whimsical chic • a lady bug wedding

i've had several inquiries recently about one of our favorite design motifs — the lady bug. perfect for everything from a tea party invite to a garden wedding, we love this particular design specifically because it doesn't take itself too seriously. it's whimsical, fun, and (we think) lovely.

given all the seriousness in our lives, sometimes it's worth celebrating something light and fanciful, as we do with our lady bug couture wedding invitation. it comes to guests in a cheerful polka dot box lined with black taffeta.

just as cheerful is the "l'amour" lady bug pocket folder invitation, which comes from our contemporary chic collection. sleek and simple, the shimmery red pocket holds all key inserts and information in a really playful way. honestly, they just make us happy.

there's nothing that says something as personal as a wedding can't be designed with sophisication and whimsy. if you believe in the luck of the lady bug, why not consider them as a motif for your event?

eco-chic wedding favors • living seedlings

boxed chocolates, personalized wine bottles, custom coasters... yes, they all make great wedding favors, but for those couples looking for fresh, eco-friendly, literally green favors, consider these two intrepid companies, both offering plantable seedlings in a variety of options.

the magnolia company (pictured above), which is based in florida and has been featured both in oprah's magazine and martha stewart weddings, offers living oak seedlings in a selection of decorative packages for almost any event, in almost any color palette. they're incredibly unique.

the magnolia company also offers pine, magnolia and other live seedlings wrapped in glorious 100% natural jute.

perfect for a rustic fall wedding, these seedlings not only come with watering tools and instructions, but are all guaranteed to grow because each plant, like the magnolia trees, can be suited towards the recipient's zip code for optimal growth. it's eco-chic and brilliant.

of course, if your heart is set on pine or you're having a winter wedding, you might want to think about plant a memory (pictured on the right), another live seedling company that specializes in blue spruce evergreens. don't you just love the idea of serving them up in champagne glasses, like the elegant natural riches they are?

ranging from $16 to $35 per bunch (20-25 seedlings) depending on the company, this is money that will be spent on something nostalgic, responsible, romantic, and eco-friendly all at once. honestly, how can you go wrong with that combination?

paper olive nominated for the best invitations in los angeles

we are thrilled to blog about our nomination for best invitations in los angeles by myfoxla. as part of their "best of the la hotlist" competition, paper olive was selected from a number of amazing wedding vendors by the hotlist team. we are genuinely honored.

we've said it before and we'll say it again — we truly love this industry, and it's always a delight to be recognized for doing something you love.

if you'd like to support us with your vote, you can do so by visiting our page on myfoxla.com. as always, we are grateful for the love and support of our fans and followers. good luck, all!

cake alchemy crafts truly magical wedding cakes

it's hard to imagine that with all the incredible artists i've encountered while planning my wedding and as a designer that i could be so thoroughly impressed by someone new.

well, it's happened again, at the hands of cake alchemy — the remarkable cake tailors headed up by lauri ditunno in new york city. words like modern, original, irreverent, stylish, stunning, hip, elegant and timeless all come to mind.

first and foremost, cake alchemy's versatility is unlike anything i've ever seen. need pink and traditional? no problem. need pink and mod? also no problem.

i absolutely loooove this african sunset & joshua tree cake above. i mean, i want to be at this wedding. and the delicate ginko leaf sugar flowers below are simply inspired.

next on my list: have a second wedding in new york and hire cake alchemy to make the cake. wanna come?

disney bridal jewelry from weddingish.com

when i got married, i probably bought and returned five different sets of jewelry before i finally found the perfect accessories. seriously, i even bought, returned and then bought again the same pair of drop earrings, unable to decide if i loved them or hated them (i did not tell my husband-to-be any of this, of course).

so, when i stumbled upon the collection of fabulous disney bridal jewelry on weddingish.com, i was struck with that familiar why didn't i know about you guys when i got married? regret. hoping to spare future brides the same regret, i'm sharing some of my favorites.

based on the legendary princesses that belong to the disney family, each piece of jewelry is inspired by its namesake. i particularly love these whimsically elegant belle blossom earrings, as well as these classic giselle drops. and i love that the disney-inspiration is understated, yet still playful.

okay, maybe it's a good idea i got married when i did. i'd only have to choose between these beauties, wouldn't i?