Jun 29, 2011
Our clients often come to us desiring to put their unique twist to their reception so it fully resembles their personalities. Why not start with the ceremony? Let’s move beyond the ‘box’ seating layout and explore a few circular and creative set-ups for the wedding ceremony. How fitting to literally tie the knot in the middle of your family and closest friends!
Circular seating, or 360, is a modern way to incorporate a more intimate feel for your guests (almost no seat is a bad seat) and it truly represents the ring of love. The wedding band is a circle which represents the continuity of never-ending love. Outdoor weddings are an ideal setting for round ceremonies with plenty of space. Even if space should be an issue, there are ways to modify a circular design and make it work.
These below set-ups are fun and different ways to showcase your ceremony and what a wonderful way to provide a 360 view for your guests!
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This swirl set-up creates a magnificent aisle with front row seats for all.
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If limited on space, creating a half-moon or semi-circle will also work.
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May 13, 2011
Monograms have been the oldest form of identification in the world – always omnipresent for royalty, but now it seems everyone is taking pride in their initials or initials to be… How to show these off in ways that best suit you and your style of wedding?
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Ways To Rock Your Monogram
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Ideas are endless here.
In the Ceremony you can make your mark on your aisle/aisle runner, your program, bouquet wrap, altar decor, chair backs, ring bearer pillow, flower girl baskets…
In the Reception you can showcase your initials on pillows, your menu, your napkins, your cake topper, the dance floor, personalized signs, centerpiece vases, linen decor/runners, gift bags or actually create letters out of flowers or wood. These are just a few!
For your Attire, personalized jewelry is at the top as well as lounge wear for your wedding party, personalized hangers for you, tote bags or any garment – nothing is off limits!
A very popular look in Tahoe is the woodland look but we love to jazz this up (or down) depending on the taste of our bride. Softening the wood look with fabric and flowers is a sure hit but also unexpected elements also from nature like berries or gemstones work too. If gemstones aren’t in the budget, some great inexpensive crystals can give an unforgettable effect too. Some of our favorite woodland finds from Etsy artist BraggingBags:
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Some of our favorite monogram looks from our past Merrily Wed weddings:
Photos courtesy of: clockwise from top – Jay Reilly Photography, Catherine Hall Studios and Zorn Photography.
Photos courtesy of: Kendall Price Photography, Jennifer Baciocco Photography and Kendall Price Photography.
Express yourself! There are many websites that create custom wedding monograms and logos for you. If you are more of a DIY type, there is even a whole blog spot dedicated to helping you create your custom monogram. It gives you a step-by-step tutorial: weddingmonograms.blogspot.
Apr 27, 2011
Caroline and Simon married lakeside last September at Storybook Cottage with 90 of their closest friends present. We shouldn’t forget to mention Darcy either, their beautiful and loyal Bernese mountain dog who proudly walked down the aisle and appropriately joined her parents in the recessional too!
Shades of pink and purple contrasted by darker shades of wine, plum and berry dressed the ceremony and reception. Moss green, light and dark, accented the juicy color palette aesthetically and literally. Discreet touches were found in moss lined votives, cake stand and cake topper, table numbers and playful moss balls decorated the tables. Floral stringers graced the trees around the bar area.
This stunning wedding was a treat to enjoy from the pre-ceremony champagne toast, the ice oyster bar, the authentic bagpiper and the details go on and on…
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Photography by Jay Reilly Photography. Florals by Bellissima Floral.
Apr 14, 2011
Looking for a little organic inspiration to make your wedding a stand out? Whether aesthetically or symbolically, here are our top six herbs you might like to use.
For countless years herbs have had symbolic meanings ranging from healing powers to calming nerves to lifting one’s spirits. Brides have historically carried them in their bouquets and in their bridal crowns for many different reasons. Some for texture, some for smell and some for the meaning they will bestow.
Below are some of the most commonly used wedding herbs and the symbolism behind each. Incorporating an herb or two into your bouquet or centerpiece adds a textural element as well as a modern organic look. Other uses include accessorizing your appetizer platters, tablescape, signature drink… use your imagination!
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Some of our Favorites:
Rosemary
Rosemary is the herb of remembrance. This is why it is so commonly used at weddings, so every guest will remember the special day. Rosemary was used for weddings by Ancient Greek brides in their bridal crowns. Today rosemary can adorn a boutonniere, a place setting, be given as a guest favor or add texture to a floral arrangement.
Marjoram
Marjoram is the Greek symbol of joy and happiness. Marjoram also represents goodwill as the couple starts their new life. Marjoram was also used by Ancient Greek brides in their bridal crowns. This green herb can add subtle interest to many flower combinations and most wouldn’t even know what it is.
Lavender
Lavender is the herb of devotion. Lavender is used in wedding bouquets for symbol of devotion as well as the signature aroma of the herb. Lavender has a soothing smell that can help calm the bride’s nerves. Lavender is probably the most popular herb of today and has been used in countless weddings in many different ways.
Thyme
Thyme is the symbol of strength and courage. For courage brides tuck thyme into their bouquet and tie it with white ribbon. Thyme was also tucked into knights armor before battle to give them strength and courage. This herb makes a perfect accompaniment to amaranthus as a dangling addition to your florals.
Sage
Sage is the herb of long life, good health, and domestic sweetness. If sage and garlic are both carried by a bride it was believed to give her great wisdom as well as goodness. For the modern day, sage is a nice addition to centerpieces and serving platters. Depending on the variety, like prairie sage, there is a beautiful blue-green shade to use.
Dill
Dill is the herb of lust. It was believed that a bride would only lust for her husband if she carried dill in her bouquet. Dill was especially commonly used when the couple was to ‘consummate’ their marriage directly after (- that might be dating it a little!) Besides its meaning, dill can add a soft texture to your bouquet too. Not surprising that dill was named 2010 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association.
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Maybe one or two of these herbs can add that organic and natural touch to your wedding!
Apr 7, 2011
This cream, light blue and blush colored vintage inspiration board created by our intern Alex, instills a very romantic feel with hints of Spring. We fell head over heels for the illustrous fantasy mood evoked by the hanging votive light bulbs, lounge area and wedding dress. The vintage Save the Date handkerchief makes an unforgettable stylish and lingering impression for guests in anticipation of the wedding day. Soft, feminine and most certainly lovely.
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Photo Credits:
Top row: Once Wed, WM Events and Ruffled
Second row: Style Me Pretty, Style Me Pretty, Ruffled, Jim Hjelm and Junebug Weddings
Bottom row: Ruffled, Pink Stilletos, Wedding Chicks and La Tavola Linen
Feb 2, 2011
Metallics are going to be hot. Whether you are a gold gal or a silver gal or something inbetween, there is a precious metal shade for you… platinum, copper, bronze, gold or silver.
Copper is a natural compliment to the fall hues, bronze looks stunning with vibrant colors (think of how great a bronzed, tan body looks in bright summery clothes…). Gold always adds a richness and sophistication to the design. Platinum brings a cool, classic antique elegance to the table while a shiny silver gives a sleek gleam.
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One of our brides added a bronze sash with beaded floral rosettes to her bridesmaids’ black dresses for a one-of-a-kind style. Simple touches like choosing a gold rimmed plate or gold rimmed champagne glasses will add detail.
It is easy to incorporate this fresh trend into your wedding style by selecting an embellished wedding gown, a metallic linen or a wedding accessory like a hair clip, shoe or belt with your favorite metal color. Groomsmen attire isn’t off limits either! Key focal points to consider include your invitation, your wedding cake as well as a multitude of elements in your tablescape.
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Credits: Clockwise from upper left – Jean Michael Cazabet, Lela New York , Melissa Jill Photography, Gold Cake, Brides of Leigh, Melissa Jill Photography – next three photos.
Center photo – Kate Webber Photography – Merrily Wed Wedding.
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There are so many ways to play with this metallic trend. Have fun with it!
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