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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Weddings In Woodinville - January 31st, Get Tickets Now!
Attention Future Brides & Grooms! Experience Woodinville's Top Wedding Venues January 31st, 2010
Gather your friends and families and join us for an exciting afternoon tour of wine tasting, catered food, music and live entertainment during a special open-house of six of Woodinville's top wedding venues. Ticket holders for this event will board chauffeur-driven luxury transportation for a half-day tour that will escort your group to each venue.
Weddings in Woodinville is a special event designed to give couples and their families and friends a sneak preview of each fully-decorated venue to better envision their special wedding day and meet with industry professionals that can help them put it all together.
6 Venues - 60 Vendors - 18 Wines
We will also be there passing out the 2010 Wedding Resource Guide. Come find us at Columbia Winery.
Participating Venues: Columbia Winery DeLille Cellars JM Cellars Novelty Hill Januik Winery Russell's Barn Willows Lodge
Get Inspired By The New Features in the 2010 Wedding Resource Guide
Pick up the newest edition of the 2010 Puget Sound Wedding Resource Guide for these plus many, many more inspiring wedding themes, ideas and trends. Not only does the Wedding Resource Guide feature hundreds of qualified and professional local wedding services, but you'll be inspired by the unique color and trend boards featured inside.
It's the largest wedding event in the Pacific Northwest and we're going to be there! Today we are gearing up our booth for the 2010 Seattle Wedding Show where we'll be handing out complimentary copies of our newest edition of the Puget Sound Wedding Resource Guide. Yup, that's right...we said complimentary! So if you are planning on attending the 2010 Seattle Wedding Show this weekend at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, be sure to stop by our booth to pick up your copy.
Show Details: Washington State Convention & Trade Center 800 Convention Place, 4th Floor Seattle, WA 98101
Saturday January 16th, 2010 10:00am to 5:30pm (ticket sales open at 9:30am) Sunday January 17th, 2010 10:30am to 5:00pm (ticket sales open at 10:00am)
Tickets are $16.00 per person and can be purchased at the door. Children twelve and under are admitted free. $2 Off coupons are available at all exhibitor locations. Tickets go on sale at 9:30 am Saturday and 10:00 am Sunday. Discount tickets are available in advance this fall by purchasing at weddingshow.com
The 2010 Puget Sound Wedding Resource Guide has been sent to the printer and will be available as our complimentary gift to all brides attending the Seattle Wedding Show on January 16 and 17th. But until then, here is a sneak peak at the fabulous new edition.
Sometimes you just know when you are in the presence of greatness. That is exactly how we feel when we look at these amazing images from a bridal shower planned by event planner Erin Borges. This purple perfect bridal shower was held at the Lalla Grill at Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, CA. We'll be featuring more images from this spectacular event this week.
A 5 course organic purple themed menu (listed below) was created for the 17 attending guests. NONE of the food was dyed purple. It was all created in it's organic purple state.
You've made it to a new year in one piece, even after planning the most significant event of your life. Stressed? Yes. Tired? Absolutely. In need of a little R&R? You betcha! But with all that is left to do to plan your upcoming nuptials, who has time to relax?
Everyone realizes this is a very stressful time for you, but a new year also brings new possibilities and a chance to "start fresh". So that is exactly what we are suggesting. Here are a few "New Year's Resolutions" for the bride to be that will help you seize the moment and start the year off on the right foot. List courtesy of Wedding Planning Suite 101.
1. Don't be a Bridezilla. It's easy to get caught up in all the planning and the fantasy of an ideal wedding, and sometimes a bride can forget for a second that she's not a princess. Be kind to everyone who helps you with your wedding and try not to lose your temper if things go wrong.. This relates to the second resolution on this list, which is: 2. Accept that everything won't be perfect. Perfection is impossible, as something always goes wrong when you're planning a big event like this. The image in the magazines of a bride's flawless wedding day is a myth. Accept this, and you'll feel much less stressed and enjoy your wonderful, although not perfect, wedding. This goes for your body image too! If you're heavier than you want to be or your skin is blotchy, so what? 3. Resolve not to do all the wedding planning. Brides seem to get stuck with all the phone calls and trips to the flower shop and all of those other tasks. You don't have time for that, girl! Make sure your fiance understands that this is both of your responsibility. And don't' be afraid to delegate. Asking your friends and family to help you with tasks isn't being a Bridezilla-- it's smart planning (as long as you ask nicely, of course). 4. Stick to a reasonable budget. The bridal industry is a money pit, and you're going to be dealing with an awful lot of people who want to sucker you into buying stuff you really don't need. Resolve to think twice about added expenses. 5. Create a wedding planning schedule (if schedules don't make you crazy). If you're the kind of person who works better with detailed to-do lists, then make yourself one, complete with deadlines, and resolve to stick to your schedule. However, if to-do lists make your feel more stressed out instead of less, this might not be the best strategy. 6. Resolve to send your thank-you notes in a timely manner. Wedding etiquette isn't nearly as strict as it used to be, but this is one rule you have to follow or you'll have hurt feelings. Simplify this process with a system. As you start to receive gifts, make a master list of who sent what. You can also create a stack of pre-addressed and stamped envelopes before the wedding. 7. Be nice to your partner. It's almost inevitable that you two are going to bicker a little bit about all this stressful planning, but resolve to keep this to a minimum. Spend as much time as you can together doing something other than wedding planning. 8. Be patient with your family, including your new in-laws. Your mother might be a little obsessive compulsive about the seating chart, and your sister might be uncooperative because she's jealous. Let them be. As for your in-laws, recognize that this is probably the first major events where you'll be relating to them as family, so you may discover some of their more annoying traits. Forgive them. Understand that wedding planning can be stressful for everyone. 9. Resolve to concentrate on your new marriage, not just on the wedding. This commitment you're making is much more serious than your choice of party favors. Spend some quality time talking to your fiance about your relationship and about this big change you're about to experience together. 10. Remember to enjoy yourself. This is supposed to be a joyful occasion. Don't forget that!
If ever there was a list of the area's best power couples, Jenn and Stephen would certainly be at the top. Jenn is a leading marketing director at Microsoft and Stephen is a successful entrepreneur. But as impressive as these two are apart, friends of this couple would say the two of them together are nothing short of magic.
Planning a Seattle wedding for February 2010, Jenn and Stephen are busy finalizing the details of their lavish, yet down-home celebration. One thing is for certain, their wedding is sure to be the event of the year.
Wedding Details: Ceremony Location: University Presbyterian Church Reception Location: Sunset Club, Seattle Wedding Dress: The Bridal Garden Bridesmaid Dresses: Moms, Maids, & More Colors: Eggplant Wedding Photographer: John & Joseph (photos above courtesy of) Menswear: The Tux Shop Flowers: Kim Mehrer Floral Design Hair/Make Up: Tiara On Location Music: Emerald City Productions
You may have seen this couple recently featured on various TV shows and also featured in People magazine. When Jill and Kevin planned their unique wedding entrance, they never could have imagined the response they would receive. Their posted You Tube video has now received over 21 million hits and counting. If you haven't seen the video, check it out below.
Message from Kevin and Jill: We have been through a lot in life, but have come through each experience stronger and more in love with each other. Our experience since we posted the video has been incredible. We would never have expected this response to our wedding entrance in a million years.
We hope to direct this positivity to a good cause. Due to the circumstances surrounding the song in our wedding video, we have chosen the Sheila Wellstone Institute.
Sheila Wellstone was an advocate, organizer, and national champion in the effort to end domestic violence in our communities.
We are so grateful for all the love, kind words, and joy that have been shared with us from around the world. It has moved us deeply and filled our hearts.
If you would like to contact us, email jkweddinginfo@gmail.com
Every once in a while we come across some of the most spectacular displays of event design and know it would certainly be a crime not to share them with you. From celebrity event designer, Antony Todd, come some of the most unique and truly inspirational event themes we have seen. What we love most is the variety he offers and how imaginative and creative his ideas are. They translate magnificently from conception to execution. Although these are mostly examples of corporate and social events, there is no reason why you as a bride can't be inspired by some of his awesome expressions. Can you choose a favorite? We can't!
Every now and again, we go on the hunt for the best wedding and lifestyle blogs. We've conveniently added some of our favorites in our "Good Reads" section. Here are a few recent additions we think you need to check out...
1. Lotus Haus -The complete lifestyle blog for all things girlie! From weddings to fashion to home decor inspirational ideas, this blog has it all.
2. Coco & Kelley - You'll fall in love with the ideas and color boards created by blogger Cassandra LaValle. Based out of Seattle, Cassandra calls herself "obsessed with style, presentation and design."
3. Poppytalk - If you are the do-it-yourself kind of bride, then you'll love the ideas and creativity of Poppytalk.
4. Karen Tran - If you love all things pretty, then you will absolutely fall for the ideas and design expertise presented by Karen Tran. Based in San Diego, Karen presents floral centerpieces that truly wow and inspire. We dare you not to fall in love.
Likes long distance running, working out, hiking, and the beach.
How they met: We met through work at Whitepages.com as they were both currently working there at the time.
The Engagement: When: 4/24/09 Where: Carmel, California Details: Mark proposed in Carmel, California on the beach during sunset at 8:30 PM. He got down on one knee while Alissa was huddled up to her neck in a blanket, shivering. However, despite the cold weather it was worth it..as he pulled out a Tiffany’s ring and proposed!
The Upcoming Wedding: Date: September 12th, 2009 Where: Monroe, WA- The Bride’s family home Theme: Casual, Fun Colors: Blues, Ivory, and Green (Love these colors too? Check our our color inspiration board)
Engagement Session Photographer: Isiah Armstead, Graphic/Web Designer, and Photographer Wedding Photographer: TBD Flowers by: Pike Place Market Bride's Dress:Jcrew.com Hair/Make-up: Michelle Lee at Juno Salon/Shiseido Guys Attire:Banana Republic Bridesmaid Dresses:Jcrew.com
Do you feel lucky in love and want to share your love story? Email us here.
Josh and Bobbi's wedding was held on a fresh spring evening in March at their church in Vancouver, WA. The bride and groom wanted portraits in front of the field of cows attached to the church, in addition to reserving a private reserved bridge nearby.
In the three months the bride and groom had to plan the wedding, they busied themselves daily with all the wedding details. Bobbi and her mother spent endless hours making everything themselves; from candle centerpieces and wine-glass candle holders to the cake to the bridal bouquet, every detail was done by hand with love.
The spirit-filled ceremony was illuminated by hundreds of candles lighting the church. The audience sat in a circular pattern around the bride and groom, surrounding the happy couple with symbolized support and love.
The newlyweds enjoyed a simple reception in the church sanctuary and then whisked away to a romantic honeymoon at Junto al Rio, on the beaches of Sayulita, Mexico.
The Facts: Bride: Bobbi Reed Groom: Josh Mash Photographer: LaRae & Cory of Lifework Images Venue: Liberty Bible Church, Vancouver
Grew up on Mercer Island -- attended Mercer Island High School
30 years old
Strategic Director at a Research / Consulting firm (Cheskin)
Returned to Seattle in 2005 after spending 10 years down in CA
About the Groom: Aaron Branstetter
Grew up in Bellevue, attended Bellevue Christian High School
32 years old
Business Owner
Returned to Seattle in 2006 after spending 10 years all over the place -- CA and Hawaii (most recently)
How they met: Believe it or not, match.com! Jenny & Aaron met in July of 2007, went on 3 dates in the first week and never stopped seeing each other.
The Engagement: When: 12/21/08 (Jenny's birthday!) Where: Leavenworth, WA Details: Aaron planned a surprise weekend for Jenny's 30th Birthday. She had no idea what was coming. He took her to Leavenworth, wined and dined her with horse-drawn sleigh rides, the tree lighting, a romantic B&B, and a limousine wine tour.
The Upcoming Wedding: Date: October 24, 2009 Where: Seattle -- Ceremony is at Epiphany Parish; Reception is at The Rainier Club. Theme: Simple, Elegant, Romance Colors: Black, Ivory, Green
Engagement Session Photographer: Stephanie Cristalli (above images) Photographer: Northern Lights Florist: Laurel's Floral Decor Band: Michael Benson Band Transportation: Starline (for wedding party); BMC (for bride/groom) Dress: Pronovias from L'Belle Elaines Hair/Make-up: Salon Maison Guys Attire: TBD Invitations: Rae Friis Bridesmaid Dresses: Voletta Couture -- Badgley Mischka
Today we have the pleasure of a guest post from photographer, LaRae Lobdell of Lifework Images.
By LaRae Lobdell, Lifework Images ~ Guest Blogger
A pre-wedding happening that is still a tradition in the South and on the East coast is the formal Bridal Portrait session done 2-3 months before the wedding. At the wedding, a large portrait of the bride from the session is displayed for everyone to see. The Bridal Portrait session doesn’t have to be formal if you don’t want it to be. It can be a fun session of you in your dress, and can be a fun time for really cool, stylized shots that you might not have time for the day of your wedding.
Many brides like the experience of doing a “test run” of their hair and makeup and knowing how much time to allow themselves to completely get ready on the day of the wedding. It also gives you the opportunity to practice moving around in your dress and feeling completely confident and comfortable in it.
In February, we went to Gig Harbor and Tacoma to shoot Jessica’s bridal portraits. Afterwards, while in the midst of planning her dream Mississippi wedding, Jessica was kind enough to do a little Q&A with us about her session experience and the reasons why other brides-to-be might want to consider a formal session before their wedding.
Q&A with Jessica
L.I. Why was having your Bridal Portrait taken before your wedding important to you?
J.J. Growing up in the south, bridal portraits seem to have long been a timeless tradition. I can remember going to weddings as a little girl and seeing the beautiful portraits on display at the reception all the while making notes in my head of how I would want mine to look. It seemed only natural that I should have bridal portraits taken and continue the tradition.
L.I. How far in advance did you start planning for your bridal portrait session?
J.J. I started about 6 weeks before the session to make certain that I would have plenty of time to find the perfect locale for the bridal portraits. I did not want to have to settle on anything and I had to as my options were limited and I wanted to be sure these were indoor as the portraits were being taken in February!
L.I. What was your deciding factor in choosing your locations for your portrait session?
J.J.Kensington Gardens offered a very beautiful and elegant background. The setting was immaculate both indoors and outdoors. I especially loved the plush antique furniture and the natural light that flowed in from the many windows. The grounds were pristine and the fountain in the front was a great focal point.
The historic and architecturally grand Union Station rotunda was a last minute idea that offered the perfect contrast to the warm and inviting English-Manor style setting at Kensington Gardens. There was beautiful glass artwork by Dale Chihuly hanging throughout and magnificent marble walls and floors that really made everything dramatic and completely amazing.
I knew each of these locations would give me completely different portraits and yet still remain classic and beautiful.
L.I. How will you display your portrait at your wedding?
J.J. The 16 x 20 framed portrait will be displayed on an easel next to the guest book table.
L.I. Will you be giving any portraits to your groom as a wedding gift? If so, will he like a framed print or small album?
J.J.I will not be giving any portraits to Kevin [the groom] as his wedding gift but I will absolutely make a small photo album with both of our favorites after the wedding.
L.I. Did you use any of your bridal portrait images for a newspaper announcement?
J.J.No, I did not use any of the bridal portrait images for a newspaper announcement because we wanted to submit an actual wedding day image of both Kevin and I. (But, I have heard of plenty of brides that have!)
L.I. Do you have any tips for other brides who want to do this?
J.J. Have fun with it! This is the time to get the portrait you want without being rushed to make it to the ceremony or reception. So it should be relaxing and fun. I also love that it gives you an opportunity to be creative with the different settings offered in the Northwest and that you may not necessarily have on your wedding day.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your experience and thoughts of your Bridal Portrait Session. It was an incredible honor to have shared the day with you!
Welcome to the fantastic final chapter in the Vinh & Jolene Wedding segment. Through two traditional ceremonies, we have come full circle to the fulfillment of the image and imagination of Jolene through the visionary release of Prop Gallery West and Greg Olsen. Each of the two photo segments above offers you the view of the facility before Prop Gallery draped it and of course the after portion. Never never let a little thing like your surroundings give you doubt. Between your imagination and the draping options at Prop Gallery, look what imagination and inspiration create. Jolene is a one of a kind person with the energy of 5 people, so she is for sure NOT your typical bride, however she will be the first to say "Yes you can!" Below is the full final wedding ceremony look completed.
Do you ever wonder how different your wedding would be depending on the decade? We love seeing how trends, styles and even customs change over the years, so its no wonder why we also love reminiscing with old photographs of famous couples from years past. Sometimes we are amazed at the timelessness of many wedding trends, and the sheer awfulness of others. Still, gathering inspiration from weddings gone by is a great way to find that "Something old" you can add to your own wedding.
Here are some famous couples' weddings that truly inspire.
Top left and middle: Grace Kelly wedding to Prince Rainier Top right: Audrey Hepburn's marriage to Dr Andrea Dotti Middle left: Audrey Hepburn's marriage to Mel Ferrer. Middle: Princess Diana wedding to Prince Charles. Far right middle: King Edward VIII became the first British king to abdicate the throne for his American divorcee bride Wallace Warfield Simpson. Middle lower left: Marilyn Monroe marriage to playwright Arthur Miller. Bottom left: is the wedding of John Kennedy to Jaqueline Bouvier. Bottom middle: Above is Princess Margaret to Anthony Snowden, and immediately below this photo is Queen (Princess then) Elizabeth marriage to Prince Philip. Bottom right: Hollywood royalty is the first marriage of Elizabeth Taylor to Nicky Hilton of the famous hotel chain. He was killed shortly after their marriage. The bottom right photo is Elizabeth Taylor marriage to Richard Burton.
All of these weddings took place between 1952 and 1965 with the exception of Princess Diana.
Everyone loves a good celebrity love story. Here is a collection of recent celebrity weddings we all have our eyes on.
Top Left: Salma Hayek married Francois-Henri Pinault in Italy at Venice’s La Fenice on April 25. The bride wore a full skirted ivory gown with an embroidered v-neck bodice by Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga. She carried a bouquet of orchids and stephanotis with crystals.
Top Right: Reality stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt were married at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pasadena on April 25, 2009. Montag wore Monique Lhuillier’s “Symphony” wedding dress and $1.2 million of jewels by Neil Lane. She carried a bouquet of yellow and white roses.
Bottom Center: Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin married Ethan Hall at The Carneros Inn on April 25, 2009. Natalie wore a lace Monique Lhuillier wedding dress and white flowers in her hair. Following the wedding, the couple honeymooned in Hawaii at Kona Village Resort.
Bottom Right: Tennis player Andy Roddick tied the knot with swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker in a candlelit ceremony on April 17, 2009. The wedding took place at Roddick’s contemporary style home on the shores of Lake Austin.
The couple: Corporal Justin Hale & Ashley Roberts, Visual Manager for Forever 21.
Wedding Date: 2/28/2009
How they met: Met while they both worked for Nordstrom
Wedding Theme: Art Deco meets Modern Nightlife
Wedding Colors: Indigo, Midnight, Black & White
Unique Ceremony Features: The bride walked down the aisle to a live rendition of "Time To Say Goodbye." At the end of the aisle the bride and groom presented each set of parents with a bouquet of flowers, which represented saying goodbye to their childhood and starting their new life as man and wife. Since the groom is a United States Marine, the ceremony concluded with a traditional sword detail, welcoming the bride to the Marine family.
Unique Reception Features: Rather than a full buffet or sit down dinner, the couple selected their favorite hors d'houvres accompanied by white and red wine. During the ceremony the groom wore his Marine uniform but changed to a formal tuxedo for the reception.
About the cake: The couple served a 7-layer traditional French cake in decadent chocolate and lemon flavors.
The favors: The couple compiled a cd of their favorite love songs.
The flowers: The bride's bouquet consisted of deep purple calla lilies, hyacinth berries and black feathers. The bridesmaid's bouquets were constructed of white calla lilies with peacock feather accents.
Special feature: The couple rented the presidential suite of the Hotel Deca with 360 degree views of the Seattle skyline. The couple used this room for a private photo shot before the ceremony as well as the honeymoon night accommodations.
Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of throwing my baby sister a bridal shower. Everything turned out beautifully and everyone had a great time. Here are some of the pictures from the event.
Here are some great and easy tips on how to throw a successful bridal shower:
Tip 1: Decorations. Try to theme the decorations around the theme of the wedding. Even if you don't know the exact floral schemes and colors, you can usually get a pretty good idea from the wedding invitation. Be sure to display a picture of the couple and also frame or place the bridal shower and wedding invitation on a stand.
Tip 2:The Mood. From the moment the bride walks into the room, she should feel like a bride. Make a cd with classic bridal music like "Going To The Chapel," "It's In His Kiss," and "The Way You Look Tonight." Bring in fresh flowers and be sure to light many candles. Girls just love that stuff.
Tip 3: The Food. If you plan on preparing your own food make sure you adjust the menu to the time of day. If you are hosting the party at Noon, a typical lunch hour, you'll need to provide a larger menu. If your party is at 3 in the afternoon, you can cut back on the amount of food since your guests have most likely already eaten. No matter the time of day, choose items that can be prepared in advance so you don't have to do much cooking the day of shower. You'll want to greet guests as they arrive and if you are busy in the kitchen you won't be able to do this.
Tip 4: The Beverages. No matter what beverage you serve, its always fun to drink out of champagne flutes. Serve sparkling wine, lemonade, pear cider or even water with lime, but whatever you choose keep the beverage options to a minimum, perhaps one or two options. That way you won't have to play bar hostess and you'll be able to save money.
Tip 5: The Entertainment. What is a bridal shower without games? But if you are like most of us and have been to many bridal showers over the years, you know the typical drill. So be creative with your game choices. If you can create a custom game that is great, or if you are looking for game ideas, check out banquetevent.com's free bridal shower games. Our favorite is the Madlib activity. Divide your guests into three groups and have them each fill out the madlib. Then have them read their stories aloud. Trust us, its hilarious and helps break the ice.
Tip 6: The Traditions. Whatever you do, don't forget the timeless traditions that have been passed down for years and years. Be sure to make the classic ribbon bouquet from the bows and ties from the gifts. Take notes during the gift opening time of the things the bride says and read them aloud as a prelude to the comments she'll make on her wedding night. And be sure to give the game winners a small prize.
Above all, have fun and be creative. If you have pictures of your own bridal shower, we'd love to share them. Email us your pics.
Banquet & Event Resource, Inc.
(B&E) has a 17 year history in providing Western Washington's
best resource guides, websites and tradeshows. Visit our wedding planning website today for the most comprehensive wedding resources available today on the web for the Seattle area and beyond.
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