Light it Up

There is one similarity to many of the gorgeous wedding photos I covet on Pinterest: romantic lighting. Lighting has the ability to transform your reception space and set the mood for the night. Whether you're going for whimsical, glamorous, or dramatic, lighting can be your best friend in helping achieve the perfect look for your venue.

Your Photographer will also appreciate your attention to this detail.  How your venue is illuminated, or lack there of, will certainly affect the style of your wedding photos. Photographers can use lighting to add creativity to their shots and show off the ambiance of your big day.

There are various ways to light up your reception, previously one of the most popular was flood lighting. These lights shine a wash of color over a large area, making them rather simple and effective.

 Just in case you're looking for other ideas, we have complied a few that are currently trending:

String Lighting

             

           Catch an after Christmas sale and score an amazing deal for some seriously gorgeous lights!



                                                                 Chinese Lanterns
                        
Chinese lanterns are easy to find in a variety of styles, and can often be reused and found on auction sites for half of the retail price. This is a great way to keep your lighting budget in check!

                                            

                                                                      Chandeliers 

                     

       A little bit vintage, a little bit glamorous, using chandeliers adds a sense of style to your lighting.




                                                                                      Sparklers
      

  Okay so Sparklers can't exactly be the only lighting at your wedding, but they are ideal for adding a little something extra to your photos. Bonus! They're entertaining for your guest!

Shades of Blue Grey

If you want to stand out from the sea of bright colors that is going to be trending this wedding season, this monochromatic color palette may be for you. A blue grey color scheme has an ethereal vibe while remaining chic and sophisticated. It works best when shades are varied so there is no need to bother with matching colors. The palette is extremely versatile and can be used as a neutral.  Many other colors look lovely with it including dusty purple and silver.

                                                               

                                                                     

                                       

                     The Inspiration

This breathtaking Aurelia gown is from Kate Pankoke's bridal line Elaya Vaughn. The dusty blue color, the feminine fabric, and just a hint of sparkle is an enchanting combination.
                                             
Check it out here:
 http://www.elayavaughn.com/?page_id=116

                                                 

Etsy Treasures

I am very impressed by those who can conquer Do It Yourself Projects. They are a great way to save money when it comes to weddings. The only problem is when I attempt a DIY my finished product comes out something like this:

                                                       

I always have good intentions when trying to DIY, usually to save a few bucks and have something to show off on Instagram, but execution is not my strong point.

Then somewhere a genius came up with a website where you can buy and sell handmade or vintage items through a marketplace called Etsy. Essentially this website brings the crafters of the world to people like me and Voila! My favorite website was born.


If you want to incorporate handmade elements into your wedding but are a little leery of attempting them yourself, Etsy is the solution.

Here are a few of my favorite Etsy wedding finds:


Wedding Dress Hanger
                                                           

 This personalized hanger is great for pictures with your dress and to have as a keepsake after your wedding.

Check it out here:
Wedding Dress Hanger


 Personalized Wedding Map
                                                                         

These maps are made with original Watercolor drawings of your wedding locations, first date, ceremony, reception, your home, and local spots for your guests to visit. They would be ideal as a save the date or wedding invitation. Who would want to throw these out?

Etsy Wedding Map


Brooch Bouquet

                                                                      

 Etsy has numerous brooch bouquets in a variety of styles and colors. This trend looks impeccable with a glamorous vintage theme.

Brooch Bouquet


Cake Toppers
                                                         

 The cake topper section on Etsy is a sea of cuteness. You can really find something on there for every theme!

Just Married Cake Topper


Hair Accessories
                                                                

 Last but not least use Etsy to find the finishing touches to your bridal look. You can find this stunning beaded headband and much more.

Beaded Bridal Headband

Sweets and Scrumptious Treats

Wedding food has a reputation of being bland and boring.  As a guest you really look forward to a great meal, so when you're presented with a flavorless room temperature entree it is a serious let down. The problem with choosing a meal to serve is it has to be universally pleasing. Unfortunately, we all have very different palettes and while you may love sushi, some guest may be repulsed. Therefore, it is often recommended to go with a dinner that is more traditional.

I do not believe any aspect of a wedding should be boring, especially something as creative as food! The past few years we have seen dessert bars popping up at receptions. Guest are loving this recent trend. Serving an assortment of tasty treats is sure to be well received.
         

One great thing about a dessert bar concept is it can be customized to your wedding! If you and your groom have a certain food you bond over incorporate it into your reception for a personalized touch.

Here are a few fun ideas to get your creativity flowing:
.        

Breakfast Bar               
Having a breakfast bar is a fun a way to incorporate both sweet and savory into your reception treats. It would be perfect for a brunch wedding, but would also work well for an evening affair. Who doesn't want pancakes after a late night of dancing?


Ice Cream Bar                                

Your guest will have a great time customizing their cone or sundae!


Candy Table

                                                              


A candy table is both delicious and beautiful! You can choose candies of a certain color to match your theme or just go for colorful and fun!


S'mores Bar
                       
I love this idea for a rustic outdoor wedding.


Food Truck

                               


Having a food truck at a wedding? Genius. The concept is so quirky and unique it is sure to be a hit with your guests!

Wedding Worthy Red Carpet: The Golden Globes

I love  red carpet season! This Sunday is the annual Golden Globes, and I cannot wait to see what the celebrities step out in. Designers pull out all the stops to get their stars on the best dressed list, and it is always an affair of glamour and gorgeous gowns.

The red carpet is the perfect place to look for inspiration. In fact, many of these stunning looks can easily be translated into bridal. We took a look back to the 2013 Golden Globes for some wedding gown inspiration, and where to get the look.


                                           

Amy Adams looked soft and feminine in this blush mermaid style. 

Vera Wang Fall 2012

Francesca Eastwood was elegant and classic in lace and her signature red lips.

Elaya Vaughn: Evangeline 

Julianne Hough was ahead of her time when she rocked this white and gold Monique Lhuillier gown. Gold is predicted to be a huge trend for 2014 bridal.

Eden Bridal Spring 2014

Lea Michelle brought the old hollywood glamour in this sparkling Elie Saab. 

Alexa by Maggie Sottero

Finding the Perfect Look; Groom Edition

Alright ladies we have to admit, we spend a great deal of time planning how we will look on our wedding day. Why should the Groom's attire be an afterthought? It is nice that his search for the perfect outfit should be less daunting. After all most places who offer tuxedo rentals only have a few options compared to the hundreds of dresses you had to search through. But keep it mind that it's not just you who should stand out at your wedding, but your groom as well.

Men's clothing has come a long way and today there are a number of fashionable options for your groom to choose from. Don't worry, these suggestions vary to suit the most adventurous risk taker to someone who likes to keep things simple and classic. Also, just as with your dress, it's important that his look reflects the feel and theme of your wedding.


Skinny Tie

There's something about a skinny tie that feels very modern. If your wedding is sleek and sophisticated this could be the perfect look for your groom.



Blue Suit
                                     
I have something blue! This is my absolute favorite new menswear trend. A slate blue suit is just bold enough for your groom to stand out and is extremely versatile. This could be kept simple for a glamorous affair or dress down for a more rustic feel.


All Black
                                                  
There is something seriously sexy about a man in all black. If your dress is dramatic this monochromatic tux will be the perfect accent.



Suspenders and Bow Tie
                           
I love a groom who can rock suspenders and a bow tie. It takes a certain amount of personality and confidence to pull it off, which makes it absolutely amazing when done right! The look is especially great if your wedding has a vintage theme.


                                                                   

Let Them Eat Quirky Cake!

      

So when I came across The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco's wedding photos I was instantly mesmerized! She shared various candid moments on instagram that are just radiating with happiness.
                                                                              


The obvious stand out of the night is that fabulous pink dress! Colored dresses have been becoming increasingly popular that last few seasons, and I suspect after seeing how utterly breathtaking Kaley looks, we'll see more brides opting for a nontraditional hue.





After I got over that fantastic Vera Wang gown, I noticed another interesting wedding detail;She had an upside down cake!! Now that is what I call unique. Actually, I'm not even sure how it's even possible, but I love it! It is the perfect whimsical touch to her fairy tale wedding.


In case you are loving Kaley's unique cake as much as I am, here are a few more that stand out from the crowd.

                                              
This "Naked" wedding cake is beautiful in a deconstructed way.

                       


A charming macaroon cake is simple to construct, and therefore very cost efficient compared to your tradition tiered cake.
                                    

Another alternative to tradition is this croquembouche. It's French, so needless to say, it's the chicest cake around.