DIY Weddings Magazine - Summer 2011

DIY

WEDDINGS I N S P I R A T I O N A L

I D E A S

SUMMER 2011

12 Real

Weddings Can you say

Vintage!

3 DIY Projects Put your personal stamp on your wedding

Picnic Reception Recipes from the

do it for less! experts

Everything Paper Invitations, escort cards and more 1

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Meet Our DIY Experts!

CEO+EDITOR+PUBLISHER K. Stelmachers

Wedding Planning Experts - p. 42

SENIOR COPY EDITOR R. Brown

Meet Jenny Greenway & Liz Stanton of Something Old, Something New.

ADVERSTING INQUIRES info@diyweddingsmag.com

Liz Stanton and Jenny Greenway started the wedding planning company, Something Old, Something New, in Atlanta, GA after planning Liz’s wedding in 2006. The sisters love all things weddings and turning a bride’s vision into a reality. In 2010, they also started a blog to share wedding ideas and tips with brides. Liz and Jenny are focused on making sure that a couple’s wedding day is a memory they’ll have forever.

ONLINE www.diyweddingsmag.com

Design Expert - p. 106 Meet graphic designer Alexandra Nicole of Alexandra Nicole Designs.

DIY Weddings Magazine is published quarterly

by The Mrs. Network, LLC. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INQUIRES www.diyweddingsmag.com info@diyweddingsmag.com All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in DIY Weddings Magazine. Editorial content is intended as general information. The Publisher assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendations for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of our reliance on any information contained in this publication.

Copyright 2011 The Mrs. Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Cover and content may not be reproduced in whole or part by electronic or mechanical means without written permission from Publisher.

Alexandra considers herself to be three things: A designer.

An optimist. An enthusiast. She has a love for all things beautiful, crafty, & stylish.

While she adores all things beautiful, crafty, and more {hence her lovely blog}, she has a slight obsession for weddings and a passion for design.

Publisher’s Note Summer is finally here! We are so grateful to all of our partners for their support. The magazine has really taken off because of all of you. Thank you!

We are excited to bring you two new wedding experts in their respective fields: Something Old, Something New and Alexandra Nicole Designs.

A MUST READ FOR THE BUDGET SAVVY BRIDE DO IT FOR LESS ! W EDDINGS

BUY IT AT AMAZON .COM

We are calling this issue our “paper” issue. From printable invitations, escort cards to cool stuff you can order and customize for your wedding. Don’t miss our DIY projects. If you love “vintage” we have two fantastic photo shoots!

We want to hear from you. Do you have a wedding idea or diy projects to share?

Do you have a wedding product you want reviewed and featured? Do you want to contribute a wedding related article? Come share with us.

I wish you a beautiful and joyous summer!

Kym Stelmachers 2

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

CEO/The Mrs. Network, LLC

contents features

CONNECT WITH US

Desert

Vintage Photo Shoot

10 DIY Burlap Favor Bags Mood Events 14 DIH: Letting the Groom Do-It-Himself Brian Leahy 18 Write On Riot Wedding reception wish cards 20 Etsy.com Love Jolie Papeterie Boutique

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22 Wedding Ceremony 101: 4 Easy steps to create memorable and fun ceremony moments Annemarie Juhlian

42 How To Make Your Wedding Your Own Something Old, Something New Liz Stanton & Jenny Greenway

24 Desert Vintage Photo Shoot Nelson, Nevada {Ghost Town}

48 DIY Party Designs Printable products

34 Picnic Reception Recipes do it for less! Experts Denise Vivaldo & Cindie Flannigan

50 Ask M Famous Lifestyle advice from Christopher Macken

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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Meet Our DIY Experts!

Lifestyle Advice Expert - p. 50 Christopher Macken, makeup artist, businessman, blogger, image consultant, and lifestyle stylist....From the cosmetic line he designed, to the honest answers he provides to clients in need of his chic eye for fashion, Christopher Macken's talents are many. He has worked to create The House of M Famous and Christopher Macken Concepts, the parent companies for Christopher Macken Cosmetics and Ask M Famous. Having trained under some of the best in the business and boasting a lustrous decade long career, Christopher continues to expand the House of M Famous with the newest installment, Mr. M Famous. So, Ask M Famous! Christopher Macken answers those tough questions and provides a witty and refreshing look at planning your perfect day!

Do It For Less Experts - p. 34 A 20 year culinary veteran, Denise Vivaldo teaches seminars and workshops across the country and has trained many of the stylists working in Los Angeles today. In 1988 Denise founded Food Fanatics, a catering, recipe-development, and food-styling firm based in Los Angeles, California. Since that time she has catered more than 10,000 events. Events such as the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball, Sunset Magazine’s Taste of Sunset, and Hollywood wrap parties. She has also catered and styled food for countless local and nationally syndicated television shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Inside the Dish with Rachel Ray. Denise is also the author of How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business, Do it for less! Weddings and Do it for less! Parties.

Cindie Flannigan has been styling, designing, and teaching with Food Fanatics since 2001. After 20 years of working as an art director and graphic designer, Cindie enrolled at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Cooking for family and friends had always given her such joy that she decided to make a career out of food. Cindie styles food for print and television, developing and testing recipes, and materials. She is also the webmaster of www.foodfanatics.com

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Make It Personal W E D D I N G

G I F T S

Author: Beth Baroody What's in a name? For a newly married couple, a lot is in a name since it's the first and possibly most obvious evidence of the couple's union. That's what makes personalized wedding gifts so special.

Whether you personalize the gift with the couple's shared name, their monogram, or Mr & Mrs, these gifts will be cherished for years to come. Here are some great ideas for unique and thoughtful personalized wedding gifts: Door Knocker Welcome Mat Address Sign or Yard Stake Stationary Guest Towels and/or Guest Soap Alphabet Framed Photography Print (this is also something you can do yourself) Throw Blanket Wrapping Paper Ice Bucket Coasters Photo Album Luggage Tags Next time you're purchasing a wedding or shower gift, don't forget to make it personal.

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{Real Weddings} 52 Page & Jacques, Minnesota 56 Lauren & Andy, Michigan 60 Shelly & Kevin, British Columbia 64 Dallas & Rob, Pennsylvania 68 Meghan & Rob, Washington 72 Rachael & Blake, California 76 Flo & Brad, Washington 80 Jodi & Ben, Washington 84 Felicia & James, New York 88 Adrienne & James, California 92 Kylin & Jordan, Indiana 96 Lauren & Mike, South Carolina 100 Kimberly & Frank, Arizona

106 Just Beachy A beach collection designed by Alexandra Nicole Designs 109 Cookie Art A Cake Dream

120 Vintage Inspired Wedding Shoot 126 6 Summer Bouquets

110 Lets Take A Peek Having fun under the hem line

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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DIY PROJECT | cupcakevase.com

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Enjoy these sweet, 100% fat free cupcake vases    

Flexible, non breakable and spill resistant Made from safe, non-latex EVA, they are re-usable and recyclable Placement holes and central dome shape create the perfect arrangement every time Simply squeeze the top to open, fill or clean

At 4.5” x 4” these vases make an impressive yet low profile table centerpiece for festive occasions and weddings. Designed with professional or DIY florists in mind, these non-breakable vases are ideal for transporting. They also come with a carry strap. Best of all there is no need for floral foam.

You can get your cupcake vase in bubblegum, vanilla, lavender, chocolate, raspberry or lemon at Fleur Daily.

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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SPOTLIGHT | WineVeil

VEIL

wine

The wine VEIL is a new product. Its main function is to protect open and poured wine from insects and other flying objects such as leaves or dirt. The form of the Wine VEIL is soft and simple. It is made from a 5�x 5� finished piece of organza or other like material and is weighted on each corner. The corners are weighted with charms. The effect is a sheer drape or VEIL over a wine glass, decanter or bottle.

Outside dining and socializing often includes wine. As glasses are at rest, they are the perfect target/sugar source for a variety of insects. Insects such as fruit flies and gnats and wasps, enjoy a dip in a wine glass when afforded the opportunity. Wine drinkers are usually not in favor of unwanted bugs floating in their precious wine. Enter the wine VEIL. A beautiful and sheer piece of fabric with stylishly weighted corners. The perfect solution. The bugs stay out and the wine can breathe. The VEILs enhance the look of the wine glass at rest.

Kelly Egan and Karen Knauer are the founding Partners of Wine VEIL, LLC. Their vision is simple. Protect the wine with out swatting or spraying the bugs away. Enhance the beauty of the wine in the glass. Kelly and Karen have known each other for over 25 years. They have been working toward the business opportunity throughout their friendship. As entrepreneurs, they have successfully created and built businesses. Karen is a renowned Photographer and Kelly is a creative business leader.

Together, their unique skills are synergistic and result in a solid and dynamic partnership.

CONNECT WITH US WWW.WINEVEIL.COM

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Photography: Karen Knauer, Founding Partner of wineVeil

DIY PROJECT | Mood Events

DIY

Burlap

Favor Bags By: Mood Events

Mood Events crafted this project for one of their wedding clients. Simple and budget friendly. Here is how they did it.

We love the versatility of this favor bag. While we love the burlap, it can be switched out for any type of fabric or color that matches the overall wedding theme. The same can be done with the ribbon. We chose to use a piece of Hawaiian print fabric as our ribbon, but a beautiful silk ribbon, even in a thicker width, would dress up this favor bag nicely.

When we began the planning process with our bride, Shawna, she had already decided to purchase miniature, chocolate chip-macadamia nut shortbread cookies as her favors. The bakery she was working with would bake and package the cookies, as well as provide Shawna with miniature cardboard boxes to box them in. The only problem was the outrageous price for the packaging. Here’s a breakdown of what it would’ve cost Shawna to purchase everything directly from the bakery: 4 miniature cookies sealed in plastic bags – $.75 each Favor boxes – $2.00 each Total for 200 favors = $550.00 + tax With just a bit of work and some craftiness, and of course help from willing family members, Shawna was not only able to cut her cost by more than half, but also able to get a one-of-a-kind, natural and rustic favor pouch that could not be found elsewhere. It was the perfect way to package and present her little ‘thank you’ gift to her guests for sharing in her special day.

Also, in the process of designing the perfect favor bag for Shawna, we also designed a few favor bag variations without a top-flap that would also work nicely for favors. We thought it would be nice to have the option of an open-top pouch to showcase the favor even more. We also played around with different placements for the ‘thank you’ tag, including stitching the tag directly onto the pouch.

On the next pages you will see the step-by-step instructions and a list of materials needed to do-it-yourself. Enjoy!

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DIY PROJECT | Mood Events

ls a i r e Mat eded Ne Burlap (any color)

Sewing Machine ¼” wide ribbon, 10” – 12” in length Scissors Tag WWW.MOOD-EVENTS.COM

STEP - BY - STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1 Cut the burlap into 11-inch by 4-inch strips.

2 Fold the ends a 1/2-inch towards the middle and sew.

3 Fold from left to right, leaving 2-inches excess for the flap, and sew the top and bottom edges, forming the pouch.

4 Obtain a 1/4-inch width ribbon to tie around the pouch.

5 Fill the pouch with your favor, then tie with ribbon and add a tag with your personalized message.

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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ADVICE | The Groom Says

DIH

LETTING THE GROOM DO-IT-HIMSELF A

GUIDE

TO

PROPER

Brian Leahy is a renowned groom activist and founder of The Groom Says blog. Knee deep in his own wedding planning, Brian created The Groom Says in September of 2009 as a safe haven for grooms and a lunch break read for brides. He is a regular contributor to The Man Registry’s “Groom’s Advice” blog and is currently writing a book about (the horrors of) wedding planning from the man’s perspective. Brian lives in Los Angeles with his wife Joanna and their cat, Scooter.

GROOM

DELEGATION

"wheelbarrow chic" theme for the evening? Genius! Or (more realistic) how about a homemade casino night under the canopy of your two-car garage? Whatever it is, I guarantee your guests will appreciate the unexpected.

Draw-It-Himself Whether they're inspired by Rockwell or Pollock or Crumb, some grooms express themselves best on a blank canvas.

Consider Save-the-Dates sketched entirely by hand; ceremony flip books illustrating how he popped the question; or gift boxes with clever cartoon characters and speak bubbles customized to each guest. Crumb would be proud.

Once a week for nearly an entire decade, Tim Allen showed us how charmingly useless men can be. I grew up with Tim Taylor, and like Tim, I can't change a light fixture or hang up a shoe rack without bringing down the entire closet. Thankfully, my wife was a Home Improvement fan as well, and she came into our relationship with the lowest of expectations.

Spitballs and Paper Airplanes Okay, maybe the spitballs are wrong for the occasion ... but those years of strategically folding wide ruled notebook paper are finally going to pay off. Ditch the tired rice and flower petal routine and close the ceremony or reception with a flood of paper airplanes soaring through the air.

But we were both surprised to discover how willing I was to get my hands dirty when it came to wedding planning. Don't give up on us, brides -- we may not be "Bob Vila" crafty, but we can lick an envelope like the best of them.

Fair warning, brides: truly crafty grooms will approach this task more seriously than you approach dress shopping. He may choose to vary up the material with colored paper, vintage maps, and pages ripped from used books (or old tax returns). He’ll research the best design for extended flight (this step could take months, maybe years), cut and fold until he’s numb, and then initiate his favorite phase – the test runs.

So hide the power drill in your underwear drawer and slip your groom these mild Do-It-Himself suggestions.

The Mini-Wedding Hand over the reins on the Rehearsal Dinner (the "Jan Brady" of the wedding weekend) and let your groom experiment with some designs. Handwhittled escort cards? Absolutely! A

And no matter how many lamps he breaks in the process, your guests won't shut up about them ... and neither will he.

Get more of “The Groom Says” advice at Brian’s blog at www.thegroomsays.blogspot.com CONNECT WITH ME

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Photography: Joanna Wilson Photography {right} Inside Box:~Graphic Artist: Charles Hearn

MEMORIES | personalizationmall.com

Soul Mates© Personalized Marble Plaque

Love brought us together and we were brought together by love.

This timeless sentiment is an impressive way to let your special someone know how deeply your love runs for them.

We'll personalize any 1-line below the exclusive design for a one-of-a-kind keepsake they will be sure to treasure through the years. 

The tumbled marble tile is a natural product and variations in color and texture are to be expected.



Plaque measures 6" x 6" x 3/8" thick and weighs just over a pound.

Makes an impressive gift for weddings, anniversaries, Valentine's Day or any romantic occasion to let them know you much you care. (Easel sold separately.)

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Because Of YouŠ Photo Canvas Art The creative design featuring your first names connected by a soft ampersand "&" is set against any color or black and white photo, for a lasting and memorable keepsake for years to come.

We apply a transparency to your photo, creating a soft background for the verse applied in black text.

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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SPOTLIGHT | Write On Riot

Write On Riot products are designed to bring fun and belonging to the people who buy, use or give them. Their tag line "Fill In The Fun" encourages family, friends and business associates to personalize their messages on every one of our celebration products and gifts, making them truly unique and special.

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Write On Riot Couples Shower Invites include 10 unique RSVPs (with return envelope) that doubles as a fun party starter. Each guest enters a fill-in-the-blank line about the happy couple and sends it back with the RSVP. At the beginning of the shower, the host places the game cards in a hat or basket. The guests of honor draw a card, read the completed line and try to “guess the guest”. It’s a great way to start a couple shower.

packets of 25 and priced at $7 per pack. Couples will be able to choose among several designs, type fonts, ink colors, and paper colors. Custom Wish Cards can be personalized with the names of the bride and groom.

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Write On Riot complete Bridal Shower set.

5.

{Top} RSVP card. {Bottom} Each of the 10 RSVP Guess the Guest cards is unique. Lines include:  I won’t be surprised if the bride-to-be _________ on her wedding day.

Each of the 10 RSVP Guess the Guest is unique. Lines include:  I predict the newlyweds will bring  My advice to the groom - never ask about her  My advice to the bride - never make fun of his  The song _____makes me think of the happy couple because  I first suspected marriage was in their future when  The happy couple’s ideas of a perfect night out includes  The sweetest thing I can say about the happy couple is  I hope the new bride can put up with his  I hope the new husband can learn to her  After you’re married, I hope you’re never too busy to

        

3.

Write on Riot Wedding Reception Cards are more personal than a guest book and more fun for the guests. A card is placed at each place setting. Wish Cards make excellent ice breakers and inspire fun stories at every table.

Completed cards fit into a photo album (made of 4x6 photos) for a special keepsake. Wish cards are sold in

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One thing the bride-to-be may not know about her in-laws is I hope the new bride will always have time to The first hint of wedding bells was My advice to the bride-to be is, never laugh at his I predict the bride-to-be will bring ____on her honeymoon I’ve known the bride-to-be since _____was popular A fund night out for the bride-to-be includes I’m sure the groom will learn to love her One little secret the bride-to-be is

Write On Riot Bridal Shower Invites include 10 unique RSVPs (with return envelopes) that double as a fun party starter.

Order your Write On Riot products at www.writeonriot.com CONNECT WITH US

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writeonriot.com | SPOTLIGHT

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Photography: Write on Riot

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SPOTLIGHT | Jolie Papeterie Boutique

Etsy.com

Love

CONNECT WITH ME

Twitter: twitter.com/jolie_papeterie | Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoliePapeterieBoutique | Website: www.joliepapeterie.com/

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Jolie Papeterie Boutique is located in Burlington, Ontario.

Their stationery features beautiful, contemporary designs that will set the tone for your wedding. Their compositions are unique, customizable, and are also available in French. Choose from their wide range of pre-made designs - or tell them what you are looking for, and they will create something specifically for you.

This featured theme is from their Signature Collection {Carnival}.

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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ADVICE | Annemarie Juhlian

Wedding Ceremony 101: 4 EASY STEPS TO CREATE MEMORABLE AND FUN CEREMONY MOMENTS Annemarie Juhlian is a Seattle, WA Non-Denominational Wedding Officiant & Minister. She works with couples of all faiths and traditions to create contemporary and personalized ceremonies.

Annemarie has been recognized by The Knot and Wedding Channel in 2011 as the “Best of The Knot Wedding Officiant – Seattle.”

Ah, the famous “walk down the aisle!” In my work life as a boring wedding ceremony?

Out! A personalized and meaningful ceremony? In! It’s your wedding ceremony so kick it up a bit. Consider how to best create personalized and fun ceremony moments that not only celebrate your loving relationship but give your family and friends a better sense of who you are as a loving couple.

And here is what is true: If you are being within a religious institution, your options for a "personalized wedding ceremony" may be somewhat limited. If you are being married outside of a church or religious tradition, you have many flexible and creative options in terms of designing a beautiful and personalized wedding ceremony for your day.

So, with this said, take a look at these four steps to help you create a fun and inspired wedding ceremony…

Ceremony Venue “Vantage” – What do I mean by this? Take advantage of the unique elements that surround the venue where you will be married and work these into your ceremony.

For instance, if you are being married waterside or on a beach, put your vows in a degradable “message in a bottle” and toss it into the water for good fortune. If you are exchanging vows at a country estate with animals, inquire about a horse drawn carriage for post-ceremony get-away.

Or if you are being married at a winery, have the winery special label a bottle of wine for your ceremony and celebrate your vows with a toast within your ceremony.

Get Real About Your Officiant: Your Officiant sets the tone for your ceremony and has full control of your ceremony. I don’t share this to stress you out but to motivate you to take the time and effort to find the absolute best person to celebrate

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your marriage and to personalize your ceremony.

As you interview and select your Officiant, go for the person who provides you with creative ideas and whose personality resonates with you and your partner. If possible, hold out for a professional who truly wants to know you both a bit and who will be at your wedding day with joy and anticipation.

Note: If you are being married in a church or within a religious or spiritual tradition, your selection options with regard to your choice of Minister, Pastor or Rabbi may be somewhat limited.

If you are being married at a venue outside of a religious tradition, and depending on what part of the country you live, you most probably will have a great selection of Inter-faith Officiants, Non-Denominational Ministers, Celebrants and Secular Officiants for your wedding ceremony.

Get Creative With Your Wedding Party - To personalize your ceremony, how about involving your wedding party in your ceremony? Consult with the person officiating your wedding ceremony for ideas around this. Perhaps this includes the passing/blessing of your wedding rings by your wedding party during your ceremony or a lively group reading.

Your Vows: Kick Things Up A Bit! If you like and desire traditional vows, go for it. If you want to take the opportunity to kick things up a bit, do it! Your ceremony is a marvelous opportunity to share very personalized and heartfelt wedding vows. And this is one of the best ways to create a most memorable "ceremony moment."

There is no right or wrong way to write and deliver nontraditional wedding vows. Focus on what you love and admire about your Sweetheart and what you want your family and friends to know about this special person on your wedding day.

One idea to create very unique vows? Decide on the length of your vows and send them separately to your Officiant/ Minister. On your wedding day, your vows will be handed to you and they will be a surprise for the two of you to share with each other. There is something about "surprise wedding vows" that couples really like and this also is a treat for family and friends as well.

More advice from Annemarie at www.wedbyannemarie.com.

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

CONNECT WITH ME

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Photography: Kristina Hill Photography

PHOTO SHOOT | Nelson, Nevada {Ghost Town}

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Desert

Vintage Photo Shoot

SITE: NELSON, NEVADA {GHOST TOWN} PHOTOGRAPHER: RED CORDUROY MEDIA GROUP {PHOTOGRAPHY}, L.L.C. | HAIR STYLIST: HAIR/MAKE-UP BY LIZZ RECEPTION VENUE: EL DORADO MINE AND GHOST TOWN | DRESS STORE: LA BELLE ELAINES BRIDAL DRESS DESIGNER: JEAUNEROE DESIGNS | JEWELRY: RENEE PAWELE BRIDE DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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Shalyn & Cody | REAL WEDDINGS

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C a n d l e s

an

Glass Tealight Holders $.99ea./5 colors at shop.hobbylobby.com

Bulk Candles at dlightonline.com

White Luminaria Lanterns are a truly unique concept for candlelight decorating for wedding centerpieces. 4 for $6.99 at candlesjustonline.com

Floating Glass Oil Candle Includes 4" fiberglass wick.

Bulk Orders start at $2.45 ea at nationalartcraft.com

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100% Beeswax Tealight Candles 24 - $16.00 15 colors/slight honey scent at beeswaxtealightcandles.com

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

d Accessories Fuchsia Pink Hobmail Hanging Glass Candle Holder and Vase - $3.25 ea. at lunabazaar.com 8 Colors/24+ @ $2.80

Create your own tealight apple candles with the Candle Carver $11.99 ea. at kitchenkapers.com

Floating Glass Tealight Candle Holder Uses standard tea light or warming candle. Bulk orders start at $1.95 ea. nationalartcraft.com Floating Candles 40 trendy colors/4 sizes - $2.99 - $15.99 at yummicandles.com

The 15hr unscented votive candle in 40 trendy colors - 9 for $4.99 at yummicandles.com

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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RECIPES | Do It For Less! Experts

Picnic

RECEPTION

We think there’s nothing easier than a picnic reception. You can use disposables since no one expects flatware at a picnic.

This menu is designed for the food to be made days ahead then quickly packed into individual lunch boxes or baskets for each guest. Or lunch can be served buffet-style for a bit more formality.

The recipes below, from Do It For Less! Weddings (see book for recipes to serve 25, 50 and 75), make a delicious and memorable outdoor reception. The three recipes are rounded out with three purchased items: crostini, cookies and lemonade to make the meal complete.

Waterside Jewels Menu Tropical Shrimp Ceviche Parmesan Crostini (purchased) Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Arugula Lemon Mint Pasta Bean Salad Cookies (purchased) Lemonade (purchased)

A 20 year culinary veteran, Denise Vivaldo teaches seminars and workshops across the country and has trained many of the stylists working in Los Angeles today.

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Cindie Flannigan has been styling, designing, and teaching with Food Fanatics since 2001.

CONNECT WITH US

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Personalize Ready Made Food To make ready made lemonade more stylish, pour into serving pitchers and add sprigs of fresh lavender or mint. For a delicious alcoholic lemonade, add a half ounce Limoncello and a half ounce vodka to each serving.

Of course you can make your own cookies. They can be made weeks ahead of time if kept frozen.

Customize cookies by using cutters of starfish {shown below}, flowers, your initials, or whatever it is you like.

Cookies also make great edible table dĂŠcor.

The Do Ahead List Three days before: shop for perishables, lemonade, cookies, and crostini, squeeze citrus for ceviche, and make bean salad.

Two days before: grill chicken for sandwiches.

One day before: prep and marinate ceviche.

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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STYLE | Do It For Less! Experts

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Do It For Less! Experts | RECIPES

THE RECIPES That morning: assemble sandwiches, individually wrap sandwiches and pasta salad and pack into baskets or boxes.

Tropical

Shrimp Ceviche

Servings: 12 Serving size: about 4 shrimp Prep time: 20 minutes Setting time: 10 hours or more   





Place servings in small glasses and nestle the glasses in crushed ice to keep it cold.

Buy good quality frozen, EZ-Peel or peeled and deveined raw shrimp.

U15 size shrimp are a good size for this recipe. “16-20 size” indicates that there are 16-20 shrimp to the pound. Can you use smaller shrimp? Yes, of course you can. Just buy the same total weight.

Fresh citrus juice makes all the difference in the taste of this recipe. It’ll take some time to squeeze the juice but you can do that a few days ahead of time.

Buy mango already sliced in the produce section of your grocery store. Frozen will work in a pinch.

Ingredients: 1 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice 2 1/2 pounds medium-to-large (16-20 size) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/3 cup red onion, minced 2 medium mangos, diced 1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored and diced 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped plus 12 small sprigs for garnish 3 limes, cut into wedges for garnish Parmesan Crostini Combine lime, lemon and grapefruit juices. Place shrimp in resealable bags (only fill bags half full, and double the bags for security). Divide citrus juice among the shrimp. Seal bags, squeezing out excess air, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. The shrimp will “cook” in the citrus juice.

Add salt, onions, mango, pineapple, and chopped cilantro to shrimp and toss to coat. Spoon into small glasses and garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a wedge of lime. Serve with Parmesan Crostini.

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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RECIPES | Do It For Less! Experts

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Do It For Less! Experts | RECIPES

Grilled

Chicken Sandwiches

with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Arugula

Servings: 12 Serving size: 1 sandwich with 3 1/2 ounces chicken Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes 

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Arugula (also known as rocket) isn’t always available. You can use baby spinach or watercress as a substitute.

Olive tapanade also makes a lovely spread for these sandwiches.

Some large club stores sell frozen grilled chicken breasts that are very nice. This is a great time-saving alternative.

If you don’t have an outdoor grill you can use a grill pan; it works just fine.

Ingredients: 6 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 1/2 cup olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste 1 1/4 cups sun-dried tomato tapanade or sun-dried tomato pesto 12 sandwich-sized rolls, sliced in half 2 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick 3 cups arugula Preheat grill on high (or place grill pan over high heat).

Make 2 thin filets from each chicken breasts cutting them all the way through horizontally. If necessary, flatten chicken to an even thickness with the flat end of a meat mallet or pounder. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill chicken for 23 minutes on each side, until cooked through. (If grilling ahead of time, cool chicken, cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble sandwiches.)

Spread cut sides of rolls with sun-dried tomato tapanade/ pesto. Place a piece of chicken and two slices of mozzarella on the bottom of each roll. Top with arugula and finish with the tops of the rolls. Wrap sandwiches in parchment or wax paper if serving in individual lunch boxes.

Lemon Mint Pasta Bean Salad If serving this menu in individual lunchboxes, small Chinese take-out containers work very well for holding the salad.

Servings: 12 Serving size: 1 1/4 cup Prep time: 22 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes This salad can be made 2-3 days ahead.

Ingredients: 2 pounds shell pasta 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 (14.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 (14.5 ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup mint, chopped 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until just ever so slightly under-done. Rinse under cool running water and toss with the 1/4 cup olive oil. Combine pasta with green onions, garbanzo and kidney beans, mint and parsley. Whisk together remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Add to pasta, tossing to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep chilled for up to 2 days before serving.

If serving in individual lunchboxes, divide salad among single serving size containers.

DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

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SPOTLIGHT | The Key Of A

By: Anne Jansen

As a floral designer specializing in wedding work for over 22 years, I always embraced the joy and celebration of each and every bride that I consulted with, honored that I was a part of their "big day".

I never knew that so many years later I could again be a part of so many bride and grooms' wedding day through my line of jewelry and accessories! The Key of A reflects my love of vintage and antique by utilizing authentic keys of all types and creating a unique line of jewelry and accessories that echoes the past, yet is fashionable today.

My typewriter key jewelry line includes so many personalized groomsmen gifts including tie tacks or lapel pins, tuxedo pins, cuff links and also money clips. For bridesmaids, I can create a set of personalized initial necklaces that are styled to match their dresses, yet can be worn after the wedding as well. Gifts for moms include beautiful typewriter key charm bracelets with genuine stones/beads, and items for ushers and dads include money clips, key chains and even rugged skeleton key necklaces.

I also make wine charms using typewriter keys and have created wonderful white glass topped individual wine charms for the wedding party table, personalized for each of the bridesmaids and groomsman. Beadwork is included that reflects the color scheme of the wedding.

Typewriter key jewelry is a perfect way to bring "something old and something new" to the bride and groom's wedding day. Keys that carry with them stories of the past can begin new stories when they are transformed into new jewelry and accessories.

Note that being environmentally conscious, all machines or other remaining parts that I do not utilize in my jewelry and accessories are recycled, salvaged or parted out to restorers across the country in an attempt to keep them from hitting the landfills.

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DIY WEDDINGS | diyweddingsmag.com

Cuff Links - $25.00 per pair Tuxedo Buttons - $38.00 per pair Money Clips - $15.00 each Tie Tack/Lapel Pins - $8.50 each Prices are adjusted for each wedding party order depending on the size/quantity of the order. Items are individually and uniquely mounted, wrapped and gift boxed with a pretty ribbon ready for the bride and groom to hand out to their wedding party.

The Key of A www.thekeyofa.com Etsy Shops www.ajsoftail.etsy.com www.goodforonefare.etsy.com If you are in Missouri or Illinois, you can find The Key of A at one of many art/craft shows and festivals during the year.

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