Teaser Tuesday

Erika and Austin were married on Saturday at the beautiful Old Mill. We were really lucky and the rain held off, so that the couple could have their intimate ceremony outside. They had asked a bridesmaid and groomsman to sing during the unity candle portion of their ceremony, which really added a personal touch! Guests enjoyed a delicious and plentiful menu created by Conner Catering and when it was time for their first dance, they had a bridesmaid sing the song, instead of playing a recorded version. Along with wedding cake, the couple chose an amazing cheesecake bar, which was a huge hit with their guests! Guests also enjoyed the photobooth which was provided by Wilmington Photo Booth Company. Electric Entertainment kept the dance floor packed all night long- it was a great day!!

Inspired Ideas {Buttons}

Buttons may be small, but they can have a big impact when incorporated into your wedding. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors so they can match and enhance just about any design scheme without overpowering it. Inexpensive and fun, buttons are an easy way to highlight the elements of the day that are most important to you. 

Show off your flair for fashion by dressing up your gown with buttons. Whether they're covered in satin or crystals, adorning the front or running down the back, there are so many different looks to explore. 

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Once you find your dream dress, accessorize it! Buttons can be found everywhere from jewelry to shoes. Top off any up do with this dainty clip or pair a vintage dress with these stylish heels. 

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Draw attention to your wedding party with the perfect bouquets and boutonnieres. Accentuate your florals with subtle button details...

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...or skip the flowers entirely and let the buttons be the center of attention. 

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Stationery is a great way to weave a theme through multiple aspects of your wedding. Start with Save-the-Dates and invitations and continue all the way to your thank you cards. You can choose pretty button graphics or embellish each piece with actual buttons to add color and dimension. 

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Keep the button motif going with your decor. Use buttons to write out table numbers or create monogrammed signage. 

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Affix them to place cards of unique displays. 

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Let your guests dine in style at tables that feature button runners, menus or napkin rings.

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Fill or wrap a mix of jars and vases with buttons to create centerpieces or decorative accents.

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Hanging decorations can really make your ceremony and reception stand out. Add buttons to bunting, garland or pinwheels, then display them down your aisle, on your chairs or from your venue's ceiling. 

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Serve up desserts that showcase buttons. From colorfully cute cupcakes to elegant tiered cakes, the options are endless. 

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And don't forget about candy. Use button shaped sweets or decorative labels to design a candy buffet that everyone will love. 

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Let your button theme last long after the night is over with special gifts for your guests. Select favors that look like buttons or simply include them in your wrapping. 

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No matter what look you're hoping to achieve on your wedding day, buttons are guaranteed to add a special touch to each and every detail.

-Laura

Jen's Wedding

Scott and I were married on October 29, 2012. I had always dreamed about a beautiful fall wedding. Instead, we encountered a crazy snowstorm that no one expected. We started our day by getting ready at the salon. All of my bridesmaids, my mom, and Scott's mom went to Fringe Salon in Southampton to have our hair and makeup done. Everything was great until I looked out the window. I was shocked by the amount of snow that was already on the ground and it was only 11:00am! We found out that the salon ended up losing power as soon as we left, so we were extremely lucky. 

The girls wore burgundy dresses. I loved how their flowers popped with all the fall colors. I wore a Maggie Sottero dress. Although it took me a while to finally choose a dress, I was so happy once I found this one. 

We had our ceremony at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Southampton. I had gone to grade school at OLGC and always wanted to get married there. We were so lucky that almost everyone made it to the wedding even with the crazy weather. It was a beautiful ceremony. I couldn't believe it when the priest announced us as husband and wife!

We then headed to Celebrations in Bensalem for our reception. We were enjoying cocktail reception when all of the sudden, Scott and I were called to the front of the room. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Then, we were surprised by the Philly Phanatic! It was amazing! All of our guests were dancing and taking pictures with the Phanatic. Scott's sister had arranged it as a surprise for us. It was so much fun and really got the party started!

After cocktail hour, we were introduced into the reception. We asked our bridal party to do something fun as they danced into the room. When our friends Casey and Joe were introduced, we heard cheers from inside. We didn't realize how amazing their entrance was until we got our wedding video. Joe slid under Casey's legs into the room. The sheer difficulty level (and how this could have ended very badly had he been a little off his aim), made this the best entrance.

One of my favorite moments of the night was our first dance. It really seemed like we were the only two people in the room. We danced to "I Do" by Dashboard Confessional. It was an amazing moment and one I will never forget.

We had a few personal touches to the reception. We included the wedding pictures of our parents and grandparents on the table with the place cards. Scott's grandmother and my Pop Pop had passed away during our engagement and we wanted to honor them. We also used the toasting glasses that have been in my mom's family for years. My grandparents, parents, and aunts and uncles used the glasses at their weddings as well. 

Our reception was so much fun. The food was delicious and the dance floor was packed the entire night. Several of our guests commented that they had never seen a more crowded dance floor. Scott and I were so lucky to have such an amazing day. Even with the snow, we were surrounded by our friends and family. We could not have asked for a better wedding day!

-Jen

Please Be Seated

After you spend hours trying to place your guests at tables for your reception, you want to make sure they can actually find their seat! Though traditional place cards are most common, there are endless creative ways you can have your guests take their seats. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity. 

Place Cards: Take a spin on the traditional place card and throw in some color or an image that matches your wedding. At this jockey and horse themed wedding, the couple added jockey shirts to the place cards to give it an extra touch. 

Erin and Rhett's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Bev Michel Photography

At The Table Setting: Sticking with the traditional place card idea, you can also put place cards at each table setting. This also assures each guest not only sits at a specific table but also at a specific chair. This can help make sure that no one moves around and that couples get to sit together. Plus, you can give grandma or your aunt a better view of you and the dance floor. 

Beth and Jon's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Campli Photography

In The Favors: Just like you would line up the place cards, you can also combine the favors and place cards into one piece. Guests can find their name in alphabetical order and pick up their favor with their seating number attached. It's also a simple way to make sure everyone gets their favor. 

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Keys: Pick up an old door at the salvage yard and hammer some nails into it and you're all set. Find some old keys in your attic or at a flea market or antique store and attach place cards to each. Hang them in alphabetical order so your guests can find the key to their seat. 

Amy and Sean's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Leave It To Me Photography

On A Board: Another way that often helps cut the cost and confusion, is a simple board display that lists each guest in alphabetical order with their table number following. Whether you get it professionally printed or do it yourself, it will get the job done. 

Erica and Gene's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Timeline Weddings

Chalk It Up: Going along with the board idea is the option to use a chalkboard. Again, just list the names in alphabetical order with their table numbers following. Using chalk also allows you to make any last minute changes to your seating chart right up until the day of. If you're not the best at writing with chalk, pick up chalkboard markers which write like a pen but come out looking like chalk- they're a life saver!

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Window Panes: Another common theme going around the wedding circuit is using old window panes as a backdrop to list your seating chart. You can write right on the glass with a dry erase marker or paint chalkboard paint right over the glass and use a chalkboard pen, whichever way you choose, it still makes for a creative and different approach. 

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Clothesline: If you want to simplify and save on paper supply this idea seals the deal for me. Perfect for an outdoor wedding, these act as fans, ceremony programs, menus and place cards! It's a true all in one piece and hanging from a clothesline just adds that extra touch. 

Casey and Will's Wedding
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

Whichever way you choose, just make sure to confirm the week of the wedding that your venue and their catering staff, your wedding planner, and you are all on the same page with the seating chart so there is no confusion or changes the day of. 

-Caitlin

Teaser Tuesday

Lauren and Peter's wedding story was one straight from a fairytale! The day began with the ladies being pampered at The Four Seasons by Dar Clinton and Cheekadee Makeup, and they looked absolutely lovely! The bride walked the dramatic aisle of St. John the Evangelist to meet her groom, and they were married in a heartfelt and emotional ceremony by her family's priest. Then, it was off to Cairnwood Mansion for a dreamy reception that later turned into quite the rockin' party! Guests admired the clouds of babies breath, sparkling crystals, and gold candelabras provided by Petals Lane. The food and drink was nonstop- guests were greeted with a champagne tower and raw bar, enjoyed a delicious dinner and were treated with a dessert buffet, chocolate fountain and a surprise of late-night cheesesteaks (butlered to the Rocky Theme song!), all provided by the incredible Jimmy Duffy's Catering. Synergetic Sounds and Lighting designed the lighting for the event and the courtyard looked so great with strands of lights overhead. CTO's Heat rocked the dancefloor- it was packed from the first song to the last! The always-awesome Tweed Weddings was on hand to capture everything on video, while Jennifer Childress Photography just nailed it with every single photo taken. Look at these teasers!!! There's a reason I love working with Jenn- she ALWAYS does these beautiful events justice! I can't wait to see the rest of the photos! This wedding was one of the most beautiful and fun weddings we've been involved with! Lauren and Peter (and their families and friends) were just a blast and we wish them the most fun on their South African honeymoon!!!

Clare and Anthony were married at the beautiful Sweetwater Farms. They had their ceremony outside behind the barn, with their reception following upstairs inside of the barn. They had beautiful flowers, created by Honeybunches, lining the tables with touches of burlap throughout. There was a rustic window that they used as their seating chart and a slideshow of pictures playing behind the bar for guests to enjoy. They ended the day by jumping in the pool onsite to cool down! Check out the teasers below taken by Jordan Hayman Photography- we can't wait to share the rest!!

Featured Bride Friday

Names of Bride & Groom: Lauren and Peter

Wedding Date: July 14th, 2012

Ceremony Location: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Philadelphia, PA

Reception Location: Cairnwood Estate, Bryn Athyn, PA

How did you and your fiance meet?: On vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Tell us about the proposal: Peter had been planning a trip for several months, but wouldn't tell me where we were going (despite my nagging). I thought this was somewhat suspicious, and talked to my mother about it. My mom is quite sneaky, however, and convinced me not to expect anything "big" on the vacation because Peter hadn't "asked her permission" yet. This totally threw me off since I knew how traditional Peter is and knew he'd definitely ask my mother for permission before asking me to marry him. On the way to the airport on the day of the vacation, Peter told me we were going to Italy- starting in the town of Bellagio on Lake Como, then traveling to Florence, Venice and Milan! We had been to Italy in September 2009 during our first trip to Europe, so I was ecstatic to go back and totally forgot about my suspicions. The second day in Bellagio, Peter suggested a hike through the towns around Lake Como. As a reprieve from the hike, we stopped to take pictures at a bluff overlooking the Lake. Peter began telling me a story about this time he went to brunch with my mom when he was in Philadelphia...when he actually asked for permission from her! When I turned back around, Peter was down on one knee and proposed to me with the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever seen! Fun fact: Unbeknownst to Peter, June 3rd is also the date of my Grandmother's wedding anniversary. 

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: We don't have a "theme" per se , and we don't have a "color scheme" either. We both knew we wanted our wedding to be elegant, romantic, and traditional, but we also wanted it to be fun, so we didn't want to stick to a formula and would rather let our vision grow organically along with Erin's help. We envisioned an upscale, al fresco dinner party with fabulous food, followed by an all-out dance party with a live band. I'm pretty excited to see it all come together on the day of the wedding!

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Looking at all of the pretty pictures for inspiration on various wedding websites and blogs. I also loved wedding dress shopping!

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Planning out our menu. Definitely. 

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Seeing my fiance at the end of the aisle as I walk towards him and knowing that I'll be his wife. We're not doing a First Look- we're very traditional in that respect- so I bet that walk will be emotional. 

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: If I were to ask him, he would probably say he's looking forward to just being married, but deep down I know he's most excited for the awesome food and the spectacular band! 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Does anyone ever NOT answer "Erin from Proud to Plan!"? If so, they're crazy. Erin has been an absolute blessing while planning this wedding and I definitely could not do it without her. Other than Erin, I really clicked with Brittany from Petals Lane the first time I met her and I could not possible be more excited for our flowers! Bernadette from Jimmy Duffy's Catering has also been amazing to work with. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: I'm definitely worried that it's going to rain, but like Erin says (via Outkast) "You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't control the weather."

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: We're going to Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, for one week of relaxing on the beach. After that, we're heading to South Africa for a 5-day safari at a luxury resort in Kruger National Park. We both cannot wait!

To Smash or Not to Smash

Time for cake cutting!

Casey and Will's Wedding
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

The whole day has gone according to plan and now you get to have a little fun with dessert, but when it come to the cake cutting there are just a few things to consider

Think of your personality as a couple, and individually...playful or traditional? Do you want to surprise your guests with something they're not expecting?

Devon and John's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Michael's Photography

In my experience, both as a coordinator and as a guest, cake cutting is a very memorable part of the wedding. Besides how the bride and groom decide to serve their frosting covered dessert to each other, the cake cutting song can help set the stage as well. Here are a couple titles you may consider:

Sugar, Sugar by the Archies

The Sweetest Thing by U2

Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar

How Sweet It Is by James Taylor

I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher

That's Amore by Dean Martin

Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations

I Can't Help Myself by The Four Tops

Grow Old With You by Adam Sandler

Happy Together by The Turtles

Now, the moment of truth, to be naughty or nice, to smash the cake or not to? That is the question.

Tracy and Miki's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Sharyn Frenkel Photography

One thing to consider and is, what comes to the forefront of my mind, is the dress. If you plan to smash, keep a napkin near, and make sure your groom is mindful that smashing cake into your mouth is fine, just not onto the dress. 

Spontaneity is also welcomed here. You've planned every detail of the day, why not surprise yourself with this! We always have wet wipes on hand in case you decide to go for it. 

I was part of my cousin's bridal party, and everyone expected my jokester cousin to shove cake in his bride's face, but instead he smashed it in his own and kissed her. Nice twist to the night, cute move and something that has stayed with me. 

I've also seen cake wars, which offers guests a great time, and a fun little break for the bride and groom. Not to mention a frosted kiss at the end. 

Melissa and Carl's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

No matter what you decide or surprise your fiance with, you both get an even tastier kiss in the end, with or without cake on your face. 

-Gina

Teaser Tuesday

Sarina and Dave's wedding day was hot, but their party was completely cool! The couple prepped for the big day at the Hyatt Penns Landing with hair by Maureen and makeup by Janet at Face the Occasion. Then, we all went to St. Augustine's Church to see them married in a beautiful ceremony. Afterwards, Tony Duca of Duca Studios, took the gang around the city for pictures. Finally, we all ended up at an amazing reception courtesy of Cescaphe Ballroom and Center Stage Entertainment! Brittany from Petals Lane did an awesome job on the florals- the candlelight twinkling in the crystals was so romantic and beautiful! The room looked incredible!

Our second wedding on Saturday was Jennifer and Jeremy's at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. They were married by Bob Pileggi from Journeys of the Heart in front of 40 of their closest friends and family. Petals Lane created a beautiful arch that became the focal point of the ceremony. After finishing up their pictures, they headed to Paradiso Restaurant to celebrate. The centerpieces, also created by Petals Lane, were a perfect mix of pinks, corals and whites and was flanked with lots of candlelight. Joe from DJ's Available had the dance floor packed all night long and Asya Photography captured all of the fun! The bride and groom treated their guests to a midnight snack of soft pretzels that were in the shape of the Love Statue! It was a huge hit!

Featured Bride Friday

Names of Bride & Groom: Clare and Anthony

Wedding Date: July 14th, 2012

Ceremony and Reception Location: Sweetwater Farm in Glen Mills, PA

How did you and your fiance meet?: I had heard great things about the new neighbor, Anthony, who had moved in next door to my sister, Penny, in Trolley Square in the spring of 2006. I was living in Dallas at the time, and didn't meet him until a trip home for the holidays later that year. I will never forget the first time I met Anthony...he sleepily answered the door one morning to me bothering him for a key to get into Penny's house. Without saying much, he handed me the key and quickly shut the door. I happily let myself into Penny's house and moments later, a more fully-clothed, Anthony appeared. He apologized for being rude, and sat down to chat with me for a while. I remember being blown away by how friendly and outgoing he was, and we quickly became friends. Our friendship grew from afar through email, phone & travel. I eventually moved back to Delaware and we became a couple in January 2009...the rest is history!!

Tell us about the proposal: After a particularly long week of work for Anthony, we decided to lay low and grab some dinner at the Half Moon in Kennett Square. Initially, Anthony hadn't planned on proposing that night, but he did have the ring and was waiting for the right moment. Life can be busy and complicating, but Anthony and I have always savored nights like that...great food, drink, music and company. By the time we got home, Anthony had decided that it was "the night", and suggested that we take our first night swim in our pool. Before we went outside, I unknowingly said "if you ever propose, I hope it's on a night like tonight." I obviously had no clue what was about to happen. We headed outside with 2 glasses of wine, our dog Rocky and jumped in! I wanted the pool light off, but the darkness made Anthony's plan a little difficult. Cue Rocky: while swimming we heard a crash- the dog had knocked over one of our wine glasses. There were shards of glass all over the love seat in the deep end. Ant eagerly jumped out to turn the pool light on, so we could clean up the mess. As I was picking the last piece up, Ant said that he saw another shard at the bottom of the deep end. In my mind I was thinking "he is going to cut himself at the bottom of the pool", so I was really shocked when he popped back up holding a ring, and asked me to marry him. I think I kept saying "is this for real?", but eventually said YES!!! What a perfectly, unperfect night!

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: Rustic & Romantic (and "Life is Good")

What has been your favorite part of planning?: My favorite part about the planning hasn't really been the planning at all... Other than getting to marry my best friend, I have really enjoyed bringing our two friend groups and families together. It will make the wedding that much more fun now that everyone knows each other!

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: That its almost over- haha!

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Seeing Anthony for the very first time- he will look so handsome and he has such a calming effect on me!

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: To quote him: "Seeing how beautiful you look at the reveal and then the cocktail hour and the initial celebration with friends and family."

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: That's a tough call, we have awesome vendors! Erin has been amazing to keep me focused and organized. My photographer, Jordan Hayman, is so talented and a super cool guy, Honey Gorny of Honeybunches Floral has been so much fun, and Lisa Benigni at 12th Street Catering has just been a visionary blessing throughout this process!!

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: 100 degree, humid weather!

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: We have spent a lot of time to have many personalized touches: Instead of a typical guestbook, we had a digital artist create a tree that has our initials carved into the trunk. Guests will stamp a leaf and sign their names. At the bottom it says "Davis family planted on July 14, 2012". My mum made so many details from custom burlap table runners, to a "thank you" banner, to our heart-shaped birdseed favors, and mossy letters "A & C" to decorate our sweetheart table. Also, since Anthony is a cigar guy, we have also been collecting cigar boxes that our florist will use for our flower arrangements down our family-style tables. I'm also pretty excited about the crepe station that our caterer didn't bat an eye at creating for us!

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Exhilarated, Happy, Tired!

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: We can't wait for our honeymoon...we'll spend 2 weeks in Napa, Maui and Kauai!