I found some a-ma-zing pictures from different photographers who looked at the rain and laughed at it…seriously. These guys are committed!

So for those who just have the gloomy clouds, guess what? It’s awesome lighting for photography. LifeImages capture this on a gloomy day…

So start checking that 100 day forecast to see what weather your big day may bring…and get ready to take stellar pictures either way!

These pictures have inspired me a great deal and I am hoping to plan an event in the future with many of my new “SWEET” ideas. I am in a sorority at home in Maryland (Alpha Omicron Pi), and we host many events during the school year for recruitment, philanthropy, parent days, Greek Weeks, Homecoming, etc. I will certainly be bringing this “Bright & Cheery Summer Wedding” to the attention of my sorority sisters who are our event coordinators. I might even step up and run a committee with this theme in mind!

I hope you thought this wedding was as sweet as I did! And if you’re looking for an event coordinator, check out Courtney at Joyful!

The ideal settings for weddings in the WINTER take place inside with a beautiful evening view! The COLOR PALETTE should be one of two sets: (1) for the classic look use  white, silver and icy blue, or (2) go for the unexpected look with magenta, olive green and plum.

Who knew there were great winter flowers? Consider using: anemones, amaryllis, hellebores, tulips, nerines, gladioluses, Stars of Bethlehem.

ATTIRE:

1. BRIDE: A sumptuous ivory silk satin ballgown, elbow-length gloves, and a satin jacket with fur cuffs.
2. GROOM: A custom tuxedo with tails.
3. BRIDESMAIDS: Satin floor-length dresses paired with pashmina wraps.

TABLE SETTING: Candelabras and lush arrangements of white flowers and dusty miller.

FABRIC: Velvet, faux fur, satin, barocade

LIGHTING: Candles galore, plus professional lighting to flood the space with warm, amber-colored light.

PROVISIONS: Valet parking and at least one coat-check attendant per 100 guests (to avoid long waits as they arrive).

GETWAY: Vintage silver Rolls-Royce.

We wish you the best of luck with your winter wonderland wedding! SHARE with us YOUR great seasonal ideas!

Magazine contributors Lauren Matthews and Heather Lee say that ideal settings for weddings in the FALL take place in a rustic barn. The COLOR PALETTE should be one of two sets: (1) for the classic look use Marigold yellow, red, dark brown, and orange, or (2) go for the unexpected look with wedgwood blue, peach, cranberry red, and ivory.

Check out these great seasonal flowers for the FALL: dahlias, mums, scabiosas, marigolds, zinnias, chocolate cosmos, and asters.

ATTIRE:

1. BRIDE: A gown with guipure lace
2. GROOM: A tweed three-piece suit

TABLE SETTING: Set the ceremony programs out mounted on salvaged wood and tied with twine. Have wildfires, herbs, and wheat stalks arranged in birchbark-wrapped boxes surrounded by candles.

PROVISIONS: Heat lamps, inexpensive wraps for outdoor ceremonies/cocktail hours.

ESCORT CARDS: Attached to twine with clothespins

DESERT: Buffet of pies, including apple and pumpkin

LATE-NIGHT TREATS: Mini caramel apples

Good luck planning your special day in the Fall!

The Turnip Rose has long been known and recognized for its phenomenal catering prowess…it’s probably not too easy to become Orange County’s #1 Caterer, let alone do it five years in a row! But as great as their food is, it’s Turnip Rose’s venues that Foto Cabina has fallen in love with. Check out some great pics of the Grand Newport and Celebrations!

We’ve been a part of every kind of event you can imagine at these venues: from elegant wedding receptions and high-energy sorority formals, to traditional bar mitzvahs and a rowdy 75^th birthday party! Over the past few years, we have sort of become the official photo booth for The Turnip Rose and we absolutely love them. If you’re looking for a great venue for your next event, you should check out the “Grand Newport Plaza” and “Celebrations” by The Turnip Rose! And tell ‘em Foto Cabina sent you!

Matthews and Lee say that ideal settings for weddings in SUMMER take place beneath a white tend on a private beach. The COLOR PALETTE should be one of two sets: (1) for the classic look use cornflower blue, lemon yellow and white, or (2) go for the unexpected look with vanilla, raspberry and indigo.

The SEASONAL FLOWERS of SUMMER include: lilies, daisies, delphiniums, Queen Anne’s Lace, sunflowers, lisianthuses, and hydrangeas.

ATTIRE:

1. BRIDE: A flowy, sleeveless chiffon gown
2. GROOM: A tan suit with a white and beige stripped shirt
3. BRIDESMAIDS: Seersucker Dresses

BEVERAGES & EXTRAS: Chilled sparkling sodas (IZZE) at an outdoor ceremony, watermelon-basil margaritas, rose wine, vodka-sparked lemonade, and local beers.

TABLE SETTING: Arrangements featuring fresh seasonal fruit like peaches, cherries and strawberries.

FABRICS: Cotton, gingham, eyelet lace, burlap.

DESSERT: Strawberry shortcake & peach cobbler.

GETAWAY: Tandem bicycle

Enjoy your outdoor wedding ceremony with the natural elements of Summer…stay tuned for our Fall and Winter entries!

Matthews and Lee say that ideal settings for weddings in SPRING take place in a garden at a historic country estate. The COLOR PALETTE should be one of two sets: (1) for the classic look use pale pink, spring green, and butter yellow, and (2) for the unexpected look use blush pink, cream, with accents of sage.

In order to work with the natural essence of spring, here are some suggestions:

FLOWERS: Apple, Cherry, Dogwood Blossoms, Daffodils, Ranunculuses, Forsythia, Lilacs, Lilies, Peonies, Sweet Peas

ATTIRE:

1. BRIDE: A tulle gown with floral cap sleeves
2. GROOM: A Slim gray suit and solid-color bow tie
3. FLOWER GIRL: An arrangement of garden flowers tied with a ribbon that matches the sash of her dress.

TABLE SETTING: White ceramic pitches filled with garden flowers, paired with antique china and flatware

CAKE: Lemon pound cake filled with raspberry preserves and decorated with fresh blooms.

FAVORS: Personalized packets of wildflower seeds.

ENTERTAINMENT: An acoustic guitarist and some classic lawn games (like croquet and bocce ball)!

Good luck with all those Spring 2011 weddings…stay tuned for the rest of the series!

1. Your body already knows how to heal itself; you just have to get out of its way.
2. Go ahead…vent a little! Think of it as a detox for the soul.
3. Good posture isn’t about rigidity, but fluidity.
4. When you can appreciate being alone you’re rarely lonely.
5. Clutter is the by-product of indecision; make sure everything in your space is there because you choose to keep it.
6. You may not be in school anymore but there’s always more to learn.
7. True sufficiency doesn’t mean having plenty, it means having enough.
8. Pay attention to how you walk. Ask yourself what you’re rushing toward…or away from.
9. Transform anxiety into excitement; focus not on the fear of what lies ahead, but the possibilities you might create.
10. Lead with your heart, not your egoI love the simplicity yet grounding effect this list has on me when I read it. If it helps to ground you amidst the task of event planning, I suggest printing it out and keeping it somewhere that you can see it easily. Life is too short to forget the simple pleasures of simply being.

Body & Soul

I stumbled upon a particularly helpful chapter that I would like to share with you today! On page 126 of The Referral Engine, Jantsch discusses the hidden benefits of blogging. In this section he says, “I did not start blogging for all these reasons, but they are the reasons I continue to advocate blogging for everyone!”

1. Blogging makes me a better thinker. When I write things down, read and reread my posts, solutions that once seemed complex become clearer.

2. Blogging helps me become a better listener. If I am an active blogger then I am constantly looking for new ideas and new topics to write about. Improved listening is a great way to get new blog ideas.

3. Blogging improves my writing. Active bloggers make posts daily and practicing writing skills is very beneficial.

4. Blogging improves communication. I often write blogs the same way I talk. Looking through my past postings I have noticed that I am often trying to sell an idea or thing. As Jantsch points out, “Clearly stating idea pitches in writing has improved my ability to articulate them quickly in a selling or interview setting.” Blogging for some is an outlet and a way to let their emotions come out, look at my mother’s blog for instance. Personally I have seen how it has served as a journal for her and a way to share her experiences with others. In an effort to ensure that readers enjoy her blog she has become a better, more interesting writer.

5. Blogging improves my networking. Again, using my mom as an example, she had the desire to keep all her friends updated but did not have time to call everyone and tell the same story 80 times a week. This is where having a blog becomes helpful. My mother’s friends can check in whenever it is convenient for them and they often comment and call her regularly.

Blogging makes a difference. It can help improve numerous aspects of your life. Whether it’s planning a big event, overcoming a tough obstacle, writing to help others, or simply out of enjoyment there are many positive and unexpected yet rewarding outcomes which can result. Blogging is a great way to communicate with large numbers of people at one time. Let us know if you have a blog…we’d love to check it out!

Here are some of the suggestions for the PROCESSIONAL

“Over the Rainbow” by Nikki Yanofsky (instead of Jody Garland)

“Stairway to Heaven” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (instead of Led Zeppelin)

“With or Without You” by Keane (instead of U2)

“Always Be My Baby” by David Cook (instead of Mariah Carey)

“Here Comes Your Man” by Meaghan Smith (instead of The Pixies)

Some suggestions for the FIRST DANCE

“At Last” by Jason Marz (instead of Etta James)

“L-O-V-E” by Joss Stone (instead of Nat King Cole)

“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Josh Kelley (instead of Queen)

“I Want to Know What Love Is” by Mariah Carey (instead of Journey)

“More Than Words “ by Frankie J (instead of Extreme)

“I Melt With You” by Nouvelle Vague (instead of Modern English)

COCKTAIL HOUR favorites

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Lauryn Hill (instead of Frankie Valli)

“Overjoyed” by Mary J. Blige (instead of Stevie Wonder)

“Only You” by Train (instead of The Platters)

“Emotion” by Destiny’s Child (instead of The Bee Gees)

“Baby One More Time” by Travis (instead of Brittany Spears)

“One” by Johnny Cash (instead of U2)

“Wild Horses” by The Sundays (instead of The Rolling Stones)

Suggestions for the PARENT’S DANCE

“What a Wonderful World” by Eva Cassidy (instead of Louis Armstrong)

“Someone to Watch Over Me” by Amy Winehouse (instead of Frank Sinatra)

“Tiny Dancer” by Ben Folds (instead of Elton John)

“Just the Way You Are” by Maggie Gylenhaal (instead of Billy Joel)

Some classic DANCE FLOOR choices

“Lean on Me” by Glee cast (instead of Bill Withers)

“Higher Ground” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (instead of Stevie Wonder)

“Come on Eileen” by Save Ferris (instead of Dexys Midnight Runners)

“Heaven” by DJ Sammy and Yanou (instead of Bryan Adams)

This ceremony and music selection was provided by Brides Southern California magazine. Most of these songs have great lyrics but they need a different tempo for the mood of your wedding, which is why I love this list! Get the songs you want in the style that fits your event! Best of luck!