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wedding blog + planning guide for creative weddings | inspiration for DIY Brides

Brenda's Wedding Blog is your online resource for planning your dream elegant wedding. Helping you find the "wow" in weddings.

Posts in DIY
Say "I Love You" with Valentine's Day Chalkboard Printables

I have to say that I just love the chalkboard printables that keep popping up on blogs as free downloads. During the holidays there were so many I loved and now with Valentine's Day coming up - there's even more. Below are some of my favorites. Are you planning a wedding around Valentine's Day? These printables would be adorable framed and displayed at the guest table or near the desserts.

Download from Nest of Posies

Download from A Glimpse Inside

Download from Alderberry Hill

Download from Simply Klassic

DIY Holiday Ornament Wedding Bouquet

This is such a brilliant idea for winter weddings. If you're considering going the non-floral wedding bouquet route and you don't want a silk or a brooch bouquet - you might fall in love with this concept. It's a wedding bouquet made with holiday ornaments {glass bulbs}. I spied this on The House that Lars Built by Brittany and the photo is by Amanda Thomsen. The full DIY instructions can be found on Etsy Weddings. What's so great about this bouquet is each year you can bring the bouquet back out again and place it into a vase as a decoration for the holiday season.

Winter White Tablescape Ideas using nature inspired decor

With the holiday season here and winter weddings being planned I knew it was time to start sharing some inspiring ideas for your upcoming events. Plus, this is one of my favorite times of year {not so much the cold outside, but I love having the fireplace going and drinking hot cocoa or tea and enjoying the sights and sounds of the season}. I spied these great table decor ideas over at Better Homes and Gardens and wanted to share them with you right away. See below for the How-To's . . .

natural elements candle . . . In the bottom of a glass jar or vase you will place a branch of greenery and then fill the glass just about two-thirds with water. Drop in some cranberries and a floating candle.

festive snowflake plate . . . Take an inexpensive glass or clear plastic plate and be sure to wash it first to remove any grease or fingerprints. With a white oil-base paint marker like a Sharpie you will draw snowflakes on the underside of the plate. Once dry, it's ready to use. This plate will need to be hand-washed gently and you'll want to avoid scrubbing the bottom.

frosted berry napkin ring . . . The berries were plucked from a strand of garland and their wire was wrapped around the grapevine mini wreath. They were then brushed with clear drying glue and sprinkle with clear glitter. For the finishing touch - simply add little sprigs of greenery through the grapevine.

pinecone-petal seating cards . . . You will create multiple blooms from one pinecone when you cut straight through one with pruners. With white acrylic paint you will paint the petals and then on a leaf shape cut from green cardstock you can write your guests' names. The card can be slid between the petals.

For more nature inspired tablescape ideas . . .

Kicking off the holiday season with a bit of sparkly nature

Wishing all of my readers a wonderfully glittered start to their holiday season. I'll be taking the remainder of today off to celebrate my daughter's 6th birthday and tomorrow I'll be spending the day with family enjoying a yummy turkey dinner with all the fixings. I'll be back on Friday for the morning though :)

P.S. I'm just loving this easy DIY fall/winter craft with acorns. I saw in the recent Sweet Paul magazine he painted the acorn tops and glittered the bottoms. When I showed them to my daughter she fell in love with the craft. So after our Thanksgiving dinner, I will be seaching my parents backyard with her for acorns so we can get a bit glittery over the weekend.

P.S.S. If you haven't already - please be sure to sign up for the Handmade Holiday Card Swap. I know the deadline was yesterday - but I won't be organizing the groups until later Sunday or Monday. Remember it's open to both vendors and brides :)

image via Teacup Wedding

DIY, HolidaysBrenda Comments
A DIY Purple & Green Virginia Wedding from Living Story Photography

Today's wedding of Erin and Michael features the love story of a high school cheerleader and football player who married in a full catholic mass. Following was an evening rustic reception with dinner and dancing at the Steveson Ridge. The color palette included deep purples, emerald green and marine blue. The place "cards" and cake stand were handmade by the groom himself from a tree trunk. He also created the centerpieces with a tree trunk and sawed off wine bottles with candles. The beautiful photos are by Living Story Photography.

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer
: Living Story Photography 
Hair Stylist
: Salon 730 
Caterer
: white house catering
Floral Designer
: Anthomanic 
Reception Venue
: Stevenson Ridge 
Dress Store
: Alfred Angelo Bridal  {Impressions Dress from Jeanette's Bridal
DJ
: Eric Herod Entertainment 
Dance Instructor
: Dance Master Studios 
Bakery
: Pearls Cupcake Shoppe