Crowning Celebrations

Crowning Inspiration: Wedding Invitation DOs & DON'Ts

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:41:00 +0000

May 14th marks National Etiquette Week! And there is nothing more properly binding than the invitation when it comes to a wedding.

Here are a few tips to making sure you're right on point!

DO send wedding invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding day. Order custom wedding invitations at least three to four months in advance to ensure they go out on time.

DO check with your calligrapher and see how long it will take them to address the invitations. Also give them an example of the envelope. If they use a light box for addressing, some paper stocks are too heavy to see through and you could incur additional charges.

DO invite the partners of guests who are married, engaged, or living with a significant other. Find out their name and include it on the invitation (as well as the escort card).

DON'T print "and Guest" on the outer wedding invitation envelope to indicate to a single friend that he/she may bring a date, as this looks awkward. Print it on the inner envelope holding the actual wedding invitation instead.

DO send unmarried couples living together one invitation, where their names are listed in alphabetical order and on their own lines. Guests living together as roommates, not as couples, should each receive their own invitation. And adult children living at home should receive their own invitation.

DON'T print "no children" on the invite if you're planning an adults only reception. Simply address each invitation explicitly to your intended guests (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, not "The Smiths").

DON'T forget to invite your officiant and his/her spouse to the reception. And be sure to send an invite to yourself and your parents. This way you know when your other guests received their invites, too.

DO spell out dates, times and states. For example: half after five o'clock in the evening, not 5:30 pm --or -- and the twenty-second of May, not May 22nd.

DON'T use punctuation on the invitation, except between the city and state.

DO abbreviate Mr. and Mrs., but spell out the title Doctor, Captain, Judge, General, etc.

DON'T abbreviate street names on the invitation or the envelope. Spell out Street, Avenue, Boulevard, etc.

DON'T print registry information on the wedding invitation.

DO put an RSVP date of 3 weeks before the wedding. For larger weddings 4 weeks prior can be listed.

DO provide postage on your RSVP card or envelope. Also check the weight and size of your invitation with your post office. Some envelopes require extra postage due to size or thickness.

DON'T drop your invitation in the mail box. Hand them to a post officer within the post office to be 'hand-stamped' as opposed to being run through the meter, which can damage and tear envelopes.

I love these beautiful invitations (above and below) designed locally by Alice Louise Press

Crowning Celebration: Aly's Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:43:00 +0000

I couldn't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day weekend than planning a Make-A-Wish event alongside my mom for a little girl named Aly and her mom, Kara!

Aly has 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. She is 2 1/2 and for her Wish her mom wanted to have an event to Celebrate Aly and thank all the doctors, nurses, caretakers and family members who have contributed to her quality of life. Aly loves color - so that was our theme and we had fun with it! Since Aly cannot sit up on her own, she spends a lot of time in her mother's arms, looking up. So making the ceiling just as interesting
was important for our design.

Aly and Kara were brought by limo to Wildwood Ward Pavilion where we created a colorful celebration for their friends and family! Here are some images from the event:

The day was magical! Not only did I get to spend it with my mom, but many other mother-daughter teams worked along side us to make this day happen! Thank you to mother-daughter teams Ellie & Tatum, Sonya & Sierra, Shelli & Sam, Wish-granter Kimberly, Make-a-Wish interns Emily & Chelsea, my Aunt Carol, my cousin Gabriel, my assistant, Anna, NDA intern Lizzy, Ali from Cherry Lane Cakes for her chalk artistry, Tom for his trusty ladders, friends Dara, Denise & Karen and Make-A-Wish Jr. Committee members Brian, Leslie, Sarah & Jennifer ...
and of course my dad who bought lunch for all the hard-working volunteers!

Thank you to the follow donors:

Wildwood Metro Parks

The Pinnacle & Central Park West

Parkway Place
Premier Catering

Le Petit Gourmet

DeVaul's Frame Shop

The Costume Holiday Shop

ShutterLove Studio
Grand Lubell Photoboothlive

Crossing River Media

Meredith Party Rentals
Decorative Sound

Denver Wholesale Florist

Emery's Flowers

Cherry Lane Custom Cakes

Sugar Shack Specialty Sweets

Cake in a Cup

Tout Sweet

All For You

UpperCase Designs

She's Crafty

Fiddle Stix Boutique
Paint your Place
Aguirre Limousine Service
Vision Quest
Tom Schuster

and the many private donors!!!

To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation or make a donation, please visit: http://www.makeawishohio.org/

To learn more about Aly's condition, visit: http://www.1p36dsa.org/

Crowning Inspiration: Long Table Runners

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Long tables are one of the hottest trends in wedding design - and a favorite amongst my readers (as I can tell from the incredible page views from my last post on long tables!!!)

One of the greatest things I love about long tables is the ability to carry the eye from one end of the room to the other with centerpieces and also table runners. Check out these great table runners - don't they complete the look?!

Adding a table runner gives another dimension to your tablescape and also brings color and texture in an affordable way. Create groupings of centerpieces along the table and also add some candlelight for that romantic glow.

From a simple fabric, to one with a pattern or even objects (like the typewriter - so cute), moss, ribbons and dollies - your runner can be eye catching and complete the look with ease!

Crowning & Cunning: Appy Couple Wedding App

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:14:00 +0000

There are a lot of applications out there for weddings - but this one takes the cake and is an industry hot topic! Appy Couple is a unique mobile wedding app to help you share your wedding with family and friends! And no worries, even if your friends don't have the ability to use an app using a smart phone, they can still access this user friendly idea on a custom website.

Love all these designs to custom match your wedding colors and theme!

This app is available by invitation only - so get on the list now. It will allow you to give guests travel information and guides, send personal messages, pictures and virtual toasts. Share your story and the excitement of your special day whether you have 20 guests or 2000 - there is no extra costs as guests download the password protected app for free!

Crowning Inspiration: Simple Chic Centerpieces

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Sometimes its the simple things in life that make us smile. Like that note your fiance or husband left you in the morning, that perfect find at a thrift store, or the first spring blooms on a warm sunny day. That is what I love about these simple centerpiece ideas. They are elegant, colorful, organic and easy to use at any event.

What I also love is various heights and shapes of the vases or containers. Some look recycled or vintage. But each is well-thought and perfectly placed. Simple containers like these make for fun finds: items around the house or in your neighborhood. Shop your cupboards, grandma's antiques or your local garage sales for treasures that are sure to please the eye and make for great conversation amongst your guests.

Crowning Inspiration: Cake Push Pops

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:18:00 +0000

We are swooning over this delicious idea and therefore we just have to share!

These little beauties are cake push pops! Oh the many miracles of cake - from cupcakes, cupcakes in a jar, cake pops and now cake push pops, these sweet treats are sure to make your guests smile! You can buy the supplies on Etsy and have your favorite cake baker add their signature cakes and fillings! Yum!!!

Crowning Inspiration: Covered Shoulders for Ceremonies

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:38:00 +0000

In yesterday's class that I teach at UT, we talked about the Orthodox and Jewish wedding ceremonies. I love the rich heritage and traditions that these ceremonies still hold strong to this day. One of the traditions includes modesty and covered shoulders. But not just modesty, covered shoulders can signify strength and the new role that women take in their marriage.

If you are considering covering your shoulders for your ceremony, check out these beauties I pinned on Pinterest. Most of the bolero jackets can be removed to show off your glowing skin for post-ceremony festivities and receptions.

Love how just a little jacket can add some variety to your wedding dress!

Crowning Celebration: Lisa & Andy

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Lisa and Andy had a blast at their October wedding at The Carranor Hunt and Polo Club. Check out their fabulous celebration captured by Everlasting Images Photography!

Check out more images on our facebook page!

Credits:

Ceremony & Reception: The Carranor Hunt and Polo Club

Photography: Everlasting Images

Videography: Showcase Video Productions

Florals and Lighting: Keith H. Brooks Florist

Linens: I Do Chair Covers

Cake: Eston's Gourmet Creations

Dessert Table: Tout Sweet

Reception Music: 56Daze Band

Event Design & Coordination: Crowning Celebrations

Programs, signage, escort card display, favor cards & table numbers: Crowning Celebrations

Bridal Gown: Gallippo's Bridal

Tent: American Rent-All

Crowning Inspiration: Flower Crowns

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:08:00 +0000

There's a new trend in bridal that we can't help but adore! For all of you who fell in love with Kate Moss' wedding spread in Vogue, then you will love new look of the bridal crown using flowers and foliages.

Check out these beauties to inspire your wedding day look:

1. etsy
2. etsy
3. etsy
4. Preston Bailey Brides
5. etsy
6. etsy
7. oncewed.com
8. etsy
9. Lovely Lost Things
10. etsy

Crowning and Cunning: so true!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:04:00 +0000

As you start to plan, don't loose sight of what's important.You are marrying your best friend, partner, and lover. Hire a planner to handle the details. Then relax and enjoy the bliss of being engaged!

Crowning Inspiration: Long Wedding Tables

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:54:00 +0000

I love it when my clients request long wedding table(s). Sometimes we do many long tables and place them perpendicular, and other times we do one long table. I think the long table has a great significance to the idea of 'two families becoming one' at a wedding.

Here are my favorites I pinned on Pinterest - follow me!

Crowning Celebration: The Knot Ohio

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

When the The Knot called last fall in the midst of one of my craziest, busiest weddings of the year, I was thrilled! They asked three Ohio wedding coordinators to give their "inside scoop" on Ohio weddings.

Be sure to grab your copy today and turn to page 42!

Crowning & Chic - Bridal Bouqet Trend: Broach and Pin bouquets

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Last January we featured broach bouquets (click here to see the post). Its a fun alternative, especially in the winter when flowers are not "in season" for northwest Ohio. And unlike flowers, these beauties will last forever!

My favorite broach bouquet is made of buttons, pins and other vintage jewelry pieces that are family heirlooms. For instance, maybe the buttons from your grandmother's gown, or use one of her favorite pins.... Maybe a pair of earrings your mom wore in the 80's! Go creative and add some color or be classic with vintage silver, gold or ivory tones. I just love this silver bouquet below!

image from weddingchicks.com

Crowning & Cunning: Romantic Details

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:42:00 +0000

Happy New Year 2012!!! One of this year's top trends is "romantic details". Check out these inspirations! Don't you just love the details?!

Images found on Pinterest

Crowning & Cunning: Wendy Kromer's Cookie Decorating Class

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Yesterday, my mom and I were in for a real treat - literally. We took Wendy Kromer's Cookie Decorating class. If you aren't familiar with Wendy, well she is a fabulously talented wedding cake designer, who aside from creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces for my clients, she also designs cakes for Martha Stewart Weddings. In fact, she was just in NYC creating wedding cake stories for the spring Weddings issue the week before our class.

The cookie class was a quick 3-hours that included her fabulous cookie and icing recipes for flooding techniques. I highly recommend this class to anyone of all skill levels. Wendy taught us some clever ways to make eye-popping designs. Check them out:

Wendy demonstrating the techniques:

Here's my try:

I am eager to get started on more cookies here at home! I even bought a crown cookie cutter to make a few CC inspired Christmas creations!

(Be sure to look for that post later this month.)

Thanks Wendy for a fun afternoon!

Crowning Celebration: Thank you for a great season!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Yesterday was our last wedding of the 2011 season ~ and oh, what a season it was! Yesterday's wedding was no exception to the remarkable and genuinely fabulous couples we got to work with this year. I learned new "tricks" and tools to making my business even better, pushed the envelope on some design ideas, created new looks and hopefully some new trends and I made new friends along the way.

One thing that has always remained the same (and continues to hold true next season) is that my work will always be about the QUALITY not the quantity of weddings. Budget big or small, the attention to detail, personalized service and unique design will always come first. For me, the year cannot be measured in the amount of weddings we produced, but rather the quality and tailored service we give our clients.

Thank you to all our 2011 couples and their families ~ Wishing you many happy memories from this fabulous year!!!

Crowning Celebration: Tent Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:50:00 +0000

Ever wonder what goes into a large tent wedding like this?

Photo Credit Grand Lubell Photography

Look forward to more images from this event with
photography by Grand Lubell ~ coming soon!

Crowning & Fabulous: Bridal Black Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:44:00 +0000

If you are getting married (or think he's about to pop the question) then you'll love these bridal-savvy Black Friday deals!

For the DIY-er, check out craft stores like Hobby Lobby (50% off select items) or Michael’s (30% -50% off select items). {Click on those links for in store coupons!} Stock up on candy bags for your sweet table or ribbons for your ceremony program.

When it comes to the bridesmaid’s dress, brides catch themselves saying it all the time, “you can so wear it again!” This Black Friday think outside the box from your traditional bridal designers and look for dresses at Macy’s (20% off), Nordstrom (33% off evening wear) and other leading department stores for your maids and mothers. Every bridesmaid loves a dress that looks great and is great on the pocketbook. Don’t stop at the dress, also check out shoe sales and accessories like jewelry and purses to complete the look.

Take advantage of holiday sales and purchase gift cards to your salon for your wedding day hair, make-up and manicure. They make great gifts for the mother of the bride/groom, and any wedding attendants. Give them this holiday season or save them for the wedding.

Keeping in the spirit of giving, snag great prices on gifts for your bridal attendants and other key members of your wedding. Restaurant gift certificates are a great way to show appreciation to a religious member who performed your pre-marital counseling or married you.

If he hasn’t popped the question yet, or you are in the beginning stages of planning and not ready to take the Black Friday plunge, you can still be a savvy shopper and stock up on gift cards. Some retailers are offering buy one and get the second 50% off. Save now, buy later.

What’s even better than Black Friday? Small Business Saturday! Shop your local boutiques and stores for the best deals in Northwest Ohio. Photography studios Considering Lilies and JP Photography have Black Friday Specials. {See their great deals below.} Keep the savings coming with Cyber Monday and you can shop online for honeymoon airline and travel deals from great sites like Groupon.com.

Take a tip from Santa: make a list and check it twice. The savviest bride is the one with a game plan. List out items you need or wish to purchase. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing. If you overbuy, you will not only overwhelm yourself, but you could risk breaking the bank and that’s no way to start a marriage.

Crowning Celebration: Lisa & Andy ~ Sneak Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:41:00 +0000

Check out a sneak peak from last night's wedding! Photo taken by Everlasting Images.

Crowning Celebration: Amy & James

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:45:00 +0000

September 24th is a very special day for me. It marks my Wedding Anniversary with my wonderful husband! We just celebrated 6 years.

But September 24th is also the day that Amy & James said "I DO"! I couldn't have chosen a nicer couple to work with on my Anniversary than Amy and James! They are so in love and so appreciative to all their family and friends for joining them from near and afar in their celebration. Amy was so gracious and lovely. It was an honor to be by Amy's side and fluff her gown, straighten her veil and wish her all the best as she walked down the aisle to her groom - just as someone did for me 6 years ago.

Here are a few pictures from their beautiful day!

Flowers by Bartz Viviano, Ann Strickland, designer

Pictures taken by Crowning Celebrations - Please do not reproduce without permission. Wedding Day Professional photography provided by Grand Lubell

Menus, Escort cards and other printed materials designed by Crowning Celebrations

Ceremony: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

Reception: The Toledo Club

Crowning & Fabulous: Colin Cowie Weddings!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:58:00 +0000

As a fan of the fabulous Colin Cowie, I am excited to share that he is debuting a NEW wedding website
full of fabulously fun and creative ideas this October!!!!
Crowning Celebrations readers have a exclusive offer to view the new site. But before I reveal that, here are the juicy details:

The site will have three main channels: Confidentially Colin, MyCollection, and Inspire Me.

The My Collection channel keeps within Cowie’s tradition of exceeding expectations: new, fresh and innovative ideas. With this channel, brides will also be able to save, organize and share what inspires them privately and securely with their friends and family.

The Inspire Me channel offers smart, in-depth articles for both the bride and groom covering every aspect of wedding planning from engagement parties to the honeymoon; fashion, beauty, travel and registry; how-to tips and tricks; trend reportage; inspirational ideas and more.

Confidentially, Colin: offers couples the chance to personally connect with Cowie and seek his advice on topics like proper wedding etiquette, planning logistics, and more. Here he shares thoughts, suggestions,
insider tips, advice and counsel from his 25 years of wedding planning around the world.

The website will feature ideas at all price points with new, trendsetting ideas from Colin's signature creations. It will be like having your favorite bridal magazine at your fingertips 24/7!

The website debuts in mid-October. But Crowning Celebrations readers can get a sneak peak NOW!!! Click on this link: colincowieweddings.com and get an insiders look at the new site!!!

Crowning & Chic: NewlyMAID

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:19:00 +0000

How many times have you heard, "You can soooo wear it again!" when it comes to a bridesmaid dress???

Well if you are cleaning out the closets this fall (like I am right now), you probably are coming across a bridesmaid dress or formal gown that doesn't fit, or is just not your style. Ever wish you could put that dress to good use???

Thanks to my fashionista friend, Vanessa Cooreman-Smith,

I've been introduced to NewlyMAID.

Send your gently used bridesmaid dress to NewlyMAID and they will give you credit for a LBD (little black dress)!!!! Your old bridesmaid dress will be either recycled and used to make a new dress, or resold with part of the proceeds going to charity.

For more details visit their website.

If you give this a try, be sure to let us know what you think!

Crowning & Fabulous: Flourish Boutique & Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:53:00 +0000

Yesterday I had the great joy and pleasure of visiting one of my best friends, Vanessa, in South Bend. Aside from a girl's lunch and gab session, I got to shop her fabulous store, Flourish Boutique and Gallery.

Flourish carries fashions from designers like Samuel Dong, Seven for All Mankind, Tulle, Treska, Judith March, Lisse, Tarina Tarantino, not to mention a fabulous jewelry line from Tangerine!

As you shop the clothes, you can shop the art. Vanessa boutique includes art for purchase, with even a few items created by Vanessa herself.

{Don't you just love this saying in the changing rooms??? My husband didn't call - but I still bought whatever I wanted!!!}

Vanessa and I were college roommates and art majors at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana. We shared a studio in the fibers department. Before portable DVD players, we would drag my TV and her DVD player down to the studio to watch old episodes of Sex in the City until the security guards kicked us out!

Vanessa has taken her love for fashion and textiles and opened a chic, fun boutique. I have taken my love for design and textiles and applied that to event design creating one of a kind events. Its fun to look back and think that we've each achieved our dream of putting our mark on art, fashion and design.

Flourish Boutique and Gallery is now offering ONLINE SHOPPING 24/7!

Shop in store merchandise on the website. Also be sure to check out all the new arrivals featured on facebook.

BRIDES:

Check out the Tangerine Jewelry line. This fabulous designer can be found at upscale retail shops like Neiman Marcus. But something tells me Vanessa's prices are sweeter ;) You can view the Tangerine collection online and call Flourish for custom ordering. I picked up a piece myself for upcoming weddings. It sparkles!!!!

Crowning Celebration: Labor Day's Labor of Love Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:59:00 +0000

Its kinda fitting that today we are celebrating Labor Day because this weekend's wedding included a handful of talented vendors
that 'labored' their talents to produce a fabulous event.

Amongst our dream team of wedding professionals was the fabulously creative Wendy Kromer of Wendy Kromer Confections and the City Bake Shop. If you are not sure who Wendy is, just pick up a copy of Martha Stewart Weddings. As you marvel over the deliciously decorated cakes, read closely at the credits. Wendy is Martha Stewart's cake designer. And when Wendy is not designing for Martha, she calls Sandusky, Ohio her home.

When our bride originally planned her wedding cake, it was modeled after Donald and Melania Trump's five-tiered, 3,000 rose covered wedding cake. But after meeting with Wendy, the bride was so impressed by Kromer's creativity
that she wanted a one-of-a-kind creation.

Using details from one of the Bride's three wedding dresses, a Kenneth Pool duchess satin with silver thread embroidery, pearls and crystals, and the bride's Reem Acra flower embroidered veil and lace bolero, Kromer created a beautifully, detail-oriented cake.

The cake tasted just a great as it looked! The flavors included:

Yellow Cake layers
filled with layers of Mango Buttercream, Orange Buttercream & Lemon Curd

Vanilla Pound Cake layers
filled with layers of Espresso Buttercream & Mocha Buttercream

You can follow Wendy's work on the City Bake Shop's facebook page.

Images of the cake taken by Wendy Kromer.

Chocolate Cake layers
filled with layers of Spice Buttercream & Cream Cheese Frosting

Crowning Celebration: Lisa & Andy ~ Engagement Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:42:00 +0000

Happy Friday! I love this photo from Everlasting Images and wanted to share it with you.

I am very excited for this October 2011 Crowning Celebrations couple!