DIY - Escort Cards

A couple of weeks ago, I had a reader comment on some escort cards that we created for Casey & Mike's wedding. Kelly wanted to know how we did these and if they were a DIY project and the answer is Yes, they were actually very easy to create. Now, Kelly didn't leave me any way to contact her, so I thought that I would go ahead and give some simple instructions for all to see.

First off, we wanted their escort cards to match the invitation ensemble that they had purchased from us.

So when I placed the order for their invitations, I increased the quantity of the tab for the front of the pocket invitation and requested that they be left blank. This tab set includes the white/ivory card stock with the black scroll pattern on the left edge and the fuchsia bottom layer. (The tab shown in this photo does not include the scroll pattern, but it is an option when placing your order.)

After creating our seating plan and using the same font used on the invitation, we printed each individual card in Word centering the guest's name and table # on the graphic to the left. Then trimmed the top and bottom edge of the card to make the ivory card a finished size of 1.5 inches X 3.5 inches. Next we trimmed the fuchsia card to a finished size of 1.75 inches X 3.75 inches. Our bottom black layer is 80# black card stock that we picked up from a local paper supplier. We then cut the black card to a finished size of 4 inches X 4 inches, then scored this black bottom layer at the 2 inch mark, folding it in half to create a tent card. Using adhesive squares that you can find in the scrapbooking section of any craft store we then assembled all three layers, centering each layer over the top of the next layer.

Now you can display escort cards in so many ways and we will do a seperate post for that at another time, but for Casey & Mike's wedding we needed a pretty compact way to display their cards. So after calculating the space needed, I took a piece of partical board covered it with batting, using a staple gun to adhere the batting to the board, then covered that with a black piece of fabric. Making sure all of the layers were nice and smooth I then began stapling that fabric stretching and smoothing it as I went all the way around the board. Next I took ivory ribbon, measured the exact distance needed between each row of cards and began attaching the ribbon to the back of the board, stretching it across the face of the board, making sure it was straight and taut, then attaching again to the opposite side of the board. Continuing on down the face of the board, until all of the rows were complete. I then took another piece of black fabric, folded over the unfinished edge of the fabric and covered up the back of the board to hide all of the unsightly staples and the unfinished edges of our ribbon, fabric and batting.

I have to admit this portion of the project was probably the most difficult, because if your ribbon is not straight or taut, your ribbon may give slightly and your escort cards will not hang in nice straight rows and may look extremely sloppy. My advice, ask your MOH or a bridesmaid to come over and give you an extra set of hands to help with this project.

When we set up for the reception, we placed our fabric and ribbon covered board on a black iron easel, then displayed the escort cards in alphabetical order in nice even rows. The finished project was a very nice way to display all of those cards.

Kelly I hope this information is helpful, if you or anyone else has any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

All the best & 'til next time,

It's Wedding Day for Tasia & Nick

Today is wedding day for Tasia & Nick. I first met Tasia, when she came into my shop just 9 weeks ago. She came in just a little stressed with quite a few details remaining for her backyard wedding and in search of wedding invitations. We talked for a short time, she placed an order for her invitations and next thing we knew she was ordering all of her attendant's gifts, parent's gifts, unity sand ceremony set and rentals. She needed everything, dance floor, tables, chairs, linens... Needless to say she left, quite relieved, with so many of the remaining details handled in one easy stop. I know that not every bride can afford a consultant and that is why I wanted to create an environment that provided so many resources, whether they are looking for invitations, favors, accessories or rentals, we have a "One Stop Shop" for all of your wedding needs.

Tasia & Nick, I wish you all of the blessings that life has to offer,God bless you both!

All the best & 'til next time,

Excuse Me Ms. Bride - Please Don't forget!

From a very early age, we are taught that the most important meal of the day is breakfast and as we get older, busier, and maybe even on your wedding day, you may tend to forget that very important fact.

There are two little pieces of advice that brides tend to giggle just a bit when they see it on my timeline and that is:

#1 Eat Breakfast
#2 Drink plenty of water

Brides tend to wake up and hit the ground running on their wedding day and before they realize it, it's late in the afternoon, they haven't eaten a bite, they may end up overheated because of lack of fluids, possibly sipped a bit of champagne with your girls, in a crowded room, wearing a very heavy and possibly warm dress and you may end up feeling a bit woozy and by that time it is hard to recover. So that is why I actually include "Eat Breakfast" or "Eat Lunch" in my timeline and 9 times out of 10, as the ceremony time rapidly approaches, my brides thank me for building that into the day's activities.

So when I came across this recipe today for a breakfast parfait, I thought it sounded very refreshing and appetizing, so I thought that I would share.


Peach Breakfast Parfaits

Ingredients
2 6-oz. cartons peach yogurt
3/4 cup granola
4 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped
Raspberries and/or peach wedges (optional)

Directions
1. Divide half of the yogurt among 4 parfait glasses. Top with half of the granola. Divide chopped peaches among the glasses. Top with remaining yogurt and remaining granola. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 3 hours. If you like, garnish with raspberries and/or peach wedges. Makes 4 servings.

All the best & 'til next time,

It's Wedding Day, Under the Tuscan Sun

After a year of planning it is finally wedding day for Sherrie & Marcello. When we first met I asked them what their dream wedding looked like, What was their vision? What would be the ultimate celebration? Their response was a wedding in Italy, good food, excellent wine and a day of celebration with family and friends.

Well today is that day, their wedding celebration will be held at Sassi in Scottsdale. When Marcello first sampled the food, he remarked that it "tasted just like Mom's cooking" and I knew we had a winner! Their color palette is all warm earth tones, just like their home and the colors of Tuscany.

Congratulations Sherrie & Marcello today you become Husband and Wife!

All the best & 'til next time,

Venue Tour - Troon Golf

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to tour 4 wedding venues and oh boy did I have a blast, thanks to Marisa Fallone, the Sales Coordinator for Troon Golf in the Phoenix area. They put out a delectable spread of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, as well as decor at every site. Now I wasn't the only consultant on the tour which added to the fun of the day, along with being wined and dined by the catering staff, 6 other consultants and I experienced the luxury of being chauffered around Phoenix in a limo provided by Aloha Limousine. It was such a cool experience to be on the other side, being treated like the client!

Our first stop was Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, walking in the front door we were greeted by Marisa of Troon Corporate, Dina Davies the Food & Beverage Director and Janelle Stanley, their Banquet Group Sales Manager. Along with the usual information for the property, we were each given a beautiful bouquet of mini white calla lillies. Their theme on the tour was "Winter", so to add to the ambience and decor we were greeted by a sharply dressed server in a white tux with an ice blue vest and tie and on her shiny silver tray was an ice blue peppermint martini, bubbling and fogging away. To complete the presentation the glass was rimmed with sugar to give the effect of ice & snow. Talk about first impressions!!! Now you will have to trust me on this one, unfortunately I had left my camera in my purse at this stop, but the decor was gorgeous!


Our next stop on the tour was "Spring" at Ocotillo Golf Resort also in Chandler. Stepping out of the limo we were greeted by Emily Stark the Catering Manager, as well as another server this time with pomegranate martinis. We took a brief tour of their gorgeous waterfall patio, the two outdoor ceremony sites, a very nicely appointed and HUGE Bridal Suite, then into their ballroom. Floor length windows encompass the room offering up amazing views of the waterfall patio and the golf course. All of the linens were provided by one of my favorite linen rental companies Premier Events and the floral was courtesy of A Wedding Occasion.



Third stop of the day was "Summer" at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale. Now by this time I was stuffed to the gills with all of the yummy morsels that had been offered, so I did not partake of anything at this stop, but I am sure it was just as delicious. The decor was a cool mix of apple green and aqua blue, a fresh look for a hot summers day. Their immaculately manicured event lawns provided ample space for larger groups with views of Pinnacle Peak to the North or to the east, the McDowell Mountain Range. For smaller, more intimate receptions the indoor spaces are cozy and inviting. My thanks goes out to Mark Eversman, their Food & Beverage Director and his staff for their hospitality.


Our last stop was Troon North Golf Club, in Scottsdale where again we were greeted by yet another couple of smiling faces, Amber Riley, Director of Catering and her assistant, Leigh Anne. Oh, and yes of course more cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, the tour lasted five hours and with the amount of food and beverages we were offered, you'd have thought we were feasting like it was Thanksgiving. Fall was in the air as far as the decor was concerned, but I thought that I would show off the amazing sunset views from this Scottsdale hot spot. They have a private ceremony lawn secluded from the rest of the golf course and a sunset terrace for your cocktail hour that offers up the same amazing sunset views.


All in all it was a great day, very informative and a fun way to spend the entire afternoon with a handful of other wedding planners and of course the amazing staff at each venue. If you would like to check out any of these properties, be sure to give one of the directors a call or if you are looking for help with planning your entire wedding, I would be more than happy to pass on all of the valuable information and take you out to any one or all of these properties myself.


Thank you Marisa, Dina, Janelle, Emily, Mark, Amber & Leigh Anne, I had a great time!


All the best & 'til next time,

Vendor Spotlight - Brides by Demetrios

Early this week I had the pleasure of attending a mini fashion show at the designer salon Brides by Demetrios in Scottsdale. Being a designer salon they have all 200 to 300 designs ranging in price from $500 to $3000 with their average gown priced at about $1300. They carry the entire collection of Demetrios designs, the Platinum and Couture line, as well as the Signature line, which can only be seen in a designer salon and not on-line or other retailers that carry Demetrios gowns. Given ample time (approximately 6 months) their gowns can also be customized in so many ways to fit your style and personality, giving you a unique gown all your own!


Along with introducing each of the gowns in the show Alyda & Sue, gave information about bridal fashion trends for 2009. I think we have all seen the big bows and rosette embellishments on the red carpet and they are definitely making an appearance in bridal fashions this year. Ruching along the bust line or waist are oh-so flattering, all over ruffles on the skirt and crumb catchers can also be seen through out the designs. Lace, yes I said lace is making a huge comeback with crystals and extensive beadwork adding lots of sparkle to these gowns. Runway couture is blending designs from over the decades with 3 to 4 different fabrics found in each gown.


The veil has definitely taken a back seat, this particular store is selling only a third of the veils that they were 5 years ago. Birdcage veils, fascinators, feathers and a little bling in the hair has given the boot to the traditional veil.


These ladies provide excellent customer service, a gorgeous product and possibly a healthy discount, if you want to find out how, just drop me a line!

All the best & 'til next time,