Centerpiece of the Week

I love the mixture of flowers with branches. Forgive me but I don't know where this one came from.....Anyone know??

CTW: Eight

I think these spice jars are so cool. I ordered a few sets to check them out. These would make cute favors and are very unique. Although their purpose is to store dry herbs you can fill them with M&M's, Jelly Beans, Jordan Almonds etc. Hand painted in Portugal. From Smith & Hawken.

I know that bird themes are big. I love these nest tealight holders. From Viva Terra.

I love using table runners to liven up rectangular tables. These are colorful and fun. From Wrapables.

These napkin rings are so elegant and not too over the top "beachy". From Wrapables. Love the bronze color against the blue.

This modern inspiration vase would look great on a rectangular table. This centerpiece also would not require too many stems which saves money but still makes a bold and unique statement.

The Caricature Artist

A Caricature is a portrait that exaggerates or distorts the essence of a person or thing to create an easily identifiable visual likeness. The term is derived from the Italian caricare, to charge or load. Thus, the word caricature essentially means a loaded portrait.

Who would have thought that our caricature artist Doug Shannon would be such an amazing hit....maybe even more popular than the bride and groom. Doug was a complete professional and a great joy to work with. He knew how to draw us ladies in the most flattering light while he had some fun with the gents.

I would definitely recommend a unique element such as a caricaturist or a silhouette artist. Even elements such as a candy bar or a cigar rolling station would satisfy this unique element. These unexpected elements keep you guests entertained as well as keeps them talking about your wedding for months to come.

Doug in action

The process

Some of my favorites:

The group shot

All photos by James Sanders.

Centerpiece of the Week

This centerpiece is so unique. From one of my favorite photographers Melissa Jill.

CTW: Seven

Happy almost Thanksgiving to all!

I love these lampshades used with ordinary wine glasses and tea lights. Gorgeous Helen from Wishing Fish.

I always like a little touch of whimsy. I almost had the owl place card holders at my wedding (from West Elm) but they stopped selling them before I grabbed all the ones I needed. I love this owl lantern from Urban Outfitters.

Cute gift for your girls. From Wishing Fish. The tag says "Thanks for being my bridesmaid. I couldn't have survived without you."

I love these canvas tags from Etsy seller Fieldandsea.

Fieldandsea also has these modern and colorful pillow boxes.

Congratulations Z & A

This Saturday Bellissima Vita got to work with their first Texas couple. Z & A had a small destination wedding at the JW Marriott Union Square. It was a beautiful November evening and the views from the 21st floor were amazing. Check out some of the details.

I loved the look of the napkin on an angle.

Beautiful Place Cards

Ribbon is an inexpensive way to add some color to standard white linens. I used a plum color and a gold color.

My husband's infamous glass shot.

Beautiful Centerpieces from my friend Karen from Huckleberry Karen Designs.

Guests signed a ceramic platter.

The group was small enough so this U-shape worked out great.

Centerpiece of the Week

I love the elegance of this centerpiece mixed with such vibrant colors.


Photo by the amazingly talented Chenin Boutwell.

CTW: Six

I love these Kata Golda Letterpress Silk Guest Books from Jenni Bick.

These letterpress escort cards/place cards come in different types. These come from the "conversation" collection.

In French...

I am in love with these mini olive oil and vinegar bottles every since I saw them at C & B's wedding in September. From Wedding Favors to Love.

Picture I took at C & B's Wedding.

I love these olive oil bottles from O & Co. courtesy of Sur La Table. Expensive at $10 each but so beautiful.

Not your Average Utensils

I love using splashes of color and unexpected elements and textures. I especially love using fun utensils to add a certain something to a wedding (or any party for that matter). While this idea will not work for some weddings I love it for a fun outdoor wedding or a backyard get together. Here are some of my favorites.


I love anything bamboo. From Green Feet.


From Charles and Marie.








It would be fun to use these Sporks for an ice cream bar. Also from Green Feet.



I love Snap a Party. Also from ThisNext.


These "stainless steel" utensils are really heavy duty plastic.
From ThisNext.

Why not store them on tables or buffet in this caddy. Caddy from the Macbeth Collection.

DIY Wine Themed Centerpiece

Okay here it is. I love using "different" materials as I believe it adds interest to a tablescape. I had seem a similar bottle table number and replicated it. This Centerpiece cost me just under $20.00. Assuming there are more than one the cost would go down as you would be able to buy materials in bulk. Price included everything you see including votives and votive holders, vases and containers and even the bottle of red wine I got for a steal at Safeway. The floral portion of the centerpiece was done at Huckleberry Karen Designs DIY Floral Workshop! If you borrow please give us credit. Thank you!