On the subject of children at weddings

The subject of kids or no kids at wedding receptions came up on a wedding planners' national discussion board that I make frequent contributions to. Although I totally understand when a bride and groom choose to hold an "Adults Only" reception, I also love the weddings where children are included.

ART & SOUL recently was "Day of" Coordinator for a large 550 guest wedding that included children that were in the wedding party. Following the bride' Princess theme, ART & SOUL decorated and staffed a special area for the kids marked by balloons. Of course with the Princess theme, the girls made out best w/ princess wands, tiaras, and jeweled toy high heels that they decorated themselves. The boys had Hot Wheels and Spiderman stickers to affix to poster paper; together the group blew bubbles during the toasts and enjoyed color-coordinated candies, which we told the parents were "FOR KIDS ONLY!"

Cafe au lait and copper

Thursday, August 23rd was the date for a wonderfully sweet and intimate mid-week wedding in Santa Fe. Client chose the cafe au lait lamour linens as her predominant color for the reception. ART & SOUL Weddings and Events custom-made a 21 ft. copper satin runner to pull the look together, which consisted of 3 six foot tables arranged end to end. Jon of Canyon Road Flowers added the wonderful elements of floating candles, cherry brandy roses and parakeet flowers. While ART & SOUL waits for the fabulous photos from professional photographer Ginger Russell, we'll post non-pro photos to whet your appetite.

A Great Santa Fe Site

The Atrium at the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) in Santa Fe was the site chosen by a Chicago couple w/ New Mexico roots for their wedding reception, following a ceremony at the historic Santuaro de Guadalupe. What a special venue! The whimsically artistic MOIFA was the perfect location for this couple, both arts administrators in the Windy City. Guests were invited to join docent-led tours of several of the galleries before convening in the Atrium for pre-dinner appetizers.


The bride and groom chose Santa Fe florist Carol Rose of Amanda's Flowers to complement their color scheme of deep red and poppy (a softer shade of orange), which she did w/ a minimalist approach that delightfully complemented the simple beauty of the Atrium.

Color trends

Those of you who know me, know I've been preaching color in weddings, especially receptions, for years. But what I'm seeing since last year and expanding on this year w/ my brides are some beautiful shades in the yellows and oranges. Colors like persimmon, mango and saffron...

In June, ART & SOUL helped a Florida bride and groom have a big time w/ a ceremony and reception at the Club at Las Campanas followed by an afterparty at the Hotel Eldorado, with all events punctuated by scads and scads (literally hundreds and hundreds) of Big Fun roses, huge saucer-sized roses in varigated peachy pinks and yellows. Watch for photos, I promise to bring the website up to date w/ the weddings of 2007.

Until then, photos can be viewed in the Markow/deJesus published album on www.insightfoto.com

An upcoming courtyard wedding will utilize Mango and Treasure calla lilies.


The color saffron, a rich, deep golden yellow inspired by Indian silks is another shade ART & SOUL has been asked to explore for an autumn wedding.

Other trends we're seeing is mixing metals (copper and pewter, silver and gold) and as always... texture, texture, texture, whether in hobnail votives, a fabulous dupioni silk or using a damask overlay over a silk lamour.

Big news according to Premier Bride Magazine and consultants throughout the country...cool grey is hot, hot, hot.

A PERFECT FIT

Trash the Dress teams up with Brides Against Breast Cancer

This comes from Louisiana-based documentary photographer marc eric, the brains behind the creative concept, “Trash the Dress.” (http://www.trashthedress.com/)

As m.e. says, “it’s about creation, not destruction.”

Warning—this is long, but well worth the read for brides.

Says marc eric: “I’m sure anyone who has followed TTD [Trash the Dress] has seen a fair share of posts asking why Brides don’t donate their dresses to a charitable cause, such as www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.com. With the fanfare that the organization is receiving on TTD, I decided that maybe we should learn more about them, and I’m glad I did.

Since we at TTD are interested in creating memories- not destroying them, I was excited to learn that their mission is very similar, in fact- they own the website www.makingmemories.org.

Says marc eric: "This is truly a great organization, and I now see why the supporters are passionate about it.For those who aren’t familiar with the organization, you should check out their “about us” page as soon as possible. Basically, they sell donated wedding dresses at huge gatherings across the country- then use the money to help terminally ill cancer patients fulfill their wishes. This description comes from their website:"

'It is our intention to “make a difference” in the lives of those suffering from this devastating disease. Our wish-granting service helps put the realities of this terminal illness aside, if just for a few days, while providing the opportunity for a family to spend quality time together. Our hope is that every metastatic breast cancer patient will be able to pass from this world comforted with the joy of having left his or her family a final beautiful memory—something the family will look back on and remember for a lifetime.'

This organization is making a powerful difference in people’s lives, and we want to help any way we can. I asked Fran what she thought about some of the suggestions we’ve received, such as donating dresses to the organization after a TTD photoshoot (assuming that the dress only saw minimal exposure to water or dirt). I admitted that I almost felt like doing so would be like offering something of no value to her organization (after all, it was used for a Trash the Dress session- why would anyone want that, right?). Fran assured me that many of the dresses they receive are fairly dirty upon receipt- from wine, food, and dirt stains. She told me that 90% of the dresses clean with no signs that the stains ever existed. The only time a dress can’t be recovered is if the fabric or beading is scratched- but she said they have a use for those dresses as well. If the dress is beyond repair, the fabric can be used to make quilts, which also bring in revenue for the organization. Fran highly recommends that Brides send in their dresses, even after a TTD shoot, if she is willing to part with it."

"Of course, in addition to letting TTD brides know about this option, there are many more ways we can help. They take monetary donations. They accept donations of all sorts- including dresses, jewelry, and other items. Even if you follow the blog, but aren’t interested in a TTD shoot- we highly recommend that you consider donating your dress if you don’t have plans to use it as a family heirloom."

What To Do with Your Dress When the Weddings Over? Two Great Options

The photography of fellow wedding professional, Floridian Scarlett Lillian, was featured recently in a fun article showcasing a trend in photography that emerged last year, called “Trash the Dress.”

www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/070907/lif_182783585.shtml

The idea is the brainchild of photojournalist marc eric, www.TrashtheDress.com, Trash the Dress celebrates fresh ideas, fun photography and out-of-the-box thinking.

Of course the idea is not for everyone, in which case you have the option of donating your dress to a most worthy cause: Brides Against Breast Cancer
www.makingmemories.org/brides_against_breast_cancer.html

How To Donate Your Gown

You can make dreams come true! The gift of your wedding gown helps Making Memories fulfill wishes for terminal breast cancer patients and makes a new bride's special day even more meaningful. Donations may be made during any “Brides Against Breast Cancer” event or sent directly to:

Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation
12708 SE Stephens Street
Portland, OR 97233.

NOTE: This address is for mailed donations only, for information on dropping off or delivering a donation please call 503-829-4486.

Donations from bridal shops or manufacturers wishing to make a donation when we are in your area may send an email to fran@makingmemories.org or call (503) 829-4486

• Be sure when sending your gown to Making Memories to please include a return address inside the package to ensure you receive a donation receipt. If possible, an additional $10 donation will help with the cost of preparing your dress for sale and will be greatly appreciated.

• We also accept complete sets of bridesmaid dresses, veils, slips, shoes, mother’s dresses and flower girl gowns. Other items specific to weddings, including jewelry, books, ring pillows, wedding purses, etcetera are gladly received.