Thursday, September 18, 2008

Stillmotion.

You guys have got to see this! This is absolutely the most stunning and gorgeous wedding videography I have EVER seen. The day I get married I hope I can afford to fly these artists in. Their work is just breathtaking! For a video like this I would pay the $7,000 ten times over! They also do a really neat thing called the "same-day edits" where the very same day that the wedding takes place they edit a mini video and play it at the reception. Unbelievable...

Check them out at http://www.still-motion.ca

Here's a sneak peak at some of their work.


And these are some of those "Same day edits". Can you believe this is created on the very same day that it was taken on AND it is played at the reception?

Day of Coordinations!

Special price on "Day of Coordinations"!

Mention our blog or myspace and receive $150.00 off our DOC packages ("Meet Me at the Altar" package).

Contact us:

BlushingBelles@Gmail.com or PriscilaNoriega@Gmail.com

Monday, May 26, 2008

Beautiful Guestbook Idea.



I love this idea! One of my good friends (and amazing photographer) led me to this website where you can make custom made photo albums and books with your own pictures, words, etc. I had come accross these when we made one on Snapfish for one of my brides, but these look a lot more professional and you can completely customize everything yourself with their special software. They are great for guestbooks and wedding albums, the prices are great, and the finished products are beautiful! The books start at $12.95 for softcover and $22.95 for hardcover. CLICK HERE to create and order your own at Blurb! I ordered one for myself and will be testing out different markers and pens and will let you all know which one is best for the guestbooks.


Here are some samples from blurb.com:


Thursday, May 1, 2008

The key to a successful marriage..

An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye." Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or low-self esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.

Once you decide to commit to someone, over time their flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn how to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you.

You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together.

Neither one of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other? Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain.

You can't take someone to the altar to alter them.You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life," you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting relationship.Seeking status, sex, wealth and security are the wrong reasons to be in relationship.

What keeps a relationship strong? Communication, Intimacy, Trust, A sense of humor, sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children, daily exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note), leave a nice message on their voicemail or send a nice email, sharing common goals and interests.

Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feeling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interests. You can't always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment.

Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her parents regardless. Don't put pressure on each other for material goods.Remember, for Richer or for Poorer. If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Do it...Don't do it.

A list of wedding (and general event) do's and dont's. Ahh...if it were only as simple as following this list, huh?

1. Don't wear uncomfortable shoes, brides! Yes, those Christian Louboutin satin pumps are TO-DIE-FOR but a few minutes into your ceremony/reception you'll be regretting wearing them. If you want to take cute "shoe pictures" then wear them for the pictures and then change into comfortable wedges (if you need height) or comfortable ballet flats. No one seems them anyway and you'll be a lot happier, trust me!

2. Do plan on doing INDIVIDUAL table salutations! This will make your guests feel special and will make them feel like they each got to spend precious time with you on your special day!

3. Don't forget to invite your vendors to your reception (officiant, coordinators, florists, etc.). It's a nice gesture and a great way to show gratitude for all of their hard work!

4. Do make step-parents and grandparents feel special by including them in your wedding. They can take simple tasks such as ceremony readings, guestbook attendance, special dances, or reception toasts which will make them feel that they are being involved and appreciated.

5. Don't forget to tip the DJ, busboys, waiters, location coordinators, etc.!

6. Do remember to return rented tuxedos/dresses! So many brides and grooms leave on honeymoons, forget to return rentals and rack up hundreds of dollars in fees! If you need to leave on your honeymoon the next day leave your planner or someone in your wedding party in charge of returning them for you.

7. Don't..let me stress this one, DON'T get facial or glycolic peels, facials, facial waxing, laser hair removal, etc. anytime close to the date of your wedding or your event (up to one month prior is a good rule to follow). You never know how your skin is going to react and you don't want to end up with red, blotchy, peeling skin on the most important and photographed day of your life!

8. Do seat elderly guests AWAY from loud speakers and packed dance floors and if at all possible close to the bathrooms. You don't want them to be uncomfortable because of loud music or be constantly bumped by tipsy dancers. Make them feel comfortable by seating them somewhere separate from the dance floor and not a long walking distance to the bathrooms.

9. Don't ask for gifts of money in your invitations! If you don't have a registry because you prefer monetary gifts just leave the registry area blank. The guests will get the hint or will buy you something that comes from their heart. It's very tacky to ask for money/checks in your invitations.

10. Do think about creating "bathroom baskets" (especially for the female restrooms). Include such things as feminine hygiene products, pain relievers, pins, extra pantyhose, clear nail polish (for hosiery runs), hairspray, bobby pins, safety pins, stain removing "pens", etc.

11. Don't forget to send out thank you cards! 1-3 months after the wedding is a good goal to try to keep.

12. Do have your wedding planner/event planner or Maid of Honor create you an emergency kit. This should include things like: straws (for drinking after you've had your makeup done), stain removers, white chalk (for dress stains), safety pins, extra makeup, oil blotters, nail files, etc.

13. Don't do anything drastic to your hair/hair color. If you want to try a new color/cut wait until after the wedding. You want to make sure you feel and look like "yourself" in your pictures and many times brides regret changing their looks too drastically before their weddings. Also, if you're used to your hair always being down, keep your hairstyle down! If you are used to having your hair up then do an "up-do" or you will be looking at yourself in the mirror and in pictures wondering what looks "off" or different all day.

14. Do pamper yourself and your bridesmaids the days leading up to the wedding. This is the time to relax and if you have a planner, hand everything over to them.

15. Don't over-tan! There's nothing worse than staining your dress with self-tanner, peeling all over your back/chest because of over-tanning in a booth, or looking orange in pictures.

"Escort Card" Ideas.

Some fabulous "escort card" ideas...









Saturday, April 26, 2008

Some ideas for gorgeous wedding pictures.

Here are some photographs which are some of my personal favorites and I find to be beautiful inspirations for creating a unique and beautiful array of wedding photographs for a wedding album/digital album . They also serve as good examples of different photograph "styles" or "techniques" if you want specific pictures to show a potential photographer.






















Friday, March 28, 2008

Free Help!

Hello beautiful brides (and handsome grooms)! Just letting you guys know of a new thing we're doing. We set up an AIM account (BlushingBelles) where we will be answering questions, helping you find vendors, etc. Anytime you see us online do not hesitate to send us an instant message @ BlushingBelles if you have any questions about wedding planning, our company, or vendors. No matter how random or specific your question is, ask away! Whether you want to know what order the processional is supposed to be, when to do the cake cutting, or who our favorite caterer is we will be more than happy to answer it! Think of it as a "live chat" help :) So if you see us online, instant message us!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Our Packages!

Our packages

Meet me at the altar:
Day of coordination. This is for the bride who has already found all her vendors and planned the entire wedding but feels she needs help on the day of the ceremony. The coordinator will create timelines for all of your vendors, make sure your day runs smoothly, make sure the ceremony and reception locations are ready, help solve any last minute issues, etc. This will give you time to get dressed, get hair/makeup done without having to worry about anything on your special day. With this package the coordinator will begin to work with you about 2 months before the wedding. (For a minimal extra this package can be upgraded to a MOC-Month of Coordination)

First Dance:
If you need help planning and finding vendors this is the package for you. One consultation, follow-up consultation, vendor list, and table arrangements. This is for the bride who wants to do all of her own planning and just needs a place to start!


I do:
Full coordination. Unlimited meetings. Initial planning and consultation. Development of theme, colors, and styles. Budget development, preparation, and maintenance. Finding of reception/ceremony sites. Recommendations on selecting vendors, getting quotes, setting up your appointments with them and if needed negotiating with them. Accompany you to vendor meetings if you'd feel more comfortable with me there (2 included, after that travel charges will be added). Deposit payment collection and disbursement (we will pay your vendors for you). Transportation. Accommodations for out of town guests. Maintenance of RSVP lists. Timeline/Itinerary. Wedding rehearsal. Timeline for vendors. Coordination of ceremony. Help with marriage license. Help with photo requests. Table and seat assignments. Vendor payment and GRATUITY distribution. Wrap up the night and pick up guestbook, champagne glasses, etc.


The toast:
Party coordinations. This is for the bride who only needs help planning her wedding parties (bridal shower, bachelorette party, engagement party, etc.)


Till death do us part:
Full coordination + party coordination. ("I do" package + "The toast" package)


The engagement:
Consultations only. This is perfect for the bride who wants to plan her own wedding but needs help finding initial ideas, color palettes, vendors, and needs help figuring out where to start. We will help you build your wedding binder, and will help you get your planning started. This is like a mini wedding planning course. Come to only one meeting or as many as you need.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Some inspiration...

I know most brides and people trying to plan special events are usually pretty stressed and lose perspective on the important things in life. If we could all look at life this way, how wonderful it would be. This has nothing to do with weddings or parties but I found it inspiring and thought-evoking. Enjoy!

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT
A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH..

FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH
WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS
I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN
CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

Monday, January 28, 2008

My 8 favorite wedding trends for 2008

2008 is the year for all kinds of new trends when it comes to weddings. Chocolate brown is no longer the new black, couples are going "green", and we continue to see less and less of the "traditional" sit-down, black-tie receptions. Here are my seven favorites...

1. Couples are going GREEN! No, no I don't mean color-wise I mean, organic! As more couples discover the threat of global warming they are trying to do everything they can, especially on their wedding day to help save our planet. Things such as organic flowers, invitations made from recycled materials, and boxes/bags made from biodegradable materials used to give out favors are just some of the ways couples are going "green".

2.Silver/gray is the new black. More and more we are seeing this color used in weddings. It's bold but traditional and can be used to create an "over-the-top" effect or as a simple accent color. Silver linens offer a beautiful touch and are in a neutral color which works with everything! If metallics are not for you, you can opt for steel gray silk dresses for your bridesmaids. Oo la la!

3. Cupcakes...yum. Can't decide on square or round tiers, 3 or 4 tiers, fondant or buttercream... well you don't have to anymore! Couples are deciding to ditch the traditional wedding cake for something more modern that will be sure to please almost anyone, cupcakes! They can be designed in all kinds of shapes, come in all flavors, and who wouldn't love to just dive into a mountain of cupcakes? Perfect!

4.Polaroid Guestbooks are still a huge hit. Most people started hearing about them in 2007 and they're sure to be popular in 2008! Instead of the traditional "sign your name on the line" guestbooks, couples are opting for a guestbook filled with pictures of their guests. Someone is put in charge of taking Polaroid pictures of the guests as they arrive, they sign them, insert them into the album or scrapbook, and you have a beautiful and unique guestbook. You can never go wrong with pictures and it really gives your guests an opportunity to showcase their personalities and show off those outfits they worked so hard to find!

5.Vintage...the vintage look is stronger than ever. Vintage-style wedding dresses and rings are all the rage right now, and rightfully so. These designs are classic and romantic and many modern designers are really taking on this obsession by storm! Designers such as Monique Lhuillier have taken modern, strapless, a-line dresses and incorporated beautiful lace and bead-work to give them a vintage look and feel. Ring manufacturers such as Tacori have also made the vintage look popular in wedding jewelry. Classic and Chic!

6. Lounge areas...Oh boy, do I love this one. A lot of couples are really loving the "lounge area" trend at wedding receptions and so are their guests. Not only does it usually include really comfy couches where guests can kick up their feet and relax with a nice drink after a couple hours of dancing but it's a place where the couple can also relax and mingle easily with guests. Couples usually have trouble getting around to everyone and they usually can't sit with them because the tables are all occupied. They are usually seated at a "sweetheart table" far from everyone and feel as though it's hard to talk to their guests. At times they can feel pretty disconnected from their guests, especially in a very large venue. Many couples think they can mingle with the guests on the dance floor but honestly, with the loud music and the free-flowing alcohol, that becomes pretty difficult. The lounge area is a nice place where they can go every couple of hours and mingle with guests who might not be dancers or who are relaxing there. Voila!

7. Bright Bouquets are also very popular right now. Yes, white bouquets are classic and timeless but we are seeing more and more colorful bouquets being used. Hot pink, multi-color, blue, green, and even with fruit and crystal accented bouquets are being seen a lot and we absolutely love it! It gives a nice opportunity to showcase your wedding colors and makes the bride stand out even more. If you are a bride who is very traditional and not too daring but wants to do something special and out of the ordinary for yourself, making a bold statement with your bouquet is a nice way of doing so.

8. Save the dates are going to be more popular than ever this year. With your save the date's you can go as simple or as crazy as you'd like and it's a nice way of getting your guests excited about your invitations and also very considerate for out of town guests who have to plan work/school around your wedding date. I've seen all kinds of save the date's; Some with pictures of the couple, others with pictures of their dog, magnets, postcards, dvd's, music cd's, and scrolls. Have fun with these, anything goes! The inviations are more formal and require all sorts of specifics but with the save the date you can have as much fun as you want.

Priscila