I came across these fabulous ring orb Christmas ornaments today. How great would it be to receive these before your wedding day and be able to use them year after year? Love it!

Source: Red Envelope

One of my favorite details of every wedding days is the paper products. I am admittedly obsessed with all things pretty, especially when it comes to stationery. Some of the best details can come in the form of invitations, table numbers and escort cards. Here are a few VERY creative ideas for your escort cards.

Photo Credits: (Clockwise) White Lace Wedding, Kaboodle, Tickled Pink Brides, Kathy Blanchard Photography,  Teness Herman, Wedding Planning in the Bay Area.

(Some photos from Wedding Planning in the Bay Area did not have links attached. If these photos are yours, please let us know.)

I finally updated our “Preferred Vendor” page on the website today and thought it would be great to share with our readers. So head on over to our website to check it out!

I love Sundays. Have I mentioned that before? They are a day to relax, put my feet up, edit photos, blog weddings and get caught up on anything I may have missed during the week. Today is no different. Last night I had the BEST time coordinating Kelly & Bruce’s big day. I had so much fun, that I could barely even function when I woke up this morning. :) I have been working with Kelly, Bruce & their families for a little over 7 months and provided Month-of coordination & a more.

The gorgeous girls.

Their wedding day began with the girls getting their hair done at V Salon, makeup done by Clinique and some nice down time before the beautiful ceremony. This wedding was so great because everyone was extremely calm. On the day of the rehearsal, the girls all went out for mani’s and cocktails while I headed over to JoAnn’s to pick up some decor for the cocktail tables. I found some great ideas and headed to the rehearsal. The bridal party was laughing the entire time and Rev. Buck was keeping everything fun with his humor. The feeling must have rubbed off on me, because I left feeling calmer than I ever have the night before a wedding.

Saturday morning started off without a hitch. The flowers had been delivered, I met with their photographer and videographer and came up with a game plan that would work for all of us, and the weather was beautiful! Kelly and the bridesmaids all arrive with smiles on their faces and filled with excitement for the days events.

::Sigh:: The ceremony. In one word… romantic. Kelly and Bruce did not stop looking into each others’ eyes and sneaking in little grins. There was even an adorable moment during the ring ceremony that sent them into a little laughter. It was pure perfection from beginning to end.

Table set up.

As soon as the ceremony was over, I headed over to Fox Hills to begin set up for the reception. When I arrived, the cake was in the process of being set up, the chair covers had arrived and my two fabulous assistants were all ready to get started. The evening was shaping up to be as great as the morning.

To summarize the reception, the music was perfect, the food was phenomenal, the drinks were flowing, the dance floor was packed and there was not a sad face in the crowd. Bruce & Kelly did a great job speaking to all of their guests and enjoying every second of their special day.

I stayed all night (making it a 13 hour day) to help with clean up and I am so glad I did. The staff of Fox Hills is amazing. We had the entire place broken down and packed into cars in less than 30 minutes. That has to be some sort of record!

On the ride home, I couldn’t help but be a little sad that their wedding was over. I have had so much fun working with Kelly, Bruce, Kelly’s sister Jessica and her mom, Donna (and everyone else who helped out). I seriously wish I could bring them everywhere with me! Not only are the a genuinely happy family, but they are great for the ego! They must have come up to me at least 25 times that night to say “thank you”. No Smith family…. Thank YOU! Thank you for being so much fun to work with and for being the most calm and together family I have ever been around. I hope your honeymoon was fabulous and that you enjoyed every second of your perfect day.

XOXO, Amanda

Couple: Kelly & Bruce; Colors: Purple & Green; Venues: Fox Hills & FUMC Northville; Photographer: Bruce Szopo; DJ: Andrew from Mike Staff; Cake: Pastry Palace; Transportation: Entertainment Express; Linen Rental: All About Elegance; Flowers: The Little Flower Shoppe; Beauty: V Salon

We’ve done our fair share of weddings here at Bliss Weddings, but no two events are the same. Here are a few of our favorite personal touches.

#1 Signature Cocktails

Whether you call it “Joey Juice,” “Kim-tini” or the “Blushing Bride,” signature cocktails are all the rage and a very simple way to bring personality to you open bar. Gone are the days where your choices were tequila, rum, wine or beer. I love the way the pictured cocktail adds color and can be used to extend your theme throughout your reception.

#2 Family Photos

What better way to showcase your beautiful family photos than displaying them at your wedding. I have seen them surrounding cakes, escort cards and gift tables. No matter where you place them, they give a classy feel to your special occasion, while giving guests a look to your past.

#3 Music Selections

Music is the easiest way to showcase your personalities during your reception or ceremony. Whether you like mellow jazz, hard rock, show tunes, oldies, or hip hop, music sets the tone for your event. If you don’t like the classic “Wedding march,” why not use your favorite song by the Beatles to walk down the aisle?

#4 Favors

Favors are another really easy way to express your gratitude toward your guests and share your goofiness or passion at the same time. In lieu of basic chocolates, why not do a mini bottle of champagne with your photo on the label or how about a soundtrack featuring song that are played throughout your wedding?

#5 Unique Venues

Some of my favorite events take place in the most unusual places. Some popular alternatives to the traditional hall and chapel include beaches, museums, concert halls and public parks. Some of these alternatives are also much cheaper!

#6 Gobo lighting

I love gobo lighting! This is a great way to brand your event with your logo, monogram, names… anything you can think of, really.

#7 Food Selection

Some events chose buffet style, while some chose plated. What about a fajita station or a bananas foster maker? There are so many options when serving your wedding day cuisine. Be creative, but keep in mind what your guests may or may not like.

#8 Letting bridesmaids be themselves

This is by far my favorite way to make an event your own. If you have ever been in a friend or family member’s wedding, you know how uncomfortable you can be in a tight dress and high heels. Why not let you attendants chose the style of their dress while you pick the color, or maybe let them pick the shoes and jewelry they wear. Matchy-matchy bridesmaids are a thing of the past. Not only will your bridal party look fabulous, they will appreciate the lack of “you will totally be able to wear this again” dresses in the back of their closet!

Throughout the week, I do a lot of web surfing and always come across great websites and companies. I thought it would be great if I posted once or twice a week on some of the great finds. Here are a few to start the week. :)

Hanson Ellis is a great site for favors, invitations and tons of little details.

I came across My Wedding Favors today and they have all sorts of great items. I am half tempted to buy a terry cloth robe, which would be a great bridesmaid gift, for myself!

One of my top ten sites for wedding planning has to be Wedding Wire. On this site, you can find vendors, ideas, other brides-to-be, and tons of other information. This site also allows a vendor to create a page where they can display their information, but also allows client reviews that can not be deleted or faked. There is also an advice page, where you ask a question and a vendor or another nearlywed will get you an answer. I love, love, love this site!

I hope you find these sites as interesting as I did. :)