Friday, October 21, 2016

Wedding Traditions & Superstitions

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...
This tradition originated from an Old English rhyme, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Sixpence in your Shoe.” I find it so amazing that a simple tradition like this has carried on for so long. As the legend goes, the items represent continuity {something old}, hopefulness for the marriages future {something new}, lent happiness {something borrowed}, and lastly cleanliness, love and fidelity {something blue}.
Here are some simple ways to incorporate this custom into your special day. For starters, writing a sweet little note on groom’s tie in blue {yes, men can be involved in this too} can be something sweet and meaningful. Next example to carry on the tradition is having a picture of your parents wedding day or rosary of a loved one attached to your bouquet. Another, is by stitching in something blue to your dress such as your wedding date or little heart, as shown in the picture. The special thing about this tradition is that you can adjust it in any way to suit your own personal style.                 
                                                                                                                                                       Photos By: Amanda Nguyen, Sara Burnett, La Vie Photography 







Grooms, don't drop your bride...
          Carrying the bride over the threshold originated from the Ancient Romans. The meaning behind it is, to insure the bride was not scared about leaving their family home, but to insure she was happy to move in with her husband. If she was she was carried, rather than dragged across the threshold then she was ready to start her new life. Now days, I hope the original meaning does not stand true ;) So grooms, just like the first time you met your bride….sweep her off her feet and carry her over the threshold to your home!

Photo By: Hey Pretty Wedding 


Love at First Sight...
            The tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other before the ceremony had a not so romantic beginning. In the past when arranged marriages were much more popular, the first time the couple would meet was at the altar. As a precautionary, they were not allowed to see each other before because the parents of the bride did not want the groom to back out if he was not attracted to her. How romantic...right!?
            Luckily that is not the case anymore! Since arranged marriages are not as common today, couples now choose to not see each other to make the day more exciting instead. Having that unforgettable first look of the bride walking down the aisle is much more special. Recently though the tradition has developed into the bride and groom having a private first look before the ceremony. This is a perfect picture opportunity for photographers to catch the special moment between the couple. Also as an added bonus, it allows more time for group pictures. Waiting to see each other until the ceremony or doing a first look, is the preference of the bride and groom. Each option is a special and romantic moment that they will both remember forever.

Photos By: Abby Jiu Photography 
              


Rain, Rain Go Away...?
            If it rains on your wedding day is actually not a bad thing. Surprisingly, rain symbolizes a happy and blessed marriage. Now, who wouldn’t want that? One meaning for rain is fertility. This superstition says the couple will have a better chance of having children because when it rains it means growth.  Also it is cleansing, rain-washes away any sadness or bad experiences that have happened in the past. It gives the couple a fresh start. Lastly, rain symbolizes unity because when a knot gets wet it becomes tighter and stronger. Just as the couple ties the knot they become one that is stronger together. So brides and grooms don’t fret if rain is in the forecast for your big day because it is good luck. {And on the plus side, it makes for great pictures!}

Photo By: Ryan Ray Photography 

Calling all Single Ladies & Men 

             The garter and bouquet toss is a fun ritual that originated from the medieval times. When the groom would take his bride to their bedroom he would rip a piece of material off her dress and throw it out the door to those waiting outside of it. I find it very strange knowing that this started from people trying to snoop in on your wedding night. Although the tradition has changed, brides toss their bouquets and grooms still toss the guarders. For those who catch the items it is believed they will be the next to marry. Who knows if that is actually true or not? This tradition is another fun way to get your guest involved in the big celebration!

Photos By: Wedding Photography 


xoxo, 
    Mary 




Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful

     On your wedding day you are suppose to feel more beautiful than ever before. You are the star of the show, so stand up for what you want your dress to look like. It is okay to take opinions to help shape your look on your big day. But do not, I repeat, do not let anyone else make the final decisions for your dress and over all look of the wedding. This day is something you dream about at some point in your life; so let your unique style shine. Even if that means not being a vision in white but pretty in pink…or purple or red, or even blue! As long as your dress reflects your personality then I say go for it.

 Here are some of my colorful favorite bridal looks!


                                       


                           

                                                             



xoxo, 
    Mary




Credits: 
Wedding  Dress By White Runway
Wedding Dress by Gem Harris 
Wedding Dress by Hayley Paige
Wedding Dress By Kitty Chen                    
Wedding Dress By Alex Perry
Michael and Carina Photography 

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

10 Items an Event Planner Has in Their Car

Featured blog by, Rebecca Dirks from Lady Bugs Events and Rentals. Rebecca has been an assistant to Lady Bugs' owner Tammy for the past year and she wanted to share some of her wisdom with us! 

We all know that event planner that is organized and always has what a bride, groom, or family member needs on the big day! Have you ever wondered where he or she keeps all of her preparations?! Obviously a purse would not be able to hold it ALL; but their car is where all the extra linens, center pieces, gowns, tuxes, and flowers are stored and much more little things, down to the safety pin that holds a bride’s maid dress together to the extra bouquet. All event planners should have some kind of 4-person vehicle (minimum), a truck would be ideal or a van.

1.     First Aid Kit- You would be surprised how many times a bride stubs her toe, the groomsmen have a hangnail, or the event planner pins herself from sticking so many pins in dresses.  A first aid kit including all the little Band-Aids, ointments, and bandages is always needed not just for a wedding but for your own safety while even driving.

2.     Centerpieces- Not always the one for the wedding but plainly decoration for any circumstance. Something to put on the sweetheart table, gift table, entrance, etc. These centerpieces range from big or small, so to relate. You need to have a small Hobby Lobby store in your car for decorations.

3.     Linens- Linens of every color the bride picked for her colors on that day need to be in their car. Make sure to have an extra. Many times communication is lacking in the bridal world; so you want to be absolutely prepared if there needs to be an extra table cloth for whatever matter.  Kids table, food table, gift table, etc. Linens are important to have extra of.

4.     Snacks- Working all day on the wonderful, extravagant day you may not be able to take a 30-minute lunch. The day is so busy and hectic; make sure to have some granola bars and water in the car. 

5.     Tape/Scissors- Having the typical crafting materials should be keen. There are multiple opportunities where you will need to use tape or scissors. I can’t even think of all the times I needed to use tape to hold down a reserve sign or scissors to cut a little string off of the groom’s jacket.

6.     Toolkit- Many wedding décor has to be constructed that day for example a pallet wall or hanging chandelier in a tree. Having the proper tools is very important. Your tool kit should consist of the basic hammer, screwdriver, nails, screws, staple gun, fun tack, etc. You don’t want to have go to the hardware store when you are in the midst of putting together a giant decoration piece. Honestly, a toolkit is important to have no matter what the circumstances are.

7.     Sewing kit- When the photographer is taking pictures of the wedding gown and all of its beauty, every stitch, button, lace, sparkle, needs to be in place. You have to be prepared for anything to happen on that day. Straight pins, safety bins, bobby pins, any pin and needle you can think of needs to be packed in a smaller kit for those smaller details.

8.     Good luck ‘charm’-You will spend more time with brides than you will with your own husband. You will create a friendship after all the planning and decorating. As a wedding planner it’s nice to leave the bride with a gift of your accomplishment. This ‘gift’ can be anything you want it to be from a centerpiece, a note, just a little good luck gift is nice to have on the great day.

9.     Itinerary- A schedule of the day is important for the bridal party. It is important just as much to the event planner and the bride. Letting them know at this time we will be doing this or setting this up. Majority of the day is pretty hectic, but if you have a team that is organized and can follow it you will be better off.

10.  Purse, Keys, etc! (Don’t forget about yourself)-As you are rushing out the door with all the items you need for your client, don’t forget your keys, purse, tampons, extra change of clothes, makeup and anything else YOU will need that day. It so important to remember the key essentials for yourself as well. If you are prepared for the day, make sure to get yourself prepared for whatever happens. 

Monday, October 17, 2016

It’s time to Part-ayyy!

Being the life of the party is easy when you have great tunes to jam to. Song choices set the mood of   the evening and ultimately decide how the night will unravel. Create a fun and lively atmosphere so your guests can boogey down to some classic party songs. They will enjoy every minute of celebrating your marriage. And don’t be afraid to add your own touch to your song choices. Here you go. Cheers to the perfect wedding play list!

  1.      Summer of 69---Bryan Adams
  2.     Any Man of Mine---Shania Twain  
  3.     Callin’ Baton Rouge---Garth Brooks
  4.     Living Next Door to Alice---The Party Gang
  5.      If You’re Gonna Play in Texas---Alabama
  6.     Ignition (remix)---R. Kelly
  7.     You Shook Me All Night Long---AC/DC
  8.       Livin’ on a Prayer---Def Leppard
  9.       Yeah---Usher
  10.      Pour Some Suggar on Me---Bon Jovi
  11.     Baby Got Back---Sir Mix-A-Lot
  12.      Friends in Low Places---Garth   Brooks
  13.       Trumpets---Jason Derulo
  14.     I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)---The   Proclaimers
  15.       Meet in the Middle---Diamond Rio
  16.     Ring of Fire---Johnny Cash
  17.      I Wanna Dance With Somebody---         Whitney Houston
  18.       Sweet Caroline---Neil Diamond
  19.       Hold On---Wilson Phillips            
  20.       Marry You---Bruno Mars
  21.       Good Bye Earl---Dixie Chicks
  22.      Downtown---Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  23.     I’m Home Honey---Shania Twain
  24.     Closer---Chain Smokers
  25.    Don’t Stop Believin’---Journey    

Now don’t forget to slow it down for one song and really enjoy and celebrate officially being husband and wife. This is a special moment for any couple, so pick a song that is meaningful to you and your spouse. Here are my top suggestions for first dance song choices...

  1.       Thinking Out Loud---Ed Sheeran
  2.      A Thousand Years---Christina Perri
  3.        H.O.L.Y.---Florida Georgia Line
  4.        Die a Happy Man---Thomas   Rhett
  5.       XO---John Mayer
  6.        Marry Me---Train
  7.        Our Love is Here to Stay---Billie Holiday
  8.        Amazed---Lonestar
  9.        It’s Your Love---Tim McGraw
  10.      Everything---Michael Buble
  11.      Wanna be that Song—Brett Eldredge
  12.     Smile—Uncle Cracker

Lastly, as the bride and groom it is important to take the time to honor the amazing people who brought you into this world, and raised you to be the person who your significant other fell so madly in love with.  You will always be your father’s little girl or your mama’s boy and they deserve a moment with you. Be prepared, this could be a real tearjerker for some...

Father & Daughter Dance
 1.     My little Girl---Tim McGraw
      2.     My Girl---Temptations
      3.     My Wish---Rascal Flatts
      4.     Always Be Your Baby---Carole King
      5.       Just Fishin’---Trace Adkins






                                                            Mother & Son Dance 
1.  Hero---Mariah Carey
2.  Like My Other Does---Lauren Alania
3.  Then They Do---Trace Adkins
4.  I'll Be---Reba McEntire
5.  Because You Loved Me---Celine Dion




                                                   







xoxo,
   Mary


Photo 1: Pittsburgh Weddings  
Photo 2: Click By Kate
Photo 3: Capture the Moment 
Photo 4: Amy Rose Photography