Real Wedding: Brittany and Edward

On Sunday, February 8th, the DE Team had the honor of directing a wedding for a lovely couple living in Atlanta, GA.  They wanted their winter wedding reception to be in the Windy City in Chicago's most favorite landmark...the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) on the 99th floor.  The 360 degree views should have been amazing for their 120 guests, but the overcast told a different story.

We had 11 weeks to bring Brittany and Edward's dream wedding to life with the help of some amazing vendors.  Take a look at their red, black and white wedding:

Brittany wore a gorgeous Pronovias wedding gown

Brittany's "something blue" was her beautiful Steve Madden wedding shoes

Juliet Tan Floral Design created her lovely rose and bling bridal bouquet and make-up by Lena Clark MUA.
Hair styling by Shantell at Iridescent Hair Salon

Perfection! Wedding day photography and videography by Rush Productions

Nothing but the best for Edward in his custom tuxedo

Married at Edward's home church on the south-side of Chicago

It's all in the details - low centerpiece design by Juliet Tan Floral Design

It's all in the details - low centerpiece design

Stunning 7-tier wedding cake by Delish Cakes

It's all in the details - Escort card by Calligraphy by CT

Gorgeous tall centerpieces by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Edward's Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy groom's cake by Delish Cakes

Brittney & Edward's first dance with music by JAM Music

Skydeck perfection!!!

May have been overcast preventing the Chicago skyline from coming through, but this photo is phenomenal!

Ending the night on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower

Until next time....WEDologize!

Photography by Rush Productions 

Another Postage Increase!!!

As of May 31st, postage rates have increased again!  Out of the blue, too!!!  So if you have purchased your wedding stamps...you are going to need to visit the Post Office again.

The first class (1 ounce, metered mail) stamp will remain the same price of $.49.  This is the stamp used on most respond card envelopes.
BUT
For that additional ounce, the rate goes from $.21 to $.22.  This means, the $.70 stamp you purchase to mail most wedding invitations is no longer $.70 but now $.71.  And guess what, most Post Office do not have the $.71 stamp in stock yet :(  Also the $.34 post card stamp has now increased to $.35.

SO what does that mean for you?  Head back to your local Post Office and grab some $.1 stamps so that you can mail your wedding invitations.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.usps.com)

Staying On The Wedding Planning Track

When planning your wedding, it's a MUST to stay on track because procrastination and lack of focus can take over...or the dreaded BRIDEZILLA could kick in.  Check out some of the "stress-relievers" that could make the planning process flow a little better.

Once you get engaged...SET A REALISTIC TIMETABLE and BUDGET.  Your actual wedding date won't be set until you book your ceremony and reception location(s), but you can select the season, month and year you'd like to get married.  That will determine how long you have to plan this grand event.  Then have the uncomfortable conversation with your fiancee and family about the budget and how much each person can contribute.  It's extremely important to know the budget you are working with before you start planning your big day.

Not everyone you have ever known in life should be invited to your wedding.  Start working on your GUEST LIST as soon as possible because this list will drive a lot of the wedding planning process.  Remember catering and your bar will consume half of your wedding budget so be thoughtful when inviting family and friends.

Make a SEPARATE E-MAIL ACCOUNT for your wedding correspondences.  This way, e-mails won't get intermingled with your business and personal e-mails.  Plus as you begin planning, your e-mail account will become saturated with e-mails from vendors and other wedding-related messages.

Then of course, start interviewing PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNERS to assist you with the wedding planning process.  A planners resources and skills will become invaluable as you move forward with your special day.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Happy Matrimony Monday!!!

Well I thought I wasn't going to start my 2012 blogging until tomorrow, but Matrimony Monday totally slipped my mind!  What does Matrimony Monday mean?  Well with the most engagements happening between the Christmas and New Year holiday, the Monday after New Year Day is believed to be the most popular planning day of the newly engaged bride.  So of course, I need to be apart of the planning and education :)

Below are a few of our blog posts that I find most helpful when beginning the wedding planning process.  Let me know your thoughts as you use the topics to plan one of the most memorable days of your life.

Save The Date

Congrats on Your Engagement

Engaged! Let's Celebrate!

WEDology Notebook: For The Budget-Chic Bride

Gratuity Information

Wedding Websites

Making It Legal

Show Me The Money

Wedding Planning Hidden Fees & Costs

Dressing The Tables

Reception Buffets

WOW Factor

31 Days of December Blogging

And don't forget to check out all the posts published December 2011.  It was 31 Days of creative fun!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

UMPH Your Hot Chocolate!

Now that the 2009 wedding season is over, I'm finally getting into the holiday spirit! This is the time of year that you want to bundle up on the sofa, be with family, watch a little TV and chase it with a good cocktail. So instead of your typical "warming" hot chocolate, I've shared a hot chocolate recipe with a little UMPH and it's RED! Enjoy!!!
(borrowed from http://www.whattodrink.com/)

Ingredients
1 oz. Campari
2 oz. Brandy
3 oz. Milk
0.5 oz. (optional) Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons Chocolate Chip

Directions
Put milk, cream & chocolate in a milk frothing cup used for espresso. Froth milk as you would for cappuccino. When milk is hot remove frothing wand and whisk or stir vigorously until chocolate is completely melted. Add Campari and Brandy. Pour into heat-resistant cup. Can be garnished with 1 large hand-cut marshmallow or a red peppermint stick.

Happy Holidays!!

Sweets! Sweets! And More Sweets!

I just read an article on the New York Times website about a couple in Pittsburgh that had an all cookie dessert station at their reception. I simply love the idea and I'm sure their guest enjoyed it! Today's couples are moving away from the costly wedding favors that are placed at each guest's place setting and opting to give them something that is sure to make them smile. Too many times I've collected extra guest favors and returned them to the couple at the end of the reception. I always wonder what are they going to do with dozens of CD's, wine stoppers, colored boxes or organza pouches..."Tis the Season". Candy Buffets, Dessert Bars and Popcorn Stations are becoming mainstream at receptions just like the signature drink did a few years ago. These interactive stations allow guest to sample some of the couples favorite treats during the festivities or box/bag them up to go. Plus, the variety of offerings available will have your coordinator packaging up EMPTY vases at the end of the evening. And don't think these stations have to color coordinate with your wedding palette, cookies and candy come in too many different colors to limit yourself. Indulge!!

Until next time...WEDologize.

Five Ways to "WOW" Your Guests

Over the planning years, I've learned one thing...guests want to be entertained when attending a wedding reception. They want to see something new...something they haven't seen at the last wedding they attended. It's now about creating those signature elements...creating the "WOW Factor". Below are a few suggestions - inexpensive suggestions - to Wedologize your wedding reception:

1. Change your gown and make another entrance. Ladies, change from the princess-look of the ceremony into something sexy and easy to dance in at your reception. It always puts a smile on the groom's face.
2. Plan out your first dance. I once had a couple that choreographed their entire routine to Michael Jackson and the guests loved it...and I think they had fun as well.
3. Create a slide show. This is a great opportunity to create a buzz and laughter during the cocktail hour or while guests eat dinner during the reception.
4. Add an element of specialty lighting. Pink and amber tones (according to The Knot) can soften the reception space and add real elegance.
5. Bring a show. Adding a comedian, impersonator or dancers can only enhance the celebration with a lot of laughter and smiling faces.

Until later...plan the best wedding celebration without breaking the bank.

It is Written...on a budget

Invitations are important when creating the signature-style for your wedding. They speak volumes to your guests and gives them insight as to what type of wedding you are having (formal, semi-formal, informal or casual) based on the selection of card stock, printing techniques, color and embellishments. Still as you know, they can be costly depending on your taste. But I have pulled from my coordinator mind and experience to list a few cost saving tips to assist you with your invitation budget:

• If possible, try to add the reception information to the bottom of the wedding invitation, especially if they are in the same location. This will save on the cost of having to purchase a reception card.


• Think of using a postcard in place of your RSVP card w/ envelope. Postage will definitely be less expensive. Or, think of asking guests to RSVP on your wedding website or to a toll-free number.


• Also, when ordering invitations, think about eliminating colored ink. There is an additional charge when the ink is not black.


• I know the large square invitations can give you that "wow factor", but they also cost more in postage. You can still get that punch by selecting a colored card stock, fancy fonts or adding embellishments.

Until next time...WEDologize your budget!