A Wild, Wild Western Wedding

Credits, clockwise from top left: gown (Brides magazine), church (Martha Stewart Weddings), boots (Style Me Pretty), table setting (Brides), junior cowboys (Snippet & Ink), mechanical bull (Snippet & Ink), tablescape (Martha Stewart Weddings), horseshoe placecards (Brides), hats and bandanas (Snippet & Ink)
And the inspiration was the really cute western themed invites from Hello, Lucky!
http://www.hellolucky.com/heartland-digital-wedding-invitation-espresso-persimmon-and-spring.html

We've had a few really fun Texas couples over the past few years so we thought we'd do a Western/Texan-inspired board. The thought of warm, open fields and cutting loose at a festive outdoor reception is so appealing. And what, I ask you, could be a better ice-breaker at a reception than mechanical bull riding?

I've never been a Wild West type of girl but my favorite yoga teacher from Georgetown Yoga, Margaret Burns Vapp, moved to Montana a few years ago and opened Big Sky Yoga, which is a yoga retreat/ranch/ski resort. She even runs retreats than mix horseback riding and yoga--how fun is that? Ever since I heard about it, I've had a bee in my bonnet about going. Her motto is, "Put a little yee-haw in your Namaste." Love that!

So for everyone like us who is really ready for the winter to be over and who want a little more yee-haw in their lives, enjoy!

Laura and Alison

Thailand Cubed!

Ok, so what do I mean, Thailand cubed? And, why should I care? Well, here are the reasons I am writing about Thailand 1) DESTINATION WEDDING 2) Honeymoon 3) MY honeymoon.


First things first. As Laura and I set out to check up on some major destination wedding locations for you, (we visited a tropical locale last week so stay tuned) I decided to check out one on my own while I was on the other side of the world. More on that later. Phuket is the beach/resort island area of Thailand located about an hour's plane ride south of Bangkok. There are several resorts lining both the east and west costs of the island. The Indigo Pearl resort, located on the west coast, offers visitors the perfect combination of resort and local culture, which will give your guests added reason to travel half way around the world for your celebration.


Phuket was originally a tin mining area and the Indigo Peal's architecture and decor tastefully pays homage to the island's history. The resort boasts space for weddings as small and private as 10 guests to ones with over 250 guests. Given the huge number of mixed culture weddings we are seeing now a days, with guests flying to the event from many places all over the world, why not meet in an exotic locale new and exciting for everyone? Thailand is a nice neutral ground:)


So, back to the spaces. Whether it's a sunset beach wedding, nuptials on the grassy grounds, or using the space of one of their unique restaurants, this destination spot is sure to give your guests an experience they won't soon forget.As a honeymoon spot, you must love to travel. Now don't get me wrong, some people may not be familiar with the distinction between travel and vacation, two very different things. Clearly you don't fly 22+ hours to sit on a beach and relax. There better be something darn good to see that far away. Not to fear, Thailand has it.


From the largest market in the WORLD, to elephant rehabilitation parks, to more Buddha's and temples than you could possibly fit into a trip, Thailand has something for everyone. There are three seasons, hot, hotter and rainy. Best to visit during the hot season, December-March.

Finally, here are my highlights.


We began our trip in Bangkok by way of Seoul. Korean Air Lines was fantastic. Bangkok, to me, was huge and ridiculous. The perks, the Grand Palace, an enormous lying buddha made of gold, the weekend market- read you need to spend a whole day there to actually stop freaking out and make your purchases, it is the size of Magic Kingdom- and the SILK! Buy as much as you can. Bring home reams for friends and family as gifts. They will FIND something to do with it.

Chiang Mai was my favorite spot. Unreal night market- not nearly as overwhelming as the weekend market in Bangkok- elephant adventures, zip cording through rain forests and amazing Thai cooking courses. I forgot to mention, the food here in Thailand is unbelievable and super inexpensive. We ate like kings! Oh ya, and the infamous Thai massage. My husband and I both got one for an hour for only $5!

Phuket was our final stop and time to relax. We rented a car, warning, they drive on the other side of the road and there are NO rules. If a car is bigger than you, make way! The best sunset on the island is at Phromthep Cape. Thanks to my so/so navigating skills and the lack of marked roads, we made it there with about 10 minutes to spare. The amazing Big Buddha

still being constructed on top of a mountain. We went up and bought a marble block to be used on it. In 10 years, when we go back, we can say we helped build it. We took a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, the most amazing beaches in the world. It was on one of these that the movie The Beach with Leo DiCaprio was filmed (it's claim to fame). We experienced the crazy monkey beach here as well. Do NOT let your food or drink out of your possession. These guys are aggressive! Besides that, a little sitting on the beach, kayaking in the ocean and reading by the two infinity pools.


Overall, Thailand was an adventure. The best thing I think you can get from a trip is wanting to go back. Thailand has definitely been put back on the list!

Sara

Wedding Week 2010

Mark your calendars for March 24-28, 2010

Wedding Week 2010 is an educational conference geared toward event professionals. You will have the opportunity to hear from and speak with some of the most prominent industry professionals in the nation. Wedding Week consists of 4 days of symposiums, workshops and events directed toward elevating the special event industry standards and practices in event production, business consultation, and client standards.

They will also be having several events such as a Cake Design Challenge, Tablescape Competition, Pink Veil Event and Grooms' Events.

Guest Speakers to include: Preston Bailey, Sasha Souza, Diann Valentine, Donnie Brown, Preeti Shah, Katie Martin, Andre Wells, Linyette Richardson-Hall, Janie Medley, Stacie Francombe, Pearl Taylor and Isha Foss.

http://www.weddingweek2010.info

Call: 888-373-6856

1920s Inspiration Board {Speak-Easy Style}

Outside club (Flickr by Mukhina Ekaterina), speakeasy (weddingnouveau.com), bridesmaids (oncewed.com), lavender whiskey sour (Martha Stewart Weddings), ceremony programs (brides.com), cake topper (brides.com), bouquet (Style Me Pretty), bridal gown (Martha Stewart Weddings)

We're channeling Chicago jazz and Speak-Easy style today. I love details like retro Bride and Groom cake toppers, the lavender whiskey sour and programs that look like telegrams. And tell me that slinky gown with the bottom flounce isn't the perfect dress for a bride to change into for dancing!

Alison and Laura

Monachetti Video Preview {Eliza and Micah}

Eliza & Micah//A New Year's Wedding from Monachetti on Vimeo.

Enjoy this fun video from my New Year's Eve wedding at The Monaco. Thanks to the fun and talented guys from Monachetti Video for sharing!

Mad Men Inspiration

Dress (brides.com), gloves (weddingaces.com), birdcage veil and shoes (Snippe
and Ink), groom (Style Me Pretty), cigars (Style Me Pretty), oysters (Style Me Pretty), typewriter (Style Me Pretty), Christina Hendricks and bridesmaids (In Style Weddings)

We are loving "Mad Men" and cheer the return of gloves, birdcage veils and pill box hats (and although we love the look of cigars, we could do without the era's chain smoking). What better way to infuse a little glamour and style into your wedding than with some vintage chic (like using an old typewriter for a guest book)! Hope you enjoy a little 1950s inspiration.

Alison and Laura

And the Winner Is . . .

Wahoo Wedding! Congratulations Wahoo! Shoot us an email (laura@engagingaffairs.com) with your contact info within the next 48 hours and we will get you set up with your free Coco Myles dress. Thank you to everyone who voted and took the time to look at all of our inspiration boards and dress designs. We had a lot of fun and hope you did, too.

We have some fabulous new inspiration boards for you this week so be sure to keep reading. And if you'd like to see an inspiration board about a special theme or look, let us know.

Vote, Vote, Vote!

Today is the last chance to vote on your favorite Coco Myles dress creation and wedding fantasy! Just check out the posts from last week (from "Lavish, Lavish, Lavish" through "South Beach Chic") and vote on the post you like best. One lucky voter will win her very own Coco Myles dress! We will pick a winner first thing tomorrow morning and post it. Stay tuned and good luck!

Peacock {Blue} Wedding Inspiration

credits, clockwise, from top left: LoveLifeImages, Style Me Pretty, In Style
Weddings, In Style Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Style Me Pretty, Flights of Fancy,
Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, Flights of Fancy

Lately, we have been using peacock feathers a lot. We've tucked them in menu cards, used them to tie on chairs and even made an entire table topper out of them! I love the luxe look and decadent colors. Peacock blue and vibrant green look amazing together but the feathers even look great with shades of orange. Enjoy this peacock-inspired inspiration board!

Laura and Alison

South Beach Chic {Christine}

I designed my Coco Myles dress based on my dream wedding.

The setting…South Beach

The mood…Sexy South Beach Chic

My bridesmaid’s dresses are fun and flirty which reflects the fashionable beachfront hotel the wedding is being held at. Knowing that my guests will want to party and have a good time, the dresses need to be light weight.

Let me set the tone of the wedding for you. During a ceremony being held over the plexi-glassed pool, the warm wind of the ocean blew. Cocktail hour was held in a white curtain draped lobby where guests listened to live Latin music and smoked cigars rolled by a Miami native, guests reconvened by the pool to enjoy passed tapas and danced all night to the sounds of one of Miami’s best DJ’s. The color schemes of the wedding day mimic the Art Deco design of South Beach’s Ocean Drive.

Christine

So now you've seen all of our Coco Myles dresses and fantasy weddings to go with them. To recap, we have Alison's "Lavish, Lavish, Lavish," Laura's "In The Pink," Sara's Yellow Vision, Grace's "Autumn Fantasy," Amy's Orange Italian Riveria Vision and Christine's "South Beach Chic."

So let us know which is your favorite (you can vote just by commenting on your favorite post) and you'll be in the running to win a free Coco Myles dress of your very own! We will extend voting through Monday so everyone has time to read all of our fun posts and then we'll pick a winner on Tuesday morning. Happy voting!