will you be my bridesmaid?

I am so the type of woman that makes something bigger than it needs to be. Instead of asking a simple question/favor of someone or buying a lovely gift, I obsess about the perfect gift or the most unique and elaborate way to ask a question. For me, it’s about taking that extra step to make something cute and memorable. It doesn’t have to be super elaborate or expensive – just personal and creative!

A perfect example is asking a friend to be a bridesmaid. It’s an honor to stand next to a dear friend on her wedding day and it’s a big commitment, so it’s an important question to ask. There’s nothing wrong with asking a girlfriend to be in your wedding face to face or with a simple card. But, I love the idea of taking it a step further…

Here are some adorable ways you can impress your maids {the first one is my new fave}…

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Postcard, Fleur de Lis, a paperie on Etsy
{We are so excited to announce that this piece is sold at our Etsy store…yes, we have an Etsy store, Fleur de Lis, a paperie on Etsy. It’s still a project we’re streamlining, but we are so happy to offer our paper products to all of you via Etsy. You can customize and buy this bridesmaid postcard and many others in the future.
{NOTE: We have so many beautiful and fun pieces to post and promise to do so in time, so thank you in advance for your patience}
{front}

{back}

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Personalized Token of Affection Gifts, Choosing You on Etsy

{Or, for all you DIY gals}
DIY Wooden Spool Will You Be My Bridesmaid, featured at Hey Gorgeous

Personalized Wine Bottles

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Cigar Box, The Wedding Chicks
{love the idea of laying out the day to your maids with details, their role, what you want your wedding to look like, bridesmaid dress inspiration, color samples and personal notes, photos and momentos of you and your maid throughout the years}

{images via Choosing You, Hey Gorgeous, Jacey at Damsel in Dior, Wedding Chicks and Tutto Bella}

green wedding day

If you haven’t noticed, this week is all about being green. All this color green is inspiring us to say I do {or dream of saying I do} in Ireland surrounded by the beautiful green landscape. Or, just being in Ireland to cheers one another with a cold glass of Guinness…followed by photos with the famous beer mustache.

For all you Irish love birds:

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.

{images via: green moss frame: Ruffled Blog | couple walking with umbrella: Jet Fete Blog | cascading hydrangea: Caplan Miller Events | ties: Martha Stewart Weddings | Bridesmaid dresses: Green Wedding Shoes | green shoes: Geneoh | white and green bouquet: No Knows Weddings | green table setting and apples: Green Wedding Shoes | green martini with clover: Style Me Pretty | table setting with clover in vases: Style Me Pretty}

megan + taylor

This wedding is so sweet and genuine. Just reading about Megan’s recollection of her day makes you feel the love and the pure joy that was that day for she and hubby Taylor. The bright bouquets pop of color with the neutral bridesmaid dresses and winter white backdrop was beautiful. And, the DIY touches are charming. Laura Murray from Laura Murray Photography captured the beauty of every moment on a stunning Colorado December day.

In the brides words… I loved every part of our day. Getting ready with my dearest friends and family members was such a blast and they were so supportive and encouraging. My heart deeply cherishes the time I had with my dad moments before he walked me down the aisle. He is a wise, loving man and the perfect one to speak to me before such an important moment in my life. I am so very glad Taylor and I decided not to see each other before the aisle. It really built such a delightful anticipation for us to see each other at our wedding ceremony! The ceremony was so special with Taylor’s dad, Reverend Dan Jessup, as our officiant. Taylor and I washed each others feet as our first act to one another. It was such a moving moment, a beautifully almost inconvenient part of the ceremony.

The reception was so rich and fun! It meant so much to me to be celebrating in a room that so many people poured their love, personality, and creativity into to make it look so fabulous. To look around and see a little piece of so many people who have poured so much into my life in the decorations of our wedding was an honor.

The greatest surprise of the day came during the reception from my new husband! He sat alone on a chair on the dance floor, played his guitar, and sang to me. Earlier that day, I walked down to an electric violin instrumental of “Marry Me” by train. I also surprised Taylor by having the lyrics of that song wrapped around our wedding cake. It came full circle when he opened his mouth and sang to me, our song. What a lucky woman I am! It was such a gift that I will forever cherish. The dance was an absolute blast! From interpretive group performances to talent to non-stop wiggly kiddos, it was the perfect way to rejoice together.

The Lord, my husband, and all the people who came to be a part of our day made it so perfectly unforgettable and I am so thankful for what our wedding day was!

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Laura Murray Photography
Flowers: Mountain Meadows Flowers & Gifts
DJ: Sunset Productions Entertainment Company
Venue: Trail West Lodge
Bride’s Dress: The French Door
Ties: The Dotted Duck by Kim Doughan
Bridesmaids hair pieces: Etsy shop Jessica Rayes
MakeUp: Erica McCarthy
Dance floor: All Pro Rents

{images via Laura Murray Photography}

{coupon} suspended moments

We’re so happy our giveaways last week were a huge hit with all you fabulous brides. Thanks to the giveaway sponsors, Suspended Moments and Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry.

Congratulations to Emily and Kristin for winning the bridal hanger and engagement bracelet. You lucky ladies!

Good news for all you brides out there, or for you non-brides looking for the perfect bridal gift…Dawn from Suspended Moments is offering all Tutto Bella Blog readers 15% percent off any item purchased from her shop. Coupon expires January 31, 2012. Enter Tutto15  in the coupon code box when completing your purchase.

Happy Shopping.

Thanks to all of you who entered our giveaways…we hope to have more wonderful giveaways in 2012. Hope we were able to help you shop for several people on your list this year with our list of Favorite Things.

{image via Jenna Walker Photography}

{giveaway} engagement bracelet by kathryn giarratano jewelry

Every bride wants something:

sparkly
unique
special

{let’s be honest, she wants these things all the time, whether she’s a bride or not}.

Well, we found the PERFECT thing that can be worn on her wrist that’s all of the above and more ~ Kathryn Giarratano’s Engagement Bracelet. It’s stunning and beautifully hand-made by Kathryn herself.

It can be her “something blue” on her wedding day, or throughout her engagement she can wear it as a reminder that she is a beautiful bride about to marry the man of her dreams and when she becomes a Mrs., she can still wear it {to accessorize an outfit} and remember the special time in her life before she said, “I do.”

Kathryn, owner and creator of Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry, is a Denver-based designer and Colorado native. After working as a fashion consultant for Saks Fifth Avenue she decided to follow her dream of creating a line of jewelry that is fun, funky and can be worn by women of all ages. Thus Kathryn Giarratano Jewlery was born and we’re grateful it was because she creates one-of-a-kind jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings, for women that we LOVE.

Kathryn has always had an amazing sense of style and the girl can accessorize! Even as a preggo mama {when sweat pants call out your name}, she always looks chic and adorable.

Her jewelry has been seen on celebs on E! News and the Grammy Awards. Her pieces are sold at specific retailers {including the fabulous Fleur de Lis} or you can e-mail her directly at kathryngiarratano@gmail.com for orders.

She creates distinct jewelry for brides on their wedding day, as well as coordinating pieces for the bridal party. Jodi {a Tutto Bella sister} worked with Kathryn to create her bridal jewelry, as well as bracelets for her bridesmaids. The pieces were beautiful {and made a great gift for the bridesmaids}.

Today, we’re so happy because Kathryn is kindly offering her beautiful Engagement Bracelet to a lucky Tutto Bella reader {$50 value plus shipping}.

To enter the giveaway, you must:
{1.} Visit Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry, then come back here and leave a comment telling us which piece you like best {earrings, necklaces or bracelets}.

For additional entries:
{which means you can enter the giveaway up to four times}
{2.} “Like” Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment telling us you did {you must leave a comment so we can enter your name in the drawing}.
{3.} Leave a comment telling us who you would give the engagement bracelet to {even if its yourself} or tell us a funny or romantic engagement story.

Winner will be chosen via random.org. Must enter by Sunday, December 18, 2011. Winner will be chosen Monday, December 19, 2011.  

{images via Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry & Jenna Walker Photography}