The Sweetest Occasion

Lobster Bib Save the Dates

cyd — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:53 +0000

Want in on a little known fact about me? I’m obsessed with lobster. I’m actually convinced it’s the world’s most delicious food. Oh, and I’m equally in love and obsessed with all things New England. So these amazing lobster bib save the dates? (Yes, lobster bib save the dates!) Well, they’re basically completely awesome in my book. Shared by the lovely Laini of The Curious Ink, the save the date design was screen-printed onto lobster bibs, folded, tied with navy bakers twine and adorned with a navy tag. Can you think of anything more perfect to get guests excited about a New England beach wedding complete with a lobster bake? I know I can’t!

{Photos from The Curious Ink.}

DIY Hand Lettered Gift Wrap

cyd — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:31:55 +0000

Today’s DIY post comes to us from Aimee Strickland of madeinthefold, where she offers beautiful hand lettered wedding invitations and stationery. You can also check out her blog for more daily inspiration!

Supplies -

kraft gift box (found at your local craft store)
roll of kraft paper
twill tape (found in the fabric section of your craft store)
assorted tags or mini gift bags
pencil
eraser
white gel pen (i used a white gelly roll pen) or black fine point pen
text printed in font of choice (optional)

Step 1: Assemble your box. Depending on the box, this should require a simple amount of folding and tucking. Once you have your box top ready, write out your message (or trace it from your printed phrase) in pencil to determine spacing.

Step 2: Once you have your phrase scripted on top of the box, you can trace your pencil outline with the white gel pen, making the phrase as thick as desired.

Step 3: Fill box with a gift, candy, or goodies to give to your recipient!

{Photos by madeinthefold for The Sweetest Occasion.}

Party Palette: Navy + Sapphire

cyd — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:21:06 +0000

While blue is my all-time favorite color, somehow my color palettes always seem to involve pink. Perhaps excessively so. But not today! Today it’s all about gorgeous, rich shades of navy, sapphire and slate blues. Like the perfect pinstripe suit, there is just something so sophisticated and timeless about the perfect shade of blue. So here’s my little ode to blue. What colors are you loving today?

{Photos, from top: Ann Gordon via Creature Comforts / Sarah Kaye / Galerie Oubaida.}

Michela + Giuseppe: A Gorgeous Sicily Wedding

cyd — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:27:37 +0000

Today I am so excited to share one of the prettiest weddings I’ve ever laid eyes on. Seriously. It’s gorgeous. Michela and her husband Giuseppe planned an impossibly romantic celebration in Sicily and the images captured by Michela Zucchini couldn’t be lovelier. Soft pastels, beautiful flowers, cotton lace and sweet vintage touches appeared throughout the day. The wedding party got ready in an 18th century palace with the ceremony following in a stunning Baroque church. Oh and Michela even designed her own dress. No, seriously. Prepare to be blown away!

Vendors -
Photograper: Michela Zucchini, Bologna / Flowers: I Giardini del Sole, Catania / Ceremony: Chiesa di San Placido, Catania / Reception: Castello di Xirumi Serravalle / Catering: La Torre Catering, canicattì / Dress: Atelier Anna Maretti (designed by the bride) / Shoes: Calzaturificio Luval, Massanzago (designed by bride) / Cake topper: Handmade by the bride / Milk glass: Shifting Years on Etsy

{Photos by Michela Zucchini.}

Friday Link Love

cyd — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:10:07 +0000

Hello, sunshine and hello Friday! There’s nothing I love more than a bright and sunny day to wrap up the week. I hope everyone has had an awesome week and is looking forward to the upcoming weekend. What big plans does everyone have? Here’s wishing you lots of sunshine wherever you are – see you here on Monday!

{Wallpaper illustration by Kelly Ashworth.}

I also write for Babble. Here are a few of my posts this week…

Fun lawn games (perfect for summer fun!)
12 cool kids party themes
Fun and sweet treats for kids
10 favorite childrens books
How To: Be a Garage Sale Champ this Weekend

And a little link love for your weekend…

I can’t wait to go boating this summer!
Love these pretty painted pots
This book is next on my must-read list
How pretty is this house?
Quickly becoming my newest blog obsession
How adorable are these kids plates?
Make a gorgeous bouquet
Hello, awesome! Printable “Mom” tattoos
Love this DIY Instagram journal
Pretty kitchen storage made simple
Sweet DIY straws for Mother’s Day brunch
On my dream list – an outdoor kitchen!

The Sweetest Occasion in Mollie Makes

cyd — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:45:54 +0000

I am so excited today to share that Jenny’s DIY no-sew bunting has been featured in the latest issue of Mollie Makes, a UK magazine featuring the best in crafts and handmade finds. It hits newsstands this week and international readers can check out all the fun goodies with their iPad version of the magazine.

{Images from Mollie Makes.}

Loving Pretty Place Settings

cyd — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:21:17 +0000

I have always loved a pretty table. Whether elegant and traditional, rustic or modern, the table is such a fabulous opportunity to add color, texture and personality to a celebration. Lately I have found myself pinning some of the loveliest ideas and I couldn’t resist sharing a handful of favorites. Right now I am definitely loving pretty place settings…

{Photos, from top: Erik Ekroth Photography via Hatch Creative Studio / Jose Villa via Once Wed /Arielle Doneson Photography via Style Me Pretty / Karen Mordechai for Sunday Suppers / Jesse Leake via Barnwood & Birch / Simon Bevan for Remodelista /Karen Mordechai for NewlyWish via Sunday Suppers / Tinywater Photography via Style Me Pretty / Arielle Doneson Photography via Style Me Pretty.}

What to Wear: Girls Night Out

cyd — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:41:36 +0000

Who doesn’t love a great night out with the girls? I know I do! I’m definitely past due for dinner and drinks out with the ladies, and I am so looking forward to National Stationery Show week coming up when I’ll get to do a whole lot of just that. Oh and a four-day slumber party with Erika? Definitely on my list of things I am looking forward to right now. My go-to look for going out with the girls? A great top, skinny jeans and a sexy pair of pumps. The taller the better, of course.

{Shop: Top / earrings / bangles / purse / belt / pumps / skinny jeans.}

Party Palette: Peacock + Watermelon

cyd — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:48:35 +0000

It’s a rainy day here in Syracuse, but I’m keeping it bright and happy with these candy-inspired pastels. I mean, who doesn’t love a big dose of cheerful color? And a touch of gold glitter? Yes, sir. That is just what the weatherman ordered. Bonus – this pretty paint glob photo is actually available as free iPhone wallpaper from Eat Drink Chic so you can take the pretty with you wherever you go.

{Photos, from top: Eat Drink Chic / Francois Coquerel for Tiffamade via You Are My Fave / Creature Comforts.}

DIY Watercolor Mothers Day Card

chelsea — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:11:35 +0000

by Chelsea Costa

Mother’s Day is this weekend, and I’m so excited to celebrate all of the wonderful moms in my life! If you’re looking for a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, this handmade watercolor card might be just the thing.

Supplies -

watercolor paint
paintbrushes
watercolor paper
scissors
ruler
pencil

First, measure and cut a card from the watercolor paper, any size or shape you like. Fold it in half and smooth the folded edge. Then, on the front flap, tear away the bottom edge of the card so that there is a rough, unfinished edge.

Dip the rough edge in about an inch of water, thoroughly flooding it. Using a paintbrush, swipe on a generous amount of paint on the very edge of the card. Tip the card this way and that until the paint spreads and takes the shape you’d like. Then, lay it flat to dry. Once it’s mostly dry, if the paper is a bit wrinkled, let it sit under a heavy book to flatten it.

Finally, using a thin, dry paintbrush, paint a message on the inside of the back flap so that it peeks out from under the watercolor wash. Let the card dry thoroughly and write a sweet note inside for your mom! Happy Mother’s Day to all of you amazing, wonderful, beautiful moms! xoxo

{Photos by Lovely Indeed for The Sweetest Occasion.}