We got published...Again!

We are beyond excited about one of our past weddings being published in Focus Aruba. On Aug 7, 2010 Jharonne & Jose had their ceremony at NYC's landmark, St Patrick's Cathedral and reception at The Ritz Carlton. This fabulous 1920's themed wedding was so exciting. Guests danced the evening away while the DJ played music from 1920's and every decade to the present. The bride and her family are from Aruba, hence the reason for being in the Aruban magazine. I might need someone to translate because the magazine is printed in spanish :)








We wish Jharonne & Jose a lifetime of happiness!

Images courtesy of Jennifer Boyle

We are back and looking for guest bloggers!

Hello Everyone! We have been gone for a while but we plan to change that. Thank you for your patience as we try to get back on track. We have a lot of wonderful weddings we haven't posted yet but we will make sure to get to them all.

To keep up with posting only the best content for our readers we are in search of guest bloggers. If you or anyone you know are interested please contact us at lisa {at} eliteaffairsllc {dot} com.


We also have a big surprise for the new year. Stay tuned for more details!

Just for Fun! Take a guess....

On April 12 I was at the Wedding Salon showcase at The Roosevelt Hotel. There were so many beautiful tablescapes there but this one in particular grabbed my attention not just because of the size but it was truly gorgeous. Just for fun, I want you to take a guess as to how many roses are here. Go on, guess......


This design is by Big Apple Florist

Dress Pick of the Week: Essense of Australia

Look at this beauty!


Style #D1049:

Dolce Satin Gown
Detachable Beaded Halter Strap Included
Detail Color Available:
(DM) Diamante
Fabric Colors Available:
(IVR) Ivory
(WHT) White
(OYS) Oyster
(PWT) Pewter


Visit Essense of Australia to see this and other fabulous gowns.

Pronovias 2011 Collections

Have you seen Pronovias 2011 Catalog yet? What are you waiting for? Go check out the dresses....they are to die for. PRONOVIAS 2011 COLLECTION

Napkin Knots

Learn how to tie some knots before you "tie the knot". I have always been inspired by Martha Stewart's bright ideas and I just love this one.....tied napkins on each plate.The napkins may also include a strip with your placecards.Here's how you do it:


1.Place napkin on a flat surface. Fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle, and fold loosely from the point up to the crease.



2. For the paper strips, start with quilling paper, which comes precut, or cut your own; they should be 1 inch wide and 2 inches longer than the napkin size (24 inches for a 22-inch napkin). Calligraph names on the strips, leaving about 4 inches blank at the end. Place one strip upside down on a napkin, as shown



3. Holding the strip and napkin together, tie into a loose knot.




4. Trim ends of the strip on the diagonal; adjust the paper if necessary so the name shows.

Mashed Potato Bars

I personally love the idea of a mashed potato bar because I just love potatoes done anyway (I can't help it, lol). I have seen the potato bar at a few weddings, more recently at Rita and Jason's wedding (review to come).
You can have mashed potatoes with a choice of dozens of toppings you wouldn't even believe you can put on potatoes. These toppings can be anywhere from: onions, scallions, cinnamon, honey, raisins, brown sugar, sour cream, cheeses and the list goes on.
Your guests will love you for this! Check with your reception hall to see if this is an option.

Inspiration: Photo Table Numbers

You don't have to do the mediocre table numbers that your reception halls throw in with your package. Why not go for the personalized approach? You can do personalized table number cards by using pictures from your engagement shoot, baby pictures, pictures from places you have visited or even pictures of your pet.
You can then print these on your own on regular stock or print on photo paper. Here are a few images to give you some ideas:








Credit
Images 1-4 from here
Image 5 from here

Calligraphy: Enter to Win

Do you want calligraphy but think you can't afford it? Calligraphy by Jennifer wants to help you out. They have decided to start a new program in hopes to make calligraphy a bit more affordable for you.

Each week one lucky client will be chosen to receive 15% off their entire order, free return ground shipping (U.S.) and 25 free thank you notes.

How to apply:
* Send us an email to jennscalligraphy@aol.com with your wedding date, details pertaining to your order (services needed and quantity needed), and when you need to receive your order back.
*Each week on Monday we will select one random person that will get this great offer!
*Once you are notified you are the winner, we will then ask you to fill out our online contract form to reserve our services. ... See More... See More...
*Important* Please note that you do not have to have your order ready at this time to apply for this special offer. For example, you may not have even ordered your invitations yet but know you would like to have calligraphy. We always advise to book our services in advance so not having your materials ready to ship to us at the time you apply is perfectly fine.

Contact them today!

Special Offer from Photography in Style

We like making you aware of discounts and deals out there. Our friend John from Photography In Style has something special for new clients:

Every Bride who books will get a "Free Custom Designed Web-Site", to share their wedding details with friends and family.

Check out some samples:
Richie & Kristin
Ikhwan & Alicia

For more details check out John's website PHOTOGRAPHY IN STYLE

Dress Pick of the Week: Essense of Australia

I am loving this gown from Essense of Australia. It features modern detachable straps, Godavari Taffeta with asymmetrical gathered bodice, Diamante beading under bust line and on hip, Zip up or lace up.

Silhouette:Trumpet / Mermaid
Neckline:Spaghetti Straps
Price Range:$$$ = $1001-$1500
Waist:Dropped
Embellishment:Beading
Style:Glamorous, Modern, Romantic
Color:Ivory, White
Hemline:Floor-length
Train:Chapel
Fabric:Taffeta
Season:Spring 2010
Sizes:2-20
Style # D1033

Click the link to see this and other gowns from Essense of Australia

Eco-Runners from Custom Wedding Creations

Our friends over at Customized Wedding Creations have a new line of eco-runners that we thought you might be excited about. Nowadays you can order so many other eco-friendly wedding accessories, so why not a runner?
The Eco-runners are completely customizable using all-natural products and organic paints. Made from melted down plastic bottles, this aisle runner is 100% recycled polyester and is painted with water-based paints free from chemicals and solvents. No harmful dyes or chemicals here. The best part, you’d never know this aisle runner is recycled fabric. It looks and feels just like our standard fabric aisle runners!


To see more some of these runners and get more information, visit Customized Wedding Creations Blog

Traditions: The Hand Ceremony

This ceremony is a lot different than the unity candle, but it does hold the same significance. Most couples that choose to do this ceremony choose to do it after they’ve exchanged rings. When the couple exchange rings, still facing each other the officiant then instructs them to join hands or place their hands flat together (palm to palm). After the couple join hands, the officiant will then recite a hand poem. There are lots of poems out there, but here is a sample poem that is usually said during the hand ceremony:

“These are the hands that will hold your hands for a lifetime. The hands that will be at the end of every embrace. They are the hands of your very best friend. The hands that feel like none other. They are the hands that will build a future together. The hands that will tenderly hold your children, and will encircle your family and make it one. The hands that will wipe life's tears of both joy and sorrow. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours offering the same unspoken support and tenderness with just one touch."

And the winner is......

With the help of a random integer generator, a winner was chosen. The random number generated was 4. The winner for the Godiva Valentine's Chocolate Giveaway is "str8tfromthesource". I already contacted Nakia to let her know the great news. Congratulations!





Thanks to everyone that entered. I hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day.

Unique Cake Alternatives

Some couples aren't really into the traditional layered cakes and they go searching for alternatives that may reflect their personal style. When we think of alternatives to cake we tend to just think of cupcakes. However,cupcakes are not the only alternatives out there. Take a look at these unique options we found:

Coconut Souffle


Chocolate Espresso Charlottes


Chocolate Raspberry Supremes


Assorted Pies


Images: Martha Stewart

Which alternative do you prefer?

Love Chocolate?-Valentine's Day Giveaway

Valentine's Day is very special to many people and we wanted to help you enjoy the special day. Who doesn't love chocolate? We are giving away this Godiva 8piece set of dark, milk, and white chocolates. The set includes scrumptious pralinés, creamy caramels, intense ganaches, and distinctive fruits and nuts. All wrapped up in a satin ribbon.



How to win:
Its all very simple. Just leave us a comment and tell us your plans for Valentine's Day.
You have until midnight of Feb 7th to enter.
The winner will be announced on Feb. 8th.
Only one entry per person please.


Go ahead and leave a comment. The winner will have their chocolate for Valentine's Day!

Wedding Reception Dresses

So its the big day and you are wearing a Cinderella style, heavy but fabulous dress. However, when it comes time to party you wish you wearing a a short, light, funky dress. We have done a few weddings where the brides change into a second dress and we just love the idea. Take a look at these great finds:








Image 1 from JCREW
Image 2 from Justin Alexander
Images 3, 4, 5, 6 East Bridal

Inspiration: Decorate your wedding with buttons

Most people plan their weddings with a theme in mind. If there is something you just absolutely love or think you can be creative with, you usually want to incorporate it in your wedding somehow. I never would have thought of buttons though...yes buttons! We found these DIY decorations on MarthaStewart and thought we would share with you. Don't you just love?

Favor Soap Box


Seating Cards


Ring Pillow


Button Lollipop Favor


Favor Bags


Button Boutonnieres


Drop us a comment, let us know if you have any DIY projects planned for your wedding?

Inspiration: Winter Wedding Cover Ups

You may have always dreamed of a winter wedding but hesitant on how you can still pull this off and not freeze to death. These fabulous cover-ups will make it possible to take those outdoor pictures and look highly fashionable while doing it.
We found a few you may love:




For more styles and options, visit etsy seller Vladana

Wedding Flowers: Submerged Centerpieces

Trying to decide on a style for your centerpieces to be can be very nerve racking. I have always loved the look of the flowers submerged in water. It gives off a simple yet classy look. There are so many different flowers that can be used to pull off this style. If you have thought about this idea for centerpieces, here is some more inspiration for you:







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Images taken from HERE

Events: Running of the Brides is back!

Still in need of a wedding dress? The world famous Running of The Brides Bridal Gown Event is back. Coming to Union Square Store on February 5, 2010 at 8am. For more information, visit Filene's Basement. How far will you go to get the dress of your dreams?

Real Weddings: Michelle & Ari 10/11/09

Michelle was another extremely organized bride that I met maybe one and half year prior to her wedding. Michelle and Ari were planning a fall themed wedding at The Swan Club. It was a beautiful day in October and we started with the staged first view of the couple, followed by pictures in the beautiful gardens at Swan Club.
The couple were so excited to finally be united and you could just see the joy all day. They recited their own vows, a unique touch that I personally love. It gives you the opportunity to say how you truly feel.
Their guest enjoyed cocktails outdoor followed by dinner and dancing by all. Michelle surprised Ari with a groom's cake. This cake is one of my favorites so far M&M posing with a tennis racket). Love it!
Their guests also had cupcakes to take home and I must say I had a taste of one and they were yummy!

Vendors that played a role in this fabulous day:

Ceremony & Reception: The Swan Club
Flowers: Verbena Designs
Photo: Glenmar Studio
Ceremony Music: Katharine Saxton
Limo: Camelot Limo
Officiant: Pastor April
Video: Duval
Hair & Make Up: Carolyn & Sabrina
Groomscake: The Sugar Chic










It was such a pleasure to work with Michelle and Ari and I wish them continued years of happiness!