Great Expectations from Invitations
The almighty wedding invitation – something so small makes such an impression. Think about it. The wedding invitation gives your guests their first peek at what to expect from your special day, not only from the enclosed details but from the presentation. Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. Here are some amazing examples of invitations with a very strong aesthetic. These invitations leave no doubt about the overall vibe of your ceremony and celebration…no doubt at all. What will your invitations say about your special day?
Under The Big Top
| Circus Under The Big Top by Pepita Press | Marilyn Collection by TSK Design Boutique | Circus Response Cards by HandyKane | Circus Carnival DIY Set by Hermias Wishes |
Till Death Do Us Part
| Day of the Dead Vintage Wedding Save The Date by Dollface Design | Vampire Invite by Brandywine | Day of the Dead Invitation Set by Citlali | Vintage Zombie Movie Poster by Fancy Beast Designs |
Down the Rabbit Hole
| Round Alice In Wonderland Wedding Invitations by Debbie Crowe Designs | Playing Card Wedding Invite by Nelly Bean | Alice In Wonderland Invitation by Jacquelyn Vaccaro
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
About The Author:
Alli Woods Frederick is an artist, photographer, writer, reiki master, intuitive & zombie slayer extraordinaire who blogs at KissesAndChaos.com. She is also the art editor for All Things Girl Magazine. Her feline companion, Mischa the Wonder Cat, is currently being considered for sainthood. She has a deep and abiding love of fancy dress, Bruce Campbell, Bob Hope, Adam Ant, the 1930′s & tea parties. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with ghosts, shoes, zombies, the deep south, England and glitter, though not necessarily in that order. 
Her photography has been featured in F-Stop Magazine and All Things Girl and her writing has been featured on HelloGiggles.com, The Goods, Kind Over Matter and in The Radical Uprise Issue #021: Grow/Create. Her photography has been exhibited at Springbox Gallery in Portland, Oregon. To view more of her photographic/artistic work visit AlliWoodsFrederick.com.
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Flowers have Secrets that I’ll Share with You
The ever important selection of the bridal bouquet. Many brides-to-be base their bouquet selection on 2 criteria: color and appearance. But what if you are poet at heart, a hopeless romantic whose sentimental heart yearns to be expressed through less obvious means? What if you want to have, not just a beautiful bouquet but one fraught with meaning…like a secret message to your love? Meaning and sentiment? What could these possibly have to do with a bridal bouquet? Everything. Flowers have a secret language unto themselves. So for those of you who would like to have, not just a beautiful bouquet, but one that tells a story, I present to you…
The Hidden Meaning of Flowers:
“There is a language, “little known,”
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by Nature’s wondrous hand;
and in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the the language of the flowers.”
-F.W.L.
Lily of the Valley & Forget Me Nots:
Meaning:
Lily of the Valley – Return of Happiness
Forget Me Not – True Love.
Violets & Pansies:
Meanings:
Violets – Faithfulness
Pansies – Thoughts
Roses & Honeysuckle:
Meaning:
Roses – Love
Honeysuckle – Bonds of Love
Lily of the Valley, Hyacinth, Sweet William & Myrtle:
Meaning:
Lily of the Valley – Return of Happiness
Hyacinth – Loveliness
Sweet William – Gallantry
Myrtle – Love
(and yes, that is Catherine Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding bouquet…simple and lovely)
Sweet Peas:
Meaning: Sweet Peas – Lasting Pleasures
Snowdrops:
Meaning: Snowdrops – Hope
For more information about flowers and their meanings visit Teleflora. Though not a comprehensive list, it covers many of the more popular flowers’ meanings. For a more comprehensive collection try “A Victorian Flower Dictionary.”
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
Image credits: | field of flowers – Indestructible Ideas lily of the valley & forget me nots – stock photo | violets & pansies – Martha Stewart Weddings | roses & honeysuckle – The Full Bouquet | lily of the valley, hyacinth, sweet william & myrtle – Betty Loves Blooms | sweet peas | snowdrops |
About The Author:
Alli Woods Frederick is an artist, photographer, writer, reiki master, intuitive & zombie slayer extraordinaire who blogs at KissesAndChaos.com. She is also the art editor for All Things Girl Magazine. Her feline companion, Mischa the Wonder Cat, is currently being considered for sainthood. She has a deep and abiding love of fancy dress, Bruce Campbell, Bob Hope, Adam Ant, the 1930′s & tea parties. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with ghosts, shoes, zombies, the deep south, England and glitter, though not necessarily in that order. Her photography has been featured in F-Stop Magazine and All Things Girl and her writing has been featured on HelloGiggles.com, The Goods, Kind Over Matter and in The Radical Uprise Issue #021: Grow/Create. Her photography has been exhibited at Springbox Gallery in Portland, Oregon. To view more of her photographic/artistic work visit AlliWoodsFrederick.com.
Orange Crush: Feather Your Nest with Spring’s Hottest Color
Orange. In case you haven’t heard it’s the next big thing this spring (technically, tangerine, but why split hairs). From makeup to fashion to interior design, orange is the current color of choice. This color is, admittedly, quite intimidating to many…especially when trying to incorporate it into your home décor. Orange is bold, bright and demands to be noticed, and when used incorrectly it can easily overpower a space turning a room from fresh and chic to one avocado green appliance and wood paneled wall away from a bad 1970’s flashback . No one wants that. The best way to use orange? Add it in little bursts here and there – little pops of color that enhance your space and breathe new life into your home just in time for spring.
Worried that it will clash with your current color scheme?
Orange is more versatile than you think. Check out these complimentary & contrasting color combinations:
*for those of you who have never used a color wheel, colors across from and next to each other look great together.*
| color wheel via The Use Of Color |
Still not convinced?
Check out the use of orange in these gorgeous interiors. It brightens blues and adds little points of interest making the rooms feel fresh and modern.
| 1) via TileTramp | 2) via Just Flew the Coop | 3) via berdhousegallery | 4) via Room for Young Ones |
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Here are some super-cute accents that won’t break the bank:
| 1) orange elephant print by The Pink Pagoda | 2) retro orange “Eat” sign by Dime Store Vintage | 3) Octopus Print by Paper Gangster Prints | 4) Pillow cover by ElemenO Pillows | 5) orange glass coral bowel by Uneek Glass Fusions | 6) Ipad/Kindle/Nook cover by Gothic Creations |
Orange you glad for this new trend?
What do you think? Is orange a do or a don’t? Are you going to give it shot?
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
PS – This has nothing to do with anything other than the fact that: 1) the name of the album is orange 2) the video features a TON of orange (including rather daring matching orange outfits) and 3) it’s just a good, fun song that makes you want to shake your butt.
,
About The Author:
Alli Woods Frederick is an artist, photographer, writer, reiki master, intuitive & zombie slayer extraordinaire who blogs at KissesAndChaos.com. She is also the art editor for All Things Girl Magazine. Her feline companion, Mischa the Wonder Cat, is currently being considered for sainthood. She has a deep and abiding love of fancy dress, Bruce Campbell, Bob Hope, Adam Ant, the 1930′s & tea parties. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with ghosts, shoes, zombies, the deep south, England and glitter, though not necessarily in that order. Her photography has been featured in F-Stop Magazine and All Things Girl and her writing has been featured on HelloGiggles.com, The Goods, Kind Over Matter and in The Radical Uprise Issue #021: Grow/Create. Her photography has been exhibited at Springbox Gallery in Portland, Oregon. To view more of her photographic/artistic work visit AlliWoodsFrederick.com.
Arkansas Wedding Photography – Engagement Session – Jon and Mandy
Somehow, in all my craziness, I missed blogging this totally fabulous engagement session we did in the Fall! I can’t even tell you what a perfect Autumn day it was! The colors were amazing, the dog was adorable, and Jon and Mandy were so much FUN! I got home and just stared at some of these pics…the light and color were just glorious. Enjoy!!! 
Arkansas Wedding Photography – Engagement Session – Jaysen and Amber
So, by now you all have probably figured out that our engagement sessions are a BLAST, right? We like to make each one unique, going to new places, shooting in different styles. This year has just started off over the top cool. We loved Jaysen and Amber’s e-session! They asked for some pics with their car – which was tons of fun, and we got to trek around Eureka on what was probably the most beautiful Spring day there has ever been. Hope you enjoy the portraits as much as we enjoyed taking them!
Put a Little Steam into Your Nuptials
by Alli Woods Frederick of Kisses & Chaos
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of stunning steampunk style and the classic tradition known as the wedding. If you look at traditional bridal magazines and find yourself yawning at page after page of white dresses, shabby chic & indie DIY décor, debates on whether celadon or hot pink is the hottest trend in accent colors and bored to tears with the photos that look like they were shot in the 1960’s and have been sitting around in someone’s attic for the past 50 years then do I have something for you. Have you considered a steampunk inspired wedding?
Kate & Jacob
Photographer: Braedon Photography
For those of you who are unfamiliar, steampunk, which began as a literary movement, has now turned into a full-blown subculture complete with music, conventions, and a highly unique aesthetic. I suppose the best way to describe it is if goth grew up, had a tryst with sci-fi and then time-traveled back to the Victorian era to raise their lovechild. Confused? Have you seen Back To The Future III? *(spoiler alert)* You know at the end when Doc comes back to the future in the flying steam locomotive with his wife and his children Jules & Verne? The mix of high-tech with low-tech all wrapped up with a neo-victorian bow? That is steampunk…an updated, edgy classic with ray guns, goggles, bustles and braces.
Think that sounds too over the top for a wedding? Think again. Here are some awesome ideas for adding some steampunk style to your special day.
Steampunk Invitations
| 1: Steamside by Royal Steamline | 2: RSVP’s by Poptasticbride | 3: Two Ring Circus by Royal Steamline | 4: Calliope by Royal Steamline |
Décor & Delights
| 1: Custom Guest Book by Shabby Scrap | 2: Edible Candy Gears by Andie Specialty Sweets | 3: Candy Buffet Bags by Clementine Weddings | 4: Earth Laughs In Flowers by Funky Junky Art
| 5: Bicycle Freewheel Tealight Holders by Julien Jaborska | 6: Mr. Darcy & Ms. Lizzy Earl Grey Latte Flavored Lollipops by Andie Specialty Sweets
| 7: Flowers Are Loves Truest Language by Funky Junky Art |
Accessories for the Steamy Couple
| 1: 10 Wedding Bow Ties by Cyberoptix | 2: One of a Kind Women’s Spats by J. Souza | 3: Gent’s Spats in Black Canvas by faitavec | 4: The Patience Top Hat by Topsy Turvy Design
| 5: The Charlie Boutonniere by Gilded Shadows | 6: Spinning Propeller Cufflinks by Tempus Fugit
| 7: One of a Kind Steampunk Necklace by Hopscotch Couture |
Not enough steampunk for you? Want some more inspiration? Check out the steamy board I created on pinterest for ideas that range from the subtle to the extreme. Until next time!
Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick
About the author:
Alli Woods Frederick is an artist, photographer, writer, reiki master, intuitive & zombie slayer extraordinaire who blogs at KissesAndChaos.com. She is also the art editor for All Things Girl Magazine. Her feline companion, Mischa the Wonder Cat, is currently being considered for sainthood. She has a deep and abiding love of fancy dress, Bruce Campbell, Bob Hope, Adam Ant, the 1930′s & tea parties. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with ghosts, shoes, zombies, the deep south, England and glitter, though not necessarily in that order. Her photography has been featured in F-Stop Magazine and All Things Girl and her writing has been featured on HelloGiggles.com, The Goods, Kind Over Matter and in The Radical Uprise Issue #021: Grow/Create. Her photography has been exhibited at Springbox Gallery in Portland, Oregon. To view more of her photographic/artistic work visit AlliWoodsFrederick.com.
Arkansas Wedding Photographers – Thorncrown Chapel Wedding – Tyler and Valarie
So…it has again been forever since I blogged. lol The good news is, I’m going to be having a super cool guest blogger on Wednesdays now! I’ll make a better announcement about that later, though. 
For now, I have to share a few portraits from a wedding we shot last month. Tyler and Valarie got married at Thorncrown Chapel here in Eureka Springs and held their reception at the Crescent Hotel in the Crystal Dining Room. Unlike most destination weddings here in Eureka Springs, we were actually able to shoot a day after session with them! They dedicated the ENTIRE day after their wedding to portraits with us, and even though it was pouring down rain most of the time – it was AWESOME!! We shot the day after session around the Buffalo River (one of our fave places in the world) then went to dinner in Jasper and just had a lot of fun. Needless to say, I totally LOVE this couple. Here are just a few of their images – with many more to come!
Little Rock Arkansas Family Photographers – Jay and Leah’s Family Session
We did this session back in the Fall – it was such a gorgeous day! The colors were perfect! I can’t even tell you how much we adore this family. We shot Jay and Leah’s engagement session and wedding almost 2 years ago, and we’ve all been finding excuses to shoot together ever since!
Arkansas Wedding Photographers – Engagement Session – Chris and Suzanne
We had the opportunity to do an awesome engagement session last weekend here in Eureka Springs with Chris and Suzanne! It was gorgeous and sunny outside and they were a fantastic couple to photograph and hang out with. We’re really looking forward to doing their wedding by the lake in Branson this September!! Anyways, here are a few of our favorites from their session – enjoy!
Little Rock Arkansas Family Photographers – Dustin and Carly’s Family Session
So…maybe you didn’t know this – but we occasionally do family sessions upon request! They are so relaxed compared to weddings, Dad and I have a blast playing around and being funny with everyone (including the pets!). In this case, we had a great family with a super cool Bassett Hound named Cali. It was a beautiful, extremely windy day – the colors were still so pretty! Hope you enjoy the pics as much as we enjoyed the shoot!
