Mrs. Lovebug, Tucson
Age and Occupation in 06: 31, Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Professional Game Show Contestant
Engagement Date: February 18, 2007
Wedding Date: April 19, 2008
Venue: Historic Inn
About Me: Likes: blogging, wikis, semi-colons, cuddling, fragrant flowers, syntax, and spooning. Dislikes: typos, dangling modifiers, flypaper, citronella candles, and run-ons. If I had my druthers, I'd exchange simple vows in a candlelit library. But I lost my druthers long ago...anyone seen them?
The Lovebug Press
March 31st, 2008 @ 10:29 am by Mrs. Lovebug
If “tablescaping” is a word, is “centerpiecescaping” one, too? Because that’s what I’ve been doing. Centerpiecescaping. In fact, I recently published an entire series of books, all in the name centerpiecescaping:
Maybe I’d better back up. I started with the various silverplate goodies we’ve been collecting (pitchers, teapots, bowls, etc.) to be used as flower containers, singly or in small groupings. My decorating guru friend pointed out that for a more unified look, these would look best each on its own silver tray - plus, the trays will help reflect the candlelight.
But I still wanted to tie in our typewriter theme a little bit more. I toyed with the idea of adding vintage books…but I only have a few, and in clashing colors. And the prospect of running around town in search of (expensive!) vintage books in pink, grey, and black bindings left me less than titillated.
Well, necessity is the mother of invention! I decided to make my own “vintage” books!
I designed really simple faux book jackets in AppleWorks, using the same two fonts we’ve used throughout the wedding. For the most vintage look, I chose simple, clipart sketches as graphics.
The titles are in-jokes, or specific things we’re “known for” among our friends and family - things that tell the story of our relationship. And for the authors, I just played with different permutations of our first, middle, and last names (the only one where I use both our married names being the one referring to our honeymoon).
Then I printed them in shades of Kinko’s resume paper (again!) to match our colors: ivory, blush pink, antique grey:
…attached them to the hardcover books with double-sided tape, then stacked a few here and there under the flower containers, and on the trays:
The covers are partly obscured by the containers, but that’s actually how I want them. Not as a focal point, but as something that will reward the close observer. Give them a “Hey…wait a second!” moment. I’m also hoping it’ll up the “mingle factor.” As in, Gee, I wonder what THAT table has over there…
We added in a few votives here and there, mix-and-match style, using glass holders and even some of Mr. LB’s crystal cordial glasses. I think it looks the most vintage-y this way - organic, and not too perfect. Finally, we tested the look in candlelight:
The containers will all have a mix of white and pink flowers: peonies, cabbage roses, sweet peas. Plus, the amount of candlelight each has will vary, too, depending on space, etc. I’m kind of leaving it up to our florist to do what works best for each arrangement.
But I’m pretty happy with how the books came out! It was a fun, quick little mini project, and a cool way to tie in the typewriter theme a bit more on the tables. I may even throw a stack of them on a side table, as a little Lovebug library!
43 Responses to “The Lovebug Press”
You are ridiculously creative. I can’t wait to see what they’ll look like with flowers in them!
Those are too cute!!
I am in steadily increasing awe of your cleverness. (and way jealous)
That is so creative!!! How do you come up with these ideas? What a great centerpiece idea and I bet no one has ever done it before!
I LOVE this! That is so creative and original. I love your theme and how it’s all coming together.
holy freaking cow!! you are amazing!
i’ve been trying to figure out how to use books as centerpieces for the past month!
wow, you are SO creative!!! your whole wedding is just going to look simply amazing!
i am speechless.
you are simply a genius
Ms. Lovebug - you are so incredibly creative! It’s a pleasure reading your posts and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us readers! 
I love this idea! You must be having so much fun planning. On the day of your wedding when it all comes together, I think everyone will be so impressed!
Great job!
I’m planning on doing something very similar with books on the tables, I love seeing what it is going to look like. Great idea that your guests will really get a kick out of. As if they aren’t going to get a kick out of every single detail so far!
Beautiful! Absolutely stunning.
Post after post I am blown away by your ideas. So unique, so fun!
L*O*V*E this! Miss Lovebug, you continue to amaze me with your creativity! Thanks again for all the help with the website!
Lovebug, you better be submitting your wedding to every wedding magazine out there! This is amazing! We all pale in the shadow of your wings
wow, looks fantastic!!!
How creative and clever! I love it!
I can’t get over your theme and how you have been able to carry it all they way through- and not in just big blaring “here’s a typewriter!” but super subtle, classy, elegant, lovely and charming ways.
Your wedding will be inspiring many brides to think outside the box.
The crystal cordial glasses are a great touch!!! Cant wait to see pictures of your big day… Don’t forget to be specific with your photographer of exactly what decor pics you want. My photographer missed a few shots that I really wanted (that I guess wouldn’t be considered typical).
perfection!
Um. If you are simply trying to put the rest of us Bees to shame, just go ahead and freakin say so.
Simply amazing.
Please dont get married so soon. Please stay engaged for another year just so we can follow along some more. For Peng?
I’m in awe. Congratulations on coming up with a theme that can be carried over in so many cool and personal ways.
Simply gorgeous! Quick question, are those vessels real silver, in particular the water pitcher? =)
Wow. I have some serious centerpiece envy. Those are adorable!! Have you ever thought about going into wedding planning after your wedding? I’d hire you in a second!
You are the epitome of how to do a theme simply and elegantly. I am loving every single aspect of your wedding and how it all ties subtly together. Three cheers to you!!
brilliant, brilliant, BRILLIANT!
I always look forward to your posts….you have a real eye for creative elegance! wow…
Love it!
We did something similar for our wedding using books wrapped in brown paper with titles customized to the table (tables were themed by college subjects) On top of the books was a simple white vase of daisies and a pencil-holder with custom-made pencils (for the quizes that the guests had to take at the end of the groomsman’s presentation).
Although, even I have to say that you put a whole lot more thought into yours. Awesome job!
OK, those are amazing…but who is setting them up on your wedding day? I ask because I just did my daughter’s graduation party last spring, and had my centerpieces just how I wanted them, and well, there was just too much for me to do in the small time I had while directing everyone else too. It looked beautiful, but just wasn’t quite exactly what I wanted. Anyway, just thought I’d mention it, in case someone else was setting them up. Maybe a box for each table with a picture of how you want it set with your table number..etc. You’ve got great ideas!
Very cute!
Gotta love books! We’re using stacks of books as part of our centerpieces, but yours look way prettier. We just went around to thrift shops buying up all their red hardcover books.
Bad mockup below:
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1058/img1352tl4.jpg
Please tell me that you’ve already contacted MS Weddings to let them know that they have a new cover girl.
omg! i love books, love writing, and love your centerpieces. can i go to your wedding? it looks too fun. ~_^
i am truly impressed with all your ideas! and you said you weren’t a diy bride! i can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
thats such a great idea!!
but lil suggestion: how about using more vivid colors so they stand out more in candlelight? like a brighter pink/grey?
they look grrrreat tho!!
I love this idea. We’re toying with stacks of used books for our centerpieces as well.
You guys spoil me just plain rotten with all this praise.
Karianne: great advice, thank you. I will definitely be steering our photographer in the direction of detail pics.
js: I hear what you’re saying, but I’m ok with it being a more faded look I think.
egad: that’s going to look awesome! love the pop of color.
KAL: again, great advice. going to coordinate as much as possible with my florist, and keep all the elements grouped together for ease of re-creation
Indigo: it’s all silver plate (that’d be one rich wedding, omg)
Jess: I’d never really thought of it, but I would looove to do creative consulting/design for weddings, absolutely. I’d hardly say I’m qualified, though, having just done mine!
[…] One of the options Luke’s company provides is lighting of the dance floor. But I am squarely on the fence on this one. Our reception room is very elegant, with antique furniture that nicely complements our whole vintage aesthetic. […]
wow, you truly are doing beautiful thing w/ ur typewriter theme. absolutely beautiful!
[…] the perfectly typed cards. But then I thought that the sketches would tie in to the pictures on the homemade books for the […]
Seriously, do you give classes on how to be just as incredibly creative as you? I am beyond impressed!
[…] frustrates me is, it doesn’t even look that different! I added a centerpiece set up, a table number photo, charity tokens, placecards, and a mini menu. But even with all of that and […]
Looks great… AND I love that you did the book jackets in AppleWorks. Though I know many others, AW is tried and true. I will be using it for so many of my projects that I need to conquer in the next 75 days.
