Newly Wed-nesday: Getting Acquainted with Guesterly

If there is one thing brides and grooms consistently tell me they dislike about wedding planning, its the seating chart. Trying to create fun and interesting match ups can be overwhelming and often creates a little drama of its own.  Today weddings are more inclusive. Guests are not just bystanders they are participants.  Old wedding traditions have transformed into new ways for couples to bring a unique flair to their wedding. Making sure that guests have a fun and interactive experience is top priority. What if you could get ahead of the game and introduce your guests before the big day? Imagine a big mixer/meet up where you could make all those introductions in advance.  Guesterly is an innovative tool born from one couples desire to do just that.  No more his side and her side just one big celebration.

In 2012, while planning their own wedding, the founders of Guesterly, Rachel and Lorne, came up with the concept. They faced the dilemma that many brides and grooms face, how to blend family and friends from different corners of the country or even internationally. Combined with a concept sparked from  Lorne's college Freshman Herald directory and Rachel's knowledge of publishing through her work as a magazine editor at "O" Magazine, Guesterly was created.  Here is how it works:

Why do I like Guesterly?  Before you ask, let me answer the obvious question. Why create a magazine when I can use a website or social media? Guesterly will reach all of your guests regardless of the social media they do or do not use. Guests may not be as comfortable using websites or posting personal information or photos. Guesterly is delivered directly to your guests and you control who gets a copy.  Finally, every bride and groom will tell you that the big day fly's by in a flash. Guesterly is an ice breaker that will eliminate a lot of time spent making introductions and give you more time to make memories.  Happy Best Wedding Ever! Ta. 

Newly Wed-nesday: Megan and Brandon, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

As I mentioned in yesterdays post, I want to share with you some of "how I spent my summer." One of the highlights was the wedding of my favorite nephew Brandon to his sweet fiance, Megan. I was honored to help them plan the wedding and it was truly a wonderful experience. Megan has a wonderful personal style and Brandon is classic and traditional. Their wedding was every bit a reflection of the two of them.

All The Details:

Color Story: Tiffany Blue, White, Pink

Ceremony: Christ Church Cranbrook was gorgeous without any additional embellishment. The incredible architecture of the historic church was the backdrop during the traditional evening ceremony. Megan and Brandon were the centerpiece of the moment. It was elegant and reverent but filled with joy and personality.

The Happy Couple:  Brandon was quite dapper in his Brooks Brothers tuxedo and black tie. His very classic attire was set off by his Tiffany blue socks peeping out of his loafers.  Megan stunned us all in her gown by Priscilla of Boston. The strapless ball gown created by the designer made famous by Grace Kelly, featured a bodice of handmade rosebuds. She wore satin pumps embellished with crystal butterflies by Aruna Seth. The bridesmaids wore short Tiffany blue dresses that tied at the waist with pockets, of course. Her sister and Matron of Honor wore a robin egg blue version of the same dress.  The brides bouquet of white peonies and baby's breath and maid's bouquets of blue hydrangeas were created by Fleurtech. 

Reception: The Village Club was in full bloom and the lush grounds were the setting for the cocktail hour on the patio. This night was literally a garden-party. After dinner, guest returned to the lantern lit patio. The bride and groom provided family and friends with a cigar bar to enjoy, as well as passed hummer ice cream cocktails.  

Design: Table top decor included huge white hydrangeas, baby's breath in Tiffany style boxes and birch bark lined containers and accented with metal lanterns and blue and clear glassware. Each table was named for a location in Chicago where the couple met and lived. The escort cards and table tents were handmade and depicted a silhouette of each Chicago landmark.

Sweets:  In lieu of the traditional cake, Megan and Brandon had a cupcake bar, featuring with oodles of yummy sweets from Taste Love Cupcakes, winner of the Food Networks 2012 Cupcake Wars. Flavors included, Red Velvet, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Double Vanilla Bean all dressed up with Tiffany blue icing and the signature white bow.

The Party: Brandon and Megan wanted their day to be a celebration, making certain to stick to old traditions but still create a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The bride and groom finished their bridal dance with a "snowball" dance. Making sure that every guest hit the dance floor at least once to enjoy their nine piece band. Other goodies included Tiffany boxes of dancing shoes for tired party feet created by Lisa's Gift Wrapper's, who created all the Tiffany boxes and card box for the event. The brides mother passed around lighted maracas to get guests in festive spirit and the couple set up a photo booth to capture friends and family enjoying their big day. Finally, the evening wrapped up with guests taking home a taste of Michigan with Towne Club Pop and BetterMade Potato chips waiting for them as they departed.

Family weddings are always special and although I am not impartial, I have to say this was one of the best. It was a great time with a beautiful couple. I could not be happier to see my wonderful nephew marry such a lovely and caring wife. Many years of happiness Megs and Brandon. We love you. Happy Life! Ta.

Photo Credits: Laurie Tennent Studio, House of Gray, MadLab Designs, Random Family and Friends.

Newly Wed-nesday: Tea Towel Invitations

I was so thrilled when Karen Brown of UK based The Original Wedding Tea Towel found me on Twitter. I had not seen her designs before but I am obsessed with them. (yes, obsessed is a word everyone is over using and I generally despise, along with amazing, but it fits in this case because I mean it.) I love all things vintage and wedding and adorable. These tea towel invitations are all of the above. Here's the harsh reality, those beautiful paper crafted invites are gorgeous and artful, but most recipients will put them in the circular file. Not these beauties, they will be kept and hug proudly. They would be perfect favors for a bridal tea, luncheon, shower or send them as thank you's.

Here is the skinny on how to get you hands on these unique creations. Since Karen is based in the UK she has teamed up with Peter Loves Jane to distribute them to US customers. (Thanks Peter and Jane, that kinda makes us love you back). You can connect to their Etsy site to get more information and place a deposit on your custom order.  Happy Tea Time!

Photos: Peter Loves Jane

Newly Wed-nesday: The Most Dreamy Honeymoon Suite EVER.

This honeymoon suite is fit for a king and queen. It doesn't get more bridal than Tiffany and NYC. So, before you head off to your far away destination, book a lay over in NYC and start your married life off in high style!

St Regis Hotel, NYC, The Tiffany Suite - "A glamorous setting for romance. An exquisite jewel box. A storied hotel that Marilyn, Dietrich and Dalì called home. Handmade silver leaf wall coverings, unexpected touches of Tiffany Blue and a shimmering palette that catches the light like a brilliant diamond. In this elegant aerie, watch the sun set on the verdant crown of Central Park from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Toast each other with the clink of Tiffany crystal, feast under the glow of a magnificent chandelier, then dance cheek-to-cheek by the fireplace. With a 24-hour butler at your beck and call, you may never want to leave—nor have to."

Newly Wed-nesday: A Blushing Affair

One To Wed

From the earliest days of bridal fashion, pink has been a staple in weddings. Gone, however, are the days of "Pepto" poofy dresses. Here comes the soft, pastel blush pink flowing gowns, and not just for your maids. Brides are wearing this gentile tint too. It was all over the red carpet this season. Most notably worn perfectly by Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence. This weeks inspiration is blush and gold. Adding a metallic like gold brings depth and formality to the color story. They balance each other. Gold keeps the blush from becoming to babyish and blush keeps gold from seeming gaudy. Enjoy the romance!

Swan House Gardens, Atlanta History Center

Swan House Gardens, Atlanta History Center

Pearl by GC of Marchesa for JCP $250

Nordstrom $178.00

LuLu Townsend DSW $49

Table Linens partymosaic.com

Etsy.com 

Vintagedishcompany.com

JamaliGarden.com

Etsy.com Favor Bags

The Cake

Grooms Attire

Etsy.com 

Cocktail Napkin BHLDN.com

Toasting BHLDN.com

Additional Credits: One to Wed, Belle The Magazine, Pinterest, My Sweet and Saucy

Newly Wed-nesday: The Recycled Bride...well it used to be.

Do you have 150 mason jars left over from your wedding and no future plans to put up any peaches? Well, I have found a website that is perfect for you to make a little cash back on your wedding left-overs. The website Recycled Bride is now called Tradesy.com. Originally, it's format was like an online classified to allow newlyweds to unload their used wedding decor and apparel. Now, Tradesy.com has expanded to a full fashion site that allows you to sell clothing and accessories in unlimited posts.  So, whether you are looking for wedding decor or a new outfit for the rehearsal dinner, you can get a super bargain. Not sure if you can afford those Jimmy Choo's for your wedding day? Clear out your closet and list a few items and you just might be able to pay for those glass slippers after all.  If you want to learn more about just how it works, click the link below for a short video! Happy Selling! Ta!

Tradsey.com Video