Mr. DeMille Wants to Know: Are You Ready for Your Wedding Close-Up?

photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com

While weddings take months to plan, it feels like the actual day itself can go by in an instant. Making the following analogy ideal… Planning a wedding is to the actual day as Michael Phelps’ training is to the Olympics.

Phelps trained day in and day out for years in order to jump in the pool, swim less than a minute and take home the gold… 8 times. It’s madness, I tell you! Complete madness!

And while your wedding day might not garner you the same fame as eight Olympic gold medals did Sir Phelps, it’s still one you’ll hopefully want to remember forever. But how do you remember something forever when it’s done in a flash?

In pictures, of course!

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a schmillion times… Your wedding photos are hands down some of the most important – if not the most important – keepsake you’ll have from your day. So, it’s important to make them count!

Recently, theknot.com put out a list of the 50 (New!) Must Have Wedding Photos for Your Album, and I’m dying to know what you think (or what you would add!)! While I consider several of the items to be a bit of “Pete and Repeat” and slightly unorganized, I do think it’s crucial to get as many ideas as possible; hence why i even put a few more of my personal suggestions at the end as well! Whoop, whoop! So, without further adieu, here they are (with a couple examples from our big day courtesy of the ahhhhmazing Jessika and Jimmy Feltz!!):

1. A Really Good Kissing Shot

2. The Guys Getting Ready (see also #21, #41, #43 and #50)

Ohhh to be a dude on the wedding day. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

3. Your Bouquet (see also #10, #14 and #49)

4. The Reception Tables

5. Your Shoes (see also #25)

Granted, this is merely the heel of my shoes... but I love this shot! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

6. You — In Action

7. Your Favors

8. Your Wedding Party Kids — Junior Brides, Ring Bearers, Flower Girls, etc.

Haha! Yessss! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

9. The Wedding Cake

10. Bridesmaid’s Bouquets (see also #3, #14 and #49)

11. The Ceremony — Pulled Back

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

12. Your Dress

13. Your Hairstyle

14. His Boutonniere (see also #3, #10 and #49)

15. Candid Shots of Your Bridesmaids

Love love love these ladies! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

16. The Ceremony — From a New Angle

17. Your Wedding Party –Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ushers, Miniature Attendents, etc.

18. Your Guests

Might I suggest doing a Photo Booth? The pics WILL be epic. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

19. The Scene (see also #32)

20. The Reception — Pulled Back

21. Getting Ready with Your Mom (see also #2, #41, #43 and #50)

22. A “New Angle” Photo (see also #46)

23. The Ceremony Details

Part of the Four String Quartet (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

24. Your Jewelry

25. His Shoes (see also #5)

26. A Sign of the Times Shot — Twitter, iPad, Facebook, etc.

27. Your First Dance

28. A Posed & Composed Couple’s Shot

From our editorial / aeroplane shoot :) (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

29. The Escort Cards

30. A First Look Photo

31. A Silhouette Shot

Feel free to include the groom too, hehe! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

32. A Scene Setter (see also #19)

33. A “Magic Hour” Photo — reference term of photographers for right before sunset or right after sunrise when the light is best

34. The Wedding Dog

35. The Little Odds & Ends

One of our reception decorations standing proud. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

36. The Getaway Car

37. A Dramatic Couple’s Shot

Again, from our editorial / aeroplane shoot! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

38. A Funky Backdrop Couple’s Shot

39. A Movie-esque Old Hollywood Shot — Black & White

40. The Lighting

From inside one one of the trees :) (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

41. Your Bridesmaids Before the Ceremony (see also #2, #21, #43 and #50)

Grouped together outside the church! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

42. You and Your Dad

43. Getting Ready Photo of You (see also #2, #21, #41 and #50)

44. A Before the Ceremony Toast

45. Your Glamour Shot

46. An Artistic Angled Shot (see also #22)

47. A Stolen Moment Away

Just the two of us! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

48. Your Fashion Shot

Hiiiiiiiiit it! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)

49. The Boutonnieres (see also #1, #10 and #14)

50. A Before the Ceremony Shot (see also any # that becomes before the ceremony, hehe!)

I would also like to offer few more shots you could benefit from… ’cause goodness KNOWS I did!

• Cake Cutting
• Other “Special” Dances (ie. father/daughter, mother/son etc.)
• Speeches & Toasts
• Bouquet Toss
• Garter Toss
• The FOOD! (Dead sere, these were some of my faves!)
• Bridal Exit from Church
• Wedding Party Entrance to Reception
• Grandparents
• Guest Book

10 Tips for a Fabulous “Love Birds” Themed Wedding

photo courtesy of Google Images

Because I’m a true lover of all things historical – I know. My cool points just went up about 12 degrees, haha! – I love love love where the concept of “love birds” comes from. Born centuries ago, the phrase first started making its way onto the scene when it was believed that birds began mating on February 14^th each year. This being the ultimate holiday of love, the two circumstances happened into one lovely little expression that has now become a commonplace endearment today.

The romance of this sentiment has inevitably translated into the world of weddings and has become a highly adaptable and trendy theme. So, if you’re a sucker for love birds, here is your guide to creating the perfect, “Watch the Birdy!” themed wedding of your dreams.

#1. Feathers. One of the most stunning aspects of any bird and not to mention one of the hottest wedding trends today is feathers! Feathers are the perfect touch of glamour and romance for any wedding day celebration and are easily incorporated into most of your details. Simply sneak these trendy tufts everywhere you can: boutonnieres, bridal hairpieces, bouquets, centerpieces, etc. Even your dress can bird fur inspired! The list could go on and on, so get creative!

photos courtesy of austinweddingblog.com, thesweetestoccasion.com and atticsunglasses.com

#2. Card Holder. Transform a beautiful vintage birdcage into a convenient wedding card holder. Guests will marvel at your resourcefulness, and this station is sure to complement the rest of your wedding seamlessly.

photos courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com

#3. Dove Release. Create a striking ceremony finale by featuring a couple of real life love birds with a dove release. These stunning white flyers symbolize peace, love, and good fortune, making them a popular wedding favorite.

photo courtesy of virginiadoves.com

#4. Place Cards. Greet each guest at their respective place settings with a nest-and-eggs place card. Simply nestle a few sugar-coated almonds into some decorative moss, stick the place card inside and voila – a magical place setting that doubles as a sweet treat.

photos courtesy of exoticexcess.com and southernliving.com

#5. Bird Houses. No bird-themed bash would be complete without a few fowl-friendly abodes. These miniature dwellings can float from the reception hall’s rafters, but can also be utilized as centerpieces, table numbers or a wish “jars”.

photos courtesy of joeelariophotography.com

#6. The Send-Off. Go green by providing some traditional bird seed for your guests to celebrate the send-off. The seed is easily accessible and affordable and will complement your theme flawlessly. Plus, it provides a tasty treat for the actual birds hovering nearby.

photos courtesy of babyshowerhosting.com, manolobrides.com and heidiryder.net

#7. Beverages. As couples imagine more and more creative ways to keep refreshments cold and refreshing (bathtub coolers, canoe coolers, etc.), why not think like the birds? Get a few big-basined bird baths, fill with ice, and let cocktail hour begin.

photos courtesy of alyssajulblog.com and plowhearth.com

#8. Cake Topper. A simple detail, but important none-the-less. The latest cake topper favorites include classic and modern porcelain birds, or quirky and whimsical fabric birds. Either way, tailor your love bird cake topper to complement your theme and your personality as a couple.

photos courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com and thisnext.com

#9. Tweet. Even with all the above ideas, there is still plenty of room for imagination. Fill your reception venue with plenty of bird inspired décor, such as: Paper bird pendants, fabric birds perched on branches, signs that read “Love Tweet Love” and “Love Birds” or miniature birdcages filled with candles.

photos courtesy of boards.weddingbee.com, debbiemumm.com and modernepr.com

#10. Favors. Don’t send your guests back to their nests empty-handed. Make sure you end the night with take-home treats that pay homage to the love bird theme. Bags of sugar-coated almonds will act as delicious, candied robin’s eggs. Or go a little greener with ornament-style birdseed that guests can treat to their backyard friends. And don’t even get me started on love bird themed jewelry for bridesmaids! Talk about trendy and unique!

photo courtesy of weddingchicks.com

No matter what you choose, there’s no denying the chic appeal of a love bird themed wedding! It’s understated elegance allows you to go as simple or outlandish as you like, while still maintaining the underlying theme of love, peace, and hope. For more great love bird wedding ideas, check out Marilyn’s Keepsakes.

It’s Easy to *Fall in Love* with Wedding Gloves

Audrey Hepburn did it in Funny Face…

photo courtesy of lilpaisley.typepad.com

Jackie “O” wore ’em when she made her way down the aisle to JFK…

photo courtesy of life.com

Even the eptiome of princess standards, Cinderella, kept it classy in her over the elbow accessories…

photo courtesy of bangthemisfit.blogspot.com

No matter who you are, what your personal preference or style is, there is simply something undeniable about the classic nature wedding gloves bring to a bridal look.  Whether their long, luxurious and crisply polished with satin buttons or short, lacey and decorated with delicate details, bridal gloves can be a chic way to dress up your big day. 

They can be kept true to form in white or ivory, inspired by Old Hollywood glamour and vintage velour or even taken to the next level and modernized with color, fingerless shape or Avant Garde appearance.  As always, the decision is left to the bridal beauty rockin’ ’em, but one this is for certain… bridal gloves have got classic style and vintage glam covered!  Take a gander below and see what I mean :)

photos courtesy of i-weddingdresses.com, shoponline2011.com, wedding-dress-gown.com, bridalshoesuk.co.uk, atfirstswoon.com and brides.com

Fingers Crossed for Round 2: Nick Lachey + Vanessa Minnillo are Engaged!

The happy couple ringing in the New Year in New York. (people.com)

Whoop, whoop!  Looks like the former Mr. Simpson (ya snooze, ya lose Jess!) and his long time lady friend, Vanessa Minnillo are finally making it official, and this wh@cked out wedding crasher is as pleased as punch!  I mean, y’all already know I love me some hot celebrity gossip, but there is nothing better when the famed whispers heard ’round the water cooler become factual news… especially when it is centered around reports this sweet!

According to people.com, Lachey, 36, and Minnillo, 29, became the latest on a long list of sexy celebs gearing up to take “the plunge” when late Thursday afternoon near a beach in California, Lachey got down on one knee and romantically requested for Minnillo be his wife.  **Swoon City**

I mean, will you just get a load of these two lovies??  Too freakin’ cute, right? (story cont’d below…)

Taking a carriage ride in New York's Central Park on Valentine's Day 2010. (people.com)

The engagement ring – according to a people.com source – is a Bader & Garrin Asscher-cut diamond flanked with trapezoid trinkets, and while I have a tendency to get twisted around with ring shapes, sizes and designers, as jewelry was never my thing – gasp!, I have no doubt that it’s b.e.a.uuuutiful because they are so beautiful!

As a girl who openly supported “Team Nick” through the post J. Simp years, I have to admit my bias in seeing that my boy was still open to and has since found love again, which is precisely why I’d like to wish Lachinnillo – ha, don’t act like you’re not impressed – all the best!

And cheers to many, MANY years of life, love, happiness and (fingers crossed X2) babies!!!  Helloooo???  Don’t even front like their children wouldn’t be all kinds of beautiful!  Heck, with the DNA combination those two will provide, they would be doing the world a disservice by not procreating.  Their kids will probably come out glowing with wings!

Because Every Bride Deserves the BEST…

Weddings are expensive (boo!), which is why Marilyn’s Keepsakes la-Louvres helping our brides SAVE (whoo!)…

And today is no different!  With all the final details that go into making your day the BEST day, it’s easy to see how so many brides get the overwhelming itch to call it quits!  Buuuuut, if you do yourselves a favor and pop on over to Our Site… you’ll be up to your eyeballs in all things fabulous and rejuvenated to go another 12 Bridal Rounds!

And after you take advantage of our 20% OFF site wide sale, you’ll TKO any remaining pre-wedding stress and have one less thing to worry about!  Come on… what are you waiting for?  Marilyn’s Keepsakes is calling and it’s time for you to answer :) 

What Happens When Fairytale Florals & Vampire Vixens Collide?: Pure Magic, of Course!

Designer, Lazaro (photo courtesy of jlmcouture.com)

If the saying, “little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice” holds true in its nature… then the following wedding dresses are a girl’s dream come true!

Combining the “sugar” of delicate florals and flowing fabrics to the bottom and the “spice” of form-fitting corsets and vamp’ed up couture to the top, designers the world over have discovered just how much opposites do attract when it comes to bridal gown glamour.  By creating the sharp contrast between the two, equally fantastical design trends, wedding gowns based off of this unique pattern give a large dose of once-upon-time whimsy with a supersized side of uber sessy!

My eye can’t help but dance from dress to dress styled with curve-hugging corsets, inspired by the undeniable sensuality of Victorian vixens and blossoming bottoms, paralleled by oversized Springtime blooms.  While neither design element is new to bridal fashion, the combination has become one of 2010’s biggest jaw dropping looks and is showing little to no sign of letting up in 2011! 

And while designers like Monique Lhuillier and Allure Bridals lead the pack for mixing these fashion phenoms, it’s no wonder soooo many others have also dabbled in this DIVA-liscious dress trend!  Look below to see what I mean:

Designer, Allure Couture (photo courtesy of allurebridals.com)

Designer, Allure Couture (photo courtesy of allurebridals.com)

Designer, Allure Bridal (photo courtesy of allurebridals.com)

Designer, Allure Bridal (photo courtesy of allurebridals.com)

Designer, Allure Bridal (photo courtesy of allurebridals.com)

Designer, Illissa by Demetrios (photo courtesy of demetriosbride.com)

Designer, Blue by Demetrios (photo courtesy of demetriosbride.com)

Designer, Ultra Sophisticates by Demetrios (photo courtesy of demetriosbride.com)

Designer, Monique Lhuillier (photo courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com)

Designer, Monique Lhuillier (photo courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com)

Designer, Monique Lhuillier (photo courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com)

Designer, Sposa by St. Pucchi (photo courtesy of stpucchi.com)

Designer, Sposa by St. Pucchi (photo courtesy of stpucchi.com)

Designer, St. Pucchi Couture (photo courtesy of stpucchi.com)