These paper record player invitations by Kelli Anderson are the most amazing invitations I (actually, I think I can speak for both Ginet and I and say WE) have ever seen.  And trust me, we are OBSESSED with anything paper, so we have seen a lot of invitations.

Not only are they innovative, but they are straight-up ADORABLE.  The look, the print (some of it is in letterpress!!), the fonts, and the cherry on top: when folded and spun correctly (instructions are included), it actually plays an original song composed by the bride and groom themselves (they’re both DJ’s).  How freaking cool is that!  UGH.  I’m. so. totally. jealous.

(Photo Compilation by 100 Layer Cake / Original Photos by Kelli Anderson)

PS. If you click on any of the links, you’ll be able to access the youtube video that shows you how to assemble and spin the invitation and the song is plays.  SO AWESOME!

Colorful, no? They’re macarons, a French sandwich-like pastry with two-thin cookies and a cream or ganache in between. Is your mouth watering yet? They come in all different colors and flavors. It would be perfect for a dessert buffet, favors, and even a cake!

So where can you find these yummy goodness? Paulette Macarons is located in Beverly Hills and San Francisco. But don’t worry fellow San Diegans! You don’t have to make the drive or flight north. Opera Patisseries also sells macarons in modern or classic form! My friend TicTac works there and I have yet to go, but this makes me want to head over there right now!

I’ll be away all next week to the East Coast (DC/VA and NYC).  While I’ll hopefully find some inspiration there, April will be holding down the fort over here.  For now, I’ll leave you with my first attempt at an inspiration board.  A lot of wedding blogs have inspiration boards so I thought I’d try it out.  Please excuse my amateur attempt. I call it “à La Française”:

From Left to Right: Caroline Herrera wedding gown (has a Marie Antoinette feel), Eiffel Tower charms & ribbon with French terms (www.impressrubberstamps.com), Croque Bouche (yum!), Middle: French-inspired apron (good Bridal Shower gift!), Paris watch face charms (www.impressrubberstamps.com), Van Cleefs & Arpels engagement ring (I love this!), chandelier, John Galliano can-can inspired shoes, floral design by Laura Dowling, & feather fan.

Another good idea is to use pictures throughout your relationship and/or growing up:

From Mrs. Milkshake of Wedding Bee

A wedding photographer can offer this option, but there also other inexpensive routes I’ve found:

Shutterfly has a whole section for weddings.

Blurb allows you to download their free software to make a book.

MyPublisher also provides user-friendly creation for photo books.

This route, of course, is a time-consuming process and if you’re ever the perfectionist and have the yearbook layout design background as I did, it may take months to do on your own! And don’t forget, we at Simply Chic can also create customized guestbooks to tie into your design theme! =)