Happy Valentines Day!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sis/98171915/

Once upon a time, I was one of those anti-Valentines Day people. You know, the people who argue that Valentines Day is just a cliche, dreamed up by greeting card companies and floral distributors.

But circumstances have taught me otherwise.

The truth is, love is celebrated far too infrequently these days. In this day of scrolling to-do lists, when multitasking has made it impossible for any one thing to truly hold our undivided attention, we need reminders that there are simple, amazing things around us every day that aren't to be taken for granted. We need birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries and valentines day, because these days force us to stop and acknowledge our loves.

As you plan your wedding, take time to also plan your marriage. What will you agree to do to keep each other a priority and make sure time is set aside to celebrate your relationship? When you get settled into a routine, your careers get busier, and then you have kids who tend to dominate your attention, what will you do to keep the spark in your marriage?

My husband and I are in our 9th year of marriage, and I remember a time when we had weekly date nights. Try as we may, we just haven't been able to get those back while balancing our work schedules with the demands of raising a 4-year-old and 1-year-old. So we've had to get creative with ways to keep each other a priority. And for us, that includes maturing from our anti-Vday days and embracing that cubby cherub archer. :)

What are some ways you'll keep the romance in your marriage?

xoxo,
jessica

Fall Inspiration

Well, the fall weather has FINALLY kicked in here in Texas. It's been cool every morning this week! In honor of this season, and because the cool temps have inspired me...here are a few pictures I hope inspire you...






All of the pictures were found on Pinterest. If you haven't been properly introduced, you should be. It's a fantastic site!

Happy planning,

Creative Centerpiece Ideas

Although I love floral centerpieces, sometimes you might want to go a less traditional route and do something different. I went to a wedding recently where some of the centerpieces were vases filled with water beads. It was the first time I had seen that done at a wedding, and it got me thinking about some other creative centerpiece ideas.


Photo credit: San Diego Wedding Insider
The water pearls in the vase are created by adding water, which forms the spheres. They look beautiful, and you can choose from a variety of colors.


Photo credit: Bridal Inquirer
Another interesting idea is to use upside-down wine glasses as decorative pieces, as well as candle-holders.


Photo credit: EHow.com
If you want a fresh look, using fruit can be a great way to brighten up your tables. These are especially nice for spring or summer weddings.


Photo credit: Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas

Photo credit: Brides.com
Using fishbowls is another great centerpiece idea. The decorating options are endless - you could use live beta fish or goldfish, floating candles, flowers, seashells, or whatever else you desire.

Photo credit: SuperWeddings.com
If you're a fan of floating candles, and want to go for a softer look, this centerpiece could be for you. Keep in mind to go for a sturdy base for your bowl of floating candles and rose petals. You could also opt for red roses for a change of mood, or any other color to suit your theme.

Photo credit: San Diego Wedding Insider
Finally, in my opinion, you can never go wrong with candles. They're perfect for adding a soft glow and romantic feel to your wedding. This might look hard to recreate, but all it takes is a whole lot of tea-light candles, some floating candles and wide vases.

Whether you decide to stick with traditional floral centerpieces, or try something a little different, there are countless ideas out there to create the perfect centerpiece that suits your personality and your wedding.

Happy decorating!

Zineera

The Language of Flowers

Photo from theknot.com



Choosing flowers for your big day can be a bit overwhelming. There are SO many types, textures, colors and scents, it can be hard to know where to start. Because I'm a romantic (or maybe because I obsessively watch BBC dramas about the 19th century) I love the idea of the language of flowers.




Photo from http://culturecommunication.org




Ladies used to await a bouquet, or a posy, from that special someone so they could analyze just what he thought about her and their romance. Here's some of those meanings--why not incorporate a flower or plant because of what it means, adding a unique, thoughtful touch to your bouquet and decor?

Garden rose: Love 
Ranunculus: You are "radiant with charms"
Dogwood: Duration
Tulip: A declaration of love
Ivy: Friendship or fidelity
Fern: Magic
Lily-of-the-valley: Return of happiness
Pink carnation: Woman's love
Snowdrop: Hope
Lilac: First emotions of love
Sweet pea: Delicate pleasures
Peonies: Bashful
Wheat: Wealth and prosperity

Both photos above from marthastewartweddings.com



Happy flower hunting, and remember,

Love is in the details,

Katie




Parisian Love









As some of you may know, I have recently returned from a trip to Paris and London! I wanted to post some of my favorite photos from my time in Paris for some pretty inspiration to add to your day! If anyone needs advice on upcoming trips to Europe, I am your girl! :)

Or if you are looking to plan your very own Parisian dream wedding, I am DEFINITELY your girl!!! :)





Lorena Alexandria

Behind the Scenes

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
– Lao Tzu

As your wedding coordinators, we make sure you get the glory. We don't set our business cards out on your guestbook table, or label your favors with our logo - your wedding is not about US. Rather, we're behind the scenes, carefully making sure that everything is perfect, and that your friends and families are amazed at how flawlessly YOU'VE pulled it off. :)

Happy planning!
jessica

Something To Celebrate assists bride with dress.  Picture by Schmitt Photography circa 2006.

Five Years Ago Today

Five years ago today, I married the greatest man I've ever known (with the exception of my Daddy). Five years ago today, I married the love of my life. Five years ago today, I married the father of my children. Five years ago today, I married the person I want to share my life.



Have we endured obstacles? Absolutely. Everyone does. However, marriage is not about the amount of obstacles life throws you. It's about who you want to stand beside you when those obstacles arrive. I can not imagine walking through life with anyone else.



Five years ago today, I stood at the alter and professed my love in front of my God, my friends, and my family. And on this day, five years later, I am more in love than I was the moment I said I do. I hope that the same will ring true for all of you.


Happy Planning!

Resha

Paper Culture

This week, while spending money I don't have on Hautelook.com, I came across Paper Culture and feel in love with their company and product. Paper Culture sells stationary and invitations and uses 100% recycled material! How great is this! But wait, it gets better, with every order you make they plane ONE tree in your honor. We all need to support companies that are going above and beyond for our precious earth and the resources we have. I give them two thumbs up and will be sure to order my xmas party invites from here! (Please friends, if you throw out my invite, at least recycle it!) :)
See samples below and head over to their site for some shopping!







All Things Cake

I am a huge fan of good cake. And I firmly believe in highlighting your cake on your wedding day. Why put something that costs $4-$8 / slice in the corner of the room unattended and un-highlighted? To paraphrase the late Patrick Swayze, "Nobody puts cake in the corner." Not on my watch, at least :-)

One of the easiest ways to give your cake an extra boost is by using a fabulous cake stand. Here are a few cute ideas for stands (some you would have to modify to fit a wedding cake) from Etsy (have I mentioned how much I love Etsy?):



And here are a few of my favorite cake tables from past weddings I've coordinated. (Pictures in this section are courtesy of Anne Marie Photography, Studio 563, and Eric Hegwer Photography.)


And just for fun (and so you can see just how serious I am about cake), here are a couple of pictures of my personal wedding cakes...




Happy Planning! Resha :-)

Let your guest's pick your first dance song!

As I was doing my weekly browse of wedding/home decor/lifestyle blogs I came across this photo. Look closely at the save the date. The bride and groom asked the guests for them to RSVP and VOTE for their first dance song. This is very fun for the guests and right of the bat they feel that they are invested in your wedding. If I received this save the date, I know I would HAVE to attend this wedding so that I could see if my vote was the winner! This would be a great thing to do if you have several songs that are meaningful to you, but you just can't narrow down your choice!

Have a great week and Happy Planning!

Lorena

Adding a Pop with Placemats

Looking for a great way to add a "pop" to your tablescape? Try placemats! Whether you choose a fun fabric option like the ones below or a pretty paper print, placemats can give your tablescape an interesting touch. For a truly personalized feel, have them custom made or monogrammed!

I found these adorable napkins on Etsy (handmadebysima). Could you imagine getting a placemat to match? And, the crafty could easily make this a DIY project.

Happy Planning, Resha

Dare to be Different

In February I attended the ISES Houston monthly meeting which featured the always sensational Sasha Souza. During her presentation, she quoted Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” I love that quote. I encourage you all to keep it in mind while planning your special day. Create a space that is all about YOU. Don’t get fixated on the ordinary. Make something extraordinary by making it your own.


This picture taken by Anne Marie Photography is a great example. I once had a couple who loved bobble-heads. They had custom bobble-heads made in their likeness and used them as cake toppers and guest favors. Why not?

Dare to be different!

Happy Planning, Resha