Sierrastyle Weddings - 18

always a bridesmaid BY DArreN eLMS, SOIree SAvANT tears, trends and talk Welcome to “Always a Bridesmaid.” Why the cheeky title, you ask? Well, ever since my good girlfriends began marrying off in recent years, I became the go-to-gay-guy for many of their aesthetic (and often emotional) needs. Go figure. No stereotypes here or anything! But, rather than fight against my instinctive creative urges, I decided to embrace the role with enthusiasm and help my darling brides-to-be make their special day both memorable and fashionable. My knowledge of current trends and love for throwing parties seemed a natural fit and a welcome contribution. Sure, there was a dramatic dress fitting, some traumatic food tastings, and a few floral fiascos, but after a few spa treatments, there was plenty of bridal bliss to go around—the big days later went on without a hitch. Now I get to share some of my stylish observations with you, my blushing brides…so let’s pour a few margaritas and get this party started! get on your feet I’ve become a big fan of tasting stations at weddings—a simple, efficient way to get guests on their feet and mingling during the reception. These stations come in many forms: wine bars, cheese tables, candy counters, cupcake towers, chocolate fountains, I’ve seen them all. What I love most about them is the social interaction they inherently provide. Whether you encounter an experienced sommelier describing a vintage pinot noir or watch kids (and, yes, adults love them too!) trying to dip strawberries in a delicious, flowing chocolate fountain, the experience of moving around the room and being an active participant in the reception is fun, interactive and appetizing. And, hey, you may even meet some new people! Check out californiachocolatefountains.com. something green Green weddings are HUGE this year…and I’m not talking about the maid of honor’s dress hue. I have to say, I’m pretty thrilled about this growing trend. Increasing environmental awareness in all aspects of daily life, from homes to autos to travel, have brides and grooms everywhere planning weddings with a decidedly ecofriendly angle. The best thing about throwing a green wedding is you have the control to incorporate as little or a lot of earth-friendly measures as you desire…and there are MANY to choose from. One simple way you can make a statement is by using recycled paper for all invitations, thank you cards, place setting cards, etc. or incorporating some email elements, such as rather than a reply card, have a reply email request instead. Another idea would be to plan an organic menu that pull ingredients from local vendors, reducing shipping energy and pollution. Speaking of transport, instead of a limo, ask your trasnportation vendor if they have eco-friendly vehicles (more and more transportation companies are starting to use eco-friendly vehicles). How cool would it be to arrive in a Prius! Linens, flowers, rings, and even your wedding dress can come from environmentally sound sources as well, making for a truly organic occasion. Cap off the experience with a honeymoon at a sustainable resort… now that’s commitment to the cause! For more ideas on green weddings, check out these eco-friendly Web sites: portovert.com and ecochicweddings.com. take a bow The first dance will always be one of my favorite moments at the reception: the newlyweds enter the room to thunderous applause then immediately take the stage for romantic rendezvous on the dance floor. Classic! So why not step it up and really dazzle your guests with some sophisticated moves? More and more couples are taking dance lessons and even choreographing numbers for this very occasion. Some are humorous, others elegant, a few even of the dramatic. Whether a tango, waltz or salsa, a little panache and some fancy footwork will get your guests on their feet and clapping for more. It’s your day, work it out! And, don’t forget to post it on YouTube after! For more ideas check out showcaseballroom.com. For more resources to help you plan your wedding, please log on to our Web site, sierrastyle.com, and check out our planning tools and article archives. all in the family My brother Bryan recently married his fiancé of several years Suzette in a lovely, intimate ceremony. A highlight of the day was the way they included her son Michael into both the ceremony and reception. Many weddings include children from previous relationships, and it’s great to see the unique ways couples create a sense of a family from the exchanging the vows onward. One beautifully symbolic approach is to offer a ring to the children during the ceremony. Just as the couples exchange rings to seal their commitment to each other, this simple and sweet gesture joins the children in that unity. Sitting the children at the head table with the bride and groom only further establishes this bond. At my brother’s wedding they even had a separate cake with Hot Wheels on it to represent both Bryan and Michael’s love of fast cars. 18 sierrastyle weddings Summer/Fall 2008 sierrastyle.com Something Green illustration © istockphoto.com/Diane Labombarbe. Get On Your Feet chocolate fountatin photo © istockphoto.com/Franklin Lugenbeel. Take a Bow photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography, sarahmarenphotography.com.

http://californiachocolatefountains.com http://istockphoto.com/Franklin http://portovert.com http://ecochicweddings.com http://istockphoto.com/Diane http://showcaseballroom.com http://sierrastyle.com http://sierrastyle.com

Sierrastyle Weddings

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