I don’t know about you, but sometimes my eyes need a break from the pastel vintage haze that is everywhere in weddingland. Don’t get me wrong – my love affair with vintage has not died a sudden death, it’s just that sometimes I crave big, bold, bright, exciting colors. And something new. Different.

Enter Jell-o.

What’s more colorful and synonymous with fun than Jell-o? It’s the perfect combination of kitsch, sugar and jiggle to make it a playful addition to any reception. Or cocktail hour (if you add vodka.)

But  the real ‘cool factor’ comes from the random, abstract designs you can create using Jell-o.  Each of of these bite sized cubes resembles a mini abstract masterpiece. Move over Picasso!

Want to make ’em? Here’s the recipe and tutorial:

What’s the best way to go green for your wedding? Choose an eco-friendly venue!

Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa in Escondido, California is big on green weddings. Not only does this historic natural estate offer an 11-acre paradise with orchards and gardens that are completely organic, the venue recycles, composts, conserves, re-purposes and avoids hazardous chemicals including cleaning supplies, pesticides and herbicides.

Another eco-friendly feature of this venue is that allows you have both your ceremony and reception in one place, thereby reducing your (and your guests’!) carbon footprint. Even better is that you can have all your guests stay overnight in one place!

The Wedding Weekend at Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa allows couples to rent the entire property for their wedding (full and exclusive use – no other events) and sleep up to 40 of their guests. Couples can bring in all of their own vendors – or go completely DIY and have family and friends pitch in during the event. (The site has two kitchens – why not enlist  friends and family with some of the food prep?)

Want to learn more about eco-friendly weddings at this California wedding venue? Visit Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa.

Photos: Clickery Photography

Sponsored Post.

Inviting your pets to take on a role in your wedding? Maybe they’ll just be guests. Will you dress ’em up or leave them au naturel?

To be honest, I’d probably be missing an eye if I tried to dress up either one of my cats. I’d likely incur only a few minor gashes if I attempted a simple bow tie – like this one from a recent real wedding that I featured. Doesn’t he look dapper?

Glasses add a sophisticated touch.

As we all know, dogs are generally much more compliant than cats, so gloves, long sleeves and protective eye wear aren’t usually required to dress them up. But if your dog has a mean streak, don’t try this at home. Doesn’t he look stylin’ in his shirt and tie?

Who doesn’t love a pug in a big red bow tie? Come to think of it – who doesn’t love a pug?

And for the ladies? What about this pastel dress for a summer soiree? Love those pleats!

Just in case it rains, there’s always a trench coat.

Photo One: Rover Dog; Photo Two: Intimate Weddings; Photo Three: Tumblr;  Photo Four: Rover Dog; Photo Five: Swoon; Photo Six: Rover Dog; Photo Seven:Rover Dog

Do you swoon over stationery hand-written in gorgeous calligraphy? Do you drool over the elegant loops and lines only to plummet back into reality knowing that you just can’t afford it for your wedding stationery?

I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to give up on that fancy lettering! You can do your own calligraphy even if you are a complete novice! And you don’t have to enroll of months of courses either. The trick?

A tracing table.

I bought a Porta-trace several years ago for photography purposes. Since then I’ve used it for oodles of craft projects and just recently I realized its magic in creating calligraphy.

Now, I do realize that calligraphy is an art form that takes many moons to perfect, and good calligraphers are worth every penny; their talent will not be matched by an amateur at a tracing table.

That said, you can create some pretty exceptional results using this method. It really is the next best thing to hiring a pro – and perfect for couples on a budget.

*Note: This will not work on heavy card stock. The paper has to be thin enough so that the light can shine through it.

Natalie and Josh had 50 guests at their at-home wedding in Pennsylvania.

“An intimate wedding with wonderful homemade decorations, close family and friends, and a dinner made with heirloom vegetables is close to perfection if you ask me,” says videographer
Chris Berntsen, who created a super 8 film of the event.

Elizabeth from The Nouveau Romantics design provided the stunning wedding decor elements, including mix-matched antique chairs, hand-made signs and a lovely ceremony backdrop.

Take it away Chris!