Stylish Events

We used mini pumpkins and gourds as the escort cards for our guests. It was one of their wedding favors.

We encouraged guests to sign our “guest bench” which was a DIY project that my parents helped me with. This large piece of wood is now a bench on our porch!

We danced to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” for our first dance.

After the first dance, we enjoyed passed appetizers and dinner. My favorite food was the mini grilled cheese sandwiches with shot glasses of tomato soup – they were so cute and really great comfort food for an autumn night.

The centerpieces and table numbers were two more DIY projects. We found the wrought iron pumpkins two years before our wedding and I knew I had to have them. We placed them on DIY cake stands made from trees, surrounded them with moss, twigs with pearl beads and candles.

Since we’re both huge Va Tech football fans and planned our wedding around a football game {we took the bridal party to the Thursday night home game the week of our wedding}, my husband’s mom surprised us by getting the Hokie bird – the team’s mascot – to come to the reception. He took pictures with guests, danced with us and of course we all did the Hokey Pokey!

Instead of a wedding cake {I know, I’m nontraditional}, we had a DIY dessert bar with homemade cupcakes, banana nut mini loaves and cakes and candy. Since it was halloween, we decided to incorporate the holiday into our dessert bar. It was the only thing halloweenish at our wedding. We made the cake stands from trees and made the “tree” in the back with a clay pot and branches.

We had so much fun. I ate, drank and danced all night. It was seriously the best night of my life!

Photography by David Franusich {thank you, thank you, thank you}

And if you couldn’t keep up – that was a total of 12 DIY projects! I consider my wedding pretty much a DIY wedding and I’m really proud of it, because we were able to stay in budget. Now that my wedding is over, I’m going to get busy doing even more DIY projects to post on Stylish Events….

Related Posts:

My Casual Rehearsal Dinner

My Halloween Wedding, Part I

My Halloween Wedding, Part II

6 Comments | In: Real Weddings | tags: centerpieces, dessert buffet, DIY projects, escort cards, halloween wedding. | #

Here is the War Memorial Chapel at Virginia Tech where our ceremony took place. It was an intimate location to get married, because it’s a small chapel. It was perfect for our 80 guests.

On the outside of the chapel we hung two wood wreaths adorned with roses on the doors. Another DIY project.

I spent hours making these pearl wreaths to hang on the ends of the pews. It was completely worth it, because it was one of my favorite decorations.

My husband and I are lucky, because we have tons of crafty family members. My stepfather who is a carpenter and my mother built the wooden structure that we got married under. We’re not Jewish, but I fell in love with the idea of having a chuppah like structure. Now it’s in our backyard! We placed pastel colored pumpkins around the bottom of the structure and decorated it with gold leaves and branches.

At the end of the ceremony, we walked back down the aisle to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder. The guest were dancing and cheering and it was a great way to start the celebration.

At the end of the ceremony, there were fireworks!

We rented a bus to take the guests from the ceremony to the reception. After we took pictures at the chapel, we rode over to the reception in the bus with the wedding party and then posed for a couple quick pictures.

Next up…..the reception!

Related Posts:

My Casual Rehearsal Dinner

My Halloween Wedding, Part I

My Halloween Wedding, Part III

5 Comments | In: Real Weddings | tags: Ceremony, DIY projects, halloween wedding, real wedding, wreath. | #

Image from Oh So Beautiful Paper

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 10/4/09-10/10/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Oh So Beautiful Paper

I check this blog on a daily basis, because I’m always incredibly inspired by the lovely stationery, wedding invitations, and crafty ideas. This week I loved Alisa and Matt’s Real Invitations and the screen printed wrapping paper.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Once Wed – Once Upon a Hill Centerpiece

This adorable centerpiece is two of my favorite things – creative and budget-friendly.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: The Inspired Bride – Sources for the Crafty (or Budget) Bride

If you’re a DIY bride, you’ll love this list of resources. Make sure you save them under your favorites, so you can revisit the post over and over!

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: 100 Layer Cake – Carly and Dan

This is a must see wedding – I’m loving the unique wedding invitation, the simply gorgeous wedding ceremony décor, and the beautiful pictures.

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: centerpiece, DIY projects, real wedding, Wedding Blog Awards, wedding pictures. | #

Image from Green Wedding Shoes

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 9/27/09-10/309:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes

This week I couldn’t stop myself from looking at Janet and Matt’s wedding and the Rustic Table Décor multiple times. I really love the boutonniere and bouquets from the wedding and personalized jam favors from the rustic table décor.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Once Wed – Fabric Table Numbers

I love these so much that I’m planning on making them for my table numbers. They look pretty simple and they match a rustic, romantic theme perfectly.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: From “I Will” to “I Do” – Selling Your Wedding Dress

Get great advice on selling your wedding dress from this post.

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The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: 100 Layer Cake – Lianne and Jeong

The first thing you need to see is this couple’s wedding invitation – soooo adorable! I also love the simple centerpieces, wedding favors, and dessert table.

No Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: DIY projects, real wedding, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Images from Classic Bride

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 8/23/09-8/29/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Classic Bride

This blog is always on my must read list, but this week I was blown away by the blogs new design – which you also need to see. It’s beautiful! This week I loved the Treehouse Wedding, DIY Clutch, and Fall Bridesmaid Dresses.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: The Bride’s Café – Snap Station

This idea is brilliant and another option for couple’s who need budget-friendly photography options. Consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony and setting up a DIY snap station at the reception for fun pictures.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Savvy Scoop – Minimize Family Drama

A professional photographer gives his advice on how to minimize family drama during post ceremony pictures. A must read if you have family members who don’t get along very well.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes – Leah and Chris

This wedding caught my eye as soon as it appeared on my computer screen. The bride looks gorgeous in her asymmetrical gown with her hair loosely pulled into a side bun. I love the bouquets, the DIY touches, and the simple centerpieces.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Hip Hostess – 10 Good Cheap Liquors

Are you having an at home wedding or able to provide your own alcohol? If so, this is a good list of 10 cheap liquors that taste good.

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY projects, Real Weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Image from Creature Comforts

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 8/16/09-8/22/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Creature Comforts

I recently posted about how much I love this blog – but during the past week I fell in love with it a little more. I loved the DIY Silver Glass Glittered Frame, Downloadable Sweet Little Cards, and DIY Canvas Frame Inspiration Boards. Creature Comforts isn’t a wedding blog, but you can get a lot of inspiration for your wedding and for life here.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: The Inspired Bride – Hot Cocoa Vials

This project looks easy and budget-friendly – two of my favorite things when it comes to DIY projects.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: From “I Will” to “I Do” – E-Registries

Registering online? Check out this article for tips and advice.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: 100 Layer Cake – Hollin and Eric

You really need to see this wedding. This gorgeous wedding stopped my heart for a second. The bride is adorable, and I LOVE her dress. The invitations were my favorite part – cute and unique.

No Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: DIY projects, Real Weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Image from Green Wedding Shoes

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 8/9/09-8/15/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes

I really love the style of this wedding blog. This past week I adored the Engagement Photos + Cupcakes, An Eco Forest Inspired Tablescape, and Ainjil and Chris’ Vineyard Wedding (check out the amazing video at the bottom of the post).

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Creature Comforts – Lovely Locket Links Necklace

This is a cute DIY project for anyone (not just brides) and would be a great gift for your bridesmaids.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Tried and True – What to Wear to Your Engagement Pictures

I get a lot of engagement picture outfit requests from readers. I’ve thought about writing a post about what to wear, but I found this one which gives a lot of great advice.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Grey Likes Weddings – Jennifer and Jason

This wedding is ADORABLE. I seriously love the bride’s wedding dress, the cozy ring pillow, the décor, and the hot dog stand.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: DIY Bride – Where to Buy Bulk Flowers

I have been looking for a resource like this, since I thought about ordering bulk flowers online to save money for my wedding. Check out this extensive list of places you can order bulk flowers from for a more budget-friendly wedding.

No Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding, DIY projects, real wedding, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Image from Green Wedding Shoes

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 8/2/09-8/8/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes

Seriously, I freakin’ LOVE this blog. This week I adored the Organic Vintage Inspiration Board, Josie and Adam’s Modern Handmade Wedding, and 50’s Inspired Engagement Photos.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Intimate Weddings Blog – Wedding Table Numbers with Illuminated Numbers and Monogram

This DIY project is a fabulous option for the bride looking for romantic, impressive table numbers on a budget.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: From “I Will” to “I Do” – Beating the Heat

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony during warm/hot weather, check out this post for tips and advice.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: The Southern Weddings Daily Blog – Samantha and Tyler

So pretty! This wedding is incredibly inspiring for a beach bride. I love the bride’s dress, the ceremony décor, and the wedding cake.

No Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: DIY projects, read wedding, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Image from The Inspired Bride

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 7/26/09-8/1/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: The Inspired Bride

This blog should not be overlooked by the engaged couple. Maddy, the woman behind the blog, does an excellent job of putting together inspiration boards and incorporating posts for the bride on a budget. I love her style and find inspiration from this blog on a regular basis. I especially love her color cards. The posts I adored this past week were: Inspiration Board: Madly in Love and Inspired Conversations: Courtney Kardos of Piper Riley Designs.  

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: 100 Layer Cake – Ruffly Belt

Learn how to make a fabulous accessory for your wedding day with this DIY project.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Elizabeth Anne Designs – Contract Signing Tips

Abby wrote a helpful article packed with contract signing tips. Take a minute (it won’t take you long, it’s a short article) to read this article before signing your contracts.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Snippet & Ink – Hayley and Joshua

Anyone who loves looking at real wedding pictures will love this one. The bride made 80 pink and white poms to decorate the ceremony venue with the help of friends and family and a good friend did her hair which looked incredibly romantic. I love that the bride had a local seamstress make her dress, because she couldn’t afford her dream designer dress. You would never know that this bride was on budget by looking at her wedding. Thanks for the inspiration!

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Oh So Beautiful Paper – Trimming the Budget without Sacrificing the First Impression

Maddy from The Inspired Bride wrote this guest post which is extremely helpful for brides who want to have pretty invitations without spending a fortune.

4 Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY projects, Real Weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Image from Once Wed

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 7/12/09-7/18/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Style Me Pretty

Within the past year, I’ve never met a bride who doesn’t know about Style Me Pretty. This wedding blog is an amazing resource for décor details, unique wedding designs, DIY projects, and real wedding inspiration. This week I loved the Chic Beach Wedding Part I and Part II.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Once Wed – Cake Toppers and Favors

I love this adorable DIY project. Check out this great idea for cake toppers and wedding favors.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: From “I will” to “I Do” – Saving the Date

If you’re getting ready to send out your save-the-dates, read this article to see what information you should include on them.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: The Southern Weddings Daily Blog – Lynn and Jonathan

Wow…wow…wow. This wedding took my breath away and I fell in love with it the minute I saw the romantic ceremony décor and the gorgeous invitations. You have to see this wedding.

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: DIY projects, Real Weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

This week on Stylish Events:

Real Wedding: Suzanne and Adam

Lovely Lace

Wedding Dress of the Week (Designed by Monique Lhuillier)

Wedding Blog Awards of the Week (4/5/09-4/11/09)

Engagement Photos

8 Bridal Shower Invitations

Real Wedding: Jessie and Michael

Inspiration Boards: Ivory, Light Blue, and Yellow

101 DIY Projects and Ideas  **I want to give a super huge THANK YOU to the amazing bloggers who posted about 101 DIY Projects and Ideas. Thanks to Elizabeth Anne Designs, Creature Comforts, nicole galletta, DIY Bride, and Lucky Me.

Contest – Win One of These Totes

Fashion Friday – Romantic Rehearsal Dinner Outfit

Giveaways, Contests, and Discounts:

Win Bridal Jewelry via Vintage Glam Weddings. Enter April 20^th.

Enter to win a $100 JCPenny gift card via Wish Special Events. Contest ends on April 20^th.

The Blissful Bride is giving away wedding stationery from Vista Print. Enter by April 24^th.

Custom Hand Embellished Crystal Cake Topper via Brenda’s Wedding Blog. Enter by April 20^th.

Save-the-Date giveaway via Truly Engaging. Enter by April 19^th.

Win a Print Set from Print+Press via Creature Comforts. Ends April 19^th.

Egg Press sample sale online via Perfect Bound. Save up to 50% off cards and calendars.

Inspiration Boards from Other Blogs:

Romance in the Rockies via Snippet & Ink

Down by the River via weddings by zoelingard

A Preppy Affair via The Wedding Cabaret

Beautiful Real Weddings:

Eileen and Mathew via Modern Romance

Elena and AJ via Elizabeth Anne Designs

DIY Projects:

Paper Wedding Cones via Once Wed

And More:

New Wedding Stamps via fine by m.e.

1 Comment | In: Weekly Wrap-Up | tags: bridal shower invitations, contests, discounts, DIY projects, engagement photos, giveaways, inspiration boards, Real Weddings, stylish events, stylish wedding, stylish weddings, wedding blog, wedding contests, wedding discounts, wedding dress, wedding giveaways. | #

 Copyright © 2009 Leffand Studio

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 1/25/09-1/31/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Once Wed

This is another blog that I read daily. This week on Once Wed was particularly great. It started with the beautiful real wedding of Jared and Eryn who were married at home and ended with two budget-friendly DIY projects. If you don’t check out anything else, I’m begging you to take a peek at the DIY Book Ring Box. It’s ADORABLE.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: 2000 Dollar Wedding – DIY Invitations

This creative bride made cute wedding invitations by using scraps of paper and a children’s dictionary. Talk about a great way to reuse materials.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Blue Orchid Designs – 5 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Colors

If you’re trying to figure out your wedding colors, check out this great advice.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: The Southern Weddings Daily Blog – Beth and Jared Part I and Part II

This couple is endearing and their wedding is inspirational. The gorgeous chuppah was made by the bride’s mom and dad. This wedding had so many beautiful details that it needed two posts! Make sure you pay attention to the stunning centerpieces and the bride’s elegant dress.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Weddingbee – DIYers, Hold’em Scissors  

Are you still in need of a veil that will fit your budget? See this post to find a long veil for only $6.24.

Note: If you have blogs or posts that you would like to nominate for the next week, please comment on this post. I’m always looking for new wedding blogs and inspiring ideas!

6 Comments | In: Budget Friendly Ideas, DIY Wedding Projects, Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget-friendly wedding advice, budget-friendly wedding ideeas, DIY projects, DIY wedding ideas, stylish events, stylish wedding, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #