I just love these fabulous Napkins from Plum Party that allow you to tuck your silverwear inside in such a cute way! What a great decor element to stand out at any Bridal Shower, Engagement Party, Backyard BBQ, Wedding, Baby Shower, Birthday Party, or pretty much any special event (can you tell we love them?)~

Pack of 50 Napkins from PlumParty = $16.00

For all of you who watch the Oscar's last night and were drooling over some of the Red Carpet's hottest gowns, and for those of you who missed out; here are some of the night's memorable fashions that have Look-A-Like's in the Bridal world... Some of the top Bridal Fashion Designers have also made gowns specifically for the red carpet (does the name Oscar De la Renta ring a bell?) and guess what, they also make some show stopping pieces that would really be a hit for your Big Day!!

I do have to say I am delighted to share this fabulous new vendor out on the Bridal Scene... Chinny Lulu Designs is a creative new Hair Accessory Designer with her store featured on Etsy! I am delighted to call Chinny my friend, she is sweet inside and out; and to top it off she is so talented!! Check out her new store featuring custom pieces for all (she has pieces for Modern Brides, Vintage Brides, Fun Bridal Parties, and pretty much any other occasion and style lovers)~ I just love how on trend each piece is, enjoy:

I first have to mention an apology to my dedicated readers for being MIA on posting new blogs this past week... but there is a good reason ;) Aside from my busy work life of planning events, I have been hard at work to create a free download for all of you Chic Budget Brides out there!! Without further ado, here is our very first custom designed Invitation Suite - ENJOY!

*Click to Download ITB Invitation Suite*

I recommend printing on cardstock paper and using a paper trimmer for a more professional cut

Photo Inspiration:
photo credit: Laura Moss

Sweet Recipe Inspirations:

Strawberry Cream-Filled Sandwich Cookies
Source: Curtosy of Country Living
Photo By: Alexandra Grablewski
Yields: 18 Cookies
Total Time: 1hr 20min (20min prep time)

Ingredients:
•    1 cup(s) thawed frozen strawberries
•    2 cup(s) confectioners' sugar, divided
•    1 teaspoon(s) lemon juice
•    2 ounce(s) cream cheese, softened
•    1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, softened
•    36  shortbread rounds

Directions:
1.) Puree strawberries in blender. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk pureed strawberries, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and lemon juice until thickened and reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2.) In medium bowl, combine cream cheese & butter. Stir in remaining confectioners sugar. Stir in strawberry mixture, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hr.
3.) Place 1 scant tablespoon strawberry cream each on 18 shortbread rounds. Top each with another round. Chill until ready to serve.

Pretty In Pink Strawberry Cupcakes
Recipe By: Quick and Simple
Photo By: Erik Rank
Yields: 22 to 24 cupcakes
Total Time: 2hr (prep time: 15min, cook time: 25min)
Oven Temp: 350

Ingredients:
•    1 package(s) (18 1/4-oz.) cake mix, plain white or yellow
•    1 package(s) (3-oz.) strawberry gelatin
•    1 cup(s) (finely chopped fresh) strawberries, with juice (from 1 1/2 cups whole berries)
•    3/4 cup(s) milk
•    3/4 cup(s) vegetable oil
•    4 large eggs

Frosting Recipe:
•    1 package(s) (8-oz.) cream cheese, reduced-fat, at room temperature
•    4 tablespoon(s) (1/2 stick) butter, unsalted, at room temperature
•    3 cup(s) (up to 3 1/2 cups) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
•    1/2 cup(s) (fresh ) strawberries, mashed and drained (3/4 cup hulled berries)
•    sprinkles, pink and white, for garnish (optional)
•    24 slice(s) strawberry, for garnish (optional)

Directions:
1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners.
2. Combine the cake mix, gelatin, strawberries and juice, milk, oil and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping down sides again if needed. Spoon about 1/3 cup batter into each lined cupcake cup, filling it 3/4 full. (You will get between 22 and 24 cupcakes; remove empty liners, if any.) Place pans side by side in the oven.
3. Bake until cupcakes are lightly golden and spring back when pressed gently with a finger, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, place pans on wire racks to cool for 5 minutes, then remove cupcakes to wire racks to cool for another 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare frosting: Blend cream cheese and butter in large mixing bowl with electric mixer on low speed until combined, 30 seconds. Stop mixer and add 3 cups confectioners’ sugar and the mashed strawberries. Mix on low speed until incorporated, 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and blend until frosting is fluffy, 30 to 45 seconds longer, adding up to 1/2 cup more sugar if needed to get a spreadable consistency.
5. Place a heaping tablespoon of frosting on each cupcake and swirl to spread it out with back of spoon. Refrigerate, uncovered, until frosting sets, 20 minutes. Decorate with sprinkles and strawberry slices, if desired.

Style Inspiration:

So® floral hair clip/pin $10.00$6.00 at Kohl's
Add instant glamour to your ensemble with this hair clip/pin.

Eliza J Beaded Sheath Dress
$118.00 by Eliza J at Nordstrom

I came across these cute invitation cards from Free Printables Online... You may be thinking "how could i possibly use those in my wedding"? Well, we were inspired by them to be used as invites for Engagement Parties! A special touch would be to print them on thick cardstock or thick gloss paper (8.5 x 11 paper size) and print on the backside with your Engagement Picture, enclose the invite in a nice quality envelope, be sure to stick on a cute Return Address Label, and Voila - you have yourself one creative and affordible Engagement/Photo Invitation!