Real Weddings: Karen & Ion

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Karen and Ion were married at the very cool Coach Insignia restaurant in Detroit.  Coach sits at the  very top of the Renaissance Center and gives you a 360 degree view of the city (and Canada!).  It’s a perfect location for couples looking to really show off the city!!

We provided all of the bouquets and boutonnieres for this rich and colorful fall event.  Karen’s bouquet was designed with gerbera daisies, asiatic lilies, alstromeria and mokara orchids.

Photos courtesy of Artisan Photo.  248-850-7091

Don’t Leave Home Without It: Wedding Emergency Kit

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Even though we are hoping that you don’t run into an emergency on your wedding day, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Having an emergency kit available the day of your wedding could be your saving grace. We’ve seen all sorts of unexpected situations including ripped dresses, nervous stomaches, stains, loose hair-dos and more. Your Maid of Honor should pack these items in a tote that follows the group throughout the day. Starting in the morning while you’re getting ready and then put into the limo to head to the church and finally ending up at the reception. Other places to consider putting a small basket of emergency goodies is in the ladies restroom at the reception for your bridal party and guests to use. Below is a list of of essential wedding items that no bride should leave the house without!

• Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice)
• Band-Aids
• Bottle of water
• Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
• Corsage pins
• Eye drops
• Extra earring backs
• Extra panty hose
• Hair pins/ponytail holder
• Hand towelettes
• Mini sewing kit
• Safety pins
• Sedatives
• Small folding scissors
• Spot remover
• Static-cling spray
• Tissues
• Tweezers

This list are things your Maid of Honor should carry with her at all times:

• Comb/brush
• Cash
• Hair spray
• Makeup (for touch-ups)
• Mirror
• Nail file
• Perfume
• Tampons/sanitary napkins
• Safety Pins

 

Wedding Monograms Etiquette

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Incorporating monograms into your wedding day can be the perfect way to add that personal touch. I’ve noticed recently that couples are coming up with very creative ways to display monograms. Long ago, young girls would monogram linens with their maiden name long before they were engaged and store them in a hope chest. Once they were married they would then monogram new linen with the initials from her husband. It is most common today to see monograms consisting of three, two or single initials. What you may not realize is that there is monogram etiquette surrounding this fabulous idea. Here are a couple pointers to consider:

Before the wedding: It is suggested to not use your married monogram until after the ceremony. Things like save-the-dates and invitations should use a monogram with just your first initials or first name.

Photo Credit: Heart Love Weddings, Adene Photography, Kara Purtell Photography

During the wedding ceremony: This portion of the day is in a little bit of a gray area. Some feel it’s okay to use your married monogram because you will be uniting as one. Using your married monogram for unity candles, ceremony programs or other ceremony details is totally up to you!

Photo Credit: Brenda Upton Photography, Greer G Photography, Union Eleven Photographers

After the wedding ceremony: Complete freedom! Your married monogram can be used anywhere you wish. Proudly show off the unity of you and your sweetie on the menu cards, dance floor, cake or anywhere you can think of!

Photo Credit: Melissa Schollaert Photography, Brenda Upton Photography, Virgil Bunao Photography

Last detail is the sequence of your married monogram. The bride’s initial always comes first followed by the groom’s last initial and then first initial. This way the groom’s name is separated. The grooms last initial is also commonly larger than the first and last initial.

Real Weddings: Maisa & Paul

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Photography by Special Moments USA and Judy Eliyas Photography

Two in one; Layered Vase Centerpieces

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Looking for a centerpiece with an added layer of dimension? Take a peek at this industry secret that gives your centerpieces a unique touch and will be sure to catch the eye of your guests.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

What you’ll need to pull this off is two similar sized vases. The trick is that one must be small enough to fit inside the other leaving just a small a gap around the edges.  Fill the outer ring with your favorite accessory – coffee beans, corks, berries, buttons, etc. Fill the center vase with water for fresh flowers or a votive candle.  Its got endless potential!  Below are some additional examples of layered vase centerpieces that will hopefully get your wheels turning. Let us know what you come up with!

Photo Credit: Two Twenty – One, Eleise Theuer Photography, Martha Stewart, Twenty Three Oh One