Virginia Winter Wonderland

SO excited!! My soon to be hubby told me that, even though we can't take a full honeymoon immediately following the wedding, he did plan a few days for us at The Homestead.

It was reviewed by Southern Living as a Winter Wonderland. I can't wait to spend a few days here with my husband!!!

Cute Holiday Cupcakes :)

Thank You Notes

As it's getting closer and closer to our wedding, we've been receiving more and more gifts. I've started writing Thank You notes IMMEDIATELY to get it out of the way. At work recently, a woman was telling me that I have up to 6 months to get my thank you cards out. I smiled. Inside, though, I definitely disagree, and so do most etiquette experts.

All thank yous should be written within 2 months of the receipt of the gift, and proper stationary should be used. Your thank you notes should be personalized and acknowledge the person and gift. Pre-printed thank you notes with a handwritten signature are not appropriate. Writing a sincere thank you will not only show your appreciation for their attendance at your event and their gift, but your guest will admire the special time you took to personally thank them.

Here are the Top 10 Do's and Don'ts of thank you notes (by Emily Post)

1. Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.
2. Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.
3. Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.
4. Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.
5. Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.
6. Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.
7. Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.
8. Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.
9. Don’t include wedding photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.
10. Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!

Happy Holidays!

Enjoy these wonderful winter engagement pics :)

seen here first

Bridesmaids Hairstyle - DIY

Brides.com has 5 DIY Winter Wedding Hairstyles that are great! There's one I am particularly fond of -- I just passed it along to my bridesmaids in case they are inspired, or love it as much as I do!

HOW TO DO IT For an oh-so-now ponytail that's pulled to one side, begin with a blowout, using mousse and a holding spray on damp hair. Tease hair at the crown to create volume, then smooth the rest with a brush and twist into an off-center ponytail. Instead of an elastic, use a line of bobby pins on the underside of the twist, starting at the top and ending at the nape-you'll need at least 20. Side bangs add a flirty softness. Swarovski crystal hairpins, Regina B,reginab.com.
PRODUCT PICK Don't dream of teasing your tresses without first app lying John Frieda Collection Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster. This serum thickens and protects, thanks to fixative polymers and a shot of silicone. $6.50.

found here

Worst Wedding Advice?

I am all for the idea of wearing a beautiful faux fur for your winter wedding, but I am pretty sure it's bad advice to tell a bride-on-a-budget (and who isn't?) to invest in the mink below.... $5,800. No thanks.

{Winter Ideas} 5 Tips for Winter Wedding

Whether The Weatherman Calls For Snow Or Not, Work That Winter Romance Look With These Cool New Ideas.

1) Cover up in style
Cover-up with the fashion statement of the year: a satin trench coat. You’ll look positively divine and you can wear the coat again and again after the big day.

2) Give a warm thank-you
Solve both the problem of thanking your bridesmaids and keeping them toasty by supplying each with a cashmere stole chosen to coordinate with their dresses and the wedding décor.

3) The new take on frosted hair
Here’s a tip stolen from the latest fashion runways: have your hairdresser sprinkle a little loose sparkle eye shadow through your hair. Finer than glitter, the shadow will give your hair the barest hint of shimmer – just perfect for an icy, winter wonderland look.

4) Get practical with a twist
Get some boots made for walkin’ all the way up the aisle. Whether you’re prone to python stilettos or love the comfort (and the romantic look) of flat knee-high boots in white velvet or suede, boots are a sensible winterwear notion with a whole lot of glamour potential.

5) Better than a bouquet
Nothing makes a more charming winter accessory than a muff in sequin or pearl trimmed velvet or in fur (faux or the real thing). Have one made for each bridesmaid in your wedding color, too, then have your florist do up fresh floral arrangements that can be pinned to the muffs. You’ll literally have guests gasping in awe.

all tips found on Get Married

Fiance Malfunction

Feel free to help me, but I can't understand how my Fiance "doesn't have time" to help with any wedding planning because he is "so incredibly busy" with work, yet he has spent 6+ hours just in the last 2 days playing video games. Just doesn't quite add up....

The Knot's "10 New Winter Wedding Ideas"

Wedding Colors

Reds and greens certainly reflect the season, but overdo this color combo, and your wedding may seem more holiday-oriented than you intended.

What's Hot Now: Consider a less-is-more approach to your color palette: Silver and white with crystal accents can add some serious glamour to your winter wedding. For your ceremony, try a white velvet aisle runner trimmed with white satin ribbon, or decorate the altar with a crystal curtain backdrop adorned with hanging strands of elegant white phalaenopsis orchids. If you're exchanging vows outdoors, get your guests in on creating the ambience by giving out clear umbrellas to friends and family members as they arrive.

Holly motifs spell out the season pretty clearly, but they might not dazzle your guests.

The Flowers

Red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are decidedly winter wedding flowers, but if you step outside the flower box, and you'll find a variety of options for winter blooms.

What's Hot Now: Consider fuller flowers, such as white hydrangeas and soft ranunculuses. White boutonnieres can be handsome when they're accented with greenery, but they also look great with a simple white ribbon. Add sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in ribbon embellished with crystals.

Invitations

Since winter weddings are usually held indoors (it's an ideal time for ballroom receptions), they often call for a more formal invitations.

What's Hot Now: A black-tie event is nicely conveyed by heavy cardstock and a navy blue, chocolate-brown, or even eggplant font with hand calligraphy. For a fresh way to achieve a formal tone for your winter wedding, use thick, frosted Plexiglas invitations in white scripted ink. Send the sturdy invites out to all your guests tucked into silver envelope liners.

Centerpieces

Go beyond glowing candles to add both warmth and romance to your reception site.

What's Hot Now: If you want to heighten the drama, bring in the icy outdoors with ice-carved vases on your reception tables. Have your florist fill the vases with tall winter-white branches and hanging crystals to reflect the light from the tables. Surround the centerpieces with votive candles, and top your tables with white dupioni table linens and frosted glass china.

Escort Cards

Miniature sleighs and holly motifs stamped onto your escort cards would spell out the season pretty clearly, but they might not dazzle your guests.

What's Hot Now: Leave everyone awestruck as they retrieve their escort cards by making the entire table sparkle. Have the cards hand-calligraphed in silver ink and attach them to individual crystals with a ribbon. Hang each from an oversized crystal candelabra centerpiece for a new take on the popular escort card tree.

The Music

A classical pianist playing during dinner is a sure way to create an elegant ambience, but consider a more unexpected accompaniment.

What's Hot Now: For a twist on the tunes, consider hiring an a capella quartet to sing background music at your reception. Have the group sing your favorite jazz and pop songs to set a welcoming and festive tone for the evening. If you're into a more classical sound, hire a cellist and ask that Vivaldi's "Winter" be included in the repertoire.

Cocktail Hour

A winter cocktail hour calls for warm, comforting drinks. You really can't go wrong with hot chocolate and warm apple cider, but it's your wedding -- why not take every opportunity (drinks included) to add an element of surprise?

What's Hot Now: Serve up white hot chocolate in small espresso cups and eggnog in small punch glasses for your guests as they arrive. At the bar, offer saketinis (Japanese rice wine and sweet-flavored vodka) in glasses rimmed with sugar crystals.

The Cake

A wedding cake trimmed in red or green ribbon or topped with roses looks pretty, but bakers who are willing to push the fondant envelope can reflect the winter in totally creative ways.

What's Hot Now: Play up the season with a white, vintage-style cake, dusted with edible silver powder. For accents, have your baker add a white sugar ribbon and crystal drops cascading down one side of the cake.

Favors

Food wedding favors are always a hit, but if cookies or truffles seem passe, try new treat ideas to send your guests home satisfied.

What's Hot Now: Give out small packages of chocolate-covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts. An over-the-top idea that will undoubtedly impress: Have your caterer set up a hot chocolate and churros station to top off the evening.

Honeymoons

While many couples flee the blustery weather for warmer (and sandier) locales for their honeymoon, a winter wedding can segue perfectly into a snowy escape.

What's Hot Now: Embrace the season and rent a cozy log cabin for a week in Lake Placid, or join the jet-setters at a luxurious hotel in Aspen for some serious skiing, wining, dining, and snuggling.

Article found here

Worst Engagement Picture Ever?

found here

No No to the Garter toss

True Story: During the gathering of the garter, my brother actually went under my sister-in-law's dress and came back out with a pair of thongs in his teeth. It was obviously staged (with her having no part) and at that moment, I decided I would never have a moment like this at my wedding. To make it worse, my other brother caught the garter and had to place it on the lady who caught the bouquet.. who happened to be about 14 years old. AWKWARD. I think I'll just completely skip over any embarrassing moments like that... Your thoughts?

photo via EAD

Picture Idea

So I have a little yorkiepoo (shown below) who is the cutest lil' gal ever! I'd love to take a picture like the second one down (by Sota Dzine)... I think it would be beyond adorable!!

{Inspiration} Winter Wonderland

Inspiration from Anthropologie's Winter 2009 catalog... enjoy

seen first here

{Winter Ideas} Cocktail Hour

Spruce up the cocktail hour with flavors of the season like peppermint, butterscotch, and cranberry. Try a peppermint-infused martini garnished with mini candy canes for a decidedly December wedding. Or try a cranberry cosmopolitan garnished with tiny dried cranberries. For a drink that's sophisticated yet unique, serve pear champagne cocktails garnished with frozen pear wedges or mint sprigs.

Also, a winter cocktail hour calls for warm, comforting drinks. You really can't go wrong with hot chocolate and warm apple cider, but it's your wedding -- why not take every opportunity (drinks included) to add an element of surprise?

What's Hot Now: Serve up white hot chocolate in small espresso cups and eggnog in small punch glasses for your guests as they arrive. At the bar, offer saketinis (Japanese rice wine and sweet-flavored vodka) in glasses rimmed with sugar crystals.

When you're selecting your cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres, choose flavors that mesh well with your signature drink. You might love mini quesadillas, but sipping a peppermint martini at the same time could leave an odd aftertaste.

Like your cocktails, opt for savory winter bites infused with seasonal foods and flavors, such as rosemary, almond, and warm cheeses. Try a menu of mini shortbread tarts, cheddar herb rolls, and white chocolate pretzels. Or go for spinach-cheese phyllo triangles, sausage-stuffed mushrooms, and crackers topped with a walnut-date spread. Talk to your caterer about making sure the hors d'oeuvres match the libations, and let seasonal ingredients be your guide.

advice from The Knot.

Wedding Trends

I am excited about The Knot's list of the 7 wedding trends they love... and even more excited that I'll be using some of them in less than 6 weeks!!

1. Photo Booths (check out my previous blog about this)

2. Low, Lush Centerpieces

3. Cake Buffets & other desserts (cupcakes)

4. Choreographed dances

5. Turntable DJs

6. Themed Engagement shoots

7. Getaway dresses

How many will I include?! Hmmm..

Wedding Shoes

I was in DSW a few weeks ago to pick up some new brown shoes for my fiance, and I of course browsed the entire women's section. I was looking for tall boots, if anything, but I came across these lovely Caparros and just knew these were meant to be my wedding shoes! So comfy!

Marriage License

6 weeks away! Some invitations have been sent USPS, others have been or will be hand delivered over the next couple weeks. Now, we have to make it legal. We have to apply for a wedding license. The problem is, since we don't live in the state we're getting married in, it is hard to get there to do the application! My current headache revolves around trying to figure out WHEN and HOW we're going to apply for a marriage license.... stress.

Winter Wonderland

I received this update in my email today and I thought it was fitting -- I've mentioned most of these reasons before, but it's nice to have a reminder as to why being a winter bride is a positive!

This past weekend has given us a glimpse in to the chilly weather that is soon to be upon us. Winter is looming, and for most it marks the end of the'wedding season' and the beginning of the holidayseason. While the cold is a major deterrent for a winter wedding, there are quite a few wonderful benefits that Eventurous wants you to know about if you are thinking this may be the time of year for your wedding!

The winter season, above all else, offers you options! With the wedding season past, you are much more likely to snag the venue of your dreams. Rentals are usually less slammed in the winter time so you have much more buying power and you may be able to work a deal with the chapel, rehearsal dinner space, or reception venue. Its always easier to plan your wedding when others are willing and able to work with your budget. Another great benefit of a winter wedding is that many of your guests can

likely attend. Lets be honest, everyone is constantly busy throughout the summer. Your guests social agenda is likely much less overwhelming in the winter time and more of your loved ones will likely be able to be with you on your special day.

Another fantastic benefit of a winter wonderland wedding is that decor is already started for you. Chapels are always overflowing with flowers and rental spaces are often set up for the holiday season. You can save quite a bit of money with some of the decor already in place for your wedding. When working with a budget, this can be a great way stay on track with your spending.

Trolley Time

I'm pretty excited to rent a Trolley for the bridal party to take some pictures on & in, AND it will take us to various spots around town to take some pictures. I love the idea of a trolley much more than a Limo, and I'm so happy I decided to go with it so that we'll have some fun pictures like these below!

Rant: Cost of Alterations

I had my first dress fitting today, which is a wonderful experience because it was the first time I put the dress on since buying it. :) I loved playing dress up again and putting on my purchased bridal jewelry and shoes and all.

BUT - I just have to rant about how EXPENSIVE alterations are!! Geez. $150 for a bustle. $150 to put in a corset back. $150 to add some support in the bra area for us busty women. Dang! Fortunately the bridal shop gave me a coupon... for $10 off! That is honestly laughable. Not much I can do about it, and I certainly am not going to take my wedding dress to a "cheap" tailor or someone that doesn't specialize in bridal... so I just needed to rant!

{Wedding Trend} Will I or won't I?

In my opinion, one of the BEST wedding trends out there today is Photobooths!! Look how much fun these guests are having -- I suspect they really liven up the party! Plus, they provide a great favor for the guest, and a memorable guest book for the bride & groom! You can set up a scrapbooking table and have folks write something cute & nifty beside their pictures. Neato!

After much research on vendors, I would recommend Partybooths. They are nationwide, professional, and a good value!

Fall Weddings

I'm currently loving reading about rustic, Fall weddings. Check out these lovelies below!

photos seen here first.

Winter Shrug - Savvy!

Last night, while casually browsing the mall, I happened upon something I was not expected --- a cute faux fur shrug! It is a classy faux spiral fur coat featuring 3/4 bell-shaped sleeves and a cropped swing style. It is both winter savvy & a budget savvy steal from Forever 21!