Each step you take down the aisle on your wedding day is one footstep closer to your future spouse. Stride in stylein your wedding day flats, a type of shoe that features no or a very low heel and a thin sole. The good news about flats is a proper fit is often easy to achieve as the break in time is very low. On the other hand consideration must be taken into effect that flats practically offer no arch or ankle support, especially for those who require a supportive type of shoe.

Flats make an ideal choice for weddings located in soft ground environments such as a garden, meadow, sandy beach, rocky shoreline or gravelly mountainside. If your destination features a soft ground setting, inform your guest on your wedding invitations that the footing may be unreliable and to suggest wearing flats for comfort and safety. Choose a pair of flats that looks great with your wedding attire and feels comfortable. Read on to learn more about the different styles and types of flats.

Ballet

The quintessential flat is the ballerina or ballet flat, a dance-inspired shoe with origins in the 16th century. Ballet flats usually feature a bow or other decoration on the toe and may have silk ribbons or lacing for intertwining along the wearer’s legs. Available in many fabric types from soft leather, silk, satin to canvas, ballet flats create a very feminine look.

Peep-Toe

Stylish and sophisticated, peep-toe flats make a great wedding shoe for a bride who requires a chic look revealing a hint of perfectly polished toes. Very similar to a ballet flat, peep-toe shoes feature an open toe cut-out without the accoutrements such as bows or lacing of the ballet style. Peep toe shoes are a relative latecomer to the fashion world, rising to popularity during the 1930s.

Sandals

Walk with grace while wearing your flat sandals, one of the oldest styles of shoes known and one of the most versatile. Sandals make a great option for spring or summer weddings and come in a variety of styles from strappy thongs to roman lace-ups.

Boots

Boots add a great touch of style, especially for country or western-inspired weddings or even a winter or fall ceremony. Offered in a variety of styles, boots may be pull-on, lace-up or zippered. Boots enclose the entire foot with a shaft extending upwards from the ankle to the knees or thighs.

Loafers and Slip-Ons

Go casual or dressy with a pair of loafers or slip-ons, a moccasin style shoe that looks great with suits or dresses. Loafers and slip-ons are often characterized as low profile lace-less shoes and may feature a variety of styling from square toe to buckles to tassels to gussets. Need laces or a sporty shoe, select an easy to slip-on athletic shoe for utmost comfort.

Barefoot

Free your sole, the ultimate flat is going barefoot. If choosing to go barefoot, be sure to pre-inspect the ceremony site or reception area for any debris or material that may cause harm to your feet.

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Brides and grooms are making things much easier on their guests nowadays. When it comes to wedding present shopping, most couples pick a few stores, set up a bridal registry of gifts they’d like to receive, and leave guests to choose items from their lists. And while shopping from the gift registry is sure to secure a present you know the happy couple will want and enjoy, it doesn’t leave you with the most original, creative wedding present by any stretch. If you want to give the bride and groom a gift they will love and cherish for years to come, you had better find something besides that decorative potholder set or the trio of mixing bowls. Here are just a few creative options for your consideration.

For the cultured couple

Find a stunning piece of artwork – a painting, a sculpture – or get a professional artist to render a sketch or painting from a photograph you provide of the happy couple. For friends with a passion for music, consider passes to the orchestra, the symphony, or the opera.

For the domestic couple

If your friends love to cook and/or eat, get them a unique cooking appliance. Forget about your run of the mill mini kitchen gadgets and devices… you need something unusual and unforgettable. Better yet, get them something they can both use at the same time – like a fondue set, or Raclette, a Swiss dish that has a grill on top of the appliance and little dishes to melt cheese or heat sauce underneath.

For the fun-loving couple

For spur of the moment, say anything, try anything once type friends, the wedding is sure to be a blast and your gift had better be, too! Ponder a few upscale game sets that would nicely accent their fun style. Check out dartboards that come with their own solid wood cabinet, or look for other social items. Scour the glassware section for a classy margarita set, some shooters, and other useful barware items.

For the sentimental couple

Ahh, the memories. If your best friend or a close relative is just about to tie the knot, think about all your memories together and the best possible gift may come to mind. Create a memory book or a scrapbook for your friend, showcasing many times you spent together. Use your own handiwork to craft a handmade blanket. Pick out some velvety photo albums and elegant photo frames so the new couple can fill their home with happy memories and images of loved ones. Rack your brain for any details about the couple’s first date, the proposal, or any event in the relationship that could relate to a gift of some sort. Indulge them with a gift basket if you think of too many memories!

For the sporty couple

Get them a season ticket plan to their favorite local sports team – major league or minor league, depending on your budget. Most sports franchises offer partial season game packs, so you can hook them up with a five-game plan of minor league hockey or a mini-season of baseball, basketball or the like. One’s wedding day typically falls as one of the biggest, happiest moments in a person’s lifetime. Whether you select an item from the bridal registry or use your own creativity to select the perfect present, commemorate the special occasion with a gift and warm thoughts that come from the heart.

(Source: allweddingideas.com)

Looking for dresses?  We’ll have a great selection for you at the Spring Wedding Expo in Tacoma March 24th & 25th!  The super awesome convertible dress pictured above is a Henkaa exclusive that fits any figure and is available in a wide array of colors.  See it in person at the show.

Whether you’re looking to dress yourself in something a little funky or more traditional, stop by to meet with Lorraine Layman.  She’ll make you a one of a kind dress that’s perfect for you!

New Beginnings Bridal Studio, Proms & Promises, Something Blue Bridal & Weddings With Joy will all be at the show showcasing top designers too so bring your girlfriends and drop by the show!  It’s at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall and coupons are available at www.bridesclub.com! 

From the blog of Hildebrand Photography……..

By visiting the Seattle Wedding Expo, you will learn from the best in the business – all in one place all under one roof.

Seattle Wedding Expo

January 14-15, 2012

Seattle Center

299 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Phone: (206) 684-7200

Hours

Saturday; 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday; 11 am to 4 pm

Tickets: $15.00 – buy your tickets now and receive 2 for the price of 1!

MEET THE EXPERTS

Interview multiple vendors in one afternoon!

GET INSPIRATION

At the Wedding Expo you’ll be able to interview multiple wedding photographers, bridal salons, florists, caterers, wedding and reception sites, DJs, bakeries, and more — all in one fabulous afternoon. The show gives you the ability to compare prices, style and personalities right there on the spot. Ask questions and look for that special connection with your favorite company and then don’t hesitate to book them because their calendars usually fill up fast!

Get a closer look at what the vendors can do for you! Stroll through the wedding photography booths to get an idea of who will capture your style and character best.  Choose a photographer you feel you connect with and who’s art you like the best.

SHOULD I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO THE EXPO?

Yes! Your fiancé, family members, wedding party, and friends can be a great asset to you as you plan your wedding. They can collect information, provide valuable input, give you support, and assist in decision making. Over 50% of our brides bring several guests with them. Even if you can’t attend, please send anyone you wish to collect information for you, the show is completely open to the public.

The smartest thing you can do at an expo is book wedding vendors on the spot to take advantage of special discounts that may be expo only.  The next smartest thing is to book as many one-on-one consultations after the show as you can.  Sometimes, if you show the vendor you are genuinely interested in them by booking a consultation, they will extend their expo special until you meet again.  It’s a neat trick to allow you time to consider your options and still get a deal.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE EXPO

• Pre-Printed Address Labels/Business Cards are a definite time saver :  Many of the vendors will ask you for contact information to enter you in drawings to win extras for your wedding day. Filling out your name and phone number over and over can get tiring. Be sure to register with everyone so that you will be eligible to win the great prizes they give away. This also assists the vendor in following up with you.

• CHECKBOOK :  Some vendors offer special show discounts if you book them the day of the show. Keep in mind certain vendors can only handle one wedding per day and their date books fill quickly. For that must-have vendor, be ready to reserve your date!

• CALENDAR : You will want to bring a calendar with you so you can make appointments with the businesses that you have an interest in. Remember that the show is a bit overwhelming so as we said before you will want to schedule as many one-on-one consultations after the show as you can… One decision at a time and your calendar will help you keep all of your appointments in order.

HOW MUCH LITURATURE WILL I RECEIVE AT THE EXPO

You will acquire a lot of information from the show which is really wonderful. With so many vendors, expect a lot of material to be offered to you. Take what you want and what you feel you will need to make an informed decision about that company.

Ask for pricelists as well. You may also want to use a two bag system giving you the ability to sort the information you want into two bags of interest. Keep both so you will have access to everyone’s material for comparison.

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW

So shine up that new ring, and REGISTER to attend the Seattle Wedding Expo today. Here is your link to get the 2 for 1 discount pass https://secure.bridesclub.com/seattle/ordertickets.cfm . It’s the smartest decision you’ll ever make. (next to saying, “YES”)

Recently many of you may have participated in the Most Romantic Proposal Give Away!  This was a fun contest we ran on the BrideClub Facebook page for engaged couples to submit their engagement stories to us for a chance to win a trip Vegas!  It was amazing to read all of the wonderful stories!  Once the story and photo were submitted, our facebook fans got to vote on them. 

The lucky winner was Kainani Collins!  Thanks to Vacations Hawaii, they won a trip for 2 to Las Vegas!  Here’s their photo and story!

Dance Into Spring 2012

 

Directly from the color experts at Pantone…….

For spring 2012 designers are inspired by diverse influences, showcasing a range of
styles and lifestyles, from free and playful and light and breezy, to contemporary classics. Colors likewise reflect these differing moods, encapsulating vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. “They
have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent
choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an
anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette.
Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue
adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an
adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a
perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season’s top 10.

For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango
and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle
alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more
practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer
bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.

Photo & Blog By Gordon Star Photography!

We recently received an email about a situation during a wedding with a blended family, so we would like to address this little-talked-about aspect of a wedding day.

“My daughter’s father remarried. When the photographer called for the bride’s family, my ex-husband and his wife ran up there and his wife stood next to my daughter and I had to go stand by the groom. That was the only picture that was taken with father and mother so I did not get a photograph next to my daughter. How do you normally handle a situation like that?”

As wedding photographers, we are sensitive to these situations. There are photographers out there, we’re sure, who are oblivious to these things. The way we do it is we ask beforehand if it is a blended family situation, so we can be prepared if any animosity or conflict should arise. Here is our flow for the traditional, immediate-family photographs:

1. We ask for the mother of the bride and the father of the bride. To clarify, we have even said, “Biological,” once or twice. The best thing to do is call the mother and father by name if we know it beforehand. (We never say, “The parents,” because that means diffent things to people. For instance, the biological father may have just come back into the bride’s life and they are now re-establishing a fragile relationship, yet the bride was lovingly raised by her step-father.) Those family members would be the only two people, besides the bride and groom, we want at that moment. The photo session then commences.

2. Mother with bride.

3. Father with bride.

4. Both with bride.

5. Mother with groom.

6. Father with groom.

7. Both with groom.

8. Mother with bride and groom.

9. Father with bride and groom.

10. Both with bride and groom.

We then follow suit with the groom’s side using the same flow. The bottom line is preparation from the bride. Only she knows how certain people will interract with others and she can direct the traditonal portrait scenarios. There have been times where we would have to photograph mother and father at different intervals just to keep the peace. We are sure whomever the photographers are, they will be more than accommodating provided they know the situation with ample time to prepare.

I wanted to share some beautiful wedding venues in the Seattle area.  These wonderful venues will be exhibiting at the Seattle Wedding Expo this January 14th & 15th at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall!  See www.bridesclub.com for details….

Blue Ribbon Cooking - They are a unique venue location over the water on Lake Union.  They offer all inclusive wedding packages custom tailored to meet your needs!

City of Mukilteo Community Center - Located in Mukilteo of course, the community center has a few options to choose from for rental space…. choose from the Rosehill Community Center, the picnic shelter, the Wedding Circle and the Lighthouse Grounds!  They are prepared for your wedding, rain or shine!

Hilton Downtown Seattle - A new addition to the Seattle Wedding Expo!  A beautiful downtown Seattle venue!  Get married in style!

These are just a few of the great venues you can find at the Seattle Wedding Expo this January 14th & 15th!  We have more of course at the Tacoma & Lynnwood Wedding Expos this January as well!  www.bridesclub.com for all the details!

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all the brides, grooms, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-brides, father-of-the-brides, friends of the brides and of course the AMAZING Wedding Professionals that made the Fall Wedding Expos a great success this last couple of weeks!  We had a great time and enjoyed seeing each and every one of you!

At the Seattle Wedding Expo, Prop Gallery made the fashion show stage really stand out with chair covers and stage decor that went perfectly with our new signage! 

Wedding Expo Sponsor, Marci Jewelry from Bellevue came out to the show and their display cases with the diamonds galore!

Leah with Balloon Masters provided really unique balloon displays and covered the expo with them!

And all these wonderful brides and their guests filled the aisles of the Wedding Expos!  

THANK YOU to all that made the Fall Wedding Expo season successful and enjoyable!  Be sure to drop by www.bridesclub.com for future show dates and details!