Sponsored Post: CSN Stores

I think I must have done most of my wedding shopping online. With so many venues and vendors to visit, the Web really helped cut down on travel time. Everything is at your fingertips. One online store was a great go-to site for wedding party gifts: CSN Stores. And now, I'm checking out their stuff to fill the nest!

When an opportunity to review one of their products came several months ago, I jumped at the chance. We were looking for a cool gift for one of our ceremony readers...let's call him Jake. Jake has expensive taste, and well, we didn't have the budget for expensive.

But looking over the products at CSN Stores, many of them were surprisingly affordable. Products range from furniture, home decor, to fun stuff, like games and poker sets...almost anything you can think of that would make a great gift for you or someone you know. The gift we picked out for our traveling, high-end ceremony reader? Knowing that Jake is also a practical kind of guy, we went with leather toiletry traveling case. The selling price was $25, but we were very pleased with the quality (the fiance was tempted to keep it for himself!)

Let's just have the photos speak for themselves, shall we?

Yup, it had the genuine leather smell.

Thank you CSN Stores! Now what do we decorate our bedroom with?

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Lena Lime Studio

Clutch purses are very popular items to give to your bridesmaids, but they can pretty pricey. As much as you love and appreciate your bridesmaids, your budget may not allow for showering them with $100 clutches. But when I came upon Lena Lime Studio on Etsy, I found affordable, yet completely darling clutches at reasonable prices. Dana from Lena Lime Studio handmakes clutches with a cool retro vibe. All of her clutches are made to order and you can chooese from a variety of fabrics. Check out these cuties!

I received an awesome 7" clutch from Dana and I was digging the mod 60s pattern of the cotton fabric! The purse is small and cute, but still pretty useful. Put a small wallet, some makeup and your phone in each purse and you can step out for the day in style! Each purse comes with metal clasp and make wonderful bridal party gifts or an accessory to compliment any outfit.

Without further ado, here's Dana from Lena Lime Studio!
When did you start Lena Lime Studio?
I started my business officially in January of 2010. I had dreamed of doing it for months but never could find the time to sit down and do the prep work for my site: research, website, pictures, etc. But then one evening, I broke my foot! I was grounded in my chair for a couple weeks and found plenty of time to do lots of work!

How would you describe the products you sell?
Beautiful, useful, and handmade!

What got you started in creating handmade bags?
My passion for sewing and wanting to make things I could use everyday. What's more useful than a gorgeous new bag?!

Which from your collection is your favorite and why?
It's so hard to choose! I'd have to say my clasp purses. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I'd be able to make one, I would have laughed and shook my head. They symbolize a successful business that I had never known was possible!

Tell me something unique about your bags.
My bags are loved. I take a lot of time to make each one and make sure its perfect (probably too much). From spending hours at fabric stores to make sure I have the right color match to spending hours planning the best outcome for each textile before I make a single cut. I won't make it or sell it if I'm not completely in love with it!

You can tell a lot about a person from what they wear. What can we tell about a woman and her purse?
I'd say, the bigger the purse, the more prepared that woman is! A woman who can leave the house with a small bag that just holds a phone and keys is brave. A woman with a giant bag full of answers for the "what ifs?" is talking my language! Got to love a big purse that can even hold the kitchen sink.

Links where we can find out more of your work:
http://www.lenalimestudio.etsy.com/

WIN IT:

Win a 7" clutch, or $20 gift certificate towards a large bridal order. Winner can choose from Dana's collection of fabric patterns.

The Rules

1) MANDATORY ENTRY! Go to Lena Lime Studio on Etsy and comment on your favorite item and which fabric you would choose (visit Dana's Flickr account to view her list of fabrics). This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

Additional entries (remember to leave separate comments for each additional entry)

2) Become a new follower of this blog. You must follow publicly (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries)
5) Become a facebook fan of Lena Lime Studios (2 entries)
6) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to Lena Lime Studio in their post (3 entries) Please include a direct link to your blog post in your comment.
7) Buy anything from Lena Lime Studio (5 entries)
8) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
9) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)
10) Grab my button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
11) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings emails (1 entry)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., July 21, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck!
*As the host of this giveaway, I received a clutch purse for review, however the opinions expressed here are my own honest observations of the product and shop.

Winner of the Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls Giveaway

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! And, yes, we do have a winner of our $15 Gift Certificate to Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls! And the winner is....

Leela! I will be emailing you soon on how to claim your prize! You have three days to respond or I will have to pick another winner. Leela has a fabulous blog so do check her out!

There are more giveaways lined up, so stay tuned!!!

Winner of the Office of Minor Details Giveaway

No, I haven't forgotten about our winner of The Office of Minor Details giveaway. I realize this is quite delayed, but things have been quite busy lately. Not only have I picked up more hours at work, but we are in the midst of putting together our DIY invitations! Not an easy process for crafty wannabes like my FH and I, but it's coming together (nervously laughs). Of course, I'll write a post about that process later with photos! And, yes, today is no exception to the craziness...It's my birthday!!!! Woohoo! Lookin' forward to that ice cream cake!

But now, let's get to our winner!

And our winner is Elena who friended me on facebook and now has a sweet New Zealand kid leather wallet from The Office of Minor Details! Congratulations! I'll be emailing you soon. I must hear from you within 3 days, or I'll have to pick another winner.

I have more giveaways lined up, including one this weekend! Stay Tuned!
* Of course, don't forget about my current giveaway -- engraved toasting flutes from PictureIt Creations!

Choosing the veil

Source

Ahhh, the bridal veil. Growing up, nothing said "bride" more to me than the veil. Sure, I'm aware of the gripes some women have with the veil, but the mysogynistic origins is so far from what I really love about it. For me, it's purely aesthetic -- I love the gorgeous dramatic effect of cascading tulle and lace, and you know, I'll only get to wear that once! For me, there's only one kind of veil I want--the cathedral length veil. I dunno, I saw Sound of Music when I was little and I was hooked. Give me a veil as long as Fraulein Maria's!

Source

Really, How stunning is this?

Source

But...the price of a mere accessory is hazardous to my blood pressure! Seriously, for the life of me, I can't figure out how a veil made mostly of tulle can cost nearly as much as the gown!

Future Hubby: Do not read any further, unless you want to ruin the surprise!

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: PictureIt Creations, LLC (CLOSED)

Shopping for gifts for your wedding  party is hard. Believe me, I know. You want something that they’ll appreciate and use, but something that’ll spark good memories of your wedding. And if you’re like me, you have to stick to a certain budget. Custom engraving can be add something much more special to the perfect gift. Champagne flutes for the parents that love a little bubbly? Engraving your monogram or wedding date to the set is a wonderful, endearing touch they’ll both love. What about glass beer mugs for the groomsmen who love to drink? Why not engrave their favorite sports teams to the glass? It will be at their side for all of their big games!

Enter PictureIt Creations, LLC on Etsy, a shop full of diverse personalized gifts for your wedding party! The products range from drinking glasses to desk accessories, photo frames, pocket knives, and even photography and vinyl décor. And the personalization is very affordable! I received a custom engraved glass beer mug from Taryn at PictureIt Creations, which she engraved with the San Francisco Giants logo (exactly what I had requested). I was surprised how big the mug was and the careful packaging to keep the glass damage-free during shipping. The engraving is precise and smooth. A normal 25 oz. mug is transformed into a nice, classy sports mug that any loyal fan would love. I thought the mug was nice enough to put in a case!

Without further ado, here is Taryn from PictureIt Creations!

Name: Taryn L. McCracken, PictureIt Creations, LLC
Location: Livonia, Michigan

Personalized 5x7 Glass Frame - Laser Engraved

What got you started in wedding related items?
I started PictureIt Creations, LLC in 2006 after becoming a mom and deciding not to return to work in finance. I wanted to do something that utilized my creative side. After offering personalized gifts on eBay and Etsy, Brides and Grooms have been the bulk of my client base because of the affordability and the versatility of personalization.

Groomsmen are often difficult to shop for. What makes the perfect groomsmen gift?
Groomsmen gifts need to be a little sentimental, practical and definitely unique to groomsmen. The gift is a statement from the bride and groom showing them their appreciation for celebrating and supporting them on their special day. It should be something they will use for years, not something put away and look at from time to time. And to make it perfect, it needs to have their unique style in mind.

Personalized 10 Function Pocket Knife

Tell me something unique about your products:
My products are unique to the client and to the recipient. I have hundreds of fonts and clipart to choose from, and I don't limit the client on characters, lines, or images. I work with the client to design the gift they have in mind by putting together proofs and running test prints if necessary.

*Any other information about yourself or products you'd like to share?
I remember being a bride and spending months planning every detail of my wedding and keeping to a budget. I know the accomplished feeling I had each time I was able to check one more thing "done" off my list of things to do. I also remember the giddy feeling I had when something I planned, and paid for, came out PERFECT. Today, I am able to help brides have that same feeling.

.Personalized Glass Business Card Holder and Display

Links where we can find out more of your work:
http://www.pictureitcreations.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pictureitcreations
http://www.pictureitcreations.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/Justpictureit
http://www.pictureitcreations.etsy.com/
http://www.pictureitcreations.artfire.com/
http://www.zibbet.com/pictureitcreations

The Giveaway
Taryn is giving away a pair of custom engraved 6 oz  champagne toasting flutes to one lucky winner!

6 oz champagne toasting flutes

The Rules
1) MANDATORY ENTRY! Go to PictureIt Creations Etsy shop and comment on your favorite item for one entry. This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

Additional entries (remember to leave separate comments for each additional entry)

2) Become a new follower of this blog. You must follow publicly (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries)
4) Follow PictureIt Creations’ blog (1 entry)
5) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries)
6) Become a facebook fan of PictureIt Creations (2 entries)
7) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to PictureIt Creations in their post (3 entries) Please include a direct link to your blog post in your comment.
8) Buy anything from PictureIt Creations (5 entries)
9) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
10) Follow PictureIt Creations on Twitter (1 entry)
11) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)
12) Grab my button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
13) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings emails (1 entry)
14) Enter any one of my current giveaways and tell me which giveaway you entered (1 entry per giveaway)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck! This giveaway is now closed.

*As the host of this giveaway, I received a custom engraved glass mug, however the opinions expressed here are my own honest observations of the product and shop.

Winner of the Tux and Tulle Giveaway and 1000 paper cranes!

Before I get to the winner of our Tux and Tulle giveaway, I am pleased to announce...we folded our 1000th paper crane this past weekend! Woohoo! It took us 10 weeks (100 cranes a week) to get to our goal! We're sooo exited! We will be hanging them at our reception venue and sending them to the Wedding Co., who will donate 50 cents per crane to cancer research after the wedding. The cranes they receive around the world will go into a massive chandelier that will be displayed at an art exhibit in Toronto. The effort and donation will take the place of our favors. We're going to make a card at each seat explaining the cultural meaning of cranes (the Chinese believe they're a symbol of longevity. Legend has it, a couple who folds a 1000 cranes is granted 1000 years good luck!), as well as Wedding Co.'s donation to cancer research. Now we're trying to figure out the best way to hang them -- chandeliers or string them up like streamers across the ceiling rafters?

Now onto our giveaway! We had a lot of great comments for the free neck tie from Tux and Tulle and the winner is...

Shanna! Congratulations! You have three days to respond to my email!

Many more awesome giveaways to come, so stay tuned! You still have time to enter Office of Minor Detail's New Zealand Wallet giveaway -- a great gift for your groomsmen!

Winner of the Lovli Day giveaway!

A bit late, but I've finally come around to picking our winner for the $20 gift certificate to Lovli Day, but please note that I do check to see if your posts are valid. If you say you follow me, I should be able to see my blog on your profile under "Blogs I Follow." If I don't see it, and I can't find you in my followers list, your comment will be deleted and won't count. And the winner is...

Mallory!

Congratulations, Mallory! The winner has been notified and has three days to get back to me. Take a look at my current giveaways and keep checking back for even more contests to enter!

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Tux and Tulle (CLOSED)

While worrying about the bride's gown or bridesmaid dresses, or shopping with your mom to buy her MOB dress, we often forget about the groom and his groomsmen. What are they going to wear? What if you're looking for a little more style, color or diversity? What if the selection at Men's Wearhouse just ain't cutting it for the look you're going for? After browsing through groom and groomsmen attire options, I found our newest Vendor Spotlight, Jane from Tux and Tulle on Etsy. Jane shows us how a tie can give a normal suit its edge and personality. Playful, stylish and fun, with a little bit of vitntage and a little funky sensibility, her ties can add a unique look that you and the men in your wedding party can really enjoy.

True, a lot of our men will insist they don't care and will wear anything, and well, I don't really buy it. When it comes down to it, men do want to look sharp on their day...yep, I said it...because it is his day, too! And can you believe it, a lot of guys do have an opinion on what looks good. I showed my FH the tie Jane sent me for a product review (I had to see if it passed the guy test) and what do you know, the future hubs really liked it! The tie is a cotton teal blue and gold tie and will make a striking addition to your wedding party attire. While the fabric is cotton (perfect for a less formal or outdoor wedding), the patterns, color and workmanship give them a very classy appearance. Not only are these unique tie alternatives for your groomsmen, but these bold prints and colors make them great gifts for the guys who regularly don a shirt and tie, or maybe for the guy who just likes to dress up every now and then (trust me, they're out there!). Jane also makes dupioni silk ties for a more formal look, and can also custom make an order.

At less than $20 a tie, these are affordable alternative options for your men...and maybe fun, stylish gifts for them to keep after the wedding! So, without further ado, here's Jane from Tux and Tulle!

What got you started in making neckties for men?
I created neckties and bow ties for my daughter's wedding in August 2009 and have been creating ever since!

How would you describe the style of ties you make?
I like vintage style floral fabrics but have recently loved making lots of stripes, poka dots and bold prints. Also, dupioni silk is one of my favorite fabrics to work with because of the vivid color selection. I make skinny ties, regular size neckties, children's neckties and pre-tied bow ties.

It's been often assumed that the groom and groomsmen don't really care what they wear. After making ties and accessories for men for as long as you have, how true is this assumption?
I have been pleasantly suprised by the number of emails I have received from men who are very serious about their neckties! They are truly interested in colors and styles and often want to give their neckites as gifts to their groomsmen.

When picking the groom and groomsman's attire, what should brides and grooms remember?
Remember to add color to your wedding! The difference in the pictures is amazing and the color adds a real vibrancy whether your wedding is indoor or out! I think often grooms want to stick with basic black and white but taking a risk on color and prints is worth it! Also, mix it up! Some of my favorite orders have been ties of the same hue in different prints.

Groomsmen are often difficult to shop for. What makes a perfect groomsman's gift?
I think it should be something personal, something that will remind the groomsmen of the fun and memories of the event. Of course, it would also be great if the gift could be used again in real life!

Tell me something unique about your products.
I think my fabric selections are unique. One of my recent neckties has chandeliers with glitter. That will take a brave groom! The sky is the limit on color, prints and fabric choices so each necktie I make can be one of a kind.

Links where we can find out more of your work:
My neckties can be found on ETSY at http://www.etsy.com/shop/tuxandtulle

The GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to Jane, we're giving away one tie of the winner's choice! Perfect to start off your groomsmen attire, or as a gift for that special guy!

The RULES
1) Go to Tux and Tulle Etsy shop and comment on your favorite item for one entry. This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

Additional entries (remember to leave separate comments for each additonal entry)

2) Become a new follower of this blog (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries)
5) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to Tux and Tulle in their post (3 entries)
6) Buy anything from Tux and Tulle (5 entries)
7) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
8) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)
9) Grab my button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
10) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings emails (1 entry)
11) Enter any one of my current giveaways and tell me which giveaway you entered (1 entry per giveaway)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2010 (PST).  A winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck! (This Giveaway is CLOSED)

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: BellaLu and Me (CLOSED)

Brilla Bracelet
So you’ve found The Dress…now comes the truly fun part—making the dress your own! Accessorizing can make your gown really stand out. As I searched for inspiration for my wedding day ensemble, I found Etsy shop BellaLu and Me. Laura from BellaLu and Me makes beautiful, handmade, vintage-inspired and yet surprisingly affordable jewelry. From strands of pearls, earrings, bracelets and precious stone necklaces, there is plenty of jewelry in Laura’s shop to create the perfect wedding day look! I received a pair of Golden Drop earrings from Laura and I was surprised at how a small, delicate piece can be rather striking. Made of freshwater pearls, plated gold and Swarovski crystals, these earrings evoke a sense of refined elegance. Perfect for the classic style bride and her bridesmaids! The shop is celebrating its two-year anniversary (or as Laura coins it--Etsyversary!) and she's offering free shipping on all orders in the US and Canada!

Without further ado, introducing Laura from BellaLu and Me!

What sparked your interest in creating jewelry?
I took a class at a community college for fun and I loved it! I couldn’t believe how I was able to create jewelry myself. I was hooked right away.

Swarovski Flower with Clear Teardrop Pendant Earrings

How long have you been creating your jewelry?
I started creating jewelry for myself, family and friends for about 8 years now.

What materials are your work made of?
I use the best; Swarovski crystals, Swarovski pearls, semi-precious stones, sterling silver and gold-filled metals. Occasionally I use gold plated items when they are not made in gold-filled.

Is there a specific motto you go by when thinking up designs for your work?
There is not a specific motto, it depends on my mood. Sometimes I feel a little feisty and make something big, bold and eye catching. But I do love classic, timeless looks which can be worn not just on your wedding day but to the many cocktail parties I envision women going to.

Which pieces of your work would you say would be perfect for weddings? Why?
Any piece that the bride is comfortable wearing would be perfect. The great plus about ordering from a person who makes jewelry is that it can customized. Looking for something larger, smaller, more sparkle: it can be done!

Amethyst Crystal and Freshwater Pearl Pendant Necklace

Tell us one interesting tidbit about your jewelry.
I often times keep the jewelry that I made and photographed (I then custom make the subsequent order). I can’t help it; I love every piece that I make!

Which piece from your collection is your favorite?
I love anything with the large rhinestones…the Brilla and Cute as a Button necklace.

What the best advice you can give to brides as they accessorize for their wedding day?
Wear something that you are comfortable with, but don’t be afraid to go a little bold! You should feel and look like a princess.

Links where we can find out more of your work:
http://www.bellaluandme.etsy.com/

THE GIVEAWAY:
Laura has been so generous in giving one of my lucky readers a pair of Golden Drop Earrings, made of freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

THE RULES:

1) Go to BellaLu and Me on Etsy and comment on your favorite item for one entry! This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

You can add more comments to increase your chance to win if you do the following (please leave a separate comment for each additional entry):
2) Become a new follower of this blog (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries or 2 separate comments!)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries or 2 separate comments)
5) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. You must also include a link to BellaLu and Me Etsy shop in your post (3 entries or 3 separate comments)
6) Buy anything from BellaLu and Me(5 entries or 5 separate comments)
7) Heart BellaLu and Me shop on Etsy. (1 entry)
8) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
9) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet. (1 entry)
10) Subscribe to my blog emails (1 entry)
11) Grab my blog button located on the right sidebar and put it on your blog (2 entries)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 2, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen and announced the following day. Good luck! (This giveaway is now closed)

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Coaster Creations (CLOSED)

We’ve featured jewelry in our last few giveaways, but this week we have something quite different. When I first saw these adorable coasters from Coaster Creations, I thought what a unique, yet classy keepsake to give to your attendants, or maybe as favors for your guests! Michelle of Coaster Creations offers handmade, travertine stone coasters, stamped with lovely designs. Michelle even can custom-make the coasters with designs, colors and monograms of your choice. As the host of this giveaway, I received a set of tiles each stamped with a gorgeous grape cluster design over a French script background. Michelle even added a monogram of my choice! These coasters will add a great antique, old world feel to your home! Introducing Michelle of Coaster Creations!

What sparked interest in creating coasters?
I started scrapbooking followed by stamping as a hobby then a friend showed me how to create the coasters and my imagination ran wild with the possibilities.

What does the process entail?
A travertine stone tile is used as the base. Stamps, ink, and other design elements are added to the tile, an acrylic matte sealer protects and seals the surface and felt pads are underneath. The most important part of the process is identifying exactly what the eventual owner/customer wants!

What makes your work unique?
The designs borrow from current trends such as flourishes and swirls. I always use a French script background as my base. Sometimes my customers come up with the best designs.

Any advice for brides-to-be out there?
Enjoy the ride and don't get so caught up in the details that you miss out on the joy of the occassion. Also - Etsy is a wonderful resource for brides to save money and utilize handmade artisans. The alchemy feature allows you to request custom items and receive bids related to your budget

Links where we can find more of your work
coastercreator.1000markets.com
www.facebook.com/coastercreations
coastercreator.etsy.com

Now onto our giveaway!
Michelle is giving away a monogrammed set of tiles of the winner's choice!

Here are the rules:

1) Go to Coaster Creations on Etsy and comment on your favorite item for one entry! This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

You can add more comments to increase your chance to win if you do the following (please leave a separate comment for each additional entry):

2) Become a new follower of this blog (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries or 2 separate comments!)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries or 2 separate comments)
5) Become a facebook fan of Coaster Creations. (2 entries or 2 separate comments)
6) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. You must also include a link to Coaster Creations’ Etsy shop in your post (3 entries or 3 separate comments)
7) Buy anything from Coaster Creations (5 entries or 5 separate comments)
8) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
9) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet. Please include a link to your tweet. (1 entry)
10) Heart Coaster Creations on Etsy. Please leave your etsy username in your comment so I may verify it. (2 entries or 2 separate comments)
11) Include “I Do” Budget Weddings on your Blog List, or on your homepage. Include a link to your blog so I may verify it (2 entries or 2 comments).
12) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings email list (1 entry)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 14, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen and announced the following Monday. Good luck! THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

* Don’t forget, you can still enter to win a pair of genuine freshwater pearl earrings from House of Peltier!

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: House of Peltier (CLOSED)

The understated chic and style of our next Vendor Spotlight is what initially caught my eye. House of Peliter on Etsy is full of fresh inspiration for both your home and wardrobe. As an interior designer at heart, Amy, the creative mind behind House of Peltier, pays close attention to color and detail when designing her products – each item playing a small, but intricate part of the larger picture and ambience of the room. Her lovely array of pillows – from bold blues to vibrant yellows – each offer color and character of their own.

As an artist, Amy naturally dabbled in other arts, including jewelry. Made of fine materials, including genuine freshwater and mother of pearls, her jewelry are perfect accessories to your elegant attire. As the host of this giveaway, I received a pair of Mother of Pearl earrings, and was really impressed with quality of the pearls -- shiny, smooth and iridescent. The gold knotted design above the pearls offer a lovely, sophisticated touch to the pair. Amy is currently expanding her interior design collection on etsy, so without further ado, introducing Amy from House of Peltier!

You have a diverse collection of items in your shop. What kind of items do you sell?
Being an interior designer I love fabrics, so I started my Etsy shop with pillows. However the more involved I became the more creative I got, so I started adding things like coasters and napkin rings. My parents live in Shanghai and my mom likes to keep busy by sending me pearls, so that's why I started making jewelry. I will always keep my jewelry collection small and it will probably always have a bridal feeling to it I have an obsession with weddings. But my next additions will be focused more on interior design again.

How do you describe your style?
Fresh, Flirty, Feminine, and Fun

Which pieces of your work would you say would be perfect for weddings? Why?
I think my jewelry is perfect for weddings. Pearls just belong on a wedding day because they have that feminine and romantic feeling to them. But I also make napkin rings and I have a lot of inquiries from brides who want to use them as part of their table decor.

What was your favorite detail of your wedding?
My wedding was the ultimate creative experience for me. I really cannot pick a favorite detail, I had a papaya and chocolate colored theme and I planned out everything around those colors including a smoked salmon appetizer because it had that papaya coloring to it. I am obsessive about details!

Any advice for brides-to-be out there?
The best advice I can give is to have a reception plan. I was caught up in the moment, greeting every guest, and being the best host I could be. But I forgot to sit back for a moment and enjoy the best day of my life. Don't forget to do that, even if it is for just a moment.

Links where we can find out more of your work:
I currently have all of my handmade product for sale on Etsy, but I am working on two websites. www.peltierinteriors.com is where my portfolio and virtual design will be, and www.houseofpeltier.com will be dedicated to all of my jewelry that I sell at local shows. This jewelry is not found on Etsy because it is not handmade. So stay tuned!

Now onto our giveaway!!!

Amy has been gracious in giving one lucky winner a pair of genuine, cultured freshwater pearl earrings! Each earring is accentuated by a knotted gold bead, and attached to a gold plated hook. They’re wonderful for a formal event (perhaps a wedding!) or even with casual attire!

Here are the rules:

1) Go to House of Peltier on Etsy and comment on your favorite item for one entry! This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

You can add more comments to increase your chance to win if you do the following (please leave a separate comment for each additional entry):

2) Become a new follower of this blog (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries or 2 separate comments!)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries or 2 separate comments)
5) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. You must also include a link to House of Peltier’s Etsy shop in your post (3 entries or 3 separate comments)
6) Buy anything from House of Peltier (5 entries or 5 separate comments)
7) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
8) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet. Please include a link to your tweet. (1 entry)
9) Heart House of Peltier on Etsy. Please leave your etsy username in your comment so I may verify it. (2 entries or 2 separate comments)
10) Include “I Do” Budget Weddings on your Blog List, or on your homepage. Include a link to your blog so I may verify it (2 entries or 2 comments).
11) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings email list (1 entry)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Friday, March 5, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen and announced the following Saturday. Good luck! This giveaway is now closed.

* Don’t forget, you can still enter to win a pair of earrings from Meadowbelle Market! (CLOSED)

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Meadowbelle Market (CLOSED)

Happy Valentine's everyone! As a V-day gift to you, we're bringing you another Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY!I'm really excited to bring you our next Vendor Spotlight, a sister duo from Kansas City: Erin and Aundrea of Meadowbelle Market! Classic, vintage inspired, timeless, elegant, and feminine. That's how the pair would describe their line of jewelry and bridal accessories. What started as a love for all things sparkling and chic, has grown into a jewelry and accessory line full of lovely items any style-savvy bride would love. The pair sell creative hand-made jewelry of fine materials, as well as a lovely bridal line of flower hair pieces, bird cage veils and sashes on their online etsy store. I received a tropical inspired flower hairpiece from their store and I'm just in love with it! The whimsical, romantic look is classic Meadowbelle style. Made with white silk and fastened to an alligator clip, the flower is the perfect match for the tropical/classic look I'm pulling off with my gown :) Go ahead, browse their store and you'll find tons of accessory inspiration for your wedding day!

So, without further ado, I bring you Erin and Aundrea of Meadowbelle Market!

What sparked your interest in creating jewelry?
We’re like any women who love accessories; much like a good pair of shoes, we love jewelry because it always fits. A new piece can make your wardrobe feel fresh and updated. In the same way, creating jewelry can be fun, beautiful, and inspiring and of course we create pieces that we would want to wear. In addition, there are so many mediums that can be used to construct jewelry—sometimes the options seem endless. For example, we love sparkling glass beads, but Erin also enjoys the freedom of being able to create unique structure with soldered sterling silver elements.

How long have you been creating jewelry?
We started making jewelry at a young age—maybe we were five or six years old. At that age, our designs were more likely to include macaroni and plastic pop beads (for those of you who remember the ‘80s). By age 12, we were selling our designs on consignment at a local art store. We continued creating jewelry as a way to fulfill our dream of working together.

What advice can you give to brides as they accessorize for their wedding?
We love anything that sparkles, dangles and shines. On your wedding day you will want to feel like the most glamorous person in the room, even if your style is generally more casual. And remember the rule of 3 (so as not to overdo): Pair 2 bold items with 1 classic/subtle piece, or 2 classics with a bold (ie: classic dress, classic shoes, bold jewelry OR bold dress, bold accessory, classic jewelry).

Buy this Loved necklace and $15 of the purchase will go towards Haiti relief efforts.

What is the most creative thing you've seen at a wedding? What did they do?
In lieu of one large wedding cake, a friend enlisted the help of a dozen or more artistic friends to each bake their favorite cake for the centerpiece of every table. All the cakes were different, and included a small card with description and credits to the ‘baker’. The cakes were a great way to facilitate conversation, and everyone was interested in mingling, curious about the cakes at other tables.

From an entertainment point of view, Aundrea had an instructor provide basic dance step lessons to get people on the dance floor. Erin had a magician during dinner—everyone loved it!

Any advice for brides-to-be out there?
# 1.) Plan, plan, plan. Get a simple wall calendar to use solely for wedding planning; pencil in goals of “due dates” for everything from beginning a task to when that task should be completed, from now until the big day. Breaking it down this way gives you a few manageable tasks each month and lets you rest assured you’re on track.

If you’re not organized by nature, enlist a friend who is—which brings us to #2.) Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have friends and family to do one small thing. They’ll be honored to be involved. If you don’t hire a wedding planner, delegate one main person the day of to field questions (this should not be someone in the wedding party—they will be helping you get ready).

Visit Erin and Aundrea's blog for more of their work!

Now for our giveaway! Erin and Aundrea are giving away a beautiful pair of pearl earrings from their store!

Here are the rules:

1) Go to Meadowbelle Market on etsy and comment on your favorite item for one entry! This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

You can add more comments to increase your chance to win if you do the following (please leave separate comments for each additional entry)

2) Become a new follower of this blog (1 entry)

3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries or 2 separate comments!)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries or 2 separate comments)
5) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to Meadowbelle Market's etsy shop in their post (3 entries or 3 separate comments)
6) Buy anything from Meadowbelle Market (5 entries or 5 separate comments)
7) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
8) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet. Please include a link to your tweet. (1 entry)
9)  Heart Meadowbelle Market on etsy. Please leave your etsy username in your comment so I may verify it. (2 entries or 2 separate comments)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen and announced the following Sunday morning. Good luck! This giveaway is closed.

Winner of the My Shining Lights Giveaway

Yay! My first giveaway is officially over and I'm pleased to say we had a great response! Thank you to everyone who entered! Unfortunately, I had to pick just one lucky person using http://www.random.org/ and the trusty random generator chose...

Thelma who tweeted about the giveaway and won a lovely pearl necklace and earrings set from My Shining Lights! Congratulations! The winner has been emailed.

If you didn't win, don't fret! There's a few giveaways coming up that I'm really excited about! Stay tuned!

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: My Shining Lights (CLOSED)

I have to admit, I have an unhealthy obsession with all things etsy. I’ve been stalking vendor shops, particularly those that sell jewelry and accessories. I’m on the lookout for cute gifts for my ladies, but let’s just say some of the budget bridesmaid gifts out there are a bit tacky and generic. But log onto etsy and you’ll find countless options for lovely gear for your ladies. Enter my next Vendor Spotlight and the sponsor of my very first giveaway: Jo from My Shining Lights. I received a pair of pearl earrings from Jo’s shop and I must say they are much prettier in person! The products are made very well using the best materials, including genuine pearls and Swarovski crystals. Dainty, feminine, chic and affordable. Music to a budget bride’s ears and wallet! Take it away, Jo!

What sparked your interest in creating jewelry?

I would say that I have two answers this question. The first would be that it’s a girl thing! From the moment that we spot that glittering piece of jewelry most likely on a loved one’s neck, grasp it with our tiny fingers, I think we are hooked! At least that is how it was for me. Then a few years ago I started having dreams. The good kind of dreams, the type that when you awaken you just think, “Oh, I wish I could fall back to sleep and dream about this for a longer period of time.” I would just wake up feeling so happy! I would be in this place that had glass counters that were full of containers of sparkles and gemstones and I could go from place to place and choose from the trays the items that I loved the most.

What words would you use to describe your work?

Quality materials, precise, feminine, lovely, elegant, organic, romantic, inspired by dreams

Which pieces of your jewelry would you say would be perfect for weddings? Why?

Any of my Bridal Collection earrings such as Promise, Always, Pursuit, Starlight, Romance and Devotion.

Also, Dancing With Cinderella, Sarah, Violets and Daffodils, Lavender Sweetness, Loving Pearls, Pearls with Violets. I have two necklaces in my shop that would be perfect for weddings. They are titled Something Blue and Romance.

I have a sweet pair of earrings that would be perfect for a Flower Girl as the ear wires and the earring itself are proportioned to a delicate size.

As for why? I designed the Bridal Collection, of course, with weddings in mind where they would be well suited for the Bride, Bridesmaids or Mothers of the Bride and Groom. The names of my necklaces Something Blue and Romance is pretty much self explanatory of their appropriateness for weddings. The other earrings that I mentioned are made of sterling silver, pearls, Swarovski crystals, and some have gemstones. I like to make wedding jewelry with the finest quality of materials that I can find. I love to use pearls, there is something about them that seems pure, they are organic and there is something romantic about the thought that they started out as a tiny irritant, and that over time they developed into something that is lovely and cherished.

Tell us one interesting tidbit about your jewelry.

It often has a dragonfly adorning it. My first pieces all had dragonflies. Sometimes a few, sometimes just one hidden like a little sparkle of whimsy. It finally became impractical to include a dragonfly on everything, but you might want to inspect my pieces carefully as you never know when one might show up!

Any advice for brides-to-be out there?

You have so much preparation for a wedding and though it is joyful and exciting, it can also be exhausting, so my advice would be, “Take care of that to do list, but once the wedding day arrives, put that list aside, take a deep breath and allow yourself to soak it all in. Savor this special day with the man you love and just soak in the beauty, the joy, the tastes, the sounds and the love!”

View more of Jo’s work at:

www.myshininglights.etsy.com
http://jo-journeyingthroughthislife.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/myshininglights

Now for our giveaway! Jo has been very gracious in giving two prizes to one lucky reader!

The winner will receive Key to My Heart

as well as these pearl earrings!

Perfect as a bridesmaid or attendant gift, or even a lovely set to give to your MOH! 

*All photos provided by Jo from My Shining Lights

RULES:
To enter, leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win. Each entry without any contact information will be disqualified. For each entry you complete, you must leave a separate comment. To leave a comment, each contestant must:

1) Go to My Shining Lights on etsy and comment on your favorite item for one entry! This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

You can add another comment to increase your chance to win if you,

2) Become a new follower of this blog (1 entry)
3) Become a new follower of Jo's blog (1 entry)
4) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries)
5) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries)
6) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to My Shining Lights etsy shop in their post (3 entries)
7) Buy anything from My Shining Lights shop (5 entries)
8) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
9) Follow My Shining Lights on Twitter (1 entry)
10) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen and announced the following Friday morning. Good luck! THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

*As the host of this giveaway, I received a pair of earrings from My Shining Lights.