So This is Bliss :: A Northwest Wedding Blog by Luxe Event Productions: January 2010

Inspired by Love :: A Kiss is Worth a 1000 Words

Image captured by:: Kristen Alana{.com}

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Be Inspired by Tradition :: Cultural Weddings

I love cultural weddings, I guess becasue there is a part of me that is totally a traditionalist. Which cultural weddings are full of, tradition. Love it. So to help all you soon-to-be-brides who are planning the ever challenging "Cultural and Traditional" wedding, specifically an Indian Wedding, here are some helpful links to assist you in your planning.

Hindu Wedding Facts | Hindu wedding ceremonies are traditionally conducted at least partially in Sanskrit, the language in which most holy Hindu ceremonies are conducted. The local language of the people involved is also used since most Hindus cannot understand Sanskrit. They have many rituals that have evolved since traditional times and differ in many ways from the modern western wedding ceremony.

Indian Wedding Facts | Indian weddings are very bright events, filled with ritual and celebration, that continue for several days. They are not small affairs, often with 400-1000 people attending (many of whom are unknown to the bride and groom). Though most Indian marriages are arranged, some couples in urban areas have love marriages. The true Indian wedding is about two families getting wedded socially with much less emphasis on the individuals involved.

Muslim Wedding Ceremony Traditions | Muslim wedding is divided into pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding rituals. Pre-wedding rituals largely involve the exchange of sweets, fruits and visits to the bride and groom's houses. The pre-wedding rituals increase the level of excitement among the families of the bride and groom, who keenly look forward to the wedding day. The wedding is organized in an elegant and charming way, while the culmination of the entire ceremony, known as post wedding rituals, is special in its own terms.

Buddhist Wedding Ceremony Traditions | Buddhist Religion is known for its simplicity and the same is reflected in its wedding ceremony also. Unlike most of the traditional Indian wedding, the Buddhist wedding is very simple, without any pomp and show. In fact, the Buddhist wedding does not even include any complex rituals. The Buddhist marriage is based more on faith and belief than any religious foundation.

More information on being an Indian Bride

More information on being an Indian Groom

Indian Wedding Songs | Pre Wedding Functions | Post Wedding Preperations

Images by:: Shelton Muller and most the copy and content was from Wiki as well as one of the best Indian Wedding sites I've found:: I Love India {.com}

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Wedding Ideas the Sparkle :: By Martha Stewart Weddings

Ok, so we all know that Martha Stewart is one of the greatest DIY idea creators ever and I could only imagine that her practically perfect team of event gurus is right up there with her as one of the greatest inspiration teams ever so when you put a group of individuals in a room together that harness as much creativity as they do you get something like this! This glittering STAR & MOON theme has me seeing stars and has my mind wandering and thinking about my 2010 calendar and which bride is going to want to incorporate some of these sparkling ideas...humm???...2010 Luxe Brides, this one's for you...

From Martha Stewart Weddings:: Wedding Ideas that Sparkle Your love was written in the stars, so why not harness all the kismet and twinkle of those celestial bodies for a wedding that shines just as brightly with these wedding ideas that glitter?
A constellation of 3-D stars becomes a floating centerpiece with the help of fishing wire and a lot of glitter. Rice-paper star lanterns, Asian Ideas, asianideas.com.

Give guests a hint of the glimmering affair that's to come with a stationery suite that shoots for the stars; this set features a foil-stamped gold supernova on the card and the envelope liner. Invitation, Sugar Paper Los Angeles, sugarpaper.com. Calligraphy, Lisa Holtzman, lisaholtzmancalligraphy.blogspot.com.

These glimmering goodies are practically as easy to make and, with their surprising flavors, just as captivating. Life is a bowl of...marzipan cherries; we covered dried sour cherries in marzipan and luster dust, then added faux leaves on top for a touch of gold.

Introducing our Star Light Royale -- a delicious concoction of gin, lime juice, and Champagne topped off with a splash of grenadine for a pink glow (we dipped the rim in lime juice and fine sanding sugar for a 1-inch-wide band of sparkle); a halved hard-boiled egg, de-yolked and filled with caviar, complements the drink nicely.

Candleholders in matching shades and varying heights set the stage for a sparkling night. Cylinders and votives, Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies, jamaligarden.com. "Victoria Ghost" chair, by Philippe Starck, from Taylor Creative, taylorcreativeinc.com.

To see even more of this sparkling idea go to Martha Stewart Weddings, you'll be star stuck.

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Best Wedding Shoot Ever :: Utah & Boise Wedding photographer, Diana Palmer of Yan Photography

I stumbled across this and was floored at the styling and overall photo journalist concept. I am a new HUGE FAN of Yan Photography. Based in the greater Boise area, Diana Palmer, is one cheeky and original gal who has completely captivated me with her skill and realism. Just lovey and I am her new biggest fan! When you take a look at this shoot I am positive you will be smitten as well...

If you are "smitten" like I said you'd be...then head over to Diana's blog...there's more "pretty things" there...

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Inspired by Color :: Deep Drama and Tropical Punch

Found in my favorite wedding magazine, In Style Weddings, these intensely beautiful bridal floral collections are too exquisite for words. I am really getting excited over here because the 2010 wedding season has officially begun and I really have some of the coolest Luxe Brides to work with this year. But with that said we are about to enter into the best time of year for floral too! My very, very favorite wedding flower is the Peonie...and there is a tiny bit of traditionalism in me too so I of course adore the rose and this Deep Drama Bridal Bouquet below is right up my alley. Intense, alluring and dazzling this bouquet design is made with speckled begonia foliage and porcelain berries for a heady arrangement of dark red tree peonies, dahlias and Black Beauty roses.

Complete the look with a bridesmaid bouquet made with A sea of nerines—frilly, starlike South African flowers that compare to "tiny lilies"—surrounded by Black Beauty roses. The nosgay and the bout' are the perfect combo of elegant and enticing Peonies and Nerines. I think the porcelain berries are so cool and I suggest more brides consider them as they really add a unique look.

Using some of the same materials this Tropical Punch Bridal Bouquet below is so lively and vivid. Made with purplish-pink phalaenopsis orchids; yellow macara orchids and ranunculus; fuchsia cattleya orchids, cyclamen and anemones; gold parrot tulips; chartreuse beech leaves; and variegated begonia leaves.

Then we have the Tropical Punch Bridesmaids Bouquet

Three of the elements in the bridal bouquet—ranunculus, anemones and begonia leaves—are repeated in this smaller arrangement.

Couple this with the bout' and the nosgay and holy hottness!

All images came from InStyle Magazine, 2007, and all floral were original designs crafted by amazingly talented floral designer, Ariella Chezar.

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Luxe Find :: Filippa Scott Bridal Shoes in Luxe Style

Still looking for that perfect shoe to walk the aisle to? Finding the perfect wedding day shoe (or shoes) is not an easy task unless you shop with Filippa Scott. With 3 stunning collections you're sure to find one that is just your style. This {Luxe Find} is a good one because they only make 50 of each shoe so not every other bride is wearing your shoe

The Original Filippa Scott Collection

The Fifi Collection

...And my personal favorite, the LUXE Collection!

From Filippa Scott{.com}:: Filippa Luxe is the hot new range of limited edition bridal shoes. These beautiful styles are only available to a very select number of stockists in both the UK and the US. Only 50 pairs of each shoe are made every season and the styles change every year so you will have to be quick to own these amazing shoes.

All are made from our signature duchesse satin fabric and beautifully crafted Swarovski crystal trims from Italy. They are also fully dyeable to fit in with any theme of wedding or party.

Head over to the Filippa Scott website and see their entire stock; find that Luxe shoe you've been searching for. If you need a little more convincing or inspiration they also manage their own wedding blog, Pip Pip and All That. Really lovin' what they do?

Then you can also become their fan on Facebook and follow them on Twitter! Either way Filippa Scott bridal shoes are well worth the price and are some of the best there is...at least take a look and once you do I just know you'll be adding them to your wedding wish list!

Images:: All images were found on the Filippa Scott website.

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Inspired by Color :: Simple, Not at All Fussy

Note the mixed floral...it's simple and not at all fussy, just some flowers. And just look how incredible they look all mixed about.

So next time you feel overwhelmed in your wedding planning and a little overly obsessed with the details...remember sometimes less is more and the most important thing about the entire wedding day is never about the decor details, it's about the the best part, the "I do" part.

Image found on Flickr via Ryan Brenizer.

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:: {Inspired by Lisa Teso} ::

I was introduced to Lisa Teso's work by one of our {Luxe NW 7}, Gina Emerson. It was about 6 or so months ago Gina mentioned the name Lisa Teso and ever since I have been hearing her name here and there and just loving her photos. Then I found this!!!!

Today I bring you one of my all time favorite photos I have ever seen out there in wedding photography land...Real vibrant ink and precious stone and metal. It's brilliant. Well done Lisa. So original.

This image actually belongs to a really awesome Real NW Wedding, Russ & Annie's wedding. But first, you must see their engagement session that Lisa captured in Oregon's Forest Park...cute with a holga circa " " vibe.

...just love it.

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So, This is Bliss

Congratulations Ashley!

You're getting married!

To the beautiful and talented Ashley Sturm & her new fiance, Ryan Porter::

Congratulations on your engagement! How exciting! You two are such an adorable couple and we're so excited to hear all about your thoughts and ideas you've had in mind for your big day. Ashley, you will make one beautiful bride. For sure.

Enjoy this time.

Valentines Day Gift Idea :: Kim + Phil Boudoir

If you have yet to plan a special Valentines Gift for that incredible man in your life look no farther, Kim+Phil Photography {One of our Luxe NW 7} has a special offer I think might just tickle your fancy...On January 23rd & 24th, they are hosting a sexy Boudoir Event at their cozy home studio. And are excited to be teaming up with the fabulous Hollywood hair and make-up artist Kim Donohue!

Limited Spaces are available so book with them ASAP!! Message them here for more details!

In addition, all shoots will include:

A set of 20-30 pics that will be individually edited at Med. Resolution
(for web use and prints up to 4x6)
Private online store with slideshow to purchase prints and albums
Snacks and Drinks
And a great time hanging out with us

Hollywood based, professional makeup artist, Kim Donohue, has worked with some of the most celebrated people in the entertainment industry. Her work has graced the covers of the most prestigious magazines and silver screens, worldwide. With her tremendous talent and outgoing personality, she is consistently booked for beauty commercials, print campaigns, studio and independent films. Films “Minority Report”, “Rockstar”, “The Princess Diaries” and “Constantine”, to name a few. Her television achievements include “Friends”, “West Wing”, “Rock of Love”, “Will and Grace”, “Jay Leno” and “Conan O’Brien”.

Consistently sought after by ‘A list trendsetters’ for red carpet events, her current client list is a wide range starting with Cameron Diaz, Lisa Kudrow, Snoop Dogg, Jackson Rathbone, Anne Hathaway and Maroon 5.

She is currently calling the Pacific Northwest her second home, when work schedules allow, and is eager to glamorize it, one beautiful face at a time!

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Happy Monday!

I met so many "winter" 2010 brides this past weekend that I have snowy wedding ideas on the brain. This is our cover image to our 2010 bridal brochure. Love winter weddings. The snow is just so magical, quiet and surreal.

If you want us to send you our 2010 bridal brochure Just ask! Send your inquiry to Misty@SoThisisBliss.com and we'll get one sent off to ya.

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Winter Wedding, Luxe Event Productions, Portland wedding planner, Portland Oregon Wedding Planner,

Inspired by Love :: A Wish is a Dream Your Heart Makes...

Just a little photo love to get your wedding daydreaming started....

Image found in WE Heart it, My Heart.

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Inspired by Cuteness :: "We're Married"

This one makes me so happy inside. And it makes me giggle. Cute, huh?

Image found on 100 Layer Cake and saved in My Heart (Luxe's online inspiration folio)

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Ricky Kim + Ryu Seung-joo :: An “American style” Bash

I came across this first image below on the left and I fell in love, so I went searching for more...These are shots of Korean Actor, Ricky Kim, and his new bride, musical actress Ryu Seung-joo. The photography is stunning and the action effects are killer. Love.

So while you're day dreaming of how you want your wedding day pictures to look, think of this session...

There were many sources for the photos, mostly Google though. I did also save them in our online inspiration, My Heart, should you want to snag each URL.

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Luxe Find :: Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal

This {Luxe Find} is LUXE indeed! Get this, this Luxe Find was designed by the uber talented and super awesome Elizabeth Fillmore and is made with hundreds of hand-pleated satin ribbon roses that were hand stitched to silk-tulle; and ONLY $20,000...Oh to have a budget that would allow a $20,000 dress! But really? $20,000? I'm torn...I adore and I mean ADORE fashion, but who in their right mind would pay 20k for a dress to wear one time? Would you?

While the dress is exquisite, what are your thoughts on this extremely Luxe and expensive gown?

Image by:: Michael David Adams
Dress by:: Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal, style Medea

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