Lillipop Designs Giveaway!

I have a theory that there are two types of people in the world: those who absolutely want kids in their wedding, and those who really don't. After seeing the charming, whimsical creations from today's giveaway sponsor, count me squarely in the former camp. 

Today's giveaway comes courtesy of the lovely Jayme Lillie, owner of the children's wear line Lillipop Designs. Each Lillipop design is handcrafted using reclaimed cotton and recycled fabrics. The results are as darling as they are eco-chic. 

Precious, right? And now one lucky Bridal Bubbly reader can win $50 towards a one-of-a-kind Lillipop Design! Just email us (weddings@engagingaffairs.com) with Lillipop Designs in the subject line and tell us you'd like to be entered in the drawing. We'll pick a winner on Tuesday!

And in the meantime, enjoy this quick interview with the creative force behind Lillipop, Jayme Lillie.

What inspires you?
As a children's wear designer, I'm constantly inspired by the world around me. I have three small children of my own, and I find when I try to see the world from their perspectives, an entirely new realm opens! Nature's bounty is an endless source of inspiration... the colors, the organic shapes, even a particular scent can provoke a memory that leads to a new design. I'm also particularly inspired by anything and everything vintage. I love the simplicity and whimsy of vintage textiles, and collect them every chance I get!


How would you define your style?
My hope is that others see my style as being timeless. I design pieces with clean, simple lines and natural fabrics that are appropriate today and will be relevant in the future. The whimsy is in the details, while the classic silhouettes let a child's personality and charm shine. Above all, my style reflects the eco-friendly nature of my product while still being refined and current.

What are your favorite colors for the coming season?
The next season of Lillipops formalwear will feature more contrast. I'm doing quite a bit with graphic black and white, which is always on trend. Clean white with pops of color, like turquoise and yellow are always popular. For fall, I'll be introducing a few dresses in darker colors like navy and chocolate brown that are more appropriate for cooler weather celebrations.


What do you like most about working with brides?
I absolutely love working with brides. Each bride has a very specific vision for their special day, and I am so honored to be a part of that vision! Custom work is the backbone of Lillipops, and children's formal wear  is a joy to design and construct. I love knowing that the dresses I design are unique to that wedding and I hope they become family heirlooms.


What would be one piece of advice you'd give a bride? 
Make sure to take time to recharge. I remember planning my wedding more than a decade ago, and making all the dresses (including mine) myself. I was so exhausted by the actual wedding day, that it was hard just to let go and enjoy the day. Perfection is just an illusion... the best moments are usually completely unplanned. Whether it's making regular "dates" with your future spouse or taking a quiet solo break, it is vital to give yourself a respite from everything wedding related on occasion.

How to contact Lillipop Designs:

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/lillipopsdesigns?ref=top_trail

Thanks to Jayme for this fabulous giveaway! 
Alison

Honeymoon Islands Giveaway!

Today we have a super-cool giveaway! We aren't giving away an island as the title might lead you to believe (although that would be one bad-ass giveaway) but we are getting one reader a little closer to visiting one!

Our favorite honeymoon travel specialist, Honeymoon Islands, is offering $100 towards a honeymoon package.  So if you're planning a honeymoon but haven't gotten around to actually booking it (or if this is on your fiance's "to do" list and it hasn't gotten done yet), this is the giveaway for you. Just email us (weddings@engagingaffairs.com) with Honeymoon Islands Giveaway in the subject line and tell us you'd like to be entered. We'll pick a winner on Monday!

We have been working with and recommending Teresa from Honeymoon Islands for nearly 15 years. I can't even count the number of my couples she has worked with over the years and they have always been thrilled. She really knows the resort market and, even more importantly, the honeymoon market. Although she traditionally specialized in island honeymoons (hence the name), she has expanded into luxury travel in all destinations and has sent couples to South Africa, the Far East and all over Europe.

We did a little Q and A with Teresa to find out more about her business:

How long have you been working in the travel industry?

30 years, Since 1982

Why honeymoons?

Passion is “my passion”.  It’s deep routed in my soul. I guess you can call my soul’s calling. I’ve spent the last 30 years of my life searching the world for the most romantic, most pampering places where you can lose yourself. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have the best job in the world. 

What do you love about working with couples?

It’s the beginning of where dreams come true. It’s not only a happy celebration but we are creating day one of their vision of love.  I’m honored that people invite me into their lives to help them create a lifestyle that they not only wish to take as they start their new life together but will continue growing and evolving over the years as they explore the world together.

How long out should couples start planning their honeymoon?

About one year prior to the wedding, and have it all finalized 8-6 months prior to the wedding is standard. I have to add that Teresa has pulled it off for my couples in less time, though!

What is one piece of honeymoon advice you'd give couples? 

One important factor to consider is your expectation – budget ratio.  Does your budget match your expectations?  If not, you have decisions to make.  Should you lower your expectations to match your wallet or should you increase your budget to meet your expectations?   I think all couples want the “wow” factor experience for their honeymoon.  From the time you step off the plane at your destination, drive up to the hotel and open the key to your room you want to experience a lifestyle that dreams are made of.   Does your budget allow you to do that?  Like most couples the answer is NO, you have under budgeted.  This is what I call the “50% rule”.  You have most likely under estimated the cost of your dream trip by at least 50% and in some cases even more.  My number one advice I have is you can’t take a champagne honeymoon on a beer budget.  Let’s face it, weddings are not cheap, honeymoons are no different. Look beyond the price tag.   What will you remember 5, 10, 20 years from now? How much you paid or the experience and memories you created?   Life is full of experiences….What will you remember?

 
What are the newest trends in honeymoons? 

1)       Honeymoon Gift Registry - This is a brilliant idea if you need help paying for your honeymoon (who doesn’t?)  especially for those of you that have everything in place for your home already. The key to a successful Honeymoon Gift Registry is to “get the word out” and limit how many registries you have so you don’t dilute your money.

2)       Familymoons –  A destination wedding for the 2^nd timers to included the blended families as their wedding party.

What are the honeymoon hot spots? 

Caribbean, Hawaii, and Tahiti are timeless classics although Thailand and South Africa have seen a rise in popularity. Thailand is the up-and-coming luxury destination that offers a combination of adventure and culture along with pampering relaxation.  South Africa is on the horizon as a leading spot for wine excursions in Stellenbosch wine district in concert with a safari at Kruger National Park in search of the Big 5.

Any favorite destinations or resort?

I have many favorite resorts depending on the region of the world.  On the Maldives it is a toss up between  One & Only or Four Seasons both for their privacy and overwater bungalows. In Thailand I melt each time I visit Phulay Bay, a Ritz Carlton Reserve for the stunning views and the service.  In Prague I love visiting Prague Castle in the winter time when there are fewer crowds…The Four Seasons Hotel is a must.  I love each and every Caribbean Island for it’s own uniqueness, however, it’s hard to beat Curtain Bluff because it’s one of the few places around the world that you can have trouble falling asleep at night because the sounds of the waves crashing in front of your room can keep you up at night gazing at the stars from your bed…how great is that.  Also, Can’t miss the spa at Sandy Lane in Barbados voted by Conde Nast as the best island spa in the world. The list is endless.

What is one thing couples should definitely pack that they might otherwise forget?  

A Camera…you will never have this event just like it ever again.  Capture the moments.

How to contact Honeymoon Islands:

Web site: www.honeymoonislands.com

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/HNYMOONislands

Facebook: www.facebook.com/honeymoonislands

Make sure you log on to Honeymoon Islands’ web site in September as they launch a new and improved web site to offer more exciting destinations and resorts. 

Please note: The honeymoon package booked should be at least $5,000 to use the discount.

Thanks to Teresa for this great giveaway.  Good luck everyone!

Bridal Bubbly Wins Sassy Blog Award!

We're excited to announce that Get Married has awarded us a Sassy Site Award! We like to think we're pretty sassy but it's always nice to hear it from someone else.  Check out the Sassy button over there on the right.  Here's what the herald trumpeters had to say when they presented us with the hand-lettered announcement scroll:

Your blog is Smart, Awesome, Savvy, Stylish, uniquely You, exuding SASSY! We applaud you for your contagious enthusiasm, crafty inspiration and fun ideas!

Okay, there weren't any trumpets and the scroll might have actually been an email but it still felt pretty fabulous. It's so nice to hear from other sites and readers.  Thanks to everyone who has told us they love Bridal Bubbly! We love you right back!

Laura

"Getting Hitched" Winner!!

Thanks to everyone for entering our first giveaway of the month-long giveaway bonanza! The winner of "Getting Hitched" is Sarah Megorden.  Sarah, send us your mailing address and we will pop this book right out to you! 

Stay tuned for another great giveaway coming very soon! Keep entering, everyone.  We are having so many great freebies this month that the chances are pretty good that you'll win something. I mean, seriously, the odds are in your favor!

You can also follow us on Twitter @bridalbubbly for announcements of the new giveaways and posts. Thanks for reading!

It's ALL About the Shoes!

For a while now I've been planning a blog on wedding shoes.  They're not your standard dyeables any more.  In fact, I had a bride this spring tell me she couldn't even find a place to dye her shoes.  (In the end, we did, but it really is a dying breed I do not suggest.)  I remember the first bride I had who wore something other than the standard white, ivory or cream shoe.  It was a bride named Nicole who wore beautiful (comfortable) royal blue ballet flats back in 2007.  So, as an ode to beautiful footwear and happy feet everywhere , here are some favorites.  Let me know which you like best!

My mom always says "Red Feet are Happy Feet".

These yellow shoes just make me smile :)

Here's her something Blue!

I wonder if she lasted all night in these!

 Some serious glitterati!

So what color shoes will you be wearing down the aisle?

Sara

A Plum of a Wedding {Plum, Ivory and Gold Inspiration Board}

Tablescape (Brides.com), escort cards (Style Me Pretty), bouquet (Style Me Pretty), bridesmaid dresses (Martha Stewart Weddings), purple shoes (Leo Patrone), cake (Brides.com), invitation (Next Exit Photography), silverware (Brides.com) 

It may still be summer but we are in the thick of planning for our Fall and Winter weddings and plum is a big color for our brides. Plum is such a sophisticated shade and it looks gorgeous when paired with soft, warm tones like ivory and gold. This board is for one of Amy's brides. You know it's a Bridal Bubbly inspiration board if it has at least one cake (often two) and a pair of amazing non-bridaly shoes! 

And if you missed it yesterday, the blog giveaways have begun.  Yesterday's giveaway: a copy of the "Rough Guide to Weddings." We'll announce a winner on Wednesday so email us (weddings@engagingaffairs.com) anytime before then to enter.
Enjoy!
Laura and Alison  

Let the Giveaways Begin!

Welcome to the official relaunch of Bridal Bubbly! Yes, we know that the new design went up a few weeks ago but we were just too excited by Heather Bianchi's cool new header to keep it under wraps. So what's new with the blog?

Well, for one thing we will be profiling tons of new wedding products and vendors this month in tandem with our huge giveaway bonanza! We have over 20 giveaways and discounts during the month of July which means we are giving away something really cool almost every day. Everything from a gift certificate for honeymoon travel to a custom designed birdcage veil to custom lollipop favors. How fun is that?

Plus, we'll continue with the fabulous profiles of real weddings, the fun inspiration boards and the practical planning tips.  We'll be adding more profiles of our favorite wedding finds and starting a series of posts about relationship and marriage topics to take you beyond the "I Dos".  All fabulously fresh original content to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.

So check back every day and be sure to leave us comments and enter the giveaways. We love to hear from readers.  Happy comments make our hearts go pitter-patter!  And, most of all, thanks for reading!

Our first giveaway of the month is a copy of the book Getting Hitched: The Rough Guide to Weddings for Girls and Guys. So, this is a great wedding guide (and I've read a lot). It's a practical and down-to-earth guide for modern couples, providing all the advice and information you need to plan your dream day, whether that be a "green" wedding, a commitment ceremony, an alternative bash, or a traditional church-and-champagne affair. From the practicalities of budgets and venue-booking to the emotional curveballs you'll be thrown along the way - whether cold feet or mutineering bridesmaids - it will help you pull off your perfect wedding without losing your mind.

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of this book (and perhaps save yourself some sanity and cash), send an email to weddings@engagingaffairs.com. We'll pick a winner on Wednesday. Good luck!
Laura

Real Wedding Planning {Inspiration Board}

Photo credits, clockwise from top left: aisle (The Knot), bride with bridesmaids (The Knot), manzanita trees (Elizabeth Ann Designs), lanterns, (Getmarried.com), boutonniere (Getoffwhite.com), cupcakes (Georgetown Cupcakes via Celebrations.com), escort stones (pacificbrideguide.blogspot.com), tablescape (Martha Stewart Weddings), floral centerpiece (Martha Stewart Weddings) 

Our real bride, Renee', is back with the next step in her wedding planning process:

Keeping in mind that we're getting married in a garden (you can check out our venue in my last blog post), we want to incorporate elements of nature into our wedding day. The colors we chose are apple green and white with some touches of light pink (not too girly for the groom, but including a lot of green as it is both of our favorite color). Our wedding will be in the evening, and we are envisioning a fun and classy summer garden party as an overall theme. Enjoy!
Renee'

Get Ready for the Bridal Bubbly Relaunch Celebration!

You may have noticed that we rolled out our new site design a couple of weeks ago. (We were so excited by the fabulous new look that we just couldn't wait!) But now we want to make sure that everyone knows that we have a fun new design and great content so we are celebrating our blog relaunch for the entire month of July!

Starting on Monday, July 5th (this coming Monday) we will begin a month-long series of really great giveaways! We love finding amazing wedding products and sharing them with you so we have gathered over 20 amazing wedding products for you to win!!! That means a new giveaway just about every day. How cool is that? Plus, we'll have sitewide discounts for readers at some of our favorite wedding sites. And, of course, we'll continue with the great original content. Lots of real weddings, new inspiration boards and vendor profiles.

So spread the word and be sure to check the blog every day for really cool new giveaways!

A Disney Romance {Kristine & Alec}

From the moment I met Kristine, we clicked.  Whether it was the fact that we both went to Duke or the fact that she (and the groom) works for Disney (how much fun is that?) or the fact that we had a similar sense of humor, we had the best time working together. Add to this a fabulous groom, lovely families, gorgeous venues, fun details and I was in wedding planner heaven.

We didn't have tons of time to put the wedding together (6-7 months for a Spring wedding in D.C. is not long) so we opted for a Friday evening wedding to get our choice of vendors.  After a citywide venue search, Kristine and Alec fell in love with the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  New York Avenue Presbyterian Church happens to be right across the street from the museum so it was the perfect choice for the ceremony site.

The wedding day looked to be potentially rainy but that didn't dampen the spirits as the bridal party got ready at The Willard Hotel. The Willard really does has great suites for getting ready!  The ladies were transformed by Gustavo's makeup team and Susie McNair's hair expertise. At the end, the bride was getting hair and makeup done simultaneously to stay on schedule!

The bridal party hopped on a shuttle for monument photos before the ceremony so they could get good light (and miss the rain).  I love the jumping shots because this was a really fun group!

The groom had to stop for ice cream before heading over to the ceremony! I mean, can you blame him?

The programs, menus and other reception paper goods were designed by yours truly (using fonts and inks to coordinate with the couple's Smock invitations) and printed by my favorite folks at Rockville Printing.  I am getting mad Photoshop skills (okay, maybe not mad, but definitely proficient).

Rev. Peyton (another absolute favorite of mine) presided over the ceremony that featured a solo by the bride's college friends from her days singing in the Duke accapella group Lady Blue. Guests threw biodegradable confetti as Kristine and Alec ran out the doors and over to the reception.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts looked absolutely stunning with the shades of dark blue and white that the couple had selected.  Nick Perez of Multiflor created gorgeous white arrangements of hydrangea, orchids and stock with lots of glass and candlelight that sat atop shimmery dark blue linens. John Farr Lighting created the romantic ambiance with soft amber lighting that seemed to make the room glow.

And of course, we had to have bride and groom Mickey ears!

Instead of traditional escort cards, we had four large white frames with canvases covered with a pretty swirly blue fabric (that went well with the table linen) and white tags pinned to the fabric with guests' names on them (calligraphy in dark blue ink by Caren Milman).  It was something unique and it fit in well with the museum setting. Alison and I spent a better part of the week before the wedding painting the frames and covering the canvases and we had a lot of fun!

After the guests took their tags, we transformed the frames into "charity boards." Each of three boards had a description of a charity near and dear to the couple: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Special Olympics, and Honor Flight. Each guest received a custom paper tag that said "Share the Love" and an instruction card explaining that they were to pin their tag to one of the three frames downstairs to vote for their favorite charity.  The bride and groom would then donate money to each charity according to the votes.  People had a lot of fun voting and coming back to check on the status of their favorite cause during the evening.

Another fun detail that fit into the museum setting was the live painter, Irina Koren, who created a portrait of the bride and groom's first dance.  It's always fun to watch Irina work and the couple gets a beautiful painting of their wedding.

After an amazing seated dinner by Occasions (and the incomparable Joel Wolke), guests watched from the balcony as the bride and groom danced their first dance.

Then the bride danced with her father and finally everyone took to the dance floor while the fabulous band Nightsong took the stage.  I have to say this band was fabulous and kept people dancing all night!

The only time guests stop dancing for a second was when the bride and groom cut the cakes by the lovely Kendall from Kendall's Cakes (don't you love the custom bobblehead cake topper?). 

The groom's cake was a replica of the bride and groom coming down the Splash Mountain ride at Magic Kingdom since working together on this ride was how the couple met.  

And see if you can find the hidden Mickey in the icing on the white wedding cake.  Okay, it's not hard to find in this close-up shot. It was a lot harder to find when you had a whole cake to examine, let me tell you!

Another big hit of the evening was the s'mores station.  The bride and groom love s'mores so we had a do-it-yourself s'mores making station.  Everyone loved this!

The final surprise of the evening were Mickey Mouse cookies that Joel and I conspired to do without the bride and groom knowing.  It was fun to see their faces as the trays of decorated cookies came out.

This wedding was so much fun to work on and to attend. It was filled with creative touches that were personal to the couple and were just plain fun. I loved every moment of it! 

I have to thank all the wonderful people who went above and beyond to make the day happen. Thanks to Linda (a Disney alum herself) from Linder and Associates for flawlessly (as always) coordinating the transportation, Michelle Alberg from Michelle's Memos for the beautiful invitations from Smock, Regal Limousine for the getaway Rolls Royce, Tom Bowen for video coverage so unobtrusive we almost forgot he was there, the team from the Women's Museum who let us have s'mores, and my phenomenal assistants Alison and Maeve. A special thank you to Juan Carlos Briceno and his team at Fotobriceno for the gorgeous images.

We wish Kristine and Alec lives full of imagination and wonder (what else?)!
Laura