Latest Review :: Jamie & Jon 9.10.11

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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.