Tis' The Season

It's that time of year again. No, not the holiday season. Okay, well I guess it is but what I'm referring to is engagement season! Most proposals happen between Thanksgiving and the New Year (with more than just a few popping up for Valentine's Day). In the spirit of the season I thought to give some helpful tips to some of my future grooms...

1. Capture It! The sad truth is the human brain is like a sieve. Remember the day you first met your lovely lady? Sure. But do you remember each and every detail of that fateful day? Chances are, no. Your engagement is a huge moment for both of you so why not ensure you can remember it forever? Now, not everyone can afford a professional photographer. I know that. However, everyone has someone they know who'd be down to play creeper for a day and hide behind a bush to get the big moment on film. Trust me, your girl is going to be over-the-moon. Not only to marry you but also to find that memory captured forever. **For those of you who can afford to hire a photographer, check out one of my favorites. He loves hiding in bushes. Wait...you know what I mean ;) Mike Steelman Photographers

2. Generic = No! When you say "proposal" most people get certain images in their heads. Candlelit dinner. Fancy restaurant. Guy pulls out the ring and gets on one knee. Woman puts her hands over her mouth in surprise, says "Yes!". They hug and kiss. Bam. Cue the applause. Here's a secret, my dudes. Every girl wants to be special. In her every day life, she wants to be special. So what makes the proposal any different. Think outside of the box. No woman wants to feel as if you dialed the day she'd dreamed of in. **Check out this video which is a perfect example of non-generic! Surprise Proposal To Bruno Mars' "Marry You"

3. Consult Those Who Know Her Best. Let's take a moment to be real, shall we? There is a very good reason why there is a book out there called Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. We're different. And not just in the obvious sense. No, no. Something that you might see as being a totally rad idea might not be what she's always dreamed of. And that doesn't mean you didn't put the right amount of heart into it. It just means you're a guy and you can't always see what her big ol' heart desires most. She's not going to gush to you about what her ideal proposal is. But you know who she would gush to? Her girlfriends. Her mom. Heck, maybe even her dad. After all, he's been living on planet Venus a lot longer than you have! Don't lose the personal touches that will make this you but do touch base with the people whom she would trust with the silliest of romantic fantasies.

4. Too Much? Never! There has been an abundance of You Tube videos showing flash mobs and marching bands used to propose. To a guy you may think 'That is just too much'. Well, friend, I'm here to tell you it's not. Now, I'm not saying that you need to one-up those people on You Tube but I am saying go big. You wouldn't half-ass your relationship so don't half-ass the proposal. This doesn't mean a million roses flown in from Argentina but maybe it does mean a dozen (or two) roses in her favorite color. Maybe not candles on every single surface of the house but maybe a pathway of candles leading to the spot where you'll get down on one knee. Girls are simple. We like pretty. We like sparkle. We like flowers. We like for-thought. Add that all together and you've got yourself a successful proposal.

5. Surprise With a Capital "S"! Another thing women tend to love? Surprises. The bigger the better. A tip? Don't drop hints. We're like bloodhounds. Drop one little hint and we're figuring that ish out in two minutes flat. We hate our detective tendencies that ruin surprises but we can't help ourselves. So keep it hush hush and give her the best surprise of her life.

Above all else, just breathe. When you know, you know. So listen to that heart of yours and make the lady you can't live without yours this season.

Finally, Happy Holidays! Remember the real reason for the season...love.

xoxo

Never Fully Dressed Without...Sparkle

Bridesmaids dresses. Sigh. How can something with so much potential go so horribly awry? I'm sure most of you have at least one dress that you were asked to wear as a bridesmaid which you would never normally be seen in. Heck, you might even be convinced to burn the darn thing! I'm here to say let there be an end to the ugly or common bridesmaid dress.

More and more I'm seeing brides opt to let their girls choose their own dress in their wedding hue. Because let's face it, no one woman's body is the same. Even if you think that a certain dress is going to look fab-u on all your girls, chances are at least one of your girls won't feel entirely comfortable in your pick.

And, yes, I know. There is an irresistible need to control any and all wedding facets. I mean, after all, it is a once in a lifetime event, right? But, ladies, take a deep breath and...wait for it... just let go. As I often preach, keep sight of why you're doing this thing. It's about your marriage, not a wedding. Make that your mantra!

Anywho, my current love affair? Sparkly bridesmaid dresses. Tell your girls you want something short, sparkly and fun. Want to keep it from looking too Prom-Gone-Vegas? Opt for a neutral sparkler like this gorgeous Pronovias stunner. Love, right?

Happy Friday!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

"How can a woman be expected to be happy with a man who insists on treating her as if she were a perfectly normal human being?" -Oscar Wilde

The man was wise, wasn't he? I'll give you a simple tip, guys. Make your lady feel special. Every day kinds of thoughtfulness can go a long way at keeping that lady of yours completely enamored with you...even while she's doing your dirty laundry.

A few slightly cheesy & cliche examples:
1.) Grab some flowers for her on your way home from work. Even if they're carnations, it's the thought that counts.
2.) Surprise her with anything. Seriously, no matter how small the surprise is it'll show that you were thinking about her. Major plus points, buddy.
3.) Take her out. Meaning, you plan something special. It's all about initiative here. You did it when you first tried to woo her so you can do it now. Keep it up, big boy.
4.) Vocalize! Don't assume she knows you love her or that you think she's beautiful. Compliments are like gold. Hand them out like candy. Golden candy.
5.) Two words. Hallmark. Cards.

I think that's a part of a successful marriage. To always keep the other feeling anything but a "normal human being".

Happy Hump Day!

Wedding Bullies

Ladies (and gents! Can't forget you!) can I offer you some unsolicited advice? When it comes to your wedding... listen to your own ideas, thoughts, wants. What do I mean exactly? It means that while, yes, you would love to hear your mother's fabulous ideas on flowers or your bridesmaid's idea of what a flower girl should wear, you should ultimately take your own desires into account.

This blog is about truth. It's not a marketing scheme. I don't write it because I think it will ultimately get me more business. I write it because a.) I love pretty things and in turn love to share said pretty things with the world and b.) believe wholeheartedly that every bride should have the best day of her life on her wedding...whether she hires me or not. And with that comes a heaping dose of honest reality.

With that said, let me elaborate on the before mentioned topic.

First, mothers. You want to please them, yes? Especially when it's your groom's mother! You want her to think you are God's gift to her sweet little boy and how better to show that than to heed all of her unwarranted wedding advice. She's a little harsh? It's okay, you can handle it. Sure. You can handle it until you look around and realize that your wedding isn't really your wedding at all. And then you're an unholy mess of a girl who is completely unhappy with her wedding. No bueno, guys!

Then there are bridesmaids. Your best gals! They would never step on your toes or hurt your feelings. That is unless they feel that your choice in bridesmaid dress is horrendous or gasp...you're not having an open bar? Unheard of! What do you mean we're not going to Vegas for the bachelorette party? I could go on but I'm pretty sure you all get the bitchy innuendo I'm trying to get across.

I'm writing this because I have some brides who are being bullied. That's what that is, plain and simple. People projecting their own wants and needs on to their friend or daughter, who's not completely emotionally stable at the time (because let's face it, emotions abound when you are engaged!). And I've had enough. I love my brides. I want each an every one of them to have the day of their dreams. I'll do my utmost to make sure that happens. The one thing I can't control are actions like the one I mentioned above.

So, closing argument is two part:

Women in each bride's life: Be kind. Be aware of your words and your actions. Know that this time is not your own. Sure, give advice (when asked) and always, always give support. Never make situations worse. The bride does not need fuel added to her fire. Use phrases like "it's all going to work out" or "we'll take care of it" or even "I LOVE everything you've chosen". Just be decent to your bride. Do not forget that she is a woman just like you.

To all of the brides out there: Know that you are worthy of having an opinion about your own wedding. Know that you can say "no"...multiple times if need be! Know that just because you don't agree with your future-mother-in-law about the seating arrangement does not make you the daughter-in-law from hell. It actually makes you a pretty cool-ass confident woman. And everybody loves confidence. You can take that to the bank.

And I shall now step off of my soap box. The end.

Chevron Obsessed

Today's obsession? Chevron. I cannot get enough of this pattern! It's chic and clean...two of my favorite things! Let's explore just how you can utilize this pattern in your fabulous fete...

1. Invites! Green Chevron on Etsy
2. Table Runners! A Twist on Black & White
3. Bridesmaid Gifts! Aqua & Coral Cosmetic Bags...Too Cute
4. Cake! Peach & Navy Deliciousness
5. Photo Backdrop! Navy & White Photo Booth

The main reason that I love this so very much is because of the possibilities. You can go uber simple with black and white or get a little more colorful with green, aqua, yellow, coral, etc. It's fun, fresh & perfect!

Happy Friday, y'all!

Making Me Blush!

A palette of blush pink paired with either white or ivory and a metallic of silver or gold? Say it with me now...romance! I'm obsessed and I don't care who knows it!

This year seems to be all about the soft touches. How are you bringing the romance to your most romantic of days?

Fingerprints!

Y'all...I've had writer's block. Hard core. Sorry for the silence. I'm gonna bet that you somehow survived though. Yes? Good.

Anywho... I'm back! And I found this super adorable alternative to a guestbook. Who really needs guests names signed in a little book that a.) you'll never look at again (unless you do so just to spite me for saying that you'll never read it ;) and b.) you can't decipher. Uncle Bill is a doctor afterall. Everyone knows you can't read their writing!

This particular poster comes from a lady from Etsy (and if you know me, you know that I love Etsy!). Find her here... Custom Silouette Wedding Poster.

Hope you all had wonderful holidays (it's been that long since I've posted) & if you're newly engaged, congratulations!

Happy Friday!