Sorry for the lack of blog. I have been extremely busy with upcoming weddings and other life stuff. Regular blogging will resume next week (Monday, June 1, 2009). I look forward to blogging for all of you again.
I was very excited to get an email from the folks at BrideTide that stated that a blog of mine made the First Edition of the Everything Wedding Blog Carnival! The blog that was included in the list of outstanding blogs on information and advice for brides was my blog on Smaller is Sometimes Better, which tackles the question of smaller intimate weddings.
I am truly honored that BrideTide found my blog to be pertinent to brides and grooms. Thank you BrideTide for the recognition.
Priscilla Beaulieu shattered the hearts of thousands of girls when she married Elvis Presley. Priscilla married Elvis in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967. The marriage took place at the Aladdin Hotel in the Milton Prell's suite. The ceremony was short, attended only by close family and friends, lasted 8 minutes. The ceremony was followed by a breakfast reception with 100 guests.
Gown: La Spose di Gio; Tiara Comb: Sparkly Crystal; Shoes: RSVP; Wedding Location: Las Vegas.
I've been feeling a little blue lately with the fires that seem to be growing out of control in Santa Barbara. But nevertheless, it seems that everything is getting better. So I thought today I would try to find items in the "something blue" category at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events. I used the convenient search feature found on the shop and a myriad of things came up...some expected and some not so expected. Here's a sampling of what I found.
It's always fun to see what celebs wore to The Met's Costume Institute Gala. This year's gala was held on Monday, May 4, 2009. It's the time of the year that I hold with bathed breathe on what made it down The Met's red carpet. I realize that it is sort of a costume party, but isn't it also a way to show off your best "costumes" or "couture?" Maybe even start the next trend or look?
All four of these fashion icons, just made odd choices...was this truly their intention to look somewhat odd, crazy, dowdy, and dated?
These four style icons hit the mark. Not only were their outfits fresh, but they didn't look out of place either. I mean really...Ashley's Olsen's dress could have come off very Golden Girls caftan, Renee's color choice could have come off as pea soup, Kate Moss' gold lame dress with matching turban could have come off dated, and Anne's zippered dress meats Brigitte Bardot do could have been a big flop, but all four just sizzled. Now these outfits are trends I could live with.
As you all know I do a question of the month where I ask people on Facebook and Twitter one wedding related question. This month's question was, "What was the BEST part of your wedding?"
TNT is currently casting engaged couples with an August wedding who deserve a wedding makeover.“Wedding Day”, a new prime-time series premiering June 16th on TNT, is seeking to cast a wonderful couple for a very special online promotion to run along with/in tandem/or during the series.
If chosen, the existing wedding would get a HUGE upgrade with the help of our audience's participation. Thus, the couple must be willing to let the entire wedding party be filmed and broadcasted online, and to incorporate the choices that the audience vote on as their favorites, such as which flowers, bridal gown, etc. to use.
Teachers, volunteers, social workers, charity workers, etc. … we want to hear from you!
If you had to downgrade your wedding plans due to job loss, injury, deployment…we want to hear from you!
If you know of a couple who is so busy helping others they deserve someone to help them out…we want to hear from you – Nominate someone today!"
To nominate someone of to apply yourself, please send a brief paragraph about your situation, or another couple's situation, the current wedding budget, and a recent photo of the couple (in .jpg format), and your contact information to: bigfishcasting@mac.com
Please respond by May 8, 2009.
Couples may be asked to make a quick casting video explaining why they could use the help!
Please keep in mind that TNT shall have full discretion in choosing a couple, and reserves the right not to choose any couple at all. Finally, being chosen to participate in this promotion does not mean the couple will be featured on the Wedding Day television series itself.
Good Luck!
-Percy
Photo from Yarwood.org
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would blog about one of my favorite places in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Todos Santos Chocolates and Confections. Owner and self taught chocolatier, Hayward Simoneaux has a quaint little shop in the heart of Santa Fe and offers these extraordinary and delectable chocolate Milagros. Talk about chocolate as a religion!
Lately my Inspiration Mondays have been inspired by my son...today is no different. This evening we were playing with my Lego blocks that are almost 30 years old. I finally took it out of storage and gave it to him. These multi-colored blocks are my muse for today and I thought I would do a wedding based on Lego. Actually, I have had a Lego inspired wedding cake done for a client and those photos are part of this board as well.
Lately, I have been talking to more couples who are looking to make their wedding and reception more intimate. When I say intimate, I am talking 50 people or less. I am not sure if this is because they have heard from past couples that they wish they had a smaller wedding or if it's part of being more economically aware.
I came across this website just recently and I am totally diggin' it. It's a website that is just for the groom and is dedicated to everything groom. There's information on finding the right vendors for such things as the Bachelor Party, Rehearsal Dinner, DJ's, Groom's Cake, Groom Etiquette, and everything else that deals with the male perspective of the wedding. It's a perfect accompaniment to the bridal help sites. The best part of this is that it also has a wedding registry that caters just to the groom...non of the fancy shmancy china stuff.
Today is Thursday and it's usually the day that I share with you some fantastic trends happening in the wedding, event, or fashion industry, but instead I am going to tell you a new trend..."Unplugging."
Earlier this year BrideTide put out a call to wedding professionals who blog and asked them to highlight an unsung hero in the wedding industry or has ties to the wedding industry. They asked us to take a wedding pledge and to write a simple blog to be posted on April 21st abut someone in the wedding industry that we admire. These individuals should inspire us by doing what they love but also by what they do to impact their community either locally, nationally or internationally.
DeAnna Cochran inspires me to be the best that I can be. The story of how she began her company is compelling, how she does business is inspiring, and what she does to give back to the community is truly uplifting. She makes me look at how my business can sustain my life and make an impact in the community I belong to or organizations I believe in. I love her work, her passion, and her dedication and her art pieces are definitely "Jewelry for a Cause!"
If you are looking for wedding inspiration or gifts that are truly given with heart, you can choose pieces such as the Leave It To Love Brooch that becomes an heirloom boutonniere for the groom. The Noah's Heart Cuff can become a special gift to the bridesmaids and the Jackson's Leaf Cufflinks is the perfect thank-you to the groomsmen. Additionally, you can purchase the Anthony's Wish Ring as a memento to your beach wedding. Plus the great thing about buying pieces from DeAnna Cochran Jewelry is that with every purchase a percentage of what you pay will be given back to such organization as MEND, Koinonia Family Services, MD Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas, and Room to Dream Foundation. DeAnna Cochran Jewelry will also consider making special pieces for your wedding party and you can designate where the percentage of the sales goes.
I was inspired by gumballs today, because my son loves them. Every time we walk into a store that he thinks may have a gumball machine in it...he starts chanting, "Can I have a quarter?" I don't know what attracts people to these multicolored phenomenon's, but who can deny that the gumball has been part of all of our childhoods. So...in celebration and in respect of the mighty gumball, I have come up with an inspiration board fitting of these chewable sensations.
Audrey Hepburn, the ultimate gamine, stayed true to her iconic look at her wedding to Mel Ferrer on September 25, 1954 in Burgenstock, Switzerland, by donning a ravishing tea length gown that is undeniably...Audrey.
Gown: Oscar de la Renta; Floral Hair Piece: Leah C. Headpieces; Blue Tux Cece Bridal Shoes: The Shop @ Percy Sales Events; Woven Box Handbag: Perfect Details.
Who doesn't like things that glitter? Sure there is BLING and than there is Bling but regardless if it's a car, a piece of jewelry, or even squeaky clean windows, we love things that shine. So as I was looking at all the new stuff at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events and I started to admire the tasteful and wonderful "glittery" pieces there. So, in my latest "favorite things" from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events I am highlighting my top "shiners."
Last year I did a blog on my Hot Destinations for 2008, so in keeping with tradition, I am releasing My Hot Spots for 2009. With the economy tanking, and resorts and destinations losing out on much-needed tourist dollars...more places and airlines are lowering their prices. These discounts are meant to attract not only tourists and honeymooners but also those individuals who may want to have a destination wedding, where their guests can use the experience as a vacation also...giving them that two for one punch. So now is a good time to consider going out of town.
Sitges, Spain: Sitges is a wonderful seaside town southwest of Barcelona in the Catalonia region of Spain. This wonderful town is known for its beaches, nightspots, and historical sites. It has become a miniature Ibiza. Sitges touts 17 beaches, four-star hotels, delectable gastronomy, culture, and something for everyone. Easy access by plane or train from several European destinations. A nice car drive from Barcelona.
Mendocino, California: Mendocino is small town in Northern California. Located on the Pacific Ocean, this artist colony is a hidden gem that has become more and more popular in the last several years. The town remains quaint and offers amenities to house your wedding guests in great bed and breakfasts as well as boutique hotels. Additionally, it's a perfect location for a honeymoon, where you just want to leave everything behind. Mendocino is a 4-hour drive north from San Francisco.
Boracay, Philippines: A resort town on the island of Panay in the Philippines, which is located about 200 miles south of Manila. It's an untapped beach resort that has been gaining notoriety and followers. A hidden gem that is a favorite beach getaway for Eastern Europeans as well as those from Asia. Boracay boasts an average temperature of 77 degrees to 90 degrees year round. You will fall in love with its white sand beaches, resort accommodations, and the Filipino hospitality. Direct flights from Manila.
Victoria, Canada: The capital city of British Columbia is found on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and lives in the shadow of its more landlocked famous city, Vancouver. Nevertheless, this romantic waterfront city is the gem of British Columbia. The Mediterranean climate of Victoria makes it the perfect North American location for a honeymoon or destination wedding. Additionally, Victoria and Vancouver Island offers so much, from hiking trails, to 5-star restaurants and resorts, and history invite visitors to discover it. The picture perfect Inner Harbor and Empress Hotel would be the perfect background to any wedding. Boat access from Vancouver.
New York City, New York: Who can deny the "city that never sleeps" as one of the all time best hot spots in the world. I♥NY! NYC has so much to offer not only for destination weddings, but for honeymooners as well. The city has so much to do, so much to see, and it appeals to all age groups. From the serenity of Central Park to the hustle and bustle of Times Square, the city has something to offer everyone. The big plus, it's easy to access from anywhere in the world.
I came across DK Designs clay flowers the other day and was mesmerized by the delicate and realistic beauty of these artful creations. Therefore, my Trend Thursday pick for the week are clay flowers by DK Designs. Diane Katsuyoshi-Phillips artist and owner of DK Designs has created a way to make the brides bouquet an heirloom piece and a way to distinguish a bride from all the other brides. These floras add a new dimension to your wedding day, because they become art pieces that people will be talking about. The big plus is that your floral creations will be like no other, and your guests...unless they have seen other clay flower arrangements, will be wowed by the uniqueness of these blooms.This video has nothing to do with weddings, but has everything to do with Inspiration. I know you all have been inundated with this video, but it is so good, I cry with joy every time I watch it, because Susan represents the underdog (and at some point we all have been underdogs). She may not look like a superstar, but should looks determine that? How about true talent? I'm a fan!
The other reason I love this video is because it goes to show us all that we should never underestimate anyone, because you never know how they will surprise you. If you looked at the audience and judges faces when she first got on the stage they were ready to laugh her off. How many of us have felt that way? That there was no way any one would give us a chance because of how we looked, talked, dressed, etc. We all have something to offer and we are all special...that's the truth of the matter.
The other thing that I learned from Susan, just by watching this video clip, is to believe in yourself, no matter what others may think. If you can't believe in yourself, who will! Additionally, I love this song from Les Miserable, I have dreamed a dream and hope that one day it comes true for me as it has for Susan.
Can't you see her singing at a wedding as the bride walks down the aisle? How wonderful would it be to be serenaded by that voice.
-Percy
Video clip from YouTube
