Monday, May 31, 2010

Questionable Cake Decor


This cracks me up every time I see it!

My friends found this cake topper -or should I say cake "topless" - at a garage sale. They couldn't resist bringing it home, and boy am I glad they did!


Did someone actually put this on a cake at some point? I guess they thought the large bow and necklace would hide the fact that the bride is semi-naked.

Oh well, who am I to judge....

Friday, May 28, 2010

Getting Married? Blog About it!


One of the couples I'm marrying this summer, Carol & Matt, have a blog that I thought was so cool!

It's called (surprise!) Carol and Matt.com and is devoted to their upcoming wedding. The site has lots of helpful information for wedding guests, as well as amazing photos of the couple. I love that a bunch of their photos were taken in Uptown, right by the Riviera Night Club - scene of their first date.

I just love these people!

They're also writing about the wedding planning process, which is a fun behind-the-scenes peek that friends & family don't normally get to see.

So..... if you're planning a wedding and can manage to find the time, (how DO you do it, you guys?) look into putting together your own wedding blog. You can do it for almost nothing - just register your domain name and go! You can also use a blogging site, such as blogger, which offers templates, so it's super-easy.

I bet your friends would get a kick out of it. And so would your Aunt Marge!

Now get going! And thanks to Carol & Matt for the inspiration. I can't wait for your wedding! Only 78 more days ...... I know, because your website told me so!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Jamie & Eric's Wedding - A Bride's Tell-All Memoir

Tell-all memoir? Maybe I'm exaggerating a little. Okay, maybe a lot.

Jamie and Eric were married in April at the Catalyst Ranch..... as we know, one of my favorite spots - EVER!

I would have loved to write a delightful and witty description of their festivities, but it's already been done. There's no way that I even come close to the write-up done by.... (drum roll, please).... none other than the fabulous bride herself.

Suffice it to say that I truly adore this couple and was so happy to be a part of their day. I smile every single time I think of them!
So, here it is! Read Jamie's wonderful and witty blog post.

Just pretend you read all about it here first. Humor me.


P.S. -
I "borrowed" (or stole) this photo from her post. Thanks, Jamie!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Marci & Zach's Outdoor Ceremony


Last weekend I had the honor of marrying a wonderful (and fun!) couple in an outdoor ceremony at the Hickory Ridge Marriott in Lisle.

Marci and Zach's ceremony took place at the pavilion in a little wooded alcove on a hill, in front of a beautifully decorated trellis. It was the perfect spot for a ceremony! The area was decorated with paper lanterns and the walkway was accented with pictures of the couple from childhood to recent times.

The ceremony began with great music - "Lean on Me" for the bridal party's entrance and "Stand By Me" for the bride. The very long aisle was soggy from the heavy rainfall, but the bridesmaids still had a sway in their steps!

Marci and Zach incorporated a handfasting ritual, in which their mothers took turns wrapping and unwrapping the cord. The ceremony was punctuated with laughter and smiles - it was such a joy! It ended with a kiss, and the couple walking back down the aisle to Queen's "You're My Best Friend," which I still cannot get out of my head!

Best wishes to you, Marci and Zach! Ten-Four!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

A Surprise Birthday Celebration

As a Celebrant, I am of course a big fan of any type of celebration.

So, I just had to share this video posted on Andrew Sullivan's blog. Watch as Danish bus driver, Mukhtar, is surprised by many birthday wishes.

It's impossible not to smile! Actually, it made me cry!

Enjoy!


Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Q & A: What the Heck is a Celebrant???

Question for the Day: What is a Celebrant?

I have had a few blank stares when I tell people that I'm a Celebrant.

So, to shed some light on the subject, here is a video from the Celebrant Foundation explains our role nicely.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

The Robots Are Taking Over!!

Newsflash! Here is a video of the first wedding officiated by a robot.

Even though the ceremony is in Japanese and I didn't understand a word of it, I was intrigued/disturbed when I heard the robot "speaking."

Is the voice of a 6-year-old girl really the best they could do??


Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The First Lady's First Gown


A few weeks ago my family went on a vacation to Washington, D.C. I've always wanted to take a trip to D.C. and ours definitely lived up to my expectations. I had a ball!

One of my "must-sees" (on the list just after the National Portrait Gallery) was the gown Michele Obama wore to the inaugural ball. The dress, along with the other First Ladies' gowns, is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

As the daughter of a seamstress, I have a great appreciation for dresses. While I'm not overly enamored with the idea of wearing a fancy frock, I sure do like seeing them!

Yep, I'm one of those folks who watches the award shows to see the clothes - not the actual awards.

So, it was a big thrill to see the gowns worn by the First Ladies. Some were stunning, such as the sleeveless pink gown worn by Mamie Eisenhower for the 1953 inauguration. It had over 2,000 rhinestones!

Others were just surpr
ising - not for their impressiveness, but for the lack thereof. Such as the pale green dress that zippered up the front, worn by Betty Ford to state dinners at the White House. Zipper? In the front??? I know my mother would not have approved!

Michelle's dress was so beautiful up close! I know it caused a stir with the one strap (gasp!) But I can attest to the fact that it was lovely.

It was fantastic to see the dress on display with the actual jewelry she wore with it. Those long earrings were gorgeous. And check out that honkin' big ring just below. You could easily visualize how sparkly and spectacular she was that night!

I was left wondering whether her dress has inspired wedding gown look-alikes. I guess that was a "Duh!" on my part. Of course there are!

Here is one
by Sarah Houston .
You, too, can be the First Lady for one day!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Audey Designs: Fun & funky dresses for fun & funky YOU!

This is the fabulous Fall 2010 collection from local designer, AUDEY.

I saw her gorgeous designs at IndieWed and loved, Loved, LOVED them!

My favorites are the dresses with the colored petticoats worn by the ballerinas.
I just adore that flouncy splash of color!




P.S. - Jess Audey donates a portion of each sale to a charitable organization.
This quarter the donation is going to EqualityNow.org. Very cool!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Delicious Cake Dilemma



Why does Martha keep taunting me?

I try not to like her, but I keep finding these fabulous wedding tidbits on her website. I think she's doing it on purpose. Seriously.

Well, I guess I'll just have to suffer with my dilemma..... while I drool over these luscious desserts - Light and Frothy Cakes. The name alone is killing me!

I'm flipping over this crepe cake idea. Just imagine it with a creamy chocolate filling between the layers...... and maybe a strawberry sauce. Oh man, I'm drooling!

And then there's the mouth-watering coconut cake. Help me!

Actually, years ago, I never thought I was a fan of coconut cake. And then I had a slice of heavenly coconut deliciousness for dessert at the Tiki Terrace restaurant. It changed my life
!

So go ahead and check out Martha's website for these fabulous cakes. And get ready to have a serious cake craving!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Erin & Nate's Wedding - Bagpipes and Tartan Ties!


Yesterday was a lovely day for a wedding - despite the rain! Erin and Nate were married in a ceremony at the Naper Settlement chapel. I was really excited about this ceremony, as it allowed me to do more research into pagan rituals and holidays. I found it all so fascinating and I've been quite taken with the beauty and richness of the rituals.

I love my job!!! (sorry, I had to let that out!)

It was May 1st, known as May Day, which is also the Pagan holiday known as Beltaine. It's the day the fairies awake from their slumber and the curtains between the earthly world and the magical
world are most translucent. It's a day that celebrates rebirth, life.... and love. A great day for a wedding!

The groom and his groomsmen were handsome in their tuxes, with the added detail of tartan ties. Very dashing! A bagpiper played as the bridal party entered and then led the beautiful bride and her father down the aisle. This was my first experience (as a Celebrant) with bagpipes included in the ceremony. It was truly breathtaking!

The ceremony included a handfasting ritual, in which their friend Jan handled the cord duties. She also made her own blessing, which was a lovely touch.

The ceremony ended with the bagpiper leading the way. When the couple walked down the chapel stairs, they were greeting by their friends and family waving colorful ribbons. I don't think anyone even noticed the drops of rain.

Congratulations, Erin and Nate! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!