Name Change Express Giveaway

I've heard horror stories from my friends about changing their last names and all the hassle it has caused... so I'm very excited to announce that one lucky Relentless Bride reader will win a Name Change Express kit that makes Name Changing Made EASY!!!!

The name change process can be complicated and time consuming. {Name Change Express} provides a simple and customized experience. In three simple steps brides can change their name. The Name Change Express system is backed by solid research and works to ensure a stress free experience for the bride.

All you have to do is leave a comment here. Make sure your comment will include a link to your profile or provide contact info. Contest ends on November 7, 2009 11:59 PM EST.

And for more information, watch the video on the Name Change Express Website!

Wedding Hair Stylist

So, this post is long overdue b/c i've been on a search to find myself and my ladies someone to get our hair "did"... and I think i found the coolest chick in the OC to do it... So her name is Chelsey and you can find her at Chelsey B Blog.

But showing you how cute she is won't explain her mad skills... so here's a few photos of some wedding shots she has done... Check it...

This first wedding is of Alekhine and Cecilia

(for more photos check them here from the Image is Found)

The next image is from Alicia and John's Wedding and I love the look here ... very romantic...

And i especially love the look that Hayley (from the Wedding of Hayley and JT) did with a different look for the ceremony and reception... I'd love to do this as well...

The Reception look:

(More images found here via Jessica Peterson's Blog)

I am so thrilled to have found someone so awesomely cool, with great skills... YAY! I think it'll be an awesome treat for my ladies to have her do our hair on the big day of...

Check out more cool photos here of another recent wedding she did!!

MaxWhite Giveaway Winners

The three winners of the Maxwhite Giveaway...

And the entries:

Ladies, please email me at amyjean@relentlessbride.com so i can get the samples to ya! :)

First Dance as a Married Couple

With a little over four months left for planning, it's the small details that are starting to really need attention. The newest thing to weigh on my mind is the couple's first dance. Probably b/c FH isn't one for dancing - and we aren't sure how to approach this subject.

At the last wedding I coordinated (see more pics here), the couple did a choreographed dance to a waltz...

(Photo by Denny Henry)

It was the PERFECT dance for them bc of the bride's personality and taste in music. It reflected them as a couple well and because waltzes tend to be choreographed dances, the dance itself just fit the music and the style. I really loved it and I had never seen a waltz at a wedding before and was so impressed by the dance!!

So now Im thinking about our first dance. we still want to make it memorable and fun and definitely NOT awkward!!

Would you suggest dance classes? Have any of you taken dance classes?! I'd love to know you you handled or intend to handle your first dance...

Happy Thanksgiving...

This year i'm truly thankful for so much... I hope that you take a moment to make sure you really express your gratitude and love for the people closest to you... not just today - but take advantage of each day that you are alive... and live it to your fullest. We all have so much to be thankful for...

From my family to yours... Happy Thanksgiving :)

Image borrowed from Houndstooth Photography

(Post about our family photoshoot to come, until then go check out there blog)

Bridesmaid Dresses, The Saga Continues

So... We are almost there, remember my last plan?

Bridesmaids that are family in these dresses:

Bridesmaid that are not family in these dresses:

Well, here is my Plan A - if it can be executed, with all the ladies in the dresses above... One of my awesome BM's has tried on this dress and her comments were: "really elegant"; "internet pictures don't do it justice"; "very understated and beautiful"; "really really flattering".  Check it out again...in Charcoal!

Thus, if it flatters all my girls, i'll go with one dress for everybody ... and part of the BM gifts will include paying for the dresses since I am getting MAJOR BARGAIN PRICES That will have me getting ALL 7 dresses, with shipping & Tax all included at less than $250 dollars TOTAL!!!!!!!!!

I mean, I've said it all along  - i AM a bride on a budget, and that means when i can get a GREAT Deal - I will take it and I will not in any circumstance try to have my girls pay a penny over what they need to :) YAY for bargains! Yay for quality! Yay for almost having this off my checklist... (next on to shoes!)

All of these dresses are from CONNECTED APPAREL (as seen on Overstock.com or Boscovs.com)

Table Identifiers

FH and I... well mostly the I part, are considering using something other than table numbers to identify our tables.  There are two reasons i really want to do this - #1. I think it can be really unique and different and personal and #2. Korean people can be easily insulted. If i accidentally put someone at table 13 or the last numeric table available - i mean, it would be cause enough for one of them to get insulted and that's the last thing i want to do... so i'm thinking... table identifiers can make life easier and fun.

BUT what can we use?

Song Names:
I heard (via Twitter) recently Alyssa Milano used songs from the Beatles, with the head table being "here there everywhere."  This is a cool idea if we could agree on an artist or theme. Because FH and I have such differing taste in music, this could cause more trouble than we need - a couple artists we definitely both love are Johnny Cash and Bob Marley.

Occupation:
I recently saw on Paper Cake Designs Blog a couple who used elements from the periodic table b/c the groom is a chemist. {Image borrowed from here}

So, i came up with legal terms: maybe terminologies or common sayings, but none really seemed appropriate... lol. I mean "res Judicata" or "res ipsa loquitor" not really things that seem too wedding bliss - esque, but i think if we searched hard enough - this could work.

Sayings I live by:
So far i like this one best. Just b/c i am always saying certain things over and over again.... so such phrases as -
- Carpe Diem
- Live Love Laugh
- No regrets
- Dance like no one is watching
- Laugh as much as you breathe, love as long as you live
- the most important things in life aren't things

You get the point.

Colors:
This is simple and easy. Use different colors

Places we've traveled together:
The only problem is there aren't too many, so i was thinking maybe places important to us individually and then as a couple, and maybe a little blurb as to the background of that place

Sports affiliated:
Since FH is an avid sports fan - it would be easy to incorporate baseball or football into the theme

Photos:
Just using random photos or images as the table identifier. This could be fun and we could incorporate our pups into these photos.

Hmmm... any others? What are you doing as a table identifier?

Sales and Discounts

The Wedding Outlet's awesome sale through November 30, 2009, just enter the following codes:

Alfred Angelo Preview Sale starts Saturday 11/21/09

MagnetStreet Weddings is spreading thanks with 26% off...

{Product Review} MaxWhite GIVEAWAY

I was recently sent some samples of Colgate MaxWhite toothpaste and really like this product. Since my pearly whites need to be ... well pearly white, I have to let you other brides know a good product when i use one. And not just tell you i like the product, but I also was able to get some samples for three random readers... All you have to do is leave a comment stating your email or contact info...

Just a little info about the product -
* The only toothpaste infused with hundreds of Mini Bright Strips, MaxWhite toothpaste recharges the natural whiteness of your smile.

* Your browser may not support display of this image. MaxWhite toothpaste is sold in Colgate’s innovative clear tube packaging and carton with this unique see-through window.

* Available in two great flavors: Crystal Mint and Minty Sparkle.

* Available at mass retail and grocery stores nationwide beginning in April 2009

* Colgate MaxWhite with Mini Bright Strips 6.0 oz. will have a suggested retail price of $3.29.

*Colgate provided me with a MaxWhite sample for review purposes

So make sure to comment now. Comment once from now til Wednesday November 25, 2009 11:59 EST and three of you will get to try this out to see if you love the product like i do :-)

Colorful Candy Buffet

So as I'm currently brainstorming my candy buffet designs (YES, i have decided to go ahead with it)... I actually have an amazing Candy Buffet designer - Jackie Sorkin from Custom Candy Buffet Bars helping me out. We are brainstorming colorful candy buffets since going with Charcoal, Soft Yellow and Navy may prove challenging... and possibly not as fun (with the candy selection)...

She gave me a few pictures from her past events and I wanted to get your opinion...

{All Images via Custom Candy Buffet Bar)

What do you think? Even if its not with the color scheme theme... don't you think the Colorful Candy Buffet can prove a lot of fun? Are you doing a candy buffet? How did you decide what color candy to use? If you did do one, how would you approach the design?

Blog Awards

Got an award from Lillian at NuFlaiir

Super sweet and so honored to get this from her...

Also received an award from Born to Be Mrs. Beever and need to say a big thank you to her too

And with that comes a survey

1. Where is your cell phone? DESK
2. Your hair? STRAIGHT
3. Your mother?  BEST FRIEND
4. Your father?  LOVE
5. Your favorite food? MEXICAN & KOREAN
6. Your dream last night?  CAN'T REMEMBER
7. Your favorite drink? BEER
8. Your dream/goal?   HAPPINESS
9. What room are you in?  BEDROOM
10. Your hobby?  BLOGGING
11. Your fear?  REGRET
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?   WITH FH
13. Where were you last night?  FRIEND'S HOME
14. Something you aren’t?   STUPID
15. Muffins?   BLACKBOTTOM CREAM CHEESE MUFFIN!
16. Wish list item?   HAPPY FAMILY
17. Where did you grow up? SO CAL
18. Last thing you did?  BLOG
19. What are you wearing?  MILEY CYRUS LEGGINGS FROM WALMART (SERIOUSLY)
20. Your TV?  LCD AND CRT, I PREFER THE CRT
21. Your pets?  HUSKY AND SHIBA
22. Your friends?   AWESOME
23. Your life?  BLESSED
24. Your mood?  HAPPY AND TIRED
25. Missing someone?   FAMILY
26. Vehicle?  CHEROKEE
27. Something you’re not wearing?  NECKLACE
28. Your favorite store?   TJ MAXX
29. Your favorite color?  YELLOW, CHARCOAL
30. When was the last time you laughed?  DURING COLTS GAME
31. Last time you cried?   LAST WEEK I THINK
32. Your best friend?   TOO MANY TO COUNT
33. One place that I go over and over?   US NAVY WAR MEMORIAL
34. One person who emails me regularly?  HUNGRY GIRL
35. Favorite place to eat?   ANY PLACE WITH GOOD FOOD

Great Wedding Photo Tips

From Tina Shah Doshi...

It's time to learn the secrets to what make great wedding photographs. Most of us think great photographers create great photographs. This is only half the secret. It takes more than just the photographer to create those memorable images. Photographer Tina Shah Doshi of TinaShahDoshi.com clues you in on what you need to know for great wedding photographs.

New York, New York, November 2009 - Based on creativity, personality, professionalism, and reliability - you have carefully chosen the right photographer to capture your special day. However, choosing the right photographer is just the first step to ensuring you have great wedding photographs. There are several things you need to know to make sure you have those photos that tell the perfect story of your special day. Below are some essential tips to ensuring that you will have those images that you will want to share and look at over and over again.

·       A few months before the wedding, schedule a couple shoot or studio sitting. According to wedding photographer, Tina Shah Doshi, "sessions prior to your wedding are a great way for your photographer to learn your personality and style." It’s also a great way for you build additional rapport with your photographer, and get more comfortable in front of the camera lens. Most couples really have not worked with a photographer since their school pictures. Not only will a pre-wedding session get you more comfortable, but it will also prepare you for how the photographer will give you direction on your big day.

·       Know your style. Tina Shah Doshi knows how to work with all styles including the traditional, candid, and photojournalistic. Let your photographer know in advance if you have a preference towards one or the other. Keep in mind that great wedding pictures are made up of a combination of all styles. Its important to capture those special emotions and glances that no one else may see, but its important to have a selection of formal and group shots as well.

·       Plan enough time for group pictures. Your wedding is a special time for all of your friends and family to come together. Many of them have probably traveled quite a bit to be apart of your celebration. It’s important to schedule enough time during the wedding for group pictures. If group pictures are not planned for accordingly, they may delay your actual wedding day itinerary significantly. Plan for at least 5 minutes for each group picture, and be sure to delegate a family member to gather all of the groups. Since your photographer will not who is who, a family member assisting with the group session will make sure the shots go a lot smoother.

·       Plan enough time to get ready. When you, your sisters, your mom, and all of your bridesmaids are getting ready in the morning, this can take a significant amount time. A delay with your stylist can set you behind for your entire day. The last thing you want to feel on your wedding day is rushed. Be sure to schedule enough time to get ready. Plan your day with a few time buffers. Therefore, even if you are running late, everything should work out fine. “You may want to also consider having your photographer there while you are getting ready,” recommends photographer Tina Shah Doshi. Getting ready shots are great part of the story telling aspect of your day.

·       Include time for just the two of you. Schedule at least 30 minutes with just you and your photographer. You will want to make sure you get those romantic shots that everyone loves. This session should be a closed session in order to truly capture those intimate moments. No other guests or family members of the couple should be present. This will allow you the opportunity to be more relaxed and comfortable with each other. According to Tina Shah Doshi, “I find many times that these are the most favorite pictures chosen by couples. It’s usually after the ceremony, and they can be the most relaxed if they have a few moments to themselves.” Be sure that your photographer can really take advantage of the location of your event.

·       Be comfortable. If you know you have a preference for wearing your hair and make-up a certain way, why deviate significantly on your wedding day? The best photographs are when you look natural and comfortable. Be sure your style on wedding day is who you are. When a Bride is uncomfortable, it will show in the pictures. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better your photographs will be.

·       Know that nothing goes perfect. “Some of the best photographs I have taken are when the Bride and Groom are smiling and laughing all day,” say Tina Shah Doshi. Don’t let a small mishap with your florist, caterer, DJ, any vendor, or even a guest ruin your special day. “I think because some brides put so much pressure on themselves to make sure every detail is just right, they can get easily disappointed if something goes wrong,” says Tina Shah Doshi. Just know in advance some details may not go exactly as planned, and as long as you set on going with the flow of that day – there is no reason why you shouldn’t be wearing a smile all day long. No matter how artistic a photograph may look through angles, composition, or lighting – a Bride will always look at how she looks in that photograph first. If she is smiling and happy, she is bound to love that photograph that much more.

·       Be mindful of how much you drink.  Weddings are celebrations. If you want to enjoy a few drinks, just keep in mind your tolerance level. Remember you will be photographed and possibly even videotaped all day. You won’t want to look back at photographs where you appear to have had one too many. Be sure to keep your energy levels up, and have a great time with all your guests. Stay hydrated.

·       Be sure your photographer knows your wedding day itinerary in advance. When your photographer knows your itinerary in advance, this will help them to plan better key and creative shots. It will also let them know when they have sufficient time to recharge their equipment if necessary.

·       Have a great time. Smile. Nothing is more important than having a great time on your special day.  “I tell every one of my couple’s that I am there for them on there special day,” says photographer Tina Shah Doshi. They shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Just be sure to delegate any special tasks, and everything will fall into place. Enjoy your day.

Great wedding photos really are a combination of the effort from the photographer and the couple. With trust, some planning, and a lot of fun ~ you will have those beautiful images that tell the perfect story of your special day. www.tinashahdoshi.com

New Arrivals @ The Wedding Outlet

We are always adding new items to our site to help keep a large selection of wedding accessories available for our brides. Here are some fabulous new collections and accessories that have been added just in time for the upcoming holiday weddings! 

Each accessory in the Elizabeth Collection by Beverly Clark is exquisitely detailed with hand beading and metallic thread with a faux diamond in the center.  The white has silver thread and beading, the ivory has gold thread and beading and the black has silver and pewter thread and beading.  Each piece is hand made and available in black, white or ivory.  

The Elizabeth Collection includes a guest book, pen holder, ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket, unity candle, memory book and bridal garter. 

Each piece in the Garbo Collection is covered in an exquisite matte bridal satin that is softly draped and finished with a romantic rhinestone piece.  Each piece is hand-made and is available in white, ivory or claret.

The Garbo Collection includes a guest book, pen holder, ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket, pillar candle, memory book and bridal garter.  

Both of these gorgeous collections would sparkle during any wedding especially during the holidays. Check out some of these fun wedding accessories that help make the holiday weddings festive and fun!

Fashioned with an ideal blend of contemporary style and timeless elegance, this distinctive dance floor decal has your name written all over it... literally! Simply customize your decal by adding your names, wedding date and choose one of this season's hottest colors. It'll be the perfect pop of individualized style for your wedding day celebration!  

These new "Mr. & Mrs." Snowman Globes are so adorable, you can't help but smile! Mini Snow globes would be a sensation at any winter wedding. These snow globes do not have to be reserved just for weddings. This cute couple would make a great Christmas Gift as well.  Each package contains six snow globes. 

The little crystal details on this winter white snowflake cake top will bring the snow indoors at your winter themed wedding.   

This Square Glass Photo Vase can be used for all occasions. From a wedding day accessory to an essential office supply, this multi-purpose square vase will be used for years to come! Fashioned in well structured glass, the four-sided accessory display features four slots to enter your favorite 4" x 4" photos. Place in images of you and the one you love the most, fill it with fresh cut flowers and place it on top of your wedding cake for a topper that is literally filled with your love!

Start shopping for your holiday themed wedding!

Happy Holidays from The Wedding Outlet

Bridesmaid Dresses - CHECK... Well almost?!

Ok, so this is my decision and I'm sticking to it...

I think...

My MOH and FSIL and SIL will be in these dresses:

My remaining BM's will be in this dress: 

The main reason I have differentiated the ladies is because not all the dresses are available in every size. The second dress would have had all the sizes, but a review i read said that the dress isn't very flattering for the bigger busted ladies. And as much as i do want my ladies in the same dress - i figure the same color and general style is good enough b/c I want them to all be flattered and look good too :) The first dress i think flatters almost any body type, so I have put the MOH and two SILs in those dresses (i.e., family in one style) and my friends in the other style...

Do you think it will look ok? I hope so... Bargain prices, cute rewearable dress... I hope it works the way i'm envisioning!

Weekly Updates

***Letterpress Invitations at an affordable Price***
I know we all love the look of letterpress, well Ajalon Printing and Design have come up with a way to make it more affordable: Check out the special offer they created for 100 letterpress invitations and enclosure cards for only $398. This is an incredible deal, and I'm looking for additional ways to get the word out. so check them out here!

***Do you live in Philadelphia are plan to get married around there? Want to win a wedding for free?

Events at ISM and Philly.com Launch

$90,000 Philadelphia Wedding Giveaway

Voters Will Choose the Winning Couple & Wedding Details

PHILADELPHIA – Nov. 9, 2009 - Events at ISM and Philly.com announced the launch of the “Love of a Lifetime” wedding giveaway. One lucky couple will be selected by voters to win a lavish, free wedding package valued at more than $80,000. Voters will also make final selections for the bride and groom on many aspects of the day, from the menu, to the rings and flowers.

The wedding will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at Events at ISM. The winning couple will be treated to all the necessities for a memorable and unique wedding, compliments of some of the region’s top wedding and event specialists, including catering for 200, flowers, entertainment, photography and videography, and more.*

Also included in the package are amazing details such as a custom tuxedo or suit for the groom, a custom wedding song, a Jack and Jill party, and dance lessons for the bride and groom.

The magical evening will culminate with a special fireworks display on the river. To enter to win the “Love of a Lifetime” wedding giveaway, and for contest rules, visit www.philly.com/winawedding.

***Have you ordered from Wedding Paper Divas?? If so,

Review your purchases and enter for a chance to win a free gift certificate!!! Your feedback is important, so please submit your review today for a chance to win. Contest is valid through 12/15/09 at 11:59 pm (PT).

Or if you want to order: check out these savings!
Fall is in full swing, so we're kicking off our November sitewide sale to help you shop for luxurious wedding invitations, save the date cards, thank you cards and more! No matter what type of stylish stationery you're searching for, you can save $15 off orders of $99 or more, or $40 off orders of $199 or more for items throughout the site using the coupon code NOVSALE. Hurry! Offer expires at 11:59 pm (PT) on 11/23/09. Plus, add free shipping to your order with the code FREESHIP.

***Sole Mates***
Special discount for Brides-to-be who order 10 pairs or of SoleMates via www.thesolemates.com receive a 10% discount and a customized discount code to share with friends and family so that they can enjoy the same 10% discount on smaller orders!
***IdoOriginals
3 year anniversary so she is doing a $100 giveaway.. head over there now!

***Beau Coup Sales Ends Tomorrow!

Yummy Wedding Cakes

I'm stressed... and last week when i was stressed, I took a moment to relax and stare at some beauties! What am i talking about? I'm talking about these lovely cakes from EatCakeBeMerry.  So in efforts to release us all of stress and to help beautify the blogosphere, i want to share some more cake inspiration b/c, to be honest, i just can't get enough... (Click here to read my post on Cake inspiration last week!)

So without further ado... let's let the pictures do the talkin'...

::Exit Stress:: ... ::Ensue Peace::

{All images via EatCakeBeMerry}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aren't these cakes so beautiful... ahhh... now i'm reminded again of why i love wedding planning, i get to research THIS!!! Awesome!

Tuxes - Check!

YAY! I got one thing off my list this weekend... And to be perfectly honest, i'm super happy b/c the other 10 to do's for this weekend just didn't happen...  So without further ado - i have to give mad props to Quelida who helped us at the Potomac Yard NOVA Men's Wearhouse... she was without a doubt, hands down SUPER DUPER AWESOME!

So here's the look we are going for:

bridal party:

And for Fh to be slightly different, he will be in the same colors but a bow tie (this was his idea)

This is awesome b/c i have a thing for bowties :)

The men will also have yellow bouts and FH will probably go with white/cream...

YAY! So happy i can say this is off my to do list...

What kind of suits/tuxes did you pick ?

WeddingJoJo Website Winner

I am actually really excited to announce the winner of the WeddingJoJo Website giveaway... and one of the reasons I am, is because the question i posed: What is one of your favorite things about wedding planning thus far? For ME, the answer is all the awesome and wonderful bloggers i've met on my journey - and the lady who won this giveaway is a blogger whom i have followed for a while, who is an amazing blogger and we both have over year long engagements which has made the journey that much fun...

So without further ado... and it must be true that the early bird gets the worm... the winner of the contest was the very first Entry... from Princess Christy of Christy and David Blog!

And her winning entry was the first entry of the contest :

 

Congrats Christy! Shoot me an email at amyjean@relentlessbride.com so i can put you in touch with the company!

6 or so more months, right? Wooo Can't believe how quickly time has flown for us both...

Super Cute Invite Wording

via Born to be Mrs. Beever; Thoughts of the All-Consumed Bride Blog... she commented on my post about Cute RSVP Ideas... so i had to share the invitation wording of her invite and what she did for her RSVP... It's so cute...

The RSVP for acceptance is here:

With the image attached on the back side of the above:

For the declines:

and this image:

(All images via Thoughts of an All Consumed Bride)

Isn't that SO CUTE?! I love it... its such a fun way to make your guests accept or decline without it being boring :) Thanks for sharing this with me... I think its so clever. I'm now inspired to get creative...

Did you make your invites creative like Born to Be Mrs. Beever did?