“The history and meaning of using rice or grain dates back to the ancient Hebrew, Assyrian, and Egyptian societies where the throwing of food items over the newlyweds was symbolic of fertility. Food was a natural product to throw because it was meant to give the newlyweds good luck and a hope for prosperity. Seeds or nuts were often thrown as a symbol of fertility since the small seed grows into a larger plant. Wheat and rice were symbols of prosperity to wish the newlyweds abundance and healthy children to help work the land. Italy throws sugared nuts and sweets (the word confetti comes from the Italian word for confection). Some European countries throw eggs, others throw wheat. Moroccans throw raisins and dates to wish a fruitful union for the newlyweds.”

Make a centuries-old tradition unique with whatever tossing you choose!

Here in the States, you may have heard of people choosing to throw bird seed instead of the traditional rice to prevent birds from blowing up if they eat it. Let me assure you, however, that studies have shown no proof of birds going boom, even when they were fed instant rice for twelve hours! Whew!

So whether it’s rose petals or rubber duckies, just remember:  the options are endless!

First Row:  Bridal Buds | Heart Love Weddings
Second Row:  Amazon | The Knot
Third Row:  Bridal Buds | Beau-Coup | Grower’s Box
Fourth Row:  Design You Trust

From the Photographer ~

Jenny and Josh met on eHarmony.com and only went on one date and they knew they had met “the one”. Jenny is silly and fun and Josh is reserved and quiet. She thinks he has a big heart and is very thoughtful, hardworking and passionate. He makes her laugh… and smile :) He says Jenny is his best friend and makes him laugh all the time. They are getting married in Reno, Nevada in 2012.

Who or what inspires you to design jewelry?
I am inspired daily to create jewelry by a variety of things… maybe I see something in nature and I get an idea. Or I often dream of new jewelry designs too and sometimes even remember them in the morning! The fact that people get so excited when I finish a piece for them is a huge inspiration.

How did you get started?
I started making jewelry when I was about 5 years old. I’d get so excited when I could go to a bead store. I’m sure I still have some beads from 30 years ago in my collection. I’ve since attended a number of courses and workshops to allow me to create nearly any piece I can think up.

What is your style of design?
I have a variety of pieces of many different styles, but I think that most people would describe my jewelry as more delicate and simple. I like pieces to have beauty in their simplicity.

How often do you create new collections?
I design and fabricate jewelry almost daily! My studio is also my retail space, so when I’m not working with customers I am at the bench creating new jewelry.

Do you only make jewelry for women? 
I mostly make jewelry for women, but I can and have done a number of pieces for men. I do not have a large variety of men’s jewelry on hand, but I am always open to custom work for men.

What questions should a client have in mind to ask or be ready to answer when looking for her perfect ring? 
What is my style?; Do I want a smaller ring or something large and noticeable?; What is my budget?; Will I wear my ring at all times without exceptions and if so what is my lifestyle like? For example: Do I play sports or is my career very “hands on”? It is very important that a person’s ring be comfortable and ideal to wear on a daily basis.

*Visit Bluebird’s website to see of of Jessica’s designs and learn more about Blue Bird Designs!

There are bold metallics and there are simple, elegant, subdued metallics.  And though we’re fans of both – because really, who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? – there is something so classic about a brushed metal or pop of matted silver.  Whether the wedding flowers fill brushed silver vases, or decor features pops of luxe silver, or the Bride herself wears the signature metallic, silver adds a heightened level of rich color and fashion.

First Row: BHLDN |Yvette Roman via  Style Me Pretty
Second Row:Yvette Roman via  Style Me Pretty
Third Row: YSL | The Cherry Blossom Girl
Fourth Row: Style Me Pretty |  Mel & Co. | BHLDN
Fifth Row: BHLDN | Polka Dot Bride | Yummy Cupcakes & Cakes | Lisa Farrer Weddings

Lexi is the Editor of a Lifestyle blog: Glitter & Pearls and a Weddings + Events blog: Glitter Weddings. She’s a part-time lawyer, part-time blogger, full-time wedding + fashion obsessive.

All Images courtesy of Ciprian Photography

From the Ritz Carlton -

In October 2011, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe extended an invitation to the regions most distinguished collection of Professional Wedding Planners to personally introduce them to the first and only AAA Five Diamond resort in Lake Tahoe. The event was designed for the planners to experience first hand a wedding weekend at this rustic elegant retreat. Welcomed by towering pine trees and a warm greeting from the Resort’s Ladies and Gentlemen, these professionals checked into luxurious accommodations followed by an evening “rehearsal dinner” at the Resort’s signature restaurant, Manzanita created by renown Chef Traci des Jardins. The following morning, guests were invited to experience the salon and spa as the beautiful bride would before her moment in the spotlight. Smiles and laughter filled the air as each was pampered with manicures, pedicures, reflexology massages, and a display of decorative cake pops. The evening brought a new array of surprises. The planners received invitations to attend a “wedding” complete with ceremony, cocktail reception, and a dinner with live entertainment. Guests also had the opportunity to work directly with the Executive Chef to execute The Ritz-Carlton distinguished a-la-minute plated service style. With the help of several talented local florists and event designers, each beautifully appointed venue displayed a different seasonal concept, showing the planners the versatility of this all season destination.

Vendors:
Photography | Ciprian Photography
Florals | Art in Bloom, Lavish Floral & Bellissima Floral Design
Event Rentals | Creative Coverings, Celadon Events, Red Carpet Events & Blue Print Studios
Entertainment | Quartet Minus One & Martin and Vargas

From Stems by Diana ~

On a warm, beautiful sunny Labor Day weekend, Janice and Dan tied the knot at the historic Valhalla State Park. The house sits next to a sprawling picture-perfect meadow, over-looking the Lake, which was exceptionally blue that afternoon. With the bride’s palette of plum, orange, green, and fuchsia, we knew this wedding would be unforgettable. The array of Orchids, Dahlias, Ranunculus, and Calla Lilies blended beautifully with accents of Tahoe-inspired Birch branches, and plenty of candlelight to play up the romance of the rustic, elegant Valhalla lakefront home. With the candles lit, the smell of smoked prosciutto from the kitchen, and the sounds of glasses cheering the couples “I Do’s”, this wedding was one that will continue to inspire…

Vendors:

Florist | Stems by Diana Floral Studio
Photographer | Johnstone Studios
Cake | FlourGirl Wedding Cakes
Venue | Valhalla State Park

What do you get when you mix a little bit of girly, a little bit retro, and whole lot of flirty? A polka dot wedding, of course! With inspiration from ‘50s stars like Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood, you can create an event that’s both and timeless and completely on-trend with the current blending of vintage and new. Whether you choose big and bold circles or a more subtle, elegant print, polka dots are a unique way to show off your individual style. Pair bright, sunny colors with an afternoon wedding, or try a silvery palette for an evening affair! At the end of the day, you’ll have all of your “i” dos perfectly dotted!

First Row:  Martha Stewart Weddings | Wedzu
Second Row:  The Knot| Dune Shoes
Third Row:  The Knot | Tirings | Glamour
Fourth Row: Nyla Photography via  Style Me Pretty

First Row: Orange Girl Photographs | Piccote Weddings
Second Row: Design Sponge | Southern Mom Cooks
Third Row: Tidy Mom | Design Sponge
Fourth Row: Better Homes & Gardens

Image courtesy of [Studio] Christa Hoffarth 

Getting married or throwing a party in 2012?

Feel like receiving an eye popping discount on your rental needs?

You’re invited to the annual Celebrations! Party Rentals and Tents Linen Showcase Event

Where:
Celebrations Party Rentals and Tents
7501 Galilee Road
Roseville, CA 95678

When:
Saturday February 25, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PS

At this event you will have the opportunity to work one on one with our event specialists to help you choose the right linens for your event.  Linen rental ordered placed at the event will receive 25% off all in-stock linens.  While you are at the event you can also sign up for a second appointment where you can receive an additional 10% off* of all other event rental items. We hope you will attend this wonderful event that Celebrations offers only once a year.  Registration is required, so please visit our website to register for the event! Celebrations! Event Rentals and Tents is the premier event rental, planning and production solution. Proudly serving the Northern California area for over 20 years, the team at Celebrations! takes great pride in offering high quality products, expertise, attention to detail, service and creativity. With the more than 650 products in 29 categories, Celebrations! is a one-stop resource to manage every detail to build a unique experience—from intimate private events to large scale corporate functions. Let Celebrations! help you create an event that your guests will never forget with our tent division offering the latest technology in tent rentals with custom decor and lighting options. In addition to state-of-the-art tents and rentals, Celebrations! also offers an extensive selection of specialty linens, flatware, glassware and china! We specialize in creating memorable events, working side by side with clients to transform each unique vision into a reality. Whether you’re planning a small backyard barbecue, a wedding, or a benefit event for thousands of guests, Celebrations! provides rentals for every occasion.

We invite you to register online to make an appointment with a specialist and visit our beautiful Roseville showroom to see firsthand what we have to offer:

• one-on-one appointments with top wedding and event specialists.
• 25% off your ENTIRE linen rental order if you book your rentals at this event.
• an opportunity to view the region’s widest selection of linens and event rentals.

*Please contact Celebrations Party Rentals and Tents at 916.773.2133. You can also visit their website to register for this great event!