Blissful Moments

Begin your big day with this beautiful Blossom invitation by Carlson Craft! This collection offers a chic way to send your request with class. The beauty from this exclusive ensemble arises from the flourishing vine design that graces the side of this ecru invitation. While this picture features the Admiral and Champagne background option, you can also choose from Monarch and Pumpkin, Ebony and Peacock, Admiral and Canary, Malibu and Merlot as well as Eggplant and Champagne. The layout and imprint colors are only available as shown in the picture; however, the imprint colors will change with the choice of your background colors. The envelope text with this collection will be flat printed, unless you chose the gold ink which will be raised printed. The production time for this stunning set is three working days and the price for this print includes the printed invitation and blank, double, ecru envelopes.

To add to your collection, check out the astonishing accessories like the Blossom menu card, envelope icing, and the ravishing reception essentials. From the reception collection you have the option of Blossom address labels, favor seals, place cards, and table numbers. Each of the accessory selections has the same color, print, and production possibilities as the Blossom invitation.

Looking for ways to personalize your petals? From choosing your favorite color to including a personal item within your arrangements, give your big-day blooming display a meaningful and personalized touch with these inspiring ideas.

Embrace the Climate

 To reflect the time of year you have chosen to marry, use seasonal touches in your floral arrangements. Shades of green and white are ideal for spring while you might consider bright cottage-garden blooms for summer.

For an autumn wedding, use a rust colored pallete.

Spray painted cones are perfect for winter weddings.

Pick Your Namesake

Are you a Rose, Daisy, Poppy, or Lily? If so, you might think about matching your wedding flowers to your name. While you may not have the name of a flower, you might have the name of a rose. Visit www.everyrose.com to see more than 6,500 varieties of roses with names from Amy to Zola.

Something Borrowed

Add that something borrowed to your bouquet by asking your florist to embellish it with some glitzy costume jewelry loaned to you from a close friend or family member. You can also attach a sparkly brooch to hold the ribbon in place on your bouquet. Some common choices are a relative’s rosary and a strand of pearls.

Say It With Flowers

In the Victorian era, the language of flowers was created as an ultra-romantic lingo in which flowers substituted words in conveying feelings. For example, gerbera daisies profess friendship while dahlias mean gratitude and larkspur conveys beautiful spirit. Pick a bloom with a special meaning for each of your bridesmaids, then attach a handwritten card explain why you chose that flower for her. You can also create your bridal bouquet with all these flowers incorporated.

Celebrate your Culture

Within your arrangements, include your national flower in the design. For example Scottish grooms could choose a thistle buttonhole to honor their roots.

Or a Greman native might want to add Centaurea Cyanus to their arrangements.

This same idea can also be used with state flowers. For example Tennessee is Iris.

Georgia is a Cherokee Rose

Florida is an Orange Blossom.

Another popular trend is using flowers from the groom’s or bride’s birth month. For example April is a Daisy.

May is a Lily.

June is a Rose.

Blooms with Meaning

If you have a favorite family member that you wish to honor, incorporate the flowers they used at their wedding. You can also choose an unrelated close one you wish to honor on your wedding day and use their favorite flower.

For more on ideas for personalization and other wedding concepts contact Blissful Moments today at (423)614-8919 or by e-mail at Cheryl@blissfulwed.com.

Recently, we have had the honor of coordinating the wedding of Janine and Jeff Varner. After seven months of planning and making sure every detail was exactly what they desired, we were able to help Jeff and Janine’s dream day become reality.  

There were several details in their wedding that really made it special and enjoyable for everyone.

The ceremony was held at the Patten Chapel in Chattanooga and was beautifully decorated by Humphrey’s Flowers. Humphrey’s used a stunning combination of Polar star white roses, ivory hydrangea, stephanotis, Rosetta Vandela roses, green hydrangea, brunia berries and dusty miller.

The flower girls carried pomanders made with the ivory hydrangea. These pomanders are becoming a very popular choice with many brides because they look beautiful and make your little ones task a little easier.

 Thanks to the beautiful venue itself and the gorgeous flower arrangements, Jeff and Janine’s ceremony looked absolutely sensational.

Bamber photography was hired to creatively capture this terrific time in their lives. This talented couple and their intern did a wonderful job at photographing every magical moment and having fun with the bridal party as they were snapping shots throughout the day.

The beautiful bride, Janine, wore a gorgeous lace gown with an illusion neckline. This design adds a sheer fabric to the traditional strapless dress. On Janine’s gown the sheer fabric incorporated lace embellishments which created a flawless, elegant appearance. The illusion neckline gowns are very fashion forward for 2012.

Jeff and Janine provided bus transportation by All Aboard USA for the entire bridal party and their spouses. Everyone enjoyed and was very grateful for having the transportation provided.

Before the ceremony, the string quartet from Lee University played some beautiful pieces as the guest began to arrive. When the ceremony began this talented group played “Canon in D” during the mother’s processional, “Prelude in C” during the bridal party processional, “Trumpet Voluntary” as the beautiful bride was escorted down the aisle and finally “Clocks” by Coldplay during the recessional. The performance by the string quartet truly set the mood for Jeff and Janine’s elegant wedding.

After the ceremony Jeff and Janine had a receiving line where they stood outside the chapel to make sure they were able to see all their guest and thank them for coming. This way they did not have to worry about making sure they saw everyone at the reception and did not miss anyone who was not able to participate in the evening activities.

Jeff and Janine had three open bars and some appetizers for their guests, courtesy of The Read House.

During cocktail hour, the guests were to pick up their name on a place card. These place cards were printed in different colors so the servers would know what each individual was eating for dinner. For example, if they were eating salmon then their card was pink.

Along with the decorations by Humphrey’s Flowers, White Table did a fabulous job with the chair covers and sashes, giving the room the extra elegant touch it needed and Luma set the mood with some great lighting.

For entertainment purposes, Jeff and Janine hired the band 24/7 to play light music during dinner and dance music later in the evening when everyone came out to the dance floor.

Jeff and Janine’s cakes were made by Jackson Bakery. Janine’s was a four-tiered, ivory cake decorated with some flowers courtesy of Humphrey’s Flowers. Janine’s cake was not only beautiful but also delicious.

 Jeff had a three-tiered chocolate cake decorated with strawberries. Jeff’s cake was also attractively designed and tasted great!

Jeff and Janine shared their first dance as a couple to the song “At Last.”

Next were the father/daughter dance to “The Way You Look Tonight” and the mother/son dance to “What A Wonderful World.”

When the formalities were finished, everyone headed out to the dance floor and celebrated a fun night with the newlyweds.

The band 24/7 did a great job with all the music and as they packed up to leave, they began to DJ different dance songs, so the individuals who wanted to stay and dance could do so.   

Jeff and Janine’s wedding was not only elegant and beautiful but it was also very exciting and fun for all the guests who attended. They did a great job at picking out their decorations and deciding how to plan out their day. We were very happy and enjoyed working with them and are proud to say their day was a great success!

Nothing is more darling at a wedding than the flower girl. From the moment she first appears at the end of the aisle, she is sure to make everyone smile. This little lady typically strolls down the aisle either before the maid of honor, after the ring bearer, and sometimes precedes the bride. While having a flower girl is optional, it is a nice way to make a favorite little person feel a part of your big day.

Photo by Anne Wade Parrish Photography

To make your little one even more adorable, here are some cute ideas as she comes down the aisle.

Traditionally, the flower girl will drop rose petals as she comes down the aisle. For this option, she can either drop real petals or silk ones. Either way, you will need to provide her with something to hold her rose petals in.

Your flower girl will be delighted to carry a special fabric purse filled with her rose petals.

You can also decorate a small basket for her to carry down the aisle. Be sure to decorate for your theme or colors of your wedding.

Photo by JHenderson Studios

For an enchanted, fairytale wedding, have your little one sprinkle “fairy” dust as she comes down the aisle. Some brides even opt to dress the flower girl in fairy or angle wings. This idea makes for cute pictures!

Other alternatives to rose petals include wrapped candies or confetti.

If your venue does not allow anything to be dropped on the aisle, there are several darling alternatives!

Many brides are now opting for pomanders. These beautiful balls of fresh flowers can be crafted by your florist or made by covering a plastic-foam ball with silk flowers and hanging it from a looped ribbon for a similar effect. This choice is sweet and easy for them to carry.

A similar option is having her carry a ribboned wand. The top of this wand is embellished with fresh or silk flowers, tulle, and long, trailing ribbons. This option is fun for the flower girl to play with and makes for charming pictures.

To give your flower girl something fun and enjoyable to do down the aisle, let her blow bubbles! Bubble blowing will keep her entertained and make adorable photos.

While some brides have designated bell ringers come down the aisle, ringing bells is also an option for the flower girl as she comes down the aisle.

For an outdoor night wedding or a dimmed indoor wedding, some brides have had their little girls come down the aisle with battery operated candles. These candles are very pretty and some even flicker like real ones.

Never underestimate the power of the buddy system. If your little girl needs that extra confidence, add another flower girl to go down with her. Each little lady can carry one end of a beautiful garland down the aisle.

If you have a flower girl who feels she is too old to carry flower and a young one who is too small to handle the responsibility, consider using a wagon. The older one can pull the younger one in a wagon down the aisle with a sign on the back that says “Here Comes the Bride” sign. This idea is not only unique but is also great for precious pictures.

Some brides create their own “Here Comes the Bride” sign and have it carried by the flower girl down the aisle.

For any option, be sure that the flower girl’s parents are seated toward the front of the ceremony so she can focus on them and be encouraged by their smiles of reassurance.

It is also important to understand that having children apart of your ceremony means there is only so much one can control. While having a young one may seem like a risk to have in your wedding, rest assured that no matter what she does her personality and preciousness will make your guest smile.

You have planned every detail to a tee and now know how your guest will send you off on your special day. While you are super close to completing the planning portion of your wedding, you are not finished just yet! For a superbly impressive sendoff you will need to finish it with your getaway car.

When looking to rent that final form of transportation, be sure to look for the hourly rates and minimums. Most transportation has a minimum of how many hours they will rent out. Also be sure to check if gratuity and tax are included in the estimated price.

Here are a few ideas on how to kick off your new life together with an extravagant exit that will not only impress your guests, but also show off your personal style.

Vintage Limo or Rolls Royce

After running through a row of sparklers, nothing will make you feel more like a movie star than getting into a Rolls-Royce or a limousine. Cars like these are always in style and make for fantastic photos. The Rolls-Royce is one of the most sophisticated automobiles ever built and offers beautiful exterior styling, plush carpeting, and beautiful chrome accents. These fancy automobiles make for an elegant exit and are perfect for that glamorous goodbye!

Horse-Drawn Carriage

For that final fairy-tale moment, a horse-drawn carriage is the best option for the romantic couple. These carriages make for fantastic photo opportunities and a great getaway. This unique transportation will turn the bride’s Cinderella dreams into a romantic reality. This idea is also perfect for a Victorian-themed wedding.

Sailboat or Catamaran

Having your reception next to the water? Take advantage of it and rent a sailboat to sail away on! This unique idea makes for terrific photos. Imagine being swept away to start your new life together. This opportunity offers a great way to “wow” your guest and provides you and your loved one a relaxing, romantic boat ride after a long day of celebrating.

Golf Cart

For the couple with the county club reception and the golf guru, plan your getaway in a golf cart! This is a great way to show your personality and interest. Riding away in a golf cart also makes for fun photos. Don’t forget to decorate your cart and complete it with a “Just Married” sign on the back!

Hot Air Balloon

Take in the horizon and the beautiful weather as your guests send you off while you gently float into the sky. A hot air balloon is an extravagant option that provides some of the best photo opportunities and a unique way to be sent off. No matter when your reception ends you can either float away during the day (which will work better for pictures) or float into the night sky.

Custom Motorcycle

Whether it’s an old-school motorbike or a revved-up Harley, this getaway is a totally relaxed and super-cool way for any couple to ride off into the night. While this option is easy and less expensive, it does require a license and safety gear.

Tandem Bicycle

For a very inexpensive way to ride off, rent a tandem bicycle! This option has been used by many newlyweds and also makes for a great getaway from an outdoor wedding. A tandem bicycle is great for people who are conscious and do not want to contribute to environmental pollution. So, show how well you two work together as husband and wife as you pedal away!

Vespa

This fast and fun vintage motor scooter is a great way to getaway after your reception. This form of transportation is great for one-of-a-kind wedding photographs and a good time as you drive away. This option is also fairly inexpensive.

Helicopter

For the ultimate “Wow” factor, take off in a private helicopter. This state-of-the-art option will not only amaze your guest but also make for amazing photos. Watch your guests wave goodbye as you and your new partner ride off into the sky! With this option keep in mind that your venue needs a clearing or a helipad.

For more information on these getaway ideas and many more, contact Blissful Moments at (423)614-8919 or e-mail at Cheryl@Blissfulwed.com.

Believe it or not, your sendoff can be just as important as your grand entrance to your wedding! After a great evening, you need a great finale. The sendoff makes for a wonderful picture opportunity and since this will be some of the last, you want to make sure you end with some fantastic photos!

The first thing you need to decide is if you want to send off after your ceremony or after your reception. The past traditional weddings opted for post ceremony send offs where the happy, new couple ran through their guests tossing birdseed. Now, however, many brides are opting for post reception send offs and providing other unique, creative ways for their guests to send them on their magical honeymoon!

Today, we will share several alternatives to the throwing of birdseed.

To decide which option would work best for you, keep in mind if you plan on have an indoor or outdoor send off and if it will be at night or still daylight.

If you are having an indoor sendoff, it will be important to check with the venue on what is okay and what is not. Many venues have rules on what you can and cannot give your guests at this time, as it will make a mess and potentially mess up their place. Despite the rules, there are still several wonderful ideas and below are some safe ideas you can choose from!

Ribbon Streamers

Providing your guests with ribbon streamers makes for great pictures and leaves no mess! You can use the same color scheme from your wedding for the ribbons or different colors to represent you and him. You can also add your names and wedding date to the ribbons, making a nice memoir for your guests. If you opted for this idea, keep in mind that ribbon streamers should be used in light so they show up well in pictures. So if you are having an early outdoor send off or if you are sending off inside, this might be the perfect idea for you! Ribbon streamers can also be a fun DYI project.

You can also give your guests stream poppers. These are great because they are fun, are easy to use and easy to clean. All you guest have to do is push the button at the bottom and the streamers come flying out. After they are popped, the streamers are still attached to the little tube they came out of. This might be allowed inside at a few venues but most would probably suggest this as an outdoor option.

Bell Ringing

Another mess-free way to be sent off is giving each guest a small bell to ring as you make your grand exit. To decorate the bell, tie colored ribbon or small silk flowers on them. If you’re a bride that likes variety, you can have your attendants ring larger bells for a louder noise and your guests can ring small jingle bells. This option should be permitted at most facilities.

Rose Petals

For the brides who love flowers, having your guests toss rose petals makes for beautiful photos during your send off. These rose petals can be bought in bags from your florist or silk rose petals can be bought at your local craft store. For either option, place a handful of petals in a decorated bag or basket and pass out to your guests. Against the white of your wedding dress, the rose petals will look beautiful. Rose petals also make for an easy clean up and should be accepted at most venues.

Glow Sticks

For a neat, colorful look, have your guests wave glow sticks! This idea works best in darker areas, so if you are inside make sure the lighting can be dimmed and if you are outside make sure your sendoff is after sunset. This idea can also be accepted at any venue.

Fiber Optic Wands

These wands, which you might remember from your childhood, are also a fun, colorful way to have your guests send you off. Fiber optic wands provide a similar look to sparklers but last a lot longer. They are also best used in dark areas and should be accepted at any facility.

For outdoor sendoffs, there are several more options available. Listed below are outdoor options for both day and night sendoffs.

Bubbles

Many photographers suggest using bubbles during the final exit because the light from the camera flash reflects on the bubbles, making for neat, ethereal photos. For fun, provide your guests or just the bridal party with small bubble machines. Bottles of bubble can be wrapped in colored net or fabric and tied with a ribbon to give them a decorative look. Bubbles leave no mess and should be accepted at all venues.

Sparklers

Sparklers also make for great photos as you make your getaway. Provide each guest with at least one to light and wave as you walk through.

For an elaborate exit, consider having fireworks go off as you leave. While this requires some research, it makes for beautiful photos. Make sure they are legal in your area before and you receive permission from your venue before planning.

Eco-fetti

Eco-fetti is the new, safe and accepted wedding toss. This colorful confetti is biodegradable and leaves no mess to clean!

Silly String

For the couple who loves to have fun, let your guests send you off in a blast of silly string. This idea is a lot of fun for everyone involved and makes for great photos. Be sure to invest in silly string that is both non-toxic and non-staining.

Butterfly Release

A beautiful idea for a sendoff is to provide each guest with a butterfly to release as the couple exits. These butterflies can be ordered online and come in small cardboard boxes that can be engraved with the couples name and wedding date. When the couple emerges, each guests opens the box and the butterflies fly out. This idea makes for beautiful photo opportunities.

For more information on these ideas and many more, contact Blissful Moments today! We would also love to help you decide which sendoff would work best for you and let you know what is allowed and not allowed at venues in our area. Call us at (423) 614-8919 or e-mail to Cheryl@blissfulwed.com.

Today’s brides have the opportunity to choose from several alternatives to age old traditions. One of these traditions is the unity candle. The symbolism behind the unity candle is the uniting of two families through marriage. The bride and the groom get a lit candle to represent each family and use the candles combined to light their new candle. This tradition typically takes place toward the end of the ceremony, after the rings are exchanged.

If you are a bride looking for a unique way to unite, here are a few options that may work for you!

A unity ceremony very similar to the traditional candle lighting is where the bride and groom create their own candle. The bride and groom are each given a container with colored beads. These beads are made of wax, but are the consistency of sand. During the ceremony the bride and groom will take these containers and pour their part into a larger container to combine the two. After, a wick is placed in the middle of the container and can be lit to form your own unity candle.

The sand ceremony is a very popular alternative. With this option both the bride and groom are given containers of sand, each a different color. During the ceremony the couple will take their containers and simultaneously pour the sand into a new container. The two colors are intermingled into one container to demonstrate the unity. After, the sand will never be able to be separated into two distinct colors again. This represents the forever joining of two families and lives.  (This can also be done with colored water, preferably yellow and blue to make green.)

To “tie the knot” at your wedding, use the ribbon unity ceremony. Individuals are selected by the bride and groom to participate. Each participant is to bring a piece of ribbon and offer a blessing while tying the ribbon around the couples clasped hands. The multiple ribbons will form a “knot,” symbolizing the support from individuals in their life. After the last ribbon is tied, the couple will slide the knot off their hands and have it as a keepsake.

The rock ceremony is another unity idea that demonstrates the combining of your paths. Prior to meeting, you and your significant other were walking two separate paths but after falling in love, your paths have combined into one.

To create this illusion, each guest will be provided with one polished stone upon arrival. During the ceremony, the guests will be asked to take the stone out and silently make a wish or blessing for the couple. After, the stones will be collected then given to the bride and groom to add their stones to the container. These combined stones, represent the new path together.

For the artistic couple, show your unity by painting your names on a canvas. Before the wedding, prepare a simple palette of assorted paints and set up a canvas. Then during the ceremony, each take a paint brush and paint your names on the canvas below the heading “I promise” and add the location and date of your wedding. Later you can add an elegant frame and display it in your new home as a reminder of your special day.

If you want your day to be picture perfect, add a photo collage to demonstrate your unity. Choose around 5 photos of each person from infancy to just before you met. Before the wedding, pre-mount these photos on a framed board and leave the center empty. Print an enlarged photo of the two of you together (maybe an engagement picture) and mount this in the empty space during the ceremony. Leave room to sign below the center photo to sign your names and add the date and location of your wedding. After the wedding you can also use this as decoration in your new home.

Some couples have a special wine or other non-alcoholic beverage they enjoy together. If this is you, then share a unity drink. Prepare two small bottles of your drink and during the ceremony, you and your new husband can take each bottle and pour each simultaneously into a single wine glass. (With this option you can either pour the same type of drink or mix, for example two different types of wine such as red and white.) After it is poured, then each individual takes a sip.

To watch your love grow over the years, plant a unity tree! This idea is great for an outdoor wedding and symbolizes your new life and growth as a couple. Before the wedding, pre-pot the sapling or shrub and prepare two small hand shovels with a small amount of soil in each. Use a nice pot or a decorated one to match your wedding theme. During the ceremony, simply slide the shovelfuls of soil into the pot. After your big day either use the plant in your new home, or for larger plants, transfer to a permanent spot in your garden.

For more information on these ideas and many more, contact Blissful Moments by phone at (423) 614-8919 or by e-mail Cheryl@blissfulwed.com!

Looking for a way to remember your guests on your special day? Besides the photos that will be taken at your reception, your guest book will make one of the best memoirs from your wedding. The guest book is a way that you and your loved one can reminisce and remember the individuals who were there to celebrate with you.

If you’re a bride looking for ways to avoid the traditional wedding guest book, here are some unique ideas to create your own memoir.

For a themed wedding, extend your theme to your guest book. For example, if you are exchanging your vows seaside, place plenty of shells on a table with a gold-leaf marker and a footed glass bowl. Guests can then sign the shell and place it in the bowl.

With a holiday wedding, you can set up a Christmas tree and have your guests create, decorate and sign ornaments.

If your wedding is outdoors, you can set up a clothes line and hang several pieces of fabric. Be sure to set up a table next to it with a variety of pens. Your guests can then write messages and sign a piece of fabric. After the wedding day, fashion the squares into a sentimental quilt. This idea doubles as a guestbook and home décor!

You can also make a guestbook into home décor by purchasing a bench for your home and have each guest sign it at your reception.

Many brides are also creating picture frames or art pieces with their guest books. Take a picture of you and your significant other and have your guest write messages on the border around it.

You can also have your guests “leaf” a thumbprint on your guest book. To do this, have a picture of a large bare tree and provide space for your guests to fill the tree with messages and use their thumb to dip in ink and create leaves on your tree. Take the picture of your fully decorated tree and frame it in your new house.

Encourage your guests to express their artistic side by propping up a canvas in your reception room. Have your guests use paint, markers, or pens to write a message or illustrate how they feel about your wedding day or what they see in your future. After the wedding, take it home as a piece of art!

Another creative idea is providing your guests with a stack of construction paper strips. Have your guests write a message and sign a strip then link it to another guest’s piece to create a paper chain. You and your loved one can later remove every link and read each one together to relive your big day.

Remember your day in a fun way by having your guests sign a game piece. You and your husband can reminisce while playing a game like Jenga or putting together a puzzle. This guestbook idea is something you can have fun with every time you think back on your wedding.

 To remember your wedding day in a picture perfect way, set up a photo booth or have a photographer take pictures of your guests holding a message. Provide a chalkboard for your guests to write a note on and have them display it in their photo. You can also provide fun props like mustaches, funny masks, frames, etc. for your guests to show their personality in the photo.

If you have questions about these ideas, would like to hear more or need help coming up with an idea for your wedding guest book, call Blissful Moments today at (423)614-8919 or e-mail Cheryl Hyland at Cheryl@blissfulwed.com