Creative Bride

Creative Bride

Inspiring IDEAS

Helpful advice to save money and stay on budget

new trends!

Real Wedding Daniel + Mindy Coleman

D.I.Y. projects to personalize your day Engagement photo tips

Table of Contents

Issue 1

Page 18

page

photo by jose villa

1 . Letter from Editor / Contents 4 . Preffered Dresses - claire pettibone All of our favorite dresses by designer, Claire Pettibone.

6 . Top 4 Hair Trends We picked our favorite hair trends that are guaranteed to make you look stunning on your wedding day.

8 . Real Wedding / Cover story Hear from a real bride, Mindy Coleman. Inspiring photographs from her D.I.Y. wedding along with some advice from the bride herself.

12 . Do It Yourself Easy D.I.Y. Projects that will not only save you money, but help personalize your wedding.

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Page 8 Photo by Blue Kite Photo

6 16 . Engagement photo tips Who wants the typical engagement photos? Surely not the creative bride.

We have some helpful tips on how to make your photographs stand out from the rest.

18 . Trends in Weddings today All of the best wedding trends in 2010. Inspiring decor, ideas and investments that you don’t want to miss.

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Editor’s Note Hello lovely brides!

I am Juliet Jones. I created “Creative Bride” magazine to help brides find ideas, projects and inspiration when it comes to their weddings. I hope this magazine helps you feel inspired enough to think outside the box with your wedding day. We want our readers to be “in” on the current trends while still adding some trends of their own style to their big day. I believe a wedding is a day to celebrate the love of a couple. It should have no expectations or obligations. Brides should feel free to take their wedding in any direction that represents who they are and what they love. So, please - do not stress over not having a wedding with expensive details. A unique wedding with personalized touches will have much more of an impact on your guests minds and hearts then traditional weddings. So, be confident in your ideas, taste and creativity! I hope that by reading “Creative Bride”, it pushes you to use your imagination to not only save money, but to show your guests who you truly are. Happy planning!

Juliet Jones

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Preferred Dresses Pref Designer Spotlight - Claire Pettibone Designe

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Charlotte

Juliet

Breeze

Larissa

Claire Pettibone has such a romantic and unique C feel f to her dresses. We have chosen some of our favorites from her continuing collection.

“A wedding gown has to be the most beautiful dress in a woman’s life, make her look and feel amazing, and capture her essence” - Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone’s designs are located throughout bridal salons in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Vermont. In addition they can also be found throughout Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland and Turkey.

Meet Claire Claire Pettibone is making her mark at a couture wedding gown designer. Claire designed her first bridal gown for a friend. Word spread and clients began flocking to Claire’s flagship salon in Beverly Hills. A few years later, Pettibone launched her bridal collection in New York to rave reviews. Featured in countless bridal magazines ever since, the designer has developed a following of brides looking for a truly unique and timeless creation. She has quickly risen to the top of her field, and the collection is now carried in premiere bridal salons across the country and around the world. “A wedding gown has to be the most beautiful dress in a woman’s life, make her look and feel amazing, and capture her essence,” says Pettibone who manages to achieve this complicated and extraordinarily special task. Her gowns have a vintage quality, but the references are combined in a way that is truly modern. And who says a wedding gown has to be snow-white? Pettibone uses subtle tints of champagne and antique lace to illuminate the bride in a soft glow. Often inspired by vintage fabrics and fashion history, this designer has found a way to meld her love of things past with a new perspective that results in the perfect dress for the bride to enchant her guests as she walks down the aisle.

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http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohmydeer

FLOWERS Flowers add a feminine touch to any bride.

They are a style classic and will make any bride look stunning.

#2 BIRDCAGE VEILS Birdcage veils is the new style trend when it comes to veils. It gives you the traditional bridal look with a vintage yet romantic edge.

http://www.unveiledbridaldesigns.com/index.html

Hair Trends 4

Top 6

#1

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TessaKim

#3 HEADBANDS Looking for a subtle way to stand out?

Headbands are a perfect way to add just a perfect touch to your wedding day look.

#4 http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohmydeer

FEATHERS Not afraid of making a bold statement on your wedding day? Try feathers in your hair!

They stand out and will give you a unique, stylish look.

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Scenes From a Celebration mindy odell & Daniel Coleman. September 5, 2009. Charlotte, N.C. By: Juliet Jones Daniel Coleman and Mindy Odell’s wedding was quite a celebration. The two love birds had met through mutual friends – a year later they were engaged and planning a wonderful, unique wedding on a $5,000 budget.

Not only did this young couple have a tight budget, but they were also limited on time. They were engaged for less then 3 ½ months. Mindy says her mother and her planned the entire wedding. “Daniel just wanted me do whatever I wanted with the wedding. It made it a lot more laid back. I did not stress one bit. My wedding was casual and unique - I wouldn’t change one thing about our wedding day”, says Mindy.

Daniel and Mindy were married at Mindy’s church in Charlotte, N.C. Daniel’s uncle, pastor of the church, ordained the ceremony. The wedding included many personal touches. Mindy handmade many elements of her wedding to not only save money, but keep things personal. Mindy tells us she crafted all summer long. She made her own invitations, printed and addressed them. “It took hours and hours – but was DEFINITELY worth it!” says Mindy. Mindy also made the ceremony programs. Besides paper goods, the bride also made the cake topper as well as signs displayed throughout the ceremony/reception site directing guests to the wedding.

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“I wouldn’t change one thing about our wedding day.”

photography by Lydia Jane Photography 9

The young bride was not the only one to add creative input – the groom Daniel wrote the brides processional. The Bridesmaids walked down to Sigur Ros. Mindy tells us she found many inspirational sources that pushed herself to look outside the box with her wedding. Those inspirational sources include a friend’s recent wedding, various wedding blogs, as well as Urban Outfitters catalogs. Although, finding so many inspirational sources can have a down side. Mindy says, “The key for me was to just stop looking at all of the beautiful wedding blogs after awhile. They made me anxious and discontent. I looked at them long enough to get a theme and a set of ideas, but after that I didn’t look at them anymore. It made me feel conflicted and unsure of all of the plans I’ve already made. There’s always something more beautiful and creative than the plans you have.” Mindy adds, “You have to forget all of the

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‘traditional’ wedding ideas that a lot of people feel you still need to go by. I didn’t really care about the double envelopes, a formal dinner and wedding favors – so we left all of those things out.” Daniel and Mindy saved a lot of money in the wedding by thinking outside the box. Mindy tells me they went over budget by $100, but the gifts cards and money they received from guests helped cover that $100.

The theme for Daniel and Mindy’s wedding was a picnic themed celebration.

“We wanted our guests to feel they were going to a casual family outing where they could relax and have fun. The couple saved thousands of dollars by having boxed lunches for their guests to enjoy.

The boxes contained homemade sandwiches, juice, chips, and a piece of fruit. “We ended up saving so much money by having close family and friends make the boxed lunches as well as the wedding cake.” says Mindy. She also adds, “We were so blessed with people willing to help us accomplish our vision for our wedding day.”

Daniel and Mindy are just one of many couples who are throwing away traditional wedding pressures and creating their own traditions. Because this couple did this, they ended up having an intimate, unique wedding just around $5,000.

DETAILS Wedding Gown Designer - Watters & Watters. Location - Crossway Church in Charlotte, N.C. Photography - Lydia Jane Photography.

Invitations and Programs - Mindy Coleman. Table cloths - Urban Outfitters. Flowers - Taste of Homemade, Charlotte N.C.

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The

most

creative

Do It Yourself

projects

WE’VE GOT A SECRET! You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your wedding stand out. Our clever Do It Yourself projects will not only turn heads, but save money. Follow the steps to make the details of your wedding shine.

1.

Rustic Wedding Cake Stand

Supplies: A Cross-Cut Wood Plaque (round or oval), A Cross-Section of a Tree Limb, Titebond Ultimate Wood Glue, A Large Wood Clamp

Step 1. Take your tree limb section and wipe the cut surface clean. Put a generous amount of extra strong wood glue on the surface.

Step 2. Place the limb section in the center of the back side your wood plaque and press down firmly. Wipe away any excess glue with a clean, damp cloth.

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Step 3. Place the two joined pieces in a wood clamp and let dry for at least one hour. If you don’t have a wood clamp, you can stack a few heavy books on top of your pedestal until it’s dry.

Step 4. Use your pedestals to display cakes and desserts or use as a base for a centerpiece. If you want to place food directly on the wood surface, coat it first with a food-safe wood sealer. If you would like to keep the wood it’s natural color, place a piece of parchment paper beneath your cake or dessert.

2. Wedding Pom Poms They have so many creative uses… hung above tables, chair aisle decor, or an alternative to the expensive flower poms that flower girls use to walk down the aisle.

Supplies: Fabric, scissors, hot glue gun, and chinese lanterns.

Step 1: Cut circles out of fabric.

Step 2: Fold the circle in half and put a little hot glue on the center, then fold over to secure.

Step 3: Apply more hot glue to the bottom of the folded circle.

Step 4: Press the bottom of the folded circle with the hot glue onto the chinese lantern.

Step 5: Repeat these steps until the whole lantern is covered. Once finished, attached some fabric to the metal frame of the lantern to hang.

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D.I.Y. (continued) 3. Bridesmaid Cards I love the idea of formally asking those whom you would like to be in your bridal party. Follow the steps to create this adorable “will you be my bridemaid?�

Supplies: 1. craft paper (for clothes & hair), 2. paper for bodies, 3. envelopes, 4. ruler, 5. scissors, 6. pencil, eraser & a glue stick

Step 1: First, be sure that your chain will fit in the envelope you chose.

Step 2: Cut out your rectangle and score the paper vertically between each set of tick marks.

This will make folding easier and more accurate. Then, fold the paper accordion style.

Step 3: On the top of the stack draw the shape of your person. Be sure to draw the arms and legs to the edge of the paper so that they will be attached into a chain after you cut it out.

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Project created by Anna Bond of Rifle Design

Step 4: Next, cut out the person shape and open up your masterpiece chain!

Decorate your ladies with dresses of your choice and different hairstyles to personalize them. You can also draw faces and paint their names on each one.

Step 5: To complete the set - Wrap a band of paper around the chain and information card and write the name of the person you are sending it to.

4. Fabric Table Numbers Add a custom handmade element to your wedding by creating these fabric table numbers. With common earthy elements and some stitching, including them in a table centerpiece can introduce a little personality and fun to any party.

Step 1: Cut two separate circles out of fabric. Then, cut a number out of the fabric.

Step 2: Next, take the number and handstitch it onto the center of one of the fabric circles.

Step 3: Once that is finished, take both of the circles (with the number facing inward) and sewn them together near the edge leaving an inch open at the bottom.

Step 4: Turn the circle inside out and fill with stuffing.

Sticks, moss, hot glue gun, fabric, pots, paint, sewing machine (if you have one), needle & thread, paintbrush, kraft paper and stuffing.

Step 5: Put the stick in the center of your painted pot, then pack kraft paper around the stick to keep it firmly in position.

Step 6: With a hot glue gun, attach moss to cover the kraft paper. You can also leave the kraft paper exposed for a different look.

Step 7: Finally, insert the stuffed fabric circle onto the stick.

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Perfect

The 1. Theme

Choosing a theme in engagement photos can help create an atmosphere for your photos. Bring some props to your engagement shoot of things that will bring your engagement photos to the next level. Talk with your photographer first to get their professional opinion. Your photographer might even have some ideas of their own! Do some research and find ideas. Look to fashion magazines and online blogs for inspiration.

Some ideas to steal would be : picnicthemed, balloons, vintage themed, kites, umbrellas, old-fashioned bikes, etc. You are in control of making your photos something worth being proud of. All it takes is a little creativity. Do not doubt your ideas!

2. Location Location plays a very important part in your engagement photos. Stay away from railroad tracks and brick walls. It’s overdone and says nothing about who you are as a couple. Find a location that is meaningful to you and your fiancee. If you can not think of anything - just think outside the box. Take a drive and take note on anything that sticks out to you. What would look nice in photos? What would be different from everything you have seen before? Location and theme tie together. So, if you know your theme - you can base your location off of that as well.

3. Choosing a Photographer Choosing a photographer that see’s your vision is a must! Do research on photographers before hiring. Look at their previous work and compare with other photographers. Just because someone offers you a good deal, does not mean you should take it without researching. It might be worth spending some extra money on having photos you will cherish forever. Also, ask about package deals. Many photographers have reasonable prices - but you do not get the rights to the prints. Meaning, you will spend money on top of their photography price in prints. So, look into their package deals and make sure you know what your paying for.

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Engagement Photos Tired of the boring, typical engagement photos couples proudly display? Want to learn how to make your engagement photos stand out from the rest? Follow our simple steps in acheiving that goal.

4. Wardrobe The outfit you and your fiancee wear can make or break your engagement photos. Wear something that will compliment your photos. Pay special attention to the details of your outfit. For the ladies - Scarfs are an inexpensive way to add color to your outfit. Tights and Leggings make a feminine dress warm and update your look. Headbands not only take your style up a knotch, but the camera loves them! For your man - Suspenders and bow ties really give your man that vintage, romantic look.

But, only if he’s confident to wear them! Hats are also a great addition to any wardrobe - men or women.

5.

Be Natural!

Don’t stress over striking a good pose for the camera. Your photographer simply wants to capture the special moments between you and your fiancee. So, please dont be shy. Act as if your photographer is not even there and you are just spending an afternoon date with your man. You will be mad at yourself for feeling stiff and embarrassed the whole time - especially when you see your photos. The photos are meant to capture the essence of your relationship. So be yourself and act natural!

Photos by: Blue Kite Photo (Top Left), Sarah Rhodes (bottom left), Sloan Photographers (Top & Bottom Right)

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Today’s Trends

Inspiration

Informal

Anyone can see from looking at wedding blogs to magazines - informal weddings are definitely "in". Despite what your grandmother may think, weddings today are all about the couples unique style and new traditions. Weddings tend to be more like informal picnics and parties focusing on a couples love and new marriage. So throw away those old traditions!

You should have no constraints or boundaries when it comes to your wedding. You are not required to have a formal dinner, double envelope invitations, or guest favors. Find new traditions and ideas. Your wedding will be remembered more for its unique touches and personal feel.

We are all for new ideas when it comes to weddings. But there are also a few ideas and trends that can inspire you to think outside the box. We’ve accumulated our favorite 2010 wedding trends to help inspire you and your creativity. From tandem bikes to chinese lanterns.

From streamers to handmade signs.

This is your informal inspiration.

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www.BlueKitePhoto.com Charlotte, N.C. Wedding Photographers

704.701.5888