Picking a date can be very exciting. Often, couple’s pick a date without too much consideration, which can lead to trouble down the road. Before you pick your date, consider the people and places around you—do any of the “key players”—you know, the important people like your parents, bridal party, and siblings—have prior engagements? You don’t have to completely rule out a date because one potential bridesmaid won’t be able to stand up, but if she’s really important to you (or 3 or 4 of your bridesmaids will be MIA) then you may want to consider another date. Will you have relatives unable to come because you’ve chosen a date that correlates with high school or college graduation, or because their kids are finishing up school?
Secondly, consider the places around you. Do you live near a major university, sport facility, or festival location? Here in St. Joseph we are roughly 40 minutes from Notre Dame—however, many couples are surprised to find that on home game Saturdays, a hotel room in the greater St. Joseph area is extra expensive, if not elusive all together. The same goes for the annual Venetian Festival in July, which brings in more than 100,000 tourists to the town and hotels. So if the venue you love is booked for the entire year, and has ONE hot date available….take a closer look, and make sure that you’re not missing an important event or activity that will throw a wrench in your plans. On the other hand, if you’re willing to battle crowds, and subject your guests to limited or pricey accommodations, you may be able to negotiate some great deals on these weekends!
When it comes to choosing your vendors, there are few pieces of advice more important than this: Choose vendors who you can enjoy spending the day with! If you don’t care for them during your initial meeting, chances are, you won’t enjoy them sharing your big day with you. No where is this more true, than with a photographer, with whom you will spend more time than the majority of your other vendors. It is so important to find someone you are comfortable with, and who you will enjoy spending this special day with!
Last week I met up with Kelly Powers to talk weddings, and get to know her and her work. I’ve admired her work via her web site, but was very excited to meet her in person and get to know her! I simply can’t say enough about what a sweet and wonderful person Kelly is. She took me out for a shoot around the city, and I’m not sure I’ve ever had so much fun getting my picture taken! I can’t wait to see the results later this week!
Kelly does amazing work, which I truly believe comes from the kindness of her spirit, and the connection she forms with her clients. If you’re looking for a photographer, check her out—you will not be disappointed!
Kate+Mitch had their engagement pictures snapped earlier this week, and I just couldn’t wait to share! The awesome Jen of JK Photography travelled to Chicago to take some amazing photos of this very fun couple! Check out her blog for even more—they found some really fun locations, from a light shop to a marina! Above is my absolute favorite shot, but it has some close competition!
The exact spot where Mitch proposed! I love it! Kate+Mitch are getting married on the beach, also, which is perfect!
Thanks so much to Kate+Mitch (and Jen) for letting me share some of their amazing engagement pics!
Follow Stella Event Design on
Twitter! My husband
finally talked me into trying this, and I have to say I’m slowly becoming hooked!
I promise to update you on all of the exciting and off the wall things that go on around here, like breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And of course, I’ll throw in all of the exciting, glamorous, and mind-bending wedding and event planning activities we’re up to! Follow me
here! If you don’t have a twitter, don’t worry—it’s super easy to set up, and even easier to customize–you’ll have a page you love in no time, and people will be lining up to stalk (I mean follow) you!
Please excuse my short absence from blogging this week—my Mom was in the hospital for a few days for surgery, and life is finally getting back to normal—expect more updates soon!
The Sparkliatti Blog, hosted by the fabulous Sasha Souza, is one of my new favorites! After taking a glimpse at this gorgeous sunrise-inspired board, I just had to share! Check out her blog for non-stop eye candy and inspiration!
Also, if you’re a bride-to-be, check out her great post on escort cards vs. place cards—this is a question asked so often, and she does a great job of summing up the differences—-YES, they are 2 completely different things!
My
post from earlier today put me in a mood for detail shots, so here are some more ring shot beauties from Ben & Dan at
The Photography Team.
(all images copyright The PhotographyTeam)
I’m under the weather this weekend, recouping from bronchitis, and becoming addicted to “So You Think You Can Dance,” thanks to the marathon of last seasons episodes I’ve been sucked into all afternoon! Between naps on the courch, I was pleasantly surprised to receive some of the pro pics from my April 19th wedding, courtesy of photog Ben Pancoast. So, to apologize for my absence from blogging while I continue to be pampered by my husband, and hopefully kick the sickness, here are 2 of my favorite photos from the wedding—expect more soon!
I love ring pictures, and this one doesn’t let me down—I don’t know what it is, but I absolutely adore this picture!
Etsy seller Gochemoche has some of the coolest Japanese-inspired hair pieces and boutonnieres that I couldn’t wait to share. I was catching up on my blog reads since being back from vacation, when I came across this real wedding featured by Perfect Bound, one of my favorite daily reads! I was scanning through, attempting to catch up on my 700 (yes, 700!) new posts, and this picture of their custom bouts caught my eye. I checked out the etsy site, and Gochemoche offers so many fun and customizable pieces from bouts to broaches, ponytail holders, and hair pins! Everything is handmade, and made from authentic materials. I must have one, so I’ll post pics when I get mine—I haven’t even picked from all of the amazing choices yet! These would be absolutely adorable for your ‘maids hair, or as a cute gift for your gals!
(A Wedding For Alex)
