Planning: Unite by Candlelight

The lighting of the unity candle is a very popular tradition amongst weddings. One in which one two taper candles surround one larger pillar candle. some traditions are that the taper candles are each lit by one member of the brides family and the grooms family (sometimes the mothers). These lit candles represent the individual lives of the bride and groom prior to marriage. After the vows and before the official announcement of husband and wife, the couple will each take their respective taper candle and simultaneously light the pillar candle and distinguish the taper candles. This tradition is a symbolic joining of two families into one.

As with any tradition there are many variations and each bride and groom will make it there own. One way in which couples showcase their individuality is the style of the candles in itself. Some may leave the candles plain with no fancities to maintain it's purity. Others may jazz it up with ribbons, pictures, crystals and any other decorative elements.

In case you are considering incorporating the unity candle in your ceremony and are not into the DIY , below are some options that could get you started:

Courtesy of WeddingAccessories.net

Courtesy of Etsy:

XOXO Bridal Boutique

Seller JAmoe

Creative Bridal Solutions

Beeswax Candle Company

Whatever your style choice, it will not take away from it's symbolic meaning.

Pretty Little Things: Invite Fabulousness

In case I have not informed you, I LOOOOOOVE Twitter. I find out the most fascinating information and meet the funniest and most talented people. So it was no surprise that while perusing my fave social networking site, I found out that Preston Bailey, celebrity wedding and event planner has partnered with Invitation Consultants to design a wonderfully chic line of invitations...pause for reaction. In case you are not familiar with Preston Bailey (and you should be) check out his site HERE. And take a peek at a few of the invitations designed by Mr. Preston Bailey exclusively on Invitation Consultants:

Check out the entire collection HERE

Parties: Got Photo'd @ Get Married

I am a huge fan of photo booths in weddings. It is a fun entertaining activity that brings out the silliest in people (yours truly included). So no surprise that while attending the Get Married Magazine Launch on Sunday in NYC, I was all over the photo booth by NYC Photobooths. Take a look at what resulted in a trip behind the velvet curtains with my colleague Tamika.

*** DISCLAIMER: We are NOT flipping the bird in the last picture on the left.

That is the peace sign on at a bad angle***

Here are a few more pics from the fabulous launch party:

This fabulous foursome is Corrie from Invite Couture, Lisa from Elite Affairs,

Keli from Little Pink Book Events, Ltd., and Me.

Great group of ladies

All photos courtesy of Camille for JunePlumm Events

Pretty Little Things: Look into the Light

Votives can do wonders for an event. They add a romantic ambiance as well as provide a quick and easy addition to your decor that you can rarely go wrong with. Actually I say the more the merrier. What I truly adore about these votives is the aray of options you have for votive holders. There is a votive holder to compliment any tablescape, color scheme or formality.

Below are some mosaic stlye votive holders that can partner well with your votive candles:

Courtesy of Backyard Gardner:

Courtesy of Indiatimes Shopping:

Courtesy of Reigning Gifts for the Spirit:

Courtesy of Home Interiors:

Courtesy of Colonial Candle:

Courtesy of Dot Com Gift Shop:

Courtesy of Colonial Candle:

What do you think? Can this work for you?

Pretty Little Things: Blooms - A Breath of Fresh Flowers

No longer just the "old style" filler flower, Baby's Breath used on its own can create a fresh looking statement in your event decor. Take a look at some fabulous ways in which you can make Baby's Breath wow'em in your centerpiece, bouquets and even cake adornments:

Courtesy of Weddingbee

Courtesy of The Knot

Courtesy of Pacific Weddings

Courtesy of Cake That

Photo Credits

Have you ever considered or used Baby's Breath in your floral decor?

Planning: How Much Is Too Much?

How much is too much to drink at your wedding...

If your officiant is thanking you for inviting him to the cocktail hour, reception and wishing you love and happiness throughout your wedding, THEN you stick your tongue in your spouses ear and say "later baby"...
-you have had too much to drink

If you are giving your thank you speech and no one can hear you because you are holding the microphone upside down...
-you have had too much to drink

If you introduce your wife to your cousin she as never met as "what's your name again...I ah ah ah can't ahh do we know each other"...
-you have had too much to drink

If you are about to do the ceremonious cutting of the cake and you start doing the "Do you smell what the Rock is cooking" display...
-you have had too much to drink

If you know you are not receiving the best dancer of the year award and you proceed to entertain your guest with your own rendition of flashdance...complete with chair...
-you have had too much to drink

If you approach your wedding planner to thank her for a job well done by trying to kiss her ON THE MOUTH in front of your wife...
-you have had too much to drink

A wedding is supposed to be an enjoyable special occasion. Don't compromise it by over indulging in drink offers by your friends and guests. I know you don't want to offend anyone by turning down the offer to toss one back for ole' times sake, but you also want to remember your wedding tomorrow. Learn to say thanks for the offer but I have had enough.

You will be glad you did.

Parties: The Great Bridal Expo

On October 5, 2009 I attended the packed Bridal Expo held at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown Manhattan. The expo was frequented by many brides, grooms couples and families and boy did it show and a wide array of vendors. Due the the amount of attendees, did I mention it was packed, it was a bit difficult to get one on one time with some of the vendors but I was able to take a few flicks of some sights that appealed to me. Take a look below:

The Crowd:

Bedford Village Florist Ltd.:

Madison Florist & Event Design:

Edible Bliss Confections:

And last but not least...

My name up high:

...no relation, just couldn't help myself

If you are in the NYC area and would like to check out the Bridal Expo, it will be back at the Marriott Marquis on January 18, 2010,

All images were taken by Camille of JunePlumm Events