How to make a DIY confetti sign!

This post is several months in the making - I’m still working on getting blog posts up while still taking care of a baby! But - said baby turned one (WHATT??) this past November, and I did a couple DIY projects I thought you all would enjoy.

So I’ll be posting a couple easy, peasy projects (remember, I hate the pressure to be crafty) and then will do a final wrap up of the party, which was so much fun :)

Today we’re talking about how to make a DIY confetti sign. Delta’s 1st birthday theme was confetti. Full disclosure: I did this because I had extra confetti lying around the house! So rule #1 is look at what you have available and work with it!

The first thing I did was buy the size canvas I wanted (canvas is super easy cause you don’t need a frame, plus the white background shows off the colorful confetti really well), and a piece of cardboard to create my stencil. This was for Delta’s 1st birthday, so I used a ruler to draw out and then cut the number I wanted on my sign.

I then gathered the rest of the materials I needed - namely the confetti (again, I had some lying around which I cut into smaller pieces), mod podge (the queen of DIY craftiness) and a cheap sponge brush.

After aligning the stencil and taping it on with painters tape (which could then easily be removed once everything dried) I painted on the Mod Podge. I used the beveled edge of the brush to help keep within the stencil lines.

Then, the fun part! I sprinkled the confetti! At first I let it fall wherever it fell. As things took hold, I started being a bit more strategic, to make sure the colors were fairly even - so I’d use my fingers to apply small squares here and there. But mostly I just let loose and had fun!

I then blew off the excess confetti, and kept the stencil in place while it dried! I told you, easy peasy. I decided once it was done that I wanted to add a couple confetti pieces around the one to tie it all in - and voila!

FYI, I attempted to go back over the confetti with Mod Podge on TOP, just to see how it went - and the confetti paper was so thin, it didn’t love being saturated by the Mod Podge and the colors ran a bit. So I don’t recommend it!

Overall it made for great decor over our mantle to showcase our little girl and I was really happy with the results

Laura and Bill's Silver Swan Bayside, MD wedding

Excited to share this wedding that Rebecca worked, along with the gorgeous photos from DuHon Photography! Take it away, Rebecca!

Laura and Bill got married at Silver Swan Bayside - they unfortunately had to cancel their mini-moon to the Outer Banks because of Hurricane Florence - which affected the wedding as well, but only by bringing a TON of rain and wind! Luckily, it gave them some awesome moody weather photos, thanks to Cassidy DuHon!

Laura is a big musical theater buff, evidenced by their Tangled cake topper, her "A. Ham" hat during their introductions, and their Hamilton sing along during the reception "To the groom! To the bride!!!"

They had a cutting cake from Fields of Heather Bakery, but for guests had an INSANELY delicious Smith Island Cake Buffet with 4 flavors -- carrot, coconut, chocolate peanut butter and traditional -- all of which were AMAZING!!!

All of the vendors were in on the bride's surprise to the groom -- Testudo, University of Maryland's mascot! Enjoy all the wonderful photos from DuHon Photography - and congrats again, Laura and Bill!

Vendors:

Laura and Bill’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Rebecca, The Plannery

Venue: Silver Swan Bayside @thesilverswanbaysideqam

DJ: DJ Dan Goldman, who kept the party bumping: @djdangoldman

Florist: Atelier Floral Design: @atelierfloraldesign

Photographer: DuHon Photography: @duhonphotography

Hair and Makeup: The Spa at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club @chesapeakebaybeachclub

Transportation: Limos, Inc. @limosinc

Videographer: Just Hitched Films @hitchedfilms

Introducing... our new Planner and Coordinator!

Photo by Duhon Photography

I’ve been hoping to add to The Plannery’s team for some time. But as you may remember before Tarra joined our team… I’m picky as hell. The Plannery is my first baby, and I’m very protective of it. I want to make sure anyone who joins is fully on board with our vibe, our high quality, our no-nonsense approach, and - obviously - gets sh*t done.

Which is why I’m thrilled to announce that Rebecca O’Donnell will be joining The Plannery as a Senior Planner and Coordinator. I’ve been obsessed with Rebecca pretty much since I met her years and years ago. In a sea of sugary sweet (and, frankly, bland) planners, she stood out for how direct and hilarious she was - and after she assisted me for a wedding where I needed help last minute (and also saved my butt), I also discovered that she’s a damned good planner. Very talented, gets it all done, kind and generous, funny, but also will be the driving force you sometimes need when making decisions (or dealing with difficult family or vendors).

Please join me in a hearty “welcome” to Rebecca - and head on over to our updated About page to learn more about her (including her own amazing wedding which I’m pretty much obsessed with). And don’t forget to check out our updated testimonials page to hear what clients say about her (and you can also always visit her old Wedding Wire page to see some reviews from past clients there as well!).

Rebecca, The Plannery is SO lucky to have you and cannot wait for all the sh*t we’re gonna get done for couples in 2019 :)

Kelly and David's Airlie Warrenton, VA Wedding

Photo by Mantas Kubilinskas

Kelly and David got married at Airlie in Warrenton, VA this past May. They did all of the planning with Dave living in Italy (!). Kelly is a librarian, hence the beautiful library card catalog touches (which as a book nerd, I adore). Though it rained on their day, it was still such a special event - as you can see through the photos by Mantas Kubilinskas. My two favorite details are the wooden carved names that they used as place cards, and that whole sword/champagne thing :) 

Enjoy this stunning rainy day wedding (a good reminder that weather-be-damned, your wedding day will always be awesome)! Congrats again Kelly and David!

Kelly and David's Vendors:

Coordinator: The Plannery, Rebecca

Venue: Airlie

Photographer: Mantas Kubilinskas

Ceremony Music: Robert Cross, East Coast Entertainment

Reception Music: Dapper DJs

Florist: Vintage Floral Design

Hair and Make up: Iva Bella Salon

Cake: Sweet Creations

John and Jonathan's Long View Gallery, Washington, DC wedding

Susan Hornyak Photography

John and Jonathan were referred to me fairly last minute by some other clients of mine. I jumped in, super excited to work at Long View again and with this awesome couple - and on the day of DC pride, no less! Such a fun touch for their wedding day! 

John and Jonathan really wanted their evening to feel like a party - and they made some lovely small decisions that helped that vibe follow through. One of my favorites is that they greeted guests at the door prior to the ceremony. A reverse receiving line of sorts, I thought it was such a lovely touch that made guests feel welcome and made it an intimate affair. Their ceremony was also laid out with two aisles - an awesome decision that allowed the room to physically embody these two lives coming together, joining into a wonderful partnership and marriage. 

Post ceremony we had cocktails in the back gallery (with a champs bar, to boot), followed by a meal in the front gallery that featured three different stations for guests to visit which encouraged mingling and chatting. The room was stunning, with an awesome layout and rentals that really reflected the industrial vibe of Longview. 

Post dinner we all headed back to the gallery for The Bachelor Boys and the guys and their guests danced the night away!

Congrats again, John and Jonathan! And big thanks to Susan Hornyak Photography for the wonderful photos.

John and Jonathan's Vendors:

Coordination: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Venue: Long View Gallery

Caterer: Occasions Catering

Photographer: Susan Hornyak Photography

Band: The Bachelor Boys

Draping: Fabrication Events

Lighting: John Farr

Floral: Uncloudy Studio

Monica and Jason's Woodend Sanctuary wedding

Photo by George Street Photo

Monica and Jason were married on the perfect summer/fall cusp day at the ever beautiful Woodend Sanctuary.  I really loved that Monica rocked her long, luxurious locks in a completely down-do by Styled by Anna Fazio. All of her bridesmaids sported half-up/half-down dos to round things out and they all happened to be brunettes…talk about complimentary looks!  

Although I was not present in the room, I know that Monica and Jason had the most special and intimate ceremonial Ketubah signing before their wedding. The actual Ketubah was spectacular with a vibrant blue circular design. It was displayed at the wedding ceremony alongside the equally spectacular chuppah designed by Growing Wild Floral.

Before their Ketubah signing the couple shared another intimate moment with their first look.  I usually am busy and/or want to give couples privacy during this time, but I couldn’t resist sneaking a peak on this one. It was so moving to watch Monica in her stunning dress walk along a picturesque path and reach out to touch Jason. His reaction was so freaking priceless and captured perfectly by Kyle Bergner with George Street Photo.

I would be remiss not to mention the guest appearance by their fur baby, Hunter.  Monica and Jason gave lots of thought about how much they wanted Hunter at the wedding, but realized how it would be logistically difficult and settled on an epic cardboard cut-out of him instead! A happy and hilarious compromise that made for a fun addition to their DIY photo guestbook station.   

This wedding had all the best elements. Wonderful couple, simplicity, class, and joy. Congrats to Monica and Jason!

Monica and Jason's Vendors:

Coordination: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Woodend Sanctuary

Catering: Corcoran Catering

DJ: DJ Evan Reitmeyer

Photography and Videography: George Street Photo

Florist: Growing Wild Floral

Hair: Styled by Anna Fazio

Make-up: Real Doll Makeup

Caitlin and Michael's Dumbarton House, Washington, DC wedding

Photo by Love Life Images

I must begin by acknowledging what an incredible job Love Life Images did with this joyous wedding between Caitlin and Michael. This may be my all time favorite shoot. Elisha Maria has such a magic eye and is so much fun to work with! Of course all of her subjects were simply beautiful to capture - and I do mean all…the stunning bride, dapper groom, doting parents, gorgeous St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, and charming Dumbarton House.  

Being a boutique wedding planning and coordination company, we get our fair share of beloved offbeat couples that plan rad, offbeat weddings. #loveoffbeat! That said, when a super classic, traditional wedding comes my way it always makes for a very special treat. The major highlights of this event included Caitlin's gown and lace trimmed veil, the vintage car, and personalized wax sealed notes for each guest!

The other touching part about this wedding was the role of Caitlin's dad. Dr. Amborski fully embraced the notion of his little girl getting married - he took wedding planning to a whole new level! At times I was taking notes from him ;-) No stone was left unturned and his number one objective, which was without a doubt accomplished, was to make Caitlin and Michael's day as beautiful, perfect, and memorable as ever. 

Congratulations to Dr. & Mrs. Taylor!

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Mother of God

Reception Venue: Dumbarton House

Catering: Main Event Caterers

Photographer: Love Life Images

DJ: Entertainment Exchange

Hair/Make-up: Alison Harper and Co

Florist: Growing Wild Floral

Eline and Brandon's Carnegie Institute of Science, Washington DC Wedding

Photo by Duhon Photography

I've been straight-up terrible about blogging lately but both Tarra and I now have spirited, fun babies instead of headache, exhaustion inducing newborns so we're both doing our best to get back to it! Plus, we're finally getting in some of the gorgeous photos from the weddings we've been working on lately. So here's Tarra to take it away about Eline and Brandon's awesome Carnegie Institute wedding!

What can I say? The Plannery loves Carnegie! There is something about that rotunda that makes for the most quaint, timeless, and remarkable ceremony - and sick dance floor!  Eline's mother recognized how cool the rotunda was too and gifted her daughter and new son-in law a handmade quilt depicting the rotunda floor. In addition to the quilt there were a few other small details that made this wedding special. There was that really awesome engraved pocket watch (that I actually wish was for me because I've always wanted one!). There was also the first look between Eline and her father as well as Brandon and his mother - so stinking sweet.  More and more this is becoming my favorite little moment next to the father/daughter dance which I am a huge sucker for mainly because I have major regret for not doing one with my loving dad. And then there was the stroopwafels, that's right stroopwafels given as wedding favors. A Netherlands delight! And finally there was the fabulous evening weather that we had that allowed the infamous rotunda doors to be open while everyone partied the night away. 

Eline and Brandon made this wedding so effortless to coordinate with their organization, transparency, and happy go lucky demeanor.  Big shout out to Duhon Photography for his creativity in making cool people and a cool venue even cooler than ever! 

Eline and Brandon's Vendors:

Coordination: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Carnegie Institution of Science

Caterer: Spilled Milk

Photographer: Duhon Photography

DJ: Bialek's Music

Hair/Make-up: Modern Bridal Studio

Florist: UV Flowers

Carol and Andy's Shenandoah Woods Wedding

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

Now that Tarra and I are emerging from maternity leave, we're looking back at some of our great weddings from this past season. Here's Tarra to discuss this beautiful Shenandoah Woods wedding. The couple wanted to maintain some privacy so you won't see any faces here - but the photos by Jess Latos Photography are still a must-see! Take it away, Tarra...

It was a pleasure to work alongside Carol and Andy in the weeks leading up to their amazing wedding.  All of their hard work and dedication paid off in showing their friends and family a truly amazing night valley in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah Woods offered a romantic, relaxed atmosphere with the most magical views.  It felt like I was camping under the stars with 150 new friends!  [Sidebar: I am super excited to return to this incredible venue for another Plannery wedding in August 2018.]

Carol and Andy were a joy to be around with her kindness and warmth and Andy’s passion. The event was filled with laughter and tears. I was particularly moved by their inclusion of a private memorial honoring departed family members. With their closest loved ones present, they carefully placed marked roses within their gorgeous DIY chuppah. This is a testament to how deeply devoted this couple is to their family and each other.

The ceremony was officiated by their two witty friends bringing in both Catholic and Jewish elements, which was super-amusing.  Other cool elements that I really enjoyed about this event included the very chic wedding party attire, the stunning flowers by Beyond Asian Antiques & Floral, and the delicious dessert spread by Triple Oak Bakery.  Oh and I can’t forget about the good ol’ fashioned s’mores by the fire pit.  Enjoy this wedding that was captured so perfectly well by Jess Latos Photography - and congrats again Carol and Andy!

Britt and Chris's Decatur House DC Wedding

Photo by Love Life Images

Britt and Chris were Partial Planning clients of mine that I adored - sadly, due to my pregnancy, I had to pass off coordination to the fab Rebecca O'Donnell and wasn't able to be there on their wedding day. They were such a fun couple to work with because in some ways they wanted really classic DC elements - black tie optional, a beautiful, historic venue - while also keeping things modern (I loved their green/white floral vibe, provided by Love Blooms). 

Their day started off with a ceremony at the historic and stunning Christ Church in Alexandria, VA. There were some protestors near Christ Church because they were about to take down some plaques memorializing Robert E. Lee - but luckily they were able to run them off so they weren't in the photos! From there they all ventured over to the Decatur House - one of my favorite DC venues for cocktails, dinner and dancing. Dinner was tented outdoors and Amaretto Band did an awesome job - even playing a last minute request of "Hang on, Sloopy" for the Ohio State fans in the crowd.

Congrats again to Britt and Chris - I was so sorry to not be there and see this come to fruition, but Matthew D'Agostino's photos from Love Life Images are the next best thing!

Britt and Chris's Vendors:

Planning: Katie Wannen, The Plannery

Coordination: Rebecca O'Donnell, Blue Canary Events

Venue: Christ Church and Decatur House

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Photographer: Matthew D'Agostino, Love Life Images

Band: Amaretto Band

Florist: Love Blooms

Transportation: RMA Limo

Hair/Make-up: Modern Bridal Studio