It's been one crazy month (August) for me with weddings (of course), dealing with major family health issues (unexpected), and getting my four-year old ready for Kindergarten (anticipated). I promise to be back and better than ever September 1st! Thanks for being patient and for continuing to be a fan! If there's anything you particularly want me to blog about or have a question you wanted answered, please email them to me at percy@percysales.com or post it on the comments section.
Okay folks, you all know that I love everything sweet and especially love my cakes. Well there's a new player in town (San Francisco Bay Area) and you need to RUN not walk...RUN to her and have your cake made by this incredible artist/baker! Jennifer Tan started Just the Frosting from her kitchen and continues to do her artistry as a side business. I told her she needs to lose the day job and do this full time.
The picture of the Ni Hao, Kai Lan birthday cake was for my niece's 1st Birthday in June. It was absolutely beautiful and out of this world delicious. Her fondant work is incredible and very detail oriented...she even covered the top part of the cardboard base in fondant...which is unheard of. The cake was a tasty banana nut confection with cream cheese filling. Mmmm I am craving it now! The Kai Lan topper was made out of gum paste.
Seriously folks, if you want a wow cake that's pleasing to the eye and mouth at your next wedding, birthday, or other celebration contact Jennifer Tan. Trust me...it's more than Just the Frosting that is going to make her and her cakes a household name! You won't regret it and you will fall in love with her cakes too!
I met Megan through one of the "usual" social network sites...Facebook. I had read one of her other guests posts and thought wow, this could be a great guest blogger for the Let's Party With Percy Sales Events Blog. So, I asked Megan if she could do a blog for me on the topic of her choice and she graciously agreed. In her guest blog, Megan will be discussing her trend/forecast watch in wedding invitations for 2010/2011. I hope you enjoy it! Here's Megan's blog:
Trend Watch in Wedding Invitations 2010/2011
By: Megan Battistella owner of Adair Custom Designs: Specializing in Wedding Invitations and Stationary.
POP QUIZ: This one is for all engaged couples out there!
What is the most important thing that a wedding invitation set should do for
an engaged couple?
A. Set the tone for the wedding
B. Elicit a response
C. Save money!
D. Wedding invitations? Shoot! I forgot about those…
For engaged couples, the excitement of planning a wedding can overwhelm the most basic principal of what an invitation is intended to do, and that is: get a response! My experience in creating corporate identity has taught me that thoughtful design is essential to creating personality with an impact.
For the budget-conscious couples looking to balance affordability and personal style consider the following: will your invitation be considered a “keepsake”?People know the difference between art and ordinary. The highest compliment is for your guests to keep your wedding invitations. Through exciting the senses with something different, you will find that an immediate response from your guests is not uncommon. People crave a fresh approach as opposed to a tired format!
Next year springs forth a fresh decade of fantastic trends and new ideas! Familiar and entirely new, retro and modern combined; it is indeed the beginning of a new era of contemporary design. These trends are recession busters and have been recycled from decades and even centuries past as tried and true.
THEMES THAT WILL TREND in 2010/2011—Some of these themes draw from the past and will continue to show resiliency in the future, overlapping will be prevalent among all of these categories
“Art Deco” Wedding Packages
This will be one of the most prevalent trends seen in the wedding industry for next year. It is on the verge of exploding. This trend can go in numerous different avenues for wedding invitation sets, but the following will be the most common.
Art Deco: 1920’s and 30’s inspired. Wedding invitations will present strong, contrasting geometric patterning, borrowing from classic architectural elements of the roaring twenties. Vertical paper layouts will prove to be more consistent with the “style” of art deco. Perfect for those watching their budgets, because pieces that print with only one color designs, (black) on white or colored paper are more economical. For added elegance, consider metallic or pearl papers.
Art Deco: Floral Seventies and modernized Baroque: These will still have an overwhelming sense of “pattern.” Flat color, graphic, non-dimensional floral patterns will be prevalent in tomorrow’s wedding invitation designs.
Falling back on different cultures, the “folksy pilgrim” is borrowing from all types of traditions and cross-pollinating with today’s society. There is also a strong theme of hand-made, hand-painted and custom detailed wood work which can lead into decorative Baroque style.
Wedding invitation trends in this category will consider specialty shapes in papers, die-cuts, decorative embellishments that are unique to the bride and groom’s heritage and/or ethnic background. Bright impressions of the Latin culture, the simplicity and softness of the MidwesternStates and a vivid graphic African influence will be seen in this category.
Wedding invitations will be hand-drawn or possibly painted in watercolors and then over-laid with illustration work, generally in floral patterns. Hand-calligraphy (Examples provided by Jennifer Gillespie of “Calligraphy by Jennifer”) and highly decorative lettering will flourish in fonts. On the opposite spectrum, large, bold, sans-serif fonts will also do incredibly well.
“Eco-Chic” Wedding Invitations
“Going Green” has become a mainstream concept, but new technology and advances in protecting the environment are continuously being supplied to the masses for more economical rates. Consciously looking for alternative papers for invites will continue to be important. Recycled papers come in 30% post-consumer waste and 100% post-consumer waste and more printers are supplying soy-based inks.
"Futuristic" & Digital Wedding Package Sets
Going against the grain and all traditions, these wedding invitation sets will offer new thoughts and design directions for the future. Fluorescent accents in paper, metallic cut-outs, reflective materials and holographic papers will portray an almost surrealist nature. Three dimensionally textured bellybands and uniquely shaped invitation enclosures will grab the spotlight. Peacock feathers used in design motifs or as embellishments will gather interest this upcoming year. Adding layers to invitation sets through the use of frosted, translucent, and transparent papers will add visual interest while maintaining budgets.
In this socially connected world, some couples may consider opting out of paper invitations and go digital. Digital invitations are posted videos on the internet and the response is electronic. (See example, work not created by Megan Battistella of Adair Design-http://www.coreyrachelinvite.com/ ) This will eliminate the response cards all together and will help to save on postage cost, return address printing and envelopes. Other options are to spend an extra amount of money on a more decorative invitation and then combining a response and directions card which will direct guests to RSVP electronically.
There are plenty of budget conscious and completely out-of-the box ideas that can portray your wedding in a brand-new light.
Please contact me for a free, custom wedding invitation consultation or check out my pre-designed wedding packages and I can give you some pricing. If you check out my blog or Facebook page, leave a note or some feedback, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Don't have to say much. This was such a creative way to celebrate their wedding. I'm not sure all churches would approve of this, but it was awesome none the less. Weddings should always be this joyous. It had me in tears. After seeing this I wonder what the rest of their wedding was like...especially the reception. I am sure they were dancing all night!
Would any of my clients like to do this? Just let me know.
Great song too - Forever (unfortunately it's sung by Chris Brown)
The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is your one stop shopping source for your wedding or event. You can find everything from bridal shoes and accessories to favor ideas and invitations. Check out the latest finds at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events
Rosa Clará is the designer to watch and I would not be surprised if she was the go to wedding gown designer in the next couple of years. I'm in total awe after seeing some of this designer's gowns.
Rosa Clará has been in business since 1995. Her designs are known in Latin countries and on the European circuit but have not quite made an impact here in the US. She currently has some gowns being sold exclusively at Kleinfeld Bridal in NYC and some select styles can be found at premiere bridal boutiques throughout the US. A list of local retailers can be found on the Rosa Clará Website. Rosa Clará is based in Barcelona, Spain.
Rosa Clará designs are absolutely modern, gorgeous, and it transcends time. She states that her '09 collection is, "Inspired by two trends: One, simple lines with close fitting gowns. And the other, spectacular volume." All I can say is that her gowns are like none I have seen in recent years. You also need to check out the Rosa Clará '08 line and you will notice that things she was putting out last year are now being presented by other designers this year. She is definitely "wedding" fashion forward.
It seems as if she has taken aspects from different cultures and made them her own. You will see gorgeous draping on Grecian Gowns, Kimono inspired wedding dresses, Modern Princess Gowns and of course...an ode to Barcelona, Spanish influenced gowns.
Additionally, many of her pieces can morph into a second look by adding or removing lace jackets that she has designed to go with certain gowns.
Here's a sampling of the gowns I love.
Style #213 Languido - Organza dress with beading and a Chantilly lace jacket with hemstitch decoration. A lovely dress with two looks. When you take off the full-length lace jacket, you are left with a stunning strapless gown, perfect for the reception.
Style #248 Lua - Beaded bodice with a silk brocade skirt and train. This dress reminds me of a modern Kimono. The train detail is so wonderful with its multiple tiers. The dress is so simple yet so stunning.
Style #159 Lyla - Halter dress with floral neck embellishment and embroidered flowers on a full skirt. The ultimate playful princess dress. I love the embroidery on the skirt; it gives the gown a little spunk, but keeps it elegant at the same time. Cinderella would have been proud to wear this gown.
Brides...you need to check out the Rosa Clará line, there are so many wonderful gowns to discover on her site. Additionally she also a second line that is more affordable called Two by Rosa Clará and a link to her Complements line of veils, tops, shoes, and headdresses (used by Karl Lagerfeld in Chanel's Pre-Fall 2009 Collection Fashion Show).
I hope you will love this designer as much as I do. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in coming years.
Traditionally these sky lanterns have been used in Taipei and Thailand as part of special occasions and festivals. They light up the sky beautifully and are so dramatic when you release them in large groups. The sky lanterns would be a great addition to a wedding, birthday or even funeral. You can attach wishes or messages to them and send them to the "heavens" to be fulfilled.
From Wikipedia, "Sky lanterns are traditionally made of oiled rice paper with a bamboo frame that contain a small candle or fuel cell, which is a waxy combustible material. When lit the fuel cell heats the air, creating smoke, and causes the lantern to rise into the air. The sky lantern is airborne for approximately 15 minutes, or until the fuel cell is exhausted, then the sky lantern floats back to the ground. They will achieve quite a height, but it is recommended not to launch them in strong winds."
Now you have the opportunity to use these unique lanterns for your next event. You can order sky lanterns from a company like The Sky Lantern. It comes in various colors, but I think the white is the most beautiful visually. I have used them at some weddings and it really wows the guests. The basic sky lantern at The Sky Lantern cost $5.00 each. Check out their Chinese Water Lanterns too, a dramatic touch to pools or other bodies of water.
Remember to contact your local Fire Marshall to get the appropriate permits prior to using these lanterns.
Yesterday I took a client to see potential venue spaces in Santa Barbara for a quaint wedding of 75 people. Our last stop was the Canary Hotel, a boutique hotel that is located in the heart of Santa Barbara. After checking out the banquet rooms, the largest capable of seating a party for 160 people, we took the elevator up to the Rooftop Perch, thanks to the staff who let us up. The bride gasped as we exited the elevator to this little haven above Santa Barbara.
She thought she wanted to have a reception near the beach until she saw this place. She was overcome by the mountain and red tile roof views that the Canary Hotel provided...it truly is the quintessential Santa Barbara location. It was like putting on the perfect wedding gown. She immediately thought that this was the space for her and I have to agree, this location would be perfect for this bride. I have been to that perch many times and even planned a wedding there when it was known as Hotel Andalucia. At any rate, I fell in love with the space again.
Everything about the Canary Hotel...the architecture, decor, tile work, outdoor fireplace, views, location, and the hotel staff...may just make this little hotel the perfect location for your wedding. It's a lot more affordable than most people will speculate and it can accommodate a good number of folks. The only negative is...I was not listed as one of their preferred Wedding Planners and Coordinators. Regardless of that little detail, if you are looking for the ultimate location in Santa Barbara to wed, check out the Canary Hotel. You may never want to leave its nest.
To check out their floor plan, capacity charts and catering menus, please visit their Special Events Webpage. The Canary Hotel is located at 31 West Cabrillo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or you can reach their Sales and Catering department by contacting them at 805-884-0300.
The wedding reception is what guests look forward to most...celebrating with the bride and groom on their happy day. We enjoy the meals, the drinks, the cake, the dancing, and the joy of it all. This past weekend, I heard from a friend about a relative's reception that really surprised them so much that they were speechless by the time they left. It must have been a real great event!
Following a wonderful beach ceremony, the couple had a lavish reception at a posh restaurant, one of the more expensive restaurants in the area, with 70 invited guests in attendance. The guests ordered off the menu, not a prix fixed menu, they had an open bar, champagne, choice of dessert, and of course wedding cake. A jazz trio played nicely in a corner of the restaurant. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? People were having a great time. My friends thought, wow, they must have saved up to have such a great reception, because the couple really did not have careers.
Just as guests were being treated to dessert, the mother of the groom and some other family members went around greeting guests and delivering a special message to them from the bride and groom. The message was, "Thank you for coming, the meal will cost you $100.00 each and we would be appreciative if you can help pay for the bride and grooms' meal as well." WHAT...THE HORROR! I guess the bride and groom got the bill and the family divided it by the number of people there, the bill was nearly $7000 with tax and gratuities. At first my friends thought it was a joke (since they are relatives), but when they started laughing the mother of the groom looked at them and said, "If you need an ATM machine that there was one across the street at the bank." They looked around the room and saw the same sort of shock on the other guest's face, while the bride and groom smiled and ate their dessert. This was a pay your own wedding reception, which the bride and groom hesitated to put on their wedding invitations. The guests were all stunned and the family scrambled to get enough money to pay the bill.
Here's the tip. If you cannot afford to have a wedding reception that you can pay for, DON'T HAVE ONE. If you have limited funds to celebrate your nuptials, than be creative and do it small. Instead of having a lavish reception you can have a dessert reception at a relative's home, cake and punch at the ceremony location, a home cooked BBQ in the backyard, or an organized a potluck dinner with family and friends. This can just be as joyous as an over-the-top-reception. It's what you make of it and how you choose to celebrate.
Regardless of your financial situation, don't ever invite people to a reception and then ask them to pay for their meal, without disclosing that fact first. I mean I have heard about cash bars at a reception (I highly discourage my clients to do this), but never a cash meal (would never fathom the idea). It's just down right tacky. Throw a reception that you can afford or don't have one at all.
Yesterday, June 25, 2009, the world lost two pop icons, Farrah Fawcett (expected) and Michael Jackson (unexpected). Both contributed to the lives of many, Michael with his music and Farrah with her smile and passion for life. I grew up with both of them. I watched Charlies Angels religiously and loved Farrah's, Jill Monroe, character best. Additionally, my passion for dance is attributed to the man and the music, Michael Jackson. Both will be missed but never forgotten.
It's funny, someone said yesterday that they now know what their parents felt like when Elvis died. For some of us we saw Michael Jackson grow up, become a superstar, and went on the roller coaster ride that was Michael Jackson, but his music played such a role in life and is definitely part of my life's soundtrack. I am also saddened for Ryan O'Neal who did not get the chance to marry his lifelong partner. Farrah finally agreed to marry Ryan, but that part was never fulfilled for the couple.
RIP Farrah (1947-2009 and Michael (1958-2009).
-Percy Photos from the Internet, top photo from Access Hollywood
Norma Jeane Baker better known as Marilyn Monroe was the ultimate sex symbol. She was married three times, the first as Norma Jeane to James Dougherty in 1942, the second as Marilyn Monroe to baseball great Joe DiMaggio in 1954, and finally to playwright Arthur Miller in 1956. For the purposes of my "Icon Bride" blog, I am focusing on her final wedding to Arthur Miller.
Marilyn and Arthur met in 1950 and married in a hushed civil ceremony in a White Plains, New York on 6/29/1956. Two days later, 6/1/1956, they were married in a Jewish ceremony at the home of Miller's agent. Raised Catholic, Marilyn converted to Judaism before marrying Miller. The reception was attended by 25 of their close friends and family.
On January 24, 1961, the couple traveled to Mexico and got divorced, but this bride will remain an icon forever.
In updating Marilyn Monroe's wedding look to Arthur Miller, this is what I would vision this bride to look like today...sexy, simple, with a little pizzazz!
Every bridal season we are wowed by the designs that are created by fabulous designers. There's always a handful of trends that is a must have for that year. In the past we have seen colored ribbon sashes, Swarovski crystal embellishments, the mermaid dress phenomenon, and even colored wedding gowns. So what's the must have look this year?
Here's my trend alert for the remainder of the 2009 bridal season, which will carry over to the early part of 2010.
from left to right: Le Spose di Gio, Manuel Mota for Pronovias, Monique Lhuillier, Reva Mivasagar I hope you all like my trend report. Regardless of the trends, always pick the gown that you feel the prettiest and happiest in. I have heard from many brides that you will know the right one for you. Happy dress shopping!
In celebration of the 18,000 same-sex couples who legally got married in California between 6/16/08 at 5:01pm and 11/5/08 12:00pm, and to the thousands of other couples who love but are denied the right to marry...I have compiled a list of the best love songs ever written. This list was made by asking my monthly question to my friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Happy Anniversary to the same-sex couples, like myself, who legally got married on this date last year (06/17/08), the first day GLBT couples could legally get married in California. Here's to hoping that marriage equality will be restored in the future to California...and throughout this nation.
Now, the 100 best love songs ever written (according to me and my friends and in no particular order):
One in a Million You - Larry Graham
I Could Fall in Love - Selena
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
You're My First, My Last, My Everything - Barry White
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
Always and Forever - Heatwave
You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
Hero - Enrique Inglesias
At Last - Etta James
Something - The Beatles
Have You Ever - Brandy
Baby, Baby - Amy Grant
Someone To Watch Over Me - Michael Feinstein
How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes
Baby I Love Your Way - Peter Frampton
All I Want is You - U2
By Your Side - Sade
Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney
Everything - Michael Buble
When You Say You Love Me - Josh Groban
All My Life - K.C. and JoJo
When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole
Your Song - Elton John
My Love - Justin Timberlake
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor
I'll Be - Edwin McCain
Amazed - Lone Star
Leather and Lace - Stevie Nicks
Body and Soul - Tony Bennett
Ikaw (Translated from Tagalog, You) - Regine Velasquez
Back at One - Brian McKnight
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Wonderful Together - Eric Clapton
Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
Open Arms - Journey
Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel
I Melt With You - Modern English
Crazy For You - Madonna
Come What May - Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor
Lovin' You - Minnie Ripperton
Your Body is Wonderland - John Mayer
Fields of Gold - Sting/Eva Casssidy
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Why - Annie Lennox
Time and Tide - Basia
Always - Atlantic Starr
If - Bread
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Gardens
The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
Faithfully - Journey
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
I Do (Cherish You) - 98 Degrees
Endless Love - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
Everything I Do - Bryan Adams
Sweet Love - Anita Baker
Suddenly - Billy Ocean
Inna Godda Divida - Iron Butterfly
You've Got A Friend - Carole King/James Taylor
Breathe - Faith Hill
Wahine 'Ilikea - Dennis Kamakahi
I Wanna Grown Old With You - Adam Sandler
We've Only Just Begun - The Carpenters
Power of Two - Indigo Girls
More Than Words - Extreme
Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
When I Think of You - Janet Jackson
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
The Closer I Get To You - Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway
Love Song - The Cure
Wicked Games - Chris Isaak
I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton John
Beautiful - James Blunt
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston
Now and Forever - Richard Marx
Here and Now - Luther Vandross
Always on my Mind - Elvis Presley/Willie Nelson
(I've Had) The Time of My Life - Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
You Are The Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
Vision of Love - Mariah Carey
On Bended Knee - Boyz II Men
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
No One - Alicia Keys
Lucky - Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
In My Life - The Beatles
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Hey There Delilah - The Plain White T's
Angel of Mine - Monica
Get Here - Oleta Adams
Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
Head Over Heels - Tears for Fears
Kissing A Fool - George Michael
All Out of Love - Air Supply
Just like these songs about love, we all have our own love story, and no one's love is better than the other. Love is Love and we should all be lucky to experience it (and marry as two consenting adults if we so chose)...it's definitely the greatest thing of all.
If I've forgotten your favorite love song, please add them in the comments.
-Percy
Photo of John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney by Bella Pictures taken on 06/17/08, San Francisco, California
Photo of Ross and Percy by Cesar Juarez taken on 06/17/08, Santa Barbara, California
Brides often ask me on what type of bustle they should get for their gown. This is a loaded question, because my preference is the understated French bustle, but depending on the gown and the effect one wants, than there are a myriad of things to consider.
Here's a list and descriptions of the different types of bustles out there. (Click on highlighted bold names for a photo of the bustle):
The Over Bustle: Blends the train in the gown into one seamless looking ballgown. This effect is made by putting in a row of buttons (covered) or hooks at the waist level of the gown where eyelets on the lower end of the gown can be picked up and hooked after the ceremony.
The French Bustle: Also known as the under or Victorian bustle, this little wedding gown pick up is done from underneath the gown with a series of ribbons. On the outside, it looks like a nice little understated fold in the gown that does not distract or look odd. Perfect for gowns without a waistline or a gown with an ornate back. Make sure to have your seamstress use matching colored ribbons so you can see which ribbon goes with which, it makes it easier when bustling the gown, because it's all color coded. The Austrian Bustle: Probably the worst possible choice for today's bride, because it creates a series of hooks on the outside and makes the gown look like it's been picked up like balloon shades. This is accomplished by sewing bias tape down the back seams and running a ribbon through it or adding hooks or buttons to the back seam. Once the gown is picked up, the look is a series of tufts on the back side.
Tufted Gowns Bustle: Bustles for tufted gown can easily be disguised because the seamstress can create pick me ups that will duplicate the gowns original tufts and pick ups.
The Pick Up Bustle: The simplest of all bustles it requires one button and one matching eyelet to create a simple little lift to your gowns train.
In addition to these standard bustles, seamstresses and gown makers are becoming more and more inventive in the way they "lift it up" when it comes to the backside of your gown. So, if you are working with a designer or getting one specifically made, ask about their opinions on what type of bustle you should go with.
Hope this helps the great bustle question. Remember have your maids or planner practice the bustling of your gown. It will be far easier to do it on site if you try it before the actual day.
The Fox Trot, the Paso Doble, and the Cha Cha Cha, can this diva Tango her way to win the coveted Dancing with the Stars trophy? I sure hope so. I am super excited that Vera Wang, according to E!, has signed a contract to compete in the next installment of Dancing with the Stars. I wonder if she will modify any of her own couture creations for her costumes on the show?
She should do well, considering that she trained as a figure skater as a girl and competed in the 1968 US Figure Skating Championship. In 2009, she was inducted into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame, so we know that Ms. Wang has the moves. We all know she will put 100% into her performances and there's no doubt that she will surprise many of us with her dancing talents.
Vera Wang is a world-renowned designer, best known for her wedding and evening gowns. Brides around the world covet her gowns, which have graced the aisles of many celebrity weddings, including Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Lopez. Her designs are also staples on the red carpets.
You go Vera! I can't wait for the next season of Dancing with the Stars! I can't believe how excited the wedding community is about this news.
In celebration of Gay (LGBT) Pride Month and to all the states, like Iowa and New Hampshire who have passed laws allowing same-sex couples to legally get married, I am highlighting a very special designer who designs with equality in mind, David Jason Taylor.
David's designs are geared towards the men in your life, but his designs are unisex enough that women who love them can also wear them. Currently he has two lines on his Website, the Tribeca Silver Collection and the Venetian Gold Collection. Both lines are FABULOUS.
Who would have thought to design jeweled stackable rings for me the guys? Sure Tiffany's has been doing it for the ladies, but now multi-colored gem bling for guys...OUTSTANDING! Not only does he use diamonds, but he also uses such gems as linen quartz, lemon or green citrine, blue topaz, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires...OH MY. The big plus is all of his pieces are handmade and handcrafted the day they are ordered! In addition to his rings, David has made some outstanding necklaces that would be great gifts for your groomsmen, best woman, or anyone special in your lives.
These rings are not only perfect as wedding rings, but they make great engagement rings too. Additionally, if you don't plan to marry, they are just a perfect accessory to have. I'm personally eyeing the Tribeca Band Ring as a replacement to my own nonchalant wedding band.
So, in celebration of diversity and equality, show your pride and your support by supporting those who give back towards the fight for equal rights, such as David Jason Taylor. Additionally, when you place your order on the David Jason Taylor Website and use the following code: percysales, you will receive free shipping and 10% of your purchase will be donated to organizations that support marriage equality.
This article was found at here and thought you might love this story. Now this is surely to be a memorable part of her wedding.
Bride Still in Wedding Gown Saves Family From House Fire
Monday, June 01, 2009 Associated Press
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A Connecticut newlywed in her wedding gown is being credited with helping save a family from a Bridgeport house fire.
Officials say that Georgette Clemons had just left her wedding reception Sunday evening when she spotted smoke coming from a home on West McKinley Avenue.
Clemons got out of the car she was riding in and ran into the home. She says a woman was yelling about her animals and didn't want to get out so she had to pull her out.
As firefighters arrived and battled the blaze after members of the Eitelberg family were rescued, Clemons was nearby folding her blackened wedding dress.
Clemons says she messed up her shoes, but says that's no big deal because the people inside the burning home are safe.
Multi-Day Soirees are the hottest and latest trends in bridal extravaganza. No longer is a one-day event sufficient. The more parties' one has the better...because having just a ceremony and reception is so passe. Sure, in some cultures, multi-day events have been a standard, but more over we are seeing that aspect being hybridized into something totally new.
Couples are treating local weddings as if they are on a destination wedding and really making it a week of pure enjoyment, ending it with one spectacular "I DO!" Here's a sample itinerary of a multi-day wedding that I just completed for a local couple:
Tuesday - Cocktail Party for Bridal Party and Immediate Family.
Wednesday - Welcome Crab and Clam Bake for all guests.
Thursday - Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties at different locals.
Friday: Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner for Bridal Party, Immediate Family and Out-of-Town Guests.
Saturday: Ceremony and Reception
Sunday: After Wedding Brunch for all guests.
Seriously, there were at least 100 people at each event and the party pulse just carried over to the ceremony and reception making it one of the best weddings I have ever been too. Everyone was so at ease with each other because they got to know each other throughout the week. It was a great and grand celebration.
Not every couple can afford to do a week-long event at this caliper, but one can incorporate this idea and make it more intimate, with just a handful of people. The great thing about doing something like this is that it takes your mind off things and gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the people you love. It's the thought that the busier you are, the less you are to worry about things.
Regardless if you celebrate all week long or just for one day, the one thing that you have to remember is that this is a celebration...CELEBRATE, Have Fun, and Enjoy EVERYTHING that is unfolding before your eyes. Don't sweat the small stuff...it's really not worth it.
Here's to celebrations that last for multiple days and to a trend that surely will just continue to grow.
Here's your chance brides to get married in one of the most romantic cities in the world...the City by the Bay...San Francisco! A collaboration of 30 vendors is making this dream destination possible.
The contest begins on August 4, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. PST, but you can browse the site to see what vendors are going to be included in this truly once in a lifetime experience. The group is giving "one amazing couple a lavish, heartfelt San Francisco wedding, valued at over $60,000. We’re hoping to offer a rehearsal dinner, day after brunch, and honeymoon to Napa as an added bonus, so be sure to check back often for new information," according to their Website.
Additionally according to their Website site, you will "get to know the contestants, as we begin posting their Love Stories online. Stay tuned for the big announcement, when we reveal the lucky winning couple on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010. And of course, you won’t want to miss the breath-taking wedding, set for May 14, 2010 at one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks."
Don't tell Bardolet & Co., makers of TAST, that disposable plates and glasses can't be chic! Far gone are the Dixie plates with floral edging and Solo plastic cups in red and blue. Bardolet & Co. has revolutionized what disposable plates and glasses should look like.
They have taken what's hot in event ware and has come up with disposable elements for caterers. I don't know how green they are...but how much cooler would your house party look with these elements!
TAST is very stylized and very much couture ware inspired. For any type of lower budget events, this could be just what caters are looking for...adding some panache to the drab choices in disposable products. I especially love the disposable shot glasses and the appetizer and dip plates.
If you are looking for something to spice up your next backyard BBQ, you might want to look at TAST by Bardolet & Co. When you first go to their website it will all be in Spanish, but once you click on the TAST logo you will have the option for different languages. Have fun exploring the latest in throwaway china.
Hi Fans & Drive By Readers,
