Christina and John's Wedding

Christina and John were married on a gorgeous day in September at the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey. For Christina and her bridesmaids, the day started off with hair and makeup done by The Little Touches and everyone looked fantastic! Their wonderful ceremony was held in front of the shark tank, which made for an awesome backdrop. We created their day of stationery, which included their programs, reserved signs and table number tents. We matched the stationery to their color scheme, which was black and purple with touches of damask. Eventricity also matched the color scheme perfectly with Christina's deep purple calla lilly bouquet. Guests danced the night away thanks to Magical Sight and Sound and even got to enjoy a photo booth provided by Go Festive! Christina and John chose to have a cupcake tower instead of a traditional wedding cake and Christina surprised John with an amazing groom's cake that looked just like an Xbox console and controller! They were both created by Philly Cake Art and were as delicious as they looked. A huge thanks to Artistic Imagery for the beautiful images below!

Congratulations Christina and John!  

Bridal Undergarments

When it comes to planning for your wedding, one of the most exciting parts is shopping for that perfect dress. But not everyone thinks about what goes under the dress. 

Depending on the type of dress you get, you may or may not need a bra or you may be able to get one built into the dress. If you decide to go the bra route, there are a number of options.

A bustier is a nice option if you want to be sucked in and pushed up a bit. They make bustiers with low backs that won't be seen, no matter how low cut the back of your dress is. 

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Another option is a strapless bra. If you don't need the coverage a bustier provides, or your dress doesn't allow for it, a simple strapless bra could be perfect. Although if your dress is a halter, or has some thin straps or straps that cross in the back, a convertible strapless is a nice option since you can use the straps in any way to suit your dress and, in the process, give yourself some extra support.

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If your dress is too low in the back for anything, or you don't want it to be seen through your dress, a backless strapless bra, like this one, might be perfect for you. Remember to talk to your seamstress when you go for your fitting, they can recommend a perfect bra for your dress. Also remember that once you are fitted in your dress with a specific bra, that's the bra you will need on your wedding day! You don't want you dress to not fit correctly because there is a different bra underneath.

When it comes to panties, it all depends on what you're comfortable with and what your dress allows for. If you have a very fitted gown you might be better off with a thong or something seamless. If your dress doesn't limit you, go with what you're comfortable with! You can go with a classic bikini or boy shorts, lacey ones are or embroider panties with "Mrs", or something cute.

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If you want your dress to appear a bit fuller you may want to consider a crinoline, petticoat or hoopskirt, as it will help fluff out the bottom of your dress. You can also make it a bit more fun by dying it to match your color scheme or personality.

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-Becky

Wedding Tip Wednesday

I spend most nights doing some sort of craft, since it's my favorite way to spend my alone time. My crafting kicks into high gear especially during the winter because I am not a fan of cold weather! Now that Pinterest has entered my life, I have no shortage of crafts to do. This tutorial popped up on my Pinterest home page about a month ago and I cannot wait to try it!

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I LOVE blue mason jars but the real ones always seem to have a higher price tag at the antique and thrift stores I shop at. I've seen them as low at $7 to as high as $12, and since you can buy brand new clear ones for as low as $1 a jar, this tutorial is perfect for making cute decor on a budget! Making my own pretty blue mason jars (or any other color, as you'll see in the tutorial) is my idea of a perfect craft night. I think that these would be a perfect option for lining a ceremony aisle. You could fill the jars with flowers or even with candles! Or maybe on your cocktail tables and bars or even line a path outside with candles inside. So many things you can do with these. I'll be sure to share my results when I finish them! Do you have any crafts- wedding related or not- planned? 

-Lisa

What to Wear for Your Engagement Pictures

"What would you suggest we wear for our session?" is what many photographers hear often from about every couple involving their own individual engagement sessions. Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer, and for that photographer to get to know you as a couple. On your actual wedding day, you will feel more comfortable around your photographer, and the photographer can take images that better show your personalities and relationship.

Consider the location where you'll be shooting and the mood you want to create, and then pick the perfect outfits to match. Some suggestions on what to wear for your session are:

• Wear something comfortable. If you're not comfortable, it will be noticeable in the pictures.
• It's best not to wear tight jeans or other tight clothes that could restrict movement or show curves that you don't want to show.
• Wear clothes that are on the same level of dressiness. Don't dress up and have your fiance wear their everyday street clothes. Coordinate your clothing with each other and wear similar shades that go together. Choose clothes that look best on you, but don't be too matchy.
• Wear something you love, and make sure it's "you". Choosing clothing that compliments your personality, will make it shine through the photographs.
• Avoid trendy clothing. This will date your photos as soon as the trend goes out of style. 
• Choose solid colors because patterned prints will look busy in photos and draw attention away from your face, so choosing solid colors are often best. 
• Choose colors that compliment your skin tone. For example, if you have light skin, white or light color clothing can wash out your complexion in photographs. 
• Have the clothes match the location and season of your shoot. If you are taking pictures in a downtown area, you might consider more urban clothes, such as a nice button up shirt for your guy and more dressy pants or dress for yourself.
• Wear shoes you love. Shoes can make a statement!
• Avoid any major changes with your hair and makeup. You want your engagement photos to reflect who you really are, and you want to be comfortable in your own skin. 
• Consider bringing an outfit to change into mid-way through your photo session. You could start the session wearing dressy clothes, and then change into more casual clothes (or vice versa).

Here are just a few images that I found (and loved!) for inspiration:

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If you are still stuck on what to wear, check out your photographer's blog to see what couples, just like you, are wearing. There are also so many wedding inspiration blogs out there that can make you inspired; Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, Ruffled, Green Wedding Shoes, Snippet and Ink, to name a few. Or check out Pinterest, which has an endless amount of inspiration.

Your engagement pictures can be used for your Save the Dates, guest books or just in frames to decorate your cocktail hour or reception and of course, will be used around your house. Take a little time to make these photos priceless in the many years to come. 

-Amanda

Sarah and Mike's Wedding

Sarah and Mike were married in August at Mike's family farm in New Jersey. Mike and his groomsmen got ready at the farm while Sarah and her bridesmaids got ready at the Hampton Inn in Flemington. Zanya Spa and Salon had their staff on hand at the hotel to get the ladies looking beautiful and ready for the day! They did a fabulous job and everyone's hair and makeup held up in the very humid August weather. Their ceremony was held in front of the gazebo on the farm's property and the Newark Fire Department Pipe and Drum Band played the music as everyone walked down the aisle. The Pod Shop had decorated the gazebo with blue, white and green hydrangea to match the couple's color scheme. They also created the large, lush centerpieces for the reception. They really made a statement when guests entered the tent! Jeffrey Miller Catering created a delicious and plentiful menu for the cocktail hour and reception. When guests were done eating, Mark from Synergetic Sound and Lighting had them up on their feet dancing the night away in the tent provided by Sperry Tents. Guests also got to enjoy a photo booth provided by Shutterbooth. It was full of fun mustaches and glasses that Sarah had bought. A big thank you to Pravada Photography for these wonderful images! 

Congratulations Sarah and Mike!

Groomsmen Responsibilities

We wrote a blog on Bridesmaids Duties awhile back, so now it's time to give the guys some love and give them information on what their responsibilities are when they are a groomsman in a wedding.

It's a great honor to be asked to be in the bridal party of a wedding. The groom will want to have his best buddies stand with him and be a part of his special day. Just like being a bridesmaid, there are some costs involved in being a groomsman- bachelor party, travel, renting or buying a tux, wedding gift, etc. Be sure to consider this when accepting to be a groomsman. The worst thing you could do is back out at the last minute. Also, once you accept the honor of being a groomsman, don't complain about the cost. It's your friend's special day and he would do the same for you!

Here is a guide of groomsman responsibilities:

Prior to the Wedding

-You may be asked to assist the groom in picking out a tuxedo

-Get measured/fitted for tuxedo and pay rental fee or buy it

-Pick-up tuxedo prior to wedding day and make sure you it fits and you have all the accessories (bow tie/suspenders/cuff links/shoes/etc.)

-Attend all pre-wedding events: engagement parties, any co-ed bridal showers, bachelor party, rehearsal dinner

-Help Best Man plan the bachelor party and assist in cost of party

-If you are the Best Man, prepare a speech/toast for the wedding reception. If the Best Man is not speaking, decide which groomsman will give a speech. 

-Attend and pay attention during ceremony rehearsal

-Be sure to not drink too much at the rehearsal dinner! You'll need to be in your best condition on the wedding day!

-Be a good friend to the groom and support him

Bev and Chuck's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Docherty Photography

The Day of the Wedding

-Be supportive and help the groom relax before his "Big Day". This does not mean getting him drunk! Keep him sober and his bride will thank you.

-Arrive to the location prior to the wedding on time with all necessities (tux, shoes, etc.)

-You may be asked to help unload decorations for the wedding

-Participate in formal photos throughout the day

Sarah and Carmen's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

The Ceremony

-Greet guests as they arrive to the ceremony

-Escort guests to their seats prior to the ceremony (sometimes there are separate ushers for this job)

-Leave the first few rows reserved for bridal party and family members

-The Best Man is usually responsible for holding onto the rings for the ceremony- keep them in a safe pocket!

-Walk and stand near the groom during the ceremony

-Escort bridesmaids down the aisle after the ceremony

-The Best Man may be asked to be a witness and sign the marriage license

Sarah and Andy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Smirnov Weddings

At The Reception

-Escort bridesmaids into reception during introductions

-You may be seated at the Head Table with the Bride and Groom

-You may be asked to dance with bridesmaids during a special dance

-The Best Man will give his speech

-Participate in the garter toss

-Dance when the music starts and get other guests up to dance

-Be on your best behavior!

-Sometimes the Best Man is asked to give out tips to certain vendors at the end of the evening provided by the Bride and Groom

-You may be asked to help load gifts or extra alcohol at the end of the night

-Give a wedding gift

Angela and Sean's Wedding
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

After the Wedding

-Return your tux to the rental shop (you may be asked to return the groom's tux as well)

Being a groomsman is a great honor! Have fun with your best bud and enjoy his wedding day!

-Nicole