Real Life Bride: Week 19

The wedding is still seven and a half months away, but I've already started to have nightmares! It began about a month ago when I dreamt that it was time for the ceremony to begin and I didn't have a stitch of makeup on or my hair done. And for some reason the wedding was on a Friday so we decided to just push it to the next day instead - very bizarre!

Then just the other night I had a dream that when I went for my dress fitting the dress was too short, by about a foot! It was as if the dress had been made for someone else entirely! Fortunately, in my dream, it must have been the first dress fitting because there was time to send it back and make it over again.

I get to go in for my real first fitting in about a month, so hopefully that dream doesn't come true!

I have nice daydreams sometimes too though. Just the other day I was driving home from work and randomly pictured the moment we both say "I do," and it actually made me a little teary. Cheesey, I know, but I really am so excited to marry Ryan and little moments like that, when I think about our wedding day and smile, make the long planning process all worth it!

Speaking of planning, this week is going to be very exciting for us. Ryan's mom is in town for a visit, so we will be showing her the wedding venue and visiting some possible rehearsal dinner restaurants. Since I'm taking a day off work for the trip up to LA, we are also having our tasting with the caterer, which I am really looking forward to, and a cake tasting at one bakery option - all the fun stuff!

Couldn't resist...

courtesy of Erin Ever After

Summer Pie Festival!

I'm in Aspen today preparing for site visits, design sessions and pie tasting! My clients are forgoing the tradition of wedding cake and instead complementing their backyard BBQ feast and festival like celebration with seasonal, summer pies. Here's a teaser of what my day will look like...

From Top to Bottom: Cherry Cobbler from 101 Cookbooks, Summer Tart from Cannelle et Vanille, Pecan Pie from All Recipes, Berry Crumble from Cannelle et Vanille, Banana Cream Pie from Raw Epicurean, Pear & Plum Crisp from 101 Cookbooks

For my destination wedding, how many people can I anticipate not to accept the invitation?

It's not an exact science, but with destination weddings, you can expect to lose anywhere from 25% to 35% of the guests. There are lots of factors that go into your guest's decision to attend your destination wedding, however, so I always recommend taking a quick inventory of your guest list and evaluating the following things:

1. How close are they to us? Meaning, even if time and finances were a huge issue, would they stop at nothing to attend? Or, are they a more distant friend that would feel fine just sending a gift?

2. What is their financial situation? Can they afford to jet off to Italy or even just Colorado for the weekend or will a trip like yours put them in a financial crunch?

3. Do they have the time to spare? Are they uber busy or do they have the flexibility to take a few days off here and there?

Of course, you might not know the exact details of each person's situation, but going through and taking each guest on an individual basis might give you more accurate insight into how many guests you can expect to attend.

Choosing the Right Venue for Your Wedding Style : Part II, The Private Estate

It's really no secret. While I try so hard to be remain unbiased, I'm a private estate gal at heart. Not that private estates aren't without their frustrations (rentals alone can kill the budget and most are a logistical nightmare when it comes to power, lighting, parking and bathrooms), but even so, there is something wonderful about having a space all to yourself on your wedding day. This being said, I continue my series on finding the right venue for your style with the pros of the private estate.

You might be a private estate bride if:

~You prefer privacy over convenience. Estates are typically renting to you and you only for the weekend meaning you don't have to worry about bumping into the bride who took the morning slot or gawking hotel guests who don't realize that your wedding is not a public affair.

~You like the idea of a completely blank slate in which to implement your wedding day vision. This is a big one for me. Love the flexibility in design that comes with a private estate. Though this blank slate can come with a hefty price tag in order to make it functional.

~You like the idea of marrying at a venue that is a little off the beaten path and is not the site your friends have been to a million times. I confessed last week that resorts have found a new place in my heart, but truth be told if you live in Southern California, chances are you and your friends have been to several weddings at the best resorts in Los Angeles. Private estates typically reduce this possibility making your day feel that much more special.

~You want to live in the lap of luxury if only for a minute. Many private estates are multi-million dollar homes with breathtaking views, glamorous amenities and an all around, over the top experience.

~Along with hosting your wedding at these homes, many allow you and a few select guests to stay at the home, making it the perfect place for a rehearsal dinner bbq or morning after brunch as well.

Next week, let's chat about the beauty of hosting a wedding in your very own back yard.

E + A Get Hitched

                                                                                                
Halloween in Santa Barbara never looked so elegant as on E & A's big day! From saying vows at the Natural History Museum (my new favorite spot) to dancing the night away at Four Seasons Biltmore, the wedding was definitely one of my favorites of all time! With a haunted mansion atmosphere, the couple wanted to give a nod to the holiday without going too kitschy. The end result was lovely with the appropriate amount of spooky fun. Check out the images from Amy and Stuart...