So you are planning the perfect country, vineyard or outdoor wedding? These rustic twig wedding cake toppers are handcrafted from natural grape vines, and could be the perfect addition to your wedding inspiration and decorations.

We are loving the rustic simplicity of these wedding cake toppers, you can find these and more in the Made Merri etsy shop here.

Have you tried a cake pop yet? They are simply delicious and the perfect alternative to a huge slice of wedding cake. Surprisingly enough, you can easily make them yourself, for your guests or just because. Thanks to Los Angeles wedding baker Sweet E’s Bakeshop we have simple instructions on how to make your own cake pops. Read on for the step by step instructions.

As an added bonus, all Wedding Chicks readers will receive 10% off their wedding order of $500.00 or more. Besides their cakes and cupcakes, they ship all of their goodies nationwide. All you need to do is mention The Wedding Chicks blog when placing your order in the store or over the phone and you will receive 10% off. Sweet E’s Bakeshop offers a wide variety of treats to choose from Cake Pops, Brownies & Bars , Chocolate Covered Oreos and so much more. They even have a vegan, gluten free and sugar free menu. Anything and everything you will need for your dessert table. Order must be placed by November 1st, 2012.

A special thanks to Los Angeles wedding photographer Braedon Photography for capturing these delicious treats. His work is amazing and you must see it. You are especially going to love this Smog Shoppe Wedding he photographed.

Another special thanks to Sweet E’s Bakeshop for teaching us how to make cake pops and to Braedon Photography for photographing them. Read on for instructions

Step One: Bake your favorite cake mix (follow the instructions listed on the box).  Once the cake is fully baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely.

Step Two: Once the cake is cooled, cut off the crust and crumble the soft cake into a large mixing bowl. Mix in ½ – 1 full can of your favorite frosting (or make your own special recipe)! You will be looking to get the texture of a brownie.  Once you mix in your frosting, scoop the prepared cake and frosting and roll into small balls.  Place them on a cookie sheet and put them into the freezer for approximately 30 minutes, until the cake firms up.

Step Three: While the cakepop balls are in the freezer, you can melt your chocolate.  There are two different ways to melt your chocolate.  First, you can fill a pot with water and bring it to a simmer.  Then place your chocolate in a metal bowl and place the bowl over the pot.  Stir until melted.  Second, you can place the chocolate in a microwavable container and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each 30 seconds until melted.  Once chocolate is melted, pour into a taller container for dipping.

Once you take the balls out of the freezer, you will place a lollipop stick into each ball.  First, dip the end of the lollipop stick into the chocolate and then directly into the ball.  Dip the cakepop into the melted chocolate until fully submerged and then take it out and let the excess chocolate drip off into the bowl.  Lightly scrape the bottom of the balls onto the rim of the bowl to get any remaining chocolate.  Sit on a cookie sheet to dry.

Step Four: Once chocolate is completely dry, you can begin to decorate!  First, you will need a piping bag, your choice of royal icing (recipe for royal icing below), and matching sanding sugar.  For the piping bag you can use a metal tip if you have one, or just cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag. Fill about 1/3 of the piping bag with royal icing.  Pipe swirls onto each of the cakepops and then sprinkle sanding sugar over the wet  design. Shake off the excess sugar into a bowl and set aside to dry for approximately 15-20 minutes.  If you have custom tags, stick them on the end of the stick with a drop of glue!  Then enjoy!

Royal Icing Recipe
1. Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before beginning.

2. In the clean, dry bowl of a stand mixer, place the egg whites, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar. Using the whisk attachment, beat all together on low speed until combined. You can use a hand mixer if you desire, but it will likely take longer for the icing to reach the right consistency.

3. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Restart the mixer and beat the mixture on medium speed until very thick, shiny, stiff and white. This should take about 7-10 minutes.

4. Check the texture to ensure that it is suitable for your needs. If you require a stiffer icing, add a little more powdered sugar at this point.

5. If you want to dye your icing just one color, you can add a few drops of food coloring into the bowl and mix it for a few seconds until the coloring is evenly distributed. If you want to make several different colors, divide the icing into several different bowls and stir in the food coloring by hand.

6. Royal icing dries to a very hard consistency, and it will begin setting as soon as it is made. To prevent the icing from getting hard before you use it, thoroughly wet a paper towel and place it over the top of the icing in the bowl. It is very important to keep the icing covered! Likewise, if you are using a pastry bag and piping tips with the icing, twist the back end of the bag tightly, and wrap a wet paper towel around the tip when not in use so the icing will not dry in the tip.

7. Depending on the temperature, humidity, and amount of icing used, royal icing should harden within 15-60 minutes of application. Do not refrigerate products with hardened royal icing, as the icing can become soft and sticky.

It is so much fun for us to hear where couples met and began their love story. Adrienne and Jed met in a hostel in Chile while there to teach English. Everything sounds more romantic when you fall in love in a foreign country … right?

After moving back and, of course the engagement, they decided on Rancho Las Lomas for their wedding venue. A perfect setting for their whimsical Orange County wedding. See more of Adrienne and Jed’s wedding in the full gallery by clicking here. Photographed by Orange County wedding photographer Amanda Doublin.

From the bride:
We wanted our wedding to feel light-hearted and whimsical yet earthy, so we incorporated lots of sun-washed pastels, vintage pieces found in antique stores and yard sales, bits of nature like pine cones and driftwood, and lots of DIY elements – triangle bunting made out of lokti paper, burlap table runners, a “wishing tree” in place of a guestbook, handmade signs, and mini succulent arrangements as favors. After a lovely ceremony, we kept things old-school as we twirled to Elvis’ “Falling in Love with You”, tossed bouquet and garter out to the crowd, and wheeled off in a 1939 Packard. Many thanks to all of the talented people who helped make our celebration what it was– we highly recommend our photographer, Amanda, and our wedding coordinator, Kendra.

We love their the Nail and Yarn Art. If you are interested in learning how to make something like this click here for our diy tutorial.

Venue: Rancho Las Lomas
Coordinator: Kendra at Prima Events
Cinematography: Julien Lorment
Flowers: Jenny B Floral Design
Hair: Michelle Lattuca
Cake & Caterer: 24 Carrots
DJ: Peter Papadapoulos
Dress Designer: Catherine Deane for BHLDN
Groom’s Attire: Friar Tux
Jewelry: Forever 21, Tiffany’s, Benjamin & Co
Shoe Designer: Vera Wang Lavender
Stationery: Paper-Source (DIY)
Veil or Hair Accessories: BHLDN
Officiant: Don Johnson

Along with your wedding, the honeymoon is usually a must. A time for you and your love to relax, enjoy each other and take a trip of a lifetime. Long ago you either had to save forever or hope that a loving relative surprise you with a pair of round trip tickets to an all inclusive resort.

Those days are long gone,  now you can travel to wherever your heart desires and experience the world through Wanderable. A super easy honeymoon registry site that allows you to  budget a honeymoon that perfectly fits the two of you.

Wanderable works like a traditional registry, but you get to create a registry for your dream vacation. From transportation, to hotels, to meals and of course all the fun stuff. Coffee in Paris, a gondola ride in Rome or even boat trip to Cinque Terre, Italy. Sounds amazing … right? They also have sample registries to help you out, such as Hawaii, Paris, and Italy. Possibilities are endless and are entirely up to you.

Your guests can easily give gifts through multiple payment options and allow you to track their generosity with Wanderable’s gift tracking system. Writing  your thank you notes is a breeze and planning your dream vacation has never been so easy.

Did we also mention that their service is completely free without ads?  You can set up your entire honeymoon registry in less than five minutes. Your photo, wedding details, track your thank you cards and a personal note, all at no cost.

Wanderable also offers the  option to upgrade and use their designer themes, matching gift cards for your guests to print out and a modern Pinterest-like layout. Get started and start planning the trip of a lifetime with Wanderable now.

Photos: gondola ride in Venice, coffee in Paris, visit Cinque Terre, Italy, Lopes Mendes Beach In Brazil

The magic of a Pronovias bridal fashion show really is a must see for the fashionista in all of us. 1,800-plus guests all waited in the Oval Room of the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona to witness the Pronovias’ 2013 collections. Featuring Pronovias by Manuel Mota, Pronovias Barcelona, and Pronovias by Elie Saab.

The theme of the show was “Le Jardin des Rêves,”(The Garden of Dreams). Behind the catwalk was a large backdrop representing a greenhouse and one by one the models came out  in some of the most exquisite wedding dresses we have ever seen. Each representing the flowers of a greenhouse. You can get a better picture by watching the video below.

Around 80 dresses sauntered down the runway in every wedding gown style imaginable. Bursting with floral motifs, ranging from voluminous romantic, to cosmopolitan all the way down to the unique rose dress above. You can see more of the gowns in the full gallery by clicking here as well as backstage photos.

You must watch the live fashion show to see more of the exquisite Pronovias’ 2013 collections. To learn more about our trip to Spain click here. Be sure to visit the gallery to see all the wedding dresses and do let us know what you think of the collection.

A few weeks ago we hopped on a plane and flew to Barcelona, Spain. A first for the both of us, needless to say we were excited! We were off to visit the Pronovias showroom, attend the Pronovias 2013 fashion show held at Sala Oval of the MNAC and finally go to the dinner and after party at Palauet Albéniz. This just so happens to be where the King of Spain stays when he’s in town. Even we know this sounds crazy, but it was such a privilege and way fun. We cannot thank all of our friends at Pronovias enough for allowing us to experience Barcelona in style.

Shortly after we landed we were whisked away to the Pronovias showroom. Two buildings, a ton of people all collaborating to make some of the most breathtaking wedding dresses around. A tour of the grounds, a meeting with Manuel Mota and brief run in with Karolina Kurkova who was being fitted for the show. To say the least, it was utterly amazing. Stay tuned to see the 2013 Pronovias collection.

We gazed at wedding gowns, head pieces and bridal sashes daily. To actually see the process of what it takes to make these wedding gowns is truly unreal. It starts in Manuel Mota‘s atelier where he has tons of inspirational material neatly organized. Think fashion books, sparkly beads and luxurious fabrics. Elaborate sketches are meticulously hung on cork boards. A fashion designer’s dream. We asked Manuel what inspired him to create this collection and he shared that he was greatly inspired by the film The Artist and the fashion of the 20′s 30, and 40s.

A few flights of stairs and we were in the factory. A well coordinated operation of seamstresses sewing the gowns mostly by hand. As you can see, the detail work in these gowns is truly a labor of love.

Below is the unfinished product of the show-stopping gown for  the fashion show. The seamstresses took over ten hours to sew just one of roses, by hand of course. As you will soon see, the dress is a work of art. Stay tuned to see all of these gowns and more come to life in the Pronovias 2013 fashion show.

Thank you so much to Pronovias, Manuel Mota, and the lovely Ana Paula. This was a once in a lifetime experience that shall not soon be forgotten.

We know that the approaching three-day weekend is super exiting and we hope that everyone has some incredible plans lined up. Do share what you are up to this weekend  because we would love to hear about it.

Before you head out the door, we wanted to remind you of our super sale that ends this Sunday, May, 27, 2012. By entering LOVEWC at checkout we will take 25% off your entire order. All custom tote bags, favor bags, sweatshirts, goodies for the groom and his men and of course the babies and kiddos. The pretty favor bag above was photographed by Elizabeth Messina.

This shoot was designed to incorporate and create a neutral and pretty palette for the bride who seeks an organic, shabby chic inspired look. With an original couture gown from Lisa Marie Couture  and eclectic hair piece designed by Akiko Floral Artistry.

This shabby chic engagement session will surely inspire. See more of  this organic engagement shoot by Just For You Photography in the full gallery by clicking here.

From Just For You Photography on the shoot

The hair wreath was a mixture of natural and man made pieces, including real flowers, lace and artificial flowers. The wreath was hand made and custom designed by Akiko Floral Artistry. The use of a simple pink ribbon to secure the hair wreath was used to add the drama of the tails falling down the bride’s back. With a glue gun and a few flowers any bride could make their own hair wreath.

Her hair was first curled by Serena Jackson, and then brought to the side for a braid. We kept the ends loose and didn’t want’ an overly polished look. The bride is wearing a Lisa Marie Couture original gown which was shown at Western Canadian Fashion week. It is a dusty-rose, almost coral colour with rucking down the bust and torso, with a sea of rosettes that belled out and covered the bottom of the gown. The bride’s bouquet was a simple gathering of small white-budded flowers secured with twine which can be found at any craft store. Our makeup artist, Mookie Salinas, did an impeccable job with makeup, which is suggested for any bride who is not used to wearing a lot, but still wants to look polished and clean. We kept the face to a flawless finish with minimal foundation, a bit of bronzer and blush. Her eyes were accented with just a bit of brown and gold eyeshadow and black mascara. A simple peach-coral lip finished the look and brought everything together.

Photographer: Just For You Photography
Makeup: Mookie Salinas
Dress Designer: Lisa Marie Couture
Flowers: Akiko Floral Artistry
Groom’s Attire: Club Monaco
Veil or Hair Accessories: Akiko Floral Artistry
Prop or Furniture Rentals: Home Sense | Hair: Serena Jackson

When you hear the word “country,” a few things immediately come to mind: cowboy boots and horses. Our next wedding has both and a whole lot more. Some of our favorites are the altar made from an antique cattle feeder wagon and retired Disneyland draft horse that was used to bring the bride into the ceremony.

All beautifully captured by one of our Hand Picked Vendors, Volatile Photography. You can see more of this eclectic country wedding in the full gallery by clicking here.

From the Bride:
The inspiration for this theme was easy for me – I grew up around horses living in Arizona, and although I might not look like a country girl most of the time, I feel most at home in a barn working with horses and listening to county music. Our florist did a fantastic job incorporating my colors, which were green & purple. There were many DIY projects involved with our wedding, and family members completed many of the projects. The centerpieces, before being filled with flowers from the florist, were all made from decorated mason jars. The flag banners, which were hung in the tent, were sewn by hand by one of my aunts. My mother decorated the altar with the country theme in mind, the combination of the wagon with flowers, desert plants, hay, and even my old riding saddle all came together to create a beautiful scene in a pasture on my parents’ property. It was great to be able to enjoy our day together in a casual and familiar environment with great people, food, and scenery.

Treated like a “well-dressed” country fair, the reception was decorated beautifully with handmade flag banners, and some of the beverages were even stored in horse troughs. Because the reception was held in the roping area on the property, the horses and cows were in stalls just right next door to the reception!

Cake: Honey Moon Sweets
Caterer: Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
Vegan Desserts: Cruelty Free Cupcakes
Flowers: Flowers by Jodi
Lighting: Pro Em
Officiant: Reverend John Cunningham
Shoe Designer: Ariat
Bridesmaids dresses: J. Crew Bridal
Bridesmaids Hairpieces: The Honeycomb
Stationery: Minted
Prop or Furniture Rentals: Appel’s Rent All
Tent & Dance Floor: Pro Em
Photo Booth: Snapz Photo Booth
Cake Plates: True West
Flatware: Wallace Silversmiths
Wooden Wedding Signs: Sweet Wedding Details
Mr. & Mrs.” Pillows:  Ballard Designs

Table Linens: Provided Mother of the Bride | Edie’s step grandfather made the oilcloth and burlap toppers for the sign in, food and bar tables | Vegan Meals: Cooked by Edie’s Mother & Friend | Vintage Pieces: Wagon Altar, Card Suitcase, Lace on the Sweetheart Table, Silver Carnival Horses, Cake Knife/Server | Hair: Independent: Jessica Watson | Makeup: Friend: Courtney Leavitt | DJ: Uncle: Keith Shulz

Paloma’s Nest has been named one of the “Best Online Shopping Sites” by InStyle Magazine, and in their newest hand-crafted line of their signature ring bearer bowls, they now come in different languages such as Hebrew, Spanish, Chinese and French. These ceramic dishes are carefully made with timeless elegance in mind, and are quickly taking over the old tradition of a ring bearer pillow.

We just adore everything by Paloma’s Nest and these keepsakes are sure to be a special family heirloom.