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!
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.
Although every girl loves to stand out with that one defining look and signature style, never underestimate the power of a chameleon. We have tried to create certain pillows within our line that are adaptable to a variety of fun color palettes, and at the same time allow for a bit of personalization and extra sass. We hope that Marie can be just that for your wedding.
Here is our tribute to some possible personalities of one of our favorite leading ladies…
Navy, Turquoise and Canary:
We LOVE this fun and flirty combination. Throw a canary splash on top of Marie and she is the perfect compliment to this energetic palette – which can be equally appreciated by both the bride and groom!
Left to right: Blue shoes and socks, photographed by Todd Pellowe; Silk Chiffon Sophia Dress in Hazel Blue by JCrew; Lead & Follow Scarf available at Anthropologie; Heidi Necklace in Azure designed by Kendra Scott; Yellow bangle by Kate Spade; Marie Ring Bearer Pillow with splash of Canary by Maihar Design; Floral design photo courtesy Elizabeth Anne Designs; Perfect Yellow Shoes as photographed by Olivia Leigh Photography; Radcliffe Mira handbag available at Kate Spade; Rings with yellow petals photographed by KV Photography; Alex Dress in Storm available at Lula Kate
Hot Pink, Cotton Candy, and Mustard:
We have added a bubblegum splash to Marie so she may join this fabulously romantic and lighthearted theme! A perfectly sweet and charming Summer palette, for the girly girl within us all.
Strapless Silk Taffeta Gracen Dress in Light Flamingo available at JCrew; Marie Ring Bearer Pillow with a Splash of Bubblegum by Maihar Design; Tuxedo with dried flowers, photo courtesy the Nichols Photography; Cone flower bouquet photo courtesy Martha Stewart Weddings; Bride and bridesmaids courtesy Olivia Leigh Photography; Rustic bride with balloons courtesy The Nichols Photography; Cocktail Ring by Lila Rose available at Calypso; Lori Vintage Clutch in Lilac by Hobo International; Otylia Ring in Persimmon on Gold-Tone by Kendra Scott; Pink and yellow cupcakes by Sugarbloom Cupcakes; Bridal party in yellow by W. Scott Chester Photography
Although she often plays second fiddle to the glory of her ever popular sister, Pink, there is something magical about this lighthearted and feminine shade of purple. Always lovely, she is the perfect alternative to the traditional color scheme.
Mixed with a dash of tangerine, coral or the softest sage green, your palette is sure to impress. So go ahead and embrace the underdog…we dare you!
Left to Right: Autumns Bounty Bib Necklace by Anthropologie; Molly Satin Platform Peep Toe in Barely Peach available at JCrew; Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap in Warm Wisteria available at JCrew; Satin Derby Clutch in Deep Rose available at JCrew; G916J from the Amsale Bridesmaid Collection; Lilac Flowers courtesy GardenPhotos.com; Purple Bouquet courtesy Martha Stewart Weddings; Erica Ring Bearer Pillow with a Splash of Ivory by Maihar Design; Three-tiered wedding cake courtesy Martha Stewart Weddings; Rock Candy Mini Abracadabra Bangle in Smoky Topaz by Ippolita; Photo courtesy W. Scott Chester Photography
A little inspiration can go a very long way, and we all know pictures are worth 1,000 words. With this in mind, we thought the best way to showcase our various ring bearer pillows and flower wands was alongside wedding inspiration boards.
With a little bit of a shameless plug for our products, and a LOT more love for our fellow wedding professionals, here is a collection of ideas for your fall and winter dream wedding.
Galaxy Ribbon and Chain necklace by JCrew; Silk taffeta Lorelei dress in chocolate by JCrew; Cake photography by Jake Holt Photography; Boutonniere and chocolate tux as captured by the genius of Michael Norwood Photography; Jimmy Choo ‘King’ Slingback Sandal in Gold Metallic available at Nordstrom; Gorgeous bridesmaids bouquets photographed by W Scott Chester Photography; Mimi Ring Bearer Pillow by Maihar Design; Breath-taking wedding reception as coordinated by Toronto-based wedding planner Cynthia Martyn.
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