Wedding Ideas for Arizona Brides and all brides for their weddings across the USA. Unique finds on the web for brides planning their weddings and from The Wedding Chronicle resources to put some style and class into your wedding day. We Make Weddings Better!
For those just catching up on my series, The Wedding Chronicle faced a dilemma this year. Too many beautiful weddings to all fit in the paper. So just click on the pictures and they will enlarge to show their beauty.
Sara Hawthorne and David Lin
May 16, 2009
Phoenix, Arizona
Our newest edition of The Wedding Chronicle, the November December 2009 features The Most Beautiful Weddings of 2009. We had so many submissions, it was very hard to choose who goes into the Chronicle. Many finalists were left out and I feel bad. So I am going to continue the winners here for as long as I can. Let's start with:
Congratulations to Katrina Wallace and Andrew Meija for being featured in InStyle Magazines feature Style School. They are a husband and wife team that travels the world capturing their subjects with the essence of style. I am proud to call them my friends.
This is my favorite recent photo of theirs. You can see more at SedonaBride.com
For those of you who don't know me well, October is my favorite month of the year. Why? Because It starts with my birthday on the 3rd and ends with Halloween. Another chance to party. In case you saw me Saturday night and didn't know it was me. Below is a picture of me thanks to A2Z Photobooths taken at The Boojum Tree. The coolest party in Phoenix if you are lucky enough to get an invitation. Guess that makes me cool.
I am back and ready to get caught up on my blogging. But I missed the beginning of my Birthday month by showing you how I intend to celebrate the end. I can't wait to make these cupcakes. Of course I have to start now and try them out so I can perfect a fresh batch for Halloween! I found the recipe at one of my favorite blog sites: Love and Olive Oil With many thanks here is the recipe:
The mummies are simply, basic strips of frosting piped on with a flat tip. The sugar eyes are something I’ve been looking for. The blog suggests to can find them in white, as well as multi color and jumbo size at Bake it Pretty. I am not a soymilk lover in baking ssssssoooooo I will probably use whole milk or at least 2% organic.
In the meantime, if you see canned pumpkin, stock up. Believe it or not, there is a world shortage this year. Make sure you have plenty to make it through all the holidays until the supply is back to normal. I was in Costco Saturday and it looks like they have increased the size of their pumpkin pies for the season. Go figure. Yum!
Pumpkin Chip Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Buttercream
Makes 1 dozen cupcakes.
Ingredients Cupcakes: 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/3 cup oil 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup soymilk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon each ground cloves, nutmeg, and ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Frosting: 2 large egg whites 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoons
Directions Preheat oven to 350?F. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, stir together pumpkin, oil, sugar, soymilk, and vanilla. Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gently whisk by hand until just combined, don’t use an electric mixer or overmix the batter as it may become too gummy. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips.
Fill liners with 1/4 cup batter (cups should be approximately 2/3 full). Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.
For frosting, in a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a pan of simmering water, whisk together egg whites, sugar, and salt. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch. Transfer to the clean bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until fluffy and cooled, about 15 minutes. Raise speed to high; beat until stiff peaks form. Reduce speed to medium-low; add butter, 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time, until fully incorporated. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Many couples show slideshows at their wedding. But the one shown at Ben Popik and Joanna Hutko's affair featured one very special guest.
The couple, who branded their wedding as "totally sweet" on their Web site , clearly have a sense of humor -- they chose to get married at an aquarium in New Jersey and stated that people's kids were welcome to come, but "in the second half of the evening, children will be put into the shark tank for the amusement of the other guests."
The couple asked members of their wedding party to take on various responsibilities and designated groomsman Adam Conover to create a wedding slideshow. But his task came with specific instructions -- "We want our slideshow to be different. You can do whatever you like, and I won’t ever try to approve it," Conover recalled Popik saying .
What resulted was a unique slideshow that featured photos with an unexpected friend -- President Obama.
Two of our favorite vendors were mentioned in Southern Weddings. The Amazing Floral was Designs by Design and the entire Biltmore event was coordinated by Charlee Geisler at Signature Events. Don't you just love the Tiffany lamps festooned with red roses on each table? See more of Leanne + Robert's beautiful wedding at Marriott Photography.
Every once in a while, I start reading blogs and following links. I found this image from a great photographer in Seattle, Gerald Pope. Nice way to start the day?
Wedding Favors are a touchy subject to me. I really don't enjoy most tshatshkes (little trinkets) placed so lovingly by my plate. I feel obligated to take it home even though it isn't my taste and I hate little things like that cluttering up my home. Today I found something different and you can give me one of these any day. I found them onwww.leweddingfavor.com.
Here are a few of their items:
Brushed Silver Placecard Frame
Silver rectangular place card, 2" x 3", packaged in a black box with PVC lid.
On Sale for $1.25
Abstract "Squares" Glass Plate
This beautiful square deco platter 7.5" x 7.5", comes in a corrugated white box.
On Sale for $3.00
Heart Shaped Cup and Saucer
This very cute porcelain heart-shaped espresso cup and saucer comes as a set of two. It is packaged in a stylish rectangular brown box.
Size: 90 ml (3 oz)
On Sale for $4.00
Chartreuse Leaf Plates
This lovely set of two small chartreuse leaf plates comes delivered in a black box with PVC lid.
Size: 11"L x 6"W
On Sale for $3.25
This lovely set of two large chartreuse leaf plates comes delivered in a black box with PVC lid.
Size: 14"L x 7"W
On Sale for $5.00
Brown Murano Glass Handle Bottle Opener
$12.99 Sale Price $4.00
Salt Ball and Pepper Ring Shakers
This unique favor, comes delivered in a yellow gift box.
4" X 2.5" in size
On Sale for $2.50
Of course, if these are not to your liking, you can always make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your guests.
The Wedding Chronicle's May-June issue is now available throughout the valley. This issue is dedicated to the ENGAGEMENT portion of your grand adventure.
Congratulations! You have become a bride (not bride-to be). You are engaged. What to do next? Here is a little cheat sheet to help you start your wonderful journey towards your nuptials.
First, spread the news! Make sure you tell your parents first and close friends so there is no chance for them to hear it elsewhere.
Get a manicure. If everyone is going to be looking at your hand, make sure it looks great. Gather the parents together if they don’t already know each other. Let them have a chance to size up each family. Listen for expectations for your wedding. Not necessary to voice opinions at this early stage of the game. Make sure you are prepared and pick your battles wisely. Not everything is worth it.
The engagement party is your opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the journey. Robin and Christine from The Flower Studio have offered an excellent idea for the budget conscious bride to really shine in Flowers Married to Design.
Get your ring sized and insured! Don’t forget this important step. It often is simply a matter of adding a rider to your homeowners or renters insurance.
Unless you are accustomed to hosting $30,000 events, meet with a wedding coordinator. We have several great planners here in the paper we can highly recommend. They will help you get started and head you in the right direction.
If you haven’t figured out, this issue is dedicated to your engagement. We have asked many of the finest photographers in the valley to submit their favorite engagement photos to give you ideas. We could not get all of them into this issue so we will continue to feature more pictures in future publications, blog posts and on our website. Enjoy your engagement. This is a wonderful time to sparkle.
Pick up your copy today! And watch for the return of our online edition!
Judy, Bobbie and I had the best time yesterday watching our friend Curtis Whipple receive his diploma at The University of Phoenix Commencement held at the University of Phoenix Stadium. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Many of you know Curtis as the new coordinator of the Wedding and Event Network here in The Phoenix Area. He is also the President of theAmerican Disc Jockey AssociationPhoenix Chapter.
If you haven't met Curtis, you have missed out. Bright, funny and a bit whacked (in a good way); he plays the piano, guitar, sings and is one of the most popular and professional disc jockeys in the valley. I am proud to call him my friend.
As more of our brides try to shave expenses, new pieces of information need to come to the forefront. One of the largest if you are having it at home is "how much liquor should I buy?" As a responsible journalist I must first warn you that you are taking a major liability on yourself and your parents if you provide this on your own. Things happen and it would be awful if you lost a guest on the way home because you didn't know how to say no more.
The best course to follow is to hire a professional bar tending company like Black Tie Events or Pourmasters. All their bartenders have TIPS Alcohol Certification and the Arizona Food Handlers Card. I know these companies personally and can highly recommend their services be it just bar tending, complete bar services or just to sell you the liquor.
But if you are sure you don't need outside services, I have found a nifty little calculator to give you a rough idea about the amount of liquor you should buy for a wedding. I found it on one of my favorite sites REAL SIMPLE. They have set it up by time of day, number of guests and whether you are serving a full bar or just wine, beer and champaign. You can find it here and may your wedding be joyous and safe.
As a publisher of The Wedding Chronicle I receive some strange Press Releases. With the wedding economy being one of the most stable during this recession, companies now believe if you can link it to marriage, it will sell. Hence the following press release:
With This Ice Cream I Thee Wed
Blue Bell Creameries Introduces Groom’s Cake in May
Blue Bell's New Flavor - You'll Love it Enough to Marry it
BRENHAM, TEX. – Every wedding should be celebrated with a toss of the bouquet, a toast to the happy couple and a bowl of Blue Bell Ice Cream… Blue Bell Groom’s Cake Ice Cream to be exact. The newest creation from “the little creamery” is sure to become a wedding tradition.
Groom’s Cake Ice Cream is a luscious chocolate ice cream with chocolate cake pieces and chocolate coated strawberry hearts, surrounded by swirls of strawberry sauce and chocolate icing.
“The inspiration for this flavor came from an actual groom’s cake I tasted at a family friend’s wedding,” said Brenda Valera, director of research and development at Blue Bell “It was so delicious, a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, a strawberry filling and chocolate coated strawberries on top. The flavors were perfect for an ice cream. ” The tradition of a groom’s cake originated in the South, just like Texas-based Blue Bell Ice Cream. Many Southern weddings feature a cake for the bride, which is usually the larger, more grand creation with a groom’s cake displayed nearby.
“Our ice cream might just change the whole groom’s cake concept,” Valera added. “We have already had employees request it be served at their weddings in place of an actual cake. It’s a great-tasting flavor that you can enjoy at a wedding or at home for no special reason at all.”
Groom’s Cake Ice Cream will be available in May and can be found at Albertson’s, Fry’s, Basha’s, Super K-Mart, and Walmart.
For more information and ice cream recipes, visit Blue Bell online at www.bluebell.com.
Did you see it? Did you see it? IT was so cool! And I saw Amy Vandervort and her assistant Julie Horvath (now with BBJ Linen) Christine Seigel (The Flower Studio) and Laurie Southwick Southwick Linens.
I recently expanded my cable selections in my office due to the superabundance of wedding shows. I can almost watch a wedding program every hour of the day. Unfortunately, my favorite show "Platinum Weddings" on WeTV shows at 11:00pm on Sunday nights here in Phoenix. I am either too tired from the weekend or I manage to stay up for a couple of episodes and am cranky all Monday from lack of sleep. These are the top weddings with budgets over $100,000 and some go into the millions. I love the ideas, love the professionalism of the planners and love the fact that they usually don't portray the bridal party in a negative light.
Getting on some of these shows could offer you some services you might not normally afford but at what price? First, having your wedding selected is a lot like getting on a game show. You need to be very appealing! Having a good backstory (as it is referred to) meaning how you met. Did you postpone the wedding because your dog died and you were transported to Oz in a tornado? Great backstory!
Next, you have to fill out the questionaire very creatively! Send an scrapbook with all the questions answered with lots of visual embellishments. Send a video tape along with the questionaire. Do something creative and different to get noticed.
You have to succeed in the first two steps before you get to the Screen Test. Be obsessed or be crazy but above all be authentic in a high energy sort of way. Nothing is more boring than a groom that agrees with everything.
But be prepared to give up some of the control. You may not be able to pick the wedding date and when you do get a date the network can come tape, be ready to find a venue on short notice. Be ready to have the worst of you and your friends and family portrayed. Although it doesn't always happen, it does make for good TV. The network controls all the footage. So don't say it, think it or do it if you don't want it aired. Be ready to be provoke for reactions also.
If all of this hasn't scared you away, you may be one of the lucky ones that is selected. You will get great video of your day. Your vendors may offer a little extra to show them off in the best light. And who knows, you may have something to share with your grandkids some day.
I can't wait for the show. Of course I will be cranky Monday morning.
Our beautiful new First Lady has found the secret any bride can easily attain. Semi-permanent eyelash extensions. These are available here in the valley but there are many different skill levels. To have good extensions discuss the length, the thickness and the color of each lash that will be applied. How quick drying is the glue they use? Ask to see a completed set if possible.
Your lash artist should want to know how you intend to wear your makeup on your wedding day. If you are going for a natural look, you may not want 16-18 mm thick black lashes. My preference ( I am an old lady) is a thinner 10mm-12mm lash. If I need a more dramatic look, I can add mascara. Great Lash by Mabeline is a water based mascara that goes on clean and more importantly comes off clean without hurting your lashes.
Your lashes should be glued on one lash to one lash. Any clumping can cause extra lashes to be pulled out prematurely. This is an operator skill as well as your ability to not leave before they are dried. My eyes are really sensitive so I will have red eyes the rest of the day. You cannot get them wet for 24 hours but then for me, after they are washed the sensitivity goes away.
They last on me about three weeks before I need them refreshed. That doesn't mean they all fall off. No, your lashes are in a continual state of growing and falling out. The cycle is about 6 weeks. So I always check when I see a lash has fallen out to see if my real lash is attached as it should be. I also rub my eyes in my sleep, so a set that can last 3 weeks has been out on well.
The cost of a full set in the valley is everywhere from $150.00 - $500.00. Cost does not imply skill. Refills should be in the $30-$50 range. Do your research. There is nothing better than having beautiful, flirty lashes.
Disclaimer: I am not an expert on lashes, I am simply writing about my experiences. If I am incorrect with my facts, by all means leave a comment and straighten me out. If I have omitted something, please contribute. Thanks AV
Stick-in-the-mud no more! Give your wedges a rest this summer -- wearing stilettos on grassy knolls is made possible again, thanks to SoleMates ($11.95 at Duane Reade). The reusable slip-on heel-protector was invented by two Columbia Business School grads, and is designed to increase the surface area on the bottom of the heel. Thanks to the NY Post for this find.
I received an envelope informing me I won a contest on Marcia's Blog . I was unaware I had entered it but never to look a gift horse in the mouth, I took my nephew to see "Knowing" last night! I wish I wasn't "Knowing" so much about the movie.!!! Not one of the greatest I have seen. But I enjoyed being with my nephew. Thanks Marcia.
Is it cheap to talk about cost savings? I attended a great bridal show last Sunday and had the good fortune to speak with many brides and grooms. Two of my favorite bits of advice I often share with couples can be considered budget savers as well just great ways to do things.
First, is the issue of the cake. I had a chance a few years ago to share a cup of coffee with the Grand Dam of Cake, Sylvia Weinstock of New York. She convinced me that there is nothing sadder than seeing dozens of pieces of orphaned wedding cake drying on semi-empty tables throughout the reception site in the late evening. Makes you want to cry doesn’t it? To avoid this, Sylvia encourages her couples to taste the cake immediately so that while your guests are eating, the cake can be removed, cut and served immediately after the last course. It’s called dessert. No need to serve up other sweets. All that time you spent fretting over the Pistachio Viennese Meringue vs. the Chocolate Expresso Butter Crème will really be important because your guests will actually get to taste the cake. Budget Saver = No extra dessert.
Second, is the tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony. I will come back to how it can save your budget, but did you know in Medieval times, all marriages were arranged by family members and village elders. Just to make sure the groom didn’t run for the border before the whole deal was finished, they put a veil over her head and plopped a bouquet of fragrant flowers in front of her so she wouldn’t smell. Then as soon as the I Do’s were done, the groom could see what he had just signed up for. Is that a tradition you want to respect? Also if you have the pictures of the two of you taken before the wedding, your make-up is perfect. You haven’t cried yet. You get some special time to remember why you are doing all this and the pictures are always better, free of distraction. You then won’t take as long doing family pictures after the ceremony. Budget Saver = Your guests won’t be able to drink or eat as much during the cocktail hour.
As you meet the vendors that will help transform your vision, be very frank. Ask them for ideas to help you save your budget. The quality vendors that advertise in The Wedding Chronicle will delight you. You see, they are not only savvy and sophisticated. They are very smart too.
What to do with the Beautiful, Expensive Bridal Bouquet? I am not a big fan of the glass mausoleum enshrining your wedding bouquet. In fact, I often wonder why brides always get a throw away from the florist for the bridal toss. You see in all the years I have been aware of these things, I have never seen the picture hanging on the wall or the bell jar on the table. Maybe after the first year all of these freeze dried mementos are relegated to a storage closet. So why not have something created you will like to have around?
This I saw this website. Missy Cannon is the artist. The original idea was to combine flower preservation with the fine art of painting. After many years of success with the idea, Flowers Into Paintings® is now a thriving nationwide company.
With the growing success, Missy is proud to announce the expansion of her business into a Fine Art Gallery featuring many talented artists. It is located in Lafayette, La. and is known nationwide.
As many of you know, my sister Judy is the editor of The Wedding Chronicle. As such, she does a lot of writing. For her birthday, I asked Barbara Gardner of Let Them Eat Cake to copy Earnest Hemmingway's Royal Typewriter found in his Key West home. She did a magnificent job don't you think? And it tasted as good as it looked.
Curtis Whipple, Amy Vandervort and families joined us at the Old Town Tortilla Factory, where Curtis serenaded Judy with a lively rendition of the Beatles "When I'm 64." I think she had a good time. Old Town Tortilla Factory, you were amazing too! Thanks all for a great night for my sis!
Senator John Kerry (D-MA) is proposing legislation that would ban all 421 firms including the nation's largest banks that received money from the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) from hosting, sponsoring or paying for conferences, holiday parties and entertainment events.
I am copying an email directly from the ISES Newsletter
ISES Advocacy – Your Voice Matters!
As you are no doubt aware, our industry has recently been splashed all over the mainstream media. From the government's proposed regulations for the disposition of the second half of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), to corporate America's cutbacks on meetings, travel, conference participation and special events for both customers and employees, our industry has been unfairly maligned as extraneous, frivolous, and unnecessary as a core business strategy during recessionary times. ISES leaders have been working behind the scenes with our fellow industry associations to thoughtfully respond to each of these assertions. Now, we need your help to reinforce these responses in your local communities and to your elected officials. Go to the ISES Industry Advocacy page to see what you can do to help carry our industry's message forward.
The actually proposed legislation is found at this link.
You may say what does this have to do with weddings? Everything! Who do you think makes the money from these meetings? Think about all the people involved with meetings and events? Airline staff ; baggage handlers; sky caps; taxi drivers; servers; bell men; housekeeping staffs; meeting planners; bartenders, rental companies, hotels, rental car agencies, florists, musicians, etc. THEY ARE THE SAME PROFESSIONALS THAT CREATE YOUR WEDDINGS. Tell Mr. Kerry, that money would go back to the taxpayers, stimulating the economy as it was supposed to do! Write your legislators call your senators! Failure to act will hurt this industry more than you know.
What are you doing Sunday Night? May I suggest DancIn'spiration 2009?
I have placed info about the event below, but I know you will have a great time, in a beautiful setting for $15.00 I have tickets or you can get them at the door. The benefits are going to help my beloved charity, Arizona Helping Hands. Can I entice any of my friends to join me?
March 8, 2009 - 7:00pm
Orpheum Theatre 203 W. Adams St. Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 534-5600
In 2002, DanceMotion Artistic Directors Kevin and Meri Bender were inspired to look for a new way to support our community through dance and that is how DancIn'spiration came to be. Each year DanceMotion contacts elite dance companies throughout Arizona to stage this benefit show. Each participating dance company brings three numbers of varying genres: jazz, lyrical, tap, character, contemporary, and more. Besides DanceMotion, two other dance companies have been participating in DancIn'spiration since its inception, and all others have participated for at least two years. The waiting list of dance companies that want to get involved is long!
It's an exciting one-day event with the performers arriving early in the day to rehearse and stage the show and learn the 200 participant-wide closing number. The dancers have dinner in the theater and then get dressed and ready to hit the stage.
DancIn'spiration has raised $40,000 for local children's charities to date. Previous beneficiaries include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Caitlin Robb Foundation which provided funds for children's cancer care and research, and Arizona Helping Hands a local charity that sponsors a "Christmas for the Homeless" and "Feed the Children" events.
Meghan Lawlor and Jenny Pinto announced the official start of their new Bridal Salon in Old Town Scottsdale last Saturday night. Threat of rain and all, event coordinator Heather Sloane, Eventfully Yours, Heather and the following great vendors pulled off a great party.
Flowers: Michael at Terrace Florals and Events Rentals: Melanie at Pro Em
Publisher of Arizona's only Bridal Newspaper. Your source for all the wedding news and ideas in the Valley of the Sun; not to mention the best vendors too.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Scary Huh?
Every once in a while, I start reading blogs and following links. I found this image from a great photographer in Seattle, Gerald Pope. Nice way to start the day?
Brushed Silver Placecard Frame 
Abstract "Squares" Glass Plate
Salt Ball and Pepper Ring Shakers
The Wedding Chronicle's May-June issue is now available throughout the valley. This issue is dedicated to the ENGAGEMENT portion of your grand adventure.
Judy, Bobbie and I had the best time yesterday watching our friend Curtis Whipple receive his diploma at The University of Phoenix Commencement held at the University of Phoenix Stadium. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Many of you know Curtis as the new coordinator of the Wedding and Event Network here in The Phoenix Area. He is also the President of the American Disc Jockey Association Phoenix Chapter.
As more of our brides try to shave expenses, new pieces of information need to come to the forefront. One of the largest if you are having it at home is "how much liquor should I buy?" As a responsible journalist I must first warn you that you are taking a major liability on yourself and your parents if you provide this on your own. Things happen and it would be awful if you lost a guest on the way home because you didn't know how to say no more.
Our beautiful new First Lady has found the secret any bride can easily attain. Semi-permanent eyelash extensions. These are available here in the valley but there are many different skill levels. To have good extensions discuss the length, the thickness and the color of each lash that will be applied. How quick drying is the glue they use? Ask to see a completed set if possible.
Curtis Whipple, Amy Vandervort and families joined us at the Old Town Tortilla Factory, where Curtis serenaded Judy with a lively rendition of the Beatles "When I'm 64." I think she had a good time.
Old Town Tortilla Factory, you were amazing too! Thanks all for a great night for my sis!
Foto Cabina, Barefoot Wines, Richard Steele was a great magician, Ambiance Catering and Great Event Photography by Chaz at Broken Image Photography Nice Work!
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