JOWY Productions Presents Wedding Wednesday: The "Guest Book"

"Do you want to do a guest book?" 

The simple question we ask of our couples getting married.  To be honest, mostly the response is less than exciting; "I guess we should" or "our parents will want us to have one".  This is because most couples think of a guest book as the traditional, bound album where guests sign their names dutifully as they enter the reception.  We are here to tell you, it doesn't have to be that way.  This is a great opportunity to be fun, creative and completely personal.  Here are a few, non-traditional ideas we love for fun guest books that will create great memories.

1. Thumbprint Tree: Have an artist create a tree on a canvas or heavy weight paper.  Each guest leaves their thumbprint and signature somewhere on the tree.  

2. Polaroids: Ask guests to take a polaroid of themselves and sign it with a message to you.  You can hang them to display in the reception for everyone to enjoy!

3. The Puzzle: Buy a blank puzzle (available on Amazon or an educational store).  Have guests write a message on a puzzle piece then after the wedding put the puzzle together and reminisce about the wedding. 

4. Advice Coasters: Leave custom coasters out for guests to write messages and advice on.  Pick someone trustworthy to collect the coasters throughout the night.  Read them on your one-year anniversary!

5. Jenga!: Each guest can write a message on a Jenga piece.  Makes for great memories every time you play the game on game night. 

6. Wish Rocks: Have guests write short messages to you on beautiful river rocks then display the rocks in a jar somewhere in your home.  

7. Mad Libs: Who didn't love Mad Libs as a kid?  Create a custom mad lib or purchase ready-made cars on the web (Etsy has some cute ones) and ask guests to "fill in the blanks".  Makes for fun reading and plenty of laughter after the wedding is over. 

We would love to hear any other creative ideas that you are using for your guest books. Share in the comments below. 

JOWY Productions Presents Wedding Wednesday: July Snapshots

Wow! It seems we were just saying hello to June and now we are kissing July goodbye and welcoming in August!  This summer is flying by - does anyone else feel that way?!?  As we look back on our pictures for the month of July, we can hardly believe so much was crammed in to just 31 days, so we thought we would share them with you.  What was your favorite moment of July?

1. JP's DIY vintage flag project for our July 20th wedding  

2. Delicious tasting at Terranea with individual portions for everyone to taste 

3. The first summer tomatoes out of Sarah's garden (they are DELISH!)

4. Lounge vignette from our July 20 wedding (British groom is represented!)  

5. Beautiful view of Red Cap Vineyards  

6. Fresh canapes from a July wedding

JOWY Productions Presents Wedding Wednesday: "The Bear" & "The Fish"

We spent this past weekend in Los Angeles celebrating the wedding of The Bear and The Fish.  Don't worry, we were stumped at first too but keep reading!

Initially in the planning stages, it became apparent that we had a very creative and artistic bride on our hands. So, needless to say we were thrilled when she asked to hand paint the chair back signs for her and her soon-to-be husband.  In traditional fashion, she labeled the signs “Mr.” and “Mrs.” but much to our delight on the sign for “Mr.” was painted with the profile of a bear and on the sign for “Mrs.” the profile of a fish.  “The Bear” and “The Fish”--the bride and groom's nicknames for each other! It was the perfect personal touch and a design element that was carried through from the save the date to the welcome note and a thread that tied the wedding together.

This goes to show that while DIY projects do give your day that unique and memorable touch, you don't need to overdo it on the projects.  Instead, do what our bride did and choose a key element that highlights who you are as a couple and what is meaningful to you.  If you are not super crafty, you can find a craftsman to help you create personalized pieces for your wedding day. 

Inspirations Falling in our Laps

October is in full swing and we here at JP are prepping for the end of the year which seems to be fast approaching.  Here are a few things that are inspiring us for October!

*Can you tell we are excited that it is officially the start of the "holiday season?"

{apple picking season} 

{new harvest tea towels}

{DIY monochromatic Halloween decorations} 

{chipotle butternut squash tostadas. recipe here}  

{romantic fall centerpieces}

{traditional Halloween decorations}

What is inspiring you for October?  Tell us in the comments below.