New Trends in Wedding Invitations

   These days it seems to be all about personalization for Brides and Grooms. Gone forever are the cookie cutter weddings. And what better place to begin than with the invitation.

   This spot-on trend known as blind letterpress combines the use of the ink accompanied by an embossed design sans ink. How gorgeous is this?! (Czar Press http://www.czarpress.blogspot.com)

And how about this unusual lovely from Albertine Press


Replacing the more traditional monogram is the use of the embossed and inked motif or ornament. Also from Albertinepress.com


Ever popular in the South is the calligraphy invitation. This invitation takes the traditional form and updates it just enough to give it a more contemporary flair.

 
The calligraphy on this traditional invitation was printed in a soft brown ink, a more contemporary choice from Pendance Calligraphy and Engraving (www.pendance.us)

from Pen Dance

Other options include combining calligraphy elements on the invitation with offset printing or engraving (www.pendance.us/calligraphy)

also from Pen Dance

I married back in the day when Crane paper and hand engraving were de rigueur for nearly every Southern bride. Font choices were limited and only ecru paper was used. Guests were also expected to RSVP on their own personal correspondence cards. We did use an enclosure card for the reception at the "home of the bride," but there was not a separate RSVP card. These days I doubt you would get much of a response if you did not include a self-addressed, stamped reply card!

Even though Crane Company is still around and are purveyors of fine stationary, the most beautiful paper I have ever seen comes from Amalfi, Italy, and is called simply Amalfi Paper. The deckle edge, gorgeous watermark crest and weight of the paper give it a distinction that is recognized worldwide. Amalfi paper is made by hand in a process that dates from the Middle Ages utilizing 100% natural (no dyes) high grade cotton.. For the ecologically minded bride who has a taste for elegance, Amalfi paper is an exquisite and timeless choice.

Amalfi paper from Scribesdelight.com

There are so many choices available to brides today that it is staggering. I prefer invitations that combine tradition with inspiration and innovation, but whether you choose contemporary, traditional, or a marriage of the two, there will be little doubt that it will be YOUR special day, so celebrate in style!

Let Them Eat Cake

   There is little doubt that cake decorating in the modern age has been elevated to an art form. Just take a gander at some of these wedding cakes, and you will see what I mean!

Cake and photo from  Dessert Designs. Leland Riggins sets the gold standard in our town for wedding cakes!

And if you love Wedgwood blue, this is the cake for you! I love the hanging flowers, as well.

Source: wedding.theknot.com via Kathy on Pinterest

These cakes use texture to make a design statement

Source: oncewed.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Doesn't this cake look just like a ruffled wedding dress!

Source: google.com.au via Hayley on Pinterest

Or this one that demonstrates a touch of whimsy and a lot of personality! Gotta love the touch of bling with the Jadeite cake stand!

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Kathy on Pinterest

And if you like the traditionally decorated white wedding cake, this one looks decadent!

Source: farm4.static.flickr.com via Kathy on Pinterest

As does this:

Source: my-wedding-concierge.com via Kathy on Pinterest

If you are a DIY crafter, you might like the look of this cake:

Source: brides.com via MyAnh on Pinterest

If you like birds as much as I do, this one might sing out to you

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Melissa on Pinterest

The understated symmetry of this painted cake is oh so tweet, tweet...sweet, sweet!

Source: emblysparks.files.wordpress.com via Sophie on Pinterest

Even though I love pink, I confess this confection might be a little over the top...even for me!

Source: flickr.com via Tammy on Pinterest

I also like cakes that incorporate fruit into the design:

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Allison on Pinterest

Or this chocolate variation:

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Richelle Lynn on Pinterest

This is one of my favorite's

Source: brides.com via Nazan on Pinterest

Sometimes the most elaborate cakes can be upstaged by something very simple and sweet

Source: call-me-cupcake.blogspot.com via Aubrey on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: oncewed.com via Rachel on Pinterest

And what's not to say that a home-baked cake is not the best?!

Source: oncewed.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Whatever fits your fancy, you can find a cake to please your taste!

Source: sweetandsimple.com.au via Sally on Pinterest

Thanks to Pinterest.com for all of the photos but one.

Ish Girls Brunch and Favorite Things Party

   Just before knee surgery our Ish Girls Bible Study gathered together one last time and had our spring brunch and Favorite Things Party. This Favorite Things Party idea that I discovered on Pinterest has proven to be so much fun that we brought it back by popular demand. Each person brings seven (or how many of you there are) of her favorite things to the party to share with the others. We cap our gifts at seven dollars each so that no one breaks the bank. I actually came in under the wire this time, which was nice. You can tell by the gifts that people have invested both thought and effort into this. I don't have pictures of everyone's gifts, but they were all wonderful!
    Here's a toast to our special day together!

One friend brought lovely hydrangea's tucked
inside mason jars with a wire grid on top
for arranging flowers! It was a huge hit!

I gave each of the girls a pair of these candles and a
little silver notebook
with an embossed baroque cross on the front

Another friend brought us each a basil plant ready for potting along
with her recipe for homemade pesto! I can't wait to try it!

And who doesn't love Meyer's cleaning products?! The scent
is worth the extra little bit you pay for these wonderful organic
cleansers. This friend tucked this into a
goody bag along with her favorite
mechanical pencil!


Finally, we each received a wonderful 1960's vintage glass votive
with an etched design that one of the girls had picked up
at Wonders on Woodland in East Nashville
Alas, I don't have a picture...but these are a close match to them!

Some Deliciousness

    There is nothing better than brunch on the porch. Laid back family style. With all of the Southern food groups represented. Bacon. Grits. Sausage. Eggs. Big yeasty sweet rolls. A warmed-up yummy Almond Ring from Merridee's. A big bowl of fresh fruit. Fresh squeezed orange juice, cold milk, and a fresh pot of coffee! Good food. Lots of laughter. But the best part is not the food, it's always the family. Children and grandchildren. It's what The Husband and I love best!

This needs no explanation. I fried up a pound and a half and it was still not enough!

My grandmother Lou Lou's grits recipe...slathered in butter, of course!

Merridee's Almond Ring

Breakfast on the porch

Little One and Little Two diving in! 

Little Two says it's time to explore!

Uncle Bro Bro helps Little One into her favorite tree

Concentration is required

Little Two and her precious Momma

Pappy has the cheese part covered!

And who says you can't have an ice cream sandwich to finish off your breakfast?! Looks good to me.