Introducing Dynamite Weddings - Who are We?

Dynamite Weddings is an innovative, complimentary service igniting the industry by sharing new ideas and industry “Tips and Trends” or TNT. The primary and unique focus of Dynamite Weddings is our daily changing content that engages, empowers, and inspires brides and grooms throughout their wedding plans. The eye catching content offers interaction between brides and experts, which differs from current sites that merely catalog vendors.

We offer a look at prescreened Dynamite Vendors who exemplify quality service in the industry. Dynamite Weddings has personally invited only the best vendors to participate, based on their integrity, style, client rapport and their ability to progress in the evolution of wedding trends.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Trend - A Trend Off the Cuff

Cuff links for groomsmen's gifts. You can get matching cuff links or personal cuff links (favorite team, golf clubs, football, etc.) to fit each groomsman's style. They make a great reusable gift and they can wear them at the wedding. Check out cufflinks.com.

Photo provided by CuffLinks.com

Tip - Picture Perfect Makeup

When thinking of your makeup for the wedding; think natural. Of course you want to be glamorous; we all do. But you can still be glamorous without being dark. Going really dark on your eyes and making them smoky is stunning but when it comes to your pictures you may be disappointed. Darker eyes tend to make eyes appear smaller. Going lighter will open them up and make them seem so much bigger and brighter. So talk to your makeup artist and maybe try a few different colors to see what fits best so that you look stunning in all of your photos.
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Trend - White Lights

Twinkly while lights (the kind you see at Christmas) are a great way to add ambiance even in the non winter months. They create a romantic whimsical feel to any time of year. They are a terrific low-cost lighting option.

Photo provided by The Knot.com

Tip - Treat Your Small Attendants

While you may realize the importance of including children in your wedding ceremony, know that participation on the big day may not go as planned. It may be ideal to have the children walk down together, if you're unsure how one may react during the long walk down the aisle. Another idea is to tell them ahead of time that there's a treat waiting for them at the end of that long walk, something that's quiet and keeps them occupied during the ceremony. Tape a silver dollar to the floor so they know where to go and tell them they can keep it when the ceremony's over, if they behave.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Trend - Uneven Parties

You have 7 people that have to be included in the bride's party. He only has 5 guys in his party. No problem! Couples are realizing that there's nothing that says you have to have even numbers. Some of the groomsmen can walk down with 2 bridesmaids, believe me he won't mind! Another option is to have the groomsmen already at the alter and the bridesmaids walk down solo. You could also pair bridesmaids or groomsmen with the flower girl or ring bearer. It could also save a possible crisis with the young participants.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Cautious Seating

If you are doing assigned seating, be aware of not only who does or doesn’t get along but try and keep drinkers/non-drinkers together. Maybe consider keeping younger and older guests at their perspective tables as well. This really depends on your crowd and may not apply to everyone. You just want to make everyone as comfortable as possible.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Spotlight On - Allison Stahl Photography

Allison Stahl's eight years of wedding photography experience shine through all of her amazing images. Allison's style is artistic, patient and fun! Her vision is to capture your favorite moments in life. weddings. pregnancy. babies. families. & give them lasting presence. unobtrusively & artistically. Her clients and peers alike enjoy her friendly, approachable, playful demeanor.

"William and I want to thank you for the most amazing wedding photos! They were EVERYTHING that we hoped for and imagined. You truly captured all of the love that surrounded us that day. EVERY SINGLE photo you took was perfection. You captured every moment that made our wedding day the happiest day of our lives. Thank you so much for recognizing those special moments! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
-William and Breanna

"We received the pictures and we love them all! They have already brought back some great memories. Thank you for all your hard wok and for helping make the day so very special for Krystal and Cody."
- Jackie (mother of the bride)
"Thanks again for doing such a wonderful job. The pictures are beautiful~~my grandma thinks we look like "movie stars"!"-Diana & Tim

website: www.allisonstahl.com
blog: www.allisonstahl.blogspot.com
address: Roseville, CA (by appt. only)
phone: 916.521.0747
email: info@allisonstahl.com

Kick Back and Save Some Dough

Looking for shoes for yourself or your bridesmaids? Check out Nordstrom's 40% off sale! Winter, spring, summer, fall... it doesn't matter, they're all there!

Photo provided by Nordstrom.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Respect the Budget

As little girls growing up we dream about our wedding day. We hope and pray that Prince Charming will come and we will be swept away and have a glorious wedding day. Or whatever your version of that fairytale is. And then you get engaged and reality sets in. Or at least it should. For some it doesn't.
While it is grand to have a dream and the desire to have the beautiful fairytale day, you have to be smart about it. I have seen girls run over those supporting them (whether they be parents, grandparents or all those in between) in the desire to get what they want. You have to be conscious of what you're doing. You have to be sensitive to what you are asking. All of our parents/guardians want us to be happy. They want to give us what we want. But sometimes they just can't. Sometimes it is just beyond their means. Be aware of that when you are asking for that extra $1000 for your dress. And do what you can to not make your family feel guilty about it. It can be so hard for us as brides to not cling to or get upset about ideas or dreams that we may have. But one the most important things we can remember is that this beautiful day will be beautiful whether or not I'm standing in the $30 shoes or the $300 shoes.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Know Your Groomsmen

If your groomsmen appreciate a hearty Cab or a smooth pale ale think about a beer for a year membership or wine club. The shipments are sent directly to them and it's like getting a great gift from your friend every month. If you time it right, maybe you show up for an impromptu BBQ at his place and can share the wealth! Check out Beer of the Month Club (www.beermonthclub.com) or Cellars Wine Club (www.cellarswineclub.com). You can also contact your local brewery or winery and set up their membership to receive monthly shipments.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Prevent Pain

Take a couple of pain relievers before your wedding. This will help with those aches and pains caused by being on your feet all day. It will also attack a headache before it attacks you. Also, make sure there's some in your Emergency Wedding Day Kit, so if you need it, it’s there.

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Monday, September 1, 2008

Labor Day Wishes

For many, Labor Day weekend is a time for BBQs and relaxation. Hopefully you were able to take some time and slow down to appreciate the closing of summer.

We wanted to send our best wishes to those that have been holding fast to the hope that Gustav would pass w/o causing casualties or much destruction. Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands have already had to face Gustav. Gustav is making its way onto land from the Gulf. Our hearts go out to those that have lost loved ones. We wish you the best towards rebuilding and recovering from this tragic storm. The American Red Cross has been dispatched to help those in need and are accepting donations.

Trend - Creative Lighting

Chandeliers are romantic, elegant, sexy, and add a very special touch to your day. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, with candles or bulbs and in a variety of price ranges.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Know What To Ask

When you and your hubby to be are searching for a location for your big day, don’t forget to ask yourselves all of the right questions. Does it have the feeling that you have envisioned for your dream wedding? Is there sufficient room for your guest list? Will there be adequate parking for all of our guests? You only get this day once, don’t forget the minor details too, Are there enough electrical outlets for your entertainment plans? How about the lighting, does it create the ambiance that you want? Who will be the person(s) in charge of our wedding on wedding day? Is there a time limit on our reception in our contract? Will there be any other weddings held here that day?

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Survey Says - What Did You Spend Too Much Time On? (Part 2)

What did you spend a lot of time on that you wish you hadn't? (part 2)

Nothing. I loved planning it all. - Jennifer, married May 2006

The programs. They wound up not being set out, so nobody even got them! But I don’t know that they missed them either. Also, reserving blocks of hotel rooms for the guests. Most of our guest either didn’t use them, or made them too late for your group rate anyways.
- Julie, married September 2007
Worrying? Not sleeping??;) - Hannah, married September 2006
The gifts for bridesmaids were totally over the top and I wish that I wouldn’t have spent so much time finding something different for each of them.
- Nona, married August 2007

Nothing I can think of, but I do wish that I spent more time on our vows. We put those together the night before…I wouldn't recommend it.
- Kelley, married July 2006

Worrying about family issues, not worth the money.
- Michelle, married March 2007

I was really set on buying my bridesmaid dresses online or at a major department store. My main goal was to have dresses that would be wearable after the wedding and not over priced. I wish I would have just ordered from a boutique and saved all the time and energy of searching for the “right” dresses.
- Amanda, married October 2007

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists