This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ

Mackenzie, Curriculum Developer and Teacher Trainer & Chris, Journalist

sum-up of the wedding vibe: A loving and personal group effort a decade in the making.

Planned Budget: $20,000

Actual Budget: $21,000

Number of Guests: 130

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ
Where we allocated the most funds:

Catering. There is so much amazing food in NYC and we wanted to serve our guests a meal that we would be excited to eat on a night out. Since I frequently travel abroad for work to places that do not traditionally serve fresh produce or where veggies are not safe to eat (I work primarily in crisis and conflict-affected areas without clean water), Chris and I have developed a tradition of eating tacos with as many colorful, fresh fixings as possible on my first night back from a long trip. Enlisting our favorite Mexican taco place in the city to cater therefore couldn’t have been more appropriate.

The folks at Tacombi were so kind and accommodating, helping us craft a killer menu, putting together batch specialty cocktails from ingredients we provided, and modifying their usual service routine to keep our rental costs down. That said, it was still our biggest investment. We’re not big fans of cake, so we kept the fresh vibe going by serving local fruit popsicles from People’s Pops for dessert. We absolutely loved the food (yes, I managed to eat a meal and two popsicles!) and we are still getting compliments.

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ
Where we allocated the least funds:

The music, flowers, and stationery. From the get-go, we knew we wanted to include all those things, but also acknowledged that doing them the easy (vendor) way was going to blow our budget very quickly.

We didn’t hire a DJ, which saved on funds, but we definitely allocated a lot of time to crafting perfect playlists for before the ceremony, and during the cocktail hour, dinner, and the reception. Chris and I are known among our friends as insatiable music lovers and when we realized we would end up telling a DJ exactly what to play and when to play it on our wedding day, we figured we could just do the music ourselves instead. Chris did an amazing job collecting and sequencing each song individually for all six hours of the night, and everything that played resonated with various points in our life together.

Knowing we wanted the day to feel simple and low-key, we deliberated over whether or not we needed to enlist the help of a florist to get flowers on the tables and in my hands to walk down the aisle. After reading many an APW post about DIY flowers and asking those around us for ideas, my NYC-based family offered up their kitchen for a flower-arranging evening of cocktails and takeout the Thursday before the wedding. We ordered the flowers in bulk (totaling about $250) and set out cutting and putting stems together in what ended up being one of my most fond memories of the weekend. That relaxed time spent working together with family was really special.

As for stationery, I happened upon a big online printing coupon in my inbox right around the time we chose our date, and we made sure to take advantage of it! One of Chris’s childhood friends, a graphic designer, kindly offered to design a save the date and invitation for us, and printing them online cost us a total of $40. We saved lots by going with the standard, free envelopes that came with the printing and opting for online RSVPs (which worked like a charm!). We also nixed programs and created place cards ourselves on printable DIY business card paper.

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ
What was totally worth it:

Making the best choices for us, but keeping the experiences of our friends and families in mind, too. We figured that, even though we were investing time and funds in our wedding day, we didn’t want to expect the same of our guests. I know this approach can be controversial (it’s supposed to be our time to do what we want, right?), but we were really proud to plan a day that was a reflection of us and our love, while also being fun and low-key for everyone there.

When looking for venues, we had three criteria. We wanted an area that was important to our relationship, had the industrial, no-frills aesthetic we envisioned for the day, and would be easy for most of our guests to get to. Hosting the ceremony and reception at the incredible Greenpoint Loft in the city where we’ve made our home, and where so many of our loved ones are located, was perfect. Those few who don’t live in the New York area were able to stay with friends or in Airbnbs close to the venue.

We have great friends and siblings that we wanted to include in the ceremony, so we ended up having a rather large wedding party. But before we asked anyone, we researched ways we could ensure that the cost of being a groomsman/bridesmaid would be as low as possible. In the end, the groomsmen rented suits online, which was nerve-racking (for me) but ended up great. They wore their own shoes and we gifted them ties and tie clips. The bridesmaids wore custom pleated skirts I ordered on Etsy and white crepe camisoles, for a total of just $65! We finished off the outfits with satin sashes made from ribbon I found on sale in NYC’s Garment District.

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ
What was totally not worth it:

Cutting corners with staffing. While we enlisted lots of help for the details of the wedding, we decided to forgo the cost of hiring help for setup and breakdown. We’d planned on our catering staff and coordinator putting everything together, and realized a little too late that the logistics of making the day happen were more intensive than we’d bargained for. Things like transporting all the homemade décor and prepurchased beverages in and out of the venue, hanging lights, putting up signs, and lighting candles were all doable, but they took attention away from actually coordinating the people in the wedding. Ultimately, this made it more stressful for everyone involved. Though it all worked out in the end, I wish we had asked our friends for help, or bitten the bullet and paid for a few more hands rather than leaving many tasks to few people in order to save a couple hundred dollars.

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ
A few things that helped us along the way:

We utilized the amazing talents of our friends and families, and it paid off in a big way. I was nervous to ask for help at first, since I didn’t want to impose on people’s busy schedules. However, I’m so glad we did. Involving those we love in creating the day made every part of the process fun and personal.

In addition to the friend-designed stationery, the table numbers were created by my father, and the repurposed wine bottles we used as water pitchers were collected and stripped of their labels by friends on a sunny spring afternoon. (The bottles were also used by two of those friends at their wedding a few months later!) A bridesmaid and a groomsman, both very patient, helped us saw tiny toy animals in half, which Chris and I spent a weekend gluing and spray-painting to create gold magnetic place card holders. On the day itself, another dear friend officiated a ceremony full of jokes, memories, and vows that Chris and I designed. For the first dance, a groomsman (a fellow alumnus of our a cappella group) played and sang our favorite song, with a bonus saxophone solo from our officiant.

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ
My best practical advice for my planning self:

Set priorities and then chill. When planning, we were very clear about our overall priorities and stuck to them. However, we weren’t as good at setting priorities for the actual wedding day. I knew things weren’t going to go a hundred percent right, but because we hadn’t determined what issues we would try to fix (if they arose) and which we’d let slide, every little thing that went awry felt like a big deal to me. That made it hard for me to enjoy everything around me and be in the moment. Looking back, I wish I’d thought more about getting the photos we really wanted (we missed some key family and detail shots that I’m still bummed about) than where the signs were placed (who cares?) or how much beer we had left (that’s why we had bartenders!). I eventually hit my groove and stopped caring about those things, but it wasn’t until a few hours into the night. Were I to plan it over again, I’d make a list of our top priorities for the day, communicate those priorities to everyone involved in making it happen, and then let go and focus on having fun from the get-go.

This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ
Favorite thing about the wedding:

Across the board, we were thrilled with the musical choices we made for the day. Forgoing the DJ was the right choice for us—instead, our self-made playlists were full of songs that were fun and important to us. Some were sappy love songs we’ve enjoyed together, others were songs we’d sung together in our college a cappella years, and in between were tons of songs we wanted to belt with our friends on the dance floor. Our first dance song, Tom Waits’s “Picture in a Frame,” was particularly special—Tom Waits is one of the first artists Chris and I bonded over, and hearing it sung and played so beautifully by two of our oldest friends felt like the perfect way to honor our past together and celebrate our future. Of all the memories of the day, that first dance is the one that can still get me teary.
This Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJThis Fun Brooklyn Loft Wedding Didn’t Need Cake or a DJ

Anything else TO SHARE:

I was proud to wear heirlooms from both Chris’s and my families: a garter that has been worn by three generations of women in my family, and my engagement ring, which originally belonged to Chris’s great-grandmother in Romania. These tokens were tangible and humbling reminders of the good fortune, love, and efforts of so many that went into our wedding day.

Forever Photography

The Info:

Photography: Forever Photography | Wedding Location: Brooklyn, New York | Wedding Venue: Greenpoint Loft | Caterer: Tacombi | Dessert: People’s Pops | Mackenzie’s Dress: Shareen Vintage | Mackenzie’s Shoes: Vince Camuto | Mackenzie’s Earrings: J. Crew | Bridemaids’ Skirts: DressOriginal | Bridesmaids’ Tops: Topshop | Chris’s Suit and Tie: Suitsupply | Groomsmen’s Suits: The Black Tux | Wedding Bands: Wedding Bands Wholesale | Save the Dates and Invitation Design: Stephen Bashore | Flowers: Costco | Day-of Coordination: Accessory to the Bride

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Bergans Isogaisa Jacket Review

Bergans Isogaisa Jacket Review

Specially developed for alpine and telemark skiing, the Isogaisa Jacket from Bergans is a 3-layer technical wonder. Whether on or off piste, this jacket will give you all the protection you need from the elements, with a hint of avalanche safety thrown in for good measure.

We love the 2-layer supple, waterproof, breathable, windproof outerlayer (Dermizax NX is the trade name—the base fabric is polyester) with its significant 4-way stretch. Elbows are articulated for unrestricted range of motion. Of all the jackets we tested this winter, the Isogaisa got top marks for its “soft shell” exterior and fun colors.

Inside is a soft, pliable Primaloft Eco that’s made from recyclable fabric, a boon to outdoor fanatics who worry about their impact on the environment. We love the shell material for its suppleness that allows excellent freedom of movement. The seams are laser cut and welded for extra weather protection.

The hood is not removable. It fits very snugly over a streamline helmet, and doesn’t “swivel” as well as other hoods to maintain peripheral vision. The front collar is high enough to ward off cold and snow when fully zipped—but you’ll find yourself unzipping it for better airflow when you’re hiking or charging downhill. Inside is a phone/iPod pocket with wire port, plus Recco reflectors.

Pocket configuration includes two roomy hand-warmer pockets and a single napoleon chest pocket, all three with waterproof zippers. The hand warmer pockets are high so that you can access them even if you are wearing a harness or hipbelt. The pass pouch on the right sleeve also has a waterproof zipper and is handy for a goggle wipe, lip balm or even a flip phone.

An extended rear hemline makes for excellent backside coverage. Also, the detachable snowskirt can be combined with the Sirdal ski pants to form a one-piece suit—nice for big pow days.

The Good

  • Super-flattering A-line fit with longer-than-average hem length.
  • European color blocking that doesn’t require sunglasses.
  • Rubberized zipper pulls are easy to manipulate with bulky gloves.
  • Two-way, long pit zips that open wide for great venting.
  • Stretchy shell fabric provides waterproof/breathable barrier with feel of soft shell.
  • Two-front zipper for “bottom up” ventilation.

The Bad

  • Hood is not removable.
  • The jacket is cut snugly in the shoulders and chest. Full-bodied women need not apply.

Bottom Line: The Isogaisa offers up a feminine fit, impressive warmth, and stylish elements in a lightweight, slope-worthy design.

The Bergans Isogaisa Jacket retails for $499 and is available now.

–Nancy Prichard Bouchard

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We Launched Insomniac’s First Biofuel Conversion Program at EDC Las Vegas

Used cooking oil—you know, that grease left over after making bacon, or the stuff your chicken strips are fried in—can actually be very useful if recycled correctly.

We Launched Insomniac’s First Biofuel Conversion Program at EDC Las VegasThe product of oil recycling is cleaner-burning biodiesel, a substance used in generators, vehicles, and other machinery to reduce harmful fossil fuel emissions. Many cities are now asking residents to donate oil to reduce dependence on traditional fuel sources. San Francisco, for example, has even adopted recycled cooking oil to power some of its public transportation.

Donating or reusing your cooking oil is not only the right thing to do; it also saves you from a pretty messy home disposal process. Aside from the mere gross factor, dumping the oil down your drain is very harmful to piping systems and sewage infrastructure.

We Launched Insomniac’s First Biofuel Conversion Program at EDC Las Vegas

So, for EDC Las Vegas 2016, we decided to try out a bit of oil recycling of our own as part of our Insomniac Cares initiative, the program behind the EDC Week Charity Auction and all charitable donations. With the help of Biotane Pumping , an oil recycling division of Coachella-based Imperial Western Products , we tried our hand at collecting used cooking oil from various frying locations around the festival.

Did you buy a funnel cake or corn dog at EDC, or maybe some chicken strips? The oil used to cook those food items likely ended up in the hands of Biotane, who then converted it into 491 gallons of top-grade biodiesel back at its facility and distributed it to various business recipients whose products run off the cleaner-burning product. Biotane also calculated that the biofuel created from EDC Las Vegas removed a total of 3.78 metric tons of smog emissions from the atmosphere! So, in case you were feeling any guilt about eating a bit of festival junk food, this should make you feel better.

Insomniac Cares is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where our events our held, and environmental sustainability is just one of the focuses of the broader initiative, which includes art, education, and health. Keep an eye out for further oil recycling at future Insomniac events, including Nocturnal Wonderland. With every festival bringing new and exciting environmental ideas to the “plate” (ahem), as well as improving on existing ones, it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing some even higher figures to come.

First Look: KEEN APhlex Thrashed, Still Thrives

A contoured ‘support skeleton’ ensconces the upper on the APhlex, a new boot from KEEN this fall. We took the waterproof (and lightweight) high-tops hiking and on a hunting trip into the Rocky Mountains.

First Look: KEEN APhlex Thrashed, Still Thrives
KEEN APhlex after many tough mountain miles of testing

It was somewhere during the 1,000-foot descent through a steep, slippery aspen grove that I decided the KEEN APhlex ($160) is a magnificent boot. And while the ankle-rolling, knee-twisting capability of the down-climb cemented my opinion, I’d been loving these boots since the first day I slipped them on.

Light, moderately supportive, and supple, the Aphlex is a great boot for times when a trail running shoe just won’t quite cut it.

Light Hiking Vs. Trail Running

To be clear, I love trail running shoes for hiking on trail. But when the going gets tougher and trail gives way to bushwhacking and loose, steep terrain, a high top boot excels.

First Look: KEEN APhlex Thrashed, Still Thrives
KEEN APhlex

The APhlex is light. At 17.6 oz per shoe, it’s only a few ounces heavier than a lot of trail running shoes. But the tough TPU “exoskeleton” upper leads to good heel and toe protection. A stability shank through the EVA midsole helps support the foot over rough ground.

The outsole proved to have plenty of traction, although the lugs are not super deep. The few slips and stumbles I sustained over big miles of hiking were due to rolling rocks, not the outsole slipping.

First Look: KEEN APhlex Thrashed, Still Thrives

While KEEN doesn’t market these boots for hunting, I’ve found there is no better test of boots than putting down huge miles, off trail, through variable conditions in the Rocky Mountains.

That’s elk hunting in a nutshell, and these boots pleased me every step of the way for several days of remote, high altitude travel through September that saw heat, sun, rain, and even a little snow.

The big plus for me that’s hard to quantify: The boot really doesn’t want to “roll,” meaning that even when I took errant steps, the boot rolled my foot back to flat instead of over my ankle.

The toe guard is also nice, as I kicked plenty of rocks and logs by accident and the force was blunted entirely.

KEEN.Dry Waterproofing

KEEN uses a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane in its waterproof boots. While the debate continues around waterproof/breathable materials (because foot sweat tends to make them wet from the inside over time), I personally find my feet drier while hunting in waterproof boots.

First Look: KEEN APhlex Thrashed, Still Thrives

These worked. Several times I stepped into deep muck or water, and I walked through hours of light snow and rain one evening. My feet remained dry and fairly warm, although these boots are not insulated.

I did note some moisture in my socks after a long day of hot hiking, which is to be expected with this kind of waterproofing.

KEEN APhlex: Review

The APhlex is a nice light hiking boot for those who want to move fast, but need a little more protection than a trail running shoe provides.

At $160, they are right on par with the competition. They appear well made, and I’d expect those who walk big miles will get a solid season or two out of these boots. Better yet, they’ll have comfortable feet for every step.

KEEN Clearwater CNX Hybrid Sandals Review

KEEN Clearwater CNX Hybrid Sandals Review

While testing women's SUP gear last fall, I took my KEEN Clearwater CNX sandals down to meet their birthplace in Clearwater, FL. Similar to the new Chaco NearGround collection, the KEEN CNX line has everything you love about KEEN footwear, but lightened up for your summer adventures. With an agenda full of SUP, bike riding, and beach walking, these hybrid sandals were put through their paces.

The new CNX line from KEEN is one of their largest product launches to date, with a full collection of low profile hybrid sandals, multisport footwear, and lifestyle shoes. The CNX line is characterized by a 4mm drop midsole, and each shoe in the collection weighs less than 10 oz. You still get the original KEEN toe protection and contoured arch support but with a slight reduction in shoe width and volume.

The Clearwater CNX features a webbing upper with traditional KEEN sandal style. The bungee lace allows for easy on and off, as well as a more customized fit. Multi-directional flex grooves on the low-profile sole enhance the shoe flexibility and improve ground contact, while razor siping provides advanced traction on slick surfaces.


The Clearwater CNX sandals obviously drain exceptionally well and also dry pretty quickly, so you won't have to worry about sloshing around for hours after you have been in the water. The lining is treated with Aegis Microbe Shield but the sandals are machine washable when they start to get funky.

The Clearwater CNX were perfect for stand up paddleboarding in Florida, cruiser biking, and hiking around the various water filled nature reserves. If you have sensitive feet, I wouldn't recommend taking long beach walks in your sandals unless you stay in the water. The open sandal construction allows much sand, rocks, and shells to get inside, which can irritate your feet after many miles of walking. But for hiking and all types of water sports, the Clearwater CNX are great.

The men's and women's KEEN Clearwater CNX sandals come in a variety of fun colors and retail for $100, available now.

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An inspirational apartment

In my previous post, I featured the Cricket Table and the Leaf Chair designed by architect Alexander Gendell from Folditure. The folding furniture idea was actually a direct offshoot of an apartment design, Alexander Gendell designed and built about 11 years ago. The company has kindly sent me photos of the apartment, which contains a lot of smart ideas for small space living. The piece next to the armoire is a CD rack.

An inspirational apartment
An inspirational apartment

Photos by Folditure – http://www.folditure.com/

Rocktober Climbing Essentials

Rocktober Climbing Essentials

If you didn’t get that big climbing trip in this Sendtember, not to worry as you still have all of Rocktober, probably my favorite month for climbing trips. Places like Red Rock Canyon, Nevada and even Smith Rock, Oregon still offer up warm and sunny days, but won’t leave you baking on the wall. Here is some of my essential gear for rock climbing trips this month.

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 30 OutDry ($130) : This versatile pack is not only waterproof for use on rainy day hikes, but provides plenty of room and attachment points to transport your rack, extra layers, snacks, water, climbing shoes, chalk, and even a rope (via a buckle loop under the lid) on the approach to your climbing objective. I enjoy the simple webbing hipbelt and lack of internal frame for this size pack–there is no need for all that extra heavy and bulky padding even when carrying a bunch of climbing gear. The Scrambler will make a great ice cragging pack this winter as well.

Five Ten Verdon ($160) : Part of Five Ten’s moderate climbing shoe collection, the Verdon uses a very asymmetric design that gives you super edging skills but also offers out-of-the-box comfort with a midsole that hugs the curves of your foot. The Stealth C4 rubber outsole is hard to beat in terms of friction and durability.

Arc’teryx Acrux FL ($190-$220) : Still my favorite approach shoe over a year later, the independent liners custom form to your feet to offer a comfortable, blister free fit. The new fall version uses a Gore-Tex liner for weatherproof approaches.

Black Diamond Lotus Harness ($79.95) : My go to harness for ice climbing in the winter, the Lotus is ultra comfortable and lightweight enough that I have started wearing it year round. The pre-threaded waistbelt and leg loop buckles make for easy adjustments depending on your amount of layers and the four pressure-molded gear loops provide plenty of space for racking up.

Petzl Elia Helmet ($65) : I needed to buy a new helmet last winter and chose the Elia because it is not only ponytail friendly, but the unique headband and webbing adjustment mechanism allows for a precise fit whether or not you are wearing a hat underneath.

Black Diamond  Dawn Patrol LT ($199) : I virtually lived in these pants all summer on hiking and climbing adventures and plan to wear them straight through the fall. Made from a Schoeller stretch woven nylon fabric treated with NanoSphere DWR technology, these softshell pants are highly wind and water-resistant, stand up to even the sharpest of rock, and are comfortable and breathable enough to wear all day.

Ibex OD Heather T ($80) : Made from superlight merino, this t-shirt helps regulate your body temp in both cool and hot weather–great for fall days when the temperature swings can be pretty dramatic.

Arc’teryx Atom SL: So this is technically a Spring ’16 product but it makes a great piece for fall climbing as well. Take note now and put it on the list for your spring climbing adventures. The jacket is wind and water-resistant with a light 40 grams of Coreloft synthetic insulation in the main body. Underarm and side panels feature breathable fleece for excess heat dumping and the No-Slip-Zip lets you crack open the main zipper without worry of it slipping down as you climb. The perfect piece to wear when you start climbing in the morning before the sun hits the wall.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer ($350) : Another piece I have lived in since last spring. For those early morning trips to the trailhead and for when the sun starts to dip behind the mountains, you are going to want to throw on this jacket. It’s not too heavy, breathes well, and packs down small in the bottom of your pack.

Animals in Hammocks: Cat Edition

The feline race won’t stop until they have sunk their claws into every corner of the internet. And humans are powerless in the face of their inexorable cuteness. If you thought the internet was run by Mark Zuckerberg or Larry Page, you’re mistaken – it’s the cats who are behind the curtain.

Their authority extends to the realm of animals in Hammocks videos as well. Baby bears in hammocks are one thing, but there isn’t a human alive who wouldn’t click on a link that said, Cute Kittens in Hammocks.

Case in point: 2 Cats 1 Hammock. I dare you to try and resist its charms.

Unlike the video whose title “2 Cats 1 Hammock” alludes to, there’s is nothing but good vibes and cuteness in this video.

People like cats because they’re a lot like humans — sometimes both species need some time to relax in a hammock. Sometimes we need a lot of time to relax, like an entire day to do nothing but drift in and out of sleep, interspersed with bouts of eating fancy foods from cans. Cats teach us that it’s all right to take things slow and easy.

A dog could never be as relaxed as Arka, the cat in this video. Dogs, the nervous wrecks they usually are, are always trying to please humans and other dogs — it’s like, Dude, learn from your feline brethren and just chillax. You know who Arka is trying to please in this video? No one but himself.

The cats in the next video teach us another great lesson about hammocks: They’re a great place to snuggle in. The two cats in this video are like two languid piles of jello merging into one big pile of jello. It’s both romantic and inspiring.

“When I play with my cat, how do I know that she is not playing with me rather than I with her?” asked Montaigne.

He might also have asked, When I play with my cat on a hammock on a boat in a tropical paradise, how do I know if she knows that her life will probably never get any better? Such are the questions that cats in hammock videos provoke.

Loco Dice Wants Your Help Raising Money for Youth in South Africa’s Soweto Township

Loco Dice Wants Your Help Raising Money for Youth in South Africa’s Soweto Township

German techno stalwart Loco Dice has proved his expertise when it comes to moving dancefloors, but now he’s putting his energy into moving his fanbase to donate to a worthy cause, via fundraising for the Kliptown Youth Center in the South African township of Soweto.

The Desolat boss will be fundraising alongside the Bridges for Music nonprofit organization, a partnership that kicked off last year when he took part in a tour and series of workshops in South Africa. The youth center, which struck a particular chord with the DJ/producer, has provided a creative refuge for young people in Soweto over the past 30 years.

“The Kliptown Youth Center is a heartfelt issue which really moved and inspired me,” he says. “I feel my African roots, and I remember how important a local youth center in my hometown Düsseldorf was for me. There is music in the Kliptown Youth Center, and there are kids who otherwise might not have a chance to create and express themselves.”

While Loco Dice says he’s chosen not to speak openly in the past about the causes he’s supported, in this instance, he says the word needs to be spread.

To join Loco Dice in supporting the cause, jump on over to the fundraising page .

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Today, we are absolutely swooning over this dreamy outdoor wedding! This wedding theme is perfect for spring, and the historic home nestled within Mountain View is an adorable venue choice.

The seemingly hidden location makes this romantic garden wedding feel as though time has stopped for these two lovebirds. We love how their spring wedding colors are filled with soft pinks, pastel blues, and creamy whites. This elegant wedding has a relaxed, intimate vibe with some very fun touches, such as the DIY clothespin photo display and yummy dessert bar. Yet, Ashley and Kevin also made sure to include some timeless wedding traditions as well. The amazing symphony, custom laser cut wedding invitations , and matching bridesmaids dresses are enough to take your breath away.

Photography Credit: Meghan Mehan Photography

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Spring Outdoor Wedding in the Bay Area

Vendors

Venue: Rengstorff House
Event Planner: They So Loved Events
Florist: Sickle & Seed

Bridal Hair + Makeup: Kelly Jones
Wedding Dress: Rue de Seine
Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew
Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Food: Fogcutter
Wedding Cake: Decorated by Cami

Ceremony Music: San Francisco Conservatory of Music
DJ: Big Fun DJ
Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab

Do you have a Real Wedding or Engagement Submission? We would LOVE to see it! Please see our submission guidelines here and we hope to hear from you!

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Elegant Seaside Wedding Inspiration in SF
  • Spring Wedding Colors in a Bay Area Winery
  • Pink Theme Garden Wedding

Wedding Stationery Wednesday: A Bouquet of Bridal Shower Invites

Here comes the bride-to-be. And since April showers bring May flowers, why not give her a floral tribute? Inspired by bright poppies, soft pink roses and the timelessness of daisies, our bridal shower invitations set the tone for an elegant brunch, a rustic luncheon or whatever tickles the blushing bride’s fancy. Botanical borders in subtle shades or pops of vibrant hues lend springtime cheer to any bridal shower. So establish the festive mood with these invitations and finish with lively bouquets or sprinkles of petals as the bridal shower décor. Our fresh picks are on trend for spring and blooming lovely, if we do say so ourselves.

Wedding Stationery Wednesday: A Bouquet of Bridal Shower Invites

See more Wedding Paper Divas Inspiration

  • Wedding Stationery Wednesday: Bridal Shower Invitations & Mint Tins to Match!
  • Beautiful New Bridal Shower Invitations: Wedding Stationery Wednesday
  • Wedding Stationery Wednesday: Introducing Marchesa

We’re On Spring Break!

It’s that time of year again… SPRING BREAK! We are taking a quick week off from posting to regroup, refresh, re-energize and spend some time in the sun. We will see you all back here on Monday April 11th, with a super cute (and mini) DIY project… yep, on a Monday! From now it’s it’s going to be DIY Monday + Friday, so get excited because we have loads of creative projects coming your way!

We’re On Spring Break!

Image Courtesy of: Something Turquoise Photography


Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6

Happy Weekend Cwtchers!!

We are now just 2 weeks away from #Cwtchfest2016 and this morning we have three more of our amazing Welsh wedding suppliers joining us on the blog explaining a bit more of what they offer and to give you a flavour of our event at Glanusk Estate on the 17th April.

If you are yet to get your tickets don’t worry there is still time, all you have to do is click on the below link


SYLVIE AND JOAN


Emma at Sylvie and Joan works with couples to design and deliver spirited, inspired weddings fuelled by creativity, warmth and personality.

Emma loves to combine two of her great loves – festivals and weddings! With many years experience as director of a festival events company, Emma knows what it takes to pull off a spectacular event!
Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6
Emma says;
” We specialise in finding non-traditional wedding venues and organising outdoor ceremonies. Give us a field, a barn, a farm, or a backyard and we’re in our planning element! We offer bespoke design, beautiful handcrafted details and help sourcing truly talented suppliers. Every wedding we plan is so different to the last, which keeps us happy and gives our couples a day which really reflects them.
Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6
Based in the glorious Brecon Beacons and covering all areas of Wales, we offer full wedding planning, partial planning services, on-the-day event coordination and creative design and styling.
We also believe that professional wedding planning and styling isn’t just for those with a large budget and we pride ourselves on working creatively within all wedding budgets.. We love a heart-filled homespun wedding and can help bring all those DIY ideas to life.”

Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6


TRULY MADLY DEEPLY


Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6
I have always been creative and love making things so when I came across Fimo and the idea of making cake toppers, I was in my element.
Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6
Working from photographs I create animated figures of people or animals for a cake topper for that special occasion. Whether it is a bride and groom topper for a wedding, a baby in a Moses basket for a christening or just something different for a birthday, each piece is custom made especially for you.
Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6
I also make gifts for the bride and groom, such as decorated horseshoes or ‘Mr & Mrs’ bunting, which can be made to match the colour scheme of the wedding.
Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6
The options are endless.

SPIROS


We are here to help make your wedding the happiest day of your life, making your dreams come true surrounded by family and friends.

Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6

From the start of our relationship with you, for Spiros, it is all about your wedding. We believe our friendly, professional can-do attitude sets us apart.

Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6

We are award winning bespoke caterers, providing you with individual service and flexibility to make your big day a completely individual and truly memorable occasion.

From consultation to tasting session with our talented chefs, from menu creation to a ‘meet the team’ evening; we’re with you at every step, from start to finish until your big day.

Cwtchfest Exhibitor Spotlight: part 6
We love being part of your wedding, and we do whatever it takes to give you the day you’re wishing for, with our signature Spiros food and service.


Join us on the blog tomorrow when we will be casting the spotlight on three more amazing Cwtchfest exhibitors that you will have the chance to meet and discuss all things wedding on the day.