If you are planning a DIY wedding, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts: An A-to-Z Guide with Detailed Instructions and Endless Inspirationis one book you will want to get your crafty little hands on.

Although the book (which weighs more than my cat!) isn’t targeted specifically at brides, it’s chock full of fantastic DIY projects that are entirely customizable to weddings.

Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts contains complete instructions and brief histories for more than 30 techniques, detailed descriptions of the necessary tools and materials, and easy-to-copy templates.

Topics covered include: candlemaking, botanical pressing, decoupage, rubber stamping, and wreath making – among many others.

I have more than a dozen sticky notes throughout the book, marking projects that I want to try.

Like these vintage teacup candles and seashell candles. Would these make adorable wedding or shower favors?

I’m loving these crepe paper flowers. I hope to give these a whirl in the upcoming weeks.

These glitter birds were the inspiration for my ‘glitter’arium.

If you are the crafty type – or are even a wannabe crafter, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts will ignite your imagination – and just might cause you to enter into a full-blown DIY wedding frenzy.

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Photos by Brianne Corn, Adam Glick, Jen Bryan, Margaret Lamberson, Aurora Armada, Kim Sae-Eua (all friends of the couple)

The offbeat bride: Jenifer, artist/c0-owner of The WonderCraft

Her offbeat partner: Shawn, sales consultant

Date and location of wedding: Our backyard, Austin, Texas — April 8, 2012

Our offbeat wedding at a glance: We had already planned a birthday party for that weekend, and it was Shawn’s idea to move the wedding up from October to Easter weekend. This gave us seven days to plan! I thought I had a dress but it didn’t work out, so I went to Charm School Vintage and prayed they still had the vintage 1950s dress I wanted that I had seen several months prior. Luckily, they had it and I managed to get it fitted three days before the wedding.

I scoured Pinterest for quick decorating ideas and spent the week cutting out felt for the decorations, climbing trees to hang ribbon, and stuffing the piata. We hosted a brunch the morning of the wedding and played washers in the backyard after. My mom made the cake, my best friend made the bouquet and did my hair and makeup, and I had a lot of photographers available because almost all of my friends are photographers. We also had a homemade photo booth made from PVC, a laptop, shower curtains, and a printer for the guest book.

Tell us about the ceremony: We had one of Shawn’s oldest friends as the officiant. I told him I wanted something simple, but mostly traditional and short. Shawn surprised me with a mini book he made telling the story of how we met. Shawn had been very secretive about my birthday present. My theory is that making it spurred his idea to move up the wedding.

Before we took our vows and exchanged rings, Martez, our officiant, addressed the crowd in his very don’t-mess-with-him way, and told them that what happened under our roof was our business and that was that. He basically told our family to just love us and don’t meddle. It was pretty funny, and sweeter than I can make it sound here.

Our biggest challenge: The biggest challenge was time and timing! My birthday was on Easter this year and we only gave our friends and family six days to figure out how to get there. If we hadn’t already been planning a party for Saturday night it would have been a bit harder to get everyone there on a holiday weekend.

My funniest moment: Shawn says it was when he smashed icing on my face and licked it off. I say it was when I almost fell down after the kids spun me around blindfolded before trying to hit the piata. Almost everyone else thinks that their pictures from the photo booth are a riot.

Was there anything you were sure was going to be a total disaster that unexpectedly turned out great? The brunch beforehand was a question mark. We had no idea how many people were actually going to show up. We could confirm about 40 but I think it was quite a bit more than that. Luckily my mom and brother picked up some extra food and our friend Beth brought a French toast casserole. We also had some sort of egg concoction and Shawn made biscuits, gravy, and bacon. There was enough food to go around after all.

My advice for Offbeat Brides: Make sure you address your partner’s personality as well. It is easy to get caught up in the idea that the wedding is all about the bride. Also, plan everything like it’s a photo shoot, as much as you can. I tried, but the time constraints made execution a little difficult. But I still loved getting amazing photos from the day.

A Month of Mixbooks:
As part of our partnership with Mixbook, this couple has been given a free wedding photo book to show off their wedding photos. We’ll be featuring some of these Offbeat Bride Mixbooks in a few weeks!

Have you been married before and if so, what did you do differently? This is Shawn’s third time and my second. This time I think we managed to make it more about who we are as a couple and less about family expectations. We have both found a partner who looks at life the same way, and we both want the same things out of life. It makes it much easier.

Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?

• Bride’s dress: Charm School Vintage
• Cakes: Blue Note Bakery. They make this chocolate chipotle cake with salted caramel buttercream and butter rum fondant. Just get a pair of bigger pants because you won’t stop eating it.
• Photography: Brianne Corn, Adam Glick, Jen Bryan, Margaret Lamberson, Aurora Armada, and Kim Sae-Eua (all friends of the couple)

Enough talk — show me the wedding porn!

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Today I want to introduce one of our lovely sponsors, EraGem Estate Jewelry, who are dedicated to offering the finest estate, retro and vintage jewelry and specialize in antique engagement ringsandsapphire engagement rings. They also have a large selection of cocktail rings and handsome men’s jewelry available through their website and boutique near Seattle.

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The couple, who chose RiverOaks in Awendaw, South Carolina as their wedding venue, treated their guests to a fun-filled reception that included lawn games.

“It felt like a really fun spring party, rather than a stuffy scheduled event,” says Tara.

Thanks to Nathan and Mell from Love Toast and Richard Bell Photography for the beautiful photos.

Tara, 26 & Matt, 28

Awendaw, SC

Wedding Date: April 30, 2011

Number of Guests: 70

Wedding Ceremony Location: RiverOaks, Awendaw, SC

Wedding Reception Location: RiverOaks, Awendaw, SC

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted to celebrate our wedding day with our closest family and friends. We weren’t looking for a big spectacle, but rather a great evening with the people we care about. We wanted to have time to see everyone that could make it, and really enjoy the evening in a casual, fun way.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The biggest challenge with a small wedding was getting family to understand they can’t invite everyone they can think of.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

A little bit. It was more difficult for our family.

Did you have any issues with the small guest list from friends and family?

Sure. They had a vision in their minds and it was probably different than ours.

If so, how did you address them?

We simply had to remind them that it was our celebration. We valued their opinion and feedback, but we had a plan and we saw it through.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Our ceremony was short and simple. The highlight was when we were officially announced as husband and wife. Also, we chose to do a first glance before the ceremony, and that was very special.

What were the highlights of the reception?

It felt like a really fun spring party rather than a stuffy scheduled event. We played yard games, laughed, and just had a great time.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

It sets the tone of the event. We had time to actually talk to each and every guest rather than shuffle around from table to table.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Don’t worry about traditions or what other people expect your wedding to be make it your own. Remember, the whole point is to celebrate your marriage, so do that in the way that feels best to you. The day will go really fast, but you will have strong memories of it all. Think about what you want those memories to look like.

Vendors:

Dress:Maggie Sottero

Shoes:Hot pink shoes by Butter

Wedding Invites & Programs:Natural Pairby Wedding Paper Divas

Wedding Venue: RiverOaks

Wedding Photographer: Nathan and Mell from http://lovetoastblog.com/ with Richard Bell Photography

Flowers & Day-of Planner:Marianne Caldwell of RiverOaks

Bakery: Ashley Bakery

Caterer: Hamby Catering

DJ: Other Brother Entertainment

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This business has paid a fee to be listed on Offbeat Bride because they feel their products and services are in-line with our philosophies and needs … and we agree. Here's more info about how advertising works on Offbeat Bride.

I knew that Philadelphia-based wedding photographer Thomas Robert Clarke would be a great addition to our collection of amazing photography sponsors when I read this:

Hi, my name is Tom. I have an education in classic portraiture that I totally ignore in an effort to provide my couples with unique and engaging images.

Ha! I just love that. Speaking of LOVE — keep reading to find out what high school, public radio, and cats have to do with why the “City of Brotherly Love” has fallen in major photographer-ly love for Thomas Robert Clarke.

Thomas often uses the charms of the city as amazing wedding photo backdrops.

You can tell from his website that Thomas is a bit of a “shoot it all” photographer — he rocks commercial shoots, weddings and portraits, as well as fine art photography. His advanced knowledge of all types of photography styles gives Thomas an added edge to his work, and gives you a more well rounded wedding album.

The glasses, the veil, the artistic shrug, I’m in love with this bride and this photo.

Thomas Robert Clarke is also featured in our Offbeat Vendors guide!

Philadelphia brides have probably already seen Thomas’ work around town. He has an ongoing revolving showcase at the Warwick Hotel in the Rittenhouse district, and WXPN (member-supported radio from the University of Pennsylvania) touted some of his work as “must see.” He’s also the highest rated and most reviewed photographer in the area on Yelp, and has been published in BucksLife Magazine and in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Oh nothing, just a bride walking down the street with a bass. Later Krissy gave this to her husband as a gift.

If you don’t want to take my word that Thomas is down with all types of characters and offbeat weddings, you can take his:

As for how I cater to the non-traditional, it’s just natural for me. I was the guy in high school who got along with everyone and nothing has changed. Musicians, artists, math nerds, sports geeks, motor heads, tattoo junkies, hipsters, big, small, black, white, Mac, PC, et al.

With all that Philadelphia photography street cred, it’s no wonder that the city’s Offbeat Brides and grooms have found their match with Thomas.

Those of you who aren’t able to hire Thomas, I’m sorry, and here are some amazing photos of Thomas’ cat to help cheer you up. Those of you in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area, it’s your time to get in on the Thomas Robert Clarke action! (After you see his cat, seriously.)

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A bride’s bouquet with pink and white garden roses, lilac, jasmine, hyacinth, stock, andastrantia. Wholesale flowers from FiftyFlowers.com, photo by Rylee Hitchner.

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Love the idea of a barn wedding? Looking for barn wedding decor ideas? We’ve got ‘em!

The barn wedding trend looks like it’s got staying power and will definitely be hotter than ever in 2012. In fact, barn wedding venues are cropping up all over the US and Canada, which is great news for couples pining for a rustic wedding.

There are many different styles of barn weddings, from all-out elegance to simple, country chic.

Here are some barn wedding decor ideas that will go a long way in creating an inviting space:

1. Light Strands Lots of them! This will help to create instant ambiance and make the barn radiant and enchanting. Barns generally don’t have the greatest lighting – but strands of lights hung about your dining area will make a huge impact. Buy them right after Christmas at a good price.

2. Candles Everywhere! Again, this will help to light up your space and add a romantic glow. Just be mindful that your barn wedding venue is made of wood! Use open flames with caution.

3. Burlap Burlap table runners look great at a barn wedding and burlap is an excellent choice for brides on a budget. (Check out these gorgeous DIY wedding programs made from burlap.)

4. Buntings Buntings are a great way to add colours and patterns to an earthy backdrop. (If you are looking for handmade buntings, come and visit our handmade buntings shop!)

5. Chalkboards Chalkboards are a great fit for barn weddings as menu boards or even seating charts. You can make your own chalkboard signs with this DIY chalkboard tutorial.

6. Glass Bottles in various colors and shapes make for superb barn wedding centerpieces. You can also fill them with flowers and suspend them with string from the ceiling. And even though they are EVERYWHERE, I still love mason jars.

7. Tins Vintage tin cans and watering cans add a rustic vibe to your table decor.

8. Ribbon- Ribbon will add pops of color to the earthy, rustic tones inside a barn. The soft, flowing quality of ribbon fits in nicely in a barn setting.

9. Drapery – Drapery can be hung from the ceiling or at the entranceway. How inviting!

10. Chandelier - A chandelier adds instant elegance to a space and is one of the most transformative barn wedding elements.

Photo One: California Winery Real Wedding; Photo Two: Tennessee Barn Real Wedding; Photo Three: Style Me Pretty; Photo Four: Tumblr; Photo Five: IW; Photo Six: IW; Photo Seven: IW; Photo Eight: IW; Photo Nine: Craftberry Bush; Photo Ten: Intimate Weddings; Photo Eleven: Intimate Weddings; Photo Twelve: Blissfully Domestic; Photo Thirteen: Martha Stewart Weddings; Photo Fourteen: Style Me Pretty

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Fiona’s gorgeous Bilingual rings. Photo by Francesco Cicconi & Andrea Panzironi of Trimages

Remember Fiona & Rob’s Brideshead Revisited meets Roman Holiday wedding? If you do remember that wedding, you DEFINITELY noticed Fiona’s amazing “paper plane” rings — they were like no wedding bands I’ve ever seen. I’m delighted to say that Bilingual Design, the Australian jewelry maker behind those rings, is now one of our sponsors!

Bilingual is also featured in our Offbeat Vendors guide!

If y’all are looking for unique wedding/commitment rings or engagement bands, then you’ll wanna learn more about Bilingual, as they offer custom ring design, as well as their signature Bilingual Wedding collection that’ll be sure to grab your attention with their sweet symbolism and clever design.

Let’s gawk, shall we?

Bilingual’s most popular wedding band design is the awesome Momento ring. It’s a simple round band that has your wedding date embossed internally in Roman numerals — a subtle design secret for the two of you to share.

What’s not-so-secret about these rings is that Bilingual works with all types of metals and, therefore, all types of budgets. It’s completely possible to get unconventional wedding bands without blowing your bank account.

The Facet ring symbolises the many sides to a relationship. (Damn, I just love jewelry with meaning!)

And as you can probably tell by now, Bilingual’s wedding rings are totally unisex, enabling y’all to rock matching rings but not have to compromise on style.

The union ring “represents the symbolic nature of the union between two people.” And although it’s shape is a-typical, it’s still comfortable to wear.

Speaking of a-typical shapes — you have GOT to check out more of their ring designs — my favorite is this interlocking set, but these alphabet rings have definitely earned a special mention.

Oh, but didn’t I mention custom designs!?

Bilingual offers a custom ring design service that involves their jewelry designer, Marta Niegowska, working with your wedding ring ideas and then developing some designs that suit your aesthetics and budget.

Bilingual Design invites all your requests — ranging from simple bands to intricate designs, from platinum to silver wedding rings. So hit ‘em up and see what they design for you!

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As the first step, you come to the right place. You can make wedding moment become perfect, if you do like to hear music, wedding entertainment has finally complete it own feature. What kind of music that you like to hear, you can choose it one-by-one and make your wedding become the greatest entertainment show for the whole guests.

Each of music players are understand about your feeling, anyone has just want to make wedding moment become great, there is passion in the inside, the best wishes and hopes. The whole things will be mixed, as follow as your feeling. Happy, sad, enjoy and fun, you can feel it at the same time. Music player try to give the best entertainment show, not only give you a romantic music show, but also give you the spirit of music, you and the whole guests will love to her that music. In front of the guest, wedding bands

with professional music arrangement will make this day become the perfect day for any bride. Of course, this moment become special if you make a perfect plan. Wedding management will keep the ceremony still run in the right progress. To make all people happy in wedding moment, wedding music has lot of options for supports it.

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When your out of town wedding guests arrive at their hotel room, tired and weary after their journey, nothing is more comforting than a thoughtful wedding welcome bag from the couple they traveled so far to see. A great welcome bag is a sweet way to say “thank you” to your guests before the festivities even begin.

Although the cost of wedding welcome bags could get out of hand for a large guest list, an intimate wedding makes it much easier to splurge on your guests.

So, what goes into a perfect bag for your out of town guests? Here are some wedding welcome bag ideas:

Local Delicacies: It’s so much fun to introduce your guests to the culinary highlights of your wedding’s locale. Be it seasonal fruits or sinful sugary snacks, you can have a lot of fun assembling a mini-buffet of tasty treats to introduce your guests to the area, tastebuds first!

Local Maps: Gather maps from the local tourism board, or go with custom, hand-drawn maps that include details on the locations and events of your wedding weekend.

Survival Supplies: Consider the climate when you pack your welcome kit. If you’re in a hot spot, make sure to include sunscreen. If it’s chilly or dry, lip balm and hand lotion are nice. No matter what the environment, your guests can always use hand sanitizer, mouthwash, and other mini-toiletries that everyone forgets when they travel.

“Recovery” Supplies: You don’t have to come right out and call it a “hangover kit”, but your guests came to party, right? It’s nice to give them a little something to nurse themselves back to life after your reception. While we’re on the subject of recovery, bottled water is an excellent addition to an out of town guest bag. Nobody wants to drink the tap water in an unfamiliar town, and hotel bottled water costs a fortune, so a freebie will be appreciated. Plus, you can beautify the plainest water bottle by replacing the labels with your own “brand”.

Postcards: Are great; stamped postcards are greater, especially if you’re having a destination wedding in a locale that’s foreign to your guests.

Reusability: A welcome bag that can be reused is the best kind. It’s not only handy, it’s a nice reminder of the fun of your wedding weekend. Your best bets are beach bags or reusable shopping bags, which both fold down nice and small for the return trip!

Photo One: Allan Zepeda via Style Me Pretty; Photo Two: McCardell Photography, Photo Three: Elizabeth Anne Designs, Photo Four: Martha Stewart; Photo Five: Precious Nuptials; Photo Six: Martha Stewart: Photo Seven: Brian Phillips Photography, Photo Eight: Wundoroo, Photo Nine: Elizabeth Anne Designs

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