In Honor of Adam Kholgy and Stephanie Peterson

It was so great to finally work at the beautiful Rancho Las Lomas. I was also lucky enough to work with some of my favorite vendors like photographer Scott Nelson and the always amazing caterers, 24 Carrots. Enjoy some of my favorite pictures from the special day below!


The Team: {Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings} - {Location: Rancho Las Lomas} - {Photography: Scott Nelson} - {Florist: The Twisted Fig Fine Florals} - {Caterer: 24 Carrots} - {Ceremony Music: Denny White} - {DJ: Peter Gutierrez} - {Bakery: Great Dane Bakery} - {Makeup: Makeup by Berit}

How to Welcome the Out of Towners

At most weddings there are relatives and friends who travel from around the country and sometimes the world to see their loved ones get married. I think it is so important to make them feel welcome and a little extra special for making the effort to come out and see you get married! Here's some tips from The Bridal Guide on how to give your guests from far away a warm welcome to your wedding.

MG Events via All Things Lovely

Sometimes out-of-town guests make matters tricky because there are rooms to block, transportation to book, directions to give, and gift bags to stuff. But as the host you have to make sure things go flawlessly and they enjoy themselves!

Start Early
I cannot stress this enough! Procrastination is the worst possibly thing for a wedding. Of course you have to send save-the-date cards. You can be super creative with these and its best to make them a little special because it will make guests excited for your big day! These cards is the best way to let guest know they'll need to plan ahead. It's most considerate to send these out six to eight months before the big day. Keep the information you provide simple. Include your names, the wedding date and place, and a wedding website URL, if you have one, and hotel information.

Martha Stewart Weddings

Block Rooms Strategically
When choosing a hotel to recommend to guests, always keep in mind proximity, price and special features. A location near both the ceremony and reception will make it easier for guests to get around. It should be affordable, clean, and nicely decorated, and it should offer amenities like a restaurant, and a bar and airport shuttle service. You might even want to give options and recommend different locations at different price points.
Guests will appreciate it if you block rooms at a discounted rate. Contracts for a block vary from hotel to hotel so it's important that you go over all the details.
Give Guidance
Guests will be on their own to book airfare and other transportation. But do consider working with a travel agent to find good deals and packages for them. You might be charged a fee of about $15 to $30 per guest for coordinating out-of-towners' flights. Even though guests should manage their own transportation from the airport to the hotel, provide them with the name and phone number of a taxi service and any details about hotel-provided transportation. Also, you'll want to give guests some ideas of what to do, whether its sights to see or restaurants to eat at. Post this information on your website!
Consider a Shuttle
If you have room in your budget, hire a bus to shuttle guests from the hotel to the wedding and back. It provides a designated driver-plus, party buses can be fun. Have flip-flops for tired feet, bottled water, mints and aspirin on the bus. guest will seriously appreciate how thoughtful you are.
Don't Overdo It
It's customary to invite everyone coming from far away to the rehearsal dinner-and sometimes even to a next-day brunch- if financially feasible. If not, suggest guests to meet at a nearby hot spot for cocktails or take a tour of the town. Take good care of your guests but don't fee; guilty if you can't afford to wine and dine them all weekend long.
Gift Giving
Guests will appreciate a little basket, like the one above, of treats to help them feel welcome! Be creative and fun with it. Here are some ideas and suggestions.
Comfort and Care
Bottled water, fruit, and other convenient snaks should satisfy their just-arrived cravings; throw in some bubble bath and soft slippers too!
City-Centric
Marrying in a big city? Provide bus or rail tokens, a map, a guidebook and some locally made treats!
Beachy Keen
For a beach wedding, fill a sand pail with flip-flops, sunscreen and a gift card for ice cream on the boardwalk.
Morning Glory
A bagel, juice, pain reliever and the newspaper will make the morning-after enjoyable.

Vendor Spotlight: Jen Simpson Design

Your invitations are one of the first things guests will see of your wedding! So you want them to look the best you can. Jen Simpson and her husband Luke of Jen Simpson Design create the most beautiful invites ever! Luke is the printer and maker of the invitations while she designs them and takes care of the customer contracts. Their invitations are so unique and every single one is special.

  • Cat or Dog?  Cat
  • Twilight or Harry Potter? Harry Potter
  • Mac or PC? Mac
  • Sweet or Salty? Salty
  • Beer or Wine? Beer
  • Mountains or Beach? Beach
  • Neat or Messy? Messy
  • What is the last book you read? Ummm…..haha we havn’t read a book in forever!
  • Most embarrassing moment? We have had a few… :)
  • Favorite sports team? Ohio State
  • What was the last movie you went to see? Harry Potter
  • Who would play you in a movie?  Jen: Anna Torv- the girl from fringe Luke: Tom Cruise from the 90’s
  • What is your favorite drink? JEN: Vodka Cranberry LUKE: Dirty Martini
  • What is in your refrigerator right now? Leftovers
  • What is your favorite place to eat? Sonny’s Italian Restaurant
  • What TV reality show or game show would you go on? Amazing Race
  • How many pairs of shoes do you own?  Around 15
  • Where did you grow up? Ohio
  • Where have you gone to school? Bowling Green State University
  • What is your advice to people planning a wedding? JEN: Keep calm and carry on :) LUKE: Use a lot of paper decorations :)
  • What is your best marriage advice? JEN: Give and compromise LUKE: Talk with your spouse enough that you can anticipate their wants and needs.
  • One of your favorite wedding moments? JEN: when we hand over invitations to a bride and get to see their faces glow with excitement! LUKE: At our wedding when we entered the reception to the Simpson’s theme song!
  • Anything else we should know? We have a cat named Rolland who is basically our kid. We love him dearly, and he is very spoiled!  


15 Ways to Show Mom Some Love

It's every mom's dream to see their son or daughter marry their soul mate. Generally, mothers play a big role in the wedding planning and they out their heart and soul into the special occasion. Here are some ways to say thank you to the woman who dedicated her life to you.

Jim Kennedy Photography

1. Have her join you and Dad for your walk down the aisle.
2. Present her with a photo album of snapshots of the two of you-with a placeholder for a wedding-day picture.
3. Have a piece of lace from her wedding sewn into your gown.
4. Hit her up for "something borrowed," like a piece of her jewelry.
5. Display her wedding portrait on the escort-card table (place it with photos of other family brides).
6. Ask her to light a candle or to give a reading at the ceremony.
7. Have breakfast with her on the big day. You'll sneak in a few moments of calm before the craziness begins.
8. Treat her to a pre-wedding hair-and-makeup session with you and your girls.
9. Order er a monogrammed handkerchief especially for the wedding (She's going to need it!).
10. Tuck her fave bloom into your bouquet; give it to her when you reach the altar.
11. Have your guy make a toast in her honor.
12. Spend your wedding eve watching rom-coms with her at her house.
13. Mail her a letter telling her how much you appreciate her; time it to arrive while you're on your honeymoon.
14. Having a destination bash? Surprise her with a massage at the spa or with a hotel upgrade to a luxe suite.
15. Start a new tradition; the mother daughter dance.

Easy RSVP Tracking

There is nothing more frustrating than when a guest sends back a RSVP card without their name on it! And believe me this happens. Here is a great idea to ensure you know who is sending and RSVP even when they forget to write their name and all you need is a blacklight ink and pen.

 What you do is write your guest's initials or name on the RSVP card in blacklight pen o when a un-named card comes back to you, you just whip out your blacklight pen and identify! And you can give them a hard time for forgetting :)

And these pens are super inexpensive! Go here to buy this handy tool.

How to Tie a Bow Tie

Most often, Bow Ties will come pre-tied from the tux shop. However, if you want to take your look to the next step, we dare you to go for the real thing! Of course, a tutorial on the process of bow-tying may be needed...and looking at these instructions, it looks like you may need a bit of practice! Take a look at the following steps and you'll be well on your way!

www.lenoeupapillion.com

In Honor of Kelly Browne & Matt Roberts

I had such a great time working with Kelly and Matt!  My friend Constance, another fellow planner (www.constancecurtis.com) is friends with Matt and referred them to me because I am on the Hilton's preferred list.  I was so glad she connected us because both Kelly and Matt along with there bridal party and family were just as nice as can be!  Then throw in Sarah and Derek from Frenzel Photographers and KC Campbell from VOC DJs and you've got a party!  I hope you enjoy some of the gorgeous pictures Sarah and Derek captured below....I cannot wait to work with them again!


The Team: {Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings} - {Location- Waterfront Hilton} - {Photography: Frenzel Photography} - {Florist: Commerce Flowers} - {Videography: Keepsake Videographer} - {Entertainment: VOX DJs}  - {Bakery: Rossmoor Pastries} - {Photobooth: Fab Photo}  - {Beauty: Bella Blush}

How to Create a Signature Cocktail

Signature cocktails are a growing trend in the wedding industry, and a fun way to personalize your wedding! Cocktail hour is the first chance your guests have to mix and mingle while you’re our having fun with your wedding photos; and nothing is better than not having to wait in line at the bar! Also, it is a bonus for the budget-conscious: You can save on the drink tab by offering wine, beer, champagne, and just the signature cocktail, rather than a full bar.

simplysavannahevents.blogspot.com

When designing your signature drink, here are some factors to consider:
  •       What are your favorite liquors and non-alcoholic ingredients in mixed drinks?
  •        Are there any liquor types and/or ingredients that you absolutely do not want?
  •        What types of cocktails do you two enjoy drinking together?
  •     Would you like the drink to match or complement your color scheme? 
  •     Does your wedding have an overall theme (Hollywood Glamour, Country Simple, etc.)
  •     Consider giving your family history (Origin, Culture, etc.) a role.
  •     Consider the culture of your hometown. (Perhaps your hometown is known for a specific fruit or vegetable).
  •     Peruse restaurant menus or current food magazines for flavor trends.
  •     Let a destination be your inspiration (Location, Honeymoon, where you met, etc.)

When it comes to deciding on the name of your drink, oftentimes, it could be a combination of the couples’ names or something that relates to an interesting story about the couple (how they met, where they met, etc.).
If interested, you can even contact Wedding Cocktail Design.com. Their mixologists will assist you in formulating the perfect signature drink! Their packages include everything from Initial consultation to go over ideas, all the way to the creation of a non-alcoholic version for those guests who do not drink.

stephiebstyle.blogspot.com
If you chose to formulate your own drink, remember, before you dive into making improvisational drinks for your guests, purchase a variety of flavors you think will go together and start mixing and testing. Eventually, you will be able to find the perfect combination of ingredients and concoct a palatably pleasing drink for you and the rest of the guests. 

Vendor Spotlight: Ryan Weeger Photography

Ryan Weeger is such a talented photographer! He's young and so much fun. His creativity is unbelievable and he has so much passion for what he does.  Not to mention we went to high school together and were in the same Biology class!  We were both the dorky kids....but I must say, I think we have both blossomed quite well, haha :) Oh, and he skateboarded to the most recent time we just had coffee...that's pretty rad in my book!  Get a little glimpse into his fun personality, and enjoy some eye candy of his fabulous work.

·     Cat or Dog? I suppose I’m a bit of both, although we don’t have any pets we definitely have some food mooching kitties in our neighborhood. They guard our place when we’re out :)
·     Twilight or Harry Potter? Gotta say neither on this one. I’m definitely into the drama/comedy type movies, I like real like stuff!
·     Mac or PC? Most definitely Mac based, that warm glow of the apple on my macbook lid just keeps me coming back.
·     Sweet or Salty? Both! Have you even tried those sweet and salty granola bars? So good. I am all about mixing it up, food included.
·     Beer or Wine?  I am definitely into my beers, but no snobbiness from me, I’m an equal opportunity beer lover. My favorites drafts will always be craft IPA’s, I love the hoppy stuff. And wine? Sarah and I were married at a winery in Temecula and honeymooned in Sonoma, so we are definitely into wine as well.
·     Mountains or Beach? I’m definitely a mountains/cold weather guy. I do love the beach as well but there is nothing like crisp cold air and the solitude the mountains bring.
·     Neat or Messy? Clean cut and pretty darn neat. I like my stuff in order, no surprises!
·     What is the last book you read? The Internet is a Playground by David Thorne. If you are into ultra dry and pretty crass humor, you truly can’t go wrong or stop laughing with this stuff.
·     Most embarrassing moment? These happen a lot; I’m always pushing the limits to see what I can get away with, whether it be photographing a wedding or racing my bike. I am pretty competitive and the one embarrassing thing that stands out to me is quitting a bike race. It was really hot, and tough, and I gave in. It won’t happen again I promise that much.
·     Favorite sports team? I grew up in Huntington Beach and still live here. My favorite sports teams are definitely the Angels and the Chargers. I can’t wait till football season starts up again!
·     What was the last movie you went to see? I saw Crazy, Stupid, Love with my wife recently, it was AWESOME. 
·     Who would play you in a movie? Tough one, but I’d have to go with Matt Damon. Mostly for the fact that I love every movie he plays a role in.  
·     What is your favorite drink?  Definitely an Ice Cold Pliny the Elder Double IPA. I know it’s kind of a weird name for a beer, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
·     What is in your refrigerator right now? A bunch of good beers, lots of fruit, veggies galore, sandwich ingredients and of course some eggs and bacon. We love cooking from home so we are usually pretty well stocked.
·     What is your favorite place to eat? I am definitely a huge fan of Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach. For some local good stuff Sarah and I frequent the Secret Spot in Huntington Beach.
·     What TV reality show or game show would you go on? I am not a big reality show guy, but I would definitely accept an invite to the Shark Tank, I have some good ideas ;) I leave the game shows to my wife Sarah, she was on Wipeout and made it into the top 6!
·     How many pairs of shoes do you own? I keep it pretty simple, Flip Flops mostly when I’m not in my working weddings in my dress kicks.
·     Where did you grow up? Huntington Beach born and raised.
·     Where have you gone to school? I went to High School at Marina in Huntington Beach. I spent 3 years at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and 1 year taking photo classes at Orange Coast College.
·     What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Develop a relationship or connection with each of your wedding day vendors. It is such an intimate and special day in your lives and you want to be able to connect and get along with everyone involved with your wedding day, whether its your florist or photographer. Getting to know each vendor creates a great relationship from the beginning.
·     What is your best marriage advice? Stay true to yourself and put your spouse first. And don’t neglect those awesome date nights and spur of the moment trips and fun things you did before you were married! Now you can do that stuff all the time :)
·     One of your favorite wedding moments? I love the moment when either the bride or groom show their emotion, and when they can’t hold it back and get misty or shed some tears of happiness. Thats the best.
·     Anything else we should know? What I really love the most about photographing weddings is the connection with the couples I work with, and the relationship we develop before the wedding through their special day and afterwards. I live for the moment when a couple gets their images and is moved and emotions flow. That is when I am humbled and all the hard work has paid off, it truly is the best feeling.

  

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Vendor Spotlight: Bethany Commemory Fine Art

This is a very unique kind of wedding vendor post and I am so excited to introduce something so special to everyone! Bethany is an incredible artist who creates timeless pieces to commemorate a very special part of your wedding- the dress! She works hard to create unique pieces that are personal to you and your personality and style through a collage of mixed-media on canvas. It is evident through her paintings that she is so passionate about capturing the most special memories.  Check out her interview as well as some of her work below!

Also, don't forget to stop by her Facebook page and website!
                                                                                                                                                              Cat or Dog? Dogs: Hendrix and Jagger 
                                                                                                                                                      Twilight or Harry Potter? Twilight


Mac or PC? Both

Sweet or Salty? Both, one bite after the other ;-)

Beer or Wine? Beer

Mountains or Beach? Mountains until I can get back in my bikini

Neat or Messy? Neat

What is the last book you read? The Help 

Most embarrassing moment? The latest one - Not knowing who the owners of a prestigious bridal salon were at a recent event they hosted and asked them, "Do you work here?"

Favorite sports team? The New York Giants

What was the last movie you went to see? Crazy Stupid Love

Who would play you in a movie? Charlize Theron 

What is your favorite drink? Cucumber water

What is in your refrigerator right now? Greek yogurt and cherries

What is your favorite place to eat? Sushi, can't narrow it down to one

What TV reality show or game show would you go on? Big Brother

How many pairs of shoes do you own? 50+

Where did you grow up? Montville, NJ

Where have you gone to school? The University of Arizona
  
What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Do what is important to you and your fiancé. Give it personal touches special to the both of you. Don't worry so much about traditions - make your own.

What is your best marriage advice? Treat your husband today as if he were gone forever tomorrow.

One of your favorite wedding moments? Seeing my husband for the first time before the ceremony. It was the most calming and happy moment.

Anything else we should know? Some tips for working with me, it's easier than one might think. A bride, groom, mom, future mother-in-law, maid-of-honor/wedding party (my paintings make a great gift) just need to provide the following items to make the painting as special as possible -
- Photos of the dress
- Wedding/favorite colors
- Names and wedding date
- Important/Personal elements or symbolism to the bride and groom like where they met, got engaged, wedding location, vows, phrases, music lyrics, favorite flowers, favorite place etc.




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Real Advice From a Real Bride: YogaBabes

I love this segment we do every so often!  My former brides pass on advice now that they have been through it all!  A bride very near and dear to me, Jessica, shared some of her advice with me to post and I think it is so awesome.  She was working on becoming a yoga instructor during the planning process and she has passed on some fabulous poses and advice....although I don't think it's possible to look as good as she does in the pictures...gosh darn her!  Anyways, enjoy!

"In one month and one day I will have been married for one year! With our anniversary fast approaching, I have recently found myself reflecting back not only on the magical day itself but also those hectic last few weeks leading up to our wedding. The work it takes to make your wedding so special and flawless is, as all of you brides-to-be already know, tremendous. I was blessed to have found Holly early on in my planning process, so I had plenty of help along the way. Yet even with all the help in the world, planning a wedding can still at times a very arduous and emotionally draining process – am I right ladies?


Holly has asked me if I have any advice for her beautiful brides and I do. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you take care of yourself. It is easy to forget about ‘you’ while busy taking care of day-to-day errands, taking care of the wedding contracts, and taking care of addressing all the save-the-dates (because let’s be real, your husband’s handwriting just won’t do). Do make a conscious effort to take a break from all things wedding at least once a day and do something just for yourself. This doesn't mean take a break from wedding stuff to work on other 'work' or chip away at your non-wedding to-do list. Taking a break really means taking a break! It can be journaling, knitting, reading, running, surfing, baking… anything that brings you happiness.

While I was wedding planning, I really relied on yoga as my 'break'. I found yoga to be cathartic, calming, grounding, and it left me feeling more positive. Participating in exercise of any kind is a fabulous way of effectively managing stress since exercise produces endorphins (your happy hormones). Interestingly enough, yoga made such an impact on my life, that shortly after my wedding I became a yoga teacher!

I have created a Simply Sweet and Stress-free series of asanas (poses) that you can try next time you feel like taking a break from wedding planning! I hope you enjoy the poses and my advice and they bring some peace to your very busy life. Never forget that all of your hard pre-wedding work will be worth it come your big day."
Simply Sweet and Stress-free Yoga
1.    Child’ Pose –. Bring your knees out wide, big toes to touch and sit on your heels. Lay your torso forward between your thighs. Extend arms out. Stay as long as comfortable.
2.    Puppy Pose- come onto all fours, so that your shoulders are above your wrists and your hips are above your knees. Walk your hands forward a few inches, engage your arms and keep them where they are as you gently pull your hips back and up. Maintain this pose for 15-30 seconds.
3.    Cat Cow Pose- Again start on all fours. Inhale to Cow, arch your back so your navel reaches for the ground and your tailbone and gaze reach up to the sky. Exhale to Cat, arch your back so that your tailbone points down and so does your gaze. Repeat Cat-Cow 3-5Xs.

4.    Bridge- come onto your back. Bend your knees and bring your heels right up to your bottom. Send your hips up high, tuck your shoulders under and grasp your hands under your torso. Gaze is straight up at the ceiling. Release your hands when ready to release the pose. Hold for 15-30 seconds before your slowly lower.

5.    Standing Forward Fold. Come up to standing and with a flat back slowly fold forward. When fully folded, arms can rest on the thighs, shins, or floor (but never on the knees). Stay in this stretch for 15-30 seconds and rise ever so slowly.

6.    Reclining Bound Angle Pose- Come to your back for our final pose. Bend your knees and let them fall open and bring the soles of your feet to touch. Close your eyes and focus on your breath (not on wedding planning hehe) and enjoy!




For more on how to live like a YogaBabe visit me at www.yogababes.me.

10 Bridesmaid Dress Tips

Brides almost always choose the closest women in their lives to be their bridesmaids. They’re there for you when you need someone most, they make you laugh, and they know you better than you know yourself. So you want them to look just as beautiful as you when they stand beside you at your wedding…..right? So here are some tips from The Knot to picking the best dresses!

Chris Diset Photography
  1.       Track the Trends. What’s hot now? Hemlines with a little pop of sequins for that glam effect.
  2.         Be Flexible. Why not pick the color you want and then let your maids choose their own style?
  3.         Search for Inspiration. Surf the web. Even if you don’t spot your dream dress, you may find other ideas.
  4.         Shop Early. Get your girls together to scope out silhouettes that everyone can agree on.
  5.         Make Black-Tie Optional. Floor length gowns in seersucker or chiffon fabrics feel less formal.
  6.         Ace the Accessories. Cool-toned dresses go with silver; for warm hues, try gold.
  7.         Tap into Old Hollywood. A rhinestone belt, ruffle collar and knee length hem are so Grace Kelly.
  8.         Do Your Homework. Study up on shapes that flatter all figures, like V-necks and A-lines.
  9.         Find the Right Price. Consider cost when selecting a dress.
  10.       Get a Tailor. Find affordable alterations around your area and make sure the dresses fit to a tee to ensure everyone looking their best!

Budget Ideas: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Every couple wants to save money on their wedding. But there are good ways-and bad ways. I’ve seen so many weddings where they think its better to do things on their own and it looks homemade. So if you want to cut some costs, here are some great tips from Brides magazine to how.

Invitations
Good: Printing a single card with both ceremony and reception details
Bad: Texting or emailing the invites
Flowers
Good:
·      Decorating with potted bulbs, herbs, or fresh praoduce instead of just cut stems
·      Buying flowers that are blooming locally (Helllooo no shipping!)
·      Putting your own money into the flowers that will be in the spotlight, like your bouquet and the centerpieces
·      Having each bridesmaid carry a few full-bodied blooms, like hydrangeas or chrysanthemums. This way you don’t have to spend extra money on the little flowers!
·      Flanking the altar with flowering branches like cherry or apple blossoms instead of large cut-flower arrangements
Bad:
·      Skipping centerpieces all together. Bare does NOT look beautiful
·      “Borrowing” flowers from your neighbor’s garden- or anyone’s garden in that matter
·      Using cheap stems that you don’t even like or clash with your color scheme just so you’ll have flowers everywhere
·      Asking each bridesmaid to bring her own bouquet
·      Marking the ceremony location with a bunch of balloons
Food and Drink
Good:
·      Forgoing the champagne toast and having guests clink with whatever they’re already drinking
·      For an informal wedding, serving a pasta buffet
·      Booking a site that lets you supply your own liquor (Buy by the case to save even more!)
Bad:
·      Cutting the toast
·      Doing chips, pretzels, and baby carrots and hoping that people will have shown up already eaten
·      Writing “BYOB” on the invitation
Wedding Cake
Good: Ordering a cake for just two thirds of your guest list. Some will skip dessert or leave before you cut it
Bad: Asking mom to make Jell-O molds- everyone always raved about them when you were growing up
Negotiating
Good: Asking vendors for a discount but expecting to compromise- maybe that means shortening the cocktail hour
Bad: Asking vendors to donate stuff- believe me, if you keep asking for deals, vendors aren’t going to want to give it to you!
Here are some additional tips to saving some extra cash!
  •         Trimming the guest list- If you haven’t socialized with someone in a year or more, cross them off the list. Facebook friends don’t count
  •         Serving wine, beer, and a signature cocktail, not a full bar
  •         Picking a predecorated, fully furnished site. You wont need to spring for rentals and decorative items to make it look photo ready
  •         Having a lunch reception
  •         DIYing your wedding stationary
  •         Scheduling the event during the locales off-season and/or on a quiet day. (i.e. a mountain resort not during the winter)
  •         Eloping! Just kidding.s

The "Plus One" Controversy

There's the never-ending controversy of whether or not people should be able to bring a "plus one" to weddings.  When trying to control wedding costs, the easiest thing to do is limit the guest list.  So what is the true etiquette of bringing a date?  Emily post says ....


"Spouses, fiancees/fiances, and live-in partners must be invited.  Issuing an invitation to a boyfriend or girlfriend is up to the bride and groom's discretion."


"Allowing single guests who aren't attached to significant others to bring dates is a thoughtful gesture, but one that is certainly not required and often not realistic."


And if it's good enough for Emily Post, it's good enough for me! :)  Ok, now that we have the official etiquette out of the way, let's look a little further.  A wedding is an intimate, personal event, so a friend's random date they have never met, is literally taking the place of one person they could have invited.  I think it is a wonderful gesture to invite all significant others, but do not feel the need to give "and guest" to unattached guests.  If you know your friend or cousin whomever has a significant other, call them to find out the signifiant other's name to put on the invitation.  


Whatever you both decide is best for your situation is perfectly fine.  However, my only advice is draw a line in the sand and make no exceptions!  For example, "all couples in relationships are okay, but no first dates or friends as dates."  I literally have a friend who's boyfriend was recently invited to a wedding where the couple chose who could bring their significant others and who could not!  Talk about lots of hurt feelings!!!

Alternative Wedding Locations

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and there's so many different ways to make it special and personal to you! The most traditional option is to have it at a hotel ballroom. However, there are many options that will create a beautiful and memorable wedding for you. Below are some ideas and alternatives to make your reception as amazing as you can!


Sports Field:
Cakes and Kisses
 Jack K Hou Photography
DomFoto.com
Ski Lodge:
 Mitchell Dyer Photography

Farm:

http://wedding-dresses.more-tips.com/

Zoo:

Furious Photography

Art Gallery:

A Bryan Photo

Botanical Garden:

Lin and Jirsa Photography
College campus
  • Most college campuses let alumni get married at the school!
Industrial loft
Private home
  • Think of close family and friends who might have gorgeous homes and will be willing to open it up to you! This is a great way to be original and save some money!
Racetrack

No matter where you decide to have your wedding, it will be beautiful but I hope these ideas help you see other ways to be original!


Franciscan Gardens, San Juan Capistrano

Okay, I just want to start out by saying how amazing

Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano

is! It is such a gorgeous venue to have any wedding at. Not only is it a beautiful place to get married, they also have amazingly delicious food because they are owned and operated by the fabulous

24 Carrots Catering

. Unlike a lot of caterers who have preset menus, they customize menus for every bride. Contact

Anne

if you have any questions at all! She’s amazing!

Check out their gorgeous pictures and their 2012 pricing sheet and a list of all that is included in their package with the site rental fee.

Amanda Doublin Photography

Left: Amanda Doublin Photography, Right: Marilyn Nakazato Photography

Amanda Doublin Photography

Kate Noelle Photography

Jessica Holley Photography

Marilyn Nakazato Photography

Marilyn Nakazato Photography

Anne Watson Photography

Amanda Doublin Photography

Jessica Holley Photography

Insure Your Wedding Ring!

Now-a-days there is insurance for everything. From our cars to our houses, we insure what is most valuable to us! So why not insure your engagement ring? Thanks to The Knot for this great article on tips to insure your most special piece of jewelry! It's easier than you think!
John Partridge Photography


What It Is:
There are a few ways to insure your engagement ring. Ring insurance can be purchased as an extension (also called a "rider") for your renters' or homeowners' policy. Renters' and homeowners' policies cover the items in your home, but only up to a certain dollar value. Expensive, special items, like engagement rings, art, and electronics are guaranteed through scheduled personal property coverage -- an insurance policy extension that covers particular items. Another option is to insure your ring through a company that specializes in jewelry insurance, which might offer more coverage than a standard homeowners' policy (replacing a lost or stolen ring rather than paying a set amount of cash, for instance).

Who Needs It Most:
Any couple with jewelry that has high material or sentimental value -- whether your wedding and engagement ring cost $500 or $50,000, an insurance policy is a way of honoring not just their financial value but what they represent. The sentiment behind your ring is priceless, but the ring itself can be replaced -- if they're insured -- in the event that something happens to them.

What to Know About How It Works:
You will need to provide your receipts, as well as an appraisal (which costs a small fee; you can get an appraisal from a certified gemologist). And remember, if you move after the wedding, make sure your "ring rider" follows you. Some couples have the ring insured at the bride's house (or her parents') before the wedding, but forget to add it to the policy for their new home when they move in together.
If you don't have a renters' or homeowners' policy, there is an alternative way to insure your ring: Certain insurance companies offer policies through jewelers on individual pieces -- ask your jeweler if they work with an insurance company to offer ring insurance. These kinds of policies can vary widely company by company (usually a jeweler will offer a policy that's underwritten by smaller company), so ask specific questions about the level of coverage provided.

Questions To Ask Before You Choose a Policy:
  • Is the ring covered if you lose it accidentally, or only if it's stolen?
  • How will the company replace the ring -- with a check? Or will they require you to purchase a replacement through a specified jeweler
  • What if it's a vintage ring or other unique piece? How will the quality and size of your diamond -- and that of a replacement if needed -- be documented?
  • Is the ring insured to full cost or a fraction of it?
  • How will you need to prove the ring vanished if you make a claim?
  • Are there any circumstances that aren't covered? (What if your ring flies off at the circus and gets trampled by elephants, for example?)

Average Cost:

The yearly cost to insure your ring is $1 to $2 for every $100 that it would cost to replace. In plain English, this means that if your ring would cost $9,000 to replace, you might expect to pay between $90 and $180 per year to insure it -- or slightly more in cities where the risk of theft is higher.

How To Get Your Cost Down:
Buy a vault or safe to keep jewelry in when it's not being worn. (You can also keep paperwork like appraisals in the safe, so you'll always know where they are if needed.)

What To Remember if You Only Remember One Thing:
When you shop for a "ring rider" policy, make sure to read the fine print: A good policy will cover every potentially ring-threatening situation from theft to damage to accidentally dropping it in the garbage disposal.

In Honor of Brooke Davis & Josh Wimberly

I had such a great time being a part of Brooke and Josh's wedding.  They both live in Arizona, so I actually planned most of the wedding with Brooke's mom, Ginny.  Every part of this wedding was a blast!  I loved every single vendor, and in case you didn't know I used to work at Franciscan Gardens, so it was nice to be back!  Enjoy some of our favorite pictures below by Chris!

The Team: {Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings} - {Location- Franciscan Gardens} - {Photography: Chris Diset Photography} - {Florist: Jenny B Floral Design} - {Caterer: 24 Carrots} - {Entertainment: Elevated Pulse Productions}  - {Bakery: Simply Sweet Cakery} - {Photobooth: Foto Cabina}

  

Vendor Spotlight: Elevated Pulse Productions

Ok...I absolutely love Brian Lee with Elevated Pulse Productions!  He is the perfect mix of fun and outgoing without being a cheeseball!  He is always blogging about new mixes and giving updates on music selections to the traditional choices.  Not to mention they also do really awesome lighting!  You must check out their website to see more than just the pictures we posted below!
  • Cat or Dog?  Dog….his name is Brady
  • Twilight or Harry Potter? Neither
  • Mac or PC?  Mac all the way!
  • Sweet or Salty? Spicy ;)
  • Beer or Wine? I enjoy both, but I am definitely more of a beer person. Especially in the summertime.
  • Mountains or Beach? The Beach! I moved to California to so I could see the ocean as much as possible, and be away from cold weather
  • Neat or Messy? I would say Neat, but my wife might think otherwise.
  • What is the last book you read? It was a book on how to use Logic Pro (my music production software).
  • Most embarrassing moment?  I’m not letting the cat out of the bag on this one :)
  • Favorite sports team? New England Patriots!! I grew up in New Hampshire.
  • What was the last movie you went to see? Horrible Bosses
  • Who would play you in a movie?  Hmmm tough one….maybe Jake Gyllenhaal?
  • What is your favorite drink? Nothing beats Virgil’s Black Cherry Cream Soda
  • What is in your refrigerator right now? TONS of leftover beer from a BBQ, some pasta salad, waters…gosh, we need to go grocery shopping.
  • What is your favorite place to eat? Right now, Lazy Dog Café for Sunday brunch
  • What TV reality show or game show would you go on? Family Feud
  • How many pairs of shoes do you own?  I have Dress Shoes, Chucks and flip flops….this would be more interesting if I was a girl.
  • Where did you grow up? New Hampshire
  • What is your advice to people planning a wedding? Give yourself plenty of time for the planning process, this way you get the vendors you want and avoid the added stress as the date gets close.
  • What is your best marriage advice? She’s always right ;)
  • One of your favorite wedding moments? I have seen so many amazing weddings, but the one thing that stands out in my mind the most was seeing my own gorgeous bride walking down the aisle
  • Anything else we should know? Elevated Pulse loves introducing clients to new music.  We act like a personal Pandora and provide individual recommendations based on artists and genres each client likes.  We are constantly searching for the best new music out there to stay fresh and up to date for our clients (any good DJ considers this a priority).
  • Tips:  we have several music mixes on our blog along with a series of blog posts called “Wedding Song Recommendations”.  Check back frequently for new ideas and creative suggestions from us!
  • Links to Mixes:
  • http://blog.elevatedpulsepro.com/2011/01/mid-week-mix-sessions.html 
  • http://blog.elevatedpulsepro.com/2010/11/mid-week-mix-sessions.html
  • Links to “WSR” posts:
  • http://blog.elevatedpulsepro.com/2011/06/wedding-song-recommendations-first.html 
  • http://blog.elevatedpulsepro.com/2011/06/wedding-song-recommendations-garter.html
  • http://blog.elevatedpulsepro.com/2011/03/wedding-song-recommendations.html
  • And finally, we LOVE our clients.  We seriously meet the best people in this business and feel blessed to be doing what we love every day!

Paying for Your Honeymoon

After planning a fantastic wedding, you and your spouse deserve to have some alone time on an amazing honeymoon. Whether you choose to go to Europe or an Island in the Caribbean, you want the memories to last a lifetime, not the bills. So with a little bit of planning, you can have a perfect getaway without breaking the bank. Here are some tips from Martha Stewart Magazine about how to pay for your honeymoon.

World Sites Ranking

Start Saving Early
Before you and your fiance get too carried away dreaming about romantic beaches, cozy casitas, and foreign capitals, have a heart-to-heart about where you want to go, what kinds of activities you want to enjoy, and how much you think it's going to cost- do some internet research before you sit down to talk. Ideally, you'll start planning-and saving- six months to a year before the honeymoon.
Don't forget about all the daily expenses. Tally all of your expenses, divide that number by the number of months until your wedding day, and start setting money aside each month. Some couples like to incorporate their honeymoon into their overall wedding budget, but it may be easier if you set up a separate honeymoon account!
Make the Most of Rewards Programs
It rarely pays to finance your honeymoon with credit cards, but it may make sense to apply for a credit card that earns points toward free hotel stays or upgrades when you charge wedding expenses. Look for cards with low annual fees, low interest rates, and bonus points for signing up. You can earn enough points for a couple free nights just for acquiring the card. 
If you're using airline miles, book your flight six months ahead; that's when airlines set aside rewards seats. The best available flights are most likely on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Hire a Travel Professional
The honeymoon is one trip for which for which even savvy travelers may want to enlist the help of a travel agent. Some agents charge clients a flat fee or a percentage of the booking, while others are paid by the hotels or resorts to which they send business. Still, you could save money by working with an agent, particularly for an international trip where insider knowledge is key to finding deals. Good agents can steer you to off-season discounts, book the best accommodations for your budget, and give you tips for saving on everything from train fares to local cuisine. Better yet, they can help arrange for newlywed perks, such as room upgrades and complimentary gifts- like Champagne!
Be Your Own Online Agent
Determined to plan your own trip? There are dozens of websites designed to help couples find honeymoon hot spots, search for hotels, and book flights. Sign up for the FareWatcher at travelocity and get e-mail alerts when prices fall on the routes you're monitoring. At sidestep, search more than 150 travel sites simultaneously to track down the best deals. You can book luxury hotels around the world at luxurylink. There is an auction feature that is a great way to find accommodations that might otherwise be outside of your budget.
There was a time when airlines upgraded honeymooners to first or business class. This is now a rare occurrence. But many hotels still give newly married couples first-class treatment so let the hotel know it's your honeymoon when you book it! When you check in, kindly remind them. You may not score the honeymoon suite, but you might get a bigger room or an ocean view!
Register for Your Honeymoon
If travel is as important as new place settings or fine linens, create a honeymoon registry with a travel agency or directly with a resort. When registering for travel, you generally book your trip, then set up the registry. If booking with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, for example, you can register the trip on Wedding Channel; then guests go to your registry and buy you "Honey Money" to help pay for your stay. At Distinctive Honeymoons, guests can shop for specific items on your honeymoon registry such as spa treatments and dinners.


Hope some of these tips help you save some money on your first vacation as husband and wife!