Handpicked Shops that Give Back

07 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Awesome Shops, Featured Artists

Tags

animals, antique, Bettula, birch bark, Couture by Ayca, etsy shops, events, felt, Hindsvik, Le Box Boutique, packaging, Peaches Products, Postscripts, rustic, shopping, stuffed animals, supplies, vintage, weddings

If you haven’t checked out my resources list on my website, you definitely should. Here is where I feature handpicked shops and artists that are awesome and they all offer really unique items. From weddings and events to home decor and design items, you can find it all here. I have always believed its important to support independent artists and the small business community and that is why I am sharing my favorites.

There are also some who have kindly offered discounts to my customers which I am very thankful for. I am happy to help people even more by extending a hand through these shops. They truly rock!

Bettula
All the beautiful items in this Michigan shop are nature inspired and have a rustic feel. Birch bark is the main ingredient and through all the pretty designs it surely shines. You can even find jewelry and special gifts. Find the coupon code for 10% off your order on my website.

Le Box Boutique
This Missouri shop carries a lot of eco-friendly supplies and packaging items as well as washi tape, which they love. You can also find unique artisan goods. The shop has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living and Martha Stewart Magazine. How cool is that! Stop by my website to get the coupon code you can use toward your order.

Couture by Ayca
You can find many different handmade paper garlands in this European shop that would be great for any event. Even if you wanted to dress up a space in your home, an item by Ayca can add just the touch of whimsy it calls for. You can find her coupon code on my website as well.

Postscripts
You can find a ton of rustic and nature inspired items in this Colorado shop. Even if you just need some inspiration, this is a good place to find it. From wood cake stands and decor to invites and other paper items, there is so much to see. I highly recommend you check out this shop if you are having a more unique and natural wedding, for sure. Just mention Gray Star Design when you place your order and they will give you 10% off your order.

Peaches Products
Who doesn’t love adorable stuffed animals? Well, the unique items you will find in this New York shop are all handmade, hand sewn, needle felted and totally cute. They make great gifts for just about anyone, especially kids who really appreciate the beauty in handmade items. Find her coupon code on my website to receive free shipping on your order.

Hindsvik
If you love vintage pieces that have unique style than you will love this Canadian shop. You can find an array of items from kitchen goods to furniture and all have beautiful appeal. For 15% off your order find the coupon code they created on my website.

Make Pie Not War
I love all the jewelry pieces in this shop. They are graphic and unique and very fairly priced. A perfect place to shop for gifts. Check out the code to receive 10% off your order on my website.

Team of Experts

12 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Advice & Inspiration, Featured Artists

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Tags

art, brytni dawson, craig webb, design, DJ, dj ello, events, experts, gray star design, heather mondello, hernan faraci, jen lombardo, joseph mondello, lauren elle photography, makeup, massage therapist, massages, weddings, what productions

If you haven’t checked out my team of experts yet, you should. I am so lucky to know such a talented group of individuals, for sure. If you are looking for a photographer in the NY/Nj area and beyond, you’ve found her. Need a makeup artist for an event? Look no further. Having a party and need a dj? I know the guy to call. The creative arts are pretty much covered as well. Plus, I cna recommend a skilled massage therapist that will regenerate your body like no other.

Let me introduce some pretty rad people you seriously should know and would love to work with. These, my friends, are my team of experts.

Claire la Faye: Dreaming Bridal

11 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in The Bride & Groom, Weddings

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Tags

bridal, bride, Claire la Faye, dresses, events, getting married, gowns, marriage, weddings

Claire la Faye is one of my favorite bridal designers because she creates gowns that are unique, beautiful, romantic and simply lovely. Her work screams glam without all the drama and glitz, which is hard to come by. I have never worn one of her dresses but I can imagine you feel like a queen floating on clouds. Maybe one day I will have the honor but until then, I am in awe.

Photo Credit: Claire la Faye

Graduating from Parsons School of Design in NYC, Claire’s career evolved from a line of reconsructed tee’s and soon enough, success was knocking at her door. Because her bridal line is so skillfully made and uniquely created, you wouldn’t think she entered the wedding curcuit just two years ago. But thanks to her, non traditional brides everywhere can wear her whimsical pieces and not only feel on the top of the world but prove like heavan is a place on earth.

Today Claire lives and works in Portland, Oregon. Here are some of my favorite gowns that are simply irresistable.

Some Kind of Wonderful

Midsummers Night Dream

Angels Dance

Snail Mail Inspiration

05 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Invites & Save the Dates, Weddings

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Tags

champion stamp, children, etsy, events, farm, floral, flowers, holiday, kids, nature, nautical, pack and post, parties, postal stamps, rustic, save the dates, treasure fox, usps, verde studio, vintage stamps, wedding invitations, weddings

I know many people don’t send letters anymore but there is nothing like receiving a handwritten note from someone you care about. When it comes to event invites and wedding items, creating a beautiful envelope is part of the whole experience.

One simple way to jazz them up is by using special stamps. I personally love vintage postal items because they really created some awesome designs back in the day. However, you can still find some really nice ones that are printed today. Here are some inspirations of old and new stamps that can really make or break an invite’s presentation.

These first few can all be found at USPS.com.

Now to take a trip back in time, here are some vintage treats I feel would make a great statement on your save the dates and wedding invitations as well as all the pre-wedding events. Enjoy!

Garden Roses | Shop & Photo Credit: Verde Studio