Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

Originally, I was on the hunt for Mother’s Day (May 11th) craft ideas because nothing says ‘I love you’ like a thoughtful gift. I found these 4 outstanding, diy projects that you could incorporate pet photos, wedding photos, baby photos or any photo for that matter! I think it’s important to give life to the images on cd and show them off. With everything being digital these days, seems that people forget to print photos! A reason why I offer an album and many other print materials with every wedding I book! I love the bottle-cap idea for napkins or place settings for a guest table. The tin cans would make personal wedding favors. Click for instructions: Personalized Magnets & Tins, Bottle-cap Magnets & Thumbtacks, Accordion Gallery, Pet Photo.

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

April 22 is Earth Day! I thought it would be informative to share some eco-friendly ideas to help make your wedding day as green as can be! Many articles are saying that this is a trend, but I hope that these pointers can become a permanent choice in helping our environment – wedding or not. In my own digital photography workflow, I try to minimize as much paper as possible by communicating through email. My proofs are viewed only online, as well as the album proofs. All my ink cartridges are recycled, and I try to use reusable/recyclable papers and packing materials. Any bit helps! Check out ways you can help! (more…)

Photos courtesy of Sprout Home

I am VERY ready for spring to finally come around in Chicago! I was headed out to the grocery store a couple days back and passed a store called Sprout Home (located just off of Chicago & Damen intersection in Chicago). I’ve seen it a few times but never went in. It was a ‘fake’ spring day – the kind that is warm enough to not wear your winter coat and then it snows the next day. I decided to check it out! I love home accessory stores because I find lots of inspirations for art, photos and design. Greeted by the cutest dog in the world (a Vizsla – my fav!), I made my way around this very inviting store. Lots of home accessories such as plates, wrapping papers, ceramics and the cutest photo frames – which make great gifts for your wedding party!! Not to mention, plants galore! Sprout Home carries plant species of all types – indoor, outdoor, even little cacti. Check out their outdoor furniture! Can’t even begin to pick out a favorite product, but I have to say the photo frames and the modern bird feeders were top on my list! Brides and grooms – they even have gift registry!!

I highly recommend stopping in – especially if you have spring fever – or checking out their website link above because they have many more products then mentioned above.

Photos courtesy of Paper Source

Aren’t those favor boxes adorable?! I was in Paper Source (Chicago) a few days ago purchasing more envelopes and paper for my photo info packets and came across these super cute pillow boxes! Paper Source one of the cutest stores for anything related to paper. I thought these would be great to add candy or special momentos for your wedding guests, not to mention a creative way to decorate your tabletops! What a way to bring vibrant color and design sense. Boxes seen above are called “pillow boxes”, “take out boxes”. They have a couple more styles like pyramids and flip envelopes that could work too. Check out my post about wedding favor ideas too! If you can’t find a Paper Source location in your area, shop online!

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

Every so often I get asked by brides or other wedding vendors what makes a wedding unique (or stand out) to me. It was always hard to answer because weddings tend to follow a normal routine but every wedding is beautiful in it’s own way. However, I can say one thing (and I’m sure most vendors agree) that when the bride & groom add personal touches to shine who they are as a couple, it creates some of the strongest memories from the day! Wedding favors are one of the best ways to say THANK YOU to your friends and family in a personal way! (more…)