Fabulously Wed

Fabulously Free Wedding Party Contact Sheet

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

I LOVE Sex and the City! Seriously, could Carrie have been more FABULOUS for her wedding? I think not. However, as a wedding professional there are a two things that annoy me about this scene besides the fact that a toddler was given a $4,500 Judith Leiber Cupcake handbag... {yes, I am slightly envious}. Back to the topic at hand...

WHY in the world didn't the wedding planner know how to contact the bride or groom? And if they are inaccessible, he should have had the numbers for EVERYONE else so that he could increase his chances of getting someone on the daggone phone!
WHY in the world didn't the bridal party have the phone numbers of one another AND of the wedding planner AND at least one of his assistants? I can't imagine NOT giving my clients and the bridal party both my contact number AND the number of at least one of my assistants. If Big had the numbers of the other bridal party members, he could have increased his chances to contact Carrie. AND he could have tasked the planner to please do everything possible to get in touch with Carrie.

Of course, I know that you will hire a FABULOUS wedding team {ahem... shameless plug} and this is very likely NEVER going to happen to you but still... Therefore, today I share with you my FABULOUS Wedding Party Contact Sheet. Any and everybody who is an integral part of the wedding absolutely needs to have access to the phone numbers of ALL wedding party members.

Let's face it, Keeping up with the wedding party can be overwhelming and feel like a job in and of itself. Feel free to print this contact sheet and hand it out to your entire bridal party or share this post with your friends via social media. It will help the other members of your wedding party reach each other on your wedding day, serve as a list of bridal shower, bachelorette and bachelor party guests and more!

This handy dandy wedding party sheet will help you keep up with your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Fabulously Wed has an expert team of seasoned bridal consultants to help you down the aisle. For over a eight years, Fabulously Wed has seen bridal parties come and go in an organized and efficient manner! And that is why I can't stress enough that you get organized and let your team know who's who and what's what!

Fabulously Wed | Wedding Party Contact Sheet

Be sure you check out our other FABULOUS free downloads HERE! We are adding more every week!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Engagement: Love at Disney's California Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

"Fairy tales do come true. It could happen to you..." Just as it happened to Angela when Trevor surprised her with an engagement ring at the Disneyland Park esplanade. Isn't Angela's response priceless? LOVE IT and Luminaire Images did a fantastic job capturing it! They followed up the celebration of this wonderful occasion with a day at Disney's California Adventure. So fun and what a FABULOUS engagement.

How cute! Plus, I think I need to schedule a trip to California Adventure sometime soon!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Fabulously Free Wedding Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

{Photo Source}

While working with my clients, I found sharing a wedding timeline with them to be invaluable. Not only did it keep everyone on the same page, but it also helps brides plan and organize everything they need in order to make their wedding day perfect. It helps organize the many details involved in planning a wedding.

This is a standard timeline. It is written with the assumption that you will have nine to twelve months to plan and that you will hire Fabulously Wed. There will be those who have several years to plan and some who have only a few months. Use this timeline as a list of things that you have to complete within your given timeframe. Keep in mind that this is only a guide and that although these tasks and the timeline apply in most cases, some weddings will require different lead times and involve different tasks. If you need help plugging in items within the appropriate timeframe, please feel free to contact us. We can help!

Fabulously Wed | Wedding Timeline & Checklist

Engagement: Love on Fire Island

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Moira and Ronel live in Brooklyn but enjoy spending their free time at Ronel's family getaway on Fire Island. So quite naturally, it was the perfect location for their engagement session. Arielle Doneson Photography did a FABULOUS job capturing them as they enjoyed some of their favorite places and activities on the island. Enjoy...

I love it!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Fabulous Wedding Advice: Before You Tie The Knot

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

{Photo Source}

WARNING: This post is a tiny bit lengthy.

I have been watching the latest season of Kim and Kourtney Take New York. Even though we all know that the marriage between Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries is a bust, it is interesting to watch their marriage unfold. As I watch each episode, it becomes more and more apparent how much this couple really didn't take the time to determine whether this was going to be the marriage they had hoped for. They were so busy seeing if they COULD do it that they never thought about whether they SHOULD do it.

This post is not about the Kardashian-Humphries marriage. However, as I watch their interactions it is painfully obvious that they missed a critical part of preparing for what happens after you say "I Do". Of course, not all couples will follow the immature relationship path of this celebrity couple, but it does drive home the importance of asking the questions you need to BEFORE you say "I Do" so that you can form a lasting marriage.

When cupid strikes and two people become engaged, what kind of questions do they ask? "What month do we want to get married in? Who should be invited to the wedding? What colors are we going to use? What kind of food do we want to serve?" The list goes on and on with details that will help make this day a very special memory for years to come. I love the details. Trust me, I do, this is why I am a wedding stylist. But the details are not the substance of your marriage.

During this time of year wedding blogs are flooded with advice posts on what to do once you are engaged to guide you through the questions above. I've even written a post like this before titled, You're Engaged... Now What? Planning the wedding is LOADS of fun. But sometimes the planning and designing overshadows the preparation for marriage and important issues get ignored. "How do we manage conflict? Who is going to handle the money? How will the roles and responsibilities be divided? Where are we going to spend the holidays?" These are all questions that should be considered and discussed with your partner at some time during the engagement and before you both commit to marriage.

Truth be told, as a wedding professional, it is none of our business whether your marriage is solid or will last. But here at Fabulously Wed, we care. I am not a counselor or a relationship therapist. Nor will I ask you any personal questions about your relationship. But I do want my clients to have a lasting marriage and to be truly prepared for the journey that lies ahead because as wonderful as it is, it can also present you with some of the most challenging times and difficult life decisions you will ever have to make.

Therefore, I share with you the Fabulously Wed Before You Tie The Knot Guide. Within these pages you will find the questions you should consider before you begin planning your wedding. Statistics show that most marital issues stem from pre-marital problems. I hope that you find this helpful as you navigate the waters of entering into a committed married relationship.

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

FabWed_BeforeYouTieTheKnot

Real Wedding: Neon Museum Las Vegas - Diandra + Javier

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

I was so thrilled to see this wedding come my way. Diandra and I follow one another on Twitter and I remember following her journey as she planned her beautiful wedding to Javier while he was deployed to Iraq. I even remember her tweeting the world asking for brooch donations to make her lovely bouquet. Their wedding was a mini elopement to Las Vegas where they shared their special day with a few family members and friends. I love the photos they took at the Neon Museum, or what many of us lovingly refer to as the "Vegas Graveyard". Best wishes and love to Diandra and Javier!

Aren't they FABULOUS?

The FABULOUS vendors behind this FABULOUS day:

Wedding Photography | White Haute Photography
Bridal Gown Shop | Castle for Brides

Accessories | La Boheme

Cake Designer | My Sweet and Saucy

Cake Topper | Ginger Babies

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Fabulously Stylized Wedding Shoot: Southern California Christmas Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Are you a bride looking for a unique wedding theme for your winter wedding? So many times when a couple is married around the holidays, they feel compelled to use the traditional greens and reds of the season but here in Southern California we believe in doing things a little different. So today, I bring to you a fresh perspective on dressing up your wedding for the holidays with a soft color palette and sweet little details that will make your day merry and bright. I adore the amaryllis in a muted version of the Spring 2012 Pantone Color Tangerine Tango paired with Cockatoo! Thanks to Becca Rillo Photography for sending this lovely shoot our way.

Don't you just love the inspiration this evokes? I do!

The FABULOUS vendors behind this FABULOUS shoot:

Wedding Photography | Becca Rillo Photography

Wedding Planning | Marisa Nicole Weddings and Events

Floral Designer | Enchanted Garden

Invitation Designer | LLY Designs

Wedding Dress | The Gown Swap

Accessories | Tasteful Tatters

Cake Designer | Butter End Bakery

Rentals | The Vintage Table Company

Makeup Artist | Elegance by Alex

Venue | Upper Las Vergenes Canyon

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: White Wedding in Seattle - Paria + Farahmand

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

I love this being able to share this FABULOUS white wedding with you just before Christmas. The crisp white, the gorgeous cascading phalaenopsis orchids arranged by Floressence, the glimmering Jimmy Choo shoes and the classic Rolls Royce from British Motor Coach, all make my heart go pitter patter. I love the return to classic opulence that Paria and Farahmand exhibited at their Persian wedding at Hyatt Regency Bellvue. Perfectly managed by Pink Blossom Events and captured by Alante Photography in the most exquisite way! Enjoy...

Isn't this wedding FABULOUS! I love it!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: Classic Elegance in Northern California - Jenny + Rex

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

There is something so sharp and chic about navy blue weddings. I especially love it paired with apple green the way Jenny and Rex had it for their elegant wedding in Northern California. If J. Crew married Ralph Lauren, this is the wedding they would have. From the lovely white cake by The Dotted Apron to the lush florals by Sweet Memories, it's classic and beautiful. How about Jenny's gorgeous Vera Wang gown and her beautiful hair and makeup by Salon 525. Thanks so much to Rochelle Mort Photography for sending this FABULOUS wedding our way!

Aren't Jenny and Rex gorgeous! A FABULOUSLY beautiful wedding for a FABULOUSLY beautiful couple.

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: Travel Theme Wedding in Canada - Courtney + Bryce

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

I love it when a couple infuses their life into their wedding design. That is just what Courtney and Bryce did with their vintage travel theme wedding at Terminal City Club. They both work for Pacific Coastal Airlines, Bryce as a pilot and Courtney in the office. I adore the vintage travel posters. From their travel ticket invitation to their seating chart with vintage airline posters for the table names. The used stamps added a perfect layer of texture. I truly adore the bold use of color and the smiles on Courtney and Bryce's face as they celebrated the beginning of the rest of their lives together. Flawlessly executed and planned by Milestone Events and perfectly captured by Daydreams Weddings, this wedding is definitely FABULOUS!

Seriously loving it!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Day After Session: Love on a Rowboat in a Field

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Have you ever experienced love expresses itself with no words? It's in the way a couple looks into one another's eyes, the sweet way they hold hands when walking, the gentle way she places her head on his shoulder. It's love. It can be whimsical and it can also be unexpected, which was exactly what Becca and Kyle set out to portray in their lovely "day after" session captured by the Lukas at Lukas VanDyke Photography. Check it out...

I really love the color of statice and how it's a perfect match for the periwinkle purple of Kyle's shirt. What a lovely contrast against the pale teal interior of the rowboat!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: Seattle Wedding at Farm Kitchen :: Jennifer + Paul

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Jennifer and Paul were married at the beautifully rustic venue, Farm Kitchen near Seattle, Washington. I love the comfortable and relaxed feel of their wedding. Using warm, rich reds, oranges and yellows, a perfect color palette for a fall wedding. To play off of the natural beauty of the venue, they chose floral arrangements in terrariums and beeswax candle favors. Their family and friends contributed handmade items such as the chuppah cover, escort cards and table runners. What a wonderful want to include the ones you love in your special day! Thanks so much to Jenny GG Photography for sending this FABULOUS wedding our way!

How beautiful!

The FABULOUS vendors behind this FABULOUS wedding:

Wedding Photography | Jenny GG Photography

Wedding Venue | Farm Kitchen

Wedding Gown | Brides by Liza

Catering | Ravishing Radish

Floral Design | Floressence Design

Wedding Video | Nuvelocity

Wedding Cake | Blackbird Bakery

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: Austin Wedding at Camp Lucy : Robin + Tommy

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Camp Lucy is a new and really beautiful venue in Austin, Texas and the choice for Robin and Tommy's beautiful wedding. I absolutely adore the wood beamed ceilings at the ceremony site the really cute basketball themed groom's cake! Thanks to Kim Maguire Photography for sending this one over to us!

I really love Robin's wedding dress! What a FABULOUS wedding!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Engagements: Puppy Love in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:30:00 +0000

There is something incredibly sweet about your first puppy love crush. Passed notes in class, blushing on the playground, sharing your pudding. Felicia and Timothy took it back to those innocent days with their cute vintage Back To School engagement session in Singapore captured by Confetti *Peektures.

So cute!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: Fall Wedding - Ironstone Vineyards - Meghan + Brennan

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Just in time for fall comes this lovely wedding from Jessica Giblin Photography. With Ironstone Vineyards as the backdrop, Megahn and Brennan opted for a beautiful fall wedding complete with pumpkins, warm colors paired with deep jewel tones and an amazing wine cave. Check it out...

That last shot is so dreamy!

The FABULOUS vendors behind this FABULOUS wedding:

Wedding Photography | Jessica Giblin Photography

Wedding Venue | Ironstone Vineyards

Wedding Flowers | Jackie's Flowers

DJ | Fretty's DJ Service

Bridal Jewelry | Rodger's Jewelry

Groom's Tuxedo | De La Rosa Bridal

Wedding Cake | Lila and Sage

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Weddings: Smog Shoppe - Los Angeles Weddings - Megan + Chris

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

As some of you may know, Smog Shoppe is one of those really cool eco-friendly venues with unique elements, lots of succulents {which I love} and none of the pretentiousness {which I also love}. Super great venue! And a perfect choice for Megan and Chris who hosted their fabulous wedding there. I especially love Megan's birdcage veil and the cake table spread by my fantastic friends at Fantasy Frostings! Thanks to Broldan Photography for sending this one our way! Check it out...

That last shot is so Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire!

The FABULOUS vendors behind this FABULOUS wedding:

Wedding Photography | Broldan Photography

Caterer | Heirloom LA

Wedding Planner | Deanna Nash Events

Floral Design | Floral Elements and Le Petite Gardenia

Musicians | Bay Back Strings

Wedding Venue | Smog Shoppe

Wedding Gown | Lovely Bridal Shop

Wedding Cake Designer | Fantasy Frostings

DJ | Invisible Touch Events

Makeup Artist | ten.eleven makeup

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Weddings: Ashton Gardens - Houston Wedding - Kelley + Turner

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Continuing today with my love of purple weddings, I absolutely fell in love with the beautiful images of Kelley and Turner's purple affair at Ashton Gardens in Houston, Texas. I really love Ashton Gardens, espcially the chapel. Kelley is simply radiant surrounded by her maids in purple. And the bouquets! SWOON!! Thanks so much to Sarah Ainsworth Photography for sending this beautiful wedding our way!

How about that groom's cake, huh? LOVE IT!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas - Kenny + Melissa - Purple Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

I really have a thing for purple weddings. I don't know what it is about the color purple but it really makes me happy. Michelle and Kenny both love riding bikes, therefore it was only fitting that they brought in a purple beach cruiser to their wedding at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas where the guests posted their sentiments of good wishes and love. I adore Michelle's shoes by Betsey Johnson! Thanks to Infinit Foto for sending this lovely celebration our way!

How lovely is that?

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Where I've Been...

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Did you miss me? I do apologize for my sudden absence. As some of you may know, I spent a bit of time in the hospital dealing with a bad case of pancreatitis. NO FUN! And following that 10-day nightmarish journey of IVs and morphine induced existence, I emerged to find myself facing the biggest launch of my career... Backstage Bridal Pro Academy. As such, my focus shifted for the last month to get everything ready and to spend time communicating with prospective students and registered students.

If you are interested in wedding planning, are a new wedding planner or are a veteran planner who wants to refresh your skills or reignite the fire for your business, you would benefit tremendously by attending Backstage Bridal Pro Academy.

Taking place at the luxurious Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, Backstage Bridal Pro Academy is an institute designed to kick start the careers of aspiring and novice wedding planners by creating an incubator that inspires, educates, empowers and connects wedding planners with the best up and coming planners in our expanding industry. Backstage Bridal Pro Academy digs deep to provide students business strategies and the tools needed to launch a powerful and successful wedding planning business.

As a student you will have the opportunity to learn from the best and the brightest stars in our industry such as Diann Valentine, Ed Libby, Linnyette Richardson-Hall, Saundra Hadley, Katy Carrier and more! Whether you have a wedding planning certification or not Backstage Bridal Pro Academy is intended to provide the education you need to really be the wedding planner you have always dreamed of being.

And that's not all... Backstage Bridal Pro Academy is the only conference out there providing you with ongoing support and opportunities for mentorship once the conference is over so that you will have the best chance at success. Our job is not just to have you attend and go home fired up just to fizzle out within months, but to support you along your journey. This is the real deal, people. We are not playing games or holding back on this one. Each and every session and activity was well thought out and crafted specifically to position you for success.

Fabulously Wed has always been dedicated to bringing you FAB wedding ideas and inspiration. Having planned and designed for over seven years, it is now time for me to give back to the community that I love so very much. I can think of no better way to supplement my love for weddings than by pouring my heart and soul into giving you the best education out there for wedding planners. I am passionate about this and have worked tirelessly alongside Lisa Smith of Gabbi Grace Events to develop and create this educational academy just for you. Created by wedding planners for wedding planners, we know what your challenges and pains are because we have been there, we have done that and we lived to tell it.

Click HERE for the details and for information on registering for this amazing educational opportunity!

Stay tuned because more amazing wedding eye candy will be headed your way later this week!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Happy Vendors Are Happy Workers Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Lesson 3: It's All the Buzz!

In conclusion, it would be remiss of me to not mention the most important token of appreciation. One that I am sure most vendors would desire more than any meal or any tip you could ever give them. I'm talking about referring their service to others.

A great vendor will make sure that your wedding goes off without a hitch. And if there are hitches, they are dealt with in a manner as to not draw your attention or your guest's attention to any issues that may arise. If you have a great experience, bragging about it is the best thank you of all.

So how do you create a buzz about your favorite vendors? Write a letter of thanks that outlines what is was about their services that made your wedding day so special. Vendors love having testimonials to add to their brochures and/or website. You could also request business cards and brochures to pass along to your friends and family members. And, the best advertising of all, word-of-mouth. If you are like most couples, you will want to brag about your big day to all who will listen. Why not excitedly share your good vendor experiences as well? As most wedding vendors are self-employed, helping them grow and maintain their business through referrals is the most welcome thank you of all.

So what do you say? Shower your wedding vendors with the tokens of appreciation discussed in these three lessons and I promise you that your wedding day experience will be all that much more memorable.

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Real Wedding: Vermont Wedding - Trapp Family Lodge - Rachel + Chris

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I love this lodge wedding in Vermont. From the softly hued flowers to the rustic venue it's fabulous! Rachel and Chris were married at Trapp Family Lodge which is reminiscent of Austria and named for the von Trapp family, which you may recall from the Sound of Music. The floral arrangements by Apotheca Flower Shoppe have such a wonderfully organic feel to them. Thanks to Relive Photography for sharing this lovely wedding with us.

So lovely!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Happy Vendors Are Happy Workers Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Lesson 2: Tips are not just words of advice

Though you may think you've accounted for every imaginable wedding expense, there is one fee that might elude you: the tip. Rewarding vendors with a tip is expected, and it will serve as a thank-you for a job well done. But figuring out whom to tip, how much to pay, and when to offer it can be tricky.

While some vendors include gratuities in their fees, many will leave the amount up to you -- and the level of service they provide can influence what you give them. Tips can add up quickly, costing you a few thousand dollars. Most tips should be handed out the day of the wedding, so it's wise to assign the job to a friend or family member.

According to Emily Post, you should plan a gratuity budget for the following:

Valet parking
Coat check
Powder room attendants
Delivery truck drivers
Limousine drivers
Waitstaff
Bartenders
Table captains

However, you may want to also consider the following:

Officiants - While it isn't necessary to tip priests, ministers, rabbis, or other religious officiants (many of them, in fact, won't accept cash tips), if you want to thank them for their services, consider making a donation to their organization or house of worship.

Catering Staff - Many caterers include a gratuity in their contract to be divided up among the workers, but be sure to ask. If the gratuity isn't included, plan on tipping all staff members, including the catering or banquet manager, waiters, bartenders, chefs, and other essential workers who help serve guests.

Musicians/DJs - Tipping customs vary, depending on whether you hire an independent band or deejay or book through an agency. For independent bands that book their own gigs, tipping is not customary. If you employ your band or deejay through an entertainment agency, the company will usually either include a gratuity in the contract or suggest that you give each band member or deejay a little extra in cash. Musicians and vocalists should be tipped about $20 to $25 apiece; deejays get at least $25.

Stylists/Makeup Artists - Even though it's a particularly special day, you can still tip stylists and makeup artists as you would for a regular appointment -- 15 to 20 percent.

Photographers, Videographers, Florists and Wedding Planners - For people who own their own businesses, as many of these vendors do, tipping isn't necessary. However, if you feel that the service you received from one of these vendors was extraordinary, an additional 10 percent tip would be a nice gesture.

Keep in mind that tips may be adjusted for services that are performed either exceptionally well, or very poorly. It is important to keep in mind that these dedicated professionals helped to provide you with a very special day, and deserve the proper appreciation.

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Fabulous Wedding Advice: Wedding Vows

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Let's face it, not many of us have the kind of skills or experience to write truly poetic wedding vows. Or do we? Here's the truth: Even if you don't know Dylan Thomas from Bob Dylan, and you're pretty sure T.S. Elliot was that guy who wrote the words to Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Cats," all is not lost! In fact, there are ways to learn to write the words you want. With four simple steps, you can take what you feel in your heart and make it come out as sweetly as any Shakespearian sonnet.

STEP 1: Decide on a theme
Finding a theme should arguably be the easiest part of writing poetry for your wedding vows. But you don't want to be stuck with something trite or cliche, even though the theme of romantic love is probably the oldest known for poetry. There are lots of ways to avoid writing the same old "roses are red, violets are blue" type of poem. One trick the pros use is to envision what a newspaper article about your relationship would say. Would it discuss how and where you met? How your relationship has stayed strong, even during the hard times? What your love has meant to one another? Since newspaper articles get right to the point, this exercise can help you pick out an overriding theme for your vows.

STEP 2: Allow time for reverie
No, not "revelry" (hopefully that will be what your wedding day is all about), but reverie - a quiet time devoted to a kind of dreamy meditation. Try some tricks for allowing yourself time to truly think about your poem - and not just those things that allow you to "act like a poet." Go for a walk alone, listen to instrumental music, or simply shut the door to a room in your house and ask not to be disturbed. The most important thing to remember with any of these methods is that you don't let other people interrupt your time.

STEP 3: Choose Your topic
Theme, as discussed above, is the driving idea behind your poem. The topic, however, is the specific vehicle you use to express the theme. While finding the theme should be the easiest part of writing a poem for your wedding, finding a topic that isn't hackneyed and trite can be a challenge. For instance, love is your theme, but the beauty of your betrothed's eyes may be the topic. You are using the example of her eyes as the symbol of your love. The key is to find something new. There's something that makes your chosen one special, be it appearance, wit, or style. That's the topic you want to choose. Poets use tools like automatic writing, journals, or "dream work" to come up with topics for their prose.

STEP 4: Pick Your Style
As many different poems as there are, there are almost an equal number of styles in which they are written. There are traditional forms, modern, post-modern, and many more. You can work on fitting your rough draft poem into one of these many forms, or you can go with no form at all. The benefit of working on an art form is that there are no hard and fast rules on what the end product must look like. Perhaps you'd like to try your hand at penning your vows in the form of a "experimental" is right up your alley. No matter what you choose, just make sure it fits your style. After all, personalizing your wedding vows means just that - they should be personal, not forced to fit into a style that just isn't "you."

"I Do! I Do! The Marriage Vow Workbook" by Shonnie Lavender and Bruce Mulkey is an excellent resource to assit you along in this process. But above all, let your heart light shine through. Your beloved will appreciate your every word.

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Engagement: Love in a Field in Santa Cruz

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to see a dreamy engagement session at Wilder Ranch in Northern California? Marisa and Jared have so much love in their eyes. I especially love the photos of them in the field. The Santa Cruz sunlight is soft and beautifully captured. It simply takes me away to my time in the midwest and those late and peaceful summer days when I would lay in the grass, listening to the sounds of nature and make out animals and shapes in the clouds above. Thanks so much to Gilett Photography for sending this love engagement shoot my way!

Absolutely FABULOUS!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!

Fabulous Wedding DIY Details: Ombre Escort Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Tami Brown) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I am absolutely in love with these FABULOUS ombre escort cards I spotted over at Once Wed. They are so soft and romantic. Created by Mara of Neither Snow shared her how-to's and I must say that although I am not planning my own wedding, I will totally use this idea for any future thank you cards that I create because it looks fun and pretty easy to do. Check it out...

Supplies: 1. measuring cup, 2. black tea bags, 3. dye (see below), 4. place cards, or the paper or fabric of your choice. I used cards from the Paper Source in luxe cream and luxe white, which have a visible nubby texture. You will also need 5. containers for the dye, as many shades as you want and sized to your item (I used six), 6. an iron, 7. a plastic spoon, chopstick or other stirring device, 8. a piece of butcher paper or old sheet, 9. rubber gloves.

**About the dye: I used ProMX vanilla bean and peach dye from ProChemical. They have an abundance of information about how to properly dye fabric here. I found ProMX > Immersion most useful. This tutorial assumes that you are dying paper for a craft project (not high art/archival work, etc.). The final results are not colorfast. Also, as a disclaimer: I totally made this method up as I went. I’m sure with enough Googling you’ll find variations that are both simpler and more complex. I recommend doing this project outside if you can, as the dye does stain surfaces.

Restaurants often carry these heavy-duty take-out containers that are perfect for smaller projects like placards.

To achieve this spectrum of shades, disperse different combinations of the tea and dye.

Here are my (totally imprecise, off the cuff) recipes: 1. one tea bag, 2. one tea bag + 1/8 teaspoon peach dye, 3. two tea bags, 4. 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean + 1/8 teaspoon peach, 5. 1/4 teaspoon peach + 1/8 teaspoon vanilla bean, 7. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean

I dyed 10 cards in each bath, 5 of each color. I also reserved 5 of each color (cream and white) which I integrated at the end of the beige spectrum. The vibrantly colored dye (peach, in this case) goes a long way, so be sparing if you are after a subtle look.

In each container, pour 2 cups of boiling water.

Use a chopstick or plastic spoon to stir the clumps of dye until dissolved.

Let the teabags steep for about 5 – 8 minutes, or more or less depending on the depth of color you want.

Remove the teabags and immerse the cards into the color baths. Be sure to individually immerse each one, so the front and back is washed with color before placing the next one on top.

This cramped arrangement will result in color variation. If you want a consistent color surface, immerse the cards in a bigger bath so they can float about completely. I immersed all of the cards for an equal amount of time in each bath, about 10 minutes, more or less. Check in every few minutes and remove the shades that are getting too dark. While your’e waiting, set aside your sheet or big piece of butcher paper.

Remove the paper and drip off excess liquid (don’t use your fingers for the dye — have gloves on hand or use the plastic spoon or chopstick). Set the cards out to dry in the sun or inside for at least 24 hours. Once dry, you can use an iron on a medium setting to iron the cards flat and crease into a tent.

Arrange the browns from darkest (recipe 3: 2 teabags) to lightest (the undyed white). Next, arrange the pinks from darkest (recipe 2: peach + teabag) to lightest (recipe 5: peach + vanilla bean). Obviously there will be variation so just go with what you think looks best. Once you have the spectrum the way you want it, send the cards to your calligrapher, write the names yourself or run them through a printer. In all cases, be sure to make 20 – 30% more in each color as mistake cards cards for the calligrapher, to test out yourself, or to feed
the printer gods.

Oh Em Gee! I LOVE IT!!!

Until Next Time, Stay Fabulous!