Celebration Signs
We spotted these cheery signs from a pin via Style Me Pretty.  We are big fans of the reception exit, and these are a fun yet simple twist on the tradition.  This is also perfect for indoor spaces or venues that don’t allow sparklers!

Gray
Don’t get us wrong, we love a classic black tux, but this groom’s choice for gray had us doing a double take.  Just a shade off of the normal, it stands out and gives the wedding a unique and slightly relaxed feel.  We think gray will be huge for the men this spring, and frankly, we can’t wait!  Image via Ruffled

Vintage Inspired Garters
Brides have been following the tradition of garters for years, and these Emily Riggs Bridal vintage inspired garters take the tradition to a new level.  Hand selected crystal buttons on French imported lace…what’s not to love?  We have a feeling brides might think twice about having this tossed among a group of rowdy bachelors!

Communication: The key to any healthy relationship is open and honest communication. Premarital counseling gives you the opportunity to express your fears, expectations, and anticipation about the upcoming wedding and marriage in a safe environment. By doing so, you and your soon-to-be spouse will learn how to effectively communicate with one another, an invaluable tool that will be needed throughout your lifetime together.

Expectations: Everyone has expectations about marriage, however common or unique, that have been picked up through the years from witnessing healthy and unhealthy relationships around them. Premarital counseling is the ideal place to discuss these expectations with your partner and eliminate future disappointment. Learning your mate’s expectations and sharing your own will equip you to build a marriage that’s equally satisfying to both of you.

Responsibilities: Each partner plays a significant role in the marriage, but how do you know what responsibilities your spouse is expecting you to take? Engaging in open dialog about the roles and responsibilities you’ll each take on will save you unnecessary frustration and disappointment down the road. Premarital counseling opens the door for you both to discuss and decide how you’ll divide the load, whether it’s with finances, cleaning, career, or child-rearing.

Values: By now, you probably have a very strong idea of where your partner stands on most issues, but what about things that may arise in the future? How do you want to raise children? Will you be dedicated to one religion? What are your views on family? These are huge issues that, when undecided, can place a huge strain on any relationship. A premarital counselor can open your eyes to the ideals that matter most to you as individuals and as husband and wife.

Wedding insurance protects you from circumstances out of control, including everything from a freak blizzard to a destroyed wedding gown. If your wedding needs to be postponed due to a natural disaster, illness, military duty, or injury, wedding insurance will cover the money that you’ve lost for everything from cakes and caterers to flowers and invitations. If a disaster threatens a component of your wedding day—such as a ruined tuxedo, stolen gifts, or lost video footage—wedding insurance will cover the cost to have them replaced. It also covers your expenses if a vendor doesn’t show up, a site is unusable, or a vendor goes out of business and needs to be replaced.

Wedding insurance ranges in cost, depending on the amount of coverage you want or need. A basic policy that covers wedding essentials, such as photos, video, attire, gifts, rings, and deposits, can range from $155 to $550. However, many vendors and sites carry their own insurance. Be sure to ask about their policy and what it includes before purchasing a policy of your own.

After dating for eight years, a proposal was expected in the near future, especially when we decided to take a trip out of town on the Fourth of July holiday.  However, Gordon always has awful luck in planning any event (a “Charlie Brown” factor), and he was true to form for the proposal.  We had taken a trip to Hershey Park, where we would be making customized chocolates.  It could have been very romantic, except for the fact that we were sandwiched in between screaming kids and large tourist groups.  I learned later on that Gordon thankfully passed on this window to propose.  We then set out for the park at night to catch the fireworks…only our timing was off, and the fireworks show was more like a dud.  We skulked back to the hotel, where Gordon ordered room service.  I thought this must be it!  I lifted up the metal tray eagerly, only to find chicken fingers.  I could feel myself getting woozy.  We settled in for bed, and I shut my eyes tight, ready to call it a day.  At the last possible moment, when I thought it was never going to happen, Gordon woke me up with an open ring box in my face.  He had pulled through after all!

We wanted to eschew the traditional wedding trappings: no draped chairs, hotel banquet halls, or over-styled floral arrangements.  When we saw the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, it just felt right – a modern setting situated on the New York City coastline.  This was something that spoke to all of the Staten Island ferry rides we had taken as a couple.

We wanted the wedding to look really clean and simple, hence gray and yellow seemed like a natural choice.  In terms of style, we wanted a touch of kitsch to personalize the event.  Vintage robots played off our color schemes and our personalities as a couple.  At the end of the day, we find ways to make each other laugh, remind ourselves to seek the playful side of life and have fun together, simply put.

We both come from different cultural backgrounds, and we wanted to incorporate those elements into our wedding.  As part of our ceremony, we included the Filipino tradition of a cord and veil, as a symbol of the union of marriage and sign of mutual support of each other, binding us in a lifelong commitment to be one in mind and heart.  To bring in Gordon’s Chinese background, we held a small tea ceremony during the reception, as a way to show respect and appreciation to our family.

Our most vivid memories from the wedding day were seeing all the people we love in one room, enjoying themselves and letting loose, getting really creative with props at the photobooth or wilding out to music on the dance floor.  We also enjoyed a quiet moment together while heading to the reception in a vintage cab, which took our breath away.

Our photographer, Joe Lin, videographer, Michael Porco, and our wonderful planner, Christine Viola and Exquisite Affairs Production, made every minute memorable, truly amazing, and unforgettable.  We were never a couple that visualized our exact wedding from detail to detail but all of our vendors painted our story exactly as we would never imagine it could have been portrayed.

Photographer: Joseph Lin Wedding Photography / Event Design & Planning: Exquisite Affairs Productions / Ceremony: Our Lady of the Rosary / Reception Venue: Abigail Kirsch, The Lighthouse / Makeup: Sally Duvall / Hair: Styles on B, Stacy Pitt / Cinematography: Michael Justin Films / DJ: High Voltage Sounds DJ / Floral Design: Flowers by Emil / Stationery: Exquisite Affairs Productions / Vintage Checkered Cab: Film Cars

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Post tags: Checkered Cabs, Chelsea, Chelsea Piers, Color Palette Gray Yellow, Exquisite Affairs Productions, Film Cars, Flowers by Emil, Fusion Wedding, Heart Shaped Diamond, High Voltage Sounds DJ, Joseph Lin Wedding Photography, Manhattan, Michael Justin Films, New York, New York City, Our Lady of the Rosary, Robots, Sally Ducall, Stacy Pitt, Styles on B, The Lighthouse, Vintage Cabs, Water, Wedding Planners & Designers, Whimsy, Yellow Cabs

Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Whimsical

What is Pinterest?  According to the website itself, “Pinterest lets your organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web.”  Think about the countless times a day where you see something online and think, “I’ve got to remember that!”  Well now, with Pinterest, there’s no more bookmarking, saving images, or jotting down websites.  With the simple click of a button, you can save the inspiration right to your pinboard.  Another added bonus?  The site saves and links to the original source of the image, so you can easily revisit the link for a refresher.

How do you organize images?  The beauty of Pinterest is that you can organize your images and inspiration ideas however you want.  You can create as many boards as you want, labeling them whatever your wedding planning heart desires.  You can create a board for ceremony ideas, floral, centerpieces, hair, groomsman accessories…the list is endless!  Pinterest lets your organize your ideas however you want!

Where do I get pins?  You can pin things from any place on the web, but lots of Pinterest users love the site because it allows users to connect with one another and share ideas.  Much like you follow people on Twitter, you can follow different people’s Pinterest boards.  This allows you to see what they’re pinning and be inspired by them.  There are some incredible wedding boards out there, and in fact, we’re thinking about starting one of our own!

How can I share my Pinterest with vendors?  Another perk of Pinterest is that it can be viewed from any computer or smart device.  You can email links to vendors or even better, take Pinterest with you to meetings on your iPad or other tablet.  And of course, there is a Pinterest app!

As much as we love the old school wedding binder, we can’t help but dig the ease of Pinterest.  Inspirational and functional, a fabulous combination in the wedding planning world!  So go ahead, give Pinterest a try.  We promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Home or Away? First and foremost, you have to settle on a city before you can choose a venue. Do you plan to get married in your hometown, your current city of residence, or do you want to plan a destination wedding?

Indoor or Outdoor? When you picture your magical day, are you dancing the night away under a canopy of stars or twirling around a marble dance floor under the dim glow of a chandelier? Are you beachside and barefoot or cozy and covered? Choosing between an indoor or outdoor wedding will instantly edit your options for possible rentals.

Large or Small? Is your heart set on an intimate gathering of close friends and family or a massive party of merry well-wishers? Before even considering a venue, think about whether your guests would even fit inside or if the size of the place would make your close-knit nuptials feel sparse and empty. Put together a rough idea of a guest list before previewing venues to ensure that you’re only considering places that are properly sized.

Ceremony, Reception, or Both? Choosing a locale that can accommodate your wedding ceremony and reception often saves time and money, but it can also eliminate several locations you might love. Figure out what’s most important to you before settling on a decision. Did you always dream of getting married in your family church? Do you envision yourself driving away from the ceremony with a lavish send-off? Or would you prefer to get the party started right away just a few steps from the ceremony? Whatever your desires, it’s important to know how you plan to use a venue before you start considering one.

Formal or Casual? When you picture your wedding day, is it all luxury and sophistication or comfort and charm? If you’ve got your heart set on fancy formality, scope out hotel ballrooms, lavish country clubs and resorts, or opulent historic homes. For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider local gardens or parks, a private residence, or an unexpected interactive locale, such as a museum, zoo, or art gallery.

Set the Mood: Choose a wedding venue carefully for your morning soiree that creates the right atmosphere for a fun or formal brunch. Brunch usually takes place between 11am and 2pm so be sure to visit the venue in the morning or afternoon before booking it so you can see how it will appear in the daylight. Does it let in natural sunlight, feel dark and gloomy, or heat up too quickly? Think about the season of your wedding, as well, in order to select a place that will make sense with the weather. Wide windows might provide a majestic view in the autumn, but have guests burning up in the summer. A fireplace keeps things cozy during the winter, but might seem out of place come spring.

Coffee Hour: In lieu of a cocktail hour before the meal, allow guests some time to sip gourmet coffee and munch on little nibblers while they visit with one another. Keep it classy by serving up fancy bite-sized breakfast eats, such as scrambled egg tartlets, petite scones, or miniature quiches.

Main Event: Brunch provides a bevy of options when it comes to selecting and serving the meal. A multi-course meal, served with champagne, adds a more formal feel to the day, while a buffet pleases palates and keeps things casual. For an unusual and exciting culinary option, set up individual food stations, such as a waffle or crepe bar loaded with toppings, a choose-your-own omelet stand, or a meat carving station.

Cocktail Accompaniments: Provide guests with alcoholic options without worrying about any out-of-control partying. A brunch reception saves serious funds since people tend to drink much less earlier in the day. Offer guests a tasty array of breakfast-inspired cocktails, such as mimosas, bloody marys, mint juleps, or bellinis.

Sweet Endings: Just because you’re offering brunch doesn’t mean you have to forgo dessert. Serve up traditional wedding cake in lighter flavors, such as carrot, lemon, or angel food cake, or opt for an assortment of sweet breakfast pastries, like warm cinnamon rolls, fruit danishes, or chocolate croissants.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Cana Video Productions is one of my favorite videographers and after watching this sweet film you’ll see why!

From Kristin of The Dazzling Details… Devon’s one request was to be able to surf the morning of his wedding. Kara has a love of all lanterns, and at the top of the list are star lanterns. Relaxed, romantic and intimate was important. On the beach was equally important. They are a little bit Bohemian, a little bit rock and roll, a lot about family and friends. The color palette of green, gray and purple blended perfectly with natural wood to create one of the most beautiful wedding atmospheres I have ever experienced. We wanted the ceremony to be all about the natural beauty of the beach, so a canopy was created with natural bamboo and a simple white linen draped off-center and surrounded with upside-down hanging greenery. Lanterns filled with florals lined the aisle, and a shoe check area was created to encourage bare-footed-ness! The bridesmaids carried beautiful mini-bouquets, and the flower girl held the most adorable pillow (hanging on a branch) created from the same fabrics used in lounge pillows and embroidered with K + D.

While the bride and groom took a few photos following the ceremony, some guests enjoyed cocktails at the nearby palapa bar to avoid the hot sun while others braved the heat and relaxed in lounge area beneath hotel umbrellas! Beautiful beach cabanas were built with oversized pillows and low tables for those who wanted to relax right on the beach floor with a striking view of the ocean just yards away. And with a groom who absolutely had to surf the morning of his wedding, well, it’s just clear that surfing somehow had to be incorporated into the decor as well. We searched and searched and found old surf boards in Sayulita that we drilled holes into, hammered oxidized nails into and hung escort cards on twine right on the boards. The escort cards, which were each marked with a vintage surfing image, led guests to their dinner tables where the same image popped out of the florals. The tables were topped with burlap centers and decorated with an eclectic grouping of pieces including lanterns, simple jar arrangements, limes, tin stars and twigs. The result was so natural, stunning and fun!

During dinner, guests toasted, chatted and watched the sun drop in to the evening sky. And, of course, prepared themselves for the hours of dancing ahead. The dance floor was created especially for Kara; in the middle of the floor, we constructed a small canopy with upside-down greenery around the perimeter and dozens of star lanterns suspended from underneath to add a twinkling bit of romance to illuminate the dance floor once darkness had set in. Later on in the evening, cake was cut and served while guests mingled in lounge areas and on the beach.

Wedding Photography: Jeff Newsom / Wedding Coordination, Design + Flowers: The Dazzling Details / Wedding Cinematography: Drew Barefoot + Ben Potter of Cana Video Productions / Wedding Venue + Catering: Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta / Wedding Cake: Charme Reposteria / DJ: Sonido Extasis / Trio: Trio Montecarlo / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: The Salon at Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta / Wedding Gown: Watters “Sonora” / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BCBG

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Post tags: BCBG, Ben Potter, Cana Video Productions, Charme Reposteria, Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta, Drew Barefoot, Gray, Green, Jeff Newsom, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Purple, Sonido Extasis, Sonora, The Dazzling Details, Trio Montecarlo, Watters

Post categories: The Blog

1)      Describing your wedding theme or style in confusing and contradicting terms. Sure, you know exactly what you mean when you say “vintage modern,” but people who are listening to you are probably wondering what exactly you’re talking about.

2)      Being insensitive to your bridesmaids and/or guests, a.k.a. being a Bridezilla. Sure, you just want your bridesmaids to look and feel beautiful on your big day, but suggesting they join a gym, get a make-over, etc. is not the best idea.

3)      Getting emotional when you find “the dress.” Of course, you are excited, but someone who doesn’t understand probably thinks you sound ridiculous.

4)      Overestimating your ability to DIY. Sometimes DIY wedding projects are a great way to save money and create unique wedding details, but brides-to-be are famous for taking on more projects than they can handle.

Wedding planning can be stressful, so take a moment to laugh. After you’d watch the video, we’d love to know which scenes reminded you of yourself.

6-9 months before:

- Order a wedding gown.
- Begin an exercise routine to drop pounds for the wedding.

 2-3 months before:

- Book an appointment with a hair stylist and make-up artist for the wedding day.
- Schedule an appointment for manicures and pedicures for you and your bridal party.
- If you’re new to bikini waxing, schedule your first appointment now to get acclimated to the process and eliminate excess swelling or irritation on your wedding day.
- Begin collecting ideas for wedding day accessories, makeup, and hair styles.

1-2 months before:

- Schedule dress fittings for your wedding gown.
- Begin an at-home or professional teeth whitening regimen.
- If you plan to tan, start scheduling appointments, but don’t overdo it. A little color is great, but skin that’s too tanned can look unhealthy and unnatural in photos.
- Final deadline for changing soap, laundry detergent, birth control, or skin-care program to give you ample time to deal with unexpected side effects.

1-2 weeks before:

- Cut back on sodium and alcohol intake to lessen bloating, and double your water intake to ensure fresh and clear skin.
- Get a facial. Skin will look radiant for the wedding without showing signs of irritation.
- Have eyebrows waxed or tweezed to shape them up and eliminate the chance of redness or irritation on the wedding day.
- Have your hairstylist do a trial run of your wedding day ‘do to make sure you’re on the same page and are happy with the look.
- Have your final dress fitting.
- Get your hair colored and trimmed.

1-3 days before:

- Treat hands and feet to a relaxing manicure or pedicure.
- Pack a beauty kit for wedding day touch-ups and emergencies, stocked with waterproof mascara, lipstick, hairspray, concealer, powder, bobby pins, deodorant, perfume, cotton swabs, band-aids, breath mints, and dental floss.
- Get a massage!

Wedding Day:

- Have hair and makeup professionally done by an expert to help you look and feel your best.
- Wear a button-down shirt to hair and make-up appointments to avoid messing anything up when you change.
- Avoid red wine and dark foods, like berries, that can stain teeth in photos.
- Touch up make-up after the wedding ceremony and throughout the reception.

Ethnic Fare: Celebrate your heritage or pay homage to your favorite foods with an ethnically inspired food truck. Chicago food trucks boast everything from Latin tacos as Taquero Fusion to Argentine empanadas at 5411 to Mediterranean “falafelwiches” at the soon-to-be-in-Chicago Falafelwich Wagon.

Sweet Treats: Skip the lavish wedding cake and let guests nibble on a variety of delectable desserts from a cute and kitschy food truck. Flirty Cupcakes, voted Best Food Truck in Chicago, satisfies sweet tooth cravings with a unique assortment of flavorful mini cakes, such as pineapple rum, peanut butter and chocolate, or s’mores varieties. Sweet Ride, a bakery on wheels, doles out whoopie pies, cake pops, and puddings, while Starfruit cools down guests with smoothies and sundaes made with frozen kefir.

Comfort Foods: Ditch the decadent buffet and give guests what they really want: classic comfort food. From gourmet sausages at Haute Sausages to creamy mac’ n cheese at Southern Mac & Cheese to mini sliders at the Slide Ride, Chicago food trucks boast a bevy of options for tickling taste buds and satisfying starving guests.

Royal Influence: As millions watched everywoman Kate Middleton marry her Prince Charming, all eyes were on the wedding details. Expect to see royal influences in 2012, particularly when it comes to gowns. Lace accents, cowl necks, and cap sleeves will be all the rage as brides channel their inner princess.

Food Trucks: 2011 saw the emergence of unique and eclectic food stations at wedding. In 2012, wedding guests should expect to find food trucks parked outside wedding receptions and after-parties. As food trucks are gaining popularity across the nation, brides are taking notice and booking them to provide guests with fun and original fare.

Mix & Match: As couples continue to seek ways to put their own unique mark on the wedding day, dresses and décor will become more eclectic and less uniform. Instead of matching bridesmaid dresses, many brides are opting to showcase their attendants in individual gowns and shoes that are cohesive without being identical. This trend will influence centerpieces, as well, with tabletops boasting several smaller assorted items lumped together, instead of towering centerpieces that look the same.

Photo Backdrops: Say goodbye to photo booths and hello to funky photo shoots. Wedding photographers are recognizing the desire to capture fun and quirky posed portraits of wedding guests, in lieu of strictly candids, so they’re showing up equipped with backdrops and props. Guests can pose individually or alongside friends in a variety of hilarious and posh getups that make for awesome photos that create a great wedding memento.

Nontraditional Wedding Gowns: If New York Bridal Fashion week is any indication, 2012 will be the year of the not-so-white wedding gown. Brides are moving away from traditional ideals of wedding gowns and colors by selecting dresses in various hues or with a punch of color. Blush is growing in popularity as the color of choice, while many women are opting for patterned gowns or dresses with an accented pop of color.

Two Dresses: One wedding dress simply isn’t enough anymore. For years, celebrity starlets have strutted their stuff on their wedding day in multiple gowns and blushing brides are beginning to follow suit. Don’t be surprised to see a lavish gown for the wedding ceremony be traded in for a more comfortable design for the reception.

Smaller Guest Lists: With an emphasis on intimacy and informality, many couples are slashing their guest lists and opting for smaller affairs. Giant, over-the-top events might become a thing of the past as couples choose to say ‘I do’ amidst a close circle of family and friends.

Nature Calls: Rustic and vintage themes will continue to prevail throughout 2012, with brides drawing inspiration from nature. Expect to see muted palettes, heavy on creams, greens, and browns, and an array of natural elements permeating the wedding décor.

Ines Di Santo

Brides that love Ines Di Santo’s commitment to elegance and excellence, but who are hoping for a more youthful flair, should look no further than the esteemed designer’s daughter, Veronica Di Santo. The up-and-coming designer has worked alongside her mother since the age of 5 and has created her own line of wedding dresses, inspired by couture trends around the world. Creating a contemporary alternative to her mother’s opulent classics, Veronica’s line of dresses adds a relaxed, youthful sophistication to the world of bridal couture.

5 Unusual Places to Find a Wedding Dress

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From Dan at Eon Images… Dave is a wedding photographer at Eon Images in Adelaide, South Australia. He proposed to his beautiful girl Erin part way across the Nullarbor on their recent trip from Perth to Adelaide. Did I mention the ring?! The process of choosing a wedding photographer for a photographer’s wedding (get all that?) is made easier by the fact that Dave works with his mate Dan, also a partner of Eon Images! We took off and spent a gorgeous afternoon in the Barossa Valley, beginning at Grant Burge Wines’ cellar door, where the couple had their first date, to get some engagement photos. The wedding will be held later this year in Perth and is set to be a beauty. (Erin is a designer and I am LOVING talking plans with her already!)

Photography: Eon Images / Locations: Grant Burge Wines + Barossa Valley

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Post tags: Australia, Barossa Valley, engagement session, Engagment Photos, Eon Images, Grant Burge Wines

Post categories: Australia Weddings, engagement session, South Australia

A Water Color Wedding | Coming Soon: Missy & Lauren… from Diva Productions

Click here to see the full image gallery!

After dating for several months and realizing that I had absolutely met my best friend, it was clear that we meant to be together. Our plans were to be in WaterColor to celebrate the holidays with my father’s side of the family. Having such a special, amazing time in one of the most incomparably beautiful places, it seemed like this would be the perfect time to ask. Unfortunately, we still did not have a ring decided upon.

In WaterColor, there is a classic candy shop from your childhood with a bunch of stuffed animals and other small toys, amongst which is a big Hello Kitty section. Missy absolutely adores Hello Kitty. On the bottom shelf, thankfully tucked away from desperate eyes pointed at a huge stuffed Hello Kitty, was a rack of faux-antique rings with Hello Kitty jewels. While Missy sadly walked out without a big mushy feline friend, I rushed back and purchased one of the rings, thinking I had found perfection right there. I could barely contain my glee as I skipped outside, trying to look nonchalant while already trying to figure out the best place to ask Missy to be my wife.

Every evening in WaterColor, my family lines up beach chairs and watches the sun magically go down over the Gulf. This would clearly be the perfect place! However, being December, the coast was quite chilly and not everyone who grew up in Miami Beach wanted to stay out to watch, even when given the option of taking my fleece and gloves for warmth. Thus, “Plan A” was foiled. However, being Christmas the next morning there was another opportunity for a special and memorable moment. When we woke up, earlier than the family breakfast, I told Missy that I had gotten her a gift that week. “When? I was with you every minute!” Well, not every minute. I then reached into my coat pocket to get the pink princess Hello Kitty ring still waiting for a finger and got down on one knee in from of the bed. Looking up at the still just-waking Missy, I asked, “Will you marry me?” We then had the most smiling-est, jumping-est, teary-est morning ever.

After being engaged there, the decision to have the wedding at WaterColor was simple; we wanted a wedding where people who loved each other got to spend as much time as possible with one another. WaterColor is phenomenal for family get togethers, and we were excited to introduce so many people to the Emerald Coast.

The concept of a modern beach wedding was matched by the style of all of our fantastic vendors, who absolutely made the day. And we could not have had a better band than Rubik’s Groove. Missy and I both love 80s music, and these guys were the most amazing event band ever. No one sat for the entire night. Even when the delicious food was served, people wanted to be dancing, not eating! All we have seen in the pictures of the tent are empty chairs and a full dance floor!

Cinematography: Diva Productions / Photography: Paul Johnson Photography / Event Designer & Coordinator: Jennifer Warwick-Lewis + Jennifer Fisher for It’s a Shore Thing / Venue: WaterColor Inn & Resort / Venue Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for WaterColor / Cake: Confections on the Coast / Florals: Nouveau Flowers / Officiant: Rabbi Richard Baroff / Band: Rubik’s Groove / Makeup Artist: Yvette Nation / Hair Stylist: Ashley Carter / Ceremony Guitarist: Hunter Dawson

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Post tags: Ashley Carter, Beach, Beach Weddings, Cake Pops, Chinese Lanterns, Color Palette White, Confections on the Coast, Diva Productions, Florida, Hunter Dawson, It’s a Shore Thing, Mirrors, Modern, Nouveau Flowers, Paul Johnson Photography, Rabbi Richard Baroff, Roses, Rubik’s Groove, Santa Rosa Beach, Sunsets, Water, Water Weddings, WaterColor Inn & REsort, Wedding Cinematography, White Roses, Yvette Nation

Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cinematography

This Sydney wedding is just a dream with dream decor and a dream photographer, Aaron Delesie.  The sweet, soft palette and romantic florals (designed by the beautiful bride) make my heart soar to new heights.

This is one of my personal favorite Australia weddings.  We featured this Byron Bay beauty on the Destination blog way back when and it would be a sin to keep it from the pages of SMP Australia.   Scout + Charm are the up-and-coming designers that you need to keep your eye on.  They filled this celebration with some of the most romantic and sweetest details we have ever seen!

There must be something in the water down there because Australian brides bring the handcrafted wedding to a whole new level every time.  This New South Wales celebration was designed and crafted by the bride and it is absolute perfection!  Pobke Photography’s dreamy images magically capture the gorgeous glow and sweet details from the day.

And who can forget this Auckland wedding by Sutherland Kovach?  We fell head over heels for the sweet peach and teal color combo, fabulous floral paper goods by Rifle Paper Co. and sweet, vintage, 50s-inspired details.  It’s one of those weddings that we keep coming back to over and over again for inspiration.

We hope you found just as much inspiration from this Australia weddings round-up as we did.  Make sure you pop over to the original posts for each one and immerse yourself in the full galleries!

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Budget:

Set a budget for the overall expense of favors and then determine how simple or elaborate they’ll be based on the number of guests in attendance.

You can save major cash by purchasing favors in bulk, especially through an online retailer.

Cut costs by giving one favor to each couple instead of individuals.

Make favors perform double duty as place cards or centerpieces.

Depending on the number of guests, why not try making homemade favors to save cash?

Made-from-scratch sweets or a hand-painted gift can make a fabulous favor without breaking the bank.

Time:

When selecting a favor, be sure to plan for assembly time. If you’re planning to give out boxes or bags of treats, remember they’ll need to be packaged at some point, and if they contain perishable foods, you’ll have to assemble them in the days before the wedding.

Save time by selecting a favor that requires little to no work, like prepackaged gifts that can be laid out at each guest’s seat.

Be sure that everyone receives a favor by selecting a time and place for their distribution.

Set favors on each plate, create a favor station by the exit with an easy-to-read sign, or task waiters or ushers with the responsibility of distributing favors as guests arrive or leave the reception.

Eliminate your job altogether by requiring guests to assemble their own favors. Set up a cutesy candy stand with bags or boxes for guests to grab their own sweet treats.

Presentation:

Like every other aspect of your wedding, presentation is everything. Package favors in cute or interesting ways that complements the wedding theme and décor. Online retailers and craft stores sell everything from colored bags to craft boxes and ribbon to create a fun and stylish wrapped favor.

Choose favors in the same color or theme as your wedding. For a holiday affair, pass out Christmas ornaments or frosted gingerbread men, while a jar of jam or basket of fruit is perfect for a rustic outdoor gathering.

Spruce up any item with a personalized tag tied to the top including your names and wedding date, expressions of your thanks, or a meaningful quote.

The arrangement of favors can be artful in their own right—stack them together to create chic centerpieces, hang them from a fabric-covered corkboard, or add a splash of color to place settings by centering them on dinner plates.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

And to make the day even better, the film by Ponderosa Films…

From the bride… Patrick and I met on August 1, 2008 — my first day at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. He was volunteering as a knowledgeable second-year student, and I was a wide-eyed first-year student. After a couple years of memorable Marshall tailgates and long study sessions after work, we got engaged on Labor Day 2010. We immediately picked 9/10/11 for our special day and the planning was underway. As an avid deep sea “fishercouple,” we wanted to incorporate our love for fishing into our wedding, but also wanted the event to be elegant. We also knew we wanted the relaxed feel of a backyard wedding, but still keeping the formality of the event. Our dreams came true with the help of all the amazing and creative vendors who delivered beyond our expectations.

We started with Rancho del Cielo in Malibu, California. To match the natural beauty of the venue, we chose a palette of deep purple and slate grey. My bridesmaids wore floor length Jenny Yoo gowns in slate grey crinkle chiffon, and the groomsmen wore grey suits with different purple ties. As a lover of arts and crafts, I set out on an ambitious list of DIY projects. We started with our own save the dates, invitations, and programs themed “Gone Fishing, back 9.10.11.” Instead of a traditional guestbook, we cut out individual fish shaped cards for people to write messages and put them into our DIY treasure chest with our initials and wedding date. Also, each table was assigned a different species of fish with photos of us with our catch as evidence. Then I found our fishhook-shaped table cardholders from etsy.com. To complete our fishing-related details, we made our own favors by stuffing burlap sacks with fish shaped gummies to imitate a fisherman’s catch. Our florists, Holly Flora, were also an integral part of the overall feel and beauty of the day. They not only created my dream bouquet, but also incorporated fishing props and textures into the overall feel of our floral arrangements and set up.

After planning for a whole year and carefully selecting and trusting our vendors, Patrick & I sat back to bask in every fabulous part of our wedding day. With Amber of Amber Events in command, not only did she make sure we had the necessary last minute heat lamps because of a surprise 10 degree temperature drop the day of the wedding, but she also flattened any “speed bumps” along the way so Patrick and I truly enjoyed everything. Our videographer, a very talented friend from business school, (Vu Thai of Ponderosa Films), surprised us with a same day edit trailer during the reception! It was a phenomenal gesture that touched all and really allowed me to see everything I missed as the bride. As we danced the night away, DJ Roderick of Vox DJ’s played hit after hit, and I had never seen so many wedding guests on the dance floor!  During the final song (Piano Man) all our guests gathered in one big circle, arm and in arm swaying altogether and singing at the tops of our lungs as one big happy family. The entire day from start to finish was more than we could have dreamed of!

Wedding Coordination: Amber Events / Photography: Brandon David Photography / Videography: Ponderosa Films / Venue: Rancho del Cielo Malibu / Flowers: Holly Flora / Officiant: Pastor Peter Kang /Music: Vox DJs / Catering: Auntie Em’s Kitchen / Makeup: Fiore Beauty / Hair: Rene Agurcia of Starr House

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Post tags: Amber Events, Auntie Em’s Kitchen, Brandon David Photography, California, Fiore Beuaty, Holly Flora, Malibu, Pastor Peter Kang, Ponderosa Films, Rancho del Cielo Malibu, Rene Agurcia, Starr House, Vox DJs

Post categories: The Blog

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Their past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Music By Design stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Music By Design for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Music By Design is among the very best DJs within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. Music By Design would like to thank its past clients for nominating them to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012.

Click the link for more information on Music By Design.
To view the official Press Release, click here.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire™, the nation’s leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers.