Vendor Spotlight - Snowfrog Photography

Artistic. Modern. Natural. Timeless. These four words describe what is best about Snowfrog Photography. Airlia and Geoff blend photojournalism with a unique artistic flair and the outcome is absolutely breathtaking photos! Not only is this couple passionate about what they do, both of them are highly trained professionals with degrees in the in fine arts. The fact that they are a husband and wife team is a huge advantage. They are the perfect combination of individual style and skill molded together.

I had the pleasure of working with Snowfrog Photography and I'm so happy to report that my client and friend, Tina, loves the amazing photographs of her wedding day! They were very easy vendors to work with. Both of them support each other well and have the uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time to capture the most important candid shots. Still, Snowfrog made even the formal shots look easy and natural. You can see the genuine joy on each face.

Snowfrog Photography has something every couple wants, great talent at a reasonable price. They provide hi-res digital negatives to their clients and they process each photograph by hand.That means that each photo of your wedding day will look fabulous because a human being, versus a computer program, is taking the time to make sure each image is the best it can be.


If you haven't been tempted already, I highly advise that you check out their website and photo gallery! www.snowfrogphoto.com. Check it out, the "hoe-down" wedding was also featured on MN Bride's blog! :) http://mnbride.com/real-weddings/tina-paul

Happy Planning!

Tomato and Teal - A Retro Color Scheme

The "Tomato" and teal color scheme is absolutely retro. I love this color combination, especially when paired with a crisp white. I find bold prints and bright hues to be very inspirational, especially for summer weddings. I'm groovin' on the light airiness of pairing these two contrasting colors together because it is so visually stunning.

Yes, I know...vintage, honeysuckle pink is the"it" color for this year. However, bold is just as beautiful. This combination is definitely bold but it is sweet and sophisticated at the same time. Unequivocally, these colors scream summer. I absolutely love that Minnesota has a "beach" culture but it doesn't involve the ocean. The tomato orange, teal and white color combo works wonderfully for a lake-side wedding.

When I think of a "Tomato" and teal wedding, I envision late July, with outside nuptials and a fantastic yacht ride around the lake for cocktail hour. Serve mozzarella, tomato and basil skewers as the perfect appetizer for guests to munch on. MMMMMM, so tasty on a hot summer day! It would be really fun to serve a signature Blue Hawaii cocktail or orange spritzer!

I can just imagine all the cute details right now. A nice summery color combination lends itself to really cute paper crafts. I would love to see bold orange and teal invitations, menus and escort cards. Really cute favors would be orange and teal flip flops. A big bonus is they would actually be used!


I also think that bright orange roses, white Gerber daisies and blue delphinium would make fun flower arrangements. Using all three would tie everything together to create a very summery look. Guys could have simple orange roses as their boutonnieres.

For the retro event design, I would use bold patterned linens on all the tables. There are so many cool fabrics that could be easily made into table runners and put on top of crisp white linens for that added pizazz. Oh what a smart, summery and retro color combination this is. Thanks for letting me gush. I truly hope that I've inspired!


Inspiration board created by Marissa Partridge, Wonderful Day Weddings.

PHOTO CREDITS: BLUESKYIMAGES.COM,CARQUILTSPLUSCOLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM,CRAFTOLA.BLOGSPOT.COM,EMELIEINC.NET, ETSY.COM, FIDELIOWEDDINGS.COM, LIBBYJAMES.WORDPRESS.COM, MEANDMATILDA.ETSY.COM,MYWEDDING.COM,SKINNYTASTE.COM,STEPTOESANTIQUES.COM,THE BUMP
THEKNOT,WEDDINGBYCOLOR.COM,WEDDINGFLOWERS.COM,WEDDINGINSPSITE.COM,
WEDDINGZILLAS.COM

Happy Planning!

DWP- Eco Chic Centerpieces

I'm sure all of you are wondering what is DWP? Well, it is my version of DIY. Instead of DIY, I think every bride should DWP or Do With Planner! :)Working with clients and brainstorming how to make your wedding beautiful is something I absolutely love to do!

Designing fantastic things is something I'm passionate about, and you know what else? I am passionate about being kind to our planet too. So, I was in my kitchen pulling the label off of a Dole pineapple can and about to toss it into our recycling bin and then thunder struck! I thought, "Wow, this could actually be used to make a beautiful, green centerpiece." Quite literally, I might add.

Not only was my goal to reuse my recycling, I wanted to make it breathtakingly beautiful. As I was thinking about how I could use this recycled can as a centerpiece, I thought a lot about the color green. "Green" is the word used to describe environmentally friendly ventures and it also happens to be a classic color. Why not incorporate the use of the color green into an environmentally friendly design?

Florist's moss is very inexpensive to buy. You can get it at your local dollar store or craft store. It is also a very Earthy, organic material.Over the next few days, I collected varying shapes and sizes of recyclable cans. I used a Swiss Miss hot cocoa tin, and a Dole fruit salad can. My husband was wondering why I was keeping these cans and kept throwing them into our recycling bin!

See! This is why I say to DWP because it will sound so much more legitimate to your significant other when you tell them your planner told you to save all these cans.(Also, we are great to have on hand when you want someone to actually come over and help you assemble your "green" centerpieces.) ;D


I decided to use the florist's moss to cover the tin cans because it is very inexpensive and it is a green organic material. I got some green spray paint and painted the cans a moss color. After they dried, I used my glue gun to hot glue on the florist's moss. You and your planner should wear rubber gloves while doing this so that you don't burn your fingers. (Yes, this is knowledge I am passing on to you.)

After gluing on the florist's moss, then you will need to put florist's foam into the cans and fill them with water. To make a beautiful arrangement, simply buy flowers from your local farmer's market or grocery store. Or if you prefer, prepare the cans and then have them dropped off at your florist's store so they can create a fantastic centerpiece to be delivered to your reception venue. (This is what I prefer.)

The great thing about these centerpieces is the moss comes off very easily and the cans can still be recycled. Obviously, it will take some time to save cans of varying shapes and sizes but it can be easily done when you start early enough. Have a space set aside to put the cans so that they don't clutter up your living space. This could be a closet, spare bedroom or garage.

When the time comes, DWP. Make a day of it! Put on your favorite tunes then start spray painting those cans. When they are dry you can start with hot gluing on the moss. It is a really easy process if you make an assembly line. You could have 12 tables done by days end.

This should be done at least a week before your wedding. I know it is crazy busy during this time but it is important because if you have your "green" vases done they can easily be delivered to the florist. Of course, you can DWP and put them together the day before your wedding. Either way, this project does take time but it is also very simple.

I sincerely hope I've inspired.


PHOTO CREDITS: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS

Happy Planning!

Planner's Pick - Eclectic Serving Trays

I am often inspired by wonderful things and mixing and matching is definitely wonderful! Here is a very savvy idea that will bring originality to your event and will be easy on your pocket book. If you are planning on having a buffet style dinner at your wedding reception, consider asking friends and family to provide the trays for some of the menu selections!

This would make a dramatic impact, especially if you ask for trays of different sizes and shapes. However, make sure they share a common element such as the same color. For my example, I used a red and black color scheme. I used trays from different eras, some are plain and some have a pattern. They also vary in size and shape but all are red or black.

Think about what a cool statement this would make on your buffet table!Striped trays pair splendidly with floral trays. Round, square and rectangular trays could be grouped together. Wouldn't it be fun to see what people bring and how the trays can be mixed and matched? Of course, you could also use a cake stand to display yummy treats or mini appetizers. What a visual feast for the eyes!

Not only will this create a cool design element, it will save you money because you haven't purchased all of them. Be sure to have each person who supplied the tray put their name on the bottom using masking tape. This is so that later it can be returned to them.

Ask your planner to have the catering staff wash them and put them away in a secure location so they can be transferred back to you after the wedding. Be sure to include a thank you note when you return the trays to your friends and family. This will let them know how much you appreciated them taking the time to lend you a piece from their kitchens.

PHOTO CREDITS:PRIZE RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT, CRATE AND BARREL, MANOR HOME & GIFTS,STOCKHOLMOBJECTS.COM, COLOURLOVERS.COM, MYCUPOFTEA.COM, WEDDING BEE.COM, THISISNEXT.COM, FORESTKITCHENLADY.COM

Happy Planning!

Vendor Spotlight - The Woods Chapel

The Woods Chapel is located in Wayzata and is the perfect place to host an outdoor garden wedding and reception! The event site is so stunningly beautiful and has an indoor chapel that can be used in case of rain. This is a big bonus! The chapel is able to host 250 guests and is just beautiful.

The outdoor ceremony space features event seating in front of a picturesque pond, complete with fountains! The on-site event coordinators make sure they go off just as the couples kisses. It really is a very unique way to celebrate the moment of marriage.

Underneath the chapel, there is an indoor space that can accommodate small receptions. However, large receptions are able to be held here with tent rental. When it is positioned on the back parking lot, there is plenty of room for a large tent that can hold a many guests. There is also enough room for a catering tent and some vehicle parking.

In addition to this beautiful outdoor space, the Woods Chapel offers ample parking, indoor restrooms and a gorgeous grotto area for an outdoor cocktail hour. The pictures you will get at the Woods Chapel are simply amazing!


This is the perfect location for brides that want an outdoor wedding with the security of having an indoor space in case of bad weather. Tracy McCall is very accommodating and works well with planners and other wedding vendors to make sure that your event will be fantastic.

I definitely love this venue!

Happy Planning!


PHOTO CREDITS: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS, THE WOODS CHAPEL

Continuing Education - CMWA Bridal Panel 2011

I am always finding ways to continue learning about the wedding and special events industry. I attend a variety of networking organizations and their meetings are always very informative. Personally, I think investing in education is essential to keeping up with the expectations of my clientele and this ever changing industry.

I have found a great new networking group close to my business! The Central Minnesota Wedding Association or CMWA. I am looking into becoming a member next year and I was thrilled when they invited me to one of their educational meetings.

The Bridal Panel was held at The Crown Room of Rogers and featured a panel of 8 recently married women. It was exciting because these newlyweds were able to give us insight into the planning process and what prompted them to pick their vendors.

An array of industry professionals, from florists to transportation companies, came together to pick the brains of this guest panel. It was a great format because everyone asked questions anonymously and got honest feedback. We didn't always like what we heard but reality is there will always be room for improvement!

I know that I learned a great deal and I am going to move forward and meet the needs of my clientele based on what I heard at the bridal panel. This educational meeting also gave me the gentle nudge I needed to evaluate myself and my business. I've decided to make a few changes and I have a feeling this year is going to be great! I have so much gratitude for this opportunity.

As always, I hope you are having a wonderful day and happy planning!

The Backyard Wedding

There is something so great about sweet, simple, elegant backyard weddings. Usually they are intimate affairs filled with love. They also tend to be a bit more casual but that doesn't mean that there isn't great food, great entertainment and great event design.

When planning a backyard wedding, you want to make sure that you have a back up plan in case of rain. Tents are always a great idea because whether it is rain or shine, a tent provides an intimate space for guests to gather. It is also a great resource in case the ceremony needs to be moved inside. Simply arrange the chairs around the tables so everyone is facing forward and make an aisle down the middle.

Event design can be simple but elegant. Think bright colors, bright flowers and cool backdrops for photos. This could be as simple as hanging a colorful sheet from a tree branch to creating a picket fence backdrop for your head table. I also love the idea of using large candles grouped together. An even better idea would be to use citronella candles to keep bugs away and make the evening look fantastic!

Food for a backyard wedding can be delicious and laid back! I love the idea of having unique and fun passed hors d'eouvres such as mini cheeseburgers, mozzarella sticks or mini kabobs. Another fabulous idea is to do an appetizer station with wonderful summery foods such as an artisan cheese spread and exotic fruit tray.

For the meal, I would go with good, old fashioned BBQ. Divine Swine Catering is awesome!They will come out, roast up some pig and serve heavenly pulled pork sandwiches. They have all the side fixings too such as corn bread muffins, baked beans and corn on the cob.

Of course, I understand that there are vegetarians at almost every gathering. Food options for them could include a well stocked salad bar, or something as down-home as macaroni & cheese pasta! All of these options are tasty and perfect for a backyard wedding!

In addition to the fantastic nuptials, there has to be something to do for the guests beside mingle during cocktail hour. I suggest yard games. Croquet, bean bag tosses, golf toss and badminton are perfect entertainment before the band begins to play.

Finally, have some evening entertainment. Most communities allow for noise until 10PM so plan nuptials accordingly. Try a 2pm wedding with 2:30-4PM cocktail hour followed by games. Then serve dinner around 5:30pm and have dancing start at 7pm.

For this type of event, I would skip the DJ and opt for a live band. A three or four piece band would be perfect. It could be jazz, country, classic rock...whatever you desire. Make sure that you have a dance floor available for your guests. They are easy to rent & set up but well worth the expense. After all, you don't want grandma to sprain her ankle on an uneven patch in the lawn.

The best part of this type of wedding is that it tends to be intimate. You will be surrounded by friends and family who will be having a great time! What could be better than that? The laid back atmosphere and utter joy that comes from these types of weddings is just awesome.

I love coordinating backyard and intimate weddings. They aren't any less work than a large scale wedding because the details are so significant. However, I can honestly say that they have such charm. I truly hope I've inspired you to consider a backyard fete.

Inspiration board created by Wonderful Day Weddings.
PHOTO CREDITS: SNIPPET & INK, THE KNOT, W-WEDDINGPLANNER.COM,WEDDINGBEE.COM,CHARMCITYBRIDE.COM,MYWEDDINGREPORT.COM,100LAYERCAKE.COM,MARTHA STEWART,

Happy Planning!