Happy Friday [and Halloween!]

As you may can tell by my lack of holiday posts, I'm not really into Halloween these days. Maybe I got an overdose as a kid. Or I'm still mortified by my flower pot get-up in the 6th grade. [yes, I wore a gigantic brown foam flower pot around my waist with a huge pink flower head piece. And no you will never see that photo.] But when a meandered over to Kathryn's fabulous blog, Snippet & Ink, and saw this ever so slightly festive inspiration board, I had to share!

Not only is it whimsically spooky, but it bears no orange, pumpkin, or candy corn. Plus, it is a perfect example of texture and prints discussed here.

Happy weekend. And Happy Halloween [from your less festive friend]!

Top row from left: bridesmaid with black cardigan photo by Jose Villa, gourmet candied apples from Michelle Rago, black candle holders from Wedding Style Guide, JM Flora anemone bouquet with black and white ribbon photo by Kate Headley
Row 2: s'mores from Brides, favors wrapped in black gingham photo by Gabriel Ryan via Green Wedding Shoes, fabric envelope photo by Marie Labbancz
Row 3: carnation boutonniere from Martha Stewart Weddings, strapless gown with black sash photo by Bonnie Tsang, silhouette garland photo by Leigh Miller

Textures, prints, patterns

I am a firm believer that the simplest things like ribbon and fabric can add depth and texture to a design. You don't need the lavish candelabra or the gorgeous designer gown to have a full, textured, gorgeous wedding. When you keep everything else relatively simple, pick the smallest things to add dimension to your wedding or event. When your florists asks you what ribbon or appliques you prefer, choose a textured, printed or patterned ribbon over the plain silks. Choose charms and beading instead of simple pearl pins.



The checkered fabric is a perfect example of infusing gorgeous texture with a simple centerpiece and decor. Being able to choose textured fabrics and ribbons, you are able to go simple with everything else.

My advice to you: when shopping at a craft store or scouring the internet for ideas, chose lace, gingham, polka dots, crushed silk, sheer over a solid silk ribbon or fabric. Its a simple and inexpensive way to go from plain to vibrant!

{from top to bottom: Kate Harrison Photography via Ruffledblog; checkered fabric: Jagger Photography via Ruffledblog; arrangements by Holly Chapple photographed by Kate Headley via Snippet & Ink; bouquet by April Flowers photo by Ken Kienow via Snippet & Ink}

The Fresh Market

I could be a little late jumping on The Fresh Market bandwagon, but WOW! This store has become my new grocery shopping obsession. As you walk in, you are immediately knocked back with delicious smells of the season. The other day it was cinnamon, pumpkin, spices--delicious! Everything from flowers to nuts to desserts are beautifully displayed and beckoned to be oogled over! I mean you really should have seen me--wide eyed and jaw dropped.

The Fresh Market is full of every delicacy you can image. Fruits, cheeses, wines, nuts, snack mixes, a candy bar, ready made meals, meats, fish, desserts and the list goes on.


But what really got me when I walked in was the homey feel this place exudes. Barrels of nuts, gorgeous flower displays, huge oak bins, fruit boxes filled the room. Each section was not only beautiful, it smelled so heavenly of what was being displayed. Mmmm...

If I can suggest anything, stop by your local Fresh Market. Even if just to look, the sights and smells will put an instant smile on your face.



D+D was not paid by The Fresh Market to write this entry. I simply fell in love with this store and wanted to share it with you!

Bride Talk Radio: Styles Group Fitness + LK

I had the recent privilege of guest appearing on Richmond Bride Radio hosted by Styles Group Fitness Network. Offering a Bride Bootcamp, WhitStyles helps brides shape up before the big day. And after hearing the constant complaints of wedding planning, WhitStyles began hosting a Bridal Radio show featuring local wedding vendors. Wedding vendor #1=yours truly, LK Events & Design.

Because I have recently found my niche with DIY by LK (more to come on this new adventure!), Whit and I discussed budget brides and how to save over $5000 on your wedding budget with some simple Do-It-Yourself projects. Missed the show? You can listen to it here. But if you're a visual learner, I've decided to give some step-by-step instructions on DIY projects discussed.

Flowers

If flowers aren't as important to you as say the dress or the food and drink, skip the large, lavish arrangments done by the pros. Opt for DIY.

-Buy one type of flower from a bulk discounter. It's much cheaper this way! Have it delivered one or two days before the wedding or pick it up from the store.

-Pick up floral wire and tape from a craft store, along with some pretty ribbon and pearl corsage pins. [Thinner ribbon for the boutonnieres and wider ribbon for bouquets!]

-Have your 'maids come over and have a flower party!

With a little creativity, you can create something like this:

The key is making sure it's secure. It may take two sets of hands, but wrap tightly and secure with elegant pearl corsage pins.

Tip: Insert the pins diagonally into the flower stems as to not poke your hands when holding!


Cupcake Stand

This season cupcakes are a trendy alternative to the traditional wedding cake. But don't you still want same the drop-your-jaw effect as a lavish wedding cake? Simple. Make your cupcake stand look like a wedding cake! DIY, of course!

Tools:
foam board
wrapping paper
hot glue
tape
ribbon
-Build each layer as if you were building a box. For this one, created by DIY by LK, we started with 6 inch height for all four layers. Building 28, 22, 16 and 10 square layers, stacked on top. Assemble these four boxes using hot glue.

-Wrap each individual layer neatly with wrapping paper. Now here's where you can get creative! Textured, printed, simple and solid. The sky is the limit, just make sure it's neat!

-Cover any cuts of paper or tape with beautiful ribbon (again--think textured, printed or silk) or florals. Grab whatever best fits your style in the craft store and go to town!

-Once decorated to your liking, stack the boxes on top of eachother and tah-dah! You have a beautiful, extremely show-stopping piece of DIY art!

As discussed with Whit on our Bride Radio show, there are tons more ideas and projects to DIY for your wedding. I will continue to post DIY by LK in hopes to inspire!

If you didn't catch our radio show, listen here. And tune in every Monday and Wednesday at Noon for more wedding planning tips from local area vendors!

Happy Monday!

While I take the time to reorganize my office [life], I will leave you with this gorgeous and creative Sweetheart Table from JL Designs and Joyful Weddings and Events.


It is a part of the most vibrant, colorful wedding. I highly recommend you check the rest of it out here. Happy Monday! [and wish me luck!]

Pink Tie Gala: October 24th, 2009

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Most of you know this. But did you know every 12 minutes someone dies from breast cancer?

To celebrate awareness, education and research in Richmond, come out and attend the third annual Pink Tie Gala at the Omni Richmond this Saturday.

Enjoy dinner and dancing, participate in the Silent Auction full of phenomenal items and watch the 2009 Celebration of Life Dance Team while listening to the soulful tunes of Casper.

100% of the net proceeds go to the Richmond Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Get your tickets today! They're almost sold out and no tickets are sold at the door!

Brittany + Ben Engagement Shoot

Brittany and Ben recently got married, but before I indulge you in the gorgeous tangerine and charcoal wedding palette, I've got their beautiful engagement shoot. They spent the day in Charlottesville snapping photos with the indulgent and talented Greg Butler. Greg does photography as a hobby, so they were able to really have fun with this shoot!






And because the library is so fitting for them:






Thanks Brittany and Ben for sending these along! Can't wait to share their wedding with you!

Sneak Peek: Brittany + Ben Engagement

More to come from this amazing Engagement shoot by the talented Greg Butler.

After a month long hiatus...

Phew! What a whirlwind month it has been! I apologize for the long hiatus of postings, but my life got utterly impossible to delegate. With a family vacation, destination bachelorette party, and planning various weddings, I'll be the first to admit that Dulcet and Dapper has taken a backseat in my schedule. But we're back in action and have lots of great things lined up.

Now, this is not to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed the festivities of the past month. I mean, I got to visit Shamu for the first time in almost 10 years.


I also go to rub up on beefy waxy men at the Chippendales show in VEGAS! I'm still debating on posting the blackmail pictures of my sister. [Nahh...I'm not that mean! Just this one!]





And lastly, I was able to plan a fabulous wedding at a new venue in Tappahannock, Virginia. I can't wait to do a feature posting on this absolutely breathtaking Plantation.

Just wanted to give you a quick update at where my life is right now. [I know you're jealous of my jetsetting.]

Cute engagement shoot to come!