31.12.08

{Bridal} Blog of the week::

Amy Jean, the Bridal blogger at THE RELENTLESS BRIDE describes herself as "**... a girl from the OC on a mission to try to plan "my" perfect wedding from DC to be held in So CAL on a Budget ...** " An attorney whose self-description consists of a laundry list of adjectives, delights her readers with give-aways, featured articles and how-to's. Her creative blog posts can be found every Monday at Weddzilla Blogspot , daily at Get Married Bridal bloggers, regularly at The Uberbride and Flirty Guide Bridal blogs. She's also been a featured blog author at Celebrate Intimate Weddings. All of this blogging not only keeps this wedding planning princess busy, but has landed her the coveted SITs blogger recognition post. If you can't reach her at one of the aforementioned blog hangouts, she can be twittered for your reading pleasure.
AmyJean, congratulations on being "A Few Pearls to Share's" BRIDAL BLOG OF THE WEEK!

Double Duty Escort Cards...

{photo via ProjectWeddingBlog::special thanx}
You've taken the time to find or create abeautiful escort card for your welcomed guests. Instead of having the sinking disappointment that comes with seeing your meticulously calligraphed cards left on the tables when the reception is over, why not have them do double duty for you?

Have your guests use the inside of the card to scribe an inspirational note, marital advise, or daily word of inspiration to you and your new husband. Have a beautiful vessel nearby to collect these words from your guests. Voila'! You have an instead Guestbook and daily words of inspiration from those whose thoughts you cherish!

{Wed} iquette Wednesday::


Florist vs Floral Designer...huh-h-h?
In the last few years, "floral designers" have become all the craze. The exotic, over-the-top floral art arrangements that grace the altars at ceremony sites and the jaw-dropping centerpieces that command attention in reception halls, can be directly attributed to the creative vision of floral designers. Floral designers, unlike florists, generally do not work out of a shop and are particularly versed in creative, nontraditional themes. Floral designers can create an unifying look for your entire wiedding, integrating not only the flowers into the decor but lighting and textiles, as well. You'll have to decide whether you want to work with a full-service florist, who can provide soup-to-nuts floral needs in-house, or with a floral designer, who generally creates a design and then executes it by outsourcing jobs.
Although many floral designers may not have a shop, they often have a full staff to handle every aspect of the floral plants.
Florist vs Floral designer, regardless to your choice, there are some basic guidelines to keep tucked away::
* Once your selection is made, trust your decision. That's not to say be foolishly blind and turn over full control, but remember that they are the expert. Developing trust gives your vendor the opportunity to be creative and do their best work for you.
* Maintain flexibility when selecting flowers. Your floral vendor may be most inspired if, when purchasing your florals, s/he can use the best flowers available. Keep in mind that, the best may be what is in season at the time and not the exotics that you have included in your 'must have' list.
* Listen to your floral vendor's advice. It is the florists job not only to fulfill your needs and desires but also to advise you on the best ways to make it happen. Remember, it is the obligation of your floral vendor to provide you with an informed opinion.
* Bring Pictures! Bring Pictures! Bring Pictures! Photographs of your vision provides your floral vendor with visual images of your expectations. In addition to pictures, it is also very helpful to bring color/fabric swatches of your gown and bridesmaid's dresses. No swatch available, bring a color palette that includes the family of colors that you have chosen.
* Come prepared. Have a wedding-flowers checklist {yes...one more list}. This lessons the time spent looking through the volumes of floral arrangement portfolios.
* Don't forget the 'nuts and bolts' of it all:: Discuss your overall ceremony/reception decor. Request item-by-item breakdown of the prices, before you sign on the dotted line. Discuss when/where deliveries should take place and ask whether the florist can take care of the little extras(ie, flower petals, florals for OOT Guests, etc}

30.12.08

Beyond the Veil... {part deux}


29.12.08

{MARTINI Monday} ::


GREEN APPLE MARTINI::

Yield
1 serving

Ingredients::

1 1/2 ounces Green Apple Vodka
1/4 ounce apple schnapps
1 splash sour mix
1 slice apple

Preparation
Fill shaker with ice.

Add Green Apple Vodka, apple schnapps, and sour mix.
Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with apple slice.

28.12.08

Beyond the Veil... {part une}

Looking for a unique way to top off that drop-dead wedding dress? How about ditching the veil and sporting a stylish brim. Hats can speak volume about your individual style, when you can't {...think of what a well-selected millinery delight says to your guests as you promenade down the aisle toward your husband}. Below are a few stylish toppers by Lina Stein. Hold on to your hat...they are amazing!
{all hats via Lina::special thanx}

27.12.08

Beautiful Details...

The beautiful pictures featured on Heather's blog are the epitome of the fabulousness that happens when there is unwavering attention to the detail. It is important to note, that the ethereal feeling generated by these seemingly simple pieces become exquisite displays that are breathtaking.
{all photos via PrettyPetals::special thanx}

26.12.08

A Little {Marital} Humor...

{click on photo to enlarge + visit the site}
{click on photo to enlarge + to view the site}
{click on photo to enlarge + t view this site}

25.12.08

24.12.08

Gorgeous Winter Wedding Gowns...

{photo via SecondTimeAround via RitzyBee::special thanx}
These beauties are samples of Scott Corridan's White Chocolate Label bridal fall '08 collection. Justin time for your winter wonderland wedding.

23.12.08

{ INSPIRATION } Boards...

{click on picture for link to designer }
{click on picture to link to designer}
{click on picture to link to designer}

Unique Jewelry

I can easily see any Bride in these naturally beautiful jewelled pieces. Owner & designer, LuLu, is the creator of these unique gems. Check these luv-lies out and then hurry and make your purchase at one of her many jewelry boutiques....and we all love the attention that we get at a boutique ;)