It’s amazing how quickly time flies by. Brides spend such a long time planning their weddings, making sure all the details are perfect, and before you know it, the anniversaries begin to add up.
Two years ago today my husband, Morgan, and I exchanged our vows. Very much a do-it-yourself bride, my sister and I designed a wedding that was a reflection of Morgan and my quirky personalities.
So what was our inspiration? Tim Burton meets Alice in Wonderland. Quite amusing that Tim Burton actually went on to direct Alice in Wonderland. Three years ago when we began planning the wedding, we knew we were on to something!

The wedding party marched down the aisle to the theme song from Pirates of the Caribbean and our pastor managed to work in the discussion of pirates and surrender to your loved one in the message. I think we lost all of our guests – they were looking around the chapel for a pirate flag!

It’s fun to look back at the pictures, though, and see my custom black, white and green ring pillow, a hot pink flower girl wand and whimsical hand-made silk flowers filling mismatched vases. Melanie and I certainly didn’t know Maihar Design would be where it is now – we hadn’t even begun the adventure.
The patio outside Crumpet’s Restaurant and Bakery was a perfect garden setting for our afternoon luncheon and our “Tim Burton meets Godzilla” cake was quite the talk of the party.

Have fun – make your wedding about your personality. There are no rules – and if there were, I think Morgan and I broke them all!
Maihar Design is excited to be part of the Weddings Unveiled showcase at the Allan House in Austin, Texas. The event is Wednesday, March 3 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. This intimate event includes:
- Raffles every 30 minutes, including gift certificates & free photo sessions.
- A glass of champagne upon entrance.
- Unveiling of the Weddings Unveiled Bridal Lounge where brides can look through vendor portfolios in a lounge-like setting.
- Complimentary gifts and special offers inside the swag bags, including a special treat from Embellish Nail Salon.
Admission is $10 at the door or you may purchase online for a discounted rate. Online tickets are $5, and you may bring a free guest by entering promotion code GUEST.
We hope to see you there!
We were thrilled about five months ago when BRIDES was interested in receiving a few of the Maihar Design ring pillows. The excitement escalated when they informed us there would be a piece featuring ring bearer pillows, and that the Tori Ring Bearer Pillow was going to be included.
Originally we expected a spring publication date, so I was bouncing with joy yesterday when I received word the piece was in the February 2010 issue of BRIDES Magazine – which was on stands already! I rushed to the Walgreen’s to get my hands on a few copies, then surprised Melanie with the news in hand.
Below is the piece from the February 2010 issue of BRIDES Magazine. Melanie goes to great lengths to achieve precision in her designs, and she was been extremely meticulous deciding which fabrics will comprise our various products. I love that this article goes into detail the craftsmanship of our pillows, and accurately outlines how our pieces are different from others.
While our pillows may not be for every bride, I am hopeful their uniqueness does not go unnoticed and that the detail is appreciated. I have zero sewing or designing ability, so I proudly pat my sister on the back for her beautiful work – I surely take no credit.

One thing Melanie and I love about working together is the excitement we both share. Every milestone we achieve is tremendous, and we continue to be ever so grateful to the wedding industry professionals who give us such an honor with their kind words.
Thanks again to everyone for your support. We truly love our little business, Maihar Design, and are hopeful to grow it into something larger, always aware that every day is an undeserved blessing from God.
I am absolutely amazed at how many ridiculously talented photographers there are out there. It seems as though every day I stumble across someone new whose images stop me dead in my tracks.
My latest find is Australian-based photographer, Jonas Peterson. I love love love his work and have pulled just a few images from his oh-so-fabulous website to share with you. His perspective is unique and inventive – and quite simply makes me giggle. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!
Please, please visit his website to see more from this talented artist.


Although some may consider it to be one of the more minor details when planning your big day, designing your “do” can be fabulously fun.
Today’s brides are planning varied styles from vintage to whimsical, and their hair style is no exception to the overall theme or the day. Whether you want to appear romantic, flirty, dramatic or vintage chic, the perfect hairstyle can compliment the perfect you. Bob, bun, braid or billowing curls – the options really are endless.
The point is to have fun with it – and perhaps embrace a bit of drama. After all, it is your day!

Photos, from Left to Right: Organic Hair by Misty; Photography courtesy Jonas Peterson Photography; Saja Bridal; Photography courtesy Justin & Mary Marantz; Jenny Yoo; Hair by N Salo Salon; Up do by Joyce Luck Style; Photography by Robert & Kathleen Photographers, Hair by Dana Bartone