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

- - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

RSVP to attend Martha Stewart's Wedding Event on January 20th! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

So, this time her appearance will have nothing to do with weddings, but it's still the opportunity of a lifetime. If you're in the area ... go meet Martha! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

The Bridal Party's Lavender Champagne Bride tied the knot yesterday afternoon at The St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen, New Jersey and we had a blast. I was first contacted by the groom for this 225 guest affair and really enjoyed working with the couple. First, they exchanged vows with full mass, and then partied the night away at The Imperia in Somerset, New Jersey. We always have a great time at The Imperia and all were pleased. One of the highlights of the night, however, was The Bridal Party's Sweets Sideboard (an automatic inclusion on all of our wedding packages) which featured all purple, lavender, chocolate and champagne colored candies and cupcakes. In lieu of traditional favors, the couple made donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure , but our candy display still afforded their guests the opportunity to take a few "sweet mementos" home and they were ecstatic! Below are a few of my snapshots, but professional photographs are coming soo...

- - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between archive reminder has arrived! This time, let's take a look back at what we were discussing during the entire month of April one year ago. * Favorite Wedding Products & Finishing Touches (our favorites from Amazon.com) * Up or Down (eleven options for wearing your hair up or down) * "The Only Thing that Separates Us from the Animals Is Our Ability to Accessorize " (ideas for accessorizing your bridal gown) * Bridesmaid "Recipe" Cards (how to make Martha Stewart's bridesmaid fashion cards) * Por Favor! (five great edible favors) Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing one year ago. Success at the Most Popular New Year's Resolution (awesome online weight loss tool) Summer Preview: They'll All Scream For Ice Cream (make ice cream cone shaped cupcakes) Outside-The-Box (3 offbeat finds for the non-traditional couple) On-Site Venue Coordinators vs. Professional Wedding Planners ( ***check back for an updated post on this topic for 2009*** ) The Best First Dance Ever (just for laughs!) Oh, Martha!   (Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes book...just exquisite) Help Future Brides...Get A Free Gift Card (sign up for WeddingWire.com) The Best Things Come In Small Packages (5 boxed invitation ideas)

You can always count on Martha Stewart Weddings to put a unique spin on all good things . Recently, I've fallen in love with the Bridesmaid Fashion Cards featured in the current issue, which are both adorable and functional. Using a handy template , brides are able to type in all of their information (contact info, fabric swatches, images, special sentiments, etc) and print on their own card stock. Voilà! P.S. Don't forget to head over to Paper Presentation for matching button-string closure envelopes.

Looking for a few great wedding products or finishing touches? As always Amazon.com has great deals on wedding/event supplies. Check out the right-side margin of our main blog page to check out this month's favorites (including silver LOVE place card holders, wedding emergency survival kits, platinum hearts program kits, Vera Wang toasting flutes and white rose votive candles). Happy Shopping!

Need wedding cake ideas? Wondering if your style is whimsical, modern or rustic? Thinking about incorporating seasonal accents? Want to highlight your hometown or favorite location? Fabric or floral motif on the brain? Well, herein lies a treasury of inspiration! (available at most book stores, including Barnes & Noble )

For all you brides-to-be, event planners and Martha Stewart Weddings lovers ... Visit one of my favorite new blogs: The Bride's Guide from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine . This beautifully informative and fun blog is authored by Darcy Miller, Senior Vice President & Weddings Editorial Director for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Check it out today!