'Crazy Wedding Traditions...Tossing Things!'

 

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Oh my goodness, there are so many wedding traditions that we take for granted.  We just plop them into the Timeline and anxiously wait with anticipation for them to happen.  But, have you ever wondered where these crazy traditions came from?  I have, so I'm going to give you a little bit of history behind all these fun features that we all know and love.

First off...the tossing of things...

Bridal Bouquet...

The tossing of the bridal bouquet stems from 14th century England.  Evidently, after the ceremony, villagers would rush the bride to try to rip off pieces of her dress for good luck.  It was believed that if you could grab a piece of the brides gown, or her flowers, then you too would have the good fortune of marriage in your future.  

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

So...to save themselves from harm, and keep their dresses from being ripped to shreds, brides began tossing their bouquets to the maddening crowds as they made their get away with their new groom.  

 (Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Then the lucky lassie who caught the bouquet was on her own to defend it from the rest of the crowd.  Sounds like fun to me...NOT!  LOL!

Garter Toss...

This is a bit more disturbing, and a wee bit barbaric, if you ask me.  In keeping with the belief that one would receive good luck, and find marital bliss, if you were able to grab a bit of clothing from the bride, Medieval Englander's believed that a marriage was not a 'marriage' until it had been consummated.  So, once the ceremony was done, the bride and groom were escorted to their 'martial bed' by well-wishers who crowded around to witness the consummation.  Eww...can we have some privacy here?  

 (Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

These well-wishing voyeurs would then clammer for a piece of the brides undergarments to prove that they were actually lucky enough to witness the act.  Again, eww...!!!   So grooms began removing a piece of their beloveds clothing, namely a garter, and tossing it to the crowd to fight over so he and his misses could have a bit of privacy.

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

And as with the bouquet toss, the lucky lad that caught the garter, was guaranteed to find a wife.  There are no reports as to whether or not that happened...hee hee...!

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Today these traditions are done in fun...thank goodness!!!!  And some couples are choosing to break with tradition and forgo the tossing of the bouquet and garter.  Could this be the start of a new tradition?  We'll just have to wait and see!!!!

If you loved this travel back in time...just wait, there's more to come!

Until next time....

Making YOUR wedding InnCredible!

'InnCredible Events'

530.919.4588

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

'Tips for having Pets in your Wedding'...

Look at that face! How can you not love that face? Everyone who owns a dog absolutely thinks their dog is the cutest puppy ever. So as wedding trends begin to shift, more and more couples are choosing to include their 'furry friends' in their 'paws-itively' perfect days.

Seriously, now-a-days, dogs aren't just pets, they're members of our families...and many times, we take them everywhere we go...right?
Well, at least I do! LOL! So to some, not including their 'fur-people' in one of the biggest days of their lives is completely out of the question and unacceptable. I mean, seriously, how could you say 'NO' to that face!

(my Molly Waffle!)

If you're one of the growing trend bound and determined to include your pup in your ceremony, here are a few tips to make sure you, and the furry member of your bridal party, are all happy campers.

(love the tongue!)

• Always check with your venue to make sure you can include your pup in the festivities. Many outdoor venues will allow you to include them, but it's always nice to ask before you just show up and expect it to be ok. Some indoor facilities are changing their 'no pets' policies and are beginning to allow pets as well..but they may have a few restrictions, so again, check with your venue.

(camera hounds!)

• Before you 'jump in with both feet' on this idea, make sure your pup is the type that can handle large crowds and intense situations. Some dogs handle these types of situations very well, and others...well, not so much!

(Who are these people?)

• Experts suggest that you either hire a trainer or designate someone, not in your wedding party, to take care of bowzer all day so you can enjoy your reception without worrying about how your pup is doing. It might be advisable, depending upon the temperament of your dog, to ask a friend to drive Fido home so they can rest after the big soiree, or bring their crate for comfort and a nap. And don't forget a bowl of water and a dish of food!

(Can we go now? Pleeeaassee!)

• Always, always, always have someone walk your dog before your ceremony. Nothing spells disaster faster than having your dog relieve him or herself at the altar. Trust me, this is NOT the one thing you want everyone to remember about your wedding!

(I really gotta go...I really gotta go!)

• When taking photos with your dog, try to take them before your ceremony to ensure that your pup will be fresh faced and ready for their photo-op.

(Not another photo...)

• Be reasonable about your dogs abilities before you decide their role in your wedding. If you have a puppy, for instance, it's probably a given that they aren't going to be able to sit quietly while your entire ceremony is being conducted.

(Ok...I'm done!)

• It's also suggested that you dress your pup in the outfit they'll be wearing the day of your wedding so they get used to the new additions. That will keep them from pulling and tugging at the garments and trying to rip them off while your ceremony is happening.

(Such a handsome Best Man)

• Sometimes being clever just doesn't cut it. If you want your dog to act as your 'Ring Bearer' make sure you have a pillow, or pouch, for them to carry the rings. In fact, using 'fake' rings is much better idea...that way you don't run the risk of loosing the rings before they get to the altar.

(Seriously?)

• And for heaven sake....practice...practice...practice! Just like trying to teach your dog a new behavior or trick, practice makes perfect! It's a good idea to take your pup to your wedding location several times so they can get used to the surroundings and practice...that way their job becomes routine.

(Cutie Pie Corgis!)

Oh, and just in case you're wondering...dogs aren't the only pets in weddings. Oh no...!!! Believe it or not, some people have included their cats, horses, and birds. Oh my!

(Are we done yet?)

OK...on that note, I'll leave you with this...an honest to goodness, dog-gone doggie wedding!

(Oh, the injustice of it all!)

Until next time...

Making YOUR wedding InnCredible!
InnCredible Events
530.919.4588

(Miss Jackson's photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

'The Magical Land that is LaRaye'...Part 2

Last week I showed you some of the fantabulous ideas that LaRaye used in her wedding decor to set her wedding apart from any other that had been hosted at the 'Coloma Country Inn'.  And if you missed it, you really need to go back and read it...it's a goodie!  LOL! 

Today, I'll show you a bit more of LaRaye's creative genius...and how Marjorie and I enhanced her styling with a bit of our own creative talents!  And yes ladies, we do have some creative talent...hee hee...!!!

For her tables, LaRaye had collected unique vintage metal tins to hold her flowers.  She then glued black and white ribbon with a bow on each tin and added a Bingo piece in the center to tie it all together.  She dropped in a Mason jar to hold the flowers and water, then our marvelous ladies, Judie, and Melissa, at 'Placerville Flowers on Main' worked their magic and turned these tins into fabulously fun table arrangements. Groom Andy provided the succulents for that perfect look.

LaRaye's friends provided the lace table cloths that Marjorie scrunched on the table tops to give the tables a more eclectic look, as opposed to just laying them flat.  This allowed us to place the flowers and the candles in groupings without losing the look LaRaye was going for.  One very important tip ladies...always, alway, always use non-drip candles!  Need I say more?

We had a blast with the bar too.  LaRaye wanted a vintage, funky, rustic look to it, so Marjorie and I pulled out our favorite old rusty cart, topped it with a piece of marble...then added an old rusty wheelbarrow for the beer...and voila...rustic elegance at it's best!!!  Marjorie made the fabulous Bar Sign using an old mirror and paint pen.  Pretty cool, huh?

Remember, when writing on mirrors or chalkboards always use paint pens, not chalk.  Chalk smears and will rub off...paint will not!

La Raye added the fantastic chandelier that she made while she was working at 'Anthropologie' to make the design all her own.  You can make one too out of old wine bottles, a bottle cutter, some rope and cool lights.  It was InnCredible!  Marjorie is probably creating one even as we speak...LOL!  I'm sure we'll be seeing one of these beauties in our 'Vintage Elegance' line very soon!!!!

In addition to the bar, Marjorie designed a beverage station for those guests who were not wanting to imbibe on anything but tea or spa water.  She used several of her favorite vintage furniture pieces from our 'Vintage Elegance' line, books and Scrabble letters to add that pizzazz that was so LaRaye.   Then, being the amazingly creative woman that she is, she brought out an old vintage yellow stand to place glasses and pictures on.  Needless to say, the look was a show stopper!!!!

 

Finally, we tackled the Gift Table...another one of LaRaye's amazing designs.  The suitcase is part of our 'Vintage Elegance' line, as is the amazingly wonderful old kitchen table.

Even though we had removed the gifts for safe keeping, the Bistro lights made this table magical at night....

Ok...I cannot, in good conscience end this chapter without mentioning the food.  It was beautiful...and ever so tasty!  'Beth Sogaard Catering'...'The No Worry Caterer'...did an amazing job...as usual!  Take a peek.  If these pictures don't make you hungry, nothing will...LOL!  And these were just the appetizers...Oh Yum!

Oh my goodness, there were so many InnCredible elements to this wedding, I could go on and on.  For instance, the black and white checkered dance floor...the free-standing fireplace at the back of the dance floor...my amazingly cool candelabra that only LaRaye, and I, love...and, the list goes on, and on, and on!  But, in the interest of time, I'll stop here...LOL!

For more inspiration and ideas, go to our 'Pinterest' site, just look for 'LaRaye & Andy's InnCredible Wedding', or check out our 'WeddingWire' page for more InnCredible photos!

And just because I can't say it enough...thanks so very much to all the InnCredible vendors who made this dream wedding a reality.

Photographer...'Stellasweet Photography'
Florist...'Placerville Flowers on Main'
Caterer & Desserts...'Beth Sogaard Catering'
Cake...'Sierra Rizing Bakery'
DJ...'Extreme Productions'
Reception Venue...'Coloma Country Inn' 
Ceremony Venue...'Emmanuel Church'
Wedding Planners...'InnCredible Events'...that's us!

Until next time...

Making YOUR wedding InnCredible!

'InnCredible Events'

530.919.4588

'The Magical Land that is LaRaye'...Part 1

There's rarely a wedding that takes my breath away like LaRaye and Andy's InnCredible Anthro-inspired wedding last October.  To say, I was smitten, is an understatement.  I was 'head over heels' in love with her style, design and decor.  In fact, there were times, I'll admit, I was plotting how I could secretly sneak off with a piece, here or there, that no one would miss....LOL!   Just look at their Engagement photo.  It was taken at LaRaye's storage unit.  Seriously, I love everything...well, accept for the skull, that is!  Hee hee. 

If you're as enamored with LaRaye's style as I am...I'm going to tell you how you too can capture some of her InnCredible touches to make your wedding 'over-the-top' !!!!

Of course, darling LaRaye has been collecting things for years and years...as Marjorie and I have been doing.  I guess it sorta runs in our blood.  And I knew when I saw their engagement photo for the first time, we were in for something extra-special.

The day before their wedding, several pick-up trucks arrived at the 'Coloma Country Inn' bulging at the seams with things for this wedding.  Guests visiting the 'Marshall Gold Discovery State Park', which the Inn is on the fringes of, stopped to see what was going on...and some even wanted to buy items we were unloading...LOL!  Too funny!  Sorry folks, no this isn't a 'yard sale'...it's a wedding!

LaRaye designed an 'outdoor indoor sitting area' that would 'knock your socks off'.  I loved everything about it...especially her bright blue sofa!   I've never seen anything like it.  Of course, our bride, having worked for 'Anthropologie' in 'The OC', had access to some pretty amazing finds.  This sofa being one.  She added some fab pillows and her look is complete.  You too can accomplish the same look with an old sofa and some great pillows.  Check yard sales and thrift stores for inspiration.

And while the sofa was the focal point, it was 'by no stretch of the imagination', all that greeted guests as they bellied up to the bar for LaRaye and Andy's signature drink...a Basil Grape Refresher. Let's just say it was a good thing Marjorie and I split one of these delightful refreshers...at the insistence of our happy couple, I might add...because we heard those 'little devils' had a tendency to sneak up on ya when you weren't looking...LOL

Oh, sorry I digressed...back to magic land!

Scattered throughout the 'sitting area' were fabulous lamps, funky old vintage trunks, well loved suitcases, old books and bottles, and tons of pictures of our happy couple.  LaRaye added the pom pom trim to the bottom of the this lamp shade to finish her look.  Another easy trick that does so much!  Just get some fun vintage trim, attach with fabric glue...and voila!  A statement piece! 

 

For me, the crowning glory were these cute little birdies on the lampshades.  I was so taken with these little guys that I've been collecting my own flock...LOL!  This look is so easy to copy too...Find your own feathered friends and attach them to your lamp shades...instant charm!

 

One of the favorite piece at the Coloma Country Inn that brides absolutely swoon over is the silver leaf vanity that Marjorie made.  Typically, it is used as a prop for hair and make-up, but LaRaye, being the eclectic darling that she is, decided to use it as her cake/dessert table.  

 

LaRaye's friend made all the cake and dessert stands to give it that 'pop' of color that is so LaRaye!

Each stand was made out of multiple glass pieces that were glued together and then spray painted.  For instructions on how to do this, check out this link:  http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/03/diy-colorful-dessert-stands/

It's pretty easy and makes quite the statement, don't ya think?

We added our 'Vintage Elegance' vintage china plates and silver to complete the look.

LaRaye and Andy also had a photo booth...and, as you might guess, it was not your standard, 'run of the mill', photo booth.  Oh no!  LaRaye made a huge frame out of plywood...spray painted it and used it as the backdrop for guests to stand in to take their photos.

She also added these fabulous mannequins to draw attention to the photo booth.  Awesome! 

Another really fun idea that this creative couple had was their guest book.  A friend painted the picture for them, they framed it, and each guest put their thumb print on a branch and added a few kind words.  It's such a lovely keepsake and another easy DIY touch to make your wedding stand apart from others.  If you don't have an artist friend, print a picture of a tree from the internet, frame it and you've got an instant guest book.

  

 

  

 

Still wanting more...well, here's a few more InnCredible ideas from the 'Magical Land that is LaRaye' !...Enjoy!

 

So, there you have it...Part 1 of 'The Magical Land that is LaRaye'!  Stay tuned for Part 2...coming soon! 

Again, our special thanks to the InnCredible vendors who made this wedding a dream come true...

Photographer:  'Stellasweet Photography'

Florist:  'Placerville Flowers on Main'

Caterer/Desserts:  'Beth Sogaard Catering'

DJ:  'Extreme Productions'

Wedding Planner:  'InnCredible Events'...that's us

Rentals:  'Vintage Elegance'...that's us too!!!!

 


Until next time...

Making YOUR wedding InnCredible

'InnCredible Events'

530.919.4588