YSC and Kate Aspen

Young Survival Coalition has partnered with Kate Aspen to offer Unforgettable Favors for All Life's Events, featuring the expressive Pink Ribbon Favor Collection. 100% of the net proceeds from your purchase of these and all favors in our store will advance YSC's vital programs that support young women affected by breast cancer.

Year round Kate Aspen also donates 10% of the net sales proceeds from their Pink Ribbon Favor line - - three meaningful designs In Favor of a Cure™ to support YSC programs.

I know many of us have been touched by breast cancer and are always looking for ways to give back. These favors might be perfect for your wedding or shower. I love the plantable pink ribbon cards or the palm tree cookie cutters.

Check out Kate Aspen Today!

Wedding Professional Chats

Business Name: DVideography
Names: Dave and Sheryl Williams
Phone: 610-989-0158
Website Address: http://DVideography.com

How and why did you start the business?
A film and video hobbyist since my teens, I started shooting weddings and events professionally in 2001. In less than two years, it became our full time business.

How would you describe your style?
Our style balances the most unobtrusive coverage with the most creative angles, movement, and sound for a combination of cinematic visuals and authentic documentary storytelling. The most common feedback we receive is that our clients didn't even know we were there, yet we managed to capture the fun and emotion.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
What truly excites me the most is when I know we have just captured a special moment - something that my clients' children and grandchildren will hold dear. I also love the occasional opportunity I get to see the look on my clients' faces when they watch their movies for the first time.

What is the starting price for a wedding?
$3500

What exactly is HD videography?
HD is technically anything above the dimensions of a 1280x720 picture. What that really means is a clearer, wide screen image that looks better than standard definition recordings, especially on larger screens. Even if the end product is delivered on a regular DVD, because it was shot in HD, it still looks better. But the best way to experience HD is to take HD delivery, either on BluRay or as an HD movie file which can be played on computers or from low-cost HD players available in many stores.

What do the readers need to know about it?
The important thing to realize is that HD is quickly becoming the norm but not all HD is equal. Many consumer cameras are now HD but this does not mean that a consumer HD camera is the right tool for the job. Professional HD videography, just like anything else, should be viewed in its entirety. Ask to see recent work and ask for referrals. Any videographer worth his weight should show LOTS of video online.

Anything else we should know about you?
We all work as a team for our clients and I will bend over backwards for them. We have not advertised in many years because of our very loyal clients who come back to us time and again. Almost all of our clients are referred to us.

What is your Dream vacation?
Before my kids get too old, I'd love to spend time with them on an island. Maybe Hawaii? They love the water and an experience like that would be wonderful.

What is the greatest length gone to get the perfect shot?
At a destination wedding we did in the Bahamas, I convinced a helicopter pilot that we didn't need him for the entire hour ($600) but only a few minutes to get the establishing shot of the hotel. He agreed to take me up for $250. The Same Day Edit the next night was a hit and my clients truly appreciated the arial shots that were the icing on the cake.

What can’t live without?
Rice Pudding

And your favorite quote?
It's better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission.

Where is your favorite place to shoot?
St. Thomas, USVI

Please share with us you favorite video clip or highlight reel.
Some of my favorites are some of the most intimate, like this trailer from a recent Cairnwood wedding:
http://www.dvideography.com/video/laura-and-john-at-cairnwood/

Wedding Professional Chats

Business Name: Fresh.Designs.Florist.Incorporated
Names: Susan Davis
Phone: 610-459-1608
Website Address: www.freshdesignsflorist.com

How and why did you get into flowers and then into wedding flowers?
My business partner and I wanted to do something artistic, creative and original. I had always wanted to work in the wedding industry because I am a hopeless romantic. We tried our hand at a few things and ended up doing flowers. One of out first large jobs was for President Jimmy Carter at the Ballroom at the Ben. We were pretty new in business so that was very exciting!

How many years have you been doing this?
We have been in business for 21 years! Began in 1988.

How would you describe your style?
We love very full lush arrangements and tend to stay with the most current trends. Our style can be soft and romantic, classically elegant or contemporary and clean. It just depends on the brides vision. We listen to her ideas and create her dreams.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Working with all the different styles of bouquets depending on the bride.

What is your favorite flower?
I love Vibernum. It is only available for a short time and it makes everything look instantly beautiful when added to any arrangement.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature, Television, Art, Magazines and my brides!

Anything else we should know about you?
We are a passionate family business. Everyone who works here has done so for many years! My husband and I just adopted two babies, now 12 months and 7 months old. They come to the shop and love to play with the flowers. So we have a wide range of ages working with us! I have my masters degree in counseling and this helps me to hear my clients and help them to navigate through the details of a wedding!

What is your Dream vacation?
I want to go to Egypt, the Holy Land and Greece!

What can’t you live without?
Chocolate and Coffee!

And your favorite quote?
Proverbs...."An empty barn stays clean but there is no profit from an empty barn" and "the vision is achieved through much work!"

Table Runner DIY

I love Ballard Designs!
They have so many great home decorating ideas and this month some great tips.

On their website I came across directions on how to make your own table runner. These would be great for a baby or bridal shower.

How to Make a Table Runner

The Easy Way!

A table runner can add life and personality to your table. It can also protect it from warm serving dishes and fresh arrangements filled with water.

So how can you make one? It really is a simple, no sew project. And we will be happy to walk you through the process.

• Choose a fabric that is relatively thick – cotton or cotton/poly blends (for a relaxed look) or a satin or brocade (for a more formal look).
• Measure the width of your table – your finished table runner should be about one third the width of your table. Add one and one half inches to all sides to allow for hemming.
• Measure the length of your table – your finished length should be the length of the table plus twelve inches on both ends for the overhang. Again, make sure you add an additional one and one half inches to allow for hemming.
• When cutting the fabric make sure you allow one and one half inches along all edges for seams. If your want your finished runner to be 18” wide and 90” in length, then you would cut your fabric 21” wide and 93” in length.
• Measure one half inch all around the edges folding and pressing the raw edges onto the wrong side of your fabric.
• Now fold the seam over again - one inch to create the hem and press into place.
• Place the No-Sew Hemming Tape inside the one inch seam that you just pressed – use the directions on the No Sew Tape to seal the hem.
• You can keep the corners square or if you wish or if you want pointed edges on either end, just fold the corners to meet in the center of the fabric attaching the ends with No-Sew Tape.

There are many options for embellishing a runner. If you choose a plain cotton fabric, try using a rubber stamp and fabric paint stamping a design along the border or creating an allover print by randomly stamping the fabric. Try using a feather or a leaf dipped in paint and pressed onto the fabric for an organic, outdoor look. If you have a beach theme, try pressing the outline of some different sized shells in a random pattern. Instead of a tassel at the end on your runner, why not attach shells tied with raffia? Or if you have a more formal look, purchase some crystal drops at your local craft store to hook onto the ends. Whatever your table theme, making a table runner can customize your look and your guests will be amazed!

What is Your Emergency Kit Must Have?

This is a repost from a few years ago but I thought it was important to list again.

A standard practice of wedding planners is to carry an 'emergency kit' - to deal with all sorts of issues that could come up at a wedding. I know you all remember Jo Lo's special jacket in the movie The Wedding Planner.

So what is an Emergency Kit??

There are many different types but I know they are all bigger and more involved then a 'special jacket'. Mine is a small suitcase that I can throw over my shoulder. Some things that I can't live without:
tylenol
stain remover - yes I can get red wine out of the gown
breath mints
bandaids
Big saftey pins - yes all bustles come loose
bobby pins
tape-clear, masking, duct, floral
flame lighter
hair spray
tissues
pens
cd of standard wedding songs
deodorant

I also keep spare unity candles, cake knife, ring bearer pillows, black socks, hand held sewing machine, umbrellas and a bottle opener handy.

Some weddings I end up using many items from my kit and I am so thankful I had it to save the day; Better to be safe then sorry.
What is your must have item?

Greetings from the Beach!

I am taking a break from blogging for about a week while I enjoy the beach with my family.

I am so glad my son likes the sand - he is having so much fun! Or I am having so much fun introducing him to the beach, sand and water.

Be back mid July....

Black & White Filigree

Black and White with a touch of Red - Wedding Inspiration

Save the Date from Wedding Paper Divas
Alvina Valenta Bridesmaids Dress
Chole B Invitations
Place Card Options from Beaucoup

Entrance Sign from Wonderful Graffiti

Select Event Rentals Charger Plate


Votive Favors from Beaucoup

Wildflower Linens

Print Your Own Stationary

Cross My Heart Stationary for Sale


New Home Card or Address Change
Blue and White Stripes and house stick on accent.
Size is 5x8 inches, 10 per pack includes envelopes
$8 a pack and I have 6 packs.


These are easy to run through your printer with
the information.







Having or Throwing a Stock the Bar shower or any outdoor party? These invitations are perfect - I have 2 packs of 10 - green stripes with a margarita glass stick on. $8 each pack of 10 and will sell one or 2 packs.

Please let me know if you are interested by comment or email. thanks

Out of Town Welcome Bags

I have 50 of these Brown/Bronze Gift Bags -perfect for Out of Towners bags or for Bridal Party Gifts. I will sell in increments of 8. They are aprox 8x11 with jute handle. 4 for $1 + shipping

Please comment or email if you are interested. Thanks

Breakfast in Bed

Father's Day is Sunday - are you planning breakfast in bed for your hubby ie: father of your children?

Wrap up some Breakfast Tortillas - they are fun and easy to eat in bed - don't forget the O.J. and apple juice.

Prep: 5 min., Bake: 10 min., Cook: 13 min. Wrap these individually in parchment paper or foil for a portable breakfast.

Ingredients

• 10 (6-inch) fajita-size flour tortillas
• 1/2 (16-oz.) package ground pork sausage
• 6 large eggs
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1/2 cup shredded colby-Jack cheese blend
• Salsa (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Preparation

1. Wrap tortillas loosely with aluminum foil, and place in a 250° oven for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 8 minutes or until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink; drain, remove sausage from skillet, and pat dry with paper towels. Wipe skillet clean. Reduce heat to medium.

3. Whisk together eggs and 2 Tbsp. water. Coat same skillet with cooking spray; add egg mixture, and cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes or until eggs begin to set on bottom. Gently draw cooked edges away from sides of pan to form large pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes or until eggs are thickened but still moist. (Do not overstir.)

4. Spoon sausage and eggs evenly onto tortillas, and sprinkle with cheese; roll up tortillas. Serve with salsa and sour cream, if desired.

Note: To lighten, substitute 1 1/2 cups egg substitute for eggs and reduced-fat pork sausage for sausage.

Beach Bag for Sale!

Do you need a little something extra to give to your bridesmaids or just want a fun summer beach bag?

I have these PVC/plastic bags for sale. My husband told me I have to get them out of our basement.

I have 7 light purple and 4 teal and 3 white bags.
They are only $5 each (original cost was $25) - great condition.

I can ship them out immediately (small shipping fee).

Please comment here or email me if you are interested.

Cocktail of the Week

I have a bottle of Vanilla Vodka in the cabinet and I was trying to find something to mix with it - voila!


Wedding Cake Martini

2 oz vanilla vodka
2 oz pineapple juice
2 oz sweet n sour

Shake vigorously over ice then strain into sugar rimmed martini glass.

I have also seen another version - just swap out the sweet n sour for Amaretto (Disaronno).

enjoy!