- A Copy of one of my favorite wedding references, OffBeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides
- Colie's Cookies fabulously delicious Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
- Bead for Life necklace and bracelet in blue
- Samples of my favorite teas
- .... and a few other little surprises!
Monday, December 13, 2010
AnitaWeds Giveaway: A Few of my Favorite Things!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Celebrating Good Deeds and Great Talent!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Bring a Little "Nerd" to Your Wedding!
Attention fellow nerds! Check out this post from Offbeat Bride if you're looking for a unique way to get the word out about your upcoming wedding.
Friday, December 3, 2010
It's Time for BEADS!! Stop by at my Bead for Life Open House this Sunday!
If you're considering Bead for Life jewelry for your wedding (for your bridal party, or as shower favors), or if you're just wondering what it's all about - I have good news for you:
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Illinois House Passed a Civil Unions Bill!
It has just been announced that the Illinois House of Representatives passed a Civil Unions bill. The bill now moves on to the Senate.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Beautiful Corsages for Your Wedding
Okay, I admit that, up until recently, the thought of a wrist corsage made me cringe. But that probably goes back to an incident a long time ago, when I went to a dance with a friend (I didn't think it was a date - we were going with a group of friends) and he presented me with a wrist corsage. I wanted to die. It didn't help that it was a big purple orchid and wearing it made me feel like someone's grandma.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Shoes That Make You Want to Dance!
I really enjoy the Rock N Roll Bride blog and happen to be a follower (stalker??).
- Feather vintage rhinestone clips made by Prettied These are to die for! (Just take a look at the picture!)
- Classy beaded hearts by Fink Shop
- Fun & funky sequin hearts by Mila Rose Designs
- Lovely red silk rosettes by Brydferth
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Q: What type of research do you do for ceremonies?
When discussing my work recently, I mentioned that I love having the opportunity to do research on a wide variety of topics. I was asked to describe the types of research I do for ceremonies.
- Chinese legend of the Red String
- Song lyrics from different artists, including Bjork, U2, Leonard Cohen, Beatles, Deathcab for Cutie, Frank Sinatra, Counting Crows & Journey
- Legal decisions
- Mongolian wedding customs
- Sports lingo - especially baseball
- Pagan holidays
- Verses from the Koran
- Cherokee blanket ceremony
- Secular versions of the traditional Jewish Seven Blessings
- Comic book couples
- Dialogue from movies, such as Twilight, Harold & Maude, Princess Bride, Star Wars & Reservoir Dogs
- Symbolism of flowers
- Vietnamese wedding traditions
- Sherlock Holmes
- Korean wedding rituals
- Disney characters & lines from movies
- Quotes about coffee
- Military language
- Impressionist painters
- German folk songs
- Capoeira, an Afro-Brazialian art form combining dance & martial arts
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Julies Get Married!
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of officiating the ceremony of Jule G. and Julie S. at Casa Royale in Des Plaines. But, to keep track of who we were talking about, they were known as Julie and Julene for the ceremony.
Julie and Julene are exchanging vows under this wedding canopy, known as a Chuppah in the Jewish tradition. The Chuppah represents shelter - the home the couple will build together, as well as the home each has built in their hearts for their beloved.
As you’ll notice, the sides are open, just as their home and arms will remain open to you, their family and friends.
The four poles correspond with the four directions - north, south, east and west - just as their love reaches to the four corners of the world.
At the end of the ceremony, we had planned for the traditional breaking of the glass. The only problem was that the glass that Julene had to step on was virtually unbreakable! She tried several times, and then Julie took a turn. Even Julene's son got in the act, but to no avail. After much laughter, Julene tried again, and the glass broke. Whew!
Julie and Julene, I really enjoyed being a part of your special day. After the struggles with that glass, the rest of your days should be smooth sailing!
I wish you and your family a lifetime of happiness and love!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sarah & Steve's Architectural Affair
Sarah & Steve were married last month at one of my favorite venues, Architectural Artifacts.
Friday, November 12, 2010
After the Wedding - What to do With All the Stuff
I just came across this great post at So You're Engayged and just had to share.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Patty & Jessica- continued
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Patty & Jessica's Rustic Barn Wedding
- Buckets of birdseeds for the guests to throw after the ceremony
- The button bouquet (made by Patty!) and coordinating button-aires for the guys
- Pitchers filled with citrus fruit as table decor, serving as the table markers
- Jars of jam as table decor - and guest favors
- An impossibly cute flower girl and ring bearer duo
- A wonderful wooden chest with a gorgeous quilt - a wedding gift for the couple!
- The gorgeous yellow, orange and green handfasting cord - also made by Patty
- Photo display with lots of great pictures of Patty & Jessica
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Green Weddings!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Story of Wish Upon a Wedding
It tells the story of Wish Upon a Wedding, and includes several of the couples who've received wedding wishes. Beth and Nick's wedding is featured, among others.
Please help spread the word about Wish Upon a Wedding.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Halloween Wedding Cakes!
With Halloween just around the corner, I thought I'd share some cool wedding cakes I found.
Just as a side note, I wanted to add that I appreciate the fact that these cakes have a minimum of black frosting. No one wants to eat black frosting when they're all gussied up. Trust me, I speak from experience.
The Corpse Bride Cake is courtesy of Pink Cake Box.
The cake with the dancing skeletons is from Cake Central.
The Nightmare Before Christmas cake was found at Halloween Wedding. Not only do I love this cake - based on one of my all-time favorite movies! - I love that there is a website dedicated to Halloween weddings!
Trick or treat!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Aaron & Nicole's Gorgeous Garden Wedding
Besides being in a gorgeous setting, the wedding had lots of wonderful details, which you can see in the photos here.
Of course, you know I went crazy when I saw the cupcakes! And look at those darling little birds on top. So adorable!
Each table had fresh flowers and greenery. Plus, questions for the guests to answer. What a great way to get people chatting!
My favorite part was that they made a donation to Operation Smile, in lieu of traditional guest favors. I just love it when couples give back to others! This definitely illustrates Aaron & Nicole's generous hearts.
Everything was so beautiful, especially the bride and groom. Just take a look at those gorgeous smiles! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
And for more pictures, taken by their great photographer, Kristin Kasperek, click here. Enjoy!
Monday, October 18, 2010
4th of July Wedding - Cowgirl Style!
I just saw these pictures at So You're Engayged and had to share.
The photos are from the 4th of July wedding of Monica and Tory. I just loved the little touches of country flavor. And check out those boots! Fabulous!
See more pictures and read about the wedding here.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Let Them Eat Cake!
I had the urge to share some more cake photos, so please bear with me. After a long day, I turned to one of my all-time favorite blogs, Cake Wrecks. This always provides me with a good laugh.
If you have been living in a cave and don't know about this site, you must immediately go there now!!
Or, drive over to your local book store or library and get the book. But I'm warning you, I stood by myself at Borders one afternoon, laughing out loud. It was a little embarrassing.
For the rest of you, I direct your attention to some very cool wedding cakes. These photos are from the post, Sunday Sweets: Fun Wedding Cakes. Check it our for more very fun cakes. I kinda have a thing for cakes with monsters or cute little ghosts (if you couldn't already tell), so that's what you're seeing here. Don't even get me started on zombie cakes!
And please be sure to visit the site. You absolutely cannot to miss the wedding cakes in the post Wedding Wrecks. These fall into the category of "Not Quite What We Wanted." You'll love the comparisons of the model cakes and the sad, inferior replicas.
Enjoy!