Beyond the Box | Merrily Wed Wedding Design Lake Tahoe
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!
xxx
xxx
xxx
This swirl set-up creates a magnificent aisle with front row seats for all.
xxxx
If limited on space, creating a half-moon or semi-circle will also work.
xxx
Father of the Bride | Merrily Wed Tahoe Weddings
xxx
xxx
Mention Father of the Bride and images of Steve Martin come to mind, but not everyone can deal with stress and pressure by making us laugh…
The Father of the Bride is a role that can be left out during the wedding planning process (except to keep up with all the payments). He is expected to be experienced enough to cope with his nerves and expected to be strong enough to cope with his emotions. Giving your daughter away can be a very difficult and bittersweet moment. We thought we would help.
Take a moment and if you know someone in this role, pass on our advice!
1. Getting Over The Nerves
Nerves about the ceremony, speeches and toasts can be overwhelming. Don’t worry all of these nervous can be settled with a little preparation. Make sure and make it to the rehearsal that way the only thing to worry about during the ceremony is giving away “Daddy’s little girl”. Also make sure to write and practice your speech well before your daughter’s big day. A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to easing nerves.
2. Prepare for Your Speeches
Preparing your speeches in full before hand is the best thing you can do to ease your nerves, don’t wing it! For more tips on how to write a great speech take a look at MW’s “Cheers Worthy Toast” post. The Father of the Bride sets the tempo, welcomes his guests, new members of the family and speaks about his daughter while trying to not embarrass her! Remember…Practice makes perfect!
3. Plan Your Advice
One of the most important tasks of the Father of the Bride is to pass on advice to the couple. This advice can be in a toast, in passing, or in a letter. Make sure to prepare what advice you would like to give the couple, many couples will remember what advice you gave them for years to come. Remember what you’ve learned throughout your years and share it with them!
4. Be Ready for the Emotions
Men sometimes try and hide their emotions from the rest of the world. Make sure and take some time with your daughter before the wedding to talk about what she means to you. Many Father of the Brides believe that they will come up with the perfect thing to say when the time comes but never do. By doing this you can remorse for never getting the chance to tell your daughter how you feel or be overwhelmed by emotions during the ceremony.
Dress Shopping Simplified | Merrily Wed Destination Weddings
We thought this new bridesmaid dress website, Weddington Way, would be a perfect follow-up to our post on floral frocks. More often than not, when planning a destination wedding, your closest gals and BFF’s are not down the street or even in the same area code. This can make selecting bridesmaids dresses more of a logistical nightmare rather than one of the fun details of the wedding.
Weddington Way is a new web site that is dedicated to bringing together brides and their bridesmaids – no matter the distance. At Weddington Way, you and your bridesmaids can connect, shop and share the perfect dresses without complicated travel and multiple dress appointments.
This shopping site is the brainchild of a former buyer of Bloomingdales who noticed a need for better online resources for brides-to-be and their bridal parties. This will simplify the way brides shop for the bridesmaid dress. Anyone, a bride (or a bridesmaid) can register on the site for free and then invite the rest of the party to join her. Your personal bridal party page allows you to custom write messages to your bridal party through out the selection process.
Shop: There’s a hand-selected collection of dresses from top designers. You can filter your search by style, theme, color, price and more.
Compare: You can mark certain dresses as your favorites and share them with your bridal party. A drag and drop feature allows you to see your potential dress lineup.
Share: You can select styles and share opinions on the shared social page between your entire bridal party.
Track: As a bride, you can see how your bridesmaids rank different dresses and track their ordering activity. This way, it’s easy to stay on top of the process with very little direct communication.
Weddington Way also allows you to virtually see a chosen bridesmaid dress in different styles. If a bride was leaning towards one color but not sure the perfect cut for everyone, then this will allow each bridesmaid to select the style that flatters her the best. Or the bridesmaids can select the dresses that they like and would compliment their curves the best, and the bride can choose which style(s) she prefers. Genius!
xxxx
xxxx
Floral Frocks for the Bridesmaids | Merrily Wed Event Design
Are you in love with color, lots of color?, and can’t decide on just one shade for your bridesmaid dress? With a floral bridesmaid dress you can have it all. It is fresh and playful but can also be sophisticated depending on the colors and floral design you select. Add a carefully chosen bouquet and you have created a stunning and unforgettable look for your wedding party.
The floral design is ideal for garden weddings but with the right pattern, it is equally at home at an outdoor wedding on a vast lawn or with a tropical twist, a beach wedding. Nothing seems more cheery in the summertime!
xxxx
xxx
You can even carry the floral pattern over to the groomsmen with matching ties for a coordinated, polished look.
xxx
xxx
How to accessorize? By pairing your bridesmaid dress with a monochromatic bouquet you have a winning look. Maybe you are drawn to patterns and like the look of a black and white design while color spotting your bouquet? Subtle flowers, vibrant flowers or a retro pattern – this is where your wedding style comes into play.
xxxx
xxx
Mix it up by selecting one floral pattern yet have different dress style/cut options which allows your bridesmaids to chose the style that flatters her the most. Project Runway competitor, Jesse LeNoir, designed these one-of-a-kind bridesmaid dresses for his wedding in March 2010. Each dress was designed to complement each bridesmaid’s body type and personal style.
xxx
xxxx
Personally, I love this look when pulled off correctly and even selected it for my own wedding. I chose a simple silk Tommy Bahama dress with a subtle tropical pattern – after all, we were in Maui! My gals carried green cymbidium orchids with callas which were slightly smaller than my own bouquet. One of my favorite getting ready pics below.
xxx
xxx
Our Top Picks:
xxx
BHLDN Bubble Floral Dress
Chiffon Orange/Pink Floral Pretty Bridesmaids.com
Chiffon Floral from Pretty Bridesmaids.com
Long Version of Chiffon Pretty Bridesmaids.com
BCBGMaxAzaria - Ivory Dress with Floral Adorned Rosettes
Poppy Galore by Tommy Bahama
Anemones Dress by Tommy Bahama
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Monogram Fever | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Weddings
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?
xxx
Ways To Rock Your Monogram
xxx
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:
xxx
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.
Caroline & Simon – Storybook Puppy Love | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe
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…
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Photography by Jay Reilly Photography. Florals by Bellissima Floral.
Herbology | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Weddings
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!
xxxx
xxxxx
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.
xxx
xxxx
Maybe one or two of these herbs can add that organic and natural touch to your wedding!
Lovely Spring Inspiration | Merrily Wed Wedding Style
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.
xxx
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
Natasha & Ali – Style Me Pretty | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Weddings
On the cover of Style Me Pretty today, is the sophisticated yet naturally elegant wedding of Natasha and Ali. The complete feature can be viewed here – Lake Tahoe Wedding by Merrily Wed. Natasha wanted a garden wedding and Ali wanted to be married on the shores of Lake Tahoe – both received their wish!
The wedding of Natasha and Ali was captivating to witness in person – a marriage of different cultures (Persian and Western), traditions and families. The love was palpable on their day and here are some of the mesmerizing photos taken by Dave Getzschman that we have been eagerly waiting to share.
Soft yet structured, refined yet rustic and shimmery yet natural details abound! Style Me Beautiful!
xxxx
xxxx
xxxxxxxx
xxxx
Top Dawgs | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe Wedding Design
Dogs for many of us are our loyal companions giving us unconditional love every day and are an intrinsic part of our family. It is only natural to want to include your canine in your wedding day. It has become more and more common for dogs to be included in the wedding ceremony instead of a flower girl, ring bearer, groomsmen or bridesmaid. Or better yet, create their own role in the processional as Top Dawg!
xxx
xxxx
Not only can your dog be a memorable and personable part of the ceremony but they just look so adorable. Wedding style and color palette does not stop here either. Don’t miss another opportunity for adding detail!
Options range from color coordinating the leash and collar to adding a floral collar, a bow tie or even accessorizing with a leash made out of ribbon. Your pooch will be sure to look their best. We couldn’t resist these photos of a few our top dawgs that have graced our Merrily Wed aisles.
xxxx
xxxx
Your family portrait on your wedding day wouldn’t be complete without man’s best friend, so add a spot in your wedding party for your top dawg! The memories and photos will last a lifetime…
xxx
Claire – Our Fabulous Bride with Flair | Lake Tahoe Weddings
Azure, the clever mastermind behind OneWed.com’s blog Savvy Scoop, selected Claire and Cole’s wedding to feature today. We couldn’t be more thrilled and honored! A source for hip, current and chic wedding ideas and trends, Claire’s wedding was a natural fit for OneWed.
If Claire looks familiar, she is Claire of Team Pink (the team with flair!) on last season’s Amazing Race. Claire and Brook proved to be quite the competitors and finished a nail-biting second. There were quite the adventures on the way as well, most noteably Claire took a watermelon to her face in the very first episode (her new blog is thewatermelongirl.com). We knew she emerged unscathed but still watching that episode made us cringe! We actually were planning her wedding while she was filming the show around the world.
We absolutely adored the pearl and floral rosette details on Claire’s dress and the matching detail on her bridesmaids’ bronze sashes.
Let’s Talk Fitness – Pro Tips from Karen Mullarkey | Merrily Wed
Having a few nerves about looking and feeling your best on your wedding day? Or interested in stepping up your current workout with some pro fitness tips? Do I have something special for you!
I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to chat and catch up with one of my former brides – the super busy, gorgeous and talented Karen Mullarkey – IFBB pro figure competitor. Think of Mr. Universe, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, competitions for the level she competes at.
Karen shares some fabulous fitness and diet tips with us – just like having your own online personal trainer! Read up and buckle down for your own bridal boot camp to tone your arms and upper body and your veil will be the only thing swaying in the breeze…
How did you achieve your current position as an IFBB Pro?
I earned my IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders) pro card in July of 2007. I began competing in figure as an amateur in 2004. I did my first 2 local shows here in Arizona and qualified by placing third and second to compete at the National level. I spent 2.5 years traveling the country, competing at the National level and consistently placing in the top 6. Finally in July of 2007, I earned my IFBB pro card in New York City by placing second in my class. That was one of the happiest days of my life because all of those years of hard work and sacrifice had finally paid off. Needless to say, we had a great time in the city that night:)
What is it like competing on a stage?
Competing on stage is a pure adrenaline rush! I still get a little nervous stepping on stage in 5 inch heels, but I think I am more taken over by adrenaline. There is something to be said for strutting around on stage showing off your hours of time spent in the gym not to mention, all the sacrifice I had made with my diet. When I step on stage, I make it a point to show off my hard work. I tell my clients who are prepping for a show that it is all about ATTITUDE. If you are not confident, it will show!
What motivates you on days that you just don’t feel like working out?
I actually have a trainer, Ernie Villegas, who has been training me for the past 7 years. Yes, trainers need trainers too! It helps because I have an appointment with him 5 days a week to weight train, so I have to be there. For those of you that are looking to get back into the gym, you should definitely consider hiring a trainer so you are forced to show up. Trainers don’t like it when our clients cancel, plus we are going to push you much harder than you will push yourself!
What are your Top Exercises for brides so they can look and feel fabulous in their wedding dresses?
I have trained several gals that wanted to get into shape before the BIG DAY! They all wanted to drop weight and to tone their upper bodies. Here are a few exercises that work great to tone your arms, back and shoulders……
1) Dips
2) Dumbbell Bicep Curls
3) Tricep Pushdowns
4) Lat Pull Downs
5) Seated Rows
6) Cable Curls
7) Overhead Tricep Extensions
8) Dumbbell Shoulder Press
9) Dumbbell Side Laterals
10) Dumbbell Front Raises
Try doing each exercise for a total of 3 sets for 15 repetitions. Don’t forget to combine your workout program with cardio and clean eating. Diet is 80%!
xxx
xxx
What is your favorite snack that fills the void so you don’t feel like cheating on your diet?
My favorite snack is a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter and 2 rice cakes. Nut butters are loaded with “good” fats and will keep you full longer. Rice cakes are packed with complex carbs and a touch of sweetness!
As a bride, what was your favorite thing about planning your wedding?
As a bride, I really enjoyed putting all of the colors together. Thank the lord I found Merrily, because she was able to help me put it all together. My husband is Scottish and wanted to wear his family tartan (kilt). I complemented the colors of the kilt with wine colored bridesmaids dresses. I have to say the guys in their kilts and the gals in their gorgeous dresses made for amazing pictures. It was certainly overwhelming in the beginning, but Merrily guided me through it.
What memory or moment on your wedding day still makes you giggle?
My favorite memory was pushing a piece of cake in my husbands face. Ladies, don’t be afraid to go for it…..it made for some amazing pics. Yes, he did get me back and it was certainly worth the laugh!
If you could pass on one last piece of advice to a bride, what would it be?
My advice would be to hire a wedding coordinator that knows her stuff. I found Merrily by chance by doing a google search for wedding coordinators in the Tahoe area. Out of all the ones I had contacted, she was the very 1st to call me back. That showed me that she was on top of her game and reliable, not to mention our personalities clicked immediately. She was able to take so much stress off my back throughout the process. I did not have a care in the world come our wedding day because I knew she had it handled.
What is next for Karen Mullarkey?
Funny you should ask! I just announced that I am leaving the IFBB and crossing over into another federation as a pro. I am now a WBFF (World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation) pro and will competing in my 1st competition with them in Quebec, Canada this April. I am currently dieting for my competition and hitting the gym hard.
I am also working very hard at my fitness modeling career. My goal this year is to land my very 1st cover. It would be a dream come true to grace the cover of Oxygen Magazine in the near future…..only time will tell.
Lastly, I am working hard at building my personal training business “No Mullarkey” Personal Training! I absolutely love working with my clients and helping them reach their full fitness potential. It is so neat to watch my clients self-esteem increase and their body fat decrease! If you don’t live in the Scottsdale, AZ area, I also do virtual training as well and you can find more info at www.karenmullarkey.com. I would love to help you ladies get ready for your BIG DAY!
Remember…..”No Excuses and that’s No Mullarkey”!
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
Thanks Karen! Don’t know about you, but I sure am motivated to hit the weights!
Toasty Warm Libations | Lake Tahoe Weddings
With the endless snow in Tahoe lately, we have been smitten with warm cocktails and couldn’t resist sampling quite a few. You now get to benefit from our cabin fever and hours of taste testing… yum! Someone must do it right?
Not only are these toasty libations ideal as showcase drinks at your winter wedding but they could also be the just-right warm night cap at the end of your summer wedding – along with a late night snack. Served as part of a chocolate bar or a coffee bar at your reception would work fabulously as well. Or as we have found, enjoyable just to cuddle up with on a cold winter night!
xxx
Photo: Chef Mom
The Snuggler
3/4 oz Peppermint Schnapps
1 tsp Sugar
1 tbsp Whipping Cream
5 oz (hot) Cocoa
Pour peppermint schnapps and cocoa into an Irish coffee cup, and sweeten to taste. Gently float cream on top, sprinkle with grated chocolate, and serve.
xxx
xxx
Photo: Chow
Red Rudolph
1/2 oz Orange Curacao Liqueur
1/2 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
3/4 oz Vodka
6 oz Cranberry Juice
Heat and pour into an Irish coffee cup. Top with whipped cream, garnish with a tall cinnamon stick, and serve.
xxx
xxx
xxx
Photo: Glamour Cliche
Hot Apple Pie
6 oz Apple Cider, heated
1 oz Tuaca Liqueur (an orange-vanilla flavored liqueur)
Whipped Cream
Pinch Cinnamon and Nutmeg
1 Cinnamon Stick
In a glass mug, combine cider and Tuaca. Garnish with whipped cream, and sprinkle on cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a stick of cinnamon.
xxx
xxx
Photo: Martha Stewart
The Tahoe Blizzard
1 1/2 oz Irish Whiskey or Rum
1/2 oz Hazelnut Liqueur, such as Frangelico
1/2 oz Irish Cream Liqueur, such as Bailey’s
Hot Coffee
Splash of Grand Marnier
Dollop of Whipped Cream
In a coffee mug, stir whiskey, hazelnut liqueur, and Irish cream; top with coffee. Add a splash of Grand Marnier. Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
xxx
xxx
Amazing! …not really
The word amazing has been bugging me lately and become sort of a pet peeve. I cringe whenever I hear it or read it.
This is the most excessively used word in the English language. Really it is – last tested on 9.30.10. Do you seriously take notice or believe when someone says “That was amazing” or “What an amazing time”? It’s completely lost any credibility and descriptive powers.
If it’s not too late, I would like to add this to my New Year’s resolutions – to stop using the word amazing!
This word has been used so much on this season’s The Bachelor, a late-night TV-show host couldn’t resist to make a drinking game out of the number of times it is said during an episode (hear amazing, drink – you get it). You feel your IQ shrink a little after watching this show.
I am sure I am guilty as well for overusing this word in describing past weddings (and probably even on this blog) but now that I am consciously aware of it, I am striking this word from my vocabulary. You will not see or hear it in any of my correspondence with my clients and colleagues – email or phone.
Let’s use our noodles a little and think of suitable synonyms for this word. Dust off that thesaurus or download an app – whatever you favor. Our English teachers will love us for it!
Feel free to comment about your opinion on this word, but please, try not to use the word amazing.
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
Trending Towards Metallics | Designer Wedding Style
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.
xxx
xxxx
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.
xxx
xxx
There are so many ways to play with this metallic trend. Have fun with it!
xxxx
xxxxxxx
xxx
xxx
Sarah & Ryan – Delightful Summer Dinner Party | Merrily Wed Tahoe Weddings
This light hearted and mood lifting wedding is the perfect pick-me-up during all these short winter days filled with dark, gloomy skies. We have previously given a glimpse to this charming wedding with a video peek but have been saving this gem of a wedding to roll out when we needed a little reminder of those glorious sunny summer days.
This wedding is sure to put a smile on your face and a hop in your step with its gleaming color palette of white, pewter silver and fresh green. The splashes of magenta modernize a traditional look and the outcome was breathtakingly sophisticated and tailored!
Last June Sarah and Ryan exchanged vows in a church ceremony and then treated their guests to a breathtaking Lake Tahoe view at a private estate for the following festivities. Personalized touches were woven through out from the stick rock candy at the coffee bar to the individualized hand tied flip-flops to the color coordinated pashminas for the guests to, last but not least, the wildly popular and colossal photo board of the couple’s childhood years.
This slideshow is sure to cure any wintertime blues!
xxx
5 Engagement Party Tips | Lake Tahoe Wedding Design
xxxx
xxx
Thinking about an engagement party? Read up on this Engagement Party 101… As a nice follow-up to our earlier post on “Announcing Your Engagement” and with so many engagements around the holiday season, we thought we would clear up the etiquette around engagement parties.
An engagement party is a time to celebrate the engagement of the bride and groom while spending time with close family and friends. Who wouldn’t want to do that?? I always think it is a perfect time to get everyone excited about the trip for the destination wedding (if they aren’t already!) as well as introduce possible single travel buddies to each other.
To clear up any confusion about the proper engagement party etiquette, here are 5 simple tips to help you….
xxx
1. When should the engagement party be held?
There is not an exact proper time to have an engagement party but it should fall sometime after the couple is officially engaged and before the wedding. The engagement party should be closer to the beginning of the engagement than to the date of the wedding.
2. Who should host the engagement party?
Traditionally the parents of the bride host the engagement party. It is not uncommon anymore for the groom’s parents, siblings or friends of the couple to host the party. The bride and groom should not ask someone to host the party for them nor host the party themselves.
3. Where should the engagement party be held?
Engagement parties can range from being formal to very informal depending on the venue – a house or a restaurant are the most popular. Guests should not travel to the party, especially if having a destination wedding. Therefore having multiple parties are common when hosted in different towns or by different groups of family/friends.
4. Who should be invited?
Engagement parties are usually small and intimate affairs but can also be quite large. Generally close family and friends are invited to celebrate the engagement. Only guests attending the wedding should be invited to the engagement party.
5. Should guests bring gifts to an engagement party?
The couple should not expect any guests to bring gifts. BUT some guests may bring a gift so it is important to have a gift registry started before the engagement party.
xxxx
Here’s to all the newly engaged couples as they revel in this special time in their lives!
Live, Love and Laugh…
You’re Engaged! Now What? | Merrily Wed Wedding Planning
With all the gifts given this Holiday Season, chances are a few were a shiny engagement ring. The Holidays and New Year’s Eve are the most popular times of the year to become engaged (well, right behind Valentine’s Day…).
Once you are engaged then what? Who and how do you tell the big news? We know you are probably wanting to tweet it to the world but here are a few more practical PC ways for spreading the exciting news!
xxx
xxx
WHO TO TELL FIRST?
Parents:
Your parents should be the first to hear the big news! Traditionally the bride’s parents are told first (if the groom didn’t already ask dad for her hand in marriage beforehand – very traditional etiquette) and then the groom’s parents. If both parents live nearby then you could tell them at the same time if you choose and if not, just make sure they are both told within a close timeframe so there are no hurt feelings.
Children:
If you have children, then they should be the first to know. If the child is from a previous relationship it might take them a little while to get adjusted to the big change. If they are from your current relationship, you will want to have your child hear it from you first and not from someone else.
Close Relatives:
After you tell your parents you should tell your close relatives. These should be any siblings, grandparents, and other relatives you are particularly close to. A great time to share the big news with these family members can be over the holidays when many of these family members will be together (if they didn’t happen to be present during the proposal!).
Friends:
Finally you can share the news with your friends! This might be hard for many of you to keep from your best friends and closest confidants. If you absolutely cannot wait, you can slip it to a few BFFs but make sure they keep it a secret until you have time to tell your immediate family.
xxx
HOW TO ANNOUNCE THE ENGAGEMENT?
Formal Announcement:
The most traditional way to announce your engagement is by mailing a formal announcement. Be careful who you send this announcement – everyone who is sent an engagement announcement should also be invited to the wedding. This can double as a save-the-date if you have already set your wedding date.
Newspaper Announcement:
Announce your engagement in the society section of your hometown newspaper. Chances are you might not live in the same location as when you grew up and this is a great way to let all the people back home know of the wonderful news.
At A Party:
By announcing your engagement at a party you can tell a lot of people at once. This party is not to be confused with your engagement party when all of your friends are invited to celebrate during your engagement. If you are engaged around the holidays then a holiday gathering is another great time to let your family know. Please make sure not to announce it at someone else’s event so they do not feel upstaged by your big news.
Postcard:
A more creative way to announce your engagement is to have an engagement photo shoot with your new fiancé. Take one of your favorite photos from the shoot and turn it into a post card. You can do this on virtually any online photo service or where you locally get your pictures developed. On the postcard you can add a quick announcement or a more elaborate quote about love, the engagement and, if known, a wedding date. These postcards are a fun and easy way to announce your news and are now more commonly doubling as a Save the Date!
xxx
We raise our glasses to all the newly engaged couples as they begin this magical and exciting time of planning a wedding! Happy Engagement!
Winter White Wedding | Lake Tahoe Wedding Style
xxx
With plenty of white snow glittering and dancing as it drifts down from the sky in Tahoe these days, we found inspiration everywhere for a sparkling winter wedding!
This winter white wedding inspiration board, fashioned by our fabulous intern Alex, creates a very luxurious and glamorous winter style. The all white affair is complimented with a few platinum accents. From layers of pearl beading to dangling crystal prisms to frosted ornaments, the key is in making the most of the minute details.
A winter wedding in the mountains would not be complete without a white cashmere bridal hoodie to wear and a few gorgeous outdoor pictures of the couple playing in the fresh snow. Of course in Tahoe a ski lift photo shoot is a must!
We wish you and yours a very merry Holiday Season!
Photos Courtesy of:
Top row: Jim Hjelm, Style Me Pretty and Tiki Lounge
Second Row: The Knot, Tastefully Entertaining and Zinke Designs
Third Row: Tastefully Entertaining, The Knot and Tidy Flowers
Bottom Row: Blavish, Elizabeth Anne Designs and Rock n Roll Bride
Ceremony Spotlight | Merrily Wed Wedding Designer
It’s hard to miss the signs that this holiday season is in full swing – all the cocktail parties, sweet treats, festive decorations and, thankfully this year, lots and lots of snow in Tahoe. I love this time of the year!
This is also a spiritual time for many and a time to reflect upon their faith. Along with each different faith, there are certain beliefs and traditions of which influence the couple’s wedding ceremony. These ceremonies can differ as widely as a bride’s personal style but they have one common purpose of uniting two individuals.
This past summer Merrily Wed planned a wide variety of wedding ceremonies. We had a Persian, a Jewish, a Catholic and a Buddhist ceremony all in the month of July alone! Just like our couples, each of these ceremonies was very unique and we had a fabulous time making sure every detail was just right. We would like to share some of the highlights with you!
xxx
Dave Getzschman - MW Wedding
Persian Wedding Ceremony:
The Persian wedding ceremony is known as the aghd. During the aghd, the bride and groom are seated before a spread of traditional items, called the sofreh. On the sofreh facing the bride and groom is a mirror, illuminated by candles on either side. Many other items are placed onto the sofreh and each has its own symbolism with regard to prosperity that it may bring. The married women in the family hold above the couple a canopy of fine fabric and grind two cones of sugar over their heads, to hope for a sweet life.
Unlike traditional western weddings where the bride and groom state “I Do,” the Persian tradition is more elaborate and entices the bride to agree to marry the groom. When the officiant asks for the bride’s hand on behalf of the groom, the bride does not speak at first; instead she remains silent, which represents the pursuit of the bride by the groom. The third time that she is asked, the bride speaks up and gives the affirmative response of “baleh!” (yes). The officiant then directs the question to the groom, who answers yes without hesitation.
xxx
Keoki Flagg Photography - MW Wedding
Jewish Wedding Ceremony:
Before a Jewish wedding ceremony, the ketubah (marriage contract) is signed in the presence of two witnesses. The ketubah describes the husband’s responsibility to his wife: clothing, food, and marital relations. This is often written as a manuscript and is framed and displayed in the couple’s home.
A traditional Jewish wedding ceremony takes place under a Chuppah – a wedding canopy. The Chuppah symbolizes the new home being built by the couple when they become husband and wife. It is traditional for the face of the bride to be veiled during part of the ceremony. The veil is removed by the end of the ceremony, in a ritual called Badeken.
In the ceremony, “Seven Blessings” are recited by the Rabbi, or by honored members of the bridal party who are called up individually. The groom holds a cup or glass of wine during these blessings, and drinks from it after each blessing. At the end of the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass, crushing it with his right foot, and the guests shout “Mazel tov!” which means good luck. After the ceremony it is custom to leave the bride and groom alone for 10-20 minutes, where the couple retreats to a private room.
xxx
Kate Webber - MW Wedding
Catholic Wedding Ceremony:
Catholic weddings are very traditional, rarely straying from their original customs. The ceremony consists of biblical readings, a sermon, the exchange of vows and rings followed by additional prayers. A very important element of a Catholic wedding ceremony is the Sacrament of Matrimony, a public sign that the couple gives oneself totally to the other person. Catholic weddings must be held in a church and are not allowed to be held outdoors, to be valid with the church.
The processional is a key aspect of the Catholic wedding ceremony. This usually consists of altar servers, the priest, witnesses, bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride is traditionally led down the aisle by her father.
The priest blesses the rings, then the vows and rings are exchanged by the couple. Couples having a Catholic ceremony can choose whether or not they desire to include Mass. To conclude the ceremony, the priest gives a final blessing followed by announcing the couple for the first time. The couple starts the recessional by walking back down the aisle together, followed by the bridal party.
xxx
Lisa Leigh Photography - MW Wedding
Buddhist Wedding Ceremony:
There is no standardized Buddhist marriage ceremony; however wedding ceremonies can be Buddhist if they are centered on the main beliefs of Buddhism and include traditional Buddhist elements. There are two main areas of beliefs to add to your ceremony to make it a Buddhist ceremony.
First is the acknowledgement of the present moment, many of life’s special moments occur in the present. Including the acknowledgement of the present in the ceremony is very traditional for a Buddhist wedding ceremony. The second belief that should be a part of the ceremony is the feeling of interconnectedness. Ceremonies are intended to mark important events, allowing attendees to express their true feelings and share them with others is important to those attending a Buddhist ceremony.
Other traditional elements in the ceremony include having a short period of silence that allows all in attendance to have time to reflect on the wishes they have for the couple. Another element is repeating a refuge or precept after the officiant. The refuge or precept can be unique and re-written by the couple. Adding poetry into the ceremony is another aspect of a Buddhist ceremony. Lastly, having prayer flags around the ceremony is said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the vicinity.
xxx
Although all of these ceremonies are different, they also have some similarities – a processional, vows are read and rings are exchanged which represent the vows. The last and final common tradition is ending the ceremony by the groom kissing the bride. What better way to ending a ceremony then by sealing it with a kiss?
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx