http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com Changing the Way Weddings Are Planned. posterous.com Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:20:00 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/0orodLykj5w/trend-watch-3d-printing-and-the-future-of-wed http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/trend-watch-3d-printing-and-the-future-of-wed <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-05/FhAuAlnaIoGvIAqCuDvnlEGgfzEnenohJEvkmeigJFhBbxvAzmsDuxifquxj/3D_Printing_Origami_.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="3d_printing_origami_" height="333" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-05/FhAuAlnaIoGvIAqCuDvnlEGgfzEnenohJEvkmeigJFhBbxvAzmsDuxifquxj/3D_Printing_Origami_.jpeg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Here's an interesting technology find that could be a wonderful tool within the wedding stationery design and print space.</p> <p>Mac Funamizu has created an Electronic Origami machine (concept only), which helps you print paper 3D models. When I read about this, I instantly thought of couples getting married looking to add those special touches to their day- which are often DIY and painfully time-consuming.</p> <p></p> <p>I am personally really excited about the technology adoption happening in the wedding space?&nbsp; In only five years, I can only imagine how much technology will have changed the wedding industry drastically.&nbsp; And, you know what that means...&nbsp; Old, bitter, disgruntled anti-DIY wedding pros who hate innovation will finally throw their hands up and say to hell with it all.&nbsp; [*happy dance*]</p> <p>Until then, I'l sit and wait patiently for the Wedding Cake Create and Bake Machine :).</p> <p>Read the full article here: <a href="http://petitinvention.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/dream-paper-concept/">"Dream Paper Concept"</a></p> <p><iframe scrolling="no" src="http://quipol.com/N0ITETCD" frameborder="0" height="600" width="400">Quipol</iframe> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/trend-watch-3d-printing-and-the-future-of-wed">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/trend-watch-3d-printing-and-the-future-of-wed#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/0orodLykj5w" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/trend-watch-3d-printing-and-the-future-of-wed Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:54:00 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/LS0JpU_r578/a-glimpse-at-our-stationery-design-tool-a-new-70546 http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/a-glimpse-at-our-stationery-design-tool-a-new-70546 <p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>We've been</strong></span> receiving a lot of interest in our <a href="http://hitchbydesign.com/designer">wedding stationery builder</a> lately, which is making us even more excited about our upcoming launch :).&nbsp; *happy dance*&nbsp;</p> <p>So here's a peek at what we've been working on.&nbsp; And here's the back story <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/whats-wrong-with-the-wedding-stationery-indus">"Why I'm Building a DIY Wedding Stationery Creator."<br /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/pJayfBnwbstemmgpIfvcvJtEzDppemsGakiAGpmEGnmFcaCjvjjaplqFyweg/Hitchd_by_Design_Stationery_Builder.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Hitchd_by_design_stationery_builder" height="320" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/pJayfBnwbstemmgpIfvcvJtEzDppemsGakiAGpmEGnmFcaCjvjjaplqFyweg/Hitchd_by_Design_Stationery_Builder.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/BipFCBfGGltiADCsvaCqbDoEsFdDDeFyAwdrtrGdCGJdwhbrBtxDvxBnDrze/hitchd_customize_this_canvas-step3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Hitchd_customize_this_canvas-step3" height="319" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/BipFCBfGGltiADCsvaCqbDoEsFdDDeFyAwdrtrGdCGJdwhbrBtxDvxBnDrze/hitchd_customize_this_canvas-step3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/cAllruikcdriqBmnvmmuzvxiJrFwEDDFiDojjuojsiwdGlBcfAJnuDvJaeam/hitchd_printer_screenshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Hitchd_printer_screenshot" height="348" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/cAllruikcdriqBmnvmmuzvxiJrFwEDDFiDojjuojsiwdGlBcfAJnuDvJaeam/hitchd_printer_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>There is new type of couple emerging in the wedding industry who is more resourceful, creative, and budget-focused. Our stationery design tool was created specifically with the creative and budget-conscious couple in mind to address their needs in the wedding stationery market.</p> <p>Looks like we'll be able to have our first batch of testers as early as February.&nbsp; As we draw closer, we'll continue to release more details. Help us spread the word and if you'd like to give it a whirl as an early tester, sign up below.&nbsp;</p> <form class="af-form-wrapper" method="post" action="http://www.aweber.com/scripts/addlead.pl"> <div style="display: none;"><input name="meta_web_form_id" type="hidden" value="1079630142" /> <input name="meta_split_id" type="hidden" /> <input name="listname" type="hidden" value="hitchd-launch" /> <input name="redirect" type="hidden" value="http://www.aweber.com/thankyou-coi.htm?m=text" /> <input name="meta_adtracking" type="hidden" value="Beta_confirmation_form" /> <input name="meta_message" type="hidden" value="1" /> <input name="meta_required" type="hidden" value="name,email" /> <input name="meta_tooltip" type="hidden" /></div> <div class="af-form"> <div class="af-header"> <div class="bodyText"> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sign Up To Get Notified When We Launch!</strong></p> </div> </div> <div class="af-body af-standards"> <div class="af-element" style="text-align: center;"><label class="previewLabel">Name: </label> <div class="af-textWrap"><input name="name" class="text" type="text" /></div> </div> <div class="af-element" style="text-align: center;"><label class="previewLabel">Email: </label> <div class="af-textWrap"><input name="email" class="text" type="text" /></div> </div> <div class="af-element buttonContainer" style="text-align: center;"><input name="submit" class="submit" type="submit" value="Get Invited!" /></div> <div class="af-element privacyPolicy" style="text-align: center;"> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aweber.com/permission.htm" title="Privacy Policy" target="_blank">We respect your email privacy</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: none;"><img src="http://forms.aweber.com/form/displays.htm?id=jAzsnGzMDIwsTA==" alt="" /></div> </form> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/a-glimpse-at-our-stationery-design-tool-a-new-70546">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/a-glimpse-at-our-stationery-design-tool-a-new-70546#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/LS0JpU_r578" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/a-glimpse-at-our-stationery-design-tool-a-new-70546 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:17:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/xNyOIyqf0AQ/heres-the-new-hitchd-blog-rss-feed http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-the-new-hitchd-blog-rss-feed <p> <p>We have a new blog RSS feed!&nbsp; Please update your feed readers accordingly!&nbsp; Click the RSS button below to subscribe.</p> <p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Rss" height="24" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-04/AJgetBhwsivzqvdpulmCFrpAcmtBgdnCacCrrFAEFeqnEGmsthradFeCveDE/rss.png.scaled500.png" width="24" /> </div> </a></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-the-new-hitchd-blog-rss-feed">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-the-new-hitchd-blog-rss-feed#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/xNyOIyqf0AQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-the-new-hitchd-blog-rss-feed Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:30:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/09iLSL6iTbI/now-this-is-a-killer-wedding-bakery-website http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/now-this-is-a-killer-wedding-bakery-website <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Hitchd-showcase-graphic" height="164" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/xHkqGgAamuyeCeyzzjnfezhhomFGCsBBbeyElHIblFrybkBpdvkgqejJHrFl/Hitchd-Showcase-Graphic.png.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> <span style="font-size: small;">If you're in need of some web design inspiration or mouth-watering cupcake eye-candy to jump-start your week, I've just stumbled across a gem!&nbsp; Say hello to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.cakesweetcake.co.uk/">Cake Sweet Cakes</a> </strong></span>of Oxforshire, UK.&nbsp; The owner, Michaela, contracted the creative studio <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.fhoke.com/">FHOKE</a> </strong></span>to design and code this gorgeous site.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a snapshot showcase of their excellent design work! We've also created a stash of wedding cakes, mini-cakes, and cupcakes below.&nbsp; Pop over to the full site for a true design experience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/cakesweetcake01">Follow Cake Sweet Cakes on Twitter</a></strong></span> &amp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/cakesweetcake">Like them on Facebook!</a></strong></span></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/rIcAJCHqHBfzAGwkAkiFfpkjHoFinqJlDxwJhBynrAcJkdqEbEJBuzGozekq/cake_sweet_cake_snapshot_1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Cake_sweet_cake_snapshot_1" height="269" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/rIcAJCHqHBfzAGwkAkiFfpkjHoFinqJlDxwJhBynrAcJkdqEbEJBuzGozekq/cake_sweet_cake_snapshot_1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/tllEAJfirHorGfiJemyrlaAuAngdtCGoHqerCaulIpCdJlGxlCneIdgreuDa/wedding_sweetcake_snapshot_2.png.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Wedding_sweetcake_snapshot_2" height="272" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/tllEAJfirHorGfiJemyrlaAuAngdtCGoHqerCaulIpCdJlGxlCneIdgreuDa/wedding_sweetcake_snapshot_2.png.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/ubsthrccnuIbtIaqubnelgnbxFpbhyqboGxFJCyngHgznpueBHhmomgfctpo/cake_sweet_cake_snapshot3.png.jpg"><img alt="Cake_sweet_cake_snapshot3" height="277.619047619048" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/ubsthrccnuIbtIaqubnelgnbxFpbhyqboGxFJCyngHgznpueBHhmomgfctpo/cake_sweet_cake_snapshot3.png.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/qHdodgvyzGvegwaJuwAwyyciwsGcAvtoxkuDxqhvEkhsGeeyhpGBrgfFglAs/cakesweetcake_snapshot_4.png.jpg"><img alt="Cakesweetcake_snapshot_4" height="431.381118881119" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-23/qHdodgvyzGvegwaJuwAwyyciwsGcAvtoxkuDxqhvEkhsGeeyhpGBrgfFglAs/cakesweetcake_snapshot_4.png.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><iframe scrolling="auto" src="http://hitchdbydesign.com/stash/embed/470/68809514ea402cb832361.98350734/2/w/1400" frameborder="0" height="1400" width="470"></iframe></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/now-this-is-a-killer-wedding-bakery-website">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/now-this-is-a-killer-wedding-bakery-website#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/09iLSL6iTbI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/now-this-is-a-killer-wedding-bakery-website Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:17:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/LzvDHGmedYE/76209138 http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/76209138 <p> <p>If you could change anything about the planning process, what would it be? Looking back on planning for my big day, there were a few things that annoyed me a bit. Thought I'd share a few with you.</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1.&nbsp; </span>Wedding information overload.</strong></span></p> <p>Wedding stuff is everywhere on the web... but you still have to piece it all together like a puzzle. I had no idea what I was getting into when I began planning my wedding.&nbsp; I was disappointed with the lack of concrete and comprehensive resources available online.&nbsp; This was a serious problem for us during our planning.&nbsp;</p> <p>I didn't really take to the wedding portals (ie. The Knot, Wedding Wire, etc.) as I would have liked to.&nbsp; They felt limiting.&nbsp; I tried them all out, but preferred blogs over portals. Thing about blogs though, there were only a few in 2008.&nbsp; Plus, you have to dig into their archives. Also, most blogs are about inspiration and not so much about the planning process itself.&nbsp; <strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2.&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Preferred vendor lists.&nbsp; </span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I know I know, everyone is doing it. But I'm not a fan of preferred vendor lists.&nbsp; I understand why lists like these exist and have become popular, but the issue I have is, it's often unclear how the recommender is benefiting, thus seriously compromising the trust factor.&nbsp; <br /></span></p> <p><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3.&nbsp; Bride-centric <span style="text-decoration: underline;">everything</span>.</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bride bride bride. They say it's all about pleasing the bride, but you know, it's really not. I think bride-centric days are numbered.</span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp; I'm not saying grooms will start tweeting 'Dude, check out these mason jar cupcakes!" but, I think grooms are becoming much more involved in the details of the day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Keeping everyone up-to-date.</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I hated this, but boy was it important. We created a wedding website using Weebly. It was alright, but I probably would go with another service (Wedful!) if I had to do it all over.&nbsp; Our wedding website was just one more thing to remember and-- I seldom remembered to update it.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What worked best was, I created pdf newsletters to introduce our wedding party to each other and to keep them all informed. It was a big hit. But keeping family updated and answering questions all of the time... it was tough.&nbsp; I'd probably use Facebook to communicate with everyone now.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5.&nbsp; Wedding websites using flash and music.&nbsp;</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Why is this still happening? There's nothing worst than opening up a page that has a random song blasting. It's distracting. I usually just exit immediately.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As for flash, you can't right click and save details from the page.&nbsp; Boooo!&nbsp; We're all about saving stuff for later these days!</span></p> <p><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">6.&nbsp; Wedding services provider websites missing phone numbers, e-mail addresses, a</span>nd prices.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;">Come on now...<br /> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>7.&nbsp; The follow-up.&nbsp; </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;">I was shocked at the ratio and quality of follow-ups in the wedding space. Some people followed-up, some didn't.&nbsp; Some called.&nbsp; Some emailed. <br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"> I noticed though, there is a HUGE quality gap. There's the top and the rest. </span><span style="font-size: small;">We were really focused on quality of service and didn't mind paying a premium for it so we gravitated towards the top.&nbsp; Who knows how things would have turned out if we'd done otherwise.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;">This should serve as motivation to the really good service providers who get it-- keep it up!&nbsp; You guys really stand out!&nbsp; It's evident right away when you have it together. When it was time for us to decide, we chose the service providers who were more professional, more polished, and had great communication and follow-through.&nbsp; Our wedding planner was awesome! <br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>8.&nbsp; Wedding professional egos.&nbsp; </strong></span></p> <p>Okay, so you've been featured a few times on X- blog and Y- TV show, awesome, happy to hear&nbsp; it's all working out for you.&nbsp; But ummmm, let's keep in mind my wedding isn't for you to showcase YOUR vision for my day.</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">9.&nbsp; Gift registries.</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I hate gift registries. You have to dedicate so much time to selecting and choosing and yada yada yada.&nbsp; Since we were in Tokyo and there were no international registries I just didn't want to deal with the hassle of it all.&nbsp; We tried Amazon's wedding registry, it was a joke and it seemed broken or something.&nbsp; We ended up going with Target and some department store.<br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>10.&nbsp; RSVPs.</strong></span></p> <p>Something that really annoyed and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">amused</span> me was RSVPs. I was excited to receive them, but before long, I noticed a trend.&nbsp; His side RSVPd quickly and the return rate was like 80%.&nbsp; My side, however, didn't do it quickly and the return rate was about 15%. My side either emailed me, told over the phone, or assumed I knew they were coming.&nbsp; Seriously!</p> <p>I was warned by a friend, "Black folks do not RSVP".&nbsp; Ha!&nbsp; In our case, it was so true.&nbsp; And to make this even funnier, after I shared this with my side, all of a sudden, I started receiving RSVPs from them.&nbsp; WTH?</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Tell me, if you could change anything about the planning process, what would it be?</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: medium; color: #333399;">Like this?&nbsp; Tell us! Say "Hi!" on <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitchd/150363428313688">Facebook</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://twitter.com/hitchd">Twitter</a></span></span>.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: medium; color: #333399;"><a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com/stash/show/154">Give Hitch'd a Whirl- Try it Out and Tell Us What You Think!</a><br /></span></strong></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Hitchd" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @Hitchd</a></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/76209138">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/76209138#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/LzvDHGmedYE" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/76209138 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:40:03 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/mUnWL1LnDac/how-lovely-a-time-lapse-engagement-video http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-lovely-a-time-lapse-engagement-video <p> <p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30314598?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" frameborder="0" height="264" width="470"></iframe></p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/30314598">Waiting // Engagement Time Lapse</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/kiendawtcom">Kien Lam</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <p>Garry and Steph met and fell in love in SF. For their engagement video, we metaphorically recreated their meeting and first date. This was made with about 1000 photographs.<p /> Locations: Union Square, Pier 39, North Beach, San Francisco<p /> Music: Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop - Landon Pigg</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-lovely-a-time-lapse-engagement-video">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-lovely-a-time-lapse-engagement-video#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/mUnWL1LnDac" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-lovely-a-time-lapse-engagement-video Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:10:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/3nxFpT_-P20/six-more-new-wedding-start-ups-to-watch http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/six-more-new-wedding-start-ups-to-watch <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding-technology-visual-hitchd" height="164" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/abmCCAwJlehdBfDoJoiEsokAxbDEndfufGrvvqkxirzBGtJcerrfrBvlfgJa/Wedding-Technology-Visual-Hitchd.png.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p>Can you believe 2012 is just around the corner?</p> <p>I thought I'd kick off the week with more wedding start-up inspiration. Since <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-new-wedding-start-ups-to-look-out-for">our first wedding start-up watch</a></span>, I've uncovered six more services to add to the growing list of start-ups entering the wedding space. A few have just launched, while others have been going for months.</p> <p>I've poked around each one and there are some great ideas being developed. Definitely visit their sites, sign-up, and show them some love on Facebook and Twitter.</p> <p>Here's the latest round-up!</p> <p></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://dressrush.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Dress Rush</strong></span></a></span></p> <p>Guilt Group + Groupon For Weddings</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/hFxjHajgxkrrxodoGDjGIywvIHCgzzhHaFsovqsnuEjexvppnospCasqxyhE/dress_rush_screenshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dress_rush_screenshot" height="331" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/hFxjHajgxkrrxodoGDjGIywvIHCgzzhHaFsovqsnuEjexvppnospCasqxyhE/dress_rush_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/IhDjJgqrkBoHayiJfzupatrCsFweBcDakDkblecEAEftJDHbkfAbGsofeEvJ/Dress_rush_facebook_Page.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dress_rush_facebook_page" height="357" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/IhDjJgqrkBoHayiJfzupatrCsFweBcDakDkblecEAEftJDHbkfAbGsofeEvJ/Dress_rush_facebook_Page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.thegownswap.com/"><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">The Gown Swap</span></strong></a></span></p> <p>Wedding Attire Marketplace</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/dzHFzuCjcshgpGAyvgelnwJDCfCqbAhqqEeFegbJobmFwqDcbpyjGzoynIwt/the_gown_swap_screenshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="The_gown_swap_screenshot" height="323" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/dzHFzuCjcshgpGAyvgelnwJDCfCqbAhqqEeFegbJobmFwqDcbpyjGzoynIwt/the_gown_swap_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/lcnsIdoAoapJmjlpknAbheCpolBpJrIkwgiJEqIhiByIfGomrAHrwmmCavpj/gown_swap_facebook_page.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Gown_swap_facebook_page" height="285" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/lcnsIdoAoapJmjlpknAbheCpolBpJrIkwgiJEqIhiByIfGomrAHrwmmCavpj/gown_swap_facebook_page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.marrythis.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Marry This</strong></span></a></span></span></p> <p>Wedding Guides for The Smart Bride</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/HwnpnEvobxszBjjGhAxyFDoIGHmhlsdeDftnriJIqycyrEwDEEJtkqwxgspI/marry_this_snapshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Marry_this_snapshot" height="336" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/HwnpnEvobxszBjjGhAxyFDoIGHmhlsdeDftnriJIqycyrEwDEEJtkqwxgspI/marry_this_snapshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/BaCxEtbIxpAFlsrlvJldJsAskCEwixpJFqoDzHGilscewijjDHtdsGaraurI/marry_this_facebbok_page.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Marry_this_facebbok_page" height="368" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/BaCxEtbIxpAFlsrlvJldJsAskCEwixpJFqoDzHGilscewijjDHtdsGaraurI/marry_this_facebbok_page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;"><strong><a href="http://snapknot.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">SnapKnot</span></a></strong></span></p> <p>Wedding Photographer Directory</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/GGrrBaBinznxItrylInoHlAvBDpGCGeEuwfygqrAcobtytsheglwAlCkBfFc/snapknot_screenshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Snapknot_screenshot" height="346" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/GGrrBaBinznxItrylInoHlAvBDpGCGeEuwfygqrAcobtytsheglwAlCkBfFc/snapknot_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/hmdpsqdCwhslldqIdFGyGkyrpDJnDfxnAhbnzCkInchAhkobsGAtikyGyBuH/snapshot_facebook.png.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Snapshot_facebook" height="367" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/hmdpsqdCwhslldqIdFGyGkyrpDJnDfxnAhbnzCkInchAhkobsGAtikyGyBuH/snapshot_facebook.png.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #333399;"><a href="http://weddingplannerlove.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wedding Planner Love</span></a></span></strong></p> <p>Wedding Planner Directory</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/HFkrwqeItvfEnulHdbBEeIHtqbDeDhAoCFnnnByuCxedakFwzhzswFGtpons/wedding_planner_love_screenshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Wedding_planner_love_screenshot" height="470" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/HFkrwqeItvfEnulHdbBEeIHtqbDeDhAoCFnnnByuCxedakFwzhzswFGtpons/wedding_planner_love_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.wedit.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Wedit</strong></span></a></span></p> <p>Wedding Guest Produced Videos</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/BdqslIvcreIgbjuAJqakIklBcCwgdzHtflAaBxiffvvwbGAfEltqbbkDywaf/wedit_screenshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Wedit_screenshot" height="337" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/BdqslIvcreIgbjuAJqakIklBcCwgdzHtflAaBxiffvvwbGAfEltqbbkDywaf/wedit_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/ipllgGcBdcrjgybuAhktjjsqAkrvCHieCvBFnhxFkAfdAzfylgfeoIrzvcAA/wedit_facebook_snapshot.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Wedit_facebook_snapshot" height="361" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-17/ipllgGcBdcrjgybuAhktjjsqAkrvCHieCvBFnhxFkAfdAzfylgfeoIrzvcAA/wedit_facebook_snapshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> For a full and combined list of all wedding start-ups listed thus far, see my <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #333399;"><strong><a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com/stash/show/154">"Wedding Start-ups You Should Know About"</a></strong></span> stash.</p> <p>Well done fellow founders!&nbsp; I'm looking forward to seeing how these develop over the next year!</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: medium; color: #333399;">Like this?&nbsp; Tell us! Say "Hi!" on <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitchd/150363428313688">Facebook</a></span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://twitter.com/hitchd">Twitter</a></span></span>.</span></strong></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Hitchd" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @Hitchd</a></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/six-more-new-wedding-start-ups-to-watch">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/six-more-new-wedding-start-ups-to-watch#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/3nxFpT_-P20" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/six-more-new-wedding-start-ups-to-watch Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:27:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/3wgjHcfOKl0/hitchd-team-3 http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-team-3 <p> <p>When you have caring, supportive and awesome people in your corner, it makes a world of difference.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is Rob, founding partner and CTO.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Rob_cawte_photo" height="189" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-11/hzCHJIzayBDGyDAytEFAEBIcBmjGaFdkBkgaGIyHDfABagdsHfGdIDJCHwlA/rob_cawte_photo.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="189" /> </div> </p> <p>This is Keryn, our Graphics and UI Designer. <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Keryn_christiansen_photo" height="159" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-11/mzuGvbFcunudzwouodmFlmElzmDlIgkapbcBrIqwgjBCnvtfhJDcmHbvywpx/Keryn_Christiansen_photo.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="129" /> </div> </p> <p>This is Sean, our Front-end Developer.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Sean_photo" height="189" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-10-11/liqBGBhsfeeDGsytDiwquICjGccIEGccfqmxJHzxlniayAjIEivgtdBbCoiI/sean_photo.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="189" /> </div> </p> <p>I'm the luckiest girl ever because I get to work with each of you. Thanks for all of your hard work and devotion!&nbsp; We still have a long way to go, but I coudn't have a better team to get there with.</p> <p>Mwah!!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-team-3">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-team-3#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/3wgjHcfOKl0" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-team-3 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:40:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/pm1xsP77IJU/how-to-use-the-stash-it-bookmarklet http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-use-the-stash-it-bookmarklet <p> <p>Created by the awesome Rob, Hitch'd CTO! Enjoy ;)</p> <p> <object height="315" width="500"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SgBWUiGcQho?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SgBWUiGcQho?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="281" width="500"></embed> </object> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-use-the-stash-it-bookmarklet">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-use-the-stash-it-bookmarklet#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/pm1xsP77IJU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-use-the-stash-it-bookmarklet Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:03:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/NWGkHiWVwL8/18-designer-spring-2012-looks-from-the-runway http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/18-designer-spring-2012-looks-from-the-runway <p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>I'm loving how wedding fashion and design are evolving, aren't you?</strong></span> I was just admiring runway looks for 2012 and thought I'd curate a collection that I'd love to see in the new crop of wedding looks this spring.</p> <p>Loving the jewel studded gowns by Giorgio Armani (see the trio below) and the chic Jil Sander paisley pencil dresses.&nbsp; I could see all of these in a wedding- one with a handsome budget, that is.</p> <p><iframe scrolling="auto" src="http://hitchdbydesign.com/stash/embed/500/56490604e855d58d2b918.17279293/2/w/6500" frameborder="0" height="6500" width="500"></iframe></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000;">Did you know we're launching something fun?&nbsp; We'd love for you to join us!&nbsp; <a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com">Sign up</a> and we'll be in touch with details!</span></span>&nbsp; <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/pages/hitchd-stash-faq"><strong>Hitch'd FAQ</strong></a></p> <form method="post" action="http://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/32164"> </form> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/18-designer-spring-2012-looks-from-the-runway">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/18-designer-spring-2012-looks-from-the-runway#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/NWGkHiWVwL8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/18-designer-spring-2012-looks-from-the-runway Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:57:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/elHpu0-pz1I/hitchd-welcomes-the-wedding-community http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-welcomes-the-wedding-community <p> <h2 class="post-title">Welcome, new Hitch'd-sters!</h2> <p><span> <p>We are so excited to finally send out the first batch of invites to Hitch'd. It has been four months since we first began accepting invite requests and we are working as hard as we can to process all of the requests for access. We hope to have the entire list processed in the next week, so hang tight.</p> <p>We are launching Hitch'd with a sincere desire to make saving all of your online wedding stuff and discovering new wedding services and products much easier. Like many of you, we like to collect stuff online for referencing later and sharing.&nbsp; Hitch'd was created to to help digitize the 'wedding stuff' collection process.</p> <p>While there already exists excellent services for bookmarking images (pinterest) and for saving wedding inspiration (lover.ly), Hitch'd was created to help you save EVERYTHING wedding related into neat little stash of stuff to visually reference later.&nbsp; Keep your stashes private, or share the publically, it's up to you.</p> <p>In the coming weeks, we have much more to share and introduce to you. For now, have fun getting to know Hitch'd!</p> <p>Happy Hitch'ding!</p> </span></p> <p><iframe scrolling="auto" src="http://hitchdbydesign.com/stash/embed/500/19754204e736166476289.16966394/2/w/1000" frameborder="0" height="1000" width="500"></iframe></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-welcomes-the-wedding-community">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-welcomes-the-wedding-community#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/elHpu0-pz1I" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/hitchd-welcomes-the-wedding-community Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:02:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/nKJrd1E2ix8/how-to-make-your-wedding-more-awesome-using-h http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-make-your-wedding-more-awesome-using-h <p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> </strong><strong><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Blog-visuals" height="164" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-14/tlyurBetovovfyBqbpnjIqcCnfxfqkoBJzFgeatIpxztdoDeownhpxnxhzkg/blog-visuals.png.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> Here's a new idea we're introducing.</strong></span> We've created an easy-peasy way for you to present inspiration round-ups on your blog or wedding website using what we like to call Hitch'd-embed.</p> <p><strong>What is it Hitch'd-embed? </strong></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">1.&nbsp; A fab new way to display your collections of wedding stuff!</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">2.&nbsp; A much easier way to polish up your blog, without all of the technical stuff :).</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">3.&nbsp; A true time-saver, embed on your blog within seconds!</p> <p>We hope you like it!</p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/pages/beta-invite-sign-up">To create your own Hitch'd-embed (public and private), like us on Facebook go here for early access to Hitch'd.</a></p> <p><iframe scrolling="auto" src="http://hitchdbydesign.com/stash/embed/500/98f13708210194c475687be6106a3b/2/w/1600" frameborder="0" height="1600" width="500"></iframe></p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-make-your-wedding-more-awesome-using-h">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-make-your-wedding-more-awesome-using-h#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/nKJrd1E2ix8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/how-to-make-your-wedding-more-awesome-using-h Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:17:38 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/2YOkdz_qo-8/sweet-home-california-the-new-hitchd-hq http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/sweet-home-california-the-new-hitchd-hq <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-13/EJEzvFeuqmGGtmIlqkaFGJewGiiowdpwqoCtlcmuGpcumFciBfEHbacvootf/moonlight-beach.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Moonlight-beach" height="374" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-09-13/EJEzvFeuqmGGtmIlqkaFGJewGiiowdpwqoCtlcmuGpcumFciBfEHbacvootf/moonlight-beach.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Hello Hello Hello!&nbsp; We're back and oh so excited to announce our new location! Hitch'd is now in California!</p> <p>Last Wednesday, we settled into a lovely Southern California city located in North San Diego County, Encinitas. Let me just say, it is truly a gorgeous little beach town and the weather is UNREAL. Seriously... gorgeous all of the time. This place is wedding heaven.</p> <p>Since relocating and despite the recent blackout, we've been busy connecting with nearlyweds, wedding bloggers, photographers, and wedding pros for feedback. We can't wait to show you everything we've been working on!</p> <p>If you haven't already signed up, <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/pages/beta-invite-sign-up" target="_self">here's where to go for early access to Hitch'd</a>!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/sweet-home-california-the-new-hitchd-hq">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/sweet-home-california-the-new-hitchd-hq#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/2YOkdz_qo-8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/sweet-home-california-the-new-hitchd-hq Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:15:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/_Jlc3cgP4Cg/heres-something-exciting-hitchd-is-relocating http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-something-exciting-hitchd-is-relocating <p> <p>If I've been bit quiet over here, it's for a good reason. We've been hammering down details of some exciting news and I can finally share it.</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Hitch'd is moving to the USA!&nbsp; Woohooo!</strong></span></p> <p>When I began working on Hitch'd, being based in Tokyo didn't seem like such a big deal. However, with our ambitious goals, we think it's better we're back home in the US, so we're moving!</p> <p>More details to come, but it's okay to get excited with us now!!</p> <p>Yay!!</p> <p>Our tiny mover<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-16/dBIkpkvHBuoHuzeFdgyjxuIldvfglCckkofzkADaHdJCEcqpjgiDeusszlCp/our_mover_2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Our_mover_2" height="556" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-08-16/dBIkpkvHBuoHuzeFdgyjxuIldvfglCckkofzkADaHdJCEcqpjgiDeusszlCp/our_mover_2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-something-exciting-hitchd-is-relocating">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-something-exciting-hitchd-is-relocating#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/_Jlc3cgP4Cg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/heres-something-exciting-hitchd-is-relocating Sat, 23 Jul 2011 03:53:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/DVLW5vPeflk/the-most-important-question-to-ask http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/the-most-important-question-to-ask <p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The</span></strong> wedding space it such a unique industry to be a part of. I am truly thankful and blessed to even be able to launch a business in this space, from Tokyo.</p> <p>I have a lot to learn and I'm enjoying connecting with and making new friends.&nbsp; I must say, so far the reception has been very warm and welcoming (sans a few unanswered emails, but hey... all inboxes are not created equal!)</p> <p>Anyway, prior to my current wedding start-up founder pursuits, I spent my days helping international online media and e-commerce companies entering Japan, find senior talent. In other words, I was a headhunter.&nbsp; And for four years, I recruited bilingual Japanese to foreign companies in Tokyo.</p> <p>I had a lot of fun, met some awesome people, and learned many great lessons.</p> <p>One of the most important lessons working in that space taught me was the value of being helpful to others. I learned to ask the question, "Is there anything I can help you with?" I was often surprised at the response I received from clients as well as candidates.&nbsp; First, shock. Then, a smile. Then a genuine response, no guards up.</p> <p>Often in the business world, we get so caught up in 'making it happen' that we forget the real reason our company or position exists.&nbsp; To help.&nbsp;</p> <p>As Hitch'd draws nearer to launch, I genuinely want to know, is there anything I can help you with?&nbsp; What problems are you encountering planning your own wedding?&nbsp; If you're a service provider, what problems are you encountering and trying to solve?&nbsp; I'd love to hear from you.</p> <p>Let's connect, I love making new friends <a href="http://linkedin.com/TSwoopes">Linkedin.</a> Or, email me at takara at hitchdbydesign.com You never know, perhaps in the future we could help each other out.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/the-most-important-question-to-ask">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/the-most-important-question-to-ask#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/DVLW5vPeflk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/the-most-important-question-to-ask Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:14:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/KAzF3hjcvpU/10-visual-social-bookmarking-websites-to-insp http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-visual-social-bookmarking-websites-to-insp <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding-trend-blog-illustration" height="164" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/hmtrhoxpbGbaveGFBJkAnctyfzmCflackdzAhwxwIvnmwAitBBnoBeAgsrmI/wedding-trend-blog-illustration.png.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Have</strong></span> you caught the visual bookmarking wave yet? If not, hop on or at least give it a try, as I think it's only the beginning of a new technology that will be sure to have an impact on the wedding industry, soon.&nbsp;</p> <p>Visual social bookmarking sites, some which are also social commerce sites, let you go around the web saving things you like for referencing later, through the use of a bookmarklet. It's a fantastic way to organize, visualize, and have a lot of fun saving all of your inspiration and sweet finds from everywhere on the web, in one place.&nbsp; And, from a practical standpoint, it's so much better than sifting through a long list of bookmarked sites.&nbsp; Which is exactly why it's such a wonderful technology for the wedding industry!</p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Visual bookmarking is a welcome upgrade to the limiting and frustrating clipboards and notebooks currently used by popular wedding content portals.</strong></span></p> </blockquote> <p>There are currently a dozen or so visual bookmarking sites serving various niches on the web. Since we will soon be launching a service with visual bookmarking targeting the wedding space, I thought I'd share a list of similar services for you to check out and spend time with, until we launch.&nbsp; Of course after we launch, you'll become a loyal <a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com">Hitch'd Stasher :).</a></p> <p>Here are 10 Visual Social Bookmarking Sites to Inpsire Your Wedding...</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.thefancy.com/">Fancy</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Fancy_screenshot" height="363" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/xFcbxqexAaItndocBEjkIingrGaGFgJAtAyDxjijnEfChhIHdraDIGqkqork/fancy_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.fashiolista.com/">Fashiolista</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Fashiolista_screenshot" height="314" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/nhIpIlaifItikgfiyDwunsldGcpjvftIukkDjgEtEEIBegwvcflnEiBvIynt/fashiolista_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com">Hitch'd</a> (Wedding Focused)</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Hitchd_screenshot" height="325" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/lrmfEHcxgGrCnAJIFbnibicunikztGijxtJgEzbbixsAxjmiJsxefhFgreBz/hitchd_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://lover.ly">Lover.ly</a> (Wedding Focused)</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Lover" height="328" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/rpkAmnsvuxbzCHwDeGIwuvhJtgjIhnImJCmjigkFqnIhGslFJsjHmfgtqpAG/lover.ly_screenshot_1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.lyst.com/">Lyst</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Lyst_screenshot" height="380" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/wnvsCipdtjechpAtDpnfgqnptymuFbhgDnEtlqIncmfbAcnwHgBHaBvHmvbm/lyst_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com">pinterest</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Pinterest_screenshot" height="273" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/xuqroJjDBrkBdomqgyoikuutIjJaaEyhyjlAIvCJvxgrIBcvdFDdlGHxpztE/pinterest_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://svpply.com/#">svpply</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Svpply_screenshot" height="296" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/kldxAcsJEhpGInoDCBknzEiBcjmnrIzutoqBxgEBxyCJrzixdwmJfasAqxiy/svpply_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.wanelo.com/">Wanelo</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wanelo_screenshot" height="313" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/gBglGGiszhImqcvkaifqJwdtBBjHoyCkFtbCtrmdkmivdtCACfxpiAjxnefj/Wanelo_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.weddmark.it/">Weddzilla WedMark</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedzilla_wedmark" height="336" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/nwyGfyxsbiqoAFfuujylovDeklhgGJsnpltlsxsIiqwfsAjxvviCvcbwCfnt/wedzilla_wedmark.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.wingtipit.com/">Wingtipit</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wingtipit" height="282" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-20/DlrbluofrwddyjnpcamtAcdiBrnyflaAwIezBrzpjwsfxliEurjtttHGAGav/wingtipit.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p>--</p> <p>Like this post?&nbsp; Great! Share it with somebody! Social sharing buttons are below.</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://twitter.com/HitchdDesign" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @HitchdDesign</a></p> <p>If you haven't already, sign up to be among our first users when we open our doors. Consider this your personal invitation to be a part of a <a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com">smarter way to organize wedding favorites.</a></p> <p>Also, I love helping new friends, so feel free to reach out to me via <a href="http://linkedin.com/TSwoopes">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/hitchddesign">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitchd/150363428313688">Facebook</a> and let's connect.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-visual-social-bookmarking-websites-to-insp">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-visual-social-bookmarking-websites-to-insp#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/KAzF3hjcvpU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-visual-social-bookmarking-websites-to-insp Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:18:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/XrXYg5eZweA/throwback-thursday-remember-when-wedding-cake http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/throwback-thursday-remember-when-wedding-cake <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Throwback-thursdays-visual" height="164" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-13/iutFCfxzFaJinIgbBqkgnxFpqGozlsucyBdrylGvDcBJbhvJaJicuCctHJIx/throwback-thursdays-visual.png.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> was born in 1980 and my very first memory of attending a wedding was when I was five or six years old.&nbsp; I remember hot purple taffeta bridesmaides dresses with puffy sleeves. I thought they were the prettiest dresses ever!</p> <p>I probably wouldn't think that now.</p> <p>Today, I'm introducing a new series to the Hitch'd Blog, "Throwback Thursdays".&nbsp; Every Thursday, we'll be taking a look back at some of the fab and not so fab wedding trends from back in the day.&nbsp;</p> <p>Today we're taking it back to the 80s and 90s cake era... with columns. Prepare yourself.</p> <p>(sigh) This is so much fun.</p> <p></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding_cake_with_columns" height="779" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-13/gkrDEvvfitvnFpCdyuskldhcrnAnalDruEiHfepsppiyknwyscjhjaDCapAp/wedding_cake_with_columns.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="498" /> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.weddingplanninglink.com/wedding-plan-gallery/cakes/wedding-cake-99999981.html?s_category=67&amp;s_subcategory=&amp;s_color1=&amp;s_color2=&amp;s_color3=&amp;s_color4=&amp;s_color5=&amp;s_search_in=&amp;s_keywords=&amp;s_user_id=&amp;s_user_type=&amp;s_state=&amp;Formplan_galleries_Sorting=&amp;Formplan_galleries_Sorted=&amp;">source</a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Cake_with_fountain" height="664" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-13/ilEwgkjlotxpzDwulqfbvJrbugfHHCdtockokGDEoHzaictishoJacCChtcH/cake_with_fountain.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="338" /> </div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__SyERiEnMQA/THc4AN_X7BI/AAAAAAAAAFE/NWoYsV3WJDA/s1600/fountain.jpg">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34649891@N03/3238633546/" title="Three-Tier Wedding Cake with Columns and Filigree by Karla Cakes, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3238633546_5af458cf96.jpg" height="500" alt="Three-Tier Wedding Cake with Columns and Filigree" width="295" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34649891@N03/3238633546/in/set-72157612845356447/">Source</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34649891@N03/3237793567/" title="Three-Tier Wedding Cake with Flowers and Basketweave by Karla Cakes, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3237793567_ac8a08225a.jpg" height="498" alt="Three-Tier Wedding Cake with Flowers and Basketweave" width="387" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34649891@N03/3237793567/in/set-72157612845356447/">Source</a></p> <p>And we're done.</p> <p>Happy Thursday :).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://twitter.com/HitchdDesign" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @HitchdDesign</a></span></p> <p>If you'd like to connect, reach out to me via <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tswoopes">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/TSwoopes">Twitter</a>, and or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitchd/150363428313688">Facebook</a>. I love making new friends!</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000;">Did you know we're launching something fun?&nbsp; We'd love for you to join us!&nbsp; <a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com">Sign up</a> and we'll be in touch with details!</span></span>&nbsp; <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/pages/hitchd-stash-faq"><strong>Hitch'd FAQ</strong></a></p> <form method="post" action="http://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/32164"> </form> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/throwback-thursday-remember-when-wedding-cake">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/throwback-thursday-remember-when-wedding-cake#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/XrXYg5eZweA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/throwback-thursday-remember-when-wedding-cake Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:15:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/vrgI2X9oUDA/10-new-wedding-start-ups-to-look-out-for http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-new-wedding-start-ups-to-look-out-for <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding-technology-image" height="164" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/uzkofmBlbdIodmxucdIyiwuHGrFDmcAknoGenuepmrlcAgmzkmyIozbgeduJ/wedding-technology-image.png.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>re you aware of the innovation going on in the wedding space these days?&nbsp;</p> <p>There's a new generation of wedding start-ups emerging and starting to make waves in the calm wedding industry waters. I've counted nine new web-based companies that have either entered or are entering the online wedding space this year, nine (Hitch'd included).&nbsp; This is exciting!</p> <p>{Waves} *Hi-ya fellow wedding start-up founders!*&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a feeling we're about to see the wedding industry pick it up a notch in the tech and innovation category. We may even see new business models emerging, woohooo!</p> <p>Right now, seven of the nine are hidden behind virtual curtains (coming soon and sign-up pages).&nbsp; The remaining two, The Aisle New York and Wedding Invite Love, have already launched and seem to have been received very well by the industry.</p> <p>I am curious to see how the remaining start-ups will develop over the next year.&nbsp; There may even be the next Knot, excuse me XO formerly known as the Knot (heheh), or Wedding Wire among this class!</p> <p>Here's the roundup.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bridesview.com/">Bridesview</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Bridesview_screenshot" height="364" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-01/dCDawqFksJCogzqCrkgioIjnzwsnfAFsBdJsupzJuzomvpehttxdncbCbCFG/bridesview_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> <img alt="Bridesview_screenshot" height="364" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-01/vEaHtaasjioxqoAgwagDIhybrxcyipmgsjJqHFmBeIaubnIAhxalHGutvyxt/bridesview_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-new-wedding-start-ups-to-look-out-for">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Bridesview_facebook_snapshot" height="254" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/BblojIxmealokFijqFgkzHnppBaHDwbqpBkwfiBHnDmjptvqogyIwoitmefy/bridesview_facebook_snapshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Bridesview_co-founder_alex_topiler" height="256" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/hvcqueqJyzblmpBAycqgdHvpEbfkyclHCmaJjImpjFImojbyFdigHdnBJpdr/Bridesview_co-founder_Alex_Topiler.jpg" width="264" /> </div> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://dailyaisle.com">Daily Aisle</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Daily_aisle_screenshot_1" height="343" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-08/CHAnvabnBqngpxuAGhjJHzGzepqCJBffeEFFgEizqIkJdBmxszEjCwmcatqd/Daily_Aisle_screenshot_1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="The_daily_aisle_facebook_screenshot" height="242" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/eGnwJDmEpzwxnAEoJbndowuxbsiyntFnEBjFfpelcHsueEyFFBgcAxGmepxk/the_daily_aisle_facebook_screenshot.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="The_daily_aisle_2_screenshot" height="384" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-08/IlzwolhqhyIFgcEFqhyJJjFElwAnqdDFlHAvyjyDgxirFmIycBCIDGxyDlqE/the_daily_aisle_2_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com">Hitch'd</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Hitchd_stash_screenshot" height="321" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-08/miBppBwprmnkiiDqAHdqJvhEhHaqApxhbDvwyxtCidDzFqpgGuoupmpbfjBc/hitchd_Stash_screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/DqDdayqoncvGvDxvjBhdxirjdHzdbiBszIggGhaehzcdkEqDFlrFkFEooEcE/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Hitchd-stash-window-screenshot-small" height="581" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/DqDdayqoncvGvDxvjBhdxirjdHzdbiBszIggGhaehzcdkEqDFlrFkFEooEcE/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Hitchd_facebook_page" height="294" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/DpFomGqlGHsfJmwDyzhvyxrsbezzFfHisyfeskfAecexbzegjBqAzhqerGHG/hitchd_facebook_page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Hitchd_designer_screenshot" height="324" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-08/EoDBtJncgdtHxFztxqmqqBrFtdICGounzImiJIDgsctniptDkpuiqcooCiwB/Hitchd_Designer_Screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Takara_swoopes_bullock_snapshot" height="217" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/wxllrfsGdAjhrxfoxAwvfewxGozqGHdzawkCyqmuJBHetqFHvfAfFAzknhIH/Takara_Swoopes_Bullock_snapshot.jpg" width="200" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lover.ly">Loverly</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Lover" height="328" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-08/oCoorDjkBdcGICwDpecekIgmihnzAznGiGxydGGdawdulmuyfsHBeatyarIJ/lover.ly_screenshot_1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Loverly_facebook_page" height="254" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/IunlvIhkmcDscHIdllEItedefgenqnnDxrnzvEltflJstxdmoxJAGwiupkfm/loverly_facebook_page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Loverly_founder_snapshot" height="236" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/jHIabIgltFfwyhoDFwAyekbfyJlCmFDmmegEfBrBbwmfDBzIEGuborxydkkb/loverly_founder_snapshot.jpg" width="228" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://onthegrobride.com">On the Go Bride</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="On_the_go_bride_blog_snapshot" height="310" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/alsBaCfmHCjJDGvdJeHyIakdpDojHdclewzcjGpCblDzeAGjknnHvcvJyEAi/on_the_go_bride_blog_snapshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="On_the_go_brides_facebook_page" height="222" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/DgzHwFmxipgfgonxasCsezquydhnuEfqHchrdBeJjBiBiyxxDsJGgesftcCI/on_the_go_brides_facebook_page.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="On_the_go_bride_about_us_page" height="392" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/CipiavpugBxsArCjvadtCGpbGvquCnijanouChomwsBbJyJBEFwDFvvIuGwJ/on_the_go_bride_about_us_page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://somethingborrowedny.tumblr.com/">Something Borrowed</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Something_borrowed_screenshot" height="348" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/DxJdfafbHiydzlBjpoJgoBxnHeiDHBrFDHwlDbdghHbFAbGqvbteoujygplJ/Something_Borrowed_Screenshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Something_borrowed_screenshot_blog" height="290" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/hFCpEipwyvrfGiHtzqfvyJcdtrvbDHootnICcHhlJrlioilvDtexlzHvhAAJ/something_borrowed_screenshot_blog.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="444" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Something_borrowed_facebook" height="222" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/tHDiuAyHjppahBpbdwdBdDEJGwjquvqnDtzxiiqqoqdgyxFskiefeaDrgsqg/something_borrowed_facebook.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://theaislenewyork.com">The Aisle New York</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="The_aisle_ny_screenshot_2" height="387" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/FdzeInbtnBxACwsiBswdfzeAyqrlAaogreyFHoozxojigidolaqbIFshmnyp/the_aisle_ny_screenshot_2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Theaisleny_screenshot" height="325" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/iksgBgBIsoFgDzpkFbpeqsIDAavfBfcaypGvwqDzwxrpxgiDdcxaItDaagFm/theaisleny_screenshot.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="The_aisle_ny_founders_page" height="351" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/hGgssxGGjvkFlezkIDfBGbAawvvujsebJCujfubBGuiamIvpxlaIoxkjsigr/the_aisle_ny_founders_page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://weddinginvitelove.com">Wedding Invite Love</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding_invite_love_snapshot" height="351" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/jmuxIjhJrgbCnDrqgsjqAJsbEDtibyIduekakhtibfupiDrDDxtdGffppjEq/wedding_invite_love_snapshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding_invite_love_facebook" height="283" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/mcyqrbeHkAbmyldscuxhajusJbeGqAmrBdhyyblpniysJoEocungtGvDivrw/wedding_invite_love_facebook.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding_invite_love_blog" height="278" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/sgwvlcxFpFyvHhzgBbGldFuluswnxkDdplCHzdiqIdHdefEIlwBkkIxpgGDo/wedding_invite_love_blog.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wedoverheels.com">Wed Over Heels</a></span></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wed_over_heels_snapshot" height="388" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/yupgjqkErvqDzeerrpjdoytChxCuaElvfBnFuDevgzlDsjkpDwnvcFzCyqiC/wed_over_heels_snapshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wed_over_heels_facebook_page" height="313" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/EEGeceuEqCFdpbigplxECbijCHrejvdzcohhCxpnknjogrjijbyGzpxJntAq/wed_over_heels_facebook_page.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <a href="http://www.bridesview.com/"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Bean_benson_snapshot" height="200" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-07-11/IpfwcbxdzEBIhEjnFxiGuCclsspvjubEoewBuscvzraFoiGsBoiteuGibmxb/bean_benson_snapshot.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="200" /> </div> </a>What do you think of this group?&nbsp;</p> <p>Founders, I gathered this information fairly quickly so feel free to chime in with additional details, photos, and links. If you'd like to connect, reach out to me via <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tswoopes">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/TSwoopes">Twitter</a>, and or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitchd/150363428313688">Facebook</a>. I love making new friends!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://twitter.com/HitchdDesign" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @HitchdDesign</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000;">Did you know we're launching something fun?&nbsp; We'd love for you to join us!&nbsp; <a href="http://hitchdbydesign.com">Sign up</a> and we'll be in touch with details!</span></span>&nbsp; <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/pages/hitchd-stash-faq"><strong>Hitch'd FAQ</strong></a></p> <form method="post" action="http://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/32164"> </form> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-new-wedding-start-ups-to-look-out-for">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-new-wedding-start-ups-to-look-out-for#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/vrgI2X9oUDA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/10-new-wedding-start-ups-to-look-out-for Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:35:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/JuYjMGna39A/3-ways-to-a-better-facebook-page-a-look-at-st http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/3-ways-to-a-better-facebook-page-a-look-at-st <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wedding-technology-visual-hitchd" height="164" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-28/lwykaDIgIeInazEhoBHtFdzfnpgaJsqHAkomHBiqiFsjonavDEbnaDGrpwqc/Wedding-Technology-Visual-Hitchd.png.scaled500.png" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Y</strong></span>ou ever wonder what makes a Facebook fan page successful? (Hint:&nbsp; It's not the number of fans.)&nbsp; I've been asking this question a lot lately as we just began improving our own Facebbok page.&nbsp; Facebook represents an untraditional way of marketing and engaging your customer. Not everyone will agree, but I think Facebook can really enhance your business if done right.&nbsp; Thing is, exactly what is right?</p> <p>To help answer that question, I've been spending some time learning more about using Facebook as a business.&nbsp; I took a little time out to wonder around Facebook wedding page land to learn a few best practices from other wedding related sites who have experienced success with their pages.&nbsp; I finally settled on Style Me Pretty.</p> <p>Here are three things that stand out about the SMP Facebook page.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>1.&nbsp; They ask great questions.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Smp_3" height="205" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-26/bFlHvuprnCnEsFJceamayanziAmIsFxDexBydgvxqBGBGuaDsCaxhlnIruEq/smp_3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Smp2" height="190" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-26/zgpspajAdAxkDtexsewqtadkgGmkumwEkyeesggfkDulgaExBHkmijJGcawe/smp2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><strong>2.&nbsp; They interact regularly with a genuine voice.</strong></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Smp_1" height="432" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-26/pklzthsIInyqdskyldfyDvbEpCdujafqoFEtdbCayvDFwhJrmpJsCttatBqu/smp_1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><strong>3.&nbsp; They promote content and finds not related to their domain.</strong></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Smp5" height="467" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-26/ArlIhJqEdltlJBgGvDjvJpwgJCFcpCyutBpqmaHAkbzeHjvelFmIJrhtezHf/smp5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p>I also like that SMP likes to give wedding services and brands a voice on their page as well.&nbsp; I've noticed that often times, it's the wedding pros that are chiming in on most Facebook pages as much if not more, than nearlyweds themselves.&nbsp; Nice that they're not hushing them.</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>I'm new to this Facebook business thing, so I'd like to know from you, what works?&nbsp; What makes you join and interact on a Facebook page?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://twitter.com/HitchdDesign" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @HitchdDesign</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitchd/150363428313688">Say Hi on Our Facebook Page</a><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000;">Did you know we're launching something fun?&nbsp; We'd love for you to join us!&nbsp; Enter your e-mail below to be among the first to try Hitch'd.</span><br /></span></p> <form method="post" action="http://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/32164"> <div><label>Email</label></div> <div><input name="signup[email]" type="text" /></div> <div><input name="commit" class="button" type="submit" value="Sign Up" /></div> </form><form method="post" action="http://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/32164"><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/pages/hitchd-stash-faq"><strong>Hitch'd FAQ</strong></a><br /></form> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/3-ways-to-a-better-facebook-page-a-look-at-st">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/3-ways-to-a-better-facebook-page-a-look-at-st#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/JuYjMGna39A" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/3-ways-to-a-better-facebook-page-a-look-at-st Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:30:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~3/G0QjznfSXjo/interview-why-new-well-groomed-blogger-darren http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/interview-why-new-well-groomed-blogger-darren <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Darren_well_groomed_image" height="257" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-28/ibaBxktfllyCDlDFbBmubqdDsHtcmrvkJABtsrmfxFEIvuowkomEqwsHvCsf/Darren_Well_Groomed_Image.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <span style="font-size: xx-large;">W</span>ith all of the focus on brides in the wedding blog world, do you ever wonder what's on the minds of grooms when it comes to wedding style?</p> <p>There's a new blog serving up serious style, from a stylish <em>groom's</em> perspective.&nbsp; I recently reached out to Darren, author of the newly launched <a href="http://www.wellgroomedblog.com/"><em>Well Groomed</em>,<em>The Guide to Tying the Windsor Knot,</em></a> who describes his blog as "where men's style meets matrimony." I am loving his fresh perspective and sharp sense of style.&nbsp; Having launched <em>Well Groomed</em> earlier this month, Darren is already turning heads in the wedding world with is keen eye for wedding day details, from a stylish groom's perspective.</p> <p></p> <p>Here are a few screenshots:</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Well_groomed_screenshot_1" height="339" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-28/rymkzrqfqIyEAbzdgxlJlyascBJHDpcAbbCAxhHoyfvgBylryCEcIGBrnzsu/well_groomed_screenshot_1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Well_groomed_screenshot_2" height="343" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-28/eEnvJDsEagDpJsbkDFtHqtpvDawHdFpElhkissDcxwhezidqlpkGFAmyDfAh/well_groomed_screenshot_2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Well_groomed_screenshot_3" height="338" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-28/GveswpyghkEApAbogDhkvGGBqomCrfkmjidrkJqqkiljghzyayeurHsDwpzx/well_groomed_screenshot_3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </p> <p>Curious to learn more about the man behind the blog and his motivations for launching <a href="http://www.wellgroomedblog.com/"><em>Well Groomed</em></a>, I reached out to Darren with a few questions. Here's what the father of a two-year old and husband of eight years with a passion for fast cars had to say:&nbsp;</p> <p><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><strong>On what inspired him to begin groom blogging and his recent launch...</strong></em></span></p> <p>"My wife, <a href="http://shaunayounge.com/" target="_blank">Shauna Younge</a>, is a dessert table designer and spends a lot of time looking at wedding sites for her blog, <a href="http://shaunayounge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Tooth</a>. She&nbsp; mentioned that in the blogosphere grooms are always an afterthought. The bride seems to get all of the attention and usually have a more unique look, while the grooms are all in similar black or grey suits and a solid colored tie.</p> <p>We just launched on June 6th. We had an amazing reception around the blogosphere and the future is looking bright for W-G."</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><strong>On his blogging design, platform and favorite plugins...</strong><strong> </strong></em></span></p> <p>"I use a highly modified Blogger template along with LinkWithin, which helps guide readers through the blog by suggesting similar posts they might like to read.&nbsp; My wife Shauna designed it. She never ceases to amaze me. She is completely self taught, but you would never know it."</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><strong>On his favorite blog post and ideal reader...</strong></em></span></p> <p>"I take great pride in providing original content in my &ldquo;Style Board&rdquo; and &ldquo;The Look&rdquo; posts. My favorite so far is &ldquo;<a href="http://www.wellgroomedblog.com/2011/01/rappers-delight-mixed-tape-masterpiece.html" target="_blank">Mixed Tape Masterpiece</a>&rdquo; with rapper Swizz Beatz. I think the studded shoes are a great detail. These are Louboutins, which are expensive, but women splurge on their wedding shoes all the time so why shouldn't the guys?"</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Well_groomed_screenshot_4" height="348" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-06-28/lCIzrmJpeuatFvIsHyIJbedCqHfyHFrJhfptrJyrsiksizbiqFAHiJhiExAD/well_groomed_screenshot_4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <br />"I don't have an ideal reader, because I'm happy to welcome anyone to the blog who stops by for a visit. But, I do think there is a <em>typical</em> W-G reader. The style/design focus of the blog attracts fashion conscious, detail-oriented grooms and brides who are looking for inspiration for their grooms who may not be very involved in the planning process."</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><strong>On his own involvement in planning his own wedding and his take on the future involvement of grooms in the wedding process...</strong></em></span></p> <p>"I would say planning for my wedding was a 60/40 split in my wife&rsquo;s favor. Hey number may vary! Our wedding was small and intimate. I gave a lot of input about each detail, but my wife is very creative and talented so she took the reigns and designed our invites and favors."</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><strong>On websites and blogs he visits daily...</strong></em></span></p> <p>"I&rsquo;ve been into cars, motorcycles, and speed boats since I was a kid. My go-to blog is definitely <a href="http://www.speedhunters.com/" target="_blank">Speedhunters</a>. Even though they focus primarily on imports and I&rsquo;m a domestic guy, I can still appreciate the journalism and photography. I usually focus more on design and style blogs than wedding ones, but I hit up the big ones regularly."</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><strong>On life outside of blogging...</strong></em></span></p> <p>"My day job is as buyer for a Minnesota retailer. When I'm not at work or working on the blog, I&rsquo;m racing cars or out with my family."</p> <p>---</p> <p>Thanks for sharing Darren!&nbsp; All the best to you with the success of your blog. You've certainly addressed a gap in the wedding blog world and your content is awesome.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you haven't already, pop on over to his blog for a peep and follow his updates on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/wellgrmd">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Groomed/213965781948278">Facebook</a>.&nbsp; He also has great style boards on <a href="http://pinterest.com/wellgrmd/">Pinterest</a>.</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://twitter.com/HitchdDesign" class="twitter-follow-button">Follow @HitchdDesign</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000;">Did you know we're launching something fun?&nbsp; We'd love for you to join us!&nbsp; Enter your e-mail below to be among the first to try Hitch'd.</span><br /></span></p> <form method="post" action="http://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/32164"> <div><label>Email</label></div> <div><input name="signup[email]" type="text" /></div> <div><input name="commit" class="button" type="submit" value="Sign Up" /></div> </form><form method="post" action="http://madmimi.com/signups/subscribe/32164"><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/pages/hitchd-stash-faq"><strong>Hitch'd FAQ</strong></a><br /></form> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/interview-why-new-well-groomed-blogger-darren">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/interview-why-new-well-groomed-blogger-darren#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/HitchdNewRulesofWeddingPlanning/~4/G0QjznfSXjo" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1363379/Hitchd-Stash-Window-Screenshot-small.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5eR6G5 Takara Swoopes Bullock Swoopey Takara Swoopes Bullock http://blog.hitchdbydesign.com/interview-why-new-well-groomed-blogger-darren