Simply Perfect Weddings Blog | Pittsburgh Wedding Inspiration for the Modern Bride

Featured :: Style Me Pretty

2012-01-13T11:54:00.000-05:00

We are very excited to announce that Jamie & Jon's lakeside wedding has been featured on Style Me Pretty today. Check out the feature, here!

Photo courtesy of MichaelWill Photography.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Laura & George 10.8.11

2012-01-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

Classic. Elegant. Romantic. These are just a few words I would use to describe Laura & George's wedding day.

Their wedding day started out with hair and makeup for Laura and her bridesmaids at Laura's parent's home just a few short miles away from the church. After a few hours of pampering, the entire bridal party made their way over to East Liberty Presbyterian Church for some bridal party/family portraits, along with Laura & George's "First Look". I'm sure you've heard me say this a hundred times, but I absolutely LOVE the intimacy of a "First Look". This was my first time working at East Liberty Presbyterian, and I have to say that I was rather impressed. The inside of the church is absolutely stunning (just look at the gorgeous ceremony shots taken by the lovely Milla Chappell), and to add to the church's beauty, there is an adorable little courtyard that set the scene for some great portraits of the bridal party.

Following their vows Laura & George, along with their guests, made their way over to The Pittsburgh Golf Club for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The Pittsburgh Golf Club also happens to be one of my favorite venues...I like to call it the "hidden gem" of Pittsburgh, as not many people seem to know about it. The space is incredibly elegant and charming, and the staff is top notch...definitely an A+ in my book!

The light on October 8th was positively stunning, and Milla was able to capture some amazingly gorgeous portraits of Laura & George before they headed inside to greet their guests.

The evening ended with a grand sparkler exit as these two love birds were sent away in a classic Rolls Royce. It was truly the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Congratulations again to Laura & George!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue East Liberty Presbyterian
Reception Venue The Pittsburgh Golf Club
Photographer Milla C Photography
Floral Designer Karrie Hlista Designs
Band Studio E's Protege
Makeup Anna Skin Care
Transportation (Shuttle) Lenzner Coach Lines
Transportation (Rolls Royce) Classic Limousine

All photos courtesy of Milla C Photography.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Lindsay & Andrew 9.24.11

2011-12-15T08:35:00.000-05:00

Lindsay and Andrew were married on a gorgeous fall day in September. We had been keeping a close eye on the weather the week prior (and preparing back-up plans just in case), but September 24th turned out to be a picture perfect fall day.

Lindsay and Andrew wanted to be able to enjoy themselves during cocktails, so they opted to have the majority of their photos taken prior to the ceremony, including a "First Look". Their photos were taken around the Oakland area - mostly outside of their church, St. Paul's Cathedral, and across the street at the ever popular Mellon Institute. After photos were completed, Lindsay and Andrew made their way over to the church where they tied the knot during a beautiful Catholic mass. {Side note: since their photo locations and both venues were all within walking distance of each other in Oakland, Lindsay & Andrew were able to skip the limo and transportation costs!}

Following the ceremony, guests were greeted by a bag piper playing outside of the church who led each and every one of them across the street to the Mellon Institute for a group photo. Yep, you read that right - all 181 of their guests were led in a bag piper processional through the streets of Oakland. It took a lot of coordination, but in the end, it turned out fantastic! Kuddos to the couple's fab photographer, Joey Kennedy, for pulling off the great shot (pictured above). Post-amazing group photo, the guests were then led down the street a few blocks to The University Club, where the rooftop cocktail hour and ballroom reception were set to take place.

It was an amazing day, and we couldn't be more happier for this adorable couple! Congratulations again to Lindsay & Andrew!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue St. Paul's Cathedral
Reception Venue The University Club
Photographer Joey Kennedy Photography
Floral Designer Dee's Florals
DJ Bill Bara
Makeup Pittsburgh Makeup
Hair Monica Kitta (412.537.5107)
Bag Piper Pittsburgh Piper

All photos courtesy of Joey Kennedy Photography.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Jamie & Jon 9.10.11 {Part 2}

2011-12-14T06:53:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we shared Part 1 of Jamie & Jon's lakeside nuptials, and today we are bringing you Part 2.

Following the "I Do's" and a few post-ceremony photos, the entire bridal party was treated to a boat ride around Conneaut Lake on a local boat named "Kaylee Belle". Then, for a fun surprise, the bridal party made their grand entrance into the reception via the boat dock. How many weddings do you see that cool of an entrance?! ;) Following Jamie & Jon's first dance and a few toasts, guests were treated to a lovely sit down dinner service under this gorgeously decorated tent. Towards the end of dinner we were lucky enough to witness an amazing sunset off the lake, which made for some great portrait shots of Jamie & Jon.

The sunset was definitely icing on the cake, but the fun didn't stop there. After dinner, guests enjoyed lots (and lots!) of dancing, a candy bar, cigar bar, and even a sparkler exit as Jamie & Jon said their farewells at the end of the night. All in all it was an amazing day, and we were thrilled to be a part of it!

Congratulations again to the happy couple! We wish you many long years of love & happiness together!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Catering JPC Event Group
Photographer MichaelWill Photography
Floral Designer Mocha Rose Floral Designs
DJ Kirk Dietrich (814.504.3562)
Makeup Simply Beautiful Makeup Artistry
Hair Brooke Rockwell Hair Designs
Rentals All Occasions

All photos courtesy of MichaelWill Photography.

Latest Review :: Laura & George 10.8.11

2011-11-03T08:53:00.002-04:00

Here's what Laura & George had to say about our services:

"Thank you so much for making our day go so smoothly! It was so nice knowing that everything was taken care of…after the wedding I started thinking about the little details and how I didn’t even have to think about them (like getting my bag in the getaway car or getting guests on the buses or setting up place cards, menus...I could go on and on). It was so nice to be able to just enjoy the day!! And the week of, knowing that Sumer was contacting all the vendors and making sure everything was taken care of was a HUGE help! I was able to just focus on getting married!! And the schedule Sumer developed for the day of was perfect…it was so great for our families and bridal party to have…everyone knew when and where they needed to be..and everyone was on time!! (which is very rare for our families). Every email/question I sent was answered w/in 24hrs (well most of the time w/in the hour!) Being an anxious bride it made me really feel at ease w/ everything! The schedule Sumer developed was a HUGE help and the day went so smoothly b/c of it…several ppl asked if there was anything that went wrong the day of, and I honestly cannot think of a single thing. Your services were excellent and I could not be happier with how everything went."

We'll be sharing more photos from their gorgeous fall wedding in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of Milla C. Photography.

Latest Review :: Laura & Zack 10.1.11

2011-11-02T08:46:00.003-04:00

Laura & Zack hired us for Wedding Day Coordination, here's what they had to say about our services:

"Zack and I loved having you as our day-of coordinator. We had an excellent experience from beginning to end. Zack and I will definitely recommend you in the future to any bride/groom. Thank you for a carefree wedding day!"

Photo courtesy of Craig Photography.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Jamie & Jon 9.10.11 {Part 1}

2011-11-02T08:32:00.027-04:00

I am nearly jumping out of my seat with excitement to share one of our recent fall weddings with you today! Meet, Jamie & Jon. Jamie & Jon currently reside in Baltimore, but since Jamie is from the Pittsburgh area, they decided to exchange vows at her family's second home on Conneaut Lake. Because there are just too many great photos to share with you all in one post, their wedding will be posted as a two-part series. First up: getting ready + ceremony!

Jamie & Jon's wedding day started off as quite a rainy day. While Jamie and her bridesmaids (9 total!) got ready inside the lake house (and Jon and his groomsmen got ready a few miles away at a nearby lake cottage), the vendors immediately went to work prepping the tent for an outdoor cocktail hour & reception later that evening. Despite the rain, Jamie was still beaming from ear to ear when I went upstairs to greet the ladies who were being pampered with hair, makeup, and massages (lucky ladies!). As if you couldn't tell from these photos, Jamie has one of the most infectious smiles I've seen :)

By late morning, the rain was still falling, and by now, we had decided to implement our back-up weather plans and rearrange some of the decor that was originally going to be placed outdoors. A few hours later after we finished with our set-up we departed for the ceremony.

Their ceremony took place at Our Lady Queen of the Americas, a Catholic church just a few miles away. Given the rain, I kept a close eye on the radar during the hour long Catholic mass just PRAYING for a miracle that the rain clouds would roll away, and to my surprise, I saw that the radar showed the rain moving away from us in the opposite direction. Hallelujah! As soon as the ceremony ended, I showed the radar to Jamie & Jon who decided to re-implement our original plan, which included outdoor photos and a boat ride for the bridal party. Much to our surprise, the rain actually held off the entire rest of the evening. The newlyweds, along with their bridal party were able to enjoy an outdoor photo session along with a boat ride around the lake.

Be on the look out for part 2 of Jamie & Jon's wedding later this week as I share photos of the reception and the absolutely gorgeous floral + detail shots!

Photos courtesy of MichaelWill Photography.

Latest Review :: Jamie & Jon 9.10.11

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-04:00

Here's what Jamie & Jon had to say about our services:

"Simply Perfect says it all! I could not have asked for a better team making sure my wedding day played out the way I wanted it to. Sumer, your help in the planning process was so great, and I was so impressed with your prompt responses to all of my questions and requests. On the wedding day when you showed me the radar on your phone with the rain moving away from us, I swear it was a miracle! I am truly, truly grateful for all of everyone's hard work helping me plan and execute the perfect day. I could not have asked for anything more!"

Aren't these two adorable?! We certainly think so!! We've got more photos of their Conneaut Lake nuptials coming later this week! Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of MichaelWill Photography.

Etsy Find :: Rustic Engraved Keepsake Chest

2011-09-14T08:00:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I've done an 'Etsy Find' post, so I thought today would be fitting to post one of my favorite recent rustic finds (wow, say that 3x fast!). The shop responsible for this adorable keepsake chest is Bragging Bags. I have to say, this may be one of my favorite Etsy shops ever. If you're having a rustic/woodland themed wedding, then this is definitely a shop you won't want to miss - SO many fun engraved items available for purchase! Check out all of the details for the chest here, and then check out the rest of the personalized items here.

Tip :: Use this keepsake chest as your card box, then display in your home as a decorative piece.

Photo credit :: Morgan Hill Designs.

Rethinking Reception Entertainment

2011-09-13T11:07:00.003-04:00

Who says your only wedding reception entertainment has to be a DJ/Band and perhaps a photobooth thrown in?! That's right, no one! When thinking of ways to entertain your wedding guests, try thinking out of the box for a change. Do you and your fiance live for nights by the fire? Do you love spending countless summer afternoons playing lawn games? Don't worry if you haven't seen it in a wedding magazine or on a wedding blog, just do what feels right to YOU. Here are a few fun ways you can entertain your guests...outdoors, of course! :)

Firepit/Camp fire.

Lawn Games - Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole) & Croquet.

Lawn Games - Horseshoes.

Photo credit # 1 :: Marianne Wilson Photography.

Photo credit # 2 :: Green Wedding Shoes.
Photo credit # 3 :: Prepare to Wed.

DIY Churro Bar

2011-08-12T08:00:00.005-04:00

One word. Awesome. I seriously cannot even describe how much I love this idea for a wedding. I grew up eating churros. They were literally a staple in my diet as a child. When I think of churros, visions of trips to Disneyland dance in my head. Oh, and incase you were wondering, Disneyland has the best churros ever. Hands down. At least that's what my 5 year old self tells me. When I stumbled upon this DIY Churro Bar, I raced over to the blog so I could post this.

In a nutshell, here's how it was done:

1. First, purchase pre-formed (uncooked) churros in bulk. A good place to check out is Costco.
2. Second, set up a toaster oven with directions on how to cook. Two minutes is ideal.

3. Next, set up a roll station with ideal "rolling" ingredients - things like cinnamon sugar, oreo's, nutmeg, etc... Cinnamon sugar is a must-have.

4. Finally, set up a dipping station with various toppings - things like chocolate sauce, caramel, and even ice cream.

5. Oh, and don't forget direction cards too. You'll need to clue guests in on how to make their churros. Set everything up on a long banquet table, and you're good to go!

Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Carly Taylor via A Subtle Revelry.

Thank You!

2011-08-11T18:20:00.000-04:00

As the hustle and bustle of our fall wedding season begins, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of our clients. You have entrusted us with planning one of the biggest moments in your life, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

I vividly remember when the first thought of starting my own business popped into my head...I was in my apartment my junior year of college after just finishing a huge research project on a "creative job I'd like to have one day". Fast forward 6 years later, and I not only have that "job", but I have a full-time wedding planning company that continues to grow year after year. I took a huge leap of faith not knowing if one single bride would even pick up the phone and call me. Well, she did...and now she is happily married, and is the proud mama of a beautiful baby girl.

We all get caught up with the daily in's and out's of life, that sometimes we need to take a few moments to reflect on where we came from, and where we are going. There are times when I look around my office and see all of my client's wedding binders neatly organized in a row, and I think to myself "I am really lucky". Lucky to have built a business from scratch, lucky that my business has continued to grow, and most of all, lucky to have some pretty amazing clients.

To all of my past, present, and future clients - thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for making Simply Perfect Weddings what it is today.

With love,

Cake Pops :: Cake on a Stick!

2011-08-09T08:29:00.001-04:00

Incase you haven't noticed, cake pops are all the rage in the wedding world right now. These super cute bite-size treats make the perfect favor to send home with your guests. They can even substitute for your entire wedding cake (as pictured above)! Lovebites, a Pittsburgh based bakery makes these delicious little sweet treats if you are interested in giving them a try. Check out their wedding section for details on cake flavors and various packages available.

P.S. Rebekah, the owner/creator of Lovebites, has so graciously offered a discount to all SPW brides, so if you're interested, give me a buzz, and I will fill you in on all the details : )

Photo courtesy of Magic Your Way Weddings & Photography via Lovebites.

Black + Yellow Chalkboard Framed Signage

2011-08-05T08:09:00.000-04:00

I stumbled upon these black + yellow 'Bride & Groom' chalkboard signs on Style Me Pretty this morning, and wanted to share with our Pittsburgh brides. These signs are super simple to make, and would be a great addition to a black + yellow color palette.

Tip :: Get creative with your frames, and don't fret if you can't find a chalkboard small enough to frame...use chalkboard paint on virtually any surface (even glass!) for an instant chalkboard!

Photos courtesy of Annie McElwain Photography via Style Me Pretty.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Kate & Adam 06.18.11 {Part 2}

2011-08-04T08:15:00.002-04:00

Last week we posted Part 1 of Kate & Adam's "Kate Spade Garden Party" themed wedding. Today, we are bringing you Part 2 with more of their preppy details! Enjoy!

The dress/custom hanger. Kate's dress was handmade by her Mother. Absolutely incredible!

The invitation. Don't forget to send your photographer an invitation!

Apple escort cards. Too cute!

The Cake.

Custom card basket.

Guestbook signage.

Guestbook/gift table.

Centerpiece. Gorgeous!!

Place setting - custom napkin rings and menu cards. Love the preppy look!

Menu cards.

Stripey Straws. Need I say more?

Table # & centerpiece.

Tables. Love those Chiavari Chairs!

Flip flops! Helpful tips here.

Favor Table Signage.

Favors - Eat'n Park Smiley Cookies.

Late night bite. Mini sliders!

Photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.

Suspended Wedding Decor

2011-08-03T09:40:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite trends in the wedding industry right now is suspended decor. I absolutely cannot get enough of it! You can hang virtually anything to match the look and feel of your wedding style. My favorite look right now is hanging decor from trees (more on that later), which works great for outdoor events. Whatever route you decide to go, proper planning is key. Be sure to discuss your wishes for hanging decor well in advance with your venue(s), and decide when these items will be hung. I recommend a test run prior to the wedding day, in order to iron out any kinks that may occur. Remember, hanging decor is not the easiest task in the world, but if you plan ahead of time, you can save yourself a great deal of time and stress in the long run.

Below are a few ideas that I hope inspire you...happy planning!

Flower bottles.

Hanging frames.

Chandeliers from trees. Swoon!

Vintage bird cages.

Mason jars. Oh, how I love thee!

Ribbon streamers.

Paper lanterns.

Photo credit # 1 :: Eat Drink Chic

Photo credit # 2 :: Ruffled Blog

Photo credit # 3 :: Everything is Better in Heels
Photo credit # 4 :: Ruffled Blog
Photo credit # 5 :: Green Wedding Shoes
Photo credit # 6 :: Chiq Weddings
Photo credit # 7 :: Wedding Bee

Latest Review :: Kathryn & Mike 5.21.11

2011-08-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Kathryn & Mike hired us for Wedding Day Coordination, here's what they had to say about our services:

"Clearly, I wish you were still here to help with my thank you notes and post wedding organization. You were a breeze to work with. I have a reputation of being an extreme type A, slightly neurotic person in general so I have no doubt that I was an uber organized, probably tense and most likely wound tight bride. But you made me feel so relaxed and totally normal! You had a great knack of making me feel like I was taking care of it all while not worrying about a thing. They say that the best athletes make their sports look enjoyable and like a piece of cake, and this would definitely apply to you! As an out of town bride who wanted to be hands on and plan my own wedding, I would 100% say that your services as a weekend-of-planner was the best decision we made. Everything went off without a hitch, and if too much dancing and fun was our biggest problem, then I would say you orchestrated a total success. You have it down to a complete science and run your business like a true professional. Thank you!"

Photo courtesy of Muse.

Happy Friday!

2011-07-29T07:18:00.008-04:00

Just a simple, sweet photo today... Happy Friday! :)

Photo credit :: Kelland Photography via The Pretty Blog.

Moss Wedding Decor Inspiration

2011-07-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

Several of our previous clients have incorporated moss into their wedding design, and I absolutely love it! Something about the rustic, natural look of it makes me think of growing up in the South. Moss is really quite simple, yet incredibly versatile. I never get tired of seeing those moss covered initials either. Seriously. I love them! Since moss is fairly easy to work with (and readily available), it's also the perfect ingredient for the DIY bride too.

Tip :: Artificial and preserved moss can typically be found in most craft stores, but if you are looking to order it for a large DIY project, contact your florist to see if they can order it at a discounted bulk rate.

Photo credit # 1 :: The Wedding Chicks

Photo credit # 2 :: Spotted Leopard Etsy Shop

Photo credit # 3 :: Spotted Leopard Etsy Shop

Photo credit # 4 :: Wedding Dress Blog

Photo credit # 5 :: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Alternative Outdoor Seating :: Hay Bales

2011-07-27T10:12:00.000-04:00

Hay bales are the perfect alternative seating arrangement for a rustic outdoor ceremony. You don't have to be getting married on a farm to pull it off either. Hay bales work great for backyard weddings, barn weddings, and even lakeside weddings...really any outdoor space will do.

Where to find? Finding hay bales is likely a lot easier than you would think. Check with local farms or horse stables as a 1st option. Often times, farms and stables will let you borrow the hay for a small nominal fee (sometimes free!), with the promise that you will return the hay bales post-wedding. If you don't live in an area with many farms or horse stables, you may want to check with a local landscaping company. Landscaping companies use hay when they spread grass seed, so it is very likely that they will have hay on hand.

Accessorizing? Yes, accessorizing. You will need to find some way to cover the hay bales, because you certainly do not want your guests sitting on bare hay for a 30 minute ceremony. Umm...can you say "uncomfortable"?! Yeah...you get the idea. Accessorizing is fun! You can cover your hay bales with virtually anything...blankets, quilts, pillows, cushions...you name it!

Allergies? It's important to keep in mind that some of your guests may be allergic to hay; therefore, having a few extra chairs on hand is recommended. Don't forget about your elderly guests who may also need a chair to sit on as well.

Reuse? Hay bale seating isn't just for ceremonies. Don't forget about reception and/or lounge seating later on in the evening!

Photo credit :: Tec Petaja via C is for Charmed.

Vintage Book Table Numbers

2011-07-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a sucker for pretty little details, and let's face it, these vintage book table numbers are quite charming. I think they add such an element of interest to the tables that guests are sure to love! After all, it's all in the details, right?

Photo credit # 1 :: The Found Blog

Photo credit # 2 :: 100 Layer Cake
Photo credit # 3 :: Amanda Rae Blog
Photo credit # 4 :: Next Exit Photography via Every Last Detail

Stripey Straws

2011-07-26T07:00:00.014-04:00

Yes, stripey straws. These cute little straws pictured above are popping up EVERYWHERE lately! We have gotten dozens of questions regarding these adorable little things, so I thought a blog post would be fitting :) And yes, those are the official name. I didn't just make that up.

While there are many stripey straw resources out there, our favorite place to get these from is Shop Sweet Lulu. If you have not been to Shop Sweet Lulu's website yet, I recommend you check it out immediately...like now! There are SO many delightful details available that you just have to see it if for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Kate & Adam 06.18.11 {Part 1}

2011-07-25T08:34:00.003-04:00

I first chatted with Kate back in April 2010 - 14 months before their big day, and since Kate and Adam are one of our out-of-town couples (they reside in the beautiful city of Boston), I didn't have a chance to meet Kate until just a month before their wedding. Even though Kate and I didn't officially meet in person right away, we instantly clicked! I remember listening to Kate explain her wedding day vision to me many months ago - "Kate Spade Garden Party" and boy, did she nail it on the head with all of the adorable details she incorporated. In fact, there are so many yummy details to share, that we will have to make this blog a two-part series (yay!). First up, the story of their wedding day...

June 18th began as a picture perfect sunny day while Kate and her bridesmaids got pampered at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel downtown. Julie from Pittsburgh Makeup did a fabulous job with the ladies' makeup. Fun fact: Kate was SO set on hiring Julie for her makeup, that she was one of the first vendors she booked! Smart lady! Leah from Bridal Beauty in Motion also did a fab job styling everyone's hair.

After the ladies were glammed up and ready to go, the bridal party made themselves scarce while Kate met up with Adam for their "First Look" photo session with Leeann (the photographer who is responsible for the fabulous images above). After their First Look, Kate & Adam, along with their bridal party, made their way over to Phipps Conservatory for some pre-ceremony photos in the outdoor garden area.

The ceremony and reception also took place in the outdoor garden at Phipps, and just before the ceremony was set to begin a nasty little thunderstorm struck. We decided to delay things just a few minutes (in order to avoid having to use the rain plan), and lucky for us the clouds parted and the sun began to shine again! Whew! HUGE sigh of relief!

After the ceremony, guests were able to enjoy themselves in the garden for cocktails (still no rain - yay!), and eventually made their way over to the tent for the reception festivities. Kate & Adam's guests were treated with a delicious three-course sit down dinner courtesy of Big Catering. Following dinner, guests stormed the dance floor and never left an empty space on it thanks to the awesome Eric Schiemer, who kept the dance songs coming one after the other! The rain held off the rest of the night, and judging from the packed dance floor, every single one of their guests had a wonderful time!

What an incredible night! Congratulations again to Kate & Adam!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings

Ceremony/Reception Venue Phipps Conservatory

Catering Big Catering

Photographer Leeann Marie Photography

DJ Schiemer Entertainment

Makeup Julie w/ Pittsburgh Makeup
Hair Bridal Beauty in Motion
Lighting ADS Lighting
String Ensemble Steven Vance
Transportation Pittsburgh Transportation Group

All photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.

Displaying Your Family Photos

2011-07-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

Many of our brides & grooms come to us for creative ideas when it comes to displaying old family photos. Often times our clients want to display childhood or parent/grandparent wedding photos, but are looking for a creative way of doing so. We hope these unique ideas inspire you!

Clothespin line. One of my favorites :)

More clothespin line inspiration.

Mason jar/flower vase.

Hanging frames from ribbons.

Photo wall display.

How are you planning to display your old family/childhood photos? We'd love to hear your ideas!

Photo credit # 1 :: Style Me Pretty
Photo credit # 2 :: Unknown

Photo credit # 3 :: Style Me Pretty

Photo credit # 4 :: Yasmin Khajavi Photography

Photo credit # 5 :: Bustled Blog

For Your Dancing Feet :: Flip Flops

2011-07-15T14:37:00.004-04:00

Some say flip flops at weddings have gone "out of style". I disagree. What girl doesn't like to kick off her heels, throw on a pair of comfy flip flops and let loose on the dance floor?! Comfort doesn't go out of style. See my point? Not to mention, I still see flip flops at over half of our weddings each season. This "trend" doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. In fact, I've had at least 3 brides contact me within the past few weeks asking for advice on flip flops. Therefore, I thought I would write up a few helpful tips on this subject.

How many? Go through your guest list and count each woman/girl attending. I recommend having enough pairs for just about every single one of them. You don't want to leave anyone out. They will go quick, trust me!
What sizes? This is tricky. Obviously, you aren't going to ask each guest their shoe size; therefore, I recommend purchasing the most common sizes: 7, 8, & 9. Be mindful of the little girls too - if you're inviting children, you should also think about purchasing a few smaller sizes as well.
How to display? Get creative...there are no rules here! Think about your wedding style, and what type of container would suite your style best. Most common way of displaying? In a tub (as pictured above), basket, bucket, or even wooden box. Don't forget a cute sign too ;)
Where to purchase? Hands down one of the most popular stores to get cute & cheap flip flops is Old Navy. Don't forget about stores like Target and Kohls too.

Tip :: If you have the ability to color coordinate the flip flops by size, I highly recommend doing so! As you'll see in the photos above, the bride not only color coordinated them, but also added fun little size tags to each pair as well. Totally optional, but definitely practical!

Photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.

Budget Friendly Flower Inspiration :: Carnations

2011-07-13T16:15:00.000-04:00

I know what you must be thinking...carnations...bleh! Carnations are unfortunately one of the flowers that get a bad wrap, and to be perfectly honest, I'm really not sure why. I'm a flower lover. There's really not an 'ugly' flower in my book. Sure, I have my favorites just like any other girl, but I actually like the ruffled look of carnations. Flowers stem from nature, and to me, nature is beautiful. Just my two cents.

Maybe the real reason why I like carnations is because carnations were my late grandmother's favorite flower. Every Friday night my grandfather would bring her home a bouquet of carnations accompanied with Chinese take-out...their usual Friday night routine. They were married 71 years. Pretty awesome, if you ask me! So today I am bringing you some carnation inspiration in her honor. Enjoy!

Photo credit # 1 :: Chelsea Fuss via Sweetest Occasion Blog

Photo credit # 2 :: w-weddingflowers.com
Photo credit # 3 :: Martha Stewart Weddings
Photo credit # 4 :: Unknown

Vacation Notice :: Bon Voyage!

2011-07-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

My husband and I have created a little tradition in our household. Every 4th of July weekend (which also happens to be our wedding anniversary - lucky us!), we go on vacation. The trips may be near or far, but either way, we pack our bags and hit the road together. This year we're headed to the beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. I will be out of the office from July 2nd through July 10th. Since we'll be traveling internationally, I won't have much access to phone or email while away. All emails and phone calls will be returned on Monday, July 11th.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Latest Review :: Kate & Adam 6.18.11

2011-06-30T11:41:00.000-04:00

Kate & Adam hired us for Wedding Day Coordination, here's what they had to say about our services:

"Sumer, you were a GEM!!! Seriously, I couldn't have done it without you. Being an out-of-town bride made me apprehensive from the start. I had such a specific vision for the design of the wedding, and I had put so much thought and effort into the elements – and I really needed you to bring it all to fruition and organize my thoughts in the crucial final stretch. Adam and I were rehashing the wedding over the honeymoon (of course!) and we said if we could change one thing, we would have just spared me the time and energy and hired you for full-service planning. Coming from a control freak like me, that is the highest compliment! Thank you so much for all of your hard work! All of the "insiders" at the wedding (the BMs, my parents, etc.) were raving about how together and level-headed you were the entire time. Your services were truly top-notch, and Adam and I are so happy we hired you!"

P.S. Lots of yummy detail photos from Kate & Adam's wedding coming up on the blog soon! Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.

Skeleton Key Wedding Inspiration

2011-06-29T08:28:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, the most simplest of things can make for such interesting displays. Enter...the skeleton key. Little known fact: I am obsessed with skeleton keys. I've had my eye on a Tiffany skeleton key necklace for quite some time now. Hint, hint dear husband of mine ;) Anyways, the skeleton key made a quick appearance on the blog with this creative save-the-date last February, but today I wanted to share some other unique ways you can incorporate the skeleton key into your wedding. I'm sure many of you have seen the skeleton key escort card display (pictured above), but did you know you can also use them in your bouquet, guestbook, and even have skeleton key inspired stationery created? Are you incorporating the skeleton key into your wedding? If so, we want to hear all about it!

Photo credit #1 :: Kate Headley via Ritzy Bee
Photo credit # 2 :: Diana Marie Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs
Photo credit # 3 :: A Gray Blog
Photo credit # 4 :: Larissa Cleveland via Style Me Pretty
Photo credit # 5 :: Gabriel Harber Photography via Inspired Bride

Blogger Brides :: "Trust Me...I Have Done This a Thousand Times Before"

2011-05-11T08:28:00.018-04:00

Our next bride in our "Blogger Brides" series is Janice. Janice is a current SPW bride who is planning a wedding at LeMont in October. Janice and I have become quite close, frequently meeting up for monthly lunch/dinner planning meetings. I just love when I connect with a bride on a personal level - makes the planning process a breeze! Besides, who says the planning process has to be all work and no play, right?! One of the things I love about the wedding that Janice and her fiance, Rob, are planning is that they are truly focused on the meaning of the ceremony. Of course, they've had a lot of fun brainstorming ideas for their wedding decor (think: sunflowers!), but Janice and Rob truly understand the meaning and the main point behind the wedding day...the marriage. I'm definitely looking forward to their wedding. We've enlisted an awesome team of vendors that I know are totally going to rock their wedding day!

Without further ado, here is Janice's advice for our readers:

"Trust Me...I Have Done This a Thousand Times Before"

"I know you have heard that line before. I have too, but fortunately it hasn’t been during our wedding planning process. Rob and I are both very determined and head strong people. We have a very clear vision of how we would like our wedding day to turn out. We know there are many factors that we cannot control. However, we also know that there are many MORE factors that we can…to include what vendors we chose.

We have already selected all of our vendors for our October 2011 wedding. Before we met with any of our vendors, we had a clear (well, as clear as can be when it comes to wedding planning) vision of what we wanted. We had decided not only what we wanted as far as décor, photos, music & food, but what we wanted from our vendors. Here were qualities that were non-negotiable:

• They must be warm, friendly people.

• Prompt at communication

• Creative

• Open to our suggestions

• Must never, ever say “Trust me…I have done this a thousand times before”.

The last one is a big one!! It makes my skin crawl when I hear stories on blogs and bulletin boards about how vendors have said that to their clients. And I (and Rob too) will argue, “No, you haven’t. You have never worked MY wedding before”.

We have been lucky beyond belief with our planning process. Sumer has guided us towards some of the best wedding professionals in the business. After our meetings with all of our vendors, the choices were easy to make. They were almost effortless. No matter what we were discussing, all of them were creative, easy to talk to and listened to our ideas. When we have questions, no matter who I am working with, I know I will hear back promptly. And not one of them implied that working our wedding would be a cake walk because they have done this before.

Now that I have rambled on for several paragraphs, you may be asking yourself, “What is your point”? My point is that when choosing your vendors, if you don’t trust them 100%, turn around and leave…as a matter of fact, RUN! One of the reasons I am enjoying the planning process so much is because I trust each and every one of my vendors. I know that Andy Booth is going to keep my party rocking, Jenni Grace is going to capture my moments, Bill Laughlin will make sure the food is fabulous, Carrie Anne will make my flowers unforgettable and that Sumer will keep me calm& everything running smoothly. I don’t have to worry about the “what if’s” all of the time because I trust my team. We both said from the beginning that we want to enjoy the process…and we are!"

{Vendor Credits}
DJ :: Andy Booth Productions
Photographer :: Jenni Grace Photography
Florist :: Carrie Anne Powell Floral Designs
Venue :: LeMont

Blogger Brides :: Practice Makes Perfect...and it's Fun!

2011-05-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

Today we are introducing a new series to the blog - "Blogger Brides". This series will feature both past and current SPW brides, who will share their wedding planning advice/experience with our readers.

Today's featured bride is Jamie. Jamie is a current SPW bride who is getting married on September 10th (9.10.11 - what a fun wedding date!) at her parent's lakefront property in Northern PA. I am just itching with excitement for Jamie's wedding day - she's got incredible design taste, and I am so so so excited to see her vision come to life!

Check out Jamie's advice for brides-to-be:

Practice Makes Perfect…and it's Fun!

"I am honestly enjoying the wedding planning process, and some of the things that I have found to be the most fun and most important part of wedding planning is practice! There are many things that you can practice for the big day like make-up and hair trial runs, cake and food tasting, and pictures. While these things may seem like things to cross off your “to-do” list…don’t forget to have fun doing them!

I am sure that every bride-to-be has heard and understands the importance of having hair and make-up trial runs done, but the one thing that I would recommend doing when you have your trial run done is to have pictures taken. Your wedding pictures are going to be one of the only things you have to remember your big day, and your hair and make-up may look different in pictures than they do in person. I had a make-up trial run and then asked my make-up artist back to do my make-up for our engagement photos. I am so glad that I did because I learned two things from having photos taken 1. My make-up artist recommended false eyelashes to glam my look up and I love the way they looked in pictures and 2. I want to add some more color to my face for the actual wedding. My skin looked very porcelain-like in our engagement pictures and I liked the black and white photos better than the color photos because I think that I didn’t have enough blush on. I am so glad that I was able to see this before our wedding day.

While I am on the subject of seeing things before the big day – I would highly recommend getting engagement photos taken by your photographer. I feel like a hypocrite for saying this because I think that I said “I would never do engagement photos” about 100 times before I changed my mind. I couldn’t think of one reason why I wanted (or anyone else would want to see) pictures of Jon and I sharing ‘posed’ intimate moments until I started remembering my senior portrait photo shoot and how awkward I felt posing in front of a professional photographer. I am a sorority girl at heart and have posed for many of pictures before, but working with a professional photographer just feels different. I started getting nervous about how I would feel on my wedding day when a photographer whom I had only met once was going to show up and try and capture all these special moments that my fiancé and I would be sharing. The last thing I wanted to feel on my wedding day was awkward in front of the camera. I am so glad that we did them because it was a great chance for us to work with our photographer, for us to get a little more comfortable kissing and sharing special moments on camera and I was able to see my make-up done in pictures.

Some other things that you get to practice before the big day is eating! Most brides, myself included, put themselves on a pretty strict diet leading up to the big day, so the day that Jon and I got to do cake tasting was an extra special treat for me! When else is it acceptable to share 6 cupcakes and not feel guilty about it?

When I tell people that I am enjoying the wedding planning process a lot of people give me funny looks and don’t believe me. Yes, my to-do list seems to be never ending, yes, it will get stressful no matter how organized you are or how much help you have, and yes, there are things that are not fun – like managing the guest list that seems to be ever-changing, but there are a lot of fun things that you get to do during the wedding planning process that are truly unique to being a bride-to-be, and my best advice is to enjoy every second of it!"

Thank you, Jamie for sharing this great advice with fellow brides! We couldn't agree more! : )

{Vendor Credits}
Photography by :: Michael Will Photography
Makeup by :: Simply Beautiful Makeup Artistry

Sunday Brunch Weddings

2011-04-19T08:46:00.000-04:00

I absolutely LOVE weddings that are held on "off" days and times. Something about switching it up from the typical Friday or Saturday evening excites me. Not only are "off" days/times extremely cost-effective, but you also have more opportunities to set your wedding apart from the rest. Think: Sunday Brunch! Then, think about all of the amazing delicious treats you could serve your guests...pancakes, anyone?! Sunday brunch weddings are becoming a bit more popular than they were in recent years, but they are still not considered mainstream by any means. I've seen Sunday brunch weddings out West and down South, but haven't seen many up here in the Pittsburgh area. I'm just dying to have a couple interested in a Sunday brunch wedding come my way! Any takers?! :)

More on Sunday brunch weddings coming later this week!

Photo credit # 1 :: One Stylish Bride

Photo credit # 2 :: One Stylish Bride

Photo credit # 3 :: Green Wedding Shoes

French Macaroons

2011-04-11T09:11:00.001-04:00

You've probably seen these colorful little beauties popping up everywhere in wedding magazines and blogs lately. These cookies really are just about the cutest cookies out there, so today I thought I would share some macaroon inspiration with you. Enjoy!

Photo credit # 1 :: Rowell Photography
Photo credit # 2 :: Talia Events
Photo credit # 3 :: New Zealand Weddings
Photo credit # 4 :: Bakerella

Wheat Grass Inspiration

2011-04-07T11:26:00.000-04:00

Wheat grass is such a simple little thing, yet versatile in so many ways. You can use wheat grass for almost every element of your wedding design - centerpieces, escort card displays, place settings...you name it! Pictured above are just a few of the many ways you can incorporate wheat grass into your wedding. Talk with your floral designer for more ideas.

Tip :: Looking for a fun eco-friendly project? Try growing your own wheat grass at home.

Photo credit # 1 :: Sweet Monday Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photo credit # 2 :: Unknown

Photo credit # 3 :: Hostess with the Mostess

Photo credit # 4 :: Wedding to Be

Photo credit # 5 :: Park Place Design

Real Weddings 2010 :: Laura & Jay 07.17.10

2011-03-28T09:48:00.000-04:00

We recently went through our 2010 wedding photo albums, and realized we never shared the wedding of Laura & Jay! Nick, the couple's wedding photographer, was kind enough to send a few photos of their wedding over to us. This wedding is definitely too cute not to share! Laura & Jay are such a fun loving couple, and their wedding certainly reflected that. Laura chose purple and lime green for their wedding colors - a perfect combination for their summer time nuptials.

The day started off with on-location hair and makeup for Laura and her bridesmaids by the fabulous ladies of Pretty Hair Salon. Following hair/makeup, the ladies departed for the ceremony via their transportation for the day - an adorable vintage trolley from Lenzner Coach Lines. Their ceremony took place at Laura's family church, the beautiful St. John and Paul Catholic Church in Wexford. Following their "I Do's", Laura & Jay made their grand exit as the new Mr. and Mrs. with a bubble release outside of the church. Luckily, the weather was absolutely perfect on July 17th, and the bubble release made for some great photos!

After a few fun photos in the park, they made their way over to the reception, Twelve Oaks Mansion in Mars. Let me just say that Twelve Oaks is one of my favorite venues to work at in all of Pittsburgh. The mansion sits on top of a beautiful country hillside and evokes the charm of a real Southern mansion (an added bonus for Laura & Jay since the couple now resides in Atlanta, GA). Their reception was filled with many sweet touches that Laura had worked on for quite some time. One of my favorite elements of the entire day was the effort Laura had made to make the little guests feel welcomed. Laura is a kindergarten teacher back in GA, and knows just how important it is to keep the little guests happy (and busy). She put together this kid-friendly activity station, which was a HUGE hit with the under 5 crowd! On top of the kid-friendly activities, Laura & Jay also made a donation to Adopt A Classroom in lieu of guest favors (see photo above).

We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this couple, as well as their families. It was truly a special day for us, and we couldn't be more happier for this sweet couple. We wish Laura & Jay all the best in the years to come!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue St. John and Paul Catholic Church
Reception Venue Twelve Oaks Mansion
Catering/Cake Twelve Oaks Mansion
Photographer Photos by Nick
Videographer Fineline Weddings
Florist Carrie Anne Powell Floral Designs
Hair/Makeup Pretty Hair Salon
Transportation Lenzner Coach Lines

All photos courtesy of Photos by Nick.

Etsy Find :: Custom Illustrated Save the Dates

2011-03-24T08:48:00.001-04:00

One of our 2012 brides recently sent this Etsy find to us, since she is considering using these for her save-the-dates. Umm, one word...ADORABLE! We won't say who sent this to us quite yet, since she hasn't even sent them out, but we just had to share this fun idea! I see a lot of different styles of save-the-dates, but these I have yet to see. I love that it's a custom drawing of the bride & groom AND you can even include your pet(s) for free!

Check out the Etsy listing for more details.

Cookies, Cookies, & More Cookies!

2011-03-23T09:48:00.004-04:00

We see a lot of cookie tables here in Pittsburgh, but this one in particular is just too cute not to share. This is the cookie table we set up for Brienne & Adam's wedding last October. Caryn Azure, the couple's fab wedding photographer, just sent these photos over to me so I could share with all of you. We love all of the charming details this cookie table had - the doilies, the polka dot 'take out' bags, ribbons on the cookie stands, window decor, the 'Love Is Sweet' banner...basically we just love all of it! It's pretty clear to see why their guests just couldn't get enough of this cookie table. Kudos to Brienne and her family for spending countless hours baking these yummy treats!

Photos courtesy of Caryn Azure Photography.

Tin Can Flower Vases

2011-03-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

I'm really loving the tin can look right now. Super fun and never boring, this look is perfect for the bride looking for a fun eco-friendly DIY project. If you like this look but it doesn't quite fit the theme of your wedding, then give these a try for your bridal shower or next dinner party! Bonus points for recycling too! ; )

Photo credit # 1 :: Flourish Studio Photography via Ruffled Blog

Photo credit # 2 :: Style Me Pretty via Re-nest.com

Photo credit # 3 :: Bleubird Vintage Blog

Wine Bottle Guest Book

2011-03-20T10:39:00.002-04:00

I think I have a thing for unique/alternative guest books...just take a look at all of our guest book related posts. I just love this wine bottle idea though, perfect for the wine connoisseur. There are a number of different ways to incorporate a wine bottle guest book into your wedding, but my favorite way is to have several different wine bottles available for guests to sign - all marked with various anniversary labels. For example, 1 year, 5 year, 10 year, etc... You'll also want to consider the size of your wedding when determining how many bottles you'll actually need. When each milestone anniversary rolls around, you'll have an aged bottle of wine to toast with and lots of congratulatory wishes to read.

This idea is a simple DIY project, but if you're not into arts & crafts, you can purchase a wine bottle guest book kit from EV Creations on Etsy.

Tip :: When labeling any bottles or containers that may be refrigerated, be sure to purchase water proof labels!

Photo courtesy of Wendy Hithe Photography.

Dreaming of Spring...

2011-03-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hopefully everyone is adjusting to the "spring forward" time change. Just a quick hello letting our readers know that we're still here...late February into early March has been a bit hectic for us. With the recent passing of my grandfather and our 2011 wedding season already underway, we've had to put blogging on the back burner for a few. Rest assured though that we'll be back to our regular blog posting next week.

Until then, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring in the 'burg!

Photo courtesy of Jenn Alton Photography via Prepare to Wed.

Valentine's Day Giveaway

2011-02-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of our lovely readers! We wish you all nothing but love and happiness today. In honor of this romantic holiday, we're giving away a FREE 1 hour consulting session to one lucky reader. Our consulting sessions are the perfect way to "jump start" the wedding planning experience. Pick our brains during a one-on-one Q&A session to start the wedding planning process off on the right track...budget, vendors, guest list, etiquette questions...no topic is off limits!

Here's what you'll get ::

(1) ONE hour consulting session with Sumer Schmitt {owner & principal wedding planner}
Swag bag full of wedding planning goodies, vendor discounts, and more!
$100 credit towards the (optional) purchase of our comprehensive 'Complete Wedding Management' or 'Wedding Day Coordination' service levels

We just revamped our swag bags and added loads of new wedding planning goodies!

To enter, simply comment below and tell us your favorite Valentine's Day memory - whether it was an elaborate proposal, a cozy night in (or perhaps it will even be tonight!), we want to hear from YOU! We'll pick a random winner on Friday.

Good luck!

Etsy Find :: His & Her Names Rustic Wedding Sign

2011-02-11T08:26:00.001-05:00

Another fab Etsy find today...his & her name signs! I'm still a big fan of the wooden directional signs we often see at outdoor weddings, but I really love this unique spin on them. Not having an outdoor wedding, but obsessed with these signs? This his & her name sign can be used anywhere - opt for a few park photos in between your ceremony and reception and you now have the perfect photo op with your sign!

For more details including purchasing information, click here.

Etsy Find :: Natural Moss Wedding Ring Pillow

2011-02-09T08:59:00.000-05:00

Perfect for an outdoor ceremony or eco-friendly bride!

More info can be found here.

Chalkboard Wedding Details

2011-02-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Chalkboard details have been popping up everywhere lately, and I can certainly see why - not only are they uber-adorable, they're also fun and really inexpensive! You can incorporate chalkboards in many ways - menus, seating charts, table #'s, and directional signs...just to name a few.

How are you incorporating chalkboards into your wedding? Any fun ideas we didn't mention?

Photo credit # 1 :: Alisha + Brook Photography via Frenchie & Flea

Photo credit # 2 :: Sarah Yates Photography via Green Wedding Shoes
Photo credit # 3 :: Meg Runion Studios via Charlottesville Wedding Inspiration

Anthropologie Bridal Line Launches Valentine's Day

2011-02-01T09:09:00.000-05:00

Calling all you Anthropologie obsessed ladies! Anthropologie is set to launch their bridal line, BHLDN, on Valentine's Day...fitting, right?! We are nearly jumping out of our seats with excitement for the line! Stay tuned with more details once the line is released.

In the mean time, click here for a sneak peak of the line!

Bouquet Charms

2011-01-28T09:02:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite parts of a wedding are the small, simple details a bride incorporates into her day. I'm a firm believer that the small touches can make a big impact on the overall feel of a wedding. I just adore these bouquet charms that our October 30th bride, Brienne, attached to her bouquet. There are so many ways to honor your family ancestry and passed loved ones, and one of the simplest ways to do so is by attaching a charm to your bouquet. There are many different styles of bouquet charms, and one of my favorite sites for these (and a million other wedding related items!) is Etsy.

What are you doing to honor your family ancestry at your wedding? We'd love to hear from our readers!

Photo courtesy of Caryn Azure Photography.

2011 Bride's Choice Awards

2011-01-26T08:38:00.001-05:00

We are very pleased to announce that Simply Perfect Weddings has won the Bride's Choice Awards 2011 for the 2nd year in a row! Thank YOU to all of our fabulous 2010 clients for your love and support - you guys ROCK! Much appreciation & love! xoxo

Here is the official press release ::

Pittsburgh, PA – January 26, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Simply Perfect Weddings has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Planning!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Simply Perfect Weddings stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Simply Perfect Weddings for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Simply Perfect Weddings is among the very best wedding planners within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today.

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Wooden Doll Cake Toppers

2011-01-25T08:57:00.001-05:00

Adorable, right?! This wooden doll cake topper is from our August 28th wedding of Marisa & Daniel. I love the modern twist of these toppers. These doll cake toppers are available on Etsy, and can be customized to match your exact personality and style (you can even include your pets!).

To see all of the cake toppers that are available head on over to Etsy.

Photo courtesy of Craig Photography.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

2011-01-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

I seem to be on a dessert kick lately (can you tell from our recent blog posts?!), and just couldn't pass up these mini cinnamon rolls on a stick. How perfect would these be for a fall or winter wedding? I love the idea of sending guests home with a warm treat after the reception is over. These cinnamon rolls would also work great for a bridal shower or Sunday morning brunch.

Photo courtesy of Zoe Bakes.

Preparing for Vendor Meetings

2011-01-17T08:31:00.002-05:00

Now that you're engaged, you're probably ready to begin interviewing vendors. Before you head out to meet with your potential vendors, there are a few things you should know ahead of time. In wedding planning, proper planning is key; therefore, knowing how to prepare for your meetings ahead of time will save you a great deal of time and stress in the long run.

What to Bring ::

Basic details about your wedding day - date, location(s), times (if set), & approx. # of guests

Wedding budget (or at least $ estimates of what you are prepared to pay for each major wedding category)

Photos of your wedding day vision (especially if you are meeting with a wedding planner, event designer, or florist)

Dress or fabric swatches (helpful for florist meetings)

It's also a good idea to come prepared with questions to ask the vendor(s) that you are meeting with. This not only helps the dialogue between you and the vendor, it also helps with understanding how each vendor works. If you are interviewing 3-4 photographers in the same day, your memory may be a bit hazy as to which one was which. Having a separate Q+A sheet for each vendor you meet with helps to keep you organized and on track when it comes time to make your final decision.

Other Helpful Tips ::

Don't be shy to ask vendors for referrals of previous clients they've worked with - reading testimonials on their website isn't always enough. Thorough research is a must.

Less is more when it comes to the number of attendees at vendor meetings aka don't bring your entire bridal party. You + your fiance or you, your fiance, + your parents (or whoever is paying for the wedding) is plenty. Too many people in attendance creates confusion and can derail your focus when it comes to making key decisions on which vendor you think is the best match for you.

Out of town couple? Ask vendors if they can set up an initial meeting via Skype (or video chat) instead of just a phone call. This may help put you more at ease about hiring a particular vendor.

Lastly, if you change your mind about interviewing a particular vendor, please be kind and let them know ahead of time. Often times vendors have to arrange for daycare, take time off from their "day job", or are driving a far distance to meet with you. A simple one minute email (or call) letting them know that you've decided to go another direction will be much appreciated.

S'mores Bar

2011-01-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, so who's up for having a S'mores Bar at their wedding here in Pittsburgh?! I'm totally in!

Photo courtesy of Jolynne Photography.

Unique Guestbook Idea :: Wood Wedding Puzzle

2011-01-12T09:09:00.000-05:00

Kudos to my awesome assistant, Meghan, for sending me this fun guestbook idea she found on Etsy. Meghan and I both share a love for unique wedding elements - we're suckers for anything fun and original! Since this puzzle obviously meets both of those criteria, I had to share.

How does it work, you ask? First, display your puzzle face down (puzzle can either be assembled or disassembled - whichever you prefer). Your guests then sign the back of the puzzle pieces (each puzzle piece has space for a name and a short message). After the guest signs their puzzle piece, they flip over their piece and put it in place. After all of your guests have signed the puzzle pieces, you will have a completed puzzle that can serve as a wedding memento for years to come. Cute, huh?

For more information regarding the puzzle, head on over to Etsy.

Insightful Blog Reads for the Newly Engaged

2011-01-07T10:40:00.000-05:00

With all of the hustle and bustle of the New Year, I thought I would share a few insightful blog reads that I stumbled upon this week. These reads are great for all engaged couples, but may be particularly helpful to the newly engaged couple who is just beginning their wedding planning journey.

Curious to know why wedding planners "cost so much"?! A must read by an industry veteran explains why we charge what we do. For an even more in-depth look into wedding planning pricing, check out this insightful read.

In the process of looking for a wedding photographer? If so, you won't want to miss this read for help on questions to ask yourself before you begin interviewing photographers.

Trying to calculate your reception budget and compare venue/catering pricing? Here is a great read on how to discern catering service charges.

Confused about where to start first in the wedding planning process? Check out this informative read that breaks it down step by step according to Emily Post.

Unsure of when to send out save-the-dates and invitations? Here is a great read that includes a timeline for all of your stationery questions.

Happy Planning!

One Wed Unveils Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2011

2011-01-05T08:43:00.000-05:00

Onewed.com, one of the largest online wedding planning resources available to brides, recently unveiled their predictions on the top 10 wedding trends for 2011. Below is a look at their predictions.

1. Sophisticated Elegance Returns

It's back to basics with elegant, sophisticated style in 2011. Wedding decor will be simple and understated, with modern design elements trumping DIY touches. Scripted calligraphy, custom monograms, and classic wedding cakes embody this trend. Brides will wear pearls, and grooms will ditch the Converse in favor of more tasteful wedding day kicks.

2. Outdoor Venues - Where It’s At

Couples tying the knot in 2011 will gravitate toward outdoor ceremony and reception venues. The raw, minimal backdrop of an outdoor setting leaves room for personalization and customization, a major perk for creative, hands-on nearlyweds. Lakeside venues, vineyard locations and spaces situated alongside sprawling mountains will dominate, and they’ll be spruced up with personalized touches that represent the bride and groom. You'll find some serious outdoor weddings inspiration in our real weddings blog category!

3. Grey is the New Black, Crazy for Navy

Gloomy no more, grey is the neutral IT color for 2011 weddings. Organic and natural, shades of charcoal, dove, stone, oyster and shell will be incorporated liberally into wedding color palettes and paired with vibrant hues to make the colors pop! And while grey remains the talk of the town for 2011, navy blue (and other deep blues) are definitely on-trend for the coming year. Wonder if Prince Will's royal wedding has anything to do with the crazy for navy trend... what do you think??

4. Mad for Metallics & Bold Color Palettes

Whether it’s two bright hues with a metallic accent, or several metallic shades used together, brights and metallics will be popular choices for wedding color palettes in 2011. Gilded gold, shimmery silver, and sparkling champagne will used alone or with accents of yellow, purple or teal. And since metallics make such a bold statement on their own, couples will scale back over-the-top decor in favor of a more restrained style aesthetic.

5. Big Ball Gowns are Back

Dramatic ball gown wedding dresses floated down 2011 bridal catwalks in droves. Wedding dress designers draped, ruched, and layered clouds of tulle, power netting, and chiffon to fashion wedding dresses with limitless volume. The outcome? Fairytale-inspired bridal style and whimsical wedding dresses for 2011 I Dos.

6. Grooms Take a Walk on the Stylish Side

Grooms are taking a stand in the name of fashion. Their tux choices will no longer be dictated by some “rent 5, get 1 free” deal. Instead, they’ll chose formal looks that represent their unique style. Bow ties will replace classic long neck ties, and embroidered dress shirts, engraved cufflinks, stylish lapel pins and the color of the season- grey- will grace the white aisles.

7. Wedding Invitations Go Green

The green weddings movement continues full speed ahead in 2011. From totally paperless wedding invitations and save-the-dates, to stationery printed on 100% recycled paper, invitations have truly gone green. Couples can find all they need with sites like WeddingPreParty (enabling online RSVP and party planning) and Nearlyweds.com (offering coordinating stationery and wedding websites).

8. Luxurious Textures-- from the Dress to the Tablescape

Luxe textured fabrics will bring a sumptuous, opulent vibe to 2011 weddings. Wedding dresses will feature 3D applique, layered light fabrics (tulle, lace, chiffon), romantic ruffles, oversized florals, and illusion fabric with eye-catching beading. Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables, chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and floral arrangements will captivate wedding guests.

9. Ethnic Influences, Cultural Wedding Details

At long last, brides and grooms are embracing and showcasing their unique cultural traditions and ethnicity. Whether it’s a religious wedding ceremony ritual, traditional wedding day garb, cultural cuisine infused throughout the reception dinner, or wedding decor with bold, ethnic prints, you can’t help but embrace the unique cultures and ethnicities of couples in 2011.

10. Revved-Up Wedding Receptions

Who wants the best day of their lives to end? Not couples and guests in 2011, that’s for sure! Couples will plan a post-reception after party lasting into the wee hours of the night with drinks, entertainment, dancing, and snacks so that wedding guests can party all night long!

Content courtesy of One Wed.

DIY Hot Cocoa Favors

2011-01-04T07:26:00.005-05:00

You may or may not already know this about me, but I absolutely despise coffee. My beverage of choice in the morning? Why, hot cocoa of course! I stumbled upon these cute little DIY hot cocoa favors on the Ruffled blog this morning, and immediately wanted to share. Super affordable (only 35 cents each!) and easy to make, these would make great favors for fall + winter weddings.

For complete detailed instructions on how to make these for your own wedding, click here.

Photo courtesy of Ruffled.

Happy New Year | Special Promotion

2011-01-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome 2011, and Happy New Year to all of our readers! We hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday season. I'm sure a few of you may have gotten engaged over the holidays, and if you did, then please accept a HUGE congratulations from us!! We can't wait to hear all about it! We're glad you stopped by, and hope that you will find this blog helpful as you begin your wedding planning journey. We love feedback from our readers, so feel free to drop us a line if there is a topic you'd like to see featured on the blog.

In honor of the New Year aka engagement season in the wedding industry, we wanted to offer a New Year promotion to one of our newly engaged readers. We did a similar promotion in October (our anniversary month) and due to the overwhelming success, we decided to offer it once more.

ONE lucky bride will receive 25% off a complete wedding management planning pkg - a savings of over $600! First bride to book this full-service planning pkg in the month of January gets the discount! {Last time we ran this promotion, it took less than 96 hours for the lucky bride to snatch it up!}

Start the year off with your wedding planning on the right track, and contact us for more details!

Happy planning!

Cupcake Escort Cards

2010-12-31T07:38:00.004-05:00

I think I actually squealed out loud in excitement when I came across these cupcake escort cards on EAD! These unique escort cards can double as a favor + dessert for your guests. Perfect for a smaller wedding, bridal/baby shower, or even rehearsal dinner. No matter what type of event you choose to make these for, they are sure to be a big hit with your guests!

For more details on these too-cute-to-pass-up cupcake escort cards, including instructions on how to make them, please visit Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Black + Yellow Candy Bar Theme

2010-12-30T07:49:00.002-05:00

This black + yellow candy bar is perfect for the bride looking to incorporate a bit of 'Pittsburgh Flair' in to her wedding!

Photo courtesy of Swank Sweets.

Mini Desserts in a Jar

2010-12-29T09:34:00.000-05:00

What's not to love about mini desserts in a jar?! Good for your waist line and oh so adorable! Perfect for weddings, bridal showers, and holiday parties!

Photo Credit 1 :: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo Credit 2 :: Cakies Blog
Photo Credit 3 :: Our Best Bites

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

Well, we're officially on holiday break! This will be our last post for a few days, as we spend this time with our families for the holidays. Also, just a reminder that our office will be closed starting today, Wednesday, December 22nd through Monday, December 27th. We will be back in the office on Tuesday, December 28th.

From all of us here at Simply Perfect Weddings, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday season!

Photo courtesy of Craig Photography. Sneak peek from our 12.4.10 wedding - more pics to come soon!

Real Weddings 2010 :: Michaela & Jim 10.16.10 {Part 2}

2010-12-21T13:30:00.000-05:00

Today we're bringing you Part 2 of Michaela & Jim's grand affair! {Click here for Part 1}

Michaela & Jim's reception took place downtown at the brand new Fairmont Pittsburgh. While guests mingled with one another during cocktails, Michalea & Jim were off taking some of the fabulous black & white photos shown above at PPG Place. I just love the Parisian feel that these photos emulate!

After an elegant cocktail hour complete with a live jazz trio and some photo booth fun, guests entered the ballroom where the reception festivities were set to begin. The ballroom at the The Fairmont was the perfect compliment to Michaela & Jim's wedding day vision...contemporary and unique. Rounding out the contemporary feel of the ballroom were the stunning floral centerpieces that the talented ladies over at Mocha Rose Floral Designs created especially for Michaela. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed sampling gourmet cuisine at the various food stations set up around the ballroom, including a "late nite bite" that included sliders + french fries.

It was truly an incredible night filled with lots of love for this happy, head-over-heels in love couple! Congratulations again, Michaela & Jim!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue St. Louise de Marillac
Reception Venue The Fairmont Pittsburgh
Photographer Joey Kennedy Photography
Videographer Fineline Weddings
Cupcakes Bethel Bakery
Florist Mocha Rose Floral Designs
Entertainment DJ Kelli Burns
Photo Booth Fairy Tale Photo Booth
Transportation (Limousine) Amore' Limousines
Transportation (Guest Shuttle) Lenzner Coach Lines

All photos courtesy of Joey Kennedy Photography.

Real Weddings 2010 :: Michaela & Jim 10.16.10 {Part 1}

2010-12-20T18:05:00.003-05:00

On October 16th, we had the great pleasure of working with Michaela & Jim, a fun loving couple from Chicago. When I first looked through the photos from their day, I was in complete and total awe! Thanks to their phenomenal photographer, Joey Kennedy, there are way too many good photos to share in just one blog post; therefore, Michaela & Jim's wedding will be a two part series.

Michaela and her bridesmaids started the day off with hair + makeup at Caruso's hair salon in Upper St. Claire, PA. Following hair + makeup, the ladies made their way to the church to assist Michaela with putting on her gorgeous wedding gown. I don't use the word "gorgeous" lightly here either...her gown was absolutely stunning, and Michaela looked fantastic in it! Incase any one is wondering, her gown is a San Patrick Edimburgo. And as if her gown wasn't gorgeous enough, take a look at those killer "something blue" shoes!

Their heartfelt ceremony took place at St. Louise de Marillac, Michaela's family church. After the ceremony, guests were shuttled over to The Fairmont Hotel, where the reception was set to begin.

Stay tuned tomorrow for their must-see reception details, including a complete list of their wedding day vendors.

All photos courtesy of Joey Kennedy Photography.

Real Weddings 2010 :: Brienne & Adam 10.30.10

2010-12-20T10:40:00.001-05:00

I had been looking forward to Brienne & Adam's wedding since last summer, when I first spoke with Brienne about her rustic themed wedding. I love rustic weddings infused with soft, romantic elements, and Brienne & Adam's wedding was just that! Brienne & Adam were married on the last weekend of October in Greensburg, PA. Luckily, the weather was still cooperating, and Brienne & Adam ended up with a picture perfect fall day. Infact, just about every single one of our couples this year had fantastic weather for their wedding day...we like to think we bring a little luck with us to each and every wedding ;)

Brienne & Adam tied the knot in a gorgeous Catholic ceremony that took place at Saint Joseph's Chapel on the campus of Seton Hill University. Following the "I Do's", guests made the scenic drive over to Stonehenge Lodge, a quiet and beautifully landscaped setting. The lodge is set in a private mountainous area overlooking a fresh water pond. Guests enjoyed cocktails on the porch of the lodge before being ushered inside where the real party was about to begin! Brienne & Adam are such a fun couple, and their wedding was certainly no exception. Upon entering the lodge, guests were treated to several sing-along skits (a long-standing tradition in Adam's family), that included a custom version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". The entire bridal party got up on the dance floor to lead the skits, even handing out lyrics to the songs so that guests could follow along in the fun!

The fun was far from over though...following a wide variety of delicious entrees set up in the form of stations, guests enjoyed an endless supply of homemade cookies from the traditional Pittsburgh cookie table. Let me just say that Brienne & Adam's cookie table wins my vote for one of the best displays we've seen this year! In addition to the fabulous spread of cookies, Brienne also surprised Adam with a baseball themed groom's cake. Following dinner + dessert, guests danced the night away thanks to DJ Todd, who kept the crowd entertained with high energy dance music and a costume-filled trunk for guests to let loose with (what could be more fitting than costumes and props for a wedding on Halloween weekend?!).

I loved seeing Brienne & Adam's wedding day come to life. Everything from the color palette (purple, lavender, and chocolate brown), the mason jar centerpieces, the polka dot details, the mini pie favors, and the handmade wooden table #'s...her vision came through exactly as she had shared it with me during our first conversation.

It was an amazing day shared by many family & friends of this lovely couple! Congratulations again, Brienne & Adam! We wish you two nothing but the very best in the years to come!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue Seton Hill University Chapel
Reception Venue Stonehenge Lodge
Photographer Caryn Azure Photography
Caterer Elegant Catering
Rentals Y&S Party Rentals
Cake Joy's Cakes & Cookies
Florist Garden Gems (family friend)
Entertainment DJ Todd Entertainment
Transportation Vogue Limousines

All photos courtesy of Caryn Azure Photography.

Groom's Cakes

2010-12-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Traditionally a Southern wedding custom, groom's cakes are an excellent way to show your hubby a little extra love on the day of your wedding. For those that may be unfamiliar with the origin of the groom's cake, it is a long-standing tradition primarily seen in the South; although, they are making an ever growing appearance all over the U.S. these days. I know I've personally seen quite a big jump in groom's cakes here in the Pittsburgh area over the last several years.

So, what exactly is a groom's cake? It is simply a gift in the form of a cake from the bride to her groom. Groom's cakes are typically much smaller than a wedding cake, and are decorated in some fashion to honor the groom - whether it be his favorite hobby, favorite sports team, or his alma mater.

Groom's cakes can be served in a number of different ways. Traditionally, they are served at the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. Although, many brides choose to serve them at the actual wedding reception, in addition to the wedding cake. Either way is completely acceptable. If you do choose to serve the groom's cake at the wedding, it's always a good idea to choose a different flavor from your wedding cake; typically groom's cakes are chocolate. To switch things up a bit, consider surprising your hubby with his groom's cake at the reception, or provide individual cake slices in to-go boxes for guests to take home at the end of the night.

The groom's cake pictured above was from one of our recent October 2010 weddings - the groom is a huge baseball fan (not to mention he worked for a baseball team!), so naturally, it was only fitting that the bride surprise him with this Boston Red Sox cake.

What are your thoughts on groom's cakes? Will you be surprising your soon-to-be husband with one? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Photo courtesy of Caryn Azure Photography.

Real Weddings 2010 :: Marisa & Daniel 08.28.10 {Part 2}

2010-12-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

We're finally getting caught up on posting our 2010 weddings...can you tell we've been a little busy lately?! ;) Today we're bringing you Part 2 of Marisa & Daniel's eco-friendly chic wedding. For more on Marisa & Daniel's wedding, including Part 1 of their big day, click here, here, and here.

Incase you couldn't already tell from their ceremony, Marisa & Daniel chose to incorporate small details throughout their day that made big impacts on their guests, and also made for some great photos. Many of their details were done D-I-Y, and for those that weren't D-I-Y projects, Marisa enlisted the help of the fabulous world of Etsy. Everything from the handmade window seating chart, burlap table runners, wooden flower boxes, and even the color palette were all carefully planned to create the complete look Marisa was going for.

Marisa & Daniel's reception was held in the always beautiful Outdoor Garden of Phipps Conservatory. Upon arrival to Phipps, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors' devours in front of the fountain and mingled throughout the gorgeous garden area. Following cocktail hour, guests were escorted up to the outdoor tent area, where the reception was set to take place. They were greeted by a handwritten window pane seating chart, an interactive wedding tree guestbook, and the gorgeous table views shown above. Trust me when I tell you there were a lot of "ooh's" and "ahh's" by the ladies. The decor and overall ambiance were a big hit with their guests (and vendors)! Guests enjoyed a delicious gourmet meal thanks to the fabulous staff of Rania's Catering (one of my favorite caterers to work with in all of Pittsburgh). Following dinner, guests were treated to scrumptious cupcakes from Dozen Bakeshop. After a few toasts and scheduled dances, guests hit the dance floor with the help of Pittsburgh DJ Co., who kept the dance floor packed all night long!

It was definitely a night to remember! Congratulations again, Marisa & Daniel!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue Mellon Park
Reception Venue Phipps Conservatory
Photographer Craig Photography
Caterer Rania's Catering
Cupcakes Dozen Bakeshop
Florist Mocha Rose Floral Design
Entertainment Pittsburgh DJ Co.
Hair & Makeup Pretty Hair Salon
Rentals All Occasions Party Rental
Transportation Lenzner Coach Lines

All photos courtesy of Craig Photography.

Etsy Find :: Handmade Jewelry

2010-12-14T12:38:00.002-05:00

Recently I took part in the Southern Weddings Christmas Ornament Swap, and was assigned to a lovely jewelry maker named Adrienne. Adrienne owns a handmade jewelry company called Destination Diva based out of Wilmington, DE. Adrienne's jewelry is original, unique, and best of all, handmade. When I looked through her collection I knew I wanted to feature her work on the blog. Her jewelry would make a great holiday gift for your bridesmaids. Adrienne has so graciously extended a special Holiday promotion to our readers. Head on over to her Etsy shop for 40% off (use coupon code: holiday40).

Below are some of Adrienne's favorites from her collection.

For more information regarding Destination Diva check out all of their sites below:

Website :: http://destinationdiva.vpweb.com
Blog :: http://destinationdivajewelry.blogspot.com
Etsy Shop :: http://www.etsy.com/people/DestinationDiva

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

2010-11-22T09:01:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know our Thanksgiving holiday schedule for this week:

We will be closed starting Tuesday, November 23rd through Sunday, November 28th. All emails and phone calls will be returned on Monday, November 29th.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Now Offering Gift Certificates

2010-11-16T11:33:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift to get your newly engaged friends or family members? Simply Perfect Weddings is now offering gift certificates towards our consulting sessions. Our consulting sessions are the perfect way to "jump start" the wedding planning experience. Pick our brains during a one-on-one Q&A session to start the wedding planning process off on the right track...budget, vendors, guest list, etiquette questions...no topic is off limits!

Pick the number of hours (2 hours for $150 or 1 hour for $75) and purchase your gift certificate in time for the holidays. Gift certificate can be redeemed by couple anytime within 6 months of purchase.

Each consulting session includes:

(1) ONE or TWO hour consulting session with Sumer Schmitt {owner & principal wedding planner}
Swag bag full of wedding planning goodies, vendor discounts, and more!
$100 credit towards the purchase of our comprehensive 'Complete Wedding Management' or 'Wedding Day Coordination' service levels (optional)

Black Friday Special :: Purchase a gift certificate by November 30th, and receive a $25 discount off a TWO hour consulting session!

Contact us today for more information!

Happy Holidays!

Wedding Tree Guestbook

2010-11-16T09:24:00.001-05:00

This wedding tree guestbook was a BIG hit at Marisa & Daniel's wedding this summer. Guests love interactive elements, and this one was no exception. Guests will "leaf" their thumbprints on the tree branches, and then sign their names. This makes for a great keepsake after the wedding!

If you choose this guestbook option for your wedding, there are a few things you will want to provide:

Green ink pads (minimum of 2)
Green pens (minimum of 2)
Hand wipes (you don't want guests wiping their hands on the table cloth!)
Waste receptacle (mini trash can or basket)
Instruction sign
Small stand

Head on over to Etsy if you're interested in purchasing a wedding tree guestbook for your wedding.

Photo courtesy of Craig Photography.

Donuts vs. Wedding Cake

2010-11-12T07:56:00.000-05:00

LOVE this idea! Who's up for serving donuts at their wedding reception and skipping the wedding cake all together?! This is a clever way to save money AND surprise your guests!

Photo courtesy of Divine Order Photography via Our Wedding Day.

Choosing A Getting Ready Location

2010-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

An often over-looked aspect by brides is the "getting ready" location on the morning of the wedding. This location should be planned well in advance in order to avoid issues the day of. Some important things to keep in mind when deciding on where you and your attendants will be getting dressed the day of your wedding:

Make sure the space is well-lit (natural light from a large window is ideal). Your photographer will thank you for this, and you will end up with nicer photos.

The space should be large enough to accommodate you, your gown, and all of your female attendants. You want room to walk around and breathe - there is nothing worse than being crammed in a tiny bathroom when you're trying to put your makeup on and curl your hair.

Make sure there is enough room for any makeup artists and/or hairstylists that will be coming to your getting ready location. Not only should there be enough physical space to accommodate them, there should also be proper resources on-site as well. For example, enough electrical outlets for hair curlers, hot rollers, flat irons, etc... and enough workspace for makeup kits and beauty supplies.

The space should also have plenty of mirrors, particularly a full-length mirror.

If you are still having trouble narrowing down a getting ready location, consult your wedding planner and/or hair/makeup artist.

Photo courtesy of Pamela Marie Photography.

Latest Review :: Brienne & Adam 10.30.10

2010-11-10T13:45:00.000-05:00

Brienne and Adam hired us for Wedding Day Coordination...here's what they had to say about our services ::

"Overall, we would rate our experience a ten on a scale of one to five. From the beginning stages of planning you were always responsive and helped us understand industry norms and processes (like who to tip and how to actually get our marriage license). During our planning meetings, you asked us great questions that helped us think of issues we hadn't (and may not have ever) thought of on our own. The schedule for the wedding day was helpful and kept us and the rest of our bridal party and families organized. It helped to reduce the number of "where are we supposed to be and when" phone calls and questions. On the day of the wedding, we certainly couldn't have gotten our reception set up and also got our hair done/gotten dressed at the same time without you. And at the end of the night, you were so helpful with corralling all of our decor items that needed to go home with us. In hindsight, planning a wedding from 4 (and at one point 6) hours away was a challenge, especially in the final few weeks as everything came together. Your work during those two weeks, answering vendor questions and orchestrating the setup were invaluable. Our only regret is that we didn't hire you sooner. Thank you for everything you did to help make our wedding day exactly what we hoped it would be, and for all of the work you did along the way to make sure we got to that day with our sanity still in check!"

Photo courtesy of Caryn Azure Photography.

Vintage Mr. & Mrs. Silverware

2010-10-26T13:07:00.000-04:00

My love for Etsy continues to grow...I stumbled upon these this morning, and thought how perfect these would be for the detail-oriented bride. After all...it's all in the details, right?!

For ordering information, click here.

Wedding Gowns For Sale

2010-10-25T13:00:00.002-04:00

The wedding gowns above are for sale from a recent client of ours. These gowns are both Oleg Cassini Designs purchased from David's Bridal this year (2010). The first gown pictured is a size 16 (retails for $1,100) and the second gown pictured is a size 14 (retails for $1,200).

Dresses may be sold separately and the bride is accepting any reasonable offer. Also for sale are the accessories as shown below. The entire jewelry set retails for $700. The bride is accepting any reasonable offer for these items as well.

Please contact me at sumer@simplyperfectwedding.net for more details!

Latest Review :: Rose & Justin 10.9.10

2010-10-13T11:22:00.000-04:00

Rose and Justin hired us for Complete Wedding Management (full-service planning)...here's what they had to say about our services ::

"We would just like to thank you so much for all your help in planning this very special day for us! You got to know our personalities early on and helped to guide us in a way that we never lost track of our vision for the day. You made a somewhat stressful time in my life much easier, and in the end is exactly the way I dreamed it would be. You are true to your word and you helped us have a "Simply Perfect Wedding"! The day was flawless and I think that was because of you! Your timeline helped to keep me extremely organized and really stress free in the months and weeks leading up to this special day. As you know we fit almost a year's worth of planning into 3 months, and my new mother in law said to me "that was a perfect wedding....I don't think you could have done any better if you planned it over a year!". Thank you for your exceptional work and we are very grateful to you!"

More photos of their gorgeous fall nuptials coming soon!

Photo courtesy of Pro Images of PA.

Happy Anniversary to Us | Fall Promotion

2010-10-05T12:01:00.001-04:00

In honor of Simply Perfect Wedding's 3rd anniversary, we decided to run a fall promotion to say THANK YOU for an incredible 3 years of business! Incase you missed our Facebook announcement on Friday, there are two parts to our fall promotion:

Part 1 :: All brides who book our full service planning pkg OR wedding day coordination pkg in the month of October will receive 10% off their total package price.

Part 2 :: ONE lucky bride will receive 25% off a full service planning pkg - a savings of over $600! First couple to book our 'Complete Wedding Management' pkg in the month of October gets the discount!

For both promotions, weddings can be held in either 2011 or 2012.

Head on over to our website for more information regarding our services.

Happy Planning! : )

Dessert on a Stick? Yes, Please!

2010-09-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

Ok, whose up for doing one of these dessert ideas at their wedding? These would be a total hit!!

More dessert on a stick ideas, including photo credits can be found on Elizabeth Anne Designs.