For serious, I just about DIED when I saw this tickle-me-pink treat this morning! Sent to me from Ms. T (wad up, Lauren!), via mywedding.com, this one of a kind wedding day detail is just about as unique as they come. Why? One may ask. Well, to put it frankly, it’s because it’s about the groom!
All too often when it comes to wedding planning, grooms are rarely (if ever!) mentioned. Falling to the wayside after the proposal, soon-to-be-hubbies almost always become props in their bride’s wedding day plans. But the most amazeballs part is how gladly said grooms assume their role in the way, WAY back just to please their queens. (Sigh) Whether they don’t really care about the details or they simply care about her too much, I always seem to warm from the inside out at the thought of the notion :)
With that said, however, I also absolutely la-Louvre when a groom takes matters into his own hands (without roughing the bridal waters) and provides his lady with a special surprise, unique to his personality, as well as their love.
Set up as anniversary present for his wife, Denne, Dan made a “slammin” rap mix for their one year celebration. With the help of GiftRapped.com, Dan was able to put his lyrics to music and accompany it with photos from their wedding day. Haha! Too and much. Check out below and see what I mean.
My only concern now is… who am I gonna make one of these treats for?? It’s not like you have to have a good voice to rap; you just have to have a voice! Therefore, it’s something open for all!
Now I know at least one pretty lady (wad up, Carolyn – our fearless MK leader) who won’t be happy about this trend, but I gotta admit, I kind of dig it :)
Sure, it’s not traditional in the least, and it would take just the right bride to pull it off… but some of the colorful results are nothing short of spectacular! According to Brides Fashion Director, Rachel Leonard, “You don’t have to wear a white wedding dress anymore, but it still has to look like a wedding dress. The trick is to find a color that’s flattering on your skin tone, and not everyone looks good in white.” (brides.com)
I mean, heeeellllooooo?!?! It seems so simple. Sure, tradition would have every bride pinned in white, but what tradition doesn’t understand is that some ladies simply don’t feel sexy in it. And shouldn’t every bride get to feel beautiful on her big day? I think YES!
So, bring on the colorfully carefree bridal gowns and see how some of today’s biggest designers put a more vibrant pallette to work!
Vera Wang. While her entire Fall 2013 bridal line is chalk full of deep blush tones and black, her Spring 2013 line is filled with color in HD!
courtesy of verawang.com
Oscar de la Renta. It’s all about ice blues and red hots in Oscar’s 2013 Spring Bridal Collection, and looking at these pups strut, I can see why!
courtesy of oscardelarenta.com
Demetrios. Lavender blue dilly dilly dilly, lavender green… and all the other pastel colors in between can be seen in Demetrios’ bridal line!
courtesy of demetriosbride.com
Douglas Hannant. And don’t forget about patterns… they’re no longer just for bridesmaids as Douglas Hannant’s Spring 2013 Collection shows!
Forget the diamonds and pearls. You can keep your tulle and lace… because brides everywhere are flocking to flowers when it comes to finishing their looks, and the result is nothing short of stunning.
Breathtaking baby’s breath. Powerful peonies. Radiant roses. Delicate daisies. Lovely lilies and greens of grandeur all come together in one of this spring’s hottest trends: Flower Crowns!
Their popularity can really only be defined by their versatility. Sure, it’s easy to picture your happily clad, hippie friend or a Boho-chic beauty when you think of these blossoming toppers, but just below the surface of the obvious, there’s a whole new audience delightfully delving into this Mother Nature inspired trend.
Because the crowns can be anything from avant garde and over-the-top to softly serene and ethereal, they really are something every bride can adjust to her particular taste. Not to mention, they can make for an incredibly easy and fun DIY wedding project! Check out below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from left to right, top to bottom) lexiebeauty.blogspot.com, myfavouritecolourisshiny.wordpress.com, peoniesandpearls.co.uk, allyritchie.com, onewed.com, bridalmusings.com, lovelybride.com, engagedandinspired.com, portender.com, c-h-c-h-e-r-r-y-b-o-m-b.tumblr.com, engagedandinspired.com, etsy.com, wolfeyebrows.wordpress.com and chicvintagebrides.com
I recently came across an article on sheknows.com – a smart, beguiling website / professional hub filled with fun content and deft information – and thought it appropriate to share with all my favorite brides-to-be. Enjoy, kittens :)
Weather. Think about the time of year your wedding will take place and consider the weather complications that could come with it. If rain is in the forecast, be safe and put a tent on hold. For impending tropical storms, make sure you have a secondary location so you and your guests will be safe.
Alcohol. Staying sober on your wedding day keeps you in control and constantly aware of your surroundings. After all of the time, money and energy you have spent on making your day perfect, make sure you stay clear-headed so you can enjoy it!
Wilting wedding flowers. Consider the elements your flowers will be subjected to before making a decision. If it’s hot and humid, delicate flowers won’t make it very long. Ask your florist what will work best after considering the environment.
Overspending. When planning a wedding, spending over your budget is easy to do. But in the end, remember that you want to enjoy not just the wedding day itself but also the memory of it. If you go into debt over your big day, that won’t be the case. Instead of overspending on the wedding, put aside some money for future anniversary vacations.
Vendor drama. Three days before your wedding, make sure all vendors have been contacted about arrival times and contracted services. Confirm all details and expectations on the contract.
Untamed children. Making an effort to entertain the children attending your ceremony and reception can go a long way with your guests. Fill children’s activities boxes with coloring books, small toys or even games to keep them entertained and out of trouble.
Toast(ed). Ask those giving toasts prior to the wedding what they are going to talk about. Feel free to give suggestions or ask them to leave out any unnecessary or embarrassing information.
Unhappy guests. If you aren’t doing a receiving line, make sure to visit each guest’s table during your reception. Saying hello to your guests and thanking them for their gifts will make them feel appreciated.
Unexpected music. Unless you want to watch grandma do the funky chicken five times in a row, make sure your entertainment knows what you expect from them and what music not to play.
Last minute loose ends. Want to know the best thing you can do to make sure your day is perfect? Hire a wedding planner! From full planning to day-of packages, wedding planners offer a variety of services that help you take care of any and all unexpected dilemmas on your big day.
(sheknows.com, 10 Possible Wedding Dilemmas, Ashley Gain, 29 September 2011)
That’s right, my friends, the Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-stars are FINALLY tying the knot! After seven years, countless speculations, one gargantuan celebrity scandal and 2034289 kids later, these two purrr-fectly proportioned kittens are getting hitched… and I, along with all my other celebrity junky counterparts, couldn’t be more excited!
On April 13, 2012 – just a shade under a decade after the celebrity break-up scandal of the century – the most famous other woman, Angelina Jolie, and Mr. Anniston’s (former) other half, Brad Pitt, were forced into the nuptial limelight after Jolie was spotted sporting a right ring finger rock out in public. Celebrity media went into overhaul, until reps of the couple officially confirmed the engagement rumors were no longer rumors at all :)
According to USMagazine.com, Brad proposed to Angie during a weekly Jolie-Pitt family meeting in front of their six (yes, six, not 2034289 – hehe) children, to which Angie happily responded with tears of joy.
Tears of joy, indeed! CBS News reports, it took Brad an entire year co-designing this tablet-styled, 16-carat diamond stunner with jeweler, Robert Procop, to get it just right…
Marisa Guthrie, senior writer for the Hollywood Reporter, broke the story of the Jolie-Pitt engagement after receiving a hot tip that the hot woman was seen with some sparkle on her right finger at a benefit last Wednesday. (photo courtesy of mommyish.com)
And why now after seven years was the itch to get hitched so great?? Well, all the pressure, of course! But not the media pressure… oh no! The kids’ pressure, duh! is what finally made Brad get down on one knee.
On a recent CBS Sunday Morning interview, Pitt confirmed that Maddox, 10, Pax, 8, Zahara, 7, Shiloh, 5, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 3 were all anxious to see their parents get married. Pitt reported catching grief from his kids about why he and “Mommy” hadn’t gotten married when all their friends’ parents were married.
After responding with, “We will someday. We will,” Pitt was confronted with a chorus of, “Get Mommy a ring then!”
Haha :)
While the certified wedding date hasn’t been announced yet, I can only it happens soon! (And that my invite comes even sooner!!) Surely, they’ll want me at the affair :)
In the meantime, here are some other E! Online celebrity powerhouse couples who also took their time in tying the knot:
Jay-Z & Beyoncé
This multi-talented, multi-million dollar couple kept their private love under wraps for six years before saying "I do" in NYC back in 2008. (photo courtesy of music.yahoo.com)
Brian Austin Green & Megan Fox
This uber hot couple may have started seeing love stars back in 2004, but it wasn't until 2010 that they made it official on a private Hawaiian beach in front of Green's son. (photo courtesy of justjared.com)
Jewel & Ty Murray
This singer and rodeo star celebrated for 10 years before tying the knot under the sunset in the Bahamas. (photo courtesy of usatoday.com)
Mark Wahlberg & Rhea Durham
Mark and Rhea had 8+ years and 3 kids under their belt before taking the nuptial plunge back in August of 2009. (photo courtesy of withfriendship.com)
Woody Harrelson & Laura Louie
Talk about staying power! Woody and his lady love had more than 20 years of before they wed just after Christmas in '08 near their home in Hawaii. (photo courtesy of newshopper.sulekha.com)
David Letterman & Regina Lasko
But nobody can top the king of late night comedy and his leading lady. She had the starring role in his love life for more than 23 years before they got married back in 2009! (photo courtesy of beersteak.com)
Like everything else in today’s modern weddings, the shoe selection has also taken on a less traditional approach. No longer are the days of white and ivory pumps and black tuxedo shoes – oh no, my friends!
Today’s modern brides and grooms are opting on the side of trendy and leaning towards shoes that showcase their personalities. Sure, sure, everyone knows that wedding shoes with color have been around for a minute, but I’m not just talking about color. I’m talking about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g from color and comfort to crazy and charismatic.
Chuck Taylors are now the new fashion forward flats. Cowboy boots are the edgier Manolo Blahniks, and trojan sandles are the cutting edge of slip-on’s.
I’m telling you what, there just doesn’t seem to be a limit to what brides and grooms will wear… and I la-LOUVRE it!! While I was all over the idea of colored shoes years ago, I can’t help but smile when I see this trend put into action. Don’t believe me?? Just check below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) magnetstreet.com, weddingsandeventsbymuse.com, onewed.com, stephen.lovelifeimages.com, weddingallabout.com, topthiswedding.blogspot.com, hionfashion.blogspot.com, greenweddingshoes.com, bridalbuds.com (insert) and joshuagenephotography.com
Drape them on your chairs. Tie them up in trees. Dangle them from ceilings. Cinch them in bouquets or simply let them fly free… but no matter what, be sure your big day celebration gets some serious use out of do-it-yourself ribbons!
According to the founder of Style Me Pretty, Abby Larson, “Ribbon details are huge right now.” She says, “Draped off the back of Chiavari chairs or hanging in a colorful line from a dessert table, ribbon is a cheap and gorgeous way to add that pop of color.” (glo.msn.com) And we couldn’t agree more!
With their cheap cost and whimsical appeal, brides and grooms everywhere are learning just how beautiful ribbon decorating can be! And because they come with such a punch of DIY status, you’ll really have fun seeing what kind of decor you can come up with next :)
It can be as monumental as canopying the entire ceiling of your reception hall with their silky goodness or as simple as creating small ribbon wands for guests to wave… truly the choice is up to you. See some inspiration below:
photos courtesy of (from left to right, top to bottom) amysallthingswedding.com, decorationideas.wordpress.com, amysallthingswedding.com, intimateweddings.com, mydreamweddingceremony.com, mydreamweddingceremony.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, emmalinebride.com, filledwithheart.wordpress.com, theknot.com (insert), prettypetals.typepad.com and wtfimalmostthirty.blogspot.com
courtesy of threenailsphotography.com via greenweddingshoes.com
Many years ago, a small-framed girl with a booming voice stepped out in pigtails and curls and belted out:
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. And dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
And if dreams that you dared to dream really do come true somewhere over the rainbow, what better place to test that theory than on your wedding day??
That’s right, my little chick-a-dees, bold brides everywhere are choosing color, color and more color to accompany their wedding day themes, and I must say – after further inspection – I can really see why.
In all fairness, I was originally turned off by this all inclusive idea. Being a fan of the less is more approach, I have a tendency to not always see “more as better,” but simply “more.” However, after conducting my old standby investigative Google research, I’m happy to report I was pleasantly led into a world of “ooh la la.”
When you take the colorful theme and weave it into a DIY, nature-enfused, woods-inspired atmosphere, it radiates a feeling that is beyond reproach and incredibly hard to miss.
all photos courtesy of threenailsphotography.com via greenweddingshoes.com
But for the even bolder brides… you can take the rainbow theme to even more vibrant levels and leave no detail left in the dull and REALLY let color shine!
photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) bohocircus.typepad.com, raspberrytart.tumblr.com, brides.com, racksandmooby.blogspot.com, iftheringfits.blogspot.com, boards.weddingbee.com, bridalmusings.com, diazdays.blogspot.com and etsy.com
Either way, it really is an interesting concept, and one most definitely worthy of a share :) After all:
Someday I’ll wish upon a star, and wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops… that’s where you’ll find me :)
With fairytale classics being remade into blockbuster gold like Mirror, Mirror and Snow White & the Huntsman, it’s no wonder why enchanted wedding decor is at an all time high for brides. Both artsy and fanciful, woodsy inspired details just seem to capture the kind of ambiance brides want for their ourtdoor, forest or barnyard weddings.
And one area I’m truly pleased to see reflecting such a whimsical look is none other than the bridal bouquet. Ethereal in inspiration and decadent in design, these one of a kind bouquets create just the right amount of “once upon a time” magic that will easily have couples living “happily ever after.” (Yeah, I totally went there.)
Start the pallet with large blooms, such as cabbage roses, robust ranunculus, heart stopping peonies or diva-esque dahlias. Then, mix in wildflowers or other natural, earthly, nonfloral elements to your already blossoming bouquet. Finish it off with a dash of sparkle or touch of flowing feathers and see how fantasy can turn into real life enchantment.
But don’t take my word for it. Simply check out below and be amazed for yourselves :)
photos courtesy of (tope to bottom, left to right) thefrenchbouquettulsa.com, marthastewartweddings.com, floweropera.wordpress.com, acephotographs.com (inset), marthastewartweddings.com, greenweddingshoes.com, greenweddingshoes.com, ruffledblog.com, kristynhogan.com, floweropera.wordpress.com, Google Images and ashleysbrideguide.com
Due to the runaway success of our previously launched Personalized Aisle Runners, we’ve received some seriously high demands to create even more personalized fabulousness for your wedding day celebrations. Well, ask and you shall receive, my dear brides-to-be; because here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we like nothing more than to please…
… And yes, I totally just made that amazeballs rhyme up. All I need now is two turn tables and a microphone :) But until then, I’m SUPER PUMPED to introduce to you our 4 NEW! Personalized Aisle Runners! Still available to be accented in one of today’s hottest wedding colors and still personalized at absolutely no extra cost to you… I give you, your proper runway…
