Thursday, March 31, 2011

~Wedding Dress Love~


The "Sweet Pea" gown from Ivy & Aster.
"Softly pleated flocked dot silk chiffon, draped bodice, just enough train to give the dress a regal bearing."
I love everything about this picture . . . the dress, the hair, all of it!
Stunning!

Happy Friday my lovies!
Any fun plans?

This weekend I am working on marketing "favors" for an event at La Bijou (bridal lingerie) next Thursday, so excited!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

~Wedding Shoes~

Ask me what my first wedding detail that I thought about . . .
The dress?
Nope!
Venue?
Nada.

The Shoes!

“I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him alot.”
- Marilyn Monroe -
So when I got married 2 years ago . . .
 We paid for it all ourselves so unfortunately I couldn't afford my Louboutins . . .
So I bought these from good old J. Lo.
If I could go back . . . or have another wedding (with the same man of course!)
I'd for sure get any of these . . . 








                                                   Source: Uploaded by user via Corrineonline.com on Pinterest



***My Fave!***
                                                                 Source: lisarigbyphotography.com via Tamara on Pinterest


(Image source) love the Lou's!

“Not diamond but heels are a girl’s best friend.”- William Rossi -

No matter which shoes you prefer . . .

Break your shoes in.
Wear them inside and gradually increase the wear periods. If you're not used to wearing heels or even if you are, there are many shoe products available that will make your shoes more comfortable.
Foot Petals (footpetals.com) offers a wide range of products and so does Dr. Scholl (drscholls.com). You may find these products so fantastic you'll want to use them in all your shoes!

Remember:
"The journey of a thousand miles begins by finding your "wedding" shoes."
Laotzu, 1st century B.C.

~Simply by Tamara Nicole~

Sunday, March 27, 2011

~How to Throw a Bridal Shower~

Bridal Showers:
We all want our party to be the one that everyone talks about . . .
to be an amazing hostess.

And we've all been in the planner's shoes at one point or another 
(Louboutins?!)
                                                                           Source: hostessblog.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Who is in charge?!
In more traditional weddings, the Maid of Honor (MOH) plans the bridal shower with assistance from the bridesmaids. These days it can be whoever wants to, and it always helps to get help from others. :)

                                                                       Source: hostessblog.com via Tamara on Pinterest

When:
 It is important to consider the timing as it is considered normal to throw a shower about two months prior to the wedding as the bride may have several showers to attend, as well as so many other things going on.
Ask the bride when works, and set a date.  Usually I've seen showers Saturday pr Sunday brunch style, but it can be whenever works!
                                                                                   Source: etsy.com via Tamara on Pinterest


Theme:
In my opinion this is extremely important in planning a party.  You want things to flow. Coordinate.  Think about your bride, and her style and choose an appropriate theme.
BUT also know that this shouldn't be identical to the wedding style, let the wedding stand out on its own.

Keep it light, fun and upbeat.
All about the bride!

Here are some great ideas for themes from
the Hostess with the Mostess
here

Here are some of my favorite themes:
                                                                    Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Tea Party
Garden Party
Cupcakes and Coffee
Breakfast at "Tiffany's"
French Flair
but there are sooo many options, and as long as you carry it throughout the shower it can almost be anything, but cater it towards the bride and her personality or "likes".

Good Eats


                            Source: shaunayounge.blogspot.com via Tamara on Pinterest

In my eyes, the two most important things to focus on as a hostess is:
great food, and fun classy decor
If you have a great unique selection of food and beverages, people will be impressed and happy.  Score even more points by making a cute dessert table display that coordinates with your theme

 and label your food dishes in style.

Decor
Keep the theme going with the decor. 
Make sure decor is classy, not tacky!




                                                                      Source: ablissfulnest.com via Tamara on Pinterest


Games:
Oh the famous bridal shower games. 
Either you love them or you hate them. 
No matter how you feel, they usually are part of the shower, and work great to break the ice when people do not know each other.
Consider the bride and the guests as you think of these, and keep it just to 2-3 games so there's plenty of time to chat, open gifts and enjoy each other's company.
(For some free game ideas go here)

                                                                Source: i-do-it-yourself.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Favors:
Cute favors can go a long way at a shower!
As long as it coordinates with your theme and colors, no matter what you decide to give, package it nicely and people will love it.
                                                           Source: austinweddingblog.com via Gilbertine on Pinterest


Tea party . . . hand out some yummy tea bags with cute labels.
Wine and cheese . . . wine with fun customizes lables.
Garden theme . . . hand out some cute flower pots with treats, or plant seeds.

A few more tips
*Make sure that there are plenty of photos taken
(for larger showers consider hiring a photographer)

*Keep it fun and light and all about the bride

*Keep the drinks flowing . . . eases up the party and makes it silly
(but watch out for the lushes! No drama.)

*Name tags so people call each other by names.  Maybe have them also right how they know the bride.

Most important:
Have fun!
                                                                         Source: hwtm.com via Tamara on Pinterest


Do you guys have any tips on bridal showers?
Think back to the best bridal shower you have been to, what made it stand out?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

~DIY Weekend Project: Pom Poms!~

Pom Poms
We have all seen them around in photos of fun showers, parties, and weddings.

                                              Source: iwantthatwedding.co.za via stephanie d : maile weddings and events on Pinterest


They even sell them at Michael's (by Martha Stewart of course!)

They are just so simple, fun and cute.
You can use plain tissue paper, patterned, lace, tulle, doilies, fabric, yarn . . .


Or my favorite:
Old books!


Here's the DIY steps from Martha Stewart:

Viola!
So I know these have been around for a little while, but with all the varieties I am still a fan.
(My fave is the old book pages, re-purpose and it's Green!)

I will be trying my hand at these . . . I even bought a used Shakespeare faded book to make some decor with.

What about you? 
Pom Poms or No Pom Poms?


Friday, March 25, 2011

~Details I Love: Pintuck Linens~

I've been attracted to this textured gorgeous fabric lately.


                                                                           Source: stylemepretty.com via Ann on Pinterest

Pintuck
"Parallel folds of fabric stitched on the outside or inside of a garment; called pin tucks when many tucks are used close together within a narrow fold. On the outside, pintucks may be considered as ornamentation, in addition to being a means to manipulate fullness in the garment."

Lighting will illuminate the textures even more. 
If you have candles or beautiful lamps at the table, it will look even more elegant!

                                                                       Source: stylemepretty.com via Corinne on Pinterest


                                                                       Source: momandmeevents.com via Kamie on Pinterest

Priced just slightly more than the normal satin choice,
it's worth the extra couple dollars per table to add more class and texture.
                                                                      Source: weddings.theknot.com via Natalie on Pinterest
Love this detail!

~Tamara Nicole~

P.S. Today I am visiting the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland with a bride, will take pictures and share here soon.

Also coming up: tips on planning a memorable bridal shower!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

~Wedding Love: Angeli and Timothy~

Ohhhh goodness! When I ran across this wedding over at Style Me Pretty I fell in love.

Fell in love allll over again with Paris!

How amazing would a wedding be in the city of love?!

Let's check it out:








Seriously amazing right?! Such gorgeous details for a winter wedding in Paris

Wedding Photography: One and Only Paris Photography / Wedding Coordinator: Anne and Nance of Fete in France / Wedding Venue: Hotel d’Evreux / Wedding Gown: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo / Hair: cecilenida@hotmail.com / Makeup: sonjabens@gmail.com

Enjoy!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

~Color Inspiration: Blush Pink~

One of my bride's is trying to pick a color palatte for her wedding.

I know she's drawn to
blush pink
 . . . so here are some color inspirations for you Eugenia!

                                                                      Source: stylemepretty.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Peonies are one of my absolute favorite flowers

Via My Sweet and Saucy
This is one of the prettiest cakes I have seen, LOVE!
                                                            Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Tamara on Pinterest


                                                                Source: stylemepretty.com via Tamara on Pinterest


                                                                    Source: stylemepretty.com via Tamara on Pinterest


                                                                      Source: Uploaded by user via Tamara on Pinterest


                                                               Source: stylemepretty.com via Tamara on Pinterest


Blush Pink and Purple: so feminine and adorable!

So let's learn a little about the color pink
Pink is the color of universal love.
Pink is a quiet color.
Lovers of beauty favor pink.
Pink provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love, acceptance.
 
Put some pink in your life when you want:
  • calm feelings
  • to neutralize disorder
  • relaxation
  • acceptance, contentment
~Tamara Nicole~

Psst . . . this week I am meeting with 3 local photographers . . . more information soon!

Friday, March 18, 2011

~Flower Girl Tutus~

Happy Friday loves!
Topic: flower girl dresses

I was browsing Etsy for one of my bride's weddings . . .
and for her flower girl dresses
she wants some fun tutus!!!
Here are some fun finds on Etsy:

How cute!


White Flower Girl Tutu Dress with Pink Hydrangea Blossoms $117 by The Little Pea Boutique 



   Flower Girl Dress, Purple, Plum w Detachable Train --Two  Piece $165




Flower Girl Tutu Dress - Purple - Plum Princess - 12 Month to 2 Toddler Girl $95




How adorable right?!
For one, the girls will LOVE looking like a princess
and it makes for some amazingly cute wedding photographs!

For those DIY-ers:
Make your own!
Here's a tutu dress tutorial

Have a fabulous weekend!