I’ll be honest… I never really understood the fascination around cake toppers. My wedding cake was simple with flowers on top. It wasn’t until I went to a friend’s wedding that I realized how fun cake toppers could be. She had been dating her husband for years and we never thought they would get married. Their cake topper was a bride dragging the groom with a ball and chain. I loved it! It was perfect for them and so original.

I figured today was the perfect day to share some great finds on Etsy for custom cake toppers.

These cute little birds are be painted in any color you would like. I love these clay birds because their simple, modern, and you can choose between matte or shiny finish. There made by BlueButterflyDesign.

These cute toppers from urastarhouse are custom made out of poplar wood, painted with U.S. made non-toxic water colors and finished with bees wax and jojoba oil. You pick the colors for the birds along with adding your initials. The bride and groom is based on a photo you send and your clothing will be based on your style.

Aren’t these so cute? These custom cake toppers will be designed to fit your style, dress, hair color, etc. Hand painted by dandelionland and can be used or gifted for any occasion, not just your wedding.

RedLightStudio hand sculpts and hand paints  every piece. The cake toppers can be customized making them perfect for your day. I really love the detail in all of these.

The cartoony cake toppers are so much fun. Made out of polymer clay you can have them fit your personality to a tee. Custom made by mudcards on Esty.

All of this cake talk has me thinking about cake! Make sure you check them all out on Esty. I’m sure you will be able to find the perfect fit and style for your day.

Photos courtesy of mudcards, RedLightStudio, dandelionland, urastarhouse, BlueButterflyDesign.

Company Name: Pick Me Floral and Event Design Studio

Name:  Kara Delay

Location: Winter Park, CO

Tell us a little about what you do:  Floral design, event décor design, event planning and event coordination

How long have you been in business? 5 years

What inspired you to start your business/studio?  A love of flowers and a need to please people.  Living in a small resort town, we saw an opportunity and ran with it.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?  Bringing someones vision to life and making it different every week.  We are extremely flattered when a bride brings us a picture from our own website as inspiration.  Our response is always – how can we make this unique for you?

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?  When I got a high five right after a wedding ceremony from one of the top photographers in Colorado who said “You make this fun . . .a really pretty to shoot.”

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage) Rustic Ranch Weddings – 80% of our weddings are outside so we aim to incorporate as many elements of the property as possible.  Is there a vintage truck?  We will use it.  Whisky barrels as planters – let’s build the décor around them.  Recycle and reuse throughout the day.  Make it easier on the environment AND the budget.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?  LOTS of pictures, fabric swatches, inspiration boards.  And sitting down – one on one – and finding out what is important to the couple.

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)  YES and catalogues for home and clothes, travel pictures.  My favorite design of last summer was created with this instruction from the bride – she handed me a picture of an alpenglow sunset and said that those were the colors she admired and told me that I had to include coxcomb since it was the first flower her now husband had ever given her – and then she told me to make something (within budget) that I was proud of.  Here’s the picture:

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio? We believe that every wedding is different and should be a reflection of the couple.  It’s your wedding – your way.  All we do is whatever it takes to make it happen!

You can check out more on Pick Me Floral and Event Design Studio by visiting their website and blog.

Photo courtesy of Brinton Studios.

When I came across Twin Lens I knew I needed to feature one of their weddings. Kitty Clark Fritz and Craig Fritz are photojournalists with a sincere passion for fine art. Their photos capture your attention and draw you in. Looking at their images, you just can’t help falling in love with their photography.

They combine digital, 35 mm, medium format Twin Lens Reflex, and plastic Holga film cameras  to document weddings in a very unique way. I’m so excited to share with you Carrie and Rick’s beautiful wedding from this past summer at Hacienda Dona Andrea de Santa Fe.

Carrie’s hair and make-up was done by the amazing Meredith Phipps with BeautiControl. 

Carrie was stunning in her La Sposa gown (which was purchased from our amazing sponsors Blue Gowns!).

You can’t help but fall in love with Twin Len’s work… its stunning!

Carrie, Rick and there guests danced the night away with Rick’s band Django Rhythm Meat Grinder.

You can check out more of Twin Lens LLC’s work by visiting their website and blog.

Music: Django Rhythm Meat Grinder

Catering: Walter Burke Catering

Flowers: Marisa’s Flowers

Gown: La Sposa

Make-up and Hair: Meredith Phipps with BeautiControl

Venue: Hacienda Dona Andrea de Santa Fe

I love cuff links. I love the personal touch they give to the tux’s and suits. Its a perfect way to show a little of the groom’s personality. These cuff links where custom made from maps where the bride and groom grew up.

Photo courtesy of Justin & Mary Photography

These are perfect for any Transformer fan. Lets be honest… we have all seen the new movies and it brings out the little boy in every man.

Photo courtesy of Boucher Photography

There are a ton of great finds on Etsy for all types of cuff links. Its a great place to find the right fit for your hubby to be.

Photo courtesy of billyblue22

I also came across some perfect cuff links for the best men. Think along the lines of Me, You and Dupree.

Photos courtesy of Choice Cufflinks

Whatever your style is there will be a cuff link to fit it. I can’t wait to see what you choose for your wedding.

Happy Monday!

Today I’m inspired by Melissa Sweet, and purple. I love purple and the different color combos you can do with it. Honestly, I secretly wish one of my girlfriends will get married this summer and use the color purple. I love the purple bridesmaid dress by Melissa Sweet. Would it be weird if I wore a bridesmaid dress for everyday wear?

This Sunday is the Oscars and I can’t wait! I really hope someone will walk the red carpet in purple. Just like the gorgeous deep purple gown Sandra Bullock wore by Bottega Veneta to the Golden Globes.

Photo Credits: theknot.com, Beautiful Blooms, Jen Fariello Photography, Melissa Sweet, Perry Hagopian, Nelson Photography, Scarlett Lillian Photography, brides.com, theknot.com, Scarlett Lillian Photography, Wendall Webber, Melissa Sweet.

Company Name: Maihar Design

Name: Ashleigh Davis & Melanie Ford

Location: San Antonio, TX

Tell us a little about what you do: Maihar Design crafts unique, hand-sewn keepsakes. Our current product lines include ring bearer pillows, flower girl wands and hair petals. We are a sister team; Melanie is the designer and Ashleigh handles all the business functions, including marketing. All of our products are designed to be beautiful and unique, each meticulously constructed from quality materials.

How long have you been in business? Since Spring 2009

What inspired you to start your business/studio? Melanie had been sewing ring pillows and wands as a freelance designer for various event companies. For years she had wanted to launch her own line, but the stars aligned when Ashleigh ventured off to start her own marketing company. The timing was finally right to make Maihar Design a reality.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio? Working with my sister. We’ve gotten to know one another on a different level, and have really come to appreciate each other’s unique abilities. Maihar Design is truly a partnership of two sisters – we are both integral to the success of the company.

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path? Probably from the response we’ve gotten. We’re still very new and both work “day jobs” in addition to running Maihar Design. Despite this, the industry has been so appreciative of our products and we’ve been nothing short of overwhelmed with the kind words. Our products were unique ideas that we decided to offer, even though we knew the initial product launch was extremely niche. In all honestly, we weren’t really sure how the industry would embrace our designs or if there was even a viable market.

There was one notable source of feedback I got in the very beginning before we launched that made me a bit doubtful because it was less than supportive. In fact, it was from a local wedding publication (to remain unnamed) and they told me in not so many words that our product was a bad idea and that their magazine’s account executives had their finger on what was popular, and ring pillows were “out.” Top publications, such as BRIDES Magazine seem to think otherwise. I kind of want to go back to that magazine and show them our press clippings.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage) We definitely have a modern, whimsical flair that has developed as a result of the fabrics and colors selected for our products. We didn’t intentionally set out to create a style, but rather to offer a unique, sophisticated alternative to current offerings.

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines) We look at a variety of wedding blogs and photographer websites. The wedding industry is filled with amazing and talented individuals on all levels – from the planners to photographers, stylists – everyone from beginning to end is incredible. It’s hard not to find inspiration within the large talent pool!

Make sure that you check out Maihar Designs website, blog, and Esty Store.

Photo Credits: Matthew Niemann with Aberdenn Studios.