Forrrrre Your Rehearsal

Alright, please excuse the ridiculously cliche title of this post, I thought it was cute.... because I am corny like that!

If you are trying to change things up for your rehearsal dinner, why not tee off for a round of mini golf? Your guests will enjoy the casual atmosphere and you take relief some stress prior to your wedding day!

You can also combine a BBQ meal, your favorite food, or maybe a big ole' comfort food buffett.

Bridesmaids vs. Groomsmen is always a fun rilvary! Girls vs. Boys?

Have fun with it, make it your own - and you will never be disappointed!

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Bowling Rehearsal Dinner!

Yesterday we talked about a Rock Band Rehersal, another fun idea for your rehearsal dinner could be a bowling alley! Treat  your guests to Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Beer, Nacho's, and all of the bowling they can handle!

Talk about fun times! Everyone loves to let loose and bowl, even if you stink, like me!

So when you are considering what to do for your rehearsal dinner, think of fun past times - things the whole family can enjoy!

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Rockin' Rehearsal Dinner!

Question: Who says your rehearsal dinner has to be a stuffy event, with pomp and circumstance?



Answer: No one!



Why not have a HUGE Rock Band Rehearsal, cater in some BBQ, or your favorite foods - have two Rock Band set ups, and you are good to go! I have to tell you from experience, Rock Band is so much fun! And really, anyone can do it! Because, frankly, if I can, you can!



Here are some pictures from our Rock Band Party...

{Everyone really gets into the spirit}

{I am usually the drummer, but someone thought it was a good idea to hand me the mic}

{Sissy (aka Roxie) Rockin' it Out!}

I know these pictures seem silly, but really, your rehearsal should be a reflextion of you, and if you can let loose alittle bit before the big day, then Rock it Out!

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Friday Fun Pic!

This picture makes me smile, and I though we should start Friday off right... these are my nieces, Peyton and Sydney!

They are getting so big!

I almost wish I had a wedding coming up (personally) so I could have the worlds cutest Flower Girls!!!

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Life List!

At the end of the night, well, the begining of the end of the night, of Let's Eat Cake! - WOW! What a sentence that is! {You can probably sense the relief and stress on my face}

I realized that although Kerry Vincent and I had spent alot of time together, we hadn't taken a picture together!

So this is one of my favoritest moments! Although, I am exhausted, but fulfilled all at the same time!

{Look at all those people!!!}

{The Crowd's of People waiting to get into Let's Eat Cake!}

{Guests contimplating on how much to bid on the silent auction items}

{Bidding on the Silent Auction Items}

There wil be one more post on Let's Eat Cake! to announce the final total being donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, coming in the next few days, so be on the look out!

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Did you Seeeee?

Every Friday, the incredibly brilliant Liene Stevens from Blue Orchid Designs and The Smart Planner does a series highlighting a Wedding Consultant, and last Friday as I was scrolling through my Google Reader... I saw my picture!



I am honored to have been featured on The Smart Planner, so many of my favorite wedding planners have been featured, nad I feel blessed to be in a series with women {and men} that I respect so greatly!

Thanks Liene for featuring us!



Check it out!

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Chandellier of Cranes

I am so excited about this project! The Wedding Co is doing something amazing! They are setting out to make a Chandellier of Origami Cranes! And for a great cause, for every crane you make they will donate $0.50 to cancer research!!!

They are looking to collect for than 5,000 cranes!

Now if you don't know how to make an Origami Crane, here is a quick tutorial on how-to....

Here's how YOU can participate and help contribute to the chandelier project:





1. Fold an origami crane(s) and mail it to us at:, make it your own, sign it, design it, write your name on it, the sky is the limit! Then mail it to:



The Wedding Co.

Attn: Crane Chandelier Project

110 Givins Street

Toronto, ON, Canada

M6J 2X9





If you are a blogger:

1. Link to "Send a Crane" -  and we will mail you a crane kit which includes a pre-folded crane and an instruction card describing the project. Sign your crane an engaged couple and return it to The Wedding Co.



2. Spread the word - visit The Wedding Co. website to watch the chandelier take flight.



Have Fun!

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Ring Around Your Finger

Last month I received an email from Superior Wedding Rings, introducing me Palladium Wedding Rings. Honestly, I had never heard of Palladium before, so I had to do some research. And the stuff is nice!



It's soft and pretty, the color is beautiful! Superior Wedding Rings sent us some samples and all of us are oooohing and ahhhhhing over them! I even made my husband try it on so that I could see it on his hand, and it looked mighty fine!!!



So when you are considering your wedding rings, and can't decide if you want White Gold or Titanium or Platnium, why not go Palladium? The quality of the rings at Superior Wedding Rings is amazing!



They also sell Titanium, Platnium and White Gold - so your choices are endless! And the rings are amazing!!!



Be on the lookout for a Wedding Ring Giveaway soon!!! Sponsored by Superior Wedding Rings!!!

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Dressing for the Season

Choosing bridesmaids’ dresses can be quite a challenge. With winter coming to an end and spring right around the corner, here are some tips to help you keep your bridal party looking and feeling season-appropriate!

Winter: Don’t make your bridesmaids suffer through a frigid night in a tea-length strapless cocktail dress! Try floor length dresses, adding a shawl, or heavier fabrics. Here are some popular winter wedding fabrics that will keep your loved ones feeling warm and comfortable when the temperature is low: Dupioni, Cashmere, Polyester, Faux Fur, Velvet, Velour, Brocade. Also, wearing hot pink on a dull winter night can look out of place. Popular winter colors include colors such as ivory, red, navy, orange, black and gold tones.

Spring: Even worse than having freezing cold bridesmaids is having sweaty hot bridesmaids. You should plan their attire accordingly so that they may feel comfortable and stay cool (especially in outdoor spring weddings!) Here are some lightweight fabrics for spring: Chiffon, Silk, Organza, Linen, Charmeuse, Crepe, Shantung. Spring is the perfect time to pick bright, fun colors. In an informal setting even some simple patterns can work and look super cute!

 

Winter Pictures: Winter Picture 1, Winter Picture 2, Winter Picture 3   Spring Pictures: Spring 1, Spring 2, Spring 3

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Farm Chic!!!

We have a wedding coming up in May, for a couple getting married on a farm, and this board to me is the epitome of a romantical, garden chic wedding!

What do you think?

Sources: Groom, Horse Shoes, Barn , Couple,  Wedding Image , Drinks ,Flowers , Cake

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Red and Aqua - oh my!

This board was done quite a while ago, by Erinn in my office, and I love it!!! Isn't red just lovely!



I have to appologize this board was done so long ago, and I don't have sources, if you know any of them, please put them in the comments section - I just couldn't hold this board back from you!

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Something "Old"

A common trend we are seeing is brides using the word “vintage” when describing the specific feel and atmosphere they want to achieve for their wedding. We are wondering, however, do these flashback lovers mean “antique” or simply “retro?” Your wedding planners and event designers need details when helping you create the exact ambiance you want. Here are three ways to create a different vintage look that convey three completely different feelings.

Antique: To achieve the antique vintage feel for your wedding, think light pinks paired with cream and gold accents. Try adding antique wedding photographs of relatives around the reception or even as a center piece on a table. These brides love the classic look of romantic pearls or a passed down family locket. Think satin and lace for the bridal party and garden roses for the perfect bouquet.



Locket, Dress, Flowers, Pearls, Shoes, Invitations

True Vintage: Think contrasting black and white with a splash of red. These true vintage brides can be seen wearing feathered headbands, beaded necklaces, and a perfect touch of red lipstick. For inspiration, check out some 1920’s photographs or pick up a copy of The Great Gatsby. A vintage wedding is simple, bold, and timeless.



Bride, Invitations, Flowers, and Bride and Groom, Bridesmaid Dress, Shoes

Retro: The retro bride loves polka dots and oversized flowers. Expect a bold invitation in the mail and a sweet Frank Sinatra first dance. This couple loves to make a statement, and expect a classic, Grace Kelly-esque inspired fashion statement. Short dresses, fishnet headbands, and gloves are sure to be found at this wedding.



Bride, Magazine Cover, Cake, Flowers, Shoes



Thank you, Erinn for putting together such a great post for us! Great Job!!!

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Beach Beautiful!

Emily did this board - it makes me want to get married on the beach! The softness of the water, the colors- you can almost hear the water crashing on the shore!

Sources: Sand, Drinks,  wedding picture,  Flower Cake,  Beach Scene, Sand Heart, Program

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Make yourself up!

DO have your makeup done by a professional (if not, at the very least get a consultation and have them instruct you on how to achieve the look yourself)

DO wear waterproof eye makeup (it's going to be an emotional day!)

DO highlight your cheeks with light blush and bronzer, even if it's not part of your daily routine. It will provide a nice glow to your complexion.

DO curl your eyelashes. This will make you look more bright-eyed and awake. (Fake eyelashes may be used, but make sure they are properly applied. You wouldn't want them to rotate or peel off during the ceremony!)

DON'T wear heavy foundation! It will show in photos and is more likely to smear and get on your clothes.

DON'T wear dark lipstick. Stick with light natural colors that are similar to that of your blush.

DON'T wait till the day of your wedding to try out your makeup looks. Practice before hand to avoid a stressful situation.



Photo Source

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BBQ Fun!

What do you think of this fun, casual BBQ wedding - fantastically fun, right?

Didn't Erinn do a fabulous job on this BBQ Chic Wedding!

Sources: Food by Ciao Thyme Catering , Albert & Alberta by Sports Illustrated, Karaoke, Flowers,  Invitations, Cups, Cake,  BBQ Bottles,  Wedding Party,

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Victorian Amazing!

We have a bride that is very traditional, and by traditional - I mean Queen Victoria. She loves lace and everything romantic about The Victorian Era.



Maggie made this board for her, what do you think?

Sources:  White Flowers, : Lace dress, pearls, flowers,  Invitation, HeadPiece, : Champagne and roses, Reception,  Ruffle Dress,  Car

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Song List

This week Maggie and Emily were working on some new songs for brides, basically taking some of the tired old songs that we have heard countless gazillions of times, and giving the play list a bit of a refresher!



There is a fine line between classic wedding songs and those that are overplayed. On that note, we decided to give you some suggestions to refresh your playlist.

{Click to enlarge}

Photo: Powers Photography

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Let's Eat Cake! Mega Post!!!

So you know the results of the event - you've seen some pictures. But really - what about those moments. The ones that will live in my mind forever.



I'll tell you, one of my biggest fears was that we would have planned this huge event, had Kerry Vincent come to judge, had a great turn out of bakers, and then no one would show up, or it would only be my friends and family. Which would be wonderful. BUT.... you know, not the point of the event. And one moment, I remember hugging a dear friend, and then turning around just taking a moment to look around and realized I didn't recongize a single face. I got choked up... serioulsy humbling.

Another one of my favorite moments was the Cake Auction, we had the bestest Auctioneer, he's a farm auctioneer, and I'd explain the cake, set a price, and he'd talk so fast, it was like a movie, I wish I had it on video! But- my 2 1/2 year old nieces decorated (drew on a rolled out piece of fondant) and we auctioned those off. I promised my sister I'd start the bidding at $1...but I got carried away, and started it at $5... immediately, Stewart Powers bid $40, and soon those cupycakes, were selling for more than $60- I look over at my sister and she was all red eyed, and bawling... so I lost it a weee bit on stage... it was a very touching moment, and I'll never forget the feeling in my heart and how amazing humbled I felt.

My Nieces and their first appearance on stage:

I loved our details, I mean, really, we should have a strong attention for details, but here are some of my favorites!

Good Bags donated by Pure by Lindsey, PhoBooth, Me on the news, The amazing cakes that were for auction, Neal Leal winning Best of Show, Me chatting with the judges, my sister's cake, friends having fun, our amazing T-Shirts, the Drink Milks signs...

I've been writing for an hour, and I am still not done, and I've already cried 3 times... I think I'll save more for another day.

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Romantical!

Another Board by Maggie - we have a wedding coming up in January, and the bride is so romantic, and classic. This board is perfect for her! Great job, Mags!



Sources:

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Pretty!

Maggie in our office put this board together, so pretty and romantic for a Perriwinkle and Green wedding! I just love the striking colors and how soft they are at the same time!

I feel Spring is coming!!!

Sources: Boutonniere and flowers and favor, Name Cards:, Reception, Outdoor ceremony:, Bride sitting, Periwinkle boutonniere and small flowers in square vases:, candles with petals, cake,

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Get Married!

Who isn’t trying to be budget conscience right now?





Get Married has teamed up with Celebrity event designer Colin Cowie to offer wedding tips and trends to the budget-savvy bride. Check out a few of Colin’s tips, and then check out Get Married’s site for more information on Colin’s advice and his show!



1. Dream big: Small ideas get small results, so put budget aside while envisioning your dream wedding, then figure out what you can afford.



2. Cut your coat according to the cloth: It’s better to do 5 things correctly than 10 things on the skinny.



3. Consider a destination wedding: Weddings can take place anywhere, so think beyond the exotic beach and think about a bed-and-breakfast or country inn.



4. Opt for a fantastic DJ: Instead of a big orchestra band, find a great DJ who can create great background music and just as easily keep the guests moving on the dance floor.



5. Invest in a trusted wedding planner: A professional is there to ease some of the pressure while bringing your vision to a reality.



6. Design a signature drink: Rather than serving an open bar, offer guests a specialty beverage that is as delicious as it is memorable.



7. Create monochromatic flower arrangements using one type of flower: When bundled en masse in short ceramic vases, whether roses or carnations, tulips or spider mums; these flowers are beautiful and impactful.

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Let's Eat Cake- Results!!!

Let’s Eat Cake! was filled with 36 beautiful cakes created by talented bakers in the Southern region. From as far north as Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and all of Florida. We were completely blessed by the out pouring of suport by the baking community!!



The judges studied these cakes, inside and out!! They tasted and studied, and tasted again!

The winners for the amateur category were:



Tastiest: Maria Rizzo – This Italian inspired cake was simple yet elegant with the words “Amor Est Vitae Essentia” meaning “love is the essence of life.”

Most Beautiful and Creative: Cynthia Richardson – This cake was decorated with a beautifully unique design inspired by shades of mocha and ivory.

Crowd’s Favorite: Melanie Judge – The crowd fell in love with this romantic white cake.

Best of Show: Melanie Judge - This four-tier white cake was surrounded by tall pink tulips that were gathered by a big pink bow.

The winners of the professional category were:



Tastiest: Ritz Carlton-Naples – This seven-layer cake was inspired by a spring theme and topped with sugar butterflies and colorful flowers.

Most Beautiful and Creative: Cakes by Lisa – This teal and silver cake was decorated with a fancy swirl design and stood beautifully on a silver cake stand.

Crowd’s Favorite: Unique Cakes by Frances – This cake was blue and silver in a castle-like shape and had a pumpkin carriage on top.

Best of Show: Heavenly Cakes by Neil – This amazing cake was embellished with intricate details topped with fresh cut roses!

More on Let's Eat Cake! to come, the crowds, the people, the auctions...



All Photos by: Powers Photography

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