Archive for the ‘Details’ Category

Themed-up Thursdays: A School Themed Weddings

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Are you marrying your high school sweetheart?  Are you both school teachers?  If so, then a School-themed wedding might be a fun theme for your wedding day.

What do you think of when you think of your school days?  Books, chalkboards, apples for the teachers… and if you went to a Private school like I did, you’d think of plaid uniforms.

The best way to make a resonating theme throughout your wedding is in the small details.  Introduce the theme in your wedding invitations so that guests will have a sneak-peek of what to expect on your day.  You could make your invitation look like a note that you passed in class, but instead of ratty, torn-up paper, you could have it professionally printed on cardstock with a feint-ruled background, but have the edges hole punched like it was ripped from a notebook.  Another way you could do it is to have your invitations inserted into a vintage schoolbook, similar to what Jessica Claire did here for her wedding invitations.

Here are some ideas for different elements of your School-themed Wedding:

Favors: Apples, pencil sets stamped with your names and the wedding date, a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird (or another book that was required-reading in school that you enjoyed), a lunchbox with your favorite type of sandwich for guests to munch on for the ride home.

Decor: Apple place card holders, a chalkboard seating chart, a locker to store coats/jackets.

Just remember to carry your theme throughout your event – from your favors, to your decorations.  Have fun with it, and remember details specific to your schooling experience as a couple.  It will make for a memorable day for all your guests!

Don’t forget about our Engagement/Anniversary shoot contest.  Come by and enter over here.

Fun Find FRIDAY! :: Sugary Goodness for Your Wedding Coffee Station

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Gourmet Sugar Company has gone out of the way to provide an experience at your coffee or tea station.  They offer several organic flavors and even offer a vegan option.  Here are some of what they have to offer:

Rose shaped organic sugar cubes! This is just too darn cute.

Wedding cake organic sugar shapes!

Sea shell shapes! How perfect for your destination wedding?

Sample Pack Gourment Sugar Company

Don't know which flavor to try? Order a sample pack and customize the shape to your needs.

Be sure to visit their website and become their friend on Facebook.  Be sure to tell them you saw it first here!

PS::  A special thanks to Carter Elite Travel for sharing this with us!

Ana de Roux :: Destination Wedding Stationery

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Ana de Roux is a Texas stationer that offers a line of destination wedding stationery that’s sure to set the tone for your up coming nuptials.  When choosing your stationery, it should set the tone for your event while adhering to the level of formality.  Ana’s offerings range from elegant papers to fun designs made to replicate passports and boarding passes.  Here is a glimpse at her passport and boarding pass stationery collection::

To see the entire offerings, visit her destination wedding specific stationery website: Passport Invitations.  Once there, you’ll have access to her other websites as well.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Looking for a personal stationery artist?

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

Look no further…

We totally heart Michelle Mospens original art work stationery designs.  View sample’s of Michelle’s custom work here.  She also offers ready to order and DIY selections.  You should totally join in on the 100k customers this year celebration!  Be sure to place your order by July 23rd to take advantage of the celebration discount.  Visit My Personal Artist™ for details!

30offsale my personal artist

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

precious-texas-destination-wedding-planner-copy1

The Circle :: Love and Your Wedding

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

As a Houston, Texas based destination wedding planner, we often share world stories of traditions, customs and symbolism with our clients.  The circle is one of my favorites.

A cycle, completion, wholeness, unity, centering, unending…

These are some of the things that come to my mind in reference to the circle.  Isn’t it ironic that these may also be referenced to love and marriage?

The Circle…

circle

A closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation: x 2 + y2 = r2.

With this ring…

The wedding band is the most familiar circle symbol around.  The symbol of everlasting love.

comfort-fit-wedding-ring-in-platinum-1

"From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never ending." --Michael Barlow-Sparkman

Family circle and circle of friends…

Your circle of family and friends will be your never ending support system as you begin the next chapter of your life.  JP Photography captures this symbolism beautifully in this image.  The Polish wedding unveiling ceremony offers a good example of incorporating this symbolism.

circleofriendsweb-www-dot-jp-dash-photography-dot-net

Hawaii’s Circle of Flowers and Wedding Leis…

In Hawaii, the circle of flowers is also known as the circle of love and serves as the alter in which the couple is Maui’d.  Just kidding, married.  As with the traditional wedding band, it holds a symbol of everlasting love.  Your circle of family and friends my participate by adding single blooms to the circle shape arrangement.

circle-of-flowers-from-maui-dash-angels-dot-com

The couple’s exchange of wedding leis at the beginning of the ceremony symbolizes love, commitment and respect.

kakui-nut-and-white-tuberose-leis-from-maui-dash-angels-dot-com

The Wedding Lasso…

Made as two circles joined into a figure eight shape, the lasso is often seen in Catholic Spanish/Hispanic and Philippine (Cord and Veil Ceremony) wedding ceremonies.  My Spiritual Wedding offers the pictured example below.

lasso-myspiritualwedding-dot-com

The Circle of Life…

Marriage is a natural part of life’s cycle.  Perhaps the biggest circle symbol, we know this cycle as the “circle of life.”  It most often happens  just past the life’s autumn and unselfish surface.  Adulthood enhances our ability to swim through our life’s growth processes.  This is our life’s full moon and our prime as our paths are ready to embrace marriage as a new chapter of our life’s cycle.

marriage-in-the-circle-of-life

From the Greek wedding tradition of the couple circling the alter to the Indian wedding tradition of  the couple’s exchange of garland, the circle is used in a variety of symbols, customs and beliefs.  Yet all carries a heavy foundation to begin a new chapter of life as husband and wife.  How can you be inspired by the circle?

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

precious-texas-destination-wedding-planner-copy4

Photo Credits ::

Wedding Band :: Posh Woman

Bride with Bridal Party :: JP Photography

Leis and Circle of Flowers :: Maui-Angels.com

Wedding Lasso :: My Spiritual Wedding

Circle of Life :: Will return to update : Amended from original version

Colour Me Butterfly

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

luly-yang-metamorphosis-by-outlier-via-flickr

This past Thursday, @TweetMyWedding of Overheard Wedding Twitter posted this picture of this oh so gorgeous gown!  We would love to see the right bride express their self with this inspiration.  Gorgeous!  Isn’t it?

This beautiful creation is part of Luly Yang’s Metamorphosis collection.  The name of this collection is rather fitting.

Cocoon :: Concept   +   Caterpillar :: Development   =  Colour Me Butterfly

Colour Me Butterfly

Colour Me Butterfly

We think Luly Yang’s website says it best.

luly-yang-website-what-inspires-you

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

precious-texas-destination-wedding-planner-copy4

Photo Credits:

Gown :: Flickr Photo via outlier*

Marigold & Tealights :: Brides.com

Pomander Branch & Feather Ornaments :: {LD} Design

White Butterfly Cake :: Who Made the Cake?

Birdcage Veil :: Castle Bride Couture

Feather Shoes :: Halberg Photographers

Butterfly Release :: Lake Lanier Official Vistors Guide

Cocktail Hour Setup :: BBJ Linen

Fleur-de-lis :: Lily Flower

Thursday, June 18th, 2009
italy18a-fleur-de-lys

Fleur De Lis :: Captured in Florence, Italy

I must admit that the longer I stay away from my native Louisiana heritage.  The more intrigued I become with the history, the culture, the symbols, and everything Louisiana.  I’ve learn to embrace each opportunity that presents me to visit, even if for brief periods of time.

My earlier days were filled with blur moments, no real interest, and many dreams of what awaited me outside the “little boot” I know as home.  My mature years, as they so often are, has become years of revelation.  You know:  The eye opening experience builders!  Things that I once glossed over now interest me.

I remember seeing this funny looking three leaf design everywhere.  It was one of those common things that you accepted and never really questioned.  If you know me, you know that I’m a total “find out for yourself if you want to know” type of gal.  I now know this symbol has been around long before heraldry, but thanks to our European migraters, we may share in its beauty and inspiration.

Lily flower also captured in Florence, Italy

Lily flower also captured in Florence, Italy

The Fleur-de-lis, which may also be spelled ‘Fleur-de-lys’, means lily flower.  A lily flower with three petals that each symbolizes something different, something meaningful.  Bibically, it’s a symbol of Holy Trinity.  Writers have commonly described these petals to mean faith, wisdom, and chivalry.  All are aspects a sound marriage and a wonderful inspriation to designing your wedding day.  The outcome will be for more than a wedding day design.  It will be a wedding day design that bears heart felt significance.

Say it softly.

Let it roll off your tongue.

It’s speaks romance.

Soft… Dainty… Beautiful…

Classic beauty that can inspire the masses!

fleur-de-lis-precious-nuptials-destination-houston-destination-wedding-planner-1

How does Fleur De Lis inspire you??

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

precious-texas-destination-wedding-planner-copy4

Inspiration Photo Credits ::

Bouquet : artfool

Napkin Fold : Roter Ochs

Cake : Sedona Cake Couture

Cake Balls : cake by bridges™

Gown : YSA Makino

Flatware : Beverly Bremer

Linen : Wildflower Linens

Jewelry : Irda Jewelry

Place Card Holder :  French Quarter Market

Invitation : Gourmet Invitations

Welcome Bags for Your Beach Wedding!

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

If you’re into maximizing the experience for the guests attending your beach destination wedding, here’s your chance to offer a grand welcome!  As part of creating the experience, you’ll create a lasting memory and over hear your wedding guests saying, “Oh!  Wasn’t the welcome tote from Tamara and Steve simply fabulous?!”

Step One :: Find a keepsake tote that’s makes a statement

Spotted at Newport News for a bargin $24!

Spotted at Newport News for a bargin $24!

Aggie Fan clear beach tote only $12.95 at Football Fanatics!  Don't worry your team is listed too!

Aggie Fan clear beach tote only $12.95 at Football Fanatics! Don't worry your team is listed too!

Personalize this Chino Deck tote with a picture of the happy couple for about $10!

Personalize this Chino Deck tote with a picture of the happy couple for about $10!

Pick your flip flop and your guest's name for only $14.95 at Personal Creations.

Pick your flip flop and your guest's name for only $14.95 at Personal Creations.

Make a cultural statement.  This Miller Home Fashions tote was found at Amazon for $28.99 each.

Make a cultural statement. This Miller Home Fashions tote was found at Amazon for $28.99 each.

Step Two ::  Add fun and necessary items

Don’t over personalize your items, but bottled water is a nice way to bring in your event brand.  We love Bottle Your Brand (the source of these great pics)!

Add a picture...

Add a picture...

... include a welcome statement

... include a welcome statement

... or simply brand it!

... and/or brand it!

Step Three :: Add a few essentials

With all the special baggage requirements on flights these days, travel sized items will be a hit!  If guests haven’t traveled in a while, or had to forfeit items at security check, they’ll love you more because of your thoughtfulness.  Other essentials may include items like a beach towel or flip flops.

My all time favorite one stop shop for anything trial size!

My all time favorite one stop shop for anything trial size!

Another great source for travel size items of all sorts!

Another great source for travel size items of all sorts!

Top it off with Sephora lip balm if you really like them!  {wink}

Top it off with Sephora lip balm if you really like them! {wink}

Step Four ::  Add a little local flair

Local favorites of food, crafts, maps, wine, et cetera….

Step Five :: Add a little fun

A deck of cards for adult down time and fun for the child at heart.  Your guests will appreciate you giving them a little something to do during down times.

Dollar Days offers discount board games suitable for adults.

Dollar Days offers discount board games suitable for adults.

Family Travel Gear offers travel sized games for the little ones.

Family Travel Gear offers travel sized games for the little ones.

Step Six :: Include your Wedding Guests Itinerary

Don’t forget to include a copy of your wedding guest itinerary.  We reviewed this briefly on day three of our 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding Series.

Helpful Hint ::  Most of these items can be shipped to your destination

Don’t forget to check with your hotel policy ahead of time.  We suggest add this to the shipping address:

Hold for :  Jane Doe / Check in 00/00/2011

You will need to set up a system to track delivery confirmation.  Since you will be arriving ahead of time to ensure residency requirements are set, this will be a good time to assemble bags (or have your Destination Wedding Planner team do it for you).

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

precious-texas-destination-wedding-planner-copy4

Wedding + Flowers + Destination Wedding Heat = OH MY

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Destination :: CHECK

Location :: CHECK

Date :: CHECK

Dress :: CHECK

Flowers :: .: oh oh:.

tropicalhandtied
Bridal Dream Hawaii :: Tropical Hand Tied Bouquet

Does the thought of selecting flowers for your destination wedding have you a little stumped? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve already mentioned the fact that planning a destination wedding adds to logistical matters. One of these matters is the art of selecting flowers that will not only compliment the look and feel of your vision, but will also sustain their fresh appeal throughout your day’s events.

Some couples who opt to plan a resort style destination wedding, or for that matter, any destination wedding, will budget for a wedding planner and a planning trip.  Ideally, if you are located in the Houston area, a Houston Destination Wedding Planner or Specialist would be an perfect resource for assisting you.  He/she will provide service as your ‘go between’ for origin to destination contact, conduct the necessary leg work,  and present you with a final floral workup.  If you’re not in our area, don’t fret.  We know you heart us.  We heart you as well!  We  are available for travel.  We may also be able to refer you to a reputable resource in your area.

Considering that many couples won’t have the means of hiring a Destination Wedding Specialist or taking a planning trip, floral selection details will have to hammer out upon arrival.  This being typical, on site coordinators are accustomed to systematically ironing out the details in a short span of time.

At any rate, you should begin to visualize the design concept for your day.  It’s important to take into consideration your destination of choice.  After all, one of the reasons you decided to wed away to this specific destination is because of the flair, natural beauty, and ambiance of the location.  We suggest embracing local bloom options, for obvious reasons.  Local flowers will hold up best in current climate and conditions.  They will also add to the local flair that attracts you to this location in the first place.

tropical-hand-tied

If your budget allows, tropical blooms won’t suffer from drought or heat.  They also add elegance that are not traditionally seen in local wedding flower choices.

Here are other qualities to look for when looking for flowers that will hold well in heat:

  • Thick stems
  • Wax textured floral
  • Full blooms (they will stay fresh longer than small bud flowers)
greencymbidium
Bridal Dream Hawaii :: Green Cymbidium Orchids

Specific popular heat friendly destination wedding flowers are:

  • Lilies (there are many variations and color choices)
  • Roses
  • Cymbidium Orchids
  • Gerbera Daisy’s (Mini Gerberas are good fillers)
  • Hypericum (for fill and texture)
  • Tropical foliage

If you don’t have a Destination Wedding Planner at your finger tips, your venue will be able to offer you specific blooms per location.  They will also be able to assist you in building your floral order that will not only suit the destination’s climate, but he/she will ensure the vogue is uniquely you!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

precious-texas-destination-wedding-planner-copy1

Top 3 Ways To Protect Your Wedding INVESTMENT

Sunday, October 19th, 2008

Today’s break beverage: my special Americano of course…  Why?  It gives me the added boost and is nice to my thighs (:

Mood: Busy, busy, busy…

Since I can’t get my two years of blogging uploaded here, I’ve decided to feature past entries here over time.   Here’s the first… enjoy!


So, you’re engaged and are planning your huge investment on creating a perfect beginning to your happily ever after. Now what?

It’s time time to outline the top three ways for you to protect this investment. We get excited when it’s time to plan “the day.” Through all that excitement, someone in the planning party is thinking about the total investment involved. With the rising cost of weddings and the fluctuation of the market, educated wedding spending should remain at the top of everyone’s priority list. After two popular Houston wedding venue’s shut their doors without offering any possible recourse for their booked events, this has become a constant subject at the tip of my tongue.

Allow us a few moments to list three simple ways to protect your wedding investment. It’s never to late to begin this practice. Whether you have eight months or eight weeks of planning remaining, something on this list can benefit you in protecting your investment.

NUMBER THREE…
Make all of your deposits and wedding purchases by credit card. Making minimum deposits by credit card keeps you with the advantage of being able to dispute charges for services not rendered. If you have made a purchase for a service with a credit card that has not be rendered, simply call your credit card company and dispute the charge(s). When calling your credit card issuer, request a charge back pursuant to the Fair Credit Billing Act. Charges for services that weren’t delivered as agreed are covered under this Act. Access the Federal Trade Commission for specifics on this Act.

NUMBER TWO…
This may sound odd, but I’m going to say it anyway. Some vendors may get excited to get payments above and beyond the required deposit amount. I beg to differ and strongly recommend the opposite. Pay only the required deposit to secure your vendor and hold your wedding date. Make all payments as outlined by the agreement. This goes hand in hand with having a good agreement that proper outlines all the terms, conditions, and agreements for both parties (the supplier of services and the recipient of services to be rendered). I don’t recommend paying for anything in full that you have yet to receive. If final payment is due two weeks prior to your event, that is when I suggest you schedule your payment. This way you are not out $20K eight months prior to your wedding because your venue decided to shut it’s doors and discontinued the telephone lines.

NUMBER ONE…
The number one suggestion for protecting your your wedding expenses (drum roll please): INSURE YOUR EVENT!

That’s right… Purchase wedding insurance coverage. Precious Nuptials and Destinations has been in the works of adding a couple optional basic wedding coverage to our full and echo chic planning package for some time now. The couple could always choose to enhance this coverage, but we feel it’s absolutely necessary to set the foundation and plant the seed. The state of our economy and all the uncertainty has surly put this wheel into full motion.

In this quest for finding ideal coverage providers to offer our clients, we meet with Jorge Sera of Total Insurance Coverage, LLC back in July. Mr. Sera’s services is an ideal fit for what we are looking for. Not only because the coverage options are so diverse, but also because he’s local and knows his stuff! I for one, totally connect with the fact of having a local insurance office to write and or source this policy. I don’t know about you, but I feel so much better when making important purchases with a physical person verses a web page. Jorge, I hope he doesn’t mind me calling him by his first name, is very knowledgeable about his product, protection, and limits. Here’s samples of what type of protection this policy can offer:

  • Your reception venue went out of business
  • Hurricane cause your wedding to be postponed
  • Lost or damaged dress
  • Lost deposits
  • Lost rings
  • Transportation shutdown
  • Ruined photos
  • Call to duty
  • Damaged gifts
  • Sudden illness
  • Venue required insurance
  • Liquor liability

Review this sample policy to see if this coverage is right for you. You may also become familiar with the protect plans from Travelers dedicated information site. In short, a few hundred dollars can invest the thousands you’ll spend on planning your perfect day. Contact Jorge Sera and allow him to assist you in properly protecting your wedding expenditures.

There it is… It’s that simple. Doing these three simple steps can save a lot of headaches and a ton of heartaches.

Also, we understand that our displaced brides my still have a need for wedding planning and coordination services. Precious Nuptials and Destinations will offer proven displaced couples discounted services on a case by case bases. We would love to help everyone, but know that we are not able to. In return, we hope that the three steps listed above will assist couples and their families from being displaced and out thousands to boot. Contact us at: staff[at]preciousnuptials.com for more information.

[Cheers!]