I think one of the features that defines a “modern” wedding is the use of non-traditional color combinations: turquoise and red, grey and yellow, purple and tangerine…

I would have never thought to consider combining purple and tangerine, but Leslie from A Creative Mint has done a beautiful job of putting together a beautiful spread that is perfect for spring and summer.

Are you planning to use modern color combinations for your big day? If so, what colors did you choose and what was your inspiration?

[Images via A Creative Mint]

Anyone that’s been to a party or wedding knows that the decor makes the entire event. It can revive a dull room and create a whole new atmosphere. When we were planning our New Year party, we knew we just had to have the right decor. We were so excited when Signature Party Rentals came forward with their services. They graciously provided the tables, linens, chairs and Lounge furniture. We initially wanted to also set up an outdoor area with an amazing tent and chandelier from Signature but because of the rain, we had to scratch the idea.

Photographed by Jasmine Star

I feel so fortunate to have worked with Kathy and Antonia and I must say, our party wouldn’t have been a PARTY without their assistance!  They were easy to work with and so eager to help.

Thank you Kathy and Antonia for working with us!

[Studio Cake Design]

[Eat Cake Be Merry]

[Eat Cake Be Merry]

[Baking Arts]

As a bride-to-be you have a lot on your plate - juggling work, friends, family, planning, organizing, and trying to lose those last 10 lbs. can be overwhelming and stressful. Anything to alleviate some of that stress would be helpful, right? Enter the Count Me Healthy bracelet - a health journal for your wrist.

This nifty piece of jewelry is a pretty and practical way to track a health goal, whether it be drinking 8 glasses of water a day to get beautiful skin or walking for 15 minutes X amount of times per day to reach a weight loss goal. All you have to do is turn your daily goal into a bead count (there are 12 beads on a bracelet). Throughout the day, slide a bead from one side of the bracelet to the other once a goal is met. What an easy and convenient way to track your progress! As an added plus, the bracelet can be dressed up or down, so that you can always have it by your side.

This would be a great gift for anyone in your life who needs a little extra reminder to meet their health goals throughout the day!

[Images via Count Me Healthy]

Gilt Groupe has teamed up with Martha Stewart Weddings for a special wedding weekend for the stylish runway bride. On March 12 -14 you will be able to “Get gowns for you, dresses for your bridesmaids, tuxes for your groom, detoxes leading up to the big day, gifts you’ll love to give (and receive) plus exotic honeymoon packages for any couple. Look forward to sales by Temperley London, Thread, Judith Leiber, Vanessa Noel, Lauren Merkin, Prive Salon, Blueprint Cleanse, Tara Pearls, Heather Moore, Sergio Rossi, Stuart Weitzman and so many more to make your wedding day an affair to remember.”

I can’t wait to see what goodies Gilt Groupe + Martha Stewart Weddings have to offer. See a preview of the the collection here:

Links: Kayla’s Kakes

[Photo by ellothere]

We here at Utterly Engaged have decided to dedicate this post to the MOBs, MOHs, bridesmaids, and friends who have been assigned the very important task of…throwing the bridal shower! There aren’t too many blog posts out there focused on the bridal shower, even though it’s an event that many brides-to-be get to indulge in.

We want to inspire you with ideas and offer you suggestions for gifts and decor that will help you throw your bride-to-be a warm and heartfelt shower. We scoured Etsy with one principle in mind: find gifts and decor that can be displayed/used at the shower, wedding, and in the couple’s home as they start their new life together. We wanted these items to serve as a constant during the wedding festivities as well as throughout their lives as husband and wife. With that, we settled on a “home is where the heart is” theme and got to work!

[Photos by Max Wanger, Elizabeth Messina, flowers by Modern Day Design, and Karen Mordechai of Sunday Suppers]

Here are the goodies we found:

Paper Garland by paperacorn, $15

Garland: These delicate paper garlands are perfect for adorning a dessert table or display table. They will also look beautiful draped over a doorway in the couple’s home.

Chysanthemum Blossom Recipe Cards (Set of 16) by pinklilypress, $10

Recipe Cards: Have each guest jot down their favorite recipe on these gorgeous cards and send them out along with the invite. At the end of the day, the bride-to-be will have an arsenal of delicious home-cooked recipes to make with her future partner. Throw in an extra set or two of cards so that she can add her own favorites later on.

Personalized Love Silhouette Print with date by nelladesigns, $20

Love Silhouette Print: How adorable is this? This thoughtful print will look great sitting at the entrance to the reception or on top of the gift table. Later, it can adorn the couple’s wall and serve as a unique reminder of their special day.

IN BLOOM - Set of 6 elegant, paper flower, napkin rings by houseofpeltier, $29

Paper Flower Napkin Rings: Use these beautiful napkin rings during the shower. At the end, tell the bride they are hers to keep. Who wouldn’t squeal at these delicate pieces?

For Haiti Plantable 50 Heart Favor Tags w/ Organic Wildflower Seed Paper 100 Percent Donation by GreetingsthatGrow, $35

Plantable Heart Favors: These plantable favors are composed of organic wildflower paper. They’ll have your guests running home to plant them, and when the flowers pop up, they’ll think of you! If you give your bride-to-be a large quantity, they can be scattered atop the tables during her reception for a sweet take-home treat.

We hope these ideas inspire you to throw a handmade bridal shower!

I would like to bring your attention to a wonderful organization called Wish Upon A Wedding, founded by Liz Guthrie.

Wish Upon A Wedding produces weddings & civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing life-threatening illness. It was founded based on the concept that two people in love should never be denied the chance to marry their soul mate, even if they only have months (or weeks) to live.

Wish Upon A Wedding will be granting their first wish on March 13th! The beautiful bride, Florence, is currently at stage 4 breast cancer.

Even if you are not a vendor YOU can still help! You can spread the word about Wish Upon A Wedding through twitter, facebook, or LinkedIn. You can make a traditional donation or a donation in lieu of or in addition to favors, or in lieu of a traditional gift registry. You can also donate airline miles (what a great idea!) for families whose loved ones need to fly in for the ceremony. Please spread the word about Wish Upon A Wedding. Let’s make these wishes come true!

[Images via Stellasweet]

Links: Kayla’s Kakes

Links: Kayla’s Kakes

Links: Kayla’s Kakes

Don’t these beauties look delicious? These goodies are from flagrante delicia, a beautiful dessert blog (via Love Made Visible). These lollipops are deceptively easy to make (and would look PERFECT as a favor or displayed on a dessert table) and are easily customizable.

All you need is dark chocolate (the quantity depending on how many you plan to make), lollipop sticks (found at most craft stores), and the toppings of your choice).

Directions:

(The recipe calls for tempering your chocolate, but I think this can still turn out great if you use microwavable candy melts).

Place some large wooden sticks over an acetate.
Temper the dark chocolate.
Pour the chocolate into a pastry bag..
Draw spirals with the chocolate over one end of the sticks.
Sprinkle the chocolate with the desired flavors.
Let the chocolate cool down at room temperature.
Carefully remove the lollipops from the acetate.

For the toppings:

There are so many possibilities…here’s an example of something totally unique and tasty:

Orange salt:
Pre-heat the oven to 80ºC.
Grate the orange zest and spread over a silpat.
Remove from heat when dehydrated.

You can also use nuts, cocoa powder, candied flowers, or fleur de sel (wouldn’t that be yummy!)

[Images via flagrante delicia]

Links: Mieng Saetia Photography

Links: Mieng Saetia Photography

Links: Mieng Saetia Photography

Links: Mieng Saetia Photography

I am in LOVE with these fabric menu tags that Mimi has created. She graciously shared a step-by-step tutorial that will leave you wanting to make them ASAP. I can already see the possibilities for menus, tags, accessories, banners…the list goes on and on!

[Images via 100 Layer Cake]

Links: Jimmy Cheng Photography

Links: Jimmy Cheng Photography