I am beyond thrilled to be bringing you the first “Real” post of the wedding season and the fact that it is all about one of the most fantastic couples I have had the joy of working with makes it that much better.

Anat is definitely one of those genuinely kind people. She cares, and you know it from the moment you meet her. After working together for nearly a year, I was really looking forward to seeing all of the day’s details come together, but I was sad that I wouldn’t have an excuse to chat with her on a regular basis anymore. Anat & Nick had already been married, but wanted to have the opportunity to share the special occasion with family and friends. So after doing it on their own, they planned a relaxed and beautiful day that would revolve around the ideas of family and friendship.

The day started out like most others, but there was something a little different in the air. On a typical wedding day, there is at least a little anxiousness that greets me. Whether it is a mother looking for her earrings or a best man who got a stain on his shirt… There is always something. This time, friends were gathered downstairs playing a game of scrabble, the guys were kicked back having a drink and the girls were all cozy upstairs getting their hair done. No matter which room I went into, I was greeted with a smile and a completely calm “Hello”. It was unlike any event I have ever done, in the most wonderful sort of way.

The ceremony was the epitome of personality. Everything from having their dog, Sammy, as the ring bearer to having Nick’s brother, Glen, officiate the ceremony, was perfectly executed. Of course, having the event at a place like River Birch Lodge, really lends to the relaxed feel they were looking for. Sammy even let out a little bark at the perfect moment, causing a chuckle to go around the crowd of guests. Anat & Nick’s family and friends are some of the nicest around!

I loved the reception almost as much as the ceremony. Just like the rest of the day, there was no rush to get through the time line. We left a lot of room in the timing for guests to mingle, give a toast, grab a bite to eat and just enjoy the time they spent together. With so many guests from around the world, it was important to Anat & Nick that they all had a chance to really kick back. Everyone pitched in during the hora, the music was perfectly chosen, and the food from A Movable Feast was delicious. Lisa, from Pot & Box, did a wonderful job creating the perfect flowers.

Looking back at the photos, by the amazing Aruna B Photography, I can’t help but smile. No detail was left out of the planning and the love that these two share just blows me away. I feel completely honored to have been involved in such a kind and sweet day.

Planning & Coordination: Amanda Freeman, Bliss Weddings & Events

Today marks our very first “Fun Finds Friday”! In these posts, I will share a couple of my favorite finds for the week.
This week, I would LOVE to feature an online marketplace by brides, for brides. It is called Bravo Bride and is basically a giant classifieds listing. You can find everything from designer dresses to candle holders, all being sold by brides just like you! Buy or sell gently used or brand news items. I haven’t personally used it yet, but it looks like a great site and definitely worth sharing.

Another great classifieds style website is PreownedWeddingDresses.com. A fabulous selection, very easy to navigate and it looks like there are some really great gowns! This is perfect if you are looking for a designer gown without the designer price tag.

Our final find of the day is Brideshare! Developed by the amazing BrokeAss Bride, Dana LaRue. Bride$hare is another fabulous classifieds site committed to helping couples plan a green, eco-friendly wedding while saving tons of cash. This is by far my favorite of all of the sites we have discussed today! Do yourself a favor and check this out. Your wallet and Mother Earth will thank you! (Brideshare is also our “Must See” this week!)

One of my favorite things about running a blog is the opportunity to share some of the most innovative and inspiring tools that I come across with all of you, our loyal readers! Today, I was reminded of one of my favorites and realized that I had never really pointed any of you in this awesome direction. If you have some time and would like to open up your mind to a world of wedding details, vendor reviews, color choices and more, visit Project Wedding. Project Wedding is a  community of brides and grooms from every corner of the US. All are there to share ideas, recommend products and just genuinely help each other out.

As most of you know, I am an avid blog stalker. Since not everyone has the ability to spend hours each day catching up on all the wedding related blogs around the web, I wanted to share a few of my favorite recent posts. Click on the links within each description to view the full post. Enjoy!

Liene Stevens, The Blue Orchid Blog, shared a very insightful post about one of the many hidden wedding planning costs. The Plus/Plus rate.

The fabulous Always A Blogsmaid blog created a delightful post about entertaining the little ones on your wedding day.

Visit Earth Friendly Weddings to read a post about a great post featuring beautiful frame-worthy ketubahs.

For some completely awesome cake displays, visit Wish Special Events blog.

Want to win a fun prize? Check out Hostess With The Mostess to win a $100 Gift Card to Gallery 19!

And last, but definitely not least, feast your eyes on this gorgeous Inspiration Board from Snippet & Ink. I am in love with these colors!

Courtesy of Snippet & ink

The world of calligraphy has always been in demand from brides around the world. Over the last few years, the industry has boomed due to new artistic styles and creativity. Take a look at these gorgeous examples. I may have a new obsession…

Crystal Kluge Via Benign Objects Blog

Crystal Kluge

Katherine Murray

Laura Hooper

Pen & Ink

Also, check out these fabulous links for inspiration!

Penned & Pretty

Laura Hooper

Swoon Over It

I must admit, the thought of using balloons in a wedding used to really made me sick to my stomach. Lucky for us, the days of cheesy balloon decor are long gone. Welcome to one of the most fun and playful trends I have seen all year! These toys have been making an appearance in engagement shoots, wedding photos and lots and lots of decor. What brings back childhood memories better than balloons??

Photo of my Hubs & Me; Taken by the fab Nicole Ladonne Photography

Flush Designs

Photo by Jill Thomas Via Green Wedding Shoes Blog

100 Layer cake

Team Thomson Photography

While catching up on my Google Reader, I came across a fab wedding shoot by one of my favorite West Michigan photographers, K. Holly Photography. Kristen has such a talented eye and her blog is super adorable. April & Jason were married just a few weeks ago on a very rainy April day. In my opinion, rainy days always make for amazing photos and these definitely prove that! Plus, we all know how much I love the color green and their cake was amazing! Congrats April & Jason! (Scroll down to see a link to more photos, vendor info and a few extra notes from April.)

See more here!

Wedding Dress: Exclusive by Allure; Becker’s Bridal; Fowler, MI
BM Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids; Becker’s Bridal; Fowler, MI
Tuxes: MW Tux
Flower Girl: Target; www.target.com (ribbons added by her grandma)
Hair and Make-up: Lyn Phillips Salon; Grand Haven, MI; Jen
Flowers: Sarah Boetsma; Picket Fence Floral; Holland, MI
Wedding Invitations: Now & Forever; www.now-and-forever.com
Ceremony: Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church; Grand Haven, MI
Reception: The Harbourfront Grand Hall; Grand Haven, MI
Photographer: Kristen Carlson; K. Holly Photography; www.khollystudios.com; Grand Rapids, MI
DJ/Live Entertainment: Greg Martin; Entertainment on the Move; www.entertainmentonthemove.com
Cake/Desserts: Chef Luis Amado, CEPC; www.luisamado.net; Muskegon, MI
Napkins: The American Wedding; www.theamericanwedding.com
Cake Topper: Exclusively Weddings; www.exclusivelyweddings.com
Memory Candle: Now & Forever; www.now-and-forever.com
Party Bus: Elite Service Inc; eliteservicegr.com; Marne, MI
Bar: K2; The Gilmore Collection; Grand Haven, MI
Guest Book: Picaboo.com with engagement photos taken by Kristen Carlson, K. Holly Photography

Notes from April: Other than the invitations, I did all the design and printing of the programs, menus, table numbers, etc. The Centerpieces were made from scrapbook paper and white 3 x 9 inch candles. The floral centerpieces used the flowers tied on the church pews. We made the card box out of a paper mache box from Hobby Lobby. The Champagne glasses and cake servers are lenox but Jason’s mom added the wire and beads based on a picure I liked from a magazine.

This week, The Bliss Blog is bringing you a list of seasonal flowers to make the decision making process just a little easier. Each day, we will feature a collage of seasonal beauties, a list of what is available and an estimated cost level. What flowers will you be using for your event?

Today, we are featuring Winter blooms, to keep you warm in the cold months!

$ = Low Cost, $$ = Moderate Cost, $$$ = Higher Cost

Amaranthus $$$

Calla Lily $$$

Chrysanthemum $

Forsythia $$

Freesia $$

Holly Berries $

Hydrangea $$$

Iris $

Lily $$

Orchid $$$

Rose $$

Stock $$

Tulips $$

Photo Credit (Left to Right): types-of-flowers.org, fabiovisentin.com, flowersatyourdoor.com, easytogrowbulbs.com, andymckay.net, gstuff.co.nz, florovivaismo.regione.marche.it, slrobertson.com, ridgeroadgardencenter.com, jewelrybyrhonda.com, imnopoodle.files.wordpress.com, valleyflowers.com, freewebs.com, viable-herbal.com, mooseyscountrygarden.com, thrumylens.net

This week, The Bliss Blog is bringing you a list of seasonal flowers to make the decision making process just a little easier. Each day, we will feature a collage of seasonal beauties, a list of what is available and an estimated cost level. What flowers will you be using for your event?

Today, we are featuring Autumn blooms for your Fall wedding!

$ = Low Cost, $$ = Moderate Cost, $$$ = Higher Cost

Amaranthus $$$

Call Lily $$$

Chrysanthemum $

Dahlia $$

Daisy $

Freesia $$

Hydrangea $$$

Iris $

Lily $$

Orchid $$$

Rose $$

Safari Sunset $$

Stock $$

Photo Credit (Left to Right): types-of-flowers.org, fabiovisentin.com, flowersatyourdoor.com, easytogrowbulbs.com, andymckay.net, gstuff.co.nz, florovivaismo.regione.marche.it, slrobertson.com, ridgeroadgardencenter.com, jewelrybyrhonda.com, imnopoodle.files.wordpress.com, valleyflowers.com, freewebs.com, viable-herbal.com, mooseyscountrygarden.com, thrumylens.net

This week, The Bliss Blog is bringing you a list of seasonal flowers to make the decision making process just a little easier. Each day, we will feature a collage of seasonal beauties, a list of what is available and an estimated cost level. What flowers will you be using for your event?

This week, we are featuring Spring blooms!

$ = Low Cost, $$ = Moderate Cost, $$$ = Higher Cost

Amaryllis $$$

Apple Blossom $$$

Calla Lilly $$$

Chrysanthemum $

Daffodil $

Daisy $

Freesia $$

Heather $$

Hyacinth $$

Hydrangea $$

Iris $

Lilac $$

Lily $$

Orchid $$$

Ranunculus $$

Sedum $

Stock $$

Tropicals $$$

Tulip $

Viburnum $$$

Photo Credit (from left to right): vernabob.com, netstate.com, milan.milanovic.org, bharathorticulture.com, blog-bandwagon.com, alysialawrencephotography.blogspot.com, desert-tropicals.com, region-celle.com, gardensablaze.com, aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu, arboretum.harvard.edu, free-slideshow.com, allposters.com, rhs.org.uk, virginia.edu, pbase.com, cottagehillfloral.com, freedigitalphotos.net, findmeplants.co.uk