Showing posts with label Wedding day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wedding day. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2013

Star's Favorite Things: A Garter Toss with Flair for the Sports Loving Groom!

The "Garter Toss" is a fun wedding tradition where the Bride's garter is removed by her husband and tossed into a group of single male wedding guests.  Legend says that whoever catches the garter will be the next of the group to get married.  The prospect of being the next to get married terrifies some men and they often do their best to not catch the garter or tend to accidentally drop it if they catch it!  It is all in good fun of course, but if you think you'll be dealing with a group of guys who may shy away from the garter, consider wrapping it around a football before the groom tosses it to his boys.  I don't know many men who would drop a football (not on purpose, at least).  It is also a fun keep sake for the "winner" :)  This is such a unique and fun idea, especially for sports lovers!

Photo Courtesy of Southern Weddings

Photo Courtesy of Look Book

This idea is just too fun not to share!  

XOXO,

Star

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Star's Favorite Things: The Getaway Car

A "Getaway Car" is the vehicle used to transport a Bride and Groom from their wedding to their next destination, whether it be their honeymoon, their hotel, or to an after party.  A decorated Getaway Car makes for great photos and is such a sweet way to end a wedding.

I just love the idea of a Bride and Groom ending thier wedding by climbing into a beautifully decorated, luxurious car and driving off into the night excited to embark on their new life as Husband and Wife.  It stirs up feelings of excitement, romance and possiblities... I am swooning just thinking about it!  My husband and I were lucky enough to exit our wedding in a classic Rolls Royce.  The drive from our wedding venue to our hotel was filled with kisses and talks of our dreams and what our future would hold.  It was the perfect way it was to end the night!

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

The decor doesn't have to be fancy... a simple "Just Married" sign may be perfect!  There are loads of them available on Etsy.  Below are a few beautifully decorated Getaway Cars.  Just a bit of inspiration for you :)
Photo 1: Courtesy of Love & Stuff  
Photo 2: Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings
Photo 3: Courtesy of Pinterest
Photo 4: Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Love this personal twist on the classic tradition of tying tin cans to the newly married couple's car.  What a fun, and super easy DIY project for Bridesmaids.

Photo courtesy of Queens Land Brides

And don't forget, what happens in the Getaway Car, stays in the Getaway Car...

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

XOXO,  Star

Thursday, September 13, 2012

DIY With Star: Glass Etching

I recently discovered the wonderful world of glass etching and can't wait to share it with you! Glass etching is unbelievably easy and surprisingly fast.  It is done using a stencil with an adhesive back and Armour Etch, a fast acting glass etching solution that allows you to create permanently etched designs on glass items such as mirrors, windows, and household glassware.  This stuff is pretty amazing!  I was unsure if my finished product would compare to the professionally etched products I've seen at high end home retailers like William Sonoma, but I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  I think the quality of the wine glass I etched is comparable.  I had considered ordering monogrammed wine glasses when my husband and I got married, but decided against it due to the high price tag ($50 for a set of two).  Now I plan to purchase a set of inexpensive wine glasses and create my own monogrammed glasses for a fraction of the price!

What I love about glass etching is that it allows you to make use of the odd glass, candle holder, or dish sitting around your home (now I can actually do something with all of the wine glasses I've collected from wine tasting over the years that are just sitting in my garage)!  I also love that there are very few supplies required to complete this project.

Supplies:

-Contact paper or vinyl
-A small paint brush
-Armour Etch (I purchased mine from Amazon, but I'm sure it is available at your local craft store)
-A glass item (I used an old wine glass)
-A stencil with an adhesive back*  (I used an "H" for my last name, "Hansen")
*I used my Cricut (an electronic craft cutter) to cut my images but if you don't have one you can trace an image on the contact paper or vinyl and cut it out with an exacto/utility knife.  If you don't have an electronic cutter, I'd be happy to direct you to my Etsy shop where you can purchase a custom adhesive back stencil.  The negative space on the stencil is where the etching will occur.
Directions:

1. Peel away the adhesive backing and stick it to the glass.  Notice, the negative space is where the etching will occur.
2.  Press the stencil down firmly to remove any air bubbles.
3.  Paint a thick, even layer of Armour Etch on the negative space of the stencil.
4.  Ensure it is covered evenly and leave on for approximately 10 minutes.  Make sure it doesn't drip off the side of the stencil as the Armour Etch will etch any drips as well.
5.  After approximately 10 minutes, was the Armour Etch off with water (leaving the stencil attached).  Once all of the Armour Etch is rinsed off, remove the stencil and wash the item with soap and water.



Viola!!



I'm not sure that my photography does this beautiful glass justice!  Keep in mind, this etching is permanent and can't be washed off, so etch carefully :)  I had so much fun making this glass I searched my house for other glassware I could etch.
I'm planning to pare this etched Mr. & Mrs. wine glass set with a delicious bottle of wine for my newly engaged friends.





You could etch "Mr"/"Mrs" or "I Do"/"Me Too" on Champagne flutes and use them at your wedding.  They would be beautiful one-of-a-kind keepsakes and they cost much less than the designer ones people often register for.  If you and your fiance are not big Champagne or wine drinkers, try etching on cocktail glasses, martini glasses or even beer mugs.  It would also be cute to etch "Husband"/"Wife" on glass coffee mugs that can be used by the happy couple the morning after their wedding.
I etched "Mocktail" on a glass for my pregnant friend who often mixes sparkling water with juice when people around her are drinking cocktails.  Now she will have her own special glass and won't have to feel left out!  By the way, isn't the font adorable?!
I etched our last name on one of my baking dishes... I may have to do this with my whole set of glass bakeware!



You could etch a set of bakeware or mixing bowls with a couple's last name and give it to them (along with your favorite recipe) as a wedding or shower gift.  It would also be cute to etch "flour", "sugar", etc. on glass canisters!

Think of the great personalized gifts you could make!  What will you etch?!

Happy Crafting,

Star


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Star's Inspirations: Unconventional Guest Books

Weddings are often filled with traditions, many of which make the event memorable for the Bride and Groom as well as their guests.  I love tradition, especially at weddings, but I also think it can be fun to add a little twist to an old idea.  Unconventional guest books are a great way to add a bit of excitement to this wedding staple.  An unexpected guest book not only adds something creative to your big day, it leaves you and your hubby with a unique and sentimental treasure you can cherish forever.  There are many wonderful ways a Bride and Groom can ask guests to leave them a special message on their wedding day.  Below are some of my favorites...

Have a custom puzzle with a picture of you and your fiance made.  Ask each guest to choose a piece and write you a message on the back.


Ask guests to leave you a message on a Jenga block.  This would be fun to play every anniversary!

Photo courtesy of Oh! Weddings

Create a custom "Guest Lib" with things about you and your fiance and ask each guest to complete it. After the wedding, the "Guest Libs" can be complied into a funny little guest book.  Your guests will have a lot of fun with this one!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Set up a recording station for guests to leave you a video message.  You can either hire someone like The Guestbox or designate someone to do the recording for you. Or you can even set up a DIY station with directions for your guests.  After the wedding, combine all of the clips into a slide show.  You can even include music and text (if you are good at that sort of thing :)
Photo courtesy of Love & Lobster

This is one of the most unique ideas, and possibly my favorite!  Have a dictionary (maybe a beautiful vintage one) and ask quests to choose a word that best describes you as a couple, circle it and write their message.  Then ask them to tag their word so you know where to find it.  This would be an awesome coffee table book after the wedding!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Ask guests to sign a sentimental object (if it is hand made by a loved one, even better!).  It can be a bench, a large rock, a chair, a storage chest, a frame... the possibilities are endless!  After the wedding you can display the signed object in your home or garden.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Now this may not count as an actual "unconventional guest book" since it is quite popular but I've decided to include it since it is still considered outside the norm of the basic guest book of the past.  Have a book complied of your engagement pictures made by your photographers and ask guests to leave you a message in it.  It is a nice keepsake and it gives your guests a chance to view your engagement pictures.  Today, this may now even be considered an oldie, but still a goodie and one of the most popular!

Photo courtesy of Wedding Photography Design

As you can see, there are many creative and unconventional ways to collect messages from your guests on your wedding day.  Please let us know if you've come across any other unique "guests books" at weddings you've attended by commenting below.  

Best,
Star

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays: Breakfast is your most important meal!


Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet so many of us seem to miss it. Whether it is because your super busy or you may just not be a "breakfast person", we urge you to eat your breakfast on your wedding or event day!

On your special day, there will be a lot of chaos and commotion and emotions will be flying high. Having something in your system for your body to burn makes all the difference and will keep you energized all day long. If your not someone who likes to eat in the morning, at least grab a nutrition bar of some kind or even a piece of fruit. Anything to get your body going will contribute to ensuring you are in tip top shape for your special occasion.


Here are our picks for the top breakfast items to maximize your energy for your day!

• Oatmeal with Fresh Fruit or Raisins
• Eggs with Toast
• Breakfast Sandwich
• Bagel with Cream Cheese and all your favorite fixings’ (We like sliced tomatoes )
• Pancakes, Waffles or French Toast
• Fresh Fruit with Cottage Cheese
• Granola with Yogurt and Berries




Happy Morning!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Casting Alert: TNT's "Wedding Day"

Sterling Engagements was recently contacted by the Casting Associates for the hot new show coming to TNT "Wedding Day". If you or someone you know fits this description please contact us or their casting contacts before the June 6th, 2009 deadline.



Do you know of a couple who are planning on getting married or would like to marry Summer or Fall of 2009 who really DESERVE an amazing wedding but cannot afford it in these tough economic times?
“Wedding Day”, a new prime-time series premiering June 16th on TNT, is seeking to cast inspirational couples for our next amazing season!

You can view a promo of “Wedding Day” here:

Teachers, real-life heroes, survivors, volunteers, social workers, charity workers, etc. … we want to hear from you!
If you had to downgrade or delay your wedding plans due to job loss, injury, illness or deployment … we want to hear from you!
If you know of a couple who is so busy helping others they deserve someone to help them out … we want to hear from you – Nominate someone today!
Send a brief paragraph about your situation, or another couple’s situation, the current wedding budget, a recent photo of the couple (in .jpg format), and your contact information to:
WeddingDay@markburnettprod.com

Please respond by June 6, 2009.
***Couples may be asked to make a casting video with friends and family.

Happy Casting!