Take time to take it all in...

Right before my brides walk down the aisle, I always try to remind them to "take everything in." Actually tell yourself, "Wow, I'm walking down the aisle." "I am about to dance my first dance." etc. In my opinion, that is one of the only ways to ensure you will remember the day.

During every wedding, I actually try to "take it all in" as well. I always get that “awe” moment. You know, the one where you think, “Wow…all of the planning has come down to this. I can’t believe it’s actually here.” Amazingly enough, Eric Hegwer actually captured a picture of one of my "awe" moments. And I just had to share it with all of you. I was walking with one of my favorite brides, Nina, to "hide" her from the crowd before her groom, Tushar's, Barat began. I remember thinking, “Wow. Fifteen months of planning, and look at Nina. She looks beautiful.”

I was so blessed to have Nina as a bride, and her special day was amazing. I hope each of you tries to "take it all in" and remember your blessings on your special day. It's worth savoring!

Much love, Resha

TOMS

One of my friends just told me that she absolutely had to do this for her wedding!
If you haven't heard of TOMS Shoes, it is a company that will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need every time you purchase a pair for yourself! What a great way to give back and add a unique touch to your wedding. TOMS will even offer a special deal for couples who outfit their entire wedding party in their shoes!

(pictures from http://www.tomsshoes.com/wedding)

sara :)

Homemade Snow Globes

As the holidays are quickly approaching, I am reminded of one of my favorite things about the this time.... SNOW GLOBES! I have seen some pretty adorable snow globes in my life but I recently came across a blog (http://www.well-worn.com/) that explans how to make homemade snow globes and these are some of the cutest one I've seen! Take a look for yourself...

Not only would these be an adorable gift to give to others for the Holidays but they could also be incorporated into a winter wedding.

Here are the directions to make your own:

You will need:
All can be found at a craft or haberdashery store.
*A jar of your choice (with a lid)
*Figurines or jewellery
*Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces
*Clear-drying epoxy
*Distilled water
*Dash of glycerin
*Large silver or white glitter (smaller versions will float at the top)

Steps:
1. Use clear-drying epoxy to adhere your piece to the inside of the lid. Let dry per instructions.
2. After the epoxy dries completely, fill your jar with distilled or boiled water (at room temperature, of course).
3. Add just a dash of glycerin so the "snow" falls slowly.
4. Add as much glitter as you like. If you don't like the look of glitter, you can usually find faux snow at craft and haberdashery stores.
5. Screw your lid on tightly and enjoy your snow globe!

Happy Holidays!

*celia

Introducing Myself

Hi everyone!!! Since I am new to the STC Team, I thought I should introduce myself.

My name is Resha, and I am a 29 again (well..and again) mother of two. I married the love of my life in December 2005 and had the world's cutest little girl in October 2007. Seven weeks ago we welcomed the world's cutest little boy into our family. :-)

I love to run and have been running for over 20 years now. I also love old movies (GiGi is my favorite), and my favorite era is the 1950's. I think Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly had more style and poise than any other famous women in modern history.

I am told I am just like my mother - a comment I take as the utmost complement. I think my Daddy and my husband are the two greatest men I've ever known. My baby sister is my best friend and always has been.

I began planning weddings for family and friends in 2000 and started my official coordinating career in 2006. I just recently joined the STC Team and will be building our Houston division this coming year. I love weddings and all that they entail. And since this is my first post, I thought I would share one of my favorite pictures from my special day (courtesy of Grant Guerrero Photography). It was one of the happiest days of my life, and I look forward to helping you make yours equally as wonderful.

Cheers,
Resha

simple, but very cute idea for Save-the-Dates

Who doesn't love to get into a photo booth and take fun pictures? I know anytime I see a photo booth, I'm the first to get in line. This is a cute, personal, but not expensive idea for save-the-dates :)







Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday :)
Shay

Relax...

(photo from http://www.milkandhoneyspa.com/)

Yes, the holidays are upon us. A time of fun, family, and oh right: stress! Between all the shopping, wrapping, and cooking, why not take some time for yourself?? My friends and I just went to milk + honey day spa at the downtown location. (Thanks to a gift card I received from one of our fabulous brides!) The service was fabulous! We got to de-stress, hang out in comfy robes while drinking hot tea, and get an amazing massage.

sara :)

Holiday Cocktail, Anyone?

'Tis the season for celebrations!

I love this drink because it fits the festive holiday theme but would also be yummy as a non-alcoholic treat for your friends who may be expecting. Ha!

Christmas Jones

Ingredients:
* 4 fresh strawberries
* 1 part vodka
* 2 tsp superfine sugar
* 5 oz pineapple juice
* 7-Up
* mint sprigs for garnish


Preparation:
1. In a blender, whiz the vodka, strawberries, sugar and pineapple juice together.
2. Pour the mix equally into two highball glasses.
3. Top with 7-Up.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Yum. Cheers!
jessica

source

Grey's Likes Weddings

Head on over to the Grey's Likes Weddnig blog and check out Meg and Devin's wedding at The Plant at Kyle!

Another happy STC couple!

Lorena Molina

Don't be a bridezilla!

Instead of turning into this on your wedding day, hire a coordinator! We are here to help you and take the stress out of your big day. Let us worry about the details and you worry about having the time of your life! (photo from The Wedding Planning Institute)

sara :)

Polaroid Collages!

I recently stumbled across the most adorable idea for couple photos. Polaroid collages! I have always been such a fan for polaroids and these collages show how adorable polaroid pictures can be.

Aren't those just the most adorable pictures ever!?! I love that they are little quirky but still beautiful. There are so many amazing ideas out there for non-traditional engagement and wedding photos. Have fun with your photos and let your personality shine!

Images found through greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com.

*celia

Craig & Candace

It has been a pleasure working with Candace on her upcoming spring wedding! Despite her busy schedule, traveling all over the world she has remained on top of everything. She is so organized and knows exactly what she wants. I just received these pictures and I couldn't wait to share them with you guys. Aren't they just perfect for her downtown wedding? I can not tell you the unique surprises but just know this wedding will be super fun. Can't Wait!

History Lesson?

The most recognizable symbol of the joining of a man and woman as husband and wife is the wedding ring. The ring is of course a circle and this was the symbol of eternity for the Egyptians as well as many other ancient cultures. It had no beginning and no end like time, it returned to itself like life, and the shape was worshipped in the form of the Sun and the Moon. The hole in the center of the ring is not just a space it is important in its own right as the symbol of the gateway leading to things and events both known and unknown. This ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand because of a belief that the vein of that finger directly traveled from the heart. Some couples spend just as much money and time on rings as the actual wedding because of the importance and prestige the ring symbolizes. How about taking it a step further and personalizing the ring by getting it engraved with a special message. You can even let your mate find the message on their own!

Love,

Corniche

thehistoryof.net & photo credit: ifiancee.com

Team Member Spotlight: Sara

I've said many times that we're blessed with an awesome team. Every single team member is willing to go above and beyond to make each event perfect. The positive attitudes demonstrated by our ladies is both contagious and inspiring.

One of the most positive members of the Something To Celebrate Team is Sara. Sara joined our team in September 2008, starting with Jessica and Joseph's wedding. I knew then that she'd be a great addition to our team. That beautiful wedding was threatened by a hurricane that forced us to use a rain plan and kept almost half of the guests homebound, unable to fly out of Houston. Despite the hurdles of this her first wedding, Sara maintained a positive attitude and did everything in her power to make sure the bride and groom had an amazing wedding day.

I've never seen Sara without a smile. Even when she's had a mountain of stress and nothing seems to be going right, putting her on the verge of tears, she somehow smiles. She's such a bright light!

Sara has an amazing work ethic, one I hope my 2-year-old daughter one day has. Sara is always on time (usually early!), behaves professionally (even when drunk boys at weddings persistently try to get her to dance - she lets them down gently and stays focused) and she really does go above and beyond (umm, she's been known to spontaneously bring yummy treats to our team meetings!). Sara never complains about a task assigned. Even throughout her 12 month unpaid internship, Sara never once complained about the lack of pay or having to drive all over Austin for various weddings, events and meetings. Quite the opposite - she arrived with a smile and asked what more she could do to help.

It's no surprise that Sara's brides love working with her - I love working with her too! There's a strong possibility that Sara could be leaving us (and Austin) in June, and that makes me genuinely sad. You know that saying "good help is hard to find?" Well, I found it! And wish I could hang on to Sara for forever. But I understand and completely support Sara going where life takes her. I know she'll find success wherever she ends up, and am so thankful for the devotion she's given me and Something To Celebrate.

Sara - thank you for being awesome! It's truly a pleasure to work with you. :)

Love,
jessica


Picture of Sara taken by Schmitt Photography.

What inspires you?

Where do you go for your wedding inspiration? Wedding blogs? Wedding Magazines? Wedding websites? Those are all really helpful places to find good ideas for your wedding. However, in addition to those resources I also like to get ideas from store windows (i.e. Anthropolgie), Furniture Stores, and Home design and furniture magazines (Elle Decor, Coastal Living, House Beautiful, etc..) These resources surprisingly give you many unique and creative ideas for your wedding, such as table decor (other than just floral), color schemes, and fun specialty tables!

Happy planning!

Lorena Molina

Winters finally here! Unlike me, if you like the cold and are brave enough to do a winter wedding, here are some cute, inexpensive party favor ideas.

Personalized Snowflake Bottle Stopper


Personalized Snowflake Ornament


Personalized Bar Tool


Personalized Wine Glasses


Personalized Hot Chocolate


Personalized Holiday Hershey Bar


Personalized Key Chains


Personalized Coasters



Good luck planning! and stay warm :)

<3 Shay

Coming Soon....

Meg and Devin Married!

Lorena Molina

Photo Credit: Dahlia Photo

Winter already?!

Time to break out the scarves and mittens (my favorite winter accessories!). As much as I dislike the cold, being a native Texan and all, I love the winter spirit, the colors, lights, festivities, and of course food! Here are some inspiring winter wedding pictures (courtesy of The Knot) to get you in the mood for the season!

sara :)