Meet Laura and Gerrad

Laura and Gerrad, one of our fabulous couples, are getting married this weekend! We first met Laura and Gerrad last winter, and have enjoyed working with them and getting to know them throughout the planning of their wedding. These adorable high school sweethearts have been an absolute pleasure to work with. They will be tying the knot, and getting their "happily ever after", this Saturday (11/12/11) at The Milestone in Denton. 


They have an amazingly talented team of wedding pros; EE Photography, ELLE Films, Astounding Sounds DJ and Lighting, Serenata Strings, Lush Couture Floral, Cakes Amore, Wynnwood Catering, Ducky Bob's, TC Makeup, Socially Write, Lonestar Valet, and Choice Luxury Limo. We look forward to working with these fab vendors on making Laura and Gerrad's wedding an incredible one. 


Laura is in school to become an RN and Gerrad is almost finished with firefighting/EMT school. They are such a sweet and serving couple, with big hearts! Laura and Gerrad are truly a beautiful couple inside and out, and we're honored to be a part of their very special weekend. 


A huge thank you to Erin Woolsey with EE Photography for these gorgeous engagement photos of Laura and Gerrad. 

Weddings Trends for 2011

2011 is well under way and we're so excited about the fabulous trends we're sure to see a lot of in weddings and events this year! Some of these trends started last year and will continue to be HUGE this year, and others are new to 2011. Here are 14 noteworthy trends we're loving for this year! 


1. With a new year means a new color of the year. And this year's color honeysuckle conjures up feels of rejuvenation, youth, and happiness. It is beautiful paired with grey, taupe, champagne, or even a bright like yellow.

photo from theknot.com 

2. Vintage touches. Borrow a grandmother's broach or piece of jewelry for your hair, on a chair treatment, or even on your cake. Bonus is that it doubles as your something old.

photo from perfectweddingguide.com

3. Eco friendly options. We love recycled letterpress from Bella Figura. Print your save the dates, invitations, programs, menus, place cards, etc... all on eco friendly recycled paper. 

photo from Bella Figura Letterpress

4. Rustic chic. Lots of details and creativity. Think shabby chic meats the woodsy outdoors.

photo from style me pretty

5. Ball gowns with a twist of vintage inspiration. The princess wedding dress is making a huge statement this year with the royal wedding right around the corner. 

photo from Oscar de la Renta

6. Sequins and beading. On everything from dresses, cakes, and flowers.

photos all from brides.com

7. Statement making headwear. Tasteful tiaras and headbands, feathers, and head turning cathedral length veils.

photos both from brides.com

8. Non-traditional dress choices, like the little white dress. Brides are choosing comfort over the a-line style of the past few years.

dress by Marchesa

9. Contemporary. Mixed table sizes and shapes, bold colors, lavish decor, lounge seating, after parties, late night snacks, cakes in extended tiers. 

photo from thenot.com 

10. Bold colors. Vibrant palettes like purples, reds, and golds. 

photo from theknot.com

11. Succulents. Bonus, they're eco friendly and great take home items.

photos from Martha Stewart Weddings

12. Flirty and whimsical touches.

photo from Flashbox Photography 

13. Chair treatments. Forget about boring seats! Chairs are getting a makeover this year, with linens, broaches, flowers, fringe, sashes etc...

photo from theknot.com

14. Banners. Great for at the altar, your get away car, on bride and groom's chairs, and held in engagement photos. 

photo from theknot.com

No matter what trend(s) you decide to incorporate into your wedding or event, brides and party hosts remember to keep it simple. Stick to a few trends and don't try to pack them all into your wedding or event. What are some trends you are seeing? Which ones will you incorporate into your wedding or events?

Wedding Inspiration - Regatta Blue

A few days ago we shared Pantone's, the leader in color for the design industry, top ten color picks for 2011. And we also shared a design board using two of these hot colors for 2011, honeysuckle (the color of the year) and silver peony. Today we have a regal beauty of a design board for you. Without further adieu, we introduce you to Regatta!

Photos top to bottom, left to right; shoes advantagebridal.com, kate middleton instyle.com, blue martini brides.com, wedding reception projectwedding.com, ceremony programs theknot.com, wedding cake theknot.com, bridal bouquet polyvore.com.

Wedding/Event Attire for Men, Inspired by the 2011 Golden Globes

Yesterday we shared our Top 10 picks for Golden Globe Looks that are Aisle Worthy for brides. But what about all you men out there....well today is for you grooms, groomsmen, fathers, and male guests. The men on Sunday's red carpet looked quite dapper, and we know all you guys out there can look just as well put together and handsome at your next wedding or event. Here are just a few photos of the men on Sunday's Golden Globes red carpet. 


Ryan Gosling in Ferragamo, and donned an oversized bow tie 

Jeremy Renner is laid back in all black

 

Jake Gyllenhaal is classic in a Burberry tux

All photos from justjared.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A BIG thank you to all of our amazing friends, family, vendors, and clients for a wonderful and memorable 2010! We look forward to an incredible 2011! We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and fabulous New Year! Cheers!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...

The BIG Day!

Hooray! Smile, you're getting married today! All of that planning, and yes at times hard work, has paid off. This is the day you have been anxiously anticipating and waiting for. Be sure to eat a light breakfast. You will also want to allow amble time to get ready (see our post yesterday on timelines). But most of all, relax and enjoy every moment! 

Happy Planning, and Happy Holidays!

Photo from a wedding we did at the FIlter Building, by Jimmages

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

On the tenth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...

Wedding Vows!


Writing your own vows is a popular alternative to reciting the traditional vows, and helps create a personal touch. If you choose to write and say your own vows make sure you and your hubby-to-be are on the same page regarding saying your own vows. Take the time to write your vows in advance and to practice saying them out loud, you don't want wedding jitters or speaking in front of a crowd to leave you tongue-tied. You can take inspiration from poetry, songs, or other sources. 


Consider taking a piece of prose that expresses the love you share with your fiance, or a reading from a religious text, that can add special meaning to your ceremony. These are especially moving when sung or read by a family member or friend. You can structure it into your ceremony in a way that is beautiful to you and your hubbs-to-be. 


Photo is from a wedding we did recently at St. Thomas Aquinas, by Dallas Digital Events

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...

Patience and Clarity!


Through all of the planning and all of the engagement madness, take a moment every so often and remember why you are doing all of this wedding planning in the first place...love.


While the pretty flowers and yummy cake and fun parties are great, planning a wedding can be stressful and I bet there will be moments when you and your hubby-to-be won't see eye to eye over the details. That is why it is so important to take a step back from the wedding plans and to refocus your energy on yourselves and on your love for one and other. 


During the course of your engagement schedule in some "me time". Get a spa treatment, workout, take a yoga class, meet a friend for coffee, read a book. Take time away from planning your special day to help rejuvenate and gain clarity. 


When your love and you aren't seeing eye to eye, take a "time out" from the wedding planning, and do a non-wedding planning activity together. Go for a walk, watch a movie, meet friends for a drink, play a game, exercise. Again, anything to reinvigorate yourselves and to gain some clarity. 


Doing these small, and fun, things will help you stay focused on your love and why you are getting married in the first place. It will also help you to be patient with your man and with everyone around you. Because let's face it planning a wedding can be tough, and it can be stressful. 

So remember, patience and clarity will help you thru this crazy exciting journey that we call engagement (and planning a wedding). 

On the Seventh Day of Christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...

A wedding registry!


The months leading up to your wedding is that fun time when you can walk into stores and indulge your shopping spree whims without worrying about your bank account (or your wedding budget). But more than just the ultimate shopping spree and a fun outing with your hubby-to-be, setting up a wedding registry is a great way to let your guests know which items you want to start your new life together. Your wedding registry will also be a great aid in keeping track of who bought what (in case cards go missing from gifts). Having a wedding registry will reduce your likely hood of receiving duplicate gifts. 


While china, flatware, glassware, cookware, table linens, bed linens, and bath linens are traditional items to register for it is absolutely acceptable to add other non-traditional items as well like luggage, outdoor grills, and even sporting equipment. These days couples are even registering for their honeymoon. 


Some of your friends and relatives might want to get you gifts as soon they hear about your engagement so it is best to begin your registry early on. Even if you start with just a few items, you can always add on. You will want to register at least a month before your engagement party and/or first shower. 


Stick to two to four stores that you love. Choose at least two to three that are large department stores or chain stores (i.e- Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate and Barrel, William Sonoma). 
*Get your registry started with our ultimate registry list ($2)


When it comes to letting your guests know where you are registered, proper etiquette dictates that you should never include registry information on your wedding invitation or in your wedding invitation suite. Rather rely on family members and your bridal party to spread the word. It is completely acceptable to put your registry information on your wedding website, which we highly recommend. 


Happy shopping/registering! 


Photo from Martha Stewart

On the Sixth Day of Christmas

On the sixth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...

The bridal party!


You've hired a wedding planner, came up with a budget and put together a checklist, found that perfect dress, booked the venue(s), and hired someone to capture the special day. Now it is time to ask your attendants to stand up for you, and delegate their duties. 


When choosing who would like next to you think of your very closest friends and family. And don't forget each other's siblings (i.e- his sister, if the two of you are close). Consider the size of your wedding, if you are anticipating around 100 guests than 4 attendants on each side is ideal (4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen). If you are having a larger wedding, let's say 300-400 guests, than you can "get away with" having a much larger bridal party (such as 8-12 attendants on each side). 


Yes, anything goes these days when it comes to weddings, but it can be nice to follow traditions. Here is a brief run down of who should do what, according to traditions. You can most certainly put your own spin on the traditional roles, just be sure to let attendants know what you would like them to do and make sure that they can follow through. 


Maid of Honor- Your maid of honor will organize and host the bridal shower. She will sign the marriage license as a witness. You may want to have her help you with your attire, before and after the ceremony...holding your train while you walk, bustling your train after the ceremony, helping you with your veil, etc... During the reception you can have your maid of honor look after your purse and personal items. 


Bridesmaids- Trustworthy friends who are your support system. As well as the support team for your maid of honor. Your bridesmaids will be there to help you with pre-wedding tasks when you need them. Bridesmaids are often expected to hit the dance floor and help get the party started. 


Flower Girl- A little lady (typically age 2-8) who walks down right before the bride. Either with the ring bearer or right after he walks down. Have her scatter flower petals from a basket, or she can carry a pomander. 


Best Man- Aside from planning and organizing the bachelor party, your best man will also sign the marriage license as a witness. He can help your hubby-to-be with his attire before and after the ceremony. Your best man will carry the bride's ring. He should make the first toast, after your parents. 


Groomsmen- Trustworthy friends who will help your hubby-to-be with preparing for the big day. Aside from helping plan and pay for the bachelor party; they may decorate your getaway car, dance with dateless ladies, and act as ushers if you are not having separate ushers. 


Ushers- Ushers ensure that guests are seated before the ceremony. Your ushers will escort guests, and any family members who are not in the processional, to their seats. You can also have your ushers hand out your ceremony programs to guests as they arrive. 


Ring Bearer- A young boy (age 4-8 recommended), who will walk down the aisle after the bridesmaids and groomsmen and just before you and your dad. He can either walk with the flower girl or right before her. Ring bearers carry a pillow with rings tied to it (we recommend fake ones so that your rings do not get lost). 


Happy planning! 

Photo by Shaun Menary Photography, is from a recent wedding we did. 

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

On the fourth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...

A venue!


Looking for that perfect venue (or venues) to exchange your vows, become Mr. & Mrs., and party the night away is an exciting process and can be exhausting all at the same time. You will want to look for charm, personality, and roominess. Here are our top 5 things to consider while out on venue tours.


1. Ample Space - Make sure the room is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The space make look roomy when it's empty, but keep in mind that you will need enough room for tables, chairs, buffet, the band or DJ, the dance floor, possibly a lounge area or a photo-booth...and each of this things can take up a lot of space. The best way to assess the size of a site is to ask to see the venue when it is being set up for another wedding. 


2. Privacy - Privacy varies widely from place to place. If you are getting married in a park, on a golf course, or in a botanical garden be prepared for some on-lookers and possibly even a few smiles, waves, and well wishes from passer-byers. If this bothers you, consider a lawn at a private estate. Be sure to ask the banquet hall or hotel if they book more than one wedding a night and if they have another wedding booked for your desired wedding date. If it will bother you to hear the noise of another party or for another bride to share your venue, than consider trying to book your wedding on a date when there won't be another one next door. 


3. Color - If you have your heart set on a particular color palette or theme make sure the colors of the carpet, walls, curtains, and chairs do not clash. If you have your heart set on a spring pastel palette of rose pink, ivory, and sage green then that brown carpet just might wreck the effect. The venue doesn't have to match exactly, but it shouldn't clash with your mood or theme either.


4. Outlets - Make sure to take a good look around the room to see if it has a lot of outlets. Especially if your venue is not a regular host to weddings. The main user of the outlets will be the entertainment and lighting, so take note of where the outlets are located. And be sure to ask your entertainment vendors (i.e - band/DJ, lighting, photo-booth, etc...) how many outlets they will need. Be sure they are dedicated outlets so that they don't blow a fuse. 


5. Parking - You will want to make sure that the venue has a well light parking lot or garage nearby, or enough space on the street for parking. If parking is sparse at the venue than consider a shuttle bus to transport guests from a better parking location to the venue.


If you would like more ideas or help on finding the venue for you, please contact us at info@deainemichelleevents.com or 214-810-4024 for a FREE consultation. Be sure to mention the 12 Days of Christmas when emailing or calling. 


Happy venue hunting!



Photo from a wedding we did at Arlington Hall, taken by Katie Mosley Photography

Let's Make a Difference, and Let the Planning Begin!

Nikki & Tommy's Wedding

We had such a blast being a part of Nikki and Tommy's beautiful wedding at the Filter Building. Nikki who is the owner and creative guru behind Doodle Dog Advertising was the ultimate do it yourself bride. We love how she took her creative savvy and brought it to her wedding decor. She literally thought of it all! From tags, to favor boxes, to the ceremony programs, to signs, and the dessert bar, etc... their wedding was exceptionally well "branded". I also loved how Nikki and Tommy's family and friends got involved and helped out on their wedding day, you could really tell how loved this couple is! Here are some of our favorite photos from their big day! To see more of their photos (including their super fun and fabulous "photo booth" pictures) visit and "like" our Facebook page. 

Wedding Planner - Deanie Michelle Events

Florist - Branching Out

Photographer - Jimmages

Photo Booth - Amy Barry Photography 

DJ - Complete Music

Caterer - Jim Lee Events

Cake - Cakes by Design 

Rental Company - Celebration Event Rental

Venue - Filter Building