Secret Garden

Courtesy of Photography by Tessie

As you remember, I chose flowers as one of my DIY projects.  You can read about that here.  So I've gone back through my photos from the wedding to give you a bit more insight into my flowers.  I used silver colored chalices for the larger pieces and julep cups in the same color for the smaller ones.  I got both of these here. I also chose a 24" clear glass pilsner vase for the head table.  I stuffed the base of this with a few sheets of crumpled up iridescent foil, which I picked up at Michaels.  Included in this order as well was a case of Aquafoam blocks.  I cut them in half for the chalices and they fit rather snugly.

Courtesy of Photography by Tessie

The large pieces then, consisted of red, pink and purple roses, eggplant calla lilies, Purple Hydrangea, Purple Carnations and Red Garden Roses.  I think I did a pretty decent job choosing the color palate, if I do say so myself.  My bouquet consisted of all of the above sans the Purple Hydrangea and Purple Carnation.

The silver pillars on the table came from ZGallerie (I love them!), as do the silver spheres.  The silver trays that they are sitting on my mom picked up at a party store I think.  I ordered a case of off-white UNSCENTED pillar candles, assuming that vanilla bean times twelve would be rather nauseating while you try to enjoy your dinner.

Courtesy of Photography by Tessie

I used bouquet jewelry from Cristalier.  I also used extras on the girls' corsages.  There is platinum ribbon wrapped around the handle of my bouquet and secured with boutonniere pins.

Courtesy of Photography by Tessie

Overall, the flowers turned out great and I got lots of positive comments on the tablescapes, including an offer to assist with a future floral business...ha, ha.  Looking back, doing my own flowers created a very special memory for me.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

A Capitol Idea - Our Venue

Aside from figuring out if it was "capitol" or "capital" (I came to the conclusion you could use both) - planning a wedding at the Pennsylvania State Capitol is rather simple.  The biggest issue you have is logistics - getting your "stuff" ie, flowers, tables, chairs into the space is the most difficult aspect.  The jaw-dropping venue is very popular in our area - you can hold a non-religious ceremony, but still have a reverent feel. 

The biggest drawback for most brides is getting the venue in the first place.  This was my big "want" for my wedding, so I was willing to allow the venue to set my date.  We wanted something in the spring and it just so happened that a couple had cancelled, so we took their date.  This does not happen for everyone (or anyone - we were pretty lucky), so if you want this venue, you have to plan ahead - about 2 years ahead.  I worked with DGS (Department of General Services) to set up our date and to coordinate drop offs and pick ups, deliveries and that sort of thing.  They were very helpful and made this one of the easiest parts of planning my wedding.

Things I've Learned Doing My Own Flowers

Okay, okay.  I know doing your own flowers is one of those things that appeals to a small minutia of brides.  That said, I think that going in with eyes wide open can make this option more viable for more brides.  Not to mention thrifty.

I did all of the flowers.  Bouquets to Boutonnieres, Corsages to Tablescapes, it was all me.  Here's what I learned:

1.  Make absolutely certain someone is chained to the address you are having your flowers delivered to, even if you are quoted a delivery time.  Our flowers showed up 2 hours early and we had to ask them to do a second attempt delivery because we thought they were arriving much later.  Excess Stress does not help this close to the wedding.

2.  Buy too many containers to prep your flowers in.  We had to make another run for containers mid-way through prepping on Thursday.

3.  Invest in quality florist shears.  I was thankful I had purchased something other than a pair of Fiskars office scissors.  It makes a difference.  In that vein, waterproof garden gloves were essential.

4.  When in doubt, buy water.  We weren't sure the flowers would "like" our water, so we were cautious and purchased spring water for the flowers.  Nothing exotic, cheapest they offer is fine.  Buy way too many of these too - you can drink what's left.

5.  Make sure you clear your schedule the two days before your wedding to deal with the flowers.  It is a lot of work (which you pay for if you hire someone), but it is quite doable with some help.

6.  YouTube is your friend.  There are hundreds of arrangement ideas and tips out there if you look for them.

7.  Don't be afraid to re-do your bouquet (I did).  I did my bouquet first but came back after rehearsal and tore it apart to change out some of the blooms.  I never looked back.

8.  Use floral foam.  Buy it in bulk.  Soak it for 2 hours.  The flowers hold up beautifully, as long as the venue knows to put a little water in the next morning.

9.  In that vein, if you can store them at your venue DO IT.  So much easier than lugging flowers to the venue the day of your wedding.

10.  Do not use hydrangeas in your bouquet unless you are using entire blooms.  This is why I tore my bouquet apart.  I wired some hydrangeas and they just don't hold up.  They DID do well in the centerpieces, and would be fine if you are able to keep them in water as long as possible.

11.  Transportation.  Make sure you have a vehicle or someone who can assist you in moving your creations safely.  Keep your boxes that your flowers come in - they were useful in transporting our arrangements.

12.  Use wholesale disposable containers whenever possible.  I ordered silver-looking vessels and some julep cups.  It was great to offer arrangements that guests oohed and ahhed over as parting gifts, without having to tear them apart and repackage them.

13.  Manpower to set up centerpieces.  This depends upon how complicated your tablescapes are.  Enlist a friend who can't afford to be a bridesmaid but wants to help.  She is also a good option for helping you prepare and make the arrangements.

14.  This is NOT as hard as it looks.  The biggest thing to remember is that its not about perfection, but about your own achievement at your own level.  Be ambitious, but not overly so.  Be flexible with your esthetic.  This is not a project for the overly-controlling bride, believe it or not.

In the interest of full disclosure, I have done one party of similar guest count prior to my wedding.  I am not a florist, I have not taken any classes on arranging or horticulture.  I have to say, having used vases and floral foam to arrange flowers, I prefer the foam 1000 to 1.  Chop it short, stab it in, move on.  My mother, who has even less experience, is confident she can arrange flowers now.

So all of this to say, doing your own flowers can be a great option for a bride who wants to save some money (I spent probably $900 on flowers and supplies all totaled - and I think I got about $2K worth of arrangements).  It is not for the bride who has to have everything "just so", but if you are willing to be flexible with your final product, you can create something that adds extra personality to your wedding.  I have to say I love my bouquet more because I made it myself - and despite all the work it was, I'd do it again.

Flower Gathering

Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

At the risk of sounding completely crazy, I have a confession.  I'm doing my own flowers.


I must confess, I've done this before.  Granted, not for a wedding, but a birthday party of equal size.  It requires a bit of give regarding the precise look and perhaps flower choice for each arrangement.  It also requires either extra hands or extra time to prepare.  But, you can say you did your own - which to me is special in its own right, and save a good bit of money too.

I've found the best way to do this is to do your research.  You Tube has tons of videos showing you how to make all sorts of arrangements and bouquets.  There are just as many books on the subject.  Where to get your flowers depends upon where you live and what flowers you want.  Many wholesale florists will sell to the public, so you can google or ask around for good ones in your area.  There are tons of websites that offer wholesale flowers, two of which I have used and loved:  www.bloomsbythebox.com and www.fiftyflowers.com.  Buy a dozen from your florist or grocery store and try a small arrangement before you decide this is the option for you.

The one thing I recommend is to order a sample batch of flowers from your chosen supplier, something delicate like hydrangeas, to test the shipment times and quality.  Use these test shipments to create a nice centerpiece for your dining room table, or to give as a gift.  Once you feel confident you can place your orders.

I know this option is definitely not for everyone and that I have a small event to do arrangements for, but for the right money savy bride, this option is too good to pass up.

Celebrity Wedding - Cate Edwards

This Saturday, Cate Edwards, will marry on her parents' estate in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  Cate is the daughter of politican John Edwards and the late Elizabeth Edwards, who lost her battle with breast cancer last December.

Happily, Elizabeth had the opportunity to assist her daughter in planning one of the most special events a mother and daughter can share.  Cate's beau Trevor Upham proposed just two short weeks before Elizabeth passed, giving the ladies just a few precious weeks to flip through magazines and talk about the upcoming nuptials.  The ladies managed to decide on a "rustic-romantic" theme for the outdoor wedding together.

The 100 acre estate will host three days of festivities for the couple's 150 guests, and is the home at which Elizabeth spent her final days.  The fete will feature Southern home cooking and outdoor cocktail parties, culminating in the nuptial ceremony. 

Father of the bride John Edwards, will be present to escort his daughter down the aisle.  Facing charges of violating campaign finance laws, his trial has been postponed so he may attend the event.  Elizabeth will surely be in attendance as well on this happiest of days.

Bridal Events - Mechanicsburg

For our Central PA brides, Sunday October 30th from Noon to 4 pm join other area brides at the Mechanicsburg Bridal Walk, showcasing bridal services from the Mechanicsburg area, and hosted by Main Street Mechanicsburg.  Should be a nice way to get some fresh air and do some wedding planning at the same time!

 

The event is free to the public and is rain or shine.  There will be raffle prizes and refreshments available.

Visit Discover Mechanicsburg's website for more details!

Bridal Show - Rose Bridal Party

For our Central PA brides, mark your calendar for Sunday, October 30.  From noon to 4 pm, Rose Radio, May Grant Associates and Dream Weddings PA will hold their annual Rose Bridal Party at the Eden Resort in Lancaster.  Over 70 vendors will be available for your perusal.  The best part is that admission is FREE!

If you register to attend, you are automatically entered to win The Dream Weddings Giveaway including a minimum $15,000 wedding package toward your dream wedding.  The winner will be chosen from the registrations at the end of the show (you must be present to win).  If you preregister you get two entries!

Other prizes include a honeymoon to Palace Resorts in Mexico compliments of Dream Makers Vacation Services.

Childcare is available by Just Play PA I wrote a post on them here.

Get all the details at Rose Radio's website!

All You Need is Love

Guess who tied the knot for the third time this weekend?  None other than Sir Paul...to Nancy Shevell, a Vice President of a trucking company.  The low-key pair met in the Hamptons shortly after Sir Paul's messy divorce from Heather Mills in 2008.

Bandmate Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach attended, as well as George Harrison's widow.  Barbara Walters managed to snag an invite as well as cousin of the bride.  The other Beatles connection is that they wed on the late John Lennon's birthday.

Designer Daughter Stella dressed both the blushing bride and dapper groom for their vow exchange in London's Town Hall on Sunday.  Stella also chose the vegetarian menu for the reception at the legendary Beatle's home.

We at Rewed Bride with Sir Paul and his new bride every happiness. 

Sealed with a KISS

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Congratulations are in order for KISS bassist Gene Simmons and his long time girlfriend Shannon Tweed!  The rocker and former Playboy playmate tied the knot on Saturday....about time!  This is not only great news for Tweed, 54, but for their two children Nick, 22, and Sophie, 19.  Sophie was Shannon's maid of honor, and Nick and Sophie sang "At Last" by Etta James for their parents first dance (aw!!!)

According to US weekly, there were 400 guests in attendance at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Details of the legendary rocker's nuptials will air on A&E's Gene Simmons Family Jewels in late October.  Can't wait!

Sample Sale - Central PA Brides

For our Central PA brides, Taylored for You in Mechanicsburg is having their annual sample sale October 9-10 from 12-5 pm.  Bridal gowns offered at up to 75% off, plus maids and mothers gowns, accessories, shoes, jewelry, etc.  Sales are cash and carry with no special orders.  Call for your appointment.

Taylored for You Bridal Boutique
516 East Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 691-5782
email | www.tayloredforyoubridal.com

Celebrity Wedding - Molly Sims

After a short engagement, model Molly Sims and producer Scott Stuber celebrated their wedding over the weekend in a romantic, intimate ceremony in Napa Valley.  The model/actress/jewelry designer wore a stunning Marchesa number, and the  Love and Other Drugs producer wore Tom Ford. 

Molly's bridesmaids wore Elizabeth Kennedy dresses.  Looks like it was an amazingly beautiful, yet personal and heartfelt day.  Congratulations to Molly and Scott!



For more pictures of Molly and Scott's celebration, check out the new issue of PEOPLE, on stands Friday.

In the Know

I have long been a fervent fan of Colin Cowie, writing a post about his book here.  The South African native has an eye for the magical and inspiring, a cool James Bond debonair and the ability to convince you that you, too, can throw spectacular parties.


I'm thrilled to have been invited to preview Colin Cowie's new website, Colin Cowie Weddings  Chock full of his advice on everything from chic flowers to proper undergarments and convincing your man to write thank you notes, this website is my new go-to for all things wedding.  It will be accessible through his main website by late October. 

A Walk to Remember

Every bride dreams of her wedding day and her father walking her down the aisle.  But what if Dad isn't an option?  How about second weddings, is it still okay?  What is acceptable for reweds?

The good news is that anything goes as far as your escort down the aisle.  Have a close bond with Mom?  What about your son or daughter?  A brother?  All are acceptable and appropriate choices for your walk down the aisle in your father's stead.  Choosing to fly solo is also popular among both first and rewed brides.  Consider who holds the closest bond, and choose from there.  For you, whether your a first timer or a rewed, your choice could be Dad all the way if that option is available.  Some brides are now opting for both Dad AND Mom to get involved.  I have also seen Grooms meet their Brides halfway down the aisle, usually solo, and escort her the rest of the way - signifying that they have journeyed together to the altar.

Options are endless regarding your choice of escort on your special day - each choice is as individual as you are.  Think outside the box and make your choice a heart-felt one, bringing another layer of meaning to your special day.

Happy Planning!

Voice of an Angel

I discovered Jama Jandrokovic and La Belle Voix, NY while doing preliminary research for holding our wedding ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island.  After much deliberation, I had decided to part with the skippy "Here Comes the Bride" tune - one I hate with a great passion - in exchange for something with a nod to my hubby-to-be's Catholic upbringing...."Ave Maria".  Unfortunately for me - not just anyone can do this angelic piece justice, and so the search was on to find the perfect "voice".

I have to confess I found La Belle Voix through GigMasters.  The thing I like most is that they offer packages for your ceremony, including extra musicians of all kinds.  One stop shopping for beautiful ceremony music.  Based out of New York, they are willing to travel anywhere in the world for your ceremony.  Check out their website to hear clips of Jama's amazing voice, that has graced the likes of the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. 

Really, you shouldn't have.....

 
Much ado has been made about whether or not to register for gifts when you get married.  Two distinct camps emerged, one arguing its flat-out tacky, the other reasoning that its better to tell them what you want, than get stuck with something you definitely don't (like a pink bunny suit).  Enter to the mix the second-time bride, and the quandary just got larger.

Most of us second-timers (or third, or fourth) know that not everyone will be pleased that you are marrying again in the first place - so it is to be expected that silly things like registries will divide your guests too.  I have been fortunate enough to attend a second wedding recently in which the couple did not register for anything.  We ended up writing a check.  Which is fine, nothing wrong with Moo-Lah, but we wish we could have wrapped something that they loved.  It didn't matter to me that it was her second wedding - I wanted to celebrate with her.  I realized quickly that perhaps a registry was indeed in order - even if I felt it was unnecessary.


So, even though I am putting a request to donate to a favorite charity on our website, we are also registering at a couple places for a few things in several price points.  Its not a full registry, but there are some things we'd love to have.  So go ahead, register for the things you would LOVE to have but its just not in the budget.  Yes, there will always be those strange gifts - but at least you can give subtle nudges in the right direction.  Most of your guests will appreciate it!

Famous Second Time Brides

Marrying more than once isn't as unusual as you might think.  Here is a collection of beautiful, strong second time brides to take your inspiration from:

Elizabeth Taylor:  Who married 8 times before her death March 23, 2011.  She covered nearly every base over her 8 ceremonies.

Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis:  Here is one we often forget.  After her 10 year marriage to John Kennedy ended in a national tragedy, she met and wed Aristotle Onassis 5 years later.

Nicole Kidman:  Married 11 years to couch-jumper Tom Cruise, Nicole wed Keith Urban 5 years after the shocking split.

Bethenny Frankel:  Married to Peter Sussman for a mere 8 months before splitting.  Fourteen years later, she wed Jason Hoppy, an event televised through her popular breakout series "Bethenny Getting Married?" on BRAVO.

Rainy Days and Mondays

Since living on the East Coast these days seems to mean our weather will resemble that of a rain forest, my thoughts turn to every bride's nightmare - a rainy wedding day.  But grey skies don't need to rain on your parade, here are a few rainy day solutions for your less-than-sunny wedding day.

Kind of makes the idea of taking that umbrella "just in case" a little more fun...well, almost!

Sweet Katie

Congratulations to Neil Diamond, he proposed to his manager/girlfriend Katie McNeil early this week!  The singer took to Twitter (where else?) to spread the good news: 

"Good news coming from sunny LA/ and you're the first I want to tell/ Katie & I just got engaged/ and I hope you wish us well. Neil [sic],"  He tweeted the following picture of Katie in London, professing that he was "lovestruck" by her.

 
The "Sweet Caroline" singer has not provided any details on the specifics of his third marriage.  No doubt he will be celebrating with Katie as he is honored at the Kennedy Center Honors this week

Second Time Around

For so many of us, getting married again is a daunting and emotional experience.  We are determined to succeed with the right partner this time. Marrying a first-time groom, there are so many things we "get" to do that would not be acceptable had we been born just a generation ago. Here are just a few things that have changed since I got married last time.

The Bridal Veil - used to be that a gown was okay but the veil was not.  Something about virginal appearance or something.  This argument (to me) went out the door when we started co-habitating with our boyfriends.  Besides, the origin of the veil in American culture had nothing to do with virginity.

Ecru Invitations - why we were relegated to white if we were over 35 or a second time bride made no sense either.  Its paper, people!  Thankfully, today we can chose from a rainbow of color and we are not shunned from things like engraving.

Nice Receptions - Second time brides and their grooms did not have large bashes to celebrate their big day.  Thankfully now we can throw pretty much any kind of party we want to help us celebrate the fact we've wed the person of our dreams.

Gift Registries - ONLINE! - How convenient is it to just point, click, charge, gift wrap and deliver with the click of a mouse!

Vendor Shopping Online - This is the biggest time saver I can think of.  Long before The KNOT and others like it, you were relegated to knowledgeable friends and family or perhaps a book by a famous wedding planner.  Now you can get an idea of who you are meeting before you pick up the phone to schedule an appointment.

Bachelorette parties - These were not common in my circles when I was younger.  I was too busy planning anyway.  Its nice to have a night out on the town with the girls this time though!

Reception Packages - last time around, I found a venue.  Then I found a caterer.  Then I found a baker for my cake.  A DJ, Florist, etc.  My venue would suggest people, but that was pretty much it.  These days I am thrilled to find ready-made packages for different price points.  Anything to make a lovely party and make my life easier too.

This time around is my last time.  I'm thankful for the man I'm marrying and for the future we have together.  I'm also thankful that a lot has changed since I wed the first time (okay, well the prices could have stayed the same....), both personally and in the wedding industry.

So second timers, any changes that shocked you (pleasantly or otherwise) when you began planning your second wedding?

Good Libations

Signature cocktails are a great way to save major bucks without ruining the party.  But what's new, what's now?  I checked in with Bar None Drinks to see what the hip Mixologists are creating, scouting for possible signatures for my reception.  Here are a few that I'll be testing out.

KYY Buon Giorno!

Drink Type: Cocktail 

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Skyy Vodka
1/2 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. Luxardo Marachino Liqueur
1/4 oz. Honey
1 pinch(es) Salt
1 oz. Prosecco
3 chunk(s) Cantaloupe

Instructions

Muddle cantaloupe chunks with honey and sea salt in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, SKYY Vodka, Campari and Luxardo and shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass with crushed ice. Top with Prosecco and Cantaloupe melon balls on a toothpick.

 

B-52

Drink Type: Shooter

Ingredients

1 part Irish Cream (Bailey's)

1 part Grand Marnier

1 part Kahlua

Instructions

Layer Kahlua, Bailey's and then Grand Marnier in a shot glass. Serve with a stirrer.

ABSOLUT Raspberri Royal

Drink Type: Martini 

Ingredients

1 part(s) Absolut Raspberri Vodka
3 part(s) Champagne
3 Raspberries

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with raspberry.