April 12th, 2010
One great thing about the weather getting warmer (especially for us Minnesotans) is that outside weddings and wedding receptions are back!
When I saw this beautiful Santa Barbara wedding, I was amazed at how well they used lanterns to create a fun atmosphere at their outside reception. They’ve got color, light, ambiance…what more could you ask for?
Check out Chelsea Elizabeth’s website for more pictures from this beautiful wedding.
April 10th, 2010
Most of the time, you expect to see flowers at a wedding. You look forward to a cute pig-tailed little girl throwing petals and the bride carrying a beautiful bouquet down the aisle.
But why flowers?
Weddings and floral bouquets are actually not as timeless as you may expect. The first floral bouquets began showing up during the Victorian era. Prior to that time period, brides carried herbs like dill to – get this! – increase sexual desire.
Here’s a photo of an early, Victorian-era bouquet:
Floral bouquets came to be seen as a sign of fertility and life. These days they seem to be used more for tradition and beauty than for any greater symbolism.
But just because millions of brides have gotten hitched carrying floral bouquets doesn’t mean you have to! There are many fun alternatives to choose from. Here are a few ideas:
- THE FABULOUS FAN – Looks great and feels great, too! You can even use it as your “something blue”!
- THE CRAFTY BOUQUET – Shells, buttons, felt, origami – if you can make it, you can use it.
- THE FANTASTIC FEATHER BOUQUET – Like birds? Don’t have to! This is cute no matter what.
Don’t limit yourself in the search for a perfect bouquet. Choose one that matches your great personality!
April 8th, 2010
Picking jewelry can be a nerve-racking experience–even more so when it comes to picking jewelry for your wedding day!
One great trend that I like this spring is the retro earring clips. We’re seeing less of the huge, dangling, 20-pound earrings and more throwbacks to earlier an older, elegant look. It’s also a great way to add a splash of color to your palette.
Check out these great antique looks:
Go scavenging at your local antique store to find looks like these for bargain prices.
April 7th, 2010
The rain this week reminded me of the old saying my mother used to tell me: “April showers bring May flowers.” That may be so, but April showers also bring out the umbrellas!
How cute is this? These umbrellas are from Bella Umbrella, one of the best sources for umbrellas out there, and they certainly add a unique touch to the typical wedding photos!
Umbrellas can be used to decorate, to generate “awwws” as a flower girl carries one day the aisle, or to shield from the unfortunate drizzle.
Check out this beautiful Victorian-inspired umbrella from Umbrellas.net!
Besides looking great, there are many advantages to using umbrellas on your big day. Your bridesmaids will have a fun souvenir to take home and use again. Umbrellas can also be most cost-efficient than expensive bouquets (and they sure last a lot longer!). A small investment, but a huge impact.
Besides, what girl doesn’t like twirling around an umbrella and humming a little “Singing in the Rain”?
April 6th, 2010
The weather has been so gorgeous lately! I was walking outside the other night and squealed in glee when I saw them: daffodils smiling in the evening light. One of my favorite things about spring is the daffodils – and mostly because I love yellow! If you are planning a springtime wedding, consider choosing a bit of yellow to add some character to your special day.
Check out the yellow flair of this fun couple:
Not only is the yellow adorable and unique, but the heels are versatile enough that this bride can rock them again and again!
March 30th, 2010
The Birdcage veil: it was popular in the 1940s and typically worn by glamorous Hollywood stars and fashionistas. These chic and stylish veils are starting to make a come back today, and are the hot trend for spring 2010!
Although there are no hard and fast rules for wearing a birdcage veil, there are some tips that will help make it look fabulous!
- Tip #1: Keep it simple. The birdcage is considered a hybrid of a hair piece and veil, so don’t get too crazy with a complicated up-do. It could look like you have too much going on.
-Tip #2: Make it your own. Whether its a smaller Russian net or a tulle veil, birdcage veils can be customized to suit your needs. Websites such as Birdcageveils.com can help you select the fine details to make it exactly how you want it; colors, length, crystals, fabric and much, much more! Check them out
-Tip #3: Have it complement your dress & style. If your dress has beading, crystals, and great detailing, you may want to consider an unembellished birdcage veil as to not take away from the dress. On the other hand, a classic, simple dress with a high fashion ostrich feather attached to the birdcage veil could be that finishing touch that completes your wedding day look!
Photo of bride, AJ, wearing a beautiful birdcage veil was taken by Jacquelyn Senske, www.jacquelynsenske.com
March 29th, 2010
Sarah Trotter’s work as a wedding consultant and planner caught my eye, and I had to learn more about her. In this interview she talks about how Charcoal and Slate are her favorite hot wedding colors and how a video photo booth is an up and coming element.
Talk about how you got into wedding planning and why?
I was marketing manager and event planner for a company in California right out of college. I loved it, I got thrown into managing and planning a lot of different kinds of events including weddings and rehearsal dinners. I loved my job, however I was from Minnesota and really wanted to get back to this area. I soon accepted a position with a local wine distributor and moved back to MN. I decided I missed planning events and mainly weddings, so I started Lasting Impressions. It soon grew from a “part-time job” to my full time career… and I love it!!
What do you see as most brides’ biggest misconception about wedding planners?
That you have to have a huge budget to have a wedding planner. The average couple I work with has a $18,000-$25,000 budget. Wedding Planners can save you more money than we cost. This is what I do everyday, I know a lot of tricks and tips to save you a lot of money and stress!
What is your favorite wedding day trend lately?
I love all of the personalization that is happening in weddings right now. I think that is what really sets a wedding apart. It does not take a lot of money, it just takes a little creativity. Coordination of Menu Cards, Place cards, Table numbers that match your invitations. Doing Gift Bags for your hotel guests that have some of your favorite snacks. Offering Late night food that was a favorite of yours when you were a child. Doing a candy bar in your wedding colors or theme. These are all ways you can easily “personalize” your wedding.
DIY brides have become huge in the wedding industry. You see a lot of brides with a lot of homemade, crazy ideas. What is your opinion on DIY on your wedding day?
I love DIY brides. I think it is a great way to really personalize your wedding. I see a lot of brides who start to DIY and then realize they have taken on too much. That is one area where the DIY can be bad. I also tell my brides who want to DIY, make sure you are not paying more for something just to DIY. A lot of brides will decide they want to do their invites themselves to save money and then end up finding it costs a lot more.
If a bride wants to implement some DIY items into her day to help personalize her event for you, what would you suggest a bride doing?
I would suggest she focuses on a few items. Place cards, Menu Cards and Table Numbers are a good area. Making the ring bearer pillow or Flower girl basket is a great idea. Just make sure if you want to sew table clothes, create all of the invites, Do your own centerpieces, etc. That you give yourself plenty of time and really evaluate if it is going to cost more thank it is worth!
What do you feel is the most important element that a bride should incorporate into her wedding day?
A bride should be true to herself. At the end of the day this wedding is about you and your fiance, the only regrets you will have is if you comprimise on things that are important to you!
What advice would you give to the bride and groom so they can enjoy their wedding day the most?
Have a wedding planner! Even if you just have a Day of Coordinator, make sure you have someone to take care of all of the details so you can actually relax and enjoy this day you have worked so hard to plan. Having a Day of Coordinator means that you, your mom, your best friend get to enjoy the day. They don’t have to decorate the wedding venue the morning of your wedding, they don’t have to answer a million questions on the day of the wedding, they don’t have to call the shuttle that is late, they don’t have to worry about how the gifts are geting home. Those are all things that are done for you!!
What beauty tips do you have for brides, regarding hair and makeup?
Make sure that you have a trial run and that you feel good about it. If there is something you don’t like. Tell your stylists, they will not be offended… everyone wants you to be happy!!
What are some favorite color schemes lately for weddings?
I love GREY and it is the new color this year. A dark Slate or Charcoal looks so great with a purple, white, light pink, fushia, etc.
What wedding themes strike you as fresh?
Videobooths or the new “un-photobooths” those are really fun. I still love Lounge furniture and cool lighting as well!!
Be sure to check out Sarah’s blog and her website!!
March 16th, 2010
Eyeliner for Round Eyes
Glamour magazine just did a great article on various styles of eyeliner for the different shapes/sizes of eyes. The showcased examples of small eyes like Taylor Swift and big round eyes like Zooey Deschanel to name a few.
I was naturally drawn to the tips for the large round eyes, as that’s my eye shape. Here’s what I learned.
- Apply a strong and precise line to your upper eyelid.
- Don’t line the bottom side of the eye, instead, just apply mascara.
- Liberally add mascara to the top lashes as well.
Product Recommendation:
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner — Michelle Money from the Bachelor recently posted a great tutorial of how to use the liner. So fabulous!
March 11th, 2010
Oscars showed feminine hair and makeup – brides take note
The oscars did not disappoint for me this year. I predicted a lot of texture and vintage colors. What I saw was a reflection of that. A lot of dusty blue’s, coral’s and pinks. And the hair was distinctly feminine, with a ballerina feel. Look below at Rachel McAdams and Sarah Jessica Parker’s soft top bun.
I loved Emily’ Blunt’s blush gown for the Golden Globes. Well, an even grander example of that color and sentiment was presented by Demi Moore in her sweeping salmon gown that played gorgeously off her olive skin. She is flawless in an otherworldy way. How old is she again???
March 10th, 2010
Recently, two Minneapolis restaurants with loyal followings burned down in a tragic fire. Another store with adorable products, Patina, also succumbed to the fire. Living in Minneapolis has been a distinct pleasure of my life, and I want to support this city and it’s local businesses in any way that I can. If you live in the Twin Cities, consider dining out on Sunday. A huge number of local restaurants will be donating to the fallen restaurants Heidi’s and BlackBird Cafe on that day.
There’s a Facebook Fan Page as well as a website to view
