Simplest decor project – making a wish tree.  The most difficult part was sourcing the branches. After numerous searches online, I found the best price at Blooms & Branches:

2 x Sandblasted Manzanita Branches, 18″-24″  = $17.78

Used one of the many glass vases I had lying around the house.  Got Nick to drill the branches into a styrofoam ball to secure the position.

Poured sand at the base to cover the styrofoam, then layer with medium sized rocks, and finally topped with small white stones. (rocks and stones bought at dollar store).  Wrap a double ribbon around the vase to make it prettier.  Hang some plastic crystals on the branches.

one of the first stationary related thought I had was about our wedding monogram.  I like the idea of having it as the “symbol” at the event – to be used on our invitations, gift tags, backdrop, photobooth pictures, etc.  So I set to design something.  Googled a lot (i mean a LOT) of different ideas on monogram, and as usual, took inspiration from all the lovely designs out there.  I incorporated elements of a few that I liked and came up with this:

As I had the thought to incorporate it as a seal on the invite, I set out to get this made into a stamp.  Over to Etsy, and found a vendor that does it relatively cheap – and had great reviews:  JLMould.etsy.com – Jessica replied to my questions and after sending it to her to create, it took no time at all to get the lovely clear stamp back.  I ordered the 2″ x 2″ square clear stamp so that I hopefully can see what I’m doing.  (truth be told, I have never stamped anything in my life before this!)

Note the picture here is from the wishing tree tag that I also used the stamp for – but this shows what the clear stamp looks like:

After slaving over the computer to create the perfect design, I was ready to tackle the DIY wedding invitation project.  I estimate it taking approx 2-3 months to complete as it involved many steps and continuous labour.  I figured out all the little steps that I will need to do, and decided to do it in a self-assembly style.  ie. I would create all the little components individually and then piece it all together at the end.  I chose not to ask for help in this entire process simply because it really wasn’t needed.  Most of the prep work was all about cutting and stamping, in which I only have 1 tool for.  The actual assembly of the card require precision and I was too much of a control freak to let someone else put that together.  quality assurance, you know?  Other than the embossing part, most of the jobs were quite simple, something I do in front of the TV watching movies and catching up on shows.

Early in the wedding planning process, I made up my mind to create from scratch my own invitations for our estimated 300 guests.   I wasn’t going crazy – I simply couldn’t find a vendor that had the design, detail, and look at the price I’m willing to pay.  I had a image in mind on what it will be, and I was determined to create it!

Truth to be told, the “image” of the wedding invitations evolved a bit during the planning process for various reasons, but mostly due to chinese customs.  Who knew you’re not suppose to use navy blue on wedding invites?? (i thought it was only black that is taboo!)  That was my original look and first draft – Navy blue cardstock, orange body ribbon as accent, white cardstock inside with black letters. (Blue and Orange were my chosen wedding colours).  I knew I needed to have chinese in the invitation as well, but wasn’t quite sure how to incorporate yet.  However, our families strike that colour concept pretty quickly when I described/show them a crude sample.

One of the best wedding vendors I had was my make up artist/hair stylist…Maggie Ng.  She was the best!   Went for a make up trial after a recommendation from a friend who used her the year before (also had good results) and I liked what I saw.  I showed her a few samples of hair styles that I liked (up-dos, fancy twists, side swept bangs), and described that I liked more natural look to my make up.  I understand for photos and videos, I need more heavier make up than normal, but I also don’t want to look bad with caked-on make up when facing my friends and family!  She did a beautiful job and created a look that I loved.  And the thing that made a good impression on me was that she made lots of notes on her files – gives me the confidence that 10 months later, she’ll remember what I like!  yes…it was one of the earliest wedding tasks I completed.

On the day of the wedding – Maggie and her assistant arrived at my condo promptly at 5:30am as discussed.  They went to work on my 4 bridesmaids.  One did hair, the other make up.  I got to sit back and watched their art.  Then it was my turn.  Maggie did both my hair and make up.  I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.