Something to Buzz About: Snippet + Ink

One of my clients was featured in Snippet + Ink today.  Words can not properly convey how much I adore this couple.  Love them.  Love Snippet + Ink.  And love the post.  Click here to read it.  :)  (Oh, and the "be in the moment" advice she mentioned:  that was from me.  I love that she remembered me telling her that.)

xoxo,
{Resha}

Wedding Planning Advice: Send-off Items

In American weddings, we have a tradition of distributing a "send off" item to guests at the end of the night that they then use to celebrate the bride and groom as they exit the reception.

Previous generations used rice exclusively for their wedding send-offs. This tradition stemmed from Roman times when wheat (as a symbol of fertility) was thrown at the bride and groom. Under Queen Elizabeth I, wheat was replaced with wheat cakes, which were broken into pieces and thrown. These wheat cakes were later replaced by the more affordable substitute of rice.

These days, rice is rarely the send-off item of choice, largely because of an urban legend that rice makes birds explode when ingested. Aside from this misconception, there are many other reasons rice is rarely chosen - rice is difficult to clean-up, it's a slipping hazard, and it HURTS when you're pelted with a handful of rice.

Italian tradition is to throw confetti, symbolizing money and good fortune. Scottish tradition is to throw flower petals as a symbol of fertility. Both of these options can be troublesome to clean-up crews and are thus forbidden by many reception venues. What are other options?

Our clients frequently choose sparklers, which make a beautiful exit. But sparklers have their own troubles - they are dangerous for obvious reasons (especially when handled by inebriated guests) and are frequently not allowed, especially when there's an active "burn ban" in the area.

Bubbles are another popular option, but create a silent send-off, as it's impossible to cheer and blow bubbles at the same time.

Noise makers, streamers, kazoos, glowsticks - we've seen so many great, creative choices for send-off items!

Recently, I've noticed an increased number of couples choosing to forgo the send-off items all together, leaving the guests to simply cheer and applaud. I must say, I love this trend! It eliminates unnecessary waste, is safe, and is just as fun as the other options. Win!

What did/will you use for your send-off item? Why?

Happy Planning!
jessica

Would You Wear a Pink Wedding Gown?

I am a classic kind of girl and never put much thought into colorful wedding gowns, but recently I overheard an entertainment news story on how colorful wedding gowns are becoming popular. I started to think about this a little more and I found two gowns I really love that happen to be pink. The gowns were worn by Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Biel. They both have a soft and romantic look that seems perfectly fitting for a bride, even though they are not white. I love the blush color of Reese's and the sweetness in Jessica's. What do you think? Would you wear pink?

-Breanna-

Images from People Magazine

Engagements to Celebrate: Amanet & Berhanu

I have the honor of helping coordinate the wedding of Amanet Zekarias and Berhanu Gebreselassie.  Their wedding will take place next month at the Co-Cathedral of the Scared Heart, followed by a reception at the Hilton Post Oak.   This truly will be a amazing day, attended by 400 of the couples closest family and friends.

Congratulations, to you both!

.Crystal.

Weddings to Celebrate: Carrie & James

Carrie's BFF gave a toast during which she said, "On a day that is supposed to be all about Carrie, she made it all about us."  That sums Carrie & James' wedding up perfectly.  It was extraordinary. (If you know Carrie & James, you know that's par for the course.  Nothing about them is common or ordinary.)  Here is some eye candy from Akil Bennett Photography (he is fabbo!).

xoxo,
{Resha}

You only have to read the invitation to see these two are out-of-the-box thinkers. :-)

Carrie wanted a bouquet that was just "thrown together."  

Carrie and her adorable mother.  I puffy heart both of these women.

Yep...those are exposed wires and flowers just "thrown" around.  And yep...it was on purpose.  :-)

Along with a jazz trio for the ceremony, they had a poet read a custom poem for them right before Carrie walked down the aisle.

The food at this wedding was outrageous.  No one went away hungry.  But, just in case they *might* have .. there were late night snacks and full to-go boxes :-)

Cast of Vendors.  Brace yourself:  I think this was a record.  And they were all fabulous.  

Coordinator:  Resha Zazueta, Something to Celebrate

Venue & Catering:  Hotel ZaZa

Photographer:  Akil Bennett

Videographer:  Dakine Films

Floral and Decor:  Events in Bloom

Lighting: Impressive Events

Ceremony Music:  Tianna Hall Jazz Trio

Reception Music (band):  Hardproof

Reception Music (DJs):  LG Entertainment & DJ Tantrum

Photobooth:  Cupics Photo Booth

Cigar Roller:  Special Events Houston

Cotton Candy Mocktinis - Sugar Bunch Creations

Portrait Artist - Keith Amador

Poet - Tydric Martin

Comedian - Godfrey

Dress Assistant - Birdie Kubiak

Hair Stylist - Shakeria Holmes

Makeup Artist - Elroy McDaniel

A Twist on Tradition: Unity Glass

One of my clients just introduced me to a new twist on the traditional unity candle / unity sand ceremony.  Are you looking for something different?  How about unity glass?  You send off for glass and "mix" it during your ceremony.  Then after, you send it back to the company and they turn it into a beautiful sculpture for you.  Sounds intriguing, right?  You may want to check it out :-)  Here is a link to their website (where I also snagged the picture below, btw).

Happy planning!
{Resha}

Weddings to Celebrate: M'Lynn & Matt, The Allan House

M'Lynn and Matt are one of those couples who radiate love for each other. It makes my job so fun! M'Lynn and I worked on the design together and we had so much fun creating a wintery, sparkly, gorgeous evening where their friends and family could enjoy good food, good drinks and good company. I think we did a fabulous job:).

M'Lynn paid attention to the details (you know I love that!)--for her something borrowed, she used a swatch of a blue and white striped shirt of her grandfather's, who had recently passed away, and for her something borrowed (and old) she wore an absolutely stunning Art Deco ring from Matt's mother's family. I love it when there are personal details that make the bride feel extra loved and special!

M'Lynn and Matt, I'm so glad I got to work with you, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!
--Katie

Enjoy these photos from The Life You Love!

 

 

 Cast of Vendors:
Coordination and design: Katie Netherton, Something to Celebrate
Venue: The Allan House
Catering: Royal Fig
Photography: The Life You Love
Flowers: Last Petal
Rentals: Marquee
Lighting: Ilios
Bride's Cake: Sugar Mama's
Groom's Cake: Michelle's Patisserie
Ceremony Music: Mark A. Cruz
Reception Music: Strings Attached
Hair: L7 Salon
Makeup: Christy Edlin