Wedding Wednesday | Christina + Eric 06.09.11

Today I have a beautiful Real Wedding by Alaina Carnahan from Ace of Images with Elizabeth Weddington of Studio Seventy-Nine as the second shooter!  I feel so lucky to have the work of such talented, and sweet :o), ladies!  Bonus:  I get to work with both of them at a wedding next weekend - yay!!!

Christina and Eric were married on July 9th at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Bryan, Ohio with a beautiful, rustic reception following at the Williams County Veterans Memorial in Montpelier.  Their wedding was extra special because Christina's son, Josh, was the ring bearer :o)

Are you kidding me with that cuteness?!?!  Also, Eric's company Herm-TV Productions did the videography for the day!  It truly was a family affair ;o)

Now a little about the couple from bride, Christina:
We met while working together at a local TV station. We were inseparable and best friends.


He proposed at our new home after we went to check out “construction”. He asked me if I could see myself living there for quite awhile and I said, "yes". He said, "Since we're starting a new life here together. . . do you think you could spend the rest of yours with me?"

And now for the details of the big day:
The wedding was all planned around the ring. It’s beautiful, vintage and classy. We wanted the style to carry throughout the wedding look. The dress was found at David’s Bridal and definitely had a vintage flair.

The centerpieces were all made by us, as well as the cake table's wood platters.  The cake was made by a church friend and the cupcakes were made by a friend of my Mother-in-Law.  For the tall centerpieces, my mother-in-law glued hydrangea pieces to tree limbs then we washed river rock and stuck them in. For the short squares we bought fake hydrangeas and placed them in the river rock. Our florist was Gabe from Wonsetler Flowers in Bryan and he did the amazing pew decorations/bouquets, etc.

All Occasions Plus in Defiance took care of the hall decorations, including the beautiful hand-made chandelier which fit the theme so well. Stella Blue in Archbold was the caterer and Foxtunes Entertainment out of Stryker was the DJ.

Some words from groom, Eric:
The centerpieces were twigs and branches cut from my parents' back yard, Josh helped pick out the ones to cut. The wood planks for the cake table were cut from my grandparents' backyard tree that was a favorite climbing tree when I was growing up.


Jacob Rausch - my cousin - did the grandparents' memorial flowers.  He is an award winning floral designer who is a freshman at University of Toledo. He has fun doing it on the side as a hobby. and has worked for a florist during the summer.

Absolutely beautiful!!  A definite source of inspiration for brides-to-be :o)  Thanks for sharing, Alaina, and congratulations on your new life together Christina and Eric!!

Tie a String Around Your Finger. . .

. . . so you don't forget to do two very important things before the week ends:

1) Vote for baci as BEST Invitations on Fox 8's Akron-Canton HOT LIST by clicking on the banner below. Remember, the contest ends Friday and we need your help to reach #1!! Thank you in advance for your participation :o)

2) Place your last minute order for shirley | edith mother's day cards! Mother's Day is this Sunday and if you don't have a card yet, shirley | edith has the perfect one :o)

If you place your order before noon tomorrow (Thursday, May 5th) baci will cover the extra shipping costs to ensure you receive it by Saturday, May 7th (US Orders Only).

Wedding Wednesday | Jesse + Laurinda 10.16.10 {Detroit, Michigan}

Remember my Fall Wedding Planning Post from last year about the October Wedding baci was Planning and Coordinating? What about the Invitation Sneak Peek from last July? Well, here are the rest of the details from the wedding that turned out absolutely perfect!!

Ilario and I teamed up for our first full-fledged Day Of Coordination Job for our dear friends, Jesse and Laurinda, in Michigan at Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club on what was possibly the most beautiful mid-October day ever. The sun was shining brightly at the outdoor ceremony held on the Gazebo, it was breath-taking and quite the perfect first experience for Ilario and I!

Not only did baci serve as the Partial Wedding Planner and provide Day of Coordination Services, we also designed and printed the couple's wedding stationery - from the Save the Date Postcard requesting that guests RSVP early to the Invitation Suite made of recycled, handmade plantable paper - an exciting first for baci - complete with recycled brown bag envelopes and twine to tie the whole package together! We even "engraved" "J + L" on the tree trunk :o)

This job was not only special because we think of Jesse and Laurinda as two of our very best friends, but also because they had so many wonderful and creative ideas for their wedding!! And now you get to take a special look into their gorgeous day by viewing their Wedding Album Video, designed and created by Elite Entertainment in Warren, Michigan - Enjoy!!

All the other vendors that made this day possible:

Bridal Gown - "I Do" Too! Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses - David's Bridal

Hair & Make-up - Leslie Castaneda

Hotel Accommodations - Hampton Inn Detroit/Auburn Hills

DJ & Videography - Elite Entertainment

Rentals - Linens & Beyond

Floral - Hank's Flowerland

Cake - Jane Guilford (My Momma!!)

Handpicked - Ring Bearer Pillows

Question: Does your ring bearer have to carry a plain white pillow?

Answer: No!

I love ring bearer pillows, especially when you add a little bit of your own taste to it. However, you can do something else that is simple and unique instead of just a plain pillow.

1) Rustic Natural Burlap Ring Bearer Pillow with Red Roses and Barbed Wire on etsy.com - $40

2) Treasure Chest Ring Box on weddingfavorsunlimited.com - $10.64

3) Silver Rose Ring Box on myjeanm.com - $20 - Something simple for any ring bearer to carry.

4) Black Enchanted Evening Ring Pillow on weddingaccessories.com - $26.90

5) Modern Ring Bearer Pillow (Blue and Brown) on etsy.com - $36

6) Colored Silk Ring Pillow (Fuchsia) on theknot.com - $28

7) Birch bark and moss ring bearer pillow with engraved hearts on etsy.com - $22.50 - I believe this would be beautiful for any couple who is eco-friendly or getting married outside.

8) WITH THIS RING Ring Bearer Bowl (TM) with tiny text - the original modern heirloom by Paloma's Nest on etsy.com - $42 - I love this!

9) Moire Monogram Collection Ring Pillow on weddingaccessories.com - $47.70 - This would be perfect for the couple that incorporates their monogram into the wedding.

NEW shirley | edith updates!!

The new 2011 shirley | edith happy birthday card is now available on baci's Etsy Shop!! This might be a design a few friends and family have seen before, but it's the first time it has been available for purchase - we are SOOO excited!! As usual, the 2011 shirley | edith happy birthday card is made from 100% recycled brown bag paper and comes with a matching 100% recycled brown bag envelope.

More news we are WOOT'ing about - the shirley | edith recycled brown bag cards package is now available in a "pick your favorite six"!!! Now you can have any six cards you'd like (even multiples). This option is a great way for baci to offer our customers exactly what they want :o)

Order your 2011 shirley | edith happy birthday card or your pick six package now and get FREE SHIPPING by using the code MARCHBLOG!!! Offer is good only for domestic purchases through the end of the month (3/31).

Last Chance to Order Your shirley | edth valentine's day cards

If you've been meaning to order your shirley | edith "bee mine" valentine's day cards, this is your last chance!! If you order by the end of today, baci will cover the additional shipping to have it to you in the nick of time.

*This offer ends at midnight tonight, 2/10/11 and is only valid in the US.

shirley | edith 2010 holiday cards - POST-HOLIDAY SALE!

Since the holidays are over and things have finally started to settle down, I thought I'd put the shirley | edith recycled brown bag 2010 holiday cards on sale. And I mean SALE because who doesn't love stocking up on great things at cheap prices for the next time around? I honestly don't think I've bought a full-priced roll of Christmas wrapping paper in my life!

Anyway, below you'll find the link to purchase them directly for only $16 - that's half price, my friends. The 2010 holiday card package consists of ten cards made from 100% recycled brown bag paper. Cards come with matching 100% recycled brown bag envelopes. Cards read "happy holly days" outside with an inside message reading ". . . to you and yours". Your cards will be shipped safely to you wrapped in beautiful ribbon and in a flat bubble mailer.

Don't putz around - they'll be gone for good at the end of the month.

Happy 2011!

So many wonderful things happened in 2010 and so many more fabulous things are to come in 2011! I honestly can't contain myself and want to work on everything we have in store all at once, but of course that would mean nothing would get done right so we won't do that ;o)

I just wanted to take a moment to extend a very sincere thank you to all of baci's clients, friends, fans and family - without you I couldn't work on something I adore as much as I do baci each and every day. Thank you for your love, your support and your beyond-appreciated gratitude - you are the best people anyone could ever ask to be surrounded by!

While we prep for all the comings of 2011, here is a little sneak peek of what you'll be seeing on the newly designed web site, set to launch early this year with photos by the always talented Brandy J Photography!

Now do you see why we are SOOO excited?!?!?!?! Cheers to wonderful things in 2011! Happy New Year!

shirley | edith Giveaway Extended!!!

Haven't entered to win all six of the newly launched shirley | edith cards by baci? Well, you're in luck, we're extending the contest until next Wednesday, October 27th (which happens to be Ilario and I's three-year anniversary - Hooray!). We're also tweaking the rules a little, just to make it more simple and to be sure as many people as possible can have the chance to win. Before, to earn bonus entries you had to come back to here to let us know that you'd tweeted or wrote on baci's Facebook Wall, but I'd really like to have all those people count even if they forget to come back here. So, the rules are the same except for that little bit. Here's a little refresher:

1} Head on over to the bacidesigner Etsy Shop.
2} Choose your favorite shirley | edith design and post it here in the comments section of the original post (no anonymous posts will be accepted) - this will act as your entry.

* Earn Bonus Entries by Tweeting the following, "Win yourself a package of recycled brown bag shirley |edith cards from @bacidesigner here: www.bacidesigner.blogspot.com. #contest" or by writing on baci's Facebook Wall about which shirley |edith couture kraft occasions card is your favorite.

Remember, this contest will now end Wednesday, October 27th and the winner will be chosen at random and announced Thursday the 28th here on Designing Woman.

shirley | edith is here. . . and there's a Giveaway!!

shirley | edith, named after Amanda's grandmothers, is a couture line of occasions cards created by baci designer stationery + events. The couture kraft occasions line is finally here and available for purchase online at baci's new Etsy Shop!

All cards in the shirley | edith couture kraft occasions line are printed in-house by baci on 100% Recycled Brown Paper Bag Kraft (isn't it AWESOME?!?!) and come with matching envelopes. Each card can be ordered individually or as a group.

Below are some the amazing shots of the new line, taken by the rockin' Gino Locascio.

recycled brown bag you're welcome card

recycled brown bag thank you card

recycled brown bag embrace card

recycled brown bag happy birthday card

recycled brown bag baby bump card

recycled brown bag awesome card

Of course, we just have to give away a package of these puppies, so here's how to win these lovely cards!

1} Read this post. Check!
2} Head on over to the bacidesigner Etsy Shop.
3} Choose your favorite shirley | edith design and post it here in the comments section (no anonymous posts will be accepted) - this will act as your entry.

* Earn Bonus Entries by Tweeting the following, "Win yourself a package of recycled brown bag shirley |edith cards from @bacidesigner here: www.bacidesigner.blogspot.com. #contest" or by writing on baci's Facebook Wall about which shirley |edith couture kraft occasions card is your favorite. Be sure to come back to this post and let us know that you're spreading the word or else your entries won't count. . . and that would just be depressing!

This contest will end Wednesday, October 20th and the winner will be chosen at random and announced that Thursday here on Designing Woman.

More fun stuff you should know - a couture letterpress bridal line is also coming soon to shirley |edith!!

Wedding Wednesday | Real Wedding Inspiration

I love wedding blogs. Seriously, love them, so it only makes sense when I find inspiration each time I visit one. That's what happened when I checked in on Once Wed recently - leah + jon's Northern Georgia Wedding took my breath away! Their wedding was held at Crane Creek Vineyard, stylized by the uber talented Joy Thigpen and photographed by the incredible David and Kendrick of Our Labor of Love. . . not to mention paper goods by Chelsea Petaja of Oh My Deer Handmades!! The talent this wedding incorporated is amazing! Here is the beautiful inspiration board I created from Our Labor of Love's images, enjoy!

For more images and details from this gorgeous big day (including what Joy made those gorgeous flowers from!!) go here, here and here, oh and here, too :o)

2010 National Stationery Show {New York City, New York}

A few weekends ago, Ilario and I took a trip to New York City for the 2010 National Stationery Show. It was such an incredible and inspiring experience!! The stationery show is in it's 65th year and exhibits 900 companies featuring more than 10,000 lines. Here are a few of my favorite finds at the conference:

Quirky Cards by Haute Papier - I love greeting cards that make you laugh!

Bright Souls Collection by Wild Pulp - Educational, eco-friendly cards

Beautiful Thank You Notes by Anna Griffin

Quite possibly the cutest things ever - Little Envelopes Collection by Studio T

And hands down the best favor I came across - "Write from My Heart" Eco-friendly Notepad and Pencil by Kate Aspen

Another wonderful aspect of the stationery show is the opportunity to network and meet so many talented designers and vendors. I was lucky enough to meet Agnes from Blossom Accents, a handmade wedding invitation and stationery design shop located right here in Cleveland. All art and photography is done by Agnes herself - her talent is unremarkable, see her beautiful Gerbera Daisy Flirt Invitation below!

I was also lucky to run into the sweet and southern Allison from Allison R. Banks Designs - the two of us just so happened to be interested in the same letterpress vendor (yes, Ladies, affordable custom letterpress is coming to baci soon!!!!) at the conference and once we got to talking there was no shutting us up, we had so much in common! Allison offers couture hand-designed monograms and calligraphy design. Below are just two examples of her outstanding work!

Allison blessed me with the pleasure of meeting Miss Ginny, owner of The Scribbler, a stationery and gift shop offering custom invitations and stationery located in Alabama. She, too, is sweet and southern, just a joy to be around. These women made my time in the city memorable - it's so nice to sit and gab with people who have the same interests as you! I look forward to working with each of them in the future!!

Happy Earth Day!

Image from Ecoki

I want to take a minute to wish everyone a Happy Earth Day - please keep our fragile planet in mind every day of the year!! Check out Designing Woman's previous eco-friendly posts and stop by a few of my favorite environmentally conscious vendors:

Boscia - Preservative-free Skin Care

Branch - Sustainable Design for Living

Seventh Generation - Green Cleaning Products

Rubie Green - Stylish Green Living

RuMe - Reusable Bags

VivaTerra - Eco Living with Style

And quite possibly the coolest "Green" tool is TheFind Green - Every Green Store, Every Green Product.

VivaTerra, My Current Wish List

I truly enjoy purchasing things that have little impact on the environment and I especially love it when they look GORGEOUS as well! VivaTerra allows you to do just that - their motto: Eco Living with Style. Check out four of my favorites from their current catalog:

1) I'm not exactly sure why, but I absolutely love things created from railroad ties - maybe it's because my dad used them for unique purposes around our home while I was growing up. . . so this Railroad Tie Console Table just stole my heart! 2) I think succulents look incredibly chic and modern so when placed inside these "concrete" cubes they're only more fabulous - Succulent Cube Set. 3) The vintage look of these Flowered Enamel Bowls would look great in our kitchen and dining room :) 4) Seriously love, love, love this Vintage Grain Sack Rug - LOVE!!

baci loves. . . MATT & NAT

Simply put, MATT & NAT is the bomb! MATT & NAT creates some of the most gorgeous handbags, wallets, laptop cases and brief cases ever - what makes them so fabulous (other than the fact that they are GORGEOUS!) is that they are all eco-friendly and vegan. No, the bags don't shy away from meats and cheeses - they're made leather-free and all linings are made from recycled plastic bottles. How amazing is that? Check out the New Arrivals and see below for my new MATT & NAT birthday present :)

Wedding Wednesday | 2010 Trend Watch

The new year is upon us so it's time to be prepared! Here are just a few things to watch for in 2010.

Gown from the Susan Neville Collection

1. Turquoise - expect it to be everywhere this year, from weddings to home decor. Color company Pantone even ranked it as number one in their Spring 2010 Fashion Color Report. The great thing about turquoise is that it's such an easy color to match other colors with. Combine it with dark grey and silver for a sleek look or pump it up by adding a deep red tone.

Image from Eco Caters

2. "Green" Weddings - 2009 started this trend and it's definitely going to continue as brides and grooms think about the impact their wedding has on the environment. Look for recycled paper stationery items and organic food menus.

Image from Fine Living

3. Girls' Night In Bachelorette Parties - My own bachelorette party was more slumber party than crazy bar-fest and we had such a great time that my sister and I threw a similar-type party for our cousin's 2009 pre-nuptials. There's no need to keep the festivities tame just because you're not actually out - look for bridal parties to save some cash and their sanity (there's no sweaty men to hit on you when you're at home) by opting for a Girls' Night In!

Image by bobbi + mike

4. Draping - From bridal gowns to fabric covered reception walls, be on the look out for soft layers everywhere this year.

Image by Jose Villa Wedding Photography

5. Shine - Brides will be looking for ways to incorporate a little glitz into their big days with rhinestones, crystals and candlelight galore!