Favor Inspiration Friday ! 2012-02-10

LOVE heart inspired ideas!
macaroons I photograph I felt heart bouquet I shoes Iphotograph2 I table number I "the perfect match" favor I"love" bookmark favor


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Wedding Wednesday Tip from the Pros 2012-02-08

{via}No matter how busy you, the bride, gets, remember; life is happening outside of your wedding planning. Don't forget to take the time to thank your wedding party, friends, families and even vendors for their help and patience along the way. This can be done with a text, e-mail or phone call. My personal favorite? A "Thank You" card. Sending a thank you card mid-wedding planning will take no more than 5-10 minutes of your time and will mean the world to the recipient. This may be YOUR day, but don't lose sight of everyone and everything around you!

Today's Tip brought to you by :

Amanda Love
A Lovlee Wedding- Blog
Twitter


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Favor Thursday ~ The Perfect Match! 2012-02-09

Geez, there ARE a lot to choose from, for these heart inspired favors!  Luckily you have us each week, showcasing our favor-ite! [Read More....]
Visit The Bride Scoop if you missed any of our "Favor of the Week"

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Heart Inspired Favors 2012-02-06

{via}There is no character that can symbolize the word LOVE better than hearts! When we add a little heart-shaped figures in our writings, it usually indicates Love. Weddings are all about Love, and what better way to show that love is all around, than to use heart-shaped wedding favors as part of your wedding celebration. [Read More....]





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Favor Inspiration Friday ! 2012-02-03

A kitchen type of wedding!
cutting board favor I photograph I engraved utensils Iinvitation I centerpiece I pizza cutter favor I photograph2 I cupcake



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Making Your Wedding Truly Artistic 2012-01-26

Written by : Arlissa Vaughn, Special Event Painter 
Wedding paintings are a bit of a novelty, and some have suggested it is a new trend in wedding services. However, if you look into art history, it's easy to find that actually marriage paintings aren't anything new and have long been a tradition of documenting the joining of a couple. Some were painted on-site then finished in the studio, while others were painted before or after the wedding. A few examples of historical and famous wedding paintings:

• Jan van Eyck's painting commonly referred to as The Amolfini Wedding,  1434 A.D. (painted after the wedding, used as documentation of the marriage) 
• Frans Hals' Marriage Portrait of Isaac Massa en Beatrix van der Laen  1622 A.D. 
• Edward Blair Leighton's The Wedding March, 1919 
• Vladimir Makovsky's Goodbye Papa, 1894 
• Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, 1486 (not immediately recognizable as a wedding painting, but some art historians suggest it was painted to inform viewers about the proper role of love and marriage) 
• Marc Chagall's Wedding Candles, 1945  

Are you considering having a painting of your wedding made? This can be done in a number of ways, such as commissioning an artist to paint the image before or after the wedding or having the artist paint live on-site at your wedding ceremony or reception. This blog post will focus on the latter, detailing the steps of how it works to have an artist live at your wedding.
1. Envision the painting you want. This will be a piece of artwork you will keep for the rest of your life, and most likely your children will inherit. The imagery could be as simple as painting what's happening at the wedding, or if could be a little more imaginative by combining symbolism of your marriage, you and your partner's interests, and/or a landscape of the venue. Here are a few ideas of imagery you could have painted in your wedding art:

• Portrait of the bride and groom
• Symbols representing your interests -- (e.g. books, gardening tools, wine glasses, cooking utensils, recreational hobbies, special collector items, travel photos, etc.)
• Favorite flowers, plants or animals
• Landscape of a special vacation destination
• Wedding rings intertwined together
• Bride and groom dancing
• Wedding vows hand-scripted and embellished with symbolic accents

Now think about what style you are attracted to -- more contemporary or more traditional? Think of the  art you enjoy most when visiting museums or perhaps look around your room at the art you're currently displaying in your home.Not sure how to describe the style you like? Here are a few famous artists you may be familiar with and the art movements they are associated with to help you understand some of the popular genres of painting. (There's also quiz at the end of this post that may help you discover your artistic inclinations.)

• Surrealism -- Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Marc Chagall
• Impressionism -- Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissaro
• Expressionism -- Vincent van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Amadeo Modigliani
• Cubism -- Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp
• Pop -- Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Wayne Thiebaud
• Abstract --  Hans Hoffman, Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian
• Renaissance -- Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael

This list is a simplified classification of these artists, and is only meant to help you consider the styles of art that you like. You'll need to be able to explain yourself to your wedding painter when he/she asks you want you want painted.
2. Find your wedding painter. There are a number of artists who offer this service, but don't assume that every artist is willing or able to paint live at your event. Some artists feel more comfortable than others painting in front of a live audience. In fact, it is quite difficult to think and create intuitively with the pressure of others watching, so you'll certainly want to find an artist who is not only comfortable in this atmosphere, but also experienced!
3. Discuss your dream painting with the artist. You may feel intimidated by the idea of having to talk art-jargon with your potential wedding painter, but this is the best way to know if you want to work with this artist or not. If you've seen something you like, show a picture to the artist and explain what changes you'd want made to make it more personal. Also, don't be afraid to ask for the artist's opinion too -- often their creative minds will come up with something you'll really enjoy that you hadn't even thought of!Of course, you'll also want to have a discussion regarding their rates, abilities, and services; this will help you get a feeling for their level of professionalism. As many people can vouch, artists can be a prickly bunch, so you want to find one who listens to your interests and concerns and who is capable of taking on the serious task of being on-time and prepared for your wedding day festivities.
4. Make a deposit and sign a contract to book the artist. Just like any other wedding service, an artist should require a deposit and have a contract for you to sign in order to reserve your date on their calendar. This protects you, as the deposit ensures the artist is available for your wedding and will begin work on some sketches, but it also protects the artist in the case a customer flakes on paying them for their work. Deposit fees (also called booking fees) can range anywhere from $50-500 or more depending on the vendor. Usually this fee will count towards your final payment, but is often non-refundable if you decide to cancel later. As far as the contract goes, be sure it specifies the event address and starting time, number of hours the artist will work on-site, the size of painting, the total cost, and any additional details you want to have included in the contract.
5. The artist creates a sketch based on your requested imagery. After you've submitted the deposit, the artist will create a sketch based on the ideas you presented and any requests you made. When reviewing the sketch, keep in mind that is what it is -- a sketch. A sketch will not be as detailed as your painting will be, and is basically meant to show you the overall layout of the objects in the painting. Often sketches will be drawn as outlines with little shading made with pencil on paper, but occasionally an artist may choose to use colors as well. Expect to receive your first sketch anywhere between 1 week to 2 months from the time of booking.If you have already seen something this artist made at another wedding and you simply want a similar painting for your wedding, you may forego the sketch based on the knowledge the artist has already made something like this before.
6. You approve or disapprove the sketch. Depending on the wording in your contract, you will have the opportunity to suggest revisions to the sketch the artist presents you. Usually there is a limit to the number of revisions you can make without being charged an additional fee.
7. The artist arrives to paint at the wedding. The artist should provide all their own materials, unless you have previously discussed otherwise. That means the artist arrives with the canvas or paper, paints and brushes, easel, stool or chair (if needed), drop clothes (to protect floors at indoor events), lights (if needed), and any additional supplies he/she needs to do their work.Important note: Before the artist arrives, you need to discuss with your event coordinator where the artist is to set-up. There is nothing worse than for the coordinator to be unaware and place the artist in a bad location. If the artist is painting the scenery of the event, they will probably need to be to the side or in the back of the room. However, if the artist is painting an image that is not based on the specific people or events in the room, then you should have the artist placed where guests can easily see what is being painted.
8. The artist paints at the ceremony or reception or both! This is something you should discuss with your wedding painter back in step 2 before you sign a contract -- which part of the wedding will the painter be working? My personal suggestion is that the reception is the most fitting part of the day to have an artist painting live. The ceremony, especially if held at a church, is often considered so sacred and special that no distractions are desired to take attention away from the moment. However, if you're having the ceremony and reception in the same room or outdoors in one place, it may be fine and, in fact, necessary to have the artist participate in both aspects of the wedding day.Most wedding painters should be very comfortable with having your guests watch as they work -- otherwise this artist wouldn't be doing this! Guests often comment how amazing it is to watch an artist in action. While your guests, and maybe even you, will forget what food was served, what music was played, and what each person wore to your wedding, no one will forget having watched a beautiful painting come to life!
9. Display the art at the end of the event. While the artist breaks down their setup and prepares to go home, you may want to have the completed artwork displayed in some prominent location for guests to inspect. However, be sensitive to the amount of time you originally paid and agreed to have the artist stay. Don't expect an artist to work overtime to suit your bridal fancies.
10. The artist takes the painting to their studio for finishing touches.While the artist will be able to complete about 90% of the painting on-site, usually another 10% will be completed in the artist's studio. This may include adding any particular facial details, increasing the shadows and highlights, and coating the painting with a protective varnish. Depending on the kind of paint used, there may also need to be a period of drying time. Oil paints can take 2 months to 1 year to be completely dry, while acrylic and watercolor paints dry within hours.
11. You receive the final painting. This is a special day when you receive the final painting and begin its display in your home. You may even want to have an un-veiling party to announce the new artwork to your close friends and family! Bring out the champagne, this is a nice way to re-live the wedding night and invite friends over to show off the painting and your new wedding china.
What people are saying about their experiences having a live artist at their wedding:"I wanted a live event artist at my wedding to surprise my future husband. Everyone has a photographer and videographer but it was important to me to have our day captured from a perspective only an artist can bring."   ~Erika, bride -- 2011"As a guest, I can say it was unforgettable to see the wedding turned into a painting!"  ~Susie, guest -- 2009"We wanted something interesting at our wedding and we love art. Having a wedding painter was the perfect union of entertainment, sentiment, and uniqueness."  ~Marie and Jonathon, bride and groom -- 2010
Arlissa Vaughn is a professional fine artist exhibiting in galleries nationwide. She is known for her use of rich textures, delicately layered colors, and symbolic imagery.  Arlissa paints live at events worldwide including weddings, conferences, fundraisers, anniversary dinners, sporting competitions, and private parties.
Resources:"What kind of art do you like?" Quiz -- helps you determine the kind of wedding painting you may want"Why is Art Important?" Article -- a big question with a good answer"Wedding Favors Inspired by Art" Article -- complement the wedding painting by incorporating art into the favors too (more...)

The Unusual Wedding – Celebrate Under the Clock Tower! 2012-01-26

Written by : Serena Giovannoni of Wishversilia

There are many unusual ways to get married, under the sea with mask and snorkel, in the air jumping off an airplane, but this is not adventurous nor weird, but just an exciting way to share your happiness with people you love.

Tuscany is full of tiny villages where peasants still keep bound to their traditions and history. They are like small atolls scattered all over the luxuriant enchanting countryside, but yet less exotic.

There is a village, called Gualdo, on the hillside of Camaiore in Versilia area, Northern Tuscany, which is better known as the fairytales’ hamlet. It is now inhabited by less than one hundred and fifty souls who strive to preserve its charm, dating back to the XVIIth century, both in terms of environmental setting and cooking traditions. Following this trend, a few years ago the church square become the dining room for gourmets. Pizza, “tagliata”, i.e. sliced grilled t-bone steak over rucola salad, “panzerotti”, fried bread, with ham and other typical food are served under the clock tower, beside the village church.

The upper position of the church allows a wonderful view on the hills and the plain underneath up to the sea, where amazing sunsets spread their colourful light. Scents of nature and the evening breeze provide the utmost frame to this sensorial experience.

This place is not the setting for a movie shot in Tuscany, but could be the ideal venue for your wedding. The whole village may become an unusual location for an unforgettable day till the clock chimes at midnight.

Guests as well as bride and groom could stay in the apartments and boutique hotels restored in charming houses and villas around the village. The wedding reception will take place under the stars, as a country festival, with live music entertainment and food expressly cooked in the wood oven and by the skilful hands of cooking mamas. Traditional activities may be undertaken during the party around the square and the village, such as laces and tatting, old story telling and the making of famous “bomboloni”, fried ring-shaped cake topped with sugar grains and slightly smelling of lemon peel. Dancing, tasting and sipping the refined local wines will be the leif motif of the day.

When a destination wedding is being arranged, we usually look for authentic experience, which make bridegroom and their guests closer to the true local feeling. This is an unusual, but yet very traditional way to get together and share love and passion for our country.

Serena Giovannoni is wedding planner and travel consultant in Tuscany, managing the luxury service agency Wishversilia. (more...)

The Perfect Bride 2012-01-26

Written by: Amanda Love of Alovelee Wedding

I recently heard the term the "Perfect Bride" used to describe somebody. It was interesting to hear and got me thinking; what makes a bride "perfect"? Does that make the rest of brides "ordinary"?

Since August of 2010, I got married, four of my good friends got married and two other close friends selected their dresses for their upcoming weddings. Seven brides shopping for their dream dress in less than a one year period. Those seven dresses may have some similar qualities with the other dresses, but for the most part they couldn't be more different. Which dress is perfect? What dress will make you look and feel like a "magazine bride"?
I always imagined the "perfect" bride would be wearing a white dress, not ivory. It would be poofy and full of crystals and pearls. The train of the dress would be unbelievably long and detailed. She would wear a medium length veil on her half-up, half-down, curled hair. She would be wearing a gorgeous pair of white still to pumps (preferably peep toe) that she would leave on all day/night long rather than changing into slippers or flip-flops. Even before I got engaged, I knew that this was EXACTLY what I wanted to look like on the most important day of my life.

A close friend of mine imagines the "perfect bride" wearing a form fitting, ivory gown. The bride's hair would be curled and put back with a birdcage veil to match. She would be wearing a pair of ivory kitten heeled shoes with a pair of flip flops or slippers to change into at the reception.

Such good friends, yet completely different idea on what makes the "perfect bride". I've learned a lot through the past couple of years. Between planning my own wedding, attending friends weddings, and being a bridesmaid in friends weddings; the only thing all seven brides had in common was that they were choosing the "perfect" dress, and the "perfect" wedding for themselves and their groom. Until we plan our own weddings, many of us find ourselves at the weddings of family, friends and co-workers looking around thinking of what we would have done differently. Whether it be different linens, different gown, tuxes, bridesmaid dresses or food, it is so much easier to critic a wedding than it is to just sit back and enjoy being a part of the biggest day of the bride and groom's live

During the past year, I have yet to see a bride who didn't look perfect. Each bride looked stunning. Their personalities were shown in the dresses they wore and the way they wore their hair. Most importantly, each one of the brides spent the day happier than I've ever seen them before. To me, there is nothing more beautiful and “perfect" than that.

Amanda Love is a blogger through WordPress.com. Amanda shares her unique and honest perspective on many different areas of planning, attending and being a part of a wedding. Whether you're a bride, groom, bridesmaid, and guest or just interested in weddings, check out Amanda's blog for some fun ideas and feedback! (more...)

Tips to Make a Wedding Run Smoothly 2012-01-26

Written by : Andy Butler writer for Finesse Entertainment

There really is no cure for wedding day jitters, every bride, groom and even family members experience some stress on the big day. Much of it has to do with the wedding ceremony; after all there are many things essential to a fairy-tale wedding, right from the wedding cake, ring, gown, vows to food and wedding entertainment. It is particularly nerve-wrecking for the bride-to-be, but a little preparatory work can remove some of the pressure. Here are some tips that can help ensure that your wedding runs smoothly.

1. Hire a wedding planner: If you can afford it, engage the services of a wedding planner. He/she will take care of everything for you – from hiring the caterer to booking the florist, wedding magicians and photographer. All you need to do is tell the planner what exactly you want and choose from the samples and catalogues presented to you.

2. Get a trusted friend/family member to help you: If hiring a professional wedding planner is out of the question, just get a close friend or family member (who have a lot of time on their hands) to help you with the big day. Of course, you will have to work with the ‘chosen one’ to plan the details, choose the venue and hire the vendors.

3. Involve your spouse-to-be: Plan wedding day nitty-gritty’s with your spouse-to-be, so both of you are happy and relaxed on d-day. You may not agree on everything; strike a balance between your likes and dislikes. Book the wedding magicians he wants and the soloist you want, while cutting down on other wedding entertainment that you feel is unnecessary.

4. Confirm arrival time with vendors: Once you have tried out your gown, bought the rings, fixed the seating arrangements and booked the vendors, most of your job is done. But here’s an important tip: Call up the vendors a week prior to the ceremony and confirm the time at which they will be arriving. Also get a family member or friend to follow-up with them.

5. Wedding rehearsal: With almost all the work done, you can sit back and relax….but just for a while because there is an important thing to schedule- the wedding rehearsal. Schedule it the night or two night nights before the actual ceremony. This will basically be the ‘mock wedding’ that prepares you for the big event. It will involve immediate family, bridesmaids, groomsmen, the best man, flower girls and the organist. You can also have close friends over to remove some of the stress and enjoy a fun-filled after-rehearsal dinner.

6. Importantly, get to the church or wedding venue on time and enjoy your special day.

Andy Butler writes for Finesse Entertainment, a leading UK entertainment agency who provides a wide selection of corporate and wedding entertainment throughout the UK.
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Burlap is the new “Black” 2012-01-26

Written by : Amanda Hollowell of JL Events

Most planners know when you are designing events on a tight budget and the venue gives you the option of free or affordable floor length black linen. You choose that option. Black table linen helps accent any centerpiece or give a great contrast in a room. Do not get me wrong, I love black, it is a mixture of all the colors and by Merriam Webster Dictionary definition it is the achromatic color of least lightness characteristically perceived to belong to objects that neither reflect nor transmit light. HOWEVER, BURLAP is my new favorite for weddings and events.

To be clear I consider Burlap a kind of color and a texture of fabric. It is versatile it works for outdoor, indoor, any season of the year and did I mention it is my favorite. Burlap’s definitions are a coarse heavy plain-woven fabric usually of jute or hemp used for bagging and wrapping and in furniture and linoleum manufacture or a lightweight material resembling burlap used in interior decoration or for clothing (http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burlap.) My definition of Burlap is affordable, malleable and the chameleon of the fabric world. I have planned a few events with Burlap, I picked some to feature below.

Going outside for dinner?

The picture featured is at an outdoor event at La Quinta Resort & Club (A Waldorf Astoria Collection) in La Quinta, CA.



Tables were long presidential seating tables with about 50 on each side. The event was an outdoor wine dinner for 200 guests. There was not a huge budget for this event so every element needed to pop. We needed texture and substance to the tables. Insert BURLAP! Tables were draped with 90x156 Burlap linen that went to the floor. Centerpieces were a mix of orange, reds, burgundy and some green filler in a rust vase. The napkins were burgundy lamour linen. The chairs were a mahogany wood folding chair with an ivory pad cushion. This was a naturally elegant outdoor evening.

Burlap for my wedding?

Yes, Burlap for your wedding. The wedding featured is an outdoor event at Ole Fort Jackson in Savannah, GA.



Tables were banquet tables seating at 16 at each table for a total guest count of 100 or so. Tables were covered in ivory table linen that reached to the middle of the table. Down the middle of the table was a custom made Burlap runner with frayed edges, two small mason jar centerpieces filled with a mix green floral arrangement (set at either end of the table) and in the middle of the table a dark wood lantern with white wax candle. The Burlap also accented the S’mores Station that was placed by the campfire.

When given the chance Burlap can add texture to any of your tables. You can buy Burlap online by the yard it ranges between $5.00 - $7.00 depending on the site. At Joann’s Fabrics it is around $8.00 per yard. You can also rent it from any linen rental company. Cloth Connection out of Arizona offers Burlap linen in multiple colors, sizes and shapes for rental (I love their multiple colors options.) There are plenty of great linens out there that are cost effective and DIY friendly. Try to research your local fabrics stores and look for online vendors that offer great rates.

Amanda Hollowell – Owner Planner JL Events, LLC out of Savannah, GA www.jleventsllc.com or amandah@jleventsllc.com or @mandarellla (more...)