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
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Maybe it’s the brilliant designs or the standout color blocking… perhaps it’s the fun, graphic schemes or simply the epically b.e.a.uuuuutiful photography (whaddya say, Lindsey K!)… either way, there is no if’s, and’s or but’s about it… I love love love our new table runner designs!!
Available in a variety of colors and designs to match any taste, each runner can be personalized at absolutely no cost to you! Simply choose from one of our hot color options, fill in the overhang with your names, monogram or initials and see how many ‘ooh’s and aww’s’ will be gasping the day you say ‘I do.’ Don’t believe me? Well the proof is in the pudding, my friends; so, grab a spoon and enjoy these tasty creations!
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Personalized Table Runners cover a lot of ground and create a lot of drama, and they are extremely simple and easy to use! Printed on durable 100% cotton, our fabric table runners feature a polymer coating for a soft, canvas like texture to produce superior draping.
Because bold colors and schematic patterns cut down the need for decorations, you’ll be able to save on extra costs by simply adding your place settings and centerpieces to the already well fashioned tables.
November 17, 2011
Denise & Ryan, oh so in loaf! (courtesy of Denise Keown)
This past weekend, the Mister and I attended his step sister’s wedding in Indy. A beautiful black and white ceremony accented with richly red rose petals, the evening was filled with all the usual wedding charm. And while weddings have practically become a weekend standard for the Dietzes, it never ceases to amaze me how each one always brings in elements unique to the couple behind the celebration itself. Denise ( the hub’s step sister) and Ryan’s big day was no exception!
My absolute favorite part came after dinner when the DJ announced that everyone needed to return to their seats for at least the next two and half minutes… Two and a half minutes?? This immediately peaked my curiosity, as we all scurried back to our tables and anxiously awaited what would be revealed next.
Then, the deliberate emcee continued by saying that the bride and groom truly appreciated everyone for being there and wanted to make sure to remember each guest who was a part of their big day. He then explained that in order to do this, the bride and groom had decided to get a picture with each and every one of us!
So, while Aram Khachaturian’s The Sabre Dance (trust me, you know the tune) played over the stereo system, Denise and Ryan - followed super closely by their photographer - ran frantically from table to table posing with each group of people.
Some of the shots were funny. Some of them were serious. Some – especially by the tables who had obviously been previously forewarned – were well planned out, while others were thrown together haphazardly and hilariously… But no matter what the outcome of the actual shot was… all of them were definitely 100% authentic and 100% amazing.
And what a great way to make instant memories and set the tone for the rest evening!! Love love love it and can’t wait to see all the photos!
Congrats to Denise and Ryan and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
November 15, 2011
courtesy of w-weddinggowns.com
After co-worker (what it do, Jessi!) forwarded me on an email this morning, I knew I couldn’t pass up posting its brilliant notion to the masses.
Black is BACK, and it’s in your wedding! Not that black was ever was gone, of course, but this season, it’s taking the wedding market by storm… and in new, uber cute ways. Mayhaps the biggest way is through the bridal gown. Sure, anyone can accent their wedding day with the tuxedo colored canvas, but what about doing your whole dress in it???
You heard me.
The bridal gown – perhaps the epitome of a little girl’s wedding day dreams – has always been the epicenter for wedding plans. When that big day rolls around, it legitimately is all about the dress. And with brides taking on all kinds of trends in order to better suit them, it was only a matter of time before the standard ‘little black dress’ became the I-gotta-have-it-can’t-live-without-it bridal gown blowout! Just check out these incredible creations from etsy.com:
photos courtesy of etsy.com from vendors (left to right, top to bottom) LOVEKARLAK, CoralieBeatrix, Chabri (inset), hollystalder, CobarCollection, hollystalder and herlbd
But if tradition still tugs at your heart strings and you can’t bear to wear a dress made entirely of black… why not try accenting it with a fabulous sash and still get your kick of ooh la la!
photos courtesy of etsy.com from vendors (left to right, top to bottom) elitewomen, SammysBridalShop, finkshop, VenustBridal, VenustBridal, BridalShoppe, SomethingIvory, BCGirls and icing101
November 3, 2011
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