One Beautiful Blog

Make a Wish 2013

January 26th, 2013

Have you ever started a new year and thought: ”now this is the perfect time to set a new goal.” Something life changing, aspirational, amazing, bigger than ever?? The odds are you are agreeing with me. Looking around and having spent a fair amount of time at the gym this January most of us can say we’ve all wanted to kick off a new year with a new wish, even a fresh start.

Last year for me was tremendous. Growth. Growth. Growth. I went from being a happily engaged wedding planner to a newly wed MRS. Big-change-big! And I’m so happy with every detail, even the imperfection (because honestly there always is a touch, no matter then months of planning) taught me what having a new title would be like.

So here we are 2013. Three-months into being a newlywed back to focus on the business that went from being a sideline passion into my carer thirteen years ago (yes, seriously 1-3). I had BIG dreams for 2012. So many amazing clients that took me and my business from dreams into a reality. I made a list in December of what I loved about 2012 and a HUGE highlight was how many clients I truly fell for, hook-line-and-sinker, these couples let my team and I BRAINSTORM, BUILD, and BRING ON their dream weddings. My heart was full and heavy at the end of each event but thankfully I now call many of those couples friends (#blessing)!

What do I want for 2013? A bigger dream, bigger business, and brighter reality for myself and my clients. Bring on the same-sex marriage, I cannot wait for equality! Scale down the wedding if need be to pump up the heart connection. Let every guest leave saying “that wedding was AWESOME” and “a total reflection of the couple.”

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Unveiled this weekend!

March 29th, 2012

We are so excited to be attending Unveiled at the beautiful Beverly Canon Garden this Sunday, April 1st. For friends of our blog we are able to offer a discounted ticket ($10 off) if you use the code AMBCOMP at checkout!

Please feel free to come up and say “hello” if you happen see me.

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Pingg’s Electronic Engagement Announcements, Save-The-Date Cards, and Wedding Invitations

March 29th, 2012

Our newest obsession? Pingg! This website provides a creative, innovative, and unique way to announce, plan, and customize any event. Obviously, we are in love with Pingg’s engagement announcements, save-the-date cards, and wedding invitations. There really is something (original) for everyone!

For starters, simply browse their website. Their is a specific category for any idea you are looking for. Pingg enlists the help of designers, artists and illustrators to make the custom invitation come alive. An added bonus? You can even upload your own design, logo, or photo to enhance your custom creation!

Now the best part. Forget finding everyone’s address. Forget running to the post office. You can import your contacts from Gmail, invite friends via Facebook, or post your invitation directly to Twitter! Once your custom invites have been posted, you can manage the event easily. You can review your headcount, yes’/no’s, and receive regular email updates regarding your event.

There’s so much to learn about the greatness of Pingg and how they can enhance your event to your personality. Have a look and we think you’ll find it as helpful as we do!

Take a look at other images we love:

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Welcome… To Our Love Story!

March 2nd, 2012

Do you ever have those moments where something is so incredibly cute you just have to say “Aww” aloud? Well, we just had one of those because of this creative and sweet idea.

Add personal flair to your wedding by creating a “love story” chalkboard to display as attendees arrive to your ceremony. This will allow guests to connect with you, as a couple, and maybe even let them in on a few details and significant dates they were previously unaware of throughout your relationship.

An added bonus? Besides being a great decorative addition, the “Love Story” board provides a deeper connection and original insight between you and your guests!

Want to create the Love Story Board, but lack the time or creativity? Find the chalkboard at a local art supply store then and enlist the help of a calligrapher.

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Saving money while having your cake & eating it too? Yes, Please!

February 21st, 2012

Let’s update that old adage from Marie Antoinette, when it comes to your wedding cake. We say: you can have your cake, eat it too, and save some serious money all at the same time!

Starting with the question all couples face, how much cake is too much? Do I really need to have a slice per guest ratio? The answer is no!

For those of you who are not aware of this, the site staff will often cut fairly thin slices of cake, considering most guests are full after dinner anyways.

Drum roll please, because here’s where the thoughtful and knowledgeable advice from Cassandra comes in:

There has always been leftover cake at our events. Without a single exception. Even if it is the drop-dead best cake ever!

Here’s how to cut your costs:

If you want to minimize the amount of leftover cake , order less slices of cake than total guests.

For example, if you anticipate 150 guests, consider ordering 120 total slices. Which will then decrease your order price by 20%. Not bad, right?

I know what you might be thinking. What if we were planning to have the cake act as a visual element for our guests? We would love to save money, but cannot size down. The answer is simple, actually. If cake size is an issue, then request one layer is a “dummy layer.”

Dummy layers are typically kitchen or medical grade foam covered in icing or fondant to match the entire design. Not only does the “dummy layer” step in as a cost saver, it helps to build-up the size of the cake!

Whatever your budget may be, any savvy chic couple likes to save money! With the cost of wedding cakes these days, (often upwards of $14 per slice!) we hope this tip provides a savings to your bottom line.

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Impressive Invitations

February 21st, 2012

One Big Love…Feast? No, that is not a typo on that unique wedding invitation you just received from your cousin.

Surprise your guests with a fun and unique wedding invitation. With a little creativity, your wedding will stand out and ultimately; your attendees will remember your special day for years to come.

Set the tone for your Big Day, starting with the first image your guests will see–The Invitation! Don’t be afraid to have a little fun and add some character to your event. It’s so easy to get caught up with the never-ending“To Do” list, that the ultimate goal is sometimes forgotten. Remember, the day is all about celebrating you as a couple!

Below are some original ideas to get the creativity wheels flowing! We are certainly inspired and impressed!

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Wedding Placemats: Kid-Friendly, Adult Approved

February 14th, 2012

Are you looking for a wallet friendly and entertaining idea for the tables at your wedding reception? Here’s an idea: ditch the plain linens, custom create your own placemats, and let the creativity juices flow for your guests!

With the help of family, friends, or a wedding planner (ahem), come up with your own unique design. Don’t be afraid to show the personality of your wedding!

Adding fun games for the kids (and adults) to doodle with at their tables will provide interactive entertainment. Tick-tack-toe, mazes, and crossword puzzles are great ideas and don’t forget the crayons–maybe even in your wedding colors!

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Wedding Party Itinerary

February 2nd, 2012

When “The Big Day” approaches, it is important for the event to have a flow for the day. Behind the scenes, all T’s are crossed, and I’s are dotted, to ensure the day goes off without a hitch. With the majority of the focus on the bride, ceremony, and décor, it is easy to overlook last minute details, like an itinerary for the wedding party.

To avoid additional and unneeded stress on your special day, the wedding party should be clued in on the plans.

Here is a fun, simple, and creative way to present your Wedding Day itinerary to your entourage. Including the time and activity of when and where your wedding party needs to be, will be an instant stress reliever for you, as well as, your special guests.

Found on fabulous Pinterest by Pixels on Paper via Etsy.

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Happy 2012!

January 5th, 2012

Hello and Happy 2012! We are so excited to get the year started off.

Did the holidays take forever, or was it just me? While I love celebrating Thanksgiving through to the New Year I am now excited to get back down to business. We hope that if you’re newly engaged you are excited to start planning your big day. If you’ve been engaged for a little while, welcome back to planning. For some of you this is YOUR wedding year and the count down has begun.

So it’s time to start setting some goals. Maybe your first goal is to find your venue, perhaps you need to book the perfect photographer. We completely understand it can be a hair overwhelming. My first piece of advice is pick your “Top Three”.

Your Top Three list should include what is most important to you on your wedding day. Maybe it’s celebrating with each and everyone of your friends from childhood to present day. Another big one is often how you look. If you’ll be donning a wedding gown you’ll want to put that on the list. From the “top three” (that I hope you’ll create with you fiancé ) you can begin to set, or revisit, your big-day budget!

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A day to remember.

October 21st, 2011

There are so many memorable days in our lives, not just your wedding day. As a wedding planner you might assume I would automatically say this day is the most memorable but I won’t. So many of my couples have experienced full lives before their wedding day. Joy and loss sometimes go hand-in-hand. On a day that is undoubtedly special and during a time when you bring everyone you love together it often happens that a parent, grandparent or otherwise significant person is no longer with you. I have heard speeches about how proud a dad would have been of his son or daughter. Many memories of a god parent or brother that would have been so pleased to be part of the couples big day. While there are many ways to include the memory of the people we have loved and lost (an empty seat in the front row) I particularly love the one below.

Photo by Oppenheim Photo, found via Pinterest

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Q & A… My Guests Haven’t RSVP’d now what?

October 19th, 2011

Q:

My fiance’s distant cousins, who are not being eagerly welcomed to most
family functions, are invited to our wedding.

I recently met them and they exuberantly said they were coming. Since
then…still no RSVP.

Family members have tried getting this cousin to RSVP officially. The
due date is quickly approaching and there has been no formal yes or
no. We chose to have guests visit our website to RSVP.

Many people don’t want this cousin there…In a desire to avoid family
drama, I am not too bummed if this person doesn’t come, but I do want
to act politely in handling this non-RSVPer.

How do we handle this?

Baffled Bride…

A:

Dear Baffled Bride,

Oh the trials and tribulations of guest lists. I’ve been engaged for thirty seconds and your sentiment already hit home.

Bottom line is you need to get their number and give them a call. If an invitation was sent you must follow-up, otherwise your guest count may feel like a surprise. I hear you about mixed feelings and family drama but once an invite is sent while the ball is in their court, the bill is in yours.

Sincerely,

C.

Image found via Pinterest. RSVP by Bella Figura Letterpress

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Where I’m at with my wedding… (update)

September 16th, 2011

Well, well, well… it’s been nearly a few months since the big announcement. I have to say that being on the other side of planning, aka being the bride, has been a bit stressful. So for those bride and grooms to be I am right there with you!

My first stress-or came with the ring and getting it sized. I have a full eternity band so the sizing had to happen internally. It was not an easy task. Now that the ring is officially on my finger I purchased a little sonic cleaning system from Amazon. It is certainly keeping it sparkling!

My first task, being the task master that I am, was to get the ever important guest list in check. Well here we are three months in and it is no where near solid. So many variables. On top of this is a family squabble about who is invited and who’s not making the list. Mr. Right is really tight with a handful of people but my list is pretty sizable. Actually I can either have a guest list of six (include my parents and bestest girl friend) or a list of 60+. Does this sound familiar, yet? Someone (who will remain nameless) threw a wrench in moments after the news broke. It was “these people are invited, or else!!” conversation. Ak- we had to squash that muey pronto. Hard feelings rose up quickly and time has not yet mended those wounds. Hence the giraffe at the front door above. I’m sorry doesn’t really cut it with this close relationship. Pushy pushy pushy… and well that’s the story folks.

By the way… I am having an amazing time on Pinterest. Gorgeous photos and inspiration abound. Click here and let’s follow eachother!

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Simply Sweet-DIY Flower Bracelet

September 15th, 2011

Add a beautiful and personal touch to your wedding with these adorable flower bracelets! They are fairly simple to make so DIY brides- check out the video. These floral accessories are sure to make an impression with your guests and you can bet that it will make them feel extra special since you made them. We love that just about any lady can clip it to their wrist during the ceremony and move it to their hang bag during the reception (super tip Sarah)!

Our friends Sarah True, of True Event in Connecticut and Elysium Productions created this great video. Add in some great photos from Justin & Mary Photography and a spotlight from Style Me Pretty and you are in for a treat. Good stuff!

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What’s up with Bridesmaids in White?

September 13th, 2011

Did you see us featured in a new mystyle.com article??? Check it out! http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/b7621_ask_style_whatrsquos_up_with.html

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An Exotic Touch

September 6th, 2011

The traditional wedding is always beautiful and elegant, but what about adding that exotic touch that makes ones wedding unique and extra fabulous? How about adding some moroccan into the mix? the smallest details can make the biggest difference. It’s all about taking the traditional, white wedding to the next level. The moroccan culture is all about bright, rich colors. Combine the traditional wedding with a splash of moroccan color and style. Such an easy task, timeless results. Add some life to your table display by adding several colorful moroccan tea cups around the table, containing small, lit candles. Add colorful, sequined moroccan pillows to chairs and couches. You can add matching colorful tablecloths to reception area tables, or even to the main dining room tables on top of the regular tablecloths.

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