Hitched & Blissed

Our Vegas Wedding

2009-11-26T22:36:00.014-05:00

Faithful readers, once again, I apologize for my lack of posts, but as many of you brides (and grooms) know, the few months leading up to the wedding can be stressful and time consuming! As much time as I spent making sure that our family and friends had a fabulous time, the Chef and I could not have pulled it off without the fabulous time and dedication from our vendors.

Our wedding party at the Bellagio chapel.

Of course, most of the wedding was organized by the Bellagio, but there were a few outside vendors that made my vision of my old school vintage vegas wedding possible...

We were fortunate that our good friend Chris is a trained classical musician, based in San Fransisco. He provided the wedding music for the ceremony. Not only were we thrilled that he could attend our wedding, but that he gave us such a wonderful gift... Check out his blog post featuring our wedding! (Yes, is available to do destination weddings!)

I have alot of photos throughout the years of my dad and I laughing. But I never remember what we're laughing about!

Now, I didn't want to wear a veil. Ever since I chopped my hair off back in May, my vision of wearing a veil with long flowing hair went out the window. But my mother won that battle, so I searched high and low for the perfect veil and found Emily of Rohm on Etsy. Her creations are breathtaking and the lace used for the mantilla veil matched the lace on my dress perfectly. Because I procrastinated, I had to have my veil rushed (Emily creates veils to order)...Emily was an angel and didn't hesitate when I told her how fast I needed it!

I wish I had a better picture of my hair up close, but I had two gorgeous vintage rhinestone hair clips in my hair. They used to be earrings, but Helen of Pinsnsins (Etsy) made them into clips. So after I took my veil off for the reception, I still had some pretty fancy hair jewelry (I didn't even bother changing my everyday diamond studs).

The programs and unity candle were one of the cheapest wedding items. I made the programs with cheap card stock from Staples and a $1 spool of ribbon! The candles I bought at Michael's and printed the monogram on vellum paper and glued and pinned it to the unity candle with ribbon. (The candles sticks from the dollar store)

Chuck E. Bumps and the Crocodiles

We had an awesome band play at our wedding, Chuck E. Bumps and the Crocodiles, courtesy of Las Vegas Wedding Music.

Even our Bellagio wedding coordinator was impressed with the band (they had their doubts at first, since they were not on their preferred vendor list...but she quickly assured me they would be added).

Our first dance as a married couple, to Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head."

Elvis did actually die...but was resurrected by the talented pastry staff at Bellagio.

Ah, my cake topper. I had an awesome cake topper made for me, but then it got lost in the mail (see my earlier post for pictures of the original one). For the second one, the Chef wanted the groom to look like Elvis. Once again, the wonderful folks as USPS failed me and no matter how much I bubble wrapped the topper, when I got to the hotel, his legs had completely broken from the waist down. When we got to the reception, the pastry chefs had worked their magic and you couldn't even tell!!

I may have had cake on my face, but my hair looked fabulous!!

I do my research. Nevermind that I was at a 5 star hotel, I just don't trust hotel salons. It is no offense to the great stylists, but I wanted someone that worked independently. So I went in search for the perfect stylist and found Amelia Cline. With little direction, she gave me (and my friends) the hairstyles we wanted. To coordinate with my wedding style I wanted fingerwaves with vintage flare. Amelia was truly one of the few stylists that left me with an updo I didn't have to (or want to) fix!

I do not regret for one second our decision to have our wedding in Las Vegas. Washington, DC is too pricey (not to mention I'd be stuck playing tour guide for out of towners), and Texas would have been a lodging nightmare (nearest hotel to my folks place - where I would have wanted the wedding - was a good 20 minutes away).

Instead we shared a decadent dinner at Le Cirque our first night, I had a fabulous bachelorette party at one of the Bellagio clubs, won $100 in blackjack (initial investment $10), an awesome rehearsal dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (thanks Diana...another post on that) complete with Elvis, a beautiful suite, a beautiful wedding, and a super chic penthouse suite post-wedding brunch.

We won't mention the other stuff, because A) this is a family website, and B) whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!!

Calling All Atlanta Brides...

2009-09-12T09:03:00.012-04:00

For all of you Georgia brides that don't know where to host your wedding...The Chef and I just got back from a beautiful wedding last week at the Chateau Elan resort, just north of Atlanta. Aside from it being a resort, it is also a vineyard (i.e. no shortage of wine for guests).

Photo: Chateau Elan Inn

The rehearsal dinner took place in the vineyard's Cask Room.

With my future sister-in-law (right), after the rehearsal dinner.

The Chef and I, enjoying drinks at Paddy's Irish Pub, located on the resort premises.

Future sister-in-law and me again.

The decorations for the wedding were simply amazing. This was definitely a four star wedding!

The bride and groom.

I wish we had taken more photos to show you, but The Chef and I were having too much fun!!

Tip #5 - Lessons Learned

2009-09-03T23:15:00.003-04:00

There are some brides that can recited the Emily Post wedding etiquette by heart and there are others, that don't.

Here are few lessons learned and some that are just plain common sense:

1. You are not going to make everyone happy.
2. Don't put your registry on your invitations. A registry is only acceptable on shower invitations and wedding websites (hint: you can add your website address on the invitation).
3. Don't invite someone you don't really want attending, even if you think they won't come (they might surprise you!)
4. It's OK not to include children. Some guests might be offended, but it's at your expense, not theirs. Just remember to keep it fair; you can't pick and choose which children are invited. It's all or nothing.
5. It is impossible to make everyone happy (see #1).
6. If you are planning a brunch the day after the wedding, make sure it does not conflict with NFL Football.
7. Order/purchase items early!!! Items break, get lost in the mail, are on back order, end up being ugly, etc. You want time as your ally, not an enemy.
8. Listen to peoples opinions. You don't have to follow their advice, but you never know when you'll hear a good idea!
9. Check and recheck your guest list. Confirm addresses, name spellings, etc.
10. Do what makes you happy. You are the only one (and hopefully the groom) that will remember your wedding day forever. Not your Aunt Betty who couldn't bring her 10 kids.

Have Fun!

So many to choose from, so little time...

2009-09-03T22:31:00.006-04:00

For months I have been looking for the perfect favors, at a perfect price. I've fallen in love with some, gawked at prices, recalculated costs by guest estimate...you name it!

My prayers were finally answered by FavorWarehouse.com! When Shannon from FavorWarehouse emailed me, I had to take a look at their favors and let me tell you, it took me all of about 10 minutes before I ordered some samples!

The Chef and I have been looking at playing cards (we are getting married in Vegas after all) and most favor sites sold them for about $2-$4, with limited designs. I was able to find what seemed like unlimited design choices for $1.09 - $1.59 (depending on how many you order).

Here are two of my favorite designs:

Playing card favors by FavorWarehouse.com
Countless of playing card designs that suit any wedding style, from fancy to kitsch.

Photo by FavorWarehouse.com
I really think this design captures my Vintage Vegas theme (comes in a variety of color schemes too!!) I think I counted over 200 designs in various colors.... Just find a design and personalize with your name/event/date!

This is a site you definitely need to check out for favors. With an expected 125+ guests, I can purchase favors for under $140!!

But enough about that...they also offer a wide selection of personalized favors, with similar prices, from candles, soaps, lip balms, tins, teas, coffees, etc. And those are just their personalized favors...they have much more! And check our their blog!

Did I mention that I received my samples in 2 days?

H&B Loves...

2009-08-29T16:45:00.004-04:00

Dimitra Designs! If you're like me and do everything online, you find that it's hard to find a one-stop shop for all you wedding needs!

Dimitra Designs, based out of Greensville, South Carolina, brings their southern charm and experience right to your own home, specializing in weddings, proms, and pageants!

They even offer wedding officiants and wedding packages! You just know you are in the right hands with Dimitra...

Not only do they offer everything you might need for your big day, in both their storefront and online stores, but they have a blog with some great articles.

My fav?? 5 Ways To Punch Up Your White Wedding Dress

Sneak Peek

2009-08-29T14:30:00.010-04:00

I KNOW, I've been a terrible wedding blog host. It's been almost 2 months since my last post. As my way of apologizing, I decided to show ya'll a brief sneak peek of what's to come!!

I can't believe we are 84 days away, until the big day!!! At first I thought it would be easy to plan, since most of my vendors are in house at the Bellagio. But there is still much to do! Programs, favors, making sure the band is going to show up... My projects this coming month is to order my stamps and mail out my invites!!

Here is a brief glimpse of my invitation suite. Pictured is the boarding pass jacket. I went with a softer aqua blue and yellow for the invites (my colors are teal and gold). Ana de Roux did a fabulous job in capturing my wedding theme, "Vintage Vegas"... That was pretty much all I told her and she came up with a great design on the first try!

Here is the reply card that will accompany the invitations. When I saw Ana's website and other invitations she had done, I knew she would be the one to capture my vision. She did not disappoint! If you are doing a destination wedding out of the country, check out her passport invitations.

Because I knew I would need some nifty monograms at some point (programs, seating chart, thank you notes, etc.) I found a graphic designer (where else? On Etsy!) who did five monograms for $10 (a steal).

I love being different, so instead of the traditional initial monogram (ok, I had her do ONE in that style), I opted for a more contemporary feel for my paper goods...

Jenn did 5 graphics for me (that's right readers, at $2 a piece) and the turnaround time was a few days. So if you are doing any last minute planning, check out Jenn Johnston Designs on Etsy.

I hope I have fallen back into your good graces by sharing some of my wedding. I promise to post more, as I hustle and bustle till November!! Planning is underway for my bachelorette party (we're thinking Virginia wine country) and my bridal shower!

Hint #4...Be Unconventional

2009-06-29T19:01:00.004-04:00

We took our first trip with the pop-up to the beach in Rodanthe, NC (The Outerbanks)..Yes, like the movie. We were a few blocks away from the house featured in the film. Our site was just a few steps from the beach.

I know...it's been a month since I have posted, but I have had a month's long unlucky streak (I don't know if it's over yet, but I'll get back to you on that)...

Getting back to wedding business. We've all seen the fabulous wedding gifts bride and grooms present to each other; from fabulous jewelry for women, watches for men, etc. The Chef and I decided to go unconventional for our wedding present. We bought ourselves a pop-up camper.

While it's not diamonds or gold, it certainly ranks up there in price :) Trust me, we'll be paying it off for a few years. The Chef and I love to camp, we do it often, and now we are able to camp in comfort. Not to mention going to better locations, like the beach! I can't think of a better present than a beach/lake/river house!

Point is: be unique, be creative, be different!!

(If you are of the camping persuasion...check out our camping blog at On The Roam Again).

H&B Loves...

2009-05-25T20:08:00.005-04:00

Customize your own calendar with the Not Just Any Old Day charm!
Photo Source: The Planning Pad

For those that love the beach and/or having a beach destination wedding. These coasters make a great favor!
Photo Source: The Planning Pad

...The Planning Pad!

I get alot of emails from wedding companies asking me to blog about their sites and I just don't have to time to honor all requests, but when I recieved one from Alica over at The Planning Pad, I just had to write about them.

The first thing I noticed on their site was the Not Just Any Old Day jewelry. I myself own a charm bracelet, commemorating all my life's events/journeys. This is a MUST have for anyone that has a charm bracelet (can't wait till The Chef orders one for me)!!

The Planning Pad also has some fabulous favors and gifts that I hadn't seen! That's even more reason to check them out.

Not only are they a great online wedding source for favors and gifts, but they have a blog too! So check out The Planning Pad Blog for some more wedding ideas!

The Best of Friends

2009-05-25T19:40:00.009-04:00

The mariachi band literaly came behind the bushes to surprise us!

The Chef and I, still in shock, enjoying the music.

This past Saturday, our friends hosted a wonderful party honoring our upcoming wedding. I played no part in the planning of the event, with the exception of the guestlist. The one thing I did hint at was a piñata!! (if you remember my post on piñatas, you'll understand why).

Well, I didn't get my piñata. We got a mariachi band instead! So there I was, enjoying the best bbq in the DC area (if you are in the area, please check out Capital Q BBQ) when I heard mariachi music. I thought, 'How sweet! They found a mariachi CD to play!' Then I saw them. I couldn't eat! I spent the next hour making requests and enjoying the music.

I was truly honored to have such great friends that would know exactly how to make that night extra special.

Gracias!

H & B loves....

2009-05-07T09:43:00.002-04:00

I received an email yesterday from Jeff, co-owner of MyWeddingWorkbook, who asked if I would take a look at their online wedding planner. His co-owner, Steve, developed this online planner for his then fiance who was having a hard time planning her wedding with the online planners available at the time. The result? MyWeddingWorkbook!! And yes, I have seen other online wedding planners and I don't blame them for coming up with a user friendly program!

MyWeddingWorkbook has everything from budget planning, wedding checklists, guest management, event planning and a great task calendar. What I liked best about it is that it is easy to use and its FREE! Will I be using their online planner? Absolutely!! (Thanks guys!)

I can't end this post without mentioning Jeff's awesome blog Groomasaurus! Bridezillas, move over, it's time for the grooms to shout out!

Another great find on Etsy

2009-05-05T12:49:00.008-04:00

I absolutely love this monogram unity candle set design by Pink Posey at Etsy!
Photo Credit: Pink Posey Weddings

For those that are into rich decadent details for their wedding. Bell Creation has some wonderful custom designs for your ceremony.
Photo Credit: Bell Creation

Beach wedding? Wedding by the shore? This starfish unity candle literally made me melt with warm fuzzies.
Photo Credit: LaylaJayne Designs

My fascination with Etsy has resurfaced. Since I am incorporating a unity candle into my service, I went out in search of a unity candle set... Some have ribbons, others are simple, while a few have been bedazzled to death! Many on commercial sites offer unity candle sets for $50 -$80, but yet again, I was able to find more affordable sets, not to mention nicer and custom made on Etsy for around $30.

Products With Personality "Do Yourself a Favor" Contest!!

2009-05-04T17:31:00.006-04:00

I love favors that guests can actually use! These lovebird salt and pepper shakers are darling!
Photo Credit: Products with Personality

Awhile back Hitched and Blissed wrote a post on PWP showcasing some of their great wedding favors. They are back and have asked H&B to announce their newest contest!!

PWP wants to hear about a fun favor ideas you came up with, for their “Do Yourself A Favor” contest! ALL the entries will be posted on their blog with a link to your site, and the winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to PWPOnline.com!

Plus, PWP supply you with a pretty “Do Yourself A Favor Contest Honoree” (or "winner") banner for your site if you are selected you as one of their “favor”ite sites.

Contest ends May 22, so make sure to check it out!!

Tip #4 - How to Save $$

2009-04-30T13:32:00.006-04:00

It should come to no surprise that I watch bridal shows regularly. One (or shall I say two) of the things that fascinates me are brides on a strict budget and brides that spend too much!

My thoughts on both:

1. It IS possible to have a wedding on a budget. But don't expect a $100,000 on a $10,000 budget. Yes, I've seen brides on t.v. thinking that 10K will get them everything, plus a Rolls Royce exit... Budget weddings can in fact be fantastic!! Just keep it realistic.

2. Really? You absolutely need to spend $10,000 on linens for the tables? I poo-pooed that one right away. I didn't even want to spend $10 on linens!! Simple and classic is OK (more than OK) and it should come FREE with your venue/catering folks. Or spending money to change the chandeliers on a location because they don't go well with the "theme". Seriously...

With respect to this post, I thought of some great ways to not only save money for your wedding, but on great tips on how to keep your costs down...

1. Sell your "never used, haven't used, old.." stuff on EBAY.
2. Have a garage/yard sale for the items too big to ship (see #1)
3. Get a part-time job (like me).
4. Check out ETSY for great wedding finds (jewelry, accessories, etc.) Buy Homemade!!

5. Check out bar options. DO NOT get per consumption. Ask for bar packages (ex: $40 total a person for 3 hrs). You don't want Uncle Fred to drink 10 martinis at $100 vs. $40.

6. Be a savy consumer!!! Ex: I found some awesome wedding invites that are perfect. The cost? $2,000+ only because the designer was from CA and she sold to a celebrity once. I found the SAME style invitations that were NICER for under $500.

7. If you can get it FREE then don't BUY! Don't splurge on items that are already offered for free by a venue or catering group. Ex: linens, menus, etc.

8. Use your friends/family!! If you have a friend that is an awesome photographer, ask if he/she will take some photos, same with musicians, artists, seamstresses, etc.

9. For those really on a budget, buy USED. Nothing wrong with buying a used wedding gown/decorations/etc. (Check out Once Wed for great used designer dresses)

10. BE NICE. It is amazing how many people will not only go out of their way for you if you are just nice and thankful, but may also offer you amazing deals.
**My fiance told me a story about a "friend of a friend" who was such a Bridezilla that by the time she got around to ordering her cake, no bakery in town would work with her...word spread fast! She had the added expense of having to go to another town!

Look good for your BIG DAY!

2009-04-25T10:59:00.007-04:00

I love this stuff! Be acne and blemish free for your big day!! UNBLEMISH was a Allure Magazines top beauty pick!!
Photo Credit: Rodan and Fields Dermatologists

Spend too much time at the beach? Have sun spots? This line is formulated to clear up ruddy complexions, dullness, and premature aging due to sun damage.
Photo Credit: Rodan and Fields Dermatologists

The body dermabrasion stick was just featured on the TODAY show last month. Awesome for brides that want smooth unblemished skin, especially if you are wearing a strapless or backless dress! They also have a microdermabrasion paste for you face!
Photo Credit: Rodan and Fields Dermatologists

My mom and I were discussing our plans for looking great for my upcoming wedding. Do we start getting facials, microdermabrasion, etc. now or wait until 6 months before? With all my extra money going to my wedding fund, do I really want to spend so much on facials every month? So I decided to spend my money wisely and invest in a great skincare line that I can do at home every day at a fraction of the price.

Hitched and Blissed choice? Rodan + Fields Dermatologists!! You know who they are, they are the ones that created Proactive Solutions. I have been a fan of their UNBLEMISHED line since they came out a few years ago and their other skincare products are amazing!! Trust me, I’m the person that has tried everything and still had bad skin, until I tried R+F products. I think I'll add the microdermabrasion paste to my weekly regimen, which is much better on my pocketbook than spending $120 a month on facials!

I think I’ll send my mother a set of their REVERSE regimen (which helps those with sun-damaged skin). In truth, I love their products so much that I decided to be a consultant for their products!

Five Star Treatment

2009-04-25T10:29:00.005-04:00

How cute is the sign outside the Bellagio Tuscany Kitchen?

I should have waited to take photos before I ate!

All four of us at the tasting voted unanimously on the menu!!

It's been a month since I last posted! I have been swamped with work and wedding planning that I haven't had a chance to shout out!

My family and I headed to Las Vegas last weekend to check out the Bellagio and do a fun tasting of our wedding menu. Needless to say, if you ever decide to choose Las Vegas as a destination for your wedding, the Bellagio is the place to go!

We first met with the wedding coordinator and looked at the chapel and wedding options. The flowers were simply stunning! But our favorite part of the tour was meeting with our catering coordinator, who arranged a wonderful private tasting in their Tuscany Kitchen room...

My mother, future mother-in-law, sister and I were immediately greeted with champagne and seated at our table. We had an amazing couple of hours tasting all of the wonderful meals, tasting wines, and not to mention the three beautiful cakes the pastry chef had prepared for us. For those reading that are attending the wedding, I'm going to keep the menu a secret :)

Truly a fun and exciting day!

On your mark, get set, GO!

2009-03-19T12:50:00.010-04:00

And their off!!!
Photo Credit: Glenn Yoder, Boston.com Staff

These folks mean business! Now they know whether or not the dress can be sized!
Photo Credit: David Ryan, Globe Staff

Okay, see? I don't think that girl fell. I think she was tripped!!
Photo Credit: David Ryan, Globe Staff

Since I am having my dress made, I don't get to experience that "ah-ha" moment in the store when you know that dress was meant to be yours.
Photo Credit: Glenn Yoder, Boston.com Staff

Crowds, hundreds of loud women, sooo not for me!
Photo Credit: David Ryan, Globe Staff

Back in November, when I first got engaged, the first item on the agenda was finding my perfect dress. I looked to see when the next Running of the Brides would be in the DC area. But then I thought about it…I’m not a big people person and I don’t have any patience, so why I am I going to compete with literally hundreds of other brides, running rampant, kicking and screaming, stopping at nothing to find the dress of their dreams, that would no doubt end in injury and catastrophe? I figured criminal fines and attorney fees alone would come out more expensive than if I just bought a dress at regular price.

Remember that episode on Friends, where Monica finds her wedding dress (at a similar event) and another bride wanted the same dress, she resorted to extortion to get Monica to hand over the dress?? Well, I don't want to end up with a band named Carcass to play at my wedding either, so I'm all for my decision to have my dress made!

According to Filene's Basement, the store accumulates bridal gowns via manufacturer's samples, overstocks, canceled orders, excess merchandise, etc. Many, if not most, of these dresses are priced in the thousands!! And the price for every dress is set at $249 each.

But for those that really want a beautiful designer dress for under $250, head on out to Filene’s Basement for the Running of the Brides!!! The next local event for the DC metro area is in Rockville, MD:

April 3, 2009
Filene’s Basement
11840 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 816-7805
Full schedule and reminder.

For more information about the Running of the Brides, check out Lei Lydle’s post at Atlanta Bridal on her experience with the Running of the Brides.

Let them eat cake

2009-03-18T23:36:00.007-04:00

Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo credit: Marcelo Barth

Photo Credit: Candice and Rich

Photo Credit: Alons

A few hours ago, I got off the phone with one of the catering managers at the Bellagio. Apparently, I have to pick a cake. Who knew? I thought I could just look at the sample pictures she sent me and I could choose from there. Well, it turns out I can submit any picture/design I want! I could do without that... I prefer the look and point method.

I did (for a brief moment) consider having one of the Bellagio specialties, a Croquembouche (crow-come-bush), which literally means “crunch in your mouth”. It is the traditional French wedding cake. After all, I will have a French last name by the time we serve the wedding cake, right?

The cake itself is made of puffs of choux pastry filled with vanilla crème, held together with a delicious cobweb of caramel or sugar. These wedding cakes range from laced spun sugar to drizzling dark or milk chocolate over the entire pyramid.

But I don't know how the hungry crowd will react to what is essentially a pastry, so I'll take your advice Marie, I'll just let them eat cake...

My Big Redneck Wedding....

2009-03-18T22:55:00.004-04:00

...is the only wedding show I can get The Chef to watch! If you haven't checked it out, it airs on CMT on Saturday nights. It is just too funny!!

Earlier this week, The Chef sent me an email forward entitled, Men Should Not Be Allowed to Order the Wedding Cake. Below are the photos that accompanied the email....

You gotta love the time and effort it took to come up with this camo-creation!

I actually like this cake! I can't even imagine how they came up with the mud color...of course, it would have been better if the cake had a Land Rover on it :)

This one is just cute. Who wouldn't want a tree carved with their initials? (shotgun shells optional)

...but not forgotten

2009-03-18T14:55:00.004-04:00

It's been a busy week since I last posted! But don't worry, I plan on posting some great stuff over the next few days!!

But while I'm here, I thought I'd get your opinion on something...some have already broached me about my bachelorette party; now, I have already spoken to my BFF and sister and we have come up with some ideas:

1. Spend all day at Oktoberfest
2. Hire a driver to take us on a wine tasting tour
3. An evening with the girls at home with someone teaching us how to play 21 (and poker)! We are going to Vegas afterall!!!

Let me know what YOU think!!

Calling all NOVA/DC area brides....

2009-03-10T22:02:00.008-04:00

The Washington Bridal Showcase is being held March 29th:

Patriot Center @ George Mason University

4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA.

Tickets are $8 if purchased here, or $10 at the door

Northern Virginia Magazine is conducting a survey for TWO FREE TICKETS to the Washington Bridal Showcase! All you have to do is share your perfect wedding for a chance to win! The first 65 couples to submit their ideal wedding will recieve two tickets to the show!

Love at First...Invite

2009-03-09T20:22:00.011-04:00

Invitations, in my opinion, are the hallmark (no pun intended) of a wedding. They incorporate your style, theme, colors and overall sentiment…this is your opportunity to give your guests a glimpse of your special day.

For those still looking for those perfect invites, Love at First Invite is offering a Spring Love Appreciation Sale!! If you book your invitations before March 31st, you will receive $50 off custom invitations and $25 off their Ready to Love collection. This is in addition to their unbelievable prices (even for letterpress!!). Their offer is subject to scheduling availability, so contact Love at First Invite ASAP to reserve your spot. The promo code for this offer is LAFILOVE.

Sampling of thier Ready to Love collection:

Ready to Love Collection, photo credit: Love at First Invite.

Check out their custom designs below and don’t forget to inquire about reception items! LAFI offers custom reception piecies to compliment your invitations!

Custom Invitation, programs, and seating chart. Photo Credit: Love at First Invites.

Hint #3

2009-03-07T10:08:00.009-05:00

It seems like today is turning into Etsy Day. I may have to start doing "Etsy Saturdays!"

For those of you wanting to get something different for a newly engaged couple or newlyweds (or for yourself), here are some great ideas!!

Personalized Name Print in Architecture by JavaJaneDesigns

Last Name Wreath by ScribbleIt

Personalized Silhouette Print with Date by nelladesigns

Custom Fashion Illustration by Brooklit

Hint #2

2009-03-07T09:29:00.005-05:00

You will see a lot of posts featuring designers from Etsy. I am obsessed with this site! If you were really pressed to stay on budget, you could probably purchase every wedding need from the talented sellers on Etsy! I’ve seen wedding dresses, jewelry, cake toppers, invitations, favors…you name it, they got it!!

Today’s feature on H&B is wedding shrugs/boleros…The add a bit of originality to your wedding dress in my opinion. These are perfect for those that have a dress that needs to be a bit more modest during the church service (then take it off during the reception) or if you get chilly by the end of the night after a long wedding day.

These were some of my favorites… Give these designers a browse and support handmade crafts!!

Antique Ivory Silk Taffeta Bolero by englishdept

Gothica Shrug Wrap by lolashowgirl

Long Sleeve Lace Bridal Bolero Jacket by indulgencecouture

Corpse Bride Adorned Bolero by bonzie

Another H&B Love...

2009-03-05T22:41:00.008-05:00

...Fonts for Peas!!

Actually, you don't have to pay in peas in order to get great fonts. They're FREE. All you have to do is download them! The BEST part??? YOU can have your own handwritting turned into a font (yes, for free)! Amanda gives you step-by-step instructions on how to submit your handwritting so she can make your font. This is great for those who want to really add a personal touch to your invites... So you have a choice, submit your own or download one or all of the many pea-fonts.

Fonts by Fonts for Peas

H&B Loves...Destination Weddings!

2009-03-05T08:31:00.009-05:00

All weddings are fun, beautiful, and memorable. But there is something about a destination wedding that allows your guests to be part of the process too. Everyone gets excited to travel, spend time away from home, and have that vacation they’ve been postponing.

Now that the Save the Dates are done, I am focusing on just the right invitation suite for our destination wedding in Las Vegas. I want something fun, yet traditional since our venue is at the Bellagio. These are a few of the sites I have checked out and absolutely love!

Ana de Roux makes the most beautiful invitations to suit all styles and brides. Check out the boarding pass invitations she made for a client getting married in Thailand:

Photo Credit: Ana de Roux
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My absolute favorite is the Passport To Love invitation…makes me wish I had decided to plan our wedding in Mexico after all!

Photo Credits: Ana de Roux

There are three great things about Ana de Roux….she brings her imagination to give you the wedding of your dreams, she is more affordable than other designers, and she is from South Texas (where I grew up).

Another favorite is Jessica from The Stylish Scribe! These are some of my favorite designs by Jessica...

The Lazaro Suite

Save the Date, Destination Samoa

Photo Credits: The Stylish Scribe

And I just LOVE these luggage tags Jessica made for a client for her guests!!

The tags were customized with the wedding location on the front and the guests information on the back!

Photo Credit: The Stylish Scribe
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The Stylish Scribe also carries a wide variety of destination wedding invitations and favors at a “can’t believe it” price!