New EDLV Site

I have finally finished setting up the new EDLV site! There are still some minor tweaks here and there but at least it's back on the web and we're back in business. I am so happy to have it finally figured out. Here's a snapshot of the home page:

Go take a peek at www.eventsdelavie.com and feel free to share your comments and suggestions because websites are definitely a work in progress. And stay tuned! An actual post on event-related topics will be coming very soon.

Been M.I.A.

Wow! It's hard to believe I haven't posted a blog since May. What a summer! Truth is, I've been keeping busy by planning my own special event coming up this October (58 days... Can't wait!)

I've also been M.I.A. because of a website technical problem which I'm working on alleviating asap. I should be back up and running, at the top of my game (hopefully) within the next week or so. Looking forward to getting back into all-things-event-related as we near into my favorite part of the year: fall!

Be back real soon...

10 Red-Hot Beach Resorts

The past couple of weeks I've been hard at work with my fiancé researching for our October honeymoon. With all of the intriguing options out there, making the final decision was a lot harder than we thought [we decided on a couple days in Vegas followed by a one-week stay at a private villa in the caribbean, btw]!

I came across an article in this month's issue of Brides magazine that highlights 10 'red-hot' beach resorts. Although we didn't end up booking at one of the resorts on the list, I figured it might be very helpful to someone who is in the same boat (no vacation pun intended) that we were recently in...

• St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai, HI - stregisprinceville.com
• Viceroy Anguilla - viceroyanguilla.com
• Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico - banyantree.com
• Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora (Gorgeous, but eek!! $$$) - fourseasons.com
• Jalousie Plantation, St. Lucia - thejalousieplantation.com
• Royal Hawaiian, Oahu, HI - royal-hawaiian.com
• Jumby Bay, Antigua - jumbybayresort.com
• Gansevoort, Turks & Caicos - gansevoortturksandcaicos.com
• Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa - intercontinental.com
• W South Beach, Miami - wsouthbeachmiami.com

Bon voyage :)

Wedding Gown Trends

Are you in the market for your wedding gown? If so, you'll love the recent video by abc news posted on Yahoo this weekend. It's a quick 5:30 segment highlighting the latest trends including 2-in-1 dresses, black and white gowns, and sculptural draping, just to name a few.

Latest Wedding Gown Trends via Yahoo

Learn The Secrets To Registering

If you've read any of my blogs you know I love Real Simple. Not only do I enjoy clipping out delicious recipes from the magazine each month, but I also love the helpful and clever articles that are sent to my email on a weekly basis. Need 21 smart ideas for decorating your home office? They got 'em. Curious as to how to better-organize your pantry? They got that covered too. I'm telling you, Real Simple is a Godsend to anyone out there desiring to become more organized, more enlightened, more simplified (and of course, to all those like me who also have borderline OCD).

So now that I'm done trying to convince everyone to love Real Simple just as much as I do, I'll get to the real topic of this blog: registering for wedding [or baby] gifts. As a bride who is currently going through this process herself, I must admit, it can be a bit overwhelming. Is there a benefit to registering in-store as opposed to online? How do I know how much to register for? How many stores should I be registered at? How do I tell if a gift that's arrived is intended for my engagement, shower, or wedding?

Not to worry, Real Simple recently sent out a fabulous little e-article that answers all of these questions and more. Check it out if you're interested! It's written more for engaged couples, but of course applies to expectant parents as well: Learn The Secrets To Registering by Real Simple

All-Inclusive Top-10 List

For those of you looking into affordable honeymoon options, you might want to turn your attention to an all-inclusive resort(s). Here is a list of 10 reasons why:

1. Great for Your Budget. You know what your food and lodging (and even some entertainment) is going to cost before you even leave home. 2. Don't Lose in the Money Exchange. No need for exchange your cash to foreign currency. Everything can be pre-paid. 3. Safety and Security. You check-in and leave your wallet in the safe in your room. No need for cash unless leaving the property or for extras and excursions. 4. A Taste-Testers Delight. All meals and snacks are included- if you don't care for your meal, order a new one, no additional charge. Many restaurants also offer buffets so you can customize each and every meal that you enjoy. 5. Have A Few On Them. All drinks, including those that are alcoholic, are included. Hello, money-saver!! 6. Try a New Sport. All non-motorized water sports are included. Go out and surf or sail for the day. 7. Go on an Adventure. Most properties offer convenient day-time activities such as water-skiing and parasailing as well as various excursions (i.e. swim with the dolphins) for an extra price. 8. Be Entertained. Most properties will offer some form of evening entertainment. Just a note though... Don't expect it to Broadway-quality or you'll be a bit disappointed :) 9. Convenience. No need to stress about finding restaurants and worrying about cabs or car rentals. Everything is on the property. 10. Fewer Worries, More Enjoyment. The food quality may not always be 5-star, so check out sites like tripadvisor.com to make the best choice. If you want easy and affordable travel though, all-inclusives are a great option! Bon voyage!

Stems and Vines

I learned yesterday that Stems and Vines, a well known floral boutique in St. Paul has closed its doors. How sad! I just saw their work at the wedding show last month and loved it! Many of their designers were incredibly talented.

Their message states that if you booked a wedding or event they will be calling you to help make alternate arrangements very soon. If you have a house account with them they will be sending out info with the final billing.

Their website has been forwarded to A. Johnson & Sons (also on Grand Ave. in St. Paul), so I am guessing they're going to refer all their business there. I am very sorry to see them go!

'Perfect Wedding Show'

This past weekend I attended the 'Perfect Wedding Show' hosted at International Market Square (see if you can spot me with a couple of my compadres later on in the blog). Although this was a nice event, I must say that I enjoy the 'Wedding Fair' at the Convention Center a lot more. There's just more room to roam around without feeling like you're always in someone's way, not to mention there are more vendors and therefore, swag (and who doesn't love a bit more free stuff!?). In any case, I figured I'd put together a short photo-blog to give you a peek at what was featured. Enjoy!

Here's the venue with bright ceiling draping. Although this looked pretty cool, I was surprised they featured this element. Ceiling-draping is a trend that's been on its way out the door for a while now.

Here is a sample table setup by Midway Party Rental. It showcases a couple of the latest trends: black and white paisley prints, as well as the use of feathers. Do you see them mixed in with the flowers in the centerpiece? What do you think?

These next two photos are sample tables that highlight the use of silver and gold accessories. Are you aware that metal weddings are very 'in?' If not, catch up on this trend by peeking at our blog from Feb. 19. Although these tables look gorgeous, I do want to warn you that the chargers will burn a hole in your pocket! They start at around $3 to $4 a piece.

This last photo is an autumn-inspired centerpiece designed by Stems and Vines. What do you think of the pairing of florals with textures? I realize it looks a little scraggly in the photo, but it looked pretty cool in person!

Looking for a unique favor that your guests are sure to enjoy? Consider renting a photobooth for your next event. Two strips are printed per photo: one for the guest to take home and one as a keepsake for the host/hostess. Clever isn't it?

Stay tuned for the next EDLV blog which will detail another wedding-decor craze!

Hottest Trend: Metal Weddings

My second posting this week... I'm on a roll! It's gonna be a short one, but this resource was too good to past up. If you're a bride that loves to be on the cutting edge, check out this video. It's a very quick segment (1:41) that introduces the industry's hottest trend: Metal Weddings. Metallics are being incorporated into event decor, invitations, and the latest dress designs because they're both multi-seasonal and classy. Take a look and tell me what you think:

Metal Wedding Segment by GetMarriedTV

No-Regrets Photos

Wedding photographs are one of the most important aspects of a wedding. They document the details and memories that will be held dear by the bride and groom for the rest of their lives. For this reason, it's absolutely necessary to get prepared with your photographer prior to the big day. Here are some pointers to help you get the 'no-regrets photos' that you'll cherish forever.

1. Give your photographer a 'must-shot' list. This is a collection of posed situations that you would like your photographer to capture. Here are some of the most common ideas:

-Bride and groom

-Bride with maid of honor

-Bride with bridesmaids

-Groom with best man

-Groom with groomsmen

-Bride with groomsmen

-Groom with bridesmaids

-The entire wedding party together

-Bride and groom with bride's family

-Bride and groom with bride's parents

-Bride and groom with groom's family

-Bride and groom with groom's parents

-Bride and groom with parents

-Bride and groom with parents and grandparents

It should go without saying that you can and should add any other combo that you'd also like him or her to document. Do try to keep this portion of your day as quick and organized as possible (while still getting what you want). Spending 40 minutes max is what I'd suggest for posed photos.

2. Appoint someone to gather the people you want in each photo and supply them with the same list the photographer will be using. They will help to keep things running smoothly and efficiently!

3. Take your group photos before the ceremony. Get all of them out of the way before your wedding party starts drinking, eating, dancing, and sweating! Besides, you'll probably want mostly candids as your afternoon and night resume.

4. Speaking of candids, I recommend explicitly discussing these with your photographer ahead of time. Do you want them to focus on all guests or mainly your immediate family? What style do you want these to be shot in?

5. Lastly, make a list of what you don't want. You can never be too clear. The better understanding your photographer has of what you're looking for, the better they can meet your expectations. They truly want to please you!

Wedding Channel Store

Hi there! I'm back after a much needed break. Sometimes the technology-overload is just too much to take, don't you think? I encourage you to unplug for a few days if and when you get the chance.

I wanted to quickly share a great coupon code with you... If you're looking for a place to get wedding favors, bridal party gifts and other ceremony and reception goodies, check out the Wedding Channel Store. I love their products and they're almost always marking stuff down!

Right now they're offering 20% off of orders of $100 or more and have also significantly marked down their tote bags. Use the following coupon code at www.weddingchannelstore.com. : WCFFJ20.