Following Bliss - the Bliss Weddings blog

Vendors Unveiled: Richard Esposito

2009-11-02T21:53:00.004-05:00

One of our favorite parts of being in the industry is when a vendor contacts us to discuss their experiences as a wedding professional. We especially love when that conversation opens our eyes to a true artist. This is what happened when Richard Esposito reached out to us. Please take a moment to read our interview with him and peruse some of his work... I think you'll understand why we were so excited and why he is this week's Vendor Unveiled.

Name: Richard Esposito

Website: http://www.photographer-re.com/

Blog: http://www.photographer-re.info/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
Though located in North Haven, CT, we travel to photograph all over the country. Most of our clients are in New England and New York, but destination weddings take us to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C. to name a few recent places.

How long have you been in business?

My interest in photography has been life long, but my business has been thriving for 6 years. I left my career as an Emmy Award winning television video editor to pursue my passion of photography. It was a wonderful leap of faith.

What drew you to photography as a profession?
I'm told I have an ability to capture a moment in time that can allow my client to relive it and remember how it felt to be there. It is an amazing feeling to give that to someone.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?
I connect with my clients and become part of their lives. It is important for me to create that connection so they feel comfortable around me on their wedding day. Also, from a technical perspective, an artful composition and lighting are two aspects of my work that I take pride in.

What do you love most about your job?
What is not to love? I get to do what I love on the happiest day of peoples lives. This is the best job I have ever had!! But to pick one aspect that I enjoy the most, I think that I love how different every couple is and how each wedding is unique. It's never the same and it never feels like I've done it before.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Organized!!

Vendors Unveiled: Ink and Paper Design

2009-10-27T21:44:00.006-04:00

The invitation is really the moment when the scene starts to be set for your wedding. It is the first glimpse your guests get into the feel and vision of your event. Therefore, it is vital that you make sure that you use a designer that is passionate and cares about your wedding. With that, we introduce you to this week's featured vendor!

Name: Julia Contacessi

Website: http://www.inkandpaperdesign.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
Located in Connecticut and service all of the US

How long have you been in business?
8 years in custom favors and stationery, 12 in graphic design

What drew you to stationery design as a profession?
With my graphic design background it was easy to fall into designing invitation and announcements for family and loved ones. Once I saw how excited I could make someone through my designs I was hooked. And, I also love paper!!!

What do you feel sets you apart as a stationery designer?
Caring over designs into all the pieces that we sell. You can select an invitation and find match thank you sticks along with mint or candle tins, even gift favor wraps.

What do you love most about your job?
Creating something special and personal to mark an event. It’s really a joy to visually put to paper someone’s tone and personally for their special occasion.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Fresh

Vendors Unveiled: Tania Sones Photography

2009-10-12T22:31:00.005-04:00

We are so lucky to have such amazing talent in Connecticut, and one of the categories that we constantly find incredible wedding professionals is in photography. This week's featured vendor is a perfect example of this.

Name: Tania Sones

Website: http://www.taniasonesphotography.com/

Blog: http://www.taniasonesphotographyblog.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

I am based out of central Connecticut, but have traveled along the east coast for events. I love to travel anywhere- send me to Hawaii if you must!

How long have you been in business?

4.5 years

What drew you to photography as a profession?

I traveled around the world years ago (as a consultant for a large company) and remember shooting a sunset in Washington, DC- with a beautiful oak tree in the background right across from the White House. Once those photos were developed (back in "film" days), I remember looking at that photo and just thinking that this is something I loved doing! Then, with the birth of my first son (years later)-- it sealed the deal. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do!

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

The photographer that you hire is the person that you trust to capture your moments as you've imagined. You need to feel comfortable with that person, and feel right away it will be a good relationship- it truly is a partnership. I set expectations with my clients so that they understand my style and my personality that would provide them the type of photos I deliver. This way, we develop a solid foundation, and they feel comfortable with me and the way I would be capturing their story. When I came up with the three words for my business logo, it needed to capture exactly what my clients would receive: Photos that were Simple. Elegant. Beautiful.

What do you love most about your job?

Besides being a mom, there's nothing else I want to do in life. (Hopefully that says it all!)

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Ambitious

Comment for a Cause: 3rd Quarter Recap

2009-10-08T12:02:00.006-04:00

Wow, the 4th quarter snuck up on us so fast, we didn’t even have a chance to post our 3rd quarter recap in time! Less than three months left in the year – crazy! Admittedly, we did not blog as aggressively as we should have in 3rd quarter, so naturally our comment numbers are a little lower than in the first half of the year - only 8 (yikes!).

Since this is mostly our fault, we're going to up the amount to match our lowest donation to date, which was $20.00 in the 1st quarter. This will be donated to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Our featured charity for 4th quarter will be the American Cancer Society.

Vendors Unveiled: The Cake Boutique

2009-10-05T19:59:00.004-04:00

The wedding cake provides you with a great opportunity to have the entire feeling of the event expressed in one single detail. So many elements of the cake come together to really display the personality of the bride and groom... the color, the design, the flavor and the shape. Today, we have an interview with one of Connecticut's premiere cake designers, The Cake Boutique in Wilton. Their creations are always beautiful and delicious. Take a moment to read about his imaginative and talented company!

Name: The Cake Boutique

Website: http://www.thecakeboutiquect.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

We are located in Wilton, CT. We serve Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester Counties. We also serve New York City.

How long have you been in business?

5 years

What drew you to cake design as a profession?
Ever since we were children, we loved watching our mom bake cakes. We always helped her and our passion for cake decorating evolved. After college, we decided to go to The French Culinary Institute in NYC and we received our pastry degrees and have been making cakes ever since!

What do you feel sets you apart as a cake designer?

We are down to earth and we really listen to our customers. Also, our cakes taste extraordinarily delicious!

What do you love most about your job?

Making a beautiful and delicious product and making our customers happy.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Passionate.

[image credit: Red Loft Studios]

Vendors Unveiled: Heartbeat Dance Band

2009-09-28T18:21:00.004-04:00

A few years ago, we had the immense pleasure of meeting Barbara LaValle of Heartbeat Dance Band. We were instantly impressed by this band's spirit, energy and talent. You can tell that the band is having fun... and that translates to the wedding guests!

Name: Heartbeat Dance Band

Website: http://www.heartbeatdanceband.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

NY Metro Area

How long have you been in business?

20 years

What drew you to providing event music as a profession?

I’ve been involved in music all my life...it is my passion. What do you feel sets you apart as an event band? We have 6 great singers in our band; all very different enabling us to cover all styles of music authentically.

What do you love most about your job?

Working with my brides & grooms to make their day a dream come true!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Integrity

Vendors Unveiled: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

2009-09-21T19:26:00.004-04:00

Nothing is better than feeling completely beautiful and it is never more important to have that wonderful feeling than on your wedding day. I truly believe that the sign of an excellent makeup artist is one who will enhance the natural and internal beauty of the bride. And this week's Vendor Unveiled has an immense talent to succeed in making each bride look like the best version of herself.Name: Jennie Fresa

Website: http://www.jenniefresa.com/

Blog: http://jenniefresa.blogspot.com/

Where are you located and what geographical areas do you service?

The Beauty Library, where I meet brides for consultations and trials, is located in Clinton CT but I travel on-location for weddings world wide.

How long have you been in business?

I have been doing makeup for over 10 years but I started my own business 3 years ago!

What drew you to makeup artistry as a profession?

I absolutely LOVE helping women feel good about their appearances. Makeup is an art but it's also about a feeling. We should all embrace our unique qualities and know how to enhance our best features. "Teaching" women makeup is my favorite!

What do you feel sets you apart as a makeup artist?

I believe that the "beauty experience" should be just as memorable as choosing the right gown for your wedding. We create an experience that you won't forget! The Beauty Library is a charming, cozy place where brides can feel comfortable and special! We don't transform women for their wedding day. We create a custom look that suits the style of their venue and their personality. It's all about being the best version of yourself.

What do you love most about your job!

I love hearing about ALL of the wedding details! I was recently married myself, so I am relating to brides on a whole new level now! My brides are my friends. Often, our relationship goes well past the wedding day!

If you had to describe yourself in one word what would it be?
Spirited

[image credit: Leslie Dumke Studio]

Vendors Unveiled: Mike Connolly

2009-09-14T20:38:00.005-04:00

This week would like to introduce you to one of Connecticut's premier disc jockeys. Even Jessica used Mike Connolly's company for her own wedding in 2005. I was a guest at that party... and I can tell you that they do an incredible job!

Name: Mike Connolly

Website: www.mikeconnolly.com

Blog: http://mikeconnolly.wordpress.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
We are in Southington and service all of Connecticut, Central Mass. and RI.

How long have you been in business?
Next year will be my 20th year in business.

What drew you to DJing as a profession?
The love of music and the inability to play it myself. When I first saw how much music can influence the mood of a wedding, I was hooked.

What do you feel sets you apart as a DJ?
I’ve been known for my non-cheesey yet very personal approach to weddings. While there is a market for the interactive style, Most brides appreciate a great, well organized party without all the cheese.

What do you love most about your job?
I get to see the best of people on one of their most important days. If you think about it, My job is party!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Loyal

Vendors Unveiled: Dirt

2009-09-07T17:15:00.011-04:00

I know that it has been awhile since we posted an edition of Vendors Unveiled, but ... we're back! And we would love to use this time to introduce you to Ann of Dirt. We have had the pleasure of working with Ann in the past and are truly mesmerized by her stunning floral creations. Enjoy getting to know this incredibly talented woman!

Name: Ann Robertson of Dirt

Website: http://www.dirtfloral.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
We have a studio in Greenwich, CT but have done events up and down the East Coast from North Carolina to Cape Cod, so far. . .

How long have you been in business?
My love of flowers started when everyone's did, handing dandelion bouquets to my Mom. Only she must've appreciated them more than most, because I wanted to keep doing that everyday. After studying floral design at Parsons School of Design in NYC, I opened a creative floral studio called Dirt in October of 2003. Now we make bouquets with just about anything except dandelions.

What drew you to floral design as a profession?
Color, texture and the ability to work everyday with such a beautiful part of this earth.

What do you feel sets you apart as a floral designer?
Creativity. It comes from not being lazy and falling back on tired old rules of floral design. From thinking differently about each event and how to make it special.

What do you love most about your job?
Hearing the Ooohs and Aaahs as guests enter a room you've designed.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Free-thinking

Boudoir, anyone?

2009-08-28T09:37:00.004-04:00

Our friends over at Raw Photo Design are hosting a boudoir marathon in September. This is a fun opportunity to get dressed up, let your hair down, and get some tasteful, intimate images of yourself. Boudoir photos are becoming a popular wedding gift for grooms, but they also make a great anniversary gift for husbands, no matter how long you’ve been married.

If you’re not feeling 100% confident about your body, no worries. Eric and Amber know how to pose you in only the most flattering of ways and can do some amazing things with Photoshop. You’ll look like you walked straight out of the pages of a Victoria’s Secret catalog. Head on over to their blog to check out their boudoir portfolio. Contact information is below.

How to Negotiate with a Wedding Vendor

2009-08-20T11:38:00.003-04:00

As a general rule of thumb, we don’t negotiate with wedding vendors on behalf of our clients. Actually, let me rephrase that: we don’t ask vendors to lower their prices simply because their existing pricing structure does not fit within a client’s budget. In the current economic climate, wedding budgets are being tightened like never before and as a result, some couples seem to think that vendors should reduce their prices accordingly. After all, money is money, right? Booking the client at a lower rate is better than losing the business altogether. Not quite. Think of how you would feel if your boss came up to you and said, “Look, funds are a little tight right now, so I’m going to cut your pay by 25% for the next two weeks, but you’ll still have to come in and do the same amount of work.”

You see, wedding professionals are in a service industry. Negotiating the price on a new car, for example, is an entirely different ballgame. In this case, you are simply asking the car dealer to lower their profit margin. They pay a certain amount for the vehicle and sell it for a higher price. The higher the price, the more money they make, and so list prices are typically inflated to leave room for negotiation. A wedding vendor, however, is essentially selling themselves. They provide a service and base their pricing on the time, effort, and resources involved in executing that service. By asking them to lower their price just because you can't afford it, you are devaluing them. Most vendors don’t appreciate this.

Think of negotiation as a compromise: both parties agree to give something up in order to get something in return. If a certain photographer is out of your budget, for instance, you can ask for a lower price in exchange for less hours of coverage at the wedding, fewer photographic prints, or a smaller album. That way, you pay less and the photographer spends less time and/or resources on your event. Everybody wins. Keep this in mind the next time you are negotiating with a wedding professional.

Do you have any negotiating tips to share?

[Image credit: Brides.com]

Happy Anniversary Kelly & Giancarlo!

2009-08-16T10:04:00.005-04:00

Kelly and Giancarlo are celebrating their first anniversary today. They were married in the picturesque gardens of Caramoor. Happy anniversary to you both!

[Image credit: Ken Lax]

Bad Bloggers

2009-08-12T11:48:00.002-04:00

Okay, we admit it. We’ve been slacking off on the blogging lately. But it’s only because we’ve been busy coordinating weddings and enjoying summer vacations with our families. We’re going to get back on track soon (we promise!) so be sure to keep us on your RSS feed!

Vendors Unveiled: Pavilion Catering

2009-07-27T19:06:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite reception venues in Connecticut is The Barns at Wesleyan. It is a gorgeous, rustic environment that is the perfect canvas for an amazing event. This week, Bliss Weddings would like you to introduce you to the genius behind events held at this particular location. Please take a moment to read our interview with Jonathan Jennings as he speaks about his work with Pavilion Catering.

Name: Jonathan Jennings of Pavilion Catering

Website: http://www.pavilioncatering.com/

Blog: http://crystallakeweddings.blogspot.com/
http://wesleyanbarnweddings.blogspot.com/
http://lymanorchardsgolfclubweddings.blogspot.com/
http://wadsworthmansionweddings.blogspot.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

We have 4 beautiful facilities in central Connecticut. We really do have something for every bride. Waterfront, authentic historical, country club, mansion … we have it all. We are the perfect choice for local brides and those planning destination weddings.

How long have you been in business?

Pavilion Catering is celebrating 25 years in business in 2009 … and we are very proud!

What drew you to catering as a profession?

Catering is the one profession in which you get to be a little bit of everything … chef, event planner, social worker, electrician, tent repairman, plumber, gardener, bridal gown bustle“er” … everything. Brides even think I control the weather! Unlike other types of food service, each day in catering is uniquely different from every other day. I love it … it is easy to keep fresh and inspired.

What do you feel sets you apart as a caterer?

There are many really good caterers in Connecticut. I think we are different because of the level of energy we put into every event. We have assembled a terrific team and when all of their passion and energy comes together catering a wedding, the results are really special.

What do you love most about your job?

I love going to work each day knowing that I have to ability to make people happy.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Lucky. I have a beautiful wife, children I adore and a career that is challenging and rewarding.

Vendors Unveiled: Michelle Dowling Calligraphy

2009-07-20T19:32:00.004-04:00

It is always said that invitations are the guest's first glimpse into the event. This is where they learn the design, style, and formality of the wedding. Therefore, the first elements of the invitations are incredibly important. And nothing says classic, beautiful wedding quite like gorgeous calligraphy. Therefore, this week's edition of Vendors Unveiled is serving to introduce you to one of Connecticut's premiere calligraphers!

Name: Michelle Dowling

Website: http://www.ctcalligraphy.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
I am located in Glastonbury, Connecticut and work with brides everywhere.

How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for 6 years however, I have been doing calligraphy for over 15 years.

What drew you to calligraphy as a profession?
I have always had a passion for beautiful writing. As a kid, I would love to make "fancy letters" and begged my mother for calligraphy classes in second grade (which she let me take!). As I got older, I calligraphed all of my friends and families wedding invitations. Eventually I branched out and made it into my own business.

What do you feel sets you apart as a calligrapher?
I believe it is my level of care and attention to detail as well as my pricing. My priority is to offer beautiful handwritten envelopes to brides who want to make their invitation stand out for a unique first impression ... without being an extraordinary expense.

What do you love most about your job?
I love that each client is unique and we come up with ways to make the calligraphy and invitation truly part of the vision and the wedding.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Reliable

Rachel & Mike | April 4, 2009

2009-07-14T19:21:00.014-04:00

This blog post is loooooong overdue, but better late than never, right? We kicked off our 2009 season with the wonderful wedding of Rachel and Mike. Rachel came to us just a couple of months before the big day for some help in wrapping up a few last-minute details. She and Mike both have demanding careers which left them with little time to devote to the hectic final months of planning. They were also working with a very unique theme inspired by their professions – she’s a scientist and he races cars (cool!) – and they wanted to make sure their event had a cohesive look and feel. Working with a science/racing theme was a challenge to say the least, but it was a fun challenge and the event came together beautifully.

All of the below images were captured by photographer Bob Fairweather, who is a friend of the couple.

Rachel and Mike opted to host both their ceremony and reception at the stately Lounsbury House in Ridgefield, CT. Walking down the aisle in a wedding gown and heels is always a little tricky, but Rachel decided to up the ante by making her bridal procession down a flight of stairs in the foyer of the Lounsbury House. Luckily, her dad was by her side to escort her and keep her steady.

After the couple exchanged vows, they made their way down the aisle as guests waved miniature checkered flags.

When selecting the color scheme for their event, Rachel and Mike drew inspiration from Mike's racecar, settling on a vibrant palette of yellow, blue, and green. The car also served as the inspiration for Mike's groom's cake, which was created in its likeness.

Other racing-themed touches were evident throughout the event decor, including this pegboard displaying keychain favors that doubled as place cards.

Ann from Dirt Floral provided all of the flowers, including these beautiful floral centerpieces nestled in silver trophy vases. Rachel and Mike chose to distinguish their guest tables with numbers that represented their favorite racecar drivers.

Mike's parents had these very cool antique wooden toys that added a whimsical touch to the fireplace mantels, while continuing the racing theme.

The racing elements definitely outnumbered the science elements at this wedding, but subtle touches including Erlenmeyer flask vases decorating the cocktail tables and test tube shots at the bar ensured that both themes blended seamlessly.

And now for an action shot: I love this photo of the happy couple enjoying their first dance.

Rachel and Mike, it was such a pleasure to share in your special day and we wish you all the best in your new life together!

Vendors Unveiled: Dana Bartone & Company

2009-07-13T21:54:00.008-04:00

This week's Vendor Unveiled is an incredible artist who has built an amazing reputation in our area. She is responsible for making so many brides feel absolutely radiant on the most memorable days of their lives. Take a moment to learn more about Dana and her team!

Name: Dana Bartone

Website: danabartone.com

Blog: danabartone.com/blogspot

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
We are located in Cheshire, CT and service CT, MA, RI and NY

How long have you been in business?
18 years

What drew you to makeup styling as a profession?
The love of the industry since I was a teenager. It is an amazing profession that allows me to work with people who allow me to create different looks and sides of their personalities through the use of color and makeup technology.

What do you feel sets you apart as a makeup stylist?
I feel as though I have the ability to work with each person individually and create the look they desire without preconceived "looks" in mind and considering all their features and uniqueness.

What do you love most about your job?
I get excited when I see a face come alive with color and expression.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Honest

Inspiration Storyboard: Coffee & Cybidium

2009-07-12T10:21:00.003-04:00

I love coffee. The inspiration for this particular storyboard came from that deep and real love of all things java. I was at a friend's house one day and on the kitchen counter sat a clear container full of coffee beans. Given my addiction, it was a beautiful sight. I then thought about the chartreuse green of cybidium orchids and discovered that the colors are incredibly striking together. The contrast of the rich chocolate color of the coffee beans and the sharp, bright green of the cybidium orchid really play against each other. Here is a compilation of images I believe demonstrate the great combination of these hues. And now I want coffee... I'm off to Starbucks!

Image source: unknown

Please let us know if any of these belong to you and we'd be happy to give you credit!

Couture Cookies

2009-07-08T13:06:00.002-04:00

When it comes to wedding favors, you can never go wrong with something edible. Check out Gumdrop Cookie Shop, which creates beautiful sugar cookies featuring your photo, monogram, or custom design for weddings and other special occasions. Have them create a unique cookie to match your wedding invitation or even your gown. You can also choose one of their couture designs. If you don't want to use them as favors, these sweet treats would also be a welcome addition to any candy buffet or dessert bar. Visit www.gumdropcookieshop.com to place an order.

Vendors Unveiled: Justin & Mary

2009-07-06T21:03:00.003-04:00

The first time I came across Justin & Mary's work was in the form of a photo shoot they did with two fellow local coordinators. The photos were amazing... they were moody and strong and truly created a palpable atmosphere that is difficult to even describe. This week, we are featuring this incredible couple and we know you will love their work as much as we do!

Name: Justin & Mary

Website: http://www.justinmarantz.com/

Blog: same! we have a "blogsite"

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

We are based out of New Haven, CT but we travel all over the world!

How long have you been in business?

We both went full time in September 2006. We were sort of part time before then, but that's really what we consider the start of the business we have now!

What drew you to photography as a profession?

Justin was basically born with a camera in his hand. Seriously, we have a picture of him when he was about 3 holding a toy camera. For me, I always loved photography but never really had a way to learn it until I fell in love with a photographer. And the photography just seemed to flow from there. :)

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

We really consider our clients our friends. We understand what they are going through (having gone through it ourselves not too long ago). And that kind of trust and relationship makes it possible for us to get the shots that we wouldn't otherwise. For us, it's all about making the couple comfortable....because then they will reveal their true selves to us and the rest just fits.

What do you love most about your job?

Working together. It's also incidentally, the thing that probably makes us the most crazy. We literally spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week together...and that's a lot of time for any couple to be together! But we push each other, demand the best from one another. And we know...we're stronger together and better together. And at the end of the day, I can't imagine not waking up and going to work with Justin. Because for us, it all starts with love. Our love. Love of each other. Love of what we do.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Lucky

Happy Anniversary Alessandra & David!

2009-07-04T12:37:00.001-04:00

Alessandra and David were married one year ago today at the beautiful Saint Clements Castle. Happy Anniversary, you two!

[Image credit: Dreamscape Studio]

Comment for a Cause: 2nd Quarter Recap

2009-07-01T18:55:00.003-04:00

Here we are at the beginning of yet another quarter. I cannot believe that 2009 is half over already. With second quarter behind us, I’m pleased to report that we will be donating $35.00 to the Alzheimer’s Association, thanks to the comments from our readers. That’s $15.00 more than we “raised” last quarter, and we’re hoping the number of comments will continue to increase. Our featured charity for third quarter will be the Arbor Day Foundation, so please keep the Comments for a Cause coming!

Vendors Unveiled: Kevin Kelley Photography

2009-06-29T20:04:00.004-04:00

Yet again, we have stumbled upon another fantastically talented local photographer. It really is amazing the kind of creativity that is out there! And Kevin Kelley is no exception to that. This week, he is our featured photographer... enjoy getting to know a bit about him and his work.

Name: Kevin Kelley

Website: http://www.kphotok.com/

Blog: http://www.kevinkelleyphotography.blogspot.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

I am located in Milford, CT and serve all of CT, MA, RI, NJ, and NY.Also will travel for destination weddings around the globe.

How long have you been in business?

7 years

What drew you to photography as a profession?
I remember the darkroom in my photography class as an escape from the rest of my high school day. It may have all started then but I think what really pulled me in was the ability of a series of photographs to tell a story. I could try to communicate a story to you with words, but add beautiful images to aid in that process and..... what's better than that?! I believe in the visual power of photography -to communicate, motivate, inspire change, and touch lives! Am I starting to sound a bit dramatic? ....pick up a camera, you'll see what I mean.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

I've recently been told a lot lately that I am very ‘calming'. I approach weddings with a gentle lead and look to capture genuine moments throughout the day. I am always pushing myself to add something fresh to each shoot and better my photography skills. Honestly I think every photographer is set apart in a sense due to the fact that everyone looks at moments differently....captures them differently....and experiences them differently. This shows up in our work, well.....differently.

What do you love most about your job?

I think what sums it up are those moments when a couple is looking over their photos for the first time. Being a part of the most important day of someone's life and helping tell that story in a beautiful way. I also love dedicating photographic services to non-profits and other organizations who are in need of a louder ‘visual voice'.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Hmm, I think the toughest question of the bunch and it has the shortest answer. Creative. When I was little I wanted to be an inventor when I grew up.

Vendors Unveiled: Robin Dini Photography

2009-06-22T13:17:00.009-04:00

We first met Robin Dini a few years back at a wedding we were coordinating. It was immediately obvious that she is a breath of fresh air in the wedding photography business. She is fun and laid back and makes her photo subjects completely comfortable. Her ability to do this is truly an asset to her clients.

A few weeks ago, Jess and I had the pleasure to meet Robin for coffee. And no surprise- we had an absolute blast! Robin is one of those people whom you meet once and feel like you've known them your entire life. We had a wonderful time discussing the upcoming new addition to her family (you'll learn more about that below), her experiences as a wedding photographer and her outlook on life and the industry in general.

Please enjoy a look into the mind of this talented and lovely woman.

Name: Robin Dini

Website: http://www.robindiniphoto.com/

Blog: http://www.robindiniphotography.blogspot.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

I do business out of New Haven, CT and offer my services to Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and am willing to travel throughout New England.

How long have you been in business?

I have been in business for 5 years.

What drew you to photography as a profession?

Fine Art has always been an interest of mine. I excelled in the arts throughout my years of schooling and continued to focus my studies on it while in college. I graduated with two Bachelors Degrees, one in Elementary Education and the other in Studio Art: Photography. I tried teaching for a short time but wanted to be on my own and decided to take the leap and begin shooting portraits and weddings. I love telling stories with my images and showing my subject's true personalities and emotions in my images. Transitioning into weddings let me achieve that on a much larger scale.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

I think it's important to focus on something that you are good at and try to offer that as your main selling point. I pride myself on being a good storyteller, both in pictures and in words. I like the simpler things. I try to keep my images clean, emotive, and leaving the viewer to want more.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy the relationships and interactions. First, the relationships I develop with my clients as they plan and experience their wedding day. Hearing their details, meeting family members, being a friend to them if they need any advice along the way. The excitement build up is awesome! My most favorite part of my job is simply being the "people watcher" on the day of an event. Observing interactions between guests and family, the couple and the world around them. I become very emotionally involved when I am shooting and really get fired up when emotion is at it's peek. I take those opportunities to shoot all those wonderful moments that are real and not staged. That is especially true now with one specific portion of the reception for me. My husband and I are expecting a baby boy in September and watching the mother and son dance takes my emotion and observation to shoot to a whole new level. It's awesome!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Storyteller

It's like raaaaaain on your wedding day

2009-06-18T19:22:00.005-04:00

So, I like to have things planned out in advance - weekend plans, vacation plans, life plans, everything. I can't help it. I like knowing what's coming next. I also like having some degree of control over what's coming next. Unfortunately, as we all know, that isn't always possible. There's a funny little saying that goes, "If you want to see God laugh, make a plan."

Well, God was apparently feeling comedic on my wedding day because I had planned for it to be 80 degrees, sunny, and breezy. Not too much to ask, I didn't think, considering that it was June. What I got instead was 95 degrees, overcast, and humid, with a thunderstorm thrown in for good measure. Luckily, most of the rain held off until we were on our way to the reception. We did get our outdoor photos as planned, but not with the blue sky backdrop I had envisioned, and not without complaints from our bridal party about the unrelenting heat.

Fast-forward four years. I decided it would be fun to get all dressed up and do trash-the-dress-type photo shoot for our anniversary, so after convincing Greg to go along with the idea, I started making plans. I hired a photographer, shopped for outfits, booked hair and makeup appointments, and once again willed the weather to cooperate. And once again, God had a good laugh at my expense.

Our shoot was scheduled for Thursday, so that Monday, I started stalking the upcoming forecast . . . RAIN. All. Week. Long. Now, rain on your anniversary isn't quite as disappointing as rain on your wedding day, but the fact that things weren't working out the way I had planned (again) was frustrating nonetheless.

Short of rescheduling the photo shoot, which wasn't really an option in my mind since I wanted the pictures to be taken on our actual anniversary, there wasn't much I could do. So I watched my plan go down the drain (literally), dusted off my umbrella, and hoped for the best. And this is what I got:

Those little white specks you see in the photo are individual rain droplets. Pretty cool, huh?

The moral of this story is: go with the flow on your wedding day. The weather is about the only aspect of the event that you can't control. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, have a backup plan just in case. And if it does rain, get cozy with your new hubby or wifey under an umbrella and have fun with it.

Huge thanks to Eric and Amber at Raw Photo Design for their photographic skillz. Here are a few more of the amazing shots they captured for us:

Vendors Unveiled: Fabuluxe Photos

2009-06-15T20:01:00.004-04:00

This week we are spotlighting the inspired work of Fabuluxe Photos. Enjoy the interview with this incredibly talented photographer!

Name: Claudia Garcia

Website: http://www.fabuluxephotos.com/

Blog: http://www.fabuluxephotos.net/ & http://www.boudoir-photographer.net/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
CT, NY & NJ. ONLY -- I just can't be away from my 2 kids for more than a day ;) Family is the most important thing in my life.

How long have you been in business?
It's been 2 yrs when I decided to start my own business but I just feel that this coming year is going to be my first real year because I started making more decisions on how to provide a better service to my clients and start spending more money on branding my business.

What drew you to photography as a profession?
I had never like this questions ;) because I know that most of photographers loved photography since they were kids and to be honest, I didn't like photography until I started college. I studied Graphic Design and I was told I needed 6 art credits, so I decided to take two photography classes, not because my love for photography but because I thought it would be the easiest classes. (Oops!!! I'm really saying this!!) .....
I guess you know what happened after that..... Yeap. I started shooting free weddings, got a website, took more classes and now, I am making people happy. ;)

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?
Honesty. I am not sure if this sets me apart from other photographers but It sure helps me when meeting with clients.

What do you love most about your job?
I love shooting. I love editing. I love meeting people. I love not only wedding photography but boudoir photography too!!!. BUT, what I love the most is knowing how my clients feel after seeing their pictures for the first me, from a thank you note, to a phone call or just an email. Let me add to all this that I also get to work on the hours I want; meaning, more time for my family.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Loyalty is everything. I'm loyal to all my good friends, to my family, to my clients, to all my commitments...

Speaking of anniversaries . . .

2009-06-11T09:31:00.007-04:00

Mine is today! Greg and I have been married 4 years today and I can't quite believe that much time has passed. In some ways, it feels like we've been married forever, and in others, it seems like just yesterday. Weddings are wonderful, but the best part is what comes afterward - sharing every day with the person you love.

Below are a few of my favorite images from our day, taken by Ed Rogers of Rogers Photography.

Vendors Unveiled: Rob Skinner Photography

2009-06-08T16:49:00.004-04:00

I came across the beautiful work of this week's Vendor Unveiled while searching for a talented photographer for one of my lovely couples. As I spoke to Rob, his personality was apparent... he was so excited to have the opportunity to provide a couple with memories from the most important day in their lives. You could tell this was his main goal with his art and it was refreshing to see that. Please take a moment to get acquainted with this wonderful wedding professional.

Name: Rob Skinner

Website: http://www.robskinnerphoto.com/

Blog: http://robskinnerphotography.blogspot.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
I am located in Norwalk CT, but I am available for domestic and worldwide travel.

How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for 8 years

What drew you to photography as a profession?
I had a good friend whose father had a darkroom, so early black & white printing and using a pinhole camera were great fun, and led me to photography.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?
I think I have a great empathy for people and am very sensitive to people in love. I like to capture the emotion, joy and love between two people and discover their story. My excitement comes from this discovery and this leads to wonderful and memorable images.

What do you love most about your job?
Photographing people in love

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Wholesome

Cooking Classes with Ciao! Catering and Events

2009-06-04T19:24:00.008-04:00

Last night, Elizabeth and I, along with two friends, had the pleasure of attending one of the cooking classes led by Tom Devine of Ciao! Catering and Events. Classes are held on select Wednesday evenings throughout the summer from 7pm to 9pm at Two Steps Downtown Grille in Danbury, CT.

Each themed class is taught by either Tom or his business partner, Keith O'Marra, and features four different dishes. Tom or Keith demonstrates how to prepare each dish, offering cooking tips and advice along the way. Then, following each demonstration, the class attendees are able to sample the prepared dishes. Complimentary wine is also served.

The theme of last night's class was A Slice of Sicily and featured the following dishes:

Cauliflower with Penne Rigati with tomato, fresh basil, and ricotta cheese
Linguini with Artichokes and Proscuitto with fresh garlic, lemon, wine vinegar, and shaved romano
Risotto with Fresh Sea Scallops and balsamic drizzle
Grilled Chicken with black olives, roasted peppers, and crumbled feta

Everything was absolutely delicious and we can't wait to try all of the recipes out at home. It was a fun evening and we would highly recommend attending one (or more) of the classes if you are in the Danbury area. The cost is just $33.00 per person.

Check out the Ciao!/Two Steps Summer Newsletter to see the schedule of upcoming classes and events. They also offer private cooking classes for groups of 25 or more - bachelorette party, anyone?

Vendors Unveiled: Aurora Photography

2009-06-01T19:11:00.005-04:00

I came to learn about our next Vendor Unveiled through a high school classmate who had gotten into photography and was shooting with this amazingly talented photographer. As I learned more about Aurora, I've come to absolutely love her unique spirit and desire to be herself in every situation. Aurora Photography has been previously spotlighted on Following Bliss as we announced their trash the dress/day after photo session giveaway. Now we would like you to take a moment to get to know the woman behind the art (and her crew)!

Name: Aurora…

Website: http://www.aurora-photography.net/

Blog: http://www.auroraphotography.wordpress.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

I am located in New Milford, CT, and I serve the greater tri-state area, and am willing to travel as well.

How long have you been in the business?

Approximately 2.5 years

What drew you to photography as a profession?

After serving my time in corporate America I knew that I wanted to own my own business one day. By the time I was planning my wedding I knew what it was I would love to wake up and do every day, which was a little more than 6 years ago now…

The year before my husband and I got married, he bought me Blu (our Weimaraner) as a Christmas gift. As our first baby was growing up so quickly, I borrowed a digital camera from a friend and was instantly hooked. By the time we were getting married 9 months later I had gone out and spent a hefty penny on my first digital camera. Since I owned the nicest camera I was often asked to take the pictures, and very quickly it became evident that I was good at it. I just fell in love with it, and couldn’t get enough.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

I am definitely a bird of a different feather, not quite average anything. I am passionate about what I do and I have a talent for allowing people to forget themselves and live in a moment. I believe that the true beauty in my work is in my ability to allow people's own inner beauty to shine. I take a little more time to get to know my clients and it allows me to capture their essence, that moment that is just SOOOOO them. I have always been a people person and so I enjoy getting to know my clients just as much as I do photographing them.

What do you love most about your job?
I love the connections I make doing this work, I get to meet the most interesting people and hear their stories, I like to believe that everyone we meet has something to add to our lives, and I want mine to be FULL.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

One word… really… seriously have you met me? One, just one? Ok if I had to…
Spirited.

All the questions were really geared toward me, and how I came to do this profession. However, I would feel remiss if I didn’t mention my team as well, it is the team that makes this whole thing work. Our day in day out creative team consists of myself, Nicole, Cate and Jenn, and we have Tara now helping us with the books. Each of us is talented and skilled and we each possess our own set of strengths that we bring to the table. The sum total of the massive amount of heart and passion and talent we possess collectively is totally unstoppable, and I couldn’t be more excited about where we are going!

A Stellar Anniversary Gift

2009-05-27T19:06:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. This is a blog about weddings, not anniversaries. But where there’s a wedding, an anniversary is soon to follow. Perhaps you’d like to keep this gift idea in mind for when the time comes:

It’s a custom art print showing the position of the stars on a specified date and location. The traditional first anniversary gift is paper, so this would be a perfect way to commemorate your first year of marriage. I’d suggest hanging it above your bed so you can fall asleep beneath your wedding night sky every evening.

Visit www.indigonight.com to place an order. They have a variety of horizon scenes to choose from and you can add a personalized message to your print. Prices range from $39 to $119, depending on the size and framing options you choose.

Vendors Unveiled: Fran Gagnon Films

2009-05-25T19:55:00.004-04:00

Fran Gagnon has built an incredible reputation for himself during his years filming the weddings of New England's brides and grooms. He has taken videography to new heights in his talent to capture the essence of a couple's wedding day. His personality and sense-of-humor (which is obvious in this interview) will put you at ease as the day of your wedding. Please take a moment to meet one of Connecticut's most popular videographers.

Name: Fran Gagnon Films

Website: www.gagnonvideo.com

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

We're located in South Windsor, CT and we service anywhere in Southern New England and the New York metropolitan area. We'll actually consider going anywhere for the right job.

How long have you been in business?

We've been in business since 1989 - back in the days of VHS tape and big bright lights that would sear your eyebrows off.

What drew you to photography as a profession?

As a frustrated artist I was always on the lookout for a medium that would satisfy my creative inner self. Film making has provided a sweet combination of technology and artistry that allows us to tell a story in a creative manner. Most importantly, however, we love preserving the most important day in young people's lives. This is a watershed day in their history and we give them the opportunity to cherish and reflect upon it with their loved ones and future generations of their families. This is a stunningly beautiful and meaningful medium when done the right way.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

The fact that I'm short, fat and bald. (Wait a minute - that actually describes most videographers!!). Actually, we've established ourselves at the forefront of the wedding industry through our innovative style. We offer a cinematic, documentary style that is unique in the industry. Most of our work is referral from people who have seen our work and know our long standing reputation for quality and dependability.

What do you love most about your job?

The fact that I can work from my home in my underwear.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

One word couldn't possibly describe me. I'm way too complex for one word. Oh, okay. I'll try. How about honest?

Five Items to Eliminate from your Wedding Budget

2009-05-20T18:35:00.003-04:00

In today’s tight economic times, little expenses can add up and make a big impact. If you’re on a strict wedding budget, here are a few items you can comfortably eliminate without sacrificing the integrity of your event.

1. Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates are a nice-to-have and are most definitely not necessary for every wedding. They are really only useful if you are getting married on a holiday weekend and need to give your guests ample time to make travel plans. Even if this is the case, you can do without save-the-dates. Have your friends and family spread the word about your wedding date. You don’t need to spend a couple hundred dollars on fancy stationery or custom magnets.

2. Aisle Runner
Trust me when I say these are more trouble than they’re worth. I had one at my own wedding. They bunch up and trip your wedding guests when they’re walking back down the aisle after the ceremony. If you feel strongly about having one, then by all means go for it, but please don’t feel the least bit obligated.

3. Toasting Flutes
Nearly every wedding reception begins with a champagne toast, but the toasting flutes provided by your venue or caterer will get the job done just as effectively as the $150 Waterford ones. You will probably never, ever use them again.

4. Cake Server
The same goes for a fancy silver cake serving set. It’s just not a necessary expense. Unless you’re planning to cut your children’s birthday cakes with it every year, you’ll never get your money’s worth. There are plenty of other wedding accoutrements you can monogram or engrave.

5. Bathroom Baskets
Bathroom baskets are a bonus, plain and simple. Your guests aren’t expecting them and won’t miss them. (Besides, if you’ve hired us as your day-of coordinators, we’ll have a fully stocked emergency kit on hand with everything your bathroom baskets would contain and more.)

What have you eliminated from your wedding budget?

[Image source: Piggy Bank Wedding]

Vendors Unveiled: Kristie Conte Photography

2009-05-18T19:13:00.004-04:00

A few Saturdays ago, Jessica and I had the distinct pleasure to visit with Kristie Conte over a cup of coffee. What immediately struck me about Kristie is how vivacious she is and the warmth she exudes. We were also truly impressed with the passion with which she approaches her art, especially her constant desire to nurture and grow her craft. We invite you to spend some time getting to know Kristie in this week's edition of Vendors Unveiled!

Name: Kristie Conte

Website: www.kcontephoto.com

Blog: www.kconteblog.com

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

I'm located in Newtown, CT. We serve CT, NY, NJ, MA but will travel wherever a couple's journey takes them

How long have you been in business?

We've been in business for 5 years now

What drew you to photography as a profession?

When I was 13, my grandfather had a twin-lens reflex camera. I had it fixed up, put some film in it, and walked around the house taking pictures of flowers. When I had the film developed, I was thrilled at the results. As I grew older and shot images of people, I realized what an impact a portrait of grandchildren had on grandparents ... a piece of art that would enable someone to relive a moment in time each time you looked at it. I knew I had found my calling.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?

The never-ending desire to continue to learn new things about the craft. Whether it's learning new techniques or revisiting basic photographic practices, it's important for me to invest time in photography master classes and seminars each year. We've always felt that if you think you know everything, you may as well pack it in.

What do you love most about your job?

To be able to work with a bride and groom and have them trust putting one of the most memorable days of their lives in your hands.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Definitely "romantic"

Aurora Photography Giveaway

2009-05-09T12:47:00.007-04:00

The amazing Aurora Photography is offering a really exciting contest and we are so excited about it! Once a month until September 2009, they are giving away a free Trash the Dress/Day After photo session.

This session includes a trip to Joe's Salon, The Wedding Embassy and beautiful flowers created by Simple Elegance. The winners then go on to spend a fun-filled day with Aurora creating memories (and amazing art)!

To enter the contest, simply email Aurora at news@aurora-photography.net (the subject line should read "Day After Entry"). Provide some insight into what makes you unique, an interesting story about yourself and a little something about the person you wish to be photographed with. Explain why you're looking forward to spending a day having fun with Aurora and her crew. They will select the person they believe are most unique, fun and deserve this day of luxury and pampering.

So, start writing! In the meantime, enjoy some images of Aurora Photography's day spent with Kelli and Ryan.

Sweet Charity

2009-05-07T19:57:00.006-04:00

When asked about favors, Jessica and I tend to recommend that couples go with edible favors or a donation to the charity of their choice. There are so many wonderful favor options available today, however this suggestion ensures that your carefully selected gift is never unintentionally put aside and forgotten.

Today I found the perfect combination of delicious chocolate and heart-warming humanity. This great idea results in the website Truffles for a Cause.

Take a moment to browse their site. They offer a variety of rich chocolates that are beautifully packaged. When your guests open this tiny parcel, they will be surprised and touched that there has been a donation made to a worthy cause in their name.

To continue the spirit of giving this post might inspire, please take a moment to leave a response to any of the Following Bliss blog entries to support our Comments for a Cause initiative.

Ooey-Gooey Chewy Goodness

2009-05-05T20:00:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a rare breed of human - as in, the non-coffee-drinking kind. Now, I like Starbucks as much as the next person. What keeps me coming back, though, are not the Caramel Macchiatos, but the rice crispy treats! I LOVE them. Starbucks has somehow perfected the recipe so that it contains the ideal proportion of cereal, marshmallow, butter, and some other top-secret, super-addictive ingredient. They also possess some magical cutting device that yields these perfectly square, thick bricks of marshmallowy delight.

Anyhow, the point of that unnecessarily long introductory paragraph was to say that I love rice crispy treats. So imagine my excitement to stumble upon The Crispery – an online bake shop devoted entirely to rice crispy treats! And these are not your run-of-the-mill “crispy bars,” as they affectionately call them. The Crispery marries them with chocolate, and caramel, and peanut butter, and coconut; it embellishes them with candy, and sprinkles, and cookies, and graham crackers. As my favorite interior designer Candice Olson always says, “How divine.”

I haven’t sampled these babies yet, but I only discovered the website yesterday. What a delectable way to add a little something unexpected to your candy buffet or dessert bar. (Heck, why not create a rice crispy wedding cake?) Visit The Crispery to order individual crispy bars or gift boxes of up to 16.

Vendors Unveiled: Creative Image Collections

2009-05-04T20:44:00.008-04:00

This week’s Vendors Unveiled features photographer Megan LaBarbera of Creative Image Collections. We met up with Megan for lunch a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time getting to know her. She is such a sweet person who truly loves what she does, and it shows in her beautiful and timeless images.

Name: Megan (Baker) LaBarbera

Website: www.creativeimagecollections.com

Blog: www.creativeimagecollections.com/blog

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
Danbury, Connecticut and I service CT, NY, NJ, MA, RI and I love to travel and will hop on plane to any destination worldwide!

How long have you been in business?
I have been shooting weddings for nearly 8 years this summer, but "technically" opened my business in June of 2004.

What drew you to photography as a profession?
One of my favorite childhood memories was having popcorn and sitting with my family to watch the old slide-shows of our family's pictures. My Dad was the artist in the family, photography being one of his hobbies. If it weren't for him, we would not have much to look back on now to remember growing up as a family. When he past away, we hunted for photographs of him and found very few. That was sad to me. We had very few moments to remember him by. Photographs help people relive moments and emotions. The fact that through a camera and lens you have the ability to capture a single moment in life and transfer it to paper to share with others for generations fascinates me. Photographs help us not only to remember, but to connect with others. My photography/work helps me to connect with people and with life in general. I find it extremely fulfilling. I can't imagine doing anything but this. It makes me happy! Being paid to do it is just a bonus!

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?
I feel it is extremely hard to set yourself apart from others in the wedding photography industry for the simple reason that there are so many photographers out there. If I had to say it came down to one thing that sets me apart from others I would say that it is that I always remain myself. There won't be another "Megan" showing up at my client's weddings or portrait sessions! As long as I remain grounded and true to myself, I will always be setting myself apart.

What do you love most about your job?
Oh, there is a loooooooong list for this one! I don't think I can list them in their entirety here so I will list whatever comes to my mind. I love all aspects of my job really. I love meeting new people and learning about them, their histories, their relationships, etc. I love photographing them and being able to provide them with a collection of memories to enjoy for generations. I love creating custom designed albums from scratch, starting with a blank canvas and then having it turn into this beautifully crafted book of memories to cherish. I get a real fulfilling sense of completion and I get a real high from that. Sounds crazy but true. I have even grown to love the business end of things, from marketing to networking to figuring out how to structure my business financially. I guess if I had to put it in a nutshell I would have to say I love the constant challenges this business throws your way. It can be quite challenging and I LOVE a good challenge! ;o)

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
I am passionate. I am passionate about everything I do in life. I don't do something if I am not going to be putting 100% into it and doing it from the heart. From photographing to being a parent. Everything I do requires me in full. I do it all from the heart! I wouldn't want to live life any other way!

A Warm Welcome

2009-04-28T21:14:00.004-04:00

This weekend, I was blessed to watch as my husband’s best friend vowed to forever love a wonderful woman. The wedding was held on a beautiful beach in Cape May, NJ. The reception afterwards was a casual and intimate affair- that perfectly reflected the personalities of the bride and groom. Congratulations Jeff & Christine! I wish you the very best in your lives together.

When we arrived at the hotel to check in, we were given an adorable little gift. It was a blue metal pail with a white toy shovel. It included a few snacks, maps and information on the town, an adorable seashell candle and information on the couple’s favorite places in Cape May. I love the concept of the couple providing their guests a nice surprise that will welcome them to the experience they are about to share.

Although this idea is perfect for a destination wedding, it can be done no matter where you plan on getting married. Here are a few ideas for kind of items you could include in your guest’s welcome package.

-A map of the town. Include directions on how to get from the hotel to the ceremony and from the ceremony to the reception.

-A postcard depicting the town. Include a warm, personal note on the back welcoming your guests

-Some favorite local treats that the town is famous for (e.g. Hershey chocolate in Hershey PA, saltwater taffy in a beach town)

-A listing of your favorite restaurants in town. Be sure to include ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

-A listing of your entertainment hot spots. List the movie theater you like to frequent, a favorite bar, and other interesting activities in the area.

-Information on local attractions. You can contact the local Visitor’s Center and they can provide you with some pamphlets on area sights and attractions.

-A few trial size samples of products they may need. If you are in a beach town, provide a small bottle of sunscreen. If you are getting married in winter, provide some hand warmers.

-A mini bottle of champagne and a few candles so your guests can enjoy a romantic evening, celebrating your wedding day by reliving their own!

And keep in mind that the vessel you set these items in can also set the tone for your wedding. Take, for example, the bride I mentioned who used a pail in honor of her beach wedding. For a rustic New England wedding, you can use a beautiful woven basket. Use your imagination to ensure that the packaging is just as intriguing and personal as the surprises inside!

Did you create a welcome basket for your wedding guests? What did you include?

(Boston, Miami and Nantucket welcome baskets shown are by Kate Parker Weddings)

Vendors Unveiled: Datura - A Modern Garden

2009-04-27T22:40:00.004-04:00

This week, Bliss Weddings spotlights a modern and stylistic floral designer. This florist is truly a master of his craft and has absolutely transformed many events through his unique use of form and lines in floral arrangements. We would like to introduce you to floral artist Tony Palmieri!

Name: Datura - A Modern Garden

Website: http://www.amoderngarden.com/

Blog: http://www.amoderngarden.wordpress.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
Our office is in Middletown, Connecticut -- we service all of Connecticut, southern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and some of New York State. -- we'll go anywhere!

How long have you been in business?
15 years

What drew you to floral design as a profession?
Believe it or not, I started out as a delivery person 22 years ago. I was working full-time evenings as a graphic designer -- when my first son was born, I needed some extra income and took a job delivering flowers, which I did on and off for 5 years. When the owner of the store approached me about learning how to design florals, my initial response was, "no!" -- but as soon as I picked the knife up, I knew I had found the perfect medium with which to express myself.

What do you feel sets you apart as a florist?
What sets Datura apart from other florists is the understanding that floral design is an art -- a form of sculpture. We never make the same arrangement twice. Every design is a new opportunity to express ourselves and, in turn, our clients. The fact that we view each flower as an individual, expressive creature helps us to mold them into designs that transcend the aesthetic and move into the deeper realm of emotion.

What do you love most about your job?
I love the fact that I get to have my hands in dirt and rocks -- that I get to play with sticks and stems and blooms. Honestly, it's like being a kid -- getting my hands dirty. I feel so fortunate that I am able to make a living creating art with my own hands. It was the only thing about graphic design that I didn't like - the fact that it was all computerized. There's nothing better to me than having a vision and letting the forces of nature work through me to make that vision a reality.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Clever. It's my favorite thing to be called.

Bridal Registry Best Practices

2009-04-21T07:45:00.002-04:00

My husband Greg works in retail management for Bed Bath & Beyond. As a manager, part of his job involves overseeing the store’s bridal registry program. The irony of this situation is that when we were planning our wedding a few years ago, Greg was a classic example of a disinterested groom. He would roll his eyes whenever I’d talk about the wedding (which was pretty much non-stop, so I can’t really blame him). Needless to say, I find it rather amusing that his days are now often spent explaining the benefits of fine china versus everyday china to engaged couples.

I recently sat Greg down and picked his brain about bridal registry do’s and don’ts. Below are his words of wisdom, along with a few tips of my own.

Don’t be afraid to splurge.
This is your chance to “shop” for items you wouldn’t normally buy for yourself, such as high quality cookware and cutlery, so go ahead and register for pricier items. Groups of guests will often go in on a gift together and split the cost.

Don’t do all of your registering online.
Nothing beats registering in your pajamas from the comfort of home, but keep in mind that some stores carry merchandise on their website that is not necessarily sold in stores. Guests who prefer to shop the old fashioned way may become frustrated when they arrive at the store, only to find out that the majority of items on your registry have to be purchased online.

Do fill your registry.
Couples who hope to receive cash gifts are often hesitant to add a lot of items to their registry in hopes of discouraging guests from making a purchase at the store. However, keeping your registry lean doesn’t necessarily mean that guests will opt to give cash. Instead, they may take the liberty of selecting a gift item on their own, which may not suit your taste.

Do keep your registry up to date.
If you’re planning to have an engagement party, you may decide to register shortly after you get engaged so that guests have some gift ideas. However, don’t do the bulk of your registering until a few months before the wedding. Stores rotate their inventory throughout the year, and items you may have registered for a year ago when you first got engaged may very well be discontinued by the time your shower invitations go out.

Do consider seasonality.
If you register in June for your October wedding, resist the urge to add a patio set or outdoor grill to your registry. Chances are, these items will no longer be available in the store when your guests are shopping for a gift in the late summer/early fall.

Do take advantage of the bridal registry associate.
I realized that didn’t sound quite right after I wrote it, but what I mean is, take advantage of the associate’s knowledge. They have been specially trained in the registry program and know exactly how many bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths you should include.

Don’t do all of your registering in one place.
Give your guests some options. This is especially important if you have guests traveling from out of town. Make sure the geographical locations of the stores you’ve chosen to register at are convenient for everyone to get to. (This one obviously came from me, as a Bed Bath & Beyond employee would never advocate registering somewhere else.)

Don’t rush the process.
Registering is not a quick errand you can run on your way home from work one night. Plan to spend a good two to three hours getting your registry set up initially. And don’t think that you have to complete the whole thing in one day. Couples often make a few trips back to the store to finish the job.

Do you have any other registry tips to share? Let us know by leaving a comment and we’ll donate a dollar to the Alzheimer’s Association as part of our Comment for a Cause initiative.

[Image source: www.ksfy.com]

Vendors Unveiled: Jordan Caterers

2009-04-20T19:28:00.002-04:00

Our latest segment of Vendors Unveiled spotlights the amazingly talented Jordan Caterers. Enjoy getting to know their Event Planner and Designer, Marissa McCue!

Name: Marissa McCue

Website: http://www.jordancaterers.com/

Blog: we're about to begin one ... stay tuned !!

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

We are statewide - main office in Cheshire , second location in Darien opening spring 09... exclusive caterer at The Guilford Yacht Club, New Britain Museum of American Art, Lyman Homestead, Whinstone Tavern-Stanley Golf...but we cater to many tremendous venues throughout Connecticut.

How long have you been in business?

Jordan Caterers celebrates 30 years this year. Personally 18 years in the business, 7 as a planner for Jordan Caterers.

What drew you to event catering as a profession?

I have always been in the restaurant business..through high school and college...love the energy! I have a degree in Art, so planning and designing was a really natural marriage if you will... to the food and beverage background I have. I love that it's a different party each time... different clients, venues, tastes and styles..colors, idea's and personal stories... it allows me to really be creative and have fun with my clients.

What do you feel sets you apart as a caterer?

We have a really talented culinary team with varying backgrounds. They have trained and chefed parties all over the world. Our food is wonderful and innovative; the displays are creative and fresh!! We also have a design and decor team and are happy to consult with clients by request. We provide full service for our clients.

What do you love most about your job?

My clients... there's NOTHING better that a bride walking into her celebration and saying "this is just so much better than I ever dreamed of"... who doesn't want to be a part of that?

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Creative

Fun Find: Wine Cork Candles

2009-04-19T10:51:00.002-04:00

Planning a vineyard wedding? These Wine Cork Candles from Wisteria would be a lovely addition to your event décor. Made of paraffin wax, they’re the same size and shape as real corks, so they fit perfectly in the top of a wine bottle. You can pick up three sets of four different cork designs for just $18.00. Wine bottles are not included, so be sure to save your empty bottles and set them aside during the months leading up to your wedding.

Don't Make the "Must-Take" Mistake

2009-04-15T18:09:00.004-04:00

When I was planning my wedding a few years back, "must-take" photo lists were all the rage. Brides would scour The Knot message boards for wedding photos posted by recently married knotties and dedicate a section of their Knot bio to images they hoped to re-create on their own wedding day. Certain photos became infamous and made it onto almost everyone's must-take list. I can recall one of a couple dancing in the middle of their guests where the bride and groom were in color and everyone else was in black and white.

The whole must-take concept never made much sense to me. What made the infamous wedding photos beautiful and interesting was the fact that they captured a candid, unscripted moment in time. Imitating someone else's moment in order to achieve the same image would defeat the purpose entirely. Not only that, but I imagine the re-enactment, so to speak, would feel completely staged and awkward: "Okay, you stand there and I'll stand here. Now, rest your head on my shoulder . . ."

That being said, must-take photo lists do have their place a wedding if you have specific group shots you want taken that day. Just don't get too carried away. Posing for photos with every combination of family members imaginable will take up valuable time that you could be spending interacting with your bridal party and guests. That's when the genuine, candid moments happen.

Trust your photographer. You hired them because you loved the images you saw in their portfolio, so give them the creative freedom to capture your unique wedding day through their own eyes.

If you created a must-take photo list for your wedding, what was the end result? Did you get the images you wanted? Any photographers out there care to weigh in on must-take lists?

[Image source: www.weddingfavorselite.com]

Charming!

2009-04-13T22:02:00.010-04:00

As odd as this sounds, one of my favorite parts of wedding planning was selecting the gift for my maid-of-honor... my younger sister and best friend- Lindsey. It was important to me that I find something very meaningful and beautiful for this person that would stand by my side as I said "I do". I decided on presenting her with a charm bracelet. I spent HOURS browsing through charms that related to our lives together.

Here are just a few examples of the simple symbols that had incredible meaning for these two sisters:

Witch charm - For the time we went to Salem, Massachussetts with our father.

Tooth charm- For when I lost my first baby tooth due to an ill-fated bed jumping session with Lindsey

Teddy bear charm- For my favorite teddy bear that Lindsey wrote on with permanent marker because she was jealous I got a paper fan at a friend's birthday party

Check out some of these great websites for beautiful charm bracelets! Any of your bridal party members would be honored to receive such a thoughtful gift.

C.H.A.R.M

Charm N Jewelry

Charm Country

Ever Charming

photo sources:
Bracelet~ First Treasures
Witch charm~ Just Nan
Tooth charm~ Charm Factory
Teddy bear charm~ Marty Magic

Vendors Unveiled: Raw Photo Design

2009-04-13T07:45:00.000-04:00

In this week’s edition of Vendor’s Unveiled, we learn more about Eric Langlois of Raw Photo Design. I first met Eric a couple years ago through his wife Amber. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to work with him on a few different photo shoots and he’s become a good friend of Bliss. We are huge fans of Eric’s work. He has a very unique artistic style and has a talent for making all of his subjects look like professional models. Honestly. Take a look at his blog and see for yourself. Eric is also lots of fun to work with. You can tell that he loves his job and it comes through in the way he puts everyone at ease when they get in front of his camera.

Name: Eric Langlois

Website: www.rawphotodesign.com

Blog: Same

How long have you been in business?
4 years

Where are you located and what geographical area(s) do you service?
Based in Danbury, CT and service clients worldwide.

What drew you to photography as a profession?
I really loved the idea of having the ability to make people feel really good about themselves and creating a piece of art that would signify them as a couple.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?
I'm constantly trying to evolve my style and avoid the usual wedding photography cliches that are a part of so many photographers' work. My team brings something fresh and new to each and every single wedding we cover. Whether it's a different lighting technique, pose, or camera angle, we're always striving to create a new and different piece of art for each one of our clients. Another aspect that I think really sets me apart is the amount of time and effort I spend really getting to know each and every one of my couples. I include an engagement session in each wedding package which gives my clients and me a day to hang out and get to know each other before their actual wedding.

What do you love most about your job?
Creating artwork that blows my clients away and makes them feel awesome about themselves. I love the moment during a session or wedding in which my client really opens up, lets their guard down, and allows me to capture the essence of them as a person. Creating an environment and atmosphere in which a person can fully open up and be completely comfortable in front of the camera is about 95% of my job and the part I love the most.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Entertaining

Vendors Unveiled: Flowers by Danielle

2009-04-06T18:42:00.005-04:00

We have had the pleasure to work with Flowers by Danielle for a few of the events we have coordinated. Danielle's work is always impeccable, unique and breathtaking. Her staff is friendly and always excited to collaborate with the clients and other vendors. It is obvious that floral design is their passion and it comes out in their attitude and their art!

Name: Danielle Farrer

Website: http://www.flowersbydanielle.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?

I am located in Monroe, CT. We travel the entire state of CT and Westchester County NY.

How long have you been in business?

We have been in business for 9 years.

What drew you to floral design as a profession?

I grew up working in a retail florist and loved doing the wedding aspect of the business. Upon graduation from college I tried the corporate world for one year and realized my passion was with flowers. It all began doing friends and families weddings and through word of mouth, after pleasing thousands of brides over the years, my love of flowers is still flourishing. When you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work at all!

What do you feel sets you apart as a florist?

We are not a retail florist. We are wedding and event specialists. We take great pride in providing our brides and clients with the utmost freshness and quality flowers in the market, as we order per event. We don't use a lot of fillers and greens to enhance our work. The day of your wedding is the only event on our calendar and our focus is on you, as we're not interrupted with funeral and hospital deliveries and walk-ins.

What do you love most about your job?

Every wedding is unique and putting smiles on peoples faces! We treat every wedding as if it were our own.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Passionate

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

2009-04-06T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today is Elizabeth's special day. Care to leave her a few birthday wishes in the Comments?

Modish BIZtips Monthly Goal Meetup: April 2009

2009-04-05T15:52:00.004-04:00

The author of one of the blogs we visit regularly, Jena at Modish BIZtips, is challenging all of her readers to come up with a list of at least five business-related goals we want to accomplish during the month of April and posting them on our own blogs. Her hope is that by everyone coming together and publicizing their goals, we’ll all hold ourselves more accountable for completing them. At the end of each month, we’ll check in with one another to gauge our progress and develop a new set of goals for the following month.

We thought this was a fantastic idea, so we’ve posted our list of goals below. You can read Jena’s original post here for more information and to see who else is participating.

1. Rewrite individual bios for website. If you visit our website regularly, you’ll know that we had bios up when we launched the new site back in November. After some time had passed, however, we decided that they were too “corporate,” for lack of a better word. We want to inject some more personality into them, so it’s back to the drawing board for some editing.

2. Finalize new marketing materials. We recently revamped our package structure and service offerings and we’re excited about the changes, but now we need to update our client marketing materials to follow suit.

3. Have headshots taken of our new Bliss team members. Two lovely ladies have recently joined the Bliss team and we can’t wait to introduce them on the blog, but since a picture is worth a thousand words, we’ve been holding off until we have some shiny new headshots of them to accompany the announcement.

4. Invite five new vendors to participate in Vendors Unveiled. One of the best parts of being involved with our clients’ weddings is the opportunity to collaborate with other wedding professionals. A few weeks ago, we introduced our new Vendors Unveiled interview series on the blog and it’s been a great way to get to know the many wonderfully talented vendors out there. We hope to increase participation over the coming weeks.

5. Convert blog to WordPress. We’ve wanted to convert our blog to WordPress for some time now, but with so many other items on the to-do list, we just haven’t gotten around to actually doing it. Hopefully this Monthly Goal Meetup will provide us with the necessary motivation.

Be sure to check back at the end of April to see how we’re doing!

[Image credit: "Goals" by Flickr user Jill Greenseth]

With This Ring

2009-04-02T22:38:00.004-04:00

I love the idea of replacing the traditional ring pillow with a ring dish or bowl. Pick something that reflects your personalities or have it customized with your names.

Every night, right before you go to bed- you can both place your wedding bands together in the same dish they sat in before you exchanged them the day you were wed! And every morning when you awake, you will remember the promise you made to each other and how that ring you slip on your finger is a symbol of that promise.

[ring dish by etsy seller Paloma's Nest]

Comment for a Cause: 1st Quarter Recap

2009-04-01T07:45:00.002-04:00

Back in January, we introduced our Comment for a Cause initiative: for every comment posted to our blog, we would donate $1.00 to a charitable organization. We're pleased to announce that we will be donating $20.00 (hey, every little bit helps, right?) to The Humane Society thanks to the efforts of our loyal blog readers.

With the first three months of the year behind us (where did the time go??), it's time to select a new charitable organization for the 2nd quarter, and that charity will be the Alzheimer's Association.

If you've been following our blog, but have been too shy to post a comment, we encourage you to come out of hiding. You don't have to reveal any identifying information about yourself in order to post, although we do prefer that you include at least your first name (when you post, you'll be asked to enter an email address, but this information is not shared with us when the comment comes through).

Thank you to everyone who has commented and please keep 'em coming!

Vendors Unveiled: Ciao! Catering and Events

2009-03-30T18:00:00.002-04:00

When planning my October 2005 wedding, I was referred to Tom Devine of Ciao! Catering and Events by my own wedding coordinator. Given the nature and location of my event, some caterers were nervous to take it on. When I first met Tom, I told him of my plan and he was immediately on board. His expertise and resourcefulness ensured that my wedding ran smoothly. The food was amazing (guests STILL talk about it over three years later) and the staff members were friendly and helpful (I even have a photo of Tom's wife re-bustling my dress)!

They were incredible all day long. Unlike some other caterers, they didn't concentrate their responsibilities on the food solely. Tom worked with my rental company to ensure I had everything I would need. He provided suggestions based on his experience in the industry. His staff was there the entire day and assisted in making sure everything was set up perfectly. I have since recommended couples to Ciao! Catering and Events multiple times because I wholeheartedly trust their weddings in the hands of Tom [pictured below on the left] and his business partner, Keith O'Marra [pictured below on the right].

Name: Tom Devine - Ciao! Catering and Events/ Two Steps Downtown Grille

Website: http://www.ciaocateringtwosteps.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
We are located in Danbury Connecticut, but our catering services go as far up as Hartford, across into New York State and Lower Fairfield and New Haven Counties and below towards New York City

How long have you been in business?
We've been in the catering business for 20 great years!

What drew you to event catering as a profession?
We love the fact that each event is different, thereby challenging us to be extremely creative.

What do you feel sets you apart as a caterer?
We're not a column A, Column B caterer. We firmly believe that event should reflect the personality of the bride and groom. From their taste in food, taste in music, degree of formality, decor ... in essence the total vibe of the event should be about them. I guess the example I would give you is that if I was to invite you tonight to my house for dinner... I would cook what I feel like eating, put on the music I want to listen to and pour the wine that I want to drink. Every bride and groom should look at the event site in the same light as an extension of their home showcasing their tastes. A lot of what we discuss with our clients seems like common sense, but unfortunately sometimes with weddings, common sense goes out the window.

What do you love most about your job?
The diversity. Besides owning a catering business we also own a restaurant where we do cooking classes, chef's table dinners and special events. Every day is different.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Caring

Customized Cookies

2009-03-29T21:22:00.008-04:00

Who wouldn't want a cookie that looked exactly like them?! Check out Parker's Crazy Cookies. These would make adorable wedding favors!

Wonderwear!

2009-03-27T19:39:00.005-04:00

I was recently thumbing through my weekly fix of trashy, celebrity gossip (in the form of OK! Magazine) and came across something that I figured I would remind our readers of.

I found the miracle that is SPANX during the planning of my own wedding. I am a “solid” girl (yeah, that sounds MUCH better) and I wanted to look as toned and tight as possible for my wedding day. I don’t have will power to do those crazy things like dieting and exercising- so I turned to this underwear! SPANX by Sara Blakely is a collection of various undergarments that tighten all the right areas. They have become an absolute Godsend for brides and bridesmaids over the past few years.

I personally highly recommend their Body Shapers line. Versions offered range from a simple panty to an entire body suit. They are a much more comfortable version of the old-school corsets… except you don’t need a handmaiden to squeeze and tie you into them (and you avoid that whole pesky broken rib issue). Wear the Body Shapers under your everyday clothes and you'll feel sexy even in jeans and a t-shirt!

Sara Blakely recently created a new version of her SPANX line called ASSETS, that can be found at Target stores nationwide. As with SPANX, they carry an assortment of undergarments that will simply tighten everything up. The best part of her ASSETS line... a portion of each purchase goes towards The Sara Blakely Foundation. This organization works to empower women around the globe to provide them with the same opportunities we are blessed with here in America. The Sara Blakely Foundation works to give scholarships to underprivileged South African women and provides education on the HIV-AIDS epidemic.

Feel good about yourself- both outside AND inside… and purchase your SPANX or ASSETS item today!

Unique Bouquet Alternatives

2009-03-25T20:38:00.008-04:00

A collection of fresh roses with stems wrapped in soft satin ribbon is what we normally picture when we think of a bridal bouquet. However, since weddings have become more unique and free-form, you have more opportunities to express yourself through what you decide to carry down the aisle. In Jessica's previous blog contribution Fabric Boutonnieres, she discussed a creative option for bridal party flowers.

Here are a few of my favorite alternatives to the classic bridal bouquet.

Put a new twist on a classic

Completely redefine the term "bouquet"

Photo sources:

Crepe paper roses - Martha Stewart Crafts

Bright paper flowers - OffBeat Bride

Clay Stephanotis - Etsy seller DK Designs

Beaded flowers - Etsy seller Bead Flora Jewels

Colorful felt & buttons - Princess Lasertron

Monogram parasol - Prior Engagement Blog

Personalized paper fan - Beach Wedding Planning

Peony pomander - Chique Weddings

Copper & beads - Etsy seller Refinerii

Monarch butterflies - Etsy seller Whichgoose

Buttons - Etsy seller Kreated by Kelly

Blue ornaments - OffBeat Bride

Feathers - HatsnStuff

Seashells - Etsy seller Chocolate Brooms and Bouquets

White Moroccan lantern - Aspen Country

Beads & crystals - Wedding Bridal Combs

Vendors Unveiled: Celebrant Shauna Kanter

2009-03-23T19:30:00.001-04:00

We had the distinct pleasure of working with our next Vendor Unveiled at Kelly & Giancarlo's August 2008 wedding. She was an amazing find- an officiant with heart and personality... who was most concerned with the happiness of the couple.

Name: Shauna Kanter

Website: http://www.shaunaweddings.com/

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
I serve New York City, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, New Jersey, Vermont and Western Mass.

How long have you been in business?
2 years

What drew you to wedding officiating as a profession?
My own marriage in Bristol, England was a collaboration between cultures across thousands of miles. Because we wanted to express who we are and how we came to be a couple and at the time (in 1995) in England this kind of thing was unheard of. We had to create a one of a kind wedding and in doing so, I came to appreciate how important and precious this life changing ceremony is for a couple and the couple's family and friends. And the ceremony that was created and the celebration afterwards really blew me away and I have cherished every moment of it to this day.

What do you feel sets you apart as a wedding officiant?
I bring more than thirty years of experience offering a unique convergence of skills. I have received my degree in Marriage Ceremony from the Celebrant Foundation and Institute. I am a published writer, university professor and theatre director. As a Celebrant I am a co – creator, resource person, encourager, and Legal Wedding Officiant. I create unique ceremonies, not one-size-fits-all-city-hall-ceremonies.

With each wedding that I write, I draw upon my writing skills to crystallize the story, feelings and beliefs of each bride and groom. My organizational skills as a theatre director combine with my teaching skills to create an atmosphere of compassion. My vocal skills merge to beautifully express the hearts of each couple that I marry, whether we are in front of three or three hundred guests.

What do you love most about your job?
Being there for couples as they walk through this very extraordinary journey called marriage and the grand adventure to follow.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Loving.

Unique Vintage

2009-03-22T16:37:00.009-04:00

My 4th wedding anniversary is coming up in June, and by a stroke of pure luck, I was somehow able to convince my camera-shy husband to partake in an anniversary photo shoot to commemorate the occasion. I’m excited for the shoot, but for me, at least half the fun is going to be shopping for outfits to wear during the shoot.

And so in my quest to find the perfect vintage dress, I stumbled upon this fabulous website: www.unique-vintage.com. With styles from nearly every era dating back to the 1920s, this is the vintage-loving gal’s one-stop shop for all wedding-related occasion dresses.

The bridal shower:

The bachelorette party (this design was inspired by one of Carrie Bradshaw's dresses):

The rehearsal dinner:

And, of course, the wedding:

This one retails for a mere $188. It doesn’t really get much more affordable than that when it comes to wedding dresses, and I’d say it bears a striking resemblance to the Melissa Sweet gown below, which costs thousands more.

[Photo source: carinesbridal.com]

Heaven in a cup (cake)

2009-03-20T20:35:00.003-04:00

If anyone out there is looking for gift ideas for my birthday - several months from now (what can I say? I’m a planner) - these little gems from Coldstone would be most appreciated.

Vendors Unveiled: Digital Media Odyssey

2009-03-15T09:25:00.007-04:00

I'm following in Elizabeth's footsteps with this week's Vendors Unveiled and featuring one of my own wedding vendors: Matt Fink of Digital Media Odyssey. I hadn't initially planned on having a videographer, but hiring Matt turned out to be one of the best wedding-related decisions I made. My husband Greg was also skeptical about the idea at first, figuring I would watch the video once, after which it would be forever tucked away in a closet collecting dust.

Boy did I ever prove him wrong! I watched that video every day for at least two months after the wedding. I'm not kidding. I couldn't get enough of it, and that was due in large part to Matt's amazing editing skills. It's not just a video; it's a movie, complete with a soundtrack, and credits, and outtakes. It is a work of art. Even Greg was impressed, and though he would complain when I'd put the video on for the third time in a single day (again, not kidding), I would often catch him watching from the other room. My friends loved it too, so much so that three of them hired Matt to film their own weddings after seeing it.

Name: Matt Fink

Website: www.dmodyssey.com

Blog: Blog.DMOdyssey.com

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
I am currently located in Danbury, soon to be Stamford, CT and I work all over! I have filmed in New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania. I love traveling and experiencing new places to film, so wherever it may be, we will go!

How long have you been in business?
Been in business since February of 2002

What drew you to videography as a profession?
I have always had an interest in film and video, just never thought about doing wedding and events, especially considering at the time I had only been to maybe one wedding in my life. After a friend's sister's friend needed a videographer and asked if I would do it, knowing I had my own equipment, I said sure why not, not expecting much from it, but it was so different then what I imagined, it was just fun and enjoyable and knowing I was giving them this piece of their personal history of one of the most important days of their lives and knowing they can show family and friends and their children down the road what their wedding was like made me fall in love with it. Its such an amazing industry where you get to work with a melting pot of cultures, religions and people and it's just so rewarding knowing you played a part in a memory that will be with them forever.

What do you feel sets you apart as a videographer?
I think there are a few things that set me apart from other videographers. I think my style is all in it's own. I don't follow any other traditional style or other videographers style, I made my own and I am constantly trying to improve on it and reinvent myself every wedding I do. I love music. Music helps make the video flow and with the use of music I can really tell the story of someone's wedding and it helps produce such a beautifully emotional ride. I also am very open to discussion and ideas anyone has when it comes to their video. Special requests are my specialties! Whether it be using a song that doesn't fit anywhere else or adding a segment for outtakes, I love listening to what people have to say and their ideas - it's their video, it needs to last them a lifetime, I want it to be perfect!

What do you love most about your job?
There is so much I love about my job. I would say the number one thing I love is knowing that I helped preserve a memory of such a huge event in someone's life. Making people laugh and cry and see things they missed during their day. I love the fact that I get to experience so much diversity in cultures and religions. I love that I get film the one event where there is hardly anyone who isn't having a great time or smiling. I love being able to let my creativity flow. I love being able to tell a story! I love it all! Working in the wedding industry is such an amazing thing!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
If I had to describe myself in one word it would be Passionate.

Paint the Picture

2009-03-12T21:44:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it’s difficult to truly see the big picture of your wedding design. In your travels, you find individual elements that catch your eye that you would love to incorporate into your event vision. However, it can be difficult to see the things you love objectively.

For a way to get a better sense of what your wedding will look like, I recommend purchasing a collage board.

Pick up paint chips of colors that call to you from Home Depot. Purchase a fat quarter of fabric that you fall in love with at Joann’s. Tear out photos of various décor elements from your favorite magazines. Print out ideas you have come across on the internet (including photos of your ceremony and reception locations).

Place all of these images and materials on the board to create your own wedding day collage. Spend some time standing a few feet away from it, adding new pieces and removing others.

As you inspect your wedding design collage, ask yourself some questions:

1. Do these colors complement each other? Matchy-matchy is not the goal of wedding design, but the various colors should play off each other and bring out the rest of the décor.

2. Do the items flow together? You do not necessarily need a theme, but the aspects of your wedding should provide a consistency throughout the entire event.

3. Do the items really speak to your personalities? The event should be a true display to your guests of what is in your hearts on the day you celebrate your marriage with them.

4. Are you selecting wedding elements simply because you feel obligated out of tradition? Jordan almonds are not a necessity. They may be the standard favor for a lot of weddings… but this is your time to think outside of the box.

5. Is this vision realistic in comparison to my budget? We all love the lush floral arrangements you see spotlighted at a wedding planned by Preston Bailey- but it’s not a reality for many people (myself included). However, there are ways to recreate this look. Take some time reviewing the more extravagant details you admire and brainstorm ways to invoke the same feeling for less money.

What are some methods you use to envision your event design as you make decor decisions?

[photo source: Crafty.Quirky.Fun Blog]

Stand Your Ground with SoleMates

2009-03-10T08:33:00.005-04:00

After last week’s blizzard, it was so wonderful to wake up this past weekend to the sun shining and the sound of melting snow trickling down the rain gutters. That first hint of mild weather after a long and frigid Connecticut winter never fails to put a spring in everyone’s step (pun intended). The grass-covered ground was a welcome sight after so many months of snow cover, though I quickly realized that it wasn’t much of a ground at all, but rather a soggy swamp. As I trudged through the slippery mud pit that is my backyard to refill our bird feeders, I was reminded of a nifty little product called SoleMates.

SoleMates are a simple, yet ingenious device that prevents pointy heels from sinking into the soft earth. If I was having trouble in my sneakers, I can only imagine how last weekend’s brides and bridesmaids fared in their stilettos. The recent weather patterns clearly illustrate just how fickle Mother Nature can be, and her unpredictability is not limited to the winter season. Pick up a pair of SoleMates to ensure that you stay above ground on your spring, summer, fall, or winter wedding day.

Vendors Unveiled: MereMatt Studios

2009-03-09T19:10:00.000-04:00

In our latest edition of Vendors Unveiled, we get the opportunity to learn more about Reina McCuskey of MereMatt Studios in Westport, CT. I met Reina approximately 5 years ago when I was in the process of finding a photographer for my own wedding. I found her online and instantly fell in love with her work. After I contacted her and assured she was available on my wedding day... I hired her on the spot!

Reina captured the most cherished memories of my wedding. From an artistic photo of my neglected shoes as I danced away in the night in the background, or the image of my brand-new husband and I kissing when we didn't realize anyone was watching... she truly told the story of the best day of my life through her lens. On top of being an amazing photographer, her personality really put me at ease. As I was getting ready the day of the wedding with my bridesmaids, I felt like Reina was just another member of my bridal party. That is a VERY important attribute that certainly helped this camera shy chick!

Name: Reina McCuskey

Website: http://www.merematt.com/

Blog: merematt.bigfolioblog.com

Where are you located, and what geographical area(s) do you service?
I'm based out of Westport, CT and cover the NY Metro and New England area.

How long have you been in business?
Just over 5 years.

What drew you to photography as a profession?
I can remember being very young and looking through my mother's photo albums filled with images of her youth and her family and friends. There were beautiful b&w images - some dating back to the early 1900s - that were so expressive and filled with meaning and family history. When I had children of my own, I felt compelled to recreate the look of those early albums for them. I began studying the art of photography, and learned to develop and print my film images, which were viewed by family and friends. Before long, I was asked to photograph christenings and weddings and I suppose you could say one thing led to another...It was also the perfect lifestyle choice for me given that I had young children at home. I was able to work and still be at home with them while they were babies.

What do you feel sets you apart as a photographer?
That's a difficult question to answer. I really believe I have to leave that for others to judge. My style of photography has evolved over the years from a purists' love of developing and printing the black and white candids I captured on film to embracing the digital culture and the possibilities it has opened for my creative expression... but I suppose the one constant is that I view my work in terms of whether it will stand the test of time... Technically, did I nail the exposure and composition? Will it evoke a sense of the day or moment in time when it's viewed by my subject's grandchildren 30 or 40 years down the road? Have I captured and presented something I myself would treasure and pass on as an heirloom?...these are the ultimate goals for me.

What do you love most about your job?
The feeling I get when I know I've captured something special. You know, it really is a privilege to be asked to photograph a wedding. You're being entrusted with the task of documenting a very special moment in time, and I absolutely love it when, at the end of the day, I know I've captured the essence of the day, and all of the special moments and details that go into making their experience unique among all others.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Observant.

As always, if you have a vendor you would like to suggest for a future installment of Vendors Unveiled, please email us!

Be Careful Not to Overdo-it-Yourself

2009-03-07T14:45:00.006-05:00

I consider myself a “crafty” person. I have a background in art and absolutely love to create. Therefore, it was only natural that when I was planning my own wedding, a lot of the details would be produced by me. The operative word there is details… meaning something small. However, I had two years to plan a wedding and let’s just say… I started out a little overly ambitious.

After my wonderful husband (fiancé at the time) slipped that beautiful sapphire and diamond ring on my finger, I started thinking about all the contributions I would make to my wedding. However… I got a little overzealous in my insistence on creating every element of my wedding by hand.

For example, I was going to design and sew my own dress. I spent HOURS looking at various patterns and fabrics. I analyzed elements of each dress that I loved, and drew sketches to determine what I would have to do to recreate that look. Keep in mind, I can sew, but I am by NO means a professional. I can only IMAGINE what the dress would have looked like

My husband jumped on the DIY bandwagon right along with me. He decided that he was going to bake and decorate our 4 tier wedding cake. He likes to bake. So what if he had only ever made one layer cakes? He was confident. He would make the cake… and all our guests would be incredibly impressed.

Luckily, we woke up from our delusions in time enough to hire REAL, PROFESSIONAL vendors! Unfortunately, some brides never recognize that they’re in over their heads and continue on with these projects. The enormity and timely nature of these projects can create a lot of stress. You should enjoy the process of planning your wedding, and you shouldn’t spend the days before your wedding running on little sleep and nervously biting your nails (think of those ring photos!)

These are the items I suggest a couple avoid attempting on their own:

Wedding Cake
Catering
Floral Design
Ceremony/Reception Music
Wedding Dress/Bridesmaids Dress

However, sometimes it’s a nice touch when elements are handmade by the couple. These items are usually things that can be done well in advance of the event and are smaller details. These aspects include:

The invitations/save-the-dates/thank you cards
Favors (design, execution and packaging)
Signage (signature cocktail, table numbers, placecards)
Guest book or variations thereof
Your veil/headpiece (I did this myself. My veil cost approximately $4 and it was exactly what I had envisioned)
Candy/cookie/dessert buffet

The time leading up to your wedding should be enjoyable and as stress-free as possible. No bride should be sick of the idea of her wedding day by the time it finally arrives. It should be as exciting as the day you started making your plans. There is a reason people pay for professional wedding vendors… they are worth EVERY PENNY. Even if you have the ability to create a lot of these things, your time and energy are more important!

What are you planning to DIY for your own wedding? For those already married, what details did you personally contribute to your event?

[photo source: Blue Orchid Designs Blog]

Add some tackiness to your wedding

2009-03-06T18:23:00.010-05:00

No, not THAT kind of tackiness. This kind of tackiness:

Use these decorative thumbtacks (push pins, whatever you want to call them) to create a simple and unique guestbook: have guests write well wishes on little slips of paper and tack them to a fabric bulletin board or corkboard. Stikpins come in an array of super fun colors like Hot Ruby Roja and Oceanology (pictured above).

Or if you prefer patterns over solids, Etsy offers a huge variety of decorative tacks to coordinate with any event design concept, like these cherry blossom ones from seller GamiWorks . . .

. . . or these organic-inspired ones from seller MostlyMagnets.

So go ahead and get a little tacky!

Address Labels with Personality

2009-03-04T19:59:00.014-05:00

In planning our own weddings, Jessica and I stumbled across this fun product. It is a perfect addition to your wedding thank you cards. Browse FamilyLabels.com and have fun playing with all of the variations of return address labels that you can create!

You can opt for a version displaying you and your husband in your bridal trousseau. Or as I did, you can use the label as an opportunity to introduce your new "family". In my case, this consisted of cartoons of me, Jay and our two beloved cats Gizmo and Chevy! I have continued to use these as the return labels for our holiday cards and party invitations every year. We get comments on how adorable they are every single time we use them.

Check out FamilyLabels.com and CupidLabels.com and personalize your own!

Grooming the Groom

2009-03-03T21:33:00.008-05:00

Recently I have noticed that men are becoming nostalgic in their shaving rituals. Gone are the days of cheap plastic Bic razors and cans of Barbasol shaving cream. These implements are being replaced by expensive straight razors and badger hair brushes. My husband has recently become appreciative of the close shave only these tools can provide.

Why not use this growing trend as a way to give your groom and his groomsmen their equivalent of the bridal party pedicure/manicure outing? Not only will it relax them for the events of the day, but it will ensure that they arrive to the wedding fresh faced and nicely groomed (pun intended). Forget golfing or an outing to a local bar--- send them to The Art of Shaving in New York City!

The Art of Shaving is a salon that provides spa services and products geared toward men looking for the ultimate in shaving experiences. Owners Myriam and Eric have perfected their shaving system and The Art of Shaving’s high-end products can be found in department stores and in their 17 locations nationwide.

We women tend to think that we are the only ones who truly appreciate being pampered. Men are starting to realize just how valuable these services are. Treat your fiancé and his best friends to this wonderful experience.

How did your husband spend the days prior to your wedding? What other activities would you suggest for a groom and his wedding party prepping for the big day? Comment for a cause!

[Photo source: The Art of Shaving]

Vendors Unveiled: Mew Paper Arts

2009-03-02T10:43:00.021-05:00

We’re pleased to announce a new feature on our blog called Vendors Unveiled. We thought our blog readers would enjoy getting to know more about the many wonderful vendors out there, so we’ll be posting a series of brief interviews with various wedding professionals.

Our first featured vendor is Alissa Harvey from Mew Paper Arts. Alissa is an extremely talented stationery designer and of course we loved the fact that her business name was inspired by her cat!

Name: Alissa Harvey, owner Mew Paper Arts

Location: Danbury, CT (servicing clients nationwide)

Website: www.mewpaperarts.com

Blog: curiouserandcuriouser.typepad.com

How long have you been in business?
I started my stationery design business in 2006 via Etsy.com when I was working full time in a real estate office. After the first Christmas season on Etsy I saw a huge increase in business, and branched a little further out into the wedding invitation design. In January, 2008 I was able to dump my boring day job and dig into Mew full time. I haven’t looked back, and most days I can’t believe how lucky I am to do what I love!

What drew you to stationery design as a profession?
I was totally the art-geek in highschool, and went on to study art and illustration in college. I would send my friends in other colleges handmade cards that I put together in my dorm room. When I got into the real world I felt like I should have a more corporate type job. What was I thinking? It was never the right fit, and it didn’t take me long to realize that I needed to be creative every day.

What do you feel sets you apart as a stationery designer?
I think my clients choose to work with me because they are looking for a unique product, and appreciate buying handmade. There are many stationery design boutiques that offer nice work, but lack the one-on-one service that I offer each and every one of my clients. Your entire stationery ensemble can be customized, and I use original art and illustration to make your invitations really stand out. I make myself available and approachable so that there is a real person for a stressed-out bride to describe her vision to—and really get what she wants.

What do you love most about your job?
Oh, do I have to just pick one thing??? This is the BEST job I’ve ever had—mainly because I’m the boss! No one is stifling my ideas so I get complete creative freedom. I love hearing the stories of the brides I work with, and then getting their wedding photos a few months later! Overall, this business is my dream come true. I work really, really hard but it never feels like work!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Hmmm, that’s a hard one. I had to ask my husband for help! The word would be vibrant!

Vendors Unveiled will be a regular feature on our blog, so be sure to check back often! If you’re a vendor who is interested in being featured, please email us!

Coping with a Disinterested Groom

2009-03-02T07:48:00.004-05:00

It’s a fact of life: for the vast majority of engaged couples, the bride’s interest in the wedding plans exceeds the groom’s by at least a mile. This isn’t surprising. The term “wedding” conjures up images of rose petals and lace – not something many men are interested in. Ladies, I feel your pain. My husband’s involvement in the planning of our wedding was limited almost exclusively to getting fitted for his tuxedo. Seriously. He didn’t even see our reception site until our limo dropped us off on the big day.

While I wished that he’d been more interested in the details of our day, in many respects, having sole decision making authority made the planning process go much more smoothly. Here are a few tips to make it as painless as possible for your disinterested groom.

Don’t involve him in every. single. decision.
No matter how perfect you are for each other, no two people are going to agree on everything all the time. There are literally hundreds of decisions to make while planning a wedding and trying to come to a consensus on each and every one is just asking for conflict. There’s no need to consult with your groom about what shade of pink to dye your crinoline. That’s what your maid of honor is for.

Give him specific tasks to focus on.
Men like to feel useful, so give your groom a job to do. Food, music, and transportation are typically a pretty safe bet in terms of holding his interest. You’ve got enough on your mind. Let him decide whether to rent a stretch Hummer or a party bus for the big day.

Don’t talk about the wedding 24/7.
This is hard to do. We know. We were once brides too. If your groom is not all that interested in the wedding to begin with, hearing about it constantly is only going to aggravate the issue. When you’re feeling particularly chatty, call your mother, your bridesmaids, or your wedding planner, and keep your groom on a need-to-know basis.

If he wants to have a say, let him!
Marriage is about compromise, and so is wedding planning. Your groom may very well decide along the way that he does have an opinion on certain things after all. (Case in point: my husband randomly decided that we needed to have a baby picture slideshow at the reception.) Listening to him and being open to his ideas will help him feel more involved and less like the wedding is all about you.

Are you a bride who’s currently coping with a disinterested groom? Or perhaps you’re a rare groom who is interested in your wedding (and you must be if you’re reading this blog!). We’d love it if you’d comment for a cause.

[Photo source: WeddingChannel]

Special offer from BARWA Photography

2009-02-26T15:05:00.003-05:00

During a recent chat with one of our favorite videographers, Marcin from Digital Ink Studio, I learned that he and his wife Joanna have recently expanded their service offerings to include contemporary wedding photography. Since this is a new venture for them, they are offering a limited number of photography packages to Connecticut couples at the special introductory rate of $1,000. This special offer includes up to 10 hours of coverage with two photographers.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with Marcin and Joanna a number of times and we always have a blast with them. Visit the BARWA website for more information about their photography services or check out the BARWA blog to see some of their recent work.

How Not to Become a Two-Dress Bride

2009-02-25T07:30:00.011-05:00

If you’re not familiar with the term “two-dress bride," it’s pretty self-explanatory: a bride with not one, but two wedding dresses. And I don’t mean a traditional ball gown to wear at the ceremony and a slinkier number to change into at the reception. This is a bride who purchases a dress, and then decides that said dress just isn’t what she sees herself walking down the aisle in, so she purchases a second (or a third, or a fourth). Not only is this cost-prohibitive, it’s just plain unnecessary. Here are a few simple strategies to avoid falling victim to this unfortunate circumstance.

Don’t jump the gun on dress shopping.
Dress shopping is by far one of the most thrilling parts of the wedding planning process. As a result, most brides are eager to get this crossed off the to-do list in a hurry. Try to hold off, however, until you have some of your essential wedding plans in place. Your venue, for instance, can have a major influence on the design of your event and, consequently, your attire. An ornate ball gown with a cathedral train has no place at a casual afternoon beach wedding.

Don’t bring too many people shopping with you.
One thing all brides learn very quickly as they start to plan their weddings is that everyone has an opinion, and most people don’t hesitate to share it in the form of unsolicited advice. While in theory it may seem like a good idea to bring your eight bridesmaids, mother, future mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, second cousin, etc., this is one case where “the more the merrier” most definitely does not apply. Getting that many people to agree on anything is nearly impossible and conflicting opinions will only complicate your decision. Plus, you run the risk of being talked out of something you really like. Instead, bring just two or three of your closest friends or family members whose opinions you value.

Trust your gut.
You knew your fiancé was “the one” when you met him. Chances are, you’ll experience a similar epiphany while dress shopping. Many brides start out with a pre-conceived notion of the kind dress they want and end up purchasing something completely different. If the gown you fall in love with doesn’t match the vision you originally had in your mind, be open to that.

Once you’ve made the purchase, stop looking!
You will always, always find something you like even better for the simple reason that new and stunning dress designs are hitting the runways all the time. Don’t let temptation rear its ugly head. Once you’ve purchased your dress, close that chapter of the planning process and move on.

[Photo source: The Wedding Planning Institute]

Handmade by Someone Else

2009-02-24T19:06:00.008-05:00

I love to create (which comes in quite handy as a wedding planner)! For my own wedding, it was apparent from the beginning that a lot of my details would be do-it-yourself.

If you're not so "crafty" and still want some beautiful, handmade details for your own event, check out Etsy's wedding page. They have everything from invitations to cake toppers to ring pillows. You will spend hours browsing this site... I know I can!

Here are some beautiful finds from this wonderful site!

Daphne Bridal Tiara by SarJil Design Studio

Unity Candle Set (color customizable) by Paula's Petal Pastries

Wedding Invitation by Blossom Accents

Does the roof of your mouth stand still on an island?

2009-02-19T10:50:00.011-05:00

That has to be the strangest blog post title ever written, but I wanted to take a moment to address a few commonly misused words in the wedding industry, as this is a bit of a pet peeve of mine. The misuse is occurring everywhere from The Knot message boards to vendor websites and blogs. Below I offer definitions for the offending terms as well as their grammatically correct counterparts (source: Dictionary.com).

Palate vs. Palette
You don’t select a color palate for your wedding; you select a color palette.

pal-ate (noun) The roof of the mouth, consisting of an anterior bony portion (hard palate) and a posterior muscular portion (soft palate) that separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.

pal-ette (noun) The range of colors used by a particular artist.

Stationary vs. Stationery
Your invitations are not part of your wedding stationary; they’re part of your wedding stationery.

sta-tion-ar-y (adjective) Standing still; not moving.

sta-tion-er-y (noun) Writing materials, as pens, pencils, paper, and envelopes.

Isle vs. Aisle
On your wedding day, you don’t walk down the isle; you walk down the aisle.

isle (noun) A small island.

aisle (noun) A longitudinal division of an interior area, as in a church.

Are you using these terms correctly?

Love Is (Still) In The Air

2009-02-17T21:58:00.003-05:00

Although Valentine’s Day just passed, I still feel like love is in the air.

One of the best things about attending a wedding as a guest is to enjoy the romantic atmosphere with your significant other. As we go through our days, sometimes it becomes tougher and tougher to take the time to really cherish each other and do things to spark the passion and love in our relationships.

A great gift from the couple to their guests can be a renewal of romance. Your favor can act as the catalyst for this. Instead of traditional guest gifts, why not give other couples something that transport them back to the early days of their marriage.

Movie Night

There is nothing I love more than to enjoy a movie with my husband. We love to spend time together, snuggled up on the couch- watching our favorite films! A favor consisting of a Blockbuster gift card and a bag of popcorn will encourage your married guests to schedule a cozy night in, getting reacquainted with each other!

Romance Personified
Champagne and chocolate strawberries are seen as as the ultimate romantic snack. Provide each couple with a split of champagne and a box with two chocolate-covered strawberries. They can light a few candles at home and watch the sparks fly!

Extravagant Gesture
For the no-limits budget, nothing says classic romance like champagne and caviar! Your guests can pack this in a picnic basket and enjoy a beautiful day, recreating the romance that inspired them to get married in the first place!

Given how busy people are nowadays, romance tends to take a backseat to every day chores. Your wedding favor will be greatly appreciated by guests, as they find inspiration to rekindle the spark in their own relationship.

(photo credits: movie night basket via On-A-Whim, chocolate-covered strawberries via Ranch Foods Direct, champagne & caviar via AllPosters.com)

A Refreshing Favor Idea

2009-02-17T11:58:00.004-05:00

I recently stumbled across the website of MyJones Soda, a company that creates personalized bottles of soda with your photo and a quote. What a fun favor idea! These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill colas either. MyJones offers a variety of delicious-sounding flavors like Crushed Melon, Blue Bubble Gum, and Fufu Berry. At $29.99 for a 12-pack, these sodas would also be a great addition to your pre-ceremony beverage bar. Discounts are available for ordering 10 or more packs. Visit www.myjones.com to place your order.

Website survey - we just need a minute!

2009-02-15T15:42:00.003-05:00

A fellow wedding planner has developed a brief survey to collect information about what brides and grooms value in terms of vendor websites. We’d love it if our blog readers would take a moment to fill it out. Below are the instructions:

I promise this will only take a minute of your time! If you wouldn't mind, please click on the link below and answer 9 quick, easy questions about different design aspects of wedding vendor's websites.

Wedding Vendor Website Survey

We won't record anything about you other than what state or country you are from - we don't even ask for your email address so no spam or anything like that.

You will likely see this link on lots of other blogs and sites - this survey is being shared all over the blog-o-sphere so please take the survey only once. If you have additional comments on the subject, please feel free to email me with those and I will share them with the other wedding vendors who are participating! e can't wait to hear what you have to say!

(If you are a wedding vendor and would like to participate, just copy this post to your blog and email me the link at emilie {@} emilieduncan {.} com - I will send you the results once we have closed the survey in March)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T18:09:00.006-05:00

And a perfect way to celebrate this romantic occasion is to order in some delicious food, snuggle up on the couch and rent one of Bliss Wedding's Top Ten Wedding Movies recommendations!

Enjoy!

Mamma Mia! (Elizabeth's current favorite. Embarrassing confession: I've watched it TWICE today alone!)

It was like shooting a sitting duck. A little small talk, a smile and baby I was stuck.
I still don't know what you've done with me. A grown-up woman should never fall so easily.
I feel a kind of fear when I don't have you nearUnsatisfiedI skip my prideI beg you dear.
Don't go wasting your emotion. Lay all your love on me

Love Actually

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around.

My Best Friend's Wedding

Michael... I love you. I've loved you for nine years, I've just been too arrogant and scared to realize it, and... well, now I'm just scared. So, I realize this comes at a very inopportune time but I really have this gigantic favor to ask of you. Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy. Oh, that sounds like three favors, doesn't it?

Father of the Bride

I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet, they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say I do. I was wrong. That's getting married. A wedding is an entirely different proposition. I know. I've just been through one. Not my own, my daughter's. Annie Banks Mackenzie. That's her married name: Mackenzie. You fathers will understand. You have a little girl. An adorable little girl who looks up to you and adores you in a way you could never have imagined. I remember how her little hand used to fit inside mine. Then comes the day when she wants to get her ears pierced, and wants you to drop her off a block before the movie theater. From that moment on you're in a constant panic. You worry about her meeting the wrong kind of guy, the kind of guy who only wants one thing, and you know exactly what that one thing is, because it's the same thing you wanted when you were their age. Then, you stop worrying about her meeting the wrong guy, and you worry about her meeting the right guy. That's the greatest fear of all, because, then you lose her. It was just six months ago that that happened here. Just six months ago, that the storm broke.

Wedding Crashers

Anyway, I saw this widow and she's a wreck. She has just lost the person she loved the most in this world and I realized we're all going to lose the people we love. That's the way it is, but not me. Not right now. Because the person *I* love the most is standing right here and I'm not ready to lose you yet. Claire, I'm not standing here asking you to marry me, I'm just asking you not to marry *him* and maybe take a walk, take a chance

The Wedding Planner

Love can’t always be perfect. Love is just love.

The Wedding Singer

I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad

Carry you around when your arthritis is bad

All I wanna do is grow old with you.

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches

build you a fire if the furnace breaks

Oh it could be so nice, growin old with you.

I'll miss you, kiss you, give you my coat when you are cold.

Need you, feed you, I'll even let you hold the remote control.

So let me do the dishes in the kitchen sink

Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink.

Oh I could be the man to grow old with you.

I wanna grow old with you.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

My family is big and loud but they're my family. We fight and we laugh and yes, we roast lamb on a spit in the front yard. And where ever I go, what ever I do they will always be there.

Sweet Home Alabama

What do you want to be married to me for, anyhow?

So I can kiss you anytime I want.

27 Dresses

Love is patient, love is kind, love is slowly going out of your mind!

Fun Find: Preserved Boxwood Hearts

2009-02-12T22:37:00.004-05:00

I received the latest Ballard Designs catalog today and am loving these Preserved Boxwood Hearts to decorate church pews. The included hanging ribbon is sheer to blend seamlessly with any wedding color scheme. At $34.00 for a set of two, they are a bit on the pricey side, so if your budget can’t accommodate the quantity needed to decorate the full length of the aisle, pick up two or three sets to distinguish the first few rows of pews that are reserved for bridal party members and family.

The Color of Ideas

2009-02-11T22:40:00.006-05:00

I have never made it a secret that one of my favorite things in world is color. I enjoy finding new and different color combinations. I look to my surroundings to constantly discover color schemes that are complimentary and unique.

Pantone® is the world leader in the “color industry”. It is the most widely used standard for colors in print, paint and manufacturing. Their Color Think Tank identifies new colors and continually creates new and interesting color palettes.

(source: Wikimedia Commons)

Pantone® can be a great resource in determining your event color scheme. Their website provides information on fashion’s up-and-coming color trends and the latest color inventions. Take a moment to browse through their site and you will see colors working together that you would have never thought to combine. The concept that any colors can compliment each other given the correct shade and value is one that will remove the limit from the combinations you can use for your color design. It can be very inspiring to put away the traditional rules you have always adhered to regarding color.

A lot of color combinations have been “done to death” for weddings. Take a chance and ensure that your event is truly one of a kind!

Never forget your anniversary

2009-02-09T08:56:00.008-05:00

Does your man have trouble remembering special dates and anniversaries? Well he no longer has an excuse with these unique calendar keepsakes from Not Just Any Old Day. They offer sterling silver calendars that can be incorporated into a variety of jewelry and gift items, from bracelets to business card cases and even baby rattles. A beautiful Swarovski crystal or gemstone marks your special date. What a neat idea!

These keepsakes would make a very special gift for the bride or groom-to-be. Prices start at $98.00 for a calendar charm. Visit www.notjustanyoldday.com to see their full array of gift items.

To see, or not to see (each other before the ceremony): that is the question

2009-02-02T19:31:00.012-05:00

Over the past few years, the traditional notion of the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day as the bride makes her journey down the aisle has been falling by the wayside. Many couples are now opting to have a “first look” before any of the wedding festivities get underway. Often, this involves staging the bride and groom’s first meeting in some way. For instance, the groom’s back is turned while the bride makes her way down a staircase or garden path to meet him, at which point the groom turns around and the couple comes face to face for the first time to see each other in their wedding attire.

While we’ve only had a handful of couples partake in this new trend, the decision of whether or not to see each other before the ceremony has become one of the many logistical wedding details to finalize, and there are benefits to both options.

To See
One of the best reasons to see each other before the ceremony is to preserve time. This is especially true if you have a short window of time between your ceremony and reception during which to take formal photos. After getting the necessary bridal party and family group shots, you certainly don’t want to have to rush through the bride and groom portraits in order to make it to your reception on time, so carving out a block of time before the ceremony to accomplish this is a great way to ensure that the remainder of your day runs on schedule. The first look is also a good option for couples who wish to attend their entire cocktail hour, since that period of time is typically designated for keeping guests occupied while the couple is elsewhere taking photos.

Another reason couples may choose to meet before the ceremony is so that they can enjoy some private time together (in the company of their photographer, of course). Brides and grooms are pulled in so many different directions by well-meaning guests once the wedding gets underway and, after reflecting back on their day, often feel as though they hardly spent a moment together. Taking a couple of hours to be alone with one another creates a wonderful bonding experience for the soon-to-be-married couple. Many couples who opt to have a first look report feeling much more relaxed once the ceremony begins, as seeing each other beforehand gives them a sense of reassurance.

Not to See
For every couple who chooses to see each other before the ceremony, it seems there are at least five who prefer to go the traditional route and have their first look as the bride appears from behind a colorful trail of bridesmaids and makes her way down the aisle. Whether this decision is based on the old wives’ tale that it’s bad luck to do otherwise, brides and grooms who see each other for the first time at their ceremony often report feeling a greater sense of excitement and anticipation when the ceremony begins. Another reason couples may choose to wait until after they have exchanged vows to take formal photos together is so that their wedding images truly depict them as a married couple, complete with wedding rings in place.

It’s a personal choice for every couple and there is certainly no right or wrong answer. If you're a bride- or groom-to-be (or a recently married couple), we’d love it if you’d weigh in with your opinions on why you decided to/decided not to see each other before the ceremony. Leave us a comment and we’ll donate a dollar to The Humane Society for every comment posted as part of our Comment for a Cause initiative.

{Images courtesy of Raw Photo Design}

These Shoes Were Made For Walking... Down The Aisle

2009-01-24T11:50:00.011-05:00

Brides and grooms are having more fun with their wedding day footwear these days. Flip-flops, glittery sneakers, and delicate Asian slippers are making their debut under beautiful wedding gowns all over the world. Shoes have joined the group of wedding details that couples are choosing to personalize.

My brother-in-law Ben is getting married later this year. He and his fiancee, Katie, can always be found wearing Converse sneakers. So, the obvious decision was to have their entire wedding party wear Converse to the event (although, if you know my husband... it's going to be pretty interesting to see him in a pair of Chuck Taylors!). As most of you know, I absolutely love anything that can be customized... so I was excited by what I discovered on the Converse website.

Converse now offers a tool on their website that allows you to design your own sneaker. The potential combinations are endless! You can select different outside, lining, tongue, stitch and lace colors. Create a pair of Converse to perfectly reflect the colors you have selected for your event decor! There is even an option to have text printed directly on the shoe. This would be a great place to place your wedding date, your new last name, or your combined initials.

Even if you are planning an event that is a little too formal for casual footwear, you can always purchase a pair to wear as you get ready the day of the wedding or to bring on your honeymoon.

Personally, I've never worn a pair of Converse, but I am DYING to design my own pair. Here is what my design would look like. The colors were inspired by my own autumn wedding.

Take a moment to browse the website and have fun playing with all the possibilities!

Flowers Say It All

2009-01-23T19:58:00.006-05:00

I was perusing one of my favorite magazines, Martha Stewart Weddings, and came across this fantastic idea.

Instead of keeping your dried or preserved bouquet as a sentimental reminder of the day, turn the ribbon used to gather the blooms into a keepsake by having it printed with a meaningful quote. A line from your own vows, a lyric from the song you use for your first dance as husband and wife, or even a reference to an inside joke between yourself and your fiance would personalize this detail even further.

(image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)

ribbon: Masterstoke Canada
calligraphy: Beyond Words
bouquet: Laura Seita

Fabric Boutonnieres

2009-01-23T09:05:00.003-05:00

Can’t decide between a boutonniere and a pocket square for your groomsmen? Get the best of both with these funky fabric boutonnieres I saw on Crystal Goss’s blog.

I’m sure there are lots of different ways to make fabric roses and other flowers, but these instructions from Portobellopixie seemed pretty straightforward. If you’re the crafty type who loves to add a personal touch to all that you do, give them a try!

Cookies speak louder than words

2009-01-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

Valentine’s Day is only a month away and love is in the air. This year, tell your sweetheart how you really feel with these fun Message Cookies from Williams-Sonoma, a sophisticated twist on the infamous NECCO candy hearts. The cookies feature four different messages: "Kiss Me," "Cute," "Love," and "Flirt." ($22.00 for a set of 9)

Organize your wedding documents in style

2009-01-13T12:04:00.010-05:00

As a wedding planner, I have a natural tendency toward organization. I love buying storage accessories almost (key word) as much as I love buying clothes, shoes, and home furnishings. There’s just something very cleansing about putting things in some type of order. So as I was shopping around for an accordion file to organize receipts, I stumbled upon this wonderful website: www.galison.com. They have a fabulous assortment of storage accessories and paper goods, from personal organizers, to address books, to note pads and stationery. And the best part is, they’re pretty!

Pick up one of these flashy file totes for a stylish way to organize all of your wedding ideas, fabric swatches, and vendor contracts. The totes have 8 dividers and come with 16 adhesive labels. ($20.00 each)

They have file folders too! ($8.50 for a set of 8 in 4 coordinating designs)

And while you’re at it, you might as well grab some of the matching sticky notes to jot down those ideas and to-do’s that pop into your head at the most random times. ($10.00 for 8 pads in 3 different sizes)

Be sure to visit the Galison website to see the full collection of file totes and peruse their other product lines.

Breaking the Ice

2009-01-11T18:10:00.003-05:00

I was recently assisting a client who was interested in having an intimate and fun reception, where the guests all enjoyed each other’s company. We discussed the possibility of providing some conversation starters. Fun facts and trivia questions would create the atmosphere of friendship and casual entertainment that this bride was envisioning for her reception. Guests would get to know each other as they enjoyed some interesting pieces of information and sharing their answers to some fun questions.

In my searches for a way to do this, I came across this little gem on the Pottery Barn website. Small cards elegantly printed with interesting tidbits and questions are nestled in a clear Lucite box and can be placed on each table for your guest's enjoyment. The simple and unassuming vessel will not compete with your table décor and the lively debates that occur as a result will lend a comfortable ambiance to your event.

This idea can be recreated on your own by printing up some of your own trivia on cardstock . Personalize it even further by asking questions and incorporating facts about topics and hobbies that you and your fiancé enjoy.

Now that's what I call trashing the dress!

2009-01-10T09:44:00.003-05:00

This photo from Jerry Frazier’s blog cracks me up. Images of brides frolicking in the ocean or running through a field of daisies are beautiful and all, but if you really want to trash the dress, this is the way to go!

Who needs a cake stand . . .

2009-01-07T18:17:00.003-05:00

. . . when you can put your wedding cake on a tree! Or a bush! Or a . . . I’m not quite sure what this is, actually, but it’s very cool!

Check out Chenin Boutwell’s blog, where you can view more images from this wedding.

Comment for a Cause

2009-01-06T11:56:00.006-05:00

During the holiday season, we ran a charitable special whereby 10% of the cost of any package booked with Bliss Weddings was donated to a charity of the client’s choice. While we plan on making this an annual promotion, we want to continue our charitable efforts throughout the year, and so we’ve decided to add a new feature to our blog called Comment for a Cause.

Here’s how it works: for every comment posted on our blog, we will donate $1.00 to a charitable organization. Donations will be made on a quarterly basis, and we’ll pick a different charity each quarter. A few other bloggers out there are doing something similar, and we think it's a great way to give back. Since Elizabeth and I are both animal lovers, our featured charity for the first quarter of 2009 will be The Humane Society.

If you’re an existing blog reader of ours, don’t be shy! Sharing a few words here and there will help a worthy cause. Be sure to spread the word to others as well and encourage them to stop by and contribute.

Rustic Wedding Accents

2009-01-04T12:28:00.007-05:00

I have mentioned before that home and specialty retailers can be a great resource for wedding décor and accessories. I received an Art & Artifact catalog this weekend filled with items that would make wonderful rustic wedding accents. All it takes is a little vision and creativity. Here are just a few ideas:

Place two of these Arbor Garden Wagons on either side of the arch at your outdoor ceremony. They can be filled with flowers, green plants, or pumpkins, depending on the season and theme of your event. After the wedding, display them in your own garden as a remembrance of your special day. ($69.95 each)

These Miniature Garden Gates would make charming centerpieces. Nestle them in weathered flower pots filled with soil. They can also double as table number holders: print your numbers on cardstock, cut a slit in the bottom, and affix them to the top of the gates. ($39.95 for a set of five) Candles are a classic way to create ambiance at an event, but why not change it up a bit? Replace a few candles with these Lighted Firefly Jars for a whimsical touch. The fireflies are battery-operated and activated by a switch on the bottom of the jar. ($18.95 each or $15.95 for two or more)
Be sure to visit the Art & Artifact website for more ideas and inspiration for your rustic wedding.

Wrapping Up Your Event

2009-01-03T15:27:00.007-05:00

As the holidays wrap up, I had a moment to look around my living room. It is, quite frankly, a disaster. The evidence that Christmas came and went is surrounding me. Extra bows, half used rolls of tape, and tons of wrapping paper scraps… EVERYWHERE!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I absolutely love wrapping paper. I take my gift wrap decisions VERY seriously. In looking at the various rolls of paper I selected, I was thinking about how much I absolutely loved my selection. And of course, the wedding planner in me thought about how the design could be used in reception décor.

This reminded me of an article I had seen not too long ago regarding how a length of wrapping paper can be used in lieu of a table runner. There are so many options available now. There are manufacturers that make high quality, gorgeous designs that would be the perfect accent to a tablescape. In fact, a beautiful piece of paper could be the jumping board for the style of your entire event.

(source: marthastewartweddings.com)

There are just a few suggestions if you decide to use this idea:

If you select a runner with a lot of design elements, pick table covers and centerpieces that are very simple, as not to compete with the runner.

Make sure that the paper you select is thick and high quality.

Ensure that the paper doesn’t curl up on the ends by laying the paper out flat prior putting on the tables. You can even weigh the ends down by taping thing metal washers to the underside.

You can add another element by using a wide patterned paper and putting a more narrow solid paper on top. The inverse can also be very eye catching.

Many retailers offer a selection of papers that are complimentary and are meant to be used together. It’s a good idea to take a look at these. Contrasting yet complimentary will really create an interesting table.

Below are some wrapping paper designs that I think would look wonderful at an event.

(source: Papyrus)

(source: Paper Mart)

(source: Superior Gift Wrap)

(source: Paper Mart)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

'Tis the Season for Giving

2008-12-31T23:59:00.008-05:00

Back in August, we posted about how your wedding can provide a wonderful opportunity to help someone in need. With the holiday season fast approaching, we are offering another way for engaged couples to help those less fortunate. If you book a package with Bliss Weddings between November 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009, we will donate 10% of the package price to a charity of your choice. At the time of booking, we will provide a list of charitable organizations for you to choose from, or you may suggest one. Please contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and take advantage of this special offer.

This post will remain at the top of our blog for the remainder of the year, so please check below for new updates.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T16:12:00.007-05:00

Wishing all of our clients, colleagues, and blog readers a very Merry Christmas!

~ Jessica & Elizabeth ~

Trimming the Tree With Memories

2008-12-18T19:23:00.008-05:00

It’s that time of year again, where you take that dusty box down from the attic and begin to unwrap the ornaments you’ve collected throughout the years. It is always so much fun to go through each ornament and reminisce about a time it represents.

As we were trimming our tree last week, I came across one particular ornament. Jay and I received it as a favor at the wedding of two dear friends approximately six years ago. It is very simple… royal blue velvet adorned with matte gold roping. It reflected the color scheme of their Christmas wedding. Every time I lift this item out of the ornament box, I am briefly brought back to that night. How in love the couple was, the details of their event, the warmth of the ceremony that was held in a church beautifully decorated for the holiday season.

As wedding planners, we are forever in the search of that elusive favor that will not end up as some long-forgotten knick knack in the back of a closet. Guests appreciate the sentiment- but these days, it’s difficult to adequately display every gift received at the weddings they’ve attended throughout the years. However, I believe that an ornament is the perfect solution to this!

Every year, as your guests decorate their own family’s Christmas trees, they will stumble upon your favor. For a moment, they will cherish the memories of watching as you and your fiancé were united as husband and wife. They will remember the details of your décor, how happy you looked that day, the fun they had dancing in the arms of their significant other.

There are many options for how to capture the essence of this most special day in an ornament. It can be something as specific as an ornament engraved with your names and wedding date.

[photo credit: Howe House Limited Editions]

[photo credit: The Stationery Studio]

It can also be as simple as having the ornament reflect your event themes/color scheme as my friends chose.

[photo credit: Beaucoup]

[photo credit: Lenox]

It can display the ceremony location as in this ornament (*fun fact: the white building displayed in this ornament is where our very own Jessica was married):

[photo credit The Gift Cottage]

You can even have the ornament favor double as a placecard holder- and your guests can replace the seating information with their favorite photo taken on your wedding day!

[photo credit: Wedding Style]

[photo credit: Favor Ideas]

However you decide to commemorate your event, your guests will enjoy the memory of your wedding every year as they hang your ornament favor on the branches of their family Christmas tree.

Design Your Own Handbag

2008-12-14T11:53:00.006-05:00

Boston-based photographer Anne Ruthmann recently posted a great list of holiday gift ideas on her blog and among them was the very chic 1154 LILL Studio, where you can design your own handbag online. If your budget allows, this would be a wonderful idea for bridesmaid gifts.

On the LILL website, you can choose from a variety of different handbag styles and customize the fabric for the bag’s exterior, interior, and strap. Bags range in price from $28.00 to $210.00, and brides receive 10% off their order when they purchase five or more bags. LILL also offers customized accessories including headbands and decorative pillows. Take a look at this adorable Lucy bag I created:

If you would prefer to let your girls create their own bags, LILL offers on location parties where a company stylist will come to your home. This would be a fun alternative to the traditional bridesmaids’ luncheon. Visit the LILL website for more information or to get started designing a bag.

A Sweet Favor Idea

2008-12-06T16:06:00.009-05:00

I was thumbing through Crate & Barrel’s 2008 Gift Guide the other day and saw these delightful chocolate-filled cookie cutters.

What a cute favor idea! Cookie cutter favors are nothing new, but filling them with chocolate is a great way to give your guests a little something extra, especially since not everyone will necessarily use the cookie cutter once they take it home. Just pop the chocolate out of the cutter and enjoy.

These are obviously holiday-themed, but cookie cutters come in a large enough variety to suit any wedding theme. Check out Off the Beaten Path for an impressive selection of over 800 cutters. I’ve never attempted to fill cookie cutters with chocolate before, but I imagine it’s relatively simple. I found this recipe for chocolate lollipops on FoodNetwork.com that I’m sure could be adapted.

You could also go a step further and embellish the chocolate with a variety of edible decorations, as with these cookie cutters from Uncommon Goods.

The sky’s the limit, so have fun with it!

Virtual Reality

2008-12-06T15:38:00.005-05:00

The hubs and I made a run last night to my favorite place on Earth... TARGET! Although I have zero (nada, zip, zilch) gifts purchased for Christmas... it was essential that I find wrapping paper. What can I say? The wedding planner in me is a sucker for presentation... whether I have something to present or not.

As we were browsing the store, Jay gave into his recent The Sims 2 obsession and decided to peruse the computer games section. As I was looking, a game caught my eye.

(photo credit: Fenomen Games)

Dream Day Wedding allows you to plan the wedding of fictional "friend" Jenny. Select gowns, shop for beautiful wedding cakes and browse other boutiques for the perfect accessories for Jenny's special event! This game is available for play on PC and is brought to you by Elephant Entertainment.

(photo credit: Fenomen Games)

Also enjoy Dream Day- Married in Manhattan, Dream Day Honeymoon and Dream Day First Home. This game would be a fun break from real-world wedding planning tasks.

[And for those of you who just couldn't stand the suspense, my wrapping shopping trip was a success! I'll have the most stylishly wrapped gifts amongst my family and friends this holiday season! ;-)]

Red Shoes

2008-12-05T18:11:00.024-05:00

(No corny blog post title here - this one cuts right to the chase.) Brides with red wedding color schemes take note: with Christmas and New Years just around the corner and Valentine’s Day coming up in a couple of months, the selection of red dress shoes in stores is more plentiful now than it likely will be at any other time of year due to the holiday fashions.

If you are in the market for red shoes for yourself or your bridesmaids, now is the time to keep an eye out. Below are a few suggestions to get you started.

Nina Elke from Piperlime:

PAWS Satin Peep Toe Pump from Nine West:

Linea Paolo 'Gwen' Pump from Nordstrom:

Pelayo from Aldo:

And for the daring bride (or bridezilla, as the case may be) . . .

Promiscuous Blazing from Zappos:

JUST KIDDING!!! ;-)

A Storybook Wedding... literally

2008-12-04T21:01:00.006-05:00

[disclaimer: I am fully aware of how corny the title of this post is. However, I found the puns to be unavoidable given the topic]

I would describe myself as your typical “bookworm”. Ever since I can remember, I’ve devoured books page by page. I get lost in the stories and wrapped up in the lives of the characters. My mother used to be concerned about me because even as a small child, I would spend the majority of my time with these characters who I felt had become my friends. Now my husband gets upset because I can fly through ten books in the time it takes him to read one. If I have one talent (aside from wedding planning, that is ;-)), it’s reading.

If you’re a book lover like me, you may have met your significant other browsing the fiction section at Borders, or returning long overdue (yet completely cherished) volumes to your local library. Your first date might have been spent discovering your shared passion for particular authors and subjects. Your courtship may have consisted of exchanging book recommendations and discussing symbolism and themes over romantic meals. If this is the case, why not express your love for all things literature on your wedding day? Here are some ideas I’ve collected for an event design concept inspired by bibliophiles in love!

Venue
The perfect place to hold a book-themed wedding would be, of course, in a library! Libraries are generally beautiful buildings that are admired for their architectural elements. Imagine your guests roaming the stacks of ancient and beloved tomes of the written word. The grandeur and history of the library will excite your guests for the event they are about to experience.

Invitations/RSVP
As we all know, invitations set the tone for the entire event. This invitation would really get your guests excited for your literary themed wedding. I love the clever concept of these particular versions.

(photo credit: Wedding Paper Divas)

(photo source unknown)

Readings
Traditionally, readings at weddings consist of Bible passages read by loved family members. Instead of the often used 1 Corinthians (“Love is patient, love is kind…”), surprise your guests with readings of passages from books you and your fiancé share a passion for. This element will personalize your wedding even further, and guests will be delighted to hear familiar messages from books they treasure as well.

Guest Book
Select one of your favorite books and have your guests sign the pages with congratulations and well-wishes. In the future, when you remove the volume from your bookcase to enjoy, you’ll have a wonderful reminder of this special time.

Table names
Table names have been replacing the idea of numbering tables for many years now. Carry your book theme into your reception by naming your guest tables after favorite authors or literary characters. This creative idea can even provide an ice-breaker to the guests at that particular table. It will encourage the guests to share their own favorite books.

Favors
Gift your guests with a bookmark! It can be personalized with your names and wedding date or can include a favorite quote from a cherished story. This is a favor that will most certainly be used by your guests.

(photo credit: WeddingsFavors-Smart.com)

Cake
Wedding cake design has been deviating farther and farther from the traditional white, tiered variety that was so popular for so long. As we see on the Food Network show Ace of Cakes, wedding cakes shaped like objects are increasingly requested by brides and grooms. In keeping with your theme, consider a wedding cake in the likeness of a stack of your favorite books. It will be a beautiful and delicious way to complete your vision.

(photo credit: Time)

We always encourage couples to incorporate their passions into their wedding plans. For “bookworms” like me, this is a perfect way to celebrate the union of two people in love.