Shabbying it up

I really like the shabby chic look - mixed up vintage pieces, pretty wildflowers, antiquey-looking signs... Since my venue will be providing all linens and plates, silverware, etc, I am looking for easy and inexpensive ways to "shabby" the place up. Last weekend at the Kempten Flea Market, I had inspiration!

the Kempten Flea Market in full swing

I decided to collect blue and green glass bottles and bowls of different sizes and shapes. Later they can be filled with flowers and placed on the bar or the dessert table. We'll see how many I can collect!

So far, this is what I found (in one day of searching)

I vowed not to spend more than 2 Euro apiece: MAYBE 3 if I really like it.

Pretty, right?

We were thinking about other ways to incorporate vintage items into the wedding and I came up with these:

Vintage Edelweiss postcards! A symbol of our wedding. (and possibly a song to be played at the ceremony). Not sure how we will use these yet - any ideas?

How did you add your own personal touch to your reception venue?

Look what we won!

Our prize from the contest has arrived! Look!


(i think it's ok to reveal our names for this one...)

I Won!

Wow, I never win anything! I guess I can't say that anymore, because I found out that I am the winner of the Mini Rhino Sampler Contest at 100 layer cake!! Here's my (winning!) entry:

I won a hand stiched heart sampler from mini rhino, which I am excited about proudly displaying on the big day.

I have to say, I have been really enjoying reading truckloads of wedding blogs and gathering lots of ideas.

I did have my first encounter with the "difficulties" entailed in convincing someone else (family, mostly) that my vision is the one and only (I guess maybe it isnt!) :) But I'm learning. I can only imagine what it must be like to direct a movie!! Crazy.

So, where should I display my pretty prize?