A Big Thank You!

This last weekend was packed full of driving, venue viewing and meeting new clients. One of the meetings that happened to be on the list was  with my (Christina’s) wedding photographer Tyler Austin from TAustin photography. My wedding album had finally come in all the way from Italy, hence the wait. I  met Tyler at the Tully’s, where we had first met him to book him for our wedding, in Redmond. As I walked in I saw a large black bag that was very striking, which had nicely wrapped items inside of it, I got really excited as I knew that must be my Album! Tyler and I started to talk shop for a bit, and catch up on each other’s businesses, talking about my wedding and his son, and how Rachel was doing (his wife  and 2^nd shooter/ hair and makeup for TAustin) while swapping stories of house hunting. At one point we got to talking about printing companies and where he gets his printing done, he then lifted up another wrapped item, and showed me a logo sticker from a printing place, and said “oh, this is just a little something extra from Rachel and I”. Then towards the end of our meeting, he lifted up yet another giant box, and said “this is for your album and just something else from us”. I was absolutely stunned from the generosity of all this; I couldn't wait to get home to show Ben! I felt like it was my Birthday or something, trucking all these beautifully wrapped gifts into the house. Ben looked at me and asked “Did you go shopping? I replied “no, this is all from Tyler and Rachel”! He, set his stuff down, and we started to unwrap everything!  The 1st was our long awaited album; words cannot define the quality and beauty this timeless piece holds. It is absolutely magnificent, and was included in our package with TAustin. Next was a very nice 2012 calendar that was compiled of our favorite wedding photos. The next was a classy holder for our beautiful album to be on display, like in museum! It is sitting in our living room, on our book shelf as I type. The last, and most wonderful gift that we had gotten, was by total surprise! The day of our wedding we did forgo the videographer, as there were many of people coming that day that had very nice video cameras. We were certain that we would get our ceremony videotaped. Well, low and behold, no one did, and we were going to have to remember it through pictures and memories. In the last gift from Tyler was a video, of our ceremony (including all our pictures on a separate disc). Ben and I played it almost instantly, and we sat on our couch, reliving an amazing day in our lives-it was priceless! On the day of your wedding ,things go by so fast and your emotions almost take over the ability to really realize what is happening. We couldn't be more thankful for this video, that wasn't even asked of Tyler, he just did it. We were so very lucky to have the wonderful team of TAustin Photography there that day, and we can't thank you enough for capturing our special day in photos, and taping  an extremely cherished moment!

Thank you again Tyler and Rachel!

http://www.taustinphotography.com/

2012 Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango!

Pantone (an X-Rite company, and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries) has announced the 2012 color of the year, Tangerine Tango! The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A provocative attention-getter, Tangerine Tango is especially appealing in men’s and women’s fashion. Pantone also adds that  the color is also a winner in cosmetics because of its versatility, Tangerine Tango is a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way. Add a sultry flair to lips, cheeks and nails with Tangerine Tango. An unexpected eye shadow color, the color is a complementary opposite that flatters blue or green eyes. When paired with brown eyes, it brings out an amber cast.

This hot, vibrant color will make a bold statement with any wedding palette. It would be great paired with a yellow or even a cockatoo ( robin egg blue)  or keep it popping  with other hot vibrant colors to accompany it. (See the palette below for some great choices).

Soon you will be able to find the color in your nearest Sephora store as Pantone has partnered with Sephora as SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE proudly presents the first Color of the Year beauty collection.Hot colors for Spring 2012:

Courtesy of The Picky Palette.

For the full scoop on this years hottest color, Tangerine Tango, go to: Pantone.

NW Wedding Show!

We had such a great time at the NW Wedding show this past weekend!Despite the snow that held us up on Sunday! There were so many great vendors there like Mojo Photobooth, Bugsie Productions , and Simply Seasoned! Plus many many more! We absolutely loved mingling and networking with all those great vendors! Flowers by Tiffany had a beautiful booth! We also were able to have some photo booth fun at Mojo Photobooth! Our booth consisted of a very fun theme, burlap favors with chocolate, we had wood slabs;  decorated by wild flowers that were held in burlap and lace mason jars! We wanted to thank all those who stopped by our booth and put their information down, we are in the midst of getting all that data in our system and we will be contacting you shortly. We wanted to welcome Tara and Josh to the It's Your Day family who had booked us at the show! We do look forward to speaking and meeting with you all! Also, we wanted to let any other brides, grooms and or parents looking for planning or wedding day coordination know that we are running our special from the show until February 29th! 15% off any package!

Invitations and Save the Dates by It's Your Day Studio

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Wedding Shows

So you are engaged! Or maybe one of your good friends are? Well congratulations! It's that time of year, where a huge surge in wedding shows is upon us. There are tons of shows in January and several on weekends even weekday nights throughout the remainder of the year. Some are large, some are more intimate. It can be really confusing to sort out and get the best vendors among whose-who especially at the larger shows such as The Seattle Wedding Show, The NW Bridal Expo, and the Seattle or Tacoma Wedding Expo's (from Brides Club).

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your experience when visiting wedding shows:

1. Look for vendors who look like they are actually happy to be there and are engaging. Some people can be too pushy however. Don't let anyone push you in to anything you don't want. Interact with the vendors and get to know them a little. These are people who will be servicing you on one of the biggest days of your life. If you do not like them as a person why would you hire them?

2. Once you do get to know the vendors and there is someone you do like or someone you don't like, how are you going to remember them out of the hundreds of booths you are visiting that day? Do one of two things: Either bring a little note pad and make notes of names of companies you really did like or bring  a few colors of sticky notes and stick them on the brochures, flyers and cards given out by companies. You can use for example green for places you loved, yellow for places that were so-so and red/pink for places that were a huge no way! (Get the metaphor relation to a traffic light there?) Since they are sticky notes you can also make notes on them if you have the chance.

3. Look for vendors who are having sales specifically for the show or a short period of time. Many vendors offer special rates at the bridal shows, while others do not. Look for the ones who are offering a quality product but yet a special rate for you to take advantage of. Lots of places will give out free favors too! Loot score! (Make sure you get the free tote bag at the entrance).

4. If you haven't picked out a wedding cake (or if you are hungry even), make sure to stop by all the delicious cake booths offering samples. It is a great way to try out many bakeries all in one stop without having to travel all around the Sound to find that perfect cake or cupcakes or desert!

5. Lots of times you might see a great idea at a show as well. You might see a dress at a bridal booth you love or a flower centerpiece or a table display from a wedding planner or rental company that you just must have. That is why its always a great idea to have a camera. Sure you can write your ideas in your notepad but your camera will help you remember your idea even better, plus you and your MOH or fiance can document your fun experience. A picture is worth a thousand words, right?

6.  At shows, nearly every vendor/booth is offering some sort of drawing. Save your hand some pain and strain and print your self out some pre-addressed labels. Make sure they include your phone # and/or email so they can contact you if and when you do win!

Upcoming Wedding Shows:

Seattle Wedding Show                                                                              January 7 & 8          Washington Convention & Trade Center

NW Bridal Expo                                                                                          January 14 &15        Tulalip Casino Ballroom (It's Your Day will be in booth #110)

Seattle Wedding Expo                                                                              January 14 & 15       Seattle Center

Space Needle Wine & Wedding Experience                                    January 19                 Space Needle

Tacoma Wedding Expo                                                                           January 21 & 22       Tacoma Dome

Lynnwood-Everett Wedding Expo                                                   January 28 & 29       Comcast Arena

Wine & Wedding Experience -Hollywood Schoolhouse          February 2                  The Hollywood Schoolhouse, Woodinville

Snohomish Wedding Tour                                                                    May 20, 2012           Venues around Snohomish

Our Photo Shoot with Cindi + Chris Photography!

A month or so ago Wedding Wire came to Seattle for an event that we had decided to go to, for networking, and the social media seminar that they were presenting. It was packed and there were so many wedding professionals there! In the middle of the room this very nice duo introduced themselves as Cindi and Chris, and we found ourselves learning about their photography business and in turn, us telling them about our wedding planning business. We exchanged cards and enjoyed the rest of the evening, tasting appetizers, sipping wine, and talking with other professionals. The very next morning, we received a very prompt email from that wonderful photography couple; following up to our networking from the previous night, offering to take some time and have a photo shoot with us. We were so humbled by the courtesy of making sure they contacted us the next day and then by adding the photo shoot to that! We agreed and set it up for a chilly Sunday morning in November...

We met Cindi & Chris of Cindi + Chris Photography at the Hollywood School House in Woodinville. It was FREEZING! That is no understatement! But it was a beautiful day, the morning was crisp the sun was breaking in and Cindi and Chris were full of smiles and ready to snap their Cannon cameras :)

It was a total BLAST to work with them! They both do a great job working off each other. Where one is at one angle or shot, the other will quickly look at another angle all the while creating beautiful photography.  Their energy is very inviting and fun to be around, as we laughed, joked and talked shop throughout the shoot.  I could easily see a Bride, or couple who hates their picture taken, really feel at ease with these two, making it easy for her to not pay attention so much to the camera but to really have fun with these two professionals, and get amazing pictures in the end.

We made our way to Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, where we played in the leaves and really let loose! It was a lot of fun as they both inspired us to throw leaves in the air and be care free! We both felt completely comfortable in front of the camera (even though we both have non- photogenic issues. ) In the end we got to know a really genuine set of Seattle photographers, their pictures are proof of their work! We are so thrilled to have got to work with them, and we can’t wait to do a wedding and or an event together soon!

http://cindiandchrisphotography.com/

REAL WEDDINGS: Jill & Trevor, June 18, 2011

Jill & Trevor were amazing to work with.  Jill is a fellow industry event planner and is super sweet, and we were thrilled to get to work with her and get the feed back! It was so much fun during our design session collaborating with her and honing in on her theme of vintage balloons, books & suitcases-- we went wild with  ideas! In the end it all came together, resulting in a incredibly beautiful design element for her day. The weather had been on and off rainy that week and the forecast was calling for rain that Saturday, but Jill really wanted to get married outside under the beautiful pergola at Sanders Mansion. In the end, the call had to be made to move the ceremony under the tent. Anna Brandt and her team of Distinctive Designs did a great job of making the tent look amazing inside. They had stunning centerpieces surrounded by tea lights. The sweetheart table was adorned with grey and white glassybabys, that are handblown here in Seattle. Each glassybaby is a one of a kind, and they donate a great deal of their profits to amazing charities.

Before making her walk down the aisle the bride got ready in the upstairs room of the mansion with her beautiful girls dressed in stylish gray dresses. Jill did something we hadn't seen before which was several "first look's". Not only did she make the groom wait to see her until she was done getting ready but her mother, and father and soon to be mother-in-law all took turns seeing her in her bridal suite, each teary-eyed with hugs.

The guys were dressed in gray too, a different shade, a nice classy suit, with converse shoes-all with their last name sewn in- very stylish~![slideshow]

The guests were given umbrellas to stroll the grounds and to make their way down to the tent. Everyone piled in as the rain poured making for a cozy intimate setting filled with love.

After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed some delicious appetizers, followed by a buffet dinner from Act 3 Catering listening to a great playlist of songs spun by Sound-A-Bout music. Everyone was moving and grooving all night long! Finally the Bride and Groom departed on the bus with some of the other guests! We were so very lucky to work with such an amazing pair of people! We were also so surprised to receive an amazing gift from Jill, two of our very own glassybabys!

What an amazing day!

Vendors:

Venue: Sanders Mansion

Wedding Planner: It's Your Day Events & Expressions

Photography: Ryan Flynn Photography

Videopraphy: Edit 1 Media

Rentals: Grand Event Rentals &  glassybaby

DJ: Sound-A-Bout DJ

Floral: Distinctive Designs

Catering & Cake: Act 3 Catering