Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com

Website: WeddingWindow.com
Amy Ruocco is the Founder and CEO of WeddingWindow.com, an award-winning wedding website company. The concept for Wedding Window was developed while Amy was in the midst of planning her own wedding. The process of managing and distributing the details regarding her wedding to her guests caused her to ask herself if there was a better way to communicate this information. Being a web designer, she decided to create her own wedding website in order to allow her guests to download directions to the wedding and reception, link to accommodation ideas, learn more about her and her fiancé and view photos of the actual proposal.

After receiving a great deal of positive feedback regarding the website from her wedding guests, Amy decided to turn her idea into a business. In 2001, she launched the original version of WeddingWindow.com. Since then, the company has grown rapidly and maintains a steady pace of change in order to stay on top of the industry. Wedding Window strives to be continually creative and innovative. “We currently have the largest number of wedding website features available and maintain a goal of making our website designs as customizable as possible in order to allow each couple to feel that their wedding website was designed just for them.”

Wedding Window currently offers 25 designs, an unlimited number of schemes and countless options for customization, including the ability to create custom color schemes, upload custom design photos and customize design fonts. The features list is extensive and includes many options that are exclusive to Wedding Window, such as their numerous options for customization, the ability to send out customizable “Save the Date” eCards that coordinate with the existing wedding website designs, the ability to access a Site Wizard for step-by-step website building assistance and much more. Wedding Window will always strive to provide as many designs and features as possible for their customers in order to allow them the best experience possible during one of the most important times of their lives.

Beautiful, Budget-Friendly, Backyard Wedding

Posted by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com on December 30, 2009

Backyard Weddings Become More Popular

Backyard weddings are no longer the exception, and in 2010 they are only going to increase in popularity. DIY brides are finding that they can still have the wedding of their dreams on a modest budget and in the comfort of their own home. Providing your own venue and creating your own wedding elements will not only save you money, but will also afford you the opportunity to have a wedding that is a unique reflection of you as a couple.

Sherry and John Petersik, a fun-loving couple from Virginia, decided to get married on their 2-year anniversary (of dating), which turned out to be a very popular date – 7/7/07. So… rather than compete with 36,000 other couples for wedding resources and locations, they decided to host their wedding in their very own backyard!

Photo Credit: younghouselove.com

Sherry and John are very creative and hands on, so they decided to put their DIY skills to good use. They worked together to fix up their home and created everything for their wedding from the invitations to the decor to the food. Fortunately for them, they didn’t even have to venture far to find their entertainment and the officiant. John’s best friend Kevin was the musician and his cousin Travis officiated.

I personally love their favors and place cards (below; upper right). Sherry and John placed a gladiolus blub in a brown paper bag. On the back of the bag, they wrote the planting instructions. To the front, they affixed a photo strip that featured Sherry and John with a face covered in kisses and a message that read “Plant one… on us! Smooooch”. Love it — both “green” and creative! For their place cards, they hand stamped the first initial of each guest on a small square of card stock. Then, they hand-lettered the full name of the guest underneath the initial and secured it to the table with a river rock.

Photo Credit: younghouselove.com

Sherry and John managed to host the entire event for under $4000 — as you can see, they’re giddy about their savings.

Photo Credit: younghouselove.com

Here’s the budget breakdown:

Venue: Free (backyard)
Music: Free (family friend played ceremony music on guitar & we used an iPod for the reception)
Photography: Free (brother-in-law is a photographer)
Officiant: Free (cousin got certified online)
Food: $500
Wine & Drinks: $100
Cupcakes & S’mores: $125
Table & Chair Rentals: $350
Centerpieces: $70
Save The Dates/Invitations/Thank Yous (With Postage): $260
Favors: $75
Servingware: $250
Fabric For Tablecloths & Runners: $300
Lighting & Candles: $120
Flip Flops/Photo Clothesline/Welcome Sign: $75
Mosquito Sticks/Candles/Spray: $50
Bouquet: $20
Attire: $500
Photo Booth: $1200 (the one big splurge- and so worth it)

TOTAL: $3995

They even donated a lot of the serving-ware that they purchased from Ikea to charity, which not only afforded them a tax write-off, but also allowed them to help those less fortunate. Kudos to you!

To learn more about Sherry and John’s fabulous backyard wedding, please visit younghouselove.com.

Filed under: Our Team, Planning & Resources

December 30, 2009 by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com

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A Firey Proposal Story

Posted by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com on December 16, 2009

An Extremely Unique and Memorable Wedding Proposal

I have heard some pretty extravagant proposal stories over the years, but I think Todd Grannis may “take the cake” for the most daring marriage proposal of them all. I know it’s not exactly the Fourth of July, but ’tis the season for holiday proposals, so I thought I would share this one with you. Please kids, don’t try this at home!

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Todd wanted the love of his life Malissa Kusiek to have a memorable proposal story to tell one day, so he arranged to have himself set on fire at a Fourth of July party. I know… there are probably safer ways to create a story-worthy event, but Todd wanted Malissa to know that she makes him hot!

Todd’s friend, Eric Barkey, a professional stuntman, was thought by all to be performing the stunt for the occasion. Eric had, after all, performed hundreds of human-torch fire jumps in the past, so this was not unusual for him. However, Eric was not really the one who was to perform the stunt that evening.

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Instead Todd, who had only informed a handful of people (including Malissa’s 16-year old son) of his plan, donned a water-soaked fire suit and a cape that had been doused in gasoline and climbed atop a 10-foot platform. Fortunately, there were several precautions in place to ensure his and everyone else’s safety because Todd was about to willingly light himself on fire in an attempt to illustrate his “hot” love for Malissa.

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

Soon a torch ignited the cape and Todd was covered in flames. Although Todd’s experienced friend Eric had suggested that he wait 20 seconds, Todd decided it was time to jump into the pool below as soon as he saw flames before his eyes and felt the hint of warmth on his body.

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

As he exited the pool, Malissa was there, heart-pounding and full of emotion. Before getting down on one knee, Todd looked at her and said “Malissa, you make me hot. I want to get the point across that I’m on fire for you.” I think he definitely succeeded in doing that, don’t you? He then looked up at her and said “Will you marry me, Malissa?” and slipped the 2.25 ct diamond ring on her finger. Fortunately, she said “yes!”

Photo Credit: HotProposal.com

You can read more about Todd and Malissa’s unique proposal story on HotProposal.com.

Filed under: Our Team, Proposals

December 16, 2009 by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com

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Where to Begin… and How to Continue

Posted by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com on December 2, 2009

Consistency is one of the most important aspects of good wedding design and repetition is one of the best ways to achieve that effect. By incorporating a monogram into your wedding plan, you can unite elements that would otherwise have no common connection. Wedding monograms are becoming increasingly popular and offer couples the option to easily include a custom element in their wedding plan.

Your invitation set introduces your wedding to your guests and is the first formal element they will receive. To create a sense of continuity, your monogram should be incorporated in your invitation design and should coordinate with the style you have selected for your invitation set. Therefore, you may want to scout out some paperie options and stationery styles before settling on a wedding monogram design. Below are some examples of invitation sets that have included the use of a monogram.

Photo Credit: Ajalon Printing

Photo Credit: Social Circles Design

Save the Dates are the first impression piece of your wedding, so if you intend to include a monogram in your wedding plan, you will want to make sure that it is incorporated into your invitation set before your Save the Dates are distributed.

Photo Credit: Sugarflower Design

Monograms can be created to match virtually any wedding style — romantic, classic, contemporary, casual, simple, symbolic, etc., so talk to your wedding planner/monogram designer about your vision before developing the design of your monogram. Below are a few monogram style samples:

Photo Credit: MarryMonograms.com

A custom monogram can even be included in your cake design or as a cake topper. If you would like to learn how to make the below wedding cake monogram, see ArtofDessert.com — they provide a wonderful step-by-step tutorial for doing so.

Photo Credits: Beau-coup.com

Photo Credit: Art of Dessert

If you intend to feature a particular wine at your wedding, include your monogram in your custom label or hang tag design.

Photo Credit: MarryMonograms.com

Another way to establish a sense of continuity is by creating monogram stickers so you can carry your monogram through to your other wedding elements.

Photo Credits: MarryMonograms.com

And last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to include your monogram in your wedding website design! Below are examples of two couples who were successful in doing so.

Designing your wedding can certainly be fun, but it can also be overwhelming at times! Just remember that less is more and consistency is key and you’ll be fine. Happy planning!

Filed under: Customization, Our Team

December 2, 2009 by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com

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Loved Ones Remembered…

Posted by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com on November 25, 2009

It is important to remember significant friends and family members who have passed at your wedding. But for some couples, it can be a struggle to find the best way to do so. Listed below are several tasteful ways to honor those you love without casting a somber tone over the event.

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - Allison29

Ideas for Remembering Your Loved Ones

Bridal Bouquet Charm – By simply attaching a photo charm or locket to your bridal bouquet, you can keep your loved one close to you. If your father is the one you wish to remember, this could be a particularly meaningful way to pay tribute to him because he can still “walk you down the aisle”. Or, if you prefer to recognize someone privately, simply pin a charm or locket to your crinoline instead.

Photo Credit: MyJeanM.com

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - JourneySeek

Accessories – Wearing something handed down from your mother, father, grandmother or grandfather such as a veil, gown, earrings or cuff links allows you to subtly honor them in your celebration while incorporating something old. However, if something new is what you need, you could create a custom charm bracelet that includes the photos of any family members or pets who have passed.

Photo Credit - shop.fineartoffamily.com

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LittleMandCo

Remembrance Trees - If there are several family members that you would like to honor at your wedding, you could create a memory tree that would be displayed during your ceremony, cocktail hour or reception — Natural Manzanita Branches are the perfect material for this purpose. The branches could be adorned with beautiful photo ornaments of the loved ones you wish to remember. Or, if you prefer to embellish it a bit more, you could also add candles, flowers or poetry.

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - LowellandSon

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - lesliejanson

Photo Credit: Etsy.com - tfakler

Single Empty Chair - Another meaningful way to pay tribute is by featuring an empty chair at your ceremony. Create an elegant embroidered sash that displays the names of each person being remembered that day. Or, simply leave a single flower on the seat of the chair.

Photo Credit - Flickr.com - Rachel Ann Photography

Candles - Candles can be a beautiful feature at any wedding and candlelight can be associated with life. They can also allow you to celebrate your loved ones in a more private or personal way. Create a nice vignette by incorporating some candles with a few other elements (ie. photos, flowers, etc.). Or, if drama is what you are after, you might consider creating a display that includes several candles of various sizes and shapes. On the bottom of each candle affix a photo or a label that includes the name of the person you are remembering – the candle light would represent the light of their life.

Music – Sound is something that can be easily linked to experiences — immediately upon hearing certain songs, you think of specific people, places or things. If the person you wish to remember can be associated with a particular song, consider incorporating that song in your ceremony or reception in some way. Better yet, have someone you know sing it live. Not only will that song have special meaning for you, but it will assume new significance with regard to your wedding day.

Donations - Making a donation to a cause that was important to the person you wish to recognize is a wonderful way to honor them. If your loved one did not support a particular charity, look for one that compliments what they once enjoyed. For example, if your grandmother was a teacher, supporting DonorsChoose.org would pay tribute to her by celebrating her life’s work.

Remembering those who have passed can be as simple as including a mention in your program. As long as they are honored at your wedding in a personally meaningful way, celebrating their memory will only add to the entire experience.

Filed under: Fun & Creative Ideas, Our Team

November 25, 2009 by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com

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A Couple’s Journey Captured on Film

Posted by Amy Ruocco, CEO of WeddingWindow.com on October 23, 2009

Using a Creative Engagement Photo-shoot to Add to Your Wedding Experience

Jennifer and Kevin are a couple who spent most of their relationship on opposite sides of the country; Jennifer in LA and Kevin in NY. Fortunately, however, Kevin is a pilot, so making travel arrangements came a bit easier for him.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

When their photographer, Caroline Tran was conceptualizing their engagement photo-shoot, it occurred to her that an airport would be the perfect location to capture their… journey together. Kevin, being a pilot, was able to arrange for them to shoot at the Santa Monica Airport.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Caroline shared with Jennifer her vision of including folded paper airplanes, who took the idea a step further by incorporating vintage maps in the design.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Caroline’s vision of capturing the couple under a sky of the little paper airplanes wasn’t realized — the little planes just wouldn’t cooperate. However, as luck would have it though, the couple (and Caroline) ended up loving the airplanes strewn all over the ground. Lesson learned… being flexible can sometimes lead to a better solution in the end.

Photo Credit: Caroline Tran

Thinking of little ways to incorporate aspects of your relationship into your wedding experience will make it more special for you and for your guests. Jennifer and Kevin were fortunate to be able to work with Caroline, who had a vision and was able to help them include an undeniable aspect of their relationship in their engagement photos. Years from now, they will look at these photos in a different way, because they do more than just capture Jennifer and Kevin’s image — they tell a story.