Wedding Recap- Part 3

After our "first look" we ventured out around our South Philadelphia neighborhood and had a blast taking pictures. I was stressed out in the days leading up to the wedding that I hadn't put enough thought into where we would go, but our photographer was amazing and made even the most ordinary backdrops look extraordinary. 

We live in an area filled with really cool mosaic murals and went to a little alley that was covered in them.

All pictures taken by the wonderful  Alyssa Maloof

For more pictures from our wedding, check out the first two posts here and here.

Wedding Recap- Part 2

Instead of riding in a limo from the hotel to the wedding site (it was only three blocks), I decided that I wanted my parents to walk with me. This was a really hard decision for me to make. Was it rude to ask my bridesmaids to hang out at the hotel for an hour while we had our first look and took photos around the city? Was it weird to walk the streets of Philadelphia in a wedding dress while this lady took pictures of me? Perhaps, but do you think I noticed? All these random people congratulating me, my beautiful mom and handsome dad on my arms, I wouldn't have done it any other way! The plan was that Jon would be waiting in the garden for me, sweating profusely and getting really nervous. Too bad he doesn't sweat or get nervous.

Note the skyline in the background.

Don't worry, I won't make you look at pictures of us kissing after this, but you can see how awesome our secret garden was. A little oasis in the middle of the city. All pictures were taken by the amazing Alyssa Maloof! For part 1 of the Wedding Recap, click here

Terrariums!

I must say that our trip to Terrain exceeded even my expectations which were sky high. It was amazing! I didnt bring my camera so you will have to just trust me. Maybe I will go back soon and try to take some pictures secretly since i am pretty sure it is not allowed. Anyway, back to the subject at hand.
Julia and I found a whole section of the store devoted to the tiny little glass encased gardens, and we both really wanted to make them ourselves. Neither of us were completely confident in our abilities, so we passed over the $40 (but absolutely beautiful) glass balloons and cloches and instead used vases from the craft store (less than $2 each!).

The bottom layer of a dry terrarium (as opposed to a completely covered one) should be rocks to help the soil drain completely. Next put down a layer of organic potting soil.

Than add in some miniature plants. This one has a variety of mint, seedum and a mini jade pant!

To make it look really lush, add little bits of sheet moss (which is still living) and some tiny pebbles.  To care for a dry terrarium such as these, mist the plants and moss when the top layer of dirt and/or moss feels dry. I think mine needs a little gnome next, but I am going to make sure I can keep it alive before investing any more money :)

Weekend Plans

This weekend, me and my friend Julia are taking a little trip out to Terrain at Styers for some holiday shopping. Owned by Anthropologie, Terrain is a really beautiful home and garden shop located in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania just outside of Philadelphia. Julia's family is coming for Thanksgiving, and she is looking for some festive decorations. Maybe some pretty bittersweet or forced Amaryllis?

I will be on the hunt for holiday gifts (I have my eye on a certain cloche terrarium) and maybe a nice non-traditional wreath for the door.

all photos //via Terrain

Have a great Friday, and a wonderful weekend!

Lizania Cruz

Last night my friend Adam recommended that I check out the work of Lizania Cruz, and I am so glad I did. Not only does the woman have a dream job as a designer for Anthropologie, but she also grew up eating coconut fish that her grandmother prepared every Sunday in the Dominican Republic. Some girls have all the luck.

I really love this Leifsdottir invitation collaboration with Alana McCann. They used gocco to print onto feathers.

//via Lizania Cruz

And this invitation designed for Anthropologie's Spring Preview. wow.

//via Lizania Cruz

A Love Letter For You

Love Letter is a project by Stephen Powers and the Mural Arts program here in Philly. With help from the youth of West Philadelphia, dozens of murals with beautiful typography and heartfelt messages have been painted. Amazing stuff. Alyssa Maloof, who photographed our wedding thinks they would make for some stunning bridal photos. We agree. Contact her if you are interested!

//Via A Love Letter For You

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