Bridal Show Tips!

It's that time of year again! 

Getting hitched in the Central Pa area?

The annual Antique Auto Museum in Hershey PA is right around the corner! 

February 19th

Ticket: $7 Advanced,   $10 at the door

Click HERE to be taken directly to the large listing of amazing vendors!

They will be hosting the annual cake dive, where one lucky bride to be will win a package worth over $10,000! 

Something that caught my eye.... 

One other lucky bride to be will go home with a Louis Vuitton bag!

This alone would make me go!!! 

Why should you go to a bridal show? Some questions I had going forward with planning my own wedding!

They can be so overwhelming and busy! Where do I start?

YES they can! But, remember go in with a plan. Do some research before hand on the vendors and prioritize! Which type of service do you need the most? Catering? Photography? You will be able to compare prices & services all in on day!

Who should I take with me?

First, If you are the major decision maker, bring someone you trust, for a different perspective. I recommend something who is also easy going and doesn't mind being your side kick for the day! Also- who will keep you on track checking off that check list! Oh, and take a camera, pen & paper.

How long do these shows last?

Depending on the show, it could be a couple hours to a full out weekend! So, remember look cute but wear something comfortable! Maybe those heels can should stay in the closet!

Should I sign a contract?

I personally wouldn't. Go home and look over everything! Make an appointment with that specific vendor so you can all sit down and feel confident when signing that paper.  Remember, this is your BIG day and do your research on that vendor.  If there is a specific vendor you know you want for your big day, I assume you already called them and signed the line :)  Many of the vendors do offer "show specials." BUT make sure you are 100% sure!

Most importantly...put your name in for the free drawings for goodness sake & have FUN!

AACA is on Facebook!

A Dreamy Vera Wang..

I'm in love... 

I wanna run wild in this gorgeous dreamy Vera Wang gown...

Paired with cowboy boots!

A buttercup yellow wedding dress... not sure how to top this!

Seriously! I luv!  Wanna learn more about this wedding? Click on over to their talented photographer Di Bezi Photography's blog.

An East Coast Wedding-Family

Last month we traveled back to PA for my Brother's wedding!
I just had to share a few!

An Orthodox wedding.

Thats me in the long teal dress :)

Elaine Gates Photography

Lastly, here is a shot I snapped of their wedding toast glasses ... how adorable..

Congratulations Samantha & Michael!

Rehearsal Dinner Details!

Along with my parents, we threw the dinner rehearsal for my brother's wedding. It was held at the Holiday Inn, Harrisburg, Pa. Here is a picture of the room.. Considering we never saw a picture of the room we totally lucked out and the colors we choose matched perfectly! I just couldn't believe how well everything came together! The room was set up different for the dinner.

Photo from Holiday Inn

 A while back I remember Jessica's centerpieces (Tying the Knot) and thought how perfect they would be for the dinner! So, I snatched up 5 square cube vases, 3 large and 2 small. The vases were pricey, if I would have had an IKEA nearby or had more time to search I would have been able to save $$. Besides that, the rest of the supplies were cheap!

I believe we placed three floating candles in the vase and two votives on either side. I saved the votive candles from the bridal shower and were able to use them again!  A red wine ribbon was wrapped and twisted around and super glue held it in place. I believe the ribbon width was approx 1 inch.

Above, is a picture of the smaller vase. I took this picture while we were setting up... I placed a white candle in the middle versus filling it with water. Again, the same set up with the two votive candles along with two monogram cards of which I have yet to mention. I found them FREE! over at Wedding Chicks, click HERE to take a look at them. You are able to choose from a variety of colors as well to match your theme for your event. Here is a picture of the one I created!

The centerpieces were just enough for this type of event. With all the candles lit, the room instantly warmed up. Everyone was really impressed with the monogram...if they only knew it took me 5 minutes to whip up! This will be our secret!

The night before the rehearsal, my friend Danielle came over and taught me how to bake some delicious white chocolate cupcakes and create tiny fondant flowers for that extra detail! I definitely learned alot and it was such a great time spending time with my friend!

We tried to match up the ribbon color to the fondant..and got to work! It is definitely time consuming but was totally worth it! Here is a quick pic of the cupcakes in action before all the food was brought out.

So, as I said earlier, we couldn't believe how the room matched the colors! The dark maroon chairs to the table skirts...we were just in shock! Oh and here is a picture of the invitations I put together for the rehearsal. I had tons of people come up to me and compliment how adorable they were..since we were having pasta I figured these would be perfect...  I chose silver envelopes with Martha Stewart wrap around labels.

okay, no more waiting... click to enlarge. I found these over at Eden Wedding Studio.

 And, a picture of the couple to finish off this post! My Father gave a great toast, wish I would have snapped a pic of him too! It's just too hard to do everything! :)



Back from the East Coast!

Wow, those two weeks flew by! I have much to share...all in good time! 

We managed to get our annual picture on the Hershey Bar!! 

My Brother's wedding flew by...like all weddings do! Here is a sneak peek from the photographer, Elaine Gates Photography.

I'm so super excited to see the rest! I just had to share a picture
of my brother and I rocking out during the reception...its priceless! 

I am excited to share with all of you pictures from the dinner rehearsal and the center pieces I created! Just trying to get unpacked and catch up on some much needed sleep!!!
Congrats too all who tied the knot June 11th!!  

One last picture to end the post... Our Kingston floating on his raft...

enjoying the beautiful day! Oh he is constantly amazing me!

We had an excellent trip back home!

Yellow & Grey Wedding!

By The Couture Cakery

Jasmine flew out to Southern California (my neck of the woods) to create this beautiful dessert table and cake. 

They had vintage styling and books stacked for the cake!

The bride's brother created the letterpress invitation..hence the inspiration for the wedding cake.

I think Jasmine did an amazing job!

A couple more details...

Such a beautiful wedding!

Donate & Win!

I am so excited to share with everyone what AACA Museum in Hershey Pa is up to!! First, they are holding a wedding show on February 20th! In the area? Engaged?

First, 10 lucky ladies will compete in a cake dive! That's right..a CAKE DIVE in search for a wedding band. I wish I could be there to witness such a thing! Look at what you could win.

Bridal Gown valued up to $1000 provided by Gowns by Paulette

Wedding flowers up to $1000 by Pealer’s Flowers

Invitations provided by Balloons and More

Video package up to 5 hours provided by B & L Photography and Video

Limo service provided by Best In Class Limo Service

Photo Booth Rental provided by It’s Showtime! DJ Entertainment

A $250 gift certificate from Magnolias Jewelry

Second, they are holding a 50/50 raffle. One winner will receive half the winnings and the other half will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

Tons of wedding vendors will be in attendance! My favorite Couture Cakery will be there! So will...

House of Clarendon

Park Avenue Salon and Spa

Weddings by JDK

Splints & Daisies

Thomas Beaman Photography

The Sweetest Place On Earth

I fell in love when I came across this wedding!

Click on over here to see more from their special day! 

Photography: Klose Photography

Venue: Hotel Hershey

Jasmine from Couture Cakery created their beautiful Swarovski crystal cake!

photos: Couture Cakery

A Wedding Gift

I am such a huge fan of ring dishes..Lately, I have been ordering them for all my recently married/engaged friends! Not only is it a perfect spot for the diamond but it is also a very thoughtful gift.  You can find several creative designs over at Etsy. Some sellers will even to do custom creations! 

I knew I wanted to get my friend Teresa a dish for her wedding day!  When I came across this design I knew it would compliment their beautiful fall day wedding.

Recently I have been using seller Say Your Piece and totally recommend them!!

Here are a few pictures from Teresa's wedding! 

They had perfect weather that day in Pennsylvania!

Photography by Matt Sowers

One of my favorites...

Photography by Ben Hasty

I must end this post with a traditional Hersheypark group shot!!

An East Coast Soiree

About a year ago I reconnected with an old High School friend. Trang and I played on the tennis team together. I believe she was a senior and I was a freshman :) Well, thanks to Facebook we have been able to catch up! I remember her telling me she was planning a wedding!! Well the time has come, look at her beautiful photographs...isn't she stunning?

I have fallen for her dress...

Can you guess where they tied the knot?

Love the red petals in the air!

I wonder if they choreographed their first dance?

I am totally into the reds and purples...

 Such a beautiful couple! Congratulations!!

Photography by Laura Eaton Photography, based in Philadelphia, PA

Jump on over to her Facebook Page

Hop on over to her Blog