Lindsay & Kirk – Lakeside Soiree | Merrily Wed Wedding Style
Lindsay and Kirk tied the knot this past July at a private lakefront estate. With a wonderful mix of unique details, eye candy color and an easy-going style, this wedding celebration captured the look and feel that Lindsay envisioned and even more…
We loved the vibrant red touches of color that popped everywhere from the flowers to the flower girl sashes to the bubble water goblets to the glowing paper lanterns. It was a gorgeous vision turned reality!
The spectrum of reds mixed with gold, wine, yellow and amber were chosen by Lindsay to support her Buddhist themed wedding. We hung similarly colored prayer flags around the estate on which guests had written their prayers, poems or advice weeks ahead of time for the newlyweds to read on their wedding day. The result was astounding and an extremely personal wedding keepsake.
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Both ladies and men comprised the wedding party. What’s so different about that you ask? Well, a modern mix included Lindsay’s brother on her side and Kirk’s sister stood among the groomsmen. Not to mention adorable Ruby – their cherished pup – was also included as her parents exchanged their vows.
Another theme close to the couple’s hearts were birds and this was subtly visual throughout the wedding with branchy nest-like flower girls’ baskets, a custom giant nest from which the guests found their place cards, dining tables named rightly after Tahoe birds to the homespun cake toppers.
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Photography by the talented Lisa Leigh Photography and the stunning florals by Bellissima Floral Creations. We hope this wedding inspires you to make your wedding uniquely you too!
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Rustic Chic Wedding Style | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe
Rustic Chic, Organic Posh, Natural Elegance, Outdoor Inspiration or whatever you like to call it, this is a popular wedding style found in Lake Tahoe as well as many scenic wedding locations.
With our experience in maximizing the aesthetic beauty of the Tahoe environment, Destination I Do Magazine turned to us for some professional tips in mastering this beautiful detail in destination weddings.
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They featured several different wedding looks in their Winter 2011 issue just launched today and Merrily Wed provided the know-how for the Rustic Chic style!
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A Royal Engagement | Merrily Wed
At long last we are going to experience another royal wedding! I remember as a little girl going to my friend Courtney’s slumber party to watch the wedding of the century as Lady Diana wed Charles, Prince of Wales. In the wee hours of the morning, we watched excitedly as her mom brought us tea cakes and tea (really lemonade, but, hey we pretended!). Still to this day I remember that magical moment as us little gals witnessed a real-life princess come to be.
So now after eight years of dating ‘off and on’, their son, Prince William, and Kate Middleton are finally engaged! The royal proposal happened in October during a private holiday in Kenya. Prince William informed the Queen, close members of his family and asked Kate’s father for the permission before it was announced to the public last week. Although they will not disclose the details of the proposal Kate did describe it as, “very romantic, and it was very personal.”
Photo Courtesy of: Getty Images
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One of the biggest controversies of the engagement is the ring. The ring that Prince William proposed to Kate with belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. It is a stunning 23-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Some people have had harsh criticism because Charles and Diana had a notoriously bad marriage and people think that the ring is cursed because of it. The decision to give Kate this engagement ring was in honor of his mother, “This is my way of keeping her close to it all.” Which we think is a very sweet sentiment, not to mention the ring is GORGEOUS!!
Photo Courtesy of: Getty Images
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The wedding date has been set and is going to be held on Friday, April 29th, 2011 at Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey has a special place in Prince William’s heart, as it was where his mother Princess Diana’s funeral was held. Kate has not picked a designer for her wedding dress, though she says it will be a British designer. After the wedding the couple will live in North Wales, where William is currently stationed with the Royal Air Force.
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Prince William and Kate’s wedding will not only be a public holiday in the UK but it is also anticipated to be one of the most watched television event ever. This all sounds very familiar but you know I will be staying up and watching live the passage of another Princess… I bet anything that my friend Courney, albeit different time zones, will be awake and watching it with me too!
Poppin’ the Question… For Your Wedding Party | Merrily Wed
The big question has been asked and now who will stand up by your side on your wedding day? Brides and grooms have started coming up with creative ways to ask their friends and family to be in their wedding party. There are unique ways to ask whether you are the artsy type or not. Below are some fabulous ideas to ask your bridesmaids and your groomsmen to partake in the fun and festivities that come along with being a member of the wedding party!
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IDEAS FOR THE GALS
Bridesmaid Survival Kit:
We all know that being a bridesmaid can be hectic. Why not create a bridesmaid “survival kit” for your gals? Include items that the bridesmaid will need as well as some other tongue-in-cheek items. Some items that we thought would fit in perfectly are: measuring tape, chart for dress measurements, Zanex for the bride, compact mirror, ear plugs (for long winded speeches), a picture of the bridesmaid’s dresses, etc. You can get really fun with this one! If you have not found your bridesmaids’ dresses yet you can play a joke on them by including a picture of a really ugly dress in the kit. Let’s see how long it takes them to crack! Don’t forget to add a sweet note asking them to be your bridesmaid too…
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Courtesy of: Style Me Pretty
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Scrapbooks:
If you are the more creative type and have some time to spare, you can design scrapbooks for all of your bridesmaids. These can be small books that have pages with photos of you and your bridesmaid, maybe a recap of an earlier time or when you first met as well as any momento that you might just have on hand that is special to the two of you. Each will differ, but that is what makes them – your bridesmaid and the book – so special! If you are not the artsy type there are websites that you can create the pages on and then have them printed and bound. Don’t forget to add a card (or sneak a page in) to ask her to be a part of your bridal party.
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IDEAS FOR THE GUYS
We all know that MOST guys don’t like to express their feelings as much as gals do, especially to other guys. Here are a few great ideas for grooms that don’t want to be too ‘soft’ but want to ask their groomsmen in a special way.
Personalized Bottles:
For a sneaky way to ask your groomsmen to be a part of your wedding, photoshop the label of your favorite beer to include the word groomsmen. Invite the guys over for the game or night out, and give them all the beers with the new groomsmen labels on them. Let’s see how long it takes them to figure out that the label has been changed! The label below was made from a Guinness label but any label will work.
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Courtesy of: Wedding Chicks
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Beer Mugs:
Another fun way to ask your groomsmen is by personalizing beer mugs , flasks or shot glasses engraved with their name and the word groomsman or best man. Not only is it a cool gift that most guys will enjoy (before, during and after the wedding…) but these items make great memorable photo props. Don’t forget to get one for the groom too!
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IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE WEDDING PARTY
Wine Bottles:
If you don’t want to make something for your wedding party here is a fabulous solution. We have found two bottles of wine, one is called Bridesmaid Red and the other is “Best Man” Pinot. Bridesmaid Red is created by three Napa winemakers: Josh Peeples, Drew Neiman, and Pam Starr. The three wine makers collaborated by blending their excess barrels. It is a fantastic ‘marriage’ of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a little Syrah. This wine is a crowd pleaser and a great way to ask all of your bridesmaids.
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Courtesy of: K&L wines
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If you are looking for a way to ask your Best Man to be apart of your special day, Truckee River Winery has created a wine called “Best Man” Pinot. The Best Man Pinot Noir started as an experiment with fruit, now it has become a favorite for many. Only 80 cases of this wine have been made so if you are interested in get this for your Best Man (or all your Best Men) then act fast!
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Courtesy of: Truckee River Winery
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Doing an Activity: Tempt your potential wedding party by asking them to join you in an activity that you like to do together – shouldn’t be too hard! While together, hand out cards, notes, make a huge sign or even just ask them to be a part of your wedding party. As long as it is a shared hobby or sport, that is all that matters!
Coming up with a creative, unique way to ask your wedding party can be a lot of fun but can also be challenging. Hopefully some of these ideas will inspire you!
Ginger & Brannan – Style Me Pretty | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe
Ginger and Brannan’s blissful summer wedding was featured today on Style Me Pretty. We first rolled out this July wedding in September with a colorful slide show blog post. This vibrant lake view Tahoe wedding is a real show shopper with its splashes of pink, purple and tangerine orange accented by colorful butterflies. This is definitely a must see!
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Photos Courtesy of: Ben Chrisman
Ashley & Jeff – Two Love Birdies | Lake Tahoe Wedding Style
Ashley and Jeff’s August wedding was definitely not par for the course! What a celebration they had on their wedding day from their late afternoon nuptuals to dancing their hearts out wee into the night. Nor wind, nor rain (at least the threat of) could keep this party down!
Due to the 35-40 mph gusty wind conditions, their 200+ closest friends adjourned to the indoor ceremony inside the 16,000 square foot mansion. With their wedding party assembled on the marble staircase above, Ashley and Jeff exchanged their vows while their guests looked on in the standing-room only living room. This turned out to be the most intimate and closely knit ceremony setting they could have ever asked for.
The gorgeous aquas/lime greens found in her bridesmaids’ dresses echoed Ashley’s elegant beach party wedding style. Her dining tables clothed in similarly hued linen perched above the white sandy beach. White, aqua and lime green with dashes of chocolate brown colored her wedding day.
Ashley adores birdies (of all types) and these feathered creatures alighted everywhere from the tablescapes to dangling alongside prism crystals in the trees and branch arrangements. Classic white flowers from orchids to tulips to gardenias to soft roses were complimented by organic elements of birch twigs, reindeer moss and clear marbles.
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Photography by Jay Reilly
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Good food and family run strong on both sides. A labor of love, Jeff’s mother baked hundreds and hundreds of cookies that filled the glass pedestals on the dessert bar (and later everyone’s tummies!). Custom coasters unveiled one of the treasured cookie recipes while coasters of another type revealed Ashley’s family’s secret baked bean recipe served during the cocktail style reception.
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Photography by Jay Reilly
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Mother Nature tried to rattle this day with her gusty wind but nothing could tarnish Ashley and Jeff’s beautiful wedding day!
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Style Watch – Smart Looks for the Men | Lake Tahoe Weddings
After finding your dream wedding gown (and possibly falling in love again…), don’t forget about your main squeeze and his entourage. The formality of your gown will easily dictate what your groom and his groomsmen should wear. At MW’s lakefront weddings we have seen different types of attire ranging from formal to semi-formal to casual. There are so many choices for the men to choose from so take care with these details and they will be sure to look amazingly dapper!
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Formal:
The most classic attire is the tuxedo or Black Tie. The tuxedo usually includes a black coat, trousers with stripe on leg seam, white tuxedo shirt, cummerbund, black bow tie, cuff links and black leather dress shoes. For a quirky spin – ‘Creative Black Tie’ – on the traditional tuxedo, replace the black bow tie with a fun color that compliments the color palette of your special day or sport a black shirt for a modern look.
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Photo Courtesy of Ben Chrisman Photography, Dave Getzschman of Ben Chrisman Photography & Jennifer Baciocco Photography - All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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For the utmost formal event, it must be White Tie complete with a white bow tie, vest, possibly jacket with tails and a white tuxedo shirt.
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Semi-Formal:
The most common style that we see at lakefront weddings is semi-formal. Semi-formal usually includes a well-planned suit and tie. This style can be personalized by using a different color suit besides black. Some of the popular suit colors we have seen besides black are: navy blue, charcoal gray, chocolate brown and tan.
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Photos Courtesy of (clockwise) Kate Webber Photography, Lisa Leigh Photography, Mulberry Photography and Jay Reilly Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Another fabulous look we love is a “By the Lake” style by combining a navy sportcoat and khaki slacks. This nautical trend is a favorite for many reasons including the adaptability to fit your personal taste.
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Photos Courtesy of (clockwise) Christa Hoffarth Photography, Jennifer Baciocco Photography and Jay Reilly Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Don’t forget the details!! All of these semi-formal styles can look great paired with a tie that pulls from your wedding color scheme.
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Kilt:
Another dapper look for those willing enough (and with the legs!) to pull this ensemble off is the kilt. A kilt is a classic Scottish and Celtic garment. It is a knee-length garment that is pleated in the rear and made from wool in a tartan pattern. Many grooms choose to wear a pattern in their family clan’s tartan to represent their Scottish or Celtic culture on their special day. Tradition has it that nothing else is worn underneath the kilt…
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Photos Courtesy of Photography by Monique, Organic Photographs and Ben Chrisman Photography. All Merrily Wed Weddings.
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Semi-Casual:
A semi-casual wedding calls for a more relaxed style. A khaki linen suit or pairing a nice collared silk shirt and slacks are perfect looks for a laid back feel. If it gets chilly during the evening, a sportcoat is a great addition to the shirt/slack combination.
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Photos courtesy by Ben Chrisman Photography. Merrily Wed Wedding.
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Your groom and groomsmen are sure to look as unforgettably stunning as you (well, almost as smashing!) with just a little care in choosing their stylish look.
7 Wedding Traditions Uncovered | Merrily Wed Lake Tahoe
Have you ever wondered where certain wedding traditions came from? We picked seven common wedding traditions and found their origins. It is interesting to see how these have evolved over the years into today’s widely popular and accepted versions.
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1. The Wedding Party:
During Ancient Roman times it was believed that demons were out to get the couple about to be married. The tradition of bridesmaids and groomsmen was created to help protect the couple. The wedding party dressed similar to the bride – bridesmaids used to wear white – and the groom so the demons could not tell who was getting married.
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2. The Veil:
The veil worn by the bride was not always sheer or made of lace; it used to be made from a much heavier cloth. This opaque material was a precaution in case there was another man in love with the bride. The veil would hide whomever was under the veil, and her other admirer couldn’t kidnap her before she was wed.
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3. Bride on Left & Groom on Right:
During the wedding ceremony the bride traditionally stands on the left and the groom stands on the right. The origin of this tradition goes back to when the groom used to kidnap his bride. The groom would stand on the right in case he had to fight another suitor, this would allow the groom to hold the brides left hand and still have his right free to be able to use his sword.
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4. You May Now Kiss the Bride:
Sealed with a kiss? There was a time, under Roman law that a kiss was legally binding. In fact, if the couple did not kiss at the end of the ceremony, the marriage would be null and void. The kiss is now for more romantic purposes and, hey it is just plain fun, than it was in those days!
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5. The Grooms Cake:
The tradition of having a groom’s cake in addition to the traditional wedding cake started in the South. The groom’s cake is not only so the groom can reflect his own interests and hobbies into his special day, it also is popular with the single female guests. Legend has it that if a female guest takes a slice of the groom’s cake and places it under her pillow while she sleeps that night, she will dream of her future husband.
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6. Cake Cutting:
Sharing the first piece was a traditions created by the Romans. It was believed that eating the first piece together creates a special bond between the bride and groom. The sweet cake was thought to bring sweetness to all aspects of the couple’s new life together. The wheat used in the cake was symbolic of a fruitful union and fertility.
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7. The Honeymoon:
The honeymoon is a very old Scandinavian tradition. After the ceremony the bride used to be captured by her groom and held hostage until her family called off the search for her. The term honeymoon refers to the time that follows the capture of the bride. This also relates to the origins of a ‘best man’, the best man was supposed to stall the bride’s family until the couple had escaped.
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These wedding traditions have been around for a long time and have evolved into their more modern versions. You now know the originations of these popular traditions so at the next wedding you attend, you can dazzle your friends with your handy knowledge!
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Photos (in order) courtesy of Annie X Photography, Catherine Hall Studios, Jennifer Baciocco Photography, Ben Chrisman Photography (three photos) and Organic Photographs. All from Merrily Wed Weddings.
Claire & Cole – Funk Meets Vintage | Lake Tahoe Weddings
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Claire and Cole met each other, of all places, in the Reno International Airport. Walking past him, Claire gave him a double look, and not for the obvious reasons, but because of Cole’s certain man accessory. What was the accessory you ask? A fanny pack. A few jokes and banter led to seats together on the plane…
This past August they said their “I Do’s” above the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Claire’s color palette was ivories, creams, champagnes and touches of black. Her inspiration for the day was her beautiful Enzoani wedding dress which has a glamourous vintage feel to it with the rouched bodice accented with gorgeous beaded floral rosettes.
She complimented her gown’s style by adding a bronze sash with beaded floral rosettes to her bridesmaids’ black dresses. Cole and his groomsmen sported black suits with the retro addition of black Converse’s on their feet.
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Photography by Kendall Price Photography. Florals by Diana’s Floral Design.
For larger images – click here.
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Elements of black lace, black and champagne feathers, antique pearls and sparkling beading were woven throughout the ceremony and the reception. Ivory and champagne feathers graced the black vintage ceremony urns and within Claire’s bridal bouquet. The black feathers also added a striking contrast within the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Black petals carved a “W” in the ivory petal carpeted aisle and the adorable flower girl carried a black basket.
Champagne linen with black lace toppers dressed the cocktail tables, centerpiece vases wore cream lace and black ribbon while black sequined pillows sparkled on the white couches in the lounge area. The center of their super cute dessert buffet was a simple and stunning double tiered wedding cake accessorized with lace and pearl-beaded floral rosettes.
Claire wanted all her guests to sigh and say, “That was so Claire!” at the end of the day and I think we succeeded! In tribute to their fateful first meeting, everyone departed their reception each with their own ‘man bag’ fanny pack!
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Your BFF’s Glam Photo Shoot | Merrily Wed Wedding Design
Every engaged couple’s planning regime usually includes an engagement photo session. Over time this has morphed to include wardrobe changes, multiple locations and creative props from dogs to cruiser bikes – all to capture the pair’s true essence. This trend, now an obligation for most, shouldn’t stop here. Why not extend it to visually document the bride’s bonds of friendship with her BFF’s??
This gal photo shoot can be a glorified glam session and the themes, locations and props can vary to match each girlfriend entourage’s personality. How fun would this be??
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Natasha, one of our 2010 summer brides, gathered her bridesmaids for a glam photo session before heading out on the town for her bachelorette party. Result? An ultra modern, stylish and hip way to celebrate the end of ‘bachelorette-hood’. Her sophisticated, high-fashion photos are ridiculously cool and we’re sure they were even more fun to make.
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What a beautiful testament to the gal bonds of friendship a photo shoot is and a sure fire way to jazz up a bachelorette party or bridal shower. What about a snow bunny photo session, après ski, for those who are snow-lovers? A good-ole slumber party shoot with pj’s, pillows and cocktails? Big city, bright lights, high fashion? Beach, sun, and surfboards? Golf clubs, golf carts on the golf course?
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What would you do for your Bridesmaids/BFF’s photo shoot??
Fall Inspiration Part II – Seasonal Culinary Treats | Lake Tahoe Weddings
Fall is a gorgeous time of the year, the weather is crisp (well, not yet in Tahoe at least), the leaves are changing, and the food of the season is warm and delicious. With Autumn right around the corner we thought we would share some of our favorite seasonal wedding details – edible and otherwise!
Accent your place setting with a miniature bouquet of fresh herbs with your guest’s name attached and create a runner (or centerpiece if using a round table) of gourds, pillars of varying heights and wicker woven baskets filled with nuts, berries and pumpkins or more gourds. Use the colors naturally found in the food and drink you serve your wedding guests to emphasize your autumn color palette… Some inspiration is below!
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On Left - M.W. Wedding. Courtesy of: Catherine Hall Studios and Thomas J. Story
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Colorful Food
Autumn fruits like pomegranate and apples (rich golds, reds and greens) are at their peak of flavor and perfect for picking! Savory appetizers such as Onion and Apple Tarts with Goat Cheese or Green Apple & Cheddar Quesadillas are the perfect precursor to any Fall celebration. Your guests will love a salad entree of Baby Greens with Reduced Orange Vinaigrette, Roasted Beets, Laura Chenel Goat Cheese & Toasted Walnuts. Serving a spicy pumpkin or squash soup in hollowed out gourds at each place setting, not only look chic and current but they add amazing taste too. A side dish of cranberry and walnut risotto goes perfectly with hearty fall proteins. Dishes with beets and other root vegetables are always traditional Fall favorites as well as add color to your plate!
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Courtesy of: My Recipes, Rachelle Bowden, and Lou Seibert Pappas
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Dazzling Drinks
Here are a few of our favorite autumn inspired cocktails which can work as your Signature Drink after your ceremony or a passed round at the beginning of your dinner:
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Courtesy of: All You
Pomegranate Fizz
A few pomegranate seeds
1 shot pomegranate liquor
1 ounce pomegranate juice
A few splashes Champagne
Place a few pomegranate seeds in the bottom of a Champagne glass. Pour pomegranate liquor and pomegranate juice in glass then top with a few splashes of Champagne.
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Courtesy of: Grey Goose Vodka
Pumpkin Divine
1 part Grey Goose La Poire vodka
1 part pumpkin butter
1/2 part triple sec
1/2 part simple syrup
Pinch each of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger grated nutmeg and apple chip for garnish
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Courtesy of: The Nibble
A Taste of Fall
1 1/2 parts Vodka
1 large slice of pomegranate, chopped
1 part apple juice
Dash of simple syrup
Pomegranate seeds to garnish
Muddle together the pomegranate and syrup in a mixing glass or shaker tin.
Add Vodka and juice, and fill with ice.
Shake well, and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
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Tempting Desserts
Mini versions of your classic Fall desserts, can add a non-traditional aspect and still be a hit with your guests. We love these scrumptious mini cherry pies from Bakerella, who wouldn’t want one of these? Or these cheesecake filled pumpkins cupcakes are a unique fall-inspired flavor that will keep your guests talking.
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Courtesy of: Bakerella and Stephen Scott Gross
Seasonal Favor
A fave Fall wedding favor is the caramel apple. The options of embellishing this with ribbon, wrap and personalized tags are endless. Not only will the caramel apples be a sweet touch for your guests, they will also look gorgeous individually at each place setting or in groupings on display.
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Courtesy of: Bridal Blog, The Knot and Wedding by Color
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Happy Autumn Dining!
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Fall Inspiration Part I | Lake Tahoe Weddings
In honor of last night’s Harvest Moon along with the fact that today is the first day of Fall, we are inspired by the change of season and are sharing some of our favorite seasonal wedding details for anyone contemplating an autumn wedding!
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Courtesy of: Catherine Hall Studios (left) & Dave Getzschman Photography (right) Photos from Merrily Wed Weddings
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Décor: Fall is a gorgeous time of the year, so embrace the beauty of the season. By selecting rich autumn colors for your wedding color palette, you instantly create a cozy and warm aura. Some of the colors we love for this time of year are burgundy, plum, chocolate brown, deep red, burnt orange, moss green and a golden yellow. Metallic accents of gold, bronze, or copper add a touch of richness and finish many looks perfectly.
The colors below in this stunning 2010 Merrily Wed wedding captures Fall’s essence.
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Courtesy of: Lisa Leigh Photography - Photos from a Merrily Wed Wedding
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Centerpiece: You have many colorful options for your centerpiece from traditional florals to objects from nature’s autumn harvest. Selecting one or even combining the looks will work and don’t forget to add texture! Several gorgeous natural choices for centerpieces include gourds, pumpkins, squash, pears, apples, cranberries, wheat, acorns, etc.
If you want a more traditional centerpiece you can use fall-toned flowers. Flowers that are great for Fall weddings include: hydrangeas, calla lilies, dahlias, mums, roses and sunflowers. For non-floral accents – hypericum berries, fiddlehead ferns and wooly lamb’s ear leaves (one of our estates grows these all summer long – they are sooooo soft!!).
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Courtesy of: T&J Studios, Bibiana Heymann and Lisa Leigh Photography
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Don’t forget about WHAT your arrangement may go in – choose copper tins, antique urns or wooden vessels of almost any shape. Potted plants in terra cotta containers – plain or embellished are another idea. Birch wrapped containers and moss accents work well too or if you opt for a clear vase, wrap the interior with leaves or twine; or place nuts or berries around the base of the stems to give more texture to your centerpiece. Include these details around your pillars and you have a fluid Fall look.
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- Design Trend: Monochromatic color palettes are very hot this Fall. Select 2-3 different types of flowers to add a little texture and visual interest.
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Wedding Cake: Carry over elements from your centerpiece to your wedding cake. Succulent plants and twigs are very stylish choice and add a natural touch. They also mix will with floral blooms – not only for your wedding cake but for your tablescape too! Other non-floral accents including miniature pine-cones can be matched with baby roses in seasonal colors.
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Right Cake from a Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of: Catherine Hall Studios (Right)
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We are setting a bountiful table with scrumptious details for not only your eyes but for your taste buds too! Our Fall Inspiration Part II will be posting soon…
Ginger & Brannan – Summertime Fun | Lake Tahoe Private Estate Weddings
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Ginger and Brannan had just a few butterflies on their wedding day but definitely not of the stomach kind! These two knew at ‘first paper-shredder’ that they had something special, strong and lasting between them. Fast forward to their glorious 2010 Lake Tahoe private estate wedding with amazing views of not only the crystal blue Lake but the Sierras surrounding it.
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Ginger wore a stunning lace Amy Kuschel gown and she selected a chocolate brown Coren Moore bridesmaid dress to compliment this. We summerized the look by adding splashes of light/dark pinks, purples and tangerine orange throughout the reception – in the bouquets, centerpieces, menus, paper lanterns and the scrumptious dessert tower. The Monterey blue sash of the brown dress was also mimicked on ribbons wrapping the floral vases. Whimsical touches of butterflies alighted on top floral and food arrangements while cute floral stamps accented the paper decor everywhere. These colorful accents added to the festive mood of their wedding day!
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As the wooden sign says that Ginger & Brannan displayed at their reception – “Love Much, Laugh Often, Live Well”… and so it was on their beautiful wedding day. We know it will be well beyond too!
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Photos courtesy of Ben Chrisman and Florals by Bellissima Floral Creations
Click for Super Size Slideshow
Vanessa & Scott – Autumn Splendor | Lake Tahoe Lakefront Weddings
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For those of you who adore the vibrant autumn colors of orange, persimmon, burgundy and brown, you will ‘fall‘ for Vanessa & Scott’s Tahoe lakefront wedding. Destination I Do Magazine did and this richly hued Fall wedding is currently featured in their beautiful publication out in the stores now.
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Below is Vanessa’s Wedding Board – I couldn’t resist throwing together with some of the subtle details, that combined, made this an impressive color feast. Gold and pine wood complimented the natural, Tahoe-inspired look she wanted. Loose moss, stray branches and river rocks nicely contradicted the gold chargers and gold-edged table frames which comprised the tablescape. Celebrating Vanessa’s Swedish heritage, two intertwining heart wreaths were hung above their head table.
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Photos courtesy by Dave Getzschman of Ben Chrisman Photography
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The one thing though that I will never forget, is not found in the details on the final wedding day, but rather lies in the first day that I met this incredible couple. We chatted, strapped on some snowshoes like old friends and scouted out their ideal wedding site in several feet of snow. Now that is true Tahoe style.
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Favors – A Tasty Twist | Lake Tahoe Weddings
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To trend away from the elaborate and sometimes expensive guest favor, here are a few practical, tasteful, and certainly yummy, edible ideas. We couldn’t help but turn to a few of our favorite things – food & drink!
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Cupcake in a Jar:
This new twist on the “dessert in a jar” favor is not only beautiful BUT delicious too. We couldn’t resist and don’t think your guests will either. The cupcake in a jar makes it easy for your guests to take for later without squishing it but they probably aren’t going to go too far before indulging… These mini-desserts are baked in a variety of flavors and colors – more reasons to eat more than one!
Feeling DIY? Look at the tutorial from Cakies to see how these scrumptious favors are made.
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Courtesy of: Cakies
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Personalized Treats:
There are many different sweets that can be personalized like these fun and quirky flavors of Jones sodas. Choose from a range of vibrant colors that they are offered in, they can match any wedding color scheme. The retro bottle can be personalized with pictures of you with your honey and given to your guests to enjoy, not only at the reception, but to take home with them (if they last!).
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Courtesy of: Erin Browne
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Chocolate Treats:
Ahhh chocolate – we must mention the huge-crowd-pleaser chocolate! From personalizing your favorite chocolate bar with a custom wrapper and message (we can spend hours choosing the right label) to a complete chocolate dessert bar, the options are endless here as well as the price. Use labels, font color and ribbon to compliment your décor perfectly and you will have not only a tasty but gorgeous display for your guests like this candy bar from one of our MW weddings.
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Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of Ben Chrisman Photography
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Fresh Fruit:
Using fresh fruit as your favor is not only beautiful but it is also a sustainable option. Besides being healthy and a “green” favor, fruit can serve many purposes at your reception from a decor accent to actually doubling as your escort card by attaching your guest’s name to each piece of fruit. The fruit you choose will ideally be locally grown, in season as well as compliment your color palette. The granny smith apples below went perfectly with the spring green and cream color scheme at this MW wedding.
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Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of Ben Chrisman Photography
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Keep in mind what tempts your own taste buds when considering the perfect edible favor for your wedding. You will choose something that when all is said and done, your guests will love and leave with their bellies full!
Kat & Tripp – Homespun Charm | Lake Tahoe Weddings
This charming, but not so small, homespun wedding graced the store shelves in the ultra classy Destination I Do magazine last Spring. If you missed the issue, here’s your second chance – Destination I Do 2010 Spring.
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Kat came to me with several “musts” that she wanted to incorporate into her wedding – a natural, organic feel with muted colors, an Italian touch or two and a setting inspired by the era of “A River Runs Through It”. This is what we came with up after 16 months of planning…
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Their lakeside ceremony was attended by 220 guests, all mesmerized with the unforgettable site of the couple reciting their touching vows just steps away from Lake Tahoe. Katherine wore a lace Carolina Herrera wedding gown. Her bridesmaids wore a modern olive number by Thread – we loved the pockets!
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Ivy wrapped shepherd hooks holding overflowing copper pails blooming with lavender, wheat and hues of orange & white florals marked the aisle path along with a smattering of soft orange, apricot and white rose petals. These elements were mirrored by the square willow arch framing the altar.
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Coming from avid fly-fishing families, these touches were woven throughout the reception from the river rock in the mason jars, to the fly fishing baskets containing goodies staged all over, to the fishing flies tied along with wheat plumes to each of their guests’ place cards. As a surprise to their family members, the couple displayed photos on the place card table of fishing trips enjoyed through the years.
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Custom wagon-wheel chandeliers with antique lanterns dangled overhead, very reminiscent of an earlier time. Olive swags were added to the napkins along with a white flower tied with a silk cord. These were the perfect touches for marrying the “A River Runs Through It” and Tuscany vibes of the wedding.
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Photos courtesy of Mulberry Photography, Florals by Bellissima Floral Creations
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PS – If you love this wedding look, you are in luck as more of these details are being featured in a magazine article due out this week focusing on chic rustic elements. More to come soon…
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Bring on the Bubbly! | Lake Tahoe Wedding Style
The Champagne Cocktail is definitely the “IT” Signature Drink of this summer! At Merrily Wed, we would like to pay homage to champagne (by this we mean Champagne, Prosecco, Sparking Wine & Cava depending on which part of the world it came from) and all of the champagne cocktails we have cheered with this wedding season.
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Champagne mixed with anything from fruit to flowers to even more alcohol is filling the servers’ trays at many of our past lakeside receptions. This perfect cocktail canvas allows you to mix some interesting flavors as well as add colors from within your wedding palette by using dendrobium orchids, sprigs of lavender, cranberries, blueberries, peach puree’, Chambord, Midori and Crème de Menthe to name a few.
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For the finishing touch, don’t forget to rename your Champagne Cocktail to match your wedding destination or personality. Our personal favorite of the year was “The Claire Royal.”
Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of Kendall Price Photography
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In addition to the classic Kir Royal, the brunch Mimosa and the perennial Italian favorite, the Bellini – which by the way just celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2008 – check out these romantically named Champagne Cocktails:
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Ritzy Raspberry Revelry
• 2/3 ounce raspberry infused vodka (or Stoli Raspberry as a short cut)
• Fill with champagne
• Garnish with a red rose…very romantic!
Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of Kendall Price Photography
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Arise My Love
• 1 teaspoon of Crème de Menthe
• Fill with champagne or sparkling wine
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This guy must have wanted to awake their love with a glass of bubbly and insure they had good breath?!
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Midnight Kiss Cocktail
• Rim the edge of a wine glass with sugar
• 3/4 oz. well-chilled vodka
• Fill with champagne or sparkling wine
• Top with Blue Curacao….
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Sounds like a winner for a “Blue Tahoe” Drink…
Kendall Price Photography
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Chanel No. 6
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce Chambord
• 1 ounce chilled pineapple juice
• Fill with well-chilled champagne
• Garnish with fresh raspberry
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Remember, champagne is a celebration in a bottle, so be sure to raise your glass next time you indulge!
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Merrily Wed Wedding - Photo Courtesy of Kendall Price Photography
• 1 teaspoon of Crème de Menthe
• Fill with champagne or sparkling wine
Midnight Kiss Cocktail
• Rim the edge of a wine glass with sugar
• 3/4 oz. well-chilled vodka
• Fill with champagne or sparkling wine
• Top with Blue Curacao….
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Sounds like a winner for a “Blue Tahoe” Drink…
Kendall Price Photography
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 ounce Chambord
• 1 ounce chilled pineapple juice
• Fill with well-chilled champagne
• Garnish with fresh raspberry
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Jessica & Gavin – A Backyard Lakefront Paradise | Lake Tahoe Weddings
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With Fall nearly upon us, we are busy finalizing the amazing details and touches to several 2010 September weddings. In anticipation of these, we would like to treat you to a flashback to one our favorite autumn weddings from 2009 – Jessica & Gavin. I first met with Jessica a year prior to begin helping her turn their Tahoe lakefront family home into the just right setting for the festivities. Purples, burgundies and greens visually exploded in this colorful wedding. The gals over at Style Me Pretty couldn’t resist this stunning combination either and they blogged about this elegant backyard wedding too.
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Photos courtesy of Jennifer Baciocco Photography, Video by VideoQuest Productions
Florals by Diana’s Floral Design
Or if you can’t get enough of the photos above – here they are SUPER SIZED!
Color Psych 101 | Merrily Wed Wedding Design Lake Tahoe
Color is an important aspect of the world we live in. The ones that you love and you choose to surround yourself with says something about your personality, your outlook and some can even affect you physically. Your color choices from the paint on your walls, to the clothes you are wearing today and to the linen and flowers at your wedding all give a glimpse into the inner you! Everyone has a favorite color; some might even have more than one. Find out what your favorite color means, and how the colors you choose for your wedding can influence the overall feel of your wedding day.
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Photo courtesy of Laura Taylor
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Red:
Red is the most intense color of the color wheel. Red stimulates energy as well as increases enthusiasm. Red symbolizes love, passion, courage and rage. Red also emits a sense of protection from anxiety and fears. If red is your favorite color you are passionate, maintain a busy lifestyle, desire strength and may be a risk taker.
Pink:
Pink is fun and exciting, some shades of pink can have almost the same energy as red. Red is passionate without being an overly aggressive hue. Pink is the color of happiness. Pink stimulates energy, encourages action and confidence. If pink is your favorite color you tend to be calm, sensitive and sympathetic. You are also compassionate towards others and dislike controversy.
Orange:
Orange, a close relative of red, radiates warmth and energy. Orange stimulates appetite, socialization, as well as activity. If your favorite color is orange you are friendly, confident and full of energy. You balance your life with business and pleasure and enjoy both!
Yellow:
Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment and happiness. Yellow is mentally stimulating and encourages communication. Yellow will increase optimism, energy, as well as spark creative thoughts. If yellow is your favorite color you are creative, intelligent and happiness comes naturally to you.
Green:
Green occupies more space in the color wheel than any other color and is the second most popular favorite color. Green is a large contributor to the colors of nature. The color green is seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a balance of cool and warm hues. Most shades of green are known to be physically and mentally relaxing. If green is your favorite color you enjoy the nature that surrounds you and love spending time in the outdoors. You also enjoy calming your loved ones, as well as helping the less fortunate.
Teal:
Teal has the calming effect of both green and blue. Teal represents sophistication, generosity and creativity. Teal encourages communication as well as creativity. If your favorite color is teal you tend to be sensitive, intellectual, imaginative and charming. You also tend to be self-reliant and independent.
Blue:
The color blue is the most common favorite color in the world. Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. It invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming. Not all blues are serene, bright blues can become dramatic and cause exhilaration. Blue is the least gender specific color, it appeals equally to both genders. If your favorite color is blue, friends find you to be very trustworthy and patient. You are also conservative and love to have stability in your life.
Navy:
Navy symbolizes wisdom, self-mastery and spiritual realization. Navy, being a shade of blue, increases communication within yourself. Navy develops intuition, increases solitude and lets you focus on personal issues. If navy is your favorite color you are spiritual, intuitive and intelligent. You are also self-reliant and tend to take on responsibility.
Purple:
Purple balances red’s stimulation and blue’s calming effect. With a sense of royalty, purple is a color often well liked by very creative personalities. Purple is uplifting, calms nerves, as well as encourages creativity. If purple is your favorite color, you desire respect, power and often tend to be sentimental.
White:
White projects purity, neutrality and cleanliness. The color white encourages clarity and enables fresh beginnings. White also encourages clearing clutter and purifying thoughts and actions. If white is your favorite color, you prefer a peaceful surrounding and like to be surrounded by truth and innocence.
Grey:
Grey is the color of knowledge, wisdom and intellect. Grey is also known as the color of compromise because it is a mixture of powerful black and pure white. Grey can sometimes be unsettling because of this compromise, but can also create expectations. If grey is your favorite color you constantly look for peace and composure. You have good business abilities and tend to work hard, sometimes without reward.
Black:
Black is authoritative, powerful, formal and evokes strong emotions. The color black can create a sense of potential and possibility. If black is your favorite color you are classy and others perceive you as a powerful individual. You are very in tune with your emotions and can be spontaneous.
Brown:
Brown symbolizes stability, reliability and approachability. Brown is the color of earth and is affiliated with being natural and organic. Brown creates a feeling of wholesomeness, stability and orderliness. If your favorite color is brown you are dependable, patient and reliable. You also tend to not like impulse, because you are organized and everything is well planned.
Champagne:
Champagne represents the basics, the essentials. Champagne incorporates the warmth of brown with the crispness of white. Champagne creates a feeling that is calm, relaxing and creates a feeling of simplicity. If your favorite color is champagne, you are conservative, dependable and friendly. You also tend to be a perfectionist and like everything to be precise.
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As you can see, colors may mean a lot more than you might have thought. A single description may not fit you perfectly and it may be a combination of colors that suite you best. Consider these meanings when selecting the colors for your wedding to evoke the feeling that you desire on your wedding day. Most importantly, just have fun with it, go with your favorites and your wedding will be a true reflection of yourself!
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“From Education to Merrily Wed…” | Lake Tahoe Wedding Designer
A few months ago World Wide Learn, a vast online resource for education and online programs, contacted me about doing an interview regarding how I had achieved my current success with wedding design and planning. I was thrilled to chat with them about my education, my industry experience and my overall love for my job. Even more importantly, they were curious how I handled running a thriving business while being a mom…
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Catherine Hall Studios
Check out the newly posted article:
“From Education to Merrily Wed, One Business Woman’s Success Story”
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