Artful. Festive. Special. Of all the DIY skills to take on, calligraphy has always seemed just out of reach. I’ve searched high and low for classes (to no avail). And up until now, instruction books have centered on old-school calligraphy: think illuminated manuscript-esque gothic lettering. Not exactly the style du jour when it comes to contemporary design.

Thankfully, designer Molly Suber Thorpe’s new book puts a glorious, swirly capital “M” on the title’s keyword. Modern Calligraphy is precisely that: a learning guide to today’s freewheeling approach to elegant hand lettering.

The early chapters take you through the, ahem, ABCs of this contemporary craft, from the supplies you need to holding the pen correctly and taking those first baby steps as you learn upstrokes, down strokes, then move on to actual letters and words. There’s even a section devoted to left-handed calligraphy. There are practice exercises and photos galore, each and every detail clearly explained and illustrated.

Once the basics are mastered, you can put your mad skills to use as you see fit: addressing invitations, perhaps, or crafting escort or table cards. Or how about taking on these lovely place cards — a particularly wedding-worthy project that combines two major trends, hand calligraphy and watercolor wash?

Fear not, this is a beginner level project — though you’ll want to consult the book for a head start on materials and techniques.

Watercolor Wash Place Cards

Guest Blogger: Jessica Hochstadt, MS, Nutritionist and owner of “I Do” Nutrition
Jessica was a Nutritionist and Health Educator in a Boston-based hospital before deciding to focus her practice on brides with “I Do” Nutrition—a global weight-loss service that caters to brides and their bridal parties, on their schedule. She understands that everyone has a different relationship with food, and enjoys guiding bridal parties to appreciate the importance behind meal planning, understanding nutrition, and building a healthy lifestyle. In a time where our world and kitchen cupboards have become overly saturated with misinformation about nutrition, Jessica brings the simplicity back to a field that has sustained us through life.

Photo Credit: Luca Faz/Photographer in Venice

The engagement period before your wedding is almost like holiday season. There will be a whirlwind of parties, celebrations, and plenty of reasons to try new and delicious foods — from drinks with family and friends on the weekend of your engagement to menu and cake tastings to your bridal shower and bachelorette party.

It is said a bride should carry or wear something blue on her wedding day for good luck. Here, a few of my favorite options. 

Credits left to right: 1. Light blue hydrangea simply set in a modern clear glass by Vera Wang for FTD flowers. 2. Dolce & Gabbana High-rise stretch-silk satin briefs. 3. Dolce & Gabbana stretch-silk satin balconette bra. 4. Damaris silk tulle knicker. 5. Lace drop-waist bateau bodice with tulle ballgown skirt by Theia. 6. One-shoulder appliquéd silk-chiffon gown by Marchesa. 7.Badgley Mischka Peep Toe Platform Evening Pumps. 8. Sterling Silver Aquamarine and Diamond Heart Ring at Amazon.com. 9. Tiffany Blue roll clutch by Amanda Pearl.

—Naima DiFranco

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly >>

Theme weddings are perfect for the sports-loving couple, and while we love a good navy and white color palette to honor the Yankees or choosing to say your vows in the field where your favorite team plays, we prefer the more subtle nods to your love of the game. Simple touches here and there are elegant and charming, without being over the top. Here are 8 ways to honor your favorite team without sacrificing style.

1. Your guest book is a treasured keepsake and a great place to add a bit of fun into your big day.

This was a good week for me! I worked out at the gym Tuesday through Friday. All week, I continued my Atkins shakes in the morning and my bars for lunch with some light snacks. My favorite dinner this week was another recipe from skinnytaste.com (I’m clearly obsessed!) — Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Melted Mozzarella. We added quinoa and roasted cauliflower on the side, and it was the perfect meal

Last Saturday night was my girlfriend Roseann's engagement party, and it was a great time! She is one of my bridesmaids, and I am one of hers, too. It’s nice having someone to plan and share ideas with.

She did a fall theme, so everything was orange, red and brown, and it looked awesome. She also did a lot of DIY projects, like the centerpieces and the favors, which made it so personal (and, of course, saved her some money). A DIY project for engagement parties, showers and even your wedding is a great way to add a personal touch of your style while sticking to the budget.

Her centerpieces consisted of a fish bowl from the dollar store which she spray painted with gold glitter spray. She made the flowers herself with colored tissue paper and added a small pumpkin. She also added the table numbers which completed the centerpiece. They were super creative and looked beautiful with the theme of the room.