The Little White Book

Real Wedding: Stremke - October 29, 2011

2012-02-24T13:25:00.017-05:00

I had the privilage of planning the wedding of Ryan and Lizzi Stremke in Lafayette, IN on October 29, 2011. The whole thing was planned right down to the smallest details. The details are what made this wedding gorgeous. The bride had a vision like no other, I was just glad to be a part of that inspiration.

A radient bride

Gorgeous details

A meaningful gift. Lizzi wanted to thank her bridesmaids in style. She purchased each maid a personalized clutched with their names stiched on the inside.

A welcome sign with personality to direct guests to the ceremony and reception.

To go along with the vintage theme Lizzi picked up adorable vintage suitcases. We stacked them leaving the top one open for the guests cards.

Lizzi and Ryan wanted a very unique guest book. They opted for a vintage typewriter for their guests to leave their love to the couple.

Guests picked up custom programs, designed by the groom himself before entering the ceremony.

Lizzi wanted something different for her aisle runner. We loved the idea of carrying the chalkboard look throughout the wedding but of course is next to impossible for a chalkboard runner to actually work. Instead we opted for a black runner with white paint markers.

The end result was gorgeous, different and so memorable.

Lizzi and Ryan in the beautiful Lahr Atrium in downtown Lafayette, Indiana.

For tablescape decor Lizzi really wanted that eclectic, vintage feel. Various flowers were arranged by Rubia Flowers in eclectic vases that Lizzi found at Goodwill.

Instead of a traditional favor for their wedding guests, Ryan and Lizzi gave a donation to the Kawasaki Disease Fund, something dear to their heart.

Lizzi and Ryan were just another wonderful couple that I have the absolute pleasure of saying that I had a part in planning their special day. They were a complete joy and their vision was beautful, fresh and new. I hope you can find some inspiration for your day in some of these photos.

A special thanks to Breath of Life Photography for providing these beautiful images that truly captured the evening.

XO Grace

Bridesmaid shoes, easy and inexpensive

2012-02-23T13:16:00.008-05:00

Lela Rose, best known for the beautiful bridesmaid dresses have come out with a shoe line. These are dyeable bridesmaid (or bridal) shoes that are affordable. These shoes are $30 and up with 15 different styles and 64 colors to choose from. Just go to unforgettablemoments.com and begin your search. Custom dyeing and shipping are free with your footwear purchase.

Our favorite style is the Nathalie for $49.99, which is a steal for custom dyed shoes.

"This retro-inspired pump features a softly rounded toe, delightful folded bow detail and 3" satin-wrapped heel."

Here is a look at a few of the 64 color choices seen on the Nathalie.

Untold Blue

Pistachio

Pomegranate

Vivid Coral

Alluring Transparency

2012-02-21T10:38:00.006-05:00

"There is no mistaking that transparency is the new white" - Reem Acra

One of the biggest trends seen in bridal fashion 2012 is transparency fabrics. You see it in illusion necklines and layered skirts.

Here is a look at the Spring 2012 collection from Reem Acra where transparency is highlighted.

Sheer neckline with cap sleeves.

Sheer cap sleeves with ornate details

Sheer layered skirt

I hope you find this inspiring as you may be hunting for your perfect dress.

-Grace

*all photos from Reemacra.com

Brooklyn Olivia's 1st Birthday Party

2012-02-20T13:31:00.005-05:00

In between the weddings I plan as a full time job there are still a number of personal things I have the pleasure of planning for friends and family. This one tops the list of couse. The 1st birthday party for my daughter, Brooklyn Olivia Whalen. I still cannot believe she is one! I call her my mini-toddler, she is no longer my infant baby.

The planning started with a theme and an invitation. Being in February, I didn't want it to feel too summery, but I definitely wanted it to be girly. I ended up choosing a cross between 'woodland fairy' and 'vintage princess'. So maybe...Vintage Woodland Fairy Princess. :)

Next came the decor. I have a huge, blank, white wall that I wanted to give life to. I ended up cutting out birch trees out of cardboard, painting them peach and gold and hanging tissue poms to give dimention. I also made a "Happy Birthday Booklyn" banner out of white burlap, satin ribbon and scrapbook paper.

Here is the birthday girl getting her first taste of cake. She had the cutest little babydoll cake.

Brooklyn and Mommy in front of her 'sweet shoppe'. For food we had cookie cutter pb&j, cheese cubes, mini banana splits, chicken skewers, meatballs, frosted animal crackers, carrot sticks and celery cups, fruit snacks, mini cupcakes and of course cotton candy.
Drinks: Grapefruit punch, Izze, organic milk, and root beer floats.

The birthday girl!
I made her tutu and headband
Shirt: Gap
Leg warmers: babysnazz.com
Shoes: Converse

The food was a perfect balance between light and heavy.

Family photo!
Daddy, Brooklyn and Mommy
Behind us is the candy buffet. We had little brown bags stamped 'Thank you' for guests to fill up as they left. Also, kids left with pinwheels and princess wands that I made.

Check Out Our Video!

2011-06-15T10:15:00.003-04:00

Just click on the photo below!

Fascinators the new trend for America?

2011-04-28T13:24:00.004-04:00

Among all the talk of the Royal Wedding there seems to be a few parts of the British traditions that us Americans are intrigued by. One of those things being fascinators.

A fascinator is a headpiece made of feathers, lace, or other fine fabrics worn by woman in place of a hat. All the coverage of these fascinators really makes me wonder if it will be all the rage this next year here across the pond. We have already started wearing more elaborate headbands and I believe this Royal Wedding might just make fascinators the newest trend for formal events.

Here are some great examples that you may want to use on your bridesmaides or even for yourself when attending a wedding. These fascinators are made by some very talented ladies selling their work on Etsy.

Have a look!

Red Sinamay Feather by Ugly Lovely Milliner

Blue Velvet Rose by Ugly Lovely Millinery

Antique Rose by Ugly Lovely Millinery

Stella headband by Snazzie Drawers

Lyla Rose by Snazzie Drawers

This one is great for your flower girl or if you are bringing a little one to the event you are attending.

Introducing my new bundle of joy

2011-03-29T11:53:00.004-04:00

Here is our angel, Brooklyn Olivia Whalen 7lb. 10oz. Born February 16, 2011. Now that she is 6 weeks old I am getting back into the swing of things. So excited to see what 2011 has to offer! XO Grace

Perfect Pillows

2010-09-03T12:22:00.009-04:00

There are a few wedding items that sometimes get picked up at the last minute because we're focused on other things. Ring Bearer pillows are usually one of those items. This ends with a regretable trip to Hobby Lobby or Walmart for a very generic (in my opinon ugly), yet sometimes pricy pillow purchase.

I'm here to show you that there are alternatives. Woomi New York is one of those alternatives. Super stylish pillow and affordable at the same time. Enjoy!

All photos are from Woomi.

Vera

$45

Sunburst

$40

Evelyn

$40

Lora

$40

Evelyn

$40

Lora

$43

Ban.do for the Bride

2010-09-02T09:57:00.011-04:00

Hair accessories have been a huge hit this past year and are still staying on trend come 2011. The hard part sometimes is finding the right hair accessory. We all know there are so many bad ones out there, but that is not the case when it comes to ban.do. Their pieces are gorgeous, trendy yet timeless, and did I mention gorgeous?! You may look at the price and think, "nope, way too pricy for me". But I want you to think about something before you write them off. When you are in a bridal shop picking out your tiara....how much do those cost. The SAME price! And trust me, you'll be getting a lot more glam for your money with ban.do. I've posted a few pics that they make specifically for brides. Enjoy!

No. 60
$95

No. 92
custom

No. 12
$130

No. 110
$165

All Photos are from shopban.do.com

Little White Book Update

2010-08-30T13:19:00.004-04:00

Well.....as Little White Book's creator, I have some GREAT news and some not-so great news. :)
First of all, my husband and I are expecting our first child in early February 2011. We are very excited to finally add to our family and start on this new adventure of parenthood.
BUT, with that great news came four months of hellish morning sickness and other complications during the pregnancy. This of course explains the sudden lack of blog posts, etc. Thankfully, I think the worst has passed, and I have begun to really start enjoying this exciting new time for me and my husband. During these past months I have not had the chance to put into Little White Book, which was projected for this year (also because I still have had have clients to take care of during this time as well). This of course was a very unexpected turn of events. Technically, I could probably still get it off in early October without a hitch, but I want to be able to put 110% into and for the vendors to get the most out of it, and I don't want to just "get it done". So with that being said, the plan is to now postpone Little White Book until sometime spring 2011. This way our new baby will be here and all pregnancy symtoms will have passed 100%. :) ahhh I cannot wait!
So, I am looking at possibly having Little White Book being held sometime in April or May. I will continue to update you all, and of course work on it, as much as the baby lets me. :)

Thank you for your patients during this time and I am still very excited for Little White Book, and cannot wait for the spring!

Grace

Invitation Inspiration: Envelopments

2010-05-24T14:50:00.010-04:00

I am working with Envelopments for the first time with a bride for her September wedding. They are not only made with thick, gorgeous, quality paper, when assembled they create a unique invitation that can be customized in any way you can imagine. To top it all off...they are affordable!

You can go to the Envelopments website to find a dealer near you.

Icing Inspiration

2010-05-24T14:25:00.004-04:00

Here are a few gorgeous cakes courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Take a look, get inspired and Enjoy!

Spring Bridal Fashion 2011: Inspirational Designers

2010-04-30T16:48:00.007-04:00

Here are a few other favorite designers who push the envelope and make the normal wedding dress an amazing art form, that which including Vera and Reem who were featured in posts prior.

This post features all different shapes and designs from flowing A-frames to minis that could be for a reception dress or for a contemporary ceremony.

The first two are Monique Lhullier, followed by two from Jenny Packham, then Marchesa, and ending with Melissa Sweet. All photos are from Brides.com

Spring Bridal Fashion 2011: Reem Acra

2010-04-30T16:37:00.008-04:00

Here are dresses from Reem Acra, if not tied with Vera, then my second favorite. Always feminine, always beautiful. It is impossible to find a Reem Acra you can't fall in love with. All photos are from Brides.com

Spring Bridal Fashion 2011: Vera Wang

2010-04-30T16:10:00.009-04:00

Vera Wang who is personally one of my favorite designers for both her Brides designs and her maids, stunned the 2011 Spring Bridal Show with the most romantic dresses of the week.

Wang who is iconic for designing mermaid dresses, took a risk and switched it up this year, and it seems to be paying off. She was the most talked about designer of the week.

Browse these few dresses I pulled from her line and be inspired!
All photos are from Brides.com

INTRODUCING...Little White Book

2010-04-28T12:59:00.006-04:00

Q: What is Little White Book?

A: Little White Book is a BRIDAL SHOW. But not your mother's bridal show. This show is VERY different. We like to say "We provide everything but the groom".

Q: What does Little White Book do to make their show different?

A: If you have been to a bridal show you know you walk around for hours, sheepishly meeting vendors and trying to find the best products, service, pricing out there. And at the very least finding one who serves in your area. Little White Book has you come to one location, sit down, sip champane, and LISTEN to Whalen Creative Group's prefered vendors (the best of the area) talk about how they can help you with your wedding. Each vendor (i.e. caterer, florist, photographer, etc.) will be able to give their best presentation without having to repeat themselves. They'll have handouts, powerpoints, food tastings and samples. They want to wine and dine you to show you what they are capable of. Because of the smaller setting you get a lot more attention.

Q: What if I want to learn about all the area vendors that are not speaking?
A: At the show you will receive in your swag bag a "little white book". This is a weddding directory that lists all companys that have anything to do with weddings. Whalen Creative Group put this together to make the search easier. This book is only found at a Little White Book show. The purpose of the speakers to help you start a relationship with your vendor and feel connected.

Q: If the vendors are Whalen Creative Group's prefered vendors, are they all really expensive?

A: Not at all, they are all very competitive. And because they are prefered vendors that means you can count on them. A better service of someone you can count on showing up and doing their best is worth it.

Q: Who started Little White Book?

A: Whalen Creative Group, a Wedding Planning company located in Warsaw, Indiana. The owner Grace Whalen has a passion for weddings and even more so a passion to make a brides wedding process stress free and enjoyable. Grace does everything from Reheasal, Ceremony, and Reception decor/design to full coordination the day of the wedding.

Q: Is anyone else involved with Little White Book?
A: The BoatHouse Resturant in Winona Lake, Indiana. They are an integral part of Little White Book, because they will be hosting each event in their newly renovated banquet room. This gorgeous room is used for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement parties, and smaller weddings. Hosting the event their gives brides a hands on view of what the BoatHouse has to offer to their event.

Q: What is your purpose?

A: To give Northern Indiana brides the best of the best vendors handed to them on a silver platter.

Q: When is Little White Book?

A: We are hoping to have the first show early fall so be looking for it!

Q: How often will Little White Book happen?
A: We're going to start small, maybe quartly. We are hoping to eventually do it monthly.

Q: I have most of my vendors, why should I come?
A: Even if you have chosen most of your vendors it will be a great time filled with a lot of inspiration to keep you excited about your special day. Plus, Grace will be giving some priceless planning tips that could help your day flow with ease.

Q: How much will it cost as a bride to attend Little White Book.

A: We don't have an exact amount right now, but definitely not more than $4. Being able to see and talk to between 6 to 10 preferred vendors is worth it.

Q: Who can attend
A: Anyone! Bring your bridesmaids, mom, mother-in-law to be, grandmother. Bring the people who love you and who are just as excited about your day as you are. Little White Book will have laughter, excitement, giveaways, inspiration, and much needed information and tips. The more, the merrier!

We hope to see you in the fall!
- The Little White Book team