Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Tissue Poms Put To Work!

Here are some pics by Photohouse Montreal catching the poms in action!

A Dash of Color: Perfect Puffed Poms!

You have heard us ramble on about Etsy.com one million times. Now we'd like to ramble about one of their most colorful vendors, A Dash of Color. This crafty vendor will cut in pointy or rounded motifs, any size tissue poms you'd desire. What the heck is a tissue pom? Well for those of you who love paper lanterns but don't have the budget for the lighting kits etc, we'd like to introduce you to the TISSUE POM! A festive and unique way to add a little pizazz to any event; shower, stagette, wedding...anything really. A Dash of Color will send you everything you need to set up your event including filament wire to hang the poms. All you need to do is puff the pom! See below and the next post for the finished product.

Ohhh what a nicely puffed pom!

That bride must be a real slave driver...

I know! Let's recruit a man!

So many lovely poms!

Poms for days.....

POST-IT NOTE TWELVE: GUESTLISTS. Discuss.

Now that S1 has completed her bridal journey, S2 is beginning hers. Upward and onward. Shall we? (More deets from S1's wedding is on the way!) Ok, this is what we are talking about. Guestlists. The thick. The thin. The Guestlist. For all events, more specifically the bridal shower and the bachelorette. So where do you begin? Is every female invited to the wedding expecting an invite? We will let you know your thoughts. Starting with...

THE SHOWER
Traditionally all women invited to the wedding are supposed to attend the shower. Today, tradition has somewhat been tinkered with. We say, invite the women who are close family members and close friends. Weddings are expensive enough without burdening a distant relative (let's call her Sally) to bring a shower gift. Yes, there is such a thing as a thoughtful bride.

What about the age cut off at a shower? In our opinion, shower's can be quite tame. However, sometimes there can be certain references to things beyond teenage ears... We feel that no one should be invited under the age of 15 years old. Again, this is your decision and what you feel comfortable with is always best.

THE BACHELORETTE
As a rule, anything and anyone goes. We feel that you should invite the people you feel the most comfotable around. Chances are you will probably be in some compromising situations and you most definitely do not want to feel uncomfortable with your co-worker on Monday morning.

Also important to note are the non-wedding invites. These people are of course more than welcome to attend your last night of freedom. Don't feel restricted in inviting only those attending the wedding.

Age cut-off? Easy, legal drinking age wherever you live..or are going.

Above all, invite those who you really want to be there and the one's your HFH (handsome future husband) want there as well. You're a good bride.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Wrinkle In Time's Shoot with Our Contest Winners! P.S. We're baaaccck!

Weeeeee'rrrrrreee baaaccccckkkk! After a significant hiatus and a few awesome weddings, S1 & S2 are back for your enjoyment. While we were gone, we had the chance to meet up with Charles & Tatjiana from Wrinkle In Time Photography. They are awesome and really down to earth which comes through in the shoot they did with our contest winner, Billy & Marina! Read Billy & Marina's touching story below and check out some of the highlights of their beautiful shoot. You can see more at http://www.wrinkleintimephotography.com/.

"So I met Billy through his brother who I met through a friend. Chatted, went out, again and again. He was exactly what I've always dreamed of. Fell in love (again and again)! In the midst of all this, we discover through our parents that when I was born we lived in his parents' building, right above him when he was three. YEAH! I know! But the most amazing little fact from our relationship: a day before we even spoke, we both noticed each other at the local bakery (Afroditi). He was getting a quick snack, I was getting a cake for my brother. A week into our "dating" he asked me if it was me that day in that place at that time...(remember, that was a day BEFORE we even spoke)... Right at that moment I remembered "that guy" I shared a simple smile with. Was in shock and got goose bumps all over; it was Billy. I was (and still am) in awe at the coincidence, which I like to call destiny. So a year went by, our love for each other grew with our relationship...and guess where he proposed? Afroditi bakery!!!! At the very spot we first saw each other. Went in to pick up treats for some friends (so I thought), and there it was, in the display case, one white cake with red letters spelling: Will you marry me Marina? .... Tears fell, ring came out, answer was a huge YES!"







Wednesday, July 7, 2010

POST-IT NOTE ELEVEN: The MOH Speech vs. Butterflies in Your Abdominal Area. Discuss.

If you are like us right now, you are sitting in a chair, contemplating nakedness, with a fan directly in your face. Hot? Indeed. Sweltering? Absolutely. Dying? Almost...

Oh man. Wedding days that are this hot...wow. This is probably one time where we feel badly for men. The suit/tux. Hot weather. Toasty.

Getting on to the point. S1 is about to be married in less than two weeks! Yeesh! We cannot believe that it has: A) Come so fast B) Come so fast and C) All of the above...As one of S1's MOH's (she has chosen two lovelies), S2 and S1 have been preparing loads of final touches to make S1's wedding complete (and beautiful, S2 might add...)

The only thing is this: THE MOH SPEECH (butterfly tummy commencing........now). When S1 asked S2 for this amazing honour over Place Tevere pizza at a local shopping mall, S2 began mentally preparing right away. Now with the wedding less than two weeks away, those mental preparations need to be put into actual words. On paper. Slightly memorized. Practiced in front of a mirror. But where do you start? How do you put into words all of those wonderful memories you have shared since adolescence? How do you relay how much your friendship means to you and how happy you are for her in a 5 minute diddy? How do you make sure to be funny yet appropriate for Grandma and Grandpa? Well, here are a couple of things you (and S2) should keep in mind when writing THE MOH SPEECH (side note: whenever THE MOH SPEECH is written in bold, it should be read in the same voice as that movie announcer guy...):

- Brainstorm ideas in advance. Consider how the bride and groom met, the first time you met the groom, your history with the bride, etc. This makes your speech personal and touching.

- Remember, do what feels natural for YOU! If you are funny, BE FUNNY! If you are sentimental, BE SENTIMENTAL! The speech has to reflect you and your personality.

-Consider your audience. In most cases, the ages will range from 7 to 70 (just a random guess). Be really careful about including racy stories or super confidential information. I am sure Aunt Bessie will not be pleased to hear about that random pole-dancing-in-front-of-a-million-tourists- story. Keep the subject-matter upbeat and relevant!

- Start with a catchy opening...everyone loves when their attention is captured. Right? Right?

- Bottom line is this: speak from the heart, remember those public speaking mantras (maintain eye-contact, don't fidget, practice practice practice, loud and clear voice, etc...) and you can't go wrong!

So good luck with THE MOH SPEECH fellow MOHers! Keep in mind that there is alcohol available to ease the process...a minimal consumption is recommended. S2 will be thinking of you when it is over and the dancing begins!

Announcement Time! Announcement Time!

After a couple of months running the BeeBrothers Music " They're Playing Our Song" contest, we would like to announce the lucky winner!

Congratulations to...(insert drum roll here)

SAMANTHA SCOTT who wins this glorious prize!

Here is Samantha's photo that made us "Bubble" with laughter! In her words, "I always wanted to marry someone who was goofy and could make me laugh. Since day one, I knew that Mike "Bubbles" was the one."

We wish you all the best Samantha in your upcoming nuptials!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

POST-IT NOTE TEN: Feeling the crunch vs. doing a crunch. Discuss.

Bonjour tout le monde! Our posting frequency has sucked of late. Sorry. Weddings seem to be a full time job these days. That being said, stress levels are at their max. Segway? That's right, readers! Today's Post-It Note is all about stress!

De-stresser NUMBER ONE: What Wedding?
With all the wedding commotion that is bound to come up in the 4-6 weeks prior to the wedding, it's easy to lose sight of your relationship. No, not the one with your wedding binder....Your HFH. Take the time to spend time together sans "wedding talk".

Options:
-Go to a movie
-Go out for drinks or coffee
-Cook dinner - anything "date-like" that can take your mind off of everything going on around you, and focus on why you're marrying him in the first place. Afterall, life goes on the day after the wedding.

De-stresser NUMBER TWO: Bridal Bootcamp?
This is a good de-stresser for mulitple reasons.
1) You will reap the benefits of a good exercise program whilst combatting your stress levels.
2) You'll be smoking hot in your dress not to mention, out of it later on ;)
3) Something about endorphins releasing your third eye.

Options:
-join your neighborhood gym
-join a yoga studio (NOTE: this can be pricey, as yogis, S1 & S2 suggest buying an 8 or 10 class pass)
-do something outdoors; walking, jogging, tennis, rollerblading, biking, etc.
-set a daily goal; 25 push ups/2,500 sit ups...to start.
-download P90X (this guy's intense and sure to help you burn a few) or Body Fuzion!

If anyone is interested in hiring a personal trainer, we have a great selection of people who specifically work with brides looking to trim up for their weddings (info@thenuptialnotebook.com).

*NOTEBOOK NOTE: this de-stresser option is a great way to spend time with your HFH as well!*

De-stresser NUMBER THREE: Pamper thyself

We here at the Nuptial Notebook realize that the closer you get to the wedding day, the less money you will have at your disposal. That being said, there are still ways to enjoy a spa like experience without spending big bucks.

Options:
-Go to the pharmacy with your bridal party and get some at home manicure/pedicure kits, nail polish, facial masks, maybe Nair if you're feeling saucy? Spend an evening in indulging yourself.
-If you're polish skills are lacking, there are many places around the city that can give you a great manicure for $15+tip (email us for more info).
-Want to make sure your pearly whites are pearly for the big day? We stand behind Crest Advanced Seal Whitestrips. S1 just finished a 14 day treatment and her teeth look glorious. This is a pick me up just by making you feel better about your everyday look.
-S2 is protesting this for God knows what reason, but get your hair trimmed. Chances are you need it but are putting it off to keep your length. Nonsense! A nice blow...out always does the trick :)
-Invest in a good book. Go to Chapter's or your fav book store and spend some time getting distracted. Jodi Picoult is a good place to start...

Let us know some of your fav ways to de-stress! We would love to hear from you!

ATTENTION! ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO WIN YOUR VERY OWN SONG!

Hello lovelies. Please note the deadline to win a custom song is this Friday, June 25th! Email us at info@thenuptialnotebook.com if you'd like the chance to win a custom, original song for a first dance, gift to your future spouse, thank you gift for your parents, a song for your wedding video soundtrack...and the list goes on! BeeBrothers Music does an incredible job with any criteria you give them so do yourself a favor, and enter our awesome contest!
Winners will be announced June 28th, 2010!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Madame K Floral Design- Yay! Bridal Bouquets!

Bridal season is upon us! As is gorgeous flower season. This makes us think of two words: BRIDAL. BOUQUET. The two best words to ever be combined.
Madame K has been featured on the Nuptial Notebook before. She is an amazing floral designer who has a natural touch with flowers. For your enjoyment we will be showcasing her bouquetful bridal arrangements. Look, listen and feel.

For Madame K's contact info please email us at info@thenuptialnotebook.com

Monday, May 31, 2010

POST-IT NOTE NINE: Cash bar. Include this on the Invite or Surprise Your Guests? Discuss.

Before we get started on our 9th Post-It...we would just like to apologize for being a little on the MIA side this past week. Apparently, life has smacked us in the face.

Now that that is out of the way, let's talk about SURPRISE cash bars. Everyone always loves a good surprise. Right? A surprise bachelorette party, a surprise bridal shower, maybe even a surprise wedding present...How's this for a surprise? You get a beautiful invitation in the mail. A lovely summer wedding is on your horizon, yay! Hotel information is included as are the standard directions to the venue and the typical who? what? when? why? where? Any hints on what the surprise is yet? Nope, we do not see it either...

That wedding sure has crept up fast. You walk into the reception room after an intimate and romantic ceremony, drop your envelop in the card box and continue onto find your seat when the best man walks up to you. (Hint hint: surprise is approaching.)

"Here are your drink tickets, you're at table 16!"

Drink tickets? Oh no. SURPRISE!! There was no mention of a cash bar on the invitation! And, you are sporting a very cute new clutch purse that is too tiny for all your credit cards. To make matters worse, you just put all your cash in that envelop! What to do?

**Allow ourselves to interrupt ... ourselves and clarify that we are in no way, shape or form condemning the cash bar. This option is a real money-saver and if photography or the meal are important to you, the bar is certainly a place to cut costs.

So now back to what do you do? Unless you're willing to ask friends for a loan, you'll just have to grin and bear it. No, going back into your gift envelope is not an option even though you may be dying for that rum and coke.

This is one of the prime reasons that you should always notify your guests that they will be coming to a wedding with a cash bar. The other reason, is that some people will base the amount of their monetary gift on the price of their plate. The last reason, is that if people know about the cash bar beforehand, they can plan ahead and bring a bigger purse ;) It alleviates stress & your guests will feel more at ease.

Bottom line. Always. Notify. Your. Guests.

DISCLAIMER: Any similarity to real life events is purely coincidental.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Remember Those Awesome Contests??? SUBMIT AN ENTRY!

Contest Numero Uno: "They're Playing Our Song"

Who: BeeBrothers Music
What: A free custom wedding song
When: Deadline to enter - June 25th, 2010
How: All you need to do is provide The Nuptial Notebook with one picture of the bride and groom to be, a little sentence explaining why this is your fav picture and email it to us at info@thenuptialnotebook.com

Contest Numero Dos: Free Photography

Who: Wrinkle in Time Photography
What: A free engagement or wedding shoot
When: Deadline to enter - July 1, 2010
How: All you need to do is provide The Nuptial Notebook with a short note explaining why you and your hubby to be deserve this wonderful opportunity for a free shoot. Email it to us at info@thenuptialnotebook.com

Enter now people! These are some AMAZING, SUPER, MAJOR VALUE prizes. Plus, you will have them for a lifetime. You will be reaping the rewards on your 50th wedding anniversary...

We Heart Etsy for all Your Bridal (and Non-Bridal) Needs

Oh boy, do we have a little gem for you...Are you looking for accesories for your wedding day? Perhaps a hair piece or a necklace? Do you need gifts for your Bridesmaids? Well.....let us introduce you to ETSY!

Think of an awesome flea market combined with a vintage store, now add an arts and crafts flavor...ahh...the wonder we like to call Etsy. Basically, Etsy is like the Ebay of handmade goods and vintage finds. It is an online store for people to sell the items that they make or have collected over time. You can find anything here from a to z....wedding invites, save the dates, decorations, wedding party gifts, etc, etc, etc.

The one stop shop: ETSY. We strongly recommend it for all Brides and non Brides alike.

Hair comb by Lottiedadesigns

Earrings by Lottiedadesigns

Vintage Gift Tags by NoSugarExtraCream

Vintage Ball Mason Jars by Whippoorwheel

Tissue Poms by Prosttothehost
We likey alotty. Do yourself a solid.....Check it out already!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

WIN FREE (yes...FREE) PHOTOGRAPHY!!!


If anyone believes in love at first sight it's Tatjiana and Charles. They are the two photographers that make up Wrinkle in Time Photography based in New York City. They met and married within three months and their romantic outlook is captured in every engagement or wedding they shoot. Now here is a question, why is this awesome for YOU????

Wrinkle in Time Photography will award to a lucky couple...get ready for it...either a free engagement shoot or free wedding photography. Would you like me to repeat?
FREE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT OR FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!!!
To enter the contest you must simply tell us why you are deserving of this awesome prize.
Email us at info@thenuptialnotebook.com before July 1, 2010.
**To be eligble to win you must be available to shoot with Wrinkle in Time Photography between July 12th and July 18th, 2010 in Montreal**