R P Scissors Blog

Thanksgiving Decor Ideas Featured on the Food Network

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Ara shares styling tips with the Food Network for fun and easy to re-create centerpieces that are both grown-up and kid friendly!

 

Re-use wine bottles as candle holders and fill them with rice, grain and spices for a hearty look.

Cake stands filled with fruit, squash and gords paint the perfect holiday picture.

 

Using "non traditional" colors adds a bold statement to your Thanksgiving table.

Clilck here to view all of Ara's creative ideas for your centerpieces.

 

Ara also provided inspiration for your kids table!

This crayon table runner provides a fun way for kids to play while they wait for dinner.

Squash boats and vases, and ice cream cone cornucopias add a delicious touch!

To view more kid friendly table fun click here.

All photography by Marshall Troy for the Food Network.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

xFrances

 

Patterned & Printed Wedding Ideas

We know incorporating pattern into your wedding can be a bit intimidating, but when done correctly, it can add tons of style, elegance and fun! Take a look at some tips on how to incorporate patterns and prints...

Set the tone for your patterned wedding with a fun invitation like this chevron print via The Knot

 

via Erica OBrien Cake Design & Half Baked 

Your cake is a great way to introduce pattern -- inspiration colors should come from the base colors used in your wedding. 

 

via Tahoe Unveiled & Style Me Pretty

 Stick with one pattern and incorporate it in multiple areas & colors for a united look. Also, choose a more simplified pattern or print so you don't overwhelm the table.

 

via The Knot

A printed aisle runner can add a great splash of color and a dash of elegance too!

 

via The Plunge Project

I love these escort card/party favors! They are another great source for incorporating pattern into your wedding!

xFrances

Winter Wonderland Wedding Ideas

As it cools down outside, take a look at some of our ideas to create a warm & inviting atmosphere for your winter wedding! 

 

 

via Ruffled & White Lilac Inc

Use lots of lights and candles to create a soft and warm glow.  Here the hanging orb candles create a delicately warm wedding ambiance.

 

via Intimate Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings & Love and Lavender 

Keep guests warm with a hot cocoa bar. These can double as your party favor as well!

 

via Martha Stewart Weddings

Pinecones can be great accent decor and look fabulous as escort cards. 

 

via Ruffled

Rustic wood touches help to incorporate the winter season for your wedding. 

xFrances

Cheerful, Colorful Wedding at Falkirk Estate

Here are some pics we snapped from our wedding last weekend at Falkirk Estate!  The colorful palette and bow napkins give this wedding such a light-hearted effect while still maintaining a sophisticated look.

The garden inspired Chuppah was AMAZING!!!

Candy escort cards added a unique and whimsical touch as did the beautiful and colorful floral centerpieces done by Rebecca Shepherd Floral Designs 

Ara Shares Easy DIY Ideas for Decorating this Fall!

Ara was asked by LearnVest to come up with easy and inexpensive ideas for decorating this Fall. Here are some  great ideas to help inspire you this Autumn!

        

Check out the video below to learn how to bibbidi-bobbidi-boo a regular orange pumpkin into a glam metallic piece of art. The video will also show you how to easily create fall leaf bobeches and candle stick holders using old wine bottles. With these easy tips you will even be able to impress the most magical fairy godmother this Fall.

 

To see the article and video on LearnVest click here. 

 

 Keep Calm and Style On,

Zach

Gatsby Inspired Wedding at Skylands Manor

Take a sneak peek at a Gatsby Inspired Wedding we styled at a 1920s Mansion Estate.  The wedding did not have a seated dinner at all.  Instead the whole event was one grand cocktail party.  Such a cool idea.

Calligraphy was done by MJ Paperie  and flowers were done by Kat Flower

We can't wait for the pics from Weddings by Two!

Charming and Rustic Wedding at Brooklyn Winery

Here's some Iphone pics from our Labor Day Wedding. It took place at Brooklyn Winery, where we incorporated the rustic charm of the venue to create a soft and delicate feel. We did the flowers too!

We used wine bottles as vases, mason jars for flowers, and potted plants which included ivy and moss to add to the simple yet elegant look.  

The Cream Event: Boho Chic Wedding Event

In August we were excited to partner with Gabriella New York Bridal Salon for The Cream Event! We created a fun and dynamic setting to showcase their dresses.

Styling was done by RPS Events! 

 

Ara Interviewed on Oxygen for Summer Party Tips!

The Oxygen Network asked our own Ara Farnam to be a guest on their "All About" series with Tiffany Smith to talk about clever ideas for summer parties.

Check out the clip to see Ara's advice on how to quickly and easily make it look like you spent days planning your party, when it was actually so easy to put together with one strong color used throughout.  

Click here to see the vignette:

Oxygen All About Summer Parties

Enjoy the rest of summer!

WeDo Event at Brooklyn Winery

For those who don't know, I founded a wedding industry networking group, called WeDo, with photographer Kelly Guenther.  Check out some pics from an event I styled for the group below!

The event was held at Brooklyn Winery.  A really cool venue for those who have not been yet.  Each month WeDo hosts a networking event where different members show off their services.  April was my turn and you can see my display below.

And yes, I did spray paint all of those wine bottles!

All pictures courtesy of Kristy May Photography

Clearly we were going with a wine theme at the Brooklyn Winery.  We brought in the fun poppy WeDo colors to brighten up the space, the tapers to add a little drama, and the fabric chandeliers to add some some whimsy.  It was a great event, and if you are looking for some great NYC wedding vendors, check out WeDo!

xoxo, Ara

Sophisticated Foundry Wedding: Gabi + Dan

Gabi and Dan had a lovely, elegant, soft vision for their wedding.  Sage, creams, silver with a hint of dusty pink. To-die for gorgeous, and we got to help them realize their vision.  We were lucky to have SMP feature it, and you can check our more pics here.

The absolutely gorgeous flowers were by Rebecca Shepherd Floral Designs, the catering was by Cobblestone Catering, and this wedding was held in the Foundry.

If you want to see more pictures from this wedding, head over to Style Me Pretty.

 

xoxo, Ara

Hudson Valley Rustic Bengali-American Wedding: Farihah + Jeff!

This wedding was one of the most interesting of 2011: cool Brooklyn couple, awesome rustic old Hudson Valley factory and a traditional Bengali Muslim ceremony.

The Basilica Hudson, in Hudson, New York.

The Basilica Hudson has an eclectic collection of chairs in house where the guests sat for the ceremony.

We hung marigold strands around the door to welcome the guests.  One peaks out here in anticipation.  The Imam who was performing the ceremony was about an hour late.  Apparently this is fairly standard timing for a Bengali wedding!  

Here comes Farihah!  Definitely worth the wait.

Farihah and Jeff with the Imam.  The backdrop was a collaboration between us and Brooklyn Guild.  

Amazing pictures by Weddings by Two!

Custom escort cards by Swiss Cottage Designs.

Erica Darling Floral Design really nailed the feel we were going for: interesting, structural flowers to compliment a unique setting.

Color!  The couple's color palette was a dream for this designer: fuschia, teal, orange and yellow.  Plus some lime green for good measure.

The string lights really brought interest and made the space come alive!  Another collaborative effort by RPS and installed by Brooklyn Guild.

Photobooth by Weddings by Two spinoff  We Love Photobooths.

 Farihah and Jeff's wedding weekend was one where friends and family pitched in to compliment the ideas that Farihah, Jeff and I had collaborated on, along with the talented Annie from Brooklyn Guild.  The reception included several performances by guests and family members.  Several guests made videos that were shared on an old projector during the reception, Farihah's sister and bridesmaids did a traditional dance, and a family friend sang and performed poetry.  This wedding was the most original I have been a part of, and was such a lovely expression of the joining of two families and a couple who is very clearly loved by their friends.

This wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty, and you can see the post here.

xoxo, Ara

Williamsbrides: A Cool NYC Bridal Fair

So actually what makes Williamsbrides so cool is that it is not your typical "bridal fair."   It is geared towards couples of all shapes and sizes, and is meant to be much more guy friendly than your normal wedding show - and it is taking place in a cool warehouse in Williamsburg.

Buy your tickets in advance to save big time on the ticket price! www.williamsbrides.com

Rock Paper Scissors Events will be there with a table, and speaking on the VIP panel, and we would love to see you there!  The VIP panel is seriously cool, including Huffington Post Weddings, Xochitl from Always A Blogsmaid and AaB Creates and Bernadette from 14 Stories, a gay focused wedding consulting firm.  To purchase tickets, go to the show website: www.williamsbrides.com.  

Hope to see you there!

xo, Ara

Rock & Roll Wedding: Scottsdale, Arizona

We had so much fun putting together this unique take on a rock and roll wedding with Megan and Derek and were lucky to get it published on 100 Layer Cake and HiFi Weddings!

To see more photos go to 100 Layer Cake or Hi-Fi Weddings 

We had such a great time working in Arizona, Ara's home state, that she is now officially taking on more Arizona weddings.  She'll be there taking Phoenix area appointments in late February and would love to meet you if you have an upcoming wedding!

Photography: Breanna and Scottie Chanson of Radiant Photography / Venue: The Silverleaf Club / Illustrator: Ello There / Paper+Print: Definitely Debra / Designer: Ara Farnam of Rock Paper Scissors Events / Florist: The floral experts at Flora Bella / DJ: Mister P Body / Pastor: Tim Jacobs / Ceremony+ Happy Hour Musicians: Sam + Anthony Lowy

Xo Jordyn

Great Gatsby Meets Breakfast at Tiffany's Inspired Wedding

We were ecstatic to see Euree + Daniel's elegant wedding featured on Style Me Pretty earlier this week! The adorable couple and all the little details made this wedding so magical!

xo, hannah

To see the full post, click here.

Wedding Photography: Amanda K Photography / Venue: The Metropolitan Building / Caterer: Naturally Delicious / Liquor: Heights Chateau / Wedding Videographer: Kiss The Bride Films / Day-of Event Design: Rock Paper Scissors Events / DJ: Menyu / Invitations: Angel B Lee / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packhamvia Designer Loft / Reception Dress: Alice and Olivia via Net A Porter / Veil: Etsy, The Bride / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Hair + Make-up: vickyC5 / Flowers: Eutopia NYC

Fairytale Inspired Dinner Party at Gabriella New York

We were so excited to see the lovely dinner party we styled for Gabriella New York on Merci New York! We created an intimate fairytale themed event to play off of the gorgeous bridal salon.

To see more pics, click on over to Merci New York.

xo, hannah

Host: Gabriella New York Bridal Salon / Event Design: Rock Paper Scissors Events / Floral Design: Rountree Flowers / Invitations and Paper Goods: Lela New York / Lighting: Stortz Lighting / Catering: The Little Owl / Wines by: Chandon / Rentals: Taylor Creative and Party Rentals LTD / Photography: Trent Bailey Photography / Video: Hello Super 8 / Entertainment: 12th Night Music

Using Pumpkins as Reception Decor

There are plenty of festive ways to enhance a fall wedding.  Below are a plethora of options available for using pumpkins as a prop, from centerpieces to escort cards.

 

Leaves add a classy fall feel

Painting the pumpkins white is perfect for the occasion

Monogram pumpkins are a wonderful way to show off the new initial for your new last name

 

Mini pumpkin escort card holders... adorable

Who needs Mr. and Mrs. chair signs with a look like this

 

This makes a perfect centerpiece or focal point on a cake table

Want a vintage feel? Add lace to a pumpkin for a nostalgic flashback

 

xoxo, Jordyn

Vintage Hollywood Wedding with Yellow and Gray Details

We were thrilled to see Kwanji + Howell's adorable retro Hollywood Romance inspired wedding on Style Me Pretty last week! 

Photographer: Patricia Kantzos Photography/ Venue: Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Course/ Artwork: Courtney from Swiss Cottage Designs / Event Planner: Lauren from Loli Events / Flowers: Lynn Jawitz of Florisan LLC / DJ: Philip Quinaz of 74 Events / Cake: Sal from Conti’s Pastry Shoppe / Invitations: Minted / Wedding Gown: Michelle Roth / Wedding Gown Purchased At: Kleinfeld Bridal / Shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Bridesmaids Dresses: Ella Park Bridal

Infuse Your Wedding with Vintage Wallpaper

Want an inexpensive way to add a little vintage to your wedding? Here are a few ideas using wallpaper to dress up your wedding with some old fashioned flair.

Be ready to get DIY inspired!

Aren't those place cards adorable?!   Via Project Wedding

Add another personal touch to your table by making napkin ring holders   via Martha Stewart Weddings

 

I have fallen in love with these unique, feminine patterns! See how 100 Layer Cake created these vintage inspired invites.

Add texture to your table with pinwheel table numbers   via Ruffled

A wedding isn't complete without a photo both! See how you and your vintage wallpaper can create one. No skills required! via Ruffled

 

Have fun! Elyse xoxo

Romantic Vintage Inspiration at The Metropolitan Building

We were so lucky to work with some amazing vendors on this photo shoot produced by the lovely blog Aisle Candy and the photographer KT Merry.  The full post was on Style Me Pretty, and here is a sampling.

 

 

 

If you want to see even more, head on over to Style Me Pretty!

The inspiration came from BHLDN's new line of wedding dresses.  From there we decided to do a super soft, romantic, vintage inspired shoot that was 100% pretty.  We shot at the Metropolitan Building, which is a super cool venue out in Long Island City, and we used all of the tableware from Anthropology.

I had the bright idea to do a sequin lined aisle, which came out beautifully, but word to the wise, you need a billion sequins to get a cool effect, and a good vacuum to pick them all up later!

I brought in some of my very favorite vendors to collaborate on this, including kat flower, Preston & Olivia, Nine Cakes and Love Jenna Calligraphy.  The absolutely freaking amazing photography was done by KT Merry, who I feel truly lucky to have worked with.  We also did a DIY project based on the favors in this shoot, which we'll feature next!

Location: The Metropolitan Building in Long Island City  (http://www.metropolitanbuilding.com/)
Photographer: KT Merry (http://www.ktmerry.com)
Hair: Takahide Tokuyama for Patrick Melville Salon  (http://takahidetokuyama.com/)
Makeup: Hiro Yonemoto for MAKE UP FOR EVER (http://www.hiroshiyonemoto.com) 
Models: Click Models (http://www.clickmodel.com/click-nyc.php)
Dresses: BHLDN (http://www.bhldn.com) and a few others from Gabriella New York (http://www.gabriellanewyork.com/)
Hair Accessories: Preston and Olivia (http://www.prestonandolivia.com), Jennifer Behr (http://www.jenniferbehr.com/) and Jannie Baltzer (http://janniebaltzer.com/)
Jewelry: BHLDN (http://www.bhldn.com)
Flowers: KatFlower  (http://katflower.blogspot.com/)
Cake and macarons: Nine Cakes (http://www.ninecakes.com)
Event design and styling: Rock Paper Scissors Events (http://www.rpscissors.com)
Calligraphy: Love Jenna (http://lovejennacalligraphy.com/)
All tableware: Anthropologie (http://www.anthropologie.com)

 
 
 

Vintage Americana Souvenir Wedding Inspiration on SMP

We were so lucky to do a vintage roadtrip wedding inspiration shoot with the uber talented women at Melangerie, Inc. and Jen Huang Photography, featured on Style Me Pretty. Check out a peek here!

We created keychain escort cards with Ebay buys.

 

 The shoot sprang from the inspiration of a Viewmaster Invitation by the lovely Melangerie, Inc.

 

Souvenir state plates chargers. More Ebay fun :)

 

 Each of our tables was named after a famous American roadtrip landmark.  We did a Grand Canyon and Graceland centerpiece vignette for this shoot. 

 

Map placements were repurposed as a runner.
 


Our "groom" was name Jack, so we had to serve Jack and Cokes. And aren't the flags adorable?

 

You can check out more pictures and more details from all the vendors on the write up over on Style Me Pretty.   Such a fun shoot to be a part of!  xoxo, Ara
 

Cherry Blossom Season

Here we are again -- that beautiful, fleeting time when we emerge from the grayness of winter, and are greeted with with lovely pink sakura (Japanese flowering cherry trees). Spring is here!

Cherry blossoms in Washington, DC

Cherry blossoms have been showing up in wedding decor for years, for obvious reasons. Here are a few of my favorite applications of the cherry blossom theme:

Martha Stewart Weddings

Martha Stewart Weddings

Martha Stewart Weddings

Claire Pettibone

100 Layer Cake

Once Wed - Cherry blossom/Reem Acra photo shoot

Love the look of cherry blossom branches, but can't afford the real thing? Check out Martha's tutorial on making your own here. *Note: No disrespect to Martha, but I find this project works better with crepe paper like this than with tissue paper. 

Even if you're not looking to incorporate cherry blossoms into your wedding decor, be sure to check out the festivals happening right now at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and in Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ. 

Happy spring!

xo - emily

Wedding Crashers Brooklyn Wedding Fair

This past weekend we had the pleasure of transforming the entryway for the Brooklyn Based Wedding Crashers fair. The fair was a blast.  FULL of fantastic vendors, and a truly fun day.  See the transformation here!

BEFORE.  Photo by my lovely intern Lindsay Rodabaugh.

AFTER.  Photo by Lindsay Rodabaugh

So just three hours, over 100 paper garlands, and death-defying-acts-on-a-ladder later, we had created this vibrant and cheery entryway.  We were tasked to make an impact with the entryway design.  And so we did.  Here are pictures of the process as well as some beautiful detail shots. The entryway design was made immensely better by flowers from Blossom and Branch.

Above three set-up images by Lindsay Rodabaugh.

And here is end result!

 

The three images above are courtesy of the fabulous Kristina Hill Photography.

The above two photographs are from Lindsay Rodabaugh.

These last two photos are from the talented florist Sarah from Blossom and Branch.

Seriously a fantastic day, a great event, and I am so grateful to have been involved!

 

Good Morning America Health Styling

I was thrilled last week when I got a call from my friend Mindy, from Mindy's Meals on Heels.  She was asked to be on Good Morning America Health and asked if I would like to help her style her segment? OF COURSE! 

It was a simple set-up, and the concept was an at-home spa.  We kept it realistic and I brought in items literally from my home.  We punched it up with colored tissue paper, ribbon, and some cheery roses for a look that anyone can achieve.  It was such a good lesson about how things look on tv, and how you really have NO time on set for set-up.  Now that I have the luxury of time to look at this picture, I can see that I should have added more color to that bottom left corner to balance out the right side.  In person I swear that this side held it's own bulk, but because it was on a glass pedastool, the camera really doesn't pick it up.  Live and learn!

Mindy gives some wonderful, and EASY, suggestions for at-home spa treatments in the segment and also on her blog, so definitely check it out for some simple pampering.  To watch the segment, click here!

Wedding Party Booth Styling

Hi!  We've missed you.  Last week was a busy week putting together the booth for the fabulous Mel Barlow & Company at the Wedding Party this past Saturday.

The overall look was bohemian with found objects {literally "found" at Mel's apartment}.  We got ambitious and decided to create a custom faux chalkboard with chalk outline frames for Mel's photography.  

Here's a secret: that is not a chalkboard and it's not even chalkboard paint.  It's black foam board.  That's it.  You're welcome.  I was really feeling plants instead of cut flowers to accent and complete this boho look, and you can see some details in the image below.

More cute details.

All photography is by Mel Barlow.

To see more of Mel's work, go here.  A big thank you to all at Mel Barlow & Company, but especially to Mel for collaborating with me and to Donnie for all of his help putting this together!  The Wedding Party was a great success, and it was great to see many wedding friends out that day.

 

Simple is Beautiful

Beautiful doesn't have to be complicated, as evidenced by these chic, simple tablescapes.

Love the monochromatic orange centerpieces with blue goblets.  Via Style Me Pretty, Muse Photography

 

 

Wine bottle table numbers, patterned table runner, and a few Chrysanthemums in porcelain vases, create a very simple and chic table.  Image via Martha Stewart.

 

The Elephant Ears branches make an elegant, modern, clean statement against the crisp black and white palette. Image via In Style Weddings, Summer 2004

 

The magnolia leaves running down the center are such a great simple way to fill in the table.  Image via Brooklyn Bride, photography by Scott Clark.

Baby, It's Cold Outside: Winter Wedding Inspiration

On this chilly Friday afternoon, let's enjoy some of the colors of the season: all shades of winter-white! Sticking with a neutral color palette is far from boring when you mix it up with the textures and add a little sparkle. And, when in doubt, go with my personal motto: you can't have too much glitter. Enjoy! xoxo Molly

Top Row: Glitter Chandelier, White Locus Candleholder, Silver Orbs

Second Row: Garland, Snowflake Placecards, White Feather Hairpiece

Third Row: Champagne Silver Sparkle Wreath, Real Wedding

Fourth Row: Branch Candelabra, Silver Votives, Just Married Sign

Fifth Row: Shiny Beaded Pillow, Vintage Beaded Clutch, Silver Branch

The Little Things: Card Boxes

Last week, we looked at shawl baskets as a cute reception detail. This week, we take a peek at some super cute card boxes, another opportunity to do something fun and creative! 

Personally we are loving the suitcase cardbox...

Source: Just Chic Events

Maybe with the addition of a cheeky sign...

Source: Wedding Chicks

Another approach is the classic birdcage...

Source: Style Me Pretty

Even more subtle is this super chic little vignette. Enjoy! Xoxo, Alex

Source: Style Me Pretty

 

 

Decorative Tape

How many of you caught this cute idea for decorative tape uses in Brides magazine this month?

So cute and so easy.  Decorative tape is exactly what it sounds like, pretty tape.  You can stick some pretty tape on your centerpiece vases to spice up plain glass, and you don't have to be as ambitious as the picture above to make it look fabulous.  Even just one, two or three rows done horizontally around a round vase would look great.  You can use it on candles like the example above for a very inexpensive custom look.  The candles that they are featuring I swear I have seen at Ikea and they cost $5 for a bijillion. 

Also you could use it on your paperie.  Such a cute accent to your programs, menus, escort cards, etc.  Print these items at home, add a little decorative tape, and you are good to go!  

I rounded up some sellers of these fantastic decorative tapes to make life easy for you:

This tape is from Kawaii Tape on Etsy.  Check out their shop for this plus many more styles and patterns.

Kawaii Goodies on Etsy has great Japanese Washi tape, but ALSO has fabulous fabric tape like the cute polka dots above.  Check out their shop for more selection.  

And finally there is a website called www.cutetape.com, that not surprisingly sells cute tape like the one above.

So go out and get crafty with this super easy DIY project. xoxo, Ara

100 Layer Cake Site Is Up!

The "coming soon" sign has been replaced with a fully functional and totally fabulous new wedding site.

100 Layer Cake is up and running!  It has TONS of great wedding resources, like a marketplace where you can buy and sell cool items for your wedding, a great DIY resource with tons of instructions and free templates, and a vendor section where you can browse great local vendors (including us!).

Check out some of the items being sold on the site, for generally VERY good prices:

And the fabulous DIY section:

Enjoy!  Way to go 100 Layer Cake ladies!

 

Colorful Bohemian Wedding

I'm so excited to share with you a wedding of one of our own, intern Molly! Molly got married to her fiance Kenrick this September in a farmhouse in Pennsylvania. She's here with more of the details and all the delicious photos. You can see more from the original Wedding Chicks post here. Enjoy and Congratulations, Molly!

From Molly, I wanted our wedding to feel “sweet bohemian with a touch of glamour” and I couldn’t have had more fun designing it!

One of the most fun elements to create were the escort cards and their display. I took two old bulletin boards and spray-painted them gold then pinned our heart escort cards backed in colorful patterns to them. A lot of guests tucked the colorful cards into their suit pockets like pocket squares.

I chose two of my favorite vintage sheets from my collection to create the two photobooths and left by them a big, red heart I made out of tissue paper for our engagement photos six months ago and a big vintage frame I found discarded by the roadside as props.

Fun Reception Ideas: Cigar Bar!

Boucher Photography

From photo booths to candy buffets, it seems everyone is looking for that special touch that will put their reception over the top. One unique idea is to have a cigar bar. Many companies provide this service, bringing in the cigars and often a cigar roller as well, or you can DIY by simply putting out cigars, cutters and matches. This is a great opportunity to create a super cute vignette with signs, old fashioned cigar boxes and custom matchbooks. You could even create custom labels for the cigars themselves with your wedding date on them!

Kristin Vining

You could DIY signs...

Left: Ritzy Bee, Right: Style Me Pretty

Order custom matchbooks...

The Studio B Photography

Even better? The amazing photos guaranteed to ensue, like this right shot...

KKBloom

and these fantastic bride and groom shots could not be more fun! Enjoy!  xoxo, Alex

Left: Marie A Rummer Photography, Right: Coastal Cigars

 

Other Wedding Festivities Part IV: The Rehearsal Dinner

A dramatic nautical rehearsal dinner

Clockwise from top left: Paper Crave, Le Cupcake, The Knot, The Mayflower Shop, Paper Crave, A Hole Lotta Nothing, Timeless Paper

Welcome back to the fourth installment of the “Other Parties” series going on this week on Scissors brought to you by our intern Alex. Every bride knows that outside the main event are a seemingly endless list of parties that either build up to or wind down from the wedding itself. It can be a bit overwhelming, no? But the fun side is that they can be a great opportunity to showcase all the fabulous ideas that didn’t make it into the big day. 

The rehearsal dinner is an event where the key players of the wedding gather after rehearsing for the wedding ceremony to take place the next day. The dinner is traditionally hosted by the grooms family, but like most wedding events we’ve been covering this week, tradition is loosening and couples are often hosting, or at least planning, the event themselves. The guest list can be anything from immediate family and wedding party to a huge bash with every out of town guest invited. The location is similarly anything goes- it can be held at a restaurant, a private home, the hotel where most guests are staying, or anything else you can dream up.

At Rock Paper Scissors we think the rehearsal dinner is a nice event to make a nod to the groom’s hobbies and tastes. With a whirlwind of feminine and bride centric events, this is a great opportunity to honor the other half of the wedding celebration! With a sailing loving groom in mind this inspiration board started with the discovery of this amazing and dramatic invitation suite- proof that nautical need not be simply cutesy or preppy! From there we sought out other great paper products, table numbers and place cards, that used two elements from the invitation suite, rope and anchors. And to round it out, life saver cupcakes are perfect for a rehearsal dinner, slightly less formal and less expensive than a cake. 

Rock Paper Scissors Twist: Rope can be an unexpected and fun design element. It can be incorporated into centerpieces, signage, even invitations, lending a more masculine vibe to the event.

Other Wedding Festivities Part III: The Bridesmaid's Luncheon

A gerber daisy inspired bridesmaid luncheon

Clockwise from top left: Perfect Wedding Guide, Cheerupcherup, Google, ModCloth, Carrie's Cakes, Martha Stewart

Welcome back to the “Other Parties” series going on this week on Scissors brought to you by our lovely intern Alex. Every bride knows that outside the main event are a seemingly endless list of parties that either build up to or wind down from the wedding itself. So far we've looked at the engagement party and the wedding shower, and today we're looking at the more elusive bridesmaid's luncheon.

While everyone knows what a Rehearsal Dinner and a Wedding Shower are, a Bridesmaid’s Luncheon is not always given for modern weddings. Those who do chose to carry on this tradition will be rewarded with a warm and personal event perfect for kicking off a wedding weekend.

While totally optional, more and more brides are bringing back the luncheon, most commonly hosted by the bride in honor of her bridesmaids and close female relatives as a thank you for all they have done for the big day. It can be hosted anytime, though it is usually held the day before the wedding, when everyone is in town and the key players have likely taken off work for the rehearsal dinner. It’s the perfect excuse to meet up and spend quality time with the important players before the madness of the rehearsal and wedding begin. This is also a great time to give your bridesmaid’s gifts, if you feel they are too personal to present at a large rehearsal dinner.

At Rock Paper Scissors we picture an unabashedly feminine affair where the bride and her girls gather after a morning of blissful pre-wedding manicures and pedicures. Using simple gerber daisies as inspiration, we found great paper products to get your girls excited about the party before it begins. Then, keep the day affordable using bud vases with single stems for centerpieces and cupcakes to feed your sweet tooth.

Rock Paper Scissors Twist: For such a small and intimate event, forgo traditional place cards and instead create a photo place card. Find small 2 x 3” frames and instead of writing the name of the person, find a photo of the bride and the guest together. Print in black and white and voila! Place card, personal touch and party favor all in one.

Other Wedding Festivities Part II: The Wedding Shower

Wine + cheese bridal shower ideas!

Clockwise from top left: Paper Culture, Sunday Suppers, Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart, EP Beads.

Welcome back to the “Other Parties” series going on this week on Scissors brought to you by our amazing intern Alex. Every bride knows that outside the main event are a seemingly endless list of parties that either build up to or wind down from the wedding itself. We started off the week yesterday with the engagement party, and now we're moving onto the wedding shower.

Some brides may love the idea of having all their nearest and dearest in one place celebrating. Others may cringe at the thought of playing shower games and opening presents in front of a crowd. The bridal shower is one of the most traditional parties surrounding a wedding, but that doesn’t mean you have to have a conventional party!

At Rock Paper Scissors we believe that bridal showers can be stylish and fun! We love the idea of a wine tasting party; that’s the kind of bridal shower game we can get behind. With vino on the brain we hunted down modern and fun invitations, fantastic wine glass and wine bottle centerpieces and table numbers, and easy to DIY favors in the form of beaded wine charms. The tasting itself can be done by hosting at a vineyard or winery, hiring a private sommelier, or via store bought wine tasting kits such as this one from Wine Enthusiast. Or for the true crafter, you can always design it yourself!

Rock Paper Scissors Twist: Instead of the usual veggie and dip platter, how about a cheese buffet in the style of the infamous Amy Atlas dessert buffets? Its cute and unexpected, and goes perfectly with the main event. All you need is a variety of cheeses, a smattering of white platters, a cheesecloth tablecloth and some cute signage!

xoxo,

Alex

P.S. We don't just help brides, we are happy to help bridesmaids with throwing the loveliest bridal shower that your BFF has ever seen :)

Other Wedding Festivities Part I: The Engagement Party

An NYC themed engagement party inspiration board

Clockwise from top left: The Bride's Cafe, Bella Figura, Brooklyn Cookie, Cappy Hotchkiss, Photo by Lauren Rutten, Personal Photo  

Welcome to the “Other Parties” series going on this week on Scissors brought to you by Intern extraordinaire Alex. Every bride knows that outside the main event are a seemingly endless list of parties that either build up to or wind down from the wedding itself. It can be a bit overwhelming, no? But the fun side is that they can be a great opportunity to showcase all the fabulous ideas that didn’t make it into the big day. Lets get started!

Engagement parties are the kick-off to your wedding season. It’s your first big opportunity to get together with friends and family and get excited! Traditionally, this event is hosted by the bride’s parents, though it is perfectly acceptable and often times more practical for the couple to throw their own party. This party has less formal traditions than most, so really anything goes. It can be big, small, formal or informal. The one rule that does stand is that guests invited to the engagement party should always be invited to the wedding!

At Rock Paper Scissors, we think the engagement party should be a fun and chic homage to the couple, and perhaps the city they met or got engaged in. We dreamt up a New York City inspired bash with nods to the “big apple”, the Brooklyn Bridge, and of course the subway system. We envision modern monochromatic florals using bold and graphic blooms such as anemonies. Wouldn’t those Brooklyn Bridge cookies make the greatest favors?

Rock Paper Scissors Twist: Use the Metrocard, ubiquitous in any New Yorker’s wallet, as a design element. Scan it into your computer and use it as a placecard, on an invitation, or simply as decoration.

xoxo, Alex

Pink Winter Wedding Inspiration

When you're planning a winter wedding, the options can seem much more limited as far as your color palette and your themes. However, winter weddings allow the creative bride a whole new stage on which to display some really gorgeous ideas! And don't feel like you have to have the winter blues to make your event seem seasonally-appropriate... instead, take inspiration from our rosy winter cheeks, and go pink! The combination of pinky tones, mauves and warm golds really keeps this palette from getting too light and pretty and instead keeps your wedding warm, cozy and completely unique. Add lots of candles, some gorgeous winter flowers (think cockscomb, sweetpeas, and roses) and you have yourself a pinky-peachy-keen winter wedding affair! xoxo Molly

{winter flower bouquet, MSW; pink feather headpiece, Serephine; boutonnieres, Twig & Honey; gold-plated flatware, Horchow; pink/ gold/ black invites, JP + Kiera; glitter star centerpiece, MSW; pink glass plate charger, eBay; gold wreath ring, Tryst by Kerry; black and gold favor box, Advantage Bridal; blush pink taper candles, Colonial Candles; glass candlestick holders, CB2, gold painted leaf centerpiece, MSW}

Paper Flower Tutorial

We are beyond thrilled to be on the lovely Merci blog today!  You can check out the whole post, shot by the talented Lauren Gabrielle, on Merci here, and we wanted to share with you the paper flower how-to.  The overblown, large paper flowers added SO much interest to our table, and are not too difficult to make since we made a template for you and have given you step by step directions below!

 

Supplies needed: templates, 24" x 36" thick paper, pipe cleaners, scissors, pencil, hole punch, double sided tape.

The template for the largest flower, labeled "one," requires two pieces of 8 1/2" x 11" paper, so first step is to print out all of the templates, second is to tape the "one" template together. Now trace the templates on your 24" x 36" piece of paper.  We have also included a template to show you how to maximize your piece of paper.

Cut out each shape, and then cute a 1" to 1 1/2" slit in the bottom of each petal.  You are cutting this slit so that you can "boat" the flowers by folding them and giving them a more structured shape.

Now that you have cut the slit, attach a piece of double stick tape to one or both sides of the slit, and bring one side over the other to create tension in the paper ("boating" the flowers).  Next punch holes about 1" up from the bottom of each petal.  For the larger petals, punch a hole about 2" in from the sides.  For the small petals, you will be punching closer to the edge.

Start by putting together the innermost smallest petals.  You will make two bunches of three petals each for the smallest petals.  Use the pipe cleaner to attach the petals by looping through two pieces of pipe cleaner and then twisting them on the back.  Make one bunch tighter than the other with no space between the petals to serve as your innermost bunch.

Then take the smaller, tighter bunch and put it through the one with a little more spacing to create one joint flower.  Twist the pipe cleaner in the back to secure.

Making the middle and largest petals is very similar.  Use two pieces of pipe cleaner to secure the petals as shown above, leaving a center hole so that you can attach each new layer.  For the largest flower petals, you may need to twist two pieces of pipe cleaner together to make a longer piece.  



Put the small bunch you already put together inside of the medium bunch, attach the pipe cleaners by twisting. Do the same now with the medium bunch and put them throw the large bunch, twist pipe cleaners as needed.  We kept our pipe cleaners long so that we could use them to manipulate and stand the flowers, but feel free to cut them  after twisting if they are getting in the way.



And here are the finished flowers!  The instructions are the same for all shapes, and it looks best to mix up your shapes, colors and sizes slightly to get an effect like this:

Here are the templates for your downloading pleasure:

Download RPSPointedFlowerTemplate   Download RPSRoundedFlowerTemplate   Download RPSScallopFlowerTemplate



Credits: Top and bottom photo by Lauren Gabrielle, How-to photos by Alexandra Baackes

Vintage Book Theme Brooklyn Wedding

So excited to finally share all of the gorgeous details from Cameron and Marcella's book and travel themed wedding. We've been waiting for the cute ladies over at Wedding Chicks to feature it, which you can check out here, and now we can share all the fun here as well! The fantastic pair married at the truly breathtaking Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.  Since the bride is a teacher and the groom loves to read, we started with a book theme, and then quickly added in a travel element since the couple are big travelers as well.  Each table had a stack of vintage books that the couple collected over a few months that served as a favor for each guest.  The books also served as great (and inexpensive) visual interest that created layers and textures and different heights for the candles and gorgeous flowers by Amy at Seaport Flowers.  Each table was named after a destination that the couple had traveled to together, and the groom happens to be an amazing photographer and he created beautiful postcards for each place setting.  And the photography by Ohana Photographers really hit this one out of the park.

 

For the escort cards, those are standard air mail envelopes run through a printer.  Cute, fabulous and budget friendly!

A detail of the beautiful postcards made by the groom.

And it gets even better.  The couple printed a note on the back of each city giving travel tips and favorite memories from each city visited.  

 

 

All photography by Ohana Photographers.  Flowers by Seaport Flowers. Venue The Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.  Event design by us ;) Rock Paper Scissors Events

DIY Paper Table Runners

Hello cuteness!  100 Layer Cake has a fantastic DIY project over on their blog that they made for their Hitched event.  The event itself deserves a serious perusal, and below are a couple of pics to show you the runner.  So clever.  For the details on how to make this, visit 100 Layer Cake here.

 

Images from 100 Layer Cake tutorial.

Vintage Inspired Bridal Shower

Wow, holy bridal shower!  I came across this amazingly cute bridal shower on Wedding Chics, and it has so many sweet vintage touches from the clothespin letters and notes to the thread and button decorated mason jars.  Props and styling were done by Jeni from found {vintage rentals} , who specializes in vintage prop rentals so the gorgeous outcome is really no surprise.  To see the full event photos, click back to Wedding Chics here.

 Clothespin letters, vintage book chandelier - oh my!

LOVE the thread with the buttons.  So doable, so cute.

Clothespin vintage shutters?  Yes please.  

All of the lovely photography was done by Kaysha Weiner.  

Cute + Creative Reception Photo Display

Hi!  Another great find for an idea of how to display photos of you and your fiance, your family, childhood photos, etc, at your wedding reception.  Hanging ribbon like this would be a piece of cake, and you could adhere it with a pretty straight pin and double stick tape.  A DIY project pretty much anyone could handle!  Part of what makes this interesting is the different size photographs and the alternating ribbon color, so don't be afraid to mix things up.

 Photo by Cunnigham Photo Artists, via Style Me Pretty

Wine Bottle Table Numbers

Simple.  Chic.  Love.  If you are looking for uncluttered, clean and simple decor, filling your tables with elegantly labeled wine bottles is the way to go.  Look at how few flowers they used, and how great it looks.  The patterned table runner and blue vases add a bit of pop so it is far from boring, but the overall look is very clean and spare. And it's budget friendly to  boot.  Perfect.

Creative wedding table number idea from Martha Stewart Weddings 

Chic Reception Photo Display

Love this.  So elegant.  And best of all easy.  A great idea for displaying photos at your wedding in a beautiful, creative way.

Photography by Aruna B Photography via Style Me Pretty

 

Unique Wedding Decor by Ashley Meaders

I came across Ashley Meaders's work when seeing it on Once Wed, and it is so fresh and fun that I had to share it with you all. Ashley works with a collective called the FlashDance (who are ABSOLUTELY worth checking out if you are unfamiliar with them), and she makes the coolest, hand-made, unusual decorative items for weddings.  Just from looking at a glimpse of her portfolio, you see everything from photo booth props, to heart escort cards, to paper and fabric flowers and garlands and archways and altars.  For those of you with a taste for creative, unusual touches for your wedding, but without a crafty bone in your body, Ashley can take care of the DIY for you.  See a little of her work below, or a lot of her work on her site by clicking here:

Photography by Our Labor Of Love

Photography by Our Labor Of Love
  

Photography by Kyle Hale

 

Smogshoppe Wedding by Annie McElwain

Does everyone know Annie McElwain?  'Cause if you don't, you should.  She has one of my absolute favorite photographer's websites; one with pictures that put a little tear in your eye and that has music that actually adds instead of distracts from the site.  You can see her amazing pictures on her site here, and you can check out a bit of her work below.  She sent over a totally gorgeous California wedding that took place at the Smogshoppe, yes as in a converted old smog shoppe.  Love interesting venues.  The bride and groom are the lovely Christi and Jaime, and they softened the industrial Smogshoppe with pink peonies and purple hyacinth.  Beautiful.  

      All photography by Annie McElwain

Queen for a Day

The second photo shoot that I worked on with Quatre Couer, Allan Zepeda, and Paper Eight was featured on Merci yesterday!  So excited to finally get to share some pictures with you all.  The concept was essentially showing how to create interest by layering different styles, in this case antique with modern.  Instead of going super modern in your loft space venue, add some interest by bringing in some antique pieces or even small accents like antique inspired place cards.  Same goes for the old farmhouse venue.  How cool would it be with some ghost chairs and graphic candelabra?  Try mixing it up a little, and I am sure you'll have some fun.  Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!  To see the full post on Merci, click here.

 

     All photography by Allan Zepeda

Perfect Beach Summer Wedding

Summer is absolutely my favorite season, and there is nothing more perfect than the beach wedding that I am about to share with you.   Everything is drool worthy from the gorgeous bride and groom, Molly and Rowan, to the beautiful Santa Monica beach setting.  The bride put together creative and interesting tablescapes by layering containers of candles, starfish, and yellow flowers on Ikea mirrors  to anchor all the pieces (great idea!), and the result is total beach chic.  Photography by Susan Bordelon, held at the Jonathan Club.

 
 
 

     All photography by Susan Bordelon

Creative Centerpieces

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite weddings from over at Style Me Pretty.  The wedding is modern, chic, fun and playful with some great ideas that we can dissect and use for a little style lesson.  Part of what makes this wedding both interesting and modern is the bold color palette: black, yellow and white.  Using black in your palette will absolutely up your sophistication quotient quite a bit.  Think about black and white, black and pink, black and orange, etc, and all have a beautiful, chic association.  Notice a couple of other things: there are no flowers and each centerpiece is different.  Each table has has unique props, and they kept it cohesive by using all the same color palette.  The varying centerpieces gave her reception a super stylish feel, and gives us inspiration for what to use as centerpiece objects.  See how she used lamps, boxes, candles, books and glass jars?  So clever and so chic.  I am absolutely inspired by this stylish wedding.  To see the images from the entire wedding, go to Style Me Pretty.

 

 

Boxes wrapped in decorative paper and ribbons - so easy and so cute.

Love the fabric wrapped lampshades.  So clever!

The books are simple and cool - and easy to do yourself.

And this is seriously my favorite favor at the moment.  So playful and cute and unexpected.

Photography by White Haute Photography and Ohana Photographers.  Styling by the bride and Just Chic Events.  All images via Style Me Pretty. 
 
 

 

Adorable Budget Dessert Table

Just spotted this absolutely darling thrown-together-from-stuff-at-home dessert table over on Bride Scouts (via It's a Jaime Thing).  Mmm-kay, so this blogger may have really cute stuff already at home which is slightly unfair for the rest of us, but still love the ideas here!  This would be great for a bridal shower or a smaller wedding, and you probably have at least some items already at home that you could use, and the treats she suggests are completely standard grocery store fare, so check out her post for some very steal-worthy ideas.

 

Images via Bride Scouts