Crowning Celebrations

We are hiring!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:07:00 +0000

I am looking for an individual who is energetic, charismatic and genuine to assist with some summer weddings. If you are interested, email me at
brittany (at) crowningcelebrations.com

Include a resume and list of references, please

CROWNING CELEBRATION: A & F

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 21:57:00 +0000

Sometimes our clients ask that we don't disclose their identity with their names or faces but they allow us to share their wedding details. A & F were gracious to allow us to share their photos from JP Photography.

We met A & F only once before their wedding. All other planning was done from afar via email and conference calls. And we were happy to handle all the details for not just their wedding day, but for their guests accommodations and also the traditional ceremonies that preceded their wedding day. A & F were culturally rooted in their heritage of Ghana, Africa. It was our first wedding that included the authentic and ritually beautiful African ceremony the night before. The attire and Kente patterns were vibrant in color and beautifully crafted. And the food was amazing! Traditional African dishes made onsite by an authentic African chef.

On wedding day they were married at Epworth Methodist with a gospel choir that would give you goosebumps! A & F celebrated with their guests with a lovely reception at the Inverness Club.

Their reception included a traditional English wedding cake, or Fruit Cake designed by Wendy Kromer Confections, along with custom cookies decorated in various Kente cloth designs by Sugar Bean. Flowers by Bartz Viviano, Linens from Linen Hero. Chairs from Chiavari Chair Toledo. Wedding Dress by Judd Waddell. Music by Decorative Sound.

Thank you to our bride, who wrote us this fabulous review:

I should probably start by saying that I recommend working with CC. It was one of the best decisions I made…and really the reason why we are still getting unsolicited compliments on our Fall 2014 wedding, including some from people who just heard about the event. However, if you feel you need convincing, read on.

I should probably also mention:

1. I am not the wedding planning type. Really. No lie. They know.

2. I had a lot of other things I needed to do with my time…including a job!

3. We planned from a distance...and in only 5 months (they had 4).

Since it looked like we were going to go ahead with this wedding thing, I knew I needed someone to help…a lot. I wanted to have a beautiful event that our guests would enjoy, but I wanted to avoid as much stress as possible. I knew that we needed wedding planners that would be reliable, resourceful, patient, understanding, and well-connected. I didn’t want to have to worry that the people we hired were going to fail to show up, and I wanted to still have my job at the end of all of this.

Brittany and Anna had all of the qualities we needed and they were great to work with, too. They made our event the best it could have been. Still need more convincing? Continue.

Examples:

1) When the RSVPs resulted in 50% more guests than our estimate, they figured out how to make it work.

2) They rescued us from a tent company disaster – ‘Nuf said.

3) They handled the lawn sprinkler incident that occurred just before an outdoor event -- Our guests were dry as a bone.

4) They handled all of my crazy questions (I’m not exaggerating) with grace and wisdom -- saving me a lot of mental energy.

5) They embraced our culture and made suggestions about incorporating it that were amazing.

6) They impressed our guests.

7) They knew when we needed them -- And we are so grateful that they did.

8) No job was too small, too large, too low, or too high. They did whatever it took to make our day perfect.

CROWNING CELEBRATION: Kim & Brett

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:20:00 +0000

It was shaping up to be a chilly fall and the weather was nothing short of that on Kim & Brett's wedding day. But you wouldn't know it look at these photos that it was hailing as we were setting up. Spirits didn't dampen and hearts were warm with love.

Just looking at these photos you know our bride had fab taste!!! Our first meeting in her house was a glimpse into her wedding day style and I knew it wasn't going to be anything short of creative! Kim said to me in a doubtful tone, 'I think I like teal'. Looking around I found hints of it everywhere. I pointed it out to her how often she's drawn to that shade of blue. And with a laugh she finally agreed.

Thank you to Chelsea Brown Photography for these awesome shots - so much detail that encompasses Kim & Brett's day and she captured it wonderfully!

Thank you bride, Kim, for this review:
Brittany and her team were great! Very kind and professional. We had planned an outdoor wedding at our home. The day of was very cold & windy, we even had hail! She made important last minute changes & really made sure all the guests were comfortable & the whole day turned out beautifully. My stress as the bride was minimal because of her service. I am very happy we had her help:)

CROWNING CELEBRATION: Amanda & Zach

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 02:06:00 +0000

Amanda and Zach are one of these couples you just fall in love with! Amanda's gorgeous smile and Zach's charming personality made them one of our favorite couples of 2014. Not to mention they have excellent taste! Pair that with some fab vendors and you have a pretty awesome wedding and really fun day.

From Amanda's 20 carat diamond necklace (no, I'm not exaggerating) to their Catholic-Jewish 'cashew' ceremony, followed by a bridal party who had too much fun on the 12 golf carts at their disposal, to the gorgeous sunset with sparkler introduction and heart-warming and funny toasts, Mary Wyar Photography captured it all fabulously!

Location: Toledo Country Club. Photography by Mary Wyar Photography. Invitation, Menu and Favor Tags designed by UpperCase Designs. Flowers designed Bartz Viviano Flowers and Gifts. Coordinated Crowning Celebrations, Brittany, Anna, Megan and designed by Crowning Celebrations, Brittany.

Thank you bride, Amanda for this review:
Crowning celebrations was the most well spent money of our entire wedding! I do not know what we would have done without them!! They helped us with ever aspect of our wedding from invitations to decor. Brittany is a great designer and made our wedding beautiful. They are also very organized and answer emails and phone calls immediately which was very helpful. I would 100% recommend them to anyone!

CROWNING CELEBRATION: Alicia & Ryan The Knot Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 19:20:00 +0000

What a great way to end the year than with Alicia & Ryan's wedding in The Knot!

CROWNING INSPIRATION: Fat Cat Cooking Show

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Happy Small Business Saturday! I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and you are out shopping and supporting LOCAL!

I was flattered to be an invited guest on the Fat Cat Cooking Show, which aired today on #iheartradio WCWA1230 at Noon. As promised here are my tips for entertaining at home during the holiday season:

DO:

Set your table the 2 days before. Whether it’s a buffet or sit down dinner. Pull out all your serving dishes and mark each one with a post-it of its corresponding dish and serving wear. By doing this 2 days before you realize if you need to polish something or borrow something and this gives you a day to prepare.
Clean out your fridge and your medicine cabinet. People are noisy. Make sure your fridge doesn't have left over food dripping down the side and is not stocked to the brim (after all where are you going to put left overs). Also make sure when guests go to the bathroom your medical or personal secrets are stashed away.
Set boundaries. If you are having a large party and friends are bringing a 'plus one' who you are meeting for the first time, it might be a good idea to put a lock on your bedroom door. Keep your money, jewelry and other personal items safe and private. This is also a great place to stash those little projects you didn't quite get to. Behind the couch doesn't work. If its reachable - it can be seen.
If budget allows, hire a helping hand. There’s nothing better than using your china and not having to do the dishes. As I say, "Use the good stuff if you have it". If you have someone managing the kitchen during a party – sit down dinner or mingle - having someone to keep up on dishes, make sure bottles of wine are open and ready, etc. If its not in your budget, then don’t spend your evening doing dishes when you should be entertaining friends. Instead stack them neatly next to the sink. As long as food is not sitting on them, fine china can be cleaned the next day, no harm done.
Buy some take home containers for guests. Like most hosts you are going to over buy, over cook and have left overs. Send guests home with their favorite dishes
Make sure you have a great flow of traffic with your furniture. You may have to remove some items and bring in standing bistro tables to allow more areas for guests to set their drinks. This is inexpensive rental and worth it.
If your event is not a formal dinner, prepare a menu that has bite sized food or easy to eat with just a fork. Guests cannot juggle a glass of wine, eat with a set of silverware, and manage their plate. Besides smaller items allow for easy bites and easier conversation.

DON'T

Forget the ice. People often rely on the ice maker and it just can’t pull its weight. You need ice to chill down drinks prior to and also serve at the bar.
Neglect your bathroom. People are going to frequent the bathroom so stock up on toilet paper. And if you are on a septic tank, use the cheap stuff (were you wondering where I was going with that on air - now you know!). Nothing is more expensive than the amount of champagne you are going to serve than calling a plumber at 10pm and having him clear your pipes. Check the waste basket always make sure hand towels are available.
Overwhelm your guests with scented candles and plug-ins that fight with the delicious smells of your home cooking. Keep the smelly candles for the bathroom.
Get too comfortable. Work the room. Introduce new people. Therefore you probably won’t each much. So be sure to help yourself to your food while preparing it.

I think the best holiday decor is some of the easiest. Real, fresh evergreen foliage and Christmas bulbs are some of my favorites. I have listed several ideas on my Pinterest page. You will find an eclectic collection from traditional to playful.

Enjoy, and happy planning!

CROWNING CELEBRATION: Intimate Bridal Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:42:00 +0000

Having known my bride for over 20 years, I have come to appreciate her love for monograms and traditionalism. Visiting her hometown from Manhattan, it was important that the bridal shower included her favorite little luxuries.

I designed her bridal shower in the home to give an intimate atmosphere with fineries such as Francis First flatware, Waterford crystal, Aynsley Pembroke china, lace linens from Italy, antique silver vessels for flowers and touches of gold in the chargers and chairs.

As a surprise, I monogrammed all the Battenberg napkins with her new monogram along with a chair drape, which was then re-created into a table runner for the newly married couple.

Antique silver vessels were filled with garden flowers and fresh herbs.

Guests were served beverages with monogrammed coasters during lunch, followed by coffee and tea with macaroons and desserts.

The couple has a mutual love for Polar Bears - an inside love joke of sorts between the two of them. So I dressed up these two bears and placed them at her placesetting as a surprise.

Vendor Recognition:

Bartz Viviano Flowers & Gifts

Toledo Chiavari Chairs

Meredith Party Rentals

Sylvania Country Club

KF Sweets

CROWNING CELEBRATION: Bridal Shower at Toledo Museum of Art

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 21:46:00 +0000

I love it when clients let me design for them and then totally let me run with it! And its even more fun when its a break from the usual and plan an intimate party such as this one.

This bridal shower for 12 lovely ladies at the Toledo Museum of Art was designed around the bride's profession as a profession art auctioneer at Sotheby's in Manhattan. The hostess, the bride's sister, wanted to use coral and touches of turquoise and gold.

Great events deserved to be photographed by a professional. Thank you to Mary Wyar who captured my tablescape design, along with the entire event.

Don't you just love the gold flatware - totally completes the look!!! I luckily have a connection with fabulous taste and really good estate sale shopping skills. Thank you, Dale, for loaning us your fabulous finds!

Sneak Peak: Gretchen & Matt

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 16:05:00 +0000

How cute is our couple from last weekend's wedding at Nazareth Hall?! You would never know it, but the groom is almost 2 feet taller than the bride. Choose a photographer that knows the tricks to a good photo!

Eventista: First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 16:02:00 +0000

Eventista: First impressions

Written by Brittany Craig | | brittany@crowningcelebrations.com

It’s said that first impressions are everything. The same can be said for love at first sight. So why is the wedding invitation — the first impression guests receive — becoming substandard?

As a planner and an occasional wedding guest, I can understand both sides of the playing field. I know many couples have budget concerns and that often one of their first ideas is to cut cost on invitations. On the other hand, as a guest looking forward to a fun night out, there is nothing more disappointing than flimsy card stock, a rushed handwritten address and Scriptina font. There, I said it. Scriptina font. Don’t do it.

“They just end up tossing it anyway” — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that. But actually, the wedding invitation often gets hung in the kitchen or tucked into a daily planner. It’s looked at repeatedly with anticipation. As stationery designer Kim Collins of Fiddle Stix Boutique at Levis Commons says, “The wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event and helps give the guests an idea of what to expect. If a bride is having a gorgeous, extravagant wedding but sends something that looks less than impressive … guests are not going to anticipate something as extraordinary as they should.”

Beautiful is more affordable than you think. “Brides and grooms do not have to skimp on these details; they just need to find the right fit,” said Kelly Henry, stationery designer and owner of UpperCase Designs in Toledo. Thanks to sites like Pinterest, brides can find a plethora of ideas. But by working with a local stationery designer, you can make that “pin” come to fruition. For an invite with a lot of color go for digital printing versus off-set printing, suggests Henry. Referring guests to a wedding website for more information cuts down on clutter and costs, Collins suggests. Postcard response cards are another cost-saving tip. By working with a local designer, you can give that postcard a unique, upscale look that will compensate for its ease and convenience.

What’s felt in the hand is just as important as what’s seen by the eye. Oftentimes invitations ordered online use a lighter weight of card stock. Always request to see and feel a sample. Lighter stock in both the invite and the envelope do not mail well. They are often eaten up by the postage machines and arrive to your guests torn or marked. One way to avoid this is to also handstamp each of your invites at the post office. While you’re there, double check to make sure you have enough postage on your envelopes, if you haven’t done so already. Always bring a completely assembled invite when buying stamps.

Carrying consistent fonts, colors and design for your wedding programs, escort cards, menus, table numbers and signage gives the event an overall appearance that is more memorable and enjoyable. But don’t be afraid to assemble these items yourself. “This takes a little bit more time for the bride, but it saves on the cost of the vendor’s assembly process,” Collins said.

The wedding invitation is one of the most traditional parts about a wedding, but you can still have a little fun while being socially appropriate. One way to do this is with the RSVPs. “One of the most requested RSVP responses is, ‘We’ll dance if you play this song.’ Newlyweds want to see their guests out on the dance floor having a great time. One of my favorites is ‘We’ll have to miss all the fun’ and ‘We’ll be there to dance and dine,’” Henry said.

Finally, don’t forget the attention to detail when it comes to addressing your invitations. “The smallest of details really stand out throughout the entire event, starting with the invitations!” Collins said. Calligraphy is the most popular way of addressing envelopes. If you cannot afford hand-addressed calligraphy, opt for having a stationery designer print the addresses on the envelopes with a font that matches the invitation suite, suggests Henry. Then dress it with beautiful stamps. Buy a collection of vintage stamps on Etsy and include four to five different kinds in your color scheme to reach your required postage.

The wedding invitation doesn’t have to be a budget-bleeder. And it doesn’t have to be dull to be affordable. With a little personal style and attention to detail, you will be sure to excite your guests!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 19:39:00 +0000

Check out our feature on Carats and Cake!

Location: Schedel Gardens, Elmore Ohio

Photography: Kristen Nicole Photography

Crowning Celebration: Anna + Kevan

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 21:38:00 +0000

Maternity Leave has been full of joyous occasions, including that of our very own Crowning Celebrations' Anna's wedding to her high school sweetheart, Kevan! Check out this trailer from Fordham Footage.

Anna + Kevan | December 7, 2013 Sneak Peek | filmed by Fordham Footage

from Fordham Footage on Vimeo.

Event Coordination: Crowning Celebrations

Photography: Jennifer Mott Photography

Videography: Fordham Footage

Ceremony: Historic Church of Saint Patrick

Reception: The Secor Building

Catering and Bar: Registry Bistro

Dress: The Gown Shop Ann Arbor

Flowers: Lia Colapietro Design

Lighting and Decor: Magers Designs

Linens & Chiavari Chairs: Toledo Chiavari Chairs and I Do Chair Covers & Linens

Music: Decorative Sound

Desserts and Cake: Sugar Shack Specialty Sweets

Stationery: UpperCase Designs

Bridal Make-up: Bridal Make-up by Natalie

CROWNING CELEBRATION: Leah & TJ Video Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 14:01:00 +0000

We loved working with this super cute couple this September! Can't wait to share the photos from Jennifer Mott Photography. Until then, savor this video trailer from Fordham Footage.

Leah and TJ | 9.7.13 Sneak Peek | filmed by Fordham Footage

from Fordham Footage on Vimeo.

Flowers: Bartz Viviano Flowers and Gifts

Dress: Pronovias from Belle Amour Bridal

Church: Historic Saint Patrick

WHERE DID SUMMER GO?!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 20:25:00 +0000

We're back! This summer season was fabulous! So fabulous that it really didn't allow too much time for blogging. But I want you to know we are still here and there is so much to share!

In addition to a wonderful spring and summer season, I am excited to share that I am going to be a "Mother of the Groom".... well, one day. I am expecting our first, a boy, in November. So one day, 20-something plus years later (or even later than that) I will be an "MOG"! Between feedings and naps I plan to share all this year's goodness and then some.

In the meantime, here is a look at one of our June weddings that was featured in the Toledo City Paper's, City Weddings guide. More from this gorgeous wedding will be blogged. It will probably take a few posts just to get all the details shared. But we cannot say enough wonderful things about this couple. And it was so kind of them to share their great experience with us. Check it out! (and you can read the guide online here.)

Sneak Peak: Asher's Bar Mitzvah

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:44:00 +0000

Last night we celebrated "All About Asher" for Asher's Bar Mitzvah. Asher is a great kid and we LOVED working with his family!!! Here are a few sneak peaks of the room before Star Trax Entertainment lit the room up with non-stop fun!

Event Coordination & Design: Crowning Celebrations, Anna Malone
Event Location & Catering: Hilton Garden Inn, Perrysburg
Floral Design & Lighting: Keith Brooks Florist
Entertainment: Star Trax Entertainment, Paris
Stationery Design: UpperCase Designs
Professional Photography: Cara Jones (images provided her taken by Crowning Celebrations)
Videography & Video Montage: Inspired Image

CROWNING INSPIRATION: Washi Tape Wedding Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:37:00 +0000

If you don't know what Washi Tape is yet then check out these easy Washi Tape wedding ideas. Washi Tape is like a very-pretty-crafty-fun-decorating paper tape. Its the pretty cousin to ugly masking tape.

Washi Tape is made of natural fibers like bamboo or hemp, but most commonly from the bark of native Japanese trees — the mulberry, the mitsumata shrub or the gampi tree. Washi Tapes can be as strong as duct tape! But its best known to be functional as well as pretty and an easy way to add to spruce up any wedding item.

(check out fun links below)

To buy, inspire & create check out these links:

100 Ways to Washi

Pinterest Washi Tape Wedding Boards

Washi Paper Crafts

Washi Tape Stationery

Shop Etsy

Shop Koyal Wholesale - SALE on Washi Tape!

TOLEDO CITY PAPER WEDDING BELLS

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:13:00 +0000

Did you see our fabulous 2012 events in the City Paper's Wedding Bells guide?

Our fabulous couple Ashley and Andy made the front cover! And check out their gorgeous wedding inside the issue. Special thanks to Considering Lilies Photography, Jennifer Mott Photography and Grand Lubell Photography for capturing our couples!

Crowning Inspiration: GONE TO THE BIRDS!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Another 2013 trend is Birds.

Birdcages, birdcage veils, bird cake tops, birds on invites, birds in flowers, birds on charms.... these love birds are flying in and bringing good luck. Here are our favorite

birdie finds on Etsy. Links below :)

Shopping Links:

Crowning Celebration: MEGAN & SCOTT

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:33:00 +0000

Our last wedding of 2012 was with a great family and it was a fun way to end the year. It was a pleasure to work with this MOB and her family a second time. Our first event with them in 2010 was at the Pinnacle celebrating Amanda and Scott.

We were pleased to be the coordinators for Megan and Scott and see their wonderful friends and family celebrate at The Toledo Club.

Here are images of super fun couple Megan and Scott and their beautiful winter wedding. We don't have to tell you they are fun - just check out their smiles and laughs in these photos! And thank you to ShutterLove Studio for capturing the day.

During the holidays, The Toledo Club has its annual Christmas Tree auction. For weeks proceeding the Christmas holiday, trees are contributed and dressed in their finest adornment, theme or creation to be auctioned. But if you are having a wedding there, your guests are in for a treat!

Crowning Inspiration: 2013 HEADPIECE TREND

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:58:00 +0000

One of the trends I reported for 2013 was texture: it's popping off bridal gowns, creating depth in bridal bouquets and even adding that extra touch to bridal hair with headpieces.

Everything from tulle head scarves to headbands to forehead bands these adornments are playing on both Bohemian chic and vintage 1920's. Check out our favorites!

And of course we have to thank Anne Hathaway for pulling this off so beautifully in her tulle and embroidered satin custom Valentino gown!

The Knot BEST OF WEDDINGS 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:32:00 +0000

Thank you to all our fabulous clients and to my fabulous team of ladies who make this job so much fun and our events so fabulous!

We were chosen by the editors at The Knot for Best of Weddings 2013!

Crowning Inspiration: UNITY IN GLASS

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Looking for a creative alternative to the "Unity Candle"? We are so excited that one of our June couples are going to be creating a piece of art work and new family heirloom with Unity in Glass by artist Lee Ware. Unity in Glass captures the beauty and intimacy of a bride and groom’s unity ceremony for eternity in an elegant, hand-crafted glass sculpture. What could be more perfect for Toledo brides and grooms? Toledo IS the Glass Capitol, after all...

How does it work?

1. Go to the website and fill out the required forms and purchase the special glass chips.

2. Ceremoniously mix your glass chips like you would sand

3. Ship the glass chips back to the artist in the pre-paid box

From there artist Lee Ware creates your piece and ships it back to you.

Toledo Free Press Eventista: 2013 WEDDING TRENDS

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 02:45:00 +0000

In case you didn't catch my article on 2013 wedding trends - here are my top trends and inspiration boards!

Eventista: Hot wedding trends for 2013

Each year weddings get more trend-specific. But as the trends increase, the sizes of the weddings are decreasing. Doing more doesn’t necessarily mean spending more or inviting more. Wedding guest lists are being trimmed as carefully as the details are planned out. Here are some ways to create a fabulous 2013 celebration.

You can’t plan a 2013 wedding and not talk texture! It’s growing year after year and it’s bigger than ever. We have seen it in bridal bouquets that have a varying selection of flowers and uncommon greeneries to bridal gowns with appliques, rosettes and flowers that pop right off the fabric. Cakes are mimicking these fabrics with ruffled layers and large sugar petals cascading down. Modern patterns like chevron and polka dot are some of the most popular. They are gracing the papers of invitation suites and adding an extra punch to tablescape linens. We are seeing a hint of pattern on bridal gowns under traditional overlays like lace and they are also giving groom’s ties a playful look.

Color gives even the most traditional affair an added punch. Bridesmaids dresses are bright and festive. We are still seeing a trend toward variable design in each maid’s attire from gradual shades of ombre dresses to the same fabric in countless styles. The bride’s bouquet has strayed from all white and now includes a multitude of hues and colors. But probably the most noticeable color change this year is the blush-colored wedding gown. Bright white is a thing of the past as brides are choosing softer hues for their skin tones.

Kate Middleton’s lace-style gown still reigns, but with a new twist.

“We are seeing a different take on lace with the Guipure pattern. It’s a larger pattern and less traditional,” said Stacy Fork of The Gown Shop Ann Arbor.

Another trend, according to Fork is the horsehair-trimmed bridal veil.

“The stretch nylon that now adorns some of the most modern and romantic veils has been a top pick,” Fork said. “It definitely gives that extra wow factor to a veil versus just the standard tulle.”

Grooms are taking an active role in the planning. Not only are they attending meetings and playing a role in the decisions, they are adding in details of their own. From groom’s cakes and dessert bars to special signature beers and menu selections, grooms are finding their voice.

Vintage is not necessarily decorating with antiques and it’s often confused with shabby chic. Vintage is a style all its own and the vintage trend in 2013 is the roaring ’20s. Popular shows like “Downton Abbey” and movie “The Great Gatsby”

provide inspiration for wedding style and theme.

“Our clients are enamored with ‘nostalgic vibes’ that are unique to them,” said Heather Zeller, owner of La Boutique Nostalgie. “Shimmering candlelight, garden roses and hydrangeas, lace, birdcage veils and chandeliers in equal measure are popular, key elements in completing the vintage vision.”

One of the hottest wedding trends this year has gone to the birds — literally! The bird theme surfaced in 2012 and is taking flight in 2013. Birds are being seen on wedding invitations, on the top of cakes and they are bringing little accents like nests and twigs to centerpieces. Feathered accessories will also be popular on veils, purses and bridal sashes.

Incorporating yummy goodness you can only find street side will be the icing on the cake for your wedding guests with a food truck! “Late night snacks” or “afterthoughts” have been a hit of weddings for years with selections like mini-sliders, homemade doughnuts and pizza.

But for that crowd that parties hard and gets hungry, why not treat them to their favorite guilty pleasure with gourmet hot dog truck or ice cream truck?

Grab your issue of the Toledo Free Press Bridal Guide or see it here online!

bouquets with texture and a variety of texture and color

(our readers chose the bottom, second from the right as their favorite)

wedding cakes with chevron, rosettes, ruffles, lace and other textures

(our readers chose the bottom center as their favorite!)

super fun chevron pattern

classic and traditional polka dot pattern

bridesmaids in blush and pinks

blush bridal gowns, Guirpur pattern lace, illusion necklines and horsehair trimmed veils

great gatsby inspired wedding

bird's the word with these fun touches

fun and foodie favorites: the food truck

Crowning Inspiration: 2013 CAKE TRENDS

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 18:16:00 +0000

Texture is one of 2013's hottest trends and its giving cakes a

creative pallet for beautiful designs!

Which is your favorite 2013 cake trend?

New Look! Photoshoot Fun!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany M. Craig) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 18:11:00 +0000

We are starting 2013 off with a bang - including our new headshoots from

our photoshoot with Jennifer Mott Photography!

We had a lot of fun with our "bride" and model, Tristen,
who wore a gorgeous bridal gown from

The Gown Shop Ann Arbor. Stacy from The Gown Shop also styled

our bride with a veil, jewelry and shoes!

Check out the website for more updates! www.crowningcelebrations.com