Thursday, April 29, 2010

Commitment To Marriage A Beautiful Thing! Part 1


In a world where commitment seems to last about a day in relationships, there are great examples of women who have lived among us. Those who show us that when the going gets tough, the tough stay put and work it out!

Such is the example of Marjorie Pay Hinckley wife of the former Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (Both have passed away.) She and her husband left a legacy of all that wives and husbands should be to each other. Both accomplished individuals and both devoted to each other and their family!

Just wanted to share these important quotes by a wonderful mother, committed wife, and a very down to earth woman!

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

I can't read that quote out loud without crying! (She quoted this often although said she was not the author.)

"I know it is hard for you young mothers to believe that almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with your husband. You had better be sure you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring. Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important. Encourage him. Be kind. It is a rough world and he like everyone else is fighting to survive. Be cheerful. Don't be a whiner."

Great counsel!

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead."

Isn't that the truth!

"Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Wouldn't the world be a different place if we all practiced this.

"Home is where you are loved the most and act the worst."

Amen to that.

"The family is eternal. Love must be nurtured. It must be spoken. We must put away our pride, our haughtiness, our shyness, our misunderstandings, and with humility say, "I love you. Is there something I can do to help you?" You can never be completely happy under any other circumstances."

Brides remember that this will go along ways if you treat your husband this way!

"There are some years in our lives that we would not want to live again. But even those years will pass away, and the lessons learned will be a future blessing."

This to shall pass as the scriptures say and if we endure it well....

"Be a mother who is committed to loving her children into standing on higher ground than the environment surrounding them. Mother's are endowed with a love that is unlike any other love on the face of the earth.

As you approach your wedding day, remember to thank your mother for being there for you! Then commit to being there for your husband (and eventually the children that will join you later) as you begin your new life together!

Commitment is a choice- pass it on! Weather the storms of life together and make up your mind "when the going gets tough" to follow this wise advice from Marjorie Pay Hinckley. Her husband was known the world over for his great compassion and service to people! As was she. Those pearly gates she talked about opened wide for her as she left this earth. As her husband counseled people often "Try a little harder to be a little better."








Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A Wedding Dinner Outside The Box!

Now days you can think outside the box when you plan your wedding dinner or wedding breakfast. You can go formal or more casual in your decor and why not choose a fun theme? Do you like sports, travel, gardening, western, movies, etc...

Plan something that will not only make a lasting impression on your guests but will be enjoyable and out of the ordinary. For example, create a western barbecue complete with western decor on the tables and a small wedding favor or thank you gift for guests. The gift could be a small jar of jam in a canning jar with a round piece of fabric (with a pinking shear edge) on the top and tied with a gingham ribbon. Another idea would be to hand out horseshoes with the bride and groom's names on it and a cute ribbon tied at the top.

Push back the tables and invite everyone to square dance. Or you could have a western movie and provide your guests with fresh popcorn to enjoy the movie. This would certainly be different then your usual formal wedding dinner or breakfast.

So many things you could do with this theme. Not to mention all the other fun and creative ideas out there! Put on your thinking caps and come up with a fabulous wedding dinner full of the bride and groom's personalities. Make it a day to remember!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Roses Have Meaning




Roses are a popular choice of many brides. Did you know each color of rose has a different meaning? If you want your wedding bouquet (bouquets courtesy of
The Wedding Contessa) to send a message, here are some of the meanings according to color:

Coral/Orange represents desire and enthusiasm which seems to radiate from this bold color.
Dark Pink: is a symbol of gratitude as it stands for thank you.
Light Pink: if you give someone a light pink rose it means admiration.
Pale: a rose of this color stands for friendship.
Peach: says let's get together.
Pink: means many things including love, happiness, grace and gentility.
Pink & White: this combination or rose colors means that "I will always love you".
Red: like the orange rose it also stands for desire, respect, courage, and as you can guess red(because it is such a standard color of roses given for Valentine's Day!)
White: gives the impression of reverence, humility, charm, innocence, and silence.
Red & Yellow: says congratulations!
Yellow: means joy, gladness,welcome back, and friendship.

It would be interesting to research this topic a little and find out how these rose colors achieved their meanings. Go ahead and combine whatever colors you like for your wedding because it is doubtful your guests will try to play detective and figure out what you are trying to say with your wedding bouquet!

Most brides choose their bridal bouquet colors to match the rest of the colors they have chosen for their wedding events and because they like the flowers they have chosen. Other flowers have meanings as well but for now it is enough to know that the many beautiful variety of rose colors speak a language all their own!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Something Blue and Brown Wedding




I came across this chic blue and brown wedding on Papermints a boutique invitation studio with contemporary and handmade wedding invites, save the dates, and personalized stationary. (Samantha Chu the founder was kind enough to share the photos with me!) Jorge Lemus Photography took the delightful photos. This color of blue is so classy looking. Then add the brown accent and it really is a stunning combination.

Notice the beautiful classic look of the blue and brown invitation designed by Papermints . Love how the wedding colors began with the Papermints invitations then carried over into the rest of the wedding decor, line, etc... great way to tie everything together!

When choosing colors for your wedding, consider this color duo. The flowers, cake, and bridesmaid dresses all demonstrate how brown and blue create a beautiful palate for a wedding. Very smart looking and always in style!



Wednesday, April 21, 2010

RSVP


I received a cute repondez s'il vous plait or respond please (RSVP) in the mail the other day. It was included in a wedding invitation I was sent.

Postcard size it had a fun black and white photo taken of the bride and groom on the front.
On the back, there were two wedding events listed with a little box by the side of each. You were asked to check which wedding event the reception or the open house that you would be attending. Underneath was a place to put number of guests.

It was self addressed and stamped ready to send. Convenient for guests and very cute!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Bride's Survival Kit

Be prepared to take care of any last minute emergencies on your wedding day by putting together a bride's survival kit. Doesn't have to be too fancy. Fill a small purse or makeup bag with items like:

Safety pins
wipes
lip gloss
small bottle of lotion
clear fingernail polish
white thread and needle
small bottle of perfume
small container of hand sanitizer
a few different sizes of bandages
mints
gum
tissues
bobby pins
small hair spray container
small deodorant
nail file

You can add some small snacks and have a bottle of water handy as well! Just having a few things on the ready will give you peace of mind if any little unwanted emergencies pop up on your wedding day!


Friday, April 16, 2010

Place Setting Magic




For you upcoming wedding brunch, breakfast, or bridal shower, take your inspiration from a little fabric and a sheet of scrapbooking paper. This same idea can carry over for a special dinner date or fun party. Choose a 12 x12 piece of scrapbooking paper for your placemat. Put some fabric or a tablecloth under the placemat. If you would rather just use the paper placemat for your place setting then go for it.

Add some flowers, candles, goblets pulling your inspiration from the scrapbook paper placemat. Add some silverware, fancy folded napkin, and pretty plates. I added some whimsical pink fringe trim under the small plate. If you like, for fun added flair, put the menu on some other trendy paper and stand it in front of the goblet for your guests to view. Add your own spin on the place settings you want and you will be making your own table magic!


Thursday, April 15, 2010

"Spring" Into Weddings!





Love the smell of Spring blossoms! With so many things starting to bloom in your yard and neighborhood, consider gathering blossoms of all colors and textures to incorporate into your wedding decor.

Cut some fruit tree blossom branches and tie together with a wide satin ribbon. Put them into a glass vase. White or purple alyssum ground cover would look great floating in a glass dish surrounding three to five slightly open roses carefully put in the center of the dish.

Look for ivy spilling over fences this time of year and cut some to put in table arrangements or your bridal bouquet. You can have your floral designer incorporate Spring blossoms into your wedding bouquet. If you choose a beautiful silk bouquet, there are many, many gorgeous blossom branches to choose from. A great variety of colors available too!

If by chance, you are planning an outdoor wedding, add some rustic or shabby chic looking birdhouses by the guest book or on your tables decorated with Spring blossoms! Put them around wedding photos displayed on a tree stumps or a table.

These are just a few ideas to get your creativity going so get your Spring on!


Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Tips For Choosing A Wedding Dress


Choosing a wedding dress for your special day should be a happy occasion. With a few simple tips you can save frustration, time and possibly money.

*Schedule a time to go when you can take your time! Don't go if you are in a hurry! You need plenty of time to try on dresses and find the one you want. So don't be rushed!

*Search styles online and in magazines to get an idea of what you like. Also identify your body type and what style will look best on you. That way when you can find a dress that will accent your shape the best! Some styles are slimming and some are not. Try and decide how you want to look and what will make you look your very best.

*Know your price range before you go. Shop around for the best price both online(after trying it on) and actual bridal stores. If you have enough time before you need your dress, you can watch for sales.

*If you want to take someone with you to model for, take your sister, mom, mother in law, friends, or sisters in law. They can give you some constructive advice but ultimately you are the one that gets to choose the dress! Go to lunch and make it a fun memorable day.

*If you are one that likes a challenge and you like vintage, you could buy a dress at the thrift or secondhand store and then remake it! Add on trim, lace, fabric flowers, feathers, or pair a jacket with it. Then get creative. You can design your own wedding gown without sewing the whole dress!

Your dress can be fancy, simple, elegant, formal, etc...most important is that you choose a dress that you like and that will make you feel like a million dollars on your wedding day without having to spend that much!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The Nest Centerpiece






With the advent of Spring, nests are a perfect decor accent for weddings! Nests are actually really hot in home decor right now so why not use them for wedding decor?

Craft stores, garden nurseries, and home decor stores offer a variety of nests to choose from. You can display them on branches that you have gathered from your yard or a neighbor's. I love to decorate with twigs and branches. This time of year many people are pruning their trees and bushes. So you should be able to find plenty of twigs to decorate wedding tables with.

Birdhouses and little artificial birds lend themselves to great decor accents as well. Use vintage plates bought at a second hand store to display a nest or nests nestled in a long branch of a tree sitting in the middle of your table. Spray the branch or twig white if you like. Au natural is fine too.

Battery operated candles or real candles can also add some romantic sparkle to your table display. Glass apothecary jars provide a beautiful way to display a nest. Put some green moss in the bottom, set a nest on top of the moss and tie a wide ribbon around the jar. (Add some artificial birds on the nest if you like.) Put twigs underneath the jar for added decor appeal.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Photo Shoot-DIY









My son and his cute girlfriend recently decided to do a "photo shoot" for a date. I'm using some of their pictures on my blog today to show that you can do it yourself when it comes to taking engagement photos for your invitations and wedding. There is a sense of accomplishment in creating things yourself! Digital cameras provide all kinds of options when it comes to taking fun photos that you could use for engagement photos and wedding invitations. (I'm not announcing anything here about my son and his girlfriend by the way!)

They sent these pictures to me and I thought they did a pretty good job of taking their own pictures. Love the way they used the LDS St. George Temple as a background for the first three photos. They took a nice variety of shots in the next set of pictures that you could do a lot with. There are so many ways to create your own wedding invitations that you could incorporate variety of photos in your invitation. You could also use your photos for thank you cards.

Don't be afraid to try it on your own. With the myriad of scrap booking papers, computer programs, and online resources, you really can do it yourself and come up with a beautiful wedding invitation that you made yourself! Smile and say, "cheese"! These are memories worth making!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

A Little Party Inspiration


Found this inspiration for a wedding or party on Holly Beck's Decor 8 blog. A very talented event planner by the name of Amy Atlas put these dessert tables together. Don't the tables make you want to run right out and plan a party?

You can take inspiration for your next party or plan your wedding around colors that you see woven together in photos like this. Check out the story on Decor 8 as they have more pictures and more information on how they put these tables together.

Dessert tables are a great way to treat your guests at your next party. If you are planning a wedding, think about having a dessert table to impress your guests. Choose your main color then add a contrasting color. Carry that over into your choice of desserts be it candy, cookies, cake, popcorn, cotton candy, beverage whatever you choose! Delight your guests and let the fun begin!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

I love the trendy fabric flowers so popular now on clothing! Not only is it popular and very attractive in couture, but you can use them for your wedding flowers. Why not have bridesmaids wear a fabric flower on their dress. Mothers of the bride and groom could also wear a fabric corsage. You can purchase them or make them yourself to match your wedding colors. What a fun thing to give your wedding attendants and they can be used after the wedding as a brooch!

Pin or glue it on a purse. Add one to a picture frame. There are all kinds of uses for cute fabric flowers!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Choose Silk for Your Wedding Bouquet

When choosing your wedding bouquet, why not consider buying a silk flower bouquet. Silk flowers today are so realistic you will be tempted to smell them to see if they are real!

There are some definite advantages to buying silk flowers for your wedding line.

*You can have your flowers designed ahead of time so that you will have them for your bridal portrait and photos you may have taken of you in your wedding dress.

*Your flowers will not wilt! You don't have to be as gentle and worried about whether your flowers will hold up throughout all of the wedding events of the day. If you have more than one reception, your flowers will still be as fresh as if you just picked them up from the florist!

*Having your wedding flowers designed ahead of time, gives you the advantage of one less thing to worry about. On your list of things to do for your wedding day, it's nice to be able to check items off before your special day arrives!

*Use your silk flower bouquet as home decor. It will serve not only as a special memento of your wedding day, but you can incorporate it into your home decor.

Silk flowers are not what they use to be. There are so many beautiful options when it comes to choosing realistic looking wedding flowers. Invest in something that will last a lifetime if you take care of it!