To finish the month off we thought we'd show you just how beautiful a real vintage Aussie bush wedding can look. Clive and Joanne held their wedding last year set in the beautiful Donnelly River, 326km from Perth. The ceremony took place surrounded by stunning native Karri forest on a day filled with lovely vintage touches. From a horse and cart ride, Joanne's gorgeous dress and parasol to the log fires of the reception - how could you not be inspired!
Don't worry if your all thumbs, you can still go handmade on your big day with these gorgeous green gifts to add to your wedding registry.
- 'She just loved' is an adorable limited edition print by Corid. US$20.
- The perfect green gift. Hows this for recycling - the bottle of wine has been turned into a groovy serving tray for your cheese, so you can drink more wine that could be recycled into servings trays, for your cheese... love it! US$18 from d'Pholk Designs.
- Get close up to nature with vivid prints from creative monsoon. Prices start from only $21 for a print.
We came across so many delectable delights planning this months theme, we just had to share a slice with you! Prepare for some culinary inspiration... and a little bit of drooling.
Cake credits: Perfect Endings, photo by Walters and Walters, photo via Brides, photo by Pixel Magic, photo by Walters and Walters, cake by Buddy Valastro for Carlo's Bakery photo via the Knot.
Hooray! Our DIY wedding store in now up and running on etsy. Click here. To start things off we've got some lovely gum leaf design DIY stationary perfect for an Australian wedding.
Here is a DIY wedding project that's not only unbelievable easy to do, it's also environmentally friendly. All you will need is some hessian, string and a native tree seedling for each of your guests. DIY project:
1. Cut your hessian into a square large enough to wrap around the base of the seedling.
2. Wrap your hessian around the seedling and tie it up with string. Done. Told you it was unbelievably easy! They look great and the best bit is guests can take them home to plant and have a beautiful lasting reminder of your wedding day - plus you're helping the environment at the same time. Can't do better than that for a wedding favour.
If you're having trouble knowing where to start with your bush themed wedding, here are a few handmade goodies to help you out.- Top your cake off with these sweet like eco love birds. Made from recycled wool, felt and cotton. They're green and gorgeous! US$65 from The Girl in Yellow.
- These beautiful wedding invitations were made using individual photographs of real gum leaves. Print them at home and decorate any way you like! US$28 from us - 'i do' it yourself stationary.
- These pretty party poms will instantly add fun to your wedding deco. Hang them from the ceiling or hang them in the trees, they are even made with recycled content tissue paper. Party on! US$30 for a seven piece set, from Party Poms.
- Great for decorating wedding tables or the wedding cake. These cute little cupcake flowers come as a set of 12 for US$26 from Melker.
- Add a little floral romance with these paper flowers made using pages of vintage romance novels! US$30 from Sparkle Pants.
- Bleuroo makes these cute little fabric envelopes which can be hand embroidered with a name, starting at US$8 each. Use them for your invitations or gifts for bridesmaids, there are loads of possiblities.
- Perch these pretty paper leaves on the edges of wine glasses for eye-catching place names. From US$1 each by Timeless Paper.
- These sweet fabric leaves would make beautiful table decorations, and the best bit is of course you can take them home after to admire forever! US$21.50 by Jane Joss.
- Elegantly Bound has an amazing range of handmade and hand bound wedding guest books to choose from, starting from around US$40. There are lots of great designs including this lovely forest print.
What a weird morning! The view today as Sydney gets hit by a dust storm. You can usual see across to Manly, but not today. 
Add a cute little finishing touch to your table decorations with these gum leaf table numbers. Available to print at home with numbers 1-12 for only US$10 from 'i do' yourself's etsy store. 
To celebrate all the lovely feedback and features we've been getting for our 'Flowerbox in Paris' fine art photograph. We're doing a bit of a sale on this print at our redbubble store here. Canvas prints were from $108 now only $72! Framed prints were from $144 now only $96! Bargin!
Here's a little look at something new I'm working on at the moment. Titled 'Nature Abstract I' until I can think of something a little more interesting. I think its pretty striking and would look great blown up to a really big size. All for sale on the redbubble site.
Whether you're planning a wedding set in the Australian bush or an English forest the key feature is of course the trees. Work with your surrounds - after all there's nothing more beautiful than nature. If your planning a church wedding, try hanging bunches of lemon scented gum down the aisle and bring the outdoors in.
Hanging beautiful decorations from the trees is a simple and cost effective way to dress up the venue. Simple outdoor lights or old chandeliers transform in the evening to create a fairy tale surrounding. Chandelier photo by East Hill Photography, Florida via Southern Weddings; Handmade vine lanterns by Kate Burger, California; paper lanterns hang by ribbon from the trees by The Youngrens via Style Me Pretty and Michael Norwood via Southern Weddings.
Remember though if your planning on using a naked flame such as tea light candles in old jam jars - a beautiful look - make sure you're allowed! National parks will have fire restrictions, we don't want you starting a bush fire after all! But if your reception is elsewhere check with the operators first. Otherwise simple ribbons tied around trees or branches can look equally lovely, like the one above by Billy Winters Photography. Or use the trees to hang messages to the bride and groom or escort cards like Eryn and Craig did. Photo by W Scott Chester.
Scour the op-shops and antique stores for vintage finds to decorate your tables. An old rusted bucket filled with amazing native flowers can look stunning, table setting pic from Martha Stewart. Add lovely little touches such as displaying the cutlery tied with string and a sprig of a native plant, photo from Big Leo Productions. Or scatter the tables with beautiful gum leaves.
Include simple natural elements in your table decorations mixed with vintage finds. Native plants in old bottles, an old jam jar with a candle, some pebbles and a piece of wood - might not sound inspiring but it looks stunning! Photo by Jonas Peterson, Brisbane, via Polkadot Bride.
And don't forget if your getting married deep in the forest, ie somewhere in the national park, make sure you point the way! Shabby chic wedding sign by Signs By Diane.
Lauren and Andrew had their DIY wedding packed with clever ideas. Like these beautiful guest name cards cut from a eucalyptus branch. The names were printed on clear inkjet labels, cut with a circle punch and then stuck to the sanded pieces of wood. What a beautiful idea. You can see more of Lauren and Andrews beautiful forest themed wedding over on Intimate Weddings. Photo Erica Berger. 
When I first came across this idea a few months ago I knew I just had to share it. And now it's perfect for our Aussie couple getting married in a beautiful national park. The origins of the tree planting ceremony can be found in Scandinavia where an evergreen tree is planted near the front door of the newly married couples home, a symbol of enduring love. In todays version couples plant a tree during the ceremony, pooring dirt onto it together, then the parents water it. The best bit is of course you can take the tree home, plant it in your garden and watch it grow like your love... now how sweet is that?
Above Jesse and Jonathan chose the tree planting ceremony due to their Swiss and Dutch heritage, carrying the theme through with a wishing tree and trees motifs at the reception. Photography by Worthington Photography, Virginia, USA.
When: 16 - 18th October 2009
Where: Canterbury Park Function Centre, Canterbury Racecourse, King St, Sydney
If you love all things vintage then don't miss the Sydney vintage clothing, jewellery and texiles show. With fashion from the turn-of-the-century to the 1980s and beautiful jewellery your sure to find some antique wedding chic. For more info visit www.lovevintage.com.au
The lovely Victoria from sfgirlbybay selected a couple of our shots to feature in her flickr faves this week - 'Flowerbox in Paris' and 'The Rockpool'. To be included with such beautiful work... what a nice way to start the week! 
Making your own wedding jewellery is a really lovely idea. Not only are you adding your own special touch to the big day, but your creations become a beautiful keepsake that may even end up passed down through the generations for others to wear! But if jewellery making is not your thing, we've found some amazing handmade accessories that are sure to become treasured mementos. Most of them even already feature beautiful vintage finds, from antique lace to classic reworked jewels.
Credits: This delicate hand carved rose quartz necklace would be the perfect addition to your bridal outfit, US$70 from Falling Star Lane; with vintage crystals on a brass chain this fabric floral necklace certainly makes a statement, US$89 from Florabond; this elegantly embroidered cuff bracelet can be custom ordered to fit your wrist US$95 from Waterrose; this rainforest jasper necklace is just stunning with it's beautiful mixed of greens, creams and peach. US$65 from Falling Star Lane; this sweet little earrings are inspired by the whimsical illustrations of Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig! With vintage cultured pearls and lovely curly design they are the perfect wedding accessory, US$68 from Azulie Sparks; add some vintage romance with this lovely wrist corsage, a pretty cream and pink flower sitting on a green leaf topped off with 1930s lace. US$18 from Plume and Bloom.
Wedding invitation decoration ideas can be as simple as a piece of string. A cute way to add a little rustic charm. Tie some string around a gatefold invitation or group together an invite and rsvp card.
I decided that I've been having so much fun putting together mood boards for 'i do' it yourself, I'm going to start making more of them on creative monsoon. So here we go, this is the week that was:
• A favourites find via decor8 this week were these beauitful butterfly magnets from Olio United.
• I've been loving the 'Favourite Things' series on decor8. While blog owner Holly makes her move overseas, each week a guest blogger has show us their favourite things. This lovely bedroom is from Simplemente Blanco and inspiration wall is from the home of Selina Lake.
• I bought this beautiful ring yesterday from etsy seller Linkel Designs
• Been swimming in beauty products this week, my desk is surrounded! But my absolute favourite has to be the Rock Princess perfume by Vera Wang.
• Finally after so many test pots we've got the right shade of white picked out to paint our house - which is great because I'd started to get a bit sick of white.
• Summer dress shopping!
• Blueberries are out again! Yeay! Lovely photo by Piccoline Photography.
• Our new tshirt design released - CMYK hearts. Available through our redbubble shop online.
• Our Jacaranda print has been getting some lovely feedback and was featured in an etsy treasury (which is where I spotted the lovely flower ring)
We've started a new theme over at 'i do' it yourself. An Australian bush wedding. Really pleased with the mood board from this one, and its shaping up to be an interesting month. Visit the site 'i do' it yourself
One of my favourite parts of a wedding - the dress! What woman doesn't love an excuse to look at pretty dresses. So here is this months selection to fit an Australian bush wedding in hopes you find some 'wedding dress inspiration' weather you're making your own or buying. If you're not attempting a DIY dress check out the etsy sellers we found selling beautiful handmade gowns. We're thinking floaty fabrics to catch the breeze, a bit of a vintage vibe and even some eco materials.Credits: Swing photograph by Rodney Smith; Eco friendly wedding dress in bamboo and organic cotton jersey with organic linen flower details and charmeuse bust and sash, US$6,800 from Natural Bride; My darling girl from Ruby and Rose bridal09 collection; dress by Oscar de la Renta via bridal wave tv; custom wedding gown from US$1700 by Kt Jean Designs; large flower fascinator by US$34.99 Feather and Bloom; vintage style shoes, photography by Cooper Carras in California; lets not forget the groom! cream suite and green tie via Beautifully Ever After; fabric swatch from 'Billie' dress by Melissa Sweet; fabric swatch from a vintage 1960s Ruben Panis gown with metallic leaves, US$680 sold by Timeless Vixen Vintage.
And if your stuck for a little bridesmaid inspiration... sage green is always a popular choice for a wedding, and no wonder. Dress from Warehouse; gorgeous bronze swarovski crystal and pearl charm bracelet US$49 from Princess Allure; photo by b b photography, California.
Or brighten things up with a combination of pink and soft peach. Taffeta dress from Debenhams; very pretty pink leaf headband US$35 by Ice Cream Candy. Cotton sleeveless dress by Zucca via Grey Likes Weddings; toffee delight! lovely glass beaded copper necklace US$32 by Pinkdawn. Group photo via Martha Stewart Weddings.
Hope it's inspired you.
x
i do it yourself
Happy Fathers Day! See, I got it right. I'll never be cake maker then, least not one of these guys...
???
Happy Fathers Day... have some poo.
Ive been laughing for hours at the Cake Wrecks site, full of weird and wonderful cake disasters.
I've got lots of plans for some new tshirt designs, just hope I can find some time to get them done! But managed to get this one finished today - cmyk hearts. On the redbubble site :)
I have to say when we first started working on the stationery design for an Australian bush wedding it seemed a little daunting. It was far to easy to think of cliched koalas and kangaroos! But then we came up with this beautiful gum leaf design, just perfect for an Aussie wedding. The leaves were first individually photographed and then placed to create a beautiful framed effect. In the first picture above we've used the flexible invitation file and gone with the popular barn door or gatefold style which comes with a front and back design. The second image is the single sided invite style, this comes as either an A5 or 5x7 inch file, but other sizes may be possible on request. If you're worried about wastage when using the flexible invite styles, dont! You can use the off-cuts for all sorts of things like gift tags for your wedding favours or messages for a wishing tree.
Prices for our printable wedding stationery start from as little as $15 and you can choose from lots of great designs and products. The gum leaf range includes everything from save the dates to menu cards!
So how does our printable stationery work?
1. Click here to visit the 'i do' it yourself shop and purchase the designs
2. Email us through the wording you would like to appear
3. We enter your wedding details and send you a proof
4. Once you sign off, we send you the finished files ready for you to print, decorate and send! Easy!
I love the shape of a gum leaf, and particularly at this time of year I love the colours that they come in. Not just greens - but pinks and browns and yellows. With this in mind we've designed these gorgeous save the dates for the perfect Aussie bush wedding. But that's not the best bit - not only is the template FREE to download, they are actually seed packets! It's a beautiful way to set the scene for an outdoor eco friendly wedding. There is space to put in your own wedding date and the wording reads:
As these seeds grow,
so does our love,
there's going to be a wedding,
on the date shown above
DIY Project:
1. Download the seed packet template from our website here and print it on your home printer. (We've used 200gsm, 100% post consumer recycled paper.)
2. Cut carefully along the lines to cut out your seed packet.
3. While everything is still flat, now is the time to neatly write your wedding date on the front.
4. Pre fold all your flaps and crease.
5. Put your double sided sticky tape on the three smaller flaps making sure you cover the full length of the flap, you dont want gaps for all the seeds to fall out.
6. Fold over the largest flap and stick the smaller top and bottom flaps over it. Your seed packet should now look like a little envelope.
7. Drop your seeds inside and finish off by folding the final flap over to seal.
Dont forget to put inside or write on the back what seeds you have chosen and any planting instructions.
I was spoilt for choice when I started planning this months theme. So many great ideas for a green outdoor wedding - and no wonder its so popular, how beautiful does it look? I want to be there right now. The breeze gently blowing through the trees, the sound of the birds (and as its an Aussie wedding we could add the smell of the eucalyptus.) But dont worry these ideas will work perfectly well anywhere in world.Credits: This blushing bride is wearing Vera Wang; our wedding mood board inspiration sent in by our reader Catherine; a cute little basket of flowers sits on a rustic old chair via ritzybee; gingham dragonfly escort cards from brides.com; cake unknown; lace parasol from Brollies Galore; cake by Perfect Endings via Martha Stewart; menu and table setting by Lyndsey Hamilton Events; great suit and tie via Beautifully Ever After; escort cards or guests wishes to the bride and groom pegged up between the trees photo by Julie Mikos; cute little ring pillow from the Australian Wedding Company.
I'm very excited about our new theme/style on 'i do' it yourself. A few weeks ago a had an email requesting some help with ideas and inspiration for an Aussie bush wedding. Catherine and her partner are getting married outdoors in a national park and would like to be as environmentally friendly as possible. The colour inspiration is a beautiful bouquet from a friends wedding featuring Flannel Flowers, Blushing Brides (actually South African), Geraldton Wax, Roses and Gum leaves.Colour Palette: Soft green, pink, creme and peach.
