Trend - Not Just For The Birds

Are you looking for a new keepsake to harbor your guests well wishes on your wedding day? Consider a vintage bird cage, painted to match your wedding day colors.

Photo provided by Save On Crafts

Don't Miss the Premier Wedding Show

Don't miss out on the first major bridal show of the new year in the Sacramento area. The Premier Wedding Show takes place on Sunday, January 4th, 2009 at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa. This bridal show includes many premium vendors, a fashion show

You can't beat this event at a prestigious location with complimentary parking and $10 admission. Register in advance and receive a discount and avoid waiting in line to register at the show.

Show time is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come visit Dynamite Weddings in the Heritage Room and chat with other Dynamite professionals present throughout the event:

Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Luxury Limousines
Music on the Move
Sharpe Photographers
Sheffield Mutimedia
Stephanie J Designs
The Memory Journalists
Visual Impact Design

See you on Sunday!!

Photo provided by Premier Wedding Show

Tip - Trust In Trees

For large venues with excessive floor space, consider bringing in trees or tall, mature plants with uplighting to add a welcoming ambiance to the room. Costco, Home Depot and other large retail stores may have good deals on large greenery like palms, dwarf banana trees, or even a mature canna plant.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Welcome Real Weddings Magazine

Sierrastyle Weddings magazine received an overhaul. We all loved Sierrastyle Weddings as it was, but the creative team at Sierrastyle decided to change the name to reflect their main focus at the publication. Welcome Real Weddings Magazine filled with 22 amazing, encapsulating real wedding stories and tons of other cool stuff, including helpful articles, fun editorial and survey responses completed by Dynamite Weddings readers.

The coolest part of the new site is the new blog keeping everyone up to date on the happenings within Real Weddings, real wedding stories, contests and updates. The first post on the new blog is Wendy and Terry's wedding story, editors and owners of the magazine. You absolutely must watch the video! Terry's "engagement" surprise gets my vote for the most well thought out. Love it! Read the blog post here. It is so awesome that they have a video of the whole experience!

Also, don't forget to enter to be the next cover model for Real Weddings magazine! You could see yourself in print in a photo shoot spread and possibly win the cover for the following issue! Don't miss out! The deadline is February 15, 2009.

This cover photo shot by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Sumptuous Food Stations

According to the authorities on weddings, David Tutera, Mindy Weiss and Peter Callahan food stations with purpose are big this year.
David Tutera says "A locavore or 'green' station, featuring only locally grown foods. This cuisine is sure to be the most natural and fresh, which will make it a big hit with your guests."

Mindy Weiss' sees a trend in "A mac 'n' cheese station with lots of great toppings, such as bacon, sauteed mushrooms and different artisanal cheeses."

Peter Callahan sees "A burger shack. Everyone loves mini-burgers, so we set up a shrine to them with organic beef, sushi tuna and wild-mushroom veggie patties, plus gourmet condiments."

Trends found in Modern Bride (Feb/Mar. '09)
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Share Your Sentiment

Your guests are there to see you, not your backs. They are there to share your day and your emotion. Practice turning your head or body slightly, so you are looking at each other instead of your officiate. Show your guests your profile so they can see some of your expressions and reactions. It will make the “I dos” more enjoyable for your loved ones and make a better album.
Tip and photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Looking For A Tax Break This Year?

Joie de Vivre is offering Californians a tax break by paying your occupancy taxes when you stay at any of their hotels in California. When you reserve a room at a Joie de Vivre hotel for a stay now through April 15, 2009, they will pay your occupancy taxes. They want you to enjoy and explore our beautiful Golden State, and experience a tax free, carefree vacation in a laid back California manner.

For you local Sacramentans, check out their newest addition, the posh Citizen Hotel at 926 J Street.

What a great gift for your friends getting married! Think about booking a room at a Joie de Vivre hotel the night before your big day for ultimate relaxation and pampering.

Trend - Say I Do To The Outdoors

For those couples that enjoy the outdoors, consider reciting your nuptials with the sun peaking down at you over expansive trees with nature as your key decor element for your big day. Check out rentmycamp.com to find campsites near and far that are available for event rental. Imagine combining the two things you love; family and the outdoors and making this a mini-vaca for all those involved. Many locations include lodging, food and camp activities in the rental price.
(Just be sure to add bug spray to your wedding day emergency kit ;))

Tip - Don't Ditch Your Faves, Modify Them

If you and your fiance are big fans of a well crafted deli sandwich, talk to your caterer about the opportunity to create an upscale, bite size version of the BLT or turkey club that you enjoy.

Photo provided by The Top 5 Foods

Trend - Creative Guest Books

These non-traditional guest books allow your guests to take a page and fill it out at their leisure sharing advice and a little about themselves including a drawing. You can pick from many different album cover designs and modify your book pages any way you choose. These are so fun and created by a bride and groom looking to add a little extra personalization to their wedding day.

Photos provided by the Guestbook Store

Tip - Inquire About Cancellations

If you're looking to save money, when calling venues you're interested in, ask if they have any cancellation dates. They may be willing to work with you on the fee if they're looking to rebook the date.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Know When Not To DIY

While there are many fantastic, self sufficient soon-to-bes out there, our recommendation is don't bake your own cake. While your custom creations look great on the counter for a few hours, there are many other factors to consider on a wedding day. Bakeries know how to address or suggest alternatives to avoid potential hazards like heat, excessive wind and potential tier sliding issues. With your cake being such a focal point for the room, think about leaving it to the professionals.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Stay Sharp

Many retailers realize that our generation of brides are shopping for the majority of their wedding day necessities online. Retailers such as Blue Fly are catching on and trying to update their online shopping capabilities to meet the needs of all brides. Visit www.bluefly.com/wedding to check out their new wedding additions!

Trend - Grand Reception

Colin Cowie, party planning professional, tells Modern Bride about some recent reception trends he's been seeing. "Wedding design has gone from minimalist to a lot more embellished, but with modern shapes and clean lines. Beading or fabric trim on a table overlay is beautiful, and crystals on linens, place cards or menus is a wonderful way to add sparkle. Couples are also editing their guest lists more to have a smaller wedding that's high quality. And instead of black tie, it's cocktail attire. More fun, less stuffy!"

Thanks to Colin and Modern Bride for sharing!

Check out a recent event that our dynamite coordinators and Colin Cowie attended! Check out Cat and Colin together.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists
Floral designs by Blooms by Martha Andrews
Event design by Arcularius Events

This photo was taken at a private estate in Auburn, CA which is available for private events. For more information contact Martha at Blooms by Martha Andrews

Cloud Nine - Be Prepared

As a newly married couple you have combined your stuff as well as acquired some new items to personalize your home. While no one likes to think about it...things happen. Make a list of all the important things (i.e. wedding photos, cameras, jewelry, etc.) that you would want to be sure to grab in a house fire. Also, take pictures of each room in your home and inside cabinets as well. It would be extremely hard to remember everything you had or show proof of ownership without those images. Keep the photos in a safe place, possibly a fire proof safe or at your office.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Considering Ceremony Decor

When deciding on ceremony decor, including floral arrangements, consider the longevity of the ceremony. If your ceremony will be held in a different location than your reception people will see your ceremony decor for less than an hour. Discuss with your florist options regarding transferable arrangements, that can be transported to the reception and reused or minimum decor with single florals tied with ribbons to pews or candle holders. If your ceremony venue allows, adding a multitude of candles throughout the venue can add significant ambiance for less.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Face to Face

Now you can personalize your M&Ms with a pic of you and your fiance to add to your favor treats! Check out mymms.com to upload your pictures and possibly combine them with M&Ms with your wedding date or fun sayings like "Love is sweet."

Picture provided by mymms.com

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and yours! We send you our best for a joyous holiday season. Congratulations to those getting married during the crisp winter months, like Jolene & Dave featured in this storyboard.
Photos courtesy of Beau-Coup, The Memory Journalists, White Lace Wedding, Super Weddings, Bisman Weddings.

Tip - Nostalgic Yummies

If you get nostalgic at the site of a twinkie, a ding dong or S'mores you may want to talk to your caterer or dessert specialist about remaking the timeless classics with some high quality ingredients.

Photo provided by Complete Bride

Trend - Mazel Tov Memories

Planning to break some glass at your wedding? If your groom is going to stomp on the wedding glass during your ceremony, consider Mazel Tov Glass. This innovative concept was created by a creative team looking for an original keepsake gift. Mazel Tov Glass provides you with a hand blown Mazel Tov Wedding Glass (in your color choice) in a velvet Mazel Tov bag imported from Israel. After the glass is stepped on, you mail the glass shards back in the container provided and they suspend the glass pieces with clear molten glass to create a Mazel Tov Glass Heirloom.

Love it! "Mazel, Mazel. Good things." (from Along Came Polly)

Photo courtesy of Mazel Tov Glass

Real Dynamite Wedding - Melissa & Michael

Child's Play
The Meeting:
Most people only hear this kind of love story, in a book, movie, or a great Oprah show. Growing up, Melissa was the little girl who dreamed of a fairy tale romance. She was always envious of the stories she heard about a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Little did she know, her love story, her fairy tale romance, was right under her nose for almost 20 years.When she was 5 years old, she met the man she would marry, Michael Votaw.It all started when they were in elementary school holding hands during reading time in Mrs. Sanchez’s 2nd grade class.

Michael was officially Melissa’s first boyfriend. They grew apart as young kids in love and into a good friendship they knew would last. Michael used to tell Melissa, even in elementary school, that he loved her and was going be her husband some day.

In high school the two had grown even farther apart. After graduating high school, it was 6 years later before Michael and Melissa would meet again. They met at a local coffee house near their hometown. It was scary, but Melissa felt like she had to go see him. Were the feelings they once had just silly, children in love? It had been too long, and there was nothing expected. Little did they know, this coffee meeting would change their lives. They talked for about 30 minutes catching up on family mostly. But like old times, there was something Melissa felt that day that she hadn’t felt in 20 years.

There was a mutual feeling of, “Duh! Why didn’t I see this before?” Both of their families and friends even said “duh.” Where did the skinny little boy go? Here was a man standing before her with the same love in his eyes she saw so many years ago. Could she be in love with a childhood sweet heart? Was this the fairy tale coming true?

The Proposal:
Yes and YES! Melissa is not only marrying the man of her dreams but her true soul mate. After almost a year of dating, on November 18^th 2007, Michael proposed to Melissa in front of family and friends, in a way any girl would dream of.

He planned a fake surprise birthday party, which turned into a surprise engagement party. It was birthday cake time and Michael walked out with a mini cake spelling “Will you marry me?” The beautiful ring was sitting inside of it. She was shocked!!

Her prince charming, best friend, childhood sweetheart, and soon to be husband was in front of her for almost 20 years and she didn’t recognize it. Melissa quotes and truly believes, “Love needs no map, for it can find its way blindfolded.”

The Wedding Day:
Neither Melissa or Michael were nervous on the day of their wedding. They were anxious to see each other and commit solely to one another after almost 20 years of friendship. The wedding was fantastic with a heartfelt ceremony set up for all to see, with guests surrounding them on both sides.

The reception was amazing with photos displayed of family members wedding days, a wedding wish tree, beautiful florals with draping crystals, hand rolled cigars, a hot dog stand, candy station, chocolate dipped strawberries and more! Melissa and Michael's wedding day was absolutely a fun filled event that was enjoyed by all in attendance. Their wedding day was more than they could have anticipated and all they imagined.

Ceremony/Reception Site: Wine & Roses, Lodi
Coordinator: Arcularius Events
Officiant: Kevin Brown
Photographer: The Memory Journalists
Videography: Jensen Wedding Films
Caterer: Wine & Roses
Hair stylist: Kathy Upton, Studio 3
Make-up: Jeff Jarwin, Article Salon
Tuxedo Rental & Formalwear: Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Bella Vita Invitations
Music (Ceremony): Camellia String Quartet
Music (Reception): Sound Trax
Transportation: Limousine Club
Florist: Big Bang
Bakery: Village Cake Shoppe
Rehearsal Dinner: Wine & Roses
Party Favors: Candy Buffet
Wedding Night Accommodations: Le Rivage

Photos provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Floral Risers Help Your Cake Stand Out

A tip from floral designer Mark Held, "Spotlight the cake. To draw attention, we've created cake risers out of flowers or displayed it on a plateau of green button mums."

Content provided by Modern Bride (Oct./Nov. 2008)
Photo courtesy of The Knot

Trend - Pillow Accents

To add accent colors to your reception, consider getting chivari chairs with changeable pads. Use accent pillows with lounge furniture to also add a little burst of color. You can pick from a multitude of colors that will brighten your day!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Bring Your Own

If you're doing your own hair or having a friend do it at a hotel where you will get ready, bring your own hair dryer, curling and flat iron. Many times hotel hair dryers don't pack a lot of power and sometimes they don't work at all. Anything that can save you time is valuable. You know the power and function of your own products so bringing them will make things easier.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Wishpot Guest Post - A Reflective Gift

Finding gifts for your wedding party can be quite a challenge. Each person has their own unique personality and interests. Your goal should be to consider each individual and try to get something that speaks to them personally. While buying wedding party favors in bulk is easy and still appreciated, your wedding party will be honored that you took the time to consider their interests and selected a personalized gift.

Here are a few suggestions that we fancy for those outstanding wedding party participants:

Bridesmaids

• For the avid online shopper an Amazon.com gift certificate
• Your wine lover friend, possibly looking to impress others with affordable, award winning wines choose Sean Minor Wines: Four Bears
• For the maid loving scented soy candles, a Lemongrass Soy Pillar Candle from Etsy
• Any of your maids makeup buffs? Brush them with an i.d. bareMinerals makeup set

Groomsmen

• For not only your best man, but the best man to rock a solo on his guitar, Guitar Hero
• Your beer connoisseur buddy will enjoy a BeerMonthClub membership
• The movie buff groomsman with an action interest can get his fix with a Netflix membership
• For the man you call first when you head to Vegas, a 500 11.5g Poker Chip Set with an Aluminum Case

This post was written for Wishpot's wedding blog. To see the original post, click here. To check out more of our dynamite wedding party gift ideas visit our Wishpot!

Photos courtesy of The Memory Journalists, Allison Stahl Photography, Sharpe Photographers

Survey Says - Did You And Your Fiance Have Debt?

Did you and/or your fiancé go into your marriage bringing debt? How did you handle that?

Yes we did, but we knew about it and talked about ultimate goals and future and retirement and are dealing with paying off debt. - Michelle, married March 2007

Some…we are a team now, my debt is his and his is mine. We consolidated and made a plan for what we wanted to do, and how we were going to get there. But we didn’t have anything out of control either, so it wasn’t hard to do this. - Melanie, married June 2007

We both have some debt. And now the wedding debt. We are both well aware of what debt we had and how we are paying for it. - Bree, married November 2007

Yes we both had debt, but that had already been out in the open from when we first moved in together. Once I moved in, we combined everything to simplify our finances. It's worked out great. We started a retirement plan and got life insurance in place as well. - Tina, married January 2008

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Bride Wars Commence

We are excited for the January release of Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway! While we hope two best friends wouldn't let their venue come between their long standing friendship, we can't wait to see these two go at it in this flick! Do you see yourself pulling some of the same pranks as Liv or Emma? Check out the official site to find out if you are more like Liv or Emma. The quiz says I'm more like Liv, which I'd have to agree. How about you?
See you in line on January 9th.

Tip - Bridal Party Bests

When selecting bridal party gifts, keep in consideration that your maid of honor and best man (traditionally) assumed more responsibility than the rest of your bridal party. Maybe select a gift for each of them that is different from what you get for everyone else or maybe just something a little extra.Check out our Wishpot for gift ideas!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Elegant Cakes

If you're looking to create simple elegance with your wedding cake while incorporating a splash of color, consider an all white cake with cutouts, flounced sugar ribbon, 3D sugar designs or live florals.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Focus On Your Feet

During all the prepping and primping leading up to the big day, don't ignore your feet! This is a big one, especially if you have super cute open toed shoes that will be photographed. You don't want chipped polish or ashy toes in your pics.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tidbits - Historic Honeymoons

Once the wedding is over, it’s time to relax and (let’s be honest) recover. After the big day, it’s honeymoon time – and frankly, neither one of you can wait. Just you, your newly anointed, and a few sunset cocktails – sound like a plan? Well then make it a good one. A wedding requires careful attention to planning, and so does the honeymoon. Budget, accommodations, crowds, locale – there’s a lot to consider. But if it’s too much to think about, don’t worry. We’ve done some thinking of our own, and have unearthed fabulous honeymoon options for the history-loving couple.

HISTORIC HONEYMOONS
There are plenty of cultural, artistic and historical cities for globe trotting, museum-bound honeymooners to enjoy. From the temples of Kyoto and the architecture of Prague to the Dalmation coastline of the Adriatic, magic awaits for the couple who knows how to tour and isn’t shy about doing it.

WHERE: Makarska, Croatia
WHY: Adriatic adventure, ancient cities, archaeological sites, centuries-old everything, a less-crowded Greece
STAY: Sv. Petar Lighthouse
(lighthouses-croatia.com)
PLAY: The beaches of Makarska Riviera
EAT: Anything off a roasting spit
SEE: Mt. Biokovo

WHERE: Palermo, Sicily
WHY: Palaces, patron saints, strong espresso, enviable Mediterranean
proximity
STAY: Centrale Palace Hotel
(centralepalacehotel.it)
PLAY: The Teatro Massimo
EAT: Cannoli
SEE: Palermo Cathedral

All photos courtesy of their respective organizations.

ARTICLE COPYRIGHT SIERRASTYLE PUBLISHING, INC.

Trend - Put Some Wind In Your Pinwheels

Consider colorful pinwheels instead of rice or birdseed for the grand exit. There will be less to clean up and you could add a monogram or other personalization so guests have a keepsake.
Photo provided by Once Wed

Cloud Nine - Girl's Best Friend

Now that you have an amazing ring that you want to sparkle forever, you need to be sure to care for it carefully. The purchasing contract may state that you must get your ring cleaned several times per year to maintain the warranty. Stay on top of getting your ring cleaned by a jeweler to make sure it stays sparkling and the setting is properly secured. Make sure you shield your ring from harsh cleaners and remove it during periods when there's the potential for it to get dirty.

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Trend - Work With Wheat Grass

Wheat grass is a great trend for escort cards or centerpieces. It adds texture to an escort card display and make a great centerpiece because they're low and don't inhibit guest conversation.
Photo provided by Elizabeth Anne Designs

Tip - Don't Shirk Going Shorter

Don't be afraid to try a shorter wedding dress (knee or cocktail length). You shouldn't feel like you have to go floor length because it's traditional. You can pick a shorter dress with some traditional elements incorporated, like lace, beading or ruffles and still look wedding chic.

Photo provided by Carmela Sutera

Trend - Napkin Draping

Fanned napkins in a water glass are out and two fold napkins placed at the edge of the table are in. The napkin draping off the edge adds an additional pop of color to your table design.
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Listen Carefully

If you are considering using an iPod for your wedding because you think live music is too expensive, think again! Pay close attention to local musicians when you're out for dinner, at a wine bar, an art walk, enjoying an evening at your local brewery. Some local musicians are available for larger gigs. They are usually willing to work within your budget and may have additional musicians that they collaborate with for larger events. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ask Marvin - Lingering Guests

Dear Marvin,
My final guest count is due to our venue in 16 days and we haven't heard from many people on our guest list. I don't want to call and remind everyone because I'm almost hoping that if I don't bring it up, some won't show. I also kind of feel like, you snooze, you lose. Is that rude?

Final Frenzy

Dear Final Frenzy,
Really, it's up to you and your fiance if you follow up with them. I appreciate your sentiment regarding "you snooze, you lose", but if those people try to rsvp late or just show up then it will just mean more headache for you. If you have a wedding website you can close the rsvp page and then guests are forced to call you if they want to rsvp. If you're not serving a plated meal you could assume they will attend and add extra appetizers. If your meals will be plated, I would suggest calling the lagging guests to make sure they don't show up and not receive a meal.

Best of luck!

Marvin

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Warm Wraps

Planning a reception outdoors? Consider offering a basket of wraps or small fleece blankets for the ladies.

Photo provided by Ideal Home Magazine

Trend - Creative Cakes

If there's a certain element of your wedding day that you wish got more attention; your dress, veil, florals, venue setting, photos, etc. talk to your baker about re-creating some of these elements on your cake.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Get Creative

Create your own labels, tags, coasters, cards, etc. for your wedding day and beyond. Check out MyOwnLabels.com for an infinite number of designs and uses for this fun personalization tool! Love 'em!

Tip - Honor Your 'Maids

A tip from floral designer Mark Held, "Have their initials in rhinestones added to the handle of their bouquets and tuck a special note for each inside."

From Modern Bride (Oct-Nov. '08)

Photo provided by ToppersWithGlitz.com

Tip - Hand It Over

Kudos for putting in so much time and effort to make sure that your day goes accordingly. It's getting close to the big day and while you've arranged coordination of vendors, venue, wedding party, etc., you don't want to be bothered on your wedding day to be asked for final payment or where the extra glasses are being stored. Arrange for day of coordination; it will be so worth it! You worked so hard to create this perfect day and now it's time for you to enjoy it.

Be sure to check out our dynamite coordinators for day of coordination or full package deals:

A Day To Remember
Arcularius Events
Pfieffer Event Planning



Photo by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Playful Formality

If you're looking for a playful way to have your envelopes addressed and still have the package properly presented and legible, talk to a calligrapher. Some calligraphers love to put a spin on calligraphy, making it playful and fun while still looking professionally done. Check these out from one of our faves, Laura Hooper Calligraphy.

Trend - The Gift of Giving

I actually got this trend idea from our friend Ms. Polka from Polka Dot Bride, who was talking about a new company in Australia, Karma Currency, that allows you to give charity vouchers to your wedding guests. This way they can select the charity that your donation is made to.

Here in the U.S. we have JustGive.org which is a comparable concept, allowing you to purchase donation vouchers for your guests or create a wedding registry page where guests can make a donation on your behalf to charities you've selected.

Tip - Practice Makes Perfect

If you're planning to do your own makeup on the day of, be sure to do a trial run and take a picture. You want to make sure that you are accentuating your favorite features and adding a little extra glow for those wedding day photos. Try a few different styles and consider things like smoky eyes, lash extensions/fake eye lashes, new lipstick, shimmer bronzer, brow defining pencil. Taking practice pictures will help you decide on what look you want for your pictures and also as a reference for the day of.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Foodie Favor

Some "foodie" couples are ditching the traditional wedding favor options to create a culmination of their favorite recipes to give guests as a wedding favor. Your guests will love this functional favor and it's surely the gift that keeps on giving!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Share Your Favorite Memories

If your mom or grandma used to make homemade treats for you as a kid that were special to you, ask them to make some for your wedding day guests. You could offer them at the reception or as the wedding day favors. It may seem like a big undertaking, but you may be surprised at how honored they are that their treats meant that much to you. You could also enlist some other family members to help, if mom or grandma are willing to share their secret recipe. ;)
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography