Thinking Outside the PhotoBox

With photoboothes being all the rage, I love this new take on them, AND it won't break the bank!

 photo from Darla Roze Photography

 Photo from Debi Parker Photography

photo from Positive Light Photography

 photo by Wedding Chicks

 photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

Sexy Cities for Two

Bars, clubs, museums, shops:

Brides is bringing you nonstop action from

their favorite urban playgrounds.

Austin, Texas

Why We Dig It - For the live music and the eccentric locas.

Cool Hotel - The South Congress area's Saint Cecilia oozes retro rock-'n'-roll flair: Each room sports a turntable for vinyls. Doubles from $298 (year-round); hotelscecilia.com.

Beverly Hills

Why We Dig It - For the celebs and the shops on Rodeo Drive.

Cool Hotel - Talk about a ritzy ride: The Beverly Wilshire's Bently will drive you anywhere within three miles -- for free! Doubles from $455 (year-round); fourseasons.com.

Charleston, South Carolina

Why We Dig It - For the antebellum mansions, horse-drawn carriages and ghost tours -- touristy but fun.

Cool Hotel - Mingle with an in-crowd post-dinner at the Market Pavilions's rooftop bar. Doubles from $100 (low season) and $229 (high season); marketpavilion.com



Chicago

Why We Dig It - For the lakeside setting, soarin' skyscrapers, and must-see museums. The deep-dish pizza rules, too.

Cool Hotel - Superstars (Angelina, Johnny) prefer the Peninsula, where everyone gets A-list treatment. Doubles from $395 (low season) and $575 (high season); peninsula.com

Las Vegas

Why We Dig It - For the STrip's sizzling shows, stays, and spas - come on it's Vegas baby!

Cool Hotel - Part of the futuristic CityCenter development, the luxe Mandarin Orietnal boasts way-affordable prices. Doubles from $225 (year-round). mandarinoriental.com

New Orleans

Why We Dig It - For the French Quarter's 24/7 parties.

Cool Hotel - Unlimited snacks and bubbly are all yours at the Maison Orleans the Ritz-Carlton's club floor. Doubles from $259 (low season) and $399 (high season); ritzcarlton.com

Montreal

Why We Dig It - For the Euro vibe and naughty nightlife.

Cool Hotel - Her Madgesty loves the regal St. James, a former bank in the heart of cobblestoned historic quarter. Doubles from $395 (year-round); hotellestjames.com

San Francisco

Why We Dig It - For the farm-to-table fine dining and tony, hilly hoods. Bonus: You're closde to win country.

Cool Hotel - At the Vitale, an extra $400 per night buys you a suite wiht Bay Bridge views - from the tub! Doubles from $299 (low season) and $399 (high season); jdvhotels.com



Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why We Dig It - For the adobe-style architecture and the southwestern cooking. Embrace the chile pepper!

Cool Hotel: The Inn and Spa at Loretto's heated outdoor pool is a quiet, couples-friendly oasis. Doubles from $229 (low season) and $379 (high season); innatloretto.com



Vancouver

Why We Did It - For the sparkling waterfront, peaceful parks, and perfect summer weather.

Cool Hotel - We're fans of the Shangri-La's serence Chi spa and its state-of-the-art treatment frooms. Doubles from $350 (low season) and $399 (high season); shangri-la.com

Via Brides Magazine

How To Shop for A Wedding Gown

Honor Thy Budget

DON'T - Walk into a salon without a rough idea of your budget. A realistic number now will help you avoid disappointment later.

DO - Be honest with your salesperson about what you can spend. Trying on dresses that are out of your price range is a waster of your time and hers.

DON'T - Be afraid to (politely) negotiate. If the store can't cut the gown price, ask if it can offer a complimentary vie or discounted alterations.

DO - Know that in some stores, staffers are pressured to close deals quickly. But even if you know it's THE dress, take one night to sleep on it.

DON'T - Pay with cash. Using a credit card is your best protection in the event of a worst-case scenario (i.e., the store unexpectedly goes out of business and can't deliver your gown).

DO - Remember that embellishments like lace and beading will drive up the price. You might be better off putting those dollars toward an upgraded fabric that drapes beautifully.



Cocktails With A Twist

Rum and Pomegranate Izze

This island breeze of a cocktail in stunning scarlet gets its tang from pomegranates.

- 1½ oz. Bacardi White Rum

- ¼ oz. Cointreau (orange liqueur)

- Splash of lime juice

- 2½ oz. Izze sparkling pomegranate juice

- Colored sugar (for rim)

Dip rim of glass in water, then in colored sugar.

Combine rum, liqueur and juices with ice in the glass, and stir.

Champagne Apricato

Apricot and gin put a sophisticated spin on the modern mimosa.

- 1 oz. Tanqueray Gin

- 1 oz. Marie Brizard Apry (apricot liqueur)

- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice

- ¾ oz. simple syrup

- 2 oz. premium champagne

- Apricot slice

- Edible flower (for garnish)

To make simple syrup, bring 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil.

Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat. Let cool to room temperature.

Combine gin, liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake well.

Strain into a flared glass; top off with champagne. Add apricot, and garnish.

Blueberry Mojito

Ingredients:

2 oz Van Gogh Açai Blueberry Vodka

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

1 oz Fresh Lime JuicLeaves

10 Fresh Blueberries

Club Soda

Directions:

Muddle mint leaves, blueberries, and simple syrup in cocktail shaker.

Fill with ice, add the vodka and lime juice and shake well.

Strain into an ice–filled highball glass and top with the club soda.

Garnish with mint sprig or skewer of fresh blueberries.

Pomchi Smash

Created by mixologist Paolo Votano of Bocca di Bacco in New York, NY

Ingredients:

1–1/2oz Ron Abuelo Añejo

2 oz Cranberry Juice

1 oz Lemon Juice, fresh

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

10 Raspberries, fresh

5 Mint Leaves, fresh

Ginger Ale

Dash Angostura Bitters

Directions:

In a shaker muddle raspberries with the mint.

Add the rest of the ingredients and shake.

Strain into a highball glass and top with ginger ale. Garnish with raspberry and mint.

Superfruit Sangria

Ingredients:

1.5 Oz Veev Açaí Spirit

3 Oz of Pomenegrate Liqueur

1 Oz of Cranberry Juice

Red Wine

Fresh fruit for garnish

Directions:

Fill the pitcher halfway with ice.

Add all ingredients and stir well.

Get the Star Treatment at the Macy's Wedding & Gift Registry Event

Get the Star Treatment at our Wedding & Gift Registry Event

 Join Macy's Wedding & Gift Registry for an event featuring fun beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and great registry experts to help you create your dream registry. Bring your spouse-to-be to play 007 with the scan gun. You can sip your drink --while approving gift choices! You'll also receive a fabulous gift from us.
The perfect weeknight date!

Call your chosen store at the number below to reserve a spot now, or email us! Please be sure to include your phone number, which store you are coming to, and how many people plan to attend.

We hope to see you soon!

Here are some local events happening around Atlanta

Thurs 3/3
Macy's Cumberland at 6:30 PM

1300 Cumberland Mall Atlanta, GA 30339

3rd Floor

RSVP: acranette.mitchell@macys.com

770-434-2601

 

Thurs 3/3

Macy's Town Center at 6:30 PM

400 ERNEST G. BARRETT PKWY , Kennesaw, GA, 30144

1st Floor

RSVP: nita.morrison@macys.com

770-423-2630

 

Sat 3/12

Macy's North Point at 12:00 PM

5000 NORTH POINT CIRCLE, Alpharetta, GA, 30022

2nd Floor

RSVP: Carla.Fields@macys.com

770-410-2630



10 Best Flower Ideas for 2011

Add instant dimension to long reception tables by grouping together

various florals in different shades of the same color.

Arrangements by Claire Bean Floral & Event Design

Elegant garlands of paper flowers, either professionally

made or DIY, were a crafty staple at alternative-chic weddings.

Paper flowers by Dolci Odille

We saw tons of inventive non-floral centerpieces this year,

like this sophisticated grouping of busts and books for a wedding held in a public library.

Still life arrangement by Heather Minicucci of Simply Inviting Weddings

Photo: Studio Atticus and David Wittig Photography

Single blooms placed in vintage vessels were the go-to arrangement

for cocktail tables—we love the elegant simplicity of the look.

Arrangements by KD&J Botanica

Photo: Justin and Mary Marantz

Adding a touch of food coloring to the water in your

centerpiece vase introduced a new way to incorporate color.

Centerpiece by Blossom and Branch

Photo: Steven Torres

Organic, unstructured bouquets, like this one created by the bride on the day of the wedding by tying together fresh-picked peonies and dried globe thistles, felt fresh and carefree.

Photo: One Love Photo

We came to the conclusion that you can confidently display budget-friendly

flowers (like baby's breath) if you group them en masse in an elegant vase.

Silver-plated 170 trumpet vase, Jamali Garden Supplies

Photo: Steven Torres

 

Guess we were due for a palate cleanser, because the all-white bouquet is officially back in style—and hits all the right (understated, effortlessly elegant) notes.

Bouquet by Bloom

Photo: Andrew and Jessica Photographers

We learned that you can place moss directly onto tables—sans vase—to save money and/or make each arrangement resemble an enchanted mini garden. Here, a bed of moss provides a plush base for anemones, muscari, and sweetpeas, as well as a jewelry stand from Urban Outfitters.

Centerpiece by Designs by Ahn

Photo: Steven Torres

Color School: Tips on Color Pairing for Your Wedding

In a behind-the-scenes video, Brides magazine's fashion director reveals tips on color pairing for your wedding.

Spring Wedding Inspiration: Invitations

The color combination of coral pink and black is unexpected and fresh. Rose invitation, $575 for 100 invitation suites, Delphine

Photo: Courtesy of Delphine

 




































Bright green foliage and a coordinating envelope liner give this design a bold pop of color. Kate Spade Garden Bough invitation, $804 for 100 invitation suites. Click HERE for more information.
Photo: Courtesy of ShopatBrides.com
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inspired by the verdant blooms on sale at Manhattan's famous Flower Market, the stationery designers transformed close-up photographs of budding pink peonies into a gorgeous dual-sided invitation. Sarah invitation, $1,795 for 100 invitation suites, Rosebrook Meyer. Click HERE for more information.


Photo: Courtesy of Rosebrook Meyer

Wedding Trends for 2011

Purple and turquoise, sequined tablecloths, custom doughnuts--what else is hot this year?  Brides magazine asked 10 influential party people to predict the next big things.

 

Zucchini Fries



"it" hors d' oeuvres

• Bite-size fish tacos
• Mini gourmet-mac-and-cheese tubs
• Baby lobster rolls
• Zucchini fries in cones
• Asian slaw salad with mini California rolls

 

Rooftop Wedding



Most popular outdoor venues

• Rooftops
• Pool decks
• Fields and meadows

3 Fun Wedding Cake Colors

 



Aubergine Wedding Cake


• Aubergine (eggplant)
• Sapphire
• Deep Turquoise

 Newest Photo Op



Photo Courtesy of Thomas Marlow Photography

Conventional photo booths are
 so overexposed! Guests are now posing
 for the camera in front of  whimsical backdrops -- a quilt,    a  hand-painted canvas,     funky fabrics. . .

Classic Cocktails

• 

  

  Bee's Knees

  Bee's Knees
• Brown Derbys
• Sidecars
• Old-Fahioneds
• Manhattans
• Gimlets

Most Surprising Detail

Tablecloths with pizzazz; lush florals, black lace,
artsy pritns, vibrant colors. Some are embellished with sequins,
reflective disks or velvet appliques.

Flower of the Year 

Peony








Trends courtesy of Brides Magazine

Fab Find: Dessy Twist Wrap Dress

I love this Twist Wrap Dress from Dessy. This dress is fabulous for weddings and any special event! Here are the deets from Dessy:



The convertible dress! Change the wrap to change the look. The Twist wrap dress is a chance to design your own dress! Available in cocktail length or full length, your bridesmaid dresses can match or each can create her own style. Your bridesmaids could even change their style part way through the day. Constructed in luxurious, hand washable matte jersey (dress is un-lined), the Twist dress packs well and is ideal for destination weddings, prom, or even your honeymoon. You could have a different look every night of your trip. The Twist dress can be wrapped in countless ways from demure to daring. From a classic Grecian column to a sexy strapless style, get many looks from the same dress.

Click HERE for more information.

{Real Party} Swap 'Til You Drop!

This Oh-So Cute Pink Diamond Party was designed by Ebony Sparks of Sparkling Events and Design

What a cute way to get together with your besties and celebrate! 

To see more pictures and details click HERE

Vendors:

Styling & Design – Ebony Sparkes, Sparkling Events & Design LLC

Kandy Kones – Celebrate Today…The Superchick Way

Fashionista Fondant Cupcake Toppers – So Sweet Favors

BonBons: Bedazzle My BonBons

Photography – Sweet Pea Studios

Bat Mitzvah- Sweet Indulgent Inspiration

When I saw this, I knew I had to share with you. Beautiful design inspiration by Dooby Design Group

As told by Dooby Design Group: We created this dessert table this past Sunday for The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Ann Arbor. Designing this table was so much fun. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Sweet Heather Anne once again; she designed the gorgeous custom cake as well as the specialty baked goods. It's always great working with Heather, she translates our design concepts to fabulous works of art.


For more details and pictures click HERE

Fab Find - Marriage Telegram invitation

Big Bands, top hats, old-Hollywood glamour -- -sound like your kind of party? Set the tone for a retro celebation wiht a telegram-style invite; $1,200 for 100 sets (including reply cards and envelopes)

Click HERE for more details

Wedding Tipping 101

Which vendors should you tip? How much? And how, exactly do you hand off the cash?




Brides is offering a tip cheat sheet to help you determine who, how much and when to tip for wedding services. The chart will help to provide practical guidelines, but keepin mind that local standards vary widely across the country. Also, many vendors automatically add a tip to their bill, so be sure to read your contract before pulling out your wallet. Tipping business owners isn't mandatory, but consider giving them a small gift if they went above and beyond standard service.


Whom to Tip, How Much and When




Officiant $75 to $100 for a clergy member.
A civil employee, such as a judge or clerk, often can't accept a tip. The best man offers the tip after the ceremony.



Ceremony Musician $20 to $25 each,
unless tips are included in a house of worship's rental fee. The best man offers the tip after the ceremony.



Altar boys gifts $5 to $10 each.
The best man offers the tips to the kids after the ceremony.



Delivery people(flowers, rentals, cake) $5 to $25 each,
depending on the time and toil. Whoever is supervising the wedding day deliveries offers the tips ont he spot.



Coat-Check & Restroom Attendants $.50 to $1 per guest.
Post a sign that gratuities have been taken care of . The host (i.e. your parents pays in advance based on the number of guests.



Valets or parking Attendants $1 per car.
Post a sign telling guests that gratuities have been taken care of. The host pays in advance, based on number of guests.



Hotel Wedding Coordinator $200 to $400.
The host offers the tip at the reception's end.



Waitstaff 15 to 20 % of the total catering bill,
to be split among the waiters, if a gratuity is not included in the contract. The host offers the tip at the reception's end.



Bartenders 10 % of the total liquor bill,
to be split among the bar staff, if a gratuity is not included in the contract. The host offers the tip at the reception's end.



DJ or Band $50 to $100,
for a DJ, or $20 to $25 for each band member, if they work for an agency, no tip if they are self-employed. The host offers the tip at the reception's end.



Photographer and Videographer $50 to $100,
if they're working for a studio, no tip if they're self-employed. The host offers the tip at the reception's end.



Independent wedding planner Not expected.
But if your planner went out of her way, you can thank her with cash $100 to $1,0000, depending on your budget or a gift, sent after the wedding.



Limo Driver or Bus Driver 15 to 20 % of the total bill,
if a gratuity is not included in the contract. The host offers the tip after the final drop-off.



Hairstylists and makeup artists 15 to 20 % of the total bill,
if you go to a salon, at your discretion if they come to you.

info via Brides Magazine

Reflect on Love

Happy Valentine's! It's the day of hearts, flowers, candy and TONS of I Love Yous. Take a moment to really reflect on the person you love so much. If there is not "that special someone", how about your mom/dad, sibling, child...
Love is in the air, Enjoy it!
In the meantime, here are few sweet Valentine poems from http://www.stvalentinesday.org

Love's Philosophy



The fountains mingle with the river


And the rivers with the ocean


The winds of heaven mix for ever


With a sweet emotion;


Nothing in the world is single,


All things by a law divine


In one another's being mingle­


Why not I with thine?






See the mountains kiss high heaven


And the waves clasp one another


No sister-flower would be forgiven


If it disdain'd its brother;


And the sunlight clasps the earth,


And the moonbeams kiss the sea­


What are all these kisses worth


If thou kiss not me?


Contributed by: Maria



It's More Than Saying I Love You


We give on this day candy and flowers,


But we never stop to say thank you for the many hours.


You have stood by my side and gave a smile,


As if to tell our hearts it's been worth every mile.


No need to buy a teddy bear or even a card,


It's pretty simple and not at all hard.


Just put your arms around me and hold me tight,


And say without words that in your heart all is right.


You may say I Love You throughout the year,


But on this day you need to make sure.


The words so sweet and straight from your heart,


That your life would be lonely without my part.


So put forth the effort and take the time,


Look me in the eye and say I'm glad you're mine.


-AngelWatchin




To My Husband, My Life, My Eternal Valentine


This is to thank you for being by side

For comforting and caring when I was all confused inside.

This is for the phone calls you make every day

Just to tell me “I love you” every minute of the day.



The way you take my hand in yours

For all the world to see

That this is the woman

Who is most special to me.



You always seem to know

When I need a hug, kiss or smile…

You never cease to amaze me

When you say, “I'm here…let's talk for a while.”



In decades past we've had our share

Of ups and downs and problems galore

But you are the one who remained at my side

Never thinking of walking out the door.



I adore the way you tell me,

“You are my forever best friend,”

I love the way I believe in you…

And that you will be there till the end.



Thank you for all the time you give me

And for saying, “It's never enough…”

Thank you for listening as I ramble on…

When things become rather tough.



We are in the best years of our lives

Thirty four years on our journey together

I want to grow old with you…and you with me

I want to love YOU---FOREVER.

JoMarie Grinkiewicz

Valentine Printables

As you prepare for your upcoming parties over the weekend, check out these super cute Valentine's Day Printables from Catch My Party.

Happy Planning!

Glam 21st Birthday Party – Nightclub VIP Style

Tired of all of the hearts? Well here is something that is something to ooo and ahhh over

21st Birthday Party – Nightclub VIP Style as featured on HWTM