Toasting the Bride and Groom

What better way to celebrate the vows you've just taken than to toast your new married status with your guests. If you plan to do a champagne toast, consider presenting the champagne in a way that will awe your guests. I love the champagne tower below; it provides a dramatic focal point for your space. (You will want to use coupe champagne glasses--no flutes-- if you want to incorporate a tower.)

If you are able to provide your own champagne at your reception, head to your local grocery store on New Year's Eve, as they have the year's best prices on champagne that day. Not sure how much to buy? Plan on 6 toasts per standard size bottle (750ml). Just make sure you store the champagne on it's side if your wedding is a few (or many) months out.



Happy New Year!
Photo from Martha Stewart

Merry Christmas!

I am out of the office this week, spending time with my family in Mississippi while indulging in fried chicken and sweet tea. :) I will respond to inquiries promptly upon my return on Monday evening, December 29. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. May He fill your hearts with joy and wonder this holiday season.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Colorful and Fun

I had a blast finding decor and attire for this color scheme. A wedding with bright colors like this just exudes freshness, happiness, and celebration. It throws formality out the window, opening the door for guests to kick back and join in the festivities.

Dress: Dessy

Tie: Ties.com

Necklace: Green with Glamour

Cake: Modern Bride

Shoes: PiperLime

Lemon Centerpiece: Martha Stewart

Flower Centerpiece: Seattle Flowers

Candy Buffet: Get Quick Care

Bout: Sofia Floral (based out of Kalamazoo, Michigan)

Similarity Is Not Always Equality

Traditionally, bridesmaids are all given the same bouquet, and the maid of honor may get one slightly different. I love the idea of throwing in a twist. Have each bouquet be made of only one flower, but pick a different flower for each bouquet. Love callas, orchids, tulips, and peonies? Instead of including all your favorites in every bouquet, create a bouquet of each. Give them symmetry by making them all the same color(s). As the bride, carry a bouquet that incorporates each of the flowers your maids are carrying.



Photo above by Martha Stewart.

Classic Wedding

I had coffee with a bride this weekend who is going for a black, white, and silver wedding. What a classic look! I was inspired to bring together a vision of the color scheme.



Dress: Amsale
Shoes: Nine West
Cake Platter: Target
Tie: Nordstrom
Lanterns: Paper Lantern Store
Pearls: Dessy
Cake: Pink Cake Box

Pretty in Paisley

This week, I thought I'd post some design inspiration. I must admit, I am crazy about paisley. Take a look that you adore (stripes, dots, etc) and incorporate the theme throughout your wedding. I love the idea of wrapping the bride and bridesmaid bouquets in ribbon to match.

Updates

First things first: I am happy to report that my email is back up and running. You can again contact me at my business email address, and I will actually receive your email. How splendid!

Now, on to a much more exciting topic...



Tuesday night, I had the privilege of attending the first MWEP (Michigan Wedding and Event Professionals) event, held at NAYA in Grand Rapids. It was a delightful evening and a wonderful opportunity to meet other vendors in the area. I hope to feature some of these vendors on my blog in upcoming months.

If you are a vendor in the West Michigan area, I highly encourage you to join us for the next occasion. Stay tuned for information on upcoming events.

Let It Flow... Beautifully

What's better than coffee? Coffee with doughnuts, of course! What a beautiful way to spice up a coffee service at your reception. One thing is for sure, a wedding furnished with doughnuts is one wedding where guests won't go home hungry!

I also love these cocktail stirrers. Offering a signature drink is a great way to spoil your guests, but some reception sites charge a premium for the selection. Fun, colorful drink stirrers are a less expensive way to personalize your beverages. They make for the perfect complement to a summertime wedding.

Both photos above are from Martha Stewart.

Make a Statement

Paper details allow your guests their first glimpse of the wedding day to come, and they will decide what to expect on your wedding day based on the invitation they've received. Having a contemporary affair? Send your guests bold invitations that redefine the customary invitation. Going for old-fashioned elegance? Choose a timeless invitation that emanates exquisiteness.

The two invitations above define very different weddings, yet both are tasteful and unique. The key is to find (or create!) an invitation that complements the character of your wedding. The invitations above are Vera Wang and MyGatsy, respectively. These and other fabulous invitations can be found at My Gatsby.