Vendor Spotlight: iDreamOfCake.com

>> March 31, 2009

CAKE!!! I love it and I really appreciate a company who can make them masterpieces!!! Like Duff on Ace of Cakes....but I am off track.
I wanted to share I Dream of Cake who make AMAZING cakes!! Check them out at http://www.idreamofcake.com/



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Wedding Shower Brunch

>> March 30, 2009

Planning a wedding shower? Here is a great menu to get you started!


Watermelon Kiwi Lemonade
4 kiwifruit, peeled and cut into fourths
1 tablespoon sugar
8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
2 cans (12 ounces each) frozen lemonade concentrate
4 cups water
1. Place kiwifruit and sugar in blender. Cover and blend on medium speed just until smooth. Freeze 1 to 2 hours or until firm.
2. Place watermelon in blender or food processor (blender will be full until blended). Cover and blend on medium speed until smooth. Place frozen lemonade concentrate and water in large pitcher. Add watermelon mixture; mix well.
3. Pour watermelon lemonade into glasses. Spoon dollop of frozen kiwifruit on top. Serve immediately.

Cucumber Slices Provençal
1 large English or burpless cucumber, chilled
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato spread
3 tablespoons crumbled chèvre (goat) cheese
Fresh basil leaves, if desired
1. Make lines or indentations lengthwise down cucumber at 1/4-inch intervals, using vegetable peeler or tines of fork. Cut cucumber into 32 slices, 1/2 inch each. Place on paper towels to drain. 2. Spread each slice with about 1 teaspoon tomato spread. Sprinkle each with about 1/2 teaspoon cheese.
3. Serve immediately, or refrigerate up to 1 hour. Top each slice with basil leaf just before serving.
Pesto and Roasted-Vegetable Sandwich Loaf

1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 12 pieces
1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 12 pieces
1 cup whole fresh mushroom, cut in half
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/4 cup basil pesto
1 uncut oblong loaf Italian bread (15 to 16 ounces)
1 container (8 ounces) soft cream cheese with chives and onions
Fresh herbs and herb flowers, if desired

1. Heat oven to 450ºF. Spray jelly roll pan, 15 1/2x10 1/2x1 inch, with cooking spray. Toss bell peppers and mushrooms with oil in pan. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until crisp-tender. Refrigerate 15 minutes to chill.
2. Coarsely chop roasted vegetables. Mix chopped vegetables, parsley and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; set aside. Mix chicken, 1/2 cup mayonnaise and the pesto.
3. Cut bread horizontally into 4 layers. Place bottom layer on plate or tray. Spread with half of the pesto filling. Top with bread layer. Spoon vegetable filling over bread layer. Top with bread layer. Spread with remaining pesto filling. Top with remaining bread layer.
4. Spread cream cheese over outside of sandwich loaf. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish loaf with fresh herbs. Cut into 8 slices; cut each slice in half. Store covered in refrigerator.
Berry Cheesecake in Chocolate Crust

2 cups chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
4 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups berries

1. Heat oven to 325ºF. Mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press on bottom and slightly up side of ungreased springform pan, 9x3 inches, to seal bottom.
2. Place cream cheese, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup sour cream and the orange peel in food processor. Cover and process until smooth. Add eggs. Cover and process until well blended. Spread over crust.
3. Bake about 1 hour 20 minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack 15 minutes. Run metal spatula along side of cheesecake to loosen; remove side of pan. Refrigerate uncovered 3 hours; cover and continue refrigerating at least 4 hours.
4. Mix 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tablespoons sugar; spread over top of cheesecake. Top with berries.

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Beautiful Brooches


Beautiful red and clear oval rhinestone antique brooch. This one is from my personal collection that I just don't use anymore. Hardly worn in mint condition. 1.50" tall X 1" wide.Has all the sparkle and no staining on the rhinestones.
Etsy $35.00





ANTIQUE GREEN PIN. Beautiful and very dainty and petite. Is round and measures 3/4 of an inch wide. Nine gems all together. One large in the center and eight smaller ones surrounding it. Silver back. Great shape, everything there and working. Nice and clean. You'll love it.
Etsy $7.00


Lovely rhinestone pin, wear with a scarf, on a turtleneck or the lapel of your jacket. Excellent condition. Not a signed WEISS, but has an open back.Rounds, rectangles, and small stones, all sparkle.Slightly smaller then 2 inches in size.
Etsy $10.00

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Picking Your Ring

>> March 26, 2009

I remember when I was 18 and got engaged I was all about the biggest ring with the most bling! But now that I am older and looking back on the wedding that never happened and the ring I gave back, I am thinking that a smaller more petite ring will be more my style.

I always look at the engagement rings of my clients and most of them are a modest solitaire. Which is gorgeous and a classic look. Recently I have had my eye on the rings with a stone in the middle and little ones around it or some on the bands. But enough about the ring I am no where close to getting!

When you picking your ring, or giving hints to your boyfriend, make sure you pick one that fits your lifestyle. If you work in an office and your digging in files all day you don't want something that sticks far out and will get caught in the papers. It should also fit YOU! Nothing is less satisfying than seeing a casual girl with the big blingy rock on her hand. Not that she can't have it, but it just doesn't fit!

When your shopping for rings, look around. Just because you like it at one store doesn't mean you can't find one similar that might be better priced somewhere else.

Take your time and try them on...don't be in a hurry :)

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Good Buy: The Best Wedding Reception Ever

So I don't normally promote books about planning weddings or receptions since that I what I do! But, I saw this book and I know there are people out there who need some help and can't afford for a consultant or planner.

For those of you who want to plan from books, I found one that I really like! It's called The Best Wedding Reception...Ever! by Peter Merry
Here are some interesting stats about the book:
26 Chapters 208 Pages Over 75,000 Words 104 Photos9 Couple Profile pages featuring real couples and their unique agendas. 3.5 page Bibliography listing all sources for stats, quotes, and creative ideas. In Part III: "Adding Your Personal Style"You wil find 141 Creative ideas for personalizing your Reception and Ceremony.

You can purchase the book at www.thebestweddingreceptionever.com for $24.95

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Know how to Negotiate with your Vendors?

>> March 25, 2009


Even if you're working with the hottest vendor in town, there's always room to negotiate, especially if there's a good reason to reduce costs -- like having the wedding on a less-popular Friday night. Here are some more crucial pointers.

Know the market
Find out what other vendors offer for the same price point, and use this as leverage. Ask about every single thing that's included in your package. Then find out in advance what extras are going to cost -- and whether those costs can be waived.
Stick to your limit
A vendor may be willing to cut you a deal as long as you agree to something additional -- for example, he might consent to give you an extra hour of shooting, but only if you have him take your engagement photos. What you need to ask yourself is whether this will actually cost you more in the end.

Adopt a friendly but firm demeanor
There's no harm in politely asking for a deal. If vendors are excited to work with you, they may be more willing to come up with creative solutions.

Be indifferent
You need the vendor to believe that if he or she won't meet your offer you will walk away. Consider collaborating with your fiance to employ the old good-cop-bad-cop routine.

Practice makes perfect
Try your hand negotiating at a flea market to see what talking style works for you.



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Vendor Spotlight - Flowertoss



Flowertoss Weddings is a Seattle based company started by Matthew Sumi and is comprised of Matthew and other talented associate photographers and assistants.

At Flowertoss Weddings they believe that wedding photography should not only be beautiful and lasting, but the process should be fun. Their laidback styles puts an emphasis on candid shots, and can be best described as fine-art meets photojournalism. Rather the focus on cookie-cutter posed pictures, they capture images that tell your individual story as the wedding day unfolds.

They limit their numbers of weddings each calendar year in order to ensure that each wedding album is uniquely tailored to match the bride and groom.



Matthew has an amazing eye and I highly reccomend him for your next shoot! Check out his website and blog. Also check out his work at www.matthewsumi.com



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~ GREAT DRESSES FOR SUMMER WEDDINGS ~

>> March 24, 2009

Avery silk short cross-back dress. Available at JCrew.com($195) Great for rehersal dinners and showers!


Nanette Lepore Tulsa Embroidery Slinky Dress. Available eLUXURY($340). Great for semi-formal weddings, rehersals, and summer weddings you are attending.


Kay Unger Lace Dress. Available at saks.com ($365). Great for formal weddings and rehersal dinners.




Diane von Furstenberg Revel Dress. Available at shopbop.com. ($298). Great for beach weddings, garden weddings, and showers.

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~ One Bite Reception Foods ~

There is a company in California called Bite Catering. Everything they serve you can eat in one bite. I got to thinking, even if you aren't in their catering area, you can use their idea for your reception or bridal shower.

They make tomatoe soup that they serve in a shot glass with a small piece of grilled cheese sandwich on the side. How easy is that? Just purchase some shot glasses, make your soup and pour some into each glass. Then make your whole sandwich and cut it into pieces. Ta-da you have a one bite appatizer for your party!


You can use this same idea for burgers, cakes, cookies, fries, crab cakes, and so much more!


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~ GREAT ARRANGEMENTS ~

>> March 23, 2009

I love flowers! They are so pretty and so much can be done with them. These 3 fall in my top picks for spring weddings. Each one has a great look!

For the traditional wedding:


















This arrangement was done by Creative Concepts & Designs in Texas. I like the simplicity of the arrangement for a traditional wedding. Very clean cut and beautiful.

Higher end/ Fancy Wedding:




















This arrangement was done by Boston Blooms. With the richer tones and a Cala Lillies this just speaks of romance and sophisication!

Backyard/Garden Weddings:




















This arragement was shown on Good Housekeeping by using aromatic bells of Ireland in empty olive oil bottles. Great for outdoor weddings and weddings on a budget.

For more ideas or planning help click here

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~ DIY RECEPTION IDEA ~

>> March 20, 2009

Last summer one of the brides I worked with, Sheila, was having an outdoor wedding in Underwood, WA at a winery. We wanted to do cheaper flowers and try to keep the entire centerpiece cost down.

Sheila decided she wanted to use potted plants and decorate the pots somehow with her wedding colors. We decided to do some color alternating with the base and rims and then wrap ribbon around them.

Sheila and Frank spent their evenings painting the terracota with white paint and then using the pool blue, yellow, and black paint to add the color from the wedding.

Over all they were a great way to keep costs down and she gave them away to people at the wedding!

To see more of Sheila and Frank's wedding visit our website in the gallery!

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~ YUMMY FAVOR ~

>> March 19, 2009

In honor of NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CARMEL DAY, I wanted to share a great and easy favor you can make yourself to set on reception tables for your guests! They are chocolate Carmel marshmallows...one of my FAVS!!!

How to:
Buy large pkg of marshmallows

You will need two pots of boiling water on your stove top. Once the steam gets going, place two bowls on the top of the pot to close of the entire top. This way your steam is melting the chocolate and the Carmel. Pour a bag of chocolate chips into one bowl and a bag of Carmel's into the other.

Stick a toothpick in the marshmallow and cover it in the melted Carmel. Wait a few seconds and dip into the chocolate and make sure the entire mellow is covered. Then place on a cookie sheet with wax paper on it and remove the toothpick. Let harden before decorating.

To decorate you can drizzle Carmel or chocolate ( why not both!) over the tops with a spoon and do it quickly to make small lines. Finish off with a small initial of your new last name or with a small decor of some eatable type.

They are tasty and pretty!

For more food ideas be sure to visit biteables our blog on treats!

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~ FEW TIPS FOR PLANNING A BRIDAL SHOWER ~

>> March 18, 2009


3+ Months Before
Talk to the bride. Does she want all women or co-ed? Afternoon tea or Saturday night soiree? Does she want the shower to center around a particular theme style, or color? Does she want to gather at a Chinese restaurant, a quaint tea salon, her grandmother's house, a spa, your apartment? Does she want to serve cocktails? While most of the shower details and decisions will be up to you, make sure you plan according to her input.
Set the date -- shoot for a month or two before the wedding. (If certain maids and important family and friends can't convene until a few days before, hold off until then).
If the shower will take place at a tea salon, private dining room, restaurant, or nightclub, make the reservations.
Create the guest list. (Knot Note: Anyone you invite must also be invited to the wedding).

2 Months Before
Send out casual "save the date" email and/or call important guests such as the bride's best friend from high school, her favorite cousin, the groom's mother, etc. to see if there are any scheduling conflicts.
As a courtesy, call any guests who will have to travel some distance to attend -- they'll appreciate the advance notice.
Confer with the bridesmaids to establish a budget.
Purchase invitations or materials to make them.
Hold a brainstorming session to finalize decisions about table linens, menu, decorations, favors, music, and activities.
Order special menu items through the bakery/caterer and linens, coffee urns, and other equipment from a rental company, if necessary.
Compile addresses for the guest list.
Make a detailed to-do list and assign tasks.

1 Month Before
Assemble and address invitations. (Include information about the couple's registries. And, if it's a theme party, make sure to provide proper gift-giving instructions.)
Mail invitations.
Shop for decorations, paper goods, and other party props.
Purchase favors.
If guests have offered to bring desserts and other treats, call to confirm what they plan to bring -- adjust your recipe plans accordingly.

2+ Weeks Before
Place flower order.
Buy your shower gift for the bride.
Figure out what you're going to wear to the shower. Why not treat yourself to a slick new outfit or dress (you're the hostess, after all)?
Make a shopping list for the food and drinks. Buy any hard-to-find ingredients.
Purchase spirits, if you're having cocktails.
Pick up any baskets, CDs, cake stands, punch bowls, tea services, stereo equipment, or serving platters that friends or neighbors have offered to lend.

1 Week Before
Confirm reservations.
Confirm orders and delivery times.
Confirm RSVPs.
Assemble and/or gift-wrap favors.
Buy groceries.
Create a mental floor plan to facilitate decorating and setting up.
Prepare shower games and activities.

1 Day Before
Prepare any menu items that can be made in advance (or just do prep work).
Receive and set up equipment, assemble decorations and favors, set table(s).
Touch base with the bridesmaids -- confirm who's bringing what and ask them to arrive early to help.
Run last-minute errands.

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~ GREAT DRINK AND FOOD RECIPES ~

>> March 16, 2009

For great food and drink recipes for any party or get together, make sure to check out or Bitables and Cheers! blogs!!!

We update them often so make sure to check back weekly!

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~ SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAM IDEA ~

Help your guests keep cool for your outdoor weddings this spring and summer!Beau-Coop has great customizable choices for program fans!

Contemporary styling and a modern color palette set these die-cut fan favors apart from traditional folding fans. Choose either our classic solid colored fans or our elegant blossom design. Personalize the front of the fans with the couple’s names, wedding date, ceremony site and location inscribed in crisp white script. For the back of the fans, enter your program information. Layout options are as shown in images for each design. For the solid color fans, a free-form option is provided based on text limits.








$25 per set of 25 fans without handles, minimum order 4 sets $30 per set of 25 fans with wooden handles, minimum order 4 sets $35 per set of 25 fans with plastic handles, minimum order 4 sets $138 set up fee, includes 1 free proof









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~ CREATE YOUR OWN MEMORIES ~

>> March 13, 2009

People are always asking me about odd things my brides request and how hard is it really to find them! Most of the time I can find what they are looking for and to me they really aren't that odd. The most recent thing I have heard a request for is a photo booth. I instantly thought that would be so freaking expensive and would take up too much of the budget. But I found this company that rents them for $1550 and you get it for 4 hours with black and whitepics! You can do color and they have more add ons, but that was the base price.

How fun to have a way for your guests to remember your night and for you to have some of your own candid pics!

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~BEACH FUN FOR BRIDES ~

>> March 12, 2009

This spring and summer when you go on your honeymoon to that exotic place you have always wanted to go to ( jealous!) wear something spectacular on the beach.


The full coverage bottom has adjustable sliders on each side and reads JUST MARRIED in crystals on the back. The top is a sexy halter style, has removable padding, and ties at the neck and back. $107.00


Newlywed Beach Towel comes in white with luau couple and Newlyweds embroidered on front. 30" x 60". Canvas tote shown on left also available for $45.00.



Ladies' white sandals with PVC straps have "Just" on one sandal and "Married" on the other to make perfect impressions in the sand.$10

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~ WISH ROCKS ~

I was walking through a store the other day and they have all their new spring stuff out for gardens already. I noticed these big rocks with words on them. Some were carved in and some were painted on. So then I got to thinking... why couldn't you buy black rocks and have people write their well wishes for you marriage on them? Then you can place them around your house or yard so you see them all the time! Way better idea then having them write in a book that you don't often pick up and read.

Photo from Jennifer Griffen

You can get river rocks at most craft stores and a couple markers that will write on the rock surface. From there you can spread the rocks out on the guest book table and have a few already written on so people know what to do.
If you have a person you have designated to help with the guest book, have them wait until some rocks are done and dry and then have a nice bowl or vase for them to be set in.
In case your guests think of more things to write for you, you can set a few on each table with a pen so they can add to the collection at the reception!

For more ideas click here!

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~ Wedding Planning Tips ~

>> March 11, 2009

Planning a wedding takes time and creativity. Most brides have an idea of what they want but need some tips in order to pull it all together and understand the scope of what is needed.

When planning take into consideration the formality of the day and making it all run smoothly. A wedding coordinator is great for helping you smooth out your plans, finding vendors , and helping you the day of the wedding.

Here are just a few things to keep in mind...

Create a “day of schedule”

These are a great tool to make sure all involved in your big day know when to be where and lets your planner know what the day looks like as well. Be sure to include what vendors are coming and when with contact information for your planner.

Too many colors…too busy for the eye
Try to keep it to 2 or 3 main colors for your wedding. When you get more than that it can be too visually distracting for guests.

Outdoor weddings
If you are planning an outdoor wedding be sure to take into account all possible weather conditions when planning your centerpieces and decorations.

Saving money on decorations
If you don’t have a huge budget for your wedding, you can cut costs by cutting the amount of flowers you use. There are so many options for centerpieces you just have to be creative!

Select flowers that are in season and locally available.
If you do, you’ll probably find you can save considerably on cost -- especially if you make it clear with your florist that cutting cost is a high priority.

Schedule your wedding “off-season.”
Nearly 70% of all weddings take place May through October of each year.

Save the Date Etiquette
As the world becomes a busier place, more and more couples are helping their friends and family reserve their wedding date with Save-the-Date announcements.

Wedding Party
Decide ahead of time the order in which the wedding party will proceed down the aisle, as well as who will be escorted, and by whom. You don't want your parents to be lost in the shuffle and seated with regular guests, not given front row seats, or left to find their seats on their own.

Payments
Put your payments for the event, and any other payments for that day, in envelopes and we will give them out that day.

For more ideas... CLICK HERE!!

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~ TOUCHES OF LOVE ~

>> March 10, 2009

For you romantics like me who like to have small sayings and love things around you, why not do it at your reception as well? I found some small ideas to give a personal touch to your reception.



Cocktail napkin, Rexcraft by Artco, 800-635-3898, rexcraft.com. Plate, Jasper Conran for Wedgwood, 800-955-1550, wedgwoodusa.com. Truffle, Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate, 816-842-1300, elbowchocolates.com.

Quote: from "My Love Is Lost," by Judy Garland




Embroidered linen chair back, Toshiko Tanaka, 212-674-3768. Ring, Cousin Claudine, 718-392-7200, cousinclaudine.com. Bracelet, Odegard, 212-545-0069. Dress, Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 212-319-6778, bridalatelier.com.

Quote: from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll




Letterpress flags, Lunalux, 612-373-0526, lunalux.com. Glasses and tray, Tyler Florence for Mikasa, 800-833-4681, mikasa.com.

Quote: from "All You Need Is Love," by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

All three of these ideas are great bridal ideas and will give your reception a small standout touch that you don't see at many weddings.

If you want to use diffent quotes there are many websites with love quotes.
I Love Quotes
Best Love Poems

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~ JUST MARRIED CAR DECOR ~

>> March 6, 2009

FREAKIN'AWESOME!!!!

I have been part of the car decorating committee a bunch of times and I always feel horrible for the bride and groom having to clean all the writing off the windows and all the other stuff put on their car. It reminds me of senior year when we wrote all over our cars with that liquid chalk stuff and then after graduation I had to wash my car like 5 times and razorblade the wirting off!! REDICULOUS!

Well Martha(whom I don't always admit to as an addiction of mine) has her good things for spring weddings and this one is by far the most amazing of all of them.
You can make the garland with string and tissue paper and then suction cup it to the car so it stays in place and doesn't ruin the vehicle! Plus it's unique and you don't see it much. What is better than being origional!!!

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~ Sippin in Style ~

>> March 5, 2009

This is an awesome idea! I love the look and the feel these mason jars with dye cut lids have. Perfect for an outdoor or spring themed wedding.



They are totally adorable and different then what you see at most weddings. You can get the lids in pewter or gold.

You can get bothe the lids and mason jars at one of my favorite sites Candlesoylutions.com.

For cocktail receipes to put in the jars check out ourCheers! Blog. It's update regularly with new drink ideas.

Love Love Love!!!!

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~ FUN AND FEARLESS ~

>> March 3, 2009

Tis' the time of the year to plan spring and summer outdoor weddings!!! LOVE IT!!
Instead of going with the traditional long gown, if your comfortable with a shorter dress .... Rock it! For some girls this look fits their personality and theme. I personally love it because its' different and you stand out. Just pair it with a rockin pair of shoes and head piece. Maybe stay away from the traditional veil if your gonna pull off the look! Here are a few that fit my style!




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~SPRING CENTERPIECES~

>> March 2, 2009

I was looking at marthastewartweddings and she has a link to the 50 best centerpieces. I pulled a few of my favorite from the site for spring weddings.






Centerpieces can be expensive or you can fit them into your budget well. Some florists will eat at your budget really quickly and some will work with you on keeping your flowers low in cost. When I work with a bride who doesn't have a ton of money to spend, I like to use different things such as rocks and branches with candles. So simple yet can be very elegant for an outdoor reception.

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