Baptism Party and DIY Candy Favor

Before the holidays we celebrated our son’s baptism on a snowy Saturday at the same church we were married in. The whole family celebrated the occasion, which was so special for us. With little time and no sleep, I wasn’t able to go ‘all out’ with party details, but I was able to create a couple last-minute projects with some extra burlap I had lying around. Love me some burlap!

Burlap Banner
Use a pennant template to cute burlap triangle pennants
With stencils and white acrylic paint, use paintbrushes to paint a letter on each pennant.
Cut a ribbon the length of the size needed.
Use mini clothes pins to hang.

  Gold Pinecone Branches
Gather pine cones and branches.
Spray paint the pine cones gold {or color of your choice} and use a hot glue gun to glue them to the branches.
I wanted soft, neutral tones, so baby’s breath and hydrangea were the perfect wintry white combo to add to the bud vases.
Wrap the vases with a strip of burlap and voila!

I tucked  an Irish blessing into folded napkins at each place setting. It read:
Jackson,
for your baptism day
may God grant you always…
a sunbeam to warm you
a moonbeam to charm you
a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you
laugher to cheer you
faithful friends near you
and whenever you pray
heaven to hear you.

Each party guest received a baptism favor filled with candy and of course a ‘sweet thought’ to go along with it…
i’m BURSTing with happiness that you celebrated my baptism with me today.
now that i’m o’FISH’ially ‘in’ with the Lord,
here are some holy treats and tips to help you remember to keep the faith in your daily life…

daily prayer is a LIFESAVER 
read the bible NOW AND LATER
God puts everyone and everything in your life for a REISEN
God ROCKS!
love,
Jackson 

Candy Key:
BURSTing: Starburst
o’FISH’ially: Swedish Fish
LIFESAVER: Lifesavers
NOW and LATER: Now and Later
REISEN: Reisen
ROCKS: Pop Rocks

To buy the favor tag file {it’s a cuter file…Jenna re-styled my last-minute tags}, please visit our etsy store, Fleur de Lis, a paperie here.

{images via Tutto Bella}

peppermints on pizzazzerie

Today is such an exciting day for us here at Tutto Bella. Courtney, the talented and adorable woman behind the wildly successful entertaining site Pizzazzerie, featured our Peppermint Wonderland photo shoot today. Check out the post here.

We spent some time last week broadening the potential for our peppermint candy serving tray we featured last year, and we’re thrilled the results. Not only can you create a tray for your holiday party, but now you can create a frame and coaster too. See all the fabulousness and tutorial at Pizzazzerie.

And, it gets even better. We are thrilled to offer the set red and white chevron stationery from the shoot at our etsy store for a special holiday price. Click here to view and order.

Happy Holidays!

Thanks to the wonderful team we worked with to create the Peppermint Wonderful…

Location: Mom and Dad’s House {thanks mom and dad}…yes we pulled this off with 4 kiddos running/rolling around
Photography:
 Meredith Moran Photography
Marquee Lights: Saddleshoe Signs
Tabletop Accessories and Stationery: Fleur de Lis, a paperie

Grey and Pink Summer Wedding

In high school, I never imagined Shannon, my BFF, would be celebrating her marriage at her family’s home {which I once considered my second home in my teenage years} in the midst of tennis lessons, sleepovers, prom pictures and parties. I did, however, imagine {and knew}, she would marry her high school love, Bryan.

These two met so young, but grew as individuals and a couple throughout the years, traveled the world, made long distance work and waited until the time was right for them…and their wedding day was so magical.

I was lucky enough to stand by Shannon’s side as her maid of honor for her summer wedding. She planned a clean, modern and elegant wedding that was simply stunning…and so much fun for the nearly 300 guests.

The reception at Shannon’s parents home was the perfect setting. The fountain lit in pink and purple lights made for a grandiose entrance, the white draped, and carpeted tent was absolutely gorgeous, the color scheme of white, bright fuchsia and purple, and grey was eye-catching and sparkling crystal chandeliers were timeless and glamorous. Not to mention the beautiful Irish couple radiating love…and partying all night long {at their own barn-turned-Irish Pub post reception party}

Shannon and Bryan made their wedding day their own, and I was so honored to be a part of it…and share it with you today. Enjoy.

Yes, I was a nervous wreck for my MOH speech. Yes, I cried.

And, yes, I made them cry too.

The Best Men {brothers of the groom} followed my act, and were fantastic – both funny and emotional.

VENDOR LOVE
Photographer: Andrew Clark Photography
Ceremony Site: Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Reception Site: Private Residence
Reception Music: Heartbeat Band/Starkey Productions
Lighting: LMD Productions
Draping, Bar and Pub Decor: DesignWorks by Dave and Mike
Rentals: Butler Rents
Transportation: Fox Limousine
Flowers:  Cori Cook Floral Design
Invitations, Programs and Menu Cards: The Paper Guppy
Hair: Andy Mendoza, The SideDoor Salon
MakeUp: Jessica Shinyeda, The Face Lab
Veil: Felice Bridal Salon
Dress: Romona Keveza, Felice Bridal Salon
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Formalwear: JoS. A. Bank
Catering: Continental Divine Catering
Cake: Intricate Icings Cake Design
Escort Cards: Weddingpaperdivas.com

{images via Andrew Clark Photography}

the knot feature…

I was lucky enough to be the Maid of Honor for my BFF Shannon last summer. It was a happy day for me to see her blissfully happy and say “I do” to the man of her dreams…and look stunning while doing it. The details, colors and design of the wedding was absolutely gorgeous. YOU get exclusive photos and details of the wedding next week {I’ve been waiting more than a year to share it with you}, but wanted to give you a sneak peek today.

Her wedding was recently featured in The Knot Colorado…how fun is that?

Not to take away attention from the bride…cuz it’s always ALL ABOUT THE BRIDE {as it should be for all brides on her wedding day}, but that’s me…the 4th one from the left in the top photo below.

{images via The Knot Colorado and Andrew Clark Photography}

welcome our new sponsor Felicé Bridal

The word felice  means “happy” in Italian. We can tell you that weddings make us happy. Gorgeous weddings gowns make us happy. And, it makes us really happy that a fabulous, beautiful bridal store like Felicé Bridal, and the talented mom and daughter duo {Karen and Robin} who own it, are now teaming with Tutto Bella. In the future, we can all look forward to tips, trends and jaw-dropping gowns from Felicé Bridal here at Tutto Bella.

With a wide range of prices and designers including Romona Keveza, Amsale, Anna Campbell and Kenneth Pool, Felicé Bridal is one of Colorado’s top bridal salons. If you’re getting married {congrats}, or have a friend getting married, call Karen or Robin today to make an appointment for a fun-filled, pampered day surrounded by satin, silk and lace couture beauties.

When Robin showed us this dress, we fell in love {and secretly wanted to have another wedding celebration just to wear it}. Look at that stunning back!
Gladiator Dress, Anna Campbell, The Ivory Collection.
The best part, prices range from $1,000-$1,400 for this dress, and it comes in several colors.

And this dress by Romona Keveza, Spring 2011, is sure to turn heads and have a bride feeling gorgeous.

{images via Felicé Bridal}