Duchess. Men's Suits with Style.

At times you may feel like you man just doesn't have any style. He's wearing the same pair of jeans that he worn for the past 5 days, he turns his t-shirt inside out to get one more day out if it and we don't even want to ask about the boxers! So, the wedding day is the perfect opportunity to turn a grape into wine. A tuxedo may seem like the obvious choice but he looks more like James Bond than a groom. Who do you turn to for help? I have the perfect solution, Duchess Clothier.

Here's a quick description of what they do in their own words:

"Duchess Clothier creates custom suits and shirts based on historical styles with the belief that gentlemen and ladies of style
should have the opportunity to affordably dress in find tailored garments that fit properly. All of our creations are made-to-measure and completely customizable in your choices of fabrics and styles. We are owned and operated in Portland, Oregon and believe that the style trailblazers of today should look to the dress of the past-whether that of Victorian gentlemen, a smooth rat packer, a hot mod face, a country crooner...it's all beautiful and encouraged!"

I think the pictures speak for themselves. And just think, once he has his own hand made suit, he'll have to wear it again to take you out for a fabulous dinner and cocktails.

Come see Duchess' suits on live models at The Art of Wedding Event this January. I can't wait!

Emily-Jane Sparkles.

I think I mentioned before, that finding wedding day jewelry that is unique and beautiful can sometimes be hard. Joining the Art of Weddings event is the lovely ladies of Emily-Jane Jewelry. They create one of kind pieces that compliment your wedding gown. Their service is great, they truly care about their clients which was easy for me to see at their holiday party.

The best part is that you can wear your earrings, necklace or bracelet again! Now, you gotta love that. Here is a sampling of some of their work, check out their website so you can eww and ahh in the privacy of your home. Images by Jasmine Photography.

Super cute pins.

So, I'm avoiding work at the moment and starting shopping on the Etsy Website. You could spend hours here looking at all the super cute handmade crafts. I found these pins by the UK designer Paperfish and thought, how sweet would these be attached to your place cards at a reception! And they'd double as the wedding favor.




Then I saw the bigger hearts, which would make a really cute ring pillow or instead of a boring old basket have the flower girl hold a set of 3 at different lengths while walking down the aisle.



And of course the cute little pins that say bride and groom on them. How fun would it be to pin them on the inside of his suit and under wedding gown! Her prices are affordable, check out more of her work by searching for Paperfish once on the site.

27 Dresses.

I saw the preview for this movie and totally laughed!  If you haven't heard of it already, it's with Katherine Heigl who was so funny in Knocked Up! They are playing off the "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" theme, I think it could be really funny and tons of us can relate! 
This has ladies nite written all over it. So, get dressed up,  head out for cocktails, and then see the movie!  (cocktails will ease the pain if it's a bomb.)

Check out the trailer...

27 Dresses. The Movie

A touch of "Green". Part 2.

Below are the final 5 ideas from Kylee at Oregon's Premier Bride on how to host an enviromentally-friendly wedding.

6. Use flowers from your ceremony and bridal party to decorate the reception.

Instead of creating additional flower arrangements for the reception, ask your attendants to strategically place their bouquets for the reception. Your bouquet can be used to decorate the head table or cake table. 

7. Select wedding apparel that is made of sustainable fabrics or reuse a lovingly worn dress. 

You can choose a wedding gown made of silk or hemp or even a blend of the two. Making Memories Brides Against Breast Cancer holds bridal gown sales across the country. You will find gently used or donated new gowns for sale at great prices. Check out their link for more info: www.makingmemories.com. Don't forget to donate your gown after your wedding day!

8. Avoid serving farmed salmon.

Farmed salmon are often given vaccines, pesticides, and antibiotics. Thing the pretty pink color of farmed salmon is attractive-this is a result of synthetic pigment given to them. If you plan to serve salmon, choose wild for the health of your guests and the enviroment.

9. Celebrate you marriage with an eco-friendly honeymoon.

Many hotels have decided to go "green". You can find a list of these hotels at www.greenhotels.com.  You many also be interested in a newer practice known as ecotourism. The international Ecotourism Society is a great resource to find travel agents, tour operators, and lodging committed to "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people."

10. Consider a ceremony and reception site that are outdoors or one that maximizes natural light. 

Ask the facility about the alternative lighting options for your celebration. You can also opt to use candles instead of electricity for more mood lighting.

Well, that's it for now!  Pick one of the ten ideas to add a dash of "green" to your big day!

Wedding Graffiti

I first discovered this website about 6 months ago. I fell in love with it immediately and have been wanting to share it with others...just kept forgetting to do so! Wonderful Graffiti for Weddings is so cool, I can barely stand it! It is thin pieces of vinyl that look "printed" when applied to a smooth surface. It applies and removes quickly without damaging the surface.

They have created classic and elegant ideas for you to use throughout your event. From decorating your get-a-way car to the dance floor. I also love how they take something as simple as a monogram and created so many options for you to use it. Why not add it to coasters for the cocktail hour? Or how about invites on large lollipops? Fun!



You can also create your own. Check out a view pics from their website and then let you imagination go wild!

Add a touch of "Green" to your wedding day.

Hosting a environmentally conscience wedding can seem overwhelming to add to your already long to-do list. Never fear, Kylee of  the Oregon Premier Bride has composed a list of 10 ideas for you! Here are the first 5 for you to look over, the rest will be online next week. 

You don't have to do all of them, instead find the one that fits your day best and then feel even more fabulous that you're doing your part to save the environment!  

1. Choose an organic caterer. 

Look for a catering company that uses locally grown organic food. This reduces the carbon emissions from transporting the food and cuts down on harmful pesticides. What to do with leftover food?  Donate it to a local shelter or food bank.

2. Use recycled paper for your invitations. 

There are many options available for your invitations including recycled, tree-free, and natural papers. You may also opt for soy-based ink that is biodegradable. Reduce the use of paper by utilizing the Internet for Save-The-Date cards, RSVP's, and a wedding website that has driving directions, lodging information and weekend events listed.

3. Give guests a sapling for a wedding favor.

Often guests have no idea what to do with the wedding favors given to them. Saplings are the perfect way for your guests to honor you and Mother Earth. The National Arbor Day Foundation will provide saplings  with a custom message fro you. 

www.arborday.org/shopping/gifttrees/wedding.cfn

4. Have gifts donated in your honor to your favorite environmental group.

Many foundations or non-profit organizations now have a registry program. Instead of a toaster or salad bowl, your guests can contribute to the foundation of your choice. A great resource is www.justgive.org.  If you still want to receive gifts (who doesn't!) then sign up at www.IDoFoundation.org first and then register with one of their foundation partners. A percentage of the gift purchases will be given to that foundation. 

5. Pick a florist who uses organic flowers.

Support local growers by choosing a florist that uses organic, local blooms. This helps reduce damage caused by transportation emissions and chemically processed flowers. 

Ok, that the first half of the list!  I love the idea of #4, where you can still get gifts but have a portion of their cost donated!  Brilliant idea...

All things that Sparkle!

Throughout this month I'll be posting about what will be happening at the Art of Weddings Event. One thing that you'll be able to enjoy is handmade gowns by Embellish along with jewelry by Emily-Jane on live models.

Searching for the right jewelry for your gown can be daunting, I know when I was looking (6 years ago...wow.. time flies) I was not finding anything that fit the style of my dress or my taste. I ended up having it all hand-made by a local jeweler in Minnesota.

If you're going thru the same dilemma, I suggest thinking outside of the box and visiting Emily-Jane. Besides getting a unique piece of jewelry, you'll be able to wear it again! The lovely ladies there will take care of you from start to finish and create a one-of a kind piece.

If you haven't been to their cute store before head on over to their annual holiday party...it's always fun! The info is below..hope to see ya there!


Emily-Jane Holiday Party

Don't miss a night of one-of-a-kind jewels like you've never seen before. Emily-Jane will be unveiling jewels of 18k gold, precious gems and the rarest of vintage Swarovski crystals. From sexy to sweet you'll find the most lovely pieces for yourself and of course wonderful items for holiday gifts. Enjoy a complementary holiday ornament with any purchase, plus cocktails, hors d'oeurves and photos of you and your friends celebrating the season.

What: Emily-Jane Holiday Party
When: Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6-9 pm
Where: 1428 NE Broadway St.
Call: 503.460.0516
Visit: www.emily-jane.com

Art of Weddings 2008 Event!!

I'm so excited to announce The Art of Weddings 2008 event! This year it will be held at one of Portland's newest venue site, The Secret Society Ballroom. One of the reason's I'm so thrilled to do this event is because all of the great vendors on this blog will be participating. We'll be bringing our knowledge of weddings to create a one of a kind event.

Be sure to check out the website for more info : Art of Weddings 2008

Choosing the right espresso caterer for your wedding

So you’ve decided to have a personal espresso experience catered at your wedding. You were looking for more than just the standard brewed coffee because being from the Northwest; you are serious about your espresso! Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your espresso caterer.

1. What coffee does your prospective espresso caterer serve?
You should choose a caterer who uses the best beans available to you. These days, there is a huge difference between coffee roasters. Look for a caterer whose roaster offers Direct Trade and Cup of Excellence beans. These beans are the best available today and signify a direct-trade relationship between the roaster and coffee grower. Here in Portland, Stumptown Coffee Roasters has garnered worldwide attention for their COE beans and direct trade practices that are instrumental to the third wave of coffee.

2. Does your prospective coffee caterer use advanced techniques during espresso preparation?
It takes a lot skill to produce a great espresso drink. It all starts with great coffee that has been ground by a quality grinder kept finely adjusted for optimum extraction time. It is then the barista’s job to distribute this coffee perfectly evenly in the basket and tamp the espresso puck level and of even density throughout. The barista should then use a quality temperature controlled machine to produce the dark brown and honey like espresso. Every step of this process takes skill and careful attention. A good barista may discard shots that they feel are substandard. Common problems to look for:

Pre-grinding coffee: Coffee should be ground for the drink being assembled. To save time, some pre-grind the coffee before the event leading to oxidation, loss of flavor, and stale espresso.

Using sealed-bag coffee that is not freshly roasted: Many caterers use coffee that is sealed in a bag and not terribly fresh. By third wave standards, anything older than a week is too old. Ask your prospective caterer what their coffee’s time window is for peak flavor.

Using a home espresso machine: There is a substantial difference between an upper-end home espresso machine and a professional commercial machine. Many caters get by using a home machine because it is light and easy to operate with its built-in water reservoir; but these machines produce marginal espresso and bog down when under the load of an event. Ask your prospective caterer what kind of machine they use. Look up the manufacturer on the internet and see if they sell to the home market or pros.

Remember, not all espresso caterers are the same, not even close. For a big event with espresso-laced memories that will last a lifetime, it pays to do a little research!

-Espresso Arts Catering

To veil or not to veil...

The veil. Where did this tradition come from? Here's a little info I found about it online:

"The veil can be traced back to Roman times when it was a complete head to toe cover.

In a custom dating back to arranged marriages, the groom's family very rarely let him see the bride prior to the ceremony.

The groom if displeased with the brides looks may have refused to marry her.

Only after completion of the wedding ceremony was the groom permitted to lift the veil and see his bride for the first time."



Certainly interesting but hopefully not the reason why you are choosing to wear yours! Last year many of my brides opted not to wear one, if you decide to do that be sure to dress up your hair with something else to make it stand out. Fresh flowers are always a great option or how about an antique pin from your grandmother?

I'm biased, I think the veil is great for photos! I recommend at least wearing it for your portrait session and then taking it off to greet your guests. If you don't take it off for the reception you'll be getting your head tugged back a lot from everyone hugging you! Whether it's a blusher, antique lace, or cathedral; it adds a bit of fun and drama to your images!



All images copyright Jasmine Photography.

So many options!

You recently became engaged, congrats! You are so excited to start planning your perfect day. You go and buy all the current bridal magazines, start researching online and before you know it you are overwhelmed & confused! I think today, there are too many checklists on how to plan your wedding that your original vision can easily get lost. There are so many options out there for cakes, flowers, venues etc that it's important to take time to sit down with your fiance and talk about what is REALLY important for the two of you. Once you have some key things written down, use those to help you create the feel of your day.

Maybe it's having a fantastic view of the Willamette valley to show to all your out of town guests. Maybe it's choosing your favorite sweets over cake. Or maybe you want to take a lot of time for pictures of the two of you. Make a list, check it twice and hold tight to it- no matter what family says! Doing this will help make the day personal for the two of you.

If reading this makes you even more overwhelmed...then I have two words for you: wedding coordinator!










Images by Jasmine Photography.

Four Kinds of Sites, and What They Mean to Your Wedding

Emee Pumarega, EJP Events Special Event Planning



As you enter the site selection process, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of possible wedding sites out there. Indoor, outdoor, downtown, in the country… our local area alone has probably around five hundred places that a medium-sized wedding could be held.

How do you make that decision? Lots of factors come into play, but the one element I want to discuss today is the genre of your site. Apart from the typical hotel or banquet hall, there are four types of venues that seem to come up over and over. In my experience, each type seems to bring similar attractions and issues.


The Private Club.

The private club often has manicured grounds, a lovely ballroom or reception tent, and an on-site caterer and bartender. Some issues to consider are that the club’s members tend to take precedence over any non-member or event rental activities. For example, photographs may be prohibited on the golf course, or furniture may not be moved around or removed. Private clubs tend to have strict dress codes, and you may need to have a member-sponsor in order to have your event there. On the plus side, the food and service tend to be high-quality and befitting a formal event, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Photo: EJP Events

The Vineyard or Winery.

A winery can be a great place to have your wedding. Many have beautiful views of surrounding vineyards and farms. Some have dedicated caterers; some allow you to bring your choice. One thing that will never be allowed, of course, is for you to bring outside wine or hard liquor. Beer may sometimes be purchased through the winery or brought in. At a vineyard, the tasting room takes precedence over a rental group’s needs, so make sure you are aware of what time your group will have full access to all the amenities of the site, and when the public will be turned away. Rarely does a winery site close its tasting room just for a wedding. Benefits include: wine discounts (either for your event or for guest favors); private labeling; the appeal of remote, rural areas; and the possibility of customization.



The Museum or Cultural Hall.

Who needs décor when your wedding is surrounded by art or culture? A museum can be a great place to have a wedding; in addition, you can feel good that your rental fee is going to support a cultural organization. On the other hand, the art comes first, so expect restrictions on photography, and more stringent site guidelines regarding décor, loading, and access. Often, setup cannot begin until after the museum’s public hours, leading to a tight setup timeline and high labor costs. Expect an exclusive caterer or to choose from a list of allowed caterers.


The Bed and Breakfast.

B&B’s out in the country make a wonderful backdrop for an outdoor wedding. These sites can often be “blank slates” where you can bring in an entire event and customize from top to bottom; or they can be wonderfully decorated with quaint architecture and elaborate gardens.

Keep in mind that guests are usually not permitted inside the actual house, which is reserved for the overnight guests only. Plumbing in rural areas can be very limited, so often only the wedding party and B&B guests are allowed to use the indoor restrooms -- portables are provided for the guests. B&B weddings tend to have a “100% outdoors” feel, so make sure to budget for tents, heating, lighting, higher-quality restroom trailers, and other amenities to keep guests comfortable.

B&B’s may offer their own catering, but several allow you to bring any licensed caterer you wish. And finally, if you are looking for a weekend celebration and a leisurely setup period, a B&B is your best bet, as the rental period is usually from Friday night to Sunday morning.

Photo: EJP Events

I hope this list gives you some idea of what’s out there and helps you narrow down the search! Best wishes as you find the site that’s perfect for you.

Get me to the Church on Time!

On my way into work today, I thought, "It would be a good idea to start a series about general tips that would help out on the wedding day."

So today's general tip is all about directions. Many couples are getting married in more remote locations or having backyard weddings. If this rings a bell, then I recommend giving all your vendors a map with directions to your ceremony site. I know this sounds simple and it is, but there is nothing worse than having a vendor show up late or get lost trying to find you!

You have taken the time to tell all your guests where you'll be, so be sure to do so for the people who are helping make the event happen! I've found out on numerous occasions that Map Quest does NOT know all; bummer.

Confectionary Vocabulary

So, you’re getting ready to choose your wedding cake or cupcakes. What could be easier? If it looks good and tastes good, it is good – right? Well, right. But here are a few pointers to help you navigate the world of confectionary vocabulary and get the most out of your tasting.

For this entry, I’ll focus on what goes on top of the cake. The most common term you’ll run into is buttercream. This can mean different things. What I call an “American buttercream” is generally made up of powdered sugar, butter, milk and flavoring. This is the super sweet stuff. Other buttercreams include Swiss meringue and Italian meringue. There are slight technical differences in the way they are each made, but they both consist of a meringue base (beaten egg whites and sugar) that is then combined with butter and flavorings such as fruit purees, vanilla extract, and chocolate. The result is something that is silky in texture and slightly sweet in taste. If you’re someone who doesn’t usually like frosting, try this.


The second most common term you’ll run into is fondant. This is basically a sugar dough that can be colored, rolled out, and then applied to cover a cake (and even a cupcake). The cake is coated with a thin layer (usually buttercream), and the fondant is then smoothed over to create a pristine surface. It can also be used to make decorations, or ‘toppers’ as I like to call them, for cupcakes. After years of watching me roll and cut fondant, my four year old describes playdough as “fondant you can’t eat” (a terrible waste, in her opinion).

Now that you’re armed with the basics, jump in and enjoy your tastings! Go with what you like and don’t hesitate to ask your baker questions.


Photos by: Burk Jackson

This Post copyright 2007 Allison Kelleher for Cupcake Mama

Being Green

On a recent trip to Arizona, like any girl, I found a pair of shoes I wanted to bring home, minus the box of course. I asked the sales clerk if she could recycle the box for me. She stared blankly at me, and then turned to ask another sales person if they recycle. I was shocked to find that Phoenix does not recycle in any way - no cardboard, cans, bottles, newspaper - nothing.

Here in Oregon we are a pretty green state. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a way of life for most north-westerners. I started thinking what being green means in the floral industry. What more than recycling can we be doing to be more eco-friendly?

In 2007, for Valentine’s Day alone, Americans imported more than 120 million roses. Most of them from South American farms where standard procedures call for fumigating greenhouses with a range of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides before submerging the flowers in preservatives to keep them from rotting during shipment.

Here in Oregon we’re lucky to have Peterkort Roses, a local grower, whose goal is to grow as organic a product as humanly possible. That means less chemical spraying. They use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a technique using biological controls and strategic spraying of milder solutions to control pests and disease. Also to maximize the growing potential in the greenhouse, they are increasingly using extra light for better flower production. This enables them to produce more and better flowers in less space for the same amount of heat. They recycle all packaging materials too; one example: they pack with newspaper, which they purchase from a local charity.

At Studio del Fiore, there are several practices I follow to be environmentally friendly. I purchase as many flowers as possible from local growers. I recently cut down my packaging usage with the help of another local company, Blume Box, which makes colorful cardboard vases. They are made from 100% recycled post consumer waste and have a water based varnish coating on them and can be recycled at curbside.


If having organically grown flowers is important to you, there are many ways to ensure you are getting organic flowers:

1. Grow Your Own. Buy organic bulbs or seeds and start an organic flower garden. Seeds of Change offers organic and heirloom seeds and bulbs that you can order online to help you get started.

2. Buy Local and Organic. Invest in your community, and save shipping costs and energy, by purchasing chemical-free organic flowers from a local farmers market. Find the farmer's market near you here: http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm

3. Find out if your local florist can purchase organic and local flowers. If they currently do not, request that they do so. U.S. sales of organic flowers grew to $8 million in 2003, an estimated 52 percent growth spurt from the previous year. Organic flower sales are expected to grow 13 percent annually through 2008. While not yet the industry standard, organic flowers are fast becoming the choice for both consumers and florists.

4. Buy Organic Online too. Online retailers Organic Bouquet and Diamond Organics offer USDA-certified organic flowers that you can ship to loved ones all over the country. While Diamond Organics buys its flowers only from American family farmers, Organic Bouquet sells a mix of both domestic blooms and imports from farms that adhere to certified organic standards.

Protecting the environment and improving farm worker safety by eliminating millions of pounds of toxic pesticides from agricultural usage is a topic that the flower industry is talking about, and while it is a slow process, it is expected that this will be the industry standard in the years to come. Meanwhile, as an environmentally conscious mother and business woman, I continue to make choices that help, not hurt the earth.

Flowers by:
Studio del Fiore

Photos by:
Jasmine Photography

Resources:
www.coopamerica.org
www.peterkortroses.com
www.blumebox.com

This Post © 2007 Lisa Martin for Studio del Fiore

Storing Your Wedding Dress

The last thing you may be thinking about on your wedding day is storage and preservation of your gown. But it is wise to make this part of your wedding planning, especially if you are leaving for a honeymoon shortly after your wedding day.

If you have all the arrangements made ahead of time, you are more likely to get it taken care of sooner, as opposed to weeks or months or even years later!

Photo: © Aisha Harley

Steps to successful storage of your dress:

1. Do some reading about the best options for storing your gown. You can easily do-it-yourself, and it is usually less expensive. Especially if you want to take it out and look at it in the future (which is strongly encouraged!). If you have packed it yourself in the first place, you will be more confident repacking it again later. You will find links to some articles on textile storage at the end of this post. Also, an on-line search will result in lots of options for learning about and purchasing the needed supplies.

2. If you are going to do it yourself, budget for it in your wedding planning and purchase the supplies well ahead of the wedding. This will make it easier to accomplish after the wedding.

3. Ask one of your bridesmaids or a parent to be responsible for wedding gown the day after the wedding. Even if that only means making sure it is carefully hung-up or folded until you return home from your honeymoon. Better yet, make pre-arrangements for it to be cleaned, have that person be responsible for getting it to your specified cleaners as soon as possible. (Please read the post about Dry-Cleaning before going to just any dry cleaners.)

4. If you have had it dry cleaned, make sure to let it air out for several days—outside of the cleaners plastic garment bag—in a well ventilated area before packing it away. Cleaning solvents, especially perchloroethylene (a.k.a. perc), off-gas for some time after a garment has been cleaned. This is true for any garment that has been dry cleaned! What ever you do, don’t leave it or any garment, in the plastic bag—especially for long periods of time.

5. Take your dress out and look at it often! Then carefully re-pack it using new materials if needed. There are two reasons for this, one, for the fun of looking at it again and having it bring back memories of your wedding day! The second reason is to make sure that it is not being eaten by moths or other critters, or getting moldy, and also to slightly change the way it lays in the box, which can help prevent permanent wrinkles. It won’t hurt it to take it out, as long as you repack it carefully and properly.

6. After you have carefully packed it, be sure that where you store it doesn’t negate all your efforts of careful packing. The storage area should be a neutral environment that doesn’t change drastically in temperature or moisture. This means that the basement or attic are the worst places to store the box! It’s best to store it in a closet or cupboard in the central part of your home. (And not a cedar one.)

7. If your dess is of a style that can be worn again, do it! Cut if off to cocktail length, add some color embellishments or details to take it from "wedding dress" to "party dress". This is obviously done more easily with less formal dresses, but choosing a style that is wearable again with just a few changes can make spending that chunk of change on it more rewarding. And really, all nostalgia aside, do you honestly think your daughter will wear it? Did you wear your mom's?

Basic tips and a few definitions:

• Make sure the garment is clean. Dirt, stains, body oils and odors can cause damage to the fabric over time.
• Remove any jewelry or pins, metal or plastic, colored ribbons or trim and other items that may discolor over time.
• Acid Free: Paper that has been specially processed to remove the acid. (That does not mean it will remain acid free. See "lignin free".)
• Lignin Free: Lignin is the substance that binds wood fibers together. Choose archival paper products that have been chemically processed to remove the lignin.
• Non-buffered: Tissue, paper or boxes that have not had any chemicals added to it during the manufacturing process.
• Buffered: Paper or boxes that have had chemicals added that neutralize other potentially harmful chemicals.
• The best choice for tissue paper that WILL come into direct contact with your garment is acid free, lignin free, non-buffered tissue with a neutral pH, especially for silk.
• The best choice for the box that WILL NOT come into direct contact with your garment is acid free, lignin free and buffered. Although non-buffered boxes are also appropriate for silk and wool garments.
• Add a sufficient amount of tissue paper to fully cushion the garment above and below it. Gently stuff some of the tissue into the sleeves, bodice and skirt to prevent creases which can lead to the breakdown of the fibers in the fabric.
• If you fold the garment use tissue paper betwenn the folds as a cushion to help avoid creases.
• Use a large box with plenty of room for air circulation. Lightly pack tissue around the edgs of the garment to keep it from sliding around in the box.
• Do not store the garment in a cedar chest or cedar closet or in a regular cardboard box.
• Don't use moth balls! They stink and the smell is almost impossible to get out. Besides, they don't work all that well.
• Do not store the box or garment in an airtight container or plastic.
• Avoid storing textiles in a damp basement or near direct heat sources.

Some links to archival textile storage:

Follow these links to read more about storing special garments to preserve them for the future.

Kent State Textile Musuem
Stanford Library
The Textile Museum
Hertiage Gown
Discover Nikkei

This Post © 2007 Terri Spaeth-Merrick for Embellish and Olivia Luca

Engagement Sessions...Say Cheese!

Ahh, having your picture taken is the last thing on your list of fun things to do! You dread being in front of the camera. If this sounds like you, you really NEED to have a practice session before your wedding day. Many photographers offer an engagement session either with their packages or as an add-on. I highly recommend adding one on if it's not included. Why? you ask. Well, for a few key reasons. 1. It's a great time to get to know your photographer better. This in turn makes you more comfortable being around her or him. 2. The photographer gets to see how you and your fiance interact and learn more about you. Are you goofy, serious or laidback? Do you love the outdoors or thrive in the city? 3. Get valuable practice in front of the camera before the wedding day!! So important.


All of these things will create a more relaxed wedding day for both of you. And, you won't have to worry about what you photographer is going to have you do, cause you already had practice! Say cheese:)

the latest look in invitations

The National Stationery Show just kicked off the latest releases in wedding invitations! It is "the" show for the industry where designers display their best work and gab with retailers from all across the country. Cielo Blu Studios was there for the 5th year! We saw beautiful work from many designers. The printing techniques varied depending on the budget - but quality of design was present at any price point. The main trend we saw - COLOR in invitations. Solid colors of paper - either sparkling with a metallic finish or a matte cotton paper. The inks were contrasting to the paper colors. Chocolate still remains to be a favorite in paper and ink - combined with robin's egg blue. Plum paper and ink seems to be making a strong play for second! And classic black paper is always modern favorite for weddings. Here are a few of our latest favorites shot by Jasmine Photography!

welcome!

Welcome to the newest blog devoted to helping couples everywhere find inspiration for their wedding day. We'll be posting advice & tips from each of our wonderful vendors in the group. We'll talk about what we've seen and experienced from behind the scenes. We invite you to bookmark this blog and join us each week for new ideas or whenever you need a bit of inspiration!