Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some couples hire their photographer knowing that they will not be able to afford a wedding album. This is usually because the photographer of their choice is a little out of the price range but they LOVE their work. They’re fine with choosing a smaller package and receiving all of their wedding photos on a CD because they know that he/she will capture all the moments of their day.
If this describes you (or someone you know) you may be interested in Mpix.com. They offer photographer style mounted albums from $85 – $300. Pricing depends on the size and number of pages you select. The albums come with a black leather cover and open hinge spine. These are different than the coffee table books many companies offer.
If you can afford to purchase your albums from your photographer, I’d say do it. The reason? While you can create your own album on websites like Mpix, it will also take a lot of your time. Not to mention, a photographer would probably create a better flow and layout since it is their profession/craft and they have had more experience with this.
Monday, January 26, 2009
I know there are several blogging brides out there. One of my favorites is An Atlanta Bride by Jessica. Recently, I came across another blogging bride whose style of blogging I love…That Bride. While Jessica hasn’t tied the knot to Mr. Wonderful yet, That Bride’s author, Jenna, has.
Jenna takes you through each portion of her wedding. You almost feel like you’re there with her. One of my favorite posts by far is the gift exchange. Her photographer captures every moment…even the MOH walking from the hotel room with the gift. Check out her blog to read other portions of Jenna’s day like the bride getting dressed, their first look, the ring ceremony, etc. They also had a fun idea for their photobooth.
As I follow Jessica’s wedding planning, I can only hope she’ll do something similar for her many readers. This is a great idea for newlyweds to share their wedding day with those who could not attend. Actually, it would be great for those who did attend since they would never see some of these moments prior to the wedding.
Friday, January 23, 2009
I love my job as a wedding planner. I am always honored to share such a momentous day with my clients. The goal at each of our weddings is to make sure everything goes according to plan and that my couples have the best day possible. For me, one of the best parts of the day is at the end of the reception when I hug the bride and groom goodbye and they say “thank you!”. That is the best feeling in the world. One that I didn’t think could be topped until yesterday. I received the nicest email from my former bride Stephanie who married Walter Memorial Day weekend.
Lakendra,
Hello! I was watching a ‘Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?’ today and thought of you! I just thought back about our wedding day and really wanted to thank you again for everything you did. I almost miss the planning though. I can see why you got into Wedding planning! There’s soo many ways to be soo creative! I am soo glad we decided to go with Affairs With Elegance. Our day went so well and it wouldn’t have without you.
For a quick update we bought a house in Lutherville-Timonium in July and now we have a Cavachon puppy! (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixed with Bichon Frise). Walter got into nursing school and I am still working as a physical therapist. I visited your website and it looks great! I saw our picture at the top and smiled! I also enjoy visiting your blog every once in awhile. It looks like you are doing such a great job! Whenever anyone asks for referrals, I highly recommend a wedding coordinator and always give them your name! Thanks again for everything!
Stephanie
I was so surprised to receive this email because the couple sent a wonderful thank you card and gift certificate once they returned from their honeymoon. So to get another “thank you” 8 months after their wedding really made my day and put the biggest smile on my face.
I have to reiterate the fact that I LOVE MY JOB!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Washington, DC Couture Wedding Consortium (DCCW) is hosting a bridal show at Decatur House on Saturday, January 31st from noon to 5pm. Free good bags will be offered to the first 100 brides. Registration for this show is FREE but space is limited. Click here or call 800.768.8814 for more details.
Happy planning!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
He is now PRESIDENT Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.
photo: Associated Press
Friday, January 16, 2009
I have no idea how this “tradition” started but I wish it would just go away. To me, a wedding has no place for this. A wedding is all about celebrating your love for each other. Nothing about this act says that in my opinion.
To the Grooms: Your wife spent quite a bit of time, and money I may add, to have a make-up artist make her look perfect for her walk down the aisle. I’m sure she didn’t plan to have it removed with wedding cake. Let’s not forget the amount of time spent in the hair salon.
To the Brides: While your husband didn’t spend his morning in hair and make-up, I’m sure he doesn’t want to spend a portion of the reception removing cake from his nose.
To help prevent my couples from smashing cake in each other’s faces, I ask the caterers to place a small plate and two forks on the cake table. I move them in front of the cake right before the couple cuts the cake. I figured the chances of them doing anything other than feeding each other would be slim to none. I’ve only had one bride insist her groom put the fork down and feed her with his hand. I think you know what happened next…cake all over his face.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Okay, if you really have your heart set on doing the bouquet toss, removing the garter and the garter toss, please consider skipping the custom that comes next. The man who caught the garter must place it on the leg of the woman who caught the bouquet. According to tradition, the higher the garter is placed on her leg the longer the couple will stay married.
This particular reception activity has caused very awkward moments at a few of my weddings.
Wedding #1: The man and woman have never met. The man starts the process by putting the garter in his mouth so that he can place it on the woman’s leg using his teeth. If that wasn’t awkward enough, he tried his best to get it past mid thigh until the woman finally put an end to it. Later we saw the woman crying outside the ballroom arguing with her very upset male date.
Wedding #2: The man that caught the bouquet was the groom’s best friend and groomsman. The woman that caught the bouquet was the groom’s sister. The man and woman have practically grown up together over the years and felt it was WAY too weird to go along with tradition. Instead, I asked them to pose for a picture with the bride and groom while holding the bouquet and garter. To comprise, the man decided to place the garter on the woman’s arm.
Wedding #3: The woman that caught the bouquet was the much older aunt of the man that caught the garter. No further explanation needed.
Instead of the bouquet/garter toss, why not follow the suggestions from By Your Side Events.
~ Some brides decide to present the bouquet to their mother during a heart felt thank you speech.
~ If there is an engaged couple in attendance, some brides decide to pass on the bouquet to the bride-to-be.
~ Do an anniversary dance. This is when the DJ or band plays a song and all couples dance. The emcee calls out years and couples leave the dance floor according to the number of years they’ve been together. The couple standing at the end who have been together the longest is the one you can present your bouquet to.
