Pick of the Week - August 8, 2011 (& Special Congratulations!)

A special congratulations goes out to Mr. & Mrs. Erik Dibble!  My husband and I traveled to Wellsville, New York at the end of last month to participate in the wedding ceremony (my husband was the Best Man) and celebrate with their friends and family.  Jamie did a great job personalizing her wedding and it certainly paid off!  It was a beautiful ceremony and reception!  Here's my favorite photo from their big day...

As for the Pick of the Week it's inspired from the Dibble wedding!  At the end of the reception the happy couple had their guests meet outside to release floating wish lanterns. The pictures, however, aren't from their reception since I got a little caught up in how much fun and how beautiful it was to take pictures.  There are plenty of websites that sell the lanterns where you can choose your shape, size and colors.  To make it even more personal you could even have your guests write their wishes on the lanterns before releasing them.

 Happy Planning,

Kristen

Pick of the Week - July 25, 2011

So on the heels of traveling by car to a wedding in New York followed immediately by a much needed vacation in North Carolina I completely forgot to post a Pick of the Week yesterday!  Never fear though, I awoke this morning and realized that I had forgotten and here I am at 8:30 with my pick! 

This week's pick is a little different.  It's not a particular idea or item, but a wedding gown designer.  I have truly fallen in love with some of Martina Liana's wedding dresses in the past few weeks.  They are elegant, contemporary, and just gorgeous.  Prices range from $1500 to $3000 according to certain shops.  Please note though that before you ever fall head over heals in love with a dress that you know the price and you stick to your budget!  Here are my three favorite, however, the gown with the purple sash...you MUST see the back of it!  I was unable to save the photo but you can see it on the website http://www.martinaliana.com/. 

Pick of the Week - July 18, 2011

Anyone who knows me knows that there are few things I can do or talk about without finding humor in the situation or conversation.  While at times I'm brimming with sarcasm other times it's just a comment here or there or a silly expression inserted into a conversation that brings a smile to my face and a giggle to others.  However, depending on your style, weddings are typically a formal event...full of etiquette and glamour leaving little room to display your sense of humor.  Sometimes though, a girl (and her fiancé) just want to have fun.  Save the dates are a great way to avoid the formality early on and show your hilarious sense of humor!  The save the date below is by far one of my favorite save the dates...to date! These save the dates can be found at Minted for $190 for 100 (the price per piece will go up or down depending on how many you order). 

Happy Planning,

Kristen

Pick of the Week - July 11, 2011

This past Sunday was my husband and I's 1st anniversary!  We had a great mini get-away in Clearwater Beach and came home Sunday night to do the age old tradition of tasting the top layer of our wedding cake.  Friends and family alike warned us to "just have a bite and then have a backup dessert ready to go".  So we did. 

I took our cake out of the freezer on Friday and was a little weary as I took off all the saran wrap the bakery had put on it the night of the wedding.  Because my husband and I were married in Ohio, the cake traveled 15 hours in a car the day after.  I just wasn't sure it was going to be worth thawing out.  I honestly think the way the baker had wrapped the cake saved it because when we took a bite last night, it was actually...still really good!  However, we didn't feel the need to have another piece....

So, in honor of beautiful, delicious wedding cakes and the fabulous bakers who create them I've picked a few of favorite wedding cakes.  Enjoy!

A Twitterpated Bride!

Check out the story from the Tampa Bay Times about my newest Dreams by Design Bride, Yolanda.  She's taken to Twitter to help with her wedding. 

Happy 4th of July! Pick of the Week - July 4, 2011

I couldn't ask for a better holiday to have for a Pick of the Week!  What a great day to reflect on all the amazing freedoms we have as Americans and the men and women who serve our country every day to protect us.

However, you can't deny that we tend to spend this holiday celebrating with pool parties, cookouts, and amazing displays of fireworks.  With that in mind, I'm posting my top 3 of both decor and deliciousness 4th of July ideas.  These some of the most creative and simple ideas to give your holiday get together a bit of uniqueness and style!

Decor -

Delicious Goodies! -

Twitterpated!

Dreams by Design Event has joined the world of Twitter!  Find me @DreambyDesignE

Pick of the Week - June 27, 2011

The summer months are officially here as of June 21st and what a better way to celebrate an event than with the colors, smells, and fruits of the season!  Fruit can be a great way to add a pop of color to your centerpieces while keeping the decor within your budget.  Lemons, limes, and oranges are the most popular as you can see, but certainly are beautiful!  These centerpieces can be simple or elaborate, for home or for your wedding, but either way will add so much for your guests to admire during your event!

 

Happy Planning,

Kristen

Meeting the Men of J. Monroe Studios

Last week I was able to sit down with Josh and John, the boys from J. Monroe Studios, and talk wedding photography.  These guys are the nicest and most down to earth photographers I think I have ever met.  They are not only incredibly professional but the level of work was outstanding.  The albums they brought with were so absolutely gorgeous, they are to die for.  They were kind enough to allow me to use one of my favorite images and if you haven't checked them out yet, you must!  Find them at http://www.jmonroestudios.com/ and on Facebook as well.

Pick of the Week - June 20, 2011

Just think, you're finally husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. and it's time to leave your ceremony in a stylish, memorable way.  This is going to be the scene for your first photos as Mr. and Mrs. Hubby and you want to make it special.  When leaving your ceremony there are a variety of options to making it special, from the traditional bubbles to controversial rice, but these great "flower petal confetti" cones really can add lots of color and beauty to that special moment.  Just imagine being showered with flower petals as you exit the ceremony and the gorgeous pictures that would follow!! 

These would be super easy to make using scrapbook paper that fits your theme and colors, petals from the florist, and a crafty little sayings (more or less directions for your guests) such as this one typed onto a color coordinating piece of cardstock...

"When the newlyweds walk your way...toss the petals and shout hooray!"

Happy Planning,

Kristen

Pick of the Week - June 13, 2011

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...

Something blue....something blue....something blue....

Coming up short on ideas for that special "something blue"?  Often this traditional phrase is one of the smaller details that brides can so easily forget.  Something old, new, and borrowed tend to be fairly easy to gather but depending on your wedding colors or themes finding something blue might be rather difficult.  Here are some of my favorite "something blue" ideas that can be as obvious or discreet as you'd like....

This is by far my favorite option...have your wedding date or new monogram stitched in blue thread into the inside of your wedding dress.

Of course, if you're colors are a fabulous shade of blue you could always add a pop of color to your day-of ensemble by sporting a beautiful pair of blue pumps as you walk down the all important aisle. 

This is another one of my favorites, but I also tend to be quite the sentimental type.  The bride would forfeit her white pumps for some time but each of the bridesmaids, parents, etc. would write their blessings for the bride on her big day.

Use your bouquet.  You can wrap your bouquet in a piece of blue silk or ribbon and attach a super cute accessory or to avoid using too much blue, attach a charm that contains a blue stone.

A more discreet way to include the "something blue" would simply be to wear an adorable blue garter under the dress.  Love the big, blue bow!

And of course, you can't let your wedding day lingerie go under utilized!  Use your backside as a way to advertise your new name and still incorporate that blue you've been looking for!

Happy Planning,

Kristen

Pick of the Week - June 6, 2011

Who knew Bob Marley could one day be inspiration for a wedding reading?!  I found this quote by the famous singer and was drawn to its potential as a non-secular wedding reading.  There are an enormous amount of great readings from poems, to music lyrics and movie quotes, to stories that can really personalize your wedding.  For example, for all the childrens' story book lovers, check out passages from Winnie the Pooh or The Velveteen Rabbit for great heartfelt ideas.

However, regardless of where you're having your ceremony, always double check with your officiant to make sure that a non-secular reading is allowed as some require strictly secular passages.

Happy Planning,

Kristen

 

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life." 

 

- Bob Marley

Pick of the Week - May 30, 2011

I went home during this fabulously long weekend to surprise my dad for his birthday.  My husband and I had a great time with my parents between hitting up the local dog friendly tiki bar and playing a round of golf (note: I didn't say an amazing round of golf...I'm not very good). When we finished golfing my mom realized we didn't have time to bake my father a cake before more family arrived.  Secretly this was perfectly fine with me since I'm not a huge fan of cake anyways.  I'm not really a fan of sweets in general unless it's chocolate.  However, I LOVE ice cream!  Especially once summer rolls around.


Originally my husband and I wanted to have an ice cream cake at our reception but the reception venue assistant had said she'd never had a wedding with an ice cream cake.  We immediately rethought the idea fearing it could be a potentially hazardous mess.  So, we purchased a traditional wedding cake instead.  Later, I found this idea of an ice cream sundae bar and kicked myself for not finding it sooner. Pick your favorite flavors, toppings, and dishes and let your guests design their own dessert!  Talk about dream desserts by design!  Check out the pictures below and let your imagination go wild. 

Happy Planning,

Kristen

Pick of the Week - May 23, 2011

While perusing on Pinterest I've seen so many great ideas!  I'm really drawn to wedding ideas that are not only creative, able to be personalized, and practical, but can be done on a budget as well.  Below are a few examples of  a thumbprint guest book.  Unlike many guests books, this one you can proudly display in your home after the wedding.  I only wish I had seen this version of a guest book when I was getting married!    A thumbprint guest books allow you to choose your picture and what information you would like displayed (and in what format).  Your guests press their finger into a washable stamp pad (most likely in your wedding colors) and place their own unique fingerprint on the picture (make sure you keep some wet wipes near by!).  They then write their name near it.   This creates a great piece of art for your home that is also memento from your big day!

Awkward Wedding Photos!

Having a long day?  Need to cheer up?  Love a good old fashioned awkward wedding photos?  I know I do!  I just couldn't get enough of them!  Here's a few of my favorite but make sure to check out the website for more!  Happy planning!