That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to my new favorite resource: Connor Bespoke Weddings. I’m so in love with their elegant products and can’t wait to see the first wedding invitations with The Langham, Huntington, Pasadena!

I’ve asked Connor to write a guest blog for us, sharing some insight on monograms and the wedding planning process. Here’s what Connor had to say:

Designing your wedding invitation is such an exciting part of the planning process for your wedding. Some brides and grooms prefer to have a very traditional and elegant hand engraved invitation with no additional engravings. Others fancy the idea of utilizing an engraving of an image that is important and holds sentimental value for both the bride and groom.

For example, a couple who met at a Nantucket beach soiree might opt to use our house crab engraving coupled with their first initials. We have also noted that some couples truly enjoy being part of the creative process and opt to meet with our in house creative director to have a bespoke monogram of their first names created or to have their family crest engraved.

The exciting part about designing one’s own custom monogram or other bespoke engraved image is that it creates a personal branding that extends beyond the wedding suite and it can be utilized for personal branding well beyond the big day. For example, one might choose to employ the same image for their personal stationery in addition to their calling card, business card, gift tags and even writing tablets.

The wonderful part about having one’s own bespoke engraving is that we are always able to change and update the ink colors and paper stocks so that it remains fresh and contemporary.

Connor is available at Barneys New York boutiques. We are delighted to announce the arrival of our bespoke services in Beverly Hills by appointment. Please telephone 424.234.1852 or email at BeverlyHills@connornyc.com.

– Connor

About Connor: Connor, inspired and named for the renowned 19th New York stationer John Connors, offers the finest hand-engraved papers for the 21st century. At the company atelier in France, Connor’s custom dies and images are engraved by hand in hardened steel, a method employed for two centuries to create impressions of the most intricate detail. Embossing is then achieved on the finest papers available that are the ideal medium for engraving, stamping and writing with a fountain pen while remaining eco-friendly.

Connor Bespoke Weddings offers brides-to-be a full range of elegant hand engraved engagement announcements, bridal shower invitations, wedding invitations, save the date and RSVP cards.

- Jill

Sweet Red Lips Cocktail

2 oz. Raspberry Liqueur
2 oz. Vodka
3 oz. Cranberry Juice

Mix all in a shaker with ice, strain into martini glass – garnish with raspberries and enjoy!

Crystal Cocktail
(Love the color Purple!)

2/3 oz. Blueberry Liqueur
1 1/3 oz. Vodka

Mix in a shaker with ice, strain into martini glass – garnish with lemon peel and blueberries and enjoy!

- Christie

It was a nice surprise to read their labels are low cost; minimum orders start at only 10 labels. You can have tons of fun with custom labels for your attendants’ guest room amenities, use your new monogram as a label for your wedding favors, customize fond farewell gifts to place in your guest’s vehicles as a surprise upon departure, and even for bridal shower favors.

Wine and Beer Bottle Labels:

Water Bottle Labels:

- Jill

Visit Target’s website for more information.

- Christie

Thank you Jeannie Ward with the Wedding Jeannie for all your hard work, Christopher Todd Studio for providing Stephanie and Justin with the most unforgettable images of their magical day, Creative Floral Design for florals full of elegance, and Deidre Moore and Florin Maracine for providing the entertainment which topped off the evening.

Congratulations Stephanie and Justin! We were thrilled to be a part of your very special day!

- Melissa

Downtown Disney Flash Mob Proposal

- Melissa

Now even though something might go a little wrong, what can you do to prevent this? Think of buying a car. When you buy a car, you do your research. You get online and compare prices, dealerships, options. You know your budget. The same goes for a wedding. You need to know EXACTLY what you are committing to.

Putting a wedding together involves many of the same actions as buying a car. There so many vendors and details, you must do your research, read your contract thoroughly and ask questions before you sign. Just like a car, you are committing to spend a certain amount of money to each vendor and most of them have strict cancellation policies. And that very detailed rental contract is there to protect you. It’s there to ensure you receive exactly what you ordered.

Don’t be afraid to remind your vendors of this fact.

If you make any changes or updates to your rental order or contract, make sure you get a written confirmation from your vendor. The week before the wedding is really when everything comes together. Use this time to finalize all your rental orders, provide the guarantee to the hotel, confirm the arrival and strike times of your vendors and don’t be afraid to ask your coordinator for help. It’s a lot to keep track of!

The Langham requires a month of coordinator for exactly this reason. You need to feel confident in what you have contracted and that coordinator is there to keep an eye on your vendors, confirm the order and ensure everyone shows up on time. I promise you have other things to worry about on your wedding day!

Speaking of research, here are a few of my favorite resources for wedding planning:

www.projectwedding.com
www.weddingbee.com

Good luck! And don’t be afraid to ask for help or recommendations along the way!

-Chelsea

- Melissa

It got me thinking. What other gorgeous and memorable movie wedding dresses are out there? I’ve included a few of my favorites. Can you tell me what movie they’re from?

- Chelsea

- Christie