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There is so much going on in the world today. Stressing about finding the precise shade of blue for your bridesmaid dresses or the perfect cardstock for your invitations seems inconsequential when there are people in this world who are simply trying to survive, day-to-day. However, your beautiful event CAN make a difference. Below are just a few of the ways.
JustGive.org
This website provides couples with an alternative to the traditional wedding gift registry. Instead of receiving yet another picture frame (that will probably stay in storage until Aunt Nelly visits), consider registering on JustGive.org. This website will give your guests an opportunity to give you a gift in the form of a charitable donation to a worthy cause.
Donations in lieu of favors
Ah, the wedding favor. Intended as a token of thanks for wedding guests, it is an unfortunate reality that favors often end up sitting in some forgotten corner of guests’ living rooms, if they even make it out of the car at all. Make your wedding favor count! Select your favorite charitable organization (The ASPCA, World Vision, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, etc.), one whose mission touches your heart. Gift your selected charity with a specified amount (to your discretion) on behalf of your wedding guests. Your friends and family will appreciate that your care and generosity have helped someone in need.
BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org
For many brides, the wedding gown holds a great deal of sentimental value. Some opt to keep it for future children. Others choose to have it cleaned and preserved so they can simply admire it whenever the mood strikes. However, if these ideas don’t suit you, there is something else you can do that will benefit someone in need. Donate your gown to bridesagainstbreastcancer.org and proceeds from the sale of your dress will enable Making Memories to grant final wishes to men and women suffering from terminal breast cancer.
However you feel compelled to give, just know that your support may mean the world to an individual in need. Why not celebrate your marriage by making a difference in the life of someone else?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
"Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery"
Not so, unfortunately, when it comes in the form of plagiarism. We recently came face to face with one of the downsides of internet marketing when we discovered that two other companies who offer wedding consulting services – one in Illinois and one right here in Connecticut (actually, it's a florist who dabbles in wedding consulting) – have blatantly copied text from our website. Now, we can certainly understand visiting competitor websites to get an idea of how other wedding professionals are positioning their services in the marketplace, but these people didn’t even make an effort to change things up a bit. The verbiage was copied word for word directly from our site.
What makes matters worse is that this is a creative profession, one that requires out-of-the-box thinking. One of the offending companies even uses the word “Original” in her business name. I can’t think of anything original about taking someone else’s work without permission and claiming it as your own. We have contacted these companies to make them aware that plagiarism is a crime, and we encourage other business owners to run a search on your own websites to see who may have “borrowed” copyrighted material. You can visit www.copyscape.com to utilize this free service.
What makes matters worse is that this is a creative profession, one that requires out-of-the-box thinking. One of the offending companies even uses the word “Original” in her business name. I can’t think of anything original about taking someone else’s work without permission and claiming it as your own. We have contacted these companies to make them aware that plagiarism is a crime, and we encourage other business owners to run a search on your own websites to see who may have “borrowed” copyrighted material. You can visit www.copyscape.com to utilize this free service.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Inspiration Everywhere
Inspiration comes in so many forms. Many artists believe that a muse comes to them in a vision and provides them ideas for their latest masterpiece. The same can be true for you as you begin to plan your wedding. Inspiration lies everywhere, in everything. You simply need to open your eyes and be aware of it.
As with any other creative outlet, inspiration and imagination are crucial in determining the theme and style of your wedding. Your wedding day is a wonderful opportunity to really showcase your talents, personality and taste.
The inspiration for some weddings comes from pretty traditional places. Some couples opt to use the traditional colors of a particular season (my own wedding was a festival of autumn colors, including bright oranges, deep reds and chocolate browns). However, the interpretation and translation of these more traditional ideas can vary from one couple to the next. Even an idea that seems conventional can be altered to make it into something that has not been seen in any event.
The wonderful thing about designing your wedding is that there are no rules! Anything can serve as inspiration. Anything can be a springboard for a completely different, yet beautiful, event design.
Fabric
Take a moment to visit your local fabric store. The variety and selection of fabrics ranges from the simply neutral to incredibly whimsical. Look at the colors contained within the fabrics, as well as the print. There is inspiration to be had there. A traditional black and white toile can arouse ideas of French country touches for your event. A fabric of rich amber tones could determine the main color of your entire event.
This kind of inspiration can also be found as quickly as a trip to your own clothes closet. The Style Network airs a home décor show called Dress My Nest. Home style guru Thom Filicia asks show participants for an article of clothing to help serve as the inspiration for the room design. Open the doors to your closet. Are there certain pieces that you love to wear together simply because of the color and texture combination? How can that translate to your event?
China
You probably noticed when you went to register that there are now hundreds of options regarding china. Gone are the days where simple white china with a platinum rim was the only option. Today’s modern brides and grooms prefer china patterns that are reflective of their personal style. Browse the housewares section the next time you are shopping. Which patterns catch your eye? How could you incorporate the colors or pattern of that dish into your event? A retro-inspired pasta bowl of whimsical polka dots can turn into a wedding cake mimicking that design. A bread & butter dish with a floral motif can translate into an event where flowers are the focal point.
Home Décor
Do you have a favorite room in your house? Is there a room that you always feel comfortable in? A room whose colors just seem to blend together to create a unique yet comforting atmosphere? Really take a moment one day to examine the décor in your house. It might be the combination of a wall color and your furniture. It might be the colors from a tiled backsplash in your kitchen. Any of these items can form a unique, interesting, and best of all, personalized wedding color scheme.
Fine Art
Is there a painting that you love? Which pieces catch your eye while you’re visiting a museum or admiring the artwork on a friend’s walls? A lot of the Impressionists are a great source for colors and shapes if you are looking for a more muted, natural style. Pop art like that of Andy Warhol is an excellent origin for those trying to achieve a more bold and contemporary look. Whatever type of art you are drawn to can be used to create a design for your event.
Nature
There are so many beautiful colors and shapes found in nature. Whether it is a plant, a flower, or simply the subtle shades of color found within the sky, there are countless ideas to be extracted from the beauty all around us. A peacock feather can result in a color palette of deep blues and rich purples. Willow branches can be used to create a natural and beautiful arch for the ceremony.
When I get inspired, the source is usually something outside the wedding “realm”. I am constantly keeping an eye out for things I find beautiful and unique. These everyday visions plant seeds of idea that will eventually result in an event design.
Bliss Weddings will start to post “Inspiration Storyboards” on this blog. This practice is used by most event designers to work through a style concept for a bride and groom. You will notice that these storyboards will include items that aren’t traditionally associated with weddings. These unconventional items were the original pieces that got me thinking about that particular concept. I build on that concept with different items that reflect that theme or feeling. In the end, that concept becomes a design, and gives you a more concrete idea of what that event would look like.
The particular storyboard featured below was created after seeing a beautiful blue Wedgewood vase in a storefront window while on vacation in the Caribbean (a photo of the item appears on the storyboard, in the upper right-hand corner). The contrast of the colors and the texture of the bas relief accents serve as the motivation for the event concept that is captured by this storyboard. Inspiration storyboards will be posted regularly on this blog, so continue to visit us for more ideas and suggestions.
Stay inspired!
As with any other creative outlet, inspiration and imagination are crucial in determining the theme and style of your wedding. Your wedding day is a wonderful opportunity to really showcase your talents, personality and taste.
The inspiration for some weddings comes from pretty traditional places. Some couples opt to use the traditional colors of a particular season (my own wedding was a festival of autumn colors, including bright oranges, deep reds and chocolate browns). However, the interpretation and translation of these more traditional ideas can vary from one couple to the next. Even an idea that seems conventional can be altered to make it into something that has not been seen in any event.
The wonderful thing about designing your wedding is that there are no rules! Anything can serve as inspiration. Anything can be a springboard for a completely different, yet beautiful, event design.
Fabric
Take a moment to visit your local fabric store. The variety and selection of fabrics ranges from the simply neutral to incredibly whimsical. Look at the colors contained within the fabrics, as well as the print. There is inspiration to be had there. A traditional black and white toile can arouse ideas of French country touches for your event. A fabric of rich amber tones could determine the main color of your entire event.
This kind of inspiration can also be found as quickly as a trip to your own clothes closet. The Style Network airs a home décor show called Dress My Nest. Home style guru Thom Filicia asks show participants for an article of clothing to help serve as the inspiration for the room design. Open the doors to your closet. Are there certain pieces that you love to wear together simply because of the color and texture combination? How can that translate to your event?
China
You probably noticed when you went to register that there are now hundreds of options regarding china. Gone are the days where simple white china with a platinum rim was the only option. Today’s modern brides and grooms prefer china patterns that are reflective of their personal style. Browse the housewares section the next time you are shopping. Which patterns catch your eye? How could you incorporate the colors or pattern of that dish into your event? A retro-inspired pasta bowl of whimsical polka dots can turn into a wedding cake mimicking that design. A bread & butter dish with a floral motif can translate into an event where flowers are the focal point.
Home Décor
Do you have a favorite room in your house? Is there a room that you always feel comfortable in? A room whose colors just seem to blend together to create a unique yet comforting atmosphere? Really take a moment one day to examine the décor in your house. It might be the combination of a wall color and your furniture. It might be the colors from a tiled backsplash in your kitchen. Any of these items can form a unique, interesting, and best of all, personalized wedding color scheme.
Fine Art
Is there a painting that you love? Which pieces catch your eye while you’re visiting a museum or admiring the artwork on a friend’s walls? A lot of the Impressionists are a great source for colors and shapes if you are looking for a more muted, natural style. Pop art like that of Andy Warhol is an excellent origin for those trying to achieve a more bold and contemporary look. Whatever type of art you are drawn to can be used to create a design for your event.
Nature
There are so many beautiful colors and shapes found in nature. Whether it is a plant, a flower, or simply the subtle shades of color found within the sky, there are countless ideas to be extracted from the beauty all around us. A peacock feather can result in a color palette of deep blues and rich purples. Willow branches can be used to create a natural and beautiful arch for the ceremony.
When I get inspired, the source is usually something outside the wedding “realm”. I am constantly keeping an eye out for things I find beautiful and unique. These everyday visions plant seeds of idea that will eventually result in an event design.
Bliss Weddings will start to post “Inspiration Storyboards” on this blog. This practice is used by most event designers to work through a style concept for a bride and groom. You will notice that these storyboards will include items that aren’t traditionally associated with weddings. These unconventional items were the original pieces that got me thinking about that particular concept. I build on that concept with different items that reflect that theme or feeling. In the end, that concept becomes a design, and gives you a more concrete idea of what that event would look like.
The particular storyboard featured below was created after seeing a beautiful blue Wedgewood vase in a storefront window while on vacation in the Caribbean (a photo of the item appears on the storyboard, in the upper right-hand corner). The contrast of the colors and the texture of the bas relief accents serve as the motivation for the event concept that is captured by this storyboard. Inspiration storyboards will be posted regularly on this blog, so continue to visit us for more ideas and suggestions.
Stay inspired!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Snazzy Boutonniere
A few years back, when blogs were becoming the next big thing on the internet, I began bookmarking and regularly visiting the blogs of several talented wedding photographers across the country. While this practice was born of my love for looking at wedding photos, it has also become a great source of ideas and inspiration as well as an effective way to stay abreast of trends in the wedding industry.
I was recently browsing the blog of Be Creative Photography in Wyckoff, NJ and this photo of a very cool boutonniere caught my eye. I love how the flower looks like a cluster of tiny cocktail umbrellas. If anyone out there knows the name of it, please post a comment and let us know what it is.
You can click here to read the post about this wedding on Be Creative Photography's blog.
I was recently browsing the blog of Be Creative Photography in Wyckoff, NJ and this photo of a very cool boutonniere caught my eye. I love how the flower looks like a cluster of tiny cocktail umbrellas. If anyone out there knows the name of it, please post a comment and let us know what it is.
You can click here to read the post about this wedding on Be Creative Photography's blog.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Schoolhouse at Cannondale
Last night we attended a lovely dinner at The Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton, CT. It’s an adorably charming little restaurant that was converted from (surprise!) a one-room schoolhouse built in 1872 after the Civil War. The restaurant is owned by chef Tim LaBant and his wife Julia, both of whom grew up in Wilton. They are promoting the restaurant’s catering services, and so they invited several area event coordinators to come for dinner and sample the menu. It was fantastic!
They treated us to seven courses, including two desserts, wine, and coffee. Chef LaBant’s specialty is using only the freshest ingredients, often purchased from local farms, and his dedication to quality certainly comes through in his dishes. A few of my favorites from last night included artichoke soup with morel mushrooms, gnocchi with pesto and asparagus, and of course the chocolate hazelnut torte with a malted milkshake accompaniment. Perhaps the most interesting dish, however, was what we affectionately referred to as “the corn trio.” It consisted of a cornbread biscuit garnished with cherries, caramel-drenched popcorn, and corn ice cream. Yes, you read that correctly – corn-flavored ice cream. And yes, it did taste just like corn (sweet corn, of course). :-)
The Schoolhouse at Cannondale provides offsite catering services for small to medium-sized events, and also hosts events onsite at the restaurant. It is a perfect location for a shower, birthday party, anniversary party, rehearsal dinner, or intimate wedding celebration. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday. If you’re ever in the Wilton area, you should definitely stop in for a delicious meal in a quaint New England setting.
They treated us to seven courses, including two desserts, wine, and coffee. Chef LaBant’s specialty is using only the freshest ingredients, often purchased from local farms, and his dedication to quality certainly comes through in his dishes. A few of my favorites from last night included artichoke soup with morel mushrooms, gnocchi with pesto and asparagus, and of course the chocolate hazelnut torte with a malted milkshake accompaniment. Perhaps the most interesting dish, however, was what we affectionately referred to as “the corn trio.” It consisted of a cornbread biscuit garnished with cherries, caramel-drenched popcorn, and corn ice cream. Yes, you read that correctly – corn-flavored ice cream. And yes, it did taste just like corn (sweet corn, of course). :-)
The Schoolhouse at Cannondale provides offsite catering services for small to medium-sized events, and also hosts events onsite at the restaurant. It is a perfect location for a shower, birthday party, anniversary party, rehearsal dinner, or intimate wedding celebration. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday. If you’re ever in the Wilton area, you should definitely stop in for a delicious meal in a quaint New England setting.
[photo source: The Schoolhouse at Cannondale]
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Alessandra & David | July 4, 2008
Welcome to the brand new Bliss Weddings blog! We’ve been following the blogs of several of our fellow wedding professionals for a few years now, and we’ve finally decided to join them in the blogosphere. We’ll be posting about a variety of topics – from weddings, to creative ideas, to random musings about the wedding industry, and maybe even a few snippets from our personal lives here and there. And what better way to debut our brand new blog than with Alessandra and David’s spectacular Cinderella-themed wedding?
We originally met with Alessandra and David last summer to discuss their ideas for their July 4, 2008 wedding. We have to give David props – he was one of the most involved grooms we have ever worked with, and his knowledge of the wedding plans was right up there with Alessandra's. When designing their wedding, the couple drew inspiration from Alessandra's favorite movie and childhood heroine: Cinderella. The event promised to be a fairy-tale celebration, and on the big day, it certainly lived up to that promise.
We began our day at Alessandra’s parents’ house, where she and her bridesmaids got ready. Since it was Independence Day, many of their neighbors were hosting cook-outs, and so the quaint neighborhood was already bustling with activity when Alessandra’s horse-drawn coach arrived to take her to the church. She must have felt like a celebrity, with all of the party-goers wandering over to snap pictures of the scene as she posed for formal photos with her bridesmaids around the property.
At the church, with David safely concealed out of view, wedding guests gathered outside while trumpeteers outfitted in full regalia announced the bride’s arrival. Guests applauded as Alessandra and her parents exited the coach onto a red carpet that had been rolled out to welcome them.
After the ceremony, Alessandra and David opted to separate from their bridal party and spend some quality time together while taking their formal photos. The very talented photography team of Jason and Shari Weaver from Dreamscape Studio followed them to a local ice cream shop, and then to a nearby beach to capture their first moments as husband and wife. (Be sure to check out Dreamscape’s blog in a few weeks to see the professional pictures!) Alessandra and David caught up with their bridal party and parents for more photos later at St. Clement’s Castle, where the reception took place.
Following an outdoor cocktail hour, guests gathered in the courtyard at St. Clement’s, where Alessandra and David kicked off their reception by performing a carefully rehearsed waltz.
As you can see, Alessandra had the most beautiful (and enormous!) ball gown, and - professional photographer though I am not - I was able to capture this great action shot as David lifted her and twirled her around during their dance.
When it was time for dinner, guests proceeded inside to a beautifully decorated dining room, anchored by a magnificent wedding cake created in the likeness of Cinderella’s castle.
Other whimsical details included vintage candelabras adorned with cascading floral arrangements (provided by Datura), white pumpkins dotting the place card table, and chocolate mice representing Cinderella’s companions as a reception give-away.
Alessandra and David, thank you so much for allowing us to take part in your amazing day. We hope you had a wonderful honeymoon in Disney World and we wish you all the best in your new life together!
We originally met with Alessandra and David last summer to discuss their ideas for their July 4, 2008 wedding. We have to give David props – he was one of the most involved grooms we have ever worked with, and his knowledge of the wedding plans was right up there with Alessandra's. When designing their wedding, the couple drew inspiration from Alessandra's favorite movie and childhood heroine: Cinderella. The event promised to be a fairy-tale celebration, and on the big day, it certainly lived up to that promise.
We began our day at Alessandra’s parents’ house, where she and her bridesmaids got ready. Since it was Independence Day, many of their neighbors were hosting cook-outs, and so the quaint neighborhood was already bustling with activity when Alessandra’s horse-drawn coach arrived to take her to the church. She must have felt like a celebrity, with all of the party-goers wandering over to snap pictures of the scene as she posed for formal photos with her bridesmaids around the property.
At the church, with David safely concealed out of view, wedding guests gathered outside while trumpeteers outfitted in full regalia announced the bride’s arrival. Guests applauded as Alessandra and her parents exited the coach onto a red carpet that had been rolled out to welcome them.
After the ceremony, Alessandra and David opted to separate from their bridal party and spend some quality time together while taking their formal photos. The very talented photography team of Jason and Shari Weaver from Dreamscape Studio followed them to a local ice cream shop, and then to a nearby beach to capture their first moments as husband and wife. (Be sure to check out Dreamscape’s blog in a few weeks to see the professional pictures!) Alessandra and David caught up with their bridal party and parents for more photos later at St. Clement’s Castle, where the reception took place.
Following an outdoor cocktail hour, guests gathered in the courtyard at St. Clement’s, where Alessandra and David kicked off their reception by performing a carefully rehearsed waltz.
As you can see, Alessandra had the most beautiful (and enormous!) ball gown, and - professional photographer though I am not - I was able to capture this great action shot as David lifted her and twirled her around during their dance.
When it was time for dinner, guests proceeded inside to a beautifully decorated dining room, anchored by a magnificent wedding cake created in the likeness of Cinderella’s castle.
Other whimsical details included vintage candelabras adorned with cascading floral arrangements (provided by Datura), white pumpkins dotting the place card table, and chocolate mice representing Cinderella’s companions as a reception give-away.
Alessandra and David, thank you so much for allowing us to take part in your amazing day. We hope you had a wonderful honeymoon in Disney World and we wish you all the best in your new life together!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Nuala & Rob | October 27, 2007
Nuala and Rob's wish for their late October celebration was a cozy, intimate gathering with those near and dear to their hearts. Following a touching ceremony at Nuala's childhood parish, guests moved on to a casual reception at the Historic Hartford Club in Hartford, CT, where a stationed dinner set the relaxed atmosphere Nuala and Rob desired.
The couple decided to forego much of the traditional wedding fanfare, including the cake cutting, bouquet toss, and garter toss events, to allow more time for mingling with their guests. A diverse range of musical favorites from the 80's and 90's ensured that the dance floor was packed all evening.
Here are a few images from Nuala and Rob's wedding, taken by Bliss Weddings:
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