Hurricane Ike: How Brides can cut cost

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, many Houstonian Brides are running into financial challenges from being out of work, temporarily displaced from their homes and financially assisting relatives.

With this in mind, I wanted to share a very helpful article I read today from Gina Curtis, creator of wedding-genie.com:

There are some wedding planers who have created a "do-it-yourself bridal planning package." For a much smaller fee, brides will meet with a wedding planer and have a conversation about budgeting and expectations. The consultant will then create a package for the bride that will serve as her road map as she plans the wedding herself.

In an effort to cut costs, many are looking for things they can do themselves from creating their own wedding invitations and table centerpieces to full on decorations for both the ceremony and reception sites. Also brides are looking at wedding venues that have natural beauty within and do not require any additional decorations to make the wedding beautiful.

Another way brides have been scaling down is by choosing wedding flowers that are both local and in season versus importing them. The size of both the bridal bouquet and the bridesmaids' bouquets has also shrunk. In years past, many brides carried gorgeous, flowing cascading bouquets while today, many brides are opting for smaller bouquets. The size of the bridesmaids' bouquets has also shrunk and in many cases they carry just a few flowers wrapped in ribbon.

Wedding Photography is an area where couples are cutting costs. Videography is now often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. Also, instead of hiring a photographer to the tune of a $3,000-$5000, brides are scouring places like Craigslist for photographers that may not have a lot of experience and charge quite a bit less. Also with today's technology, couples are opting for their wedding pictures to be placed on a CD where they can print pictures off themselves versus having the photographer do it.

Finally, one of the biggest trends tends to be with the time of the event. Traditionally, the preferred wedding date is Saturday afternoon or evening. Now more brides are opting for Sunday or Friday evening weddings because they can typically catch a financial break on catering costs. Additionally, more brides are looking to host earlier receptions due to the same reasons.

Like many other areas in our current economy, the wedding industry is not immune. Couples may be faced with less available money for their event but that does not mean the wedding can't go on; it just means everyone has to compromise a little and get a lot more creative.

As a planner who caterers to a modern Bride, I love working with the bride who likes to think outside the box to optimize their budget to reach their creative vision. DIY the details is my favorite tool. It truly creates a fresh, unique look to any wedding.

I AM.......

As I was browsing one of my favorite photographer's website (Studio563), I found this interesting on Lindsey's blog and wanted to try it out.

I AM … so lucky to being doing what I am passionate in.
I WANT … to meet exceed my client's expectations.
I HAVE … an incredible amount of energy and zest for life.
I KEEP … a supply of coffee in my pantry at all times.
I WISH I COULD … complete a full Ironman in less than 12 hours. Someday!
I HATE … when I am a clutz.
I FEAR … falling short of my goal.
I HEAR … the music from Dirty Dancing movie. WOW! Talk about flashback. LOL!
I DON’T THINK … I will ever develop a fondness for napping.
I REGRET … not starting my business sooner.
I LOVE … coffee, Starbucks, lattes, and coffee.
I CAN … accomplish what I set my mind to.
I DANCE … anytime I can. Although, it doesn't mean I am good.
I SING … ONLY when alone. I'm tone death.
I NEVER … nap, sleep more than 7 hours or pass up the opportunity to make a new friend.
I RARELY … go to be before 11:30PM.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH … see an animal being treated cruelly.
I KNOW THAT … tomorrow will hold great opportunity.
I HATE THAT … there I can't give more time to Special Olympics.
I NEED … a new office desk. More storage would be fabulous!
I SHOULD … call my friends and family more often.
I BELIEVE … in the power of positive thinking.

What about you.....give it a shot.

Vendor Spotlight: PaperFlydesigns

As I was perusing some of my favorite designers, I had the pleasure of finding a wonderful stationer based in Houston. PaperFlydesign was created by a very talented graphic designer - Jana. Her custom inspirations are unique, fresh and ooh so memorable. Being a paper-person, I was greatly impressed by the various ways which the she can create your wedding stationary to fit your style.

If you are a discerning Bride looking for a memorable piece, you may consider the "City Romance" collection which features a journal style invitation with enclosures.

If you're like me, you're drawn to the clean, contemporary look. I was particularly drawn to the "Something Blue" collection.

With invitations like these setting the tone, how could your guests possibly decline attending your wedding?!

Tips for the Summer Bride

Photo By: J.Cogliandro Photography

For all those Brides who chose to wed during the summer, you may be wondering the best ways to look fabulous and beat the heat. Here are some helpful tips I share with all my Summer Brides.

1. Spray Deodorant - you may find this to be a "matter of fact" item. However, I recommend each brides to spray it all over their body. It does not clump or flake off. The benefit is that it does help reduce sweating underneath the dress. It would be recommended to find one that is non-scented.

2. Water, and plenty of it - on the wedding day, your extra nervous and very pre-occupied. Drinking and eating may not come to mind. However, it would be best to stay well hydrated to prevent fainting or dehydration. It also helps to keep your skin beautiful with a healthy wedding day glow. A lack of water will also cause swelling and may cause your shoes to become quite uncomfortable.

3. Boscia Blotting Linens - these wonderful little sheets are life savors for maintaining a picture perfect complexion. Makeup should look like and non-cakey. Just by patting the extra oil places is best for maintaining this look. The best thing is, they are small enough to fit inside most dainty bridal handbags. For convenience, you can order them online at Sephora.

4. Two tuxedo shirts - this one technically isn't for the bride. However, it surely can ensure a happy Groom. If you plan on spending any time outside capturing fantastic pictures, the heat is surely going to cause the Groom some discomfort also. In case your Groom is highly responsive to the heat, having a clean, dry shirt to change into before making the grand entrance will be a welcome suggestion.

5. Parasols - while, you may think these are normally reserved for a time forgotten or southern soirees. Cute parasols can be a unique decorative item for any chic wedding party. Having a little shade available will be a much needed relief while under direct sunlight if pictures are being taken outside. Plus, they are just so feminine in a diva way. With companies such as Bella Umbrella providing parasols with style, who could resist?!

Featured Vendor: Green Orchid Events

Congratulations to Green Orchid Events for recently being invited to join Little Black Book hosted by Style Me Pretty. This is a prestigious honor as they select 3 vendors per category in an area. Green Orchid Events is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Juliet established the firm in 2007 and has been experiencing great success ever since. Clients feel Juliet's team is a highly valuable addition to any their wedding team.

A Romantic Affair on Galveston Island

On a beautiful late afternoon, a couple in love wed by the sea with sounds of the waves playing in the background. Call me a hopeless romantic, but there is nothing more breath-taking than an outdoor ceremony.


Katie and James is truly a dynamic couple. The ceremony was held on the grounds of the historic Hotel Galvez. They were joined by 140 of their closest friends and family. The aisle was colorfully lined with apple green lanterns and ivory flower petals. The bride shared a touching moment with her father as he walked her down the aisle.

The celebration followed with cocktails and dinner at The Roof Garden nestled in the heart of the Strand District. Guests were greeted with caricatures and a stunning room draped in apple green linens, black & white damask overlays provided by A Narcissus Affair and cymbidium orchid center pieces by Nasa Flowers. Guests enjoyed a candy buffet filled with an assortment of candies in shades of white, green and chocolate. The guests dined to a scrumptious sit down dinner provided by Chef Tim Catering.

Many Bonds with A Snap In Time captured the evenings most memorable moments. It was truly a pleasure to assist Katie and James with creating an evening they will remember always. This will be one of the most memorable weddings for me. Especially, since we share the same love for apple green. My signature color!

Top 5 Honeymoon destinations

1. Hawaii: Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Its wonderful warm weather and laid back atmosphere is the perfect place for love birds to visit. By day, you can bath in the sun, snorkel, visit volcanoes, hike through rainforests, shop or just lounge around the pool. By night, you can try fabulous restaurants, enjoy a luau or simply sit under the stars. There are plenty of things to do and experience with your true love.

2. South Pacific: If you're looking for a more secluded tropical experience, you may want to hit the beaches in Tahiti or Bora-Bora. Tahiti's palm filled landscapes, coconut plantations, vanilla farms and relatively few tourists make this island a romantic place for two. Put a fragrant white tiare, Tahiti's national bloom, behind your left ear (that means you're taken) and you'll fit in perfectly among the deep green valleys, waterfalls and fields of flowers. Bora-Bora's sugary sands and clear, aquamarine waters are just as magical. Explore lagoons and even stay in your very own hut built on stilts right on the water.

3. United States & Canada: While you wouldn't think of the US or Canada as being the most exotic destinations for a honeymoon, there are so many places to visit, it's difficult not to mention at least a few. For the epicureans, taste thousands of gourmet wines and some of the world's finest food in Napa Valley, California. After a winter wedding, ski world famous slopes in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Swim with dolphins in Florida after your summer nuptials. In New York alone you can view the amazing Niagara Falls, shop fabulous couture stores and check out glitzy Broadway shows. Canada, with its amazing scenery in Montreal and vivacious nightlife in Vancouver, are wonderful ways to share time together. And don't forget Disney for those couples looking for fun, magical moments.

4. Caribbean: With over 20 islands to choose from, taking a honeymoon to the Caribbean will surely be a treat! While on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, enjoy bathing in waterfalls, watching six different types of dolphins and napping in hammocks. Get lost in Bermuda and experience the wonderful coral reefs and shipwrecks which gave this place the nickname, "Isle of Devils" and breathe in the aroma of freesia, bougainvillea and passion flowers. For fun-loving couples, try Jamaica, mon! Being the third largest island, Jamaica has extravagant nightlife, six mountain ranges and miles of beach. If you like to stay close to the US while still experiencing the tropical atmosphere, then Puerto Rico is perfect for you. Filled with stunning high-rises and nature reserves, this island is a cinch to navigate and the US dollar is the national currency.

5. Mexico: Carved out of the jungle, Cancun sits at the tip of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula with large resorts and exciting nightlife as well as ancient Mayan ruins and palm fringed beaches. Enjoy your days on the beach and hiking through the jungle and your nights enjoying fabulous food and dancing the hours away! Unlike Cancun, Cozumel is relatively quiet-only 3% has been developed. There are more than 30 charted reefs, this island is perfect for the couple who wants to experience nature in a quieter setting. Perhaps exciting Acapulco is more your style. 130 foot cliffs tower above the ocean and you can view professional divers taking the plunge into its foamy depths. Or you can strap on a parasail for a birds eye view of the bay.