Give me a slice of that, and that ... and that.

Tomorrow, I am meeting with a cake artist, and we are going to talk about (why else would I meet with a cake artist?) wedding cakes!

Buttercream, fondant, ganache, tiers, celadon, edible ink, I don't even know what to do with myself.

Here's what I do know: I'm doing some cake research. Because how in the world else will I ever know what I'm talking about.

But really, before I can master the vernacular, I have to just go ahead and show you all of the visions of wedding cakes I have dancing in my head.

Cheryl Kleinman Cakes

Lovin Sullivan Cakes (I just love birds)

Michelle Doll Cakes (I also love vines)

Sinfully Sweet Pastry Boutique

Sophie's Choice Bakery

Confections on the Coast

Gemelli Dolci

Incredible Endings

Ahh! So many good-lookin' cakes.

Guidance, please!

(all images from The Knot)

My friends aren't alike -- why should their dresses be?

This past summer, my best friend B tied the knot. Her wedding was SO poignant (I really love the time devoted to scripture, music, and Christ in Catholic ceremonies) and SO fun (canoeing, picnicking, and dancing at the reception anyone?)

The wedding was also so creative. This creativity began whenever B told us each to wear "our favorite blue dress." She wanted to see a "sea of blue."

This is how it turned out:

I absolutely love the new trend toward mismatched bridesmaid dresses.

Though not quite as free-for-all, I'm having each of my bridesmaids wear their choice of a little black dress. I know they will all look stunning (and like themselves!)

Credits: Real Weddings, Bride.net, Wedding Bee, Jake and Jess's Wedding, Laura Westover Photography 

A send off that won't burn the house down

Even though I absolutely love the venue where we are having our wedding reception (and the super-sweet, super-efficient ladies that are in charge of everything), one of the downsides is just how darn strict they are about, well, everything.

The strictness was not at all tempered whenever it came to deciding how do the bride-and-groom send off. My first choice, sparklers, was a clear no-no (flames and newly constructed buildings just don't seem to mix). However, even choices that I was not so keen on (bubbles, birdseed, confetti) were also not allowed.

Enter ribbon wands.

On Ruffled's blog, I saw this beautiful (and so unique!) send off.

So, I decided to make some of my own.

I bought three different shades of green ribbon (and I might even add more shades to the mix ... why not?) and spraypainted some dowels.

Voila!

Here's what I have so far:

What do you think? Should I add more shades of green?