Princess for a Day

Yesterday was Ashley's day to be a princess. When she came to me to start the planning process I asked her to give me three words that would best describe what she was looking for. Her answer - princess, red and purple.

It was then my job to bring this fairy tale to reality -

The fairy tale came true -

Ashley has been one of the sweetest, most gracious clients I have had. Her Groom, Ricky and her entire family were wonderful to work with.

I wish Ashley & Ricky the very best that life has to offer them. They are a very deserving couple.

More Wedding Traditions

It is fun to tell brides about some time-honored traditions, which bring a sense of history to wedding events. One tradition that most couples choose to follow is the exchange of rings. And it's still customary for the groom to ask the bride's family for their blessings before the engagement. While Queen Victoria of England is credited with being the first to wear a white wedding gown as a sign of affluence, American brides should feel free to choose any shade of white or ivory or subtle color. A veil was once used to cover the bride's head while she was being captured. In other cultures one was also worn to protect the bride from evil spirits. For brides who seek a more contemporary feel, a headband, tiara or flowers might be the right accessory to complete the headpiece and/or veil. Receiving lines, once thought to be the way to share good fortune with everyone the bridal couple touched, are often replaced by couples making their way from table to table during dinner. The important thing to remember is to use the traditions that work for you and feel free to adapt them to your contemporary needs.

5 Inspiring Ideas

That offers ways to create a wedding that's unforgettable - for both you and your guests.

1. Give classic black-and-white decor a colorful lift - Whatever strong hue you put with black and white will look sharp and really stand out. A recent wedding punctuated the Hollywood regency-inspired look with bright yellow accents. The dining tables alone were decorated with more than 300 stems of yellow calla lilies, which offset black-bordered linen runners.

2. Personalize your bouquet with a beloved heirloom - Adorning the bridal bouquet has become quite popular, but the key is to do it in a meaningful way. Some brides will add a broach that had or does belong to her Grandmother. The Grandmother is known for wearing broaches on her jacket lapel and/or hats. The bride will always be moved when she sees her bouquet.

3. Transport your guests in comfort - and vintage style - There's charm in an old-fashioned, slow-moving trolley. Providing a chic ride lets guests enjoy themselves without worrying about driving between venues. The best part would be to have a trolley that is open on all sides as to offer the alfresco experience.

4. Savor the flavor of a cherished family recipe - Whether it's your aunt's chicken noodle soup or your dad's famous chocolate-chip cookies, most high-end hotels and caterers will accommodate your request to have a favorite food prepared as part of the wedding dinner.

5. Organize ceremony seating so all guests can see - Guests at a wedding are usually divided into two groups: the bride's family and friends on the left, and the groom's on the right. Realizing, however, that people in the back rows often have trouble seeing and hearing the vow exchange, opt for a circular or amphitheater seating. Instead of 15 rows - you have four or five and everyone has a great view.

Frequently asked Questions

1. My sister/friend/aunt/cousin/mom is will to help me coordinate on the day of my wedding. Wouldn't their assistance be enough?

While it is aways important to include loved ones in your wedding, wouldn't you want them to experience your wedding day to the fullest extent without have to "work"? After all, they are your invited guests and deserve to be treated like VIP's, not employees! A wedding planner will handle all the details for you and troubleshoot all the little emergencies that inevitable always pop up during the course of a wedding. While family and friends mean well, they are probably not always going to be equipped or knowledgeable to handle last minute issues.

2. If I have a strick budget for my wedding, wouldn't hiring a wedding planner be an extra-added expense?

If time were money, you would be saving a fortune by hiring a wedding planner. While it would be an extra-added expense that you probably didn't plan for, a wedding planner will end up saving you money in the long run by referring you to quality vendors within your budget, helping you stick to your budget, and suggesting ideas or alternatives to meet your budget. I have yet to find a client who didn't tell me that they would definitely be willing to pay more for my services after their wedding was over. They all realize that the help I provided them before and during the wedding was priceless!

FAST FACTS

Did you know that . . . Weddings Around the World -

1. Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.

2. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlywed's home to symbolize fertility.

3. To ensure that she'll never do without, a Swedish Bride places a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe.

4. Historically, Danish men and women cross dressed in order to confuse evil spirits.

5. Most Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their ceremony.

OTC - and the Coker Family

In the Spring of 2008, OTC offered it's first course for "Professional Wedding Planners", through "Continuing Education". Sherry Dziwanowski, a computer specialist in Continuing Education was engaged to be married in June, 2008 and offered to be the Bride for the girls in the spring semester. This gave our class a hands on bride to work with. It was a "win - win" situation for everyone. The girls followed through with the wedding and all was well.

Sherry, her family, my family and I, have all become good friends through this chance meeting at OTC. Sherry and I are now "Stampin Up" buddies. I have since joined Sherry's stampin club and I love every minute of it. I would like to introduce you to the new Coker Family - from left, Nick and Jayden Dziwanowski, Sherry, Joe and Kenzie Coker.

50% off Accessory Blowout

Signature Weddings is offering a GREAT holiday special. Need stocking stuffers for the Bride in your family? We have Flower Girls Baskets, Ring Bearer Pillows, Toasting Flutes, Cake Knife Serving Sets, Cake Toppers, Bride to Be Tote Bags, Bridal Slippers, Bridal Robes, Satin Pillow Cases, Hand Towels, Bath Towels, Just Married Flip Flops, Sunglasses, Unity Candles, Flower Girl T-Shirts, Ring Bearer T-Shirts and much, much more. View our website at http://www.signatureweddingsbykim.com/ to view our current inventory. Each accessory item on the web site is now

50% off. Call for pricing and delivery options. 417-496-6887.

In partnership with Budget Printing in Springfield, Missouri - we offer invitations from Birchcraft, Carlson Craft, CheckerBoard, Masterpiece, McPhearsons, National Engraving, Nu-Art and Stylart. Beginning January 2009 we will be offering custom made invitations. Appointments are required for invitation ordering.