R.I.P Michael Jackson...You will live on in us forever!

The world has suffered a great loss today with the passing of Michael Jackson.

He was an icon and will never be forgotten!

His music has made us laugh, cry, and dance like there's no tomorrow.

You will be missed Michael...but NEVER forgotten!

Pictures courtesy of http://www.allmichaeljackson.com/

So...you think you can DANCE!?

Wedding dances have taken a life of their own! …and I so glad they did! I love when the new Mr. & Mrs. decide to display their rhythmic talents by making their first dances unforgettable!

I’ve added videos from YouTube to the side bar of the blog to show examples of how newlyweds, families, and wedding party are kicking their receptions off with a bang!

While planning the details of your wedding, don’t hesitate to have FUN with it! You do it in the car, the shower, anywhere the beat hits you! You are the best dancer you know during those time…so why not share your skills with the rest of us! This is a great addition to your reception and your gets will love it!

D.I.Y. Project - Teardrop Luminaries

I found this D.I.Y project on The Wedding Cabaret (via Candletech). This will be a great addition to anyone's reception or event!

What You’ll Need:

High Melt Parrafin Wax

Water Balloons

Double Boiler

Cookie Sheet

Instructions:


1. Fill a water balloon with tepid water.

2. Melt your wax. Optimum working temperature for this project is 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to maintain this temperature for your wax while working by keeping it on a double boiler.

3. Slowly dip your balloon into the wax to just below the water level in the balloon. Warning: Do not dip the balloon into the wax past the water level. This could cause the balloon to pop.

4. Hold the balloon in the wax for a few seconds, and then slowly lift it out of the wax. Dip the balloon a few more times, allowing some time between dips to let the wax cool.

5. While it is still quite warm, carefully set the balloon down onto a piece of paper or a cookie sheet, making sure it is level. This will create a flat bottom for the luminary.

6. Dip your balloon a few more times until it is the desired thickness. A good target thickness is 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch.

7. Set the balloon on the paper or cookie sheet again and let it cool.

8. When the wax is completely cooled, hold the balloon over a sink or bucket, facing away from you. Carefully pop the balloon with a skewer or knife and let the water drain out. Throw away the balloon shards.

9. To level the top of the luminary, heat a cookie sheet on the stove and place the luminary top-down onto the hot sheet and carefully melt the edges until it is level.

10. Place a tea light or votive candle inside the luminary and burn on a candle holder in a dark area.


Sounds easy! Can't wait to try this one out!

D.I.Y Wedding Projects! Friend or Foe?

In today's economy more bride's are challenging themselves by taking on D.I.Y wedding projects to help cut some of the costs of their big day. I myslef love D.I.Y projects and I know the ups and downs of them and if you are not 'crafty' some of them can be overwhelming. This week I will introduce some D.I.Y wedding projects that I've found online and take the challenge of making them myself and share the ups and downs with you! In addition to some of the projects, I will also find 'inspiration' photos and try to make them D.I.Y projects!

The first project that I would like to share with you was found on "Do It Yourself Weddings". This project was submitted by Brandi, a "Do It Yourself Weddings" readers.

"Cheap Glamorous Centerpiece"

1) Spray paint the bottom of a clay pot black, or whatever color you choose. Once dry paint the top rim a difference color.

2) Collect branches to put in your pots. I just cut branches from a tree in our yard and used one large branch per pot.

3) Fill the pot with rocks to help secure the tree branch.

4) Create the toilet paper ornaments by cutting a swatch that will cover the toilet paper roll. Don't worry about getting all the way to the top and bottom because your accessories will cover it up. Once you have glued the fabric to the roll, punch two small holes in the top of the roll, one of each side and then thread wire or string through the holes as a way to hang it. Finally, glue beads to the bottom and add a small boa to the top - or whatever trimming accessories you choose. (fringe, ribbon, etc)
5) Collect gems with holes in the top to hang from the branches. You can find gems at Michaels and other craft or bead stores. Then thread with clear string or wire and hang from the branches.

6) Glue orchids randomly on the branches and finally, cover the top of the pot with flowers or moss to cover the rocks.

Ok! Now off to work I go! Check back with us for Celebrations by Design's version of this D.I.Y project!

Personalize It!

In my quest to find different and unique elements in wedding design I came across Blair of JoiedeVie Jewelry on etsy.com! Blair's work is impeccable and she's very passionate about her work and it shows! Her last project for me was using a gocco to add my clients monogram on napkins for their reception. I love personalization and this was another way for me to add another special touch to their reception!

Here are a few examples of her work...

Blair also designs custom wedding stationary using the gocco as well!