Glam it up with DIY Style

March 19th, 2010

Congratulations to Tara and Jason! 

    

The couple opted to have a glamorous winter white wedding in downtown Chicago.   They chose the stunning Allerton Hotel for both their ceremony and reception.  The location was absolutely perfect for their winter theme.  The venue has beautiful windows with fantastic views of the city. 

Since they got married in January, the sun set before their evening ceremony began.  The ambiance was extremely romantic with illuminating candles, lanterns and the city skyline twinkling in the background. 

Tara decided to do all the decor herself…which many would say is a lot for a bride to handle.  Since she chose a winter theme she decided to skip the flowers and focus on crystals, branches, sparkling leaves and lots of candle light.  Not only did this save her money but it allowed her to prepare many of the items in advance.  She also didn’t need to worry about wilting flowers. 

Tara and Jason had a wish bowl for all their guests to leave them happy thoughts, wishes and advice for their new marriage.  They also featured votive candle place cards.  All the guests took their lit candle into the ballroom and added more candle light to the dinner tables.

They couldn’t have asked for a more romantic night – even the street fit their theme!  Tara carried a bouquet made of crystals that enhanced her gorgeous gown and really set the tone for the entire evening. 

You don’t have to spend a fortune on flowers and decor in order to have an amazingly romantic wedding!  Tara and Jason put all their personal touches into their wedding and I know they felt their special day was perfect. 

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This Week's Tuesday Tip: Get a Guest Book

November 11th, 2009

A lot of couples are skipping the guest book all together these days!  I don’t blame them, the old address style book is out dated.  Not to mention, you already have everyone’s addresses since you mailed them an invitation!   I really recommend having a modern guest book so you can preserve your guest’s warm wishes. 

Wish bowls: This gives the guests a chance to write a special note.  You can even theme the wish bowl with something like “advice for the newly weds.” After the wedding it will be nice  to read all the messages from your friends and family.  You can put all the cards in an album and keep it on your coffee table. 

 

Wish trees: Same idea as the wish bowl just a different presentation.  You can buy very large branches for larger groups.  The guests will enjoy this fun project. 

     

Photo album guest books: They are the perfect keepsake for years to come.  The guests really enjoy looking at pictures of the happy couple during the dating years.  It is really nice for distant family members who may not know you as well….gives them a taste of your personalities together as a couple.

Wish quilt:  I just love this idea! You know you’ll get a lot of use out of this!  What a great way to snuggle up on a cold day!

Coffee table guest book:  This is from my wedding!  I used www.blurb.com to create this custom book.  I got so many compliments on the book.  The guests wrote between all the pictures with silver markers (very similar to the photo album).  I honestly do still read the warm wishes and guests that come over always want to look through it. 

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