Engagement Story: Robyn & Nolan

How they met...

Robyn and Nolan met in high school in May of 1998 through a friends of Nolan's that he has known since elementary school. They hung out as friends with each other and in groups and then started dating the 23rd of August, 1998. They've been together ever since and are "High School Sweethearts".

How he proposed...

In April of 2007, Nolan bought Robyn a kitten for her birthday (and named him Link.) Later, in August of 2008, on their 10 year anniversary, Nolan took my ring and put it on Link's collar. He started telling Robyn about how he felt. The cat was on the counter, so he moved and the ring sparkled and caught Robyn's eye. She started crying and he took the ring off of the cat's collar and asked Robyn if she would marry him. She told him "yes!". He also told me that he had asked her father for her hand and that her parents had given him their blessing.

The details...

They were married on their 11 year anniversary (to the day), August 23, 2009. They had a private ceremony in the morning, with 13 people total (immediate family and an officiant), in Nolan's mom and dad's backyard, followed by a brunch. That evening they had a big reception with everyone - friends and family.

We will be posting Robyn and Nolan's wedding invitation soon.

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Midsummer Night's Dream Save the Date Magnet

We previously introduced you to Sabrina and Martin, who are getting married on Halloween. The theme of their wedding is Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream and they wanted something using the fairies. Here is the custom save the date magnet we created for them. Enjoy!

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To RSVP or Not To RSVP

Ah, yes. That is the question. So many brides now days are cutting costs where ever they can, and with their invitations, its no exception. The biggest trend we are seeing with RSVPs is that brides no longer want to use them. They are throwing tradition out the window in favor of a modern day, technological solution : the telephone and Internet.

Many brides are signing up for free wedding websites that allow their guests to respond directly on that site. Instead of sending an rsvp, they are including a line on the invitation that reads "please rsvp by going to {insert website here} or by calling {insert phone number}."

Other brides do not even care if they request an RSVP at all. I have had several brides tell me they know exactly who's coming and they is no need to ask.

I find the trend pretty startling. Being a stickler for details, I would go crazy not knowing who is planning on attending. (And I assume plated dinner choices have gone out the window because they don't need to know what everyone wants to eat.)

We do still have some traditional brides that want all the pieces. (Thank you, ladies!) In fact, its funny to hear a bride say, "I printed the address on the response envelope and stamped it for my guests, so they better respond!" My thinking exactly. What a perfect wedding world it would be if everyone responded in a timely manner.

For those wanting to take it a step further, we were given this helpful tip about sending RSVPs. Number the back of each one according to your list. This way you know exactly who hasn't responded as well as know who responded when their handwriting is hard to read.

If you are scared of extra guests attending the wedding (which is another growing trend since couples want to cut costs and not pay for a date you picked up in a bar last night!), is to write in the number of guests on the RSVP before sending them out. This can be tricky if not all of the party can attend, but it will clearly state who you are allowing to attend.

So Internet, telephone, postcard, card or nothing at all. The options have definitely changed for wedding responses. What is the best solution for you? When in doubt, put it on paper.

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“Fleur-de-Lis” Elegant Chrome Bottle Stopper

A legendary symbol of elegance, nobility and grace, the fleur-de-lis has made its way to the top in Kate Aspen's equally legendary line of solid-chrome bottle stoppers, all with a notable weight and quality. From a casual dinner party to the grandest of weddings, the “Fleur-de-Lis” Bottle Stopper is a favor befitting any occasion. Features and facts:

• The fleur-de-lis is detailed on both sides of the chrome bottle stopper
Bottle stopper measures 4 ½” h x 1 ¼” w
• Clear display gift box holds a cream-colored, fleur-de-lis, design background and base with Fleur-de-Lis Bottle Stopper imprinted on the front of the base
• Gift box is accented with a cream-colored ribbon and bow and a coordinated “For You” tag

Item: KA11058NA
Price:
1 - 23 $3.80 each

24 - 47 $3.35 each

48 - 95 $3.20 each

96 or more $2.90 each

Please visit our favor shop to see this and other favors.

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Wedding Planners: Friend or Foe?

You finally met your match. You might have met your true love on a love dot com dating site or passing through on an elevator. Now it’s time to make sure everyone knows this is serious. Of course, you say ‘yes’ and the planning begins, which is where you begin to wonder where to start? You could spend your time during lunch breaks, weekends, after work, and taking your sweetheart around to all the fun venues as part of your planning. But be honest, you might not have the time needed to plan a wedding, and it’s THE day to be remembered forever.

What does your wedding day look like in your mind? The real questions are: How do you get in touch with the best vendors? How do you still have your dream wedding with a budget in today’s economy? How do you arrive on your wedding day without family tears and frustration? Have you started to think about the budget for your wedding?

All of these thoughts seem overwhelming, right? Have you considered a wedding planner? For many brides, the thought of letting someone else control their day is unmentionable. You might know exactly what you want, plus, some believe a wedding planner will cost you money in which you did not originally budget for. Here are some truths you should consider.

Friend: A wedding planner is an expert at weddings much like a dentist is an expert with teeth. They know the remedy for all your ailments and setup a plan or remedy. It’s easier to imagine a painless day especially on your wedding day when you have everything planned out.

Friend: I’m sure you don’t plan on spending close to 200 hours researching venues, caterers, florists, photographers, and really the vendor list goes on. Truly, no one wants to spend all their days finding vendors and finding the wrong ones. A wedding planner has a network of reputable professionals in their trade readily at their fingertips.

Friend: The cost of a typical wedding is about $25,000 and this doesn’t include your honeymoon. A planner can help establish your budget, including the cost of a wedding planner, and network with other vendor’s part of the Association of Bridal Consultants to get an affordable vacation spot.

A wedding planner is your friend on the most important day of your life. Today’s economy only helps shape the perception of your reality and what you can afford. Let the expert help you plan your day that captures the best moments of your life.

Written by: Valerie Bolitho, Wedding & Event Planner, Blueprint Affairs, www.blueprintaffairs.com

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Sarah & Jon's Flurry Monogram Wedding Invitation

A while back we posted the story of Sarah and Jon's engagement. Now we are happy to share their choice for their wedding invitation.

Sarah and Jon are having a Tiffany Blue Wedding. They chose our Flurry Monogram Design and made a few alterations to fit their budget. They removed the gatefold and ribbon and instead used a flat card. They also trimmed the rhinestones by using one large one instead of three small ones.

This is an excellent example of how many of our designs can be modified to fit your budget.

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Inspiration Board #3: Tiffany BLue and Sunny Yellow

No matter the weather, Tiffany Blue and Yellow fill every crevice with the feeling of a light breeze and the shining sun. Feel like the princess that you are with these fun, bright colors. Be inspired to coordinate each and every detail with your favorite wedding colors to keep the clouds away!

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Current Catering Trends of Fall 2009

We had the pleasure of listening to Event Planner Drew Coleman, of Heidi's Events and Catering, speak about current catering trends this past weekend. Here are a few of the fun ideas that are making it's way to a plate near you:

• Soup Shooters continue to be popular, but now with a new twist. "Sip on a BLT." A shot of this sandwich is made with tomato soup that is sprinkled with lettuce and bacon bits.

• Short Plates, or fork friendly items on small plates, allow your guests to travel with their food and mingle.

• Another casual, conversation encouraging food idea is grazing tables. Roll out a cart of your favorite dish and allow your guests to wander and eat at their leisure. (No more being stuck at a table of people you don't know!)

• Make your guests feel special by giving them a surprise. At one event they did, they rolled out a pancake and crepe station towards the end of the night. What a great way to end an evening of drinking and dancing than with pancakes! (and just when the guests thought there was nothing left to look forward too.)

• Turn up the flavor and make it your own. Let Grandma's recipe be a dish. Use flavored salts and peppers. Give your guests more than one option of sauce. (Such as a chicken skewer station that they can "paint on" their own flavor.) Brand your steaks with your wedding logo.

All of these ideas can turn a plain affair into a memorable one. Happy eating!

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Summer Celebrity Weddings

This past weekend, two celebrity couples tied the knot, and a third did earlier this summer.

Heroes star Ali Larter and actor Hayes MacArthur wed at his family estate in Kennebunkport, Maine on Saturday evening (August 1). Ali wore a Vera Wang sweetheart neck, A-line gown of Chantilly with hand-pieced corded lace applique. Hayes wore a Ralph Lauren Black Label peak-lapel tuxedo and Polo Ralph Lauren bow tie. We must say, the photos of this affair are stunning.

Movie actor and former Marky-Mark, Mark Wahlberg wed his girlfriend of eight years, model Rhea Durham at Good Shephard Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, California. The ceremony was attended by their three children. Rhea wore a white, strapless Marchesa dress and Neil Lane jewels, while Mark wore a Giorgio Armani two-button notch lapel suit with a white spread collar shirt and pale lavender necktie.

At the end of June, Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson and NFL player Hank Baskett wed at the Playboy mansion in Los Angeles. Hugh Hefner was also in attendance amongst the 500 guests. We recently watched the episode of Kendra with the wedding, and think she looked gorgeous (especially her hair!) We were a bit surprised at how traditional and girly it was.

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