Five Romantic New Movies for Valentine’s Day

Whether Valentine’s Day means date night, cozy time together at home, or dreams of finding true love, we are all in the mood for romantic movies. If you’re looking for something sweeter than the film currently dominating the media, check these out in theaters and streaming online:

Old Fashioned
“Love is patient… love is kind…” Those perennial wedding-reading words from Corinthians are the tagline for a film about slow courtship and the healing power of love. This one looks really sweet.

Love, Rosie
A big hit in Europe, this British film about best friends falling in love with each other is set to charm American audiences this Valentines day.
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Planning & Inspiration

Hawaii Beach Wedding Under Hurricane Skies

by Rachel Trimarco

When I saw these breathtaking photos of my friend Katiann’s wedding, I asked her to share her story of putting together a beach wedding in Oahu while hearing reports that two hurricanes were about to hit. As you can see, this story does have a happy ending. In her own words:

The week leading up to our day was nothing short of stressful. With two uninvited guest on their way, our wedding week had officially gone in to high gear. Flowers and catering were the least of my worries, I now had two hurricanes coming for my day.

J. and I knew no matter what the weather had in store for us we had each other and Hawaii and that’s all that mattered. Changing our date and rearranging everything was minor in the big picture. All of the “stuff” that we brides stress over had fallen to the wayside. I was marrying the love of my life in paradise.
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Planning & Inspiration

Signature Cocktails With Spice & Sparkle

by Elianna Phelps

Welcome guests to your wedding reception with a festive signature cocktail that embodies fall’s bright spirit. Signature drinks need not be fussy to make an impression. Standout recipes are often inspired twists on familiar classics. Take for example, the Pinterest-popular Apple Cider Bellini, a combination of cider, sparkling wine or champagne, plus a touch of fig or pomegranate liquor. Attracted to the concept of signature cocktails but not sure how to choose a drink that will please your crowd? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Consider Color: If your bridesmaids will wear plum and your bouquet and centerpieces will include purple orchids and lavender roses, champagne cocktails, created with crème de cassis blackcurrent liquor will perfectly coordinate.
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Planning & Inspiration

First Look Photos: This Magic Moment

by admin

First Look photos have become a popular trend in wedding photography over the past few years. Couples are often unsure whether they want these sneak peak shots. There is a common expectation that the groom will first see his bride’s dress as she walks toward him down the aisle and if that moment has been built up in wedding fantasies, it’s hard to let go. Of course, cultural traditions vary. In Jewish weddings, for example, the couple gathers with a witness, before the ceremony, to sign their ketubah. For Jewish couples, documenting the First Look may feel more natural.

Image by Aaron & Jillian

Planning & Inspiration

Live Event Painters Make Your Wedding a Work of Art

by Elianna Phelps

theeventpainter.com

Now that digital technology makes documenting and sharing every wedding detail simple and expected, couples who crave a classic touch hire live event painters to capture celebrations on canvas in real time. Of course wedding paintings actually predate photography. In many cultures, couples sat for formal portraits which became family heirlooms. Today’s live paintings are sure to be just as cherished.

The event painting trend began to emerge about a decade ago, gathered speed due to social media, and grew exponentially after a piece in the New York Times.

wedoncanvas.com

Painters meet first with the couple to understand their taste and preferences. As anyone working in the wedding industry knows, customization is vital. That said, individual painters each have their own style. Some artists depict realistic detail and color, while others produce more stylized work. My personal favorites leave faces and tables somewhat blurred, capturing the happy rush of the dance floor, and let recognizable glimpses emerge: a bridesmaid’s posture, or the play of candlelight against floral centerpieces in glass. Read More

Planning & Inspiration

Decorating Cakes With Fresh Flowers

by Elianna Phelps

Delicate white orchids adorn an elegantly simple cake.

Fresh flowers bring so much beauty and romance to a wedding cake. It’s no wonder this look is trending. Decorating a cake with real blossoms is just one more way to bring nature’s vibrance to your celebration. Here are some wedding cakes wearing flowers we designed.

Romantic cake with roses, wild flowers, dahlias and hydrangeas.

Deep pink and cream garden roses on a tired wedding cake with floral piping.

Striking chocolate fondant cake with calla lillies.

Inspiring photos of flower-adorned cakes are pinned all over the bridal blogosphere. I noticed questions and concerns about safety. While it’s true that many flowers are not edible, professional bakers and florists know behind-the-scenes tricks that ensure cakes stay pristine. Arrangements are often composed and attached to small platforms before being carefully placed upon fondant-covered tiers. Stems are wrapped or encased tiny tubes. Servers know to remove floral decorations as the cake is cut, so guests avoid stray petals. It’s wedding magic! Read More

Planning & Inspiration