1.26.2012

A Little of This. A Little of That.

Hi folks!

I’d like to apologize for my lack luster blogging this week. I could blame the dark mornings and dense fog for lack of inspiration and an ongoing desire to stay wrapped up like a burrito in my delicious bed (thats right I said delicious), but I won’t. I have though seen some amazing things from my blog-leagues (play on colleagues, get it?) so have decided to throw a random sample of all of the yuminess I’ve come across.

PERSONAL FAVORITE:  Lobster Bake

PS- My new quilt came in and has really made it impossible for me to want to leave my bed in the morning. All things should arrive at your door like this!


West Elm:  Handblocked 'Lola' Quilt. La la la la-Lola.


The best mish-mosh of font, color, and graphics I've ever seen.


'Cotton- The Fabric of Our Lives' just took on a new meaning.

CheckMate

3K wedding with a backdrop like this.

A little obsessed with these two right now.


This is how guests should be served.

Icelandic Glacier Wedding- No big deal.

If you can pull this off, go for it.


1.18.2012

Pinterest Is Better Than Twitter

Ooooh I’m making quite a statement here. I’d like to invite CharlotteLucey readers to search “Renee Walsh” on Pinterest and follow- you'll find me by my painted feet photo.  Some of the things will look familiar from the blog, but others are other ideas that don’t require several paragraphs of explanation. 

This is the one problem I have with Twitter. It's great for getting tiny bite-sized conversations out of the way, but I don't see much.  In the short amount of time I've been on Pinterest, I've received more follows than the few weeks I’ve been on Twitter. Hmph.Why do I think this?  Well, raw fact and because of two things most of us have called eyeballs.

I’m a visual person. I eat with my eyes, I choose clothes based on colors and patterns, and I use YouTube to learn how to do certain things, such as knitting or how create a fishtail braid. Think I'm kidding, I kid you not.

To make a long story short… FOLLOW CHARLOTTELUCEY ON PINTEREST BY SEARCHING “RENEE WALSH”.  Fun fun.  Any ideas for a new board… I myself need some inspiration.
Cheers!

P.S. I'm still on Twitter and will remain there so CLICK to follow.

PhotoSource: Snippetandink

1.11.2012

Roll Tide! Alabama National Champions

Here’s a shout out to all those cheering for Alabama and a big congrats to the team for winning the National Championship this past Monday.  Enjoy!



Photo Source:  Vintage Georgia Wedding, BHLDN Engagement, Mag Rouge Brides, Red and White tablescape, Handmade Backyard Wedding'Elopement In a Field' (black pumps and sitting bride), Candy Apples

1.05.2012

I Really Can’t, But I Have To, Should I?


I’m going to use myself as an example for this blog.  I’ve spoken before about how being a member of the bridal party or simply being a guest can tighten your wallet.  Because weddings mean so much to the people involved (obviously) it’s easy to feel bad about not being able to participate in every pre-fete that comes up. 

That's where the "I really can't, but I have to, or should I?" question comes up. How do you let your friends and/or hosts know you'll be absent without feeling bad or coming off as insensitive?

Honesty is the best policy.

Of course if I was able to, I’d dote upon every bride-friend I have.  I'd travel here and there to be with them along this fun journey of parties, showers, and celebrations, but realistically, I can’t. I simply can’t afford all of it right now and I’m not ashamed to say it either. 

I have three weddings back to back this Spring.  Two of them require me to travel back to Washington, DC.  What does that mean?  It means I’ve had to re-evaluate where my money is going to be spent. Because I'll  be traveling to attend the weddings, I’ve let my friends know that I’m unable to attend their Bachelorette parties. And guess what? They totally understand.

Some possible responses:
  • Thank you so much for inviting me to attend your [event] and for thinking of me.  Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it, but I'm wishing you all the fun in the world! Can’t wait to see you soon!
  • I’d love to be able to come to the [event] but won’t be able to make it!  Thank you for the invitation and I’ll see you at the wedding!

BRIDES AND MAIDS OF HONOR

I’ve heard stories where brides AND maids of honor get upset when the people they invite to these shin-digs are unable to come. In fact, they get down right defensive.  But think about the reasons why- a lot of the time it’s because of money.  Money can be a touchy subject for people and they may not want to simply say “I can’t spend that much money right now” or "I can't afford it."

It’s not that you or your wedding isn't important to them, it’s just that they may not be able to afford all of the fun- that includes other weddings they've been invited to in addition to yours.   Simply take the “regrets to inform” decision they have made and tell them you’ll miss them, wish they could be there, but you're so happy they’ll be at the wedding. That’s the point right?

For those who have to break the news, be direct, but be sensitive. Apologize for your absence, but end on a positive note by wishing them the best!  For those receiving the news, be graceful and accept the decision that has been made. It's not a personal jab, just an honest choice.

Cheers!

Photo Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

1.04.2012

What the Etsy?

To the in-the-know bride who wants vintage props, décor, and other personal touches on her wedding day Etsy is the place to go.  Etsy was created become “your place to buy and sell all things handmade vintage, and supplies."- www.Etsy.com

I’m still in awe of some of the weddings that some of my favorite blog colleagues feature. The attention to detail and the story the couple shares with their guests is illuminated by the objects they choose.  So where does one get these objects? Etsy

Looking for a vintage typewriter? No problem. An antique door? No sweat. Streamers, signs, antique lanterns? It’s all there.  The phenomenal part about Etsy is that you can find unique items at extremely affordable prices.  You can also sell items on the site that perhaps can be recycled for another bride. 

Some possible Etsy shoppers:











Photo Sources:  Beatles Wedding at the Smog Shoppe, Clary Pfeiffer Photography, An Outdoor Nashville Wedding, Whimsical Wedding at Terrain