I adore exploring the globe, so this travel themed wedding by Crystal George Studios definitely caught my eye! From fun folded maps to a creative cake, this affair has lots of details to draw from. Here is what Crystal herself had to say…

Some people buy engagement rings when they devote themselves to each other. Other people buy small aircraft. Courtney & Brad were both medical students entering their residencies when they met, and Brad has now almost finished his residency in Pediatrics and is a doctor! Both super smart. Super dedicated.

But miles separated them from each other, and so when they decided this love was for life they purchased a small airplane, instead of a ring, to see each other. In celebration of this symbol of their commitment the wedding was decorated with small flight maps from places they had visited together folded into hearts and paper airplanes.  SO CUTE.

Enjoy!

Ceremony & Tea Party:  The Gardens at UVA

Reception:  The McGuffy Art Center, Charlottesville VA

Bride’s Gown:  Pnina Tornai, Courtesy of Church Street Bridal, Lynchburg VA

Hair & Makeup: Emily Garbee Harris of Bodyworks Day Spa & Salon

Jelly & Jam Favors:  Handmade by Mother of the Bride

Florals:  Sugar Magnolias for ceremony, Reception florals by Mother & Sisters of Bride

DJ:  Thomas St. Clair Dean

Signage is absolutely adorable, and it seems as though all weddings have a bit of it here and there. It is a great way for guests to be able to know where to go and what is going on, and it also makes a fun keepsake for the bride and groom. This is an easy DIY project that can cost little to nothing if you have the right things on hand.

Here is a short list of what is needed: wood cut into the shape and size you prefer (can be plywood, but leftover siding was used for this project!), base coat or stain, paint in both a light and a dark color (leftover paint was used for this project), and some way to display the sign (make it freestanding, add screws and another sandwich board to the back, hang, lean against something .. this is up to you and the space you have available for your signage).

After your board is cut to your desired shape and size, stain the board in the color of your choosing. This board was already the perfect color so no staining was required. You can use chalk or a pencil to mark out the letters. One of the beauties of DIY projects is that it is handcrafted and perfection is not always required!

Here the words have been painted in, but they are not quite done yet!

An outline of darker paint around the lettering makes the words really pop, and the lines add some much needed dimension to the board … cute!

Voila … the finished product! It is so adorable. An arrow can be added to show direction, and this is such a great keepsake. As far as how to display the sign … that is again determined by where you would like to hang the sign. What a simple, fun project that can be completed in just a few hours.

Special thanks goes out to Emily Kim Bart. She had such a beautiful DIY wedding that I have gotten a bunch of ideas from. Thank you so much, Emily, for letting Hill City Bride in on your spectacular wedding DIY projects. Oh, and after all of that hard work doing a DIY, you may just want to head on over to SPA 4109 to pamper yourself … what a treat!

Although a pillow is traditional for a ring bearer to carry, many brides are choosing to give their little guys in tuxes something different to tote down the aisle. Birds, nature and nests are all en vogue, so this simple little DIY project fits the bill for a creative ring holder perfectly!

You will need the following supplies for this project: sturdy box (the size and shape are up to you!), nice wrapping paper, moss, ribbon, a nest (available at craft stores unless you find a real one), fabric flowers, straight pins, hot glue gun, scissors and double sided tape.

Start by covering the top of your box with moss (available at craft stores), and you can use hot glue to adhere the moss to the lid of your box. Perfection is not the key as this is a rustic, nature inspired DIY. Then, use the scissors to cut your paper to the size of the box (unless you find an already beautiful box), and adhere it with the double sided tape.

Lay your ribbon on the lid to determine the pattern you would like, and then cut your ribbon to size. Use straight pins to secure the ribbon (hide them as much as possible, and you can remove them later), and hot glue the ribbon around to the underside of the lid.

Position the nest and flowers, and once you have your placement, just hot glue the pieces down, and voila! You have a beautiful ring bearer box. The rings can be laid securely into the nest, and the couple can keep precious wedding items in the box and display it in their home. I think that it would actually be a lovely place to store all of the cards with sentiments from the wedding … don’t you agree?

Again, we thank Emily Kim Bart for the use of this project from her own wedding. Don’t forget about our giveaway … entries close at 11:59 pm tonight. Do not miss the chance to win a beautiful initial necklace … click here to enter!

Ok, I really, really, really want to try this. I don’t know where; I don’t know when, but I think this is simply amazing… and EASY. No kidding!! It is live moss growing in a word or even a decorative shape that you choose. What a perfect way to have a monogram at your wedding or new home. Take a peek at the photo below, and then head on over HERE to learn all of the how to’s. So fun!

Photo from Spore Borne. 

Wait, wait! I know it’s not May 1st, BUT these darling little cake toppers are easy to make and oh so darling. They can be made to go with any wedding color scheme (or even a shower… wouldn’t they be sweet?!) and would make quite the impression on your guests. This all hails from Studio DIY, so just click here to head on over to their blog for more photos and the instructions.