0 In Engagement/ Photography

Rustic Travel Inspired Engagement Session

As a part of the new Indie Wed blog, I want to feature real weddings and engagement shoots from around the country.  We are starting off the new year with an adorable photo session by Austin based photographer Love Caryn Photography.  The cute couple, Marianne & Kyle, live in College Station, TX while Kyle works on his PhD.  Marianne hails from Colorado while Kyle is an Illinois boy at heart, this twosome wanted to show their love of travel in this engagement shoot.

TIP: When taking engagement photos, make sure you talk with your photographer about your style, interests, etc so that you have a photo session that embodies who you are as a couple.  You don’t want to look back on your photos and feel like they were forced or you were playing a part that just wasn’t you.  Fortunately for Marianne & Kyle, they had a photographer who really wanted to capture their fun, quirky personality along with their love for traveling.

 

1 In Decor/ Inspiration/ Paper Goods

A Paint Chip Wedding

via Superhero Journal

Howdy.  We are in the midst of repainting much of our house and have piles and piles of paint chips.  I have always loved them and have even used them in my artwork.  When people come to me for their invitations or paper goods, I often tell them to visit the paint section of the home improvement store.  Often it is a great place to find just the perfect shade(s) you want for your wedding.  Sometimes one person’s idea of “Bubblegum Pink” or “Robin’s Egg Blue” is different than another person’s.  So grab that paint chip and hand them out to your florist, baker, printer, bridal party or anyone else who might need some specific color guidance.

Beyond using paint chips as a helpful planning tool, I think it would be so fun to incorporate paint chips into your wedding decor.  They can be used to match any color palette and the best part… they are free!

Here are some ideas to inspire you to incorporate paint chips into your big day.  Have any ideas we missed?  Add them in the comments below.

tutorial via Hey Gorgeous

I love this paint chip chandelier from Hey Gorgeous.  These would look lovely hanging above each table or by creating a larger one as a focal point above the dessert table or ceremony spot?

via Once Wed
via La’Di Events

One way to get your guests to their table is by creating paint chip escort cards.  Using single or multi-colored chips, cut them into your desired shape, write out the names and display.  If you are using a calligrapher, give them the chips ahead of time.  Also, large, uncut chips can go through most printers (I would suggest a laser printer) so you can be consistent with the fonts from your invitations and other printed goods.

via My Hands Made It

Here is a great tutorial for a laser printed place card, napkin holder.  I love the vintage napkin & tablecloth in this photo as well.  Veronica from My Hands Made It, originally crafted these as a place cards for a housewarming party.  She also created this hand fan for the same party but wouldn’t this ben even more perfect as a paddle fan program for a summer time wedding?

via My Hands Made It

Don’t send your guest home empty handed.  Pass out these adorable favor boxes topped with a paint chip name tag.  Adorable!

via Real Simple

Once the wedding is over and the sparkly dust has settled, announce the address of your new nest with these adorable moving announcements.  Design them on your computer, runt them through your printer, address, stamp, and voila!

via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Don’t fret if you aren’t very crafty, there are hundreds of paint-chip related goods on Etsy .  Everything from garlands to earrings to paper lanterns.  There are dozens of artists around that would happily help you create your perfect paint-chip wedding decor.

0 In Eco-Friendly/ Wedding Planning

Meet Naturally Your Events!

A little bit about my company: Naturally Yours Events is an eco-chic wedding and event planning company committed to planning events that are unique, stress free, and absolutely fun. No matter what your style or budget or where you are in the planning process, we will take the time to get to know you to ensure your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of.

A little bit about me: I started planning events at a very young age, with most of them being birthday parties and huge trips to the theater. In college, my love and talent for planning landed me a job at a photography studio in Michigan where I was their Day of Coordinator. After planning many weddings in Michigan, I am thrilled to be off on my own here in Chicago. Being a part of Indie Wed this year is so exciting for me. In fact, my first taste of Chicago’s wedding industry was at Indie Wed. I found the experience to be fantastic fun and a ton of inspiration. Can’t wait to see you all at the show!

Carlene Smith, Owner and Event Planner, Naturally Yours Events

Web: www.naturallyyoursevents.com
Email: carlene[at]naturallyyoursevents.com
Phone: 312-752-5890
Blog: www.naturallyyoursevents.com/blog


0 In Beauty/ Chicago/ Events/ Inspiration/ Photography/ The Bride/ The Groom

Windy City Pin Up

 

We at Windy City Pin Up are so very excited to attend our first Indie Wed in just a few short weeks. We are a vintage pin up duo composed of: Ashlee (Owner.Photographer.Stylist) & Laura (Partner.Hair.Make-up.Finishes)  We are a bit more than enthralled with all things vintage and when we started our business had a relatively simple mission: 

A dedication to transforming everyday women into timeless beauties. We are inspired by all that is classic, romantic, sexy, playful and coy. Encouraged by curves and the inherent allure that every woman possesses. Committed to create for you, an experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

And while each and every one of our clients are amazing and unique, one client base we never expected to be so vast and enjoyable are all the brides-to-be that come our way. Whether it’s a boudoir session to surprise their groom with on their big day, the classic pin-up calendar they’ve always wanted to share or a pin-up themed bachelorette party with their favorite girls, we adore our brides and can’t wait to meet so many of you soon. Be sure to stop by our booth or sign up for our burlesque/strip tease class.

We are currently offering 25% off all gift cards through the holidays, as well as discounts on our 2011 calendars and bookings are open for our heavily discounted Valentines Day theme shoot! Contact us or visit our website for details.

0 In Flowers/ Inspiration/ Website/ Wedding Planning

A Painting with a Plan

There are so many great people that go into making a bouquet painting, and Sarah and Ernest’s is no exception.  Even though I am the only one creating the actual painting, there is a whole team responsible for what comes out on the canvas.  The most important part in Sarah and Ernest’s creation is the gracious referral from team leader Hilary Schwartz of Estera Events.

If there’s any part of a wedding that I recommend the most (besides a fabulous florist), it is hiring a planner.  I can’t imagine relying on a family friend or, heaven forbid, my mom, to make sure everything is in tip top shape the day of my hypothetical wedding.  Put it all in the hands of the professional and let the guests enjoy.  I’ve played the part of the consultant before, and there is nothing like the joy you feel when you bring complete calm and assurance over what can be the most important and stressful day in a couple’s life.  Hilary is one of those people that easily makes you feel this peace when you are in her presence….imagine what she could do for your wedding day!

 

1.  How long have you been in business?

I started Estera Events in February of 2010, after working the previous 9 years as both an Interior Designer and Floral Designer.

2.  Toot your own horn….what’s your specialty?

Given my background, I love to help my clients create a conceptual direction for their event that suits their personalities and budget. We are involved in every single element to ensure a cohesive vision. We also design and produce details for the bride such as personalized Welcome Bags for the guests, innovative Escort Card displays and unique Place Setting embellishments at the table.

3.  What would be your dream event creation?

My dream isn’t so much for a particular event; rather, I am excited about fulfilling my dream of increasing Estera Events’ presence on the West Coast. Ultimately, I’d also like to do more exotic destination weddings–especially during Chicago winters!

4.  Wedding trend you love and one you’d like to see disappear?

I love the return to traditional details such as the ‘send off’ at the end of the evening. As far as a trend I’d like to see disappear–well, I have an aversion to tented escort cards. We always try to push the boundaries and make things a bit more interesting for our couples.

5.  Craziest request you’ve had?

We’re currently working with a bride who has requested a ‘Tennessee Circus, Betty Paige meets Mumford and Sons’ theme for her wedding next year. Sounds crazy – but we love it!!

6.  What do you like about working in the wedding industry?

Aside from designing and creating the quintessential wedding day for a couple, I really appreciate the camaraderie among the vendors in this industry. It’s refreshing to be surrounded by so many talented and supportive individuals.

7.   When you are not working, what are you up to?

When am I not working! I have to admit, I love my job and don’t feel like it’s all work! When I do take time off, however, I enjoy traveling – particularly to the Bed and Breakfast owned by my family in Missouri (Inn at Clover Hill).

8.  Anything new and exciting coming up that we should know about? (either professionally or personally)

Stay tuned for a Valentine’s Day event in late January, an exclusive dinner party in February, and not to mention all of our fabulous 2012 weddings!

 Thank you so much Hilary!!!  Eeee!  I can’t wait to see what Estera Events has in store for 2012!  Be sure to visit her at www.EsteraEvents.com.

And now for the painting update….

There are more to come…..

~Loreen

www.ReenieRose.com

3 In Contests & Giveaways/ Food/ Inspiration/ Reception/ Sweets & Treats

Meet the Teams – Inspired Creations Contest part 6

Welcome to the last installment of our ‘Meet the Teams’ series.  Out of all the wonderful proposals, we selected six teams of wedding pros to recreate their concepts live at the Winter Indie Wed.

The last team I want to share with you includes some total wedding rock stars, just like all the other teams!

Courtney Callahan PaperFleurSimply Jessie Photography & SQN Events have partnered up to bring us a concept they are calling the “Belles & Gents Bar”.  Imagine a relaxed, old-fashioned styled, co-ed bar where guests can chat it up while sipping on some refreshing libations.  A rustic wood bar will hold a bevy of sweets &  handcrafted beers just for starters.  What a fun idea for a wedding reception.  I could see this at a variety of locations from a backyard fete to a gallery soiree.

via Green Wedding Shoes

For a sneak peek at their gallery of inspirations, they created a pinterest page filled with all sorts of eye-candy.  Take a look.

4 In Contests & Giveaways/ Inspiration/ Sweets & Treats

Meet the Teams – Inspired Creations Contest part 5

In another installment of our ‘meet the teams’ posts, this is our fifth superstar team who will be competing in our live Inspired Creations Contest at the Winter Indie Wed.  

 

This team consists of an amazing roundup of talent.
Julia Franzosa Photography
Naturally Yours Events
Mignonette Bridal
Luscious Layers

For their inspiration, they looked to a French countryside tea party and will be creating a sweets table to fit the theme.  Yum!  (I am hoping this involves French Macarons – if so, please save me one, ladies)  Actually I think they are going for a more rustic, textured vibe which I think will be just lovely.  Here are some of their great inspiration images for reference.
Doesn’t this look lovely?  I can’t wait to see what they do in person!