I want to write more about the wonderful weddings I have been able to help with these last few weeks...but I had a moment and had to share the fabulous first dance from last weekend's wedding.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chF12CMub9c
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Carlos & Jessica
I know I have been MIA lately.
My goal is to get better about keeping up with this blog this year...
but in the meantime I HAD to share these AMAZING photographs from a wedding I did last month.
The couple were so perfect for each other, and the entire wedding party was a blast to work with.
The photographers were fun and did an amazing job...so I HAD to share their work with you. Please click here for a link to their blog post about the wedding. You are going to LOVE it!!
My goal is to get better about keeping up with this blog this year...
but in the meantime I HAD to share these AMAZING photographs from a wedding I did last month.
The couple were so perfect for each other, and the entire wedding party was a blast to work with.
The photographers were fun and did an amazing job...so I HAD to share their work with you. Please click here for a link to their blog post about the wedding. You are going to LOVE it!!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Wedding Colors
Deciding on your color scheme for your wedding is a big decision, and sets the stage for your entire wedding. Your accessories, bridesmaids dresses, flowers, place setting or other table decor, as well as invitations and programs will normally all be decided after you choose your wedding color(s).
Colors help set the mood and show your personality. Another thing you want to be sure is that the colors you choose will go with your location, as well as be appropriate for the season when you get married. Here is an article that talks about the different meanings associated with colors. It could be helpful when deciding what colors you want to use at your wedding.
Coming to the decision for some brides is one of the easiest decisions, while for others it is one of the hardest. Browsing pictures from other weddings is a perfect place to find inspiration.
If you check out this site or this slide show on the knot you can get some great color combo ideas. Here is an article for some great tips if you are having trouble deciding on what colors you want for your special day.
I wanted to mention a few fun color combinations that I think are great, as well as some of the predicted big colors for 2011.
Here is a slide show and an article by Jeanine Edwards on Aisle Dash about the 10 Hot Hues for 2011 weddings. I am loving that Honeysuckle Pink! Check out these adorable photos using it with yellow accents!
Or you can check out a larger list here. I am loving night.
According to an article on Bridal Beauty by Michelle Mospens of http://www.mypersonalartist.com there are some really pretty color combos that will be popular this year. You can check out her full article here, or her website here.
She also did an two different articles where she broke it down by season. To see the Spring colors click here, or to check out the Fall colors for 2011 click here.
Here is one of my favorite photos! (well, not because of quality, I just snapped this on my iphone, but because of the brides shoes!) It had been poaring, so the (super adorable) bride (Caroline) had her dress hiked up so as to be sure it didn't get wet and you can see her FANTASTIC shoes! I think this is a perfect place to show your style and colors! So fun!
If you want to check out the actual photos from this wedding (The photographer's were Chuck and Beverly Williams, who are wonderful by the way) you can look at their website here.
Colors help set the mood and show your personality. Another thing you want to be sure is that the colors you choose will go with your location, as well as be appropriate for the season when you get married. Here is an article that talks about the different meanings associated with colors. It could be helpful when deciding what colors you want to use at your wedding.
Coming to the decision for some brides is one of the easiest decisions, while for others it is one of the hardest. Browsing pictures from other weddings is a perfect place to find inspiration.
If you check out this site or this slide show on the knot you can get some great color combo ideas. Here is an article for some great tips if you are having trouble deciding on what colors you want for your special day.
I wanted to mention a few fun color combinations that I think are great, as well as some of the predicted big colors for 2011.
Here is a slide show and an article by Jeanine Edwards on Aisle Dash about the 10 Hot Hues for 2011 weddings. I am loving that Honeysuckle Pink! Check out these adorable photos using it with yellow accents!
Or you can check out a larger list here. I am loving night.
According to an article on Bridal Beauty by Michelle Mospens of http://www.mypersonalartist.com there are some really pretty color combos that will be popular this year. You can check out her full article here, or her website here.
She also did an two different articles where she broke it down by season. To see the Spring colors click here, or to check out the Fall colors for 2011 click here.
Here is one of my favorite photos! (well, not because of quality, I just snapped this on my iphone, but because of the brides shoes!) It had been poaring, so the (super adorable) bride (Caroline) had her dress hiked up so as to be sure it didn't get wet and you can see her FANTASTIC shoes! I think this is a perfect place to show your style and colors! So fun!
If you want to check out the actual photos from this wedding (The photographer's were Chuck and Beverly Williams, who are wonderful by the way) you can look at their website here.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wedding Stationary Part 2
Invitations
This can be a point of stress for brides. There are so many etiquette rules when it comes to your invitations. Thankfully, over the last few years the rules have become easier, and there are plenty of websites you can reference to make sure your wording is just right for the occasion. Depending on if you and your groom are paying for the event, or your parents (or his) or any combination of these, the invitation wording changes. Also, the wording varies depending on how formal you want the event to be. Again, my best advice in this department is to do a little online research before you get to the point that you need to make a decision. You don't want to feel rushed into anything, and the more time you have to look at options, the more confidant you will be in your final decision. Click here, or here for some help in the wording department.
If you decided not to send save the date cards, your invitations are the first "official" part of your wedding that your guests will see. If you are having a theme to your wedding, this can be a great place to showcase that theme, color scheme, or special detail.
This can also be a time to show your "green" style by using recycled materials. It is now common to offer online RSVP options. Just be sure to still offer a way to RSVP by phone or mail for those who are less "technically savvy." You can even create a wedding website for your guests to view with all your wedding details, engagement story, pictures, etc. (More info on your wedding website will come later, I think it deserves a post all to itself!) This is a wonderful way to show you are a "green" bride, while helping those who do all their communication online these days actually respond since it only takes a few clicks of the mouse.
Now to give a little overview on some of the styles that are available. (To make this easy I will use one website for all the examples, but I will give you a few other online & local options. Using a local vendor is a "green" option, and one I recommend if possible. If you can't get what you want locally, or for the price you need, of course shop around, but local is best when available. This is a way to get a very customized look as well.)
Letterpress invitations are a beautiful option. You can order all of your wedding stationary including invitations, reception cards, response cards, menu cards, place cards, thank you cards, etc. in a beautiful letterpress option.
A layered card can be casual or formal. You can also order matching response/thank you/etc. cards with these invitations. The possibilities seem endless when it comes to style.
Thermography invitations are a beautiful option that uses raised ink. It is more commonly used in a formal style, but can be done in a modern or contemporary style as well. Matching stationary for all purposes are available in this style of printing as well.
Pocket Fold Enclosures are a fun option. Everything neatly organized within the envelope. There are, of course, many options available when it comes to color and style, this is just one that I like.
This is of coarse just the invitation, all of the elements (response card, reception card, etc.) come together to create a pocket enclosure invitation similar to this.
A photo invitation is one of the newest options when it comes to wedding invitations. I would say it is for more of the modern, non-traditional bride. It is about as far from traditional as you can get, but it is a nice option if you didn't use your engagement photos for your save the date card...or didn't do save the date cards at all.
Another thing that can add a special element to your wedding stationary is a personalized ribbon or label. You can order these from many stationary sites, and if you have the budget it is a nice touch.
Here are a few other fun stationary sites to check out!
123Print (2011 color trends)
Invitations by Dawn
Magnet Street
Papered Wonders, Inc.
This can be a point of stress for brides. There are so many etiquette rules when it comes to your invitations. Thankfully, over the last few years the rules have become easier, and there are plenty of websites you can reference to make sure your wording is just right for the occasion. Depending on if you and your groom are paying for the event, or your parents (or his) or any combination of these, the invitation wording changes. Also, the wording varies depending on how formal you want the event to be. Again, my best advice in this department is to do a little online research before you get to the point that you need to make a decision. You don't want to feel rushed into anything, and the more time you have to look at options, the more confidant you will be in your final decision. Click here, or here for some help in the wording department.
If you decided not to send save the date cards, your invitations are the first "official" part of your wedding that your guests will see. If you are having a theme to your wedding, this can be a great place to showcase that theme, color scheme, or special detail.
This can also be a time to show your "green" style by using recycled materials. It is now common to offer online RSVP options. Just be sure to still offer a way to RSVP by phone or mail for those who are less "technically savvy." You can even create a wedding website for your guests to view with all your wedding details, engagement story, pictures, etc. (More info on your wedding website will come later, I think it deserves a post all to itself!) This is a wonderful way to show you are a "green" bride, while helping those who do all their communication online these days actually respond since it only takes a few clicks of the mouse.
Now to give a little overview on some of the styles that are available. (To make this easy I will use one website for all the examples, but I will give you a few other online & local options. Using a local vendor is a "green" option, and one I recommend if possible. If you can't get what you want locally, or for the price you need, of course shop around, but local is best when available. This is a way to get a very customized look as well.)
Letterpress invitations are a beautiful option. You can order all of your wedding stationary including invitations, reception cards, response cards, menu cards, place cards, thank you cards, etc. in a beautiful letterpress option.
A layered card can be casual or formal. You can also order matching response/thank you/etc. cards with these invitations. The possibilities seem endless when it comes to style.
Thermography invitations are a beautiful option that uses raised ink. It is more commonly used in a formal style, but can be done in a modern or contemporary style as well. Matching stationary for all purposes are available in this style of printing as well.
Pocket Fold Enclosures are a fun option. Everything neatly organized within the envelope. There are, of course, many options available when it comes to color and style, this is just one that I like.
This is of coarse just the invitation, all of the elements (response card, reception card, etc.) come together to create a pocket enclosure invitation similar to this.
A photo invitation is one of the newest options when it comes to wedding invitations. I would say it is for more of the modern, non-traditional bride. It is about as far from traditional as you can get, but it is a nice option if you didn't use your engagement photos for your save the date card...or didn't do save the date cards at all.
Another thing that can add a special element to your wedding stationary is a personalized ribbon or label. You can order these from many stationary sites, and if you have the budget it is a nice touch.
Here are a few other fun stationary sites to check out!
123Print (2011 color trends)
Invitations by Dawn
Magnet Street
Papered Wonders, Inc.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wedding Stationary (part 1)
The Wedding Stationary is one of my favorite parts of the wedding. (Oh, who am I kidding, I love it all!!) But the stationary is a great place to set the tone for your big day. There are several parts to the stationary: the save the date cards, the invitations and response cards, the programs & placecards used at the wedding and then the thank you notes.
There is such a variety of styles and colors that you can use and since the save the date card (if you decide to send one) is the first thing that your guests will see, it is fun to use this opportunity to share your wedding theme/style/colors.
I really like a save the date card with a picture of the couple on it. (This can be a great time to use those engagement photos you got!)
You can even get a magnet save the date card!
There are so many sites you can look at online to get inspiration. All of the pictures above are from Wedding Paper Divas. The main thing is to have fun with it and be yourself!
There is such a variety of styles and colors that you can use and since the save the date card (if you decide to send one) is the first thing that your guests will see, it is fun to use this opportunity to share your wedding theme/style/colors.
I really like a save the date card with a picture of the couple on it. (This can be a great time to use those engagement photos you got!)
You can even get a magnet save the date card!
There are so many sites you can look at online to get inspiration. All of the pictures above are from Wedding Paper Divas. The main thing is to have fun with it and be yourself!
Friday, January 21, 2011
The BUDGET
This can be a touchy topic. The dreaded budget. As a little girl we plan a wedding in our head that is fit for a princess, and probably has the cost of one, but in reality, unless you really are royalty (or have enough money to hang out with royalty), your wedding will have a budget. There are many different types and sizes of budgets, but there will be some kind of budget to stick to when planning your wedding day.
Of course the first step is deciding how much your total budget actually is. This needs to include everything. There is so much that goes into creating your special day and you want to be sure you have enough money for each and every part. So be realistic when deciding how much you have to spend overall and then break it down into all the areas that you need it.
Food, flowers, your dress, his tux (or whatever the groom is wearing), a photographer, a videographer, musicians/DJ (or both), rings, transportation, ceremony & reception site, decorations, invitations, programs, favors, a planner/coordinator, cake, emergency costs, the honeymoon. (I threw that last one in there because if you are paying for your wedding yourself, and you are wanting a honeymoon, you need to keep those costs in mind when deciding on a budget for your wedding.)
Whew! That list can get long and overwhelming in a hurry! You also have to decide where your wedding budget is coming from. Are you paying for everything yourself, are the parents in charge, or are you splitting costs between you? Traditionally the wedding day costs would be the bride's parents responsibility, the groom's family would cover the rehearsal and the groom would take care of the honeymoon. However, for many reasons, including the fact that couples are waiting longer to tie the knot, the rules have changed. Discuss these budget options up front with everyone who is involved and decide what will work best for you. Just keep in mind, this is NOT the time to start a family feud because you want to spend all of your little sister's college fund on your dream wedding!
There are some great websites you can use to help in the budget planning process. The Knot is a great wedding website. They can help with ideas for colors, pictures, locations, favors, vows, and more. Basically their website covers any and every wedding planning question or detail. Here is their wedding budget page. If you become a member, which is free, you can access many helpful lists, including a tool that helps you create a budget list specifically for you.
Here is blog about creating a wedding on a tight budget that could be helpful no matter what your total budget.
After deciding on a budget, actually sticking with it is the hard part. Don't be too hard on yourself, there are areas where you will go over, just remember that means you will have to give up something in another area. Deciding what is the most important to you, and getting that done first (or at least a confirmed total price) will help set the tone for the rest of your budget.
A beautiful wedding doesn't have to cost so much it causes tension between you and your husband-to-be or your family. As long as you are all on board with the initial budget, and try your best to stick with it, you should be able to save yourself the "arguing over budget" stress that can come with wedding planning. When it comes to wedding costs there is a good chance an emergency of some sort will come up near the end of the planning time and it will not be a cheap fix. This is why I would advice a special "emergency fund" in your budget. Since it was already in your budget you won't be stressed at the last minute cost that came up! (Or if you don't end up needing the emergency money you budgeted, you will have a little extra cash for your honeymoon!)
Of course the first step is deciding how much your total budget actually is. This needs to include everything. There is so much that goes into creating your special day and you want to be sure you have enough money for each and every part. So be realistic when deciding how much you have to spend overall and then break it down into all the areas that you need it.
Food, flowers, your dress, his tux (or whatever the groom is wearing), a photographer, a videographer, musicians/DJ (or both), rings, transportation, ceremony & reception site, decorations, invitations, programs, favors, a planner/coordinator, cake, emergency costs, the honeymoon. (I threw that last one in there because if you are paying for your wedding yourself, and you are wanting a honeymoon, you need to keep those costs in mind when deciding on a budget for your wedding.)
Whew! That list can get long and overwhelming in a hurry! You also have to decide where your wedding budget is coming from. Are you paying for everything yourself, are the parents in charge, or are you splitting costs between you? Traditionally the wedding day costs would be the bride's parents responsibility, the groom's family would cover the rehearsal and the groom would take care of the honeymoon. However, for many reasons, including the fact that couples are waiting longer to tie the knot, the rules have changed. Discuss these budget options up front with everyone who is involved and decide what will work best for you. Just keep in mind, this is NOT the time to start a family feud because you want to spend all of your little sister's college fund on your dream wedding!
There are some great websites you can use to help in the budget planning process. The Knot is a great wedding website. They can help with ideas for colors, pictures, locations, favors, vows, and more. Basically their website covers any and every wedding planning question or detail. Here is their wedding budget page. If you become a member, which is free, you can access many helpful lists, including a tool that helps you create a budget list specifically for you.
Here is blog about creating a wedding on a tight budget that could be helpful no matter what your total budget.
After deciding on a budget, actually sticking with it is the hard part. Don't be too hard on yourself, there are areas where you will go over, just remember that means you will have to give up something in another area. Deciding what is the most important to you, and getting that done first (or at least a confirmed total price) will help set the tone for the rest of your budget.
A beautiful wedding doesn't have to cost so much it causes tension between you and your husband-to-be or your family. As long as you are all on board with the initial budget, and try your best to stick with it, you should be able to save yourself the "arguing over budget" stress that can come with wedding planning. When it comes to wedding costs there is a good chance an emergency of some sort will come up near the end of the planning time and it will not be a cheap fix. This is why I would advice a special "emergency fund" in your budget. Since it was already in your budget you won't be stressed at the last minute cost that came up! (Or if you don't end up needing the emergency money you budgeted, you will have a little extra cash for your honeymoon!)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Location, location, location
Deciding where to celebrate your big day can be stressful, you want to be sure it is as convenient as possible for your guests to get there, but you also want it to be uniquely YOU.
Deciding on a location will also help you decide what type of wedding you are going to have. If the location you are in love with only holds 50 people, you aren't going to have a wedding with 200 guests. The other side to that is if you know you want 200 people at your wedding, you don't want to choose a location that can only comfortable hold 100 guests. (If you already have a specific number of guests in mind when you are starting your wedding planning process, my advice to you would be to only search for locations that can accommodate the number of guests you have in mind.)
Location can also be a big part of the decorating and style selection for your wedding. A destination wedding, outdoor wedding, church wedding, etc. will help you set the tone for your invitations, colors, a theme (if you want one) style of dress, and more. You don't want to choose a huge ballgown with fur trim if you decide on a beach wedding.
However, this is your day and you don't have to do anything by any specific rules. Most "wedding rules" from your mother's and grandmother's day are now thought of as basic ideas or guidelines that you can use to help you with your wedding plans...but you don't have to necessarily follow them anymore. That is, you don't have too, but you can do them all if you want, and that would be perfect as well. This day is about celebrating you and your groom's love and commitment to each other, so do it exactly the way YOU want to. If you want to wear running shoes instead of high heels under your dress and ride a bicycle built for two off into the sunset after exchanging vows at a local park, that is exactly what you should do.
I think the best way to make decisions about your wedding is to do what is comfortable to you as a couple. Of course you don't want to offend grandma, or bore your friends, but finding a happy medium that is representative of you and your groom should be what you aim for. If you are inviting the people who truly love and know you best to your wedding, (which is who you should be inviting!) they won't be able to be anything but happy for you as they celebrate this wonderful day with you.
An old barn, a beautiful church, your parents backyard, a grand hotel ballroom, a remodeled old house, a mountain top, a theater, the beach, a castle, a downtown loft, a vinyard...the list could go on and on. Choosing where to say your "I do's" can be overwhelming, because the possibilities are endless. But don't let that overwhelm you, see it as beeing freeing. You aren't restricted to one thing, or one "correct" place to swap your vows.
This day is all about the important commitment you and your groom are making to each other. Choosing to spend your lives together, and celebrating that with friends and family is an amazing step in your relationship. Choosing where you do this can be a great way to show how special this moment is for you.
However, I do want to say, if you aren't able to do it where you want, for one reason or another, don't let that ruin anything...although the location is an important part in the wedding plans...what it all boils down to is what you are doing on this special day, not where you are. The atmosphere for a wedding is changed by the location...but not what is happening, a happy and beautiful wedding can take place anywhere. So if it turns out you cant get the original location you dreamed of, let me reassure you, although it may seem like the end of the world at the moment, in the long run what you will remember about the day is who was there to celebrate with you and the memories you made.
Picking out your wedding location, in my opintion, is really one of THE most important parts of the wedding planning process.
Congratulations and happy planning!
Deciding on a location will also help you decide what type of wedding you are going to have. If the location you are in love with only holds 50 people, you aren't going to have a wedding with 200 guests. The other side to that is if you know you want 200 people at your wedding, you don't want to choose a location that can only comfortable hold 100 guests. (If you already have a specific number of guests in mind when you are starting your wedding planning process, my advice to you would be to only search for locations that can accommodate the number of guests you have in mind.)
Location can also be a big part of the decorating and style selection for your wedding. A destination wedding, outdoor wedding, church wedding, etc. will help you set the tone for your invitations, colors, a theme (if you want one) style of dress, and more. You don't want to choose a huge ballgown with fur trim if you decide on a beach wedding.
However, this is your day and you don't have to do anything by any specific rules. Most "wedding rules" from your mother's and grandmother's day are now thought of as basic ideas or guidelines that you can use to help you with your wedding plans...but you don't have to necessarily follow them anymore. That is, you don't have too, but you can do them all if you want, and that would be perfect as well. This day is about celebrating you and your groom's love and commitment to each other, so do it exactly the way YOU want to. If you want to wear running shoes instead of high heels under your dress and ride a bicycle built for two off into the sunset after exchanging vows at a local park, that is exactly what you should do.
I think the best way to make decisions about your wedding is to do what is comfortable to you as a couple. Of course you don't want to offend grandma, or bore your friends, but finding a happy medium that is representative of you and your groom should be what you aim for. If you are inviting the people who truly love and know you best to your wedding, (which is who you should be inviting!) they won't be able to be anything but happy for you as they celebrate this wonderful day with you.
An old barn, a beautiful church, your parents backyard, a grand hotel ballroom, a remodeled old house, a mountain top, a theater, the beach, a castle, a downtown loft, a vinyard...the list could go on and on. Choosing where to say your "I do's" can be overwhelming, because the possibilities are endless. But don't let that overwhelm you, see it as beeing freeing. You aren't restricted to one thing, or one "correct" place to swap your vows.
This day is all about the important commitment you and your groom are making to each other. Choosing to spend your lives together, and celebrating that with friends and family is an amazing step in your relationship. Choosing where you do this can be a great way to show how special this moment is for you.
However, I do want to say, if you aren't able to do it where you want, for one reason or another, don't let that ruin anything...although the location is an important part in the wedding plans...what it all boils down to is what you are doing on this special day, not where you are. The atmosphere for a wedding is changed by the location...but not what is happening, a happy and beautiful wedding can take place anywhere. So if it turns out you cant get the original location you dreamed of, let me reassure you, although it may seem like the end of the world at the moment, in the long run what you will remember about the day is who was there to celebrate with you and the memories you made.
Picking out your wedding location, in my opintion, is really one of THE most important parts of the wedding planning process.
Congratulations and happy planning!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)