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

Today's PIN IT PIC is actually none other than MY design!  I'm excited to share one of the photographs taken of my design featured in Chicago Style Weddings magazine called, "Refreshingly Simple".  What makes this photo such  a WOW FACTOR look is not the vibrant colors of aqua and lemon yellow.  Not even the modern approach the the stationery on the uniquely positioned napkin.  But the small details of adding a rock candy sucker and a ranaculus to the plate!  It's those tiny DETAILS that guests enjoy and really get excited about! Enjoy!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photography by Yaneck Wasiek, Wasio Photography, wasiophotography.com; menu card by www.CT-Designs.com; linens, flatware, etc. by www.ClassicPartyRentals.com)

Decorating Your Wedding Ceremony

Upon planning the wedding ceremony, there are certain florals to consider when adding the finishing touches to the wedding party and making the decor complete. When selecting your color palette, you will consider a wide array of floral designs to bring forth your vision.

When selecting for the wedding party, the following florals should be considered:

Bridal bouquet

Maid and/or Matron of Honor bouquet

Bridesmaids bouquets

Flower Girl basket arrangement, petals or pomander

Mothers and Grandmothers corsages (pin or wrist)

Hostesses corsages (pin or wrist)

Groom's boutonniere

Best Man and Groomsmen boutonniere

Ring Bearer boutonniere

Fathers and ushers boutonniere

Officiant boutonniere (or corsage), if the minister is not wearing a robe

Presentation flowers for mothers (or special women in the couple's life)

Memorial bouquet or arrangement

When selecting the ceremony decor, the following should be considered:

Altar, Arch or Chuppa floral decor

Chair or Pew decorations
Decorations for the unity candle or sand ceremony

Aisle runner
Aisle petals

Guest Book floral piece

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Dejanae Events)

VOTE for Refreshingly Simple!

As many of you are aware, I was one of six designers in Chicago Style Weddings Designer's Challenge 2012-2013.  My aqua, lemon and white inspired design called, Refreshingly Simple, truly POPPED off the pages of the magazine due the vibrant colors and famed sweetheart table design.  Well now is the time to vote for your favorite design...((hint hint - Refreshingly Simple))...so that one of the six planners/designers can hold the covenant title of WINNER.  ((cough cough - Refreshingly Simple))

Please visit Chicago Style Weddings Designer's Challenge 2012-2013 and vote ((wink wink - Refreshingly Simple) at http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/designer-challenge/main.aspx! You can only vote once and to meet the entire Refreshingly Simply team, please check out our earlier blog.

Until next time...PLEASE VOTE and WEDologize!

(photo credits -  http://www.wasiophotography.com/)

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

What's a WOW FACTOR cocktail and dinner wedding reception without tuxedo and white glove services of your delish and creative signature drink?!?!  I'm not only loving the names of the actual drinks on that gorgeous white serving tray, but the tie the server is wearing is the finishing touch for what I'm sure was a FABULOUS reception!  Oh and those drinks look...TASTY!!! :) Enjoy!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - WedLuxe | Photographed by Ikonica)

Happy Macaron Day 2013!

Just providing some visual stimulation this first day of spring, in spite of it being cold in Chicago, and to celebrate Macaron Day 2013!  Simply delish! Enjoy!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  www.insidevancouver.ca; www.thierrychocolates.com; www.theknot.com; www.tumblr.com; www.etsy.com)

The Forgotten Wedding Party Member: FOG

Emotional Father and Son hug

So you have to be wondering who I'm speaking about when I titled this blog post, "The Forgotten Wedding Party Member: FOG".  We'll I'm talking about the Father of the Groom.  He is the one wedding party member that tends to be forgotten and no one really knows what he's to do other than be the dad of the groom.  Well below are a few tasks to make the FOG feel included:

• Host an engagement party with the Mother of the Groom for the groom's side of the family.  The bride's parents host the 1st engagement party of the couple.
• Assist with the wedding planning and attend appointments when asked.
• Assist with planning the rehearsal dinner.
• Escort the groom's mother down the aisle and is seated in the 1st row on the right side, if it's a Christian ceremony.
• Greet guests at the ceremony and reception locations.
• Offer a toast to the newly married couple during the reception.
• Dance with his new daughter-in-law at least once during the night.
• BUT the biggest task of the day is to support his son...the groom.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.NeilCowley.com)

A Wedding Ceremony WITH Ushers

I get asked by many of my clients after they have selected their wedding party...do I need to have ushers?  Well below are the "duties" of a wedding usher.  That way, you can decide if you need to have one or two (or three) on site during the wedding ceremony.

• Greet guests as they arrive.
• Escort the single woman and elder to their seats.
• Know the seating for the special guests.
• Make sure the wedding programs, if there are any, are passed out prior to the start of the ceremony.
• Light altar candles.
• Escort the grandmothers and mothers down the aisle during the ceremony.
• Pull the aisle runner down the aisle before the flower girls enter.
• Assist with rounding up the wedding party for photographs.
• Gather any items that may be left behind after the ceremony.
• Direct guests to the wedding reception.

And just as I ask the wedding party members to arrive to the ceremony location at least one-hour before the start of the ceremony, the same is asked of the ushers.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.ourweddingusher.com; www.i-do.com.au)

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

The amazing-ness in today's Pin It Pic isn't the fabulous metallic lounge furniture.  Nope.  It isn't the LUXE mirrored coffee tables with the BLING candle globes.  Nope.  But what shines brightly in this photo is the gorgeous patterned floor gobo and the luminescent up lighting glowing behind the LUSH fabric backdrop!  OMG...stunning and WOW Factor all rolled together!!!

 
Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit -WedLuxe | Bebb Studios)

More Than Just Wedding Photography

 

After you have selected and hired your wedding photographer, don't just stop there! Think of using their services for additional projects that could only enhance your wedding experience.

Engagement session - These are some GREAT photos to add to your wedding collection. This session will allow you and your groom to show your playful side on camera in conjunction with the love you share for one another. Plus, it's an added advantage for your photographer to get familiar with your body language so that he can capture only the best photos of you and your husband on wedding day.

 

Boudoir Session - Tell me what groom would not like to see an album of sexy photographs (for his viewing pleasure only) of his bride-to-be?!?! Select a photographer you feel comfortable with and allow them to capture some shots of you in lingerie or your groom's favorite shirt. You will feel so sensual and pretty!

 

Rehearsal Dinner Coverage - Your photographer can attend this intimate, casual affair and capture photographs of your interactions with family and friends, especially those that have traveled for your wedding.

 

Day-After Sessions - These sessions take place after the wedding, of course, and will allow you and your husband to take more artistic shoots and not be confined to the hours allowed during the reception while you are trying to greet guests.  One the newest trends are the "Morning-After" shots that can range from steamy and sexy to playful and cute.  And if you haven't heard about it, bride's are doing "Trash The Dress" sessions where you may decide to jump in a pool, mud or play in the dirt while wearing your expensive wedding gown. I don't really know how conventional that is, but hey...thought I'd put it out there.

 

Until next time...WEDologize!

 

(photo credits - www.harrisonlongphotography.com;  www.rawphotodesign.com; http://primesourceentertainment.com; www.NYmag.com)

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

The days of the head table are becoming obsolete and giving way to more modern style tables like the sweetheart table and kings table.  But when I saw this head table...I screamed AMAZING-NESS!!!  If you are going to have a head table positioned in front of all the guest tables within the reception space...go BIG, BOLD, BLING, LAVISH and LUSH!!!  I just adore the BLING belt running across the front of this stunning head table! WOW FACTOR!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.WedLuxe.com | Sweet Pea Photography)

Your Wedding Reception Venue Includes?

As for you move forward with selecting your reception location, here is a brief list of questions to ask the catering/banquet manager regarding what they do (or do not) provide.  Some of these "fees" can drive your budget up so be aware of what is included.

• What's included with the venue - tables, chairs, china, flatware, stemware?
• What are your basic linens? And what is the cost for upgrading?
• What is your basic table decor?
• Do you provide the wedding cake? If not, is there a cake cutting fee?
• Is coat check complimentary or is there a fee?
• Is there a bridal room or private room for dressing? Does it lock?
• Do your provide any audio visual equipment and if so, what is the fee?
• Do you have a dance floor?
• Is there a charge for security or is that a complimentary service?
• Do I need to provide insurance for my wedding reception?
• Do you have adequate parking for the number of guests invited or is valet service available?
• Do you allow outside vendors that the couple secures or do you have a preferred vendors list?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photographer credit - Grace Havlak)

Wedding Veil Alternatives

I went on a wedding gown search with my newest September client this past weekend.  My gorgeous bride looked amazing in pretty much everything she tried on...but not a single veil completed the look due to the style of gown she liked.  So that got me to thinking, what are come alternatives for "hair ornaments" when a wedding veil just won't due.  Take a look:

Bird cage veil w/ side bun

Ornate head band w/ up-do

Silk flower w/ cascading braid

Orchids w/ chignon bun

Jeweled barrette w/ side swept hair

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: artificial flower -  Tessa Kim; bird cage veil - YJDesign; headband - http://zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com; orchids - Style Me Pretty; barrette - Project Wedding)

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

It's snowing once again in Chicago and although it's cold, fresh snow is simply beautiful!  Today's Pin It Pic reminded me of just that...gorgeous glistening snow!  The all white tablescape with this stunning crystals and orchids centerpiece is beyond AMAZING!!!  WOW FACTOR to the fullest!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Style Me Pretty and Kristin Vining Photography)