Things I'm In Love With Right Now

So right now, as the weather is getting nicer, these are some of the things I am in love with right now!

Right now the idea of a beach wedding is just magical.  Crisp white sand, bare feet, blue skies, and crystal water lapping along side the aisle.  What an ideal way to start the rest of your life together.  Perfection.  So with that little imagery, here are some things I would love to go with it:

Photo credit: HopeFaithInspire on Etsy ~ found here

Something sparkly to catch the light of that beach sunset...and better yet, it can be your something new and something blue!

Photo credit: halterneckwedding.onsugar.com ~ go here

I love the simple details of the top of the dress, the petite bows almost remind me of tiny starfish.  And the skirt seems to be made out of a very light linen, so beautiful!  It would go perfect with that starfish necklace!

Photo credit: Bella Beach Weddings

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

Of course the groom has to be properly attired as well!  In the first photo I love the idea of a crisp khaki suit! Looks very complimentary with the beach setting.  It would get hot in the jacket though!  I would keep the pants and flip flops from the first photo and pair it with a linen shirt like the one in the second photo...except I would make it short sleeved. 

Photo credit: Unique Beach Wedding

Photo credit: Wedding X

As for colors I'd go with either various shades of blue hues or the bright pinks and coral trend.  Although that first picture (to me) is a bit too busy, I do love the shades of blue they used.  I love the simple elegance of the second photo though, and the colors pop perfectly! 

Photo credit: Wedding Hairstyles Blog

Of course it is your wedding day, and many (many many) photos will be taken, but I love this one!  Such a perfect capture to the end of a perfect day.  P.S. - I love the groom's outfit here too!

Photo credit: My Wed Decorations

Lastly, I love this idea for the guests...have them take the time to write a love note, a hopeful message, a prayer, or just a well-wish for the new couple, and then toss it in to the ocean for someone, one day to find.  How romantic!

So those are just a few of the things I am in love with right now.  Hope about you?  Do you love those things? Are you loving something else right now?  Share it here!

March Vendor of the Month

For March's Vendor of the Month I am highlighting a great photographer by the name of Layne.  She focuses her talents on boudoir, bridal and babies.  She says, "It's fun, because if you think

about it one leads right into the other."  She also grabs as many senior sessions and fashion

sessions that she can.  A woman of many talents, as you will see in some of her sample shots!

Layne Haley Photography:

"I love taking photos that include bright colours and clean lines. My goal is to make

my clients feel like friends (and most of them become that!). There's no stress, and

a whole lot of fun.  Taking photographs is my passion. Seeing the love during a session, and the reactions to the photographs is what keeps me going. Giving people something that they can

remember for the rest of their life is such an exciting thing for me!  Life passes by so quickly; it's wonderful to be able to grab that moment in time!"

Contact information: layne@laynehaley.com

Website: http://laynehaley.com or http://laynehaley.wordpress.com/

Style: Modern, Journalistic

Sample Work:

Nashville

I recently took a trip to Nashville, and stumbled upon the cutest little paper and more store called Social Graces.  They specialize in wedding invitations, but can also offer so much more!

What drew me in was the beautiful wedding gown they had in the window.  I took pictures with my phone, so I'm sorry if the quality isn't great, but you can get the feel for the ornate details!

The style they had set up for was completely shabby chic, but they can accommodate so much more than that!  They had everything from monogrammed wedding invitations created to order, to simple color block stationary.

They also had these cute little coupon books for a bridesmaids to give to the bride and groom.  They had tear-out coupons for things like: dealing with problematic vendors or attending cake tastings...although I don't think that would be hard for a bride/groom to find volunteers to help with!

They also had a sample table set up, because when it comes to weddings there is more paper involved than just the invitations!  You have menus, programs, save-the-date cards, and (as pictured) table place cards!

It was a store I didn't want to leave, because there was just so much to look at!  And maybe you are already married, and just like reading this blog for the nostalgia; or not really looking to get married anywhere in the near future, but just like browsing the ideas/pictures...well they are more than just a wedding store.  They had things for babies, showers, journaling, travel, the home, stamps, or those who just love to write.  It was a little something for everyone.  So if you are ever traveling (or live in) Nashville, this is a great little paper boutique to check out!  If you aren't traveling there anytime soon though, you can always check them out online as well at: http://www.socialgracesonline.com/Social_Graces/Home.html

Happy Valentine's Day and a Vendor Profile!

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day to everyone out there!  I know there will be a plethora of new brides-to-be after today!  In fact, one of my friends just proposed today!  According to families.com and The Diamond Information Center approx. 10% of marriage proposals happen today.  So congratulations to all you newly engaged couples, and to those of you who tied the knot today!

Anyone wanting to share their plans for Valentine's Day?  I know my husband and I like to do a more low-key, at-home type celebration.  We've made fondue or other special dinners in years past.  This one we are following that tradition, and we are making lobster tails, crab cakes, twice baked potatoes, asparagus, and eclairs for dessert.  Getting hungry just thinking about it!

And speaking of food, February's Vendor Highlight is on a wonderful bakery by the name of Dolce Baking Company in Prairie Village.  They are a boutique scratch bakery, and have been in business since fall 2007.  Several brides that I've worked with have gone with them to do their wedding cakes, and from personal experience their cakes deserve rave reviews!  Not only are the beautifully decadent, but supremely delicious.  So if you are looking for a good bakery to make your cake, groom's cake, dessert bar, cupcake creation, etc. I think you should consider going with Dolce!

Website: http://dolcebakingcompany.com
Contact: 913-236-4411

Sample Work:

Photo credits: Dolce Baking Co.

Splash of Color!

So right now I am loving this color trend for weddings: red and aqua!  Gorgeous.  The great thing about it, is it works for a wedding any season of the year.  You can do a spring bash with emphasis on the aqua, a summer beach theme using red coral, or a fall/winter fete with heavy reds and a splash of the blue.  It is so versatile!

Check out these pictures for some great ideas on how to do these colors with your wedding.

Photo credit: Michael Norwood Photography and Wed Loft

Photo credit: Project Wedding

Photo credit: The Knot

Photo credit: It CAN be Arranged

Photo credit: Nikki B's Paper Boutique

Check out each of the photo links for additional aqua and red wedding ideas!

Dance!

I found myself in Bath and Body Works yesterday when the song "Marry You" by Bruno Mars came on.  I found myself fighting the urge to start dancing in the store.  So catchy and of course I love all things "wedding" related.  Glee performed this song last season for a wedding on the show, as you can see here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhDMryjmPUg&feature=related



I think when you listen to it, you might find yourself fighting the urge to dance as well.  And what a cute idea for a wedding party to do for the entrance!  Although, I will say I think this episode (as well as The Office with Jim and Pam's wedding) stole their idea from this couple's wedding:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0



They made it cool to do an entrance that is slightly more memorable!  With 72 million hits, I'd say those shows were wise to steal the idea!

Vendor Update

Earlier this month I posted two vendors to take a closer look at: j. hamil photography and Life: by the Frenchs.  Right now both are running a special.  If you mention that you saw this ad, j. hamil photography will take 5% off any package you would like, and Life: by the Frenchs is running a contest to win a free mini photo shoot!  Both are excellent deals, that you can't afford to miss out on!  Make sure you check them out!

Great Websites!

I love finding new ideas and inspirations for weddings (or events involving the wedding).  Here are some recent great finds:

For the Maid of Honor (planning ideas):
http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/the-budget-guru/fun-bachelorette-party-ideas

Sometimes inspiration about what to do for the bachelorette party can fall flat.  These ideas listed here are awesome and creative!  Like this mug shot idea:

Photo credit: LB Photography

It documents the night with the "Maid of Dishonor" and the bridesmaids, as well.  Makes for a nice memory, even if you don't share it with anyone else! ; )

I also love the custom button-down shirts here:

Photo credit: Katie Day Photography

It could be a DIY project at the bridal shower, and then you have a shirt to get ready in on the day-of!  Plus, as a tip it's a great idea to wear a button-down shirt while getting ready, so you don't mess your hair up while trying to shimmy out of a non-button-down shirt!

Real Wedding Inspirations:

http://wedding.theknot.com/real-weddings.aspx

I love looking at other people's weddings to get ideas, and to just see what different personalities would pick for different themes.  

Like big city weddings, I just love!

Photo credit: Kristen Taylor Photography

Or a more Southwestern flair...love the blue door!

Photo credit: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

The Dress:

http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/wedding-dresses/fall-2012-collection/

Of course the dress!  Usually one of the first things a bride decides on, and helps set the tone of the event.  If you select a princess gown you are probably having a more upscale affair!  Like the mermaid chiffon gown?  Maybe planning a beach wedding?  

On this site you can check out the Fall 2012 trends.  This one is a particular favorite of mine!

Amsale

The small detailing at the waist, the stiffness of the fabric, and the silhouette are favs of mine! 

However if I was doing a vow renewal, I might choose something a bit more classic, like this, except in a lighter fabric for beach wear:

Amsale

These are just a couple of sites that I like to browse over.  If you have some favorites that you would love to share, please leave me a comment!

Don't Forget...

...if you book my services THIS MONTH for your wedding sometime in this year and mention this post, I will give you a discounted rate of 12% off the package you order. That could equal a savings of up to $276 if you book the complete wedding coordinator package! For more information of packages and pricing, visit my website at: http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com.

Wedding Vendors Spotlight

   If you are a bride, one of the primary things on your mind (at any given time) is wedding vendors.  Who is the best?  Who should I avoid?  How much will this cost me?  Will I be happy with the end result?  It can be overwhelming, and at times you wish someone would just swoop in and tell you who to hire, who to avoid, and sign the contracts for you. 

   To make your job slightly easier, for 2012 I will be highlighting certain wedding vedors each month that I give my stamp of approval on, and suggest you consider them when hiring.  These vendors run the gamut from photographers, videographers, and hair stylists to event spaces, caterers, and bakers.  Of course if you are looking for a wedding planner to do the work for you, I can always offer my services (wink, wink), but here are some other vendors I think you should take a look at!

This month I am highlighting two creative photographers~  j. hamil photography and Life: by the Frenchs Photography.

j. hamil photography

Contact information: Get In Touch
Website: http://jhamilphotography.weebly.com/
Current Special: Mention that you saw this ad and get 5% off any package!
Style: Modern, Journalistic

Sample Work:

Life: by the Frenchs Photography

This husband and wife team provide creative, dynamic photography to capture life's most beautiful moments.  They cover everything from blossoming engagements and weddings to the blooms of children and families.  Chris and Allison's photography captures the candid joy, contagious laughter, and overall color of life's essence. 

Contact information: allisoncorrin@gmail.com
Website: http://www.lifebythefrenchs.com
Style: Photojournalistic

Sample Work:

Happy New Year!

Hope all of you 2012 brides have a wonderful new year!  If you are looking for any help planning your event, just contact me at alleneventdesigns@gmail.com.  I would be more than happy to help you create your ideal wedding, give you ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day. 

As a 2012 special running this month, if you book your wedding for sometime in this year and mention this post, I will give you a discounted rate of 12% off the package you order.  That could equal a savings of up to $276 if you book the complete wedding coordinator package! For more information of packages and pricing, visit my website at: http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com. 

Happy New Year!

Proposal Stories

Have a wonderful proposal story? Share it here! I love hearing about how people got engaged.


I've seen this proposal several times on youtube, and I think it is so sweet.  A very elaborate proposal as well, with over 3 million views so far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQVoAWSP7k4

 

December Special!

A Christmas gift to all brides-to-be! For anyone who books my event planning services this month, for their event in 2012, get a 10% discount on your planning package! For package pricing, go to the website here: http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com/packages.html, and find one that works for your wedding day needs!

Merry Christmas!