Foxley Farm

Foxley Farm is a charming farm located in the middle of fox hunting country, 2 miles south of Ligonier.  Once owned by the Mellon family, this farm combines a cottage house from the 1800′s and a ballroom built in the 1970′s.  Set on a stunning 58 acres, there are numerous buildings on the property.  There is a grand ballroom, cottage house, barn and separate spring cottage to name a few.  Each building is unique and in the process of being renovated to be enjoyed by brides and their guests.

We were greeted by one of the owners who actually lines on the property.  THe owner gave us a full tour of the estate and pointed out all the great renovations they are doing.  We started in the kitchen, which held its colonial charm.  Following a peek at the kitchen we were given a tour of the guest rooms and the many bathrooms.  I was very immersed by the closet space in the house!

DIY Peacock Flower Girl Basket

Sometimes the little details of a wedding can make all the difference.  Paying attention to accessories like the guest book and ring pillow can really pay off in “wow factor”!  If you don’t have the money to buy jaw dropping accent pieces you can make them!  Making different things for your wedding lets you get exactly what you are looking for.  Also, you will put a personal touch on your special day.  One simple craft project for you is to make your own flower girl basket.  This DIY is simple because you start with a basket and build on the accessories.

1. I started with a simple basket that had plenty of openings for me in which to weave various decorative items.  I purchased this basket at Michael’s for about $7.00
2. I chose a pretty string of garland with purple and pearl bead accents.  I also bought one peacock feather.  I also bought these at Michael’s for around $12.00.
3. I used a royal blue ribbon that I had to weave around the bottom.

I simply started by weaving the garland through the holes until it gave the wrapped effect I desired.  You can zip tie the garland in place if you want to ensure that it won’t move!  Next, I weaved in the peacock feather and bent it until it was at the angle I wanted.  Finally, I wove a thin royal blue ribbon around the bottom to add more blue to the basket.

So for about $20.00 I was able to make a unique flower girl basket!  Much better than a boring one from the bridal store.

Incorporating Pets In Weddings

For many brides, the thought of including family pets in their big day isn’t even a consideration.  While they love their pets, they prefer to keep them at home.  But what about those brides who treat their pets like children?  Is it considered “okay” to include pets on your big day?  While many people frown at the idea of animals in a wedding, there are definitely ways to include them!

There are a lot of different things to consider when deciding whether or not to include pets.  One of the most important things to take into account is how your pet will react to the setting of a wedding.  If your pet doesn’t respond well to large groups of people, perhaps it is in the pet’s best interest to leave them at home with a trusted guardian.  But if you know your pet will do just fine, follow these TTT tips for incorporating pets:

1. Assign someone to pet duties and to your pet’s “doodies”.  You will want to have one person to make sure your pet isn’t causing trouble!  Also, this person can help get your little friend to the appropriate area to “relieve” them self!
2. Determine what role your pet will play.  Will your dog be replacing the traditional ring bearer or will your cat be monitoring the guest book?  This will help you give your assigned pet-person a better idea of their duties!
3. Be considerate and let your guests know that there will be a pet in the wedding.  Give them some time to reconsider taking that anti-histamine before they leave the house.  Also, make sure your photographer is ready for pet photos.  They may need a little extra preparation time.
4. Make sure that your pets are groomed and looking their best!  Also, consider if you want them be wearing attire of any kind.
5. Have a backup plan and be ready to cut the pet’s part out last minute… Since you can’t reason with a misbehaving animal, it’s better to just move ahead without them than let them cause stress!

Cookie Tables: A Pittsburgh Tradition

Let’s take a little break from all our peacock talk to chat about cookie tables!  This lovely tradition is part of every *Burgh Approved* wedding and believe me, it’s a must.  Even Ben Roethlisburger, Steelers’ quarterback, who was wed July 23, 2011 was rumored to have had a cookie table at his wedding.  And whom are we kidding; of course he had a cookie table!  All I know is that when a bride-to-be asks me to bake three dozen cookies, I get a little warm feeling in my heart because I was entrusted with providing for the cookie table.

A tradition that started in South West Pennsylvania, cookie tables are starting to become more of an East Coast tradition now.  Traditionally though, cookie tables were primarily found at Italian and Catholic weddings and were meant to replace the wedding cake!  It’s easy to imagine how all those cookies would suffice as dessert for hungry wedding guests but I just don’t think I could swap the joy of taste testing and cake cutting!  Most modern brides also feel this was and so they do both.  Thus, they end up with a lot of left over cookies!  A great way to get rid of your cookie leftovers it to offer them as a wedding favor!  Put out empty boxes toward the end of the reception and people will happily fill them up and take them home!

Like our blog?  Then you’ll love our Facebook page!  Make sure to “Like” us while you’re checking out all our wedding photos!  We also have a Twitter, so follow us at @TTTWeddings for updates and everyday wedding topics.  One last thing… Remember to enter our January peacock linen contest!  We just enhanced the prize.  The winner will get to see their design used in a real mockup wedding tablescape!  Winners are picked at the end of January so email your designs straight from our linen tool to socialmediattt@gmail.com.  Check out this blog post for more info!

Peacock Bridesmaid’s Looks!

Creating the perfect peacock ensemble for a bridal party has never been so fun!  As modern brides start pulling away from traditions like all-matching bridesmaid’s dresses and black simple suits, it allows a newer market of young and fun bridal party attire to make it’s debut!  Modern brides love using different styles for each bridesmaid dress.  Finally, brides are considering their bridesmaids and letting them select a figure flattering dress that is as unique as they are!  When done right, this idea of mismatched dresses coming together can create a beautiful wedding party.  Using one of our favorite bridal attire designers, Jim Hjelm, we put together some unique bridesmaid looks inspired by this month’s theme: peacocks!

When you are creating a collage of gorgeous dresses there are many ways to do it!  One simple way to make sure all your dresses look great together is by sticking to one length and one fabric!  This dress combination is inspired by peacock feathers and the metallic hue they have.  Also, the common trait of a black accent on each ties the whole look together.   By having two dresses in the same color and two dresses in accent colors all with different necklines, it really emphasizes a fashionable approach to dressing your bridesmaids!

Bolder peacock hues and a burst of volume make these mismatching bridesmaid dresses strike a cord together.   What makes these dresses mesh?  Each dress is above the knee with a similar shine and fabric in different jeweled tones.  Also, each dress has a different section of volume to give your girls that extra pop!  These dresses are sure to give your wedding a unique yet fashionable twist.

Two colors, four amazing Jim Hjelm dresses.  This is a simpler color palette for a peacock wedding but what it pulls from the theme is drama.  Each dress is distinctive and dramatic ensuring you to have four stunning bridesmaids!  The length lends a sense of formality.  Not to mention, the length would help keep your girls warm during the cold winter month of January!  Since these dresses are so dramatic, sticking to two necklines and simple up-dos will really let the dress speak for itself.

Don’t forget that here at Trends to Traditions, we are available to order any of the Jim Hjelm Occasion dresses! Mention this blog post to receive 10% off your order. If you are interested in ordering one of his dresses, call us at 412-267-2108.

Like our blog?  Then you’ll love our Facebook page!  Make sure to “Like” us while you’re checking out all our wedding photos!  We also have a Twitter, so follow us at @TTTWeddings for updates and everyday wedding topics.  One last thing… Remember to enter our January peacock linen contest!  We just enhanced the prize.  The winner will get to see their design used in a real mockup wedding tablescape!  Winners are picked at the end of January so email your designs straight from our linen tool to socialmediattt@gmail.com.  Check out this blog post for more info!

Peacock Wedding Invitation

We all know how important the design aspects of a weddings are. You want to have linens that wow and lighting that transforms your space.  But what about the very first thing your guests see?  No, we don’t mean the ceremony décor… We’re talking invitations, and how they set the mood and tone for your whole wedding!  The invitation you choose will tell your guests just what your wedding is all about.  This is your chance to show guests how formal the wedding will be, what your wedding colors are, your personal style, and of course, the event details.  Modern brides are having more and more fun with their wedding invitations!  They are breaking the chain of formality and flowers by making bolder and fun choices.  Here are some cute invitations to fit our theme!

This fun yet subtle peacock invite is literal and whimsical all at once.  Each card is unique with turquoise peacock silhouettes and feathers accented with bronze.  This cute invitation is tea-length and comes in different color combinations!  A great invitation for a simple and chic peacock themed wedding.

We love this bold yet classy take on the peacock theme.  It sticks to two simple and rich colors with text in a ribbon like font.  Simple and unique, you set the tone for a stylish and fun wedding.  This is definitely a wedding invitation worth saving

If you’re looking for a less literal interpretation, try something like this invitation, above.  The swirls and paisley design resemble a peacock and the colors are fitting as well.  This is a bright white, tea-length invitation that is sure to inspire your guests!

But before you go jumping to conclusions… Of course we didn’t forget about  save-the-dates!  These are a great little way to send a heads up about your big day, especially when you’re expecting a lot of out of town guests.  Which one is your favorite?

Like our blog?  Then you’ll love our Facebook page!  Make sure to “Like” us while you’re checking out all our wedding photos!  We also have a Twitter, so follow us at @TTTWeddings for updates and everyday wedding topics.  One last thing… Remember to enter our January peacock linen contest!  We just enhanced the prize.  The winner will get to see their design used in a real mockup wedding tablescape!  Winners are picked at the end of January so email your designs straight from our linen tool to socialmediattt@gmail.com.  Check out this blog post for more info!

Peacock Inspired Candy Table!

We’re combining two huge trends in the wedding world with this one!  A candy table that is themed to match the colors of a peacock feather.  This trend is fun for guests and offers some snacking food during cocktail hour!  Put out some empty boxes for your guests to fill up and your candy table will be a crowd pleaser!

First step to building a candy table: pick your candy!  The easy part about this is that you can get candy in almost any color.  Your options are almost limitless so be creative and even incorporate candy that you love.  Here, above we choose different candies to fit our month’s theme, which is, if you haven’t guessed, peacock!

The candies we choose are: blue foiled milk chocolate hearts, blue raspberry licorice twist, blue raspberry salt water taffy, dark navy mini chocolate balls, green sour apple hard candies, lime green candy beads, green apple soft sour candy, raspberry yogurt covered pretzels, blue raspberry rock candy, teal M&Ms, purple milk chocolate balls, and purple plums jell candy.  I also want to incorporate lollipops arranged in the shape of a peacock’s open feathers.

Next step in creating an amazing candy table is selecting linens!  There are so many amazing linens out there, and what you can’t afford to use on guest tables can be used on your candy table!  Using really unique linens on your candy table will make it stand out and look great years later in photos.  Here are some of our favorite linens to fit a peacock themed candy table.

Since you definitely do not want to just rip open candy bags and set them out, we need to decide what to put the candy in!  When selecting individual containers keep these things in mind:

-       What type of candy is going in here?

-       Will my guest be able to access the candy easily?

-       Is this container too small for a really popular type of candy? (Minimize refilling!)

-        Is this one different from my other pieces? (Think height, shape, size…)

-       If this gets knocked onto the floor by candy crazed guests will I be upset?

Get creative with your candy dishes!  You don’t have to use just clear glass bowls and cylinders.  Try thinking more along the line of interesting shapes like a star bowl or an oversized martini glass.  An interesting idea to try on your candy table is colored glass!  This happens to work well with our peacock theme.  Check out our glassware selections inspired by peacocks.

Once you’ve got all your basics selected it is time to add those special touches that will take your table from great to jaw dropping (before they drop for the delicious sweets!)  This is a great time to use any extra flowers left from your ceremony or even decorate with real peacock feathers!  Think of incorporating the things you can’t do, but want to, on your guest tables.  This could include lights, special flowers, ornate frames or whatever else you can think of!  There’s no right or wrong way to do a candy table, so have fun with it and remember… It’s just candy!

 

 UPDATE: We are adjusting a few things about our linen contest!  Please email all your submissions to socialmediattt@gmail.com.  Also, we have increased the prize.  Now, if your design is chosen we will create a mockup wedding tablescape with your linen choices!

Need help designing a great candy table for your event?  Trends to Traditions does candy tables, of course!  Let us help you bring your theme to life with the use of sweets and creative thinking!  Candy tables are an ongoing trend with Trends to Tradition’s brides.  If you want to see more photos of past weddings that Trends to Traditions has done, visit our Facebook page and “like” us while you’re there!

Perfect Peacock Palettes

There are so many different ways to create a peacock theme.  This is primarily because there are so many beautiful and distinctive color peacock palettes.  Usually bold, bright and fun, the color combination is always eye catching.  Sometimes all it takes to start creating your theme is to find a color palette you love.  Sticking to a color palette also helps your décor look cohesive.  You can always add in accent colors as you go; metallic colors like silver and gold make great accent choices!  Check out some of our own peacock palette creations below.

Check out our other peacock inspired posts and let us know what you think!  Participate in our poll and get your designs in for our peacock inspired linen contest.  The winner of our contest will be featured on our Facebook!  Also, follow us on twitter @TTTWeddings for more from Trends to Traditions!

Peacock Inspirations

This January we are focusing on the very popular peacock themed wedding!  With all the different color palettes and inspirations how could we not dedicate a whole month to it!?  No two peacock themed weddings look the same.  The rich colors and jeweled tones look amazing with the white backdrop of winter.  Flowers pop in bouquets embellished with peacock feathers.  The different combinations for bridesmaid’s dresses are unlimited.  Follow our blog all month long for more peacock inspired posts!

Bridesmaid Dress: Jim Hjelm Occasions Spring 2012
Table Linen: Wildflower Linens

 

 

Think you’ve got what it takes to design a peacock inspired tablescape? Make sure you enter our peacock table linen contest!  Just visit our new linen tool on the Trends to Tradition’s website and start creating!  Submit your designs to us and yours could be selected as our favorite!  When you’re done playing with all the different linens select “email” and send it to traditions@zoominternet.net.  We will be choosing the winner at the end of the month and announcing them on our Facebook page. Make sure to “like” us while you’re there!

 

January: Crazy About Peacocks

Peacock weddings are one of the biggest trends in the wedding world right now!  And the wintery season is perfect to handle the rich tones and metallic accents that will pop against the contrasting snow on the ground.  When creating a peacock inspired space, linens really bring the colors to life.  Matching teals to deep purples and royal blues to hunter greens.  Using our new Trends to Traditions’ linen tool you can create peacock inspired tablescapes like the one here!

Think you can create a more elegant or fun peacock themed table with our linen tool?  Give it a try and submit your creations to us!  We will make a mockup tablescape using the winner’s design; winner selected at the end of January, so get your submissions in!  Remember to be creative and different!  Just select “email” once you’re happy with your design and send it to socialmediattt@gmail.com for your chance to be selected!  And make sure to use Pittsburgh Linen Rental for all your linen needs!

HOW TO: First select type of linen, like table or overlay.  Then underneath the linen types is  an arrow, select that and start choosing your linens!