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Arts & Entertainment

Create a Wedding Journal

Instruction for a do-it-yourself design that everyone can handle.

I have always been in love with books and had an interest in mixed media. So it made a lot of sense that scrapbooking would eventually become an interest.

Whether it was a class I was taking in school or a private journal, I have always put in 100 percent of myself, even when it wasn't expected.

Currently, I have a nice collection of handmade scrapbooks. One is my philosophy journal from school, another filled with inspiration for my dream house, and then a small compilation of events from my relationship. All are creative, unique and carry important information.

Well, now there is one more book to add to the collection. Yours truly got engaged this past Valentine's Day, and you better believe I am creating a wedding journal for my big day. I feel this is a vital part of planning your event. To have all your ideas, inspirations, plans and information in one place makes it so much easier.

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Even if you're not engaged, it's smart to jot down your ideas ahead of time. Why not be more prepared? Planning a wedding is crazy enough. Plus, you will always have it to look back upon after you say your I dos. 

I am going for an earthy, rustic feel for my wedding. Not having a big budget has allowed me to get really creative and start with a blank slate, the venue. Being a designer, I wouldn't have it any other way! But you can imagine all my ideas and thoughts. Wedding journal to the rescue.

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What You Will Need: any notebook or journal of your choice, scissors, double sided tape, magazines, pen(s) and any other materials you would like to use.

First, you need to choose a book. It can be a notebook, a scrapbook, a drawing pad - anything you want. I have extra notebooks on hand, so I used an eco-friendly one I received as a gift. It made perfect sense considering my big day is all about celebrating love, beauty and the Earth.

You can find notebooks and sketchbooks at  on Sunrise Highway and on Lakeview Ave.

Then you want to organize the book into sections. For example, mine include the guest list, general design ideas, table settings, flowers, invites, favors and food decor. Plus, all the information about the venue, photographer, deejay and caterers with dates and prices.

You want this experience to be as much fun as possible, so get creative. Use different fonts or handwriting and add decorative accents like drawings or stickers. Apply some color with different pens and markers or keep it one color for a streamline look.

Look for pens, pencils and markers at the on Broadway and Rite Aid.

Now for any event, especially your wedding day, you have to do some research. You may think you have the best ideas, but there is a wealth of inspiration out there you can benefit from. I recommend buying wedding magazines every other month or so. They have exactly what you need, and most provide quality photos.

Check out the magazine selection at you local drug and bookstores.

You could also look through design magazines for inspiration. Take advantage of the stores in your neighborhood and see what they have on display. Sometimes you can find some unique ideas and color schemes that way. Just bring your camera and take snapshots.

Visit on Hempstead Ave. and  on Atlantic Ave. for some colorful inspiration and flower ideas. Check out the scene at on Merrick Rd. to see what they have on display.

So as you look through the magazines, cut images out you like and add them to your journal, you can use glue but double-sided tape is much better. You won't have any heavy imprints from the glue and it will be much neater.

If you want an area to hold scraps of paper or images, just create a paper pocket in the back. Cut a piece of paper to size, fold in the edges and staple it to the back. You can also cut an envelope in half and use that instead. You want the journal to suit your needs but make it look pretty so you enjoy working on it.

I wish you all luck with your wedding plans whether they are in the works or will be in the future. It will be one of the best days of your life and one you will never forget. Making the process an enjoyable experience is key because you will be stressed about a number of things.

Your wedding journal not only makes life easier, it also makes wedding planning fun, inspirational and organized. I now have a new memorable addition added to my scrapbook collection. One that celebrates my love for art and design as well as my other love — my fiance, Danny!

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