My Calligrapher Review

My Awesome calligrapher got a great review that i just wanted to highlight! Check it out @I Do Declare Blog! GO Kelly (Calligraphy by Kelly Ann)!!!

Resourceful Brides Giveaway

 

Beau-coup and Wedding Paper Divas have partnered to bring brides a new website from which they can find ideas to save money, without sacrificing the important touches that make their wedding day special. To promote our launch of Resourceful Brides, both Beau-coup and Wedding Paper Divas are giving away a $500 gift certificate each for a combined prize of $1000 to one lucky bride. To participate, brides should visit the site and give us their best tip for saving money on their wedding.

Getting Ready for MLS' Wedding

On the day of, I arrived bright and early to my friend's house. The three of us trekked to LA to get our hair and make up done. We were on time and had my friend ready ON TIME.  Did i say we were on time... i'm very proud of this fact...

Here are a few photos...

 

The bride with the stylist... this is pre-make up being finished

  

Our End results

 

TA da....

Some photos of the dress and bride... 

 

  

I took those last three... doesn't she look lovely!

Circle Ten Events Shoutout

I got an amazingly sweet shout out from Debbie of Circle Ten Events... go here to check it out!

M&R's Wedding Rehearsal

The rehearsal was one of the funniest i've been to.  Aside from the very exacting (is that a word) church coordinator... the various rules that we were informed of that night, and the duties/responsibilities we were told WE MUST DO... The church was St. Pauls in Fullerton, CA.  Overall, it went without a hitch, but there were a few things that if we could have changed... we would have.

• Photographer was not allowed to come in front of the last row of guests. Meaning, the photographer could not get alter shots. Or many other shots the bride wanted.
• They wouldn't clear the chairs, or instruments that were to the right of the alter. Even if we put them back, they still wouldn't... not informed when she got the initial tour, but told the day before
• Groomsmen were told they HAD TO USHER. Groom did not want this, and politely told the coordinator... this wasn't going to happen.
• Church coordinator was trying to tell everybody how to walk, how to talk, how to stand, how to adjust bride's gown etc... not suggestions but orders. Luckily the pastor, politely suggested an alternative to which the church coordinator was responsive to. THANK GOODNESS

The big lesson learned: Make sure you have EVERY rule the venue may have and see how that may clash or go with your vision for your day!

I have to give major props to Debbie from Circle Ten Events... (Site/Blog). She was simply amazing... and to handle the drama and details that a multi-cultural wedding required, I was so impressed with her. She was not only an amazing coordinator but you can tell just an awesome person. 

We finally made it (late) to the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner... here are a few photos.

 

  

  

CL (Bride's sister) and the groom

  

Bride and Groom... giving their thumbs up

  

Groom's father mimicking the above photo. :)

Rehearsal dinner was delicious. The company was even better.... we were all really excited for the next day!

Winner to Wedding Tissue Pom Giveaway

The two winners for the Wedding Tissue Pom Giveaway (Thanks Prost to the Host for an awesome giveaway) are...

YES... the two winners are.... WAIT A second...Ms. BBQ can not win twice... so, the second winner is SPAMGIRL!!!! Here are their entries:

Please email me at amyjean {@} Relentlessbride {dot} com so i can put you in contact with Alysia at Prost to the Host!

Thanks again for all those who entered...as you can tell, both winners entered numerous times, so make sure to increase your chances to win by checking back daily! :)

Bridal Shower Decor

So on thursday, June 18, I flew into CA and went straight into MOH mode... Now i won't lie to y'all and tell you i did all this bridal shower stuff on my own. In fact, i probably did the least of it, while My friend's sister CL did MOST (if not all) of the work. 

We had MLS' Bridal shower close to her wedding date b/c we wanted her MIL and Mother to both be present. Although its not traditional, it worked out well.  The shower was held at By Brazil in Torrance (yup, that's my caterer for my wedding) and my lovely friend really hooked us up with a private back patio room and DELICIOUS food...

Here are some photos to give you an idea of what it looked like.

Each place seat had a little white favor bag (hand crafted by CL) with little place cards, chocolate dipped pretzels, white chocolate lollipops and home made cookies (chocolate chip, cranberry oatmeal, snicker doodle and lemon seed cookies). CL spent many hours on this, so major props... especially b/c i was traveling from DC... i had nothing to do with all the amazing work she put into it. 

 

CL also printed out some of their engagement photos and had them framed. She hand made (with clay) the two little monkeys... isn't that talent?

 

Green Tea Mouse Cake... Yeah, it was as good as it sounds and looks!

 

The Julianne Smith Garter we gave her!

 
 

The bouquet made by our other friend from the ribbon and tissue of her gifts.

Group Photo 

We had a great time, and i have to thank the owners at By Brazil for hooking us up... CL for being so amazingly creative and talented (anybody need favors/lollipops/pretzels/hand made crafts?) and all MLS' friends for coming out for her bridal shower!!! What a great time!

Engagement Photos On Weddzilla

I posted some of my pics on the Weddzilla Blog... go here to check it out...

BrideShare

 

Have y'all signed up for Bride$hare yet?

Do you remember this Brilliant idea from the Broke Ass Bride about Bridesharing?  Well if not, go here and refresh yourself and then head on over to Bride$hare and sign up today... who doesn't want to save money when planning your wedding?

Make sure to add me as a buddy :)

Featured Weddzilla Post

Check out my Post about a unique wedding invitations on the Weddzilla Blog

George Strait, Blake Shelton, Julianne Hough Concert

So, my brother was able to get me a hook up to the Nissan Pavillon, Bristow VA Venue for the George Strait Concert... OMG... When he said hook me up, i expected - lawn seats, maybe some free parking...

This is what i got:

Premium Parking... A private escort (aka the General Manager of the Venue walked us in) and these tickets:

Our excellent wine glass

 

  

  

Taken with my Iphone

  

  

 The night was amazing, considering we were under the awning when the big thunder and lightening storm came through... and so appropriate that George was playing with lightening shooting throughout the sky... WOOOO!OOOOO!

It was amazing, and of course, i have to say thanks to my brother and to the GM of the Venue... too UBER amazing!

Engagement Photos

Not only is my photographer amazingly talented (Have you seen her new website?)... she is just on the ball.  She's already posted some photos from our fabulous engagement session this past Sunday.

Although i was running late, and was a bit frazzled. Jordana totally put me at ease. and to make it even more fun, her very talented Sister Moira did my make up... I was really impressed with how great my make up stayed and how even though we were climbing through ruffage and going all over the place, it actually looked smoother than when i had it done the day prior for My friend's wedding...Check out her blog here!

Jordana definitely had her hands full with FH & I... considering how Camera shy he is, and how we were both at such a loss of what to do - she helped guide us to enjoying ourselves, having fun throughout... and more than that, really making us look great...

Check out the photos here... and let me know what you think!!!

She is FABULOUS!

Engagement Session Inspiration

Kari from Kee to your Heart had an amazing engagement session and i keep telling myself if only i had time to find such stellar outfits like she did, i can pull this off - but seriously, I just think maybe i'm not as fashion forward and stylish as these two... check it out! I love the bold and complimentary colors!

 

  

 

Smoking HOT!!! I'm so jealous... and a bit in love with their e-session!!!

PS. All images are via Kari at Kee to your Heart taken by Kara Pennington!

Conversation with JulianneSmith

Check out my conversation with Julianne Smith on her blog... I love Julianne and always have such a great time chatting with her. :)

Still in Cali...

I'm still in cali... and i've got lots going on. We had our engagement session on Sunday and now, i'm sticking around an extra day or two for some quality time. Today I am having my flower appointment and then aferwards... it's girl day with my neice... we're doing spa day b/c i missed her 6th Birthday on the 13th ! :) YAY! Super excited!

Blogger Bootcamp

Check out my post about my DC Blogger Bootcamp Experience with Liene Stevens on the Weddzilla blog Today!!!

I missed out on this update...

I've been a bad blogger. You see, part of my blogging is not just writing posts but going to visit other blogs... and many of you may noticed i've been a bit absent. It's not because I don't care... I promise! i hope you know I miss you all so much and this one sided-ness is stopping really soon! Its too hard for me to stay away...

And in my absentness, I missed a post about my photographer who just launched her new site. So i had to go check it out and it just made me fall more in love with her. JORDANA is amazing, so cute and vibrant and has such a passion... I'm so happy she's my photog!!!

 

Check out her new site and her blog... if you love picture eye candy. You will definitely love Hazelnut Photography! :)

PS. I have my engagement session with her today :) YAY!

My Friend's Big Day

Today is my friend's big day... I'm in CA... and I'm so excited to be part of it... Leaving you with a few photos from their engagement session...

Maid of Honor Duties

Borrowed from Shell at Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours

Stylish Wedding Garter

Ok, Y'all know I love garters. From giveaways and launch parties - i'm a big fan of stylish wedding garters, and I Just love Julianne Smith's wedding garters...

Check out the small gift that I got made for my friend's wedding this weekend...

Beautifully packaged in a simple box, but a beautiful ribbon

 

Then in another plastic cover (just to keep it safe) with a cute little sticker

  

Completely personalized to bear the initials of the bride and groom and the wedding date

  

How beautiful is it... her wedding covers are that EXACT green and dark brown... its so perfect. i can't help but be giddy with this gift!!!

 

Big Shout out to Julianne Smith who made this awesome garter for me and was so willing to personalize this.  Make sure to check out her site and her blog!

Wedding Ceremony: Sand Ceremony

Do you remember my wonderful friend's Destination Wedding? Well one of the things I loved about her ceremony was that she incorporated a sand ceremony into her wedding.  And it was just beautiful... and so unique.

During the sand ceremony, the Groom's sister read a poem about the significance of what the sand ceremony represents, which is basically that the unifying of the bride and groom and having their lives becoming one.

Image borrowed from The Wedding Outlet

HOW IT WORKS:
1) The Groom will commence by pouring a portion of your choice of colored sand into the central glass vase.
2) The Bride will follow by pouring a portion of different color sand, also into the central vase, creating a layered effect.
3) To complete the ceremony, the Groom and Bride simultaneously pour the balance of their sand into the central container.
4) Following the wedding, the two outside vases can be used to display fresh flowers while the central vase will remain a cherished keepsake of your wedding day.

All images from The Wedding Outlet
Sand Ceremony Kit, Sand Ceremony Personalized Vase Set, Sand Pouring Kit, Sand Ceremony Vase Set

The cool thing too, is that sites like The Wedding Outlet also personalize the vessel (vase), so you can have your names or the date personalized to help create the vase specifically for you!







Are you doing anything like a sand ceremony to personalize the significance of the union between you and your SO?

{Vendor Tip} De-stressing Make Up tip #6

What to Expect at the Makeup Trial – Part 1

Let’s be real, when you hire a makeup artist for your wedding, you not only want to look fabulous but also feel comfortable with the look. To de-stress your wedding day prep, NEVER skip the makeup trial to save $$. You want to know that the look you worked out in advance and loved will be the same way you look on your one special day…

Should you expect to do a “free trial”?
Time is a premium in the wedding business. With only 4 weekends a month, the really great makeup pros cannot afford to give “free trials”. If a no charge trial is advertised, you might expect to feel some pressure to either buy product or definitely book them. At Bridal Artistry we include the trial in the total price package, but allow brides to opt to just pay for the trial, if they aren’t ready to book right away. A makeup artist who doesn’t value her time may not value yours!

Should you come alone to the trial – bring a friend? Your mom?
Up to you. Some know the look they want and come alone confident in judging the experience themselves… others value the input of their mom or a trusted friend to help in the decision. Just consider that the more opinionated people you bring for input, the greater the possibility for a confused bride. You know your friends and mom and how this might play out. Consider what sort of input you need.

What should you bring to the makeup trial?
Ideally, you should wear a white top so you see how the makeup looks with white! A scoop neck or cami top is best to simulate the gown neckline, too. Bring pics of makeup looks you like from magazines as well as pics of your gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses and your floral colors. Getting a “feel” for your wedding style should be important to the makeup artist before doing your makeup. One more suggestion: Plan something fun that evening, so you get the most out of your trial makeup!

Part 2 – What to look for in a makeup professional

Barbara Hill
www.bridalartistryDC.com

Ella Scott Jewels Giveaway

 

Want to win some free stuff?

From Ella Scott Jewels Blog:

Manyi has graciously agreed to give away a set of 100 custom labels to one lucky reader!! To enter visit MAU Promos or MAU Studio and leave us a comment on your favorite item. Want another chance to win? Facebook, Twitter, or blog about this giveaway and leave a separate comment with a link to let us know. And just in case two entries wasn't enough we are giving you a third chance to win by following our blog and leaving us a comment to let us know.

MAKE SURE YOU ENTER on Ella Scott's Blog and NOT here! :)

Maid of Honor Bloopers

What was your worst Maid of Honor (or Best Man) speech that you gave, experienced or even heard of?!?! I'd love to hear some fun stories to make me less nervous (or more LOL)?

Maid of Honor Speech Tips

I am giving a speech this weekend. I'm freaked out. I will not lie. Yes I am an attorney, but public speaking makes me want to vomit. But as my friend's maid of honor, it is my duty. But beyond that. It is an honor. I want to do this for her.  And i want it to mean something to both her and me! However, I am nervous... So now i need some advice... So far I've collected the following tips

1. Keep it brief.
2. Maid of Honor wedding speech topics should be from your heart! ... Just be yourself... should be appropriate in relation to the religious ambian.
3. Write a personal Maid of Honor wedding speech, but not too personal. Ask others if the stories you want to tell will not embarrass the bride and groom or the guests.
4. Make enthusiastic and sincere comments and compliments about the couple, but don't exaggerate. Look at things from the female point of view... Say something in favor of the bride and the other girls in the room. Indeed, your role is like the Best Man - flatter the bride, congratulate the bridal couple, and tease and roast the bride a little. 
5. Never come up with negative or depressing speech topics. Avoid sex, politics or religion. 
6. When you have finished a first draft of your Maid of Honor wedding speech, read it out loud in front of someone else and ask for her or his opinion. 
7. On the wedding day bring note cards with all important key words of your Maid of Honor speech topics. If you know what you want to say it will be easier to overcome any fear of public speaking. Another benefit: they will prevent you from babbling, stumbling or giving a long boring Maid of Honor wedding speech.

Source Speech Topics

Anybody else have some good advice for me?

Weddzilla Post

For my old followers, this may be old, but my new readers... I've started my first feature post on the Weddzilla blog, about how FH and I started... Go on over and check it out!

Wedding Decor Tissue Poms Giveaway

So as I indicated, I'm planning to incorporate the Wedding Tissue Poms into my wedding decor. (Did you read that post earlier today?) Well i'm super duper excited that the creative designer of this awesome Decor idea,  Alysia at Prost to the Host has agreed to offer my readers an awesome Giveaway to get these awesome poms!!  But not just one reader, BUT TWO of my readers will win a kit of 10 in up to three different colors!!!

 

  

 

What do you win:
1. Each winner (there will be two) will win a kit of 10 tissue poms.  The winner will be able to choose up to 3 different colors.

How to win:

1. Go to Prost to the Host Etsy Shop

2. Come back here and comment on what colors you'd like to have of the tissue pom, and also what or how you'd use them to decorate? Reception? Cocktail hour? Ceremony? Your ideas!!

3. Enter Daily, once a day until June 24th 23:59PM. 

Who can win:

1. Anybody in US and Canada!!! YAY!

2. Two (not just one, but TWO) winners will be able to win!!!

How I will choose a winner:
Two random.org winners.

{Product Review} Wedding Decor Tissue Pom

It was a long road for me to find my wedding colors (Click here for some color inspirations), but now that I've finally made my decision to stick with my light yellow, gray with navy accents... (much like the way my blog theme is set up). So now with the color theme in place, how to decorate my wedding?

One option that i've explored is the Wedding Tissue Pom.  Have you seen them?

Image from Prost to the Host Etsy Shop

I love love these Tissue Poms!!!

And I have been lucky enough to try out this awesome easy DIY Kit from the Etsy Shop above and look at how easy it was! (All images are my own, so excuse any blurriness.)

1. This is the item i recieved

 

I followed the directions, which was easy to do. Just pull layers away towards the wire. And TA DA!! This is what i got...

 

 

  

  

How cool and How easy. I'm thinking i can use this to decorate the cocktail hour, or possibly the cocktail hour and the reception. I love how easy it was and how much fun and color it brings into the my wedding decor.

Are you doing any DIY projects, that aren't all 100% DIY but still make you feel involved?