...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

What a stunning background for this fabulous wedding reception!  Lush garden wall of greenery.  Awesome chandelier!  Vibrant flowers in rich hues.  Crystal clear stemware just pops off the sequin table linens.  WOW FACTOR and simply GORG!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credits  - http://hiddengardenflowers.com/My-blog.aspx)

My Hour with David Tutera

I had the privilege last might to attend an intimate event featuring the one and only, wedding planning mogul, David Tutera! Invited last week by promoters, A-List Events, I wasn't sure what to expect as I journeyed to Water Tower Place, 7th Floor, In Fashion Lounge. But being in his presence, listening to how he started out in the business and witnessing what he has created, rejuvenated and inspired me to carry on in the business I'm so passionate about.

So enough with the mushy stuff, what did Mr. Tutera have to say about weddings and what's new with the brand, David Tutera?

David's brand includes: My Fair Weddings, bridal gowns by Mon Cheri that range from $750-$1,500, an expanding line of wedding accessories seen in JoAnn Fabrics, fine jewelry in Sears department stores, bridal shoes (coming early 2013), Embellishments (affordable jewelry coming out in days), a line of fabrics, and online wedding planning. WOW!!!

I had the opportunity to ask the following question - what trends do you see in 2013? And he replied - Bold, BOLD colors of deep reds and burgundy and not just in the fall; purples aren't going anywhere...they are still around; and gold and bronze. He also stated that the end is near for late night parties after the wedding reception. Couples are keeping it all in one location and that saves money.  David also went on to answer additional questions from the audience in which he responded:

• Overall wedging budgets have decreased from $32,000 to almost $22,000, but brides are purchasing more because the wedding industry is growing!
• The most important parts to focus on with the wedding budgets are (1) food and beverage, (2) entertainment and (3) the look / decor.
• If you are renewing your vows, make it fun!!! Play a four minute recap video of the wedding day and recreate your first dance.
• Themes are not necessary and the theme "Old Hollywood" is overused.
• For the groom, think and dress like James Bond. Keep it simple. Tailor the jacket. Eliminate the colored vests and ties and definitely no cummerbunds. The most formal look a groom can have is a white jacket w/ black slacks and a white or ivory shirt.

Well that's all I can say right now. But tune into the next season of "My Fair Wedding" starting Sunday, September 9th on WeTV.  David says its different than last season and even more fabulous!

Oh and sorry for the poor picture quality, the lounge was dimly lit and we could not use flash :)

Until next time...WEDologize! 

Food and Beverage Wedding Carts

I'm always about adding something fun and whimsical to a wedding reception or event.  Something that your guests don't typically see everyday.  So when the dessert tables and buffets gained momentum, my clients leaped at the idea of designing tasty treats for their guests.  But how about putting a spin on those distinct buffet tables and stations...bring a cart into the space!  Yes a cart. On wheels. With a fun food. Candy. Beverage. Dessert.

Beverage cart for your bar or specialty drink
and it could include some tasty finger foods

In love with this wheel barrel of candies and nuts!!!

How fun is this pink old fashion cotton candy cart!

Don't go out to a hot dog stand. Bring the cart inside to your celebration.
This would make a GREAT late night snack!

And instead of a popcorn station, have a popcorn cart and containers!

But due to food ordinances, make sure to check with your venue to make sure this is allowed and where can it be placed (indoors or outdoors).  And should you really want to make this a DIY project, check out your rental companies to rent a cart and add your own "treats" to make your wedding and/or event more personalized.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - wheel barrel; beverage cart; popcorn cart; hot dog cart; cotton candy)

Personalizing The Wedding Day

I think it's so thoughtful and makes a wonderful beginning to one of the most exciting days of your life...when you can personalize an item that your fiancee' will be wearing or carrying as they walk down the aisle.  It becomes much more than a keepsake, but a memory that will last a lifetime.  Take a glance at some of the ways you can go further in personalizing your wedding day.

The groom writes a personal message to his soon-to-be wife

The bride writes (or sews) a personal message
to his husband -to-be

The couple writes a personal message to one another
and it's displayed on each of their chairs

Have an attendant deliver the bride a handwritten note the day of the wedding...
attached to a present, of course!

Prior to the wedding, the couple writes words (or phrases) about the good in each person
and they are framed and displayed at the ceremony or reception

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits - bride's shoes; groom's tie; chair frames; handwritten note; framed words of love)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

The focus today isn't 100% about the gorgeous pink ombre' cake with Dahlia accent.  It's not solely about how the cake rests on stunning vases showcasing candles and bling. The focus isn't even the staircase of floating candle vases alongside that gorgeous structured piece of art.  But today's Pin it Pic is about the entire picture and how all the elements work together!  The photograph is a piece of glamorous art and I love it!!! Enjoy!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credit - http://lvlevents.com/real-wedding-bethony-chad)

Useful Wedding Tips #2

Earlier this year I did an e-mail pictorial on some Useful Wedding Tips about "how to line up for the ceremony", "tablescape layouts for a formal and informal dinner" and the "dimensions of wedding cakes".  Well today's blog will add a few more pictures for you to store away while planning your wedding.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - invitation assembly; Wedding Flowers Seasons; Wine Glasses; Bridal Veil)

Dejanae Events: The Knot Best of Weddings 2012

I'm once again excited and thankful to be named "The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick" in the wedding planners category featured in the latest The Knot Chicago - Fall/Winter 2012 edition!!!  This our third "Best Of" and an honor we hold close to our hearts because the reviews are given by our clients!!! 5-Stars!!!

Also, check out our one-page feature on page 48 of The Knot Chicago - "Wedding Planner's Dish".

Until next time...WEDologize!

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

There are not enough words to describe my feeling for this ALL BLACK with BLING wedding bouquet!  Who said a bride could not wear or CARRY black...sequins...bling! STUN.NING!!!  Oh and I cannot forget the groom's bout! Seriously sophisticated and chic!!! WOW FACTOR all the way!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credits - Grace Ormonde Wedding Style and Mike Colón Photographers)

A Spin on Wedding & Event Desserts

Today's blog is not about what types of desserts to serve during the wedding or event reception, but how to present them to your guests.  In many cases, you'll have some nicely monogrammed napkins or a small china dessert plate to collect your sweets, but consider some of the vessels below to add more design to your dessert service or display.

Ceramic ice cream bowls w/ ceramic spoons

Mini martini glasses w/ paper straws

Porcelain Spoons

Upside down votive candle holders

Wine glasses

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: wine glass; mini martini glasses; votive holders; ice cream bowls; trio of desserts)

Guess Who Is In The Knot Chicago!!!

I'm so VERY EXCITED to share our one page feature in The Knot Chicago - Fall/Winter 2012 edition!!!  The four tips I offered under "Wedding Planners Dish" page 48 addresses:  Stationery, Wedding Cake, Sweetheart Table and Summer Events.

We are also names The Knot Best of Weddings 2012!!!  Our THIRD time...but I'll save that post for another blog :)

Until next time...Pick up the latest The Knot Chicago and WEDologize!

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

For me, it's not just about this elegant tablescape...lace linens, crystal goblets, fine silver flatware, napkin with rhinestone touches, or rich gold-leafed china...but it's about the silk booklet-style wine and dinner menu at each guests place setting.  Now that's a statement piece! WOW Factor at its finest!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credits: Alia Designs, Chicago, IL; Photography: Ron Manville c/o Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, weddingstylemagazine.com)

Food and Beverage Bar Ideas

I love the fact that food and beverage bars are becoming a staple at wedding receptions and events.  Venues are even adding these bars to their menu selections.  Giving your guests options outside of wedding cake and your standard bar brings delight to guests.  Check out some of these alternatives to your candy and cupcake stations...I'm sure they will add some spice to your reception!

Mimosa Bar

Cookie Bar

Donut Bar

Mashed Potato Bar

Mini Pie Bar

Sushi Bar

Until next time...WEDologize!

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Imagine this.  Your guests arrive to the ceremony location, are greeted by a smiling hostess and usher who lead you down a walkway to the actual ceremony site.  But wait...the journey to the ceremony site is so breathtaking that you have to stop and take it all in.  The columns are stunning and reek elegance!  Can you imagine what the actual wedding ceremony looked like?!?! WOW FACTOR!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: WedLuxe)

Sequencing The Wedding Ceremony

When planning out your traditional Christian wedding ceremony, as with most things, there is a particular order you should consider.  Check out our order below for the basics of this style wedding ceremony.

Prelude or Seating of Guests. 
This is the time when some soft/light music should be played while guests are entering the ceremony venue.  Have ushers available to seat your guests and hostesses passing out wedding programs.

Seating of Parents and/or Immediate Family Members. 
This movement starts the wedding ceremony and the Mother of the Bride is the last of the family to be seated in the first row on the left side.

Groom and Officiant Enter. 
The Officiant, Groom and Best Man will enter from the right side to take their position at the altar.

Wedding Processional. 
The order of this processional will be - bridesmaids & groomsmen; maid and/or matron of honor; ring bearer; usher to pull the aisle runner; and last will be the flower girl.

Bridal Processional. 
The grand entrance of the bride and her father or escort.

Exchange of Vows.
"Do you take this "person" to be your lawful..."

Exchange of Rings. 
The time in which to slip the bling on your fingers!

Pronouncement. 
"I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!!!"

Recessional. 
The bride and groom depart first, then everyone else will follow.

Of course you want to make the ceremony unique to both the bride, groom and their families.  Add readings, poems and songs that are meaningful to you as a couple.


Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Fender and Donisch)