Best Wedding Sites Magazine - March 2011

Page 1


I am so excited to present the March issue {2nd edition} of The Best Wedding Sites Magazine. This issue focuses on the color green along with eco-friendly weddings. And, this month on my daily blog, Brenda's Wedding Blog, I featured the second round of the Wedding Vendor Challenge. I showcased four different vendor teams that put together amazing creations. The color palette was green with accents of brown, cream and pale yellow. This challenge required the teams to create an intimate lunch or dinner tablescape for two with a dessert display {with the ideas of course being used for bridal showers and weddings}. I ended up being able to showcase two Irish themed shoots, along with an inspiring Spring tablescape and even an entirely eco-friendly shoot. And, like last month, I’ve got some great DIY downloads for you from each photo shoot.

Cover Photo courtesy of Stephanie A. Smith Photography

I become so excited each month when I start receiving the photos from the shoots. It’s simply amazing to see how creative each team is when coming up with the designs for the shoots. And, I ove l how each one can be so different even though the color palette and requirements are the same for all the participating vendors. In this issue, I’m featuring the top 5 Handmade "Green" gift picks from fellow wedding pros and bloggers. These items could either be green in color or eco-friendly. Again this month, I just adore the items that were submitted to me. It's wonderful how presenting an idea or question can result in such a lovely array of choices. Along with the challenges in the coming pages and the handmade "green" picks, you will also see contributions from Hills of Africa on an Eco-Tourism Destination for honeymoons, Katie of Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine + Blog on Green + Stylish Weddings, and Carey of Lasso’d Moon on Green Wedding Invitations. Plus, I have amazing real weddings, a green wedding showcase and so much more. Enjoy . . . xoxo

Brenda

A Special Note For Vendors: The April Wedding Vendor Challenge is already underway and I’m taking team reservations for May. If you are interested in participating in the May challenge or would like information on advertising in either the magazine, blog or wedding directory, please email me at bestweddingsites{at}gmail{dot}com


in this issue . . .

above: from stylishly green in Florida real wedding by Ashley Brockinton



Planner: Madeline’s Weddings & Events Photographer: Joel Ross Photography

Shannon & Warren W e d d i n g Ve n d o r s : We d d i n g C o o r d i n a t i o n : M a d e l i n e ' s W e d d i n g s & E v e n t s | P h o t o g r a p h y : J o e l R o s s P h o t o g r a p h y Floral Design: Whyte Ridge Academy Florists | Ceremony and Reception Location: The Gates Videography: McNeill Media Creations | Music and Entertainment: Armadillo String Quartet


Planner: Madeline’s Weddings & Events Photographer: Joel Ross Photography

The gorgeous wedding of Shannon and Warren came together just beautifully after booking Madeline and her team about 18 months prior to their special day. And, of course, no Madeline’s Weddings and Events wedding is complete without one of her candy buffets. The beautiful photographs are from Joel Ross Photography.



Written by: Sandy Salle, CEO of Hills of Africa Travel

Imagine beginning your life together as husband and wife on an unforgettable adventure through the vast savannah and grasslands of Africa. The opportunity to explore one of the world’s most remote destinations as a married couple is truly the epitome of romance and luxury. Whether you envision you and your loved one on a game drive past a herd of giraffe, unwinding together in a bush bath beneath the twinkling African sky, or on a horseback safari, running side by side with a herd of regal zebra, Africa has the perfect settings to make your wildest dreams come true. And the best part about enjoying your honeymoon in Africa is that you can enjoy a luxurious, yet sustainable trip. A sustainable African safari honeymoon is an exciting, yet tranquil, exotic adventure, perfect for the first trip you take as newlyweds. Only in Africa can you sleep in a luxurious yet eco-friendly bush camp surrounded by elephants and leopards one night and in a private villa on a pristine beach the next.

Below are 10 reasons why Africa should be on everyone’s radar as an eco-tourism honeymoon: 1. Pristine wildlife and scenery: Africa is full of National Parks and private wildlife reserves that span thousands upon thousands of hectares. Both National Parks and private game reserves often employ locals to patrol the areas as rangers and ensure that the wildlife can thrive without the dangers of poachers and habitat destruction. The astounding harmony of visual elements within Africa’s scenery and wildernesses are truly unbelievable. From the


delicate sounds of wildlife to the awe-inspiring star- 3. Sustainable travel and activities: studded, deep velvety sky, to the gorgeous fauna and flora, Honeymooners to Africa can experience sustainable travel Africa’s nature and serenity are truly the purest on earth. and tours that reduce carbon fuel emissions. For example, you can decide not to partake in game drives, but rather, 2. Luxurious, sustainable accommodations: enjoy fuel-free travel and tours such as bicycle tours, horseFrom mobile camps to semi-mobile camps, rustic lodges back riding safaris, walking tours, and mokoro (canoe) to lavish bandas, and romantic bush tents to extravagant safaris. Not only do you reduce carbon fuel emissions on lodges, eco-tourism accommodations in Africa come in all these tours, but you also experience nature in its purest shapes, sizes, and forms. If you would prefer a more luxu- form, without the sound of machinery and engines rious sustainable establish- overpowering the delicate sounds of wildlife. ment or would rather explore the African bush via 4. You’ll be giving back in more ways than one: camping, there are plenty of Whether you stay at a sustainable establishment, purchase smart choices to choose art from locals, or volunteer or donate to a local project, from. you’re giving something quantifiable back to the Some sustainable accommodations are run on solar panels; others are built completely from sustainable materials, while others hire locals to ensure money goes back into the local economy. Some combine all of the above; others use just a few in their operations.

community. This measurable impact is one of the greatest gifts you can provide to Africa and its people. Another way to give back is to share your life experiences with locals. They are just as interested in learning about you and your lifestyle as you’re interested in learning about them. When you can share these tidbits about your life,


Written by: Sandy Salle, CEO of Hills of Africa Travel you’re opening up their world and mind to new discoveries and possibilities. And what is more rewarding than that?

5. Unique philanthropic tours: Participating in a sustainable tour or spending a day volunteering at a local children’s orphanage, assisting the elderly, or volunteering at an animal hospital are some of the most rewarding and inspirational experiences one could have. When you take part in a sustainable tour or volunteer, you have the ability to explore a world and culture that is both enriching and powerful in its spiritual impact.

8. You can pass on your experience to others: Share your discoveries and the real Africa with others at home. The more we can educate the world on Africa’s rich spirit, beautiful people, and community struggles, the more we can raise awareness and support for community projects and facilitate and grow eco-tourism operations.

9. Local food: From spectacular meats to fresh vegetables, delightful spices to warming soups, Africa is known for its comforting local cuisine and ingredients. Not to mention, eating locally is one of the best ways to participate in sustainable practices!

6. Diverse eco-systems: Celebrated for its various, wildlife-rich eco-systems, Africa is arguably the best place in the world for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore the complexity of mother nature. From beaches to the sea, lakes to lagoons, and grasslands to savannah, there is a wide spectrum of uncharted territory to explore on an African honeymoon safari.

10. Simplicity and exclusivity:

7. You don’t have to compromise luxury for sustainability: There are dozens upon

About Hills of Africa Travel: Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari vacations to southern and eastern Africa. We offer spectacular adventures with personalized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

dozens of exceptional and luxurious accommodations and activities in Africa that also incorporate sustainable practices into their services. Many travelers have a misconception that eco-friendly accommodations are rustic and low-budget. This is by no means the truth. Some of Africa’s most luxurious hotels, lodges, camps, and safari tours are sustainable.

Many of the popular honeymoon hotspots are small Caribbean islands that tend to be touristy and lack authenticity. Africa, on the other hand, provides honeymooners with a vast array of unspoiled destinations that offer complete privacy and are far from touristy hotspots.

To learn more about planning an African safari honeymoon and to view possible itineraries, including sustainable tourism information, please visit www.hillsofafrica.com. For more information, visit Hills of Africa’s blog and connect on Twitter @hillsofafrica or Facebook.



Green Wedding Venues Below are a few venue locations I have received as recommendations for your eco-friendly wedding ceremony and/or reception: Springstep in Medford, MA The Greene Space in New York, NY Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, NY Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, NV

Springs Preserve, Las Vegas, NV Images courtesy of Meg Ruth Photography


Tony & Tina were married in Grand Rapids, Michigan and incorporated their children, who mean so much to them, into all aspects of their wedding day. Photographer: Jen Lynne Photography


Photographer: Jen Lynne Photography

Tony & Tina



Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations Written by: Carey of Lasso’d Moon With so much changing in the world around us, being mindful of our impact on the earth, even for weddings, is something that’s easier to do than you might think. From sourcing food locally, recycling your flowers (bringing them to a nursing home after or maybe even sharing them with another bride), making sure vendors properly dispose of waste and recycling where they can, even being green with your wedding invitations, all of these little changes can make a big difference. But, this doesn’t mean you need to send an e-mailed invitation.

In fact, there are many options for the eco-chic

bride that are not only eco-friendly, but good for the environment as well. Today’s eco-friendly options range from 30-100% PCW recycled stocks (meaning the stock contains that much recycled content, while the rest is new), tree-free cotton stocks, bamboo and lokta papers (both self-renewing resources) and even paper made from elephant dung.

Style: Pear Blossoms


One of our favorite types of eco-friendly papers is plantable paper. Typically made with 100% recycled content, plantable paper features such wildflower seeds as Bird's Eye, Black Eyed Susans, Sweet Alyssum and Snap Dragons. Not only does the paper break down when planted, the seeds sprout beautiful flowers and give back to the environment.

Plantable paper can be printed on in a number of eco-friendly ways including ink jet, with soy inks and with letterpress. At Lasso’d Moon, we print our plantable invitations in-house on an ink jet printer, which is the most economical way and a great eco-friendly choice (our printer is Energy-Star certified and we recycled our cartridges). We pair them with your choice of recycled cardstocks and envelopes. Using an RSVP postcard or insert that directs your guest to a wedding website where they can RSVP and get other information about your big day are also great ways to keep your paper usage down.

Style: Dogwood

Once planted, in just a couple of weeks, the paper will sprout, and your guests will be treated to vibrant and colorful flowers as the seeds mature. While it might not the least expensive way, invitations sent on plantable

paper can be one of the most beautiful.


Photographer: Geoff L Johnson Photography

IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Hannah & John


Hannah's vision for her wedding day was a southern low country soiree with spanish moss &

hanging mason jar votives. The Old Sheldon Church Ruins and Richfield Plantation provided the perfect setting, as she went for classic southern elegance with a bit of whimsy.

[

Vendors: Catering: Geoff L Johnson Photography | Catering: Downtown Catering Floral Designer: Branches | Musicians: Josh Brewer | Reception Venue: Richfield Plantation


Eco-Friendly

SHOWCASE

Weddings are Fun

carries keepsakes, wedding accessories and personalized wedding favors and wedding party gifts including ecofriendly wedding favors.

www.WeddingsAreFun.com

Magdalinen by Jolanta is an organic linen thread jewelry and accessories shop on etsy from Latvia {Europe}. Jolanta uses both recycled and new materials, therefore all of her creations are organic and environmentally friendly. www.etsy.com/shop/magdalinen


Eco-Friendly

SHOWCASE

The Garter Girl by Julianne Smith features a collection of stylish, environmentally friendly wedding garters that are made in mix and match

colors from recycled plastic bottles. The available background colors are: white, ivory, natural (khaki), gray, and blue. The available accent colors are: light purple, pink, maize (yellow), lemongrass (green), navy blue, white, and ivory. www.thegartergirl.com

The Favour Shoppe carries a selection of eco-friendly

wedding party favors including seed packets, plantable place cards and more.

www.thefavourshoppe.com


Heather & Jared Photographer: Ashley Brockinton Photography

The wedding of Heather and Jared was DIY

they graduated college and Heather was able to bring

and took place in a small town in the middle of Florida

her love for fashion and design into a reality while

called Sebring. Heather and Jared were from rival high

planning her wedding. Heather was able to use the

schools, but never met each other even though they

color green in a natural way, by using everyday

lived less than 15 minutes away. They met when they

resources around her to help decorate and have a

went to college where Heather played basketball

theme throughout the wedding {like the dried peas on

and Jared played baseball. They got married after

the tables}.



Vendors: Photographer: Ashley Brockinton Photography | Florals: Ridge Florist | Cake: Darlene Ceremony Venue: Covenant Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: Quality Inn Wedding Day Coordinator: Kim | Wedding Planning & Design: Heather (Bride) Musicians: California Toe Jam | Linens: Elegant Presentations | Checkered Dance Floor: Taylor Rental Hair: Jessica & Whitney (Bride's Sisters) | Makeup: Heather (Bride) | Invitations: Heather (Bride) & Jessica (Sister)



Handmade “Green” Gifts Samantha of

Top 5 handmade “green” gift picks from wedding bloggers and vendors

Papermints . . . www.papermints.com 3

1

2

4

5

1. “Circle of Friends” Watercolor Print - precious circle that is hard to break and separate from Jellybeans 2. Live What You Love Letterpress Poster - lettra pearl white paper w/soy-based ink {eco-friendly} from Heartfish Press 3. Spring Green Wool Felt Cupcake Toppers - great as cupcake toppers or plant markers from The Honeypie Tree 4. Earth Green Leaf Pouch/Case - made from 100% recycled plastic bottles from J Pat Purses 5. Modern Stripe Bottle Vase - modern and retro, goes great with a few blooms or none at all from Dahlhaus

Alicia of

The C harity Wedding . . . www.thecharitywedding.com 2

1

3

4

1. Handmade Nest Boutonniere - handmade with real twigs and moss from Dream Green Weddings 2. Succulent Favors - an assortment of 100 colorful succulents from Succulent Designs 3. Chalkboard Message Charms - for Placecards or Table Numbers with natural hemp ties from Treasure Again 4. Cake Topper Set - custom cake banner and bride and/or groom toppers from Ready Go 5. Rustic Modern Bouquet and Boutonniere - raised metallic paper with vintage pearls from Paper N Plastic

5


Handmade

Each item links to the shop for easy buying.

“Green� Gifts

Thank you to all who submitted their picks.

Krissy of

Make Believe'N . . . www.etsy.com/shop/krissy167 3

2

1

5

4 1. Vintage Green Party Frock - gorgeous detailed pleating on bust from Vintage Frocks of Fancy

2. Tumblers and Vases - any item in this shop will give an Eco feel with a very cool edge from Carroll Creek Glassware 3. Natures Gold Feather Hair Fascinator - every feather is harvested ethically from 10eisha 4. Herb Wedding Favor in Mint - packaged with 100% paper raffia ribbon & 100% recycled box from Favor Creative 5. Custom Bridal Flats - completely handmade and custom fit to the brides feet from Hydra Heart

Megan of

Glamour and Grace . . . www.glamourandgraceblog.com 2

3

4

1

5

1. Mozzarella and Ricotta D.I.Y. Cheese Kit - each kit makes 10 batches of cheese from Urban Cheesecraft 2. Hardback Book Pinhole Camera - designed and crafted from an upcycled vintage hardback book from engrained 3. Soft French Lace Bag - lovingly handcrafted and stitched to last from TortillaGirl 4. Up-cycled Grand Houses in Blue Tea Towel - made from Esther Coombs 5. Little Lotus Earrings in Rose - reclaimed Sterling Silver, rose gold plated from Julia Failey Jewelry


Green + Stylish [Weddings] Written by: Katie Martin of Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine + Blog - www.eco-beautifulweddings.com

Did you know that you can actually have an eco-friendly wedding without the color green? It's true! Eco-friendly weddings are not about sacrificing style or having a particular color, they are about NOT sacrificing the environment. Before you think I am a hippie vegan who walks around barefoot - think again! I have a busy life with 2 businesses that I run alongside a loving husband and beautiful child. I juggle my life just like you. You are juggling your regular life with your wedding planning life. The only thing I ask you to do is to think about what you are buying before you write that check or swipe that card. Ask yourself - do these people just want my money or am I putting my money in the hands of people that care about my community and the world?

Here are a few small steps you can take while asking your vendors questions: 1. Can your caterer use filtered water in beautiful glass pitchers as opposed to using hundreds of plastic bottles that will need to be recycled at your summer outdoor wedding? (Wouldn’t that just look prettier anyway?!) 2. Ask which organizations your vendors are donating their time or money to. 3. Be sure to NOT trash your dress and resell it or preserve it.

This beautiful bridal bouquet was made from Dutch-grown cymbidium and purple vanda orchids along with white ranunculus. The flowers were sent to the US on a commercial flight and bought from fair trade farmers that use no pesticides! Photo: Kathy Blanchard www.kathyweddings.com 4. Buy colorful and fun jewelry that you will wear again along with those fun cute shoes that you can wear out to dinner the week after your wedding. 5. Have your groomsmen and your groom just wear a nice suit that they will wear again.

Flowers and dĂŠcor items designed Elegance & Simplicity, Inc. www.eleganceandsimplicity.com


There are so many things you can do to make your wedding more eco-friendly, just find out what your vendors are doing to make a difference. Who knows – you may be the catalyst for change for your vendors in your neck of the woods!

Instead of costly and prepackaged favors - try this double-duty favor! These glass soda bottles were perfect during cocktail hour! With recyclable paper straws with the escort cards attached to them - they created a stylish and eco-friendly treat for the taste buds and the eyes! Photo: Kathy Blanchard www.kathyweddings.com

Having an outdoor wedding in the fall? Consider buying a bunch of blankets for your guests to use. Then turn around & donate to a local shelter after your wedding! Photo: Kathy Blanchard www.kathyweddings.com

Instead of using a huge floral arrangement with floral foam for your escort card table, use branches & hanging votives. The plums added an extra pop of color and were donated to a local shelter after the reception! Photo: Marta Locklear www.martalocklear.com


Costa R ica Wedding Stacy & Brad Photographer: Sarah Christine Photography

El Silencio Lodge & Spa is set in Costa Rica‚ Central Volcanic Valley and provides couples with an ecofriendly wedding experience. Stacy and Brad held their wedding in the 500 acres of private tropical forest reserve that are flanked by the Juan Castro Blanco National Park and the Poas Volcano National Park. El Silencio Lodge & Spa protects 90% of its 500 acre property, providing a biological corridor between two national parks. It actively minimizes waste and mitigates CO2 emissions, plus 100% of light bulbs are energy efficient, refillable containers are used instead of disposable water bottles, and 100% of cleaning products are certified as environmentally responsible. In-property guest transport is provided by electric carts. The couple planted Avocado trees and all the guest planted trees upon leaving the hotel. All food that was served was organically grown at the hotel too. Vendors: Photography: Sarah Christine Photography Caterer and Reception Venue: El Silencio


The couple planted an Avocado tree and all the guests planted trees upon leaving the hotel.


Ultimate Affair

[ Allison & Pete ]

The wedding reception tables were named after locations the couple had been as a couple, for example Key Bridge Marriott. Their wedding day started out with high winds and rain but the reception was in an enclosed tent filled with the freshness of green, white and cream florals. After the rain stopped, Allison and Pete were able to venture outside for some great photos together.

Planner: Ultimate Affair Party Planner Photographer: The Infinitas Imago Studio


Vendors: Planner & Flowers: Ultimate Affair Party Planner Photographer: The Infinitas Imago Studio Venue and Catering: Bristow Manor in Manassas, VA Cake: Happy Eatery, in Centreville VA Dress: David's Bridal


Vendor Challenge 1 | Green Issue

Juliet of Green Orchid Events wanted

Ashley of Lemon and Lavender

to design a romantic picnic set up at a

has created a DIY Download of

park.

of

the Slรกinte water bottle labels.

traditional Irish flavors such as the Stout

They will fit 1 liter bottles and can

Chocolate Cake {with Irish Whiskey and Cream

be printed on text paper and

Cheese Frosting}, Chocolate Covered Sandwich

glued in place or you can buy the

Cookies {with Irish Cream Filling} and Irish cream

8.5 x 11 adhesive paper and print

chocolate ganache shots. And, the desserts were

and crop.

suspended from glasses hanging from the trees.

Click here to download the PDF.

All

desserts

had

hints

Vendors: Design and All Props: Green Orchid Events | Photography: Adam Trujillo Photography Desserts: Peridot Sweets | Stationery: Lemon and Lavender

DIY

Download



Vendor Challenge 2 | Green Issue

Sandra Downie Event Designs in Connecticut created this beautifully rustic chic spring tablescape. This table setting is filled with so many details, Mr. and Mrs. flags on the stemware, pretty floral napkin rings, Love and Happiness napkin tags, sweet paper butterflies on the chair signs, and much more.

DIY

Download Sandra and her team at Sandra Downie Paperie Studio have created a DIY download of the wishing tree leaves and cupcake toppers. Click here to download the PDF.

To ma make ake cupcake p e toppers: p

PPrint Pri nt the h d do download. wnlo load. d Use U a 1.5" 1 5" ccircle ircle l ccraft rafft punc punchh ttoo punc punchh out the w words. ords. Ne Next, exxt, use a sc scalloped alloped 2" ccraft raft punc punchh ttoo oped shapes. Y ou o wi punch punch out sc scalloped alloped You willll ne need ed ttoo punc punchh out equal amounts so the piec pieces es go ttogether. ogether. Use gl glue, ue, gl glue ue dots, or a gl glue ue gun ttoo gl glue ue the piec pieces es ttogether. ogether. Onc Oncee the punched punc hed out piec pieces es ar aree assemb assembled, led, use a ccraft raft gl glue ue or a glue adhere lollipop sticks. glue gun ttoo adher herre ttoo lol lipop stic ks.

Vendors: Wedding Design: Sandra Downie Event Designs | Paperie & Paper Accessories: Sandra Downie Paperie Studio Photography: J. Fiereck Photography | Cookies: Sweet SugarBelle



Vendor Challenge 3 | Green Issue

Vendors: Photographer: Stephanie A Smith Photography | Floral Designer: FH Weddings & Events Reception Venue: Pass-a-grille | Invitation Designer: Kate Eileen Emmert Custom Paper Goods


Stephanie of Stephanie A Smith P hotography explains her ideas behind the shoot: This was a super personal shoot

wildflowers, as well as herbs. We

after the shoot I was able to share

for me as I have always loved eco-

incorporated wheat grass into the

them with my neighbors so there

minded options. I'm so glad that the

napkin ties, broccoli into the

was very little waste. I think the goal

wedding industry has begun to

bouquet and lavender on top of

of this shoot was to show how eco

embrace and recognize alternative

the cupcakes. The white chairs

alternative can not only be better for

options for weddings that are much

were salvaged from my neighbors

the environment but just as stylish

friendlier

environment.

trash pile, spray painted bright white,

and modern as any wedding decor.

Because I am a photographer I use

and given sod seat cushions. There

----- Stephanie

nature as my backdrop, so anything

was tree stump chargers below the

I can do to preserve the beauty of

antique milk glass plates. The menu

the earth I will. The color selection

cards, cupcake name tags, and seat

came first as I wanted all earth

name tags were all made with burlap

tones. Then working with my

and

florist we decided to use a lot of

cupcakes were made by me, and

for

the

natural

hemp

twine.

The

DIY

Download Kate of Kate Eileen Emmert Custom Paper Goods has created a DIY Download of the Bride and Groom chair signs. Plus, she's even included the flower pup and ring barker signs. Download the Chair Signs here.


Vendor Challenge 4 | Green Issue

Brenda of Wedding Girl has created a DIY download of the napkin rings {download here} and the drink stirrers/floral picks along with bonus cupcake toppers {download here}.

DIY

Download

Vendors: Planner, Concept Collaboration: Kim of Something Spectacular Custom Floral & Event Design Florist: Kim of Something Floral | Photographer: Mark of You Bet I Do Photography | All Paper Designs: Brenda of Wedding Girl Venue, Desserts, and Irish Coffee: O'Connor's Public House | Plates and Napkins: Pier One | Centerpiece Container: Home Depot


place

the floor located in the main bar area

container. Two different varieties

at the largest authentic Irish Pub in North America,

dates back more than 140 years,

(Sundee and Delmonte) of fresh,

the stone wall separating the dining

yellow mini gerbera daisies and light

O'Connor's Public House in MI.

area from the bar was once an

yellow, Limoncello spray roses were

O'Connor's was designed and built

exterior wall, and the stain glass and

inserted into the shamrock plant to

by the Prairie Pub Company, one of

wrought iron in the pub was

give the centerpiece additional

only five Guinness approved authen-

harvested from crumbling churches

color, texture, and to add some

tic Irish pub builders in the world.

throughout Ireland.

visual interest.

For the centerpiece, Kim of Some-

And, O'Connor's provided the sweet

thing Floral repotted two, small

treats including Jameson Irish Cof-

shamrock plants (Oxalis) into a

fee Cake with Bailey's Icing,

6.25 inch, jonquil yellow, ceramic

Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice

This

The

photo

finished

shoot

pub

took

was

then

shipped to the US and reassembled in the historical downtown district of Rochester, Michigan. Special features of the pub include:

Cream and Irish Coffee.


Modern Vintage Wedding

Nicky's favorite color is green,

so she

knew that would be the color everything revolved round for her wedding. After finding her wedding dress with the lace overlay, she settled for a "modern vintage" feel for the wedding. The colors were apple green, espresso brown and ivory. Green was tied in everywhere Nicky could find, the ribbon on her dress, flower girl dresses, groomsmen's vests, all of the flowers, apple escort cards, table runners, and they even had a cake stand made out of vases of green hydrangea.

[ Nicky & Kevin ]

The wedding took place on the Fourth of July, one of Nicky's favorite holidays, so they wanted to subtly tie that in as well and used patriotic pinwheels for their exit from the church, fireworks stamps on the menus and table numbers, and used number sparklers {for their wedding date} as their cake topper. For the big finale of their wedding day, they were able to see the river-front fireworks from the parking lot of their reception venue.


Vendors: Ceremony Site: St. Joseph's of Cottleville | Reception Site: Foundry Art Centre Caterer: Russo's Catering | DJ: Quain Tull of Rockstar DJs | Wedding Coordinator: Sabrina Torti of Proposing Dreams Photographer: Abby Schamp of Image Artistic Photography | Flowers: Rich West Designs Wedding Dress: Watters and Watters | Attire: Ann Taylor Celebrations and Savvi Formalwear Apples for Escort Cards - Soulard Farmer's Market | Photo Centerpieces, Menus, Table Numbers - DIY


The End

Vendors interested in advertising in the next magazine or participating in a vendor challenge, please email me for more information at bestweddingsites{at}gmail{dot}com

www.BestWeddingSites.com | www.BrendasWeddingBlog.com | www.WeddingGirl.etsy.com


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.