Lisa and Chris' Wedding

Lisa and Chris were married in November at St Philip Neri Church in Philadelphia. Lisa and her bridesmaids started their day by getting their hair done by Meghan of Hair by Meghan. Their color scheme featured fall colors of brown and mixes of oranges and reds. Chris' daughter served as flower girl an adorable wand. The florals, created by Susan Essick, complemented the color scheme perfectly! After their traditional Catholic ceremony, guests headed over to The Downtown Club for the reception. The ballroom was uplit in amber and added a lot of warmth to the room. Each guest table was named after neighborhoods in Philadelphia and in lieu of favors, the coupled made a donation to their favorite charity. When it was time to get the party started, Renaissance Orchestra, did just that! Martin's Video was on hand to capture all of the fun and was kind enough to sent us a link to their video recap. A huge thank you to Jordan Hayman Photography for sending us these wonderful images!

Congratulations Lisa and Chris!

Featured Bride Friday

Names of Bride & Groom: Lauren and Philip

Wedding Date: May 12th, 2012

Ceremony and Reception Location: Cescaphe Ballroom

How did you and your fiance meet?: In my aunt's living room when I was 15 and Phil was 19. Phil was my older cousin's best friend. 

Tell us about the proposal: Phil was supposed to be up in Philadelphia for school (and had called me "from Philly" earlier in the day). He then told me that my dog was sick and that I should go home early. So, around 6pm, I walked out of my office and turned to go down the metro escalator. Of course I had my head in my blackberry and was so tuned out to the world. As I started to walk to go down the escalator, I heard someone shout something and then footsteps running towards me. Being that it had happened before, I thought that there was a homeless person chasing me so I ran until I reached a wall and couldn't run any further. I then looked up and saw Phil but it didn't really register. He got down on one knee and proposed but I was still so shook up from the incident that I said 'no'. Of course, a couple seconds later my wits returned and I kissed him and said yes. 

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: We have a Philadelphia theme. The wedding is in Philly but we have lived in Washington, DC for years now and just love being able to incorporate all of the Philly details. The table names are names of historic Philly places and the table cards include a 1940s hand colored picture of the historic place. We also have cheesesteak and soft pretzel party favors, a Philly Phanatic ice sculpture and "Philly-themed" entrance music (Philadelphia Freedom for parents, Motown Philly for the bridal party and the Fresh Prince theme song for the bride and groom). 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Seeing how excited my mom is when I tell her about the details. 

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: He plans stuff?

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Dancing and eating (although that might be the same as everyday)!

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Definitely dancing. I probably should bring some extra shirts for all of the sweat...

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Erin and Lisa of Proud to Plan and Tony and Amy of Hoffer Photography. They have all made us so comfortable and are so easy to talk to!

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Tripping. I am extremely clumsy. Since we are taking our pictures before the ceremony outdoors, I could totally see myself tripping in the grass and showing up to the ceremony covered in grass stains. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: The Philly-themed details and the eclectic groups of people. 

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Tired, reminiscent, happy

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Thailand and Cambodia. We figured we didn't have too many opportunities to go half way around the world to some exotic location and didn't want to pass it up. There will be a mix of site-seeing, beach-bumming and sampling of exotic foods. 

Inspired Ideas {Silhouettes}

Silhouettes are a fun and simple addition to any wedding. They can be featured in so many ways and complement a variety of styles from vintage to modern.

One of the easiest ways to get started with a theme like silhouettes is through your stationery. Save the Dates and invitations are the first things your guests will see, so choose a look that will help capture the wedding day you have planned. And don't forget about the packaging. Send them in envelopes with special touches like customized address labels or even stamps.

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When the big day arrives, add a little flair to your wedding party's look with some stylish accessories. Cameo pins are a wonderful choice for the girls. They can be used as accents on clutches or even bouquets. Silhouette cufflinks are a great option for the guys and would match any suit or tux. 

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Be sure to incorporate your theme into your ceremony as well. Silhouettes can be found on items ranging from aisle runners to ring pillows. Fans, like the ones below, are ideal for outdoor weddings. Opt to print your program materials on the other side of them and you'll be able to keep your guests cool and informed at the same time. 

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Key decor elements can also help showcase and design concept. These moss silhouettes can be hung on your ceremony or reception doors. Bunting can line the aisles or hang from tables, while mason jars can be used as vases or votive holders.

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At the reception, style your tables with silhouette themed place settings, table numbers or even runners.

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Signage is another simple way to include silhouettes. Help guests find their way with a cool seating chart or highlight your sweetheart table with personalized chair signs. 

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Cocktail hour is always a hit, but extra details like these straws or coasters will make it even more of a success.

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These thumbprint guest books are the perfect way to tie in silhouettes and remember everyone who celebrated with you long after your wedding day has passed.

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Keeping everyone happy and entertained is important. Games are perfect for outdoor cocktail hours or backyard weddings. You can even hire an artist to create silhouettes of your guests.

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Use oval frames as props for silhouette inspired poses or even create an entire wall with silhouette patterns for group photo ops. 

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As the night winds down, it will be time for dessert. You can incorporate silhouettes into the design of your entire cake...

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...or just the topper.

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Give your guests a little something to remember your day. With options ranging from cameo cookies, to custom wine labels, to these incredible apples, it's easy to find favors that feature silhouettes. 

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And finally, end the night on a high note with a send off using these sparklers and matches in silhouette packaging.

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Choose the details and ideas that inspire you the most and add your open personal touches to create a silhouette themed wedding that's perfect for you!

-Laura

Gift Ideas for 1st Anniversary

It seems that when it comes to gift giving, everyone has a different style or approach to it. Some people are more sentimental and therefore like giving sentimental gifts, some are more practical and others will wait until the last minute. Regardless of the type of gift giver you are, when it comes to picking something to give your spouse to celebrate your first anniversary, you want it to be perfect.

Paper is the traditional gift choice for a first anniversary, and if you choose to follow the yearly "traditional" gifts, you have a lot of options.

A love letter is always a nice gift. If you want to take it a step further, have it printed and framed. You could write a poem or if you're not a master of words, buy a book of poetry that says what you want to say better than you ever could.

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Framing the front page of a newspaper from your wedding date and the town you were married in would be simple, but a nice way to commemorate it. You could also do this with your first date. And if you wanted to take it a step further, you could do this for a number of important dates and put them in a box and create your own time capsule to look back on.

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A scrapbook that chronicles your first year as husband and wife would make a great gift. You could fill it with pictures, love notes and all of the things that are important to the two of you. Not only will it be a meaningful gift when you give it, but it will be great to look back on years later.

Tickets to a concert or sporting event are a fun option. It's a "paper" gift, but also provides you with a fun activity to do together and a way to create new memories. For my first wedding anniversary, I got my diehard Red Sox fan husband tickets to see the Sox play the Yankees at Fenway. It was a paper gift that led to an awesome day.

Whatever your approach to gift giving- if you want to stick to the tradtional gift of "paper", there is a great option for you!

-Becky

Teaser Tuesday

Wedding season is in full swing and Teaser Tuesday is back! We had two weddings this weekend in Delaware, read on below to see some teasers from the couples' photographers. 

Roberta and Allen had a perfect wedding day! With a great team of vendors and the gorgeous backdrop of Winterthur Estate, they'd be hard pressed not to! Their purple and silver palette coordinated beautifully with the springtime blooms of the estate and Tami Melissa Photography captured every detail perfectly as the day unfolded. As the sun set and the reception kicked into high gear, Kyle and Jim from Synergetic Sound and Lighting, got every guest on the dancefloor. The white drape framed the dance area and the amber uplighting created a warm glow. The cake by Liz Marden and the amazing florals by Petals Lane were enjoyed by the guests and were a perfect complement to the stationery we created. 

Tiffany and Len had a fabulous party! The weather in Rehoboth Beach was touch and go all week, but they ended up having great weather! The ceremony at All Saints Church was funny and very touching, and afterwards, the bridal party was able to get some great photos on the beach and boardwalk. Salero Restaurant, on the top floor of the Henlopen Hotel, has amazing beach views and provided a perfect location for an awesome party! The coral florals by South Pacific Florists were beautiful and really popped against the silver linens. Salero resident DJ Mike spun tunes while guests danced the night away! The highlight of the evening was a slideshow of photos Rob Korb put together from earlier in the day while Matt from Buerhaus Design caught it all on film. The photos were great- I can't wait to see the rest!

Bridal Hairstyles

As a bride, your decision on a hairstyle for your wedding day is just as important as the dress. There are so many styles and choices; an up-do, all down, half up, loose and flowy, tight and formal, etc. It all depends on the look that you want to portray.

Jennifer and Eddy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Justin & Mary Photography

As a bridesmaid, unless the bride has a specific hairstyle in mind, you will want a hairstyle that fits with the theme of the wedding. For example, if it is a formal wedding, you might want to go with a fancier up-do. For a more casual wedding, a half up loose curled style would look nice. Also, keep in mind the type of dress you are wearing. A formal gown looks best with a fancier hairstyle. 

Photo provided by Meghan Cahill

Check out the internet and magazines for inspiration when you are thinking about your hairstyle. Bring these pictures to your hair stylist, so she understands what you are looking for. Also, keep in mind your veil or headpiece that you are plan on wearing. 

I spoke with Philadelphia area hair stylist, Meghan Cahill, from Hair by Meghan, to get some tips from a pro!

1. Have you seen any bride/bridesmaids hairstyles that are popular this past year (up-do's, braids, curls)?

The most popular styles this year, I would say, is the loose side bun and it is also one of my favorites.

2. Do you recommend a hair trial? 

I definitely recommend a hair trial. It gives the bride a chance to meet who she will be working with the day of and explore options on how she wants to wear her hair. 

3. How should I have my hair the day of the wedding before getting it styled (clean, dirty, curled, straight)?

I always tell my bride it is up to them. I know a lot of stylists like to work with "dirty hair" but I like to tell my bride she can shower and wash her hair in the morning and I can always dirty it up with lots of products. 

4. Any advice for brides when choosing a hairstyle?

I know there are a lot of trendy looks out there but I would say go for the classics. Half-up, low bun, loose curls pulled back; these are all looks that will be in style when you are looking back at your pictures in 10 years. 

Devon and Mike's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Ryan Estes

A few more tips to keep in mind to get your hair ready for the big day:

-If you are the bride, be sure to schedule a hair trial so you can try out your wedding do before the wedding day. 

-Don't change your hair color right before the wedding. Try it out a few months prior. If you don't like the new color, there is still time to change it back before the wedding. Same with drastic cuts, don't try out a new style or bangs the week before your wedding. 

-Trim your hair 2 weeks prior to the wedding day. 

-If you color/highlight your hair, try to do this 2 weeks before the wedding. 

-Nicole

Featured Bride Friday

Names of Bride and Groom: Joanne and Matthew

Wedding Date: April 28th, 2012

Ceremony Location: Saint Patrick's Church

Reception Location: Memorial Hall at the Please Touch Museum

How did you and your fiance meet?: We met at a 4th of July party on our friends' roof deck in Philadelphia. My best friend and Matt's best friend had been dating for 3 or 4 years but we had never crossed paths until that 4th of July at their party.

Tell us about the proposal: First of all, I was completely shocked. I was not expecting it- AT ALL. We were spending our usual weekend in Dewey Beach with all of our closest friends and having our typical sunset happy hour on the beach, just hanging out like we always do when Matt asked me to go for a walk. I thought it was funny that he wanted to leave everyone and go for a walk, especially since it started to drizzle a tiny bit, but the three of us, Matt, Andre (his 12 year-old chocolate lab) and I went anyway. We walked for a little bit and then Matt pointed out something in the sand, it said MF+JF? written in a big heart. I looked down at it and next thing I knew he was on his knee proposing! My new initials will be JF, so that's why he wrote it with a question mark, instead of MF+JA which we have written in the sand before and have a framed photograph of. What was the most special about this was that 2 of our friends had "gone on a walk" before us and photographed the ENTIRE thing!!! It was then an instant party since our friends were there and the most amazing day of my life. I will never forget it. 

What is the overall theme for your wedding?: I really didn't want to have a theme, especially since Memorial Hall is such a gorgeous building and I didn't want to take anything away from that. Because it is Spring, I really just want the florals to stand out. We have selected a more garden variety in all shades of pink. I'm excited to see what our florist, TableArt, creates. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: All of it! Especially shopping for my dress and picking out the save-the-dates and invitations. 

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Both tastings- the dinner and especially the Isgros Cake. 

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Celebrating with ALL of our friends and family and creating unforgettable memories with Matt.

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: He said seeing me for the first time in my dress. 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Of course Erin! She is the best and on top of EVERY single detail. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Logistics- getting everyone where they should be, when they should be there, but really I don't need to worry about that because Erin will be there. Other than that, we are hoping most of our flower girls and ring bearers make it down the aisle somewhat uneventfully. There are 8 kids total from ages 2-9 so it's going to be chaotic but cute. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: That it's for Matt and I!

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel the day AFTER the wedding: Exhausted, excited for the honeymoon and SO happy that we just had an amazing wedding day!

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Hawaii- Kauai and the Big Island as well as a short trip to Napa on the way to Hawaii. 

Anything else you'd like to share?: So excited for the big day to get here!