Happy New Year!

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Things every bride needs to know before shopping for a wedding cake.

by Earlene Moore

White by Vera Wang Exclusively at David's Bridal February 2011!!

Vera Wang is launching a new wedding dress line with David's Bridal, White by Vera Wang.
The collection features wedding and bridesmaids dresses, veils and headpieces. The items will range between $600 and $1,400. The collection is project to be in David's Bridal stores in February 2011. Here is a sneak peek of ten designs from the White by Vera Wang Spring 2011 collection.

Essential Wedding Tasks For The Newly Engaged

With the holidays only a few weeks away, we are rapidly moving into engagement season. You know that magical time of year when you take that special someone home to your family. When all your loved one are near and he just can't resist popping the question while everyone is assembled.

Organization is the key to entering this new phase of your life. Start your wedding planning with these easy-to-use wedding checklist that will keep you on top of things! I suggest you develop a planning notebook, a 2-3" three ring binder, print out the checklists and put them in your binder for easy reference.

Your Wedding Checklist: Tasks Month by Month

10 to 12 months before your wedding

____Read The First Ten Steps for a Newly Engaged Couple

____Tell your parents, important family members, and close friends the good news! How to Announce Your Engagement

____You might also want to announce your engagement in the newspaper, on a wedding website with an email sent out to all your friends, or in the most traditional way, with mailed engagement announcements

____Have an engagement party, if you'd like

____Envision the tone of your wedding: Formal or casual? Day or evening? Religious or secular?

____Consider having a wedding theme, which will help pull together the style, look, and feel of your wedding

____Choose your wedding colors, which will add visual unity.

____Set your budget, read Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

____Decide who will pay for the wedding. Will your parents cover it all? Can you contribute? How will expenses be split?

____Start your guest list

____Select date and time. Have backup dates in mind, in case a key element is unavailable.

____Select and reserve your ceremony and reception sites

____Hire a wedding consultant, if you're using one

____Choose and book your wedding officiant

____Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers

____Meet with florists, caterers, and musicians.

____Arrange for a tasting with your caterer

8 to 10 months before your wedding

____Shop for and order your wedding dress and accessories, including veil, gloves and shoes


____Sign a contract with your wedding caterer

____Book wedding florist and choose arrangements

____Book your musicians and/or DJ for both ceremony and reception

____Select and confirm your wedding photographer (and your videographer, if you're using one.)

____Look into wedding insurance and decide if it's a good option for you

____Plan your honeymoon

____Shop for and order your bridesmaid dresses

____If you're making your own wedding favors, start non food items now.

____Meet with wedding cake designers or bakers and arrange for a tasting.

4 to 6 months before your wedding

____Send save-the-date announcements or call out of town guests to let them know the final date, time, and location of the wedding.

____If you're purchasing wedding favors, do so now

____Start planning your rehearsal dinner. Give the host(s) your guest list

____Examine your beauty regimen. Read Five months to perfect wedding day beauty

____If your caterer isn't doing it for you, reserve any rental equipment you'll need, including dishes, tables, chairs, linens, tents

____Register for gifts

____Select your wedding cake designer, and order your wedding cake

____Arrange wedding transportation

____Order stationery

____Select a calligrapher, if you're using one

____Select the groom's tuxedo or other attire, what the groomsmen will wear, and arrange to purchase or rent

____Purchase your wedding rings

____Book wedding night accommodations and accommodations for out-of-town guests

____Buy gifts for your wedding party, parents, and each other .

2 to 3 months before your wedding

____Give a list of "Must Take" photographs to your wedding photographer

____Discuss your wedding menu with your caterer

____Meet with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony

____Write your wedding vows

____Attend any bridal showers

____Mail your wedding invitations

____Think about your wedding hair and makeup - If you're doing your own, try out hairstyles, purchase any extra makeup, think about having a "makeover party" with your girlfriends.

____Book your hairstylist and/or makeup artist, if you're using them. Meet with each of them to experiment with styles and colors.

____Schedule your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

____If your state requires you to make an appointment to get your marriage license, so now.

____If you're going to change your name, complete those documents.

____Send wedding announcements to local newspapers.

____Develop your wedding program, get correct spelling of all names and work up a 1st draft.

The month of your wedding

It's finally here! There's just a few more things to do to make sure everything's perfect

____Apply for your marriage license.

____Have your final gown fitting. It's helpful to have a bridesmaid with you to learn how to bustle your train and fasten any tricky buttons (and help you go to the bathroom, if you've got a big wedding dress!)

____Check with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to make sure they've gotten their attire, confirm arrival times, and answer any last minute questions

____Contact your vendors (caterer, officiant, cake baker, photographer, videographer, florist, musicians, transportation, hotels) to confirm arrival and delivery times.

____Finalize and print wedding programs.


____Create welcome baskets or bags for out-of-town guests

____Send change-of-address information to post office

___Write thank you cards as you receive wedding gifts

____Ask your mother or maid of honor to contact any guests who have not RSVP'd

One to Two Weeks Ahead

____Arrange seating plan, and write place cards

____Give your final head count to your caterer, and confirm any last minute details

____Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and reception

____Try on your wedding shoes, and wear them on carpeted surfaces around the house

____Arrange for a plant waterer/pet sitter/babysitter while you are on your honeymoon

____Pick up your wedding dress

____Attend your bachelor party or bachelorette party, if you're having them

____Send your travel plans and contact information to a family member and your house sitter (in case of emergency)

____Finalize seating chart

Your Wedding Checklist: The Day Before Your Wedding

____Do something to relax and enjoy the company of your out-of-town friends

____Assign responsibilities to your wedding party (handing out corsages and boutonnieres, greeting and seating guests, checking on vendors)

____Confirm wedding day transportation

____Have a manicure and pedicure or other pre-wedding spa pampering.


____Give your wedding party gifts

____Rehearse ceremony

____Hold the rehearsal dinner

Your Wedding Checklist: Day of the Wedding

____Give thank you gifts to your parents

____Enjoy your wedding!

Check list courtesy of

The Perfect Table Plan

The most important thing when planning any event is to be organized; so, if you're planning a seated meal for a large number of people, your guests will appreciate it if they are able to find their seats easily. They will also enjoy dining with compatible and stimulating people.

I was so pleased when I came across The Perfect Table Plan, it takes the guess work out of completing a seating chart and made it super easy. I took advantage of the FREE 14 day trial before purchasing. They offer several step-by-step tutorial to help you get a full understanding of how to use the software.

The Perfect Table Plan can print and export a number of different representations of your table plan. Manage your guest list, track RSVPs and print address labels, seating chart, place cards and much more. It also allows you to choose your own fonts and color schemes.

FINDING AND KEEPING A LIFE PARTNER

"FINDING AND KEEPING A LIFE PARTNER" by Neil Mnemonic

Feel free to tag, comment and share this profound information with any and everyone you think could benefit.

Golden rules for finding your life partner by Dov Heller, M.A. a relationships coach who lays out his 5 golden rules for evaluating the prospects of long term marital success. When it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50%, it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr/Miss. Right!

If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married,they'll say: "We're in love." I believe this is the #1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love.Though this may sound "not politically correct", there's a profound truth here. Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love isthe result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients

are right, then the love will come. Let me say it again: "You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone". You need a lot more!!!

Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.

QUESTION #1:

Do we share a common life purpose? Why is this so important? Let me put it this way:

If you're married for 20 or 30 years that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel,

eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.

Two things can happen in a marriage. (1) You can grow together,or (2)you can grow apart. 50% of the people out there are growing apart.

To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life! Bottom line; and marry someone who wants the same thing.

QUESTION #2:

Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?

This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship. Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The

basis of having good communication is trust I.e. trust that I won't get "punished" or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings.

A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest

with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.

QUESTION #3:

Is he/she a mensch? (or mensh, somebody good, kind, decent & honorable)

A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions. Do they work on personal

growth on a regular basis? Are they serious about improving themselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is

always striving to be good and do the right thing". So ask about your significant other:What do they do with their time? Is this person

materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement.

There are essentially two types of people in the world:

(1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and

(2) people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort

ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.

QUESTION #4:

How does he/she treat other people?

The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.

Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self absorbed? To measure this, think about the following: How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc..

How do they treat their parents and siblings? Do they have gratitude and appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything; can you do nearly as much for them? Do they gossip and speak badly about others? Someone who gossips cannot be someone who loves others! You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.

QUESTION #5:

Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?

Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve" them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it: "You can probably expect someone to change after marriage for the worse"! If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them.

In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues.Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework.

Another perspective...

There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible,not going anywhere relationships. Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention. Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know, or appreciate you?

The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye."

Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.

Once you decide to commit to someone, over time, his or her flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious.

If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn how to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses and strengths.

You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together. Neither one of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other? Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control? What do you bring to the relationship?

Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter them. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life" you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.

WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG IS:

1. TRUST

2. COMMUNICATION

3. INTIMACY

4. A SENSE OF HUMOR

5. SHARING TASKS

6. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN

7. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hugs, calls, touching, notes, etc.)

8. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS

9. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE

10. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENT

If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, and dishonesty; and pain will replace the passion.

There it goes . . . Success is nothing without someone to share it with....

PattyCakes Wedding Cake Competition and Live Wedding Ceremony

I has a wonderful time this past Sunday at The Patty Cakes Wedding Cake Competition and Live Wedding Ceremony. I was honored to provide a runner for the beautiful couple that was married at the competition. The groom serenaded the bride and moved everyone to tears, you could feel the love that they shared. I have inserted a link to pictures of the wonderful cakes and pictures of the happy couple. http://www.flickr.com/photos/elitedesignsbydaphne/sets/72157624952249106/

Enjoy

The 5th Wick

Today I had the pleasure of spending time with Allicia of The 5th Wick. An embellishment company that embellishes items with crystals to fit your personality and needs, giving you a one of a kind design! She showed me so many of her fabulous creations that it made my head spin. I could have talk with her all day. I am super excited to collaborating with her to bring crystals to my aisle runners.

Make sure to check out her wed site.

Words of Wisdom by Nina Callaway

There is some wedding advice that is so invaluable, I tell it to every bride and groom-to-be I know. In fact, I think it is advice that should be told early, and told often.

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff
A wedding is full of thousands of details and there are bound to be a few snafus along the way. Keep in mind the reason you are doing all of this- it's not to have the perfect cake baker, who is now too overbooked to make your cake. It’s to celebrate your love together, which you could do in a mud puddle, if you had to.

2. Take time to savor your wedding
So many couples report that their wedding was a whirlwind that they barely remember. Consider building in time for reflection- whether it’s a scheduled time between ceremony and reception where the two of you will enjoy a glass of champagne, or the moment when you change into your getaway clothes. Talk to each other during the reception about what you are enjoying and who you've talked to. That evening, take a few moments to write down what you remembered about the day.

3. Infuse your personality
Don't have a cookie-cutter wedding. Think about your hobbies, cherished memories, and personalities. If you love to travel, consider naming tables after places you've visited together. If you are a fishing aficionado, consider fishbowls with live fish in them as centerpieces. Your wedding will be a thousand times more special and memorable.

4. Don't always follow tradition
Don’t spend money on things just because you think they're traditional. If you don’t really want it, don’t do it. A great example of this is the custom of using both an inner and outer envelope for a wedding invitation. Many couples these days are forgoing this option in favor of more modern and cost-efficient invites.

5. Have a wedding you can afford
Rather than accruing massive wedding debt, pay for it as you go along. The number one thing couples fight about, according to psychologists and couples therapists, is money. You don't want to start off married life with a monkey on your back. A big formal wedding is nice for those who can afford it, but you don't need to "keep up with the Joneses" at the expense of your future happiness.

Nina Callaway,
Weddings Guide

A New Jersey bride found me on Etsy.com to help bring her vision to life. The finished product , an ivory cloth aisle runner with their names and wedding date in glitter for a bit of glitz and glam. Best wishes to Micheal and Kristina

Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta Premier Party

Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the premier party for Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta last night at The Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree, Atlanta, Georgia.
The room was alive with hundreds of guest on each level. Fabulous food, beautiful
gowns on display and on models strolling the room as well.

The Venue

Judd Waddell

Amsale

Watters and Watters

Sweet Sensations

Sun In My Belly

About The Show

Lori Allen
Owner of Bridals by Lori

Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta brings a Southern twist to a familiar series. Viewers will get a peek behind the scenes at Bridals by Lori to see what brides goes through to find the perfect wedding dress. Bridals by Lori is located in the Sandy Springs community of Atlanta, Georgia, the three story , 25,000 square foot space houses the best that bridal industry has to offer.

Brooch Bouquet

I am soooooooooo excited. I have been commissioned to make a brooch bouquet for a FAB bride in December. The bride-to-be is currently collecting vintage brooches and other jewelry from family members. I will post a picture of my creation when complete.

What is Letterpress Printing?

Letterpress invitations have been making a come back for the last few wedding seasons. But you may be asking yourself, what are letterpress invitations? Letterpress is one of the earliest forms of printing text on paper. Johann Gutenberg is credited with the inventing of the movable press in the early to mid 1400's to create printed images on paper. He is known as the father of letterpress printing in Europe, but it is the Chinese who are credited with creating letterpress characters and images as early as 750 AD.

Letterpress is a technique that stamps ink into paper using raised lettering. Traditionally, letterpress printing involved the inked type just lightly kissing the high quality, cotton-based paper and did not create an impression on the paper at all. Even though letterpress wedding invitations are considered an old-fashioned technique, they are quite modern and add an air of sophistication and class to your special event.

Letterpress printing is generally more expensive than some other forms of printing, due to it being more labor-intensive, but the final elegance and sophisticated look and feel of letterpress wedding invitations is worth it to many brides and grooms.


The work featured in this posting is from LOL Letterpress,
http://lolletterpress.blogspot.com/

Grand Opening Jade Events

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening and inauguration ceremonies at JADE EVENTS.

Beautifully designed in soft neutral tones, this facility is a welcome addition to Dekalb county.

Please view their site for more information
http://www.eventsatjade.com/

Jade Events
2201 Lawrenceville Hwy
Decatur, Georgia 30033
404.321.1222

25ft Personalized Aisle Runner Giveaway

In honor of my 18th wedding anniversary on August 29th, I am offering 2 FREE 25ft personalized aisle runners.

Runner #1: If you are getting married on Aug. 29, 2010, be the first to sign up to follow my blog, then send an email with your information.

Runner #2: If you are getting married on the 18th day of any month for the rest of 2010, be the first to sign up to follow my blog, then send an email with your information.

Winners are responsible for shipping $17.50 in the US

I will post the pictures of the winning runners at a later date. Good luck:)

50th Anniversary Aisle Runner

This week I had the pleasure of making an aisle runner for a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, that's right I said five, zero! All the best to Robert & Melvilean

Personalized Hand-painted Aisle Runner

Our personalized hand-painted aisle runner, a wonderful way to enhance the decor on your wedding day! Choose a poly poplin fabric or non-woven runners from 25-100 feet. A wide verity of designs are available or have a custom design made just for you. Allow 45 days for completion.

The Language of Flowers

Here is an extensive list of flower types and the meanings/ sentiment they convey, you will also find a list of flowers for each month.

ACACIA - Concealed Love, Beauty in Retirement, Chaste Love

AGAPANTHIS - Secret Love

AMBROSIA - Your Love is Given Back/Returned

AMARYLLIS - Pride, Pastoral Poetry

ANEMONE - Forsaken, sincerity

ARBUTUS - Thee Only Do I Love

ASTER - Symbol of Love, Daintiness

AZALEA - Take Care of Yourself for Me, Temperance, Fragile Passion, Chinese Symbol of Womanhood

BACHELOR BUTTON - Single Blessedness

BEGONIA - Beware

BELLS OF IRELAND - Good Luck

BITTERSWEET - Truth

BLUEBELL - Humility

CACTUS - Endurance

CALADIUM - Great joy and delight

CAMELLIA - Good luck gift for a man

CAMELLIA (PINK) - Longing for you

CAMELLIA (RED) - You're a Flame in My Heart

CAMELLIA (WHITE) - You're Adorable

CARNATION (GENERAL) - Fascination, Woman Love

CARNATION (PINK) - I'll Never Forget You

CARNATION (RED) - My Heart Aches For You, Admiration

CARNATION (PURPLE) - Capriciousness, Whimsical

CARNATION (SOLID COLOR) - Yes

CARNATION (STRIPED) - No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be With You, Wish I Could Be With You

CARNATION (WHITE) - Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman's Good Luck Gift

CARNATION (YELLOW) - You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection

CATTAIL - Peace, Prosperity

CHRYSANTHEMUM (GENERAL) - You're a Wonderful Friend, Cheerfulness and Rest.

CHRYSANTHEMUM (WHITE) - Truth

CHRYSANTHEMUM (YELLOW) - Slighted Love

CROCUS - Cheerfulness, gladness

CYCLAMEN - Resignation and Good-bye

DAFFODIL - Respect, Regard, Unrequited Love, You're the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I'm with You

DAISY - Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity

DANDELION - Faithfulness, Happiness

FERN - Magic, Fascination, Confidence and Shelter

FIR - Time

FLAX - Domestic Symbol

FORGET-ME-NOT - True Love, Good Memories

FORSYTHIA - Anticipation

FREESIA - T rust

GARDENIA - You're Lovely, Secret Love

GERANIUM - Stupidity, Folly

GLADIOLI - Give Me a Break, I'm Really Sincere, Flower of the Gladiators

GLOXINIA - Love at First Sight

HEATHER (LAVENDER) - Admiration, Solitude

HEATHER (WHITE) - Protection, Wishes Will Come True

HOLLY - Defence, Domestic Happiness

HONEYSUCKLE - Happiness

HYACINTH (GENERAL) - Games and Sports, Rashness, Flower Dedicated to Apollo

HYACINTH (BLUE) - Constancy

HYACINTH (PURPLE) - I am Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Sorrow

HYACINTH (RED OR PINK) - Play

HYACINTH (WHITE) - Loveliness, I'll Pray for You

HYACINTH (YELLOW) - Jealousy

HYDRANGEA - Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness

IRIS - Fleur-de-lis, Emblem of France, Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valour, My Compliments

IVY - Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection

JONQUIL - Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy, Desire for Affection Returned

LARKSPUR (PINK) - Fickleness

LILY (WHITE) - Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You

LILY (YELLOW) - I'm Walking on Air, False and Gay

LILY (CALLA) - Beauty

LILY (DAY) - Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother

LILY (EUCHARIS) - Maiden Charms

LILY (TIGER) - Wealth, Pride

LILY OF THE VALLEY - Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You've Made My Life Complete, beauty, gaiety

MAGNOLIA - Nobility

MARIGOLD - Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy

MISTLETOE - Kiss me, Affection, To Surmount Difficulties, Sacred Plant of India

MONKSHOOD - Beware, A Deadly Foe is Near

MOSS - Maternal Love, Charity

MYRTLE - Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage

NARCISSUS - Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are

NASTURTIUM - Conquest, Victory in Battle

OLEANDER - Caution

ORANGE BLOSSOM - Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness

ORANGE MOCK - Deceit

ORCHID - Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children, Thoughtful, Maturity, Charm

ORCHID (CATTLEYA) - Mature Charm

PALM LEAVES - Victory and Success

PEONY - Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage

PETUNIA - Resentment, Anger, Your Presence Sooths Me

PINE - Hope, Pity

POPPY (GENERAL) - Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination

POPPY (RED) - Pleasure

POPPY (WHITE) - Consolation

POPPY (YELLOW) - Wealth, Success

PRIMROSE - I Can't Live Without You

PRIMROSE (EVENING) - Inconstancy

ROSE (BRIDAL) - Happy Love

ROSE (DARK CRIMSON) - Mourning

ROSE (HIBISCUS) - Delicate Beauty

ROSE (LEAF) - You May Hope

ROSE (PINK) - Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me

ROSE (RED) - Love, I Love You

ROSE (TEA) - I'll Remember Always

ROSE (THORNLESS) - Love at First Sight

ROSE (WHITE) - Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You're Heavenly, Secrecy and Silence

ROSE (WHITE AND RED MIXED) - Unity, Flower Emblem of England

ROSE (WHITE-DRIED) - Death is Preferable to Loss of Virtue

ROSE (YELLOW) - Decrease of Love, Jealousy, Try to Care

ROSEBUD - Beauty and Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love

ROSEBUD (RED) - Pure and Lovely

ROSEBUD (WHITE) - Girlhood

ROSEBUD (MOSS) - Confessions of Love

ROSES (Bouquet of Mature Blooms) - Gratitude

ROSES (Single Full Bloom) - I Love You, I Still Love You

SMILAX - Loveliness

SNAPDRAGON - Deception, Gracious Lady

SPIDER FLOWER - Elope with Me

STEPHANOTIS - Happiness in Marriage, Desire to Travel

STOCK - Bonds of Affection, Promptness, You'll Always Be Beautiful to Me

SUNFLOWER - Pride, Sunshine

SWEETPEA - Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time

TULIP (GENERAL) - Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland

TULIP (RED) - Believe Me, Declaration of Love

TULIP (VARIEGATED) - Beautiful Eyes

TULIP (YELLOW) - There's Sunshine in Your Smile

VIOLET - Modesty

VIOLET (BLUE) - Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I'll Always Be True

VIOLET (WHITE) - Let's Take a Chance

VISCARIA - Dance With Me

WISTERIA - Welcome

ZINNIA (MAGENTA) - Lasting Affection

ZINNIA (MIXED) - Thinking (or In Memory) of an Absent Friend

ZINNIA (SCARLET) - Constancy

ZINNIA (WHITE) - Goodness

ZINNIA (YELLOW) - Daily Remembrance



Birthday Flowers
Most people have heard of Birthstones, well the following list is of flowers by birth month.

JANUARY - Flower: Carnation, Snowdrop

FEBRUARY - Flower: Primrose, Violet

MARCH - Flower: Jonquil, Violet

APRIL - Flower: Daisy, Sweet Pea

MAY - Flower: Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley

JUNE - Flower: Honeysuckle, Rose

JULY - Flower: Larkspur, Water Lily

AUGUST - Flower: Gladiolus, Poppy

SEPTEMBER - Flower: Aster, Morning Glory

OCTOBER - Flower: Calendula, Cosmos

NOVEMBER - Flower: Chrysanthemum

DECEMBER - Flower: Holly, Narcissus, Poinsettia

Pull Off the Perfect Outdoor Spring Wedding

Pull Off the Perfect Outdoor Spring Wedding

It’s spring … the tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising — what a perfect time for a wedding!

For most of us, spring means the start of new life. Flowers bloom, and the earth wakes up from a long hibernation. If you live in a warmish climate, the perfect place for your spring wedding might be outdoors in a garden that’s bursting with fresh flowers.

As the weather begins to heat up and gardens start to bloom, many brides find the perfect setting for their special day among the greenery and budding flowers. There are so many ways to set off an outdoor wedding in springtime! Here are a few, with an eye towards elegance:

Props
Make use of formal props such as candelabras and urns, and drape containers and tables with vintage linens and lace. Arbors look their best when decorated with simpler, unfussy garden materials — as opposed to over-the-top heaps of greens and garlands, a heavy look that’s less popular now.

Centerpieces
Try clean-looking centerpieces with one consistent bloom. For example, pots filled with tulips or urns holding only anemones are really making the scene for spring. Color
Vibrant color is hot! Try cool greens mixed with eye-popping hues like coral or hot pink. Garden herbs also look (and smell) wonderful for weddings in spring. Try potting combinations of rosemary, thyme, and other herbs for green centerpieces that also make great take-home gifts.

Bouquets
Many spring brides are choosing bouquets filled with color – structurally simple, but daring! Brides are calling for stunning bouquet made up of tulips, or anemones: a Dutch flower with dark black centers, and vibrant petals of red, purple, or fuchsia. Lilacs or nosegays filled with sweet peas, miniature grape hyacinths, and ranunculus are popular, too.

Shabby Chic
A big trend right now is to mix and match contemporary with vintage – in other words, pure Shabby Chic. Dried lavender bound with dried grasses and tied to the pews lends a uniquely pleasing Shabby Chic feel. Dress windowsills with wreaths and candles in colored mason jars. Later on, reuse these same decorations to brighten up the reception tables.

Spring Wedding Gowns
Wedding gowns with a touch of color are in! Try a dress with sophisticated tan, beige or pink overtones — champagne tones are especially popular.
Nostalgia rears its head here as well — many brides are choosing gowns reminiscent of the 40s, 50s or 60s, while others are opting to wear the gown their mother or grandmother wore (either literally the same — or a loving copy).

Outdoor Candles
Candles lend a soft and romantic aura to any event. But to make the most of them, marry a bit later in the day, or have the reception run into the evening and light your candles then. To add a touch of spring to your candles, wrap bright satin ribbons around clear votive cups. (Multiple layers and colors lend an especially contemporary look.) These can double as guest wedding favors.

Don’t Forget the Backup Plan
Spring weather can be unpredictable. Have your Plan B worked out in case of rain, fog or strong winds. Look for a nearby elegant indoor hall nearby to serve as a backup. Alternatively, line up an event tent for the morning of the wedding, just in case (guests enjoy tents even in perfect weather, too — they help soften the sun’s strong rays). Having a backup plan for any outdoor wedding, anytime of the year, is a wise move.

A wedding in spring can be romantic, elegant, and fun! Knowing what you want — and lining up great planning and event staff — are the keys to a successful spring wedding.

Excerpt from Today's Bride Magazine

Written by Michelle O’Connor www.favorideas.com

Custom Wedding Postage A special touch for your wedding invites

Custom Wedding Postage - A special touch for your wedding invites!

You may have already seen one show up in your mailbox. If not, you will soon. Personalized wedding stamps add the "wow" factor - and brides across the country are taking notice.

Since the Post Office allowed customized stamps, thousands of brides across the country have stamped their invitations with their own personal touch.




So where do you find great wedding stamps?

The USPS website has several wedding stamp designs - the 44 cent wedding rings and the 61 cent wedding cake stamp.

With this ring ... Here is the 44 cent stamp with two gold wedding rings. Photographed by Renée Comet of Washington, DC, the rings rest on a small white pillow united by a slender ribbon of white silk.




3 tier Wedding Cake Stamp -

The 61 cent stamp features a wedding cake with intricate scroll design on the fondant. Sure to add a touch of beauty and romance to wedding correspondence, the 2009 Wedding Cake stamp is issued at the two-ounce mailing rate in order to accommodate the heavier weight of an invitation.

You should be able to find these at your local post office. If not, call toll-free at 1-800-STAMP-24 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-STAMP-24 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-STAMP-24 end_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting or shop online.

If these don't suit your taste, you do have options.

Create your own or choose a pre-designed stamp from thousands on the web. When choosing a custom stamp, you'll pay a bit more. A sheet of 20 1st class 44 cent stamps from the post office is $8.80. A sheet of 20 custom stamps from Zazzle runs about $18.00 when you buy in bulk (10 sheets or more). If you buy only one sheet, the price goes up to anywhere from $19 to $22. If the cost of custom postage for ALL your invitations is out of reach, you can purchase just one or two sheets for special wedding guests. (Note to scrapbookers: one sheet of stamps fits perfectly in a standard scrapbook page.)

There are thousands of beautiful postage designs available - one sure to match your colors, flowers, monogram or even destination! Many graphic designers will work with you personally to create that special look that will make your envelope pop.

Colorful calla lily love from Perfect Postage is one example of customized postage. This vibrant gold, orange and red calla lily bouquet make a dramatic postage stamp.

No matter what your theme, colors or design, you can have the "Perfect Postage" for your wedding correspondence.

Jolie - An Event Venue Showcase

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Jolie-An Event Venue Showcase. Several wonderful vendors were on hand showcasing their beautiful work.

Location:
Jolie - An Event Venue
2401 Mellon Court
Decatur, Georgia 30035
678.418.7513
nexthotevent@gmail.com
http://www.nexthotevent.com/

Vendors:
The Head Table: http://headtable.net/
Ringer Photography:http://www.temekaringer.com/
Patty Cakes: http://mypattycakes.weebly.com/
By Faith Bridal & More: byfaithbridalandmore@yahoo.com

Provided Florals:
Elite Design: http://www.elitedesignsbydaphne.com/

Tips for The Penny Pinching Bride

This a great article I came across:

Tips for The Penny Pinching Bride
Hillary Capes, Nashville Wedding & Event Planner

So you are officially engaged and you are starting the planning process. You have done your research, you have even set a wedding date, but where do you go now? The first thing you should do after you have your wedding date selected and have spread the word about your engagement is to set the budget.

Many websites can provide you with an easy formula to distribute your budget easily once you determine the budget, but how can you determine how much you can spend.

1. The first thing to consider is who is contributing to the wedding. Tradition states that the bride’s parents paid for a majority of the wedding with the groom’s side picking up things such as the rehearsal dinner, the brides bouquet, etc. Many brides do not follow this traditional etiquette and many are paying for their own weddings. So talk to family and see who is contributing what.
2. Create a best scenario guest list and go off of that. If you know in your area that catering is very expensive, you can expect to spend between $80 and 100 per person. For a 200 person wedding this can be approximately $20,000. If you have a large family and an extended list of friends, you can expect to have a larger budget if you want a full sit down meal.
3. How much can you logistically save for your wedding? If you make say $500 a month, you know that you can’t save $1000 and still live. So be realistic about how much you can save.

Once you have created the initial budget you then need to break it down by category.

Here is a breakdown from Bride’s Magazine I love!

This chart is pretty accurate and that’s why I like it! I did make one change and included a portion of the budget for wedding planner. It’s a small portion of the budget to save you a day of hectic and scurry.

With these helpful tips, you are on your way to planning the perfect budget friendly wedding!

I finally did it!

My daughter has been tell me for the last year or so "Mom you have to start blogging!" So this morning I sat down in front of my desktop and made out a list of what I wanted to see in my blog.

1. All things wedding (because I love weddings)
2. What new projects I am working on.
3. People and things that inspire me.

Will this change? Yes, everyday something new catches my eye, I hope to share all the wonderful treasures I find along the way with you.

Daphne of Elite Design
Web site: www.elitedesignsbydaphne.com

***Photo Streams***
Floral: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elitedesignsbydaphne/
Chocolates: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elitechocolateconfections
Diaper Cakes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/diapercakesbydaphne