Love Me Some Birch

 I am in love with the birch look this winter season! I love it for any season really since it is versatile and looks great with some many natural colors. I found a great DIY to make birch center pieces! I found some great birch vases made with a glass vase and a birch sleeve bought at a flower market, then take anything you have around the house or can find at the craft store to decorate the vases, like jewels and earrings and fabric flowers.

I love the green and natural look of birch and the simplicity of it! You can also buy birch branches at the flower market or a local craft store and use them alone or in a flower arrangement. You can also paint the birch piece or use sticks you find from around your yard and paint them. If you want a green wedding this is a great way to go since it is inexpensive and natural.

Birch can go a long way and can be used in many different ways. Use it in the winter or in the spring! Birch is also great to use within the house as well, make your own birch candle holders or throughout your home!

Good luck making your centerpieces and enjoy the holidays!

Found From: Elizabeth Anne Designs and edytaszyszlo

Think Ahead of Time

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season and enjoying eating all the yummy treats and cookies! I know I am! This winter season you may be sick of shopping and spending money, but give it a week and go shopping with all the sales! If you know you are planning on having a huge personal holiday party or a winter party in January and February or a winter wedding, took advantage of all the post-holiday sales! Some places don't have a large large selection but always look for items that you know you will want to purchase. It is also a great idea to purchase items for the next year if you know you were missing a certain piece! Stores and online also have great sales on other items as well. Going to a wedding in the next couple of months and know what the couple wants or what you want to give them... don't procrastinate and get it while it is on sale.
When the time comes that you need to purchase items for a party or gifts and you have already done so, you will be relaxed and happy (Also know you have a birthday coming up, get their gift on sale).
I know many of you might be saying... well duh! of course I want to get things on sale and early, but not everyone actually does it! Take advantage of everything and get ahead of the game! You will be happy when your event or wedding comes around and you cannot find that item you loved, but since you already bought it, no worries!

I hope everyone has a Happy Holidays!

Picture: http://styletips101.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/xmas-shopping-girl.gif

Long Time No See

Sorry it has been awhile since I have last posted, but it has been a crazy couple of weeks for me. I am back into schedule and adjusting to everything and cannot wait for Christmas. Although not a huge fan of the cold, wind, ice and snow, I am a fan a a magical winter wonderland wedding... but I love great
 holiday parties more than anything. What a great tradition some families and friends have of getting together over the holiday season, regardless of what holiday is celebrated and having a party. I love getting to see all my friends and family over the holiday season that I normally don't get to see or am too busy to hang out with. I have recently been in love with my new crock pot and love the idea of a pot luck holiday dinner! Although I must say, since I work at a catering company, it surly is nice to have food ready-made and dropped off at your house, but what is the fun in that?
Talk to all your friends and ask them to make one of their favorite dishes, don't worry about having too many sides or entrees, that is the fun in it. If you want to make sure the meal is perfect, tell all your guests to make their favorite desserts, homemade no store bought, and to bring copies of the recipe to the party. What a great way to share some time with friends and family... eating sweets and treats!
This time of year is the best to reconnect with old friends and spend time with new friends! Have a GREAT Holiday Season Everyone!

Photos From:
http://img4.sunset.com/i/2005/05/strawberry-trifle-m.jpg?300:300
http://images.marthastewart.com/images/
content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs5796_xl.jpg

Super Busy

Hi everyone... sorry I have not posted in a while but I have been super busy with Thanksgiving and traveling and starting my new job. New posts are coming soon when I get a chance to breathe and think! Hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and were able to spend time with family and friends.

Give Thanks for Thanksgiving

I absolutely love Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season! Thanksgiving is a holiday with warm colors, warm yummy food and football! Any holiday with football is the best! Every family has their Thanksgiving traditions, and by no means do I think any family should change tradition, but if you are trying to think of some great Thanksgiving décor or want to throw a pre-Thanksgiving themed party {or even a Thanksgiving wedding}, here are some great ideas! Use the warm fall colors are your palette for the event, and don’t be scared to use some pumpkin décor either… it is not just for Halloween! Also use apples, pears, corn and leaves to decorate.

Many catering companies have holiday themed food, so go through their menus to get some great ideas… one of my favorite are mini pumpkin pies and turkey and cranberry slider sandwiches. I love stuffing as well, use small serving spoons, the ones caterers use to serve stuffing and gravy on! Another favorite of my family is cinnamon apple cheesecakes! It screams Thanksgiving and fall with the warm cheesecake and spiced apples! Don’t forget the caramel apples… or try caramel pears for a change! Of course you need some drinks! For the adults make mulled apple cider or mulled spiced wine (some local wineries have mulling wines and spices). There are great winter lagers out as well… and what is football without a little beer? For the kids in the family, hot apple cider and a cranberry and ginger ale drink for some fizzies!

Here are some of my favorite fall décor and food pictures! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Photos From:

http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com/

http://www.thepartydress.net/

http://athome.kimvallee.com/

http://makemerryevents.com/

http://blackeiffel.blogspot.comhttp://blackeiffel.blogspot.com

http://www.kenlauher.com/

http://rlake.smugmug.com/

http://potterybarn.com/

http://www.thepartydress.net/

Color of the Week: Natural Light Green

This is my favorite color for weddings… it is already in my wedding album for whenever my wedding happens. It is also one of the hottest colors to use right now! Since the natural green is subtle and beautiful, it goes with many colors and can easily fit into any theme. I especially love it for an outdoor wedding with a preppy feel. I love the color with subtle blues, oranges and pinks since it complements the natural green. Pretty much what I want my wedding to be! I also love the natural green with white flowers since it is clean and simple. It looks great with wood vases and birdcages! I also love this color for any season wedding, since like I said earlier, it is so clean and versatile. Since the color is found is so many fruit, it is a great idea to incorporate that into your wedding. Using apples and pears as escort cards work well! Other natural items like limes, artichokes and grass are great accents to your wedding/event! There are so many other ways to use the green color in different variations! Be creative with the color and add it in innovative ways to your event or wedding!

Here are some of my FAVORITE pictures of natural green used in weddings/events. I cannot get over this color and am even using it as a flower accent to some brighter painted furniture! Oh did I mention it looks great in you house against a brighter wall. The colors of white and natural green are so clean it contrasts great with brighter items. Enjoy!

Photos From:

http://www.theknot.com/

Chocolate Spoon Please

Recently I was searching around blogland and found this great post about chocolate spoons from Table 6 Productions. It was a post from Solutions Bridal and she had these great sweet chocolate spoons. I feel in love and started thinking about some other creative and innovative desserts that are both delicious and cheap. Here are the steps to make the chocolate spoons … “First, find some plastic spoons. Why not get spoons that coordinate with your wedding colors? Then simply melt your favorite chocolate over boiling water on the stove, and pour! While it’s cooling, decorate with edible beads, small candies, sprinkles and whatever else makes your mouth water. If you want to add chocolate candies, wait a few minutes until the chocolate in the spoon is cool.” Easy right!

I also love making homemade chocolate lollipops! These are just as easy as the spoons and you can find the sticks at any craft store. They also normally have molds fro you to use as well. Just melt the chocolate and put them into the lollipop mold. You can add candies in if you want. You can wrap them and give them as wedding favors or put them on your dessert table for guests to eat right away!

Any sort of cookie that can be baked at home makes a great addition to your dessert table. They normally are better than those bought since they were made with love and soul. Macaroons are a great dessert that can be put on a stick and wrapped or stacked easily. Follow this link for a great macaroon recipe! http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/diy-colorful-french-macaroons

Good luck adding these to your wedding or event! P.S. chocolate lollipops are a huge hit with kids so add them to your next child’s party!

Photos From:

http://kitchensamurai.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/table-6-productions/guest-blogger-solutions-bridal/10150322329500657

http://mintsdesign.com/

Destination of the Week: Napa Valley

Although Napa Valley is not outside the continental United Sates, it is still a great getaway for your destination wedding or honeymoon. Since it is in wine country there are many inns and hotels scattered around the area. You can find a place that fits what you are looking for: small and intimate or grand and indulgent. You will also save money on travel since it is within the United States and if you live close enough to only have a few hours drive you can still have most people attend your wedding without the problem of a destination wedding. There are great wineries all around the area to have your ceremony or reception at, as well as hotels. I recommend going in the fall or summer when you can really enjoy the colors of Napa Valley! If you are looking to have an outdoor wedding with great views and great colors…Napa Valley might just be the place for you. If you love wine Napa Valley might also be the place for you.

If you are looking to go there on your honeymoon make sure to visit as many wineries as possible! Napa is also a great stop along the way if you wanted to tour all of California for your honeymoon. Sonoma Valley is also located around Napa Valley. Almost 300 wineries are located in the 2 places. So take the time to choose which wineries you would like to visit and also enjoy driving around and seeing the scenery! Also, the most exclusive resort, Auberge du Soleli offers wine based spa treatments. Who could ask for more!

Here is a great list of locations for weddings in Napa Valley: http://napavalley.com/eventplanning/weddings/ceremonies_chapels.html

Photos From:

http://weddings.theknot.com/

http://napavalley.com/visitorsinfo/tour

fayeandgreer.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html

http://www.weddingshoneymoons.com/

http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/

http://static.weddingwire.com/

http://dorothyhatchel.com

Donut is the New Cupcake

Recently I saw a post about having donuts at your wedding for dessert. I absolutely love this idea since it is cheaper and more fun than the trend of cupcakes. Don’t get me wrong I love cupcakes and could eat them everyday if given the chance, but donuts are way more fun! You can either talk to your caterer about having the company make he donuts or just pay a ton the morning of your event from Krispy Kreme or another donut store. You can have different toppings for your donuts laid out, such as different sauces and some candies and nuts. Guests can have a customizable desert and have fun eating it as well. You can make donuts as classy or as down to earth as you want… making them a great versatile food item! If at all possible to get warm donuts that would be best! You can also get a variety of donuts with toppings on it already for guests to just choose from! If you caterer can make donuts have small appetizer size donuts with a variety of toppings and flavors for guests to choose from! I also started thinking about having donuts as the dessert at your rehearsal dinner if you want to have a traditional cake on the day of your wedding. You will save money and all your guests will enjoy the treat.

This idea is great if you are having an office meeting or a corporate event. How great to have warm donuts and different toppings before a long office meeting, not just a plain box of donuts. Or if you are having a small reception during the day, have donuts. Everyone loves something sweet during the day, and your guests will be surprised by something new and different.

Donuts don’t have to just be sitting in a box! You can get great plates or serving trays to have your donuts on! Or take the donut box to new heights by using a box in your event or wedding colors to display the donuts. Be creative with it and have fun as well. There are also some great companies in areas that make outlandish donuts with crazy toppings! These might be a little expensive to order, but look at their sites to get topping ideas!

Photos From:

http://my-wedding-concierge.com/bridal-fascinations/files/2010/09/The-Board-575x575.jpg

http://www.primadonnabride.co.za/

http://daily.wedshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goumet_designer_wedding_donuts.jpg

http://www.dognbird.com/

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/27589/donuts.jpg

Re-Use and Recycle: Bottlehood on Esty

I am IN LOVE with bottlehood's shop on Esty.com! The company recycles beer, wine and liquor bottles and makes them into cups, candles, cheese boards and vases! I am getting some of these for my bf {shhhh don't tell him} and I started thinking about the great way you could use these at your wedding or event. These may be kinda expensive if you are buying all your guests items, but how great to have a wine bottle vase or a liquor bottle as your vase centerpiece. I also saw that the company will make items requested for wedding registry's! These items are so unique you will never find them anywhere else! What a great gift as well for the lucky couple or even as a birthday present for your man! Also just great for use at your home bar or home... what a great conversation piece!
Check out their shop on Esty: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bottlehood

Here are a few pictures of items they sell! I love the variety and the locality of the items. Most items tell you where the bottle came from (all local from CA).

The Top 10 Things You Don’t Want Your Photographer to Miss

I have found this new profound love for photography and am working on shooting and light techniques. Although I may not be a super pro yet, there are many things during a wedding or event that you do not want your photographer to miss. Even the best photographer loses some points when not remembering to take these photos. Make sure you tell your photographer that you want these things to be captured, as well as make sure you have them available for them. Make sure your photographer captures all the important moments of you two together… but done forget these important mementos!

For a Wedding:

1. Picture of the Rings
2. Picture of the Brides Dress and Brides Maid Dresses
3. Picture of the Brides bouquet and Brides Maids bouquet and reception floral
4. Picture of the Brides shoes and Grooms shoes (separate and together)
5. Picture of the grooms/grooms men boutonniere
6. Picture of the Ceremony space (pulled back)
7. Picture of the Reception space (pulled back)
8. Picture of the reception table/menu cards
9. Picture of the escort cards
10. Picture of the wedding favors
11. Picture of the Wedding cake (and cake cutting of course)
12. Picture of the brides hair
13. Cocktail hour space (pulled back)

Last But Not Least… ask for some photos taken before getting ready of both men and women and get some quirky candid photos of the bridal party throughout the day.

{thanks to TheKnot.com for some quick inspiration}
{Photos from http://goslingphotographyblog.com/ }

For an Event:

1. Picture of the Event location (pulled back)
2. Picture of the Tables
3. Picture of the Escort cards (if any)
4. Picture of the Gifts (if any)
5. Picture of the Food and/or dessert/cake
6. Picture of the Important guests/speakers
7. Picture of sponsors information (if any)
8. Picture of the floral
9. Candid pictures during the final set-up/of workers during the event
10. Picture of any important locations during the event… bar area, any special tables or rooms
11. Lastly make sure you get pictures of signage and the invitation/thank you’s

Of course there are many great photographers all over the country, but people always forget some things. By talking to your photographer before the wedding or event and telling them specific things you ABSOLUTLY want pictures of you will get them and the photographer will make sure you get the best shot possible. Hopefully taking some great photos soon and posting them…keep an eye out!

Color of the Week: Fuchsia

Sorry I have not posted lately! I have been extremely busy and am actually starting a new job in 2 weeks!
After coming back from a busy weekend I cannot get my mind off an amazing color: Fuchsia. This color is so versatile and can be put into a myriad of color combinations in many different seasons. Since it is in the shades of pink and purple you can do so much with the color. It is also easy to find flowers that come in the same color range as Fuchsia. I love the color used in a romantic wedding or event with some more soft colors such as yellow and white. It is also a great color to do a "pink and black" themed wedding since it is not a harsh pink color. Fuchsia is also a great accent color since it works well with so many color combos.
I also love the color for around the house, clothing and jewelry. I love this color and I hope you do too!

Love the Fuchsia ice cream!
Photos From:
http://fabgabblog.com/

http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.76763531.jpg

http://www.cakecentral.com/

http://www.instyle.com/

http://www.bridalbuds.com/

http://prettychicky.com/

http://www.netfashionavenue.com/

http://inthedetailsblog.com/

http://www.moderngirlinvitations.com/

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/79722/palette8_tangerine.jpg

http://www.desirable.co.uk/
http://bridalbubbly.blogspot.com/
http://peacockchic.files.wordpress.com/

Spring's Coming Early {Cherry Blossoms}

With all this cold weather I started thinking about spring! Cherry Blossoms are an amazing flower that are prevalent in Japan, but are also found every spring in Washington DC. I love going to the cherry blossom festival around the city and seeing all the amazing pink flowers everywhere. Weather you are in Japan, DC or anywhere, cherry blossoms are a great flower to use as a theme throughout your wedding. If you want a light pink color are part of your wedding colors, then this flower is a perfect choice. It is subtle and delicate, going great with whites and browns or blues and silvers. You can make the flower as much a part of your wedding as wanted, just incorporate them into the floral arrangements or make it an all out theme. The flowers may be hard to find during some seasons, but I love seeing the use of cherry blossoms during a delicate winter wedding and throughout the spring. If you live in the Washington, DC area or an area where cherry blossoms bloom, take engagement pictures with the trees or take a break on your wedding day to take pictures around the trees. If anything take inspiration from the amazing colors of pink and white for your wedding or event.

Photos From:

Top Photo:

http://lumiere.sopheava.com/

Collage:

http://www.sdweddinginsider.com/

http://weddingdazed.blogspot.com/

blog.weddingpaperdivas.com

http://www.australiaentertains.com.au/

blog.kateaspen.com

http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/ http://www.japannewbie.com/

weddings.justinhankins.com

http://www.cirenwebdesign.com/

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31692583

The Spice of Life

Every night I come home from work and cook dinner, while my boyfriend does, and every night I am amazed at the brilliant color of spices. When thinking of where the best spices come from I immediately though of India. They use spices in everything and every spice has a wild color and fragrance. I love the mixture of reds, oranges, yellows, greens and browns that make up their spice jars. I felt inspired to look at events and weddings that use colors inspired by India's spices to real spice up the party. Some of these colors are bold and daring, while others are subtle and cool. Together they make up an amazing color palette. Bring in some of these amazing colors at your next event or work them into your wedding to accentuate your colors and flowers. Below is some inspiration for us all from these great spices!

Photos From:

Top Photo:

http://whatsforlunchhoney.blogspot.com/

Photo Collage:
http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/
http://daily.wedshare.com/
http://www.whitelacewedding.com/
http://weddingrumors.com/
http://www.stylemepretty.com/

http://www.onewhitedress.ne/

http://www.primadonnabride.co.za/

http://thepeacockbrides.blogspot.com/
http://my-riviera-wedding.com/
http://www.shopindream.com/

blog.weddingwire.com

Crazy Cakes

Have you been so consumed with your wedding planning you forgot about a gift for your new husband? Or have you planned your whole event and then forgot about doing something personalized and unique? Fears no longer… get a cake! I do not mean go to Costco and put your face on a cake… but get a unique 3-D cake that will blow your groom and/or guests away. I bet you have seen Cake Boss on TLC or Charm City Cakes on the Food Network; those are the type of cakes I am talking about! If you are really on a budget then it might not be the best idea to purchase a cake, but enlist the help of your baker friends and make it yourself.

If you are getting the cake as a grooms cake and gift, make it something that he loves or a place he enjoys. My friend had a cake for her groom who went to Ohio State as the Stadium! It was amazing and they used it at their rehearsal dinner. It is always a great surprise for a groom since most of the wedding focuses on the bride; he finally is the one getting a great gift! Being creative when it comes to a groom cake is the name of the game. Think hard about what he would like and what you would like. Don’t get him something you want and say “he always loves this.”

For an event, go big or go home! If you have the budget to spend why not! It can really make a huge difference and be the talk of the event. A grand cake can be used as the centerpiece for the event and can tie all of the different aspects together. If it is for a huge birthday, bridal shower or baby shower there are so many cute and semi cheap things you can do that will surprise the guest of honor and not your bank account.

Regardless of what the purpose of the cake is for it is a great idea. It is special and unique and will be the talk of your wedding or event! Talk to your catering company about doing a specialty cake, they may be able to make one themselves or know a good company.

Photos From:

www.charmcitycakes.com/gallery

http://carlosbakery.com/

http://www.nollycakes.co.uk/

Fanciful Feathers

I have a new love and it is feathers! Recently brides have been wearing them in their hair, adding them to flower arrangements and putting them on their cake. Although I do admit some people take it over the edge or do not make it look pleasing at all, there is a romantic and fun way to add feathers into your wedding or event. You can normally find cheaper colored feathers, but I would try and stick with nicer feathers if using them for your event. The ostrich feather is a fun large feather that added together in a bunch can create a beautiful centerpiece. I am more obsessed about peacock feathers. They have gorgeous colors and are so fun! There are so many ways to add feathers into your wedding or event. Weather you want there be a feather theme or just accents of feathers, you can do it. Here are some simple or crazy ways to add feather to your wedding or event.

• In  your hair
• On your dress, creating an amazing cascade down the dress
• On invitations
• As centerpieces
• In the bouquet
• On the cake (can even just use the design of a feather on the cake)
• On the tablecloths
• As decorations
• On escort cards or table numbers
• Drinks inspired by animals that have feathers… don’t want to put feathers in a drink
• Food inspired by feathers
• On your garter
• On the ring pillow
• Instead of flowers use feathers for the “feather” girl
• On the ceremony programs

The opportunity to add feathers is really endless. Make it modern, vintage, homespun or high end.

Photos From:

Daily.wedshare.com

Blog.iplanitright.com

www.baroncards.com

www.weddingsonthefrenchrivera.com

paperolive.blogspot.com

www.pinkfrosting.com.au

www.snaptacularphotos.com

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

With some places in the United States already receiving snow... it only seemed necessary to begin looking at the wonder that is a winter wedding. Just because it is snowy and cold outside does not mean you need to sacrifice your creativity or love for the outdoors. I love the softness and innocence of winter... the crisp whites, browns and greens of the evergreen tress. If you have ever seen the show "friends" you know about the amazing winter wedding of Phoebe (I watched that episode last night... no wonder i cannot get it off my mind). If you don't want to have an outdoor wedding and reception do you wedding pictures or engagement pictures outside in the snow. They look gorgeous! Engagement pictures by Alyssa Ann Photography.

If you are thinking about having an outdoor winter snowy wedding you can really use any kind of colors you want. Go for softer colors for a more romantic and soft feel or bold colors that pop. Make sure you and all your guests have good coats and use heaters around the tent our ceremony location. Also have fun... Use the snow in creative ways and don't let it damper the wedding but make it more lively and interesting. Here are some great pictures I love of winter weddings... Also don't plan a winter snowy wedding in a place you know will probably not have snow. These types of weddings make better sense in an area that gets a lot of snow and knows how to effectively deal with it!

Photos From:

http://www.jessicaclaire.net/

http://www.charlottegeary.com/

http://robinroemer.com/

http://grazierphotography.blogspot.com/

http://www.oncewed.com/7754/diy-wedding/reception-tables/diy-kitschy-winter-table/

http://frostyweddings.blogspot.com/

http://www.mydreamwedding.ca/

http://www.tristalerit.com/

http://www.thingsfestive.com/

An Artsy Wedding

I recently had the honor to work a wedding at the Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington, DC. The Corcoran is a gallery and an art school featuring both classical and modern art. The gallery itself was fantastic, but the wedding was amazing, with many touches that brought the art theme throughout the wedding. An art gallery is an amazing place to hold a wedding and reception since they normally have great architecture and layout, plus have great visuals for all the guests. The Corcoran has then great burnt orange/red walls, which the couple utilized when thinking of their colors, flowers and lighting. With great red and orange flowers, sliver linens and gold lighting, the place looked amazing. Sometimes adding lighting can change the coloring of a venue and allow you to use the colors you really want. Think about adding some under lighting to the event to create a new angle on a venue. The couple also had great escort card and table numbers. To continue the art theme, each table was labeled by an artist with a picture the artist had done. The escort cards were postcards, in a multitude of paintings, all done by one of the artists on a table. The guests then had to match their artist postcard to the artist table. How creative and different, I really loved this idea! The ceremony was my favorite part of the event since it was done on the grand staircase of the Corcoran gallery framed by statues. It brought great attention to the couple and made for a truly unique ceremony.

If you are thinking about doing your wedding or event in an art gallery, make sure you talk to the venue first. Some places do not allow guests to walk around, and if that was your whole plan, then you may need to look else ware. Make sure that your wedding colors and the colors within the building do not clash and will work well together. Some gallery’s may have multiple rooms or great outdoor areas so you can tailor your event or wedding. There are so many different kinds of art galleries that you can be really creative and let your inter artist shine!

There are so many creative things that you can do at an art gallery or at other places:

• Serve drinks named after artists or paintings
• As a guest book have people paint on canvases to say congrats. It will be interesting to see what people come up with.
• Have a treasure hunt using clues about the gallery/paintings and have people be able to go through during cocktail hour
• Instead of doing the event their have pictures at a gallery

Also depending on the type of art gallery you are working with it is important to ask some questions:

• How many guests can be accommodated?
• Are tables and chairs supplied?
• What caterers can be used, if any?
• Can guests tour the gallery?
• What kind of music can be at the wedding/event?
• Can alcohol be served?
• Are there limitations on decorating the venue?
• How much is a rental and for how many hours… some galleries can be expensive.

http://corcoran.org/

Destination of the Week: Fiji

Whether you are looking for your perfect honeymoon spot or a location for your destination wedding, Fiji is the perfect place. Located in the Pacific Ocean near Australia it is a made up of islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Leva are the two largest. The best time to go to Fiji is their dry season from May to October, yet for the best prices consider going from December to April (sucks that they don’t overlap). Fiji is exotic, tranquil and unspoiled. There are many things that you can do while in Fiji, especially if you visit more than one island. From hiking, to beaches, scuba diving and tanning…Fiji has it all. Take in the surroundings and culture of the exotic Fiji Islands! Read fifime.com’s Wedding Guide:

http://www.fijime.com/romanceme/pdf/FVB_Wedding_Home.pdf

Pictures from:

www.TheKnot.com

http://stylefrizz.com/

http://www.weddings-abroad.com/

http://www.bivfiji.com/portfolio/

Trick or Treat Smell My Feet

Halloween is a day to get dressed up and be someone else! From kids to adults, Halloween is always a fun time and allows you to decorate using scary and wild things. Here is an inspiration board for Halloween parties! I love how excited kids get about being able to walk around and show off their costumes and get candy! But seriously, who does not love candy? Weather you are throwing a party for your neighborhood, your work or a wedding, here are some great ideas! I love using the colors orange (obviously), black, purple and green. There is a way to make this Halloween colors less harsh, yet still get the same vibe! This holiday, especially if having a wedding or large event, allows you to be really creative and use things that are not traditional. Think about bring in some Halloween traditions such as carving pumpkins, trick or treating, spiders/spider webs, ghosts and black cats. You can even make the event more “fall” themed than Halloween themed. Bring in natural fall colors, as well as some Halloween colors and mix the two themes. I love the use of pumpkins, apples, treat bags and leaves. I hope you can incorporate some ideas into either your wedding or event! Happy Halloween!

www.potterybarn.com

http://www.polyvore.com/

http://projectbride.com/2009/10/31/halloween-isnt-for-a-wedding/ http://projectbride.comwww.projectbride.com

http://hubpages.com/hub/Halloween-Weddinghubpages.com/hub/Halloween-Wedding

mustloveweddings.blogspot.com

http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/

http://www.mygrafico.com/images/uploads/_iha107_/TShalloween2.jpg

ninareneedesigns.blogspot.com

http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/

Color of the Week: Teal

I love teal, it is a gorgeous mixture of blues and greens. I specifically love it since it is a great color my my skintone. With fall upon us all and winter right around the corner, I started thinking about the cooler colors of the seasons. Teal is a timeless color that works in almost all situations. It can be romantic, yet fun at the same time. Teal is also seen a lot in nature, which I love. I love the color teal with browns and lighter greens for a romantic nature wedding/event. I also love teal with bright colors such as yellow, orange, greens and pinks. Such a versatile color and so timeless and lovely. Hope you get some inspiration!

http://jasminestarblog.com/
http://weddingsunique.com/
http://theperfectpalette.blogspot.com/
http://www.weddings.co.nz/
http://static.artfire.com/
http://www.storkie.com/
http://www.weddingaces.com/
http://www.theknot.com/
http://ashleysbrideguide.com/

Birds of a Feather: twobirds bridesmaid



Dress Colors

I am IN LOVE with this company's dresses! twobirds bridesmaid dresses are so versatile and come in a variety of colors and you can style it in so many ways. I saw these dresses at a recent wedding and I loved how different every bridesmaid looked individually, but still how cohesively they looked together. These dresses are great if you want everyone to have the same color dress but different styles, since there are over 15 styles. These dresses are flowy and fit nearly every size and shape, which makes these dresses so great. They are also a great dress to wear after the wedding since you can make the dress so many styles it can fit many occasions. Starting at $270 per dress they are comparable to other dresses. The company offers flower girl dresses, matching groomsmen ties and other accessories. You can order them online and there are also stores in NY and Cali. The company is international so look at the website to find other locations and information about purchase. They also have a great how-to guide for all the different designs you can make with the dress. Visit their site for more information about the dresses! http://www.twobirdsbridesmaid.com/

This is going on my list of things I have to have for my own wedding... whenever it may be!

Destination of the Week: Hawaii

It is a rainy day here in DC... which makes me start thinking about the sun and sand. What a better place than Hawaii for a little sun bathing? Although a great destination, Hawaii is still a U.S. state and you can find some pretty good deals on flights. With 6  islands to choose from, what better than a Hawaiian wedding or honeymoon? The islands are gorgeous with vibrant colors and amazing sounds! If you have always dreamed of a beach wedding... this is the perfect place! I love the sunsets and the amazing forests and parks... and don't forget the waterfalls! What an amazing place to take pictures! I am dreaming right now of it all.

Each island has different amenities and locations to offer your wedding! It is important to take into consideration what island you want to stay on and what wedding location is accessible. Look at all the different islands to find the perfect place. Don't just opt for a wedding at a hotel because that is where you are staying or seems convenient. You are going to HAWAII for heavens sake do it BIG! Visit http://www.gohawaii.com/ the Official travel site. Enjot the amazing pictures below!

http://www.kauaitropicalweddings.com/

http://sanderl.com/

http://oahuwedding.com/

http://www.hawaiipictures.com/

http://www.beautifulhawaiiweddings.com/

http://www.arainbowinparadise.com/

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/hawaii/lanai/weddings

http://www.lanaieventphotography.com/

www.mauiphotography.net/

http://www.promisesmaui.com/

http://www.whiteorchidwedding.com/

www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/weddings

theknot.com

http://postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com/2010/01/destination-hawaii-colors-mint-green.html