cute cakestands!

I'm a sucker for a cute cakestand like this one from US Shop Fishs Eddy

Money Saving Wedding Engagement Photo Tips

Affordable wedding engagement photos are possible. To save money consider the following suggestions:

• Have a friend use her  snazzy digital camera to capture you and your beloved in a variety of locations and poses. Once you've chosen your favorite photo setup, negotiate a shorter sitting fee with your photographer. Time is money.
  
• Check craigslist for up and coming photographers ready to give you a deal.
• Poll your friends to see if any are in need of a professional headshot for their website or portfolio. Some photographers will offer shared sitting fees or a package deal for multiple clients.  
• Use your engagement photo as the design for your save the date card.  

Suzanah

Spring Wedding Decorating Ideas

Spring is a great time for new beginnings, especially for starting a new life with someone special. What better way to celebrate than to incorporate a spring theme into your wedding decorating! A few simple touches are all it takes to have a big impact. After a dull winter, your guests will appreciate a bright and happy occasion.


Popular colors for a sping wedding are pastels, so keep this in mind when shopping for your bridal party and for your decorations. If you want a darker color for your bridesmaid dresses, try using the same color in a lighter shade for the wedding flowers and centerpieces.

The contrast will add freshness to your big day while making everything look smart and well coordinated. Try not to use too many different pastel colors together unless you're planning an Easter wedding.

Some great color choices are: pink or rose, light blue, yellow, lavender, and a soft green. Some good color combinations include rose and lavender, lavender and light blue, or yellow and soft green. Using colors that are close to each other on the color scale will give a softer look to your day, while using opposites will create bolder combinations.

Other than color, some easy ways to add spring to your wedding are:

- Use potted bulbs in your decorations. They can be used to decorate your ceremony, as centerpieces at your reception, and on the gift and cake tables. Just make sure to choose bulbs whose flowers aren't heavily scented in case any of your guests have allergies. A lot of scent in a closed in room can have people looking for fresh air very quickly. Daffodils and tulips are great choices and are available in a variety of colors. You don't need to have the same flower at every table, and using a variety can make your decorating more interesting for your guests.

- Other seasonal flowers that can be used as cut flowers are lilacs, pansies, and freesias, but again be careful with heavy scents. Lilacs smell beautiful, but some are more scented than others.

- Spring is the time when many people start thinking about planting their gardens. Consider giving away flower or tree seeds in decorative seed packets as a wedding favor. The seeds can be for your favorite plant, or for one that has significance to your family. If I were planning a spring wedding, I would give away apricot tree seeds as a subtle reminder of my grandmother and the apricot tree on her farm that used to always be in bloom for her birthday in May.

- Small trees can also be used as centerpieces or used as favors. Choose ones that are about a foot high so they don't block out everything at your wedding. If using them as centerpieces, plant them in decorative pots and include some planting instructions. For favors, they can be placed on a side table so they aren't in the way during dinner. An announcement can be made after the speeches that they are for the guests to take home. Tie a note of thanks around their base with some raffia as an added touch.

Using color and seasonal flowers you can give your wedding a spring-time feeling without going to a lot of extra time or expense. Think spring and have fun decorating for your wedding!

Eventures - Collective Event Professionals

I posted about the My Day Style Show at the Tremont Grand last week.

What I didn't post is that I have the distinct pleasure of co-planning, along with the fabulous Cate Buscher for Plan It Perfect, a room (the Corinthian) for an amazing group for the show!

Eventures - Collective Event Professionals is a group of weeding and event professional who have joined forces to reducing the time and energy required to locate and secure event professionals who are best suited to meet your needs. From unique invitations to yummy chocolate favors to rocking music, this group can cover you.

The room will include lots of food, entertainment by DJ and band, a wondering magician and a demo area for you to see/hear the latest trends in style, ceremony planning and more!

And just to wet the palate, here is a list of the amazing professional you'll be meeting:

Absolute Entertainment
Absolutely Perfect Catering *
American Limousines
Arboone International *
Bellisimo Flowers, LLC.
Bra-la-la
The Bridal Boutique
Carla David Design
Dionysus's Kitchen *
Forrách Event Planning *
Grabielismo Productions
Hamilton Photography
Haute Cocoa, Inc.
Interactive Magic
Patrick's Hair Design
The Pearl Spa
Plan It Perfect *
Reflexion Videography
Sweet, a bakery and cafe
Tech Image, Inc.
Techlab Photo
Unique Creations
Weddings by Sandy
The Wine Jester

* Affiliates of Eventures

Photo Friday

This lovely picture from the husband/wife team Matt and Angie at Slone Photography.



My favorite thing about this photo though, was how they got it. This is how marriage SHOULD work!

Spring Favorites

Hey guys -

Sorry I disappeared for a while there, I blame it on working hard and having only 8 weeks left on my pregnancy.

Anywho, I haven't done a favorites post in a while, so here are some of my wedding favorites for spring 2009:

The new William Arthur collection at Wedding Paper Divas. There are letterpress and thermography options. I am loving the simplicity of the Winged Monogram design.

The Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Wishbone necklace. Love, love, love it for a bridesmaid gift. Couple it with a sweet note about future wishes for your friendship.

You guys know my love of Hanky Panky. Well how about a hanky panky something blue garter set? Divine!

Coren Moore's Lily style dress. I would love this even more in seersucker!

Oh and brides to be, you gotta check out ruelala on March 30. There is going to be a Nicole Miller bridal boutique and judging from their deals in the last few days, you better check it out.

Some Orchids!

I'm not yet sure what kind of decor I want for my own wedding ceremony, but love these clean, modern looks. Anyone who regularly checks my blog knows how much I adore orchids!

from the Bride's Cafe



Cynthia Martyn Events

Perspecta Photography

Origin of Wedding Traditions - Honeymoon

Honeymoon: This was a month -long hiding period following a bridal kidnap when the groom would feed his bride a concoctions of honey and mead to keep her intoxicated.

"Should I Have a Wedding Program?"

Wedding programs are quickly becoming  a treasured keepsake for family and friends. They provide a special touch and useful information for guests. The wedding program is the back stage pass to ceremonies. It gives those present the pertinent behind the scenes information that serves to include guests regardless of their friendship level with the couple.

Consult the Wiregrass Weddings website here, for wedding program sample wording.

The staff does an excellent job of walking clients through the process of program set up. Regardless of your budget, there are beautiful designs from which to choose.

Watch this video for a detailed look at "The Jackie" wedding program. Listen as Laurie explains options for ribbon color and font choices.

My Day Style Show at the Tremont Grand -4/5/09

(Last years My Day show)

The Ultimate Bridal Show Experience My Day in Grand Style. The Wedding Experience at The Tremont Grand in Baltimore features eight elaborate rooms exquisitely styled by the area's top wedding professionals, using the latest wedding trends and colors. Up-to-the-minute runway fashions intermingle with table settings, floral displays, and makeup stations creating a venerable playground for brides-to-be. Champagne bars, hors d'oeuvres, and tastings from local caterers round out the experience. Enter to win a .5 carat diamond worth $1250 from Nelson Coleman Jewelers and just for entering, receive a $50 gift certificate. Also, enter to win jewelry from Tigerlilly and a $500 gift card from Francescas Bridal to use toward the purchase of any bridal gown. This is the wedding event you won't want to miss! Attendance is limited so order your tickets today and save $6.00 per person. ORDER NOW When: April 5, 2009 12:00-4:00pm Where: Tremont Grand, Baltimore 225 North Charles Street Baltimore , MD 21201 www.tremonts.com

Now hiring!

Lucie's Events is seeking great talent for Spring of 2009 and beyond. All positions start as unpaid internship but based on skill, talent and dedication and could change to a paid position quickly.

Please send resumes to plan (at) luciesevents (dot) com and reference "Internship" in subject line.

Easter Wedding Favor Ideas

Easter is a celebration of love, life, birth & rebirth, so it is a natural favorite for a wedding. A springtime wedding decked out in shades of pastel pink, lilac & yellow makes for a romantic & bright setting.

If you are having an Easter wedding, here are some great wedding favor ideas for you to consider.



Mini Easter Baskets. You can find miniature baskets at crafts or dollar stores. White ones look best but if you can’t find these, buy natural ones & spray them. For your contents choose miniature chocolate eggs or rabbits or colorful candies like jellybeans or M & M’s. Tie you baskets with big bows in your wedding colors.

Marshmallow PEEPS.™ These adorable chicks & bunnies are available in shades of yellow, pink, lavender, blue & white. They also come in egg & heart shapes. Another option for your wedding favors is a giant bunny in yellow, pink & lavender.

PEEPS™ Place Marker Favor: Paint & decorate some mini terracotta pots or simply write your guests names on them. Fill these pots with jellybeans & insert a Popsicle stick into a PEEPS™ chick or bunny, & plant it in the pot of jellybeans.

Stuffed Easter Toys. Miniature Easter toys make great wedding favors. Buy a selection of bunnies & chicks then create your own personalized thank you tags, tied on with ribbon bows round the toy’s neck.

Blooming Paper Whites. Create a beautiful favor by purchasing some paper white narcissus bulbs & planting them in small terracotta pots. Store them in a cool, dark place until two weeks before your wedding.

At this point, repot them into moist compost & place them back in to a cool, dark place until the roots are set (about a week). After the roots have appeared (gently tug them, if there is some resistance, then they have rooted), place them in a bright room. Make sure you keep them moist, but not overly so. Don’t water in the 2 days leading up to the wedding.

Flower Bulbs. Choose spring bulbs like Dahlias or Begonias which come in a variety of colors which you can coordinate with your wedding colors or theme.

Give each guest one, three or five bulbs, depending on size, in burlap envelopes. Make sure you include a card with the planting & care instructions on. You could personalize these on your own computer.

Engraved Plant Markers. Choose from zinc or copper plant markers & engrave them, with an engraver, with your names & wedding date.

"Watch Our Love Grow" Favors. Miniature watering cans make whimsical favors & are inexpensive from favor stores or craft shops. Place a packet of seeds inside such as annuals which are easy to grow. Attach a thank you tag with ribbon or raffia or a note which reads "Love Grows Best with the Care of Family and Friends" or "Our Love Grows Stronger Every Day."

Customized M&M's in Easter Eggs. Visit a craft store for plastic egg shaped containers which you can fill with chocolates or M & M’s. The latter can be personalized with your names at the M & M’s brand store. Tie a ribbon bow around them & arrange them in a large white basket. You could ask your flower girls to distribute them at the reception.

Porcelain Keepsake Eggs. These are available for under $2 from good favor or craft stores. Fill them with your choice of confectionary.

Tie one on...

Over the course of the weekend, the question of how to tie a Windsor knot came up. Ask me about the evils of of pantyhose and I'm all over it, but tying ties, not so much.

Off to Google and voila, you have tie-a-tie.net.

It' a great little site that shows how to tie the most common tie knots. It has pictures and explanations on each and if your still not totally sure, you can do an instant download (for $6.95) a video series on how to tie a Windsor, Half Windsor, Four in Hand, and Pratt knot.

But wait, there's more. You also get a .pdf book that goes into even more detail!!

All in all it seems to be a helpful little site...if your into tying things around your neck every morning!

wedding purchases...

well I thought i'd start blogging a bit about ACTUAL purchases for my upcoming wedding! I've been collecting things for a while now, so time to share! :)

I love purchases that can be used after the wedding. I'm a sucker for "everything has a place" type organized living.

Here is purchase number 1:

A card box (martha stewart by walmart of all places!) which can be used as a storage box after the wedding! love it! it has a slight texture/eyelet pattern.

From Martha Stewart @ Walmart
$15 USD

I Made Pretty

So, when you're asked to make something pretty with an Anthropologie feel for some of the coolest, most talented and super nice photographers in Austin - ya don't say no.

Congrats on the beautiful studio, my beautiful Urban Wedding Divas!

Shannon Cunningham Photography
Now and Then Photography
Sherry Hammonds Photography

and to my buddy, Becky Brock of Something to Celebrate. (Yes, its another wedding planner, but we're cool.) She put the whole thing together and invited Petal Pushers to do the floral - that's how I come in...as a Petal Pusher...on my Lucie's Events blog... whatevs - I'll blog about this on Petal Pushers too. ;)

The Wonderful World of Social Networking

Hello fans, friends, clients and Walmart shoppers! We have an amazing winter season and spring is going to be even more fabulous. I PROMISE I will update all the blogs in the near future, before 2010. ;)

In the meantime, follow us on Twitter or become a Facebook fan! We'd love to know what you're up to!

How to Choose a First Dance Song

Depending on the location of your wedding reception, there may be dancing. If so, are you ready for your debut dance as a married couple? There are first dance songs to consider and steps to learn. Some couples love the idea of being the center of attention as an awed crowd watches them waltz. To some this may be spine chilling.

If you are planning a first dance consider the following tips:

• Choose a first dance song that fits your favorite dance moves. Are you comfortable with the two-step? Find a two-stepping love song that will bring a smile to the crowd and joy to your heart. Shake things up a bit. It isn't written in stone that your first dance has to be to a slow tune.
  
• Carefully consider the song's wording. Not all love songs mean well.
• Practice your moves before the reception. After the song is chosen, grab your partner and rehearse. 
• Whatever your final song and style choice, move with confidence on the dance floor. Save the sheepish grins and shrugging shoulders for your caterer. Give your guests the show they deserve. 

 Suzanah

How FAB is this book!?

I just read it (love my local library) and seriously HAVE to have it now! amazing ideas Colin!

Wedding Venues

How clever of the writers of Sarah Jessica Parker's latest movie to choose the New York City Public Library for Carrie Bradshaw's wedding venue. Recently I stopped by to see what all the fuss was about. The library is indeed a fabulous space.

So, where does the average girl get married these days? 

1. House of Worship (Church, Temple, or other religious space)

2. Court House

3. A family member's lawn.

4. An exotic destination.

Of course my list is not exhaustive. There are many creative options available for those willing to look. The bride and groom may, for sentimental reasons, feel the need to get married near one of their home towns or close to the location where they first met. Several of my college friends chose to have their ceremonies at our college's chapel. 

Before choosing the location it is a good idea to consider who should attend. If it is important to the bride and groom that grandparents and extended family be present, they must keep in mind grandparents aren't always physically able to make a long trip. Extended family members aren't always keen on the expense that a destination wedding requires.  

If the couple is looking for an intimate affair with only their closest of friends, small venues and destination weddings can meet their needs with ease.

 

Invitation Card

I want to share with you one of the most invitation card I like where it’s very simple and unique

This fashionable invitation unwraps in the hands of your honored guests. Complete this invitation by adding enclosure cards to provide your guests with all the pertinent details. Closed: 5" x 7 3/8", Open: 5" x 13"

This bright white card features a thick black border that makes your invitation really stand out! The top of the invitation features an elegant white satin bow


An ecru pocket is created for your mocha invitation card when you tie ribbon around this ensemble. Format and design are available only as shown.5 1/8" x 7 1/4"

Guests will love receiving this contemporary wedding invitation featuring your monogram highlighted through the black pocket wrap. Individualize your invitation by choosing a background color to match your wedding theme. Background colors include: Freesia, Lagoon, Leaf, Mist, Petal and Scarlet (shown). The imprint is available only as shown (ebony) on all background choices. 8” x 5 3/4” (Card with Pocket)

Let your love shine thru! Your names will appear in your choice of lettering style and ink color thru the die-cut window in the golden pocket with embossed filigree design. Complete the look by selecting an Antique White, Black, Claret, or Mocha ribbon. 8 1/2” x 5”

Like chocolate in a pink candy coating this invitation is a sweets inspired treat for your wedding guests. Your wording is printed on a chocolate colored card in your choice of lettering style and ink color, then surrounded by a fuchsia wrap and tied with a matching chocolate grosgrain ribbon. Use the verse shown or create your own custom 10 line verse. Add matching enclosure cards to complete this invitation ensemble. Ensemble cards, depending on the card ordered, will feature the word,"RSVP" or "Reception" in the lettering style of your choice. Layout on all parts is only available as shown

The ecru invitation features your invitation wording and tucks neatly into a mocha pocket with flourish designs. Complete this look by wrapping the pocket with a 22" pre-cut mocha ribbon

This olive-colored invitation features a faint floral background with your wording printed on top. Add the final touch to this invitation with a pre-cut, mocha ribbon that wraps around the middle of the card

This unique invitation is perfect for a destination wedding! A pretty satin, claret ribbon attaches the perforated airplane to the bright white tag invitation. The respond card is in the shape of a ticket, all other enclosures will be a bright white card. 6 1/4” x 4 5/8”

you can visit this link form more info.

St. Patrick's Day Wedding Ideas

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


St. Patrick's Day Wedding Ideas - by Forrách Event Planning on Polyvore.com

maybe daisy!

how sweet is this cake? so delicate!

from Sarahbethbr on the Knot

Almost Wedding Cake

Friends, New York City is buzzing with spring wedding features. Tis the season. 

While in the city on Saturday I used my GPS to find wedding stores and ran across one called the Wedding Cafe. I got very excited about the possibility of purchasing a big fluffy piece of wedding cake. Surely the Wedding Cafe has all things cake and punch, I thought. 

Turns out the cafe is actually a wedding resource center and a place for vendors to meet with clients. Wedding Ideas and Advice is its own resource center. So let me take this time to remind you of some of our favorite vendors:

Wiregrass Weddings

and 

Programs and Bulletins

Laurie and her divas have recently created a fabulous new line of programs. Delicious.

yummy cakes!

these cakes look sooooo lovely and elegant! mmmmmmmmm

From La Promenade Cakes in NJ




from the always amazing Ron Ben-Israel

Wedding Card invitaion for AL MAKTUM ..UAE

white flowers

I'm considering white flowers for my own wedding. I love the elegance.

from knottie theplanneriswed

Affordable Engagement Rings

One carat, two carat, three carat, more? For the soon to be and newly engaged, where do you find quality yet reasonably priced diamond rings? Recently, a friend of mine found hers at a pawn shop. Her uncle is on the board of the American Association of Pawn Shops and advised her to at peruse the selection in area stores. My friend took the proposed diamond she found to an appraiser to make sure it was what she wanted. The purchase was made and she and her fiance are having the ring reset.

Weddings on a budget can be a thoughtful adventure. Purchasing a vintage engagement ring is not for everyone, but for those who are willing, enjoy the hunt.

How lovely would it be to surround your dessert buffet with these sweet treats? mmmmm

loving these lollies from the Sweet Paul blog:



and these adorable lil guys from cookies n cream

Photo Friday

A great shot from Laura at In His Grace Photography.

Etsy Australia Love!

I just stumbled across an Aussie Voguette Etsy blog, and I'm in lurve!  It is so great to see talented Aussie designers showcasing their wares on Etsy!  

how hot are these canary yellow cufflinks from Etsy seller hottoffee??