New Year’s Eve is a time for looking forward, armed with resolutions for improvement in the next year. Before we jump into 2011, we had to look back at a very exciting year for TWB.
We started off 2010 with what else, a wedding! Erin tied the knot in January and you can read about it here, here, and here.
Soon we had another cause for celebration on our hands when Jessica got engaged. Check out the announcement here, and follow her lessons learned while planning here.
Still giddy from the excitement of being a respective newlywed and bride-to-be, we updated our (still admittedly a work in progress) site, got an official blog, and started sharing our ideas with you on the regular.
As the year progressed, we celebrated with our friends as they began their own wedding journeys and figured out exactly what a “Guestinator” is. The leaves turned and we coordinated Irene and Steven’s wedding. Referrals are always fun clients, and these two were no exception.
We were lucky enough to be featured guest bloggers on one of our favorite inspiration sites, and even scored a standing spot on a wedding blog favorite for Philly brides. A few weeks ago we launched a third weekly feature, and we’re still bursting at the seams more wedding we want to share with you.
This has been a huge year for TWB and for each of the Belles personally. We are excited for what 2011 will bring and hope you’ll be along for the ride.
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
We're Fans: The Knot for iPad
When I unwrapped my shiny new iPad on Christmas (thanks Mom and Dad!) I knew I wanted to check out the wedding app options right away. I 've been hearing rumblings on Twitter about how great The Knot for iPad is, so I decided to check it out for myself.
The app is like a hybrid magazine, TV show, and web site all rolled in to one and tied up with a bow of the wedding pretty we've all come to expect from The Knot crew. There is a ton of great content like DIY save the date card ideas complete with instructions and downloadable templates. This issue also features a slew of wedding dresses with details translated from various decades - think beading for the twenties or a full skirt for the sixties.
The pages flip with a quick swipe of the finger, and if you're already a full blown knottie, you'll appreciate the integrated message board where you can chatter away with fellow brides-to-be to your heart's content. At $4.99 if won't break the bank and the full magazine content of the issue currently on newstands is included. My favorite feature is a drag and drop scrapbook for digitally stashing your favorite finds. Imagine perusing your inspiration ideas on screen when meeting with vendors instead of lugging around a giant binder.
Any engaged ladies out there using your favorite gadget to help you plan your wedding? Are you already loving The Knot for iPad or are there other apps I'm missing out on?
All images from The Knot
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Things I've Learned While Planning: 5 Months To Go
Yup, you can count with just one hand now. With only five months to go, here's what I've picked up in the last month or so.
1. Reviewing invitation proofs late on a Friday night on a whim is just not a good idea.
2. I thought I was serious about spreadsheets, but then planning for the India shopping trip commenced. And then I saw the spreadsheet big guns come out.
3. Tailors will refuse to measure you for a garment they aren't making...if you're trying to obtain said measurements in Stamford, CT. My sister/MOH and one bridesmaid got flat out rejected a few times.
4. If you look at enough grey suits, they all start to remind you of Pee Wee Herman at some point.
5. A 6x9 envelope doesn't just sound comically big...it is comically big.
6. I'm starting to loathe hearing nothing more than when, in response to when I should schedule our remaining appointments, I hear the words "after the Super Bowl."
7. If you need to buy more than 10 of the same item from Banana Republic, you have to be ready to go through the line more than once. (And doing so during the holiday season is a real commitment to your purchase.)
Almost through the holidays now, and after that May seems like it'll be here in a second. Should be a busy winter/beginning of spring, with lots more to discuss as we charge forward.
1. Reviewing invitation proofs late on a Friday night on a whim is just not a good idea.
2. I thought I was serious about spreadsheets, but then planning for the India shopping trip commenced. And then I saw the spreadsheet big guns come out.
3. Tailors will refuse to measure you for a garment they aren't making...if you're trying to obtain said measurements in Stamford, CT. My sister/MOH and one bridesmaid got flat out rejected a few times.
4. If you look at enough grey suits, they all start to remind you of Pee Wee Herman at some point.
5. A 6x9 envelope doesn't just sound comically big...it is comically big.
6. I'm starting to loathe hearing nothing more than when, in response to when I should schedule our remaining appointments, I hear the words "after the Super Bowl."
7. If you need to buy more than 10 of the same item from Banana Republic, you have to be ready to go through the line more than once. (And doing so during the holiday season is a real commitment to your purchase.)
Almost through the holidays now, and after that May seems like it'll be here in a second. Should be a busy winter/beginning of spring, with lots more to discuss as we charge forward.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Two Web Belles: And The Stockings Were Hung...
1. We've seen a few variations of sock wreaths before, but this one from Blue Cricket Design seemed to be the quickest and easiest to construct. No floral pins required here - just cut a slit in your wreath and the bottoms off your socks, and you're pretty much done. Even the kiddies could help out with this one.
2. This mini stocking napkin ring puts an extra flourish on your dinner plate with an added dose of herbs spilling out of the tops. We thought you could scale these back a bit by simply bundling each place setting's flatware inside the stocking for a lively mealtime "stocking stuffer."
3. Has anyone out in Blogland given Pedisavers a try? These toe-less socks might look a little funny at the spa, but so do those foam flip flops they give you, so we won't ding them in the looks department. The fact that you could throw these on and keep your tootsies warm during a winter polish is the most appealing aspect to us.
4. The guys can get in on some crazy sock action, if they want. Just look at some of the styles brave men have rocked below. Source: top, middle, bottom.
5. Can someone get these mini stocking pans, bake up some cutely decorated treats with them, and then send them over to TWB headquarters? You'd definitely be our #1 favorite reader...promise.
2. This mini stocking napkin ring puts an extra flourish on your dinner plate with an added dose of herbs spilling out of the tops. We thought you could scale these back a bit by simply bundling each place setting's flatware inside the stocking for a lively mealtime "stocking stuffer."
3. Has anyone out in Blogland given Pedisavers a try? These toe-less socks might look a little funny at the spa, but so do those foam flip flops they give you, so we won't ding them in the looks department. The fact that you could throw these on and keep your tootsies warm during a winter polish is the most appealing aspect to us.
4. The guys can get in on some crazy sock action, if they want. Just look at some of the styles brave men have rocked below. Source: top, middle, bottom.
5. Can someone get these mini stocking pans, bake up some cutely decorated treats with them, and then send them over to TWB headquarters? You'd definitely be our #1 favorite reader...promise.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
We're Fans: The Demoiselle
Magalie is the woman behind The Demoiselle, a site dedicated to showcasing the best in accessories. Clutches, heels, jewelry, belts, veils - The Demoiselle throws them all into the mix for a nonstop parade of pretty. The truly fascinating thing about the site is that while it maintains a focus on a specific type of item, it still keeps you coming back for more. There are "real wedding" photo submissions and vendor spotlights along with Magalie's personal picks sprinkled in, too.
I even found my bridesmaids' gifts after seeing a certain item featured in a post not too long ago. And, as many of my bridesmaids will read this, I'm sure they'll start scouring the archives to see if they can hunt down what I picked out for them almost immediately....ha.
Below are items featured recently on The Demoiselle, but it's really just a small taste of what the site has to offer. Be sure to head over to see what it's all about for yourself.
I even found my bridesmaids' gifts after seeing a certain item featured in a post not too long ago. And, as many of my bridesmaids will read this, I'm sure they'll start scouring the archives to see if they can hunt down what I picked out for them almost immediately....ha.
Below are items featured recently on The Demoiselle, but it's really just a small taste of what the site has to offer. Be sure to head over to see what it's all about for yourself.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Destination Inspiration: A Retro Holiday Bridal Shower
Typically our destination inspiration boards are centered on a fabulous place, not a bygone era. We couldn't help ourselves when we recently came across this vintage aluminum Christmas tree ad.
We took the robin's egg blue, silver, and red scheme (and of course the aluminum tree) and came up with the board below for a retro inspired bridal shower for the holidays. The look is flirty and feminine, perfect for a get together with your favorite ladies. If you love the color combination, it would translate well for a daytime wedding, with the silver accents swapped for a liberal amount of dove gray to keep the palette modern and less kitschy.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Two Web Belles: The Other Kind of Bells
1. Here is a DIY project that could add some jingle jangle to your home or your (winter) wedding venue. The directions for jingle bell mistletoe are really easy to follow, so you could churn out a lot of these to hang in bunches over a doorway or window in no time at all.
5. This jingle bell charm bracelet by Etsy seller PrincessByDesign is pretty wrist candy for a winter bride. At under $50, it won't break the bank, and it would work with a lot of flowy, romantic dress styles. You may want to remove the bell for the ceremony, unless you want to jingle down the aisle.
2. This cluster of bells makes for a Kate Spade ring that walks the fine line between eye-catching and obnoxious. And that's exactly what we look for in our cocktail rings, isn't it?
3. Looking for a fresh take on the bride and groom send off? Well we think these DIY ribbon and bell wands are just the thing to help ring in your first big exit. They can even pull double duty and carry over to the reception as "kissing wands" - used by your guests to encourage a kiss instead of the traditional glass clink.
3. Looking for a fresh take on the bride and groom send off? Well we think these DIY ribbon and bell wands are just the thing to help ring in your first big exit. They can even pull double duty and carry over to the reception as "kissing wands" - used by your guests to encourage a kiss instead of the traditional glass clink.
4. We never get sick of sharing Martha Stewart projects. Probably because even when they're not intended for weddings, the easy to follow instructions and impressive end results always get our DIY wheels turning. This jingle bell wreath would look great accenting the end of an aisle, as a welcome to the ceremony or reception venue, and could double as a handy tambourine when it comes time for dancing.
5. This jingle bell charm bracelet by Etsy seller PrincessByDesign is pretty wrist candy for a winter bride. At under $50, it won't break the bank, and it would work with a lot of flowy, romantic dress styles. You may want to remove the bell for the ceremony, unless you want to jingle down the aisle.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
We're Fans: Tim Riddick Photography
I met Tim at my nephew's first birthday party a few months ago. He was there as a guest, but like any good photographer he came with his camera in tow. We struck up a conversation about wedding photography and of course I had to get some of his work to share on the blog.
Tim shot Dany and Zareth's wedding in Cabin John, Maryland in late November. I love how he captured the really rich saturated colors. Teal and fuschia aren't traditional for fall weddings, but with the leaves just changing and the liberal dose of navy, the combo definitely works.
Congratulations to the newlyweds and thanks again to Tim for sharing the photos! Check out the rest of the pics from Dany and Zareth's big day here.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Destination Inspiration: Christmas in Whoville
Until now, we've taken ideas for our wedding boards from destinations all around the globe. Santorini, Nashville, Bali, Napa, and our alma mater Penn State are the locations we've visited most recently. Now we wanted to do a board that represented the spirit of the holiday season, and no "real life" destination seemed to measure up to the animated spot that kept popping up in our heads: Dr. Seuss' wonderfully whimsical world of Whoville. More specifically, the Whoville we all love to watch in the Christmas cartoon every year. Below are some ideas to throw together a very Seussian winter wedding, and we think the Grinch would approve...even enough to have his heart grow three sizes, maybe? We looked to punchy colors, sweet treats and knits you can wear, hold, and decorate with to create a wedding style fit for a Who. Fahoo fores!
clockwise from bottom left: mittened couple; rainbow sorbet; flower girl; rings; sock garland; knitted flowers; cotton knit wrap; button bouquet; pink hair; cupcake tree; macaoons; bundled up bride; Who cake topper.
(source)
clockwise from bottom left: mittened couple; rainbow sorbet; flower girl; rings; sock garland; knitted flowers; cotton knit wrap; button bouquet; pink hair; cupcake tree; macaoons; bundled up bride; Who cake topper.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Two Web Belles: Hot Chocolate
1. Having a meal at Max Brenner is like eating at Willy Wonka's dinner table. Everything has chocolate in it, from the entrées to the drinks to, of course, the decadent desserts. With only a handful of locations in the US and the world, you may not have one nearby. (Note: Philly peeps you're in luck since there is one right in Center City!) But everyone can head on over to their online store, which offers enough chocolate treats to make an Oompa Loompa jump for joy. Below are a few of our handpicked faves, perfect for favors or gifts or just for fun. From top to bottom: bonbons, kangaroo cup, soap, hug mug.
2. Who needs crystal flutes when you can cozy up and toast with a coordinating pair of chocolate brown and cream conversation mugs? A warm frothy drink with the potential for foam mustache photos is a bonus, but not a requirement.
3. Are we the only ones who have been inundated with commercials for chocolate diamonds lately? Yes? No? We can't decide if these are a great buy for the choco-holic deep inside you, or an easy one to pass up since it lacks the sparkle of a regular ol' rock. What do you think? We also found these chocolate pearls, which might just satisfy you're choco jewelry craving (if one should exist) without compromising the diamond purist in you.
4. There's nothing like a traditional white wedding cake, unless of course you opt for a chocolate showstopper like the one below, dubbed "The Megeve" after a Swiss ski resort. According to Martha, it has disks of vanilla meringue layered with chocolate mousse,covered in a thick layer of dark chocolate curls and a dusting of powdered sugar. We could do serious damage given some alone time with The Megeve and a fork.
5. Most brides indulge in a little pampering with their bridal party, mom, or sisters in the days leading up to the wedding. Why not spring for an upgrade from your local nail salon with spa services at Hotel Hershey? Chocolatetown is well within day trip distance of Philly and DC, and the chocolate spa menu is worth a few hours in the car.
2. Who needs crystal flutes when you can cozy up and toast with a coordinating pair of chocolate brown and cream conversation mugs? A warm frothy drink with the potential for foam mustache photos is a bonus, but not a requirement.
3. Are we the only ones who have been inundated with commercials for chocolate diamonds lately? Yes? No? We can't decide if these are a great buy for the choco-holic deep inside you, or an easy one to pass up since it lacks the sparkle of a regular ol' rock. What do you think? We also found these chocolate pearls, which might just satisfy you're choco jewelry craving (if one should exist) without compromising the diamond purist in you.
4. There's nothing like a traditional white wedding cake, unless of course you opt for a chocolate showstopper like the one below, dubbed "The Megeve" after a Swiss ski resort. According to Martha, it has disks of vanilla meringue layered with chocolate mousse,covered in a thick layer of dark chocolate curls and a dusting of powdered sugar. We could do serious damage given some alone time with The Megeve and a fork.
5. Most brides indulge in a little pampering with their bridal party, mom, or sisters in the days leading up to the wedding. Why not spring for an upgrade from your local nail salon with spa services at Hotel Hershey? Chocolatetown is well within day trip distance of Philly and DC, and the chocolate spa menu is worth a few hours in the car.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
We're Fans: Untamed Petals
Think of a belt that you'd love to pair with your white gown and your new cocktail dress, or a headband that works as you walk down the aisle and as you just walk down the street. Untamed Petals puts a fresh spin on bridal accessories with their subtle, soft, romantic styles. Nothing is too over-the-top dramatic. They're just pretty pieces that definitely won't detract from your head-to-toe bridal look. We always, always love pieces from a wedding day that can be translated into another ensemble long after the wedding is over, and these definitely won't make "stuffed in the back of the closet" status anytime soon.
After milling about in their Etsy store for longer than we'd ever like to admit, we found ourselves particularly drawn to the Poppy band, which just happens to be an Untamed Petals best seller:
But there are so many great pieces to choose from, just a few of which are shown below.
What do you guys think? Could you see yourself rocking any of Untamed Petals' designs on your wedding day...or beyond?
After milling about in their Etsy store for longer than we'd ever like to admit, we found ourselves particularly drawn to the Poppy band, which just happens to be an Untamed Petals best seller:
But there are so many great pieces to choose from, just a few of which are shown below.
What do you guys think? Could you see yourself rocking any of Untamed Petals' designs on your wedding day...or beyond?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Ultimate Winter Bridal Accessory
White fur is feminine and cozy. Depending on the styling it can be elegant, playful, or vintage inspired. It adds the finishing touch to outdoor photos in the cold weather, and bottom line is if you love this look there's really only one day you can get away with wearing it.
This winter bride chose a demure capelet with hook and eye closure, simple hair and makeup and a sweeping veil for a timeless look. The cropped swing cut of the capelet with the dress's cinched waist and full skirt gives a gorgeous proportion.
The photo below was the first inspiration photo I pulled from the web when I started planning. I love the stand-up collar on the jacket with her sleek sideswept updo. Check out the rest of the pics from this fabulous wedding and the story of how she found her vintage fur here.
Does the bride below look familiar? Yours truly found this winter white cropped jacket on eBay for about $20, after stalking the listings for many many weeks. The snowflake brooch is a vintage find from Etsy.
If you want to incorporate this look, your best shopping bets are Ebay, Etsy, and online bridal classifieds like Weddingbee. Many bridal shops will also sell winter accessories, but prepare to pay the "bridal markup". Animal lovers can rest easy knowing that today's faux fur looks stunning. When searching for faux, avoid vintage finds in thrift stores and consignment shops; the older styles are likely to be real.
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