So simple yet so lovely!

This would be gorgeous at a botanical garden venue.

I’m obsessed with this shot.

I’m thinking this would be awesome for a vineyard theme.

The doors for the entrance are brilliant.

This would be great for a late afternoon/early evening wedding – an area for people to wind down and “chill” before they head home!

I love this dance area

Happy Monday, y’all!

Image Courtesy of Jet Fete Blog

If you are planning a 2012 wedding, you may want to consider incorporating Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango. The energetic reddish orange brings boldness to fashion and décor, and its place as the year’s top color will influence everything from bridesmaids’ garb to floral arrangements as it filters into 2012 wedding trends. There are many exciting ways to work this beautiful hue into your big day.

Fashion

Bridal fashion has come a long way from the pastels of days gone by. Bold colors are featured in the wardrobes of bridesmaids in all seasons, and while orange tones may not be what you pictured, when it’s referred to as tangerine, it brings a sense of the exotic to bear. Bridesmaids’ dresses and shoes in the deep hue are a potential use, but if you aren’t sold out on a full-fledged orange wedding, then consider contrasting pinks, yellows, or teals with Tangerine Tango accents. Ribbons, sashes and flowers are perfect sources of color, and that subtle use of just a little bit of bright color will speak volumes.

Floral

There are many flowers that boast hues that work into the Tangerine Tango theme. They don’t need to exactly match the color swatch, but light colored flowers can be dyed to match. Consider the Tangerine Tango Inca Lily, an exotic bloom which accents Pantone’s hue with shades of red, orange and yellow that capture the theme. Another outstanding flower to consider is the Mambo spray rose, available in shades of deep reddish orange. Incorporated into floral designs, consider actual use of tangerines, as 2012 trends in weddings include a return to a natural look. Centerpieces and bouquets will amaze, when tangerines are present in the design. For a simple splash of Tangerine Tango, pure white flowers tied with bold ribbon are stunning.

Stationary

Tangerine Tango fits perfectly into any invitation scheme, whether it is used lightly or liberally. Brides and grooms are trending toward more unique, self-made invitations in 2012, and the couple that wants to use the trendy hue of the year in the event can boldly create invitations on tangerine colored paper, or opt for tangerine lined envelopes.

Favors

Tangerine as an influence on favors can only be limited by the creativity of the bride and groom. Materials will be available in abundance, as will paints and accents. Tangerine candles, soaps, and bath and body products can be worked into a fragrant gift set for each wedding guest. Tangerine colored tins or boxes will hold any sort of edible treat, but what better way to keep with the theme than to use tangerine flavored jelly beans? This is one of the easiest elements of the wedding for fitting Tangerine Tango into the scheme and décor.

Cake

The vibrant use of Tangerine Tango can range from the icing atop the cake to the filling inside. An exotic tangerine filling will amaze guests. The more striking use of tangerine in cake décor is to accent a solid white color scheme with well-placed, lush ribbon. With the boldness of the tangerine scheme, less is more.

Food and Drink

Tangerine will easily work into the food and drink offered at your reception. Fruit salad, fruit fondue, or sweet and sour chicken with a tangerine twist will bring the color into the realm of taste. Fruity drinks are easily worked into the beverage selection. The possibilities are endless.

The most important thing to remember, if you want to consider using the color of the year in your 2012 wedding is that you can use as much or as little as you want. In keeping with many of the exciting wedding trends of the year, your wedding will be as unique as you want it to be, and you have the freedom to go against the grain, using interesting materials, colors and accents to make the big day everything you envision.

Image Courtesy of Madi Flournoy

As brides-to-be look ahead to the plans they will make for their 2012 weddings, there are many things to consider. 2012 wedding trends will be at the forefront of their considerations, as they seek to plan a dreamy event that is marked with personal style, and a popular flair. There are many fun design elements to watch for in the coming year.

Wedding Gowns

Interesting embellishments and styles take the traditional white gown in an interesting direction. While some will opt for shorter wedding dresses, others will look to designers who incorporate unusual embellishment. Whether a bit of color is incorporated into the gown, or unusual textures, full length gowns will be individualized through the integration of contrasting materials and accents.

Bouquets

The natural look is among the preferences for the 2012 wedding season, with greenery and floral décor combined. However, another interesting trend to watch for is the use of non-floral bouquets. Silk and fabric flowers, beads, and materials, may be worked together to achieve a striking centerpiece for the bride to carry. Vintage elements, incorporated into a flower-like arrangement, will be the talk of the wedding, for many 2012 brides.

Centerpieces and Decor

In this same vein, the centerpieces and décor for many nuptials will use the same themes, whether vintage materials and jewelry pieces, or whether the natural look. Smaller is better and allows guests to appreciate each unique part of the décor.

Striking color combinations will be featured, as well. While traditional pastels are still popular, expect unusual combinations. Bold colors, such as Pantone’s “Tangerine Tango” (the color of the year), will be included in many wedding color schemes.

Invitations

Traditional invitations, with frilly printing and imagery, are set aside for more personal designs. Bride and groom may design their own invitations, with print-on-demand services, or with their own computers and printers. Incorporation of interesting imagery or photography, or coordinating colors with the wedding color scheme, will be an integral element of 2012 invitation design.

Favors

Customization is a key feature of the wedding favor for 2012. Whether artisan cookies, resembling the bride’s gown, are used as table favors, or boxed luxury cupcakes, edible is in. Cake pops are also very well received, and molds can be used to shape them into hearts, wedding bells, or doves, making these one of the newest, unique favors. Interests of the bride and groom will also be reflected in table favors, in many cases, with toy replicas or miniature stuffed animals bearing the wedding date, and names of the happy couple.

Food

Guests love unique food at wedding receptions, and brides and grooms love creating a fun theme for their receptions. The candy buffet has been one of the most popular trends in recent years. Watch for coffee bars, food trucks, and fun novelty treat stations. Cotton candy, sundae stations, and hot dog carts will be acceptable, when presented in creative, nostalgic manner.

In short, the wedding of 2012 will be all about personal preference, crowd pleasing fun, and creative design. Re-using materials, or supporting local businesses, the 2012 bride will combine color with creativity, to achieve the wedding of her dreams.

Image Courtesy of Paper Doll Romance

While brides spend their efforts putting together an amazing ceremony and reception, they can use their cocktail hour as a subtle transition between the two events.  With the proper lighting, music and open atmosphere, guests have a warm and welcoming time to relax and hang out before the party really kicks off.

Drinks can be a real defining moment for cocktail hour. A couple of nice drinks can make all the difference in the world. The martini or champagne drinks are nice, but one should also consider the season.  You can always add special holiday traits to signature drinks – eggnog or candy cane martinis, y’all? But you can also include beverages, such as hot chocolate or hot apple cider, that are perfect for a warm winter gathering. While planners cannot pull off hot drinks throughout the year, they are ideal for creative twists for weddings during the season.

No matter the temperature outdoors, some guests will always go with cool drinks. The internet is filled with a plethora of different recipes for occasions such as this. Some planners mix juices and champagnes together to conjure up delicious cold drink ideas. Champagne Pomegranate Cocktails, for example, use ingredients that call for both champagne and pomegranate juice.  Frozen eggnog is also a great drink idea for a winter wedding. This is a different twist from the hot beverage theme, but it still works well in the winter season. While these ideas are unique and ‘out of the box’, it ensures your guests will have a wide variety while they wait for you to arrive.

When it comes to the food, it’s best to keep it small and simple. You don’t want to overfeed your guests if you have a larger, more extravagant meal prepared for the reception.  One thing to keep in mind is that while some venues may have the menu planned out for both the cocktail hour and the reception, check and see how the food will match to whatever drinks you’re serving.  You don’t want beverages and hor d’oeuvres to leave an unpleasant aftertaste and leave people feeling awkward!

A nice wintery theme is great, but it is incomplete without the right music. Sometimes it takes a harp or a string quartet to set the mood – if it’s within your budget. Classical music is often perfect for setting the mood prior to the wedding and can appeal to the masses.

Decorating during the holidays may be the least stressful task on your planning list. It is easy to decorate when all of the other elements above are set in place.  Snowflakes decorations are a common way to bring out the look and feel of the winter season. Change the lighting and ornaments to match your color theme while selecting the appropriate centerpieces and floral arrangements…there’s not much left to worry about.

Image Courtesy of The Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise

He popped the question, you have a sparkly ring on your finger and now it’s time to plan the wedding. Winter weddings in Canada can be stunningly beautiful, and with a wide range of options for a venue, your wedding will be the perfect event.

From snowy mountain tops to beautiful forest settings, Canada has so much to offer. Here, in no particular order, are the top five winter wedding locations in Canada.

1. Fairmont Chateau – Lake Louise, Alberta

This gorgeous wedding spot with amazing natural surroundings is located in the heart of Banff National Park in southern Alberta. With picturesque views of mountains, the lake and even glaciers, this is the ideal destination if you are looking for natural scenery.

The hotel offers wedding planning assistance to line you up with some of the best wedding vendors in the area. Ceremony rooms, a spa, beautiful guest rooms, and, of course, dining areas with views of the mountains for your reception and dinner, all top off this luxurious wedding destination.

2. Viamede Resort, Ontario

Another good choice for a wedding with natural beauty is Ontario’s Viamede Resort. Gorgeous lake views make this a great wedding location. Guests can enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, tobogganing and even cross country skiing.

At the end of the day, you can relax at the resort’s spa or sit by a warm fire and enjoy visiting with your guests. The beautiful rooms in the resort will make your wedding feel like a dream, and your guests will be in awe of the natural surroundings.

3. Jasper National Park, Alberta

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, this wedding destination has it all: mountains, forests and clear lakes. Truly a winter wonderland, this park is ideal for a ceremony on a lake, in the woods or in one of several five-star hotels. As the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper offers dining, recreation, sightseeing and relaxation spots that can’t be beat.

4. Emerald Lake Lodge, British Columbia

For a more cozy, mountain-themed wedding, you’ll love Emerald Lake Lodge. Surrounded by forests with snow-covered pines, this location will bring a whole new feel to your wedding. Outside you can enjoy in the breath-taking mountain views and the gleaming winter snow.

Warm fires, comfy furniture and beautiful cabin decor greet you inside the lodge. You and your guests will find this scenic getaway perfect for your once-in-a-lifetime event.

5. Strathmere, Ottawa

Strathmere can give you a homey, country-style wedding. This retreat has more than 200 acres of beautiful wooded areas and farmland. You can choose to have your ceremony outdoors on the beautiful landscape, or indoors in a cozy setting. With an historic inn, a garden house and of course the lodge, there are plenty of options. Food, guest rooms, wedding coordination and even food styling can all be arranged for with the lodge.

At any of these five destinations, your Canadian winter wedding will be exquisite and a day to cherish. Take the next step in your wedding planning and reserve a beautiful wedding venue.

Image Courtesy of 'Memoirs of a Mountain Girl'

Finding the perfect location for your wedding day is critical if you want it to be memorable. The last thing anyone wants is to have an unmemorable wedding. You want it to be the type of wedding that your friends and family talk about for years after. Getting married is a big deal, so having it at a memorable location is crucial.  For those of you in the Colorado area or those of you who want to be married there, I’ve listed some of the top wedding venues in your area!

1) The Craftwood Inn is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The inn is also a historic landmark that is located on a hillside. It was established in the early 1900s and has been open since. The Craftwood Inn is a beautiful location with stunning landscape. The Craftwood Inn’s award winning restaraunt varies from Colorado wild game, to seafood and delicious desserts. If you decide to have your winter wedding here, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable wedding.

2) Hudson Gardens is located in Littleton, Colorado, which is outside of Denver.  Hudson Gardens offers couples a cozy but charming location to be married. Hudson Gardens and Event Center has wood flooring throughout the facility as well as vaulted ceilings. For a wedding the location will seat 250 people. On the ceiling you will also notice exposed wood beams. Hudson Gardens and Event Center was established in 1941, and was a long desired dream that was finally made reality by Colonel King C. and Evelyn Leigh Hudson.

3) There are actually four different Crystal Rose wedding locations throughout Denver.  These venues offer a scenic view like nowhere else on Earth. It is so beautiful that you will not have to think twice about having your wedding here after you’ve seen it. Another benefit of having your winter wedding here is that you have the option of choosing an indoor wedding or an outdoor wedding. If you always wanted an outdoor wedding, this is the ideal location to have it.

4) The Stanley Hotel - This location truly is a breathtaking, unique location. It is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write the book ‘The Shining.’ The hotel is said to be haunted by ghosts, which is a must for any couples who want to get married at an unforgettable location. Just being at Stanley Hotel is something you will never forget. Having a wedding there is something you will be able to boast about for years. This venue is a luxurious landmark location that has been open for business since 1909. The whole hotel is overlooking the beautiful Estes Valley with stunning views that will dazzle the eyes.

5) Considered to be one of the best gardens in the entire United States, Denver Botanical Gardens is located on York Street. The Denver Botanical Gardens offers a wide variety of plants that are imported from around the world, so you will not only see native plants but exotic plants also. One thing is for sure, your ceremony will look incredible!! Check out the link to see the various locations you can hold your event.

What I like about these various locations is that they can each meet couples’ varying tastes and demands.  You can’t go wrong and they’re all BEAUTIFUL locations!!

Image Courtesy of Hotel Kakslauttanen

Many people choose to stay in romantic tropical locations for their honeymoon. However, others like to make their honeymoon one they will never forget. Choosing a unique place to stay for your honeymoon provides you and your new spouse the opportunity to spend the night in a place that you would never think possible.
Under the Sea

Some people may have heard of Atlantis, the mystical city that disappeared beneath the ocean. The Poseidon Underwater Resort, located somewhere off the coast of Fiji, provides guests with a unique one-week experience. This hotel’s rooms are actually located 40 feet below the surface of the ocean. Guests descend to the rooms via elevator. Each room provides panoramic views of the ocean floor and the sea life that resides there. Space is extremely limited, and you must stay for one week.

An Icy Stay

Spending the night in an arctic location may not seem like a pleasant experience for newlyweds. However, there are a couple of ice hotels available where you can stay in comfort within the arctic circle for your honeymoon. ICEHOTEL, in Sweden, is rebuilt each winter to create a new experience for each guest. The hotel is only open between the months of December and April. After April, the walls begin to melt, making the hotel unsafe.

Another ice hotel option is Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland. At this hotel, newlyweds can choose to stay in a log cabin or the special honeymoon turf chamber. If a couple seeks a different experience, they can choose to spend their time at the hotel in an igloo. The igloo provides guests with an AMAZING view of the Northern Lights.  For Destination Weddings, they have options for both summer and winter weddings.  They also have two options for chapels – including one completely sculpted out of ice and snow.

Turkish Caves

If Turkey is the honeymoon destination, the Gamirasu Cave Hotel provides a unique experience. This hotel was built in the same way the traditional cave dwellings in the area were built. In fact, it is actually a remodeled Byzantine monastic retreat. However, the remodel kept the hotel looking much as it originally had so it still fits in with the surrounding landscape. The hotel provides honeymooning couples with several packages that are tailored specifically for a newlywed couple.  If you click on the wedding section of their site, you can read about previous weddings at the caves.

Royal Accommodations

Those who travel to Scotland or Ireland for their honeymoon can take advantage of the royal treatment. Both countries offer the opportunity for newlywed couples to spend their honeymoon inside one of the many castles located throughout the area. These historic castles have been transformed into hotel accommodations for visitors to enjoy. A newlywed couple can relax away from their normal lives and pretend they are king and queen for the endurance of their honeymoon.

Scottish Honeymoons

In addition to staying in one of the castles in Scotland, honeymooners can choose from one of the other unique experiences available. A newlywed couple can choose to spend three or six days on a cruise, which uses an old wooden ship. This unique experience gives couples a taste of what it was like before the time of iron steamers. Other options in Scotland include staying in a lighthouse, at a secluded island hideaway or in an 18th century farmhouse.

Choosing a unique honeymoon destination gives you and your new spouse a chance to make memories that will last a life time. Everyone remembers their honeymoon, but many choose a destination that they have visited before or will visit again. Making your honeymoon a unique experience ensures that you will always remember this special time following your very special day.

Image Courtesy of Three Winks Studio and TheBrideandGroom.com Blog

Planning a wedding involves an assortment of decisions which need to be made to create the perfect day to suit your style and personal taste. You can create a them for your wedding simply by choosing just the right combination of colors for your special day. For winter weddings occurring between November and February, you can choose unique color schemes to create a distinctively unique wedding.
November weddings will most likely use combinations of fall colors to create a celebration of autumn foliage.  However, especially for y’all up north, some winter schemes can transition everyone into the winter season due to early snowfalls & dropping temperatures.  Deep green, burnt orange and dark red can be used throughout to highlight the changing of the leaves. One alternate option is to use the colors of fall mums as an inspiration for color pairing. Teaming deep red, dark purple, gold and bronze is a unique mixture of colors, all which complement one another.

December, typically centered around the holiday season, can be the basis of a wedding color scheme which is different and eye catching. One option is to pair a white bridal gown with jet black bridesmaid dresses and use bright red for accents such as flowers, boutonnieres, bow ties, sashes and pew decorations for a formal and modern style wedding. Alternately, pairing dark purple, lavender, silver and grey can create a lavish color scheme which is suitable for winter as the shades of purple are reminiscent of sugarplums.

January, when the New Year is being honored, can focus on icicle inspired colors for a truly winter theme wedding. Pairing dark blue, pale ice blue and white will create a winter wonderland theme for your special day. To make a winter wedding a bit out of the ordinary, and to move the color theme to the opposite end of the spectrum, pairing bright pink, sunny yellow, grass green and cool turquoise can give your winter wedding a bit of summer flair and levity.

February, which hosts one of the most romantic holidays of the year, can use Valentine’s Day as a theme. Bright red, pale pink and white work well together. You can also combine Plum, lavender, copper and camel to create a subtle color scheme which hints at the upcoming spring.

Regardless of the color combination used for your wedding, opt to add dashes of complimentary colors throughout the venue to create a look which is eye catching and completely distinctive when compared to traditional wedding color schemes. One of the best ways to find the right color theme for you is to pick your favorite color or hue and start seeing which variations match up well. Keep in mind to think outside of the box, and don’t discount any color as a good pairing until you have visually assessed how the colors work together. You may be surprised what works and what does not.

Crabettes Recipe and Image Courtesy of Joyful Abode

If you are throwing a winter wedding, one of the most important aspects to the reception to take into consideration is the food that is served. There are many different ways to go about doing the food, all the way from a buffet style meal to full simple appetizers. If you don’t like the stuffy atmosphere of a sit down meal, and want the guests to be able to mingle with one another, one of the best options available to you are hors d’oeuvres. These small, tasty snacks give individuals the ability to eat finger food while talking to other guests. The hors d’oeuvres move around the reception room by servers, so guests never need to congregate close to the food table. And, there are many different food types you are able to incorporate into your wedding food, so guests are always able to select new bite sized morsels of food without holding a large plate. Of course, since it is a winter wedding, you need to serve food according to the season. You don’t want a bunch of light, cold meals, that is going to leave the guests desiring more. You want to make sure the guests feel warm inside and are able to take in something substantial, without overeating while standing.

From here, you need to serve the food that is more substantial and is able to fill your guests up. You want more of a comfort food than the standard hors d’oeuvres, as pigs in a blanket are far over done and not as classy as you are looking for (most likely). Comfort foods such as mac and cheese, potatoes, quiches and chicken can be perfect for your wedding, and it is still possible to class up the food so it comes off as up class, and not just deep fried food. You want mac and cheese with baked bread bits on the top – the kind grandma use to make, not the kind you find in a box! if you are looking for a DIY activity when preparing for your day, you can make these yourself in a cupcake tray or something similar. Other great ideas include cheese stuffed peppers or potato skins or bites, both would work great for a low key wedding,  and can still add comfort to your guests in a fancier wedding.

Little skewers of various meats can also go a long way. Bits of chicken or shrimp can satisfy a wide range of guests because you can do so much with flavoring and dips. Quiche is a standard wedding finger food that is also elegant. You want to have something individuals are familiar with, so the quiche is an excellent choice for this option. Of course, there are many different kinds of quiche you can serve as finger food. You might want to have a vegetarian option and one that might contain some meet, or a beef broth during the cooking process. This way, individuals that are strictly vegan or avoid eating meat are able to be satisfied, no matter what you are serving (if everything has cheese in it, they aren’t able to enjoy on your food). With it all said and done, your wedding guests are going to love the food, whether it is served as the main meal or if it is during a cocktail hour before the reception takes places (while you are taking your pictures).  No matter what you select, your guests are going to savor it!

Best of all, even if you want a classy wedding but don’t want to spend a considerable amount of money, you can bake all of these foods yourself. It is going to keep the guests happy, plus anyone on a diet is able to watch exactly what they eat, and the small servings are perfect for every guest you invite.

Image Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Winter is a wonderful time to get married and because it is a slower season, you may be able to get better prices on catering, photography and other wedding services. Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but can be risky because of weather concerns.  Ensuring that you have thoroughly planned out your wedding and preparing for any outcome (especially the ones that are beyond your control!) will cause less stress on your big day. Having a back-up plan for severe weather is especially important.

If you are having a winter wedding outside, having a sheltered area for guests is important. A wedding tent or other type of similar covering can provide the protection from the elements necessary for a comfortable ceremony. Including portable heaters would also mean a lot to your guests. These heaters and tents are reasonably priced and can go a long way to make your guests comfortable.  Even the milder climates can cause discomfort outside, so when choosing a venue, it may be a good idea to choose a venue where they have indoor options as well.

Your guests may need to drive in inclement weather and having discounted hotels or other accommodations for spending the night is a great idea, if you can negotiate a good deal! Your guests will feel more secure about making the trip out to see you on your day, especially when you’re going out of your way to prevent any potential accidents if the weather does not permit a safe return trip. Suggesting that guests arrive the day before the wedding is also a good idea, so no one will miss out on the fun you’ve been preparing for them! Think about having small gift baskets or bags waiting for your out of town guests makes them feel important. The baskets can contain things like hot chocolate, tea, crackers or cookies and brochures about nearby attractions. This will welcome your guests and let them know that you are happy that they made the effort to come to your celebration. You may also want to put a schedule of all events in this basket. A list of restaurants with menus would also be beneficial for those spending the night, if the hotel doesn’t already provide them.

Speaking of awful weather, definitely consider wedding insurance!! A lot of venues already require this coverage, but it is definitely worth it when things happen beyond your control even when they may not.

Decorating for outdoor weddings can also be less expensive than the other popular seasons. Birch branches could be set up along the isle with tiny white lights. Think about using seasonal berries, leaves or other natural plants. You can coordinate the entire wedding party’s bouquets with this type of natural materials for a inexpensive and interesting look to a outside wedding. Small favors for your guests can follow this same theme. Seedling for spring, bird seed feeders from pine cones or cookies shaped like leaves can all make great take home thank you gifts.

If you are serving food at your reception, make sure you have plenty of hot dishes and drinks. Soups, and hearty dishes can make your guests feel warm inside and out. A coffee bar with ingredients for specialty coffee drinks can substitute for a traditional bar and may also save you money.

Planning ahead for any possible unexpected weather event can ensure that your winter outdoor wedding flows smoothly. Your guests will appreciate the care that you took to make them comfortable and enjoy the unusual yet charming outdoor venue. Make plans early and then enjoy the most special day of your life stress free.