Best Wedding Blogs of 2011!

Adventures in Wedding Planning has recently been recognized in the Best Wedding Blogs of 2011 competition by OneWed.com!!

We were chosen out of the thousands of wedding blogs out there as one of the best expert bridal blogs!!MasterPiece Weddings is so honored to have been chosen for this award! Our readers are the most awesometastic in the whole world!


 Congrats to all of the winners and fantastic blogs out there!

Royal Wedding Trends: Attire



Photo Courtesy of ABC News


More controversy on the Royal Wedding, Kate's Maid of Honor, her sister Pippa,  wore White! Gasp! Holy Cow! Shut the front door! The world is coming to an end.

Now that you are breathing again. We think she looked lovely. Her dress was simple, elegant, and fit her beautifully! With you sister becoming the future Queen of England, would it have mattered if she wore a bathrobe? Probably not. All eyes are on Kate...so Pippa wearing white, is a fashion trend that we like.

It shows that the bride the confident and understands that color is just that. A color.

And a quick note on Kate's dress, the leaves were a beautiful suprise. Love the Chantilly Lace and then beautiful clean lines! Can't wait to see more of this!

Royal Wedding Trends: Flowers

Photo Courtesy of ABC News

There has been a lot of talk about the Royal Wedding, so we here at MasterPiece Weddings, thought we should give you our 10 cents.

Why not, everyone else is.

So, first up, flowers. Kate's flowers have been a huge conversation within the wedding community. Too small? Too simple? Oddly shaped? Not enough?

But, our opinion, is that they are perfect. Charming. Simple. Classy and beautiful just like Kate.

There is so much fan fare and pomp and circumstance surrounding this incredible wedding, that she didn't need a bouquet that carried her.

Our 10 cents.

PS - Did you know that her flowers were hand picked from the garden that Queen Victoria planted after her wedding. So sweet.

Happy Spring!

Gabriel went to see the chickies at Photography 35, frankly I was nervous there was going to be a bloody massacre...but really, he was more interested in the eggies, than the chickies.

And plus his seer-sucker suite was super cute.

Unique Bouquets

Brides have started to add funness and unique'ness to their bouquets, we love this! Here are some funky alternative to artificial flowers—ribbon flowers! Made with ribbon and rickrack in various widths and sizes.




(Picture 1:marthastewart.com) (Picture 2: poptasticbride.com)

 Seashell Bouquets make for a perfectly beachy wedding!



Picture  Left: Bloomsday Flowers) Picture Right: Bellabeachweddings.com

 Brooch bouquets! Made from brooches, jewelry, and hair accessories!



Picture Left theknot.com Pictures Middle and Right: theweddingchicks.com



Ties.com Giveaway!

It's our sweetest thing giveaway! So, I am secret-sucker for a cool, schweet tie! I just think they are uber fun! So, my gift to you is a super sssscccchhhhaaa-weeeeet tie from Ties.com!

Think about a tie for your groom to wear at the rehearsal, a special tie for him to wear on your wedding day, a gift for your father, for your someone special... something fun, nice, or plain romantic! And I bet you could find it at Ties.com!

They have Skinny Ties:

Novelty Ties:

Bow Ties:

And much, much more!

And my gift to you, because I love you all so much - is the tie of your choice from Ties.com! Perfect, Right!

So your rules are:

1. Leave a comment in this post, by 4/25/2011 at midnight.
2. The comment must include your favorite tie from Ties.com
3. You must be a US resident (sorry, International Friends)
4. Tell me who will get this uberly cool tie.
5. That's it... 5 rules just makes it sound for official.

Can't wait to hear your fav!

Interns Need Apply

I am in the process of interviewing for our Intern Positions - so if you are looking for a Summer Part Time or Full Time Internship, possibly some of the Fall, let us know!

If you are full of energy, love weddings, are good with details and muli-tasking, don't mind giving up your weekends, have a great personality... inquire within.

I thought that starting with a testimonial from one of our current interns would be a good place to start, see Melanie's experience below:

PS - I didn't even have to pay her to write this! Unless Fro Yo counts?

My first encounter with Melissa was love at first sight. She came into my class and spoke about volunteer opportunities with Masterpiece Weddings. Being a sport management major I wasn’t interested at first, but as I started listening to Melissa speak, I not only loved her personality and her passion for what she does, but right then I had set my goal to get an interview with her. I knew working with Masterpiece Weddings was just what I needed to do to give me that ‘extra edge.’ I had continued to hear the wonderful and irreplaceable opportunities Melissa had given her volunteers/interns throughout their time working with Masterpiece Weddings, which then made me even more determined to work with her. After getting an interview and being offered to work for Masterpiece Weddings, I can say working for Melissa and Masterpiece Weddings has been a rewarding and continuous learning experience each and everyday. There is not one that is the same, Melissa has confidence in all her volunteers and interns and gives us the opportunity to expand our creative wings.  Working with Masterpiece Weddings pulls all different aspects of business together into one, from leadership, managing, communicating, networking, team work, to creative thinking – all levels of business is applied when working for an event company such as Masterpiece Weddings,  and Melissa lets you par-take in each one!

April Fools!

It was One-Year ago that I pulled this prank off. And since then, Amy and I have become great friends! And honestly, I am a little nervous as to what today may bring, to get me back!

Ya know what, don't remind Amy that today is April 1st!

So, a look back at One Year ago, today!
Happy April Fools!



Masterpiece April Fools Prank from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

Elope!

I feel like the word Elope is almost considered a dirty 4-letter word in the wedding industy. It really shouldn't be. But it's almost frowned upon.

Not by me, mind you.

But really, my clients almost whisper to me, I think we should consider an elopement... in a hush tone.

Honestly, if eloping is right for you, do it!

And if you do it like this, do it right NOW!

I've known Lisa for a long time, and I've known Jeff even longer. I love them, and seeing them happy and together is a perfect fairy tale ending (or is it, begining) for me!


Lisa & Jeffrey's NYC Elopement ! from Jeffrey Stoner Video on Vimeo.

I Do!

So, I love Colbie Calliat, I just do... and when I heard this song, I knew it would be a winner for a wedding, and for me to play over and over and over again.

But really, what a great first dance, or a cake cutting, or introduction song, maybe even a recessional song.

Brides Florida - Cake

I do enjoy looking through wedding magazines. Really, I do.

Then again, I do like to critique them as well. There are something things that these magazines say, advertise, suggest, send subliminal messages on, write stories on, that I don't agree with. But then again we are all entitled to our opinion.

With that said, this season's issue of Brides Florida was really good. I enjoyed it.

There was one article that stood out to me.

It was about cake. (I love cake...don't tell...)

It was this article:

Yes, I for real ripped it out of the magazine!


And only because, that Black and White cake... I've seen something similar.

Photo by Footstone Photography

Ms. Debbie, in Gainesville, Florida made a similar cake.

And the reason I bring this up, and I think that these prices that they have listed, are quite dependent on where you live. New York, Miami, and Small Town, USA all have different pricing.

The flavor the cake, the quality of the fillings, the number of teirs.... all play a roll. The design as well, and I get that, really I do. But I think that some of these prices may scare brides away from using a local, amazing baker. And then they run to a grocery store chain and think they've saved a bundle - when in fact, a lot of the time the prices may not save them money. And may compromise the quality of the cake.

Stepping off my soap box.

Make Your Own Magic Shell

I love Steamy Kitchen, I love Jaden Hair... there I said it.

Now you know.

I bought her book. I met her in person. I follow her on twitter. I make her recipes. Frankly, I think she is gorgeous and super cool. This is border-line stalking. I know.

But, when I saw this link on her blog.. I knew I had to share. Because really, who doesn't love them some Magic Shell. And if you don't know what Magic Shell is... get out from under the rock.

And this recipe, from Eat The Love and their new recipe by photo's is awesome.

Love!

Spoiled Mutt

For those of you that know me, know I love my dog. Bellini is a great addition to our family, so when I ran across this Spoiled Mutt I knew I had to sign up! Immediately!

I am not a fan of having my picture taken... but you can take pictures of my kid and my dog all day!

And how about these?

Seriously, fantastic!

These "mutts" are too cute!

Are you Happy?

In the stress of everyday life, not just in planning a wedding - life can be complicated, stressful. You need to take time out, and ask yourself, Am I Happy?

Sometimes the answer is complicated. Whether the answer is yes or no, the yes can be complicated or the no can be ridiculously complicated. But I think this simple puzzles helps answer the question.

If you're not happy it's selfless to do something about it. (did you hear me, selfless not selfish!!!)

Stepping off my soap box. Thanks for listening.

(sorry I don't know where this image came from, I think I found it on Twitter forever ago and saved it to my desktop... if you know where it came from, let me know so I can give proper credit where it is due.)

Gainesville Indian Wedding

There are not too many weddings throughout the year for us that are 5-Days long, and include ceremonies and events for each of those days, however, Haritha and Peter's wedding included so much more us than ceremonies, it became a friendship during the planning, and we shared our lives during the year plus, and frankly, I had the best time working with her and her family on her wedding, I'd do it over again in a heart beat. (although, can we wait a few more months so I can recuperate)

Verve Studio was there with us for the majority of each event and captured the emotion the beauty and tradition so beautifully!

The Mehndi was gorgeous! Naza Designs in Pensacola was incredible! (Link below)

These shoes make me drool.

Aren't they going to make gorgeos babies!!!

More of the ceremony and receptions tomorrow!

Wedding Consultant & Planning Team:  Masterpiece Weddings
Transportation: Candies Limo
Photography: Verve Studio

Mehndi & Eidurukola Ceremony Venue: UF Hilton
Wedding Venue: Hippodrome State Theatre
Mandap, Lighting & Reception Decor: Keith Watson Productions
Hair: Graceful Strands
Makeup: Cliff Weir at Your Wedding Makeup
Henna Artists: Naza Design
Catering: Amrit Palace
Cake Artist: Dream Day Cakes
Live Cocktail Music: Gosia & Ali
Reception DJ: Jarad of Gnys Entertainment
Reception Venue: Florida Museum of Natural History on UF Campus
Cinematographers: Platinum Digital Video

What will your Wedding Say about You?

So I got a package in the mail that totally caught my attention, it was a large brown package with "Mab Libs" style fill in the blank everything! And I loved it! I emailed the owner of the company immediately told him that I loved him, his product, and I wanted to marry him. And thus begins my love affair with Write on Riot. Their website is under construction... so be patient, but their product will have you laughing until you pee yourself.

Fair warning, I wrote the below card on a sample I was sent, this is my handwriting, my words, my reeeedikulousness... don't judge a company by my dorkyness.

Now I'll turn my blog over to Rob Dalton, the owner of Write on Riot.

Chances are, if you’re reading this you’re somewhere between dreaming about your future wedding and putting the finishing touches on the smallest details of your big day.


For most brides and couples, personalization is the most important aspect of the planning process. You want your wedding and reception to be creative, special and uniquely… well… you.

So, what if an element of your reception could truly be one-of-a-kind? What if your guests were part of the creativity and fun? And, what if a reception could be a lot more awesomtastic (word used with permission, 2011 Melissa DiStefano) for not a lot more money? That’s what we asked ourselves when we created our fill-in-the-blank Wedding Reception Wish Cards.

Write On Riot™ is a new company dedicated to celebration, belonging and fun. Our Wish Cards are a way for your guests to tell you how much they love you in their own personal (and often hilarious) way. The header of each card says, To the happy couple, on this special day I wish for you… (followed by) enough ___________ to last a lifetime, a love like the song __________, in-laws that never __________, excitement like the movie _______, good health so you can still _________ when you’re 100, and more.

Every completed card is a unique expression of belonging and love. Your college roommate will fill in the blanks in a completely different way than, say, your Aunt Helen will. The answers are sweet, funny, thoughtful and always personal.

How Wish Cards can start your reception on a fun note: Place one Wish Card at each reception table place setting. (It’s a good idea to buy fresh pens and leave one for every two guests at each table as well.) Most of your guests will fill out their Wish Cards right away because they’re fun and they’re great conversation starters.

Your wedding planner (ahem, hire MasterPiece Weddings) or attendant can collect the cards and pens before dinner is served, and store them for you in a safe place. Make it a keepsake. The cards can be inserted into a photo album made for 4" by 6" photos. Some couples place each Wish Card across from a photo of the guest who filled it out.

Skip the Guest Book and find out what your guests really want to tell you on your special day. Wish Cards cost just $7 for a pack of 25. There are four designs to choose from, and three colors of each design. You can buy Wish Cards at writeonriot.com/wedding as well as our fun, fill-in-the-blank shower invitations.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

(PS - Be on the lookout for a giveway and a discount code exclusive to MasterPiece Weddings!!!)

MasterPiece Weddings was in no way compensated for this post, we just love this company and wanted to share the awesomeness with you. Because we like to share cool things with our readers not because we were compensated in anyway.

My Mojuba

I would love to say that I know everything about everything weddings. And I would love to say that I know everything and every vendor that pops up online, every minute of every day, but I would be exaggerating. Slightly.

But, I recently found out about this awesome fun new site called My Mojuba - its' super fun! They specialize in emergency kits for the bride and groom! That are super swank, totally useful!

Now, keep in mind, that on your wedding day, I'll have my Wedding Emergency Bag with everything you could possibly need... but what about your bridal shower, or bachelorette party, or just everyday in general... I mean geez you never know when you'll need tissues stain removal kit, nail files, polish, or shoe shine or a shave kit!

And for a limited time, use the code KISSME at checkout for $25 off your purchase at My Mojuba.

(MasterPiece Weddings was not in any way paid for this post, we wanted to mention this product to you because we think it's cool and it's something you can definitely use, not because we were compensated in anyway)

Real Simple Weddings - Spring 2011

I was sent a copy of Real Simple Weddings to review, in all honestly, they sent me this magazine for free, so that I could tell you my thoughts and opinions of it. Honest. Thoughts and opinions.

And I hope you know, by now, that you come to our blog for real, honest, and heart felt advice and opinions on all things weddings.

And frankly, I love Real Simple, I buy (like pay for, with real money) their cookbooks, magazines, love their website and tips, follow them on twitter...but I was left a little, well, underwhelmed with this issue.

The cover is gorgeous, and the shoes are frankly, amazing. I want a pair in all colors. But inside is a lot of the same as last year. In fact, a lot of the same images, and articles. I would think that a new season would bring, new ideas, new cakes, new bouquets and new gowns, but this was just a lot of the same as the issue before. I mean the exact same images. Strange, right.

It was also filled with a ton of new information and new ideas, which I love. But I was left a little sad that they couldn't feature a new cake, or a new table number idea. If you are going to roll an idea over from another season, my feeling is to wait at least a few seasons.

I know there are new brides everyday, people get engaged by the dozens hourly... so this magazine may not look like a re-run to a lot of brides, but some may feel the same way I do.

What do you think?

Ashley and Jordan - Again

Jordan and Ashley Wedding from Parallel Media on Vimeo.

There were so many amazing details from this wedding, and Drew from Parallel Media did such a great a job capturing the emotion of the day.

So many brides these days are opting out of video because they feel the photographs can capture the emotions, and frankly they can capture some of it. But that hug your Grandfather gives you and whispers in your ear how much he loves you and how proud he is of you... isn't caught in still images the same way.

Take a peek and let me know what you think.

Pink and Brown Wedding

Ashley and Jordan were just one of those couples that I knew instantly I would love. And I had the honor and privledge of writing a ceremony for them, and officiating their beautiful Gainesville Wedding.

Caroline Johnson photographed this beautiful wedding, that would make any gal swoon! Ashley tied in modern elegance with a classic twist. And it turned out beautiful!

And a huge Thank You to Every Last Detail for featuring our wedding!!!!

What do you think?

Wedding Planner: MasterPiece Weddings
Florals and Linens: The Unforgettable Event
Ceremony Venue: The Baughman Center
Reception Venue:Plantation Hall at Haile
Photography: Caroline Johnson
Video: Parallel Media, CO
Catering: Dragonfly
Cake: KB Kakes

Love Wedd Party!

Are you going to be there? The Love Wedd:: A Love Affair party is Thursday!

I can't wait, it's going to be so much fun, come, drink,eat, and dance with us!

Run out of Food

Worst case scenario, you run out of food at your reception. Whether you are serving cake and champagne, small plates, stations, full sit down dinner, or a buffet, the last thing you want is for your guests to leave hungry.

One way to avoid this is to be clear with your caterer as to your expectations, "Hey, Mr. or Mrs. Caterer, our guests are expecting a full meal, and they eat, so make sure we don't run out of food!"

Sometimes you look a quote for a caterer and notice the prices are pretty low, sometimes too good to be true. And that's because you are expecting a full dinner and they are pricing the meal out as light hors devours.

This would not a good scenario for anyone. So remember to be clear. 50% of your budget will be spent on food, you should get what you are paying for.

Get-a-Way Wedding!

Um,mmmmmm! Helllllooooo, I wanna go! What a deal!

Or if you want to get married, an all inclusive deal:

MasterPiece Weddings was not paid or endorsed in anyway for this promotion - but for the record, I'd love to go on a trip to Bimini Bay.