Tip - Thanks To The Wedding Party

While you are so busy organizing and formulating plans for your wedding, remember the sacrifices and effort of your wedding party to be there for you on your big day. Be sure to thank them after the wedding for playing such a big part. You can find these chic thank you cards at Pink Sugar Dots.

Trend - Your Cake Unveiled

We love this trend of doing away with external icing and exposing the detailed layers of your cake. Work with your baker to create the custom colors that blend with your day.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Wedding Paper Divas & Beau-Coup Wedding Favors Giveaway!

We are honored to be offering a giveaway sponsored by two sites we love: Wedding Paper Divas and Beau-Coup Wedding Favors! They are gifting to one lucky Dynamite Weddings reader a $100 gift certificate from each site, such a generous donation towards your BIG day!

With the beautiful early spring blooms I've been seeing recently, I can't help but suggest that we try to find spring floral inspirations from Wedding Paper Divas and Beau-Coup Wedding Favors to make your wedding vision come true. Visit Wedding Paper Divas to find a spring inspired invitation that fits your style and save the unique wedding invitation as a "favorite" on the site. This is done by clicking on the "Save in Favorites" button on the desired wedding invitation page.

From there head on over to Beau-Coup Wedding Favors select the perfect spring time wedding favor and subscribe to the Beau-Coup Wedding Favors newsletter.

Leave your comments on which items you selected below to be entered for a chance to win! A winner will be selected at random on Friday, March 13th!

I selected the Little Bird collection save the date and invitation from Wedding Paper Divas and then chose the bird's nest for a place card and "share and blossom" seed cards for favors from Beau-Coup Wedding Favors to get my spring theme started. What would you choose?

Trend - Lovely Lavendar

Lavender is projected to be a popular color for 2009 (along with other shades of purple). With the varying intensities and shades, you'll be sure to find one that matches the feel you're aiming to set for your wedding day.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists
Floral design by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Luxurious Blooms

Congratulations to Blooms by Martha Andrews, a Dynamite expert for their recent feature in Luxurious Wedding's Style Report. They showcased her signature bouquets and spoke of her fearless energy to try new things in floral decor. To see the entire report, click here. You can also see a Blooms by Martha Andrews bouquet featured on their recent print edition of Luxurious Wedding.

Photo credit: The Memory Journalists

Tip - Ask Timely

Don't wait to ask your wedding party in person if you're having a hard time coordinating schedules. This is a tip that I learned most recently. I wanted to ask each of my bridesmaids in person to be a part of the wedding party because I felt it was an intimate thing that isn't appropriate to do over the phone. Well, sometimes busy lives don't always allow for face time and you don't want one friend hearing from another that they were invited to participate in the wedding weeks ago. If you can't get some face time, send an invitation to participate in the wedding with a personal note. This can still have the same thoughtful intimacy!

Check out these cute cards at Spoiled With Love.

Trend - White Knight

Doesn't your white knight deserve a classic white boutonniere to compliment his striking appearance? Check out these timeless pieces.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Contact our dynamite florists today to discuss your bouquet and boutonniere options:

Blooms by Martha Andrews
Flourish
Lilygrass Fresh Flower Design
Visual Impact Design

It's A Jaime Giveaway!

A blog we love, It's A Jaime Thing, is giving away a signed copy of the book, “Intimate Weddings” by author Christina Friedrichsen. This book is geared towards couples planning a small wedding and staying within your budget while keeping your sense of style! Check out the details of the contest, here.

Tip - Consult A Professional

Do you worry about having your makeup done professionally because you feel that no one can do it better than you? If that's what makes you feel comfortable, then stick to your guns, but still consult a professional. If you're not open to even doing a trial run with a makeup artist, at least consider reviewing your current makeup products with them to make sure you are using the best color tone, brushes, etc. You never know, you might learn something new or pick up some fun new products!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

DIYers Unite!

For those DIYers check out this exclusive event offered by Paper Source locations!

Exclusive Event: The Wedding Suite
March 5, 2009 - 6:30 - 9 PM
$35 per person

All Paper Source Store Locations

Sip sparkling champagne and enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries while you create a full suite of wedding samples — including a select group of letterpress invitations, escort cards, favors and table accents.
Registration is required to attend this special event. Seats are limited to 15, so don't delay.

Sign up with a friend and receive $5 off each seat! Check it out and sign up today.

Dream Wedding Show This Sunday!!

Come check out the Dream Wedding Show this Sunday, March 1st at Cal Expo with exhibits from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., with the first bridal fashion show starting at 10:15! Dynamite Weddings will be in building 3 with tips, trends and Things Every Bride Should Know. Also be sure to check out the other Dynamite Experts that will be showcased at the event:

Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals
Library Galleria
Luxury Limousines
Music on the Move
Sharpe Photographers
Stephanie J Designs
The Memory Journalists

We are lucky to have 2 tickets to giveaway to the first bride to respond! Leave a comment with your wedding date and what you hope to learn from the professionals at the Dream Wedding Show.

Trend - Dip Away

A great wedding favor is some local olive oil paired with bread dipping herbs for your guests to take home and enjoy. You could create your own custom labels thanking guests for coming or with your names and wedding date. Who knows you may create some new customers for your local olive oil company?! I love supporting local businesses; don't you?!

Check out WinterhillFarms.com or call them at 530.626.6369 for possible wedding favor packages.

Tip - Bridal Show Preparation

Bridal show participants aren't the only ones that need to prepare for the event. Here's a few ideas to help you get the most out of your bridal show attendance:

1. Bring a buddy (if your fiance is unavailable). It helps to have a buddy to pal around with for the day and they can gather info for you to review later so you don't have to stop at every booth.
2. Print informational stickers before hand (for drawings or to receive more information).
3. Wear comfortable shoes!
4. Know your goals. If there are certain vendors that you still need for your upcoming nuptials, be sure to stop, visit and gather info from all those applicable at the shows.
5. Keep two bags (yes and no) or devise a way to mark those vendors that you want to follow up with (folding the corner of their card for example). This will help you to organize your materials and thoughts later.

Can you think of any other tips for brides visiting upcoming shows? Leave your advice to save another bride from a long day.

See you on Sunday at the Dream Wedding Show! Cheers to you for getting a jump start on your wedding plans!

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

J Crew Sale Til Thursday!

Check out some great deals on J Crew with an additional 20% off! They have some cute dresses on sale that would look great on some bridesmaids and look great to their wallets!

Trend - Birds Of A Feather

Feathers incorporated into your wedding design can add a simple and elegant touch to your decor. There are many different approaches for their use from one being worn in your hair to having them used in the centerpieces, on your invitation designs or as part of your place setting decor.Invitation by Stephanie J Designs
Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Toasting Savings

Toast to this budget deal for two wedding day must haves. These genuine Australian crystal and highly polished silver plate love flutes and server set are $39.99 right now from Things Remembered.

Tip - Check Out Cardgirl DIY

For those of you DIY fans, Cardgirl Invitations & Stationery has a great DIY blog, Cardgirl DIY resource for the do-it-yourself approach when it comes to designs, discount links and implementation ideas for your stationery.

Trend - Looking Glass

Looking for a gift for the bridesmaid who is always looking at herself? Just kidding...this is a great gift for any bridesmaid. This engraveable silver plated compact is available from Things Remembered on sale now for $14.99!!

Photo courtesy of Things Remembered

Trend - Take A Hike!

For those that love the outdoors, these mini backpack favor containers are too perfect! Leave a comment to tell us what could you put inside that keeps the theme?

Photo courtesy of Wedding Star

Tip - Peaches For Any Season

If you have a love of peaches, consider incorporating this soft color into your wedding day palette. There are many different peachy shades you can mix and match. It surely makes this cake look soft and inviting. How yummy to bite into some fresh peach puree with white cake. Mmmm....

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Welcome Baby

If you have expectant mothers participating in your wedding party, they may appreciate a gift that will help simplify their tasks at hand after they welcome baby. Check out these fun designs and useful accessories for mommy and baby!

Photo courtesy of BUILT

Trend - Tea Toting

I may not be a teetotaler, but I do love my tea! This sweet idea from Martha Stewart Weddings is steeping me into excitement. How about you?

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Trend - Love Blooms

For your bridesmaid that has a green thumb, consider a Hello Dolly kit that shows her you had her interests in mind. She'll appreciate your thoughtfulness and who knows, she may gift you a bouquet of her first blooms!

Check this out at Wedding Star (photo courtesy too)!

Tip - For the Oenophile

For your wine loving wedding party participant, check out these cute, trendy wine totes! You could fill the carrier with their favorite wine or share wines from the region where you are planning your nuptials. BUILT offers multiple designs and single or multi bottle carriers. Check 'em out!

Photo courtesy of BUILT

Tip - Brighten Tired Eyes

Use a shimmery shadow in the corner of your eyes and beneath the brow to brighten up dark, tired eyes.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Best Movie EVER!

A fun idea for your reception is to share a video of your love story or a culmination of crazy pics of your guests! You can add to the ambiance by serving some fresh popcorn in personalized cartons with your names and wedding date. Talk to your local rental company about popcorn machine rentals. If they don't provide them, they will surely know a nearby vendor that can accommodate.

Photo courtesy of WeddingStar

Australia Bushfires

Our friends over at Polka Dot Bride have shared information on the recent tragedies in Australia. Bushfires have claimed over 750 homes and 200 lives! Entire towns have been wiped out and many are now homeless, while others are awaiting news on the status of their homes.

If you would like to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal you can visit the Red Cross website.

For mores ways to help visit the ABC website.

774melbourne, via twitter, is providing live updates.

To see Polka Dot Bride's post, click here.

Trend - Rough Diamonds

Rough diamonds are a big trend now. No matter what cut of diamond you're interested in, be sure the seller stands behind what they sell and that all jewels are certified.

Photo courtesy of Angara Jewels

Tip - Consider Hankies

You know that your moms will be emotional on your big day. Consider gifting monogrammed handkerchiefs to the moms of the happy couple so they can catch their joyous tears in their treasured keepsake.

Photos courtesy of Bumblebee Linens

Come See Us!

Don't miss the Real Weddings Class taking place this Sunday, February 22nd at the Sacramento Marriott! Dynamite Weddings is honored to offer complimentary admission to the first 15 brides to contact us at info@dynamiteweddings.com!!

Come enjoy the Dynamite Weddings class: Top 10 Things Every Bride Should Know. Register now to participate in this intimate bridal experience. You can meet high quality vendors, receive a useful Wedding Class planning binder and walk away with a generous swag bag full of goodies!! Also, enjoy complimentary champagne and delicious food samplings while visiting with participating professionals.

We'll see you there!

Check out the Dynamite Vendors that will be participating as well:

A Slip of Elegance Chaircovers
Flourish Designs
Sharpe Photographers
Stephanie J Designs

Tip - Gift Intimates

Your bridesmaids or maid of honor will love this 100% silk chiffon mini-kini set. Visit SiBelle for the collection in different colors.

Photo courtesy of SiBelle by Sibel Mesta

Trend - Lifestyle Inspirations

For many, your cake will be the focal point of your reception. You can find inspiration for your cake from florals, fabric, hobbies you enjoy, maybe your favorite design element in your home. Share with your baker "a few of your favorite things".

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Don't Miss Girls Night Out!

Don't miss a fantastic FREE "Girls Night Out" event at David Girard Vineyards on Friday, February 20th. Enjoy a fun filled night of food, wine, art, chocolate, makeup artistry, chair massages and more. Be sure to visit The Memory Journalists, a dynamite vendor, booth at the event to see some of their amazing wedding album designs and classy boudoir pics.

Trend - Consider Custom Cards

Roberta Aviram designs custom save-the-dates that can fit your personality, style or capture the view of your destination location. They are precious pieces that can also be framed as beautiful art.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Aviram

Tip - Don't Let Marks Become Stains

Don't let a stain get you down! If you're worried about your bridesmaid or wedding dress having a lipstick smudge or dirt spots on it, know it doesn't have to become a permanent part of your dress. Martha Stewart Weddings has a stain removal checklist and how to chart that can also come in handy as a newlywed. Check it out!

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Get Beach Ready!

Looking for some cute beachware for your honeymoon? Check out Victoria's Secret's Spring Forward sale offering up to $75 off your $250 purchase! Enter coupon code GETVS for special discounts.

Trend - Well....Hello Kitty!

Surprise your bridesmaids with a sweet gift, combining the fun elements from their childhood and the sassy flare from the makeup they love. Check out the Hello Kitty collection for MAC. With these collections Hello Kitty can go from mild to wild!

Photo courtesy of PopSugar

Tip - Share the Love

This is a great way to share your favorite treats and a little love. Your baker will have some great ideas on how to incorporate your color scheme into this sweet treat! You could send these lovely cupcakes home with your guests as a tasty favor.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Be True To Your Heart

On this Hallmark holiday that reminds us to express our love for each other, it should also serve as a reminder to honor those we love all year round. Start thinking of ways that you can surprise your sweetie with thoughtful gifts or actions of love and plan them throughout the year. Celebrating your love continuously will keep that Valentine's Day spark alive!

Photos courtesy of Hostess With the Mostess, Martha Stewart Weddings, Chiasso, The Memory Journalists, Jamali Garden

Trend - Flowers That Last

If you're looking for an eco-friendly way to have colorful, lasting flower designs, check out Paper Source's flower kits. These kits are easy to assemble and you can create bright colored florals that can only grow at your hands.

Photo courtesy of Paper Source

Real Dynamite Wedding - Angela & Mike (part 2)

Happy Valentine's Day! Let's check back with the happy couple, Angela & Mike and enjoy the details of their incredible reception. Thanks again to Allegro Photography for sharing this amazing wedding.

June 14, 2008

The reception was flawless with hints of pink and brown displayed in the florals, favor boxes, and intricate details on the exquisitely designed cake by Fleur de Lisa. Guests were invited to enjoy a delicious menu put together by the Lodge at Sonoma, accompanied by well balanced wines all coming from the Sonoma region. Everything was breath taking and truly reflected Angela and Mike as a couple. Angela's advice for the big day, "Start early, keep a binder of information (vendor agreements and phone numbers, diagrams, etc), and keep things as simple as possible.

Gown Designer: Oleg Cassini by David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Planner: self and Brooke Nelson from The Lodge at Sonoma
Caterer: Fleur de Lisa (cake), The Lodge at Sonoma (food)
Floral Design: Self and mom
DJ/Band: iPod
Ceremony Musicians: Garden Strings Quartet
Videographer: Lifescapes
Invitations and Printed Materials: Made the invitations and programs ourselves
Photography: Allegro Photography

Real Dynamite Wedding - Angela & Mike

Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow we wanted to share this delightful love story between Angela and Mike, submitted by Allegro Photography. These photos share so many fun, personalized details that we couldn't fit them into one storyboard! Today we'll share the ceremony details and check back tomorrow for the fun filled reception! Congrats to Angela & Mike. We hope your honeymoon was full of beaches, umbrellas, delicious food, great wine and laughter!

June 14, 2008

Angela & Mike Leach - An Intimate Affair
Angela & Mike work in the healthcare field never expecting to find their two hearts joining as one. During an exciting first date, hiking in Half Moon Bay and strolling on the beach, the two realized that they shared common interests. This would be the first of many exhilarating trips together. During a memorable trip to Paris years later, Mike proposed, at the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the highest point in Paris. Such a romantic proposal lent itself to the beginning of their beautiful story. Angela couldn't wait to spend her life with this thoughtful, caring, family-oriented, supportive man.

The Big Day
The two couldn't have picked a more perfect place to get married than The Lodge at Sonoma. Angela handled many of the wedding day details herself including invitations and programs. She also had the welcome assistance of her mother to help design and conquer the floral arrangements pieced together. Their beautiful outdoor ceremony was complimented with bouquets designed with hot pink and white roses, with green hydrangea. Outdoor decor included crepe-paper rose pomanders balls hung gently with satin ribbons. Pew flower designs included pink and white roses in clear glass vases hung by pink and brown ribbon. Guests were able to shelter from the sun kissed warmth with delicate parasols while they enjoyed the intimate ceremony.

*Check back tomorrow to read about this creative reception.

Gown Designer: Oleg Cassini by David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Planner: self and Brooke Nelson from The Lodge at Sonoma
Caterer: Fleur de Lisa (cake), The Lodge at Sonoma (food)
Floral Design: Self and mom
DJ/Band: iPod
Ceremony Musicians: Garden Strings Quartet
Videographer: Lifescapes
Invitations and Printed Materials: Made the invitations and programs ourselves
Photography: Allegro Photography

Tip - Spread the Love

Looking for a gift you can personalize for your sweetie on Valentine's Day or give it as a gift on your wedding day. Your bride will appreciate your fore thought and consideration.

Photo courtesy of Things Remembered

Trend - Inspirational Colors

Looking for love in all the right places. We love this pink and red combo of cosmos and roses shared by Martha Stewart Weddings.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Into Your Lover's Heart

Fellas, still looking for a Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie? Check out Tiffany & Co.'s reasonably priced and amazingly beautiful collections! Give her the key to your heart, share Tiffany & Co. love notes or a fun ring.

Images courtesy of Tiffany & Co. and key collection image courtesy of Love Notes: Pacific Weddings.













You can also still send a Victoria's Secret egift card to your fantastic bride-to-be as late as 3p.m. EST on February 14th!

Tip - Double Purpose Centerpieces

Flowers displayed in individual pots gathered together can make elaborate centerpieces and serve a double purpose as individual favors. This doesn't only save money but also recycles your wedding day decor. What a great idea!

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Trend - Affordable Designer Jewelry

Target is introducing Erickson Beamon's limited edition jewelry line this Sunday. Be sure to check out the new line when deciding on your wedding day jewels. Everyone's looking to cut spending somewhere and when done right, inexpensive jewels can appear as classy as pricey ones.

Photo courtesy of PopSugar