Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
For the love of chocolate..
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
hmmmm...
Honestly, this has got to be the most successful photobooth album I have seen to date. Looking through each photo, I can tell these guys are having a fantastic time and really loving this activity! This is what I can only hope to accomplish on our wedding day..
wine spills included.
P.s. Check out her blog... {I heart} everything about it!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Only in Vegas..
I think the boy would like this theme all too much... that said, I love the vibrant turquoise and red colors in this inspiration board.. maybe a Vegas themed shin-dig? would that be tacky?
hmmm... something to ponder...
Now we're talking...
The bridesmaids bouquets are also wonderful.. each one has a base of deep purple hydrangea and deep red dahlias, deep red Rubicon roses, and a few black mini callas incorporated in the mix.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Planning on asking her to be your MOH?
1. For friends who live out of town, There's nothing wrong with calling her, but I think it's nicer to take the opportunity to write her a card. There are now will you be my bridesmaid cards, but you can also make one, or use your stationery to write a personal note.
2. Ask Her With a Sense of Humor It's a long-standing joke that bridesmaid dresses are ugly. The people at UglyDress.com have assembled a mind-boggling collection of bad bridesmaids dresses. Print out your favorite ones (if you can stop laughing), and use them to creatively make a card. You can write inside something like "I know you've always wanted to wear a peach monstrosity with a butt-widening bow on the back. Will you be a part of our wedding party?" or "I will never ask you to wear an ugly dress, as long as you're my bridesmaid!"
3. Send Her a Book Wrap a bridesmaid guidebook in pretty paper, and put a note on top saying "This is something I thought you'd be needing soon." Be sure to tuck a personal note inside the book before you wrap it. She'll have the surprise and laughs when she first opens the gift, but still be able to read your touching words.
4. Picture Yourself in a Celebrity Wedding Search for pictures of iconic celebrity weddings like Liza Minnelli's, Britney Spears, or even Charles and Camilla. Cut out one of the bridesmaids' faces and put your friend's picture there instead. On the inside of the card, write something cute like "I know our wedding can never compete with your pal Liza's bash, but at least you won't have to wear such an ugly dress, or put up with the paparazzi. Will you be my bridesmaid?"
5. Make a small photo album of pictures of the two of you. On the last page, write your wedding date, leaving room for a photo of the two of you. As she's looking through the book, and gets to that page, say "I can't wait to put a picture of the two of us from my wedding day on that page. Would you be my bridesmaid?"
How did you ask her?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Cigarettes Russes à la Martha...
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Still confused?
He Shoots..
Last night, I had a dream..
I am disappointed.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The one at the Beach...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Card boxes..
You can have your cake...
Last year, I posted on this wonderful Centerpiece cake. After a little snooping around, I finally found out that these cakes are made locally (here in Ottawa) and can be catered to fit your event theme. Although pricey, you get much more than what you pay for. Catering to just about any events, these cakes are absolutely one of a kind and will make people talk!
The Girl with the most Cake
Check it out!!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
{Mariage pluvieux, mariage heureux}
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Little boys and little girls..
I found this area especially hard because I wasn’t really thinking specifically about which little kids would fill the spot. I know who we’d potentially have as our Ring bearer, but we aren’t planning on going the flower girl route. Even thinking about the ring bearer, It was harder to find something decent for them… Besides an engraved whistle (no thanks) and a silver plated yoyo… there wasn’t much choice around here.
You want to try to keep the personal feel throughout the gift, also throw in a couple things YOU KNOW the kids would love.
So I put together a little mock list of potential ideas.. and here’s what I was thinking…
Flower girls:
Canvas tote bag (take out your fabric paints and Bedazllers ladies!!)
Dress up Paper Doll Book (personally, I loved this as a kid!)
Little baggy filled with personalized M&Ms of her fave colors
Little silver Jewellery box (engraved to add that special touch)
Cute little earrings or engraved personalized Charm Bracelet
Ring bearers:
Wicked cool Backpack (You can let your hubby pick it out.. he knows what’s cool)
Juggling balls (in a special tin)
Little bag filled personalized M&Ms of his fave colors
Little boy watch (to attach to his belt loop)
baseball jersey/bat set (personalized of course) with matching hat
Small Lego set (to keep him busy while everyone is running around)
I was pondering the idea of coloring books and pencils and a set of markers.. but there is a risk factor that isn’t 100% kiddie full proof. You don’t want to have to scramble around at the last minute if your ring bearer thinks it’s funny to draw on your flower girl's dress.. oh yeah… believe it or not, it’s happened!! (Rule #1, ALWAYS keep a Tide stick close... in case)
I really liked the idea of Fleece blankets as well. Go to Old Navy for these (they always have pretty funky colors and at a great price you can't go wrong) or have it specially ordered with their initials on it for that special touch.
FindGift.com also had a great box gift set with miniature pops, sweets & gadgets for the kids.
Oh.. one site I was looking at today suggested engraved paperweights for the ring bearers… honestly?? What does a 6 year old boy need a paper weight with his name engraved on it for??? It’ll end up being launched at his parents when he’s not happy… not so good!!
If you still have no clue where to start, here are great tips listed on Bridal people :
Ask the parents for clues and ideas, chances are they will know exactly what to get the kids.
If that fails, take them out for a “Ring bearer”/ “Flower girl” day of fun! This can count as your gift by treating them to an activity packed day! If you still plan on giving them a gift, this is also a great way to find out more about their likes and dislikes. Should make your job easier in the long run.
The last thing to remember is to make them feel like they are an important part of your day. Don’t forget to have fun. Kids love to feel special too, they will always remember your wedding as being the coolest they've ever been to.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The countdown..
After comparing notes with a few publications.. here is a quick list to get you started in the right direction..
9-12 Months prior to the wedding:
Announce your engagement : If you haven't splashed it on Facebook, or titled yourself as Mrs.
Find Ceremony site/and venue, reserve and decide on a date: It's very important you book the venue and ceremony sites as soon as possible. Depending on the venue, specific times of the year and can be highly competitive for bookings.
Work on a guest list to get a rough head count: It's a good idea to start figuring out your guest list in the beginning. It'll give you an idea of what to expect with caterers' quotes for booze and food.
Start looking around for your Bridal gown: Round up your ladies for a night of Bridal Magazine "eye candy" shopping. Cut out your favorite ideas and styles and create a scrapbook to help you have a better idea of what you are specifically looking for.
6-9 Months prior:
Choose your wedding party, select a caterer, pick a photographer/videographer, hire a florist (They book fast, so make sure you get a deposit down!!) Book musicians and/or DJ, start researching Honeymoon spots.
Mail save the dates: Especially if you are having a destination or holiday-weekend wedding
Register: Registering for gifts is a blessing for some, and a pain for others. It all comes down to practicality. If you don't want to receive 3 fondue sets and 16 different salt and pepper shakers of all shapes and sizes (unless you registered for them), this is probably the best route you should go. The only downside to registering is you risk the chance of not getting something of sentimental value.
Order your wedding gown: Always leave extra time when ordering your gown. Especially if it's a special order gown. Be prepared to expect the un-expected, you can never be too sure.
4-6 Months prior:
Order wedding stationery and book a Calligrapher (if using one), shop for the wedding cake, hire wedding day transportation, book your fave beauty pros for the big day, Scout accommodation for out-of-town guests, complete the guest list, Start planning your Honeymoon, and make flight and hotel reservations.
Arrange the rehearsal dinner (suggestion...)
2-4 Months prior:
Find out about marriage-license requirements ( a must!!), order tuxedos/suits for the groom and his groomsmen, buy Thank you gifts for the attendants, choose favors (if any), start selecting music set list for the reception, Order the wedding cake, meet with the caterer or banquet manager (discuss menus, service style, wine selections....), shop for wedding bands
4-8 Weeks prior:
Mail invitations 6-8 weeks ahead of the wedding
Do a hair and makeup run-through (with headpiece)
Decide on insurance-policy changes you'll need (you never know)
2-4 Weeks prior:
Plot the seating for the reception
Confirm details with the photographer, florist...
Have your final dress fitting
Write your rehearsal-dinner toast
1 week prior:
Place the fees due on the wedding day in envelopes (you don't want to be writing cheques and worrying about payments the day of)
Give the the caterer a final head count
And last but not least, book yourself a day at the spa for final beauty treatments.. go on Honey! You MORE Than deserve a day at the Spa!
Most importantly, Don't Forget to ENJOY yourself. After all, it is you and your hubby's big day!
Cake plates & fancy dates..
Monday, March 9, 2009
Red velvety goodness...
With this ring...
Friday, March 6, 2009
Martha Friday: For the eco conscious Bride
I'm baaaaaaaaaaack...
Stay tuned for extreme goodies galore!!