I’m a shutterbug and I love creative ways that I can use photos, which is why I love these DIY candy bar wrappers found over at Dognbird!  Get the instructions here.

Photo: KisstheGroom via Dognbird

I made DIY candy bar wrappers with comic book ads a while back. I was pleased with how they turned out. I also love these mini chocolate bar favors wrapped with vintage wallpaper. Such Pretty Things has the complete tutorial on these DIY candy bar wrappers. You can also make these with the larger bars and they would look just as sweet!

Jennifer, 31 & Scott, 32

Baltimore, Maryland

Ceremony Location: The couple’s home in Mt.Vernon, Baltimore, MD.

Reception Location: Corradetti Glass Studio in the Clipper Mill Complex

Wedding Date: October 9, 2009 (Ceremony); October 10, 2009 (Reception)

Number of Guests: 17 (Ceremony; 75 (Reception)

Wedding Cost: $20,000

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We didn’t really like the idea of having a large crowd for our ceremony as it is a private thing for us, so we decided to split the event and have a small family ceremony one day, and the larger cocktail party the next.

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

Most vendors are set up for the ‘wedding format’.  When you deviate from that, it becomes difficult as everything is in pre-arranged packages …  I actually stopped telling people that it was for a ‘wedding’ and things started going much smoother.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

No. We stuck to the immediate family rule for the ceremony and then invited all for the cocktail party.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Not at all.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

We had a VERY small simple event, but we did plant a ‘ceremonial’ lemon tree.  The best thing about the entire event was that it was at our home on our deck. Our dog was there running around so it kept things low key.  The pictures in Mt. Vernon park were wonderful. We love the neighborhood and have lived there for sometime, so it was really great that it meant something to us and was not just a pretty backdrop.

What were the highlights of the reception?

Again, fairly low-key cocktail party.  The food was amazing and was one of the most important things to us.  Also my aunt and uncle provided amazing wine from a vintner they met in Napa. The photo-booth set-up was a great  ‘activity’ and we have recommended to many people.  The setting was probably my favorite part.  Beautiful old warehouse (we are both architects so we are into those kind of spaces), with gorgeous glass art sparkling everywhere.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

We did everything exactly the way we wanted without having to follow a formula.  I think we were surprisingly relaxed and we made and designed everything so it really felt like we were hosting an event that was important to us.

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

Do it!  Don’t let the expectations of others stop you.  Best advice: Don’t tell anyone you call that it is for a wedding. A ‘party’ should sufffice!

Vendors:

Photography: Stephen Bobb,  Love Life Images

Catering: Chef’s Expressions

Flowers: Crimson & Clover – Emma

Wedding Dinner: Sotto Sopra - Italian Restaurant

Music: Jim Stewart Jazz Trio

Congrats to Bethany who is the lucky winner of a Blank Label custom dress shirt! Bethany designed this Blank Label shirt for her groom! Bethany was chosen by the random number generator.

BTW, Blank Label is offering $10 off to IntimateWeddings.com readers on custom men’s dress shirts. Use the code intimateweddings when placing your order. Offer valid until  3/31/10.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Blank Label for offering up such a fabulous prize!

When it comes to bridal jewelry, is there anything more classic than pearls?

Pearls are back in a big way, and they’re perfect for a wedding with vintage flair.

If you’re looking for some pearls for your wedding day, check out Pearls of Joy, an international dealer of cultured pearl jewelry, pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and diamond pearl jewelry.

Pearls of Joy has been importing and selling high quality cultured pearls for a decade.  The company guarantees every single item that they sell, and offer a  90-day “no hassle” return policy. This means for any reason what so ever you can return your purchase for a full refund within 90 days of the original purchase date.

Aren’t these multis  stunning?

And what about a strand of black pearls and some pearl earrings to go with that little black dress you are wearing to your rehearsal dinner?

Want to see more? Go to www.pearlsofjoy.com.

The company is offering a 10% discount to IW readers. Simply use the code “10off” when you checkout.

1 – White Ceramic Drink Dispenser with Metal Stand, Classic Hostess, $108
2 – Green Glass Beverage Dispenser, Classic Hostess, $50
3 – Apothecary Beverage Dispensers, Horchow, $249
4 – Remembrance Jug, Classic Hostess, $64
5 – Handblown Beverage Dispenser, Gumps, $79
6 – Beverage Servers, Horchow, $350
7 – Beverage Lemonade Dispenser, Classic Hostess, $40
8 – Vista Pedestal Lemonade Dispenser, Classic Hostess (& Touch of Class), $50
9 – Clear Glass Beverage Servers, Horchow, $100
10 – Global Amici Lemonade Jar with Spigot, Kitchen Clique, $65
11 – Paris Hammered Glass Beverage Dispenser, Classic Hostess, $96
12 – Savannah Drink Dispenser, Classic Hostess (& Horchow), $70
13 – Charlestown Dispenser, Jaf Gifts, $88
14 – Glass Beverage Dispenser, Fresh Finds, $60
15 – Cairo Beverage Dispenser, Modern Dose, $242
16 – Spigot Jug, Brylane Home, $30
17 – Glass Spigot Decanter, Brylane Home, $70
18 – Three-Tier Spigot Jug, Brylane Home, $50
19 – Green Bell-Shaped Drink Dispenser with Stand, Classic Hostess, $110
20 – Gallon ‘Ball’ Jar with Spigot, Lehmans, $30
21 – Beverage Dispenser with Rack, Classic Hostess, $40

Your odds are still pretty darn good to win a Blank Label custom shirt valued at up to $150.  Contest closes March 6, 11 a.m. Click here to enter.

Sandra, 27 & Jason, 30

Victoria, BC

Wedding Date: September 19, 2009

Number of Guests: 54

Wedding Cost:$11,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Glencoe Cove Park, Victoria, BC. (This is an enclosed grassy point that looks out over the Pacific  Ocean. It was really important to us to be married outside, preferably on the water, but the challenge was in finding somewhere secluded where we would have the intimacy that the day demanded.)

Wedding Reception Location: Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, Saanichton, BC.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

It was important for us to have a wedding that represented who we are as individuals and who we are as a couple. We both truly value family and the tight bonds we have with our closest friends. Thus, we wanted the people sharing the day with us to be those people who truly knew us, and understood what this day meant to us both.

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

Once we picked our venue, we had a set number of seats, so while we knew we wanted a small wedding, our venue somewhat dictated exactly how small. It then became a little of a numbers game, as we had to decide whom to invite and make hard choices to ensure we stayed true to our vision.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Initially, yes. However, we started by making groupings out of our guest list. This helped us pare it down. Aside from a couple of close old friends, we only invited friends who knew us as a couple, and family who we see or talk to on a regular basis.

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

There were some questions about inviting more extended family, but we were firm with our intentions from the start. We were clear about why we wanted an intimate wedding, and addressed issues directly and right away. We approached the planning as ‘our day’. Our guests were there for us, to share in our celebration, not for our families. It helped that neither of our parents had lists of people that they believed should be invited (either for personal or business reasons). They were very supportive of us and our desire to have a small ceremony.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Jason’s close family friend played the harp on the rocky point while guests arrived and following the ceremony. Sandra’s close family friend conducted the ceremony. We didn’t want to hire a marriage commissioner to attend our ceremony, as we wanted to keep it as intimate as possible. Instead, we met the commissioner over a pancake breakfast the morning of our wedding, and she did the ‘legal’ portion for us with our witnesses. This left us able to dictate what was said at our ceremony, and who it was said by. Instead of our wedding words being directed by a stranger, the words were chosen by us, had meaning to us, and were said by someone we love and respect.

What were the highlights of the reception?

We loved having four long tables of 13 or 14, making the catered buffet dinner more ‘family style’. We didn’t have a head table, simply a long table of friends. We had great appetizers and cider cocktails while people chatted on the deck overlooking the orchard and ocean. This was followed by a casual dinner with lots of laughs. The speeches were heartfelt, funny, and had even the toughest people in the room reaching for tissues (Jason’s best man barely had three words out before he was blubbering). There was spectacular wine and dancing continued into the evening on both the deck and the above mezzanine.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

That we were able to visit with all of our guests, and look around at any moment and see our closest friends and family, who are a big part of our lives. Even with a small group of guests, the day goes so quickly and you have so little opportunity to share moments with loved ones. Having a larger wedding would only dilute the experience. Instead it was true to us, and perfect.

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

Planning a wedding is really hard and we certainly had our challenging moments, but the one piece of advice we try to give people is always be true to who you are. It’s your day and while others might have an idea of what they think would be nice, or might have elements that they think you should incorporate, just remember that you have to follow your heart. After all, others will remember that it was a great day and that they had fun, but you’re the one who will remember all the minute details of the day.

Vendors:

Photographer: Eunice Montego and Julie Williams, Funky Town Photography (All photos shown were taken by Eunice Montego.)

Food: Truffles Catering

Wine and Beer: Kitsilano Wine Cellar, Driftwood Brewery

Cake: Pure Vanilla Bakery

Flowers: Kenmar Flower Farm

Wedding Dress: Blush

Groom’s Suit: Outlooks For Men.

I love cookie favors! Especially when the cookies are homemade and delicious – like these chocolate chip cookies! I’ve made cookies from this recipe easily more than a dozen times. Everyone loves these soft, delicious cookies and I assure you that you will too! They would be perfect wedding favors and one of the highlights of your cookie table. Not only am I giving you the recipe, but free downloadable labels for your cookie favors designed for IW readers by the talented Brittany over at Pink Peacock Designs. All you will need to wrap these awesome favors are some white CD sleeves, full sheet labels for printing out your free labels and scissors (scallop).

Chocolate Chip Cafe Cookies (These are like the big, fat, chewy cookies that you find in cafes – only better!)

Makes 18 big cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Sift flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

Cream together melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.

Beat in vanilla, egg and egg yolk until light and creamy.

Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon.

Drop the cookies 1/4 cup at a time onto baking sheet. Cookies should be approximately three inches apart.

Bake for 21 minutes on non-stick pans or 15-17 minutes on regular cookie sheet. Cool on baking racks.

Print out your cookie favor labels on adhesive paper.

Cut out labels with scalloping scissors. Adhere to white CD sleeves. Voila! Your fabulous favors are good to go!

Move over candy buffet, there’s a new reception idea in town and it’s just as sweet: the cookie table.

Actually, the cookie table has been a wedding tradition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for quite some time, but it seems to be catching on in other parts of the U.S and Canada.

The NY Times wrote an article about it in December, and I’ve been seeing cookie tables pop up on other blogs.

According to the NY times, the cookie table is a longstanding tradition in PA. that possibly had it’s origins during the Depression, when elaborate cakes were not as common. Cookies filled the need because everyone could chip in, instead of one family sharing all of the expense. At least that’s one of the the theories.

“For as long as anyone here can remember, wedding receptions in Pittsburgh have featured cookie tables, laden with dozens of homemade old-fashioned offerings like lady locks, pizzelles and buckeyes. For weeks ahead — sometimes months — mothers and aunts and grandmas and in-laws hunker down in the kitchen baking and freezing. Then, on the big day, hungry guests ravage the buffet, piling plates high and packing more in takeout containers so they can have them for breakfast the next day,” says the NY times article.

The cookie is so important to some that it would be bordering on sacrilege to do without it.

Cookie tables are also big in Ohio, and some claim that is where they originated.

What surprises me is that this idea didn’t catch on sooner in other parts of  the continent. I mean, who doesn’t love homemade cookies?

Here are a few photos of cookie tables that just might inspire you to have your own cookie table!

Photo One: Mr. and Mrs. Happily Ever After; Photo Two: Adam Lowes Photography; Photo Three: Christina Montemurro Photography; Photo Four: Project Wedding; Photo Five: The McWoods