EE Celebration | Tuscan Wedding {part 2}

A Very Talented Vendor Team:

Photography - One Fine Day 

Venue - Villa Siena

Planner - Meant2Be Events

Stationery / Details - The Event Essentials

Entertainment - SKM Entertainment

Flowers: Blume Events

Cake: Piece of Cake

Linens: BBJ Linen

EE Celebration | Designer Damask Wedding

March makes for some of the most beautiful weddings here in Arizona and this one is no exception. Jenni was an absolutely radiant bride even though her entire bridal party was sick. Yes, her entire bridal party! But she's such a tough cookie that nothing took her smile away that day. It was an amazing celebration where her guests just didn't want to leave at the end of the night. Congratulations Jenni and John -- and Baby Tristan!! It was an honor to be a part of your incredible day! Thank you and many blessings your way. Oh and Happy first Birthday Baby T!!

Photography by the very talented Shelly Ivy Studios team

and photographer friends Bret Siegel and Lis Thurston 

EE Celebration | Posh Pink Wedding

Often times I am asked what came of the couple whose engagement was caught on film. You can catch me in a reply that they truly had their perfect wedding that she had dreamed of for years, and now I have pictures to prove it.  Congratulations Alicia and Nick!!  Your affair was amazing, elegant, and sincerely filled with many tears of joy.  I am forever thankful to be a part of your love filled affair and will forever treasure the memories -- and look forward to many more!! Can't wait to celebrate with your brand new home that you get to move into tomorrow!

For those of you who would like to revisit the engagement story - click here!

Photography by the very talented Shelly Ivy Studios team

and family photographer friends - Bret Siegel and Lis Thurston 

{Congratulations Melissa and Seth}

Congratulations Melissa and Seth! You two were absolutely breathtaking and thank you for including us in such an amazing event milestone in your life.  We are forever grateful!  Other than the mouse crawling up my pant leg, I can say this grande affair was as close to perfect as possible!  We wish nothing but the best for your journey of marriage together! XoXo!

Photography by the amazingly talented Jane Zarzynski!!!  Thank You!

{DIY: U is for Unity Candles}

Materials:

• 1 pillar candle (whichever size you wish)
  
• Elmer’s Glue
  
• Ribbon (thickness and color depending on you, of course)
  
• Straight pins, cut to about ¼”
  
• Thimble
  
• Wired edge ribbon for tapers

Instructions:

For the unity candle- (this is to make the design above)

1. Measure 8 pieces of ribbon in the length of the candle.

2. Take one piece of ribbon and use a pin to secure it to the bottom of the candle.

3. After securing the ribbon, bring the ribbon up diagonally across the candle.

4. When you are happy with your line, secure the top with another pin – but don’t push the pin all the way in. (I suggest pinning it on the “flat” part of the candle, not the rounded top.)

5. Follow this process with three more ribbons, evenly spacing them out.

6. Next, you’ll want to secure ribbons going the opposite direction to create your diamond shape. To do this, carefully remove a pin from the top and attach your “new” ribbon to the pin as well. Now push the pin all the way in to the candle.

7. In the same manner as you attached the first ribbons, bring the ribbon down and across to the bottom, securing with a pin. Continue this with three more ribbons.

8. Now take pins and place them at each intersection of ribbon. This will prevent your ribbon from sliding out of place during transport.

9. Using Elmer’s glue, attach a decoration to hide the pins. (I used rhinestones. Small flowers would work as well.)

*If you misplace a pin, it is easy to remove it and place it elsewhere. Chances are the mark that’s left will be covered up by ribbon. I also suggest using a thimble to push the pins in…your thumb tends to get a little sore after awhile!

For the tapers

1. Using wired edge ribbon, create two bows.

2. Take a small piece of the wire edged ribbon and wrap around the tapers where you’d like the bows located – secure in the front with pins.

3. Attach bows (over the crease of the wrapped ribbon) with pins.

4. Hide pins with decorations such as rhinestones or small flowers.

Instructions and Blue photo found on PashWeddings.com 

Additional Photos provided by WeddingMountain.com {Thank You!!}

{DIY: S is for Striped-Paper Cone}

What You Need:

• 12 x 12-inch sheet of scrapbook paper
  
• Pinking shears
  
• Crafts glue
  
• 8-inch length each of 1-5/8-inch-wide white and colored crepe paper
  
• Decorative-edge scissors
  
• Sewing thread and needle
  
• 16-inch length of 1-1/2-inch-wide satin ribbon
  
• 1/4-inch hole punch
  
• 1 45-inch length each of three shades of silk ribbon

Instructions:

1.} Use a pencil to draw a curved line on the wrong side of the scrapbook paper from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Make a mark on the curved line every 3-3/4 inches. Use the pinking shears to cut a straight line from the corners to the nearest mark and from mark to mark. Fold from each mark to the bottom corner of the paper. Overlap the small section with the section from the opposite edge of the cone; glue.

2.} Using decorative-edge scissors, trim one long edge of the white crepe paper, and trim 1/4 inch from one long edge of the colored crepe paper. Layer the crepe paper lengths and sew them together into a fan shape. Glue to the front of the cone.

3.} Tie a loose knot in the center of the satin ribbon. Trim each ribbon end into a V. Glue the knot to the bottom edge of the crepe paper.

4.} Punch a hole into each side of the cone. Insert the ends of each silk ribbon length through the holes. Tie a knot to secure the ribbon ends on the outside of the cone.

Instructions found on BHG.com and cone diagram found on PastryWiz.com

{DIY: R is for Ring Bearers Pillow}

Your ring pillow will be a treasured keepsake so use the highest quality fabric you can find.

Materials and Tools:

• Pillow form 9x9 
  
• 1 yard of satin
  
• needle & thread
  
• 2 tassels
  
• 1-2 yds satin ribbon (2" wide to 2-3/4" wide)
  
• 1 yd ribbon 7/8" wide
  
• 1-1/2 yd satin cording
  
• Scissors

1. Start with the smallest square pillow form your fabric store has in stock. This project gives instructions for a 9X9 pillow form.

2. Use the most beautiful white silk or satin you can find to cover your pillow

3. Cut 2 squares of fabric measuring 10" x 10" and pin the right sides together. The fabric you want to show on the finished pillow should be facing each other.

4. Stitch together, remove the pins. When you are finished sewing remove the pins turn it right side out - making sure to push your corners out

5. Insert the pillow form into the fabric. Close the opening by hand or machine.

6. Use 1 1/2 yards of wide satin ribbon to tie a bow around the pillow. Pin back the loops in the bow with straight pins hidden under the top loops.

7. Add another small bow made with narrow satin ribbon that will hold the rings (don't attach the real rings -use imitation metal ones available in favor supplies) and secure it down with a few stitches.

8. Sew a 2" tassel onto 1 1/2 yards of satin cording.

9. Fold the tassels and cording in half and tie them around the bow on the pillow.

Don't want to DIY?  Check out these fabulous shops online:

Joyfulbrideonline.com

Beaucoup.com

WeddingDepot.com

Article found on Save-on-Crafts.com

Photos courtesy of HBHWedding.com

{DIY: L is for Lacy Luminarias}

Give the decorations at your wedding reception the romantic look of lace. The intricate patterns shining through these luminarias (paper-bag lanterns illuminated by votive candles) are courtesy of doilies glued inside. Place a grouping of the lanterns in different sizes on the guest-book table or dinner tables for a beautiful, glowing display. We chose ivory paper bags for an understated look, but you can use thin paper bags in any light color. Set the candles in heavy-glass votive holders to help anchor the bags.

Tools and Materials

• Light-colored paper lunch bags in various sizes
  
• Ruler
  
• Scalloped rotary cutter
  
• 12-inch gold-colored doilies (white ones won't show through as well)
  
• Utility knife
  
• Scissors
  
• Glue stick or Xyron sticker-making machine
  
• Votive candles in glass holders
  
• Utility lighter

Luminarias How-To

1. Lay each bag flat; use a ruler to guide the scalloped rotary cutter as you cut a new top edge 1 inch below the bag's original edge.

2. To cut doilies to fit the bag, lay a bag flat on the work surface. Lay a doily on the bag, and determine where to cut in order to create a pleasing design. Cut straight lines with a ruler and a utility knife; use scissors to snip along curves. The final size of the doily should be 1/8 inch narrower than the width of the bag so the doily will lay flat inside.

3. Coat the gold side of the doily generously with glue from the glue stick, or coat it with self-adhesive using the Xyron machine. Attach doily to the inside of the front of the bag, positioning it as desired. After gluing, close the bag, and run your hand firmly over the design to seal. Open the bag, and let dry at least 1 hour.

4. Set the bag in desired location, and then put the votive candle, in its holder, inside. Light the wick once the candle holder has been securely placed; do not carry the lit luminaria.

Instructions provided by MarthaStewart.com

{DIY: K is for Kissing Balls a.k.a. Pomanders}

Use these wonderful balls for decorating, as bouquets or favors. Easy and inexpensive to make. Try using dahlias or carnations for a different look. The trick is get the flowers as close together as possible when you are placing them into the ball. Use fresh or silk flowers.

Supplies:

Styrofoam Ball
2 dozen stems of silk rose buds
Low Temp Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

Ribbon

Directions for making with silk flowers:

Pull the roses off the stems or use a wire cutter to remove -leaving a 1/4" on each. Using a toothpick make a hole in the Styrofoam ball for each rose bud you are attaching. Then fill with a dot of hot glue - place the rose in hole. Let dry. Continue adding roses until the ball is filled.
You can insert a few leaves between the roses for added color.

Directions for fresh flowers

You will doing the same as above but instead of a Styrofoam ball use an Oasis foam ball for fresh flowers. Also instead of using hot glue to hold your flowers in place use greening pins instead.

To make a handle

If you want to carry your rose ball you can easily make a handle. Use ribbons or jute. Measure desired length x 2 and add 3 inches for the knot. Tie into a loop (double knot). Hold in place with greening pin. Then hot glue another greening pin over the top.

Or prior to starting with your flowers, take a long stitch needed and pierce it through the center of the foam ball with a ribbon attached.  Make a big knot at one end and let some ribbon hang.  You now have a very sturdy handle.

{Kim's Food for Thought}

Drizzle a few dangling crystals from the bottom of the ball to give it some glamour.

Add pearl pins or rhinestones to the center of the flowers to give it sparkle.

Make three small ones and hang them on a continuous row.

Instructions provide by Save-On-Crafts.com

{The Worst Best Man Ever}

                    

{Tomorrow - DIY: J is for .....}

{DIY: A is for Aisle Runner}

SUPPLIES:

• 36″ wide cotton muslin in length and color you desire. The fabric I uses was 36″ wide cotton muslin. This can be purchased at any fabric store, and is usually located with the quilting materials.
  
• A cardboard tube that’s at least 38″ long. I suggest using the telescoping mailing tubes. Cut off the ends and put the rough edges inwards, so the smooth edges are what show at the ends of your runner. Make the tube as long as desired and use tape to keep it from moving.
  
• Iron-on adhesive tape
  
• At least 4 yards of satin ribbon to use as pull cord
  
• Clear Packing Tape
  
• Scissors

{Plain Wedding Aisle Runner - Save On Crafts}

DIRECTIONS:

• Tape one end of the runner fabric to the cardboard tube.
  
• Roll fabric onto the tube; try to make it as tight as possible.
  
• Once completely rolled, use the iron-on adhesive tape to make a finished hem at the front of the runner.
  
• Insert ribbon through one end of the tube and feed through to the other side–tie ends together to create a pull cord.
  

TO PAINT YOUR MONOGRAM:

• Enlarge your monogram by printing it out on your computer as a multiple page poster 3 pages by 3 pages (if your computer does not have this program, you can take your monogram to be enlarged at any photocopy store such as Kinkos or Staples)
  
• Trim the edges of each page and tape them together to create one large poster size monogram (skip this step if you took it to get enlarged at a photocopy store)
  
• Place your poster sized monogram underneath your fabric
  
• Trace with a pencil
  
• Paint!

{KIM'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT}

Instead of placing your design at the entrance of the aisle,

place it near the middle or close to the front of the ceremony location.

This will be a better location and photo opportunity to showcase its beauty!

Instead of paint, use clear drying glue and sprinkle on the glitter.

Make sure to do a few letters at a time, so the glue doesn't dry too quickly.

Create the same look on runners for your dining tables, head table and/or cake table.  

This will keep your theme consistent and personalize your reception.

Instead of using a monogram design on your aisle runner, 

use a beautiful quote, biblical phrase, or one of your favorite short poems.

Thick clusters of rose petals are a great tool to hide any pieces of tape

that is holding down your special aisle runner.

Don't want to DIY? Here are some great sources to have one made:

The Original Runner Co.

Aisles with Style

I Do Originals

Instructions Posted by "Guest" on WeddingBee.com / 12.26.2006

Photos courtesy of The Original Runner Co.

{A Feel Good Love Song}

I was just recently introduced to this song by Shelly Ivy and I'm in love!! I think it would be such a beautiful song for that bride who is searching for something different to walk down the aisle to or even a first dance song with a super cute slideshow DVD. I'm in LOVE with the story in the video too!! Happy Wednesday to everyone! :)

{Nature-Inspired Ring Bearer Holders}

Muscari was started in early 2008 by Easter Yu. It specializes in bold and one-of-a-kind wedding and fashion accessories crafted with feathers, silks, dried botanicals, beads, and other found objects.

Ideas come from a love of nature and an obsession with color, pattern and texture. Easter loves to use ordi-
nary materials in not-so-ordinary ways. All work is handcrafted in beautiful Peapack, New Jersey.

You have to check out these unique ring holders for the lucky little ring bearer. He will be stylish, snazzy and completely unique. No one ever said you "HAVE" to use a ring pillow. Try something different. I'm sure you will get rockin' compliments for it.

{10 Tips to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding}

1.) Setting the Tone
Set the tone of your green wedding by choosing an eco-friendly location. If an outdoor wedding is up your alley, choose a location that will show off the beauty of the environment. If you prefer an indoor location, check out local museums or art galleries that will donate your deposit to a good cause.

2.) Choose Eco-Friendly Rings
When it comes to choosing a ring, make sure to use jewelers that are green-friendly. More and more, jewelers are using recycled gold and fair-labor gemstones. To make sure you are not purchasing a "blood diamond," ask your jeweler about the origin of the stone.

3.) Use Local Vendors
Choosing area vendors is a great way to keep the transportation emissions low and support your local economy. If you are interested in using a green wedding planner, check your local listings -- they're popping up all over the country.

4.) Re-Use a Wedding Dress
Though your wedding dress may be your most treasured item of your wedding, there are many ways you can be eco-friendly when it comes to choosing a dress. First is the age-old tradition of wearing your mother or grandmother's dress. Take it to a local seamstress to transform it into your own special dress. If you can't imaging wearing your mom's gown, check out charities such as Brides Against Breast Cancer, where you can buy or donate a dress. All proceeds go to support women with breast cancer.

5.) Photography: Go Digital
Even though most photographers are using digital cameras, it's a must for a green wedding. Digital photos don't use the harsh chemicals, wasted paper, and rolls of film that film photography does. Another plus is you get to choose exactly what images you want printed. Ask your photographer if they allow you to keep the digital images after the wedding is complete, then you can save a digital album of your big day

6.) Use Recycled Paper
Using recycled paper is an easy way to create green invitations or programs. Ask your vendors if they can print on recycled paper or recycle the leftover scraps. We love the eco-friendly invitations of Tasha Rae Designs. Her theory: "Who said recycled invitations can't be beautiful?" Her invites are just that, beautiful! For an alternative to cut back on paper, create a wedding Web site where your guests can print off directions, reply, and find out hotel information.

7.) Home-Grown Flowers
For your flowers, choose a local organic florist to arrange your centerpieces and bouquets. For a summer wedding, use farmers' market finds to create bouquet and table arrangements, or use potted plants which can be given away to your attendants at the end of your big day.

8.) Choose an Organic Menu
Ask your caterers if they can provide vegetarian and organic entrees. Also consider what you are dining on. If your location doesn't provide dishes, consider renting them to avoid using disposable plates.

9.) Favors
Instead of favors, let your guests know that you have donated a specified amount per guest toward your favorite environmental organization. Check out www.idofoundation.org, where you can register to raise money for your favorite organization.

10.) A Green Honeymoon
When you're planning your honeymoon, keep in mind the practice of ecotourism, which is defined by The International Ecotourism Society as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Check out their Web site for ideas and sources to plan an eco-friendly honeymoon.

10 Tips to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding - article found on BHG.com

{Property Tour: Trilogy at Vistancia}

I spent the afternoon yesterday on a property tour with Kassie at Trilogy. It's an absolutely breathtaking facility in the upper northwest part of the Phoenix valley. The drive is a bit far, but once you see the rolling greens, stone walls, and the mountains, it's well worth it!! I can't wait to find to work with a event there. The ballroom even has a bit of architectural appeal to it with a 1/2 vaulted wood ceiling and these amazing hanging chandeliers (not crystal ones, but still beautiful)!  Happy Friday everyone :)

{April Fools in Love}

I would just like to say -- Happy 1 Year Anniversary My Love!!  YAY!!  This time last year, I was sitting in this beautiful suite getting ready with my girls just waiting with anticipation to see my handsome groom in a tux (not something you see very often)!  It was the most wonderful day of my life and I wouldn't have changed a thing -- even the cold cold ice cream cake getting smashed in my face as bad as it was.  It only means -- he's got a good one coming :)  143 forever and always!

{Congratulations: Sue and Steve}

Congratulations to Sue and Steve who were married at the beautiful eco-friendly Firesky resort on Friday, March 7th, 2008. All of their eccentric eco-chic details were absolutely stunning. Their theme started with recycled paper and soy ink invitations which lead into gorgeous peacock feather aisle liners, rhinestone manzanita branch centerpieces, gallons of recycled landscape rock, flower-pups, along with organic wines and delicious food.

On behalf of the Event Essentials, we were truly honored to be a part of bringing this milestone all together for Sue and Steve. We wish you all the happiness and love through many years of a successful marriage.

We would also like to think the very talented team at Ben Quillinan Photography for these show-stopping pictures. They turned out absolutely amazing! They were a true pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend their service to any future client.

{{Congratulations}} Kimberly and Clinton

We were so honored to have spent the last year working with Valerie (Mother of the Bride), Kimberly and Clinton to create an absolutely unforgettable day for them on February 17th, 2008. I enjoyed spending every minute with their incredibly warm family and friends. The girls in Kim's bridal party were so fun and so inviting. And the guys were very accommodating as well. I have to say, this event rocked the house. The guests danced the night away from the moment the gospel group introduced the bride and groom until the sparkler send off had them on their way. The energy was contagious throughout the night!

Congratulations goes out to Kim and Clint. We wish you nothing but happiness, love, and a successful marriage!
P.S. The pazookies were delicious!!

Also, thank you to a wonderful group of vendors who made the event run extremely smooth!

Facility: Jen Nuttall at Villa Sienna 
(thank you for being very helpful and so easy to work with. I appreciate your kindness and all of your help throughout the event)

Photography: Sergio Photographer
(Thank you for taking some very artistic and amazing pictures. You and your assistants were incredibly warm and I value your creativity!)

Floral and Decor: Jen Colvin at Ever After Floral Creations
(As always, your floral pieces and decor turned out stunning. Your talent overflows!)

Catering: Tim Rogers at A Savory Affair
(Your food was incredibly delicious and one of my favorite presentation pieces by far!)

DJ - Jimmy Davenport with Citron Sound
(Thank you for your amazing energy levels! You are a very talented DJ and will be highly recommend from here on out!)

Officiants - Father Jim Hushek and Rabbi Irwin Weiner
(Thank you for working together to create a ceremony catered to both sides of the family!)

Videographer - Christopher McCullough
(Thank you for your talented work. Your 2 minute clip is awesome! I can't wait to see the finished product)

Gospel Choir - Brenda Hankins and friends
(Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!! That's all I have to say! Absolutely Amazing)

Salon - Dolce Salon
(The girls came out stunningly beautiful! I will absolutely refer any brides to your facility at any time!)