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We look forward to seeing you there!

Rustic with a Hint of Glam – Back Bay Farms Styled Shoot

This shoot could not have turned out more perfectly in my eyes. I was completely in love with every detail from the cake display, to the soft floral hues in our table runner, the lace accents throughout and of course, our beloved deer antlers 🙂
When Kirstyn Marie Photography (http://www.kirstynmarie.com) and I paired up to plan this shoot, the second she mentioned “antlers” I could have jumped for joy – and may have a little 😉 I had gone months pinning antler shots and thinking of ideas that I knew I wanted to incorporate into an upcoming shoot and this was just the one to do so!

What I love most about shoots is planning out EVERY single little detail that often times, people completely overlook or forget all about. It’s funny because as small as those details seem to most, THEY are what tend to catch one’s eye and draw you in to form your own ideas and inspiration. Those details are what leave such lasting impressions.

I hope you enjoy our little details as much as we all did and provide you with some ideas of your own!

A Wedding Fit For A Queen!

 

Michelle and Andy were married this past February at the Founder’s Inn, on what so happened to be one of our strangely warm winter days – the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful!

I was lucky enough to meet Michelle in her beginning stages of planning and actually helped her find her wedding dress, that couldn’t have been more perfect  and better fitting for her. In getting to know Michelle better, I quickly learned of her adoration with all things classic and timeless.  As you will see from her pale blush, lace dress with matching custom lace jacket and cathedral style veil to her Sapphire tiara, a replication of the tiara worn by Queen Victoria on her own wedding day, it was as if we got to take a step back in time to create this lovely day for Michelle and Andy.

Congratulations you two! And thank you again for allowing me to be a part of your amazing day!! ❤

 

Budget – Who Pays For What?

One of the first and most important things you should be establishing after you get engaged is your BUDGET. It affects every decision you will make in the planning process. Unfortunately now-a-days, it can get a little confusing understanding who’s job it is to pay for what. Many couples pay for everything themselves or take the more traditional route of the bride’s family paying for the majority of the wedding costs. In the end, it is completely your decision as the bride and groom, but if you need a little guidance as to what is standard, take a look below!

Bride’s Family

• Engagement Party
• The Wedding Ceremony – venue, décor, and music
• The Wedding Reception
• Catering
• Music
• The bride’s attire
• Wedding planner
• Flowers
• Stationery – invitations, ceremony programs, etc.
• Favors
• Photography
• Videography
• Transportation
• Cake
• Day-After Brunch (if desired)

Groom’s Family

• Rehearsal Dinner
• Honeymoon * Often times, bride and groom will pay for this as well
• Alcohol* This is more standard in specific areas

Bride

• Bridesmaid Gifts
• Groom’s Wedding Band
• Hair and Makeup for Herself and Attendants
• Wedding-Day Gift for the Groom
• Gift for Her Parents

Groom

• Marriage license
• Officiant
• Bride’s Rings (Engagement Ring and Wedding Band)
• Groomsmen’s Gifts
• Groom’s Attire
• Wedding-Day Gift for the Bride
• Gift for His Parents
• Wedding Night Accommodations

Wedding Party

*Note, it is not always cheap to be in someone’s wedding. Keep in mind that in your bridal party accepting the invitation to BE in your wedding, they are also taking on the financial responsibility that comes with it. Don’t let them make you feel bad for begin expected to pay for what is below! ; )

• Attire
• Travel and Accommodations
• Other Parties – Bachelor/Bachelorette, Bridal Shower, etc.

Parents of Flower Girl/Ring Bearers

• Children’s Attire

 

One very helpful tool I would recommend downloading for yourself is “The Cost of Saying I Do” App. It’s only 1$ and helps keep track of all of your wedding spending in an organized template in vendor categories and even a Wedding count down feature!

Trendy Tuesday – Marquee Letters!

This week, we are showcasing a trend that we personally, LOVE : Marquee Letters. You’ve all probably started to see this trend become more popular, and we think that it is a trend that will be around for a while.

It is such a fun way to add unique decor and can be specified to really whatever you want it to read! Your initials, a cute saying, anything! There are vendors around that are now beginning to rent these letters as well so you don’t have to bight the bullet of BUYING one – although I for one, would be happy to have it in my office!

So, if you’re looking for a way to add creative decor to your wedding this year, Marquee letters just might be the way to do so!

Black & White – New & Improved

It seems that the days of black and white are back!

But before you think of the commonly seen black and white damask, get ready for a fresh, new and improved take on these 2 very classic and modern colors! Don’t worry, I was a little hesitant at first as well with how exactly black and white could be re-done in a contemporary way, but I have a feeling you will love one, if not all of the potential ideas.

I’ve listed just a few ideas below. Now to just find a bride with this theme… 😉

D.I.Y. Do’s and Dont’s

More and more each year, there tends to be a growth in the number of “D.I.Y. Brides” on the wedding scene; which is completely understandable, weddings are expensive!

However, depending on the level of your craftiness and the exact look you’re going for, all these D.I.Y. Pinterest ideas you are seeing may just do more harm than good. Don’t get me wrong, Pinterest can be GREAT to serve for ideas and inspiration, but understanding exactly how in depth all these “Do It Yourself”  pictures you see are, is another thing. Besides that, if you knew just how much some of these projects actually cost, you may not be so inclined to DO it yourself!

So, to eliminate wanting to bash your head in during the DIY process, I’m going to share some tips and recommendations I have for do-able projects that may actually be worth it (Keeping in mind, all these things take TIME, so you can weigh yourself what is most important to you!) Because let’s be real, unless you personally have the time to become a professional baker or florist for example, some things are just plain and simply worth your money!  And sanity! 😉

Let’s start with some Do’s:

* Did you know you can watch YouTube tutorials on CALLIGRAPHY? You can watch multiple videos on a variety of different styles and fun fonts to learn.

*If you opt to go the open-air, PHOTO BOOTH route, with a bit of work, you can create a one of a kind space of your own.  The options really are endless.

 

* FAVOR BAR : This is another fun way for you to get creative, whether you bring in your favorite candies, snacks  or something personal that has meaning between the two of you. 

 

So be inspired! And if you’re going to get creative anywhere, I recommend doing it here!

Trending!! ~2014

At the start of each year, you can find quite a large handful of “What’s trending in 2014” articles when it comes to weddings. After reading and glancing over about a hundred of these, a few specific items stand out to me and I’ve decided to predict MYSELF, 3 items that will be big in 2014 🙂 I am personally in love with each of these and will be perfectly happy to see any come to life!

1. The DRESS ~ Intricate detail from Head to Toe!

2013 was certainly filled with low backs and beautiful details, but I think  2014 will take that to another level. The intricacy I have already seen in designs are breath-taking and not only on the back itself, but extending throughout the entire train as well. And why not? With a back that beautiful, why NOT continue it to the floor?? 🙂

2. Bold Colors and Patterns

I think there will be more design, and I would LOVE to see a bolder palette when it comes to tablescapes and linen options. This makes SUCH a huge statement in a room and the table cloth, runner and napkin options are endless!

3.  Visual Floral Appeal

When it comes to flowers and bouquets, I see a more modern twist happening; with lots of texture and visual appeal. This doesn’t mean you have to have some out of this world, crazy bouquet, but I do think there will be more modern touches in detail for even the more traditional bride. Succulents are the perfect example.

Kids or No Kids?

I often get the question, “Do I have to invite kids to my wedding?” or, “How do I kindly let people know to keep their kids at home?!”  Well ( without hopefully offending anyone, ) the answer is, this is YOUR wedding and it’s your right to have the people there that you want present. I’ve seen children behave wonderfully and not make a peep…I’ve also seen the opposite happen; screaming  during a couple’s vows, a cake almost getting knocked over, you name it.  You don’t have to feel mean or bad about it. The bottom line is, every extra head takes up more space, each costs more money in food, a chair rental, sash, etc. HOWEVER; there are some circumstances that you may not be able to get around or maybe you are fine having children attend. There ARE ways to minimize the craziness and to help things run as smoothly as possible. Take a look at some ideas or direction to take with guest’s children below:

 

Here is an example of a cute table specifically set apart for kids. Make their table FUN and enjoyable so they are happy staying put and staying busy with crafts, little trinkets, treats, etc. If you don’t have too many kids, they can each have an individual specified goody bag to be entertained with as well! 

 

 

This is a perfect example of a cute way to keep the kids busy while still having fun. Each table setting was complete with a disposable camera and a “scavenger hunt” type list of photo shots to find with their camera: a white dress, fancy flowers,etc