Homemade Invitations for less than $1

My friend Danielle (see the link to her blog on my page) and I made these invites in September for less than a $1 for everything. The base of the invite is made from ironed out brown packaging paper and all the signage and pictures were printed out on a standard printer. The outside map is a copy of one from the 16th century. I loved the little angels in the corners. We had my sister superimpose the travel markings and plane on top, I think she used photoshop. They mark the two cities where we lived and the one where we met to form a heart shape. The reception card was made from a 1930s subway map and we used a cross and two crossed champagne glasses to mark on the map where the mass and reception were happening with information on hotels, nearby tourist attractions, etc. on the back. The RSVP card was my favorite. We downloaded the "Keep Calm and Carry On" image and Danielle graffittied it up to say "Marry On" and rescanned it. Once we had both sides mocked up she had the postcards made through an online company. Even the postage inside featuring the Chrystler Building was printed. My mom caligraphied the addresses.

City Hall Wedding a must do

Two weeks ago I eloped down at city hall in order to make an honest immigrant of my betrothed. I had heard from another Brit friend in similar circumstances that it was a thoroughly functional affair devoid of romance. What a wonderful surprise when it turned out to be just the opposite. I would go so far as to say that every couple should make it a must do stop on their to do list of love. We arrived around 9am (it opens for biz at 8:30)and got our liscence in a matter of minutes. We were even approached by a documentary film maker/photographer who offered his services gratis. We arrived the same time the next day with our two witnesses (you only need one). They sell their own flowers at the shop there, as well as rings, head pieces, etc., but we brought our own. We did however drop a cool 20 bones on my fiancee's wedding ring and I bought a fanciful little white feathered headband to add a little something special to my nuptial denim. The best part by far was the city hall background provided for posing infront of-the closest thing to a little vegas kitch There was so much good natured excitement in the air with all the giddy couples and their loved ones. We helped each other take pictures and even the city hall staff suspended their jaded natures. There was an actual ceremony in a questionably decorated chapel and we were left with way too much time to take ridiculous pictures, but the opportunities to giggle helped alleviate the surprisingly high levels of nervousness. The ceremony was brief, like a love punch to the face, but perfect all the same and left me inexplicably bawling. We celebrated by going to Kitchenette and ordering lumberjack specials. The staff even let us choose a free wedding cake- we went with the key lime pie. With the aid our iPhones we had our first dance and filmed a bouquet toss in which the waitress's were happy to oblige. On the subway ride home I let my feathered head sink into the shoulder of my new husband and bouquet rest in my lap - the smiles followed us home. It was just perfect.