Spotted: Postable

Do you know about Postable? I just found out about it last week, and it looks like a super easy way to create and fill out your address book. And, as so many brides know, one of the most frustrating wedding planning activities is tracking down those pesky guest mailing addresses. So Postable seems like a handy wedding tool, huh?






Here is more info straight from Postable:

We created Postable to solve a simple problem: nobody seems to have anybody's mailing address anymore. Email addresses and phone numbers don't help when you want to send somebody an actual piece of mail. Whether you're getting married and need to collect hundreds of mailing addresses, sending out Christmas cards or even if you just want to have a complete, up-to-date address book once and for all, Postable makes it extremely easy. We are fanatical about privacy and will never use any piece of information submitted to this site for any reason other than to provide you with an amazing Address Book.

Any TWBers out there using Postable yet? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Spotted: A Snapshots by Katie Proposal

I hope you're all ready for today's proposal story, because it's a good one. Katie from Snapshots by Katie was nice enough to send this over to TWB, making today the first time we've featured a proposal on the blog. A proposal is such an emotional moment that it makes it hard to remember all of the little moments and details...unless you have a photog shooting away for you, of course.

I'll turn it over to Katie now, so she can fill us in on how this proposal went down. Take it away, Katie!

This was one of the coldest days of the season, yet my heart melted when I was asked out of the blue to capture the moment! All I could think was “THANK YOU, I knew there was a reason I was standing in the freezing cold in Pentagon City”! Sure I was there to support my husband running the 5k but I was desperately trying to capture a cool moment and boy did I! But before I get into it let me give you a little background on the couple, courtesy of their friend Jen!

Demetria is a Richmond, VA native and moved to Arlington after graduating from UVA to finish her Physician’s Assistant school at GWU. Matt is from Massachusetts but finished high school in Woodbridge, VA and studied undergrad at JMU. They met when Demetria was on her ER rotation at the Fair Oaks Hospital where Matt also worked and was her preceptor. They started dating after she finished the rotation and the rest is history.

Funny story (from Matt)… “I had to write her Evaluation for her ER rotation and the Dean of her school read it to the entire faculty because she was so impressed with the things her preceptor (which was me) had to say about her. While she was an awesome student, and deserved all of her high marks… I obviously thought she was smoking hot, so I definitely made sure I gave her good marks. Guess it turned out to be a pretty smart move by me!!”

Ok, how could you not fall in love with this couple now knowing their story?? Ok so now on to the events of the day…

As Demetria and Matt finished the Valentine’s Day 5k ‘Love the Run You’re With’, they were greeted so warmly by friends and family. Matt seemed so calm but Demetria was a bit more perplexed. Family and friends held poster boards reflecting moments of times passed and references made to their future together. I think Demetria was truly overwhelmed with everyone’s presence as she seemed unphased by the wedding advertisements until Matt knelt down on one knee… ‘Click’ and the proposal unfolds.

So some of the photos are of family on the look out for Demetria and Matt to finish the race and then the rest are of how the proposal unfolded.

Spotted: The Jimmy Choo Bridal Collection

Have you guys seen the recently launched Jimmy Choo Bridal Collection yet? I'm fresh off scouting out their curated selection of (totally not easy on the wallet, but fun to look at) items, which include shoes and accessories galore.

JC has shoes for the bride, of course, mostly in traditional neutral hues. I'm kind of obsessed with the delicate crystals on this first one.







There are also shoes for the bridesmaids, like these fun glittery flats.





But Jimmy Choo doesn't leave you behind after you're done walking down the aisle. They have items that are perfect for a tropical honeymoon getaway, like these sandals, sunglasses, and a huge selection of bags, too.







I wouldn't mind adding any or all of the above to my closet, and I'm already done being a bride. Ah, a Belle can dream, can't she?

Spotted: As Seen at Lovesick Expo

As Carina of Love Me Do Photography was prepping for this month's Lovesick Expo, she contacted me about contributing a piece to be included in a small 'zine that was to be handed out to those couples in attendance. Of course I was more than happy to oblige, and came up a quick little advice article entitled "How To Not Stress Out."

Carina just sent me a copy of the finished product and I absolutely loved flipping through the pages. There's lots of great info in there from so many talented vendors, and it's all highlighted with images from Love Me Do.




I've posted what I wrote below for those who weren't able to make it out to Lovesick to get the printed version. Oh, and good news for those already looking ahead to Lovesick '13: it's not only stopping in NYC and Philly again, but it's also adding Boston and DC to the itinerary.







Planning a wedding and getting married should be fun, right? Right! But it's so easy to forget this and slip into stress mode because throwing together a wedding and walking down that aisle is also alot of work. Here are some things to keep in mind so you can stay calm, cool, and totally stress-free.

While You're Planning...
1. Organize & prioritize: Utilize online or old-school pen and paper tools to keep track of inspirational photos, vendor quotes/signed contracts, guest lists, to-do lists, etc. all in one place. While you could gather ideas for décor and debate DJs vs. bands from now until forever, realize what is most important to have around you on your wedding day and work to keep those items within your budget.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Newsflash...you aren’t the first people to ever throw a wedding before. Chances are that family members and friends have navigated these waters before and will be able to offer up a lot of advice, support, and an extra hand with DIY projects if you need it.
3. Give yourself a break: When you’re looking at months and months of planning, you deserve a wedding-free moment here and there. It’ll be beneficial to your sanity to put the wedding mag down, stop stalking your photographer’s website, and get back to your other pre-planning hobbies. Everything will be right where you left it…I promise.
4. Don’t wait until the last minute: As your wedding date gets closer, you’re going to want the luxury of being able to spend this special time with your family and friends. So try to continually make progress on that to-do list as much as you can. Nothing is worse than writing out escort cards while in your wedding dress (yes, I’ve seen it done before!)

On your wedding day:
1. Get a good night’s rest (also see “Don’t wait until the last minute” above): It’s normal to have a few pre-wedding jitters, but try to go to sleep at a reasonable hour on Wedding Eve. And hey, everyone needs their beauty rest, right?
2. Eat, drink, and be married: Your wedding day is going to be a fun-filled, action-packed, emotionally-charged…LONG day. Be sure to eat enough and drink plenty of water as you’re getting ready for the festivities to kick off.
3. Allow your vendors to do their jobs: You hired amazingly talented people to surround yourself with on your wedding day. Don’t micro-manage them and just let them do what they all do so well. They'll be just fine without you worrying about their every move.
4. Keep your eyes on the prize: If a relative gets on your nerves, a line is skipped during the ceremony, or the cake is cut slightly behind schedule at the reception…just remember that this is the day you are marrying the love of your life. Nothing else really matters or is worth stressing out about. Have a blast and enjoy!

Spotted: A Meals and Miles Wedding

When I'd read the news that Meghann of Meals and Miles was engaged*, I reached out to her to find out more about her initial plans for the wedding. As many of you may remember, the days and weeks immediately following the proposal are somewhat of a blur with so many emotions, ideas, and frequent wedding blog searches all mixed together. Because Meghann is looking to have her wedding about 12 months from now, though, she was already beginning the process of nailing down some specifics, and has a distinct theme in mind.

After hearing about the "navy blue rustic snowflake" theme from Meghann, I came up with this inspiration board to share with her...and now with you. White and silver is always a winner when it comes to winter weddings, even if you're in a typically warm climate like Meghann is. Setting these colors off with something darker, like navy, creates a really full color palette to work within. The snowflake is a nice accent because it doesn't necessarily evoke ties to the holidays, just the winter season in general. Both the venue and table decor are big ways to get the rustic vibe across to guests. And I had to throw in some string lights just because Meghann likes them so much...!






sources (clockwise from bottom left): votives, boutonniere, lighted dinner, bouquet, candle, escort cards, place setting, lighted entrance, bouquet, heels, boat shoes, cupcakes, cookie wreath, table setting, balloons, salvaged door.



*Read the full proposal story from Meghann if you get a chance. It's a really sweet one and has some pretty unforgettable photos, too.

Spotted: Curtis Center Wedding by Branded Productions

Thanks to Branded Productions for sending over another great clip from a recent Philadelphia wedding they shot. This one captures a day at the Curtis Center, with a few other Center City Philly spots making appearances, too. Click play and enjoy!

Spotted: Weld Photography

Thanks to Philly area Weld Photography for sending over some images of their work today. Below we have shots from a recent wedding in Broomall, PA and an engagement session in Ridley Creek State Park.

Spotted: Southern Weddings V4

When I saw the ladies of Southern Weddings open up the pre-ordering season for the latest volume of their magazine, I decided that I had waited long enough to have the glossy in my little Yankee hands and it was finally time to flip through the pages myself. Of course I've been a frequent visitor of the SW blog and prided myself on keeping up with the Twitter chatter coming out of their office for a while. But now that I've had Southern Weddings as primetime reading material for a couple weeks, I can say I'm an even bigger fan of the Southern Weddings brand.





I've gone through V4 and hand picked some of my favorite images from the issue. My iPhone doesn't do the real things justice, so make sure to see them in all their printed glory in the actual mag.

Large tufts of baby's breath on reception tables.

The green stripes are very Kate Spade, don't you think?

A china display seating chart. Genius.

This blue and white dress gives the illusion of seersucker and has a train that goes on for days.

A brunch and punch reception outfitted with hanging mugs.

Busted: I'm a sucker for seersucker, especially this bouquet wrap.

A cake totally covered in a thick layer of coconut - lots of texture and surely delicious.

No table cloth needed for this farm table. Thought the black chairs and bright florals gave it a very modern twist.

Have you had a chance to pick up or order the latest from Southern Weddings yet? What did you like the most from the issue?

Spotted: Brittany Ostrov Photography {Part Two}

Did you have a chance yesterday to see the ceremony and details of this wedding from Brittany Ostrov? Well today I have the second part of this wedding extravaganza for you, and the couple definitely put together a reception that was jam packed with fun activities and entertainment. Here again is Brittany to give us the lowdown!

Guests arrived the day of the wedding ready to celebrate, and the bride and groom were sure to not disappoint! There was a pool for the kids (and kids at heart) to swim in, a stage to showcase the multiple performers of the night (bands, singers, and belly dancers, oh my!), and a dance floor just waiting to be filled. A hay-bail couch was within perfect viewing distance of the stage, placed beautifully under a vintage chandelier hanging from a large tree. Large photo props and cutouts were placed around the grounds, and there was even a camp grove outlined with Christmas lights so people could stay the night and continue the celebration the next morning. The night ended for most of the guests with a performance from two fire dancers, but we heard the party raged on into the early hours of the morning and beyond.