Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Retro Suitcase "Guestbook"

I came up with this little idea one day when I browsing at Michael's Craft Store- a favorite past-time! I was contemplating what to do about a guestbook for our wedding. I kind of loathe traditional "guest books". They're just not my thing. So, I looked up some other cool non-conventional ideas online. There were some great ones but they just weren't quite "US". So, when I came across this little white tin suitcase at Michael's I immediately had my vision. Truly it came to me like a bolt of lightning...now if a million dollars would just fall on me like a bolt of lightning that would be great.

So, I bought a can of spray paint. I chose silver, but you can choose ANY color you want at Lowe's or Home Depot for about $3. I also bought a box of sparkly gold alphabet letters at Michael's for $10 (and I still have left overs for all kinds of projects). I decided to use the word "Wishes" on our suitcase. I sprayed the suitcase (covering the handles with painters tape), attached the letters with my trusty glue gun, and added a perfectly 50's yellow polka dot ribbon. Perfecto! After the pretty stuff I enlisted the help of my engineer dad to cut a slit in the top of the suitcase so guests could simply slide their wish into the suitcase without having to open it. Last, bought a pack of multi colored blank cards at- you guessed it- Michael's and we had our very own one-of-a-kind "guestbook"!

I fell in LOVE with the suitcase idea because it was very real and romantic to me at the same time. Our wedding is the beginning of our travels together. And on that road we want to stop and look back at the kind words, love, and advice from our closest family and friends. So, what was more fitting than "wishes for our future road together" and a little suitcase to carry them in.

xoxo,
American Tart

Monday, August 2, 2010

Our Wedding through the lens of: Chris (our wonderful photographer)

During the course of our wedding and planning process we were blessed with many things. One of those blessings was our photographer Chris . You can find him through Amore Wedding Photography He is VERY talented, and a really wonderful guy. My husband and I really felt as though we were in the hands of a friend rather than simply a professional photographer we had hired. Chris and his lovely girlfriend Jennifer came out to shoot our wedding day on Catalina Island. He just posted a beautiful blog post of some photos from our wedding. Feast your eyes! Chris is a truly genuine guy who wants to get the best shots possible. He is a true artist. And if you are uncomfortable in front of the camera, like me, he will still be able to make you look like you stepped out of the pages of The Knot Bridal Magazine! He is that good!

Here is just a sample, but please check out his blog and Amore's website (above) to see more!
Veil and hairpiece, boutonniere, and wishes box by: me! (American Tart)









Check back for some DIY tips at the end of the week!