The Bliss List: February 2009

Thursday, February 26, 2009

French Design Board

Uniquely Classic Wedding Dresses

I hear a lot of Brides talk about the desire to look 'classic' on their wedding day... Sometimes I fear that 'classic' translates in to simple. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE simple. My style is simple. However, I like to encourage Brides to show a little of their true personality in their 'classic' style. Above is a great example, one of the most 'classic' brides of all time... Jackie O's beautiful dress, designed by Anne Lowe, is classically elegant, yet very unique.

Below, the inspiration for the blog... I came across this Angel Sanches design at Brides.com. Its starburst design is reminiscent of Jackie O's dress, I think it is so lovely and whimsical for a modern 'classic' bride.

Olive Events Catering : New Member!

I have yet another new member of The Bliss List to add this week... Olive Events Catering! [You may recall the tasting (fabulous tasting!) that I attended a couple weeks ago.] A new company with an experienced staff, Marisa and her crew have put together really great concept - a catering company that cares about details!

A quote from their website (which is beautiful, BTW!)... "Olive Events is a full service catering company with full time event coordinators and catering services available. Your event coordinator can organize every detail of your event, from helping you choose the perfect venue, finding a great band, renting beautiful linens and everything that goes with a successful dinner. We also introduce brides to local pastry chefs for their wedding cake, floral design and décor.
Our catering services concentrate on using fresh, local ingredients, combining contemporary American cuisine and creative elegance to satisfy the senses. All of our menus are created to fit each client and their specific needs."

I look forward to seeing great things from this company - what a great addition to the Kansas City Wedding Industry!!

Lilah Paper and Elizabeth Anne Designs

Our newest member Bliss List member, Lilah Paper, was featured on the super wedding blog, Elizabeth Anne Designs!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Do you need "Day-Of" Help?

Posted by guest bloggers, Danielle & Megan of Soiree Event Designs - Bliss List Members!

At Soirée we often find that brides are not informed about the different levels of service a coordinator can provide. Most are familiar with full service coordination, which isn’t necessarily ideal for all brides. A majority of brides want to plan their own wedding and have a fun time doing it - especially if they have always had a particular vision for their day and a creative eye. Soirée Event Designs offers four different packages to accommodate different budgets and service needs, as well as custom packages upon request.

What most brides may find as the big day draws near is that where they will really need help is on the day of their wedding. Someone who can help finalize all the last little details and bring them all together to create a well coordinated event. Day Of Coordinating not only allows for brides to enjoy themselves on their big day, but also their families are not stuck with the odd jobs associated with the wedding. Some of these tasks include lunch delivery, rehearsal and ceremony coordination, vendor arrival coordination, arranging for specialty linens, ceremony and reception site set up and tear down, place card management, timeline orchestration, cues throughout the evening for dances and events, gift loading, rental return to florist, cake part return and even tux return - just to name a few! A day of coordinator’s job is to manage all your vendors, décor items, and logistics for you. The best part is that Day Of Coordination is a fraction of the cost of a full service coordinator with all the benefits the weeks leading up to and the day of.

Most coordinators offer this service, but not all of them. Having a consultation won’t cost you anything with most coordinators, and it may help you to uncover areas you need more help than you thought in order to avoid a wedding day disaster or two!

Visit the Soiree Event Design page on The Bliss List to see some photos of their fantastic work!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Money, Money, Money

As I'm watching the Presidential Address to the U.S. Congress, I, of course, think about how the economic "situation" impacts families and couples planning upcoming weddings. I came across a State-by-State "Wedding Cost Calculator" on Real Simple's Wedding page - I hope it will help you prepare for your big day. When looking at the numbers, remember that a special, meaningful and lovely wedding can be planned on ANY budget with a little creativity and help from family & friends :)

Missouri...
Attire: $1773 to $2923
Ceremony: $2041 to $3368
Entertainment: $2275 to $3754
Flowers: $1430 to $2359
Gifts and Favors: $719 to $1184
Invitations and Stationery: $678 to $1118
Jewelry: $4350 to $7176
Honeymoon/Planning: $3543 to $5845
Photographer/Videographer: $2559 to $4072
Reception: $10,996 to $18,137
Transportation: $682 to $1124

Kansas...
Attire: $1889 to $3113
Ceremony: $2177 to $3587
Entertainment: $2426 to $3998
Flowers: $1525 to $2511
Gifts and Favors: $766 to $1262
Invitations and Stationery: $723 to $1188
Jewelry: $4639 to $7642
Honeymoon/Planning: $3777 to $6224
Photographer/Videographer: $2632 to $4336
Reception: $11,723 to $19,315
Transportation: $727 to $1196

Lilah Paper -New Member!

I'm so excited to introduce our newest Bliss List Member... Lilah Paper! Why am I so excited? Lilah Paper is a nationally recognized brand... Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings Magazine, etc... and, the owner and principle designer, Kalyn, lives right here in KC. So naturally, I'm thrilled that she accepted my invitation to become a member of The Bliss List.

Lilah Paper has a collection of beautiful stationery designs that can be customized for letterpress, or flat printing. Custom designs are also available... contact Kalyn at Lilah Paper for more information!

Below : Love, love, love this design...

Below : For some reason, guys find it a little awkward asking their pals to be groomsmen... perfect solution.

Below : Look at this 'cushion' effect... so feminine!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Transportation and Pech Limo

From a wedding planner's perspective, nothing is more important than timing on a wedding day. Well... I guess the flowers, the cake, the dresses, the food, the bar... all of these things are high on the list, too : ) However, it is oh-so-so-so important for everything on the day-of the wedding to run perfectly on schedule. A great helper in this department is to have coordinated transportation... for your guests, bridal party, family, and yourself. Here is what I recommend for the perfect day-of transportation schedule :

Pre-Ceremony...

Bridal Party : Limo/Limo Bus/Trolley : The men are transported to arrive at the church 1 hour before the ceremony, so they are able to help with ushering guests. The women are transported to arrive at the church 15-20 minutes before the ceremony, just enough time to line up for the processional.

Bride & Parents : Town Car/Limo : The Bride and her Parents are transported to arrive at the church 10-15 minutes before the ceremony... ideally, to arrive, and have a few moments in the car outside of the church. Her mother and father escort her into the church, and her mother is escorted in (by an usher) just before the bridesmaids, while she waits with her Father.

Guests : Limo Bus/Bus/Trolley : The guests have the option to ride from the hotel to the church, then to the reception on a bus/trolley. This is not absolutely necessary, but appreciated if you have a large number of out-of-town guests.

Post-Ceremony...

The Bridal Party : Limo/Limo Bus/Trolley : All of the members of the bridal party ride together to the reception site.

The Parents : Town Car/Limo : The parents ride to the reception in a town car to the reception site.

The Bride & Groom : Vintage Car/Town Car/Limo : If the Bride and Groom would like to ride reception be themselves (as opposed to riding with their attendants), a special car should be waiting for them outside of the church.

It is very important to be able to rely on the company you choose to provide timely, courteous service on the day of your wedding. Who does The Bliss List recommend? Pech Limo.

Pech has an amazing fleet of vintage cars (my favorite!), limos, and town cars. Most importantly, they have drivers that are known for their responsibility, professionalism and timing!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Wedding Moving Sale

I am moving out of my little brick house in Fairway to another charming house in Fairway - just down the street! In an effort to make the move a little easier, I'm sellin' my stuff : ) Over the years, I've collected a ton (well, at least a basement and garage full) of wedding & party supplies...

*350 gold chargers

*glass hurricanes (25 of all shapes & sizes)

*vintage china collections

*fun craft materials

*floral supplies

*baby shower decor

*candles

*votive holders

*flatware

*linen napkins

*shelving

*wrapping paper

*ribbons, ribbons & ribbons galore

*paper, paper & paper galore (paper-source)

*wedding books & magazines

*washer & dryer ($100)

Email me at jenny@blisslistkc.com to get my address if you'd like to come to the sale... Dates of the sale, TBD! Stay posted for photos!

Martha Behind the Scenes

WeddingBee PRO creator, Mrs. Bee, attended the taping of a Martha show and shared some photos on her blog!

I'm dying for this kitchen - I will definitely use it as inspiration for the kitchen in the our new house!

Below : Inspiration Board from the Experts at MSLW... wow.

Inspired : Dan Meiners, Marie Antoinette & Style Me Pretty

Every single time I walk into STUDIO Dan Meiners I get inspired... As I was browsing the blogs today, I spotted this Marie Antoinette inspired invitation set (below, created by the amazing Weddingbee PRO, Wiley Valentine) on Style Me Pretty... which reminded me of some photos I shot at Dan Meiners a couple of weeks ago. (Sorry for my terrible photo skills!)

Below : Marie Antoinette inspired table setting. Don't you love the bright white French chairs? The Studio uses these in their stunning lounge creations. Studio Dan Meiners - Bliss List Member.

Below : Style Me Pretty inspiration board from Marie Antoinette.

Below : Invitation from Wiley Valentine.

Below : More photos from STUDIO Dan Meiners. The model cake with square tiers & fuschia orchids was made by Natasha's Mulberry & Mott (Bliss List Member)... amazing.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Valentine's Day : KC Floral Designers

I called the city's best floral designers to see what they are featuring for Valentine's Day! Above : Studio Dan Meiners is featuring a "Box of Flowers" ($35-40)... The suede box can be used for a jewelry box, to organize your desk, or as a gift box. Love it! Call the Studio to order! 816-842-7244 or visit their website, www.studiodanmeiners.com.

Above : Bergamot & Ivy is featuring Potted Orchid Baskets. Last year I received a potted orchid for Valentine's Day and I LOVED it! It bloomed for 3 months! (The photo above does not picture the beautiful basket that Bergamot & Ivy will put together!) To order from Bergamot & Ivy, call 816-561-5599.

Above & Below : Beco Flowers is featuring Fresh Tulip arrangements this year. I absolutely adore tulips - especially specialty peony tulips that Beco carries! Your Love will love a unique arrangement of tulips vs. the same old red roses, I promise : ) Order from Beco : 816-472-4242.

The Speckled Egg

The Bliss List & Bliss List Member, Natasha's Mulberry & Mott were featured on the fabulous blog, The Speckled Egg last month! I love Jane's blog that's full of "pretty paper + pretty things"... basically the perfect blog for daily inspiration! You MUST check out her blog for Valentine's Day cards : )

Congrats : Ashley & Jeremy!

The winner of our "Engaged" Contest is... Ashley & Jeremy! Congratulations! Ashley & Jeremy win a "Day Of" planning package from me, Jenny Steffens, and an engagement session from EpagaFOTO!

I selected this unique engagement story because of Jeremy's thoughtfulness, thorough planning... and the adorable video! Read Ashley's submission essay below and watch this video - get out the tissues!

On December 19th, 2008, I was coming home from work on Friday, because my boss emailed everyone saying "due to the weather, we could go home early." Little did I know, this was just a ploy to get me out of the office and headed home! Upon arriving home, I grabbed the mail, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see that there are rose petals scattered in the hallway leading up to my apartment door. I started shaking a proceeded to walk into our apartment, to find Jeremy standing there waiting for me. He said some beautiful things before getting down on one knee and proposing. I of course said YES!

He had flowers all over the apartment, along with champagne! We were suppose to be going back to KC for the weekend, and Jeremy told me that no one besides my parents know, since he had asked their permission back in September. Since our flight was "delayed" to KC, we began plotting how we would tell our families when we go there. Well, about 30 minutes later, there was a know at the door... I opened the door to find my parents, my sister, his parents, his sister and her husband! SURPRISE! They had flown in from KC and would stay the entire weekend to help celebrate! First we were headed to Pops for Champagne for drinks, then to David Burke's Primehouse, where Jeremy had reserved a private room for us and our families. I must also note that Jeremy actually bought the plane tickets to KC even though he knew the whole time we weren't going home! He just knew my so well, with my Type-A personality!

The next surprise of the night... He gave me a card that said, "What if... You could go anywhere in the US..." and then opened the envelop to find tickets to NYC - my absolute favorite place to be during the holidays!

The rest of the evening was filled with celebrations with our families, followed by a brunch the next morning before we headed to NYC. We spend the next two days in NYC, enjoying the holiday lights, ambiance of the city, and wonderful dinners. It was the perfect way to begin the next chapter of our lives together!!

~Ashley

Weddings 101 - Tips from Michael Nolte

At the "Weddings with a View" event at Piropos, Michael Nolte gave a "Weddings 101" presentation - he had some really great tips. Here are some of my favorites :

- Be realistic about the budget. Your wedding should be the best that you can afford. Instead of inviting 300 guests and serving chips & dip, invite 100 of your closest friends and family and serve a lovely meal.

- When communicating with your vendors, be efficient with emails & voicemail. Do not say, "Hi, it's Jenny, call me!" Instead, say, "Hi, it's Jenny Steffens, my florist would like to know what time she'll be able to get in the church to set up." This way, your vendor can call you or email you back with an answer... avoiding a potential phone tag game!

- Need to cut your list? Ask yourself this question : "Would I (or my fiance) be able to introduce this guest by his or her first name without my parents assistance?" or "Has this person been invited to our home? Have we been invited to theirs?"

- Budget : The average wedding in the U.S. = $30,ooo! Typically, 50% will go directly to food & beverage/bar.

Weddings with a View

I was invited to attend another fabulous wedding event this weekend - Weddings with a View at Piropos. Of course, several Bliss List Members were there, too... Danielle & Megan from Soiree Event Designs, Vicki from Natasha's Mulberry & Mott, and Amy from AJK Papery! The involvement of these vendors is such a testament to the level of professionalism and commitment of our Bliss List Members - to their trade and the wedding industry.

Above : Adorable hydrangea, tulip & rose wreath centerpiece with floating candle. I love the color scheme : Pool Blue Lamour Linen, Soft White, Buttery Yellow and Silver. Created by Shana Vaughn Designs.

Below : Paisly Menu/Placecard created by AJK Papery - Bliss List Member. So cute! Look at that fabulous silk ribbon.

Below : Lavender Parrot Tulip & Lilac Bouquet created by Shana Vaughn.

Below : Pink & Peach Sweetpeas created by Shana Vaughn.

Below : I think Shana told me these were a type of Daffodil - amazing! They smelled so so so lovely.

Below : Natasha's Mulberry & Mott - Bliss List Member! A sweet little cake with French Macaroons. I love the accent of the Black & Ivory striped ribbon... very French!

Below : Natasha's Mulberry & Mott's Meringue Kisses with messages tied on the stick... I feel like I'm looking at the pages of Martha Stewart!! Picture perfect.

Below : Amy Kirkland of AJK Papery's display!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Aisle Adornment

Lately, I've been thinking a little more about ceremonies... This is a phrase that I hear brides say : "We'd rather spend money at the reception and not worry about the ceremony." Hum, well, I really think it is important to adorn the aisle of your ceremony... it is, after all, the reason for the celebration... right?! The wedding ceremony is the reason all of your friends and family have gather to witness you and your loved one exchange vows. The party (reception) is a result of the ceremony... Therefore, doesn't it make sense to make the actual ceremony a priority? Yes! Below, I've gathered some excellent examples from some of my Bliss List members!

Above : Beco Flowers created this amazing outdoor ceremony. I really like those white boxes the urns are sitting on... very colonial.