The Tres Chic Bride: December 2008

Wednesday

NWR...Help!

As you all know (or you do if you read the 2 posts below...) my purse got stolen this weekend. So today's task is to decide which purse will replace it. I'm absolutely loving the new Coach Penelope line they just released! It reminds me of the days of getting all dressed up and riding a train to meet your one true love. So Casablanca...

Ok I'll get to the point. Basically I am stuck between the two below and I need your help deciding which one to purchase. Well wait, that's not entirely true. I already purchased option A but am now yearning for option B and need your assistance in choosing which one I keep.

Since I track my blog I now know there are tons of you readers out there so don't let me down!! You can either comment or click the poll to the right to have your opinion heard! I'll leave it open until 1/3/09, I have an apointment with my local Coach representative Sunday and must have an answer for her then :)

Vote Early and Vote Often! (bonus points to whoever knows what that's from..hint: history)

OPTION A:

12 1/2 (L) x 9 3/4 (H) x 4 3/4 (W)

OPTION B:

17 3/4 (L) x 12 (H) x 6 (W)

And just for good measure....how freakin' fabulous is this luggage?!! I'm so in love....

Sunday

Tracy Rocks!

Let me tell you how awesome Tracy (Pictures by Tracy) is....it hasn't even been 24 hours since our wedding and she has already posted teaser pics! Seriously - that is unheard of!! Enjoy the photos!

You can view more photos by clicking here! If you use any of the pictures please credit Tracy!

Look at those flowers! They were beyond stunning, Courtenay, you rock!!

Tracy posted this comment on her blog about this wedding. I think seeing such kind words shows the type of person she is. This was our first wedding and I am already looking forward to the next one. If you haven't booked your photog yet definitely look into Pictures by Tracy - she's earned her spot on our recommended vendor list! Becuase she takes beautiful pictures, not because of her kind words (although it helps. haha!)

Event Coordinator- Tres Chic Event Planning I cannot say enough about Kristen and Rick. This was my first time working with them and I'm impressed by everything they did last night. Their personality, work-ethic and professionalism are nothing short of fantastic.

This cotton candy bar was a surprise that Kristen & Courtenay put together for Liz and Diggs! I thought it was the sweetest thing ever for these ladies to do this.

Thanks Tracy, we feel the same about you!!

Saturday

Liz & Diggs

Hello Blogland! Rick and I just returned from the wonderful wedding of Liz and Diggs. I have had an absolutely fabulous time working with Liz, she's got to be one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. We are so blessed to be able to work with such great people - I love this job!

Meet our beautiful bride, Liz. Isn't her dress to die for?!

Date: Saturday, December 27, 2008

Ceremony: St. Francis DeSalles

Reception: The Phoenix

Photography: Pictures by Tracy

Flowers: Courtenay Lambert

*I'm going to warn you guys - be prepared for tons of photos of flowers from my point and shoot to follow!*

Liz was trusting enough that she allowed me and Courtenay (ok mostly Courtenay - aka CL) creative control with the floral decor. Liz showed CL several pictures of the flowers she liked and then basically said 'make it happen'. I love that!! So we went with 3 different centerpieces:

1. Tall vases dripping with crystals (mmm....)

2. Shorter vases with a monogram wrap

3. A collection of the blum boxes holding the bridesmaids' bouquets (awful pic, sorry)

The wedding party flowers were STUNNING. I went a little crazy with the camera...check out the blume box decor - yep, dropped crystals

As a surprise for Liz and Diggs, Courtenay and I put together a cotton candy bar. It was a perfect accent to an already beautiful event. And the guests loved it!

Specialty lighting by Goodwin Lighting. I always recommend lighting - nothing can transform a room like some pin lights and color wash. I beg you, leave room in your budget for it!

Cake by the ever-amazing Mariabelle Cakery! Doesn't get better then that people! So worth it.

Diggs and Liz - you guys are ah-maz-ing. Mad love to you both!!

Ok so this wedding was perfect except one minor thing.....my car was broken into during the ceremony! What is that?! They bashed the passenger window in and ran off with my purse. I mean really?! But the show must go on so Rick hung back to deal with the police and getting our other car dropped off while we went ahead with pictures and kicking off the reception. No car, no purse? Not a problem for us - we'll make it happen!! Maybe that should be our new slogan.....haha duh! Thanks to our great vendors (shout out to Kathy at The Phoenix) for helping us stay on track!)

Wednesday

But they only go on your lap....(napkins people! geez)

Ok I have another addiction to confess to you guys. {{deep breath}} I.love.napkins or rather, I hate 'typical' napkin folds. You all know what I mean...the fan or the one that's stuck in your water goblet. Yep, hate them. So if you haven't sat down for a final meeting with me and your venue prepare yourself now. I will ask about coffee cups (also hate them on tables) and napkin folds.

Place settings are so important to finishing the look of your table. It brings the whole look and feel of your wedding full circle and gets a little 'wow' when each of your guests take their seats. It can range from expensive to chicly cheap, easy to hard, pain in my butt or your venues. Yet absolutely worth it. Go ahead and check some of the details shots of weddings you put in your wedding folder or planner. Go ahead, I'll wait......OK so how many of you have a details of tablescapes? How many of you didn't realize you were drawn to the image through the detailed folded napkin?! (yes there's probably some chargers in those images too...I fell victim myself, I had to have square plates at each setting with my napkin placed in the middle with our notes. But that's a whole other post.) I digress....

Check out the pics below and tell me what speaks to you. Still think the napkin isn't something to think about?

My two classic favorites:

(Imagine the menu tucked in )

Matching favors at each seat - great way to add a pop of color

The two above may just be my new favorites. I know it looks expensive but really all you need is a center 'pinch' (I don't know what else to call it) and a lot of patience! Major drama!

Again, super easy - just get some wire and sting the pearls on the end. Patience is the key. Be aware, your venue may gawk at your request. However they should be willing to do it since the have to set the napkins anyway.

"Traditional" (according to who?!) and the "Peacock"

The Fancy Silerware Fold

Loving! The Rose (aka the lotus)

Place card holder (I love function and form!)

So in conclusion: Notice what a difference just the fold of the napkin makes...from square with a pocket to a flat rectangle or gathered together with a bow, it's all about the subtle changes you can make to your tabletop.

Oh and the fun doesn't stop at weddings! How adorable is this one for a baby shower?

Thursday

We're Baaackkk!

Hellooo! Well we've been back for a week and have been welcomed home with several days of snow - how appropriate! From the Jamaican sun to the Cincinnati Snow...gotta love that.

I promise to get back to the wedding world asap but I wanted to share a few pictures from our amazing trip. I 150% recommend it as your honeymoon destination! We stayed at the Grand Palladium - you an get a great price on Cheap Caribbean. Oh how I miss it.....

Our resort boasts the largest pool in Jamaica - the pic above is overlooking the infinity pool into the ocean.

The two photos above are the views from our villa. Breath-taking, huh?

More pool shots....there were also 4 other pools on the property that we didn't go to!

My version of the perfect postcard!

Yep, engagements and weddings follow me even on my vacation! Meet Melissa and Chris - we met them in the airport and became quick friends. Chris proposed the first night we were there - how romantic, huh?! This isn't an actual shot of the proposal but since none of there families were there we did an impromptu photo session. Wish we were in Chicago to help you two!