Wedding Planning- Where to start?

The idea of wedding planning is something most young girls think about at an early age. Whether you’ve just got your first tea set or you’ve been planning Barbie & Ken’s big day. The idea of marrying your prince charming is one we’ve all dreamed about.

So your prince charming has proposed and you both set a date. Where do you start? who do i call? How do i make time?  I bet you’d never guessed that planning you big day would be so over whelming. Especially if you work full time and have children.

The best suggestion is a journal! Get a binder and folders with pockets. Gather all your thoughts and ideas, newspaper & magazine clippings. All ideas that your heart desires for the big day. Put all this information in your binder. Your binder will be your best friend throughout your planning process!!

Your tabs should be something like this:

• Ceremony
• Reception
• Flowers/ Decorations
• Photography/Videographer
• Attire
• Stationary
• Misc

You can add more tabs as you go long but these are the basics.

1,000 Words Thursday:::Awesome Photographers

It's always said that a picture is worth a thousand words and we agree 100%!  Your wedding photographs capture the special moments and create memories that will last forever.  Choosing the right photographer to capture those moments is very important. You have to find someone who fits your style and personality. Someone who is able to capture exactly what you are looking for. The love, joy, excitement...all of the emotions that are present when a bride and groom become husband and wife.

We are starting a series called 1,000 Words Thursday where we will feature a different photographer that we think can capture those moments beautifully and effortlessly. So, without further ado, our first photographer is Harrison Long of Long Photography.

Photo credit: Long Photography

Isn't this photo beautiful? Not only is Harrison able to capture the joy of a bride and groom seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day, his photos are modern and very artistic.

Photo credit: Long Photography

His photos make you feel like you were there. Simply beautiful!

Please go to his website or blog to see more stunning photos and book him for your wedding or engagement!

Let's Have A Toast!:::Fall Signature Cocktails

When I think of fall, I think of Pumpkin Pie, Carmel Apples, and Apple Cider. Beautiful reds, warm golden browns, with pops of orange and visions of the fall leaves on the ground come to mind.

As you plan your fall themed wedding, you don't want to forget your signature cocktail. It should be a drink that reminds you and your guests of fall and the beauty that it brings. It can coordinate with your wedding colors or simply be an all time favorite of the bride and groom. Whatever you decide on, make it delicious and memorable.

Here are a few ideas that we found that would make a delicious reminder of your beautiful fall wedding:

Pumpkin Spice Martini

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 1/2 oz Modern Spirits Pumpkin Pie Vodka or Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• 1/4 oz anise liqueur
• 1 egg white
• 3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake vigorously (to ensure the egg is properly mixed)
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Sprinkle grated nutmeg on top if desired.

 Isn't that beautiful? Here are a couple more cocktails that would be great for your fall wedding.

Red Caramel Apple Martini
Pomegranate Sangria

Cheers!

DIY Centerpiece Ideas!

Everyone wants to cut cost somewhere! Here are a few unique ideas we found on the net to share with you. Put your favorite flowers in these cute vases and VOILA! You have created simple yet decorative centerpieces.

(Photo credit: Every Day With Rachael Ray)

(Photo credit: http://www.designstoremember.com/)

Here Comes The Brides - The Elegant Bridal Experience

This past Sunday, we had a chance to have a booth at our first bridal show. We could not have asked for a better experience for our first show. We got the opportunity to meet wonderful vendors who we will definitely be working with in the future as well as some beautiful brides whose weddings we hope to the opportunity to be apart of. Our booth was designed by our friends at Flowers on Mars and we never stopped receiving compliments on how beautifully blinged out it was.

While at the show we also held a raffle for all of the brides who visited our booth. The winning bride will receive our day-of coordination package free (an $850 value). We will be announcing the winner of the raffle on the blog next week.

We definitely enjoyed our experience at the bridal show and be on the look out for La Bella Vision at many more!!

Happy Planning!!