My current obsession (Total misuse of  ”current” since all my obsessions turn into a melting pot of want!) is with this eye catching Hive Honey Set by Biodidatic.

It just screams adorable. A pure delight for any major tea drinker or honey enthusiast! The ease of accessibility (no more squeezing bears to steal their honey) and the modern design makes me want to buy two.

To add this adorable set to your life head over to http://biodidactic.bigcartel.com/product/hive-honey .

This fun, intimate event was so so so fun of cool modern details [from frosted mustard plexiglass invitations, menus and signage- to gold-gilded leaves amongst their clean white floral pieces]. It’s too many things for words… but it’s a PERFECT amount of things for pictures! Rush on over to their feature on Wedding Chicks to see it in it’s full glory!!

I am beaming with pride, like the mama bird I am. More to come on OUR blog in the future!

xoxo,

UGH why are they so cute?? Seriously- this wedding was magical through and through.

Stay tuned for more in the future!!

xoxo,

The first time I saw the photos above I died over the color combinations and how something so classic can come off modern and even a bit quirky .

I can see 100 different weddings designed JUST from that plate of Macaroons.

I think I would be a happy girl if I received one of these amazing boxes! The detail on the box is over the top and I love it.

So the next time you just happen to be in France go to Laduree (or go to http://www.laduree.fr) and take a second and get inspired!

Brooke and Tom got married in Brooke’s family’s backyard. Her step-father built their wood tables by hand. And their dance floor. And he etched their names into it. Oh yah, and they built that bridge over the pool that the ceremony took place on. Pretty epic, right? Between her step-dad and her mom [who oozes natural style and design eye], Brooke was already in great hands. We’re honored to have taken part in their big day!

More and more and more to come- soon!

xoxo,

I just can’t stop posting pictures of how *adorable* Jer and Amanda look together!!

And one last little cutie for you to realize that their personalities are just the most awesomest:

More where that came from, supplied by the talented kindness of Jeff Newsom [whose blog is appropriately named 'The Voltron of Awesomeness'. I tend to agree].

xoxo,

All this thoughtful planning, but you’re not the one who’s going to be directing the reception traffic (cuz you’re going to be too busy being that beautiful bride in the spotlight) – that’s why we have escort cards =)

Escort cards (not to be mistaken for place cards – another blog on that to come!)  are used to instruct guests to their table. Whether its an intimate 5 tables or a grand 25 – guests want to know where they’re sitting, and more often than not, who they’re sitting next to.

Even though this is often one of the last steps in the wedding planning/producing process, just remember: It’s a simple, thoughtful detail that has low impact on your budget, but can have maximum impact for your guests.

Sometimes, all an escort card might need is a pop of a color to help it out. Like this eye-catching yellow backdrop from Azadeh’s wedding.

To give your wedding a cohesive look, consider using the same background print as your invite, or maybe use the ribbon that your bouquet is wrapped in. A thoughtful presentation goes a long way.

BTW – The best way to display escort cards is alphabetically, to minimize card grabbing frenzy! =)

A fun alternative to individual escort cards is the seating chart – which provides the same purpose, just presents it in a different way, and equally tangible way. At Angi’s wedding, we displayed ridiculously HUGE heart shaped seating charts.

Come on – cute colors and easy to read font? SO awesome. Can’t go wrong with that. Beauty in the streamline simplicity.

Also – a commonly asked question – where do you PUT said escort card display? We generally recommend these to be displayed in a common area during the cocktail hour. This gives people time to find their card, and gives your display some time to shine! ;)

By now you also know that ITN girls love a multipurpose detail, especially one that can be showcased as the center of attention. At the Serra Plaza opening event, we created boutonnieres for guests to wear.

Though they were used as name tags instead of escort cards, you can totes rock this idea for a large scale wedding where families might not know each other. Cuz everyone loves something personalized.

And…how about an edible escort card? This has seriously been my obsession lately – in a wonderful, can’t-get-enough-of-it way! Though not fully published yet, Ashley Rose gave us a little sneak peak of Lillian’s wedding last November.

Vinyl monogrammed lollipops – a labor of love and worth every second. And worth every lick, since they were champagne flavored – yummmmmm!

And…this amazing surprise that Amanda showcased at my wedding last month – ornament escort cards! Perfect for a December wedding, and yes, I knew nothing of it until the day of! Thank you Manders!

They also doubled as wedding favors, which was such a treat for everyone. And don’t forget to give people clear direction on what to do. Always.

Again, escort cards are another trendy detail that can be often overlooked and tossed to the side. By bringing in some purpose and some CUTE into your escort cards, your guests can be super excited about their seating assignment, and maybe even a bonus gift or treat on the side ;)

Love each other always!

She even tells you how you can do it yourself – here! Now seriously – no one uses bar soap anymore, I know! But how cute would this look in your powder room when guests are over?! And not just on Valentines day – which is coming up soonsies! but every single day of life. Because that’s what life is about – love, candy, and making it cute (and clean?) in the process.

SO!….someone come over and help me make these! ;)

That’s right- you read the title already… we were featured on Home Depot’s Blog The Apron just today! Apparently they got wind of our fabulously industrial inspired shoot on Style Me Pretty earlier this week and just had to shout from the rooftops that they supplied so many of our elements! And they’re right.

We, as a team, completely love perusing the aisles in search of inspiration [in fact, if you've been a loyal reader you'll note we've utilized other sources from there- like these brick placemats from a tabletop last year... hand picking bricks from a huge pile on a second-story shelf inside the old H.D. definitely turned some heads- especially from two ladies in heels- but we do what we can to make it fab!]!! I say, always visit the most unconventional place you can find, and never leave home without your thinking cap! Inspiration is truly everywhere! Honored for this chance at our once-in-a-lifetime style of feature! We sure had fun creating these pieces!!

xoxo,

We fell in love with every single couple and wedding of 2011. We are so excited and proud to be picked by our friends Amy and Jocey over at The Wedding Chicks as one of the top 10 wedding posts of 2011 (we’re #3!).

And what makes it even more flattering is that it wasn’t even REALLY Amy and Jocey who picked – the Google analytics did all the work. Ahhhhh! =) The smallest details, with the biggest love.

A special thanks to our dear friend Ryan Ray for the images that captured the blogosphere’s heart, on this post right here.

Reflecting back on 2011 is like a happy soft smile with a twinkle in your eye. Love each other always!

No- really, I’m just kidding. It’s such a total honor to see the snaps that the fabu Jasmine Star took of our work in the fall of last year. This shoot was a total labor of love- efforting for something truly unique, inspired and different to add our point of view in an even stronger way in this industry.

After a shoot like this, as a designer, you’re exhausted [not inspired], cranky [not elated], and completely sick of every single project you’ve just put into place [instead of squealing with delight- well, except that centerpiece.... THAT one made me squeal]. But seeing the images with fresh eyes weeks later is always such a healing, blessed moment for us. All of our hard work paying off- being permanently part of the world from here forward. There’s no feeling like it! I could go on, and on, and on- for serious. But, I won’t. I’ll just say this…

Visit the whole shebang and the lovely words said about us [blushing... like, really, when did we become creative masterminds?!] at the feature here! I hope you love it like we do!!

xoxo,

A.

Julie and Lucas are tying the knot at one of our favorite stomping grounds [and Julie's alum], Soka University! Although we work there a ton, it’s only recently that we’ve started working with students who have gone to Soka- which gives it an extra special touch! Plus, their “student only” areas are gorgeous beyond words for events [and Julie's day will be NO exception]!

When I met Julie and her mom nearly a year and a half ago, it was fun. Shouldn’t it always be? Right away I felt like they knew what they wanted, and they were looking to partner with someone who could help facilitate that vision. I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with this darling couple [and Julie's family] so closely- and I can’t wait to see our efforts come together in July!

Julie is such a classic beauty. She’s got that girl-next-door smile paired with some killer heels and a total lighthearted attitude!

I honestly don’t think I have enough good things to say about the whole combination of elements here. The light, bright, gorgeous photography plus this exceptionally cute and in love couple paired with the rustic natural elements of the park they chose. I am in LOVE with the entire experience, captured forever in photos!

Jules and Lucas: I adore you two! I can’t wait to see what the new year brings and, as the clock ticks closer to summertime, how the plans unfold into a gorgeous masterpiece fueled by your love!! It’s such an honor, such a pleasure, such a totally fun time to be with you two! This is just the beginning of the best things that are yet to come.

And now, readers- scooch on over to Luna Photo’s Blog for more pretty pretties and definite inspiration!

xoxo,

A.

Visit the feature here for their gorgeous details, their fun write-up and description [and their blushingly kind words about our team]!!

xoxo,

A.

Cariz and Dev got their shapes snapped a few weeks back by Megan Hartley, their photographer and friend, and I can’t wait to see what will come of the wedding after seeing the adorable moments she snagged from their engagement session. Now, without further delay…

Please note: yes, Carizza is wearing not one but two obnoxiously large floral accent headbands on her head. My kinda girl from the get-go.

Aaaaand, since their wedding is taking place in December, they had to winter it up a bit:

How CUTE are her little wedgie feet all tippy toed to kiss this tall guy?!

On a side note: I think I have seen Carizza one time without something on her head. Her wedding is no exception. I cannot wait. And one last moment, for the road:

Their wedding is pulling together flawlessly, even with the short engagement [just about 7 weeks!!]- and we are all a buzz at the studio about the fun details being set into place. I can’t even begin to describe the cuteness that will follow on their big day, but I can say… it’s going to melt me into a big puddle of Amanda. Not just the cute. But everything about marriage, the reality of it, the enormity of it, and the excitement of it.

C+D: the countdown is here!! What a whirlwind it’s been, and I’m thrilled to be cheering you on [pom pons and all] from the sidelines as you two prep for the most meaningful day in your lives thus far. For all of the bows we’ll be tying, the sleep we may be losing, the crafts we’ll spend hours perfecting… you are worth it and more. And more. And more. And more.

Endless love.

xoxo,

Run off to see more of the details that Ashley Rose snapped on the Style Me Pretty feature!!

xoxo,

A.

However! Head pieces are not just for the thick-haired and mangy-maned! We’ve definitely been seeing a lot of brides are steering away from the traditional veils and instead, popping in a flower, a ribbon, or even a cute hat/fascinator (thank you Kate!) when they exchange their vows. And they’ve been doing it AMAZINGLY well.

Disclaimer before we continue on with my head piece-pushing rant: At ITN, we adore tradition – and along those lines, traditional veils. We are pro-veil. We just realize that veils aren’t for everyone. Sometimes you’re not comfortable with a piece of tulle in your face. Sometimes you’re getting married on the beach and you don’t want to be blown away into the Pacific. We get it. Thus, exploring options. End disclaimer.

I have to start this out with my girl, Brooke. Instead of a traditional birdcage, this is a huge bow. As big as her face. Maybe even bigger. Score one point for ridiculous bow size, and another point for cuteness!

You guys met Natalie and Josh recently, but we have to bring them back again…because they’re just so addicting, this couple is! Natalie ditched the whole veil concept and instead, tucked an elegant flower into her hair. What a simple, gorgeous statement that didn’t detract from Natalie’s beauty and Josh’s love.

Sometimes you have to think even MORE outside the box. Like this styled bride for a California Shootout that Amanda designed. A ribbon? Yes please. We take ribbon very seriously. Seriously – never discard a piece of ribbon: satin, velvet, grosgrain or otherwise, that you can tie in your hair to match the napkin treatment. (It may or may not be a part of your design package when you book us…maybe.)

Fascinators can be done in many different ways. Thanks to the Duchess, it’s becoming more mainstream. Here’s our beloved Steph – who was WAY ahead of her time. Now that’s something that not a lot of people can do. Luckily, with the right hair stylist, you can bring in any headpiece and they’ll be sure to work it into your hair style, to ensure that you’re safe and secure. and your little hat too!

And to top it off (ha!), we have a few headpiece Nowie moments.

Sharon, in another styled shoot. Rocking this headpiece like whoa. It adds a pop of color to any wedding palette, without stealing the big picture – aka Sharon’s gorgeous self and lips. ;)

Kristen and Amanda, using REALLY big, and REALLY real, peonies in their hair. If I could do this every day, I would.

And um…me. Just…hanging onto a ridiculous headpiece that we used in a photoshoot. (You think this photo is ridiculous amazing? Wait until the actual shoot comes out. Jaw-dropping!)

Just a day in the life. Watching trends, making them happen, and pushing them to grow even more. What about you? Headpieces? Traditional veils? Tell us what you love and why you do. Because I’m sure we do too!

Loving always,

Nena is our design gal. I knew from the moment she walked in [and, well, when I recognized her face from our last Designer Swap Meet] that she was a serious contender for the internship. Since then, it’s just been easy with her. Not only has it been a perfect personality addition… Nena just gets it in a way that, with design, is essential. It can’t be explained. It can’t be taught. It can only be inherent. It helps that she followed the industry- that she was familiar with the trends, the blogs, and the movements being made with weddings. But more than that… her personal style and aesthetic has been a breath of freshness to add to our tight-knit little community. She keeps me on task, keeps me company, and has clung to the ideas and philosophy of design at In The Now so so perfectly. I love that I can dump creative projects onto her and trust the hands that it’s in. Her creative prowess is already deeply affecting the quality of the weddings we have for this season- and I can’t wait to see what she continues to bring to the next, and the next, and the next! She was the frontrunner from moment one, and one of the most load-lightening and heart-brightening decisions that I’ve made for myself this year. I can confidently say that I personally now have a brighter future with Nena in my life.

Nen- you’re the best. I hope this makes you just as happy 6 years from now as it does today [I know it does for me- even moreso]!!

xoxo,

Lisa is our current planning intern, and I feel so thankful, confident and moved by her passion for this job. She comes from a bridal background [working for 3 years at a bridal salon and loving her experience there interacting with brides so much, that she wants more!!]. She’s organized. She’s immaculately styled, always. She’s got an infectiously loud laugh and a smile in her heart that shines all the way through her perfectly white teeth [it's a thing of hers]. I’ve, myself, been insanely busy throughout the time she’s been with us and her confident attitude has brought me through so much. She hardly needs direction to have a job done perfectly each time. She is clearly communicative, a natural leader, and so comfortable to chat with. I can say with confidence that picking her [which was a team decision] was a decision with divine intervention. What a purpose and future she has here!!

Lisa, I’m so glad you’re here. I’m glad that you picked us!! Even though you’re a newbie nowie, you’re a lifer in my eyes!

xoxo,

Someone, for the love of all, please go rock some red lips this weekend [inspired by the lovely Sharon, who is never seen without her "lips" on]!!

And visit HERE for more pictures and details from the shoot!

xoxo,

Oh- at this point, I need to add: Randa is gorgeous. Like, so so photogenic, any photography would be clamoring to have her!! I’m glad Brandon snagged them!!

Josh looks like a cartoon in this one and I am obsessed with it:

[Um, see what I mean about how beautiful this girl is??]. Randa and Josh are tying the knot at one of our favorite haunts [where Randa is an alumni!]: Soka University! Although she’s not our first Soka student/alumni… she is the first one utilizing the student-only areas of the property. So, don’t miss it. You’ll want to see. The space is ridiculously gorgeous!!

Aaaand I saved my favorite for last. Which Randa, of course, promptly changed to her Facebook profile picture upon receiving. Naturally.

R&J: you know we love you. Since moment one, we were just a complete fit. Your wedding has been the culmination of a lot of work, togetherness, fun decisions, some stress pockets along the way… but more smiles than anything. And more emails, and spreadsheets, and phone calls… and napkin/ribbon/linen/china colors… and enough laughter, hugs, and meetings to fill our hearts for years to come. I can’t wait for your big day! Can’t wait to see how it unfolds, and to get you two back up that aisle, hand in hand, as husband and wife!!

Oh and P.S. it’s pronounced like Rhonda. Only spelled cuter.
Fill up your love cup today with a couple of cute, dance-y split leaps!!

xoxo,