk

coral bloom and ivory ring

fuchsia bloom and ivory ring

gray bloom and yellow dupioni silk ring

fuchsia and gold leaves

black and gray ring
Just gorgeous...
Happy Wednesday!
xoxo
Sonia
Following our delightful spring afternoon at Kew Gardens, we meandered into a quintessential British tea house, the Original Maids of Honour. For over a century and a half, visitors have enjoyed taking tea here. Featuring its namesake pastry, favored by Henry VIII, it provides a classic English experience.

{the spread}

{three of the best things on earth: scones, clotted cream and jam}

Bring a little old fashioned England to your wedding festivities! If you're a bride looking for a creative way to honor your ladies, here's a perfect way to do it. Break out your kitschy tea cup collection, throw on a vintage apron, prepare a little nostalgic nosh, and invite your maids of honor over for a royal afternoon of high tea.
Cheers!
paige

We're 100 blogs strong...and still smiling!
a larger than life
T H A N K Y O U to our loyal readers for inspiring us to post ideas daily
and to the lovely, talented, diligent, creative
A I M E E & S O N I Awho both carry quite a load
and never cease to impress us
the fun has just begun, and the best is yet to come!X O X O,
paige