Till Death Do Us Part....

>> July 28, 2009

... or not.

That is the question in an article that Fox News.com released.

With the high numbers of divorce and they attitude that if it doesn't work out you can just marry someone else later, some are changing their vows from " till death do us part" to "For as long as we continue to love each other," "Until our time together is over" and "For as long as our love shall last".

These alternative vows are popping up all over these days and some say its just a sign of the times. Understanding that the divorce rate is pretty high, I personally still believe you get married once. I have heard the term " he/she will make a great first husband/wife". What an odd way of looking at spending your life with someone. Just assuming that you won't make it with them and going through with a wedding anyway. How odd??

Same for those who know on their wedding day that they are making a mistake and going through with it anyway. I understand the embarrassment and the money spent but your true happiness and what is best for you, should come first.

What do you think? Are you in favor of using "till death do us part" or one of the alternatives?

Read more...

Flower Ideas...

>> July 24, 2009

10 Wedding Flower Arrangement Ideas

1. Mythical Maids
Instead of bouquets, why not have delicate wreaths created for your bridesmaids to wear in their hair. Think ancient goddesses or fairy princesses

2. Petal Power
For a visually stunning send-off, furnish guests with pretty paper cones or teeny baskets filled with rose petals to throw instead of rice or confetti. Escape from your guests while being showered by a fragrant cloud.

3. Find Your Center
Sometimes the simplest flowers can look spectacular in multiples. Perhaps as centerpieces, you could use dense bunches of Queen Anne's Lace and variegated ivy look elegant and lush while imparting a rustic, au natural feel.

4. Blooms for the Groom
These days, stylish grooms and groomsmen are decorating their lapels with mini calla lilies, mini sunflowers, and just about anything else. Exotic boutonnieres are bold and sexy and will refresh any tired tuxedo getup.

5. Silky Solutions
For an exquisite post wedding keepsake that won't fade or dry up, many brides are opting for silk flowers. Roses, orchids, peonies, poppies, gardenias, violets, lilies of the valley, and pansies are all available. Silk flowers can also be a cost-saver or a luxurious splurge, depending on bouquet size and the quality of the vendor's wares.

6. Tied and True
Unstructured, ribbon-tied bouquets are very popular, often in vivid, monochromatic tones.

7. Added Arrangements
For the reception why not consider decorating freestanding tables with different arrangements. Perhaps low bowls filled with ruby red roses and cherries to tall, cylindrical vases wrapped with filo leaves and filled with half a dozen calla lilies. The variety will add visual interest to your reception space.

8. What an Honor
Honor a family member through your wedding flowers. Incorporate their meaningful flowers into your bouquets and arrangements.

9. Finishing Touches
Whether you choose tussy mussy or a fabric bouquet wrap, make sure your chosen style is unique. So talk to your florist about other presentation ideas.

10. Make it Last
After all is said and done, why not think about drying and preserving your bouquet. You could have it frame or mount it behind a glass dome for example. If you're preserving the bouquet yourself, hang it upside down in a dark, airy spot, or disassemble it and air-dry the flowers individually.


{link}

Read more...

93% of People Admit to Getting Lost

>> July 23, 2009

When planning an event make sure to add directions to the location. Even if it seems simple enough to you, others who are not familiar with the area may not find it so easy!

* Print the telephone numbers of the wedding venues somewhere on the card.
* Ask someone who is unfamiliar with the area to test the directions
* Take road closures and construction into account




{LINK}

Read more...

Colored Ties

>> July 21, 2009

Are you looking for colored ties for the groomsmen in your wedding? Want a color you can't find in most stores like tangerine or olive? Try TieBar!

They have over 500 ties all in-stock!! Check it out today!

Read more...

Eat Your Way to Healthy Skin for Your Event

>> July 20, 2009

5 Things to Make Sure You Eat Before ANY Event to Help Your Skin!



















1. Green Tea -- Green tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols -- compounds that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals.
Recent research by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia shows that the polyphenol most abundant in green tea -- EGCG -- also acts as a "fountain of youth" of sorts for skin by reactivating dying skin cells. In addition to its skin-healthy properties, green tea is also high in vitamins C, D and K, as well as riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.

2. Salmon -- Salmon -- along with other fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed -- is high in healthy fatty acids that are key for achieving healthy skin. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body's production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin.
Increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon will help keep the skin supple and youthful. A 1:1 ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3s is ideal, but the ratio in the typical American diet is more like 20:1, so boosting consumption of salmon and other oily fish can help bring that ratio closer to 1:1. Salmon is also rich in protein, potassium, selenium and vitamin B12.


3. Blueberries -- Blueberries are considered by many experts to be the highest food source of antioxidants, which target free radicals that can wreak havoc on skin cells. The antioxidants and phytochemicals (plant sources of nutrition) in blueberries neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage. When skin cells are protected from damage and disintegration, the skin looks younger for longer. Blueberries are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and riboflavin.

4. Carrots -- Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is a required nutrient for healthy skin. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage of skin cells. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells, and a deficiency of the vitamin can cause dry skin. Carrots are also a superior source of fiber, biotin, vitamins K, C and B6, potassium and thiamine.

5. Water-- Drinking plenty of water -- at least your individual minimum intake -- will help keep your skin young and healthy-looking. Water in caffeinated or sugary beverages does not count; water intake must be from pure, clean water, which rejuvenates skin cells. Water both hydrates cells and helps them move toxins out and nutrients in. Nutrition expert Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, says when the body is properly hydrated, it sweats more efficiently, which helps keep the skin clean and clear.

{link}

Read more...

Eric & Allison Wedding

This past weekend I had the privilege of working with Eric and Allison on their wedding day as the DOC. They had a beautiful Buddhist wedding at Allison's Dad's Home in the Highlands in North Seattle.

After the ceremony they had cocktail hour on the terrace overlooking Puget Sound and then an Indian Food buffet with some Western food in it as well.



Allison wore her mother's wedding gown. She made a few alterations so it would fit her perfectly and I have to say she looked like a porcelain doll. Very beautiful!!




The reception was under a tent in the front of the home. It was also amazing and looked fabulous at night with all the candles and lights.

I was very happy to step in and help such an awesome couple!

More pictures in the gallery...

Read more...

10 Wedding Mistakes To Aviod

>> July 15, 2009

I saw this article and really liked the advice....

10 Wedding Mistakes To Avoid
On Bended Knee Wedding Coordination out of Los Angeles wants to help you avoid these common wedding pitfalls.

10. Don't Rock the Cash Bar - When it comes to alcohol at your reception, what you serve is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to serve a full bar, limited cocktails, Beer and Wine, or no alcohol at all will be based on various factors including budget. The one option that is not recommended is a Cash Bar. Your guests should be gracious enough to accept what is being offered to them. If however a guest feels the need for a drink selection that is not offered, chances are that he or she will be resourceful enough to find it.

Also, request that bartenders not put out tip jars. If you are hosting the bar, tell your catering contact that you are happy to pay gratuity to the bartender(s) but that you do not want your guests to feel obligated to tip.

9. Go flat! A huge number of brides give feedback that they wish they had worn flats, having kicked off their heels during the reception. As a bride you can expect to be standing for 8-12 hours on your wedding day. Be sure to break in your shoes well in advance. Even when wearing flats, unexpected blisters can form after a few hours on your feet.

8. Have a little faith. D.J.'s are perhaps the wedding vendor most micromanaged by couples. Too many song requests may actually impede the flow of your party. You hire your D.J. to judge when to play what music. You wouldn't instruct your Caterer step by step on how to prepare food, or your Photographer on what angles and lenses to use. Limit your D.J. request list to a few favorites and a do-not-play list of only the songs you cannot stand. Do not get carried away and have some trust.

7. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. What really matters most to you, the photographer, the music and dancing, the food and wine, the decorations, or being able to accommodate a large guest list? Put your money towards what you care about. You will have regrets if you skimp on what really counts. When you, the Bride and Groom are not footing the bill yourselves however, you may have to forfeit some financial decision-making. If this is the case you will need to compromise on certain priorities or if you really want that pricey photographer offer to pay for one yourself.

6. Bibbity Bobbity Boo. Wedding Dress shops are notorious for having your dress shipped in at the last minute. Think about it, if you owned a Wedding Dress Boutique you wouldn't want every brides dress held at your shop for nine+ months before their weddings. Schedule your first fitting well before your wedding. Your final dress fitting should be no less than 1 week prior to your wedding so that alterations can still be made.

Tuxedo rentals for all attendants must be tried on, that includes Dad. Whether the Tailor seemed to take precise measurements or not, too many men still show up at weddings with high waters or baggy tuxes.

5. Don't hit the road, Jack. Your wedding day is one of the biggest, most important days of your life. You will be exhausted and a bit disorderly the following day. Going away is the last thing you will want to worry about. Wait at least a couple of days before venturing on your honeymoon. Your wits will thank you.

4. Last night of single life. DO NOT hold your Bachelor or Bachelorette party the night before your wedding! This may seem like a no-brainer but many brides and grooms still practice the archaic ritual of drinking all night on that fatal evening. It is simply not worth it, as the Bride/Groom and your attendants will no doubt feel tired, look tired, have a hangover, or worse be sick walking down the aisle. If necessary, request that any out of town attendants arrive a day earlier to help you to prepare and celebrate a different night.

3. No Guidance. With no Director there are too many details left to too many people at your ceremony. Having a Wedding Coordinator allows for one person to coordinate your wedding party processional, music, minister, seating guests and to resolve any unexpected last minute complications. A Coordinator will ease the stress level of everyone, including you, tremendously on your wedding day. So if your location does not include a Wedding Day Coordinator who also directs your rehearsal, hire your own. A Wedding Coordinator may be much more affordable than you think.

2. Stretching yourself too thin. As the bride you will make everyone around you crazy by waiting until the last minute in planning and finalizing details. If you have a hard time planning and prioritizing on your own then get help. You don't want to be remembered as “one of those brides” that put everything off and then expected her friends and family to pick up the pieces, do you?

Do not commit yourself to social events the day before your wedding. This day is meant for you to wrap up loose ends, beautify yourself, attend your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner in many cases, and most importantly get some amount of rest for the day ahead. You are going to need it!

1. High demands. Try to keep in mind that although your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen may offer you extra help, these friends can become taken advantage of. The only "official obligations" of wedding party members are emotional support, the financial expense of wedding attire and travel, participation in the rehearsal and the obvious role on your wedding day. In the case of the MOH or BM, reception toasts are traditional as well. Other help that these individuals may offer should not be viewed as duties, but rather as acts of kindness including: setting up/tearing down, transporting ceremony goods, throwing a bridal shower or other party, distributing gratuities, and any other help that is offered.

Remember to be thoughtful towards your attendants. Bridesmaids may not be comfortable in 4 inch heels, purchasing new jewelry or paying to have their hair or makeup professionally styled. Do not forget to personally thank any bridal party members for taking part in your wedding, as well as family members who gave you assistance. A small thank you gift is always appreciated.

{link}

Read more...

Splash of Color...On Your Feet

My favorite trend right now is colored shoes on the bride. I don't know what it is about that hidden splash of color that makes me so happy, but I know when I get married that one thing I want to do! There is nothing wrong with the traditional white or ivory shoe...but if you want a little edge or unexpected surprise, try a colored pair of shoes.

Here are a few I really like....





What do you think of splashin' your feet? Like the trend or stickin' to the white/ivory?






Read more...

Inspiration

>> July 13, 2009

{love} the pink and green natural feel of this wedding! With the rustic elements and the sophistication of the chandlers you have a great mix to please almost anyone.


{photo}

Read more...

Butterfly Themed Events

Currently I am working with a fun bride to be that loves butterflies! We have Incorporated them on the cake, released at the ceremony, in the floral arrangements, the place cards for seating, and the favors. I feel like it is something that can be overdone very quickly though.


I love this cake because it is super simple with the all white but so cute with the butterflies. This particular cake has fake butterflies on it but you can have your baker do them out of edible sugar if you want the whole cake to be eatable.



Lanterns are really popular right now and this look is great for an outdoor event or for something more simple like a bridal shower or birthday. This is easy to make yourself as well. You can buy the lanterns and just attach the butterflies with superglue. Fun to make and cheaper than going out and buying one that is already done up!

This picture I just love! What a great look for a small reception or bridal shower!

Read more...

Make Your Own Dessert Stands!

>> July 8, 2009

Lately I have seen a lot of events with boxes decorated and set up with different levels and different desserts on them. Got me thinking that you could totally make your own with butcher paper or wrapping paper to fit your event theme and save save save!
You can buy boxes or use shoe boxes ( just make sure they are in good condition) and wrap them up in a great print like and above and then wrap some 2" ribbon around the base, middle, or top.

I worked with a bride who make her own:

Read more...

New Packages

Be sure to visit our website at Lilly Lynn Events and see our new packages under the services page!


We also have a newer gallery with lots of pictures to look at!

Read more...

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

>> July 2, 2009

Hope you all have a very safe and fun holiday weekend!
If you have some great pictures you would like to share of parties you went to or threw, email them to kim@lillylynnevents.com!

Read more...

Watermelon Basil Margaritas

photo and recipe from Martha Stewart

7 1/2 pounds seedless watermelon, rind removed, fruit cut into 1-inch cubes
4 teaspoons superfine sugar
6 ounces (3/4 cup) silver tequila
24 basil leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
3 ounces (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) triple sec
6 cups small ice cubes
Place 24 watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover, and freeze at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).
Puree remaining watermelon and the sugar in a blender until smooth. Pass through a sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl. (You should have 3 cups.)
Place tequila and basil in a glass pitcher, and crush with a wooden spoon. Stir in watermelon juice and triple sec.

Read more...

Blog Archive

  • 4 (1)
  • 4 (1)
  • 1 (1)
  • 12 (1)
  • 11 (1)
  • 10 (4)
  • 9 (20)
  • 8 (8)
  • 7 (10)
  • 6 (5)
  • 5 (11)
  • 4 (14)
  • 3 (16)
  • 2 (14)
  • 1 (18)
  • 12 (20)
  • 11 (5)
  • 10 (10)
  • 9 (12)
  • 8 (8)
  • 7 (14)
  • 6 (19)
  • 5 (25)
  • 4 (24)
  • 3 (24)
  • 2 (55)
2010 © lilly lynn events
blog design . studio M designs