Vendor Spotlight - WedbyKez

This woman is an inspiration to me. After a follow on Twitter, it took only a few tweets for Kerryn and I to do coffee, talk business and weddings (of course).

Kerryn is a young vibrant authorised marriage celebrant that services Newcastle, the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley, specialising in tailored ceremonies that capture the individual couple.

Wedbykez.com is a website full of tips, trends and information for all things wedding and sometimes beyond. Follow her blog or check out the Wedbykez Directory for reputable suppliers in these areas.

To day we are sending our L.O.V.E.

Kerryn, this weekend will slip into a beautiful wedding gown of her own to exchange vows with the love of her life Mickey. I can't wait to see her memories, but most of all wish her an awesome day, a happy, healthy and joyful life with her hubby-to-be. Oh, and of course a plentiful calender full of wedding dates for her business future.

White Wedding Classic

wedding set by Pyru featuring 1928 jewelry

The simplicity of this White Wedding collection, allows for bling and splashes of colour, while still creating the perfect occasion. Classic option for a garden wedding, where you can enjoy the colours of nature.

Real Wedding - Shelley & Scott

Saturday 26th September, we saw Shelley Klum and Scott Mitchell, become husband and wife.
The morning mini dust storm, was a little concerning, but as I drove higher into the hills of Yarramalong, NSW the air and view cleared. With a view of the east coast Shelley and Scott were preparing for their perfect wedding day.
Ceremony and Reception were held at Forest Park. At noon Shelley and her 6 accompaning bridesmaids strolled down the isle to "Love Me Tender" by Elvis, and met Scott at the with Pastor Phill Pallas.

After all the congratulations they were lead to the onsite forest for some of the most spectacular photography I have seen in a while. The forest, water tower, driveway and bushland openings all held such beauty for this perfect day.

They themed their reception in the simplicity of white. Roses, linen, lanterns, crystals and cake encased 130+ of their family and friends for a celebration, supported by End of August and their musical entertainment. Cocktail style catering with mouth watering choices, made for an elegant and relaxing afternoon wedding for all their guests.

Shelley & Scott shared their first dance to "L.O.V.E" by Nat King Cole and will enjoy a honeymoon in Thailand.

Linen, Vases, Sashes, Decorations from

Glamerous Gatherings

Cake from Renaissance Cakes

You may recall that Shelley and Scott were the winners of 'Complete My Wedding Please...' as part of the Getting Hitched Wedding Expo held in June 2009. As part of their prize, the suppliers that were included in completing their wedding were:

• Your Special Day - Wedding Planner
• PhilOptics - Photography
• Relive-the-Day - Videography
• Renaissance Cakes - Cake Designer
• Erina Scrapbooking - Stationery
• Buttercup Florist - Flowers
• Glamorous Gathering - Decorating
• Kel-Leigh Couture - Jewellery & Shoes
• Scott Ford Entertainment - DJ

My Wedding Monday - Meet Mr Shark & Mrs Fishy

When planning our wedding we lived in Coffs Harbour, we were also getting married beside the ocean at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, so we wanted a beachy theme.
There are shells and starfish, sand and waves, but we are a fun couple and didn't want the norm. I searched (very hard 10yrs ago, with limited internet) for other options and found Mr Shark and Mrs Fish!
I have only one photo below that identifies the theme of our invitations and that is from our table name cards (above).

The invitation was a pale violet colour with Mr Shark and Mrs Fishy top centre. I designed it all on the computer, printed and as they were A5 cut them to size. Envelopes matched in colour but no pictures.
The set for the entire wedding included (with cute fish pic) name cards, telegrams and thank you cards that went out in the weeks following.

With paper, print and post our entire stationey set cost about $200

Happy Planning
Your Special Day

Dust Storms and Weddings

Wow, what a way to wake up this morning. I really thought that there was a possibility that there was a major fire storm or the earth had become Mars. This is the back of my house and it had me worried for
all the weddings that are planned for this weekend.

Here are some precautions to consider:

• Consider moving most of the days preceedings inside, if possible.
• Request venues to clean down outside areas, so as no clothing is marked from the dust when sat on or utalised for photography
• Ask your photographer or planner to bring a white sheet for seated photography just in case
• I am sitting inside with no windows open right now, but I am still having the dust irritate my breathing, which means it will settle on all my furniture as well. Again, ask venue to ensure that all furniture is cleaned down
• Check with your photographer on their suggestions for avioding red photography, again have your planner/photographer to an emergency search for indoor photography opportunities
• Call your transport providers to ensure all vehicles are cleaned for your special day
• Keep your guests hydrated by offering water throughout the day/evening
• If you are wanting photography without the red tint, first check with your photographer on fees to remove this (their camera may even eliminate it already), secondly if bride and groom can schedule another shoot for a clear day. While this sounds expensive, just remember these are you memories. Don't go the whole hog to get makeup and hair done again, just keep it basic. Again will make for more interesting photography if your don't look exact in all pics

My Wedding Monday - My Wedding Planners

While I can't directly plug my own business or anyone elses business for my wedding, today's entry is a thanks to our family and friends.
Mat and I were planning our Sydney, from the far north coast town of Coffs Harbour, so we needed to enlisted the help of our family and friends to organise our wedding.

• I trusted my matron of honour and bridesmaids, with the single instruction of 'lavender'. Tick
• My mother-in-law to be had the job of arranging my flowers. Tick
• My mum and a handfull of great girlfriends, decorated our venue. Tick
• The bestman was to acquire sizes of other groomsmen for their suits. Tick
• My dad organised our transport. Tick
• My father-in-law picked up suits. Tick
• My mother-in-law had a friend make our cake. Tick

We were kept in the loop with all the planning and decisions that we asked our family and friends to look after for us, but with the distance between our home and wedding venues, it was important that we could trust our delegations.

Not everything was perfect!

• While I made a fashionably late entry, the car for my Groom and his guys was late.
• Caterers forgot milk and sugar for the reception
• We forgot to organise someone to bring our guest book and Bride & Groom Toasting glasses

While I am not an advocate of having family be directly involved in your services, eg, making your cake, dress, flowers or being your only photographer (incase of accidents or something not being right on the day), I do support your family supporting and assisting you, so that you are able to enjoy and relax on your wedding day.

If you don't have family that you can rely on in this situation, we suggest that you contact us to further discuss our Planning and Wedding Day Coordination Services... Your Special Day.

Thanks to my brother-in-law Greg, for looking after my shoes!

If you need help, ask for it.

Pink Ribbon Fundraising

Between now and October 31st, 2009 we will be supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation in their research for a cure. As part of support we have designed our Personalised Flip Flops in Black, Pink or White and we have added a pink ribbon.

We will donate 10% of each sale to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Our current wedding range is available for Bride, Bridesmaid, Flower Girl, Brides Mum.

If your not getting married, then make sure your feet beat the heat anyway by personalising the flip flops with your name (up to 10 letters)

Order your Personalised Flip Flops now at Your Special Day

Sunset Times

Sunset times for 2009/2010

Ensure that you consider when the sun is going down for your photography

(These times are approximates only)

September 5:45pm

October 7:10pm

November 7:40pm

December 8:00pm

January 8:00pm

February 7:45pm

March 7:10pm

April 5:30pm

May 5:00pm

June 4:55pm

You don't want to miss that perfect opportunity to take a great shot, without sunlight or falling shadows over your chosen shoot area. In the case of these featured sunset photos, Laura from LK Photography has used the sunset to her customers advantage, creating some gorgeous memories of their wedding day.

A Tasty Invitation

I personally love all things cute. I have become so much more of a girly girl, since working in the wedding industy. Love my bling, love my pretty dresses and love my hairdresser.

Today my inspiration started with The Brides Guide by Darcy Miller, offical Wedding Guru to Martha Stewart, then led to Flour Pot Cookies - A Cookie Boutique. 

These  biscuit creations are a great way to invite pop the big question to your Bridesmaids, Flowergirls, Ring Bearers and even Groomsmen.

Start by Saving The Date

Invite your groomsmen

Flowergirl

  

Ring Bearer

Finally the Thank You's

Designs also available for Bomboniere, Corporate Logos or just for fun

I would be interested in knowing if there is a supplier in Australia that wholesales as similar product, feel free to let me know.

Happy Planning

Sweet... Heart

Our newest products have arrived.

Check out these gorgeous Marie Shion Heart Sugars

Mini Heart Sugars are available in Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue & Lavender

(4-5hearts = 1tsp)
Currently in stock - Pink & Green. Other colours in end October

Minis Mix Hearts are Pink & White (4-5hearts = 1tsp)
Currently in stock

Mix Heart Sugars (1heart = 1tsp)
currently in stock

Great as Bomboniere, a sweet treat with coffee and Kitchen Tea/Bridal Showers

Complete My Wedding Please... Getting Hitched

Sunday June 21st 2009, was the Central Coast's biggest and premier Wedding Expo - Getting Hitched. In it's 2nd year there were close to 100 exhibitor and over 1400 people through the door from 10am to 3pm.

The initiative of Central Coast Wedding Directory (www.weddings4u.com.au) and The Lioness of East Gosford, the expo has and will always claim to be the 'expo with a difference'. In June, Getting Hitched decided to hold a competition call 'Complete My Wedding Please...'

Last month you met Shelley and Scott, well they are the winners of 'Complete My Wedding Please...'

Shelly and Scott are now on a countdown with the wedding just over a week away Saturday 26th September.

My Wedding Coordination service is one of the prize contributions that they have won for the day to the value of $600.

I have met with Shelley and Scott on at least 3-4 occasions including a site inspection, given them unlimited contact with me via email and phone and helped guide them through the final part of their planning.

For the day of their wedding, I have been in contact with all suppliers for the day, so that they are aware that I will be there to assist Shelley and Scott. I have produced a timeline as a guide for the day, with which I consulted with the Photographer regarding their required timeslots.

I will assist guests with any needs, and ensure that all suppliers provide an above level of service for this great couple. I will be available until the end of the proceedings when Shelley and Scott head off to enjoy their wedding night.

Included in the 'Complete My Wedding Please...' services, Shelley and Scott will recieve:

• Photography from PhilOptics
• Videography from Relive-The-Day
• Decorations from Glamorous Gatherings
• Veil and Jewellery from Kel-Leigh Couture
• Flowers from  Buttercup Florist
• Cake from Renaissance Cakes
• DJ from Scott Ford Entertainment
• Wedding Day Coordination from Your Special Day

The icing on the cake is that in the May 2010 Edition of WHITE Wedding Magazine, Shelley and Scott will have their wedding featured for you all to read about.

Happy Planning

Your Special Day  

A Confetti of Ideas

The words 'you may kiss the bride' have been announced. You kiss then joyfully walk hand in hand up the isle.
The next step, traditionally, confetti! Paper confetti, although still being made has been outruled from all venues (ceremony and reception) as it is not environmentally friendly.
Indoors the paper confetti has to be vacuumed up, which is not appreciated by most venues, or attracts and extra cleaning cost.

Confetti makes for great photo opportunities, but there are pros & cons to different types available. Traditionally seeds were thrown representing fertility & prosperity in the couples future.

1. Paper: While cost effective it is not used due to it not being environmentally friendly. Outdoors it is classed as littering.
2. Bubbles: Effective in your budget and photography. A great amusement for kids attending your wedding as well. Beaware that a high concentrate of suds can stain clothing, yours and guests. Bubbles also act as a magnifying glass in photography, meaning they can blur items on the other side of them eg if photo is taken and a bubble is in front of the subjects face, it may blur the outcome. (Possibly able to correct with digital photography)
3. Rice: Considered not environmentally friendly at all! If consumed by birds and animals it is said to possibly cause internal damage. Cleaning up will be required. Consider birdseed.

4. Rose Petals: Environmentally friendly. Good for outdoors, but always check with venues first. Beaware that the colour of the petals can run onto material, so as well as watching your dress, it is likely that a venue may not allow you to use them indoors.
5. Eco-confetti: is made from specialised rice paper that is completley water soluable. Especially made or outdoors it can be hosed away or just let nature do it's think and wash it away. (http://www.allthingsconfettii.com.au/)
6. Dove & Butterfly Release: Doves are usually released by husband and wife before an entire flock is released by the wedding party. Butterflies can be given to guests in special boxes and released for a very beautiful and dramatic effect. For more on Butterfly Releases or Dove Releases

Photos from http://www.butterflyreleases.com.au/ & http://www.lkphotography.com.au/  

My Wedding Monday - The Beginning

Mathew and I met on February 27th 1997. It was love at first sight, we had decided to get married only 3 weeks after meeting. Our engagement photos have currently gone walkabout so I will post when I find one)

In August 1999 we moved to Coffs Harbour, and live up there while planning our wedding in Sydney. I utalised what I could in a mid size coastal town, and items like my dress and our invitations were definatley to our budget benefit. There was no point in sourcing a florist or cake designer from Coffs so we enlisted family and friends to help us on the Sydney planning side.

Each Monday I will post a blog about the planning of our wedding that took place and that your are now invited to...

Saturday 4th March 2000,

Mathew Woods and Natasha Hull

were married at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, 3pm.

Reception to follow at North Curl Curl Surf Club

... and so the fairytale began

Celebrity Possible Engagement

WE DON'T know his name but Tammin Sursok said she is ready to marry the guy who provided the stability she needed after moving to the US.

Full story here

Business Spotlight - Couture Bridez

Meet Rebecca from Couture Bridez, the designer of Australia's most fashionable and exculsive range of garters.

The original and exquisite designs that are hand crafted by Rebecca and will suit any wedding theme. Rebecca also offers a custom made service if her range doesn't quite have what you or your groom maybe after! Sold as a set, including your unique choice plus a smaller plain garter to toss.

Couture Bridez range also includes Brooches, Compacts, Petticoats and Gift Vouchers, making them a perfect gift for Bridal Showers, Kitchen Teas and Hens Nights.

Delivery is Australia wide, so don't miss out on having the sexiest leg in the wedding.

While the full range of Garters can be viewed at Couture Bridez, here is a sneak peak of my 3 favourites... (wish they were round when I got married)

SPOTS-N-DOTS

PRETTY PRINCESS

GOTHIC BEAUTY