Get some pictures. Save some puppies!

One of my favorite Metro Detroit companies, Mod 4, is offering a very special and totally genius idea for changing the world in an easy, but HUGE way.

Below is taken directly from their blog.

• FREE SESSSIONS~!

  Because we are such huge animal lovers, we have decided to offer our portrait sessions (pooches, babies, kids, families, business, ect) for free~!
  These sessions are normally $250.00. That session fee will be waived in exchange for a donation to a local animal shelter (we have a list of goods for the specific shelter).
  In the past 3 months we have donated over 3 giant SUV loads to local shelters and want to keep it up. So please contact us if you are interested and please pass this info on to anyone you may know who might be interested.

You don't want to miss the opportunity to get some amazing photos, while helping animals all around the Metro area. Have you seen their work? If not, I have included a few examples. Seriously, jump on this opportunity! You will NOT regret it and it is an easy way to give back to our four-legged and fuzzy friends.

Mod 4 does weddings, also. And they do an amazing job, by the way! Here are a few snippets of their adorable work.

Super Cute DIY Projects

DIY Decoder Save The Dates on Ruffled Blog.

DIY Colorful Macaroon Recipe on Ariel Yve Designs.

DIY Bridesmaid Cards on Once Wed.

Let's Give Them Something To Talk About!

Dinner Parties are usually a fun time for everyone involved, but sometimes you get a guest who just doesn't want to open up, relax and enjoy the festivities. Here are a few of The Bliss Blog's favorite ways to spice up a dinner party.

• Know Your Place. A Seat At The Table creates the perfect little Posh Placecards  to get everyone chatting. With notes like "If you were granted three wishes, what would your wishes be?", these little conversation sparkers are bound to get everyone's motor running. These could easily be a DIY project, too!

• Hidden Messages. This is a fun one! Before your guests arrive, place a piece of paper with a funny message under their plates. Just before dinner is served, ask your guests to read their message to themselves and casually work their message into the conversation. These messages could be anything! Think outside-the-box with messages like "I am a space cowboy!" or "Did you know that Mary really did have a little lamb?". Your guests will think it is riot to guess what everyone's messages really said! You can even turn it into a race, where the last person to use their message loses!
• Things. The board game called "Things" is one of my own personal favorites, but beware! This game can go in many different directions. If you have friends whose minds are always in the gutter, this is bound to get a little racy. Which, to me, is half the fun! The goal is to guess who answered what to topics like "Things that make you sick" or "Things that don't smell good". If you have kids at the table, this is easily a family friendly game, too.

Now, if I could just get everyone to dress like this when they come to dinner...

Theme Idea: Pop The Bubbly

The perfect theme for any special event! What is a celebration without a little champagne?

Photo Sources: Bouquet, Poster, Table Setting, Ceremony, Dress

Adorable & Handmade for your wedding

You all know how I feel about handmade items for weddings! I thought I might as well share some of my absolute favorites right now. Here are my top Etsy listings and their sellers for the week!

Lace Shrug by Rohm $225

Star House Wedding Topper by Urastarhouse $95

Custom Made Shoe Clips by LoBoheme $45

Anna Double Hair Flower Birdcage Set by PrimandPosies $55

White Silk Rose Ring Bearer Pillow by Idotakeu $31.99

Wedding Boutonniere flower and feathers by myrakim $13

Butterfly Place Cards by TimelessPaper 150 for $150

Lanterns Wedding Invitation by Powerandlight $5

Come With Me Necklace by Lana0crystal $28.50

Clutch Blue Swirls by lynndavid $39

Buy Handmade & Support Local Vendors!

I am a HUGE advocate on buying handmade and supporting your local economy. Recently, I came across a few great resources for helping brides and grooms around the web do just that! Do yourself a favor and check out these amazing ideas for everything from inspiration to execution.

Emmaline Bride: This pretty website packs a huge punch. I could spend hours searching through the handmade galleries, reading the beautiful blog. Not only can you buy some gorgeous accessories to make your day a little more unique, you can also find some of your favorite vendors! Bliss is one of the lucky companies listed on their preferred vendors list, which is sorted out by state! So, no matter if you are from Kentucky or Michigan, Minnesota or Florida, you can find the perfect vendors for your perfect day.

Etsy Weddings: Who doesn't know about Etsy? If you don't, you must be living under a giant rock, because it is everywhere right now! Even Bliss has an Etsy page for our wedding and everyday accessories! In order to have a shop, you must sell handmade or vintage items. You can even search by state, if you want to apply the "Buy Local" idea to your planning!One of my absolute favorites is Paloma's Nest.

Don't forget to Google your own local resources for interesting finds! Detroit's Eastern Market is a true gem to the wedding industry. From flowers to fruit, you can find tons of locally grown and supplied items. They even have an Artisan Market, where crafters sell their goods! Ann Arbor has the fabulous Farmer's Market all year round, too! There is nothing better than heading to Zingerman's Next Door for some delicious coffee and treats and taking a stroll through the bustling AA Farmer's Market on a sunny day.

I hope this helps you a little on your search for the perfect components for your big day and beyond. Please feel free to email me (amanda@yourblissweddings.com) regarding some of the best local resources for Michigan!

Pretty and Pink

Pink is one of the most used colors around the beginning of spring. It is also one of the most common wedding colors! Why not share my love for all things pretty and pink by posting a few of my favorite girly wedding inspiration photos from my travels around the web. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Meg Smith via Snippet & Ink via Simply & Forever Blog

JL Designs (The Romantic)

via Le Couple Toy blog

via Credit Crunch Bride

via Hostess With The Mostess

Theme Idea: Beachy Keen Bridal

What is more fresh and inspiring than a day at the beach? A beach themed bridal shower could be a really fun way to celebrate the nearlyweds of the moment. I am picturing a small gathering at a restaurant or little bistro with an outdoor patio overlooking the beach. What do you think? Easy to create decor, affordable food options, beautiful setting. I think we might be on to something. Michigan has so many wonderful beaches, it will be easy to find the ideal location.

Sources: Flip Flops, Centerpieces, Restaurant, Cupcakes, Invitations