Congratulations your Engaged!...Now what???

You’ve dreamed about the day

he would propose.

You knew you would say yes!

You’re thrilled, the ring is beautiful, and it's time…

time to start planning!

For some brides-to-be, planning is an exciting next step.

For others, the thought can be a bit overwhelming.

So, to get you started off right, I've searched some of my fave sites and pulled together some of my favorite planning resources from around the web:

Getting started:
*common pitfalls to avoid: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/10-most-common-wedding-planning-mistakes.aspx
*a guide to wedding lingo: http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/planning/wedding-lingo-cheat-sheet-10000001707653/index.html

The details:
*wedding budget worksheet: http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/budget/wedding-budget-worksheet-00000000009135/index.html
*most common overlooked costs: http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-budget/qa/which-expenses-are-often-overlooked-when-setting-a-budget.aspx

Fashion & Decor:
*wedding colors: http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-colors.aspx?MsdVisit=1
*everything wedding dress: http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-fashion.aspx
*20 ?s to ask your florist: http://weddings.ivillage.com/receptions/vendors/0,,bxljqnnz,00.html

Ceremony Planning:
*?s to ask your photographer: http://weddings.about.com/cs/photographer/a/photography.htm
*transportation basics: http://weddings.about.com/cs/bridesandgrooms/a/transportation.htm
*ceremony seating: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-ceremony/articles/wedding-ceremony-seating-basics.aspx
*guide to writing wedding vows: http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-ceremony-ideas/articles/writing-your-own-vows.aspx

Reception Planning:
*playlist suggestions: http://www.brides.com/planning/music/feature/article/157836/
*music basics: http://www.brides.com/planning/music/guide/getting_started/
*wedding wine & liquor calculator: http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/wedding-wine-liquor-calculator-00000000008314/index.html
*menu planning: http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/weddings/cakes-catering/how-plan-wedding-reception-menu-10000001706524/index.html
*reception decor: http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/wedding-planning-ideas/wedding-reception-ideas.aspx
*finding your cake style: http://www.brides.com/planning/cakes/findyourstyle/landing/

After you've visited the above sites,

and you have a general idea of what you're looking for...

don't let yourself get to the "STRESSED OUT"

place of this funny cartoon!!

Call me!

Trust me, you'll want to enjoy EVERY single minute of this time in your life!

Let's plan your perfect day together!

xoxo-m

Who Pays for What??

Wedding Planning, Wedding Decor, Invitations, Marriage License, Bridesmaids, Venue, Photographer, Florist, Videographer, Caterer, Make-up Artist, Hairstylist, Tuxedo Rentals, Travel, Officiant, Honeymoon Planning, Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Luncheon, Bartender, Reception...

OMGosh!... that's alot to think about! 

Here's a little checklist to help you figure out who pays for what on to make your big day awesome:

Pre-Wedding Parties

Traditional:

The bride's family covers the first engagement party;

(the groom's side can throw one of its own)

His side pays for the rehearsal dinner.

Modern:

Each family may throw an engagement party;

(the bride's family can host the first one, if it likes)

anyone can host the rehearsal dinner-even an aunt.

Stationery

Traditional:

The bride's family pays for every invitation, program and placecard - including the stamps.

Modern:

The couple can pick up the tab, maybe choosing to DIY the Save-the-Dates or invites to save money.

Ceremony

Traditional:

The bride's parents take care of the music, venue fee, and aisle runner.  The groom covers the marriage license and officiant's fee.

Modern:

If the wedding is being performed at one family's house of worship, that family covers the ceremony costs.  Otherwise, anyone can pay.

Flowers

Traditional:

The bride's family pays for the big-ticket items like centerpieces.  The groom's side buys the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages.

Modern:

All the flowers are paid for together, by the bride's or groom's side - or even by the couple themselves.

Photographer/Videographer:

Traditional:

The bride's family pays to document the occassion.

Modern:

One family pays for the photographer and the other for the videographer.  Or the couple hire the photographer and the families each buy their own prints and albums.

Reception

Traditional:

The bride's family picks up the entire tab, including food, drink, decor and music.

Modern:

The groom's famil covers specifics like liquor or music; the bride's family pays for the rest.  Better:  Everyone pitches in according to what they want.

Hope that helps!

Happy planning!! ;)

the Marriage License

Where do I go to get a marriage license in the Phoenix-metro area...

{Maricopa County}

and how much does it cost?

Here's a link to the webpage that Maricopa County uses to guide all the 'nearly' newlyweds through:

http://clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/marlic.asp

Fee

The fee for a marraige license is $72 payable by cash or check w/a driver's license or bank guarantee card or credit card.  If you're purchasing a license at the Justice Courts, they accept checks, money orders or cashier checks.

Instructions

A copy of a divorce decree is not required.  No blood test is required.  You'll be required to provide a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license to show proof of age and confirm identity.  You'll receive your marriage license and can be married on the same day you apply for it.  An unused marriage license expires one year from the date of purchase.  Both parties must be present to obtain a marriage license.

For further information call: 602.506.3360 or 602.506.2125

I love to watch the bride & groom at their own receptions! They're so happy! Stealing little glances all night long, nearly inseparable, tiny kisses here and there - and sometimes BIG KISSES! Quite honestly, by the time the party finally gets here, all the fussing and stresss goes out the window and all they can see is each other...isn't that how it's supposed to be?

My advice: there's lots to fuss and worry about...things get in the way and thrown at you all the time, little things turn into big things... remember to focus on each other...this is the happily ever after I'm dreaming of!

Emmie & Daniel

Emmie & Daniel...

a true love story!

Her vintage sign in/guest book...

found at an antique store.

LOVE {love} LOVE

This gorgeous display greeted you when you 

entered this beautiful backyard wedding...

Wedding dress display:

Her mother & grandmother's dresses...

His mother & grandmother's dresses...

All worn in the temple.

And at the end of the display:

Emmie's blessing & baptism dresses

with a framed print of her wedding dress!

GORGEOUS!

Her lounge area...

vintage couches/chairs, a cute little flower cart to hold the tv

and their love story playing on a loop!

What you can't see in this picture is the gazebo 

that's surrounding the guest/sign in area and the gift table.

We didn't leave out any 

details on this wedding!

Her bridals were amazing!

This picture looks painted...taken at the river with 

Red Mountain behind them.

Stunning!

The theme was vintage... lighting overhead.

Candles galore... baby's breath - lovely.

The backdrop was old fencing...

I loved the chippy paint!

The great and awesome Jennifer Hall did the food!

Sassy's did desserts and her cake... YUM!

I'll take the desserts FIRST

everytime!

Her 'pinterest' cake 

was a 

WIN!

 I love this darling, little couple so much!

Loved every little detail of their wedding...

thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

xoxo

~ m

Nick & Susan

Nick & Susan...

I'm not sure that I've ever done a wedding for a more genuine,

sweet couple.  Both as easy-going, as they are kind.

Susan's parents had a lot of input into how to make her day the very best day!

She loves them so much, and is a daddy's girl...

His army boots had to be displayed on her entry table, just so he knew

that she not only was grateful for all his service for her freedoms, but

grateful for his service in raising her... sooo sweet!

Her mom wanting to make sure that all of Susan's 

hard work and definite talent was displayed.  

Susan has made 6-8 quilts that all have stories behind them.  

Guests were greeted with these 

amazing works of art as the entered the party...

Her food was not only yummy, 

but beautiful to look at!

Look at all that color!

fresh veggies, fruit cups...

matched her decor to a 't'...

Only the very best wishes for this 

cute couple's fairytale 

Happily Ever After...!