a great wooden monument

Wait until the loved one has gone downstairs and is engaged in some solitary pursuit – reading the newspaper, watching TV, or sitting at the kitchen table with his face buried in his hands, dreading another day at work, and entertaining thoughts of beginning life anew in an artists’ colony in the interior of Australia.

Go up to him softly, tenderly, and begin whispering in his ear. Begin whispering, I say, but build up to a great crescendo: crying, screaming, and maybe breaking his "Pobody's Nerfect" coffee cup.

Say to him the following words:

Have I ever told you that I love you?

Yes, it is true. I love you. I love you with all my heart. I love you with my soul. I love you for the man that you are, and I love you for the man that you dream of being, but who you can never – must never! – become. I love you for every sign of your innate goodness – signs that, try as you might to conceal them, are still as obvious as they would be if some dull blade had etched them into your brow in an ornate font. I love you for the better angels of your nature, and also for the worse devils – perhaps more for the devils! It is true! I love you for the magnificent and bloody crimes that you dream of in your innermost heart when all the world is asleep, and I love you for that rich elixir of sweetness that you can pour on men, women, and children with a single word – NAY! – with a single glance! I LOVE YOU ENOUGH TO CARVE A GREAT WOODEN MONUMENT TO YOU EVERY MORNING, WORSHIP IT BY THE LIGHT OF THE NOONDAY SUN, AND THEN BURN IT TO THE GROUND EVERY EVENING – ALL THE BETTER TO PROCLAIM, MY DEAR, YOUR GLORY TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE YET TO KNOW YOU, AND TO THE GODS WHO ALREADY ADORE YOU!

SO GREAT IS MY LOVE!

SO GREAT IS MY DEVOTION!

SO GREAT IS MY PASSION!

Is the coffee still on?

vows

Our Vows

Matt and I finished our vows over a Beau Jo's pizza this evening. We decided to follow the following format: "I love you because..." followed by: "Because I love you..."

1. Matt, I love you because you make me laugh out loud on a daily basis, like when you come up with alternate names for our dog, Hoss, such as Hoss-tage, Hoss of Pain, or Hoss-car Myer Weiner.
2. I love you because you challenge me to be a better person, like when you made me promise to tell the Penske truck people that we scraped the moving van.
3. I love you because we create adventures together, like Halloween scavenger hunts or road trips out West.
4. I love you because you care so much for other people that you inspire all of us to be more caring. You do things like put toothpaste on my toothbrush and leave it out for me or come home on the worst day of winter with slippers and a Chia pet herb garden.
5. I love you because I smile every time I wake up to you and when I come home to you. We play together, brainstorm together, create together, read together. Your hand always feels comfortable in mine.
6. Matt, because I love you, I promise to treat you the way you want to be treated and with the respect you deserve. I promise to build trust with my words and actions. I will be your cheerleader, your nurse, your editor, your therapist, your teacher, your student, and your partner in adventure. I will deeply appreciate all of your positive qualities and not let the passage of time dull that appreciation. When life challenges us, I promise to focus on the resiliency of our love. And if I stumble and fail to live up to my promises, I will look you in the eyes, hold your hands, and apologize with sincerity. I will be my best for you.

Any revision suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

vase - 99cents

Height: 5"

$0.99 each at ikea.

bridesmaid dress

miss cherry blossom featured this dress on weddingbee. $46.50 for a gorgeouspurple and gold for the maids. absolutely.

name tags

from knottie pbell

Vases - beer glasses?

$6.99 for a 6-pack of...beer glasses.
is it just me or would these make great vases.

table numbers - notebook

DIY Table Number Love Notes

I absolutely adore this week’s project by the very talented, Laurie Cinotto. I love it when a project ends up achieving two purposes instead of one and these wonderful notebooks certainly accomplish that goal. Not only do the notebooks above function as table numbers, but they also provide guests with a place to record “love” notes for the bride and groom. I guess it is kinda a new twist on the traditional “wedding wish bowl”.

Supplies

3 ½ x 5 ½ inch Moleskine Notebooks (one for each table, they are sold in packs of 3)

Decorative paper (an assortment of coordinating colors, one half sheet per notebook)

Glue (appropriate for paper and ribbon)

Ribbon 1/8” wide ( 8.5” per notebook)

2” Gold sign makers “Stick-On” numbers ( enough for all your tables)

Double-stick tape

Tools:

Scissors

Make Your Own Rubber Stamp Kit (for type setting)

Bone folder

Moleskine Notebooks

Available at most art supply and stationary stores but the best prices are at the Moleskine online store. They offer quantity discounts. http://www.moleskines.com

Make Your Own Stamp Kit

Available at office supply stores and online at Fedex Kinkos

http://officeproducts.fedexkinkos.com/ce/shop/smart_search.p_load_page_s?item_search_in=make+your+own

Paper:

Hambly Screen Prints

Available in their online shop

http://www.hamblyscreenprints.com/

Shizen Design Decorative Paper

Available at Creative Papers

http://handmade-paper.us/page/CPO/CTGY/shizen

Stick on Numbers

Manufactured by Headline Sign

Available at Office Depot and other office supply stores

Directions:

These little the notebooks function as table numbers, but also provide your guests with a place to record “love” notes for the bride and groom.

Start by making a list of possible headings for the pages of your books.

A wish for the bride and groom.

A romantic city you have visited.

The best love story you have read.

Your favorite romantic comedy.

A secret to a long and loving life.

Your favorite love song.

A cozy place for a couple to dine.

Use your stamp kit to lay out the type, then stamp the headings in the pages of each of your notebooks. Allow the ink to dry before turning the pages. (see figure one and two)

Cut a length of ribbon approximately 3 inches longer than the height of the book.

Run a one inch line of glue along the spine, starting at the top of the notebook. Place ribbon on glue line, and allow to dry. (see figure three)

Open the notebook, lay it flat and measure the height and width of the open book.

Cut a sheet of paper that is the same height, and two inches wider than the open notebook.

Turn the paper over, so the printed side is down and lay the open notebook in the center, leaving an inch of paper on each side.

Fold the left hand edge of the paper over the left edge of the cover and use your bone folding tool to make a nice crease. (see figure four) Fold the book closed and make a crease on the spine, open the book and fold the right edge of the paper over the right edge of the cover. Use your bone folder again to make a crease.

Run a length of double-sided tape under the flaps you’ve created to secure the cover.

Close the book with your ribbon bookmark inside.

Stick a gold number on the front and back of each book. (see figure 5)

Display the notebook vertically on each table so the numbers clearly show. Be sure to place coordinating pens on the table so the guests can record their notes to you.

Budget:

(price per table number/notebook)

Moleskine notebook – $3

Ribbon $.25

Decorative paper $.50

Gold stick-on numbers $2

(for a pack large enough for 10 tables)

Total cost for materials – $5.75 

Picture uploading station

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/diy-wedding-photo-download-station-dont-let-your-guests-run-away-with-your-photos/

That’s why I loved reading about the invention of a computer-based kiosk that allows wedding guests to insert  their camera memory cards and upload photos on the spot. The New York Times online writes:

If you are considering a ‘download station’ at your wedding, here’s some other things to keep in mind:

• Do not leave the laptop unattended.
• Make sure the person manning the laptop gives easy instructions to your guests and assists them in downloading. You don’t want drunken guests messing with your laptop.
• Drinks and laptops do not go well together. You are taking your chances if you have guests milling around with drinks in hand.

Leaf boutiniers

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/leaf-boutonniere-how-to

Leaf Boutonniere How-To

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Step 1: Select a lightweight or medium-weight suiting fabric with a prominent grain or stripe.

Cut a half-leaf shape from fabric positioned on the bias.

Step 2: Flip the cut-out shape over, and lay it on the fabric so stripes align exactly (they'll create the effect of veins when the leaf is opened); cut around it.

Step 3: Machine-sew the two leaf halves together along the straight edge, as close to the edge as possible. (For leaves made of non-striped fabric, such as felt, cut a full leaf shape, fold in half vertically, and iron a crease.) Next, slip a length of cloth-covered floral wire between the two layers, extending partway up the leaf, and whip-stitch it into place. (We used contrasting thread for display purposes; you should use a thread that matches.)

Step 4: Open up the leaf, then press with an iron. Wrap wire with brown floral tape. Lay the fresh sprig on top of the leaf, and wrap its stem to the floral-wire stem with narrow ribbon.

Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Leaf Boutonniere How-To 

Tissue paper pompoms

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

• 
  Introduction

  These dahlialike pom-poms appear to float in the air; in reality, they are hung from the ceiling with monofilament, imparting a cheerful radiance to any party.

  You can also buy a Tissue Paper Pom-Pom Kit from Martha Stewart Crafts.
  Next: Step 1

Step by Step

• Introduction
• Step 1
• Step 2
• Step 3
• Step 4

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Tissue Paper Pom-Poms How-To - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Table numbers

Table Number Ideas

Spending as much time as I have browsing the internet for some fun D.I.Y ideas, i've come across so many cute and DIFFERENT ideas for table numbers! I thought i'd share some of my favorites with you, so here they are!

I LOVE this idea. The couple took old pictures of themselves and paired them up according to the year they were taken. So table numbers weren't "1" and "2" etc... they were "1979" "1983" etc... Love it!!

This look was in the running for my table number look.. but I opted to go with the glass jars with the chalk board fronts instead -- nevertheless, I still love this look!

Another gorgeous D.I.Y idea... all you need to do is wrap a glass jar in a light cardboard paper and paint the numbers on or spell out the number like it's shown here!

This table number idea is so adorable. PERFECT for a destination or outdoor summer wedding!

Table numbers

1.  Don’t use numbers, use locations, books or other items that have meaning for you!  Name your tables after places you have visited, streets you have lived on or musicians you love.  We love this example from Jesse Leake Photography where the couple took the idea even further and took polaroids of themselves holding street names.  Fun!

2.  Use timber cut-out numbers in place of card and paint them the colour of your wedding theme.  These pretty table numbers below blend in perfectly with the theme of the wedding.  Images from Elisabeth Millay with Jonathan Young via Brooklyn Bride.

3.  Create vintage style table numbers by using pretty frames, lacey paper and glitter pens.  This gorgeous idea can also be easily created on your computer and printed at home for a fun look without breaking the bank.  We love the baroque frames at Pink Frosting’s wedding shop which would work perfectly for these table number creations.   Image Bridal Cookie. 

4.  Use miniature chalk boards to create a rustic table number – perfect for garden and beach weddings.  Miniature chalk boards can be purchased online at Pink Frosting’s wedding shop for delivery world-wide.  Photo Credit: Meg Runion.

5.  Coordinate your table numbers with your wedding stationery such as place cards, invitations, thank you cards and more.  These fun baroque paper frames on an easel match the Pink Frosting Love Bird Damask stationery range - gorgeous huh?  They will be available from March 2011.

6.  Make your table numbers your table centrepieces – yep, all in one!  These personalised vase decals (which come with the vase) include the table numbers in your wedding colours, so simply sit in the middle of your reception tables and fill with gorgeous flowers.  You’ve achieved the perfect two for one wedding decoration! 

6.  Create table number luminaria to add atmosphere and light to your wedding reception tables.  Take a standard luminaria and create the perfect table decoration by following the easy tutorial at Intimate Weddings.  Voila – perfection and a fun crafting activity for you and your girls!

Now, if you haven’t found a fabulous idea for making your table numbers extra special and unique, here are some more ideas:

pinwheels

DIY - PINWHEELS BY KELLY PORTNOY

Hi Guys.....it's DIY day at the cafe.....remember the cute pinwheels at this style shoot....well, not only did my oh-so-fab friends Kelly and Ryan Portnoy of Kellan Studios capture all the fun at this shoot, turns out that Miss Kelly is a serious DIY Diva....that's right y'all...she made all the cute pinwheels....YOU ROCK Kelly and she truly "rocked" the pinwheels....she's stopping by with all the DIY details....take it away Kelly!!

Step 1.....Gather Tools- (Truly the pen and the straight edge measurer are just for looks for me. I have no intention of using them but if you are anal about measurements…..USE THEM!) I have selective analness…..like my pillows always have to be straight on the couch…..cutting crafting paper in half…I just wing it! HAHA….good start to my tutorial right?

Step 2....Gather Supplies- BIG HUGE IMPORTANT DETAIL….when making the OVERSIZED 12 inch diameter pinwheels you need TWO sheets of the 12 inch scrapbook paper. Buy duplicates or scrapbook packets that have multiples. A package of 12 inch long dowels. A spool of twine. Oversized buttons. These happen to be ones I pressed and cut from polymere clay…but any kind will do. (Yes be impressed by me for a moment) I don’t iron my shirts, but I make my own buttons. I don’t get me either!

Step 3......Cut Strips and Fold Accordion Style- I recommend lining the patterns up on your two sheets of paper and folding or “measuring” them in half and cut in the same direction so your pattern continues end to end to end to end for 48 inches! Stack all 4 strips on top of each other and fold in either a 1/4, 1/2 or 1 inch bend. If you are making multiple pinwheels it looks really cool varying the fold width. (**Note…have glue gun plugged in so it is ready to roll shortly)

Step 4.....Staple or use permanent adhesive squares. (Use a discrete amount of staples). Staple all the way around until you make a full circle. The accordion will stand upright like a lampshade. This is where it gets very tricky to lay the paper design side down. You need to “manhandle” it and show it whose boss. I kid you not. That thing will spring up in your face and cause great frustration.

Step 5....Flatten Pinwheel/Insert Dowel- With one hand you need to hold it steady while you get your glue gun ready. The dowel is the KEY to the stability of the pinwheel. One this large does not want to lay flat without the extra support, especially if you are using them outside and wind is involved. You will thank me later!

Step 6......Glue the snot out of it- You will win no prizes for aesthetic reasons on the backside of your pinwheel….but you will have a sturdy pinwheel in the end. If you really want to go the extra step you could cut out a 12 inch wide circle and glue it flat over the back to cover up all the mish mash of adherent.

Step 7.....Glue on Button- put a lot of extra glue on the center point under the button as well as on the back of the button and hold firmly for a good 1-2 minutes until glue is absolutely cooled.

Hang up and Enjoy- I just hole punched and added twine.

OMG...how cute are the "mini ones"...love these!!