Rainy Day Brides

So you’ve planned the perfect wedding, complete with a gorgeous view of the setting sun or under a canopy of trees, but then the forecast starts to turn on you and your sunny day turns into a potential blustery wet nightmare. But don’t worry! Here are some great suggestions for how to turn those rainy day blues into unforgettable charming moments!

Rainy Reception

If you know that rain is a real possibility on your wedding day, prepare for the weather from the start. When selecting a venue for its outdoor landscapes, also keep in mind the possibility of showers. Find out whether the outdoor locations are covered, or if there are any indoor spaces that might suffice in the event of rain. Some venues will even provide a rainy day plan in your contract, guaranteeing you a separate indoor space in case of rain.

Drizzling Invites

If you do see rain as a real possibility, let your guests know ahead of time. Include a Rain Card with the invitation to advise them on the proper action to take in case of rain. Maybe you are moving your reception to an entirely new venue, or you just want to let them no to bundle up instead of arriving fashionably dressed. This will save you and your bridal party from making hundreds of calls the day of.

Showery Supplies for the Guests

Of course the rain will be a challenge for the bride, but don’t forget that the rest of your wedding guests will also have to stick out the harsh conditions for you. Come prepared for a drizzle or a rain storm with a couple supplies on hand. For a full proof plan, consider renting a tent for your special day, some venues might even have them onsite. This will keep your guests nice and dry and ensure that you still get to have your outdoor wedding. If an emergency tent service is a bit too out of budget for you, consider purchasing towels and umbrellas for your guests. You'll also need a few towels on hand and maybe a couple of ushers to make sure seats are dried off before guests sit down.

Showery Supplies for the Bridal Party

If you don’t want to be constantly worried about rain, incorporate a rain plan into the bridal party. Purchase colorful cute umbrellas or Wellington boots, so you are ready to splash around. This can make for some great pictures that otherwise might not have happened. You can also get fancy with your umbrella and capture a sweet rainy moment between you and your groom, turning a rainy day into a sparkling shower.

Showery Supplies for You

Don’t forget to treat yourself if you are forsaking your dream sunset for a blustery rain storm. Take the chance to spoil yourself a bit on your wedding day. Perhaps an adorable white coat to keep you nice and warm or the beautiful shawl you were eyeing when picking out your dress. Some brides even prepare a long sleeve lace overlay for their bridal gown so they can still look fashionable, but stay warm. A couple of rain drops might be manageable, but shivering through your vows, probably isn’t your idea of perfection.

You can also inquire about a Rainaway Bride purchase. These custom bridal cloaks, provide you with a hood and a way to keep your dress up so, you won’t be dragging your train through the mud. Buy or rent one to stay dry and clean!

In Case of Emergency Kit

Let’s be honest, rain and any sort of beauty regimen don’t mix well together. You should already have an emergency touch up kit on hand, but in the case of rain throw in a few extras. Have bobby pins, hairspray, and even a straightener to tame any sort of rainy day fallout from your beautiful updo. You might also need a more intense makeup repair kit, complete with makeup removing wipes to get rid of any mascara that has fallen out of place with the rainy weather. 

      

Surprise Sprinkling

If you are caught totally by surprise, the best thing to do is embrace the rain. Sometimes a little hiccup in the perfect wedding is just what it takes for you to really enjoy the day. Stop fretting about the perfect photos and the ideal sunset that you’ve been picturing for months and just give into the rain. Have a relative pick up an emergency umbrella on their way in, or just let the rain pour for your ceremony. It might not be what you had in mind, but you will have a charmingly funny wedding story, and you’ll probably get a few laughs out of your groom.

If all else fails, just remember, rain on the wedding day means good luck for your marriage. So bundle up this weekend and get ready to let those rain drops fall on your head. 

Oviatt Penthouse

What an amazing wedding at one of our favorite venues, the Oviatt Penthouse! 

Congratulations Robin and Timothy!

D Park Photography

Wedding Spotlight Kevin & Rachel

       

Wedding Do's and Don'ts

It is easy to fall victim to some of the most common wedding planning mistakes. Don't be a bride with regrets. Take a look at these do's and don'ts to make sure that the wedding process and the day itself go off without a hitch.

Don’t Buy a Trendy Gown - Do Find a Gown to Flatter Your Figure

Remember the puffy shoulder pads that broke into the wedding scene during the 80’s? Try not to give into a dress that is drastically trending. Feathers, modern shapes, and bold colors might seem like a good idea at the time, but remember your photographs will last for decades. Don’t get stuck looking back at a wedding dress that screams oldies.

When finding your dream gown, keep in mind that these will be your wedding photos for life. Having a gown that accentuates your best assets never goes out of style. In choosing a classic silhouette you can be sure to get the personal/ trendy details while still maintaining a timeless look. 

Don’t Drastically Change Your Look - Do Enhance Your Natural Beauty

While you want to look your best on your wedding day, this day is not the time for any intense changes. A new hair color or overly dramatized makeup makes you unrecognizable in photos. Don’t go crazy for a bridal style either. If a birdcage sounds like a fun idea, but doesn’t suit your personal style, it probably isn’t the way you’ll want to be remembered on your wedding day.

Wearing a bit more makeup that usual is okay on your wedding day – especially to make your photos pop – but make sure that you still can see your natural beauty. Enhance your features, while still feeling like yourself. Try to pick both a hairstyle and makeup that compliment your look and ensure that your groom will be seeing your true beauty as you walk down the aisle.

Don’t Try New Routines - Do Test the Waters

In the week before the wedding, be sure not to try any drastic new beauty regimens or routines. Chemical peels, spray tans, and even new face lotions can cause chaos on the wedding day. To avoid an uneven tan, blotchy skin, or a breakout, try to avoid any special pre-wedding routine that hasn’t been tested out quite yet. The same goes for your groom. A hair cut the day before the wedding might sound like a good idea, but this could lead to a short do that doesn’t quite fit what you had in mind. Don’t leave these things to chance.

If you do want a bit more luxury in your routine, or a few enhancements to your look, try everything in advanced. A spray tan for example, can give a great wedding glow, but doing a test run will give you a realistic picture of just how much tanning you’ll need, plus you’ll be a little more used to the process (so no missing spots or splotches). Any new skin care creams or facial treatments, should be tested in advanced as well. If any blemishes do pop up make sure to have an emergency kit on hand with things like toothpaste which can remove a spray tan.

Don’t Forget Your Budget - Do Set a Realistic Budget

When planning a wedding, it is easy to let money get away from you. A hundred dollars here and there can add up quickly before you even realize it. Don’t ever forget your bottom line. You also don’t want to fall into the trap of paying for it later. You need to keep your realistic budget in mind, gold plated seating is not budget friendly, no matter how much you want it. Also, don’t forget about the essentials. Getting extra sparkle on your dress might seem affordable now, but not when there is no cake later.

When you start planning your wedding, your budget should be the first thing on your to-do list. Be realistic about how much you are willing to spend on the entire event. You’ll also want to keep in mind taxes and tips for your vendors. Just because something costs $500 up front, doesn’t mean that is what you will be charged at the end of the day. Factor in a bit of miscellaneous money too to cover any unexpected costs along the way. Also keep a running total for what you’ve spent and where you have to go, so you’ll know just how elaborate you can get with the rest of your décor.

Don’t Be the Host - Do Hire a Day Of Planner

When it’s your special day, the last thing you’ll want to be doing is running around taking care of guests concerns and questions. Make sure that you treat yourself as a guest at your own wedding. The candy bar, photo booth, and dance floor are for your entertainment too, so don’t miss out on the fun trying to host the party.

If you don’t have a full time wedding planner, see if your venue offers a day of planner or hire one yourself. Relax and enjoy your day knowing that the details will be taken care of by someone other than yourself. You can also ask the DJ to play hostess, by creating a time line for announcements. This way you can be sure that party moves along, without you having to stress at all. 

Adding You to Your Wedding

When planning your special day, you want to remember to keep your style and décor close to your heart. Trends and fads are great ways to add a unique touch, but you want to ensure that the true essence of the wedding compliments you and your fiancé. To really keep things personal, take a note from your own love story like these brides.

Long Distance Love Letters This couple took a page right from their own relationship and incorporated their long distance love into the décor of their wedding. While dating on opposite sides of the country, they relied on letters and an occasional trip providing a perfect base for their special day. They used airmail style stationary and personal postcards for seating cards and invites. They also used vintage luggage to allude to their back and forth travel during courtship. These sweet touches kept this wedding personal to the bride and groom’s individual love story. The result – a one of a kind event that captures both the loving beginning and the hopeful future for this couple.
	Sentimental S’mores This bride and groom threw tradition out the window in favor of their own personal style. After meeting at a country bar and spending their first date together camping, there was no other way to celebrate their marriage than in a rustic country style. The bride accented her gorgeous wedding dress with a pair of cowboy boots and left centerpieces with a wildflower touch. To really set off the personal note, the couple chose a s’mores bar in place of a wedding cake as a unique symbol of their camping roots. Not only did this make dessert a fun and tasty surprise, but it also created the icing on the cake for this personal wedding.
Bow Tie Beauty For an elaborate date for her to-be-groom, this bride planned a romantic escape to Tomales Bay, only to find out the location held a special heart for her future husband. His family had stayed in the exact location when he was a young boy! With fate on their side, they knew this had to be the place they’d say their “I do’s”. To amp up their personal flair even more, they included a bow tie bar for their guests as a cute way of alluding to the groom’s company and German roots. The bride also used her experience as an event designer to really add her own style in each element of décor, creating the perfect blend between husband, wife, and the story that united them.

For more on these gorgeous weddings, check out StyleMePretty.com

Top 10 Celebrity Weddings of 2013

1.  Holly Madison and Pasquale Rotella

In true fairy tale fashion Girl Next Door star Holly Madison married Pasquale Rotella in Disneyland. Their ceremony in the magical theme park included trips on the Mark Twain riverboat, visits from favorite Disney characters and of course Holly's Prince Charming and daughter, Rainbow Aurora. 

2. Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger

Keeping true to their rockstar roots, Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne celebrated their 2013 wedding in all black attire. Even the wedding reception continued the theme with a dark night's sky gracing the newlyweds.

3. Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock

American Idol season 1 winner, Kelly Clarkson finally tied the knot in an October wedding at Blackberry Farms in Tennessee. Sunflowers and lilacs kept this wedding sweet and country. 

4. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto

Michael Jordan set records with his 2013 wedding affair. He and bride Yvette Prieto held their reception in a 40,000 square foot tent, the largest in event planning history.

5. Tamara Barney and Eddie Judge

For Real Housewives star, Tamara Barney, third time was the charm as she said I Do's with Eddie Judge in a June Dana Point celebration. See their nuptials for yourself on Bravo! 

6. Danielle Fishel and Tim Belusko

After finishing up her undergraduate degree at Cal State Fullerton, the Boy Meets World star married fiance Tim Belusko.

7. Nene Leakes and Gregg Leakes

Real Housewives star Nene Leakes married Gregg Leakes in their June wedding, which also served as a housewives reunion with Gretchen Rossi and Kim Zolciak in attendance. 

8. Joanna Krupa and Romain Zago

For Joanna Krupa and long time fiance Romain Zago, no expense was spared in their lavish ceremony. An endless sea of white roses and gorgeous views, made this love story even more glamorous.

9. Aaron Paul and Lauren Parsekian

For Aaron Paul 2013 was a big year with both the series finale of Breaking Bad and his wedding to Lauren Parsekian in Malibu, California.

10. Rider Strong and Alexandra Barreto

Another Boy Meets World alum, tied the knot this year. For Rider Strong and Alexandra Barreto, a rustic country wedding fit the bill, with bridesmaids dressed in cowboy boots and a forest backdrop.

2014 Trend - Rich Colors

Embrace the 2014 trend of rich warm colors for your wedding! This year we are already seeing dark chocolaty browns and eggplant purples that really add drama and elegance to an event. With these nice warm bases, pops of orange and colors add a real statement like the colorful bouquets against the dark dresses above. Try this for your own wedding or event for 2014!

Sunset Silhouette

Capture a sweet moment and a glorious sunset in a silhouette style photo.

Newland Barn - DIY #5 - A Personal Touch

Paola and Josh’s Newland Barn wedding, combined many of the unique DIY projects that we have seen in other weddings, along with a few of their own. Betweent he custom coloring books for the children in attendance, to the lace lined trees, not a single inch of this wedding was left undecorated. By incorporating their own vintage furniture and endless personal details like photos and props, this couple made sure to put their own stamp on their wedding. They even sent guests home with a DIY ornament that helped preserve the memory of the event forever. 

Try this DIY – Wedding Favors Wedding favors are a nice thank you to your guests in attendance, but even when they are cheap, having a gift per guest can add up quickly. Save some money, by making your own party favors. Paola and Josh treated guests with a custom ornament, completed with wedding flowers and a cork. To do this yourself, simply buy clear ornament balls, and fill with an item of your choosing. Confetti, flowers, and even glitter can make a beautiful memory for each guest. Cory Kendra Photography

Newland Barn - DIY #4 - A Wedding in Writing

For a couple with big personality like Daniel and Katie, a simple cookie cutter wedding just won’t do. For their Newland Barn celebration, this couple added fun and personality with their custom script throughout the entire evening. Chalkboards at the ceremony entrance let guests know the wedding party, and the evening’s itinerary. The couple also included romantic and funny sayings on everything from wooden crates to a wagon. They even placed photos in an old window, adding a personal touch in an innovative frame. These touches are a unique way to incorporate personality, and keep guests in the know with the event details. 

Try this DIY – Chalkboards Adding a chalkboard is a great way to communicate with guests about your wedding party or event details. Start by purchasing a new chalkboard and a white paint pen. The paint will not only hold up during the ceremony, but it will also provide a bright and crisp message, that would seem hazy in chalk. Do your research on various fonts and scripts to come up with the perfect design, then start writing away. To glam things up even more, add a frame to the chalkboard. Dominick B. Photography

Newland Barn - DIY #3 - Glamorous Gardens Wedding

Heather and Chris, really glammed up the natural beauty of the Newland Barn with their floral and lighting arrangements. Roses and lilies brought colors to the bouquets and wedding reception, while hanging lights enchanted the reception as day turned to dusk. Every detail was covered, even the trees were decorated with hanging gardens and whimsical birdcages.

Try this DIY – Hanging Gardens While florals can add brilliant touches of beauty and color to any wedding space, they can also increase the budget quickly! Don’t waste pennies on arrangements you can do yourself. For this DIY, purchase your favorite flowers and a Styrofoam ball. Simply press the stems of the flowers into the ball until the ball is covered. You can mix and match flowers, or continue adding until the ball is at your desired fullness. This is a simple trick to save on fancy floral arrangements. Love, Janet Photography

Wedding Spotlight - Huong and Patrick

Newland Barn - DIY #2 - Vintage Floral Wedding

For Meg and Shawn’s Newland Barn wedding, flowers and vintage DIYs helped really bring out the beauty in the Huntington Beach location. With gorgeous bouquets of roses, marigolds, and hydgrangias decorated everything from the gazebo to the guests’ seats, vintage lace added an antique detail, easy for a DIY touch. Between lace doilies and paisley wraps, this couple was able to bring vintage to boquets, place settings, and even the napkins. Another easy DIY – mason jars. Whether they be hanging from the tree, or on the tables, these little jars lit up the night.

Try this DIY – Mason Jars Mason jars can be an easy way to add lighting in a rustic fashion. For a simple project, simply purchase mason jars and fill with small candles, for a perfect glow. Buying mason jars with handles, even allows you to hang the jars from trees or even a gazebo. Looking to glam it up a bit more? Spray the inside of the jars with spray on glue and add a bit of glitter. The jars will not only catch the light of the candle, but will also shimmer.  Joyful Weddings and Events

Newland Barn - DIY #1 - Rustic Country Wedding

For Emmanuel and Haley, the Newland Barn setting provided the perfect backdrop for their rustic country soiree. Bridesmaids in cowboy boots, sweet tea, and floating lanterns made the country wedding sweet and romantic, but the DIY projects added the perfect touches. Emmanuel and Haley relied on handmade guest cards and old black and white photos of themselves and their relatives as an inexpensive DIY, making their wedding perfect for them. The décor event found its way into the bathroom, where chalkboards lined walls with the couple’s favorite romantic movie quotes. These simple touches are a great way to personalize the event while staying budget friendly.

Try this DIY – Vintage Photos Wanting to incorporate this idea into your own wedding? Simply print out your favorite romantic photos, of either you and your to be spouse, or the great relationships within your friends and family. Old wedding photos in black and white look best! Burlap string and clothes pins, keep this idea rustic for the Newland Barn setting. Display the lines of photos along a wall, on the side of your photo booth, or as a backdrop themselves. See more of Emmanuel and Haley’s wedding at  Sherri Cassara Designs