Style Me Pretty!

With This Ring is honored to be among the professionals featured today on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book blog! This lovely wedding of Emily & Aaron was a great time with a sweet couple. The readings given by their family were heartwarming, and the pros I shared the day with were top notch! Here is the link:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2012/12/13/millcreek-barns-wedding-from-jen-lynne-photography-stella-event-design/

Check out the additional gallery for some other sweet moments, including one from their ceremony! 

We are on a budget!

I see this so often in forums lately!  "We are on a budget". Most often, the couple is trying to say that they don't have a lot to spend, but in actuality, ALL weddings should be on a budget! Some are small and others large. It is only smart to decide how much you will spend and stick to it. Also, what is a small budget to one person may seem like a big budget to another. It is all relative to your situation, so those words alone don't tell the whole story.

Some think their best option may be to go "all inclusive", but unless you want all the services they offer that doesn't save you money. If you pay for something you don't want or could do without, that is not good use of the funds. It is best to create a budget that lays out each area of the wedding and how much you want to allocate for each area. You have to have an officiant and the rest is "icing". You can adjust as needed, too. For example, if you allocated $1000 for a dress and only spent $300, you can put the savings into the honeymoon fund or toward more photography, etc. You need to know what are your priorities.

It may not be best to DIY unless you are really talented or the person designated for it has a great working knowledge of what they are taking on. Many people find out that they have taken on projects that drain their time, cost more than anticipated, take up space they don't have to create or store them, and add to their stress. 

A good planner will help keep all of this in line for you, as well. Look for our favorite ones here:

http://www.withthisringwed.com/Vendor-Referral-Links.html

Table fun

Prior couples have come up with some really fun and creative ways to name and number their guest tables. Perhaps some of these will work with your theme or wedding style, or are something you can relate to, as well, or maybe they will get your creative juices flowing toward brainstorming your own. Share with us your ideas!

1. Try familiar places: schools, trips, where you met, first date location, where he proposed, etc.
2. Hometown landmarks: Every town has many to choose.
3. Favorite movies or celebrities
4. This may be a good way to memorialize those people you wish could have been there; all the grandparents or others that are gone but not forgotten.
5. Sports offers endless choices. Pick a sport and use their teams, Pick all your favorite teams from all sports, or choose all your favorite players.
6. Floral names: Roses, Orchids, etc.
7. Wineries
8. Desserts
9. Pictures of you two holding the different numbers, or pictures of you both at those ages.
10. Beaches or beach related items.
11. "I Love You" in different languages.
12. Favorite songs/Band names.

These are just a sampling of what I have witnessed, and some other ideas include colors, hobbies, season words, items from your heritage, animals, honeymoon location details, and favorite vacation spots. Some ideas I found others using:
We have: The cheeky table The noisy table The naughty table The silly table The nerdy table (for my friends with phds!) and others I can't remember just now.

We are going to name each table after a city we've visited together and put a picture of us (in addition to other centerpiece, haven't though that far ahead lol).

We named our tables after film directors. We laser-cut names from wood that I designed to go with the kinds of movies they make, and we put a little card on the base explaining who the director was and what we liked of theirs. we are going to be naming our tables after Love stories (ex: The Notebook, Pride and Prejudice, ect...) and on the tables we will have the actual books in hard cover that one guest from each table will be able to take home with them (we will place a penny under one plate at each table and whoever has the penny can keep the book) ... FH and I will also be handwriting special notes on the inside cover of each book explaining why we chose that story and what it means to us.

All of our tables were named after love songs with the word LOVE in it. I put the names in picture frames. 

One I especially thought sweet was found at http://www.weddingbycolor.com/jodie319/milestones/57844 Poster Jodie319 said: We wanted to do something different than just plain numbers, so we are using words(that have to do with marriage) with a little quote underneath them. Click on the photo on that page to see them.

Table names are frequently an overlooked item, Whether you choose to use a theme or numbers, get creative; it will add a personalized touch to your reception. Have fun!

Kind words

A few weeks ago, while recovering from surgery, I received a card in the mail from a couple that I officiated for last year. They had no idea that I had recently had surgery, or would need some words of encouragement, but they arrived at the perfect time. Here is what they wrote:

"Carleen, We wanted to thank you for making our wedding day so special! Our ceremony was absolutely perfect - from the readings you provided us to choose, the time you took writing our ceremony out in the order we discussed, to adding our personal story, our ceremony was one of a kind and was my favorite part of our big day. We have received numerous compliments and kind words regarding how beautiful, unique, personal and interesting our ceremony was. We are so happy we chose you to be a part of our day - you are wonderful and we will continue to recommend you! Thank you again, PS Thank you also for sending us a copy of the ceremony and our adorable vow cards (in our wedding colors!). What a beautiful touch - you are so sweet and thoughtful!"

Their gorgeous ceremony took place at Blue Dress Barn, planning by Stella Event Design, photography by Studio 6.23 and video by Coastline Studios.

Welcome Veronique!

From the first week that "With This Ring Wedding Ceremonies" was established (by Rev. Carleen), after first working through another minister to obtain ceremonies, the phone has been ringing. I have been so blessed to be able to work with so many couples planning their future together.

However, on occasion I am having to turn couples away that were really hoping to have "With This Ring" involved in their ceremony. It has been hard to send regrets to those couples, but I would refer them to others in their area of SW Michigan, in the hopes that they would be able to find one of my colleagues able to work with them.

It was on my heart for awhile to look for someone to work along side me, someone that I could trust to deliver the same type of personal care and commitment that I offer.

As with all good things, they are brought to us in the time that is right. It is with great pleasure that I announce the addition of Veronique Jewell to "With This Ring Wedding Ceremonies"!

Please view the new page on my website for more information on Rev. Veronique. http://www.withthisringwed.com/About-Rev--Veronique.html

I am honored and excited at the possibilities for both of us and our clients by this partnership! Please join me in welcoming Veronique to With This Ring!

New Permanent Invitation Pricing!!!

With This Ring ~ Cherry Blossom Designs is proud to announce that I will now offer 30% off any order at or over $100 and 20% off order below $100!

That can really add up to significant savings when purchasing your Save the dates, Invitations, Response cards, programs, napkins, thank you's and other day of stationery. Accessories are included in this offer and we have sand ceremony elements, guest books, cake toppers/cutting sets, flower girl and ring bearer items, and gifts for your wedding party, to name a few.

The savings don't just apply to wedding items! Use this for all life's events: graduations, new baby, holidays, or any reason to throw an event! Order Christmas cards by Dec. 1st, please! We have an amazing turnaround of only 5 business days from order placement! With a search feature and something for every style and budget, you are sure to find a selection to your liking.

Items can be viewed online, but there are far more accessory items in the catalog. Call or email to have those items viewed in person or sent by email attachment. To receive the discount, do not complete a checkout online. I will need to have you email me the order. Items ordered online will not be discounted.

Happy Children at your Reception

Many forum posts ask others if they plan on having children attend the wedding and reception. For a lot of couples, and for varying reasons, they choose not to have children attend. This is definitely a personal choice and one each couple must decide for themselves.

If you do choose to have children attend, there are two very important things that you can do to help ensure those young ones are having a good time without "breaking the bank" or your centerpieces!

First, always see if the caterer can provide a lower cost children's meal or buffet choice, too. The price can save you around $5 or more per person over the adult offering. That can be a significant savings. A recent child buffet included choices of mac and cheese, potato smilies, and chicken nuggets.

Young ones like to dance, and will probably occupy the dance floor for a portion of the evening, but they get tired, too. Provide a spot for them to congregate and play quietly. Here is a great table set up for kids to entertain themselves with coloring books, crayons and easy "glue-free" crafts! The children (and adults) at this wedding loved it!

Personalization and Details

I began working with Rachel & Chris last November. They live in Arizona and were coming to Michigan to be married at her parent's lakeside vacation home. Due to distance, we planned everything by phone and mainly email.

They hired Merry Me Events for coordination and planning, Matterhorn Catering, Driving Reign band for entertainment, and Heather Gollatz Dukeman for photography. Not sure who did the flowers, but I loved her bouquet.

The couple added many personal touches and details to their ceremony and reception. He proposed to her on Saguaro Lake and they had monogrammed Saguaro cookies and the table numbers were on Saguaro cactus.

The ceremony began, like most, with Grandparents and then moms being seated. Then it took a fun departure from the norm. Once the moms sat down, fireworks were set off. With a loud bang and a burst of sparks in the sky, the groom and groomsmen were signaled! They were out on the lake and the boat carrying them came full speed to shore! There was a shot glass for each waiting on the dock, and they toasted upon departing the boat. Once they walked up the aisle, our ceremony proceeded with the bridemaids and followed by our stunning bride and father.

There were laughter and tears all throughout the ceremony, and my congratulations go out to the happy couple. You did it your way, and I commend you!

Congregation Blessing the Rings

There is a lovely ceremony addition called "Congregation Blessing the Rings".

Some couples choose to pass their rings around through the congregation, where they are treated with reverence. They are usually tied together on a pretty ribbon, slid onto a pretty handkerchief, or placed in a sheer fabric bag and tied shut. As each person is passed the rings, they offer up their silent prayer, blessing or wish for B. and G. for their new life together.

There are friends and relatives of your congregation that know aspects in relation to being married that you want to know. This is part of the reason that you invite them to participate in your ceremony & to offer you their support. You may look at their marriage & think, “How, does he/she live with that person?” However, if they’ve been making it work for a long time, even if it’s not a relationship you want to mirror, chances are they know something regarding being married and staying married, and that you do want to copy. They have insight which you could hear & even grow from.

The rings you will wear serve as a reminder of the pledges you made on your wedding day, and are an outside symbol to the world that you have a life partner. Asking a blessing from individuals and couples will only enrich your married life.

After the wedding ceremony, you may want to ask your guests to write down what they wished or prayed for you. It can be wonderful to have those “good vibes” to reflect on later, but sometimes it’s just enough to have the thought put into the rings.

With This Ring ~ Cherry Blossom Designs

I have seen an increase in the number of brides who are working with a limited wedding budget. Limited budgets should not hinder your selection in the wedding stationery category, nor should it dampen a bride’s wedding planning spirit.

With This Ring is here to assist the budget–conscious bride in seeing her wedding dreams come true with Simply Sensible Budget Wedding Packages!

The Simply Sensible Budget Wedding Packages contain the essentials in wedding stationery. All packages contain printed invitations with matching, blank envelopes; printed respond cards with matching, printed envelopes; and blank thank–you cards with matching, blank envelopes. Some of the packages also include foil–printed napkins and blank accessories!

With prices as low as $99.90 per 100, bridal couples can save up to $400 off suggested retail prices! Even though the pricing of these packages has been greatly reduced, you will see that style and quality have not. Brides can still have the quality and style they deserve in wedding stationery, even on a limited budget.

I am looking forward to a brighter economic future for everyone and to serving couples in celebrating all their life events.
http://www.withthisring.cceasy.com/

Tooth Whitening ~ Safe?

A visit yesterday to my dentist, for a routine cleaning and checkup, had me thinking about the many "teeth whitening" options that brides are bombarded with now. I decided to take the opportunity to discuss that with the hygientist.

We've all seen the "blue light" specials, and no I don't mean K-Mart discount. I'm talking about those lights that they shine on your teeth, claiming whitening will happen. According to our specialist (the hygientist and dentist) those do absolutely nothing but take your hard earned money.

As for those mall Whitening kiosks and shops, they recommend that you avoid those, as well. They are often manned by people with no more background in tooth and gum maintenance than you or I have. Not only that, but the sanitary conditions used at some would make you think twice, if you only knew.

If you have great insurance or can afford it in your budget, they recommend getting the personalized mold and whitening gel from your dentist. If you can not do that, they say the Crest Whitening Strips are safe and do a decent job, too.

For more info, talk to your dentist!

“Caribbean Style Weddings” along the lakeshore

Exciting News from a local business associate, Jody VanBogelen: Here's the Press Release-
The Organized Partner, Southwest Michigan’s leading event planning company announces the launch of “Caribbean Style Weddings” for 2010. Together with a team of professional vendors, The Organized Partner offers this one -stop-shop service for the destination weddings planned for the beautiful lakeshore in Southwestern Michigan. The Organized Partner will take care of all the details of planning a complete Destination wedding in the Saugatuck/South Haven areas.
This service offers a complete event concept including a beautiful beach or park location, officiant, 2 nights lodging, wedding cake, ceremony items and much more. Add-on professional services will allow the bride & groom to completely customize their day with live musicians, decorated structures, and video streaming, to name a few.
Talented & generous wedding professionals unite for this event to accomplish the goals of the happy couple assuring an intimate wedding experience.
The “Caribbean Style Weddings” package will be offered Monday through Thursday’s at 1:00pm & 6:00pm daily and will accommodate up to 50 people. This service will not be offered on the weekends. Early scheduling is important.
“It’s amazing the number of couples that come to Southwest Michigan for their destination wedding. The Organized Partner and its affiliates, experts in the area, make sure the event is perfect in every way” says Jody VanBogelen, owner of The Organized Partner. “The “Caribbean Style Weddings” package is a great alternative for a small intimate ceremony. We are thrilled to offer this elite service, along with our Full Service Event Planning & Design services .”
For more information on this and all of their services please visit: theorganizedpartner.com - “services” page or call at: 269.760.9991.
About The Organized Partner:
The Organized Partner is a leading event & wedding planning company in Southwestern Michigan since 1999. We offer full time event & wedding planning to the most descriminating client. We have high expectations for ourselves and the providers we work with. Our goal is to “surprise” our clients with superior wedding specialties and white glove service every time. We specialize in the full event concept style planning with an emphasis on outdoor weddings for the local and destination bride bringing expertise, time & cost saving techniques, and stress relief. Our philosophy is that an event planner is more than a planner, we are your partner. For additional information please contact: theorganizedpartner.com, info@theorganizedpartner.com, or call us at 269.760.9991.

$50K from Weddingwire!

Brides! If you haven't signed up on Weddingwire yet, now is the time! $50k plus With This Ring for your wedding is a winning combination.

How to make a Ring Book

The book lover, English major and crafter in me just thought this was an excellent alternative to the ring pillow! So easy to create and coordinate with your colors or theme, unique and safe for the rings, too. Let me know if you try this!

How to make a Ring Book

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A Weekend of Family and Lessons: Part 2

My dear cousin, Lois has a son Steve, who contacted me earlier this year. He had found his special someone, Kim, and wondered if I would be available to marry them. I, of course, was honored to do this for them and said YES! I even blocked out the entire day for just them; turning away three other inquiries later, so that I could enjoy being a guest at a family wedding, once the ceremony was finished.

I arrived at Engel Farms for their rehearsal at 10:30 am on Friday. We had intermittent showers that day, but nothing too heavy. Our rehearsal only received a few sprinkles. We walked through the plan twice and everyone felt comfortable.

The location is quite roomy and the wedding would take place in the stairway to the barn entrance with the congregation on the lawn in front of that. The barn was also set up with tables and lights, as the dance reception area, and the tents behind the barn were set up for dinner. This is not the first time I have been at this location, as Lois' daughter Abby had been married here, as well. However, I had booked a wedding before knowing about hers last year, and showed up later as a guest to the reception.

We expected the next day would be breezy and cool, but if there was rain, it would be like Friday. We were so wrong. It rained hard then would stop for awhile, begin to mist, and then start pouring again. This went on all day. It began to clear and the chairs were wiped down before the wedding was to begin Saturday at 4 pm.

Kim made her entrance in the horse-drawn carriage and looked amazing! We welcomed the sun and the guests and began the ceremony. I got about one-fourth of the way into the ceremony, when the heavy mist began and a few umbrellas went up. I looked at Lois in the front row, and she indicated to move. I asked everyone to quickly and carefully come into the barn, so we could finish in there.

I wish we had rehearsed what we would do, but a plan had been put into place just before the wedding, in case the rain didn't let up. We really didn't go through all the logistics, but knew where we would stand and put the crowd. The barn had a loft that would look down to the dance floor area, and it made a perfect extra viewing area for the overflow. The DJ and I quickly got the crowd in and the wedding party in their places. The ceremony resumed and went off without a hitch.

It was definitely a different experience for me this time. I have never officiated the wedding of a family member before. It was much more emotional; having a personal attachment to the person, as well as having so many family members there watching me "work". I wouldn't have traded it for anything, though. I was so happy to be their wedding minister! They are such a sweet couple and I was pleased to give them this "gift." Steve's father, Mark, stood up for him, and when Steve's sister, Abby and her hubby walked up the aisle as attendants, and she smiled and whispered, "I love you!", to her brother, the huge tear that ran down Mark's cheek was impossible to miss. I looked down at Lois tearing up, as well, and was glad I still had two more attendants, some children and the bride's entrance to recover from the lump that just took residence in my throat.

I am sure their pictures will be beautiful, and they had both an outdoor and indoor ceremony! How unique is that! And, though this went smoothly, I have learned for all my outdoor weddings, let's do one "quick run through" of inclement weather procedure and not just talk about it. Even after all the weddings I've officiated, I still am learning new things. That's one of the many great things about what I do...my wedding work day is never a "same thing - different day"! Each one is so unique and special.

A Weekend of Family and Lessons: Part 1

I was so excited to begin this wedding weekend and the first wedding was Jordan and Julia on Friday. I was told they were getting married at Morris Chapel in Niles. I found the address and asked the bride about it in a prior email along with some other follow up questions. She neither confirmed or denied the question and so I mistakenly assumed all was well with the location.

It had been a difficult week prior to the wedding for Julia, Jordan and their family, as Julia's grandmother had just passed away. I tried to keep communication to a bare minimum, and when we last spoke, I told her I would arrive 30 to 45 minutes ahead of time, as is customary for me. She told to come right in when I got there and she would be in the basement area preparing.

I showed up at the mapped out location at 2:45 pm for a 3:30 pm service. I got a "sinking feeling" immediately driving up, as there was not one car in the lot. I walked up to the doorway of the chapel and there were cobwebs on the door! I knew this had to be the wrong place, but I had been told it was a historical site and there was a historical marker in front of the chapel!

I went back to my car and began trying to call the two numbers I had for this couple, but only reached voicemail. I left a message on both. I noticed a woman across the street and approached her, but she said they do have church every Sunday there, but no one had been there last night to prepare (and I knew the couple had gone the night before). A sign outside the church gave two phone numbers; one just rang on, the other went to voicemail but gave an emergency number for the minister. I tried that and got voicemail and left a message, hoping he would know where the location was. I tried the couple's numbers again and left voicemail twice.

Finally, I received a call from a bridesmaid who had gone to get their cell phones and found my messages. I got directions from where I was to Morris Farms Chapel from the photographer and arrived late, but everyone understood what had happened.

The wedding itself was lovely and the location is beautiful. I highly recommend it. The difference between where I was and ended up is not a big stretch. The church I was at first was once on the site where this wedding took place; hence the name/location confusion. However, I must insist, from now on, in verifying the address of the location, especially for smaller weddings that don't have a rehearsal before, as this one. I may even ask that one person have a cell phone "on," and on them before everyone arrives, as the "emergency contact". I would still have been on time (not too far between locations) had I been able to reach someone right away. Another lesson learned. Thankfully, the couple were gracious, patient and understanding, along with all their family and friends.

I’m Engaged!! Now what…

One of the most common mistakes in planning a wedding is doing anything before the guest list.

So many brides get engaged and say, what should I do first? They are in a hurry to book a venue and start ordering save the dates, but it is so important to know how many will be there. First set the budget, and then create your guest list. What good will it do to have booked a beautiful place that can only hold 150, when you create a guest list that is now 225? However, if you have had your heart set on a very specific location or other vendor, book them sooner, rather than later. Keep in mind that that could very well mean scaling back your guest list to accommodate that dream.

Once you’ve established a budget and know the number of the party, you can either choose your planner, if you are using one (which I highly recommend and they have numerous packages to fit your needs) and they will help you take care of the rest; or proceed to obtaining your venue, Save The Date mailings, catering, officiant, DJ, photographer, florist and gown. Choose anything else after those important elements.

Handmade accessories for your wedding or any day

Have you been looking for that special piece to wear on your wedding day! Look at this gorgeous Heirloom cuff found at Heather Jolie designs! Heather is designing new, unique and stunning pieces all the time. I know that if you want to create a one of a kind special order, she will work with you, too. Under a time constraint? Let her know, and she may be able to get it to you in time for that special day, too.

Heather lives in sunny Jacksonville, FL, and says, "I am a wife and mom and currently work full-time. I love art, and hope to one day make a living by being an artist or running a cupcake shop ;)! I also love fashion and interior decorating. I love God's creations and hope that my designs reflect that..."

Check back frequently, as Heather is always designing something new, unique and lovely.

The Beauty of an Antique

The Beauty of an Antique & A Very Rare Giveaway

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