cake chic • a halloween wedding

i love a good theme wedding when it's done with a sense of whimsy and true personal style, so in the spirit of all hallows eve, i thought it would be good to share one of my favorite halloween-themed cakes, masterfully created by anne heap at pink cake box.

inspired by the time burton move the corpse bride, we have nothing but ghoulish things to say. all of them good, of course. happy halloween!

real weddings • jessica and jeff • a vintage southern fete

recently i had the honor of attending the vintage-inspired wedding of jessica and jeff, a gloriously joyful affair that spanned a full weekend in historic elkin, north carolina — complete with antique lace, chic rustic touches and full-on southern charm.

starting with custom invitations screen printed on vintage flea market handkerchiefs, the couple was deliberate in every creative choice. from the peacefully lush wooded ceremony backdrop at elkin creek vineyard in the bride's hometown, to the low country menu at twenty one and main (which featured favorites like shrimp & grits and sweet potato cakes) this southern wedding was complete — right down to the fabulous red velvet cake made by the bride's mom. do you love it?

wedding photos courtesy of abigail seymour photography.

chic wedding appetizers

gorgeous gown? done. fabulous venue? got it. showstopping invitations? literally signed, sealed and delivered. so, what's left? only the most important element — the food.

people are far more likely to fondly remember a wedding at which they've been well fed, so be sure to give your wedding menu the same personal thought you give every other decision. need some inspiration? we've got plenty.

consider the shapes and colors of your food — and have fun with your presentation. skip the napkins and serve apps straight from a spoon. or stick shrimp on a lollipop skewer. bright chilled soups and artfully presented sushi are great for a summer wedding, and we love the organically rustic feel of crostini served on a wooden plank, perfect for an outdoor vintage fete.

our favorite idea in the bunch? has to be a toss up between that stenciled mini-burger and the monogrammed caviar spoons. each promises to be a wonderfully memorable mouthful.

design and photo credits

first row — {stenciled mini-burger} elaine bell catering • {crostini en plank} house and home • {chilled spoon appetizers} pacific weddings

second row — {tomato & cheese bruschetta} inspired occasions • {salmon tarts} inspired occasions • {cucumber & meatballs spears} pacific weddings

third row — {shrimp lollipops} one lovely day • {monogrammed caviar spoons} one lovely day • {tri-colored soups} dm cuisine • {roe sushi} pioneer paper

military bridal gown giveaway by mon amie

attention all troops (and readers)! i've just discovered a wonderful, timely, and supremely generous offer from one of california's premiere bridal salons — for the seventh year, mon amie bridal salon will be giving away 100 bridal gowns to military brides-to-be...for free.

the details

date: october 17th, 2010

estimated time: 10 am to 4 pm

place: marine corps air station - miramar office's club (building 4472)

to be considered, brides must be engaged, be on active duty in the military or have a fiancé on active duty. all military brides must show id, copy of deployment papers, orders or other qualifying proof. brides do not have to reside in the area where the giveaway is taking place.

to learn more visit mon amie. and the best of luck to all. :o)