...and that's a wrap on our 2009 wedding season!

Wow...where do I even begin?! Our 2009 wedding season was truly an amazing year! I never imagined that I would have the pleasure to work with such remarkable couples and extremely talented wedding vendors. I honestly could not have asked for a better 2009 season, and can only hope that 2010 is equally as amazing!

To ALL of my 2009 couples - thank you for allowing me to be apart of such an important day in your lives. Each one of you has touched my heart, and has taught me something about love + marriage. I wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy, & successful future!

To the wonderful vendors I've had the privilege of working with - You guys rock! It truly amazes me to see how much talent the wedding industry has in Pittsburgh. Thank you for providing such a high caliber of service - we need more people in the world like you!

To my husband - words cannot even express what your love + support mean to me. Thank you for giving up so many of your weekends to help grow this business. All of this would not be possible without you. I love you, and am so blessed to have you in my life.

As each season passes I learn more and more, and am SO excited for what 2010 + beyond will bring for us! I've got tons of inspiration + new ideas flowing through my head, and can't wait to share them with our 2010 couples. Over the next few weeks, we'll be back to our regular blog posts and will be featuring more of our awesome 2009 wedding photos! Until then, Happy Thanksgiving & let the Holiday season begin!

DIY Save-the-Date Stickers

I just adore these simple, yet creative DIY save-the-date stickers courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings. These stickers are the perfect way to ensure that your guests remember your BIG day! All guests have to do is simply peel and stick to their calendar.

5 simple steps on how to make your own save-the-date stickers at home:

1. Buy 1-inch round labels from an office-supply store, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to download and customize the template.
2. Print labels with your date using a laser printer.
3. Cut each sheet into rows of labels.
4. Laser print note cards with a message to "save the date."
5. Affix a row of labels to each note card with a glue stick.

Content & photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.

How to Stock the Bar

I'm currently in the middle of helping several of my 2010 clients calculate their estimated alcohol needs for their wedding receptions. This is a huge task in itself, as every crowd is different; however, I recently stumbled upon this very helpful article from The Knot and wanted to share. Below are some excerpts from the article.

Drink Up

How much liquor will you need for 100 guests? Talk to your bartender; in the meantime, here are some averages:

• Beer: 5 to 6 cases
• Whiskey: 1 liter
• Bourbon: 1 liter
• Gin: 2 to 3 liters
• Scotch: 2 liters
• Light rum: 1 liter
• Vodka: 5 liters
• Tequila: 1 liter
• Champagne: 1 to 1 1/2 cases
• Red wine: 2 cases
• White wine: 3 1/2 cases
• Dry vermouth: 1 bottle
• Sweet vermouth: 1 bottle

{Knot Note: Ask if your beverage catering service will take back any unused alcohol.}

The Open Bar

An open bar is the most gracious approach -- no guest should pay for anything at the wedding -- but it's also the most expensive. Guests can order any drink on the planet, and you'll have to pick up the hefty tab when the party's done. Because there’s no limit, people may drink like guppies. Know anyone who tends to imbibe too much? Tell the bartender in advance.

The Limited Bar

You offer a selection of drinks -- beer, wine, and mixed vodka drinks, for example -- and set specific consumption times, such as the cocktail hour, the toasts, and an hour after dinner. Consider hiring waiters to pass drinks on trays rather than letting guests go up to the bar. You'll have to pay for the waiters, but you'll probably save money on alcohol, and fewer guests will go overboard. If you limit the amount of time the bar is open, make sure the waiters circulate during dinner to refill glasses of water and soda.

The Cash Bar

Don't have a cash bar without a great reason (there really isn't one). After all, you don't invite people to your house for dinner and then charge them for the butter. Trust us on this one. It's not a good cost-cutting solution and is way too controversial.

A Dry House

If you, your families, and most of your guests don't drink alcohol, skip it. Serve sparkling water, soda, and nonalcoholic mixed drinks instead. If you want some bubbly for toasting, go for some token champagne or sparkling cider.

Resources: Leslie Lamb, beverage catering director of Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors, Waltham, MA

Content courtesy of The Knot.

iPhone Application :: BRIDES Dressing Room

BRIDES Magazine recently launched a new iPhone and iPod Touch application: BRIDES Dressing Room. I downloaded this app on my iPhone this past weekend and absolutely love it! This is a great tool for the professional bride who is on the go, allowing you to sort through gowns by designer, price, and even silhouette. Not only does the application allow you to sort through hundreds of photos, but it even allows you to search local retailers for specific gowns.

Description from Brides.com: Planning a wedding on the go just got a whole lot easier. Browse through hundreds of wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses, search for a retailer near you, and even schedule an appointment! It's available for download from the App Store.

Photo & content courtesy of Brides.com

Say Farewell with Sparklers

I'm all for big dramatic farewells at the end of a reception, especially when it creates the perfect photo opportunity like sparklers can! Sparklers are one of my favorite ways for couples to make their grand exit at the end of the night. We've all seen the throwing of rice, birdseed, bubbles, and confetti, so why not change it up a bit?! If you're thinking of using sparklers for your grand exit, it's important to check with the venue ahead of time to find out what their policy is for sparklers. Additionally, I also suggest telling your photographer ahead of time as well. This is definitely a photo you wont want to miss out on!

Photo courtesy of The Knot.

Wedding Gowns with Pockets

The title of this post may have you a bit confused, but you read correctly, wedding gowns are being made with pockets! This trend was actually introduced by J. Crew a few years back, but has recently been making it's way to the rest of the bridal gown market. At first I wasn't keen on the idea, but then I thought about it and asked myself, why not have pockets in a wedding gown?! There is something about the look of pockets on a wedding gown that is cleverly stylish. Pockets are also the perfect place to store your much needed wedding day necessities, like lip gloss or tissues. While pockets may not be for every bride, they just might be the perfect thing for another bride.

What do you think? Would you purchase a wedding gown with pockets?

Photo courtesy of The Knot.

DIY Door Monograms

I love these quick & easy DIY Door Monograms courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings. They instantly add a splash of color to any doorway and are fairly inexpensive to make. Materials can be purchased at your local craft store, such as Michael's or Joann Fabrics. For instructions on how to make these for your wedding, read below.

"Personalize the entrance to the ceremony or reception in an instant with store-bought wooden initials. To display, loop wide satin ribbon around each letter. Knot ribbon at least one foot above letter, leaving ends long enough to create a bow (for letters that aren't easily looped, hot-glue ribbon to letter's back, and tie into a knot); hang on an over-the-door hanger. Tie ribbon ends into a bow and trim with pinking shears. Attach self-adhesive felt pads to backs of letters to protect door."

Photo & content courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.