courtesy of brandonkidd.net
One of my favorite parts of a New Year is all the new bling that starts popping up amongst family and friends. With the gift giving season picking in December, it’s no wonder that so many young men choose this time to get down on one knee and ask the four words so many women long to hear, “Will you marry me?”
While I love love loved everything about my wedding day, and the marriage has been one increds journey… I must confess that there was something sooo special and exciting about the planning process. I like to tell brides it’s kind of like a 12-18 month long Christmas Eve. With all the anticipation swimming around the talk of the big day, one can’t help but feel butterflies of excitement on the daily! And according to theknot.com, here are the top ten things newly engaged brides-to-be should do:
- Start a Wedding Planner. Create a beautiful keepsake to house all your favorite engagement memories… from the down-on-one-knee story to favorite photos, inspiration ideas, to-do lists, favorite designers, venues, caterers and more! Trust and believe, by taking a little time here and there from the beginning to end, you’ll easily have one of the best memory books evs!
- Plan an Engagement Party. Whether you choose to throw one for yourself or let others take on the celebratory task, having an engagement party is a great way to officially announce your nuptials to family and friends, all while rejoicing in your love. Plus, it’s one more reason to get out some pre-wedding partying!
- Pick a Date. First things first. You can’t start reserving venues or hiring vendors without knowing the date you’ll need them; so, be sure this is one of the first things you check off your list.
- Set a Budget. Along with selecting a date, setting a budget is key in planning your big day. After you know what kind of finances you’re working with, you’ll know what kind of wedding day to plan for. From the most elaborate and over-the-top to the simply chic, DIY shindigs, all weddings must first start with a feasible price tag to work around.
- Find a Reception Site. Generally speaking, a couple uses over 50% of their overall budget on their reception; so, it’s important to find the one that works best for you and reserve it right away!
- Make a Wedding Website. This is a great way to keep track of all your to-do’s, as well as provide information to family and friends as plans come along. This is an especially useful tool for out-of-towners you hope to attend who will need to make transportation and hotel reservations.
- Consider a Consultant. Many brides-to-be like the thought of hiring a professional to help ensure their big day goes off without a hitch, but if this isn’t in your budget, consider taking advantage of your family friends – especially moms and already wed maids – to help cross your t’s dot your i’s. It’ll make them feel important and help take some of the stress off you!
- Start a Guest List. One of the biggest factors in planning your wedding (and maintaining a budget) will all come down to the number of people you invite. By merging two sets of family and friends, it’s important for everyone to have a voice and make sure all their A-listers are included!
- Find a Wedding Dress. YESSSS! One of the BEST parts of being a bride is of course the wedding dress. Try on lots of styles. Search lots of websites, and have fun with it. Most of us (hopefully) only want to do this once; so, make sure you make it count!
- Plan for Pro Engagement Pictures. While the wedding day and all the days leading up to it will come and go, the photography will live on forever. So, it’s oh so important for every couple to find their perfect photographer and get in a pre-wedding practice round with engagement pictures before the big day. These can also be the shots your use for everything from your newspaper announcement to invites and more!
January 5, 2012
Welp, it happened. As freshly hung 2012 calendars start to open, revealing the start to a New Year, I can’t help but get that little twinge of the holiday hangover blues. Ugh. I’m guessing most of you can relate to this. It happens every year for me when I come down from the elated joy and excitement of spending the happ-happ-happiest time of year with family and friends, receiving all the unnecessary (but much appreciated!) presents and getting all that extra time off work (wink)… only to have it all come crashing back to reality… I’m telling you, it’s a tragic yearly tale.
Haha.
But I’m proud to say that 2012 proved to be my shortest holiday hangover ever when I came across this gem on my Google News search…
World War II veteran, Robert Erskine and his beautiful bride, Susan, are not only Britain’s oldest couple, but they are also its most celebrated. Not spending a day a part since WWII, this forever young couple clicked up their heels on their 75th wedding this past New Year’s Day and gave this little lady one more reason to give the blues a much needed buh-bye!
I mean, Hello?!? Can you say CUTEST?!?!
courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Silver? Yes. Golden? Of course! But it’s not every day you hear of a couple celebrating their DIAMOND Anniversary; so, it seems to be a rare treat to find that Robert and Susan Erskine did just that! Surrounded by three generations of family and friends in Edinburgh on New Year’s Day, the couple was inundated with love, cards and well wishes, and rightfully so.
Robert, 100, and Susan, 99, prove that wedding vows still mean the same no matter how much time may pass. Susan was even quoted saying, “Marriage doesn’t seem to be valued now the way it used to be, with all these celebrities getting divorced after just a few months. I just don’t understand it at all.” (dailymail.co.uk)
And mayhaps Mrs. Erskine doesn’t understand because she knows just how important love is, but how daily living can sometimes get in the way. So, with her realistically in love approach she continued on, “We’ve taken life one day at a time, and walked through it hand-in-hand with one another.”
((((sssssiiiiiiiggggghhhhh)))))
Seriously, how can you not be warmed from the inside out after hearing that? Congrats, Robert and Susan on 75 years of love, laughter and memories and cheers to many, MANY more years of happiness :)
January 3, 2012
Kirsten Dunst as Betty Warren in 2003's Mona Lisa Smile. (courtesy of blue-ray.com)
So, I must confess I thought about this budding re-trend while flipping through the channels last night after coming across the wedding scene from 2003′s Mona Lisa Smile. Starring Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst, the movie itself is mediocre at best, but the wedding scene is undeniably amazeballs.
Kirsten Dunst, who plays Betty Warren — a viciously rotten, wanna-punch-her-in-the-face type character – has an uncanny way of looking incredibly breathtaking while remaining painfully irritating. Even though her character’s a real hoe’s beast, Dunst still looks fiercely fabulous in her bridal best… but how could this be?? How could such a hard personality create such a soft silhouette??
Well, with an illusion neckline, of course!!
Like any good fashion trend, I’m referencing this one as a “re-trend” because it’s already had a killer past… currently has a fantastic present and will undoubtedly continue with an incredible future. Hence why this trendtastic retro rewind has become one of my faves! And there’s no area I love to see a fave trend embraced more than (drum roll, please)… the wedding gown!!! Duh!
Because the illusion neckline creates a sort of subtle drama, it’s perfect for bridal royalty… and I mean that for seriously too! Several Princesses – including but not limited to – Grace Kelly, Princess Consort of Monaco; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway in Disney’s The Princess Diaries), Princess of Genovia, haha, used this trend impeccably while they dishing out the ‘I do’s'! Even celebrity royalty like Ivanka Trump, Princess of the man with serious hair issues, couldn’t resist a sheer neckline to celebrate her nuptial debut :)
from top, Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, Ivanka Trump and Anne Hathaway (courtesy of whiteweddingdresses.onsugar.com, 100worldnews.blogspot.com, the-weddingdresses.com and hotflick.net)
All these princesses knew the importance of creating a killer illusion, and it’s no wonder why so many designers are jumping on board this bridal trend. Check out below and see some of my faves from their 2012 Spring and Fall Collections!
courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) Alita Graham, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Alvina Valenta (inset), Elizabeth Fillmore, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lhuillier (one shoulder), Alvina Valenta (inset), Lela Rose, Reem Acra and Marchesa via brides.com
December 29, 2011
People always ask us… what are your best sellers?? Whether they’re concerned for trend purposes or overall styling, our Top Sellers can fluctuate throughout the year.
But as it stands today, the numbers are in! Here are our top selling porducts for 2011! Feel free to check them out, send them on to a friend or purchase one for yourself :)
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
December 20, 2011
Everyone knows a wedding day is really all about the bachelorette party that proceeds it…
…
Okay, so that’s a lie (haha!), but they are a super fun tradition nonetheless! And what better way to celebrate your ‘last fling before the ring’ than with decking out your entire bridal party in custom made tees?
They’re fun. They’re fitting, and most importantly, they make you stand out from the crowd! They’re also reusable, because let’s be real… who wouldn’t love another extra teesh in their closet?? You know this pretty lady would :) And below are some of my fave designs!
Starting at $15 and available in four sizes and a variety of colors, these bridal party tees make for even greater gifts when you personalize them at absolutely no extra cost!
Bridal Entourage T-Shirts
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
Team Bride T-Shirts
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
Future Mrs. T-Shirts
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
Keep Calm & Marry On T-Shirts
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography via marilynskeepsakes.com
December 15, 2011
courtesy of michellewellsphotography.ca
There is just something so magical about winter weddings. The crisp weather. The sparkly icicles. The slow falling snow. The dazzling night skies. It’s a perfect setting for romance, snuggling up and dancing the night away with the one you love the most.
And after looking through several of these Frosty the Snowman inspired designs – featuring intricate lighting, crystallized ice sculptures and baby’s breath centerpieces – it’s super hard for me to believe that Old Man Winter remains the least popular season to say ‘I do.’
Below are some of my favorite wintry wonders. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
A dash of twinkling baby’s breath can make all the difference.
courtesy of myweddecorations.blogspot.com
Sprinkle in snowflake lighting to really make ‘em ooh and ahh.
courtesy of eyedialogue.com
Drizzle your decor with draped crystals and create the look of poshly lit icicles.
courtesy of foreverphotographystudio.com
Sculpt an impeccable setting with ice, mini floras and fur (yes fur!!)
courtesy of bellzandwhistlezblog.blogspot
Cover up with a chic cardigan and take your gown to celebrity status.
courtesy of dressestutor.com
Or for the super sassy, try a frisky fur wrap!
courtesy of ungovernableungraceful0211.blogspot.com and Oscar de la Renta via weddinginspirasi.com
Make your cake top pop with Old Man Winter’s prettiest creations.
courtesy of thecakeblog.com
Surround your guest with chilling-inspired love from floor to ceiling — this is by FAR my fave!!!
courtesy of myweddecorations.blogspot.com (top and bottom) and brendasweddingblog.com (center)
December 13, 2011
courtesy of coutureclosetboutique.com
These days, a wedding isn’t just a brief moment in time… it’s a monumental event for the ages! In fact, I’m often reminded of a quote from Wedding Date - the 2005 film starring Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney (dream!) - when I think of just how epic some weddings have become. Shortly after Kat Ellis (Messing) arrives in London for her sister’s wedding, her mom (played by Holland Taylor) informs Kat that:
“This is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve got welcome cocktails today. Then, tomorrow’s Young People in the Park and Stags and Hens. Friday’s the picnic, then the rehearsal dinner, and since you left you no margin for jet lag, I need you to hydrate.”
Of course not everyone goes that over the top when planning their big day, but that doesn’t mean their day feels anything less than a marathon. From sun up to sun down, a bride, her groom and everyone else in between have a lot of ground to cover… and while some might say the key to duration is hydration… others are more lenient towards sustenance of the chewable variety.
And in big cities like New York, Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, grub is precisely what they get! These big time metro poles are famous for their food truck industries, which they are becoming all the rage in wedding day agendas! In LA, for instance, mobile grub doesn’t get much bigger than In-N-Out Burger, which has been providing years worth of service to brides and grooms looking to keep their guests full and focused well into the night.
It’s also a great way to talk to guests you may have missed! One bride (pictured below) used In-N-Out Burger at her reception and said, “We didn’t do a receiving line at the reception, but while everyone was lined up to order their food my husband and I went down the line and greeted everyone while they waited. It worked out really well and helped fill the time that people were just standing around.”
courtesy of weddingbee.com
Love love love. Of course, there are so many other ways to keep on truckin’ even if there are no trucks.
At my sister and brother-in-law’s wedding a couple years ago, there was a break between the ceremony and reception for the bridal party to get pictures; so, while everyone else was enjoying a wide assortment of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, the bridal party was schlepping through a park trying to capture the perfect shot. Matt and Jess (the SIL and BIL) didn’t want their favorite people to suffer however and provided all of us with White Castle burgers and fries to go, as a tied-me-over ’til dinner.
You might also consider:
- Food Carts
- Hot Dog Stands
- Popcorn Machines
- Goody Bags
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Late Night Pizza Delivery
- Midnight Snacks
- Homemade Treats
December 6, 2011
Paul Newman and his bride, Joanne Woodward were married over 50 years, until his death in 2008. (photos courtesy of people.com)
Okay, I have to admit it, when it comes to Hollywood marriages, I – like the rest of the general public – can be pretty skeptical. I figure this has something to do with the media’s spin on most marriages, and the fact that you generally don’t hear about a Hollywood hook-up until it’s on the rocks. Therefore, it’s no surprise that so many of us are skewed so easily.
However, after running across the Wikipedia article featuring Hollywood Marriages that stood the test of time, my skeptical spirit was uplifted, and I was given a whole list of reasons to believe in the power of “I do.” Maybe it’s the fact that it’s December 1 and my holiday spirit is in full throttle or maybe it’s because I simply love love so much… either way, but I couldn’t help by get all kinds of Christmas cheer after seeing this list of long time lovers — warmed me from the inside out :)
- Norman Lloyd and Peggy Lloyd, 75 years, married June 26, 1936, to her death on August 30, 2011.
- Art Linkletter and Lois Foester, 74.5 years, married November 26 1935 to his death on May 26, 2010.
- Charles Lane and Ruth Covell Lane, 71 years, married from April 12 1931 until her death on November 30, 2002.
- Karl Malden and his wife Mona were married from December 18 1938 to his death on July 1, 2009.
- Sherwood Schwartz and Mildred Seidman (23 December 1941 – 12 July 2011)
- Bob Hope and Dolores DeFina Hope, 69 years, married from 19 February 1934 until his death on 27 July 2003. It was his second marriage, his first being brief.
Bob + Dolores = True Love (photos courtesy of gossiprocks.com and film.guardian.co.uk)
- Bruce Bennett and Jeannette C. Braddock, 67 years, married from January 21 1933 until her death on June 30 2000.
- Sid Caesar and Florence Levy, 67 years, married in July 1943.
- Jane Wyatt and Edgar Bethune Ward, 1 day short of 65 years, married from November 9 1935 until his death on November 8 2000.
- Carl Reiner and Estelle Reiner, nearly 65 years, from December 24 1943 to her death on October 25, 2008.
- Charlton Heston and Lydia Clarke, 64 years, from March 17 1944 to his death on April 5, 2008.
Charlton and Lydia sitting in a tree... K.I.S.S.I.N.G! (photos courtesy of old.gretnatheatre.com and newsimg.bbc.co.uk)
- James Cagney and Frances Vernon, 64 years.
- Ricardo Montalbán and Georgiana Young, 63 years from 1944 to her death in 2007.
- Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson. 62 years, married since March 5, 1948.
Eli and Anne, 62 years and going strong! (photos courtesy of life.com and movies.yahoo.com)
- Robert Young and Betty Henderson, 61 years from 1933 to 1994.
- Fred Zinnemann and Renee Bartlett, 61 years from 1936 to 1997.
- Jack Paar and Miriam Wagner, a little over 60 years. He had been married and divorced to an Irene twice before marrying Miriam.
- Tony Martin and Cyd Charisse, 60 years. Although it was a second marriage for both.
Tony and Cyd proved second time's a charm! (photos courtesy of imdb.com and news.xinhuanet.com)
- Jonathan Winters and Eileen Schauder, 60 years from 1948 to her death on January 11, 2009.
- Eva Marie Saint and Jeffrey Hayden, as the article says they married in 1951.
- Lloyd Bridges and Dorothy Simpson Bridges, nearly 60 years from 1938 to his death in 1998.
- Henny Youngman and Sadie Cohen Youngman, 58 years to her death in 1987.
- Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, from 1948 to 2005. Second-marriage for her.
Ossie and Ruby had the right stuff! (photos courtesy of community.livejournal.com and upi.com)
- Patrick McGoohan and Joan Drummond, 57 years from 1951 to 2009.
- Robert Mitchum and Dorothy Spence, 57 years, from 1940 to his death in 1997.
- Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara have been married since 1954.
Jerry and Anne prove a sense of humor can go a long way! (photos courtesy of jaydeanhcr.wordpress.com and movies.yahoo.com)
- Mel Blanc and Estelle Rosenbaum were married from 1933 to 1989.
- Bud Abbott and Betty Smith were married for 55 years from 1918 to 1974.
- Danny Thomas and Rose Marie Cassaniti Thomas, from 1936 to his death in 1991.
- Alfred Hitchcock and Alma Reville were married from 1926 to 1980. Although British, Hitchcock became a naturalized citizen and died in Los Angeles.
- Anita Page and Lieutenant Herschel A. House were married from 1937 to 1991. She had a brief earlier marriage to Nacio Herb Brown that was annulled due to his divorce not being final.
- James Garner and Lois Clarke have been married over 54 years, since August 17, 1956.
JG + LC + True Love! (photos courtesy of people.com and upi.com)
- Arthur Penn and Peggy Maurer were married from 1955 or 1956 to his death in 2010.
- Angela Lansbury and Peter Shaw were married from 1949 to his death in 2003.
Angela and Peter, 'til death did them part. (photos courtesy of silverscreenoasis.com and life.com)
- Frank Capra and Lucille “Lu” Capra were married from 1932 to 1984. It was his second marriage as he had been married to Helen Howell in the 1920s.
- Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, married from 1942 to 1994. It was a second marriage for both.
- Roy E. Disney was married to Patricia Ann Dailey from 1955 to 2007, but the marriage ended in a “collaborative divorce.”
- Rance Howard and Jean Speegle Howard, 51 years from 1949 to her death in 2000.
- Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, 51 years from 1947 to 1998.
Roy and Dale said yee-haw to marriage for over 50 years! (photos courtesy of posters.ws and sunsethills.cc)
- Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, 1958 to his death in 2008. It was a second marriage for him.
**All from Wikipedia, Hollywood marriages.
December 1, 2011
courtesy of onewed.com
Who doesn’t love the holidays? The gathering of family and friends. The music. The food. The fun. The laughter. The extra time off work (wink, wink). ‘Tis true, my friends. The holiday season really is “the most wonderful time of the year!”
Therefore, I would like to encourage all my lovely ladies in waiting to use this time of year to rev their wedding planning engines into warp speed. Take advantage of all the small pleasures the holidays bring and use them to start checking things off… after all, Santa’s not the only one making a list and checking it twice… you are too!
So, before things get too crazy, consider using some of the following tactics to make the most of your season’s greetings:
- Because the holidays create a time to gather all your loved ones in one area, you can easily get and share advice with other / former brides-to-be. Ask family and friends for their top do’s and don’ts; so, you know what to look for and what to avoid.
- If you find yourself hosting a party, take this time to test out potential caterers, florists, bakers, etc. It’s an ideal time to “try out” who will have what it takes to impress all your guests!
- Since many people vacation during holidays, get with your bridesmaids and go dress shopping. Not only will they provide an honest reaction to your wedding gown options, but you can also start to see what bridesmaids’ dress styles will work for them.
- Take time to practice wedding day hair and makeup. Whether you’re doing it yourself or getting it done, chances are it’s going to be something fancier than usual; so, what better way to show off a fabulous look than when surrounded by family and friends?
- Even benefit from bad weather. After the holiday shopping rush is over and snow is still on the ground, people tend to snuggle up and stay in. I say, “Get out!” Go exploring for interesting ceremony and reception sites, and don’t be afraid to try something new… it just might end up being your ideal location.
- On a tight budget? No problem! There are innumerable post holiday sales that you can gobble up, which will surely help you get the most bang for your buck!
- If anything, use the holiday season to get organized. If you’re sending out holiday cards, you’ll more than likely have a list or people and addresses that you’ll need for invitations. Keep this list handy and be one more step ahead of the game!
Thanks for stopping by and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
November 29, 2011
Haven’t you heard about the bird? I said a bird, Bird, BIRD! BIRD is the word!
It’s that time of year again… to give thanks for all we appreciate! And here, at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, there’s nothing we appreciate more than you — our fabulous fans and loyal customers!
So, in order to say thanks properly, we’d like to send the savings on to you with an exclusive $25 coupon! Whoop, whoop!
Thanks for all your support and have a blessed and WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2011
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