Tag: wedding
courtesy of weddingringpillows.org
I love kids for a number of reasons.
- They’re fearless. They haven’t lived long enough to know true heartbreak or ache, making them far braver than any adult counterpart.
- (An extension of one) They love recklessly and unconditionally. They’re pure spirits, yet untainted by the worries and stress most people know all too well.
- They’re hilarious. Dead sere, no one makes me laugh like my 3 year old nephew and 2 year old niece. In a word, they’re riotous.
- But most importantly, they’re honest. While they learn the difference between what is right and wrong, they still have the innate ability to give responses that both refresh and revive the soul.
And when you combine points 3 and 4, you generally have some severely comical moments. I recently received an email forward from my crazy Aunt Julie – holla AJ! – and I thought I would share it all with you. So, so funny!
1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and be sure to keep the chips and dip coming. – Alan, age 10
-No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with. – Mary, age 10
2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
-Twenty-three is the best age because you’re old and practically known the person FOREVER by then. – Camille, age 10
-Once I’m done with kindergarten, I’m gonna find me a wife. – Bert, age 6 (Who says only older men want to commit?)
-No age is good enough to get married. You gotta be a fool to get married. – Isaiah, age 6 (He must not know Bert.)
3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
-You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. – Derrick, age 8 (Brilliant!)
4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
-Both don’t want any more kids. — Lori, age 8
5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. – Olivia, age 8
-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. – Martin, age 10 (Seems logical enough – hehe)
6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
-When they’re rich. – Lucy, age 7 (Pam’s my favorite so far – haha!)
-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that. – Curt, age 7
-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do. – Howard, age 8 (And who said chivalry was dead? Look at Howie here… so incredibly noble!)
7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
-It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. – Anita, age 9 (bless you child )
8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN’T GET MARRIED?
-There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there? – Kelvin, age 8 (Sooo cute!)
But the best answer by FAR…
9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
-Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck. – Oscar, age 7 (Haha! Amazeballs!)
February 23, 2012
designed by Tony Fleecs, courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Zap! Boom! Whoosh! Bamf! POW!
That’s right. As geek chic becomes more and more popular, so do all the nerd-tastic trends it represents! And brides and grooms everywhere are learning just how fun incorporating these once less desired details into their big day can be!
As a lifetime-achieving, self-proclaimed nerdy bird, I’ve got to admit, I love this… especially when it comes to the comic book themed invitations. My brothers and I were raised on comic books and continue to little-kid-at-Christmas excited every time the latest Marvel or DC dream is released to the silver screen!
But I’m not naive enough to think that everyone will delight in this trend as much as me. In fact, I’m sure the more traditional and classic-minded folks out there might even turn up their noses to it… but even the most cynical comic book critics have to admit… they are one of a kind at the very least! And when done appropriately, turn out pretty amaZING!
Check out below and see what I mean…
Designed by Tony Fleecs for Heidi Atocicco and Chris Ryder’s wedding, this 5 page invitation was nothing short of a page turner :)
courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Hello Kitty meets Archie Comics for this couple’s ‘happily ever after’ invite :)
courtesy of canvasandcanopy.com
Get super literal with a comic book cover invite, captioned with all the big day details and custom illustrated just for you :)
courtesy of emmalinebride.com (left) and stormwolfstudios.com
Take it even a step further by filling your invitation with graphically inspired inserts and super fun details :)
courtesy of nandlnotes.com
Or simply pop in thought bubbles with your favorite photo and BAMF! you’ll have a one of a kind invite like Jay and Anna :)
courtesy of minted.com
No matter how they do it or choose to showcase it, there’s no denying these original invites stand out and leave audiences (err, guests) hoping for the *To Be Continued…
February 21, 2012
courtesy of fiftieswedding.com
Happy Valentine’s Day to all those who love! Whether you’re in it or out of it, love truly is all around us, and there’s no better day to exploit it (or try and avoid it, haha!) than February 14th!
Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the big V-day… even during my most single and sullen of days, I learned quickly to appreciate the holiday as one to simply celebrate love… in all its forms! The love I have for that someone special. The love I have for family. The love I have for friends. Etc. Heck, if nothing else, it’s a day to simply celebrate the fact that mailboxes are a little more full with pink and red cards and stomachs with pink and red cupcakes. Yum-may.
And with all the pink and red being displayed – from store front to home front - I couldn’t help but think about two-toned weddings and just how b.e.a.uuuutiful they can be — and in today’s Cupid themed case, just how b.e.a.uuuuutiful Pink + Red can be! Be sure to not only check out the images below, but also take some time to spread the love to someone today! After all, it is in giving that we receive :)
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) lovefromtheoven.com, halterneckwedding.onsugar.com, jessicalewisphoto.com, blog.celeb16.com, colorsareblushandbashful.blogspot.com, thestylishbloom.com, blog.paper-source.com, etsy.com, sophistimom.com and flickr.com
February 14, 2012
courtesy of robertortizphotography.com
With everyone going green these days, it was only a matter of time before weddings would catch the earth friendly fever. And why not?? We’re all raised under the respectful manner to “love our mothers;” so, why should Mother Nature be any different?
One area to really show your “Mother” loving ability is found within the confines of the biggest expense in your wedding budget: the reception. While some couples are opting to budget crunch out favors for the guests, others are simply choosing to keep costs minimal.
Both smart and stylish, eco-friendly favors are the latest and greatest gifts to hit the wedding market. When deciding which favor will be friendliest, keep three R’s in mind: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse, and incorporate them accordingly. Below are some ideas on how to keep Mother Nature pleased during your planning:
- Trees, Please: Who says Arbor Day is the only day to hug a tree and save a life? Planting trees throughout the year is a great way to honor your guests, while making an everlasting impression of your love for the environment… think of them as symbolic saplings, if you will. As the years progress, trees become greater in size and rooted in strength – just as you and your Mister will! (Awwww!)
- Potted Centerpieces: Perfect for all the do-it-yourself brides out there, these powerful potted plants serve a dual, ovation worthy purpose. Not only do they make fabulous, eye-catching centerpieces during your big day, but you can invite your guests to take them home and replant them their gardens. AND, if you stick to perennial flowers, your guests will delight in seeing them come back year after year :)
- Dandy Donations: It truly is in giving that we receive, which is why making a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your guests is an ideal way to help out Mother Nature, while helping others. A perfect example of a gift that keeps on giving, donations – no matter how big or small – help make a difference! Not to mention, with the ease of a donations, there will be no excess wrapping paper or trash! Now, that’s a “hooray” I can really get behind!
- Shop Locally: Consider reducing your carbon footprint by shopping close to home. Driving long distances or having things shipped separately or from long distances can only add to the problem; so, be a part of the solution, instead, by looking online for the best deals in your area and taking advantage.
In the end, every little bit counts; so, why not do the eco-chic thing and be a bride who goes green? And feel free to check out our line of Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors and give the earth a hug today!
February 9, 2012
courtesy of Summit via extravaganzi.com
As much of my life is consumed by weddings – whether it be planning them, participating in them or simply attending them – I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of the day’s biggest crowning jewel… The Dress! It’s the one thing I will always look forward too, and the one thing that’s presence will never be surpassed.
Heck, since of the dawn of time, people have been getting hitched and bridal dresses have been worn, but it remains the singular bridal accessory that is both static in concept and oh so dynamic in content. With all the vibrant styles, designs, assortments, creations etc., it’s no wonder why it’s a favored part among so many.
And there is no better place to immortalize the wedding dress all than the Silver Screen!
With the well anticipated release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 coming out this Friday (yeah, I just took it there), I couldn’t help but get excited to see the wedding scene again… if for nothing else, the ka-ka-ka-KILLER Carolina Herrera wedding dress, which is tailored impeccably to dance along Kristen Stewart’s delicate figure.
The $35,000 (yes, I said $35,000) custom created gown, which took four seamstresses six months to complete, oozes with timeless bridal elegance and has a regal quality unmatched by today’s standard of competition. In a world dominated by strapless couture, it’s the kind of dress that stands out in all the right ways… and don’t even get me started on the jewel-encrusted Manolo Blahnik’s she got to rock with it! I mean hellooo!?!? Can you say dream?!
And speaking of dreams, here’s our Top 15! Feel inspired, feel encouraged or simply feel completely green with envy like me, but no matter what, you gotta pay respect to the style :)
1. Kristen Stewart in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011)
all photos courtesy of summit via dailymail.co.uk
2. Elizabeth Taylor in Father of the Bride (1950)
courtesy of fiftieswedding.com (left) and ia.media-imdb.com
3. Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City (2008)
courtesy of nydailynews.com
4. Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
courtesy of firstqueen.net (left) and j-nacustomgsb.com
5. Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (1957)
courtesy of gelinoluyorum.com (left) and rootsofgoodness.tumblr.com
6. Kate Hudson & Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars (2009)
courtesy of moviebackground.org
7. Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night (1934)
courtesy of zankyou.com
8. Rachel McAdams in The Notebook (2004)
courtesy of shesgotdelusionsofgrandeur.blogspot.com
9. Jennifer Aniston in Marley and Me (2008)
courtesy of popsugar.com
10. Natalie Portman in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
courtesy of boards.weddingbee.com (left) and coolspotters.com
11. Audrey Hepburn (again!) in Sabrina (1954)
courtesy of celebritypicnic.com (insert) and fashionfilmstudies.blogspot.com
12. Sasha Barrese in The Hangover (2009)
courtesy of blog.weddinginacastle.com (left) and projectwedding.com
13. Keira Knightley in Love Actually (2003)
courtesy of pathe.nl (left) and weddingwindow.com
14. Amanda Seyfried in Mamma Mia! (2008)
courtesy of wearemoviegeeks.com
15. Ginger Rogers in It Had to Be You (1947)
courtesy of fanpix.net
February 7, 2012
Being that the Mister and I attend such a large number of friends’ and family weddings (51 & counting – boom!), I’m always leery to ever classify anything as “THE BEST.” In lieu of not wanting to catch feelings but also because I pretty much la-LOUVRE everything anyone does, it’s never an easy thing to pick out favorites amongst friends…
However – and this is a HUGE however – a couple weeks ago, we received what is legit THE BEST Save the Date EVER! It was super cute, super inventive and perfectly personalized with the couple’s names in mind.
Her name: Katie Matis. His Name: Liam Smith.
Mash them together in holy matrimony and what do you get?!??
Mr. & Mrs. Smith, of course!! So, you can imagine my delight when I opened the mailbox and found this save-the-date dream waiting for me!! There’s nothing I love more than when a couple makes their wedding their own, and in this case… it couldn’t be more perfect! It is just sooo them, and sets the tone for what will no doubt be an unforgettable evening of family, friends and matrimonial celebration!!
I mean can you say, genius?? Here’s the front:
And the back:
Heck, the reception is at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of this year’s Pats VS Giants Super Bowl rematch! I mean, how can it not be amazeballs?
The wedding may be months away, but I’m 100% confident in predicting… it’ll be one for the record books :) :) :)
February 2, 2012
courtesy of theknot.com
Exclusive / Schmeglusive.
Whoever said exclusivity makes something superior is seriously mistaken. This year, brides and grooms are taking it back to the old school (because I’m an old fool, who’s so cool… bah, couldn’t resist) with the ever famous, turn-of-the-century-inspired, all inclusive wedding portrait.
In typical watch-the-birdy fashion, couples are having their guests take a minute and say cheeeeese for the camera as a collective group. These popular panoramics are a super fun way to remember all the people who celebrated the day you said ‘I do’… not to mention, they can make for one incredibly laughable experience!
Because the size of guest lists varies from couple to couple, it’s EXTREMELY important to keep your number in mind when creating the shot. You need to be sure to work with your photographer and find just the right location. Ideally, the best location would be found directly in or right next door to your ceremony site. That way, all your guests are already together and your celebrant can inform them of the photo op before mass chaos ensues and a mad dash to the reception begins.
OBVI – the larger the number, the harder the shot; so, keep this in mind when finding your spot. Consider areas with an aerial view or places with large staircases where guests can be staggered and tiered. If your numbers get too high and the shot becomes too difficult, consider doing something more abstract… be less concerned about capturing every single face, and be more concerned with simply having everyone there for a more spirited shot. Check out below for some examples :)
Take the shot from above to show some serious love :)
photos courtesy of blairnicolephotography.com (top) and shangchenphoto.com
Use a staircase to see every face :)
photos courtesy of kimgrubb.com (top) and wallflowerphoto.com
Try something artsy… you’ll feel super smart-sy :)
photos courtesy of Google Images (top) and flickriver.com
But no matter what you do or if you even do it… just be sure to enjoy your day and all the people that go with it!
January 26, 2012
courtesy of phindystudios.com
After attending a friend’s wedding (wad up, Tay!), I was inspired by her incredible strength and her unique ability to personalize every part of her day with meaningful details and touches that oozed with her impeccable taste. But it wasn’t until months later when her professional wedding photos (and an additional pinterest.com image sent from our very own Lauren Trisler!) came across my desk that I was reminded of a the beautifully inspired way she chose to keep the memory of the ones she lost close to her heart during her wedding ceremony.
They go by a number of names, but they are best known as Bouquet Charms or Bouquet Lockets and are placed along the stem of bridal bouquets for keeping safe and stunning looks. The thought behind the bouquet charm is to give brides a perfect place to keep the ones who have passed on with them as they say ‘I do.’ You can literally hold the ones you’ve lost near and dear during all the big moments of your ceremony, all the while creating an instant keepsake that looks spectacular and feels even more special.
Even if your one of the most fortunate brides ever and have never lost a loved one, you can still get amazing use out of this sentiment by adding your nuptial initials or favorite quotes to a charm and wrapping them around your bouquet! After all, what bride couldn’t use a little extra meaningful ‘oomph’ at her wedding?
Not to mention, these gorgeous gems make for great DIY details… giving every bride the opportunity to be as fanciful or simple as she wants! Check out below and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right) ohdearphotography.com, etsy.com, Wedding Inspirations via pinterest.com, vancitybride.com, divajewelsco.com, aileentran.com, boards.weddingbee.com, jubilantwares.com and stylecollective.com
January 24, 2012
courtesy of thesweetestoccasion.com
While we’ve discussed how you can create a custom look on your wedding day with the article DIY Divine: 5 Ways to Personalized Your Wedding Dress, we haven’t talked about the importance of your dress’ sentimentality!
I mean, helloooo?!!? It’s a wedding, people! It’s all about sentiment!
Which, as sad as I am to use this reference, I was reminded of by Kim Kardashian (dun dun dun) on her 2 day / 4 hour E! wedding special. On the days leading up to her wedding, Kim was shown rummaging through her late father Robert Kardashian’s old button down shirts. She wanted to find one that she remembered, in order to incorporate it into both her wedding gowns.
Once the shirt was chosen, she had two heart-shaped panels cut out of and sewn onto the left sides of both of her custom made Vera Wang dresses. Because her dad couldn’t be there physically, this was her way to keep his presence and memory alive during the celebration… and while the marriage may have died 72 days later, the idea of sewing sentiment into your wedding dress has lived on!
Thanks to Pinterest, my beautiful co-worker, Jessi and a Google Image search, I was able to gather some pictures of how real life brides are taking on this filled with feelings challenge and including it on their big day through…
Custom Labels. Whether you choose to use your name, monogram or simply represent the date, custom labels and patches can be created and sewn under the bodice on the inside of the dress for an extra special touch of love.
photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) etsy.com, vivestyle.ca, itsabrideslife.com and bridalwave.tv
Custom Patches. For the riskier bride hoping to make a statement and /or really capture a memory, you may try sewing on a meaningful patch of fabric or a symbolic panel or shape directly onto the dress itself.
photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left) beautyfashiontrends.com, weddingbee.com, sequinsandcandy.com and purlbee.com
Custom Hangers. If the thought of sewing something permanent into your dress gives you the bridal gasps… might I suggest doing a fun personalized hanger? Not only do they look great and make for amazing photography shots, but they are also non-damaging to your dress! Boo and Yeah!
all photos found on pinterest.com via (from top to bottom, left to right) Stephanie Holland, Jessi, Victoria, Chloé Plénet and Jessica Elizabeth
January 19, 2012
cuortesy of deshow.net
This past weekend, my girlfriend and her beau to be attended a couple’s retreat as part of their pre-marital preparation, and because it was mandatory for them – as it will be for most of you – I asked her to take note of any highlights.
As Melissa went on and on about the different programs put on by different couples, she was sure to reiterate the blah blah of it all, showcasing that – up until the end – her high point was noted by interrupting bathroom breaks and cold cut turkey sandwiches. Wow.
But before my overwhelming jealousy could fully set in, she started talking about one session called “Building Your Identity as a Couple” led by a husband / wife duo who offered advice on how couples can bring the best parts of their lives and merge them into their new “identity” as one, singular unit… In layman’s terms, how to take a good ‘I’ and a nice ‘You’ and merge them into an even more astounding ‘We.’
They used examples of how couples can use what they’ve learned from past experiences with family and friends, as well their background knowledge and views on politics, religion, morality, (fill in any other non-PC-hard-to-talk-about-subject here) and build a life that will reflect them both equally and notably. While the overall sentiment can come off a little cheesy, the underlying notion of taking the best of yourselves as individuals and merging them into an even stronger family unit is pretty inspiring.
And at the end of the session, there was left time for questions; so, Melissa explained that after a brief pause of awkward silence, a young lady sitting caddy corner from her raised her hand and said,
“In your program you talk a lot about how a person’s individual identity is often times a direct reflection of the people they surround themselves with. This worries me a little, because the men in my fiancé’s family don’t have the best view towards women.”
Mel said the girl then proceeded her statement with graphic examples of how her fiancé’s brothers and male relatives were more than likely to treat women as objects, rather than partners, and on numerous occasions have even spoken ill about and targeted her directly. Um, yikes?
But before my darling girlfriend, Melly, could shout out any of her, “Oh no he didn’t!” comments, the couple leading the session – without hesitation – gave one of the most eloquent explanations ever :)
They began by prefacing how family dynamics can be tricky and should be dealt with the utmost of care. While it’s never okay to force / make / threaten your significant other to “ditch” his or her family, it is now and forever shall be okay to express how you feel. The couple then offered this jewel of advice, which I hope you all can walk away with:
“Don’t worry about the family being a bad influence on you… strive instead… to be a good influence on them.” Genius.
So many times, it seems as though it’s easier to become engulfed with all the negative. So easily, we can lose sight of what’s positive, which is why I love love love the message this couple is sending. At the end of the day, every bride and groom-to-be can choose to write their own happy ending, and if we all lead through an example of positivity and love, and “poo poo” all the Negative Nellies, it will be a lot easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel… literally.
With that said, please feel free to leave your ray of sunshine below (ie. something about your love that makes you smile, a way you’ve been inspiring OR inspired, etc.)… we’ll leave the snarly stuff to the 5 o’clock news :D
January 17, 2012
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