Once again, I must pay homage to the queen of all things DIY (ok, surely the queen and her STAFF of people that come up with these things), Martha Stewart. A while back, I featured a DIY on making your own plantable paper, which was written by Pulp Art, so click here to check out how to make your own seed filled paper.

I love the idea of these favors that look like tiny plants … adorable! All instructions and photos come from Martha Stewart Weddings, and I hope you enjoy this cute DIY that is eco-friendly.

Punched leaves of all-natural paper hold the seeds guests need to produce a patch of wildflowers. All that’s required is dirt, water, and, of course, sunshine.

To make the planting-instruction signs, download our PDF for the clip art. Print it onto 8 1/2-by-11-inch card stock. One page holds two cards.

Use a bone folder and a metal straightedge to score a line between the dotted crop marks, to mark the center fold of the cards.

Then use a craft knife and the straightedge to cut between the solid crop marks (do not cut all the way to the edges of the paper; this will leave the crop marks intact for subsequent cuts).

To assemble the favors, use leaf-shaped craft punches in two sizes to punch out leaf shapes from the seed paper. To extend the stem, glue a toothpick to the bottom of the shape.

Fill mini cups (about 3 inches in diameter) with potting soil. Stick the stems of two paper leaves into the soil, and set favors out with planting-instruction signs.

Melamine cup (DRW-22), $1.75 each, Buy4AsianLife.com.

Seed paper, $2/sheet, Tender Seed Company, favorswithseeds.com.

Seed paper in green garden, $2.77/sheet, Botanical Paperworks, botanicalpaperworks.com.

Large birch leaf craft punch, $9.99, and super giant birch leaf craft punch, $15.99, both by Punch Bunch, from Scrappily Ever After.

Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Plantable Paper Leaves How-To

Aaahhh, summer is here, and in an attempt to sit back and enjoy summer, I am introducing Throwback Thursday, which is a collection of oldies but goodies that need to be revisited since Hill City Bride’s humble beginnings.

Who knew that the Hill City Bride photographers were also talented writers? I do have to say that if any vendor knows weddings from start to finish, it just HAS to be the photographers. They are there from the moment the bride arrives until the happy couple parts, and sometimes they take on many roles other than that of capturing images throughout the day.

One talented photographer, Heather Cheatham, of Visions by Heather, has the right perspective on the wedding day. Get ready for an informative read, and get ready to throw that “shot list” away!!

Ditch the List!!

Your wedding day has been planned for months with the finest of details, and the guest list for your day likely includes an array of special family, friends and guests. Making sure all the images of your wedding day are captured can be a nervous task for a bride.

For an experienced photographer, this challenge comes naturally based on his/her experience but also flows smoothly with the right information provided by the bride. After all, before you know it your flowers are wilted, your cake is eaten, and your day is over.

The process of creating the proverbial “shot list” should not be a time-consuming task of listing out every possible detail and situation you need photographed. By choosing an experienced photographer to capture your special day, you should already feel confident your photographer will capture your day in full based on reviewing sample weddings in their portfolio. A long checklist can be a cumbersome process for a photographer who should be watching your day evolve through his/her lens instead.

Having said that, your day is as unique as any other. It truly is once in a lifetime … a uniting in marriage and a special celebration. It is important to provide input to your photographer on what parts of your wedding day are most important to you, as well as establishing open communication with your photographer about your joint expectations so that nothing important is overlooked.

Inquire with your photographer about a pre-wedding consultation to go over the details of your wedding day. This consultation will provide the opportunity to discuss the preferences of your formal portraits, whether or not you are considering a “first look” ahead of the ceremony, as well as your family and special guests in attendance. At this point it is good to explain who is most important to be photographed with, if anyone has any special needs or limitations, or if there are any family dynamics which he or she should be aware of.

It is also important to discuss the schedule of events for your day. This will allow you and your photographer to know how long to plan for getting ready, pre-wedding details, and also how long to plan for your formal and family portraits. One handy rule of thumb to be aware of is to roughly plan on five minutes per staged formal family portrait. This is very important when it comes to setting expectations for your day, as it would be near impossible to capture a list of 25 different family portraits and only allow your photographer ten minutes to do it! He or she should be able to provide you with a general guideline/timeline based on experience if needed.

Ultimately, with careful communication and giving your photographer the creative freedom to capture your day … they will successfully capture every detail and moment lovingly!

Again, Hill City Bride prides itself on our fine photographers, and you can click on their links to the right. I also encourage you to visit Heather’s site by clicking here. I love her technique and the colors in her photos which were used throughout this posting.

In addition to being one of the happiest and most exciting times in you and your loved ones’ lives, getting married can also be one of the most emotionally-charged and stressful times for your families – which is only natural as emotions run high.

Regardless of how idyllic your relationship is with your immediate family and future in-laws, if you’re like the rest of us, the months and weeks leading up to your wedding are bound to contain at least some level of familial conflict and discord. Here’s the good news: not only is this perfectly normal, but there are ways you can be proactive to help avoid potential conflict and create an attitude and environment of peace.

Here’s a little-known fact about us wedding planners: in addition to planning and orchestrating the details surrounding a wedding, we also carry the unofficial title of family counselor. You see, after years of working with brides, grooms, mothers, fathers, step-parents, in-laws, and best friends, not only have we pretty much seen and experienced just about every type of family dynamic and discord under the sun, but we’ve also gained some important insight to help make your journey to the alter as stress-free, and full of joy, as possible.

Image by Stone Blue Productions

Communicate in Love
As the bride or groom-to-be, naturally you are excited and anxious at the big day that awaits – but it is easy to forget how important this day is to your families as well. For better or worse — in addition to your own expectations — your respective family members probably have their own ideas as to what your wedding day should look like, and may communicate it in such a way that leaves you feeling without a voice. Instead of fighting over an issue, take time to honestly share your heart and explain why the location/food/dress is so important and memorable to you. Clear communication – spoken in love– can often go a long way toward drawing family in to share your beautiful vision.

Bestow Honor
Most families just desire to be involved and recognized during this special time in your life. By clearly communicating your needs and desires for your wedding, you can better redirect your family members’ involvement in a way that is both honoring to them, and appreciated by you. You’d be surprised at how even the simplest request for help from a loved one can make them feel loved and included.

Image by Visions by Heather

Marriage First, Wedding Second
While it is easy to get completely wrapped up in each detail of your wedding day, it is important to not lose focus from what that day truly symbolizes: the beginning of a lifelong marriage to your best friend and the love of your life. Sure, the color of the flowers in your centerpiece may be important, but ultimately, the strength of your relationship with your future spouse – and the family that will forever be a part of your life – is what will matter most, long after you’ve said, “I do.”

Extend Gratitude
While your wedding is absolutely your day to enjoy – and rightly so – it is important to take time to properly recognize all of the love, and gifts of time and financial support that may be given to you by your loved ones. Any gift given in love – be it large or small – it something to be thankful for, and should never be taken for granted. It is amazing what a heartfelt word of thanks, and a warm hug can do to keep spirits high and conflict low.

Image by Visions by Heather

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Anticipate and accept that there will some level of anxiety and conflict during the planning of your wedding. By preparing yourself, you will be less likely to overreact, avoiding unnecessary, hurt feelings.

Accept Guidance
As your wedding planner, we are there for you every step of the way on your journey toward marriage. In addition to creative and logistic assistance, we are also here to provide emotional support, and to supply needed direction or advice if family issues arise.

The journey toward marriage is such an exciting process. Choosing to see things from a different point of view, bestowing honor, and making a point to engage in meaningful, and open communication with your loved ones can go a long way toward avoiding potential conflict, and serve to draw your families closer together during this beautiful season of your life.

Images by Stone Blue Productions

Thank you again, Rachel … what wonderful advice to ease tensions that you do not want rising at a wedding. If you would like to visit the site of RS Exclusive, just click here. If you have a question to ask for next month’s column, just email us at info@hillcitybride.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Have you heard about our AMAZING wedding giveaway? With vendors like SPA 4109, La Bella Torta and RS Exclusive, you will definitely want to enter to win our wedding package! Just check out I Dream of a Wedding by clicking here, and be sure to enter by August 13th. We want to hear your story.

So, who doesn’t love a good cupcake? I adore them … especially if they are cute along with being tasty. Well, here are a few ideas from Fiskars to top off your cupcakes in an adorable way. Whether it is for a bridal shower, a wedding luncheon or the wedding itself, these are sure to catch some “oohs” and “ahhs” from onlookers (and tasters!).

They are so darling! For full instructions on these DIY projects from Fiskars, just click here. Have fun!

Don’t forget about our I Dream of a Wedding Giveaway! With venues like City View and Trivium, photographers like Allegra’s Studio and Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography and catering by Love Is in the Air, it’s a dream wedding at its finest! Click here to learn more about how to enter … hurry, the deadline is August 13th for entries. 

Aaahhh, summer is here, and in an attempt to sit back and enjoy summer, I am introducing Throwback Thursday, which is a collection of oldies but goodies that need to be revisited since Hill City Bride’s humble beginnings.

Once again, I am pleased to present The Exclusive, written by Rachel McLean of RS Exclusive, a mother-daughter full service event company. The questions for today’s column were submitted by our readers, and if you have any questions for this knowledgeable duo, feel free to email them to info@hillcitybride.com.

Question #1
What are your favorite kinds of flowers and plants to work with? Do you have any non-traditional favorites to make centerpieces really pop?

Just like a kid in a candy shop, choosing a favorite flower from among the vast variety available isn’t easy — each flower and plant possesses its own unique and tantalizing “flavor,” spirit, and style. That being said, allow us to share a few of the flowers we enjoy working with the most.

With its simple, timeless beauty, there is nothing quite like the splendor of a rose. Like the staple “little black dress,” you just can’t go wrong with the rose. Available in nearly every shade and size imaginable, the lovely garden rose is a hardy, versatile flower. It works wonderfully in most any arrangement or bouquet, pairs lovely with other flowers, and floats beautifully in water. Each rose color carries its own unique fragrance, giving off a sweet perfume to enjoy wherever it is displayed.

Another favorite is the peony. Fragrant and delicate, its bloom is charming all on its own or adds a lush sweetness when combined with other flowers. The peony is available in a wide variety of lovely shades, including red, pink, coral, and white.

Often presumed as delicate and difficult to work with, the orchid is surprisingly strong and resilient, and can add an exotic splash of color to an arrangement. They come as a single stem or in small clusters on a longer stem.

Have fun enhancing your centerpiece with a striking and artistic vase or pot, and then “accessorize.” For a unique look and added texture, try wrapping banana or grass leaves around the base of a bouquet or arrangement, or create varied height by tucking foliage (eucalyptus or silver plume pampas grass work beautifully) or branches and berries into your arrangement. Using decorative feathers, crystals, gems, pins, or ribbons are another way to add a splash of color, texture, or glitz to give you that extra “pop.”

While most craft stores offer a variety of options for extra decorative pizazz, chances are you have a few things lying around the house just begging to be used. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules to creating a beautiful and eye-catching arrangement or centerpiece. Modern or classic, edgy or chic, arrangements are all about you and your style. Use your imagination and mix and match until you come up with something that you like.

Question #2
My question is in regards to wedding flowers. The main color is clover green and I am trying to find a gorgeous purple and yellow mix of flowers to go with it. The latest flower I found was a purple water lily, but I have never seen that in a bouquet so I don’t know how practical it is. Would you happen to know any good resources for that as well?

You’ve chosen a beautiful color palate, and there are many wonderful flowers available to you, whether you wish to stay classic in styling, go bold, or enjoy something in between. Based on the season and formality of your event, here are a few options you may wish to consider:

Purple: The blue delphinium, iris, purple status, sweet pea, or butterfly bush can offer bold color, as well as height and texture, to your arrangement. The lilac, peony, hydrangeas and tulip are also lovely options, and come in varying shades of purple.

Yellow: Gerberas and sunflowers are striking and cheerful, while the yellow orchid lends a more exotic feel. If you’re looking for something a little more formal, the calla lily could be a wonderful choice.

Don’t forget about the rose. Available in multiple shades of purple and yellow, roses are always a good choice, and one that will work well when mixed with other flowers.

Most of these flowers should be available for purchase through your local greenhouse or an online vendor. If you are working with a wedding planner, they can assist you in selecting the perfect mix of flowers based on your theme, and may be able to purchase them for you through a community florist or garden center at a preferred rate.

Thank you so much, Rachel! Everyone be sure to visit the page of RS Exclusive to view their beautiful work, and remember to enter our e-book giveaway!!