Archives: March 2010

A Unique Spotlight Proposal!

Posted by Michelle Cangemi, WeddingWindow.com on March 31, 2010

During your engagement you will constantly be asked questions about your wedding planning adventures. When you first tell your family and friends that you’re engaged, the first question they are likely ask is about the proposal. For this reason, the proposal is often a well planned event.

Photo Credit: DerickandEmily.com

While I can say that I’ve heard some pretty cute and elaborate proposal stories, I definitely have to give MAJOR credit to Derick of North Carolina for his creative and complex Light Writing Proposal. He went above and beyond to make sure he proposed to the love of his life, Emily, in a very special way.

Photo Credit: DerickandEmily.com

After much planning, Derick finally got started and worked on his proposal for five long days. His complex plan included research, help from a group of friends, lots of take-out pizza, an extremely powerful spotlight, a view from a hotel room and approximately 800 individual 10 second exposure images. Eventually, his hard work paid off and Derick’s large-scale light writing proposal was ready. Below is the final video that Derick showed Emily. As the final image – Emily will you marry me?- appeared, Derick was on one knee with the ring.

Light Writing Proposal from Derick Childress on Vimeo.

Of course … she said YES! Congratulations Derick and Emily on your engagement! Your proposal was amazing – one that will definitely be remembered. You definitely have a great story to tell every time someone asks “So … how did he propose!?”

For more of the story and some technical information on Derick’s Light Writing Proposal visit the couple’s website at DerickandEmily.com

Filed under: Our Team, Proposals

March 31, 2010 by Michelle Cangemi, WeddingWindow.com

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Before ‘You’re Invited’ …

Posted by Jacqueline Rose on March 31, 2010

Invitations!! You’re ready to pick them out, but what to do!? Do you go with traditional?

Photo Credit: Elise Be All

Contemporary?

Photo Credit: Photo Card Chef

Unique?

Photo Credit: Be Our Guest

Tropical?

Photo Credit: My Personal Artist.com

There are so many options out there, but how do you know what invitation is the right fit for you? If you aren’t a crafty individual, your best option is to head to a stationary store near you. Typically, they will have HUGE books that you can look through and pick out colors, fonts, envelopes, etc. At this point you most likely have already decided on your wedding colors and/or theme. In order to have all aspects of your wedding coordinated, remember to choose your wedding stationery with your colors/theme in mind.

In the Fort Lauderdale area, two places I visited were Papyrus and the Scrapbook Fanatic.

I usually opt for the unique variety and if I didn’t make my invitations (which I will write about soon), I would have chosen one of these options for my beach wedding.

Beach in the box:

Photo Credit: These Handmade Memories

Message in a bottle invitation:

Photo Credit: Message in a Bottle.com

Then, I fell head over heels for two different stationary companies. One is called Meri Meri. Here are a couple of really cute invitations I found from this company:

Photo Credit: Meri Meri

Photo Credit: Baby Cachet.com

Photo Credit: Meri Meri

Meri Meri Bachelorette Party invite

Photo Credit: Meri Meri

The other company I ended up really loving was called Checkerboard. If for some reason I couldn’t pull off my own hand made invitations, I was going to order these invitations.

Photo Credit: www.allkindsofcards.net

I LOVE these invitations!! They are so cute!

I did end up making my invitations so I didn’t get to send out any of the above. However, you have the opportunity to have an invitation (DIY or not) that everyone will talk about! Before you order your invitations, don’t forget to check your budget! The more unique your invites are, the heavier the price tag! You’ll also want to check how much it will cost to mail odd shaped invites!! Happy inviting!

Filed under: Our Brides & Grooms, Paper Goods

March 31, 2010 by Jacqueline Rose

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Seventy Seven Diamonds

Posted by Wedding Window on March 30, 2010

With a name derived from the date of the first known diamond engagement ring to be given, Seventy Seven Diamonds is a jeweler that specializes in engagement rings and diamond jewelry. They are committed to providing their clients with the ability to buy the highest quality diamonds at the best possible prices while bringing simplicity, clarity, choice and value to the process.

Photo Credit: 77diamonds.com

With the expertise for designing custom jewelry, Seventy Seven Diamonds will work with you to produce your personal vision. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring, wedding ring, eternity ring or other wedding jewelry, Seventy Seven Diamonds has pieces for every occasion with jewelry available in gold, white gold and platinum.

Photo Credit: 77diamonds.com

Their website offers extensive information to ensure that you are educated on the jeweler’s process and the quality of the diamond you’re purchasing. Seventy Seven Diamonds provides their clients with everything they need to know about and look for when shopping for diamonds. They offer information on size, shape, carat weight, cut, clarity, colour, certificates, and fluorescence.

Photo Credit: 77diamonds.com

Once you’ve learned about the diamonds and have your design in mind, you can customize your piece of jewelry right on the website. You are able to customize the material, style, size, diamond and more. The best part is that a preview of your customized piece is shown while you are creating it so you know exactly what it will look like! If you’re a gal who is picking out your own ring, this is definitely a great way to get a custom look. Guys, you can also have fun designing a ring to surprise sweetheart with! If you’re not so eager to design your own, not to worry. Ladies and gents alike can find expert guidance on everything from style to settings from the team at Seventy Seven Diamonds to be sure that the choice is made wisely.

Post Sponsored by: Seventy Seven Diamonds

Filed under: Jewelry & Rings, Sponsored

March 30, 2010 by Wedding Window

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Featured Photographer Kyle Hale

Posted by Michelle Cangemi, WeddingWindow.com on March 29, 2010

This week’s Macro Monday featured photographer is Kyle Hale. Kyle is an Atlanta based wedding photographer who has been in the business for ten years. His interest in photography began when he created his first pin hole camera in a high school photography course. The first wedding Kyle shot was for a friend. That was the turning point … and the rest is history. Kyle is dedicated to photography – making sure to capture weddings in a creative, interesting and non-intrusive way.

Today Kyle has shared his photographs from Purim and Hoek’s wedding in Brooklyn.

Photo Credit: Kyle Hale

Although it was a drizzly day, the couple had high spirits … and they got some great wedding photos!

Photo Credit: Kyle Hale

After shooting portraits of the bride and groom, the rain had stopped and Kyle headed outside for some photos of the bridal party.

Photo Credit: Kyle Hale

Purim and Hoek had their ceremony and reception at a very nice, rustic restaurant - My Moon in Brooklyn.

Photo Credit: Kyle Hale

Purim and Hoek’s wedding was very well planned with beautiful details that fit well with their wedding venue and colors and also included details that were significant to the couple.

Photo Credit: Kyle Hale

Congratulations Purim and Hoek on your marriage! And a big thanks to Kyle Hale for sharing the beautiful photographs of their day with us!

Filed under: Featured Photographers, Our Team, Photography, Weddings

March 29, 2010 by Michelle Cangemi, WeddingWindow.com

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Bridal Shower Redux

Posted by Lily Riley on March 29, 2010

As far as wedding events go, I think I got pretty lucky. My parents threw us an amazing engagement party at their home with fun accents in our colors and reflecting our wedding’s classic theme. My sister, an event planner by trade, had the bar manager at one of Boston’s best restaurants create a signature cocktail for my tea party shower. Our rehearsal dinner featured incredible Italian food in an intimate setting and a surprise groom’s cake that Jack never saw coming. What made these events so wonderful was that each was a reflection of our personalities and the theme of our wedding. We had a winter wedding in Boston, complete with a jazz band and retro details in colors of black, white and platinum. And each of our events was a celebration of these elements.

So with that in mind, why not shake up the traditional bridal shower to incorporate things near and dear to the bride’s heart? Here are a few ideas for events that will bring people together in a fun setting to honor the bride and celebrate her favorite hobby.

Wine Tasting
For all you budding oenophiles out there, a wine tasting is a fun and interactive way for your group to learn something while sipping tasty new vintages. There are many wine tasting forums in cities across the US, and many upscale restaurants also host tastings with their sommeliers. Perhaps you can taste wines from the brides’ favorite region, or somewhere she and the groom will be traveling on their honeymoon. Or you could incorporate some sparkling wines with which to toast her upcoming nuptials.

Photo Credit: Volunteer.blogs.com

Cooking Class
If your guest of honor is a foodie, there’s an excellent chance she’ll love the opportunity to cook up a yummy meal with all of you. A cooking class is easy to find; even if you’re not in the neighborhood of a well-known culinary institute, many adult education centers feature a range of classes for all abilities. You can work with the instructor to feature a twist on her favorite foods, or cook foods from her country of ancestry. And the best part, of course, is that you get to share a great meal you’ve prepared together!

Photo Credit: CambridgeCulinary.com

Sporting Event or Lesson
Sports-oriented parties aren’t just for the guys anymore! Why not bring guests to cheer on the bride’s favorite team, or if she’s working on her swing, treat them all to a golf lesson at a local driving range? This is a great option for a bride who isn’t thrilled about traditional, overly girly parties. The good news is, you can still pamper her with great seats, a great meal during or after the game, and an energetic party to fit her style.

Photo Credit: TulsaGolfLesson.com

Dance Class
Dance has gotten a lot of attention lately as a great alternative to traditional cardio workouts. It’s also a fun way to spend time with friends and learn a new skill in the process! Dance studios offer everything from traditional ballroom dance lessons to exciting workshops on flamenco and belly dancing. There’s truly something for everyone, and if you’re bride enjoys getting out on the floor, a dance class is a great way for you to share her enthusiasm!

Photo Credit: Lexet Swall

Spa Session
I don’t know many ladies who don’t love a trip to the spa. There are a million options for treatments and services to fit every taste, and many of them can be done in a group setting. How about treating guests to a manicure and pedicure, or giving them each a makeup and skincare consultation by an esthetician? Many spas have technicians who will come to your home or event location and pamper you and your guests on site.