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

DIY Luxe Find :: "I knew You When..."

This fun DIY project was found on Martha Stewart Weddings. It's so fun, easy and super cost effective! I think I may make it for the Greater Vancouver Bridal Show coming up this March 13.

Play It

During cocktail hour, each guest sticks a flag into the year she met either the bride or groom.
This bold time line serves as a three-dimensional reminder of when you first met your guests. Play it during cocktail hour and guests will be sure to mingle.

Game Board How-To

1. Download the PDF onto a disk or thumb drive, and take it to a print or copy shop that can print on oversize paper. (You will need 17-by-46-inch paper in order to print out the full-size timeline.)

2. The timeline is designed to encompass a wide range of years; some of them won't be useful for you. Work with the copy shop to cut off the sections that contain years that aren't applicable (those before the oldest of you was born and those years that are after your wedding).

3. Have the copy shop mount the cropped timeline on foam board.

4. To attach it to the wall, hang it like a picture: Lay a string across the top half of the board on the back side, and tape it securely at the ends with duct tape or wide packing tape. Then work with your venue to hang a removable self-adhesive picture hook on the wall, and loop the string across it.

Flags How-To

Use a paper trimmer or a craft knife and metal straightedge to cut 1/2-inch-wide strips of scrapbooking or other paper (those with a design on one side and a solid color on the other are best). Cut the strips into 3-inch lengths, and notch one end of each. Use a small Japanese hole punch to make two holes, one above the other, in the other ends; you will thread a corsage pin through those two holes. Curl the paper between your fingers to shape it into a flag, and then insert the pin.

Images and Post are from:: Martha Stewart Weddings.

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Luxe Idea :: What's Your Secret?

So you had a fantastic wedding and your reception was the type of reception where every single person who came danced the night away together and the entire production was pure bliss...

...Now comes the best part...the honeymoon! So here's my question for you:

What is going to be the 'secret' thing you'll do, that is so sweet, just for your groom?

I ask this question because it's not just the groom's job to make every night of your honeymoon dream worthy, it's also your job too. So I ask you again,

What is going to be the 'secret' thing you'll do, that is so sweet, just for your groom?

Maybe a massage on the beach or you could book a personal driver to chauffeur you around town for the day. Maybe luxury watch shopping or just a private brunch with a view.

Whatever you decide keep it a secret and surprise him while you're away on the honeymoon. Take this time to sincerely tell him how much you adore him and thank him for being so patient during the planning. (Lord knows there were a time or two your inner bridezilla came out)

Trust me, you'll like where the evening ends up.

Be ORIGINAL, BE YOU!

...Think about it.

Photo from My Heart, our online inspiration file. Image captured by Victor Babintsev

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GUEST BLOGGER POST :: Confessions of a Real NW {Luxe Bride} :: Planning the Wedding and Getting Organized!

Hi everyone! This guest blogging thing is so fun! Well...it's been two weeks since we spoke last and let me tell you....it's bee a great two weeks! I really feel like the whole design of the wedding is really coming to fruition. The best part is that working with a planner is making it easier and way more fun for my fiance and I to enjoy this sweet time of indulgence. All our ideas and inspirations are really becoming a reality and I wish this time would never end. It's so much fun!

Today I want to jump right into my experiences in gathering ideas, getting organized, and setting a course for your wedding. Whew, we're in for a long haul!

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I started gathering ideas and sources months before we were engaged. I just knew it was coming, and couldn't help but begin to dream of what my wedding day would be. At first, I had no idea what I wanted, which is strange considering I've always looked forward to being a bride on my wedding day. The last time I had really thought about it was 10 and 5 years ago when my two older sisters got married. I have photographed some really cute weddings, but my focus was always on photography, not what things I could incorporate into my own wedding. I own and operate Ashley Sturm Photography and am booking 2010-2011 weddings, check out my website and blog!

Gathering Ideas

My first inclination was to jump on my laptop and gather ideas, so I fired up Firefox and went to TheKnot.com and Brides.com. Both had good information, but it felt a little cookie-cuter for me. Somehow, thank God, I started to stumble on some alternative sites, which I list below, that were packed full of unique real weddings, DIY projects, budget saving ideas, freebies, and more. One of them was Luxe, which is how I met Misty, chose her as my wedding coordinator. (Heads up, that's the topic of next Friday's entry; finding your vendors!)

I can't say enough how happy I am that I browsed these sites for ideas! What I've found has given me the spark to make my wedding a truly unique expression of who Ryan and I are, think outside the box, be bold with my ideas, and pull everything off for an affordable price. If you're on So This is Bliss, that's a good sign you're on the right track! Also make sure to bookmark the sites I've listed and be inspired!

Getting Organized

As I poured through the archives I found myself spending hours just soaking in all the amazing ideas and photographs from others' weddings. I grabbed each image that spoke to me, and soon had accumulated more pictures than is imaginable. One thing I did right away that I would strongly recommend;

Create a specific folder title Wedding, and subfolders titled, dress, decor, bridesmaids, groom, flowers, and so forth and be diligent to keep your ideas organized! This has helped me so much, I pretty much become an unproductive puddle of gush when things aren't organized to the T.

Another sign I'm an organization-aholic: I created a similar set of folders in my online bookmarks to keep track of the sites I wanted to remember. Anything from a vendor site to an Etsy shop with funky headpieces to, Luxe & So This is Bliss!

Setting A Course

Having everything organized allowed me to look through and understand what I was drawn to, which helped me define my wedding's identity. I can tend to be all over the place and ooh and awe at every creative thing that comes down the pike.

I realized I had to figure out what mattered most and the difference between what I liked and what I LOVED!

This is where I started to set my course, or in other words, define what I wanted and focus my attention appropriately.

I knew I wanted a soft vintage look, eclectic decor, a relaxed reception, and lots of cream, coffee, and paled pinks and golds. I also fell in love with a mid-toned gray suit, sweetheart wedding dresses, feminine details, and cute signs that said things like, "Cheer when the couple is announced Man & Wife."

I could go on and on but I'll wrap this up by sharing some amazing wedding sites for you to visit and bookmark. Seriously, DO IT!

Wedding Inspirations

100 Layer Cake

Brenda's Wedding Blog

The Wedding Chicks Blog

Utterly Engaged

Now that I've shared a little about my process and hinted at my wedding style, I'd love to hear what all you Bliss readers have in the works for YOUR wedding!

Are you going Black & White Modern? Rustic barn and cowboy boots? All-out 80's dance party? Do tell!

Let us know what you think! Leave a comment!

Twilight Wedding Inspiration

For all you vampire lovin' Twilight fans...you must check out this 'Twilight' wedding inspiration. So pretty. Not vamp at all...Ok now don't get mad but I do not know the story because I refuse to jump on the wagon and watch the film. I know, I know. I never read the books either.

However...I do have many girlfriends that love the movie and read all the books too. So for you and for them this is for you! Go gaga!

I originally found this image on the left in WE HEART IT and have it saved in my online inspiration book....then I clicked and clicked and realized it came from non other than Style Me Pretty.

Yep, that Abby has it all on her site. When in doubt...just say it was from SMP. She rocks it over there and has by far one of the best "real wedding" collections ever. So to see the rest of this click the image and it will take you where you need to go.

Oh and...

P.S.
Brides: Ladies if you want a candelabra like this to be outside and actually stay lit you will have to have glass around the candles. There must not have been a lick of wind in this shoot as tapers like this rarely stay lit here in the NW outside with that East wind we get in the late spring and summer nights. Just know I forewarned you. {wink}

Wedding Tablescape created by event planners Lina Wallace and Heather Ham. The entire design is lovely and even if you aren't a 'Twilight FAN' this wedding idea is rustic and plain beautiful.

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A few personal notes on choosing your perfect wedding photographer :: From Mosca Photo

Recently one of our Luxe Nw 7 Featured Photographers, Mosca Photo, posted a great lil' post about how to choose your wedding photographer that I thought you'd really enjoy. I think it just about sums it up in one lil' essay.

Photographers are probably one of the most important vendors {besides your wedding planner} that you'll hire for your wedding and it's no easy task picking the perfect one...so Alice Falzone of Mosca Photo breaks it all down for us in her February 16th post. She takes us from the initial email contact to the actual wedding day and details everything in between. It's worth the 5 mins to read for sure. Head over to the Mosca Photo Blog to read up on how to choose your perfect wedding photographer...just click the image below.

Also while you are perusing their site make sure to check out these shoots below. Some of my faves I know you will like...

{Just click on each individual image to take you to it's post.}

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Enter to WIN a FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Package from Capture Photography

. . . . .FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST. . . . .

Our friend and Portland wedding photographer, Kelly Goode of Capture Photography has sent us one killer deal of a contest! It's a FREE Wedding Photography Package!!! This stellar offer ends at the end of this month so you are just in time!

. . . . .THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE. . . . .

Free photography on your wedding day (up to 7 hours).

“Trash the Dress” portrait session the following day.

All final high-resolution images on disk with copyright release.

Online gallery

. . . . .HOW TO APPLY. . . . .

Contact wedding photographer Kelly Goode through her website at www.capturephotographypdx.com

. . . . .SEND THE FOLLOWING INFO. . . . .

Your name, date, wedding location and contact info.

A snapshot that you think captures both of your personalities the most.

A brief statement about you, what you want your wedding day to be

like, and why my style fits yours.

. . . . .TERMS AND CONDITIONS. . . . .

Be 18 or older

Your wedding date must be in 2010.

Must be prepared to pay travel expenses if more than 200 miles from Portland, Oregon.

Submit your entry before Friday, February 26th 2010.

. . . . .THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MARCH 1, 2010
ON CAPTURE PHOTOGRPAHY'S BRAND NEW BLOG. . . . .

www.CamerasAndLight.com

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In Good Health

Hi there! Sorry for the week delay in posting I had come down with a nasty flu and am finally back to work today. You'll be happy to know our regularly scheduled postings will resume tomorrow. Finally. Hope you all had a great week and Valentines day. I'm certainly loving this sunshine we've been having...it's so inspirational! Take care all.

In good health,

Photo by:: Yildirim Danisman Photography, found in My Heart.

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Real Wedding :: Vintage Inspired Hampton's Wedding

So...I was perusing the web looking for beachy inspirations when I came across this beautiful vintage inspired Hampton wedding designed by Heather of the infamous Amorology Weddings and photographed by one of my all time fave photographers, Ameila Lyon.

This wedding is so fun. They even incorporated the new and ever popular trend of using succulents...very coastal.

Traditional "beachy" themed colors of oceanic aqua and seaworthy blue are what originally caught my eye. Then I saw more and the rest is history. Filled with DIY charm this seaside wedding is one of my favorites now.

Ummm, can we say adorable? Infusing your wedding with lil' tiny elements like this, "If you want to know how much I love you, count the waves" lil' comment below are what make those memories that last a lifetime. You know the lil' memories that keep your guests talking long after the event.

Every lil' detail of this event was thoughtful and cost effective. Having the men wear traditional dock shoes just added even more beachy charm to the event.

Sea glass and seashells coupled with sandy grasses made perfect centerpieces. You can rent green or blue glasses to enhance your beachy theme; add some starfish and sand dollars to complete the design.

I just can't get over this alternative guest book idea of using postcards! I freakin' love it and definitely call it a "Swoon-Worthy" idea.

Alternative Guest Book DIY Idea:: Set out postcards that match your theme. Grab them from local shops, stores and hotels. Or bye a collection or two from Ebay, Etsy or a professional stationary design store. In this case above they had them custom made to fit their theme.

A sign could explain to the guests to write a bit of marriage advice, congratulations messages, quotes or anything they’d like to share on the cards. The cards can then be simply placed in a decorative basket, box, bird cage, or platter. Simply address the postcard with your own address and have the Mother of the bride or groom {or both} pledge to send you yoru cards, a few a month OR all at once on your first anniversary. It is tons of fun for the bride and groom to later open all these postcards. It is a great way to re-live your wedding day and uber cost effective -which we love!

Another awesome event idea is to create a lil' photo opp area where guest can have fun while creating a keepsake photo. In this case this lil' boat and matching pillows.

Want to see more of this beachy Hamptons wedding? Visit Ruffled Blog, which is where I originally found the event posted. Just can't get over how adorable it is. Make sure if you love it as much as I do to tell Amorology Weddings and Amelia Lyon you love their work!

Let us know what you think! Leave a comment!

Guest Blogger Post :: Introducing Ashley Sturm "Soon to be Mrs. Porter" in Confessions of a Real NW {Luxe Bride}

Hello! My name is Ashley and I have the pleasure of guest blogging here on So This Is Bliss about my wedding, beginning to end! I have been a fan of Luxe Event Production's blog and have turned to it daily for inspiration from the moment my fiancé Ryan said,

“Let’s look at rings”

back in October. I am so thrilled to share my personal journey of engagement, planning, and how I, with the amazing help of Misty with Luxe Event Productions to pull it off! I’ve got all sorts of blog subjects in my head, and all are geared toward inspiring, uplifting, and equipping YOU as a bride in training to have a fabulous wedding, and enjoy the process right along with me. I’m like you in many ways, anticipating that day I’ve dreamed of all my life, but wondering how the heck I’m going to pull it off (on a budget) without stressing myself and those around me. I’ll be sharing the 2^nd and 4^th Friday of each month, and am of course available by email for any questions.

My advice is to pause, fix coffee, take some deep breaths and
use this time as a relaxing indulgence!

{Here's a shot of me, right before the proposal!}

{Here's a shot I took of Ryan last summer...}

So, a little back story on me, how I met my fiancé, and the PROPOSAL! Ever since I was three I’ve dreamt of my wedding, renaming myself ‘fancy-girl wedding girl’. I am now grown up and a full time photographer, running my business, Ashley Sturm Photography here in Salem, OR. I love my job mostly because of the people I get to meet and their stories I tell through photography. I adore art, coffee, deep friendships, and my family is as good as it gets! I have unruly curly hair, a love for good food, too many grey sweaters, and I rarely read, which is lame.

Ryan and I met through a mutual friend, and despite our ‘just friends’ approach, it become apparent after spending over 3 months of coffee, movies, thrift store runs, photo trips, and one amazing beach day that we were perfect for one another. We’ve been dating now for a little over a year, and engaged for about three weeks!

Ryan couldn’t have picked a sunnier, more happy day to pop the question. I had wanted some updated photos of myself to use on my website, so we trekked out to the field next to my house and started doing what we did from the beginning, capture memories on camera. It’s crazy now to look back at those photos and think I had NO idea he was about to propose! We had finished our little photo sesh and I was ahead of him, carrying some props when I heard him say, “Ash,” in a bit of a shaky voice. I turned back to face him and he was on his knee with all his emotions and love for me bursting from his face. I knew, this was it. He fidgeted to get out the ring while telling me what a blessing God has given him in me, and tears were flowing from my eyes.

{These are the moments right after he proposed, so special!}

I couldn’t imagine a more special, intimate way to ask me than this field, next to my house, which we’ve shared so many memories in already. I said yes. : ) It felt amazing, like the happiness I felt Christmas morning as a child. Take a look at the beautiful ring he picked out...couldn't have done any better!