Dear Readers,

Here is yet another post dedicated to spring-inspired wedding inspiration boards.  These warmer days are slowly approaching, so make sure to bask in the warmth of spring.  Enjoy!

Thanks to Snippet and Ink for captivating the essence of spring!

 

The delightful inspiration board from Betsy White features an outdoor garden setting, sprinkled with the beautiful blooms of springtime.

{ 0 comments }


Dear Readers,

Although it seems this winter generated unusually cold weather, it reminds me that soon the snow will melt, and hints of spring will begin to blossom.  These subtle hints include: little green buds forming on the grey, prickly trees of winter, people walking around the neighborhood a little more than usual, birds frolicking outside your window, and sunshine on your face that feels just a touch warmer.

I can appreciate why many bride and grooms choose to plan their wedding date for a spring-time month, as the abundant beauty of nature can really burst with color.  Some couples choose the spring months due to moderate temperatures, and others because of the gorgeous scenery from fresh blooms.  Additionally, some couples symbolize the rebirth of nature to their own rebirth as a married couple.  Regardless, there are a multitude of reasons couples elect for a spring-time wedding to celebrate their union, so the inspiration boards below can help provide ideas filled with fresh decor, and effervescent hues.

Thanks to This Young House for a gorgeous green array of springtime ideas!

The vivacious color of sunshine glows from the blog of Keen to be Seen!

Next week, With This Favor will highlight two additional Spring Wedding Inspiration Boards!

{ 0 comments }


Dear Readers,

An unknown author once said, “The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.”   Thus,whether it is continuing the legacy of the refined elegance illustrated by Jackie Onassis, to Michelle Obama’s modern style, these ladies have both donned a timeless treasure—the pearl.

Pearls have been a mainstay for decades now, but their origins date back to almost 206 B.C. per Wikiepedia.  There are two formations of pearls, with the cultured pearl cultivated from human aid, and the natural pearl created (as you would expect) in nature, with no human aid.   Therefore, natural pearls are much higher in cost due to their scarcity.  With most of the pearls available across the market as cultured pearls, women adorn themselves with stunning beads of varying colors such as: white, champagne, pink, black, and more.   If you are looking for a high quality luster of pearls with a very affordable price, enjoy browsing through the online boutique at PearlsofJoy.com.  The company features a superb shipping program, 90-day return policy, safe and private purchasing options, and has been featured on The View, and In Style Magazine.  Moreover, Pearls of Joy showcases a myriad of quality pearls (perfect for wedding day), such as Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian.

Revolutionizing the jewelry market, pearls make sophisticated statements from delicate earrings, to a gorgeous bracelet, and of course, the quintessential strand of a pearl necklace.  Additionally, the enduring pearl doesn’t discriminate amongst age groups.  Look around and you may see young girls with small and delicate pearl necklaces, to sorority sisters with their polished pearl earrings, and brides with their bridesmaids beaming in many arrays of pearl bridal jewelry, as well as distinguished ladies of on older generation embellished in the everlasting beauty of pearls.

Consequently, the next time you are searching for the perfect piece of jewelry, select a symbol of what Wikipedia describes as “love, knowledge, wisdom, truth and faith” — the pearl.

{ 0 comments }


Hello Readers!

With digital technology taking the place of many forms of visual art that are tediously done by hand, I am always amazed and pleased to see the whimsical elegance found in calligraphy.  When calligraphy adorns wedding invitations, escort cards, ceremony programs and reception menus, I am always thankful for this personal touch of finesse that a bride and groom add to their wedding.  Recently, I was introduced to Mandi Heilig, owner of Dry Ink Designs, which specializes in design and calligraphy.  She describes her passion as the ”love of working with people to decide a style that works for their use, and then finally seeing their reaction to the finished product.”

So let us take a journey back to the origins of calligraphy. Wikipedia states that calligraphy “dates back to 600 B.C.,”and the evolution of this visual art form has truly created beautiful products through many years.  Therefore, the calligraphers that preserve this historic art form are able to personalize and tailor items to really meet a person(s) vision.   Mandi expressed how important the preservation of calligraphy is because the artform portrays a ”beautiful tradition that is slowly becoming a lost art.”  She also comments that calligraphy ”is a first glance into your special event and is something that I can do fairly easily, allowing me to create something people and excited to use.”

I was interested in how many people become interested in calligraphy and Mandi was so kind to share her journey below:

“I remember years ago, I was very young and was at one of our weekly Sunday Night dinners at my Grandma Grace’s house. She had a set of calligraphy pens, she was very artistic and creative. I had never seen pens like this and wondered how they worked. My dad got the pens out and just started “creating” letters in Old English Style. He showed me how to hold the pen and how to create the different lines to write out the letters. At that point I was young, but hooked and through the years kept working at it and eventually picked up my own techniques and styles.”

Therefore, for brides and grooms who are interested in incorporating a calligrapher and/or designer into their wedding stationary, don’t forget to visit www.dryinkdesigns.com!  Ultimately, your wedding stationary is yet another outlet to make a great first impression.

{ 3 comments }


Mandara SpaIn the world we live in today, there are many opportunities to pamper oneself, whether it involves: a cruise to paradise, a pair of new Jimmy Choos, sipping hot cocoa by the fireside, or even partaking in fine cuisine at a lush restaurant.  However, the epitome of “pamper” to me has been indulging in the exquisite experience of a spa treatment.

After professionally working in the spa treatment industry, I found the amazing benefits to a person’s overall well-being that could be obtained through just a routine Swedish massage.  I have personally experienced many spa treatments through the years, including massages, facials, and wraps, etc.  Most importantly, I discovered the relaxing effects and splendor spa treatments can provide.  Whether it is something you do on occasion, or you elect for a routine of treatments, it can be a break from the “rush and fuss” of everyday life—a fantastic way to treat yourself!

Thus, when my husband proposed to me in Disneyworld (near Cinderella’s Castle, at the Wishing Well), I was treated by him with a couple’s massage at the Mandara Spa in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.

On a special note:  we have been to the Mandara Spa two times since our engagement!

Nonetheless, on our first visit to the Mandara Spa, we were greeted with the soothing smell of lavender and chamomile, along with the friendly greeting of the spa’s staff.  Now, some spa’s lack dressing/locker rooms with many amenities, but not at the Mandara Spa!  The spa offered upscale facilities, with restrooms, a dressing and locker storage area, showers and a steam room.  Additionally, it offered essentials such as: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, face wash, mouthwash, razor, hair brush, hair dryer, plush robes, comfortable shoes, towels, and the Elemis Product line–enriched with plant oils and marine extracts.  I recommend treating yourself in the dressing rooms with peppermint facial cloths that will instantly cool your face.  Talk about invigorating!

Next, the area deemed the “Tea Garden” is such a divine location to peacefully wait before your spa treatment.  Choose from a vast array of tea selections, while settling down on plush and colorful seating in a cultural setting. As you sip on hot tea and decadent honey, gentle instrumental music will add to the beginning of this revitalizing experience.

With many rooms for spa treatments, the Mandara Spa helps you to feel engulfed in tranquility as you step into your own oasis.   Before your appointment you can request a specified gender for your therapist depending on comfort-level.  Regardless, the therapists are ultra-professional and courteous of your needs, really tailoring this special occasion for you.  The therapists are very receptive to how you are feeling, especially with massages, and can transition from a softer touch to a more intense, deep-tissue style of massage.  Every time my husband and I have visited, we have had massages that have fully eased the stress points within our bodies, and brought an overwhelming sense of comfort to our mind, bodies and souls.

Lastly, after your spa treatment has been completed, staff members welcome you to the Meru Temple, a harmonious area to continue to marinate in serenity.  As you bask in the glow of your own radiance, you can hydrate with real fruit-infused orange and lemon water.  You can sit and read a magazine, or close your eyes and use this time to absorb positive thoughts and reflect.  Additionally, there is a balcony outside the Meru Temple if interested in stepping outside to relax.

We highly recommend the Mandara Spa for all couples, especially for special occasions while at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  With all the walking you will be doing amongst the theme parks, a spa treatment is an excellent opportunity to take a moment of rest and leisure during your vacation!

{ 1 comment }


With Valentine’s Day approaching in a little over a month, my thoughts always shift to romantic movies, as well as television shows with romantic couples (for example, Mr. Big and Carrie Bradshaw), and the pleasure I have in watching them.  When perusing my collection of romantic dvd’s (which inevitably, always provide an intense sob session on my part), I began to think about the characters in these movies and  television shows, and the believable connection that they are able to create between one another.

Have you ever thought about how well some of the actors/actresses are able to make you believe that they are truly in love with one another?

Thus, I have created a list of actors and actresses that are able to ignite the “fire” so well on-screen, that I cannot believe they are not currently married or in a relationship together in real life. Can you think of any other candidates that are not on this list?

Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in “Joe Versus The Volcano”, “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail”

Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh

Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in "Gone with the Wind"

Richard Gere and Julia Roberts

# Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” and “Runaway Bride”

Richard Gere and Diane Lane (“Unfaithful,” and “Nights in Rodanthe”)

Richard Gere and Diane Lane in “Unfaithful” and “Nights in Rodanthe”

Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston (ahhh…love the “Bodyguard”)

Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston (ahhh…love the “Bodyguard”)

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams (although the “Notebook” brought them together, this on-again/off-again couple seems to currently be taking a break)

Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones

Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in “Zorro”

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in “Titanic” and “Revolutionary Road”

Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad

Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad on “The Cosby Show”

Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire

Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire (think the “Rocky” series..”Yo, Adrian!”)

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart (for all the “Twilight” series fans)

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in “The Wedding Singer” and “50 First Dates”

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet

{ 1 comment }


winter 1

Our appreciation goes to Australia Entertains for a nostalgic winter wedding board!

winter 3

The whimsical beauty of winter is illustrated through Ashley’s Bride Guide .

winter 4

Gold highlights this winter theme by Wedding Bee .

{ 1 comment }


8mm Wedding Still Shot

While there are mass amounts of decisions to make before wedding day, an important decision for some is to have a way to reminisce their wedding day and its special nuances.  Thus, many brides and grooms choose to have a videographer(s) to capture the wedding ceremony and reception–even interviews from the bride, groom, family and friends before the big day.

An emerging creative technique in some engagement videos and wedding day videos has been the use of Super 8mm film.  My first thought when I think of this type of film is the old home movies that were made and played on a projector.  The videos I see now with Super 8mm film are beautifully crafted, incorporating the nostalgic feel of the mid -1900’s, with a modern edge of vintage glam.  Below are my favorite links to videographers I found with expertise in Super 8mm film that have some of their work posted on their web pages–love it!

Vantage Point Custom Films – check out Mindy and Brian’s Highlight Video for a gorgeous depiction of Super 8mm film.

Goodwin Films —  look at Megan and Nate’s Destination Video, Rachel and Jordan’s Wedding Video, as well as Katie and Spud…how breathtaking!

Super 8mm Wedding Movie by Goodwin Films

With that being said, there are many options a videographer may be able to offer the soon-to-be newlyweds, so I suggest to keep options open and look at: the varying packages (amount of hours available, number of videographers present, cost, special touches etc.), past referrals customers and if possible, past work.  Also, just because a videographer might offer an amazing package that includes videography and even DJ services, always do your research into what the package consists of, and the expertise they have in the field.

On a final note,  be prepared to pay a little more for the added feature of Super 8mm film to your videography package.  Many couples feel the added cost is well worth the sparkling final product which yields a video that is not only tailored to the bride and groom, but provides an additional layer of exquisite film expertise,  uniqueness, and timeless moments that are highlighted in shimmering detail.

<object width=”425″ height=”344″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/BFxrEr2uRK4&hl=en_US&fs=1&”></param><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”></param><param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always”></param><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/BFxrEr2uRK4&hl=en_US&fs=1&” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true” width=”425″ height=”344″></embed></object>

{ 1 comment }


Hello Readers!

Every morning, I have a routine set where I must watch the Weather Channel before heading off to work, or before running out for errands.  This morning, to my sheer giddy delight, I saw a fantastic picture on our television.  Although I may have had to blink a couple of times and run to get my glasses because I am utterly “blind as a bat” without my glasses, I saw that the meterologists are calling for snow showers in our area!

Thus, with this wintery weather arriving, I thought about all the winter brides and grooms out there preparing for their special day.  There is such beauty that can be found in a winter wedding, and such elegant details that can be utilized throughout a wedding venue. Below are a few Winter Wedding Inspiration Boards to provide brides and grooms a flourish of ideas:

winter 2

Thanks to Green Wedding Shoes for a Winter Inspiration Board that is dazzling in absolutely divine sophistication.

 

winter 8

This winter wonderland inspiration board is frosted in rich detail from the snowflakes and trees to  soft, blue lighting.  We love this expression of winter found at In The Details!

{ 0 comments }


Hello Readers!

There are two holidays that always seem to cause my heart to flutter with excitement: Halloween and Christmas!  So that means the latter is almost here!  From the Christmas songs that I hear on the radio, to the Black Friday shopping tradition my family does every year, as well as the Christmas tree lights that softly glow from house windows–I immerse myself into this joyous time of year. 

That means spending days engulfed in the following activities: decorating the inside of our house, baking Christmas cookies, choosing what Christmas cards me and my husband will send out, choosing the perfect gifts for family and friends, wrapping these gifts, taking deep breaths of the cool and crisp air filtered with the smoky smell of burning wood, dressing our dachshund doggie in various red and green outfits, and attending holiday parties.  This year  is even “upping the ante” as our neighborhood is having a friendly competition for “Best Outdoor Christmas Decorations.” 

Wish us luck!

Now, I fully understand that some people reading this would rather do anything but everything I have mentioned, and may even think I am silly taking such enjoyment in all this…

But I just can’t help it!  It is truly “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and I take such joy and pleasure in filling this time with all my family traditions developed over the years, and even new traditions.  Therefore, I have found some Christmas Wedding Inspiration Boards that simply delight me to no end!  

We wish you and your family a very merry holiday season.

 

With This Favor

 

6a00e55225716d883301053697730e970c

Thanks to The City Sage for an Inspiration Board that brings some festive holiday cheer!

 

12-18 Christmas Inspiration copy

These Christmas table decorations from Tastefully Entertaining provide the perfect touch for a Christmas-themed wedding and can be a great DIY project!

 

red-and-green-inspiration-board-775953

This beautiful (as well as my favorite) Christmas Wedding Inspiration Board from Cornerstone Events showcases the splendid palette of green and red, and highlights how beautiful and natural they look together!

{ 1 comment }