What style of dress would you wear to your wedding?

Last night, I shamelessly watched part 2 of the Kim & Kris wedding special,
and now I have weddings on the brain. So, if you will, please indulge me by
answering this: If you were getting married, right this moment, what kind
of wedding dress would you be wearing?

Something classic?

Something modern and architectural?

Something unexpected?

Something effortlessly elegant?

Something modest?

Something cute and sweet?

Something slinky?

Something simple?

Something ethereal and romantic?

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Wedding Wednesday: Palm Springs Wedding

For the final Wedding Wednesday post of the summer I wanted to show you what my dream wedding would be like, but I couldn't find the wedding dress I was thinking of! So, instead, I thought I'd feature a real wedding! Look on...

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 Wasn't it absolutely gorgeous? I can't get over her engagement ring & gown, plus the venue is absolutely stunning. And don't you just love their super-creative paper goods? I especially dig the one that features the wedding party!

Wedding Wednesday: Clay Bouquet Shop + Giveaway

This week's Wedding Wednesday post features the stunning work of Jennifer, who runs the Clay Bouquet Shop on Etsy from her living room in north New Jersey. Jennifer was kind enough to feature some of her creations, sit down to answer a few of my questions and even sponsor a little giveaway! Read on to find out more.

What made you decide to open your etsy stop and when did you first get started?

I got started after my own wedding, when my family, friends, and wedding vendors encouraged me to offer my wedding creations to other brides. I created my bouquets and bouts out of clay, my veil, hairpins and headpiece, our invitations, placecards, save the dates and table numbers, and our table arrangements. It was definitely a handcrafted wedding. : )

I opened my Etsy shop approximately 6 months later, in April 2010.

Is this your full-time profession or just a side gig?
I enjoy creating my wedding accessories on my own time, after my full time job (where I am a business analyst for a health insurance company.)

What are your favorite materials to work with?
Swarovski crystals, pearls, and clay, which I use to create clay flowers for wedding bouquets, bouts, and accessories.


I know it's a tough choice, but what's your favorite piece in your shop right now?
I'd have to say it would be between my bouquets and the Victoria sash and headpiece...which I would have worn for my own wedding had I created it beforehand. :) 

Any big plans for the future?

I am developing new products, such as fascinators and an expanded line of jewelry, to be released later this year. I'll have photos of the bouquets and bouts I am creating for three Autumn brides in a few months. And as soon as my time allows it, I plan to start making embroidered wedding and home accessories.

Where else can we find you and your work?

For brides in the NJ area, some of my hair accessories can be found in Cherished Bridals, a consignment bridal salon in Wayne NJ.

Some of my jewelry selections and beaded hairpins are also in Salon FiG in Newton, NJ.

For Philadelphia brides, a selection of some of my sashes, hair accessories and jewelry sets are available at the Paris Chic Bridal Gowns Boutique.

I also am featured on www.EmmalineBridal.com and www.BravoBride.com.

My candy buffet and chair sash rentals and some bridal accessories, as well as additional photos of my bouquets, can be seen on www.ClayBouquetShop.com

And I usually post sneak-peek pics from my photoshoots at www.Facebook.com/ClayBouquetShop 

And a random question just for kicks: PB&J or grilled cheese?
In the fall and winter, grilled cheese, but PB&J all year round. : )

Thanks Jennifer!
Don't you just love her work? The thing that I love most about her shop is that a lot of her pieces are incredibly affordable. And while they're perfect for weddings and proms, they're also just as lovely for those of us that just want some everyday bling! 

Giveaway

Jennifer is offering a $25 gift certificate to her shop! To enter, all you have to do is follow An Air of Surprise via Google Friend Connect.

For additional entries, you can blog about the giveaway, list your favorite item in her shop, favorite her shop, follow her on twitter and/or like her on facebook. Each of these things is worth one additional entry, so be sure to indicate which ones you've done in separate comments.

The giveaway will end on August 10th at 1 PM EST and a winner will be selected at random. If the winner does not respond within 3 days, a new winner will be chosen. Please ensure that there is a way for me to contact you.


Best wishes!


{Giveaway Closed}

Wedding Wednesday: Honeymoons

I came across the following honeymoon spots while browsing Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a brilliant website that finds luxury and boutique hotels. So, picture this: You've just had the wedding of your dreams and wake up the next morning with your fresh-out-the-box hubby, ready to skeedaddle and head straight for the airport. What's your destination?

The African savannah, where you'll stay in a tented lodge and look on as the land's creatures saunter through the wide-open plains.

A posh New York hotel that puts you right in the middle of SoHo and features a rooftop bar and its unrestricted view of Gotham City.

A Rocky Mountain ski lodge, where you'll don your snow boots and ride the slopes by day, and look out over the mountains from your suite by night.

An Italian B&B that's set high on a hill and surrounded by lush gardens and rangy valleys that provide a perfectly rustic landscape for romantic walks with your dearly beloved.

The beaches of the Philippines, where you can step out from your suite or villa and jump right into the ocean, or have a delicious plate of Mediterranean salad while your husband goes snorkeling.

Which one of these enticing honeymoons would you take?

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Wedding Wednesday: Mini Inspiration Boards

modern wedding inspiration board by Chita... featuring sweetheart gowns

classic wedding by Chita... featuring wedding engagement rings

rustic wedding by Chita... featuring gown dresses