Tressa the Hairdressa makes DIY wedding hair a possibility

It is no secret that I am a casual girl.  See my previous posts for proof ;)  So, the very idea of doing my own hair outside of a rubber band or that jaws clippy thingy is daunting to say the least.   Bleh!  That is until... Tressa the Hairdressa from Puppycatmeow introduced me to custom colored DIY hair that takes seconds and looks FABULOUS (with a southern gay man's accent).

Chignon wig hair extension by Puppycatmeow

The chignon (absolutely, do not ask me how to pronounce that) wig hair extension is shockingly similar to my professionally done wedding hair.  Luckily, whomever buys this hair confection won't have to deal with the countless bobby pins that took me 15+ minutes to remove on my wedding night (oh so romantic, NOT).  The detailed instructions prove to be simple enough even for me and my not so nimble fingers.

Great selection of colors to choose from

Easy instructions

      

But let's say you love the idea of styling your hair into elaborate creations but lack the skill (I might be projecting here) or the time.  Well then, Puppycatmeow still has the perfect products for you. Each style is made of high quality synthetic hair that feels just like the real thing.  Got highlights?  No problem!  Every order is custom.  

Tressa's 20 years of hairstyling experience have taught her how to make a woman feel like the most amazing creature on the earth, without the pain and suffering (I know, projecting again) that are required for great hair.  Don't forget to check out her fantasy line as well.   He'll never knew what hit him when Princess Leia walks in.

3 Petite rosettes to add interest to everyday hair

Braided bun covers

Topsyturvydesign Designer Millinery

When I first saw topsyturvydesign, or Kim Brown-Dye’s designer Millinery, on Etsy I had a genuine 'gasp' moment. Take one look inside her store and you will know why.

Her versatility and creativity is stunning with pillbox hats, feather and veil facinators, and gorgeous headpieces guaranteed to turn heads.


Feather and Veil - Bridal Fascinator - Headpiece - The Molly is a creative alternative to a traditional style veil.

Wow is all I can say about this amazing Pleated Victorian Bridal Hat - The Byrone

It is the perfect combination of something old and something new. This would go well with a Victorian Themed Wedding. It is a fashion statement in itself yet it won’t overwhelm the rest of your look.

What an amazing creation -Victorian Bridal Top Hat with Bird -The Dorcas

This is the be all, end all, of designer hats – the perfect topper for your wedding ensemble.

Instead of a traditional veil why not try a topsyturvydesign millinery creation instead?

If you're looking for that perfect accessory to complete your Wedding look, now's the time to visit topsyturvydesign!

A Tim Burton inspired wedding

Tim Burton is an inspiration to so many lovely quirky folks.  For a little spooky pizazz, think of adding items like these.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58169100/nightmare-before-christmas-jack-and  by TNZsculputures

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55381547/g-h-o-s-t-o-f-a-r-o-s-e-a-very-tim  by EternalAutumn

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55866899/beetle-juice-wedding-dress-black-and  by KMKostumes

Be Fearless, Gorgeous, And Completely You!

So your wedding photos are done! Whew! Your face muscles are stiff and hurt but the pictures look just fabulous- they're the pictures your mom, your grandmother, your aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, third cousins twice removed by marriage all want on their mantles and on the shelves of their hutches (hey, and yours too!). But now it's time to get the bridal pictures youreally want... now it's your chance to get those photos that will show your personality, your shine, your uniqueness, your beauty.

A little deco glamour...

A Little Musical Poetry...

Show your fearless side!

I had the great fortune of meeting an amazing photographer, Erin Durband. She had bought one of my hair accessories (thank you Erin!) and I became curious about her photography. And I am so glad that I did! This talented woman shoots some of the most beautiful and original trash that dress photographs that I have ever come across. And trash that tuxedo photos as well! Just incredibly fluid and natural.

Don't forget about the boys!

Prior to her current endeavors, she was taking wedding photographs, but wanted to go beyond the wedding, wanted to be able to have the bride and the groom be free in their expression. Well she found her outlet, and with beautifully artistic results as well!

Natural Seduction...

Check out her AMAZING portfolio for more incredible shots! I was definitely WOWED!!!!

www.ekahd.com

An Adventure of a Honeymoon

It’s your honeymoon and the sky is lit pink with the rising sun. Outside, the first calls of the waking birds slowly transition into a choir of song. The smell of clear clean air is all around. You get up, open the door, and step outside your camper van into the gorgeous expanse that is New Zealand. 

Lately, I have been on a serious Lord of the Rings kick. Once again, I’ve watched the trilogy marathon style and my love for adventure and nature has kicked into high gear. So, I started looking up trips to New Zealand (who wouldn’t fall in love with those high peaks, the raging rivers, the ocean waters, and those wide expanses of land?)... And I came across camper adventure trips, and thought- Wow! This would be such an amazing honeymoon! Imagine, you and your brand new spouse (yay!) going on your honeymoon in the land of the kiwis, adventure style- you go where you want to, stay for how long you want to, explore unbelievable lands of beauty, all the while taking your room with you. Find yourself exploring the mountains, kayaking down rivers and on the waves of the South Pacific, having romantic picnics with gorgeous vistas, finding those secret spots for your “memorable moments” (hey, it’s your honeymoon- right?)...

Several different travel companies offer some really fun choose-your-own-adventure trips. The basic premise behind this is that they rent you a camper van, and off you go exploring your honeymoon, your way, your unique style. 

Here are some great options to get your trip started:

http://www.rentacampervan.co.nz/

http://www.escaperentals.co.nz/

http://nzrentals.keacampers.com/en/default.aspx

Make your honeymoon a unique memory to last a lifetime!

This post is courtesy of Glenda from Midnightboudoir on Etsy.

Designer Invites and Programs

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49301629/quincy-mustache-wedding-invitation-and

DIY can be one of the most stressful elements in the wedding preparation process.  As fun as doing it yourself can be, it also requires a ton of time, patience and more money than you would expect.  If you are like most couples about to be married, these may be in short supply.  An alternative to the wholesale store looking printed invites, RSVP cards, programs and thank you cards, is using a designer that is willing to do custom work.  Grey Dog Designs loves custom work that is tailored to a couples personality and style.   This is professional work printed with a giclee printer.  No home printers are used.  They use super high quality paper products and inks to ensure an amazing product.  Samples are available at a very reasonable cost.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53778410/lenore-wedding-invitation-and-response

10eisha- Hair Accessories for the Brave

The first time I saw 10eisha’s creations I was struck by their elegant style, and unique use of color. Then something else crept into my head. A whispering of effortless chic, and sort of urban bohemianism. I found my mind wondering around antebellum mansions, skipping in New Orleans cemeteries, quietly reading in a San Francisco coffee house, and window-shopping through New York’s East Village. All these images rolled though my brain unable to pinpoint and exact description of the hair accessories she makes. Not one of them gave me a clear description, but joined they evoked a little of the spirit of her creations. She entitles her shop “Hair Accessories for the Brave.” I would say that is a perfect description for she is a fearless designer.

Absolutely amazing head pieces

I cannot say much about Kat Swank's Liaison shop that could even come close to doing her work justice. She is an offbeat designer of the highest couture level.


Beautiful, stunning, artistic and phenomenal are just a few of the words that come to mind when looking through her shop.


If i could do it all over again I might base my entire bridal outfit on one of her head pieces...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/liaison

Beer cookies for a casual wedding

Froo froo and fancy is not my style.  I prefer jeans and ponytails.  For couples that prefer a relaxed wedding reception I've got a very yummy cookie to be served along with a pint.
 Beer cookies:

1 cup salted butter, at room temperature

• 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting hands
• 1 cup pecans, chopped into very small pieces
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels 
• 24 Snyder's pretzel snaps
• 
  
• -Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line cookies sheets with parchment paper.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at low speed until it is smooth. Beat in the vanilla. At low speed gradually add the flour. Mix in the pecans and chocolate morsels with a spatula. With floured hands, take out about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into a ball. Continue to dust hands with flour as you make more cookies. Place onto prepared cookie sheets. Press pretzel into the top of each ball flattening the ball a little. Bake for 40 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.

Parts of this receipe are compliments of the Food Network and Paula Dean,  I have doctored it into "beer cookies"

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/mexican-wedding-cookies-recipe2/index.html

ENJOY!