Midwest Junk - "The Junker's Guide to Minnesota and North Dakota" Giveaway

Recently I was given the incredible honor to work with the lovely and talented ladies of Midwest Junk. Now you all know how much I love anything and everything rusty, dusty and old so double my passion and you get these ladies who are taking the Midwest junking world by storm! From their Fargo based occasional shop to the creation of a junk community for individuals to share ideas, find inspiration, and learn from others - the Midwest Junk team definitely knows whats up!

Aside from providing great inspiration for all junk lovers, Midwest Junk offers "The Junker's Guide to Minnesota and North Dakota" - a 56 page directory that not only offers inspiration but countless information on Minnesota and North Dakota's best antique stores, flea markets, and occasional shops. This travel size directory is PERFECT for all you DIY brides looking to create a vintage inspired bash!

So here is the best part - Life of a Vintage Lover and Midwest Junk have teamed up for a GIVEAWAY! One lucky fan will receive a copy of this fabulous guide! Woo-hoo!

To enter, simply leave a comment below or on our Facebook page on how you plan to incorporate antique/vintage "junk" into your wedding! 

We will be accepting entries all week long, through Sunday, July 15th, and then randomly choose a winner on Monday, July 16, 2012.

A big thanks to Midwest Junk for this opportunity and best of luck to all that enter!

Church Pew Decorating

This past week I had a minor case of wedding decorating anxiety, how am I going to decorate my church pews?! Nothing personal against the traditional tulle pew bow but that is just NOT me! So I did a little research and came up with some great alternatives that I hope any of you non-tulle pew bow loving brides will find helpful too;

Church Pew Decorating: Mason Jars 

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Church Pew Decorating: Wreaths

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Church Pew Decorating: Rustic Tins

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Church Pew Decorating: Lanterns 

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Church Pew Decorating: Cones

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Church Pew Decorating: Traditional Floral Arrangements

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Church Pew Decorating: Flower Balls

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Church Pew Decorating: DIY Banners

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BHLDN Yard Stake DIY

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I adore these "Of The Meadow Yard Stakes" from BHLDN but there is no way I am going to spend $68 for them, yikes! Thankfully the talented people over at Susie Mey and A Subtle Revelry offer a fantastic DIY tutorial for these beauties! So without further adieu, here is how to get this look for less;

What you will need:

• Branch
• Scissors
• Two 6-foot bundles of twine
• Vintage milk or pop bottle

Step 1: Carefully use a saw or knife to sharpen the end of the branch. This will allow for easier entry into the ground.

Step 2: With the sharpened end of the stake facing downwards, align the glass bottle along the top of the stake. Fasten the twine to the place you will begin attaching the bottle, see above.

Step 3: Loop the twine around the bottle 1-2 times. Next, reverse directions looping the twine around the stake.

Step 4: Repeat this until the bottle is tightly fastened to the stake. Next, tie a knot at end to fasten.

Step 5: Using the second line of twine, repeat above steps to ensure the bottle is secure to stake.

Step 6: On the wedding day, fill with flowers and enjoy!

Thanks so much to Susie Mey and A Subtle Revelry for such a great tutorial! I cannot wait to give this DIY a try for my big day!

Twist on Traditional: The Card Box

Like usual, I am always looking for unique wedding inspiration. So it will come as no surprise that the "traditional" card box is not going to make the cut for my big day! On a recent thrifting trip I came across an amazing antique mailbox that I plan on using in place of the card box. 

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My plan is to use chalkboard paint on the sides so I can display our details, cute right?! Aside from vintage mailboxes, here is a collection of other fun card holder inspiration:

A Vintage Suitcase:

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A Vintage Picnic Basket:

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A Vintage Birdcage:

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An Antique Crate:

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An Antique Bread Box:

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A Vintage Fishing Basket:

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A Vintage Toolbox:

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Hummingbird and Wildflower Wedding

This Historic Cedarwood wedding encompasses all things southern. So naturally, I LOVE everything about it! I promise you will be swooning over these decor details. Rustic birch branches and a vintage ladder help to create the beyond gorgeous alter, vintage custom crocheted pillow cases make the perfect chair coverings for the couple, and check out the antique wheelbarrow used to chill some delicious watermelon! Inspired by hummingbirds and wildflowers, this southern wedding is nothing less than magical!

 

Compliments:
Flowers & Styling: Cedarwood Weddings
Photography: Ulmer Studios
Source: Southern Weddings
Venue: Historic Cedarwood