Who doesn't get inspired by Martha Stewart, her magazines, or her website? I can tell you this much: she is amazing, and the DIY section of this issue is a huge resource for how-to instructions AND crafty ideas. Aside from the wonderful eye candy and great advertisements, here are my favorites: {P.S. You can check out parts of the issue's fab photos online.}
p 30 "In Love with Easy Style" :: there are so many wonderful finds. There's the Martha Stewart's Cupcakes, the stamps from Champion Stamp Co., pretty bracelets and rings from Mesi Jilly, and ice cream.
p 47 "Good Things" :: Ruffles and layered taffeta are always in fashion, so I was delighted to see the icy treat that includes cantaloupe sorbet, peach frozen yogurt, strawberry ice cream, and raspberry sorbet. Colorful and sweet. And with the summer being as hot as it is, an ice cream truck (or a vintage cart) is a good thing.
- - Seashells are also a great summer theme that are so versatile that they can be incorporated into any or every aspect of your day. Consider them for candle holders, your bouquet, favors, serving dishes, and, of course, centerpieces. You can even go so far as to adding the detail to your cake.
- - Flower girls need rheir flowers and their baskets, but this inteoduces the idea of a pinafore, in replacing the basket. Such a darling idea.
- - Show your bridesmaids how much you thought about them by personalizing their bouquets with their birth stones. Or you can use the stones of your wedding month as a keepsake for them.
p 64 "Ask Martha" :: the advice included in this issue involve : chair covers, dark-colored envelopes with white writing, candy buffets, rehearsal dinner questions, and etiquette when it comes to accepting gifts from those who aren't technically invited to the wedding.
p 68 "Secenes From a Celebration" :: This Sea Island, Georgia wedding of Megan McGraw & Clayton Mozingo is simply chic, with a white and seafoam color palette.
- - Alexis Kelly & Rey Andrade's Austin, Texas nuptuals was festive with their own mariachi band.
- - Jennifer Yue & James Goodrich's big day in Rutherford, California was an outdoor wedding made in heaven, using the color yellow in as much as possible.
p 76 "Color Splash" :: This section will help you pick the perfect palette for your pedicure and your fingers. They went so far as to include the perfect shades of "pale" and even some bright, vivacious colors that will make a statement all on its own.
p 88 "The Hot List" :: These hand-picked gowns and accessories are perfect for any & each type of bride. There's something for the bride who likes the thrills of frills, those who like it "short & chic", and those smooth lovers.
p 92 "The In Crowd" :: Get the expert advice from such professionals as Dominic Mitchell, a tent supplier/designer; Donna Newman, famous photographer; Virginia Wolff, the talented floral designer; and Anadina Gratereaux & Janine Alessi, the bridal salon managers.
p 110 "Beat the Heat" :: Being that it's summer, get some event advice from Matthew Robbins on how to stay cool during this warm wedding season. Whether it's the food, the drinks, the flowers, or the goods, he shares some priceless summer tips.
p 117 "Perfect Palette" :: Sea Glass - can I say amazing? Ocean, aqua, seafoam... there's a perfect shade for everyone. Shimmery fabrics for your bridesmaid dresses are the perfect touch too.
p 132 "Special DIY section" : Here are the 4 easy steps to a successful DIY project. First, pick a project that's perfect for you. Secondly, gather a team. Then, make it fun {not so much a task}. Lastly, visit Martha Stewart Weddings to get more ideas. There are some things that you can simply buy it yourself. There are lots of paper ideas that you could use {and try} to personalize your big day - from garlands to pom-poms. My favorite section? The handmade flowers section, that not only gives ideas on what you can use them for, but the three different types of flowers you can make - - the peony, the garden rose, and the dahlia {one of my faves}.
p 163 "Hearts Aflutter" :: here's a wedding fully inspired by the outdoors - from birds to butterflies. I especially love the place cards.
p 173 "Happy Together" :: This Palm Springs wedding is very vintage Hollywood-esque.
p 184 "Let them eat Cupcakes" :: With the trend of cupcakes versus the traditional wedding cake, it was not a surprise that they included this section. The "Queens of Hearts", "Fresh-Baked Blooms", "Chocolate Craving", "Berry Delicious", "Golden Surprise", "Sugar & Spice", "Twenty-Four Carrots", and "Budding Beauty" will make you want to eat the pages. They look scrumptious, and I want to eat one. {see below}
p 192 "Go With the Flow" :: This section features some fabulous floral displays in a variety of colors. The hint it includes says, If you love a lush look, opt for oversize bundles of blossoms in painterly washes of color that blur the line between saturation and subtlety.
p 198 "The Well-Spent Wedding" :: Being that this issue is the DIY special, Martha couldn't leave us without any money-saving tips. The tips range from prioritizing your budget, selecting florals that are in-season, and thinking monochromatically, to borrowing, using your iPod, and eating family style.
p 205 "Prints Charming" :: Here is the real wedding feature of Cheree Berry to Jeff York is being cut short by simply saying it's inspiring. Every detail was meticulously planned and beautifully displayed from the intricate table seating chart to the chair decor. Cheree even made the lovely light pink card-stock charges that graced each place setting. She is a "paper person".
p 218 "Paradise Found" :: Before booking your honeymoon to a beach destination, you might want to check out Marta Stewart Weddings' 50 best beaches in the world. It's broken down into the following categories: as best sand, best snorkeling, best beach towns, best pampering, best sunsets, best views, best walking, best privacy, best beach bars, and best people-watching.
