Trend - Signature Drinks

One of the hottest wedding trends is to have your own signature cocktail. For instance, if your last name is Smith, you can have a special martini named “The ‘Smith’tini.”
You can have a framed sign at the bar with your signature drink name and the recipe for the drink. Small recipe cards can even be made for your guests to take home.

Trend provided by Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Tip - Music For Every Moment

Music is becoming more important throughout the night for all of the traditions. Choose a couple different fun songs to be played while you walk to the cake table, cut the cake and feed each other that bite or more.
Play another song immediately after feeding each other. It will eliminate the dead air that is so common, and help to maintain the energy in the room

Tip provided by Music on the Move
Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Ask Marvin - Reducing My Carbon Footprint

Dear Marvin,
I would like my wedding to be as “green” (eco-friendly) as possible. Do you have any suggestions on how to reduce my carbon footprint while having the dream wedding I have always wanted?

Thanks,
An eco-conscious bride

Dear Eco-Conscious Bride,
Not only can you have the dream wedding you have always wanted, but you can make it as green as you like while still maintaining the ambiance of your choosing. For example, just by opting for non-disposable serveware, you will cut down immensely on waste while adding sophistication and elegance to your celebration. Another way to be more earth friendly is to use recycled paper for your stationary needs, such as invitations and the corresponding RSVP cards. Also, depending on the venue you choose, there may be several options available for organic catering or catering companies that support locally produced items. In addition, most catering companies will be more than happy to recycle eligible items on your special day (so don’t be afraid to ask). Fortunately, these days there are several different options available in most areas, so that you can be as environmentally friendly as you want. Who said it isn’t easy being green?

Marvin

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Survey Says - What One Thing Would You Share?

What one thing would you share with another bride who is planning her wedding to help her out (your one lesson learned)? (Part #1)

This may sound odd, and it certainly goes against tradition, but – unless you are really superstitious, I would HIGHLY recommend planning to see your fiancée before the wedding ceremony. My nerves were escalating all morning and afternoon; when we got to our location, all I wanted to do was see him. It calmed me down immediately, and we got to have our own private moment before the big event. Plus – we had so much fun taking our photos with our bridal party and families – by the time the guests started to arrive, I was relaxed and having a great time. Also, it meant that when the ceremony was over, we didn’t have to rush off for pictures – we got to actually enjoy the cocktail hour with all of our guests, and we got to sit down and enjoy an amazing dinner. I have given this advice to two friends who have gotten married since we did, and they were both equally enthusiastic.
- Hannah, married in 2006

Don't cave to family pressure. Do it your way. It's a day that you'll never get back in your life. If you don't want something traditional-don't do it.
- Jennifer, married in 2006

I'm a total worrier. Remember what you are there for, slow down, enjoy the day, keep the process as stress free as possible so your day will be as stress free as possible and it will be the best day of your life, imperfections and all. What better way to start a new chapter than with some love and laughter? Remember to take care of yourself . The entire week before the wedding I planned to take off from work to take care of last minute things. My bridesmaids and family were so on top of things that I literally had nothing left to do (I cannot stress having people you trust help you with the planning). So how did I spend my week? I got 3 or 4 massages, and watched the entire Sex and the City series. It was one of the most relaxing weeks I've ever had!
- Melanie, married in 2007

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame - Spring is Here

This winter did you get in the habit of going to bed in your flannel pajamas with thick fuzzy socks, and stop shaving for 5-7 days at a time? Did an ideal date become reheated soup and a big glass of red wine followed by a movie which you watched on separate couches cocooned by several blankets?

Well guess what ladies, Spring is here! It’s time to break out the shave gel, invest in a new razor and dig the spaghetti strap nighty out of your drawer. No more reheated soup and dates on separate couches. It is time for exploration hikes in the afternoon and cool breeze barbecues at night with beer and margaritas. It’s time to plant a couple’s garden, planting some flowers or veggies that you picked out together and can watch grow and enjoy for seasons to come.
Spring is the compromising season for all…cool nights with some rainy days for those that love winter and fall and warm sun with longer daylight for those Summer bugs. No matter what season you prefer no one can ignore the blooming buds, fresh air and induction into the new year. So splurge for a pedi and break out those flip flops. Tell your honey to break out the BBQ and sunblock. It is time for you and your new husband to bask in the sunlight instead of the couch, explore new places and move into this fresh new season with a bright appreciation for your time together as husband and wife.

Spring doesn’t just bring out the sappiness in flowers…obviously.

Cloud Nine - Spring Cleaning

Now that Spring is here, are you anxious to purge all the old stuff collected as individuals and start building a décor with new items bought together?
Is your new husband refusing to let go of the baseball cards he never trades, the football jersey he can’t fit into, the Nintendo that serves as a shelf for his new Wii,etc.?

First, let me remind you “Don’t throw stones in a glass house”. Make sure that while you’re reprimanding him for his old ways that you’re not harboring some old things that you should be letting go of. Could you be holding onto any incomplete scrapbooks, CDs you haven’t heard since the decade they were released, clothes it’s time to accept will never fit again?

Once you determine that, talk about a way to compromise on the things that really affect the space you share. Maybe sell him on the idea of taking his old Nintendo and games into a game trade store to see what they’re worth. Sometimes they’ll give him at least a credit to use in store towards stuff for the Wii. If the jersey and baseball cards aren’t valuable enough to him to frame and hang in the office then maybe ask him about selling them on eBay so some other fan can relish in owning it and he can reap the rewards.

There’s always a way to find a compromise that he’ll appreciate, just make sure you’re not filling the space he cleans with a stack of style magazines or figurines. Always look for compromise and make sure you stay true to what you’re asking. Maybe it’s time to sell those too small or too big clothes and outdated CDs yourself. You can take the money you both got, combine it and buy something new for your home together.


Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Floral Stem Covering

Floral designers have come up with many creative ways to conceal stems. Vases are filled or even covered with a many different things from branches and leaves to ribbon or even pearls. This is especially popular with tall arrangements, but is done on all levels. The possibilities are as endless as your designer’s creativity.

Trend provided by Lilygrass Fresh Flower Design
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Have It Your Way

LESS is no longer More. It’s just a term used when you didn’t plan for all the details and the cost to achieve them. With today’s pressure to WOW your wedding guests with be bigger, better and more than your bff’s wedding, you have to afford the idea or forgo the idea. Doing it on the “CHEAP” side of choices will only add to the stress, pressure and in the end if its cheap, it will look that way too! So really determine your ideas and the over all appearance so that you can look back and say “I did it my way” and it “LOOKED FABULOUS” and know that it was. Don’t just compare prices- compare Service, Quality and Experience! It will pay off every penny spent.


Tip provided by Slip of Elegance Chaircovers
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

To Veil or not to veil.

For me not wearing a veil wasn't an option. I HEART a veil. I remember when my sister got married I pranced around trying her's on. And once I choose my dress and saw that I could wear a Chapel veil I was over the moon! I was madly in love with my veil. It had beautiful little crystals all over it and sparkled. If only I could have worn it for the whole day!

My GORGEOUS veil!

But I know for some girls veils are just not something that they are in to. So what are your options? Well, leave it to me girls, I found you some options! You don't have to get all veiled out like me, you can put your own twist on it. There are many varieties of veils and match it up to your dress. Here are two that I think are gorgeous.

One of the trends in veils that is becoming more popular is the "Visor Veil". This is such a high fashion, retro look and I just love it! It is a great way to have a veil without the veil!

Veil found on WeddingVeil.com.

What about a Mantilla veil? This one will really stand out. I love the lace trim. It is very spanish style to me.

Mantilla veil found at VeilShoppe.com.

Whatever style you decide (or not) to go with, pick one that you feel is YOU.

Location, Location, Location

When it comes to business, and weddings, the key to success is Location!

There is a lot to consider when choosing the location, or locations, for your wedding ceremony and reception. Some of the variables we took into consideration were sentiment, decor, cost, size, availability of a plan B in case of bad weather, and theme. Several of these are concerns that every bride should take into consideration, but consider your priorities and make your own list. Site selection is the first way to personalize your wedding and help set the tone for the whole event. I started wedding planning and site selection with one basic philosophy: If you choose a beautiful location you don't have to decorate.

We had a personal attachment to The Sequoia Restaurant, so we knew were to start. Their ballroom is big, pretty, neutrally decorated and romantic with lots of great natural lighting. We are old friends with the General Manager, David Bagley, and it was the last stop on our first date. We also got a wonderful wedding planning packet from Tawnia (Sequoia's wedding coordinator) that was tremendously helpful with evaluating and selecting vendors.

Dave suggested that we stop by David Girard Vineyards to take a look at their ceremony site. We were sold as soon as we drove in the front gates!
Photography by True Love Photo.

Trend - Set the Tone With Lighting

Decorating With Light - You’ve seen it in the magazines, you have seen it on the wedding television programs, and it’s that cool lighting that turns an ordinary room into something extraordinary. Whether you are creating a theme party or an elegant wedding, Ambient or Theatrical Lighting will set the tone for your guests at your reception. It can create a soft candle light glow or cool patterns up on the ceiling.
Lighting adds depth to your wedding pictures by backlighting your photos. It can highlight architecture, plants and even your head table. It can be very subtle or over the top. It is the best, and often times, the most cost effective way to decorate. Talk to your DJ about Ambient or Theatrical Lighting.

Trend provided by MR DJ Service
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Choose Professionals Wisely

Use professionals for your wedding services! Great individuals and companies that specialize in weddings can ease your mind and make everything enjoyable, from the planning to the day of your event. Select vendors that make you feel comfortable. Connect with their personality and don’t be afraid to let your personality show. If a location offers a list of preferred vendors, call them first as they will be most familiar with the flow of your day and work together creating a great team to take care of you! You don’t want your friends or family burdened the day of your wedding, you want everyone to relax enjoy the celebration with you!

Tip provided by Newcastle Wedding Gardens
Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Personalized stamps are a hit!

Our wedding "thank you" note photo stamps

I read the customized stamp tip and had to comment...our family and friends LOVED this! We have a lot of family out of state and out of the country who weren't able to attend our wedding and they really enjoyed seeing the stamps. They particularly loved our thank you notes. We chose a colorful picture from the wedding (thanks to The Memory Journalists) for our stamps. We ordered our stamps from http://www.photostamps.com/. Each sheet contains 20 postage labels; pricing ranges from $5-$15 per sheet, plus postage, depending on package weight and quantity. We were so pleased with the final product! Just be sure to order in advance as they can take a couple weeks to arrive.

Trend - Save the Dates

Save the dates are on the rise ... A few years ago, save the dates were non-existent. Today, they are a necessity for weddings where guests are traveling from great distances, your wedding falls on or around a holiday or you have super busy family & friends. Make a statement with your save the dates, but be careful that it doesn't overshadow your invitation. Be sure to include the following elements: accommodation information for out of town guests, wedding website (if you have one), what they're saving the date for (wedding & reception, wedding or reception), who's getting married (first and last names), date (all important items!) and location (place, city & state).
Trend provided by Stephanie J Designs
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Get it in Writing!

Be aware of how long after your wedding date you should expect your finished video as videographer turnaround times can vary from 4-6 weeks to 6-9 months. You should be comfortable with this estimate before booking as videos are usually completed in the order filmed through the course of the year. Insist on getting an estimated date from your videographer in writing on your contract. Some companies can also offer a rush service to ensure that you receive your video in much less time.

Tip provided by Sheffield Multimedia
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Stand Out With Upgraded Linens

Upgraded linens and chairs can set your wedding apart from any other. There are many rental items available or you can purchase and make your own table cloths and runners.
Trend and photo provided by Pfeiffer Event Planning

Tip - Prepare For the Unknown

Be careful when planning the schedule for the big day! Many brides fail to take the ‘unknowns’ into account – bad traffic, guests getting lost, or even a pair of shoes mistakenly left at home can cause large delays. If you plan some extra time into your schedule as a buffer, these things can be avoided.

Tip provided by Luxury Limousines
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Simple Elegance in Florals

Centerpiece design has become very eclectic and creative. It is best to elect either short or tall centerpieces for your tables so that they don’t impede guests from having conversations across the table. Brides are selecting centerpieces will inversion style and pave style glass pieces. Simple elegance can be achieved by using a single beautiful blossom. This style remains a favorite especially paired with interesting candles or satellite pieces. Most brides are choosing styles that are clean and elegant, and, sophisticated and classy.

Trend provided by Visual Impact Design
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Tip - Keep the Bubbly Bountiful

Everyone loves champagne at a wedding! Often champagne is only offered for the toast, but, a single glass per person is never enough. Consider cutting back in another area to offer champagne throughout the reception. It encompasses the entire thought of celebration.
Ask your friends, if they would rather have two white wine or red wine options, or would they rather have one of each and champagne? My guess is champagne will win hands down!

Tip provided by Quarry Ponds
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Get Green at Your Wedding!

I have recently visited a Dynamite website that I wanted to share with you all! Portovert is a website known as "The Gateway to Greener Weddings".

The blog posts, articles and "lookbook" are all geared towards those brides with the desire to deliver an Eco-friendly, dream wedding. The advice, education and sample images they offer can definitely get a soon-to-be bride to take notice of all the potential unique, inspiring opportunities that can be incorporated into their own wedding.

Turning green never felt so food!

Guess who did the flowers? Martha with Blooms by Martha Andrews, a Dynamite Vendor! While I like most people to think I do everything with absolute intention, I had no idea originally these came from Blooms. The bouquet was inspirational and I enjoyed the site. Too funny.

Photo courtesy of Portovert

Trend - Highlight Your Wedding With Lighting Design

A popular trend in wedding decor is to include lighting design. Lights can be used to create a unique atmosphere and to highlight certain areas of the reception. Many brides are choosing to have a lit monogram displayed across the dance floor. Make a bold statement with lights!

Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Show Your Flowers, Not Your Stems

Be careful! Hold your bouquet away from your dress, especially when you’re nervous and walking down the aisle. Not only is it better for photos to see the flowers verses the stems of the bouquet, but you also won’t stain your dress with pollen.
Tip and photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Survey Says - What Went Well At Your Wedding? (Part 2)

What went well at your wedding? What did you do to ensure it went well? Tips you can provide to others to make sure it goes as well.(Part 2)

Pictures. They didn't take too long..a good photographer will plan well! Tip: research your photographer very well!

- Rebecca, married in 2003

The best advice I can give is to HAVE HELP. My husband and I each had our own to-do list – I let him take charge of several aspects, including the music (he’s the musical one of the two of us), the groomsmen’s attire, the rings, etc. His being involved made the day about US – not just me, and it was a huge load off of my shoulders. Get your friends involved too – one of my husband’s best friends made our delicious wedding cake, another dear friend designed our save-the-dates and invites – having them involved made the tasks so much more fun, and personal. Also- I recommend professional coordination, too, ESPECIALLY if you are doing a destination wedding. My coordinator recommended and pulled together an amazing group of vendors who all worked together really well, plus on our wedding day, all that we had to do was show up and have a great time. The responsibility to worry about last minute details wasn’t a burden to me, my husband, my mom, or any of our guests.

- Hannah, married in 2006

I loved my wedding day and think it was executed masterfully. I am a task master, so everything was planned. Even for those who aren't so into structure, I would recommend creating a vision of what you want your day to feel like and what you want the vibe and flow of the day to be. Then create an itinerary to match your vision. Everything went so smoothly at my wedding. I think I did 3 main things right: 1. I carefully screened and hired vendors that I knew I could rely on, who had bought into my vision for my wedding and worked hard to deliver it. 2. I figured out my needs, my wants and my dislikes early on and structured my plans around them. I knew where I could compromise and where I absolutely had to have things exactly as I wanted. I created a vision and a budget and planned every detail from the colors, to the cake, to the location, to the design and my vendors around both. 3. I developed a realistic and time appropriate "day of" itinerary.

- Alyssa, married in 2007

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame - Share the Warmth, Share Your Time

With spring just around the corner, what better way to spend some time with the one you love than outside in the beautiful sunshine (Ladies, remember to wear your sunblock!). Pack a picnic for two and head out to your favorite grassy knoll. Or, take an hour or so out of your day and go on a nice long walk in a local park or other quiet area. If you are up for an adventure, plan a day hike on a trail you’ve never visited before.
Regardless of which activity you choose to share with your partner, take full advantage of your alone time together. Take this opportunity to learn something new about your best friend and love of your life. Often it is the little moments in life that become the most significant in our memory.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Cloud Nine - Newlywed Bliss

Newlywed Bliss-Hype or Heavenly?

Everyone always talks about the joys of newlywed bliss but not so often muttered are words about how hard the first year of marriage really can be. There are so many details to figure out and adjustments to be made. Within a single moment you literally went from a totally autonomous being to someone who has pledged their life to another, meaning that all major decisions must be made by two! If that isn’t enough to knock someone a little off-kilter, nothing is. So if you are like most newly weds and struggling here and there with the adjustment, have no fear: you are NOT alone. Most brides secretly wonder, at least a few times, what the hype of newly wed bliss is all about.

The first year of marriage is incredible and exciting. It comes with so many new changes and so much love in the house. Drink it in; enjoy the romance and the freedom! But don’t be upset if there is an unsettling undercurrent here and then. Marriage is an adjustment; a state of constant compromise that comes with a huge learning curve. Some of the decisions will be hard to make but easy to carry out, such as whether or not to purchase a new home or what kind of financial plan you want to implement. Others will be easy to make but very difficult to carry out, such as how to divide household chores, deciding to have children, or agreeing on a daily spending limit. More likely than not, you will continually need to come back to the bargaining table and tweak your plans until you find a perfect balance that suits both your needs.

This is all part of the induction to adulthood and is actually one of the most exciting parts of marriage: while you may not have as much freedom in decision making, you always have someone to bounce ideas off of and to support you in every decision. It’s glorious, actually, to really realize that someone else cares as much about your happiness and stability as you do. So don’t be afraid if it seems surprisingly difficult at first, in time you will come to love the partnership you build through the first few tough decisions you face in your newly wed years. Do it right, relishing in your love and taking the tough decisions as they come, and you build a strong foundation to carry you through in the future.

A mother’s advice says it all: You may think life feels a little more restricted now that there are two of you, but these are the best years of your life. Sure, you will be faced with decisions that are tough. You may even have a few big disagreements, but you’ll work through it. You have no children, no real obligations and great jobs. Drink it in, soak it up, travel, explore and live in the freedom of your love. Each phase of marriage offers a different kind of spectacular. All the old married folk talk about newly wed bliss because this time is literally only about YOU. No other time in life will that be true. Enjoy it, don’t fear it. One day, you too will tell your daughter that these years will be the best, happiest and most blissful moments of her life.


Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Ask Marvin - Soon to Be Sibling Rivalry

Dear Marvin,

We have all heard of the Monster-in-Law (being your mother-in-law). But my story is a little different. I get along wonderfully with my soon to be MIL, it is my soon to be SIL I'm having the trouble with. She is the baby of the family and the only girl. She has always been the princess of the family and from my understanding any girl that her brother has ever brought home she has made trouble for. I thought things were going to be different for her and I because we got along really great right up until my fiance and I got engaged. Ever since then she has become an absolute terror! She makes fun of us when we talk about the wedding, ridicules my choices, doesn't want to participate, and the minute someone brings up the wedding she does everything she can to change the subject or bring the attention back to her. I am at my wit's end with this behavior! My FI and I have talked about it but he just says she isn't used to not being the center of attention and will get over it. Which really frustrates me because I don't want to be dealing with this for the next 9 months of my engagement! I know it's not all about us but I would like to look back on this time as joyful not contentious! Can you offer me any suggestions?

Distraught Over In-Laws

Dear Distraught,

Dealing with the in-laws can always be tough. It is hard because even though they do become your family there is always an adjustment period. It becomes even more difficult to adjust to when you have a family member that wants to make it difficult for you. When it comes to dealing with your new family you and your FI really have to be on the same page. That will be one of the important factors in creating your own family. It sounds like to me that your SIL is going through a growing period. If she is used to being the center of attention and the only girl it can be difficult to share that spotlight. My best advice to you is to sit down and have a heart to heart with your FI. Make sure he understands exactly how you are feeling. Ask him how he would like to deal with the situation. And create a gameplan. Figure out what your limits are and how much guff you are willing to take. Chances are you SIL will eventually get over it and jump on the bandwagon but if she doesn't it really does fall to your FI to take control of the situation. There are growing pains for everyone when they get married. Keep smiling and keep planning and keep your eye on what is truly important; the love of you and your FI.

Best of luck!

Marvin

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Editorial vs. Fashion Style Photography

Many photographers have developed a new style of photography that could be called "editorial or fashion style". The latest trend in wedding photography is geared toward a more fashionable approach.The wedding photographer today seeks to make the couple’s fantasies a reality. In the fashion wedding photography approach, the goal of the photographer is to make the wedding couple look their best. Their romantic interaction is glamorized to its utmost expression. The young everyday couple becomes like wedding celebrities for their day.

Trend and photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Press the Dress

If you are traveling with your wedding gown, don't forget to line up a fine dry cleaner to press or steam your dress and veil before you wear them. For destination weddings, ask your hotel for a referral.

Tip provided by Bella Donna Bridal Salon

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

It's all about the food!

No big mystery here, I LOVE FOOD! My husband and I worked our wedding entirely around food as our top priority, so I thought I'd share a bit of the with you all.

Working with your caterer and communicating your vision is so important. An initial phone conversation and taking a look at their website can be a great, initial, way of managing expectations. Before you sit down with your caterer to set up a tasting, make sure you have reasonable expectations about what it will cost to meet your goal and accomplish your vision.

We knew we wanted to do a wine dinner for our reception. Typically wine dinners are 5-7 courses, but the portions are smaller and the platings more elegant. Sequoia Restaurant has a wine dinner every month and as it happened they were having a David Girard wine dinner three months before our event. Perfect. We used that event as a guideline and then substituted a couple of wines and had Dave Bagley (General Manager and Executive Chef) offer up suggestions to match. He's a genius! Here is the end result.

Appetizers: Black Rice Timbale Rolls, Veal Stuffed Mushrooms and Pan Seared Scallops (which were so good they were all gone before Beth got a chance to take a picture of them!) served with Madroña Gewürztraminer and an open bar.

Artichoke Bisque served with David Girard Coeur Du Terroir Blanc.

Mushroom & Brie Duck Confit, Poached Quail Egg, Wild Greens & Blood Orange Vinaigrette served with Boeger
Migliore.

Prosciutto Wrapped Ahi Bordelaise served with David Girard Grenache.

Cucumber Mint Sorbet Served with Cristalino Cava .

Tuscan White Bean Ragu served with David Girard Syrah.

The Launch Party Video

Here it is...hot out of the editing room - our very own Dynamite Video! Thank you to Phill Sheffield (Sheffield Multimedia) for capturing our Dynamite Wedding's Launch Party.

Bling, bling baby!

Ah, the ring. The shiny, sparkly symbol of our love. And a girl's way to let the world know that she is a B-R-I-D-E!

Before the Hubby and I got engaged we talked about the rings. We looked at them and picked out a few we liked. But of course the one's we liked were WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY more than we wanted to or could afford to spend. So we looked for way to save our money and still get rings that we would be happy with. Our solution? Sam's Club. That's right, you heard me, Sam's Club.

I heard from more than one person that we should check out Costco or Sam's Club. But I was a little hesitant. I mean, do I really want to buy the ring I will wear for the rest of my life in the same place I can buy 10 pounds of cheese in one package? Hmmmm. But when one is budgeting one must explore every option. So off to Sam's Club we went. And I fell in love. I found MY ring. The one I had hoped and wished for. The diamond was glorious, it came in white gold like I wanted and the price was TO DIE FOR. Friends I got my engagement ring and my wedding band for HALF of what it would have cost me at your mall jewelry store. And we found the Hubby's ring for slightly over $500 and that is complete with diamonds. I was floored and ever so excited. I am not a cheap person but when I find a way to save money it sends my heart a-flutter. So if you aren't engaged yet and the ring hasn't been bought check out Sam's Club. They have a great selection and the prices, well, you just can't beat them.

Trend - Event Painting

A new trend that is just becoming popular all across the states is event painting. Event painting is when an artist comes to your wedding with a blank canvas and renders an impressionistic style, one-of-a-kind, piece of artwork, live.
The painting is completed within 3-6 hours so that your guests can see the final painting as the leave your event.

Trend and photo provided by Profinish Design

Tip - Assign Shutter Bugs

Rather than asking your photographer to take photos of guests at the dinner tables, ask a shutter bug friend or family member to handle this task. This gives more time to the photographer to be creative with the necessary and required photos to be taken.
Tip provided by A Day to Remember
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Destination...Only a Vineyard Away

Wineries are the hot spot venues right now. Wine is definitely in and what better place to marry, than a winery. Wineries are typically away from the city so you can get the feel of a destination wedding without the expense of long travel. Some wineries even have a French or Italian theme which can help create a feel as though you are far away from home when really you are only a car ride away.

Trend provided by Blooms by Martha Andrews
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Know Your Limit

Your wedding day is a BIG day! And if you are easily rattled, you could wake up in knots. That third mimosa or glass of Chardonnay may sound like a great idea but just be careful. You don't want to be the bride wobbling at the altar or falling asleep. Drink one glass of water in between each alcoholic drink to keep yourself hydrated and walking a straight line!

Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Spring Fever

Yes, it’s true. Spring is HERE and I can hardly stand it any longer! I can feel it! I have the urge to clean pretty much anything I can; the garage, my closet, the home office…even the bathroom has a deep cleaning coming to it! I want to tear out the carpet and paint the walls! This bear is officially coming out of hibernation and ready to enter the world of activity. This winter has seemed longer than others for some reason…I am definitely ready for a change!

Along with the cleaning bug, I also have the urge to spend as much time outside as possible! For all you readers who are also outdoor enthusiasts, Weekend Sherpa is a weekly newsletter you can subscribe to that recommends the best adventure outings in Northern California. Whether you like to bike, hike, or just relax in the sun, Weekend Sherpa offers many options that appeal to all types of activity level.

Tip - Don't Forget It's Your Wedding. Personalize it.

It’s all About You! - Infuse as much of your personality as possible into your wedding. There are very few rules anymore about what can and can’t be done at a wedding. Make your day as unique as you are. Use your favorite colors! Play your favorite music! Infuse the history of your relationship throughout your wedding.
Whether it’s a Lego cake topper or naming your tables after your favorite kinds of beers put as much of your uniqueness as possible into your wedding day. Your guests will love the experience, and your pictures will be one of a kind.

Tip provided by Sarah Maren Photography
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Family-Style Dinner..Creating Conversation

Looking to create a more intimate feeling at your reception? There is a strong turn towards embracing casual elegance, and like any other party of close friends and family, your reception dinner goal is to bring a table full of people who may not know each other into conversation.

Many couples are choosing to use their dinner style to initiate interaction and interest. Family-style serving is quickly becoming the hot trend of the year, though it is not a service that every catering company provides so you want to be sure to ask early on. Rather than excusing your party table by table to the buffet, or incurring the high cost of a plated dinner service, family-style service will provide your guests with a platter of each menu item to the table. Guests then serve themselves, circulating the platter and stimulating conversation. This is executed best with a two course system, the first being salad service with bread or rolls similar to a restaurant, and the second course being the entrees and side dishes. For an extra touch, you may decide to add a third course with a plated dessert and save your beautiful wedding cake for later in the evening.

Trend provided by Capital City Catering
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Dynamite Weddings - Successful Launch!

On March 11th, we celebrated the Launch of Dynamite Weddings! Yeah! What an awesome event if I do say so myself. The Launch Party had a number of amazing vendors contribute to the evening. Events at Quarry Ponds hosted the event at TOAST Restaurant in Granite Bay, with Luxury Limousines providing transportation for our Dynamite Vendors. The vendors riding in the limos were able to start off the evening with a little bubbly. Upon arrival to the restaurant, our signature drinks were a huge hit!Once arriving at the Launch we had some Dynamite signature drinks, amazing cuisine hosted by Events at Quarry Ponds, awesome jams provided by MR DJ Service and the always popular, always rockin' photo booth provided by Profinish Design. Phill Sheffield of Sheffield Multimedia captured the event on video, which will prove to be entertaining, with all the characters involved.The high top tables and all the linens were provided by Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals which were beautifully complimented by centerpieces provided by Flourish, Blooms by Martha Andrews, Visual Impact Design and Lilygrass.Jennifer and Nicole stole a few moments to introduce the Dynamite Weddings website and features after a welcoming intro by Doug LaVine with Music on the Move. Lora Ward, of A Day to Remember, a local fave offered a brief testimonial why she has decided to become a Dynamite Vendor.Everyone got to end the night with a take-out container of their favorite candies hosted by Dynamite Weddings and arranged by Pfeiffer Event Planning and A Day to Remember. The assortment of candy was amazing and was an absolute eye catcher! Mmm....Thanks to all the Dynamite Vendors that contributed, attended and rocked the house! It was an awesome opportunity for Dynamite Weddings and Dynamite Vendors to share the experience with local industry professionals. Thanks to all!! Let's do it again soon!!All photographs provided by our own Dynamite photographer Sarah Whitehead of Sarah Maren Photography. More photos soon to come from Profinish Design.