The Best of the Best
Posted by Chrys in Photography on June 29th, 2006
If you are looking for a top-of-the-line, professional photographer in your area, you should check out this new site I found today: Photographix.
They have photographers listed for many states already, and they are constantly growing! Make sure you always research more then one photographer in your area – after all you only get married once! Those pictures are irreplaceable – make sure you are getting the best.
COTW: PINK & BROWN Wedding Flowers
Pink and Ivory Florals with Chocolate Brown colored accents – very elegant with a slightly exotic feel.
Pink & Cream Roses wrapped in small twigs – perfect for a garden or beach wedding with an elegant, outdoorsy look.
These two flowers together create a very soft, romantic feel, perfect for a candlelight or victorian wedding.
Reception hall and other things
Posted by Chrys in Uncategorized on June 29th, 2006
One of the biggest hurdles has been jumped. Chris and I have made the decision on where we are going to have our reception. We are going on Friday after we get out of work to work on all the details and put the deposit down. I am so excited, it sure does make this all feel real.
In the process of looking for a place to have tour reception, we sure did come across some places you wonder “what they are thinking?” We looked at one place that we could have also gotten married on their patio over looking a lake. Sounds nice right? Well the patio was about 5 feet wide….I am not sure how they would have arranged the seats for the guests and the dance floor was really small.
 We have also set a budget that I think we will be able to stick too. That was a hard process to go through. Since Chris and I are paying for the entire wedding ourselves we needed to put us on a strict budget so we can save enough money. That is going to be the hardest thing that we do… We are so used to living one way and now we need to completly change how we live.
 Well I am off to research more things… I will write again soon.
Hugs,
Kirsten
Dancing Shoes … uh …. thongs….
Posted by Chrys in Beach Weddings, Bridal Gowns & Accessories, DIY Weddings, Destination Weddings, Garden Wedding, Wedding Themes on June 28th, 2006
Some of my favorite wedding pictures are those awesome picks were the bride lifts up her wedding skirt to reveal a pair of white running shoes under! I wish I had thought of that! I wore heals, and spent most of the reception bare foot so that I could dance. I got to dance, but my feet were disgusting afterwards! I wish I had thought to bring a pair of “dancing” runners.
WIth summer wedding in full swing, flip flops may be the perfect summer dancing shoe! Not only are they affordable, but they are comfortable and work well for a summer wedding, garden wedding or beach wedding! Don’t like heels? A nicely decorated pair of flip flops is perfect for a semi formal or informal summer wedding! Most of the guests will never see your shoes – but should they catch a glimpes: make sure you are co-ordinated by decorating your sandals to match your wedding colors – like these shown here from Michael’s.
And make sure you get at least one picture – it will be a highlight you will love to show for years to come!
COTW: PINK & BROWN at Michael’s
Posted by Chrys in DIY Weddings, Decorations, Flowers, Wedding Favors on June 28th, 2006
Even Michael’s is getting in on the Pink & Brown craze with this stunning table setting idea! most of the items seen on the table are projects available online at Micheal’s – see them below with links. For the rest, here are our ideas:
Pink Table Cloth & Tableware – for a budget wedding – RENT RENT RENT! Pink table clothes and white china are available for rent in most areas for very reasonable prices. If you can not find the brown charger plates, then we recommend leanign them white and using brown napkins to add the brown color to each place setting. Personally, I think the napkin roll would look better in brown anyway.
Table Runner and Table Number – You can probably rent chocolate table runners. Then, use various widths and styles of ribbon to decorate each runner. Secure the ribbons with pins at each end and at various places through out were the table decor will hide them. For the table number, print your own on blank recipe cards.
Place Markers – If you have your heart set on the picture frame place markers – check out local dollar stores and thrift shops as often as you can, buying any frames that you find in the write color and shape until you have enough, or find out if you can rent these locally.
Some Other Michael’s Projects to Check Out
COTW: PINK & BROWN Wedding Favor Ideas
Posted by Chrys in Wedding Favors on June 28th, 2006
Heart Shaped Pink & Brown boxes, each with a delicate cream truffle. These are $3 each.
Oversize Heart Shaped “LOVE” Cookies with matching tags – $4.25 each
Cocoa Cones with Chocolate Cocoa, marshmallows and pink & white heart candies. Just add hot water:) These are personalized for you and are $2.50 each. This is an awesome favor for a late evening fall wedding or for a winter wedding.
These aren’t brown, but these pink luminaries can not be skipped! They are adorable. You can add brown with a small ribbon or tag if you wish. These are also very affordable: you get 3 for $6.95
Chocolate Brown Favor Box with a pink robbon finish – perfect for chocolates, mints or other little goodies. ONLY .84 EACH. The second picture, a square version, is also affordable at $1.14 each.
COTW: Pink & Brown Aisle Runners
Posted by Chrys in DIY Weddings, Decorations on June 28th, 2006
I love aisle runners – and they come in a ton of colors! You can do bright pink, pale pink, chocolate brown. You can addes rose petals down the center, along the sides, of make the runner out of rose petals! Custom aisle runners can be a little pricy. One budget friendly option is to take a look on Ebay, or rental an aisle runner. You will find that most rented aisle runners are either white or ivory. To bring you color theme together, add accents of your own. Here are some ideas:
1. Take a ivory colored aisle runner and use small pins to attach a wide chocolate colored ribbon an inch or two from each side of the runner. Then, sprinkle silk roses petals in shades of pink along each side of the aisle.
2. Purchase bulk silk roses petals in both chocolate and pink shades and use those to decorate along the edge of a white aisle runner.
3. Create an illusion aisle runner by sprinkling pink and chocolate rose petals on either side of the aisle, so the middle of the aisle becomes a path.
4. If you have a wide aisle, decorate each side of the aisle with a tall glass vase, tied with a chocolate ribbon and holding pink gerberas. Not only do you have a memorable aisle “runner” but they can double as centerpieces at the reception. Some other side ideas: silver buckets with pink and brown flowers, chocolate colored candle lanterns with pink candles.
The Myth’s Behind The Designer Wedding Gown
Posted by Chrys in Bridal Gowns & Accessories on June 28th, 2006
EDITORS NOTE: We get a lot of inquiries about this dress/coat. It is Snowdrop from the Aspera Collection by Swedish Designer, Alicja Eklöw.
I read an interesting article today on designer, couture wedding gowns and I wanted to discuss some of the myths and truths behind some of what was written! As someone who sells both private label and designs my own Haute Couture label, here is my thoughts on the article.
“Nothing beats designer bridal gowns when it comes to workmanship and uniqueness.”
This may, or may not be true. Some no name labels are poorer quality. But, I have worked with some suppliers for years who also work on brand name lines. For example, one company that I worked with also did a well known designer line which retailed for $3000 – $5000 and yet I could have similar styles, with the same fabrics and made by the same staff members, for $200 – $800! Yes, designer can mean quality BUT high quality affordable gowns do exist as well.
“Designer bridal gowns are made with natural fabrics that let your skin breathe, which is not always the case with off-the-rack dresses.”
Not true at all. Take a look at the designer specs – it it says SATIN that is the same satin as the off the rack dresses (and lots of designers have $3000+ dresses made from satin!) Likewise, silk is silk, chiffon is chiffon. You can find the same fabrics in off-the-rack dresses at lower prices.
“And unlike ready-made gowns, a designer bridal gown is molded to flatter your figure. You can be fitted for the right trim, silhouette, and length. The gown can therefore highlight the areas you want to show off, and hide the areas you want to conceal.”
Also not necessarily true. Yes, if you buy an off-the-rack gown, you will need alterations in order to get that same custom fit. But – this is still a lot cheaper then buying a designer gown! Also, most bridal salons include professional alterations and MANY online boutiques offer custom made to your measurement service for no additional charge!
“When you choose to buy couture bridal wear, you will likewise get to personally pick out the fabric and dictate the detailing. The dress will be one-of-a-kind, causing you to feel extra-special on your wedding day.”
Again – this service is also available from many smaller companies and designers who do not charge a ton extra for the label on the back of the dress. In fact – I did one custom design for a bride recently, in the fabric, color and design of her choice for just over $300! Even on a budget, it is possible to get a unique, perfect gown made just for you.
“Keep in mind that a wedding is no reason to go broke. Don’t buy an expensive gown if you cannot afford it. Instead, buy your gown from specialty stores that offer ‘designer-inspired’ versions which look just as good as the original designs, but are made with less expensive fabrics. “
First, yes a wedding is NOT a reason to go broke, lol. As for designer-inspired versions using less expensive fabrics, this is not always true either. I have done replicas of $4000 dresses, for $800 or less – using the exact same fabrics. Some brides may choose to use a different fabric to save even more. For example, a dress that is $400 in silk maybe only $450 in satin, a large savings if you are on a tight budget. But again, that is a choice.
Of course, this may be a stupid thing for me to post-as much as I like the idea that my label might make the a dress worth more – I think brides should not be taken advantage of. Demand can raise prices – but a designer label is not necessarily a better dress: it may very well be just a tag on the back of the dress that only you will ever see.
UPDATE: A lot of readers have been asking about the gown shown here. I had originally had a link to the dress maker but the link no longer works and I have been unable to find the gown. I have debated about removing the picture but since it is so popular, I will leave it up. If ANYONE knows who the designer is, please let me know. What I do know is that it is European and there was only one US distributor. If you want this coat, feel free to take the photo to your seamstress and see if they can make a replica for you.
COTW: PINK & BROWN Wedding Stationary
Posted by Chrys in Invitations, Wedding Themes on June 27th, 2006
Madison Ave. Candy Invitation and Response Card from Cloud Nine
Pink & Brown Stripes Save The Date Cards from Dorianns
Stripes & Dots Invitation by Dorianns
Pink Larkspur Invitation from Invitations By Alecia
Perfect for Save The Date, Bridesmaid or Simple Wedding Invitations from Confectionary Creations
COTW: Pink & Brown On Ebay
Posted by Chrys in Decorations, Hot Trends, Invitations, Wedding Favors, Wedding Planning, Weddng Party Attire on June 27th, 2006
It’s been a while since I have featured any Ebay items here on the blog. Today, I decided to take a look and see what kind of things I could find for “pink & brown wedding” and “pink & brown dress”- check out these great finds! I won’t link to the auctions as auctions are constantly ending – but visit ebay and do a search! You might find these or better!
I found – garter belts, jewelry, favors, invitations, dresses, handbags, guestbooks, ring pillows and pew bows! Click on images to see larger versions.
