Holiday Wishes from Sterling Engagements

Star's Inspirations: DIY Holiday Gift Wrapping

The holidays are just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited!  This past weekend I went to start the gift wrapping process and realized that I didn't have any holiday wapping paper.  I did however; have plenty of white butcher paper, ribbons and colored paper so I figured I'd get creative.  I had seen some great gift wrapping ideas on Pinterest and was excited to give some of them a try.

Some of our family members celebrate Christmas and others celebrate Hanukkah, so I decided to go with two themes.  For Christmas, I chose traditional red and white, bringing yarn wrapped news paper into the mix.  For Hanukkah I went with a peacock theme, playing off the turquoise and black in the peacock feathers.

Once I got started, my imagination (and glue gun) went wild.  I had so much fun trying different things - paper curls, yarn balls, wrapping ribbon and paper flowers (which were the most fun to make!  Keep your eye out for more on these :)  Here is what I came up with.

For Christmas

As you can see, I used a variety of papers, textiles, and embellishments

I used my Cricut to cut out tags and initals

The wine bottle wrapping idea came from Martha Stewart via Pinterest

I love the combination of red ribbons, white butcher paper and newspaper!  

The newspaper idea came from Allora Handmade via Pinterest.

The yarn pom-pom idea came from Poppy Talk via Pinterest

Check out these adorable wine labels by Martha Stewart (purchased at JoAnns).
What a great way to dress up a wine bottle for the holidays!

For Hanukkah

As you can see, the focus is on the peacock feathers with paper flower and textured ribbon accents

There is something very festive about peacock feathers, don't you think?

As you can see, my Holiday wrapping was all about resourcefulness and using what I had on hand.  Its amazing what homemade gift wrap you can come up with when scrounging through your odds and ends.  Let your odds and ends be your inspiration!

Below are some other wrapping ideas I've found.  I hope to try these out soon!

Photo courtesy of Ellinee

Photo courtesy of Older and Wisor

Photo courtesy of Design Sponge

Happy Holidays,

Star

Star's Inspirations: Pets At Weddings

While perusing one of my favorite sites, Pinterest, I came across the below photo on their "Weddings & Events" board.  It has to be one of the most adorable wedding photos I've ever seen, and it brought a huge smile to my face.  I just had to share it with you guys!

Photo courtesy of Picasa (Chelsea Caldwell Bridal) via Pinterest 

When I got married three years ago, we didn't have a dog.  We have since welcomed a yellow lab, Charger, into our home.  He has become a huge part of our lives and is considered a member of our family.  How neat it would have been to have had him in our wedding!  Charger is now two years old and we love him dearly, but he has lots of energy and gets into a lot of trouble.  Even if we'd had him when we got married, I don't think it would have worked to have him be a part of our wedding; but I must admit, I like the idea of having a couple's furry friend join in on their special day.  It definitely adds an extra layer of logistics to the day, but their participation sure makes for some memorable photos!

Photo courtesy of USA Today 

Photo courtesy of The Wall Street Journal

Photo courtesy of USA Today 

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Check this one out... the pup has the bride's panties!

Photo courtesy of Wedpix Magazine

I hope you enjoyed these photos as much as I did!  So, I'm wondering... have you ever been to a wedding where a pet was involved? What were your thoughts?  Would you ever consider having your pet participate in your wedding?

xoxo,
Star

Shoe Shot Sunday: Marissa + Ricardo

Marissa and Ricardo were married at the lovely Strawberry Farms in Orange County last spring.  I love spring weddings because of the gorgeous color palettes that come together like this one incorporating whites, yellows, creams and blushes.  Often times with an assortment of colors like this, you find the shoes to be very dainty, playful and fun and these wedding shoes are exactly that!

Check them out...

The wedding was captured by the awesome Floataway Studios, to see more sweet images from Marissa and Ricardo's day, be sure to visit the Floataway blog!

Inspired by Phalaenopsis Orchids!

 Photo courtesy of Orchidaceous Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchids aka Phals or Phalies as I like to call them are one of my favorite types of orchids and flowers period.  They are elegant and sophisticated, tall, sexy, exotic and just oh so gorgeous.  The glamor and overall look they bring to any arrangement or bouquet is just stunning and that's why I am forever fond of them.   

Here are some of the photos that show off these incredible orchids and showcase them in the finest way!

Photo courtesy of Preston Bailey

Photo courtesy of Natural Beauties

One of my the most unique designs I've seen in a long time was this extraordinary orchid cloud about a chuppah.  How beautiful is this?

Photo courtesy of Mood Flowers

 Photo courtesy of Jose Designs

Last but far from least, Karen Tran is a San Diego based floral designer and his a true gift with the incredible designs she creates using Phals.  Every time I see her work I'm more and more in love... check out some of my favorites...

 

Photos courtesy of Karen Tran Floral Design

Photo courtesy of Hours of Flowers

 

One of the best things about Phalaenopsis Orchids too is that you can use them sparingly or in an abundance and they always give an impact.  My favorite color are the fuchsia phals, what are yours?