Monday, December 20, 2010

When Parents Text

You know you love texts from last night. But have you seen when parent's text? It's hilarious . . .

See for yourself

http://whenparentstext.com/

Bear Pong ( Your Groomsmen will Thank You)

Latest DBG!

BEARPONG.com
One of the last items on your epic  wedding to do list is  buying groomsmen gifts. If you interested in getting them a fun and unique gift they will use consider Bear Pong ( trust me they already have enough engraved flasks).
Bear Pong is a Maryland based oversized portable beer pong game. There is no hassle of lugging a table around and you won’t be drinking beer with grass in it.
It makes the perfect gift for the a ( or bridesmaid)  that love games, tailgating, and like to have a good time. It even makes a great last minute Christmas gift!
Besides being an attendant gift, Bear Pong would be great to bring out to your wedding’s after party, down time on your wedding weekend or bachelor party, the option are endless!

I just played it this past weekend at a Holiday party, and it is alot of fun! :)
For more information, funny videos  and to buy Bear Pong visit http://bearpong.com/

Friday, December 17, 2010

Paula Deen's Pineapple Casserole

This is so delicious! I halved it to make a smaller one for me and the hubbs this am.
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups grated sharp cheddar
  • 2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained, and 6 tablespoons pineapple juice reserved
  • 1 cup cracker crumbs (recommended: Ritz)
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted, plus extra for greasing pan

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a medium-size casserole dish with butter.
In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and flour. Gradually stir in the cheese. Add the drained pineapple chunks, and stir until ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
In another medium bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, melted butter, and reserved pineapple juice, stirring with a rubber spatula until evenly blended. Spread crumb mixture on top of pineapple mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Running of the Brides

Here's more info from the DC Bridal Events

Filene's Basement running of the Brides will take place Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Mazza Gallerie store.  For more info, visit www.filenesbasement.com/running-of-the-brides

Water for Elephants

Click here for the trailer
http://perezhilton.com/tv/Water_for_Elephants_Trailer/?ptvid=f0a74ec490d2d.

Reese Witherspoon + Rob Pattinson are in it.


Another awesome book that's becoming a movie!

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Monday, December 13, 2010

Mark your Calendars DC Brides!!

latest DBG

Can you believe it’s already mid December? Well in the bridal world that means it’s bridal show season  ( cue drum roll ) ! Mark you calender for the following events;

Trunk Shows-

Maggie Sottero Trunk Show  ( love those corsetted backs)
January 28, 29, 30 2011
P Lawrence Bridals and Formals 336 Main St. Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Call for appointment 301.977.6531
http://www.plstage.myshopify.com/

Anne Barge Trunk Show
January 21-23, 2011
Betsy Robinson’s Bridal 1848 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD 21208
Call for appointment 410.484.4600
http://www.robinsonsbridal.com/

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show
January 20-23, 2011
Carine’s Bridal Atelier 1726 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007
Call for appointment 202.965.4696
http://www.carinesbridal.com/

Filene’s Basement – Running of the Brides®  ( A must go to/ see, this one is infamous )
Hosted By: Filene’s Basement
Filene’s Basement – Mazza Gallerie
5300 Wisconsin Ave.
Washington , DC  20015
 Bridal Shows

Washington Bridal Showcase
Saturday January 16, 2011 11 am-5 pm
Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW Washington, DC 20001
301.wed.ding
$10 at the door, $8 prepaid online
http://www.bridalshowcase.com/

2011 International Bridal Show
Sunday December 12, 2010 12-4pm
Loews Annapolis Hotel 126 West St. Annapolis, MD 21401
410.790.8170
$8 at the door, $5 prepaid online
www.troseimg.com/index-8.HTML

Greater Virginia Bridal Show
Sunday January 9, 2011 1-4 pm
Hospitality House and Conference Center 2801 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
$7
http://www.vabridemagazine.com/
Winchester Bridal Expo
Sunday January 9, 2011 11:30 am-4pm
Shenandoah Valley Golf Club 134 Golf Club Circle Front Royal, VA 22630
Free
http://www.winchesterbridalexpo.com/

Great Bridal Expo
Sunday January 23, 2011 12-4pm
Hilton Alexandria at Mark Center 5000 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA 22311
$7 prepaid $9 cash at the door
http://www.greatbridalexpo.com/

Liberty Mountain Resort Bridal Fair 2011
Hosted By: Liberty Mountain Resort
Liberty Mountain Resort | map
78 Country Club Trail
Fairfield , PA  21701
Price: $4 in Advance / $6 at the Door

Montgomery Country Club Bridal Showcase
Hosted By: Montgomery Country Club
20908 Golf View Drive
Laytonsville , MD  20882

My advice for bridal shows is print your info ( name/email/ cell ) on an address label. Vendors collect your  information   and you don’t have to waste time by filling out a million things.

For more of my Bridal show advice go to
http://talesofaweddingbelle.blogspot.com/2010/10/preparing-for-bridal-expos.html

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Help

Just finished reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett and it was amazing!
 Set in the South in the 1960's it explores  race in the south, relationships between the lady and the "help", lots of historical references and amazing characters .


And.....

they are making it into a movie with Emma Stone as one of the main characters.
 can't wait to see it!

Back to Mac

Did you know . . .


That if you recyle/ bring 6 empty MAC cosmetics to the store/counter you get a free lipstick.

Go green and get lipstick

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Sarah Fletcher Photography



sarah fletcher photography - latest dbg!
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Ariana's Picks 2010 05/12 Sarah Fletcher PhotographyBy katiemac0 comFiled in: Bride's Best Friend, DC Wedding FeaturesSarah Fletcher Photography

This Sunday we get to meet the wonderful and very talented Sarah Fletcher of Sarah Fletcher.  She is located in Bethesda, Maryland  and she strives to take the highest quality image that captures the heart and soul of the subject and day.

Katie-What drew you to photography?
Sarah-I first fell in love with photography in my high school dark room.  I was fortunate enough to have great, excited teachers who passed on their passion for creativity and the fine art.
I love photography because it serves as a medium that I can capture the essence of someone when I met them.  It can be raw and real but best of all– it grows better with time.  If I take a brides portrait, and they want to look right away and critique themselves [they all do!], my new phrase I tell them? Wait 5 years and you will love it.
 K-How did you become involved with wedding photography?
S-Weddings are fabulous (details, dresses, delicious food, flowers, family)!  I love everything to do with weddings and romance.
I first considered event planning, but after my closest friends got married, and I couldn’t put down my camera—even when I was a maid of honor–I realized I was lucky that I knew what I wanted to do and I should embrace it– give it 100%.  My favorite photographer, Jasmine Star, spoke recently at a DC seminar for photographers and she said: “Better to fail at something you love, than to succeed at something you hate” and I have adopted this as my mantra.

K-What’s your favorite aspect of a wedding?
S-Immediately following the ceremony, when I can grab the newlyweds and take a few shots of them as hubby and wife, two lives intertwining and the moment they will never forget.  The bride and groom just glow with happiness and are calm and content. Even if we have only a few minutes before they head to their cocktail hour or more formal photos with the bridal party, tender moments are always present.
K-What kind of camera(s) do you shoot with?
S-It’s guaranteed I am the one of the only photographers who has BOTH Nikon & Canon gear… hear me out before you laugh… because yes, I have two of everything! DSLR’s, flashes, lenses, etc!
 Until May of this year, I shot only my Nikon D700… yet I was torn with all the amazing things I had been hearing about a Canon lens (the f/2.8 24mm-70mm) which sadly, Nikon didn’t make… so I bought the new Canon 5D Mark II, so I could shoot with that lens…. it is INCREDIBLE and I would venture to say I will never go back.
K-Where do you find inspiration for your pictures?
S-Blogs, Jasmine Star, National Geographic (this probably sounds unusual, but the level of photojournalism is unmatched), but above all? People.
K-Do you have a signature shot?
S-No, but I am trying to perfect the ‘faux candid’ –as I like to term it— which is when I set up everything in the frame and then have the couple slowly move or look at each other or laugh… while that might not qualify as a strict candid, I find natural emotion and intimacy within the setup that comes candidly.  My first love is portraiture, so I am drawn to faces, eyes and interactions between people.
K-What questions should brides ask when interviewing with wedding photographers?
S-Everything.  You should feel completely comfortable communicating with your photographer and the person that will absolutely be with you every minute on your special day.  If you can’t ask him/her ‘Do you feel comfortable shooting my bridal party of 16?’ while interviewing, then good luck trying to figure how he/she will react when your father-in-law forgets his tux and shows up 1 hour and a half late (this happened to me on a huge wedding I did), messing up the entire timeline your photographer had scheduled. Ask if their style of shooting is upfront and if they arrange the shots, or if they prefer to hang back in the sidelines and let the wedding day unfold naturally.  There are benefits to both, but it’s good to know–besides their style of photographs– how they actually physically take them. 

K-What are some fun poses or props couples can use to incorporate their personality into their photos?
S-A portrait is a reflection of a person; that being said, I recommend that brides can bring anything they love: maybe hobby-related items such as fresh flowers, an old camera, a vintage bicycle, an instrument or wear what holds special meaning to them; a grandmother’s emerald ring, the scarf they were wearing when they got engaged, etc.  I constantly ask brides if they feel comfortable in a pose, because their uncertainty can often be detected in a shot.
K-I always recommend my bride’s to have a list of must have shots to give to their photog. Do you have any recommended shots?
S-Aside from family formals, I usually throw the list to the wind and shoot as I see it.  I make sure to cover all the traditional shots, but I look for images that reflect the feeling of the day and those special moments in between the set-up shots.
K-What are some upcoming trends in wedding photography?
S-Fantastic brightly colored wedding heels for the bride to wear under her gown, or having a favorite pair dyed to match the wedding accent color.   Also,very modern albums with a lot of negative space and large pictures.  This probably isn’t cutting edge trendy, but I know that my mother’s wedding had neither and that was 29 years ago (her anniversary is today, so I thought that an appropriate example).

K-Where are some your favorite local settings to shoot for engagement (or day) pictures?
S-Georgetown, hands down.  (Blues Alley, the canal, the store fronts, cobbled stone roads; I could shoot every single session in Georgetown and still discover new spots!) The only downside is parking…
K-What is your advice for a bride in order to get the most out of her wedding pictures?
 S-Be specific about what you want, after all, it is YOUR special day!
K-How can brides contact you to set up an appointment?
web:      http://www.sarahfletcherphoto.com/
blog:      www,sarahfletcherphoto.squarespace.com
cell:        202 503 4742
email:     sarah@sarahfletcherphoto.com
facebook:    sarah fletcher photography

Friday, December 3, 2010

Tory Burch Revas

How pretty are these!  Tory Burch Revas in glitter pink, <3 you can find them online at nordstroms and saks.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Ribbon Wreaths

Latest Project- Ribbon Wreaths


   

I have been making mine out of Christmas ribbons but you could do your wedding colors or colors of a baby's nursery too.           
                   
These wreaths aren't mine but they are very cute!
 
Instructions
Styrofoam/wood Wreath - Mine is 10-inches across

45 Yards of Ribbon - I use about 9-10 different spools
*Scissors


depending on the size of your frame cut out ribbon strips and just tie into a bow around the wreath frame. Easy and cute!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Top 10 wedding movies

Latest DBG


With all the stress of the holidays and wedding planning it’s important to relax and unwind. Spend time not money with the girls/ your honey / have some alone time by watching a wedding movie .  I have compiled a list of my 10 favorite wedding movies and have color coded them for a night with the bridesmaids or date night with your fiance.
10. The Wedding Date-  I would love to set Dermot Mulroney up with one of my bridesmaids.
9. My Best Friend’s Wedding-  I’ll say a little prayer for you . . .
8.The Wedding Singer- How fun would it be if Adam Sandler was the wedding singer at your wedding ( well the happy sober version in the begining of the movie) .
7. My Big Fat Greek Wedding - Just put some windex on it.
6. The Hangover-Hopefully his bachelor party doesn’t turn out this way.
5. The Princess Bride – As you wish. . .
4. Bride Wars - You have to love Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway as frenemies.
3.The Wedding Planner- I wish J.Lo was my wedding planner. 
2. Father of the Bride- Classic. Classic. Classic.
1. Wedding Crashers- With the hilarious cast, one liners and the DC/ MD setting this is my favorite wedding movie.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

So much to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!!

How fun would it be if Andy Samberg, Martha Stewart and Paula Deen were at your thanksgiving



ps. I can do a mean turkey gobble

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Celebrity untraditonal engagement rings

Must be something in the air , celebrities and a bunch of my friends have recently gotten engaged. I love all these unique gems the celebs are rocking ( pun intended)

Kate Middleton's blue sapphire  courtesy of the late Princess Diana.



Jessica Simpson's ruby ring from Neil Lane.
5 carat ruby with pear side stones. The ruby is J. Simp's birthstone.



I'm glad gemstones are in considering I have one stuck on my right hand and it isn't budging. Do you prefer traditional diamond or a gem/birthstone for an engagement ring?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

'Round the Clock Shower

Latest DBG :)


Here is a really cute bridal shower idea that my friend Liz had for her bridal shower.
Theme- Around the Clock Bridal Shower
Tired of the usual tea luncheon shower? Shake it up by doing a themed shower, this article is about throwing an Around the Clock Shower.  To do this you need to mail the guests a different time of day and explanation of the theme.
Everyone will get sent a different time of day on a piece of paper and their bridal shower gift will correspond with that time.  This can be practical or funny the options are endless. If the bride loves to make late night snacks at 12:00 am get her a quesadilla maker or if on her lunch break she likes to go for a run a cute aluminum water bottle and tote is a great personalized gift.
 Morning- Coffee pot and mugs, quiche dish, pancake molds, waffle maker
Afternoon- Cute lunch box for working lunches, tea pot,coffee thermos, panini press
Evening-Wine/margarita glasses ( it’s 5 o’ clock somewhere right) , pots and pans, vaccum
Night-Brownie pan, baking dishes, lingerie, new sheets and pillows
There are lots of fun shower invitations out there. This is one is from www.invitationconsultants.com

Happy Sunday, it’s almost turkey day!
Katie

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Finishing Touches - Hester Browne

Hester Browne- The Finishing Touches

Cute book, but the Little Lady Diaries are alot more fun of a read. However The Finishing Touches had some fun quotes, especially for working events.

when you turn your social life into your job,I suppose the fun never stops.

splash out on the secret details that make you feel glamourous inside-like beautiful lingerie and a great haircut.
lipglosses with flavors aren't chic.

always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge for special occasions.sometimes the special occasion is that you've got a bottle of champagne in the fridge.


the best you could do was to be gracious on the surface and tough underneath-and believe that you were capable of more than foldingnapkins into amusing animal shapes.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Organized Bride, A Bride's Best Friend

Latest District Bride Guide Article There are so many  things to buy when planning a wedding. From invitations, bridal party gifts, toasting flutes and everything in between it is so easy to get unorganized and overwhelmed. Lucky for us there is The Organized Bride, which is an adorable one stop shop for all things wedding!

Located in downtown Frederick in Everedy Square,  this fabulous shop greets you with a wonderful staff and all the wedding essentials  to help you in every step of your wedding planning.  From paper goods, bridal party gifts, guest books, favors, toasting flutes and ring bearer pillows you too can become an organized bride!
I interviewed owner Tara Franklin about her delight of a shop.
Katie-What inspired you to open the organized bride ?
Tara-I just moved to the area from New Jersey,  newly engaged and not a clue where to start. The interent provided a great tool for wedding research but I really wanted a place I could go and see and touch everything and more important a person that was knowledgeable with the area that could recommend products and vendors. I couldn’t believe how many different places I had to go to search for the perfect invitaiton, guest book, garter, unity candle, ceremony program…the list goes on and on. I was driving back from one of my more unsuccessful attempts at finding all of the above wedding items when I thought, I am going to open this non-existant little wedding store and provide other brides with a one stop shop for basically everything but the dress. I wanted to carry all of the hard to find items in one place with tons of options in the latest colors to coordinate with the overall theme of the wedding day.
That’s a clever name, how did you come up with it?
I worked for a company whose owner used to say I was the most organized person he knew. Whether I thought it was true or not,  I thought it was such a nice compliment. I guess it stuck with me, who doesn’t want to be thought of as having their “stuff” together. I think planning a wedding is a huge, undertaking that defintiely requires lists, timelines and budgets. The more organized you are the easier the planning will be. I thought The Organized Bride was a good name for our business because you might not be the most organized but you can come to our shop with your list and pretty much take care of all your planning. I think an Organized Bride is a happy bride!
What is your favorite aspect of a wedding?
 Just one? That’s a tough one. I absoltely love everything wedding!!! From the first time a bride steps foot in our shop to finding the perfect invitations and accessories that will make her day even more special. To the final good-bye and good luck just days before the wedding. I feel SO lucky to be a small part in these girls’ big day. I get to work with them on their save the dates when their engagement is new and we talk about their colors and the look and feel they are going for, then on invitatons when things are getting more serious they have started picking vendors, no doubt hit some bumps in the planning road. I get to offer advice and hopefully help them breath a little easier. Then when the day is almost here we get to select the fun litttle personal touches. Programs, Menus, Favors Guest Books, and more. Just days before the wedding I get to give one last excited smile, hug, maybe a little word of encouragement here or there and they are off…cue the crying. I usually shed a little tear as they leave and I always think next seasons’ brides can’t top the great realationships I built with these,  but soon the door opens to a bright eyed newley engaged bride-to-be and I get to do it all over again.
What are some upcoming trends in weddings  ?
Color and Pattern, Color and Pattern, Hip Hip Horray! I think more brides want to add some of their personal style to their wedding day. Bold Vibrant Blue’s and Lime Green’s paired together. Pinks with Aqua, Deep Purple with Burnt Orange, Yellow with everything. As far as style’s, pocket invitations are still wildly popular and our custom fan programs that we print in house are a must have for summer weddings. We shipped them all over the country this wedding season. So exciting!!!

What brands of paper goods do you carry?
 
Carlson Craft, Checkerboard, Marsupial Pouches, Encore Stuidos, Envelopements, Lucky Onion, Pioneer Color, Chloe B by Crane, Designers Fine Press, Oblation, The Happy Enveope, Paper Duvet, Prints Charming, Inviting Company, Doc Milo, M Prints. We attend the National Stationery Show in New York every May and are always looking to add lines that we think will help our customers find the perfect paper for their event!
What is your advice for a bride shopping for various wedding essentials, whether it’s invitations or bridesmaids gifts.
Plan early! The more you can check off your list in the months leading up to the wedding the easier the last few weeks will be. This is especially true for invitaions. Most brides will start looking 7-9 months before the wedding. Since wedding invitations are mailed 2 months before the wedding, it is a good idea to order at least 4-6 months out to ensure plenty of time for proofing, printing, assembling and addressing. Finally the most important advice is HAVE FUN!!! Planning a wedding can be overwhelming but always try to focus on the big picture you are getting married.

Make it a priority to stop by The Organized Bride located at
14 N. East Street, Studio 1
Frederick, Maryland 21701
301.620.9920

http://www.theorganizedbridestore.com/  Like them on Facebook!