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

Living in what some call the "Digital Age," our lives are governed by virtual tools.  More than telephoning, we catch up with friends and family by Facebook, email or text.  We view/cherish each other's photos online as opposed to flipping through actual albums or asking to have copies made.  And instead of waiting for the mailman to see if you've been invited to a special event, most times invitations are waiting for you in your email inbox.  The company, Paperless Post, made a name for itself doing just that, allowing people to send visually interactive and engaging invitations/cards by email.  I excitedly used their service for two of my children's big events, their dedication and 2nd birthday party .  But, to my surprise, PAPER by Paperless Post emerged a few months back for those of us who still look forward to receiving an actual envelope in our mailboxes.  Admittedly, finding out Paperless Post (having over 1.5 million registered users) wasn'...

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...

The Bridal Party's "Green" & Natural couple exchanged vows Saturday evening at The Montauk Club in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, New York. Everything was so, so beautiful that this wedding has been officially added to our personal list of favorites! I was introduced to the bride rather late in the game (only 4 months before the wedding) when only the venue had been selected, but we worked so well together and were 100% successful in creating priceless memories. Although the bride was only planning for an intimate guest list of 65, we had serious tasks on our hands like designing decor elements, selecting flowers and musicians, warming the bare space, securing rentals and staying as "green" (eco-friendly) as possible. Well ... mission accomplished! Guests LOVED the blooming willows, the birch-trunk centerpieces, the gourmet cupcakes, the live musicians throughout and being bathing in candlelight.  This was such a classy event! We'll prou...

As we prepare for this weekend's Green & Natural wedding, I'm reminded "eco-friendly and exciting" is still what many brides are looking for on their search for "green" favors.  While there's a plethora of options of varying price ranges in the marketplace, I am partial to those WeddingStar has to offer.  These are not only beautiful but exceptionally special.  I'd bet 99.9% of your guests will have not come across any of these take-aways, especially the married couples who gave away champagne glasses with their names and wedding date etched.   Multiuse Natural Cotton Tote This simple tote can mean so much! Enjoy presenting your guests with a take-home favor that just makes sense and is a long serving reminder of your happy wedding day. Miniature Woven Picnic Basket This mini picnic basket comes with an optional solid lid and adorable double handles. The lid can be simply and decoratively held in place with a pretty wrap of ribbon tied into ...

Don't you just love things "reusable?"  In this day and age, no one supports waste and we strive to recycle as much as we possibly can.  Well, these unique place markers don't disappoint.  Perfect for bridal showers as well as the big day itself, these versatile place cards are made from high quality ceramic.  Simply write your guest's names on with semi-permanent markers and they can wipe clean later for use again at future parties!  Practical + Wow-Factor = SUPER CLEVER. - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Check out a new and unique way to "discover the fine art of your celebration."  Paper, Gowns & Glory !  This wonderful studio specializes in custom cake toppers and paper sculptures of brides, grooms and those snazzy gowns."  All tiny sculptures are made with acid free paper and archival glue ... miniature keepsakes to enjoy your dress long after the day is done."  What could be cuter than a mini-you ? And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, floral designs and tablescapes are available too by way of Japanese, Italian, recycled and local handmade papers. - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

* CAUTION -- NON-WEDDING RELATED, BUT REALLY CUTE -- CAUTION * So wedding blog = wedding posts , I know.  But I'm so in love with my new "cozy" that I felt compelled to share with all of you.  Doesn't my Starbucks non-fat chai tea latte look snugly and comfy?  You've got to admit, my pink coffee-cup-cozy is nothing short of adorable.  Courtesy of Wayside Violet, it's hand knit with a gorgeous cable stitch, the perfect eco-friendly alternative to those disposable paper sleeves. Plus, Wayside Violet offers a variety of nifty colors and styles.  Too cute! Check out Wayside Violet's etsy shop and blog for more cozy, lovely items.  And definitely consider a coffee-cup-cozy for each of your bridesmaids*. (*You should have known I'd find a way to tie this back to weddings...) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

I was so surprised and happy to be green-tagged for the first time, thanks to a new colleague/friend, Deidre Gray of Always A Positive Image, LLC . So, this means I must share a list of ways I help contribute to a healthy environment. I decided to list according to what I do in my home and what I do via my business. My Home We're almost done replacing all light bulbs with CFLBs (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs) ... which use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. We diligently recycle all glass, plastic and paper. Like Deidre, we only use Scott tissue We drink filtered water ... Brita My Business I recommend donating apparel, especially wedding gowns, to charities. The I DO FOUNDATION offers help with this. I recommend calligraphy. It can cost a bit more, but it's an excellent way to further personalize an event as well as an excellent way to save on ink, toner and other chemicals needed for printing. I recommend candlelight ... much more energy efficient and 100% more r...