After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

The Bridal Party's Saree-Style Soirée couple were married Saturday afternoon at Evangel Church in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.  We'd worked with the bride and groom for several months, anticipating this 700-guest extravaganza, and our staff worked over 12 hours* on the day-of to ensure the bride and groom's dreams came true. We'll gladly share professional photographs soon, but for now here's just a handful of our own amateur snapshots below. *Special Note:  Additional THANKS to our magnificent TBP staff who truly went above and beyond for this event... Jocelyn, Farrah, Latoya and Leah .  Your professionalism, poise and dedication was much appreciated! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

For the first-time ever, The Price is Right has partnered up with WeddingChannel.com for a special wedding-themed episode. This Monday, June 20, tune in to The Price is Right (airing at 11am EST and 10am PST, on CBS) as the entire audience will be filled with engaged couples who will get a chance to win up to a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of prizes! Engaged couples will be called to “come on down” to the stage to win everything from his & her wedding bands to amazing honeymoons in Italy and South Africa, and even brand new spanking Mini Cooper cars.  Not to mention, every single couple called up on stage will automatically receive an engagement trip to St. Lucia – pretty cool, huh?! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Lots of brides and grooms decide to tie the knot around the Independence Day holiday.  Why?  There's always lots of celebrating already going on, the weather is usually beautiful AND you get to take advantage of free fireworks! If you're planning a wedding or party this upcoming July 4th weekend, consider infusing a little red-white-and-blue into your shindig.  And make sure Crate & Barrel is on your "must shop at" list.  They have a really fabulous selection of elegant and festive accessories. 4th of July Cupcake Papers Blue Gingham and Red Gingham and Blue and Red Striped Ramekins 4th of July Pinwheel Picks Red, White & Blue Nonpareils - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Here's a DIY project for dressing up your mason jars, perfect for brides-to-be.  This tutorial is featured on Tori Spelling's website, ediTORIal , and the blog Crafts by Amanda .  Such an adorable idea could be used to enhance any party.  Rustic and quaint ... love it! YOU'LL NEED Mason jars Adhesive spray (like Elmer's Craft Bond) Doilies Burlap Twine , buttons, and/or ribbon STEP 1 Clean and dry your jars.  Spray one side of your doily or lace fabric with adhesive spray. Position your doily or fabric onto the outside of the jar, smoothing and making sure it's not bunched up. Press in place. STEP 2 Spray the rim of your jar with adhesive spray and wrap a piece of burlap and/or ribbon.  You can also tie a piece of twine around the rim as well.  Tie it all in a bow. STEP 3 Thread on buttons or other appliques if you like.  Or even use the lid. Finally illuminate with a candle! Really easy. Very cute. - - - ...

We shared amateur snapshots of our "Green" & Natural wedding last month, proclaiming it one of our personal favorites.  And without further ado, professional photos are in! Both the ceremony and reception were held at The Montauk Club in Brooklyn, New York, which provided a remarkable setting for this lovely union.  Honestly, the intimacy of this event actually made it all the more spectacular: a modest 65 guests ... scattered blooming willows ... the bride's surprise serenade for her groom ... birch-trunk floral centerpieces ... live musicians throughout ... an abundance of candlelight ... gourmet foods and desserts ... theater-style specialty lighting ... all perfect reflections of the loving relationship being celebrated.  Also, we just LOVED that the bride started the day out boldly in red! It was such a pleasure working with Dana and Sean, which is why we're elated to share a few of the best moments of the wedding below, thanks to the awesome talent...

Happy Friday! Today, we're proud to share a few of one of our favorite couple's engagement photos, courtesy of Bella Pictures . Lola and Lekan are such a sweet couple, truly a perfect pair, and we're so excited for them. Our team can't wait for their July wedding, which will be a gorgeous mix of Nigerian and American culture. Each and every one of their 500 guests should prepare to be swept off their feet! Enjoy ... - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Sometimes it feels as if the misconception that "wedding planning is easy" runs rampant.  I tell ya, nowadays just about everyone wants to do it (or at least thinks they can do it).  On the contrary, wedding planning is HARD WORK folks!  It's certainly much more than selecting colors/themes, browsing wedding magazines and scheduling appointments.  Still, for those of us who excel at it, it's some of the most fulfilling and rewarding work we willingly dedicate ourselves to.  Personally, I thrive in it and I love finding ways to stay inspired. Stay inspired, how?  Well ... for me inspiration comes in the most random ways.  It's important for designers of all types to stay inspired and for me it's like food.  I find inspiration in my successes, but even more in my failures.  And today I thought, why not share a little of how I stay inspired with you? I Make Sure My Mind Is Always Open I challenge myself to stay in a student's state of mind ....