Mary & Chris: Fabulous Fall with a Holiday Flair

With a wedding coming up this weekend at the beautiful Wilder Mansion, I thought I'd give a peak at last year's fall wedding that took place there. Personalized details abounded that highlighted the couple's sense of humor. A special guest even paid a visit...can you guess who?

Check out the fabulous photos by Mau Loa Photography:

Love those fall colors!

The  Groom awaits the First Look of his beautiful bride.

 

              Instead of programs and menu cards, these decorative chalkboards informed guests.

As a nod to the couple's last name, kites were the theme. Guests signed a kite as a guestbook.

And sharing photos was a "snap" with the couple's special wedding hashtag on Instagram.

Instead of escort cards, this board indicated the seating arrangements.

The custom cake topper showcased the kite theme.

The personalized koozie wedding favors were a cute (and useful) touch to the tablescape.

Nighttime at the Mansion

A hint who the special guest may be....

Santa Claus came to town!

Guests could take photos with Santa in preparation for the holiday season.

Congrats to Mary & Chris!

Wedding Vendors:

Venue - Wilder Mansion

Photographer - Mau Loa Photography

Hair & Makeup - Sandy Corral

Florist - Belmonte Florist

Cake - Courageous Cupcakes

DJ - T.B.M. Productions

Wedding Planning - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...Then Comes Baby in the Baby Carriage

On July 29th, I welcomed my baby boy! He decided that he just couldn't wait any longer and made his appearance about a week and a half early. It's been a whirlwind, but a truly wonderful time.

Photo by Tim Coughlin Photographer

With my new addition, I am currently on maternity leave. If you need to reach me during this time, I will be answering e-mails, but it may take me just a little longer than usual to respond.  So, please bear with me, if you send an inquiry. I am still booking for the 2015 wedding season and dates are filling up fast.

Photo by Tim Coughlin Photographer

 I will be returning mid-September and am looking forward to my fall weddings and the 2015 season!

Happy Planning!

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Bridal Shower Etiquette

Bridal showers are a chance for friends and family to help a couple start their journey together, which, of course, involves showering them with gifts! If you find yourself in charge of planning a shower, here is a look at some classic shower etiquette with some modern twists.

Hostess with the Mostess 

The couple shouldn’t host their own bridal shower, as it can appear like a pursuit for presents. Traditionally, the maid of honor or bridesmaids host the shower. But now, it is acceptable for family friends, relatives, or even coworkers of the bride or groom to host. Often, a group of friends or relatives will come together to host the shower, which can help distribute tasks and expenses. If no one steps up to the plate, it’s now considered appropriate for even the mother of the bride or groom to host.

Who to Invite

The general rule of thumb to determine who to invite is simply that all bridal shower guests must also be invited to the wedding. The guest list is usually comprised of the female attendants, family, and friends of the bride. But nowadays, showers can be co-ed and may include the groom and his friends. When creating the guest list, remember to communicate with the bride for her guidance and approval.

What to Do

Of course, like any party, there should be food and drinks. Snacks, hors d’oeuvres, or desserts are perfectly appropriate. Just be sure to time the shower between mealtimes so guests are not expecting a full meal.

It has become customary to play a shower game. Just keep in mind the personality of the guest of honor and refrain from choosing games that may embarrass a shy or reserved bride. With some planning and help from the groom, a popular game can include trivia on how well the bride knows her groom-to-be. Nowadays, some showers even involve a planned activity, incorporating spa days or cooking classes.

Of course, at a shower, the gifts take centerstage, and a portion of the event is devoted to the bride opening her gifts. The hostess or another designated person should sit closely to take notes on who each gift comes from so that the bride can easily write thank you notes later.

What’s the Magic Number?

There isn’t a magic number of showers that is acceptable. However, if there will be multiple showers, try to invite different people to each one, so the same guests don’t feel obliged to buy multiple gifts. Also, if several showers are planned, it can be fun to vary the themes. While friends of the bride’s mom may throw a more traditional shower for housewares, the bridesmaids could throw a lingerie shower for an unexpected twist.

The Bride’s Role

After being showered with gifts, the bride should not forget to do a little gift-giving herself. The bride should give each hostess a small thank you gift at the end of the party. Items they can use in their own homes or gift cards to a restaurant or spa are appropriate gifts.

Planning a shower doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Modern day shower etiquette is flexible. Just keep in mind the personality of the bride. Happy Planning!


*Emily Fairbairn contributed to this article.

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Trend Alert: Say Hello to Sleeves!

Brides this season are trading in the ever-popular strapless dress for one with sleeves. Non-strapless dresses allow some experimentation in bridal style. And brides can dance the night away without constantly pulling their dress up. With these perks, don’t expect this trend to disappear any time soon!

Photo from StyleMePretty.com

Go with a lace sleeve to add a romantic or vintage look to your wedding.
Kate Middleton went with lace for the royal wedding!

Photo from lover.ly

Try thick transparent sleeves for an elegant look. 

The plus side of straps is that they provide more support!

Photo from weddingdressbee.net

Wear a one-shoulder dress to have the best of both worlds! 

It draws attention to the collarbone and shoulders.

Photo from sortrature.com

Wow the crowd with a textured dress. 

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box!

Photo from southernpiphi.tumblr.com

An added bonus of a dress with sleeves is the beauty of a unique back design.

Photo from raihan-wed.com

An illusion neckline can give the appearance of a strapless gown with all of the benefits of straps.

 Hop on board this hot trend and try on a dress with sleeves or straps during your wedding dress shopping adventure!

Morgan Impeartrice contributed to this article.

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Naz & Sean: Movie Magic

Both being film school graduates, Naz and Sean were full of creative ideas for their movie-themed wedding. With a personally-produced movie, a live action sequence, and Bollywood style dance, there were tons of details to coordinate! But it was a magical day, where traditional Pakistani customs met Americana. Check out the awesome photos by Jay Crihfield Photography!

The lovely ladies

Showing off the bride's Mehndi.

With the vibrant colors, gorgeous jewelry, and intricate henna designs, 

it's the perfect combination of tradition and glamour!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The Ceremony at River East Arts Center

After the ceremony, an intricate grand exit was planned.

Remember, these huge banners from high school football game days?

We arranged for special permission to gather on the Riverwalk outside.

We readied the newlyweds and started the countdown....

And away they went!

As guests cheered and waived ribbons!

We got special permission for a car to drive up on the Riverwalk for a very limited amount of time, so the timing had to be just right!

This convertible awaited the bride and groom to carry them around town.

The guests returned inside for cocktail hour!

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The cardbox with a little bit of whimsy.

Notice the bird's comments about the use of its cage.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Upon the bride and groom's return, it was time for their grand entrance into the reception. 

A black and white silent-film style movie, starring and personally filmed and produced by the couple, played for guests. 

The couple waited behind the scenes for their cue.

In the film, a chase ensues. And where do the characters end up? 

Running right into River East Arts Center, of course!

Cue the live action sequence...

A fight develops between the villain (one of our groomsmen) and the hero (the groom).

Not to worry.... It all ends well with a Bollywood dance.

Cue the music!

Then, it's time for dinner!

Guests enjoyed both classic cuisine by Jewell Events and delicious Pakistani food.

Each table was named after a famous movie. 

Each place setting featured a menu and wedding favor.

This Avatar bride and groom topped off the cupcake tower.

Party Time!

Congratulations to Naz & Sean!

Vendors:

Photography - Jay Crihfield Photography

Floral/Decor - Revel Decor

Hair & Makeup - Mehwish Khan

Lighting - A Sound Investment

Catering - Jewell Events

Pakistani Catering - Sabri Niahari

Wedding Coordination - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Vintage in the Garden: Lauren & Derek

When winter blankets the ground with snow and the temperatures dip below zero, I like to reminisce about our beautiful outdoor weddings. Lauren and Derek had a beautiful Spring wedding at Morton Arboretum, complete with vintage details that gave the day the feel of a 1930s garden party.

The lace runners helped create that elegant vintage look.

Using multiple vases to create the centerpieces provided texture and accentuated the flowers, bringing the garden feel indoors.

Phillip's Flowers created these centerpiece looks.

At each place setting, guests received a vintage key bottle opener - a favor combining both the vintage theme and practicality to give guests something they could actually use!

This Art Deco cake by The Cakery featured the couple's furry family member.

Congratulations Lauren & Derek!

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