Crowning Inspiration: Save-the-Date "Tie the Knot"

I can't resist sharing this cute idea for a Save-the-Date!

When guests open the card they "Tie the Knot"

Crowning Inspiration: Wedding Planning Seminar at The University of Toledo

I am very excited to announce that I will be teaching

the Seminar In Recreation And Leisure - Wedding Planning at The University of Toledo!

Last semester I had 60 fabulous students. I am looking forward to another great semester. To register for this class, you must be a University of Toledo

or Bowling Green State University Student.

Its Seminar In Recreation And Leisure - Wedding Planning - 54245 - RCRT 4900 - 002 under Health and Human Services, held every Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Crowning Celebration: Kathryn and Edward

I remember my first consultation with bride Katie. When I asked her to tell me about her fiance, Ed, she was just glowing! She smiled and laughed as she described her husband-to-be. She was most definitely in love

and very excited about her upcoming wedding - in less than 6 weeks!

 When Katie and I met, she only had the church and ceremony site and her photographer booked! Katie and Ed each have their own businesses and were very busy. I was happy to assist Katie in finding top-notch professionals for she and Ed's wedding day.

Katie's gown had a cathedral-length train, which was fitting for her ceremony at Rosary Cathedral. To complete the look, Katie had a 27 foot veil!

It was majestic as she walked down the aisle!!!

 

In addition to planning, I also designed Katie and Ed's wedding program, menu card, table number card, escort cards, and favor cards that went on boxes of truffles.

Photographs were taken by Marshall Photography and Crowning Celebrations. Please do not reproduce without permission.

Coordination and Design: Crowning Celebrations, Brittany, Marcy and Michelle
Ceremony: Holy Rosary Cathedral
Reception: Hilton Garden Inn, Perrysburg
Photography: Marshall Photography LLC, Dawn and Steve Marshall
Florist & Crystal Panels: Bartz Viviano, Ann Strickland
Videography: Showcase Video Productions, Aaron Baginski
DJ: Decorative Sound, Michael Baginski
Transportation: Limo Toledo
Cake: Eston's Gourmet Creations
Favors: The Chocolate Shoppe, Perrysburg
Wedding Dress: Atlas Bridal
Bridal Veils: Gallippo's Bridal
Bridal Jewelry: David Fairclough
Bridal Hair: Shamas Salon & Spa

Crowning Inspiration: Wedding Invitation Wording

The invitation can be one of the most difficult tasks a bride can do. So if you have already ordered yours, take a sigh of relief. But if its still on your to-do list, then this is for you.

The invitation sets the tone of the wedding. You don't have to break the bank on expensive letterpress or exquisite papers. But you don't want to go chipper-cheap (as I call it). Your paper shouldn't be anything less than 100lb. But my rule of thumb is 110lb at least. It should hold well in the hand, nice and firm. And if it doesn't, it will not hold up well in the mail and your guests will receive it with damaged edges or worse yet, creases.

I love the creations from Alicia Foehl of Sophie a Design Boutique.

The wording of your invitation is still very much rooted in etiquette. Its probably the most etiquette-binding formality left of the wedding.

Here are some proper ways to word your invite.

IF THE PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST, VERSION 1

Mark and Mary McDonald & John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their children

Elizabeth Denise

and

George Michael ...

IF THE PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST, VERSION 2

The families of

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

request honour of your presence ...

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE PAYING, VERSION 1

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

daughter of Mark and Mary McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

son of John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence ...

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE PAYING, VERSION 2

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

together with their families

request the honour of your presence ...

 

IF THE BRIDE’S PARENTS ARE PAYING

Mark and Mary McDonald

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Elizabeth Denise
to

George Michael Jones

son of John and Judy Jones ...

IF THE GROOM’S PARENTS ARE PAYING

John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their son

George Michael

to

Elizabeth Denise McDonald
daughter of Mark and Mary McDonald ...

 

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM AND BOTH SETS OF PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST

Together with their families

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

request the honour of your presence ...

 

These versions are taking into account that there are no divorces, deceased parents, etc. If that is the case, then a few more rules apply. Also notice that I spelled "honour" in the traditional old English, which is preferred for formal invitations.

For questions about your wedding invitations, feel free to email me!

Crowning Celebration: Marisa & Eddie

If there was ever a couple to define the term "sweethearts" Marisa and Eddie would be it. Not only were they each other's sweethearts from grade school (in which they dated on and off until college), they were sweethearts to work with! Marisa was super organized and on top of the details, which I loved! Not only were Marisa and Eddie great to work with, but so were their families! It truly was one of those weddings that united two cultures, two traditions, two families and two people.

Marisa's heritage is Mexican and Hungarian. Eddie's heritage is Italian and Greek. This was "My Big Fat Mexican-Hungarian-Italian-Greek Wedding"! The service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral was packed with their closest friends and family. I am so impressed how many people came out to witness their vows. {Usually people skip ahead to the party}. During the service Father Ari welcomed Marisa's Mexican heritage as they not only performed the Greek Crowning Ceremony, but the Mexican Lasso Ceremony. The wedding crowns (stefana) are signs of the glory and honour with which God crowns the bride and groom during the sacrament. The crowns are joined by a ribbon which symbolizes unity, and the presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple and establishes them as the king and queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. The priest takes the two crowns and blesses the bride and the groom, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then places the crowns on them. The koumbaro or koumbara then steps behind the bride and the groom and interchanges the crowns three times as a witness to the sealing of the union.

The Lasso, which also affirms their union and commitment, was handmade and presented by the bride's cousin from California.

And at the end of the service, the groom's father presented the thirteen coins to the groom to give to his bride. The thirteen coins are a symbol of the groom's unquestionable trust and confidence placed in her as his beloved wife and gives the responsibility of all of his material to her. The acceptance on her part assures him back of her total love and dedication in looking after him, his possessions and her unconditional love.

I have to thank Father Ari and Pres at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral for allowing Marisa and Eddie to use biodegradable confetti! Guests had fun with it, as did Marisa and Eddie. Check out these great shots!!!

At the reception Marisa and Eddie continued with some touches to signify their heritage. We hung hand-cut paper banderas over the dance floor. They were gorgeous and very intricate! Marisa and Eddie surprised their guest with an authentic Mariachi band to serenade guests during dinner. They were fabulous!

Guests sipped on sangria and enjoyed Greek pastries.

Decorative Sound did an awesome job mixing traditional Greek and Salsa music with modern music.  Guests had so much fun - I have not seen a dance floor that packed all night in a LONG time!!! The party was going strong until the very end.

Thank you Mary Wyar Photography for these awesome pictures!!! Check out Mary's blog and facebook page. If you share these photos, please do not crop her logo.

Ceremony: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Reception: Heatherdowns Country Club

Planning and Coordination: Crowning Celebrations, Brittany, Marcy & Anna

Photography: Mary Wyar Photography, Mary Wyar & Gregg Hart

Florist: Glendale Flowers & Gifts

Table Linens and Chair Covers: I Do Chair Covers

DJ: Decorative Sound, Joel

Mariachi Band: Mariachi Nuevo Zapopen

Wedding Cake: Cakes by Stephanie

Rentals: Special Events Rental

Catering: Catering by Scott

Bride's Dress: Casablanca

Bridesmaids Dresses: Waters Wtoo Collection

Crowning & Savvy: Ice Creations GROUPON

All you savvy brides and hostesses out there - I have a deal you cannot pass up!!!

Ice Creations, Northwest Ohio's premier ice sculptor is offering

a Groupon worth $125 for only $60!!!

Ice Creations designer, Chad Hartson, has national and international recognition for his great works! We've had the great pleasure of featuring his ice bars, ice luges, ice bowls, ice sculptures, acrylic fountains and ice garlands at some of our events! This offer is only good until Friday, July 8th, so act now! Limited quantity available!!!

Crowning & Fabulous: Toledo's 'Cake in Cup' WINS Cupcake Wars!

Congrats to, Lori and Dana at Cake in Cup

on winning last night's Cupcake Wars on the Food Network!

If you haven't tried Cake in a Cup, check them out:

6801 West Central Avenue

Toledo, Ohio (behind Tim Horton's)

419.491.1104

Flavors change daily. For a complete list, check them out here.

Also find them on facebook for some fabulous deals on "last call" cupcakes.

Crowning & Chic - Bridal Bouqet Trends

If you have been keeping an eye on this year's royal weddings, you will notice that the tiered bouquet is back in style! {Yeah!!!}

Prince William and Princess Catherine (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) ~ Great Britain

Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling (Duchess and Duke of Västergötland) ~ Sweden

Prince Albert II and Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco ~ Monaco

Look for more info on Royal Wedding Day Trends in my upcoming Eventista column in the Toledo Free Press.