Finding Your Perfect Theme

One of the funnest parts of my job is exercising my creativity to design and tell my couple’s story.  I love hearing how they met, how they knew they were meant for each other, finding out the key moments that brought them to where they are now, their proposal…it just goes on and on and on and on.  I so appreciate their story and even more how they have trusted me to design their event in a way that will visually, emotionally and subconsciously share this story with their family and friends.

When we first meet, we detail their overall vision for their celebration.  My goal is to find out “what do they want their event to look like? sound like? feel like? smell like? taste like?”

The story above was my interpretation of how this couple met and their favorite moment of the day…sunrise.  In sharing their story, this bride made sure to mention how much they loved the sun as it rises and shines through the trees.  They didn’t know how to explain this look or how it could be translated in colors or design.  I took that bit of information and found images that, to me, expressed how subtle, yet amazing, this vision of a new day is.

I enjoyed putting this inspiration together…and not just because I love yellow 🙂

Telling your story is more than adding two paragraphs to your wedding website or including it on the program insert, its requires a little creativity and know-how in properly ‘branding’ you as a couple.  Don’t you want your guests to walk away from your event knowing it was your wedding they went to and not just another cookie-cutter wedding out of a book?  Try these steps for finding your perfect overall theme (brand):

1. Think of those special moments in your relationship or favorite little anecdotes that will resonate with your family and friends, reminding them of your love story.

2. Remember that certain colors and aromas can provoke specific emotions. They can trigger very specific memories. Use them wisely.

3. Chose one (possibly two) specific tone that seems to sum up your overall persona best. Are you happy, serious, elegant, workaholics, adventurous, or even romantically goofy?

4. Tie all these aspects together and remember simplicity goes a long way.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ONCEWED (yellow pomander/yellow bouquet), MISSAUKEE GOLF CLUB (sun shining in trees), LIN AND JIRSA (sofreh), PERFECTLY BOUND BLOG (yellow dress), POPPYS PETAL WORKS (multi-color round centerpiece), and Chara Nicole’s LISA AND ED WEDDING (passed flame in lighting unity candle)

Single & Planning

Alright. I may get in trouble for this post, however, it is something that is rarely talked about. My single wedding clients. Yes, you read right. Single…wedding…clients.

I have had numerous secret folders over the years tucked away for women who began the planning process well before they found a man to marry. Are these some sort of strange weird women? No, they are young, professional, intelligent, strong women who know what they want.

If we are honest, most women have been secretly planning their wedding since they were probably five or six years old. For almost two years, my daughter has been talking about her orange and gray wedding (she’s now six). We (most women) love weddings. We love flowers and princess gowns and tiaras and romantic lighting, candles and dancing. We love the thought of the day…the thought of being the most beautiful person in the room.

Out of the many secret folders I have started, two are celebrating their wedding anniversaries this year…and a couple are planning their big day (with a fiancé in hand) as I write this.

Now obviously, styles change, sizes change, finances change and sometimes even our outlooks change…so, planning too far in advance could be difficult to say the least. However, there are a few fun ways to make the planning a fun, non-psychotic journey.

1. Don’t get too specific…pick some colors you like, but don’t necessarily pick the exact location and date. Pick some dress styles, but to get hung up on specific designers.

2. Remember to separate dream from reality…dream and dream well, but remember that when the time comes…reality sometimes has a different outlook.

3. Love it, pin it…whether you pin it in a folder at home or online via Pinterest, have fun piecing together all the many trends and ideas you can. Variety is your friend.

4. Keep it under wraps…nothing says commitment on a first date like finding a giant folder with tons of wedding clippings. It’s okay to dream…just don’t scare anyone away. Did I say that nice enough? (hope so)

5. Keep your chin up…being single is not a curse. Enjoy the moment you are in…right now. It will make enjoying the next moments in your life much easier and more beautiful.

Eco-smart Weddings

My Brooklyn (5) joining in the recycling

As a family, we have adopted many eco-friendly habits such as using some vintage (recycled) furniture, turning the lights off in rooms we are not in, recycling bottles & cans and even driving a car with amazing gas milage. But, when it comes to weddings, I get asked by brides all the time for ideas on how to keep their special day green. I’m not just talking about printing your invites on recycled paper (which is not a bad idea either).  Here are five ideas to help you do your part to save the world…one wedding at a time.

1. The Invites – Now, I’m a stickler for sending out invites…please don’t invite me to a wedding via evite, text or email, however remember…less is more. Sending out a simple one sheet invite with a web address on the back providing more information can save anywhere from 2-4 sheets of paper in your invite suite.

"Cooking Mercado" at the Farmer's Market

2. The Food – Instead of going with the old chicken and steak deal at your event, opt for a chef who uses fresh locally grown foods like “Cooking Mercado“. Not only will you be eco-friendly, but your food will taste so much better than the rubbery chicken and spring vegetable medley that has become the norm.

3. The Flowers – Flowers are a staple at pretty much every wedding, however using less of them is not only eco-smart, but it will potentially save you a ton of money. Some couples are even opting to grow their own.

4. The Leftovers – Why not donate the leftover flowers and food to local shelter or retirement home. Spread the joy of your day with those who may be a bit less fortunate.

Luke & Jessica by MH Media Group

5. The Dress – Instead of buying that new wedding gown from a shop up the street, opt to go vintage. Whether redesigning your mother/grandmother’s dress or hitting up your local vintage shops, you will save money and be a recycling queen. Even the groom can participate in this one. Why not have the men in vintage suits…