You Had Me at "Hello!"
This could be my favorite arrangement EVER!!! These lush hydrangea in this aged urn- Todd Events- always exquisite! Also notice the "shot glass" votives- I love the sleekness of these!
Oh how I love a gorgeous, captivating, wow your guests as soon as they walk through the doors or pull up to the drive ENTRANCE!!! Don't overlook that detail or cut it out trying to save money. Your guests will remember this and be impacted by this detail more than they will notice two extra large centerpieces on your guest tables! Not to mention, it is the LAST thing your guests take in as they exit a precious ceremony or a rocking reception!
There are multiple ways to add this WOW factor (as you will see in these fun pics): wreaths, draping, candlelight, stunning, massive centerpieces, intriguing groupings, cool furniture that you don't expect to see, gobos, flowing ribbon streamers, striking linens, and even your wedding cake! This can totally be something you do on your own, too! Collect cool, eclectic votive folders of different heights and mass with photos- purchase a striking, unique vase at Home Goods and stick a giant bunch of Bells of Ireland or blooming branches in it- get a giant branch (my husband does not understand my obsession with wood!) and have it dripping in crystals- purchase a cool runner in your colors- make your guests feel like they are at your home and create a "coffee table" with books, photos, julep cups, a bowl of fruit or pots of succulents... Let your guests see YOU as soon as they walk through the main doors! Oh! And don't forget to put your programs in something other than a boring basket! Find a cool platter or tray or feather them in wheat grass. Nothing kills me more than a stunning program just sitting bare on an existing entry table- BLAH. Spice it up! Have I made my point?!?!
"You had me at hello" and you got me again at "good-bye." (I don't think Tom Cruise says that in "Jerry Mcguire" but I had to close it up!). ENJOY!!!!
Photographers to credit: Sil Azevedo, Stephen Karlisch, Helmut Walker, Absolute Photography, Joseph Mark, Kate Mefford, f8 Studio, Imagine Studios, and Wydyn Photography! They are the ones who allowed me to showcase these lovely ideas in an impactful way. Oh... and then there are the floral designers who actually did it! :) They are credited below. THEY AMAZE ME EVERY TIME!!!
Lighting through The Omni Park West
The bride brought this table in and A Stylish Soiree provided the floral. This was so Aerin!!!
LOVED THIS!!! A Stylish Soiree- even though guests got rained on to get over to the sign in table, I made them go over there JUST so they could see this eye-catching collection of apothecary jars and moss- too cool!
Draping and WOWING runner by Fete des Fleurs! Lovely!!!
Draping and wreath by The Wildflower- and the steps leading up to the ballroom were lined with floating candles!
Garland and entry table decor by The Wildflower
Draping and wreaths by The Wildflower- these wreaths were the background for all the preceremony shots
Of course- the signature cocktail! You can always get them with a chic, tray-passed drink! Still works for me! Thank you, Belo Mansion!
GOBO! Fashizzle! Lite Dallas! Oh- there was this really cool skin from Suite 206 that Stacey at The Wildflower used as the "linen." Edwards Floral Design of McKinney did the centerpiece! A collection of talent!
Gorgeous cake by Frosted Art- loved seeing that as soon as I walked in the door at Arlington Hall! A "free" entry arrangement! Floral by Garden Gate
Here is Arlington Hall's gorgeous foyer table with this striking centerpiece and candlelight!
Thank you, Bella Flora!
I can't stop looking at this picture- WOW!!! Candlelight can never be overrated! Notice how the frames are crystal to pick up the candlelight. And the water is actually tinted in shades of pinks and lavenders. You could see this as you pulled up in your car. I love that! Reception at Gleneagles... The Wildflower provided all the candelight, crystals, and draping!
Do something unique with your placecard table! The Wildflower used rice for the rich, Asian feel that Liza wanted. You can use wheat grass, petals- all kinds of cool stuff!!! Your guests will want to touch it! And notice the red drapes leading guests into The Grand Ballroom at Rick's...
I want to touch this too- I LOVE this feathery, fluffy wreath. Hayley wanted an initial wreath so bad, so Stacey at The Wildflower put this at the entry gate of The Cotton Mill in McKinney
Another SUPER cool collection by A Stylish Soiree at The Dallas Arboretum!
It was this entry piece that inspired this post! I could not stop looking at this! Stacey at The Wildflower created this collection of Ali's favorite colors and flowers in the foyer at Eldorado Country Club. Wow! Wow! Wow! I can't tell you how many guests stopped and looked at this on the way in and on the way out.
Cool Gobo by William Ryan at It's Your Night and arrangement by The Wildflower
This is Stacey's moss frame
Entry arrangement by The Wildflower- Oh my!!!!
Amanda's sweet cake (by Panini) as the entry piece at Cityplace
Ribbon streamers and crystals by The Wildflower
This moss frame and lush, purple drapes "framed" the long foyer into te reception, The Wildflower
How BLESSED am I?!?
Thank you for an incredible 2009! I have several brides and families who allowed me to be a part of their wedding planning even though they knew I was pregnant; that means so much to me and I am beyond grateful! Here's to another year of precious couples, many laughs, sweet tears, and touching moments that give you goosebumps! I cherish the fact that I was the one standing there as these treasured brides walked down the aisle! Can I say again that I LOVE my job! Wishing you a BLESSED holiday and an exceptional 2010!
~emily
Marriage License MUSTS in Good Ole' Texas! An Abbreviated, Entertaining, and Totally UNserious Version!
Let's make all these months of exciting, exhausting, frustrating, fulfilling, dramatic, laborious, precious planning OFFICIAL and get you a marriage license! The State of Texas recently increased their fee, so I had to rewrite some of the info that I put in my BEAUTIFUL BLESSED UNIONS' BRIDES notebooks! Thought I might as well include some of it in here for a bride that may not want to read the boring version provided by the State of Texas/License/Records/Blah, blah, blah Department. In a fun nutshell, this is what you and your hot groom need to know/have to get officially hitched....
For ONE!!! If you are wanting to marry your cousin/brother/sister, then you are out of luck! That ain't legal and it just ain't right! Glad we got that out of the way....
Onto the boring stuff (that part about marrying someone you're related to always cracks me up!)....
~Both you and your groom must go TOGETHER to get your license! The groom hasn't really been involved in any of the planning (besides his cake and bow tie), so why start now, State of Texas?! I'm teasing!!!! sort of....
~Your license is valid for 30 days, so get this out of the way FAST!!! You don't want to fit in a time to go to the courthouse the week of your wedding. As soon as you hit the one month countdown, make a lunchdate with your groom and head to the Records Department.
~Now get this- especially for those of you who live out of state and are having your wedding here- there is a 72 hour waiting period. Keep this in mind when making flight reservations! This means you want to have your license by the Wednesday (if you're having a Saturday wedding) before your wedding.
~Bring your driver's license and as silly as it sounds (AS I am writing this, by the way, my driver's license is expired!), MAKE SURE YOUR LICENSE IS NOT EXPIRED!!!
~Besides the budget that you already blew, it ONLY costs $71 to get married! BRING CASH! Visa won't work- for once in the planning!
~Your marriage license is valid anywhere in Texas. So say that you live in Austin, but you are having a fabulous Dallas wedding, you can still get your license in Austin.
~The State of Texas no longer requires a blood test, so no worries there. Personally, I don't think a blood test is a bad idea, but that's just me!
~Did I mention that if you're not 18 you must bring mommy or daddy with you? I don't think your wedding coordinator counts???
On the Wedding Weekend....
~Bring the license to the rehearsal- if you have one of those crazy best men who is only interested in getting to the party, then don't make him responsible! If his head IS in the game, then put him in charge of connecting with your officiant. If not, pass this duty onto your Maid of Honor.
~After the wedding, your officiant should mail the license off for you. Then the official one comes in the mail.
~Some couples have someone make a copy of their license if they are traveling internationally. Kind of a pain for the one who has to hunt down a copy machine but can be helpful.
Now! Where to go (or who to call if you don't consider me to be a valid source! Whatever!) to get this special piece of paper!
Downtown Dallas at the Records Building,
509 Main Street, Suite 120
214-653-6077 or 214-653-6078
In East Dallas at the East Dallas Government Center,
3443 St. Francis Ave.
North Dallas Government Center,
10056 Marsh Lane, Suite 137, Dallas,
214-904-3032
Justice of the Peace,
7201 S. Polk, Dallas,
(972) 228-0280
Justice of the Peace,
1411 W. Beltline Road, Richardson,
(972) 231-1439
Justice of the Peace, Beckley Courthouse
410 S. Beckley Avenue, Dallas,
(214) 943-6980
Collin County
Collin County Administration Building
2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 2104
McKinney, Texas 75071
Collin County Clerk's Office - Plano
900 E. Park, Suite 140
Plano, Texas 75074
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You and your fiance are one step closer to making this official! It TRULY is a special time and special step (despite my sarcasm above)- ENJOY IT! Keep your head in the game and take the time to think about what you are doing and what you are asking your dearest friends to sign. This is what it's all about! Thanks for reading!
~emily
I have to brag on one of my brilliant brides (her husband is a West Point grad, so I guess he's pretty smart too!)... Rather than have a registry book, Stacy and Bill ordered a Marriage Certificate and had their guests sign that at the reception- what a great keepsake, as well as something for your wall in your new home! The guests really enjoyed being able to do that!
Here is a great source for the blown up document, as well as a photo from Stacy and Bill's gorgeous reception at The Belo Mansion in Downtown Dallas. Thank you Joseph Mark Photography for not leaving an event undocumented!
For ONE!!! If you are wanting to marry your cousin/brother/sister, then you are out of luck! That ain't legal and it just ain't right! Glad we got that out of the way....
Onto the boring stuff (that part about marrying someone you're related to always cracks me up!)....
~Both you and your groom must go TOGETHER to get your license! The groom hasn't really been involved in any of the planning (besides his cake and bow tie), so why start now, State of Texas?! I'm teasing!!!! sort of....
~Your license is valid for 30 days, so get this out of the way FAST!!! You don't want to fit in a time to go to the courthouse the week of your wedding. As soon as you hit the one month countdown, make a lunchdate with your groom and head to the Records Department.
~Now get this- especially for those of you who live out of state and are having your wedding here- there is a 72 hour waiting period. Keep this in mind when making flight reservations! This means you want to have your license by the Wednesday (if you're having a Saturday wedding) before your wedding.
~Bring your driver's license and as silly as it sounds (AS I am writing this, by the way, my driver's license is expired!), MAKE SURE YOUR LICENSE IS NOT EXPIRED!!!
~Besides the budget that you already blew, it ONLY costs $71 to get married! BRING CASH! Visa won't work- for once in the planning!
~Your marriage license is valid anywhere in Texas. So say that you live in Austin, but you are having a fabulous Dallas wedding, you can still get your license in Austin.
~The State of Texas no longer requires a blood test, so no worries there. Personally, I don't think a blood test is a bad idea, but that's just me!
~Did I mention that if you're not 18 you must bring mommy or daddy with you? I don't think your wedding coordinator counts???
On the Wedding Weekend....
~Bring the license to the rehearsal- if you have one of those crazy best men who is only interested in getting to the party, then don't make him responsible! If his head IS in the game, then put him in charge of connecting with your officiant. If not, pass this duty onto your Maid of Honor.
~After the wedding, your officiant should mail the license off for you. Then the official one comes in the mail.
~Some couples have someone make a copy of their license if they are traveling internationally. Kind of a pain for the one who has to hunt down a copy machine but can be helpful.
Now! Where to go (or who to call if you don't consider me to be a valid source! Whatever!) to get this special piece of paper!
Downtown Dallas at the Records Building,
509 Main Street, Suite 120
214-653-6077 or 214-653-6078
In East Dallas at the East Dallas Government Center,
3443 St. Francis Ave.
North Dallas Government Center,
10056 Marsh Lane, Suite 137, Dallas,
214-904-3032
Justice of the Peace,
7201 S. Polk, Dallas,
(972) 228-0280
Justice of the Peace,
1411 W. Beltline Road, Richardson,
(972) 231-1439
Justice of the Peace, Beckley Courthouse
410 S. Beckley Avenue, Dallas,
(214) 943-6980
Collin County
Collin County Administration Building
2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 2104
McKinney, Texas 75071
Collin County Clerk's Office - Plano
900 E. Park, Suite 140
Plano, Texas 75074
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You and your fiance are one step closer to making this official! It TRULY is a special time and special step (despite my sarcasm above)- ENJOY IT! Keep your head in the game and take the time to think about what you are doing and what you are asking your dearest friends to sign. This is what it's all about! Thanks for reading!
~emily
I have to brag on one of my brilliant brides (her husband is a West Point grad, so I guess he's pretty smart too!)... Rather than have a registry book, Stacy and Bill ordered a Marriage Certificate and had their guests sign that at the reception- what a great keepsake, as well as something for your wall in your new home! The guests really enjoyed being able to do that!
Here is a great source for the blown up document, as well as a photo from Stacy and Bill's gorgeous reception at The Belo Mansion in Downtown Dallas. Thank you Joseph Mark Photography for not leaving an event undocumented!
DISCLAIMER!!! If I have noted something incorrectly and your marriage ends up not being legal, please don't come after me :) If you want the SERIOUS version, I GUESS you can reference,
http://www.dallascounty.org/department/countyclerk/marriage-license.htmlTHE MOB!!! Fabulous Mother of the Bride Dresses!
Mrs. Fox found her dress in NYC! Photo by Scott Hagar and floral by The Art of Chris Brown
Of course, the bride's gown is of the most importance, but The Mother of the Bride dress is ALMOST as important! I love seeing the mother of the bride walk into the church all spruced up and feeling hot! She SHOULD feel that way and deserves some pampering too! In fact, I think it is so important that the mother of the bride (and mother of the groom, I should say!) get her hair and make up done! You want to feel like you are looking your best as well, as you greet friends and fam that you haven't seen in a long time. When it comes to pictures, professionally- done make up, especially makes a huge impact- you won't be sorry!
Please enjoy these gorgeous dresses! While you are checking out the dresses, other items to note:
-the MOB's floral- corsage, nosegay (my favorite!), or nothing at all?
-where the photo is taken- something to think about!
-THIS PRECIOUS MOMENT!!! Look at those wonderful smiles and expressions- PRICELESS!
Please enjoy these gorgeous dresses! While you are checking out the dresses, other items to note:
-the MOB's floral- corsage, nosegay (my favorite!), or nothing at all?
-where the photo is taken- something to think about!
-THIS PRECIOUS MOMENT!!! Look at those wonderful smiles and expressions- PRICELESS!
Of course, I had to start with MY mom :) I LOVED her outfit! We found it at Nordstrom. Photo by Sil Azevedo and florals by The Wildflower.
I love that she wore pants! This is my cute husband, by the way! We don't care where he got his suit!
I had to include a pic of my dad! He owns his own tux- so chic!
Man, does Traci look hot, or what?!? Photo by Absolute Photography and florals by Edwards Floral Design.
I loved Jane's dress! She was the Mother of the Groom! So classic and stylin'! Photo by Stephen Karlisch
Awwww.... Olivia! Gorgeous color and I loved her jacket and little nosegay! Floral by Todd Events.
Well, you know how I feel about the Taszarek fam if you keep up with my blog or facebook page! I was with Sue when she purchased this, so, of course, it is fabulous :) She really did look stunning! I LOVE this color! How wonderful is her expression?!? Photo by Sil Azevedoand floral by The Wildflower.
I also loved what the Mother of the Groom wore- who doesn't love soft pink?
This gown is stunning- I love the color and how it picked up different lighting throughout the evening! Very sharp-looking too! Photo by Gary with f8 and floral by Bella Flora.
The Mother of the Bride and Groom! So sweet!
Mrs. Bailey with her boys! Gorgeous detail on her dress- very cool sleeves to give it a little flair!
This is a Mother of a Groom, too, and I just thought her dress was so classicly stunning- I love the detail, color, and jewelry! SO good-looking, Mrs. Smothers! Floral by Flowers on the Square in Fort Worth.
And the hot Mother of the Bride! This was garnet was perfect for her daughter's fall wedding! What made this dress even more beautiful was that Laurie wore it with a HUGE smile all day and all night long! SHE made the dress!
Beth! How I LOVE this dress! Hayley and Beth LOVE LOVE LOVE purple! This dress was so perfect for the wedding! Another MOB who enjoyed herself throughout all the planning and throughout the wedding weekend! Photo by LeeAnn Widyn and floral by The Wildflower.
So sweet!!!
The Granberry Fam!!! And Miss Sandi- perfect that she is in the middle here! Love the gown. Love the shoes (you can't see the shoes but they were good too!). Love the make up! Love it!!!!I had to get a shot with Mr. Granberry too- he was very chic too :)
How gorgeous are these ladies- and their bouquets are stunning! Floral by Huy iwth f8 Studio and floral by Bella Flora.
So clean and stunning!
Laura and her mom, Barbara, were the sweetest bride/mother of the bride combination- two special ladies! Aren't their flowers so lovely and elegant- such a perfect reflection of them. Mrs. Fenley's dress was so classic with just the right amount of detail! I love her sweet bracelet too. Photo by Gary with f8 Studio and floral by Garden Gate.
Okay! Is Jo hot OR WHAT?!? I could not keep looking at her! She was stunning-the make up, hair, dress, shoes! Good thing her daughter is a knock out too! Photo by Sil Azevedo and floral by A Stylish Soiree.
These girls love each other so much! PRECIOUS! Pretty, pretty!
This is another mother of the bride that WOWED me the minute she walked through the church doors. Rebecca is gorgeous and always looks like a million $$$, but this dress was just so perfect for her! As you can see, her daughter, Miss Ali, got the same natural beauty! GORGEOUS! Photo by Absolute Photography and floral by Edwards Floral.
I am going to get a larger copy of this photo, but could not leave it out! How beautiful and glowing are these ladies! This blue is gorgeous and look at the flowers with it! I also thought it was so cool that Gail left her hair down- everything was so Gail and Margaret (oh- Matt, too- I guess he counts a little bit?!?)... Photo by Andrea Polito and floral by The Wildflower (that pop of orange in her nosegay really shows the blue hydrangea and blue in the gown!)
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