We’re excited to share with you another one of our recent Dallas weddings. With a starting palette of amethyst and slate blue, we knew the evening was going to be spellbinding…just like a scene out of a fairytale. When Crystal came to us in January about her April wedding, we knew we had to work quickly to create the beautiful vision she had shared. Her taste for the unique and out-of-the ordinary led to a wedding with many delightful surprises for her guests. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Root Beer Float Bar: In lieu of a traditional bar, the bride and groom opted for ‘C & P’s Soda Shop.’ Ice cream floats were served throughout the night in a variety of soda choices.
• Flower Press: This couple found a wonderful way to symbolize their unity–a flower press. Delicate flowers were pressed in between book pages to be framed for their wall in the future.
• Block Stamped Invitations & Programs: Gorgeous blue and purple block-letter stamped invitations and programs gave a modern twist to the event.
• Suspended Hydrangea’s in vase buds: A large bay window was covered in dropped ribbon and hanging vases filled with beautiful blooms to serve as the backdrop for the ceremony, created by Branching Out.
• Cinnamon Roll Grooms Cake: who needs a traditional grooms cake? Certainly not these two. Guests helped themselves to some warm cinnamon rolls.
• Homestyle Food: a delicious spread of guilty pleasures awaited the crowd- everything from creamy mac n’ cheese to country fried chicken was served up at the Orion Ballroom, overlooking downtown Dallas.

Images from Hansel Dobbs

What a beautiful wedding!

We’re so excited to share one of our most recent weddings with you. Laura and Jeff were an amazing duo to work with, and each had a sophisticated yet unpretentious eye for design all on their own. These pictures, captured by the lovely Tracy Autem, show off some of our favorite details of the night.

Here are the things that really made this wedding hit the mark:

1. Color Scheme:  Green and pink lit up the tablescapes, invitations, escort cards, and sumptuous florals from the Enchanted Florist during the daylight. As the evening progressed, a gorgeous lighting display from Beyond turned the venue into a warm and rich palette of reds, blues, and pinks.

2. Killer Cakes: We loved getting to try out our ‘cake backdrop’ idea at this wedding, compliments of Orange Spot Pink Nose. It made for gorgeous photographs and allowed both cakes to have their proper recognition at the wedding. We’ll let you guess where they went to school!

3. Swanky Furniture: We love bringing indoor furniture out, and that’s exactly what we did to create a posh lounge outdoors, comprised of white leather furniture and festive colored-pillows. The polished setting of The Ashton Depot made for the perfect backdrop.

4. Trendy Bites: Everything from soup shooters to gourmet quesadillas made guests swoon during the cocktail hour. Cocktail flights allowed them to sample both the brides drink and the grooms drink without missing a beat.

5. Rockstar Band: Live music and a large marble floor made everyone want to get up and join in the fun. With all the entertainment, Laura & Jeff weren’t the only ones who had ‘the best night of their life!’

Images from the awesome Tracy Autem.

No matter how organized you are, every wedding will ensue a slight bit of chaos. And on the day or evening of your wedding, you shouldn’t have to worry about trying to keep track of anything, including wedding gifts. Here are my tips for keeping gifts orderly, which you will appreciate much more later on when writing thank you notes!

1. Assign one or two people to watch over the gifts. Make sure you have two very responsible people keeping tabs on the gifts, starting at your ceremony location and ending at your reception. If someone hands you a gift, be sure to pass it on to one of your two key contacts.
2. Make sure each card is assigned to the right box/bag. It’s a good idea to have tape handy for your attendants to tape cards to packages as they are handed over. Separating the two can mean losing track of who got you what.
3. Keep gift cards enclosed. Whether you use a vintage birdcage or a drop box, be sure that gift cards are secured somewhere safe.
4. Set a transportation schedule. Have the two people in charge of gifts discuss who will be transporting the gifts from one location to the other and how. You don’t want to hear anyone say, ‘I thought you had it!’ Start loading gifts into the appropriate transportation about a half an hour before the bride and groom depart.
5. Clear the area. Those in charge of gifts need to be nearly the last to leave. It’s unfortunate, but many gifts can get lost in the shuffle of caterers cleaning or venue trash. Make sure to have them scan the premises before leaving.

Images from Fantom Comics & Squidoo

If you’re having an out-of-town wedding (or one in which many of your guests will be from out of town), it’s the perfect opportunity to spruce up your save-the-dates or invitations to let them know what they’re in for.  While guests still expect accommodation cards, give them something unexpected by creating an insert full of things to do in your town as well as directions. Here are some examples:

1. Famous Food. Whether it’s a local barbeque joint or an upscale Cajun restaurant, be sure to send people where the ‘locals’ go.
2. Museums: There will always be a history buff or two in attendance, make sure they know where to find the best exhibits or art in your area.
3. Attractions: If you have a zoo, an outdoor theater, gardens, theme parks, or the like, let everyone know! While you are getting your hair done, they might enjoy touring a local park.
4. Shopping: Every place has it’s own special shopping- whether it is a mall, a strip center, boutiques, or an antique sale, the bargain hunters will love it.
5. Bar Guide: Everyone will enjoy reading your bar reviews! Include quirks about bars (i.e. Western, Islander, Sports, or Irish) so people know what to expect. Who knows, they might want to hit the town after your reception.

Images from Destination 360, Student Housing, & Google.

Summer means bright colors, and often yellow-painted weddings. Always bold and exciting, this color can make any reception a standout. Below I’ve outlined some of my yellow favorites that can be incorporated into fun and lighthearted weddings:

• Lemons: The perfect shade and a great centerpiece filler, or even as the main act. Tie them up in beautiful ribbons in glass jars and send an elegant and fun message at the same time.
• Daisy or Sunflower Centerpieces:  Go bold on the florals with bright yellow blooms mixed together to create custom centerpieces. The brighter, the better!
• Lemonade: Beautiful in glass and great tasting, lemonade can be made fresh and served to guests with sugar-topped rims in mason jars.
• Homemade Honey: A great favor idea and a golden take on the favored color, honey can be address with phrases like ‘Meant to Bee’ or ‘How sweet it is…’
• Lemon Bars: A crowd favorite and an unexpected treat, lemon bars can be stacked and displayed on a dessert bar of yellow-colored sweets or towered as a brilliant bright ‘cake.’

Images from The Knot, Innove Events, Bride.ca, Intimate Weddings

The great outdoors and the summertime are a match made in heaven. And with such an amazing match to set the groundwork for your commitment, good luck is in the air! Here are a few of our favorite wedding ideas that work best when used under the summer sun:

• Cold Drinks: Old-fashioned soda bottles, mason jars filled with lemonade, or a margarita machine all add that comfort kick. The sun makes people thirsty, why not give them something to talk about?
• Ice Cream Bar: From banana splits and sundae’s, to frozen yogurt machines or gelato, ice cream is a nostalgic part of summer. Make a gorgeous display of toppings for guests to pick and choose throughout the day.
• Natural Scenery: When you’re hosting a party outdoors, it’s best to work with what nature gave you. Garden-like florals in crates or understated gatherings of sunflowers, wild flowers, or bluebonnets make for a fabulous way to pay homage to the backdrop.
• A Big Band: Live music has long been a friend to the outdoors. Having a laid back cocktail hour and a sultry reception vibe will liven up all the guests. Let the good times roll!
• Eco-chic favors: Always opt for something local to give guests, like home grown seasonings, sauces, or treats. Nothing says your grateful more than putting your heart (and a cause) behind something. Write notes about the significance of the favor, and send happy guests along their way!

Images from Bride & Bloom Flowers, Laist, Jordan Ferney

• Use a travel agent. While most resorts offer online bookings, you should be wary to commit to something so expensive without having someone to serve as a face-to-face contact should you have any questions close to your departure. They can be a lifesaver if something goes awry on your trip!
• Make sure to do a Google search to read all the reviews about a specific destination or resort. Nothing is more honest than your ‘honeymoon peers!’ Address anything you are concerned about with your travel agent.
• Always carry your vitals (medicine, change of underwear, an outfit, and cell phone/chargers) with you on the airplane. If your flight is international and you happen to get stuck in a connecting city, it can be a near impossibility to get your luggage back from storage.

• Cut loose, but don’t break the bank! Honeymoons are really about love, not about the fanciest resort or the most exquisite food (unless that’s just what you’re into!) Money causes the most tension in marriages, so start off on the right reasonable foot!
• Do one thing out of the ordinary. If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, take one evening to explore another nearby city’s nightlife or try parasailing or taking a local painting class. Break the mold and make some memories that will really stand out.
• Turn it off! While most of us are forced to turn off our cell phones because of international rates, there is something to be said for spending quality time with your new husband/wife. Same goes for the TV!
• Take a picture- or 200! Even though you might feel bashful about asking others to take your picture, it will pay off in the end. How else are you supposed to get shots of the two of you on your honeymoon? The bolder you are, the better!

Images from Skaneateless Suites, Leaders We Deserve, Holiday Hyper Market, Taveuni

If you’re like me, you are one of the many women in America eagerly awaiting the movie premier for Sex and the City II. With all the glamour, sophistication, and chic shoes, there’s enough inspiration in one of these films to send you shopping for years to come! With Carrie’s wedding being a central theme to SATC 1, it created a domino affect of brides desperate to find the exact same dress. In fact, Vivienne Westwood made a shorter version of the gown worn in the film that sold out within hours!

Sex and the City is what made Manolo and Louboutin household names, and subsequently made these branding choices a necessity to our perfect day. And we hear rumors that there is another wedding in SATC 2…though there won’t be a bride! Maybe we will have to take our stylish cues from the audience?

To celebrate the movie premier, we’re giving away two FREE tickets to any of you bridal fashionistas in Dallas/Fort Worth to attend our Sex & The City II Party. Complete with a private screening, a VIP after party, a luxurious swag bag, and complimentary cocktails, you don’t want to miss out! If you’re in the area (or will be) simply post a comment below letting us know which wedding dress you love the most from the original Sex & The City movie!

Images from Vogue

With the spring weddings just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for brides to take advantage of one of the most beautiful and inspiring trends of 2010. We’re moving away from tall, overdone arrangements and towards smaller, lush arrangements that have a personality all on their own. Here are the centerpieces that are giving flowers a face-lift this year:

• Wild gardens, autumn foliage, or snow-topped evergreen floral schemes add dimension and character to tables. Taking what is fresh in season and arranging in a way that clearly communicates the time of year is a very natural and understated way to make all of your guests feel like a part of the seasonal spirit.
• Small planters, crates, antique pieces, classic pedestals, and unique vases create texture and compliment the loosely assembled arrangements well. You need not use a single vase if you don’t want to—think outside the box to mismatch and create a look that is totally your own.
• Adding color and style through patterned fabrics, bark sleeves, and accessories can boost up the textural value and play into the medley you’ve created. Ask your florist to use some of your favorite chintz or gingham, plaid or floral and have fun with it.

Images from Mari Gold, Shop in Bloom, & It’s Only Natural Gifts

Our New Year’s Eve bride loved the color green, and we had so much fun picking out ways to accent the color that we couldn’t even use all of our ideas! Since we have a surplus of ways to incorporate the thoughtful yet radical color, we thought we’d share our sentiments on the fresh color of spring!

Invitations: Give your invitations a splash of color by creating custom envelope liners. We love a funky green and white zebra, green and white stripe, or even green and white silhouettes! Create green stickers with your monogram and seal the deal.

Flowers: There are plenty of rich green blooms to pick from—no matter what your style. Mossy fillers and leaves can add great dimension and green hydrangeas are always timeless. Consider wrapping green ribbon around white flowers to pull in the color.

Favors: Consider topiary favors if your wedding is outdoors, or white and green sprinkled cupcakes packaged up in green to-go boxes.

Décor: Add a little green here and there by making centerpieces out of a monochromatic theme of green apples and Kelly green ribbon. A bold aisle runner also sets the tone for the evening. Adorn different plants and centerpieces with emerald-colored stones.

Food: It’s fun to eat ‘theme’ food—start off with a traditional lime wedding punch and serve guests a snack bar of sliced kiwi, green foil-wrapped candies, and an array of desserts frosted in white and green!

Photos from Details Event Rental, JR Roses, & Ice Cream Before Dinner

At Tara Wilson Events, we’ve attended and hosted several bridal showers during our time in business. But what we like best is the new wave of bridal shower trends that promise more fun (for everyone) and less ho-hum gift-giving awkwardness for a large crowd. Here are the trends we’re seeing for 2010 and beyond:

• Out with the Games! We’re pretty over it and we’re sure your guests are, too. We believe in kicking up the ‘cool factor’ in bridal showers and getting rid of the old-fashioned and often uncomfortable games. A focus on the bride (and/or groom) does not have to mean subjecting them to torturous games of who-knows-who better.
• Out on the Town: Bridal showers are moving outside of their traditional at-home gatherings. Fancy restaurants and trendy venues offer a nice ambiance with a little more edge, all the while limiting the amount of work that family and friends have to do to prepare for in-house events.
• Mini-Wedding: Bridal showers are being planned more like wedding receptions in that every detail should be considered. Make the colors and collateral involved in a wedding shower personal to the bride and groom. These little touches go a long way and truly customize the event.
• A Way with Words: Invitations for showers are also following the footsteps of gorgeous wedding invitations, including the lines, ‘son of’ and ‘daughter of.’ Not only is it proper, it helps unfamiliar guests tie the pieces together on who’s wedding shower it really is. The registry information is totally acceptable to include on the invite.
• Activity Showers: Brides this year are having fun with their guests and hiring specialists to come in and share their talents with an intimate group. Chefs, florists, and stylists make any bridal shower fun for the whole team.

Photo from It’s a Jaime Thing

At Tara Wilson Events, it isn’t hard for us to prioritize what’s most important about the big day. From a personal standpoint, here are our top ten things to remember when it comes down to the final 24 hours:

1. Smile! All the planning, prep-work, and perils you faced on your way to this day are officially behind you, so don’t worry about what didn’t get done. Relax and have the time of your life!

2. Eat: With all the nerves, running around, and trying to get into that gorgeous gown, it’s no wonder that a lot of brides forget to eat. Don’t let the champagne toast get the best of you; make sure someone’s looking out for your sustenance and you’ll be grateful.

3. Socialize, but not too much: Make sure your planner (or a close friend) knows your expectations for the evening. Yes, you want to have a great time, but you don’t want guests leaving because it’s three hours into the event and you haven’t even cut the cake. Make sure your planner can whisk you away from Aunt Jane’s crazy conversation.

4. The Marriage License: The entire purpose of legalizing your marriage and making it (really) official rests in obtaining an actual license. Check with your state departments to see about specific requirements. I would advise leaving the license with the officiant the night before so it can be signed, sealed, and delivered the next day!

5.  Don’t Experiment: Your wedding day is not a day for deviation from the normal routine. For instance, don’t try a hot yoga class in the morning, a new scented body wash, tanning in the back yard, or applying false eyelashes if you haven’t tried it before. The last thing you want to be is light-headed, broken out, burned, or blinded.

6.  Love Something: You’ve put all of this effort into an event that lasts only a few hours, so you need to savor what you’ve worked for. Pick one element that you will promise to pay attention to. For example, if you worked very hard on the floral design, make sure you take a moment to admire the flowers!

7. Don’t discount live video: Even if you’ve opted against hiring a videographer, make sure someone in the audience is filming raw footage throughout the night. My biggest regret is not having something captured on film!

8.  Bridal Branding:  All in all, a wedding should be a direct reflection of the couple. Make sure that no matter what you do, the choices are yours and the wedding reflects the new life you’re starting together.

9.  Through the generations: Take time to acknowledge the importance of the cultural act of marriage. Including pictures of parents and grandparents on their wedding days. Make sure you have that something borrowed or blue—things that often mean the most when coming from previous generations.

10.  Let go: Don’t worry about whether or not your friend is having fun with your groom’s old high school buddy, and don’t attempt to say goodbye to everyone before you leave. Hug your parents and then, it’s time to take off and start your new lives together!

Photos from Photography Salt Lake, 88db, and Wedding Reception Centerpieces

Today’s bride is tech-savvy, armed with the latest and greatest in social media frenzies, electronic gadgets, and digitalized weddings. With everything right at their fingertips, the weddings have the capacity to take on futuristic forms. Here’s a look at what’s next in the way of bridal tech:

Networking on the Net: In addition to blogging, brides will continue to tweet, Facebook, and start websites solely devoted to their weddings. While some couples are blogging about their experiences beforehand, others are updating their online media in real time as the wedding events happen.

Streaming Savers: Video integration into every aspect of the planning is becoming more and more prevalent. Sending out video save-the-dates creates hype and also gives much more liberty to the couple in announcing things the way they want. Live streaming from the actual ceremony allows guest who were unable to attend or long-distance relatives to take part in the fun!

Electric Gifts: Couples are seeking out the latest and greatest for their registries that give the buyers a little bit of fun and variation in selecting gifts. Anything from his and hers PDA’s, Wii fitness activities and box sets, and even rumba self-service vacuums are making the list!

Photos from Wed Share, Digital VP, Private Receptions, & Robot Vacuum Cleaner

The newest  trend  for wedding dining is unexpected and fresh.  Here are a few of the things you’ll be seeing more of in the future:

•Home-spun and self-selected meals by the couple: If food means something to you, why not make it a key  element of the wedding? If he’s Caribbean and you’re Italian, make your menu a fanciful tribute to both.  If you’re a foodie, let the selections reflect your epicurean self.

•A focus on heritage and traditional often served family style . Nothing is better than sharing  fresh baked rolls made from your grandmother’s recipe, family- favorite salads, and hearty meat trays. This always turns basics  foods into ‘wow’ factors!

•The dinner party reception, where the focus is on intimate, laid back socialization. Take the pressure off of having a ‘show,’ and allow your guests to just kick back and get to know each other.

•Small, edible cocktail-hour bites infused with liquor and shooters: Shake up the traditional ‘passed appetizers’ by offering a little zest in each one. Consider doing  cocktail flights (think flights of wine but only with signature cocktail drinks instead) along with your sassy beginnings.

•Food Trucks: Who doesn’t love the Ice Cream Man? Have ice cream, hot dogs, or tacos  served from a food truck that can be stationed anywhere outside at your event.  It’s a great way to liven up any party!

Photos from www.specialevents.com & www.voila-catering.com

We all know that the music makes the party—but what’s making the music this year? With the introduction of newer than new technology, there is a plethora of ways to make a medley out of any and all kinds of music sources. In 2010, look for less of the boring background music and more of this:

Customized Tunes: Budget-friendly and dead-on with your favorite music, just bring your own ipod and have a sound technician there to set it all up and monitor the volume. What better way to get exactly what you want?

Video DJ’s: Mix masters at their greatest, video-dj’s artfully intertwine great music with rockin’ video. The video can feature the actual crow dancing, music video’s that match the songs, or video’s provided by the bride and groom. Interactive and entertaining, the specialists can capture the party unlike anyone else.

Traditional Tributes: Old-fashioned multi-piece bands complete with a wedding singer are back on the stage. Choreographed dances and live musical ammunition can liven up a party the good old-fashioned way.

Photos from Curtis Knight & Pop my Photo

Move over plain, traditional wedding cake! With a sumptuous array of edible delights, there isn’t any need to bore your guest’s palette with something expected. We love the new sweets trend that is revolutionizing receptions from California to New York! Here are a few things to note when sampling treats for your big day:

Don’t judge a book by its cover: It’s a new day and a new dawn…what tastes better really is better! Skip the sugary mold of fondant and let the true butter cream colors shine through. Try something bold and flavorful, like mango cake with coconut icing or espresso cake with mocha icing.

All eyes on the groom: Let him have his moment to shine with an out-of-this world grooms cake. Full stadium seating, fiery guitars, or replica’s of his favorite place to eat are a good place to start. Highlight your cake tables with lighting and draping to make for a dramatic display of art.

Micro-magnificent: Continue forward with the favored micro-dessert stations. We see 2010 infusing life in these tables with gelato, homespun desserts, and even cinnamon rolls.  Don’t be afraid to top everything off with grandmother’s vintage cake topper and keep the traditions alive—whether there be cake or not.

Photos from Planning Elegance, Armin de Fiesta, Sisters Cafe, The Bride & Groom

Dress shopping can be exciting, chaotic, and sometimes downright scandalous! If you don’t have any guidelines going into it, you’re guaranteeing yourself a pretty wild ride. Here are a few tips we offer to make the most out of your ‘dress day!’

Know what you like or don’t like: Ivory or white, strapless or sleeves, lace or silk, fitted or billowy, short or long? Subconsciously we tend to know these things as women, even though we offer that we ‘are open to anything.’ It’s important to state the things (even if they are few) that you know about the look you were going for- it can save you hours!

Pinpoint a price point: Always start with the price you really want to pay. Sales staff doesn’t want to waste their time bringing your gorgeous high-dollar gowns that you just want to twirl around and dream in. They want to sell you a dress you will really buy as much as you want to buy a dress you can afford! You can always increase your zone- but stick to what you really mean first.

Check all the costs: Some bridal shops will factor in an alteration fee that might be more than you want to pay. Some stand-alone stores won’t charge sales tax if they ship it directly to your out-of-town wedding location. Some stores will give you a discount just for asking! It’s always worth checking.

You don’t have to buy one: A crazy idea! If you know what you want and you can’t find it in bridal stores- carve your own path. There are local dress tailors who can bring your ideas to life after you design what you want exactly. You can also shop for white formal dresses in non-bridal stores- you never know what you might find!

*Photos from www.jcrew.com

We’ve been dreaming about how our weddings will look  since we were little girls. We’ve thought through every last detail and made subconscious decisions that remain in our minds as ‘final.’ Enter the groom. Unlike the man in our imagination, this one doesn’t have plastic hair or respond to the name, ‘Ken.’ He’s got thoughts, feedback, and surprisingly strong-willed opinions to things you never thought possible! Here are a few ways to help delegate responsibilities (yes, you really have to let go) and learn the art of teamwork:

The Honeymoon: Yes, he may care a great deal about the reception, but I’m betting he cares more about the honeymoon! Let him take the reigns and surprise you with a destination. It might be more fun not knowing where you are going until you get to the airport! Plus, do you really have time to plan a full-fledged vacation right now?

The Tuxedo/Menswear Selection: This may seem obvious, but many brides want to mingle in this area. Let him feel like a rock star on his big day as well. Chances are, he knows what his friends will feel most comfortable in, and he can manage getting all sizing and payment information, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.

Hotel Blocking: It’s straightforward (part of the reason it’s on this list). Hotel blocking isn’t subject to trends changing, artistic creativity, etc…it is what it is! Have him research some cool spots, reserve them, and get info together for your guests.

Marriage License: Give the groom some honor and let him take care of the most important thing on the table—actually legally getting married! Have him check local regulations and timelines to ensure you are set to go.

Transportation after the Ceremony and Reception: Anything automotive usually intrigues him- so let him take care of the ‘sweet ride’ you have after the ceremony and the reception!

Payment of the Officiant: He’ll have pockets on the big day- you won’t. Let him tuck the stipend away and pay the minister himself. Let him take care of it while he still enjoys paying for things for you!

If you’re debating on hiring a wedding planner, there are a handful of important things to consider. Wedding planners aren’t just for those who want an out-of-this-world wedding gala, they can also help any bride manage the budget, translate design ideas, and even handle all RSVP’s!

Here are a few questions to ask that (if your answer is yes) might point you in the direction of hiring a wedding planner:

• Do you know exactly how you want your wedding to look in your head, but you aren’t sure who to contact or how to logistically make it happen?
• Are you clueless about anything involving weddings and would be open to having someone else make the event fabulous?
• Are you too busy to even think about getting married, let alone what color linens will look good in your venue?
• Do you have relatives (or future relatives) who have ideas for the wedding day that need some mediation?

These are all things that wedding planners and designers specialize in. It’s in our nature to pamper, design, impress, and successfully manage the biggest day of your life! Call some local planners and meet with them to discuss your ideas and objectives. You will know which one is right for you; perfect planners are like a great pair of shoes—they just fit!

I believe that engagements are all they are cracked up to be, you just have to make the most of the time you have to enjoy the process together. So once the culminating act of love comes in the form of a ring on your finger, try not to get too overwhelmed by what you have to do next. Your initial job is to relish in the excitement of your own engagement. Here are a few ways I’ve found that take the pressure off of brides to plan, plan, plan and instead encourage them to celebrate the moment:

• Grab your friends and go get drinks! Cheers your glasses to everything that’s ahead—including the wedding date you don’t know yet and the colors of the not-yet-selected bridesmaid dresses.
• Call everyone on your VIP list personally to spread the news. Make it a fun evening to share with your new fiancé and hear firsthand all the exclamations of excitement from close relatives and friends.
• ‘Plan’ planning-free date nights. Make sure you and your fiancé have time together (just like you did before) without rehearsing the details of the wedding planning over every last bite of spaghetti. Trust me, he’ll thank you for this!
• Start a journal or a blog to keep everyone in the loop while it’s still a blank canvas. You will have so many memories to look back on!

*Photography by Dixie Dixon (www.dixiedixon.com)

The Hollywood moment of an engagement comes and goes so quickly! If you ask any married woman about their engagement, there is usually a long-winded story paired with excited eyes and happy memories. Make sure you have more than just a ring to take with you once the proposal is over. Here are a few ways to ‘preserve’ your engagement:

• Take a picture. Perhaps you have someone scouting out the area that promises to catch a few shots of the two of you in action. If not, revisit the site the next day and have someone take some pictures of the exact spot the proposal took place. It also might be the perfect canvas for your engagement shots!

• Journal to each other. Take some time out of the excitement and celebration to write your thoughts and feelings to each other on that day. There are so many things you will face in the coming months…and these letters may be groundwork for your vows!
• Save the reaction value. Use your Flip or video camera to capture some feedback throughout the day (i.e., your mom’s disbelief that it’s ‘finally happening!’ or your dad’s sigh of financial relief!) This will make for great laughs someday, not to mention a great tool for future anniversary parties.

While you can never fully recreate the moment, you will be glad you took the time to memorialize it right then and there. And then, let the planning begin!

*Photographs taken by Stacy Reeves (www.stacyreeves.com)

Every wedding deserves a signature drink as much as every bride deserves a fabulous dress. Take a look at your drink ID and make sure everything—from the vibe of your band to the drink in their hand—says what you want it to say about you as a couple. Here are a few of our favorite picks for signature cocktails that give life to your party and business to your bar…

Chambord French Martini

• 1 1/2 oz Finlandia Vodka
• 1/2 oz Chambord
• 1/2 oz pineapple juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.

Champagne Dreams

• 1 oz PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz Fresh orange juice
• 3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine

Assemble the first three ingredients in a cocktail glass with ice. Slowly pour in the Champagne while stirring very gently to retain the bubbles and chill the mixture. Strain into a Champagne flute and garnish with an orange zest.

PAMA Kiss

• 1 1/2 oz PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
• 3/4 oz Sour Apple Vodka
• 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice

Mix ingredients in martini shaker and shake well. Serve on the rocks.

Summer Scentsation

• 1 1/2 oz Mount Gay Eclipse Gold Rum
• 3-4 Chunks of fresh Watermelon
• 3/4 oz Lavender Syrup*
• 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

In mixing glass, muddle watermelon well. Add remaining ingredients and ice. Shake vigorously, then double strain (strain through Hawthorne into julep strainer) into chilled cocktail glass. 

Garnish with wedge of watermelon on cocktail pick.
 
*Lavender Syrup: Boil 2 cups water and add 2 cups sugar and 1⁄4 cup dried lavender. Let Steep until cool. Drain and refrigerate.

Every bride accessorizes her dress with a bouquet, but for those brides looking for a more unique approach to the traditional bouquet of flowers or other accessories, consider this alternative. Princess Lasertron: Vintage Felt and Button Design, is a company that creates savvy bouquets, boutineers and hair pins composed of antique materials that the bride has specifically selected.  Many times, the bride will choose to incorporate materials from their mother or grandmother’s wedding gowns. The company specializes in this type of sentimental creativity, which joins the past, present and future of tradition together. For more inspiration visit their blog and website to see the endless possibilities for your perfect day!

*Photos taken from Princess Lasertron

Tara Wilson Events is happy to announce the winner of our second set of giveaway passes to Unveiled, the ultimate wedding event, in Dallas on October 4, 2009. Bretteny, congratulations! Please send us your information and address to katelin@tarawilson.com and we will get the tickets in the mail. Remember, if you win, you must respond within 48 hours in order to claim your passes! And if you didn’t win, you can always visit Unveiled Wedding Event to buy general admission tickets.

Congratulations, Bretteny!

If you missed your chance last week, it’s not too late to win 2 passes to Unveiled, the ultimate wedding event, in Dallas on October 4, 2009. We are even including two tickets to the bridal runway show (a $40 value).  Remember, if you win, you must respond within 48 hours in order to claim your passes! And if you don’t win, you can always visit Unveiled Wedding Event to buy general admission tickets.

Here is the weekly question: What is the location of your dream honeymoon? Hawaii or the Caribbean? A European getaway or an African adventure?

We’d love to know…just post your comment below! We’ll post the winner next Thursday.