Where are we?

In case you have been wondering where we have been, we wanted to explain.
The crazy storm that took out half of the Midwest as well as the east coast decided to also fry my computer. Ugh!
Blogging on an iPhone or an iPad just doesn't cut it. So have no fear, it will be arriving August 1st and you will start to see us again! We have had some really amazing weddings we want to share with you!
Thanks your patience and we will see you in a few days!

- XO Gracellaa

Blue Jeans and BBQ Gala 2012

This year Whalen Creative Group had the amazing opportunity to be on the committee for Combined Community Services's Blue Jeans and BBQ Gala.
Combined Community Services does so much for our community, we were blessed to small part of it.

On top of that we were asked to decorate for the super fun event. Needless to say, we went country!
If a rustic wedding is in your future you will definitely be inspired!

-XO Grace

Photos provided by the wonderful Melissa Jordan Photography

   

A quick little hello

Here is an adorable photo that I just got back from a wedding we did this past May and I had to share it.
The bride wanted a polaroid photo booth as their guest book so we decorated this cute one for her.
The wedding party and guests were so much fun which resulted in some adorable photos!
I hope this can inspire you for your big day!

-XO Grace

Nicole Miller: Spring 2013

I got my first look at Nicole Miller's new bridal line and just had to share it.
We all know she can design beautiful day and night dresses, and I am happy to say she did not fail us with her bridal collection.
She is known for her flattering silhouettes and these bridal gowns will do nothing less than accentuate the beauty you were already born with.
So I am going to stop gabbing so you can start looking! Enjoy!

Photos from NicoleMiller.com

Look at these backs, gorgeous right? A perfect view for your guests as you walk down the aisle!

The lace detail is on trend for 2013

I think this bohemian style dress is a favorite of mine. Perfect for a beach wedding or even a fun rustic, farm wedding.

I hope you enjoyed lusting over Nicole Miller's new collection as much as I did!
-XO Grace

Invitation Inspiration: Etsy

I am amazed that my invitation post that I did a year ago is still the number one post that is looked at by you readers. So I figured it was time to give the people what they want, an updated Invitation Inspiration post. As a wedding planner I know when it comes to invitations it can get overwhelming and very expensive. This post is going to highlight Etsy.com. Etsy is a fantastic place to look for an invitation shop. Not to mention, a lot of established invitation designers and companies actually have an Etsy account to gain clients from around the world. Just because it is from Etsy doesn't make it a "scrapbook type" handmade invitation.

These first three are perfect examples of Rustic and Girly. The doily is a beautiful detail.

 Twigs print studio $3.50 a set

Anista designs $12.75 ea.

Shabby Scrap $8.50 ea.

I  L.O.V.E. these!!! They are so incredibly different and stand out on their own. If you are looking for something simple but shocking at the same time, these are the invites for you.

Baum Birdy $6.75 ea.

 I just did a wedding this past fall where we did invitations that were very similar to these. The bride was lucky enough to be marrying a graphic designer so he just whipped her up and amazing set. :) Lucky her right? Well, if you are not that lucky but would still love that "air mail" or "travel" look in an invitation, these are perfect! The other fantastic thing about these? You buy the digital print and take the file to your local printer. This is a great cost effective way to get invitations.

ABandIG $20.00 digital print

Want something uber-girly that stands on its own? This die cut option is perfect for you.

Icing on the Paper $2.19 ea.

  These are similar to the Envelopements that my first Invitation Inspiration post was about.

PlatypodeAlamode $4.25 ea.

These are adorable.

WhimsyBDesigns $4.99 ea.

Here are a couple other great digital print options

RosieDayDesign  $40.00 digital image

YellowBrickGraphics $35.00 digital image

Another great travel option. The only difference? Bold Colors!

WideEyesDesign $2.00 ea.

These are ridiculous, I can't tell you how excited I would be if I received one of these in the mail inviting me to a wedding. Cootie Catcher Wedding Invitation

One Little M $6.00 ea.

One Little M $6.00 ea.

The ultimate 3D invitation. Going for WOW factor!

ChampagnePress $9.95

A modern bride? These invitations will have just what you are looking for.

Amelia Lane Paper $5.08 ea.

PalmPapers $5.00 ea.

I hope you enjoyed the inspiration!
Happy invite hunting!

-XO Grace

Black and White Stripes

If you have been reading my blog for awhile now, you know that what thrills me the most about wedding planning is when a bride and groom express themselves through their wedding. At Whalen Creative Group we encourage our brides to think that way, it sets the mood when everyone knows that the wedding as a whole represents the couple.

Here is a theme that I think will inspire all of you.

How adorable, need I say more? via Snippet & Ink

I saw this photo of the bridesmaids in the bold black and white stripped dresses and instantly fell in love with the bride in the photo. Why? Because I knew she picked those dresses because SHE loved them, and they represented HER style. Not because she wanted something her Maids could wear again.

I instantly found inspiration from those bold, modern stripes and low and behold I was not the only one. Here are a number of photos, in all aspects of the wedding, that show how chic those bold black and white stripes can be. A black and white wedding is no longer boring!

I hope you find inspiration for you day!

-XO Grace

The brides dress is still traditional and beautiful, but the bold 
statement of  that bow says, "this is MY dress". via La Partie Events

This table arrangement is from Martha Stewart Weddings. It is bold, modern,
 and unbelievably beautiful. via Martha Stewart Weddings

The gold accent along with the white poppy flowers create an amazing feel
 for this table. via Wedding Chicks

These invitations are not only adorable and one-of-a-kind, they are affordable
 at just $75. via antlerschandeliers.etsy.com

Add the stripes in a more subtle way. via La Partie Events

I love this! So chic and fun all at the same time. via Grey Likes Weddings

Isaac's proposal to Amy

I just had to give a nod to this wedding proposal. You will laugh and cry throughout the entire thing. So much love and sincerity from all of their friends and family.

- XO Grace