Theme Thursday: Cinco de Mayo

It's been a while since I've been able to post.  That's a good thing!!  It's wedding season and that means I'm busy.  But, it is Cinco de Mayo and I really can't pass up this opportunity to bring you a couple of Inspirational boards.  I hope you have a wonderful day of celebration.

The Fit Bride: Get Educated

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to nutrition is to follow the mass of drones at the grocery store.  Buying boxes and cans and frozen food that can be put in your pantry and left there until next Christmas!  Food was not meant to sit on a shelf, it was meant to be eaten in a fresh state.

Processed foods are killing us as Americans!  I recently talked to a friend who was having trouble with their weight.  They decided to try eating without bringing processed foods into the mix.  Low and behold they lost 30 pounds with there new found way of eating. 

The best thing we can do as humans is educate ourselves on what is and is not healthy when it comes to our food choices.  We can not go around blindly believing the advertising geniuses just because they tell us that weight loss bar is a great breakfast.  Guess what, it's not even close!!

One of the most educational films I have ever seen is Forks Over Knives.  Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods.The major storyline traces the personal journeys of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional biochemist from Cornell University, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former top surgeon at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic. Inspired by remarkable discoveries in their young

careers, these men conducted several groundbreaking studies. Their separate

research led them to the same startling conclusion: degenerative diseases like heart

disease, type 2 diabetes, and even several forms of cancer, could almost always be

prevented—and in many cases reversed—by adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet.

Despite the profound implications of their findings, their work has remained relatively

unknown to the public.  Bringing these scientific concepts to life, cameras follow “reality patients” who have chronic conditions from heart disease to diabetes, and are taught by their doctors to adopt a whole foods plant-based diet as the primary approach to treat their ailments. The film features leading experts on health and  tackles the issue of diet and disease in a way that will have people talking for years.

Please go out and educate yourselves about what really healthy eating is all about.  It will make a huge difference in achieving your goals for your wedding as well as leading a healthy lifestyle in your new life afterwards.

For more information check out forksoverknives.com!!

Get Healthy!

Andrew

The Fit Bride: Challenge Yourself

As your wedding nears I know it will be hard to think about much else.  All the errands, phone calls, and meetings to make sure everything is just right.  It will be important to stay focused on your fitness goals through this turbulent time.  One way of doing this would be to challenge yourself to do something you have never done before.  Give yourself something that will push you to keep up on your health and fitness. 

This year I have decided to challenge myself as well, by signing up for the short course in the Waupaca Area Triathlon.  I have never done anything like this so it will really help me stay focused and push myself to get ready.  The excitement of a new challenge will do the trick in keeping me on track.  Try something new and challenge yourself to keep moving forward to achieving your goals.

Below are a few links to races and different ways to challenge yourself in the new year!

http://www.waupacaareatriathlon.com/

http://www.midwestsportsevents.com/paperdiscovery.html

http://www.eastbay.com/halfmarathon/

http://www.greatlakesendurance.com/wisconsin-races.html

Get out and be fit!!
Andrew

Theme Thursday: Tiffany Style

All of the "bling" and that trademark blue!!  I love this wedding.  The bride is gorgeous, the shoes are to die for, and the ring....ahhhhh {feeling dreamy right about now}.

Some delicious food, chandeliers {absolutely!}, satin ribbon, tower vases with some gorgeous flowers and gems and a smiling bride and groom surrounded by their favorite things!  I am working on a Tiffany themed wedding invitation set right now...ribbons, gems and all!  Watch for pictures.

Here is my favorite Inspiration Board to help with your Tiffany Themed Wedding.

Are you having a Tiffany Themed wedding?  Send us your thoughts and ideas!  We'd love to see!!

Theme Thursday: Halloween Theme Inspiration Boards

Halloween.  This is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the chance to turn myself into something I'm really not, maybe to jump out and scare someone and make drinks that have "smoke" pouring out of them.  So, with that being said, I wanted to give you a couple of ideas for your Halloween Themed Wedding {for next year of-course}.

I put together two different ideas - neither of them TOO out of hand, yet, definately Halloween.

First is my more favorite.  A little "blood" dripping here and there, a lot of red and some perfectly placed black.  

Then, there is the more subtle Halloween wedding.  Oranges, Blacks, caramel apples and a beautiful Pronovia dress.  If you wanted to have a more elegant Halloween wedding you could follow the ideas on this board and add a bit more black and maybe a hint of red.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Theme Thursday: Peacocks!

This weekend I am attending a Bridal Open House in my hometown.  I really wanted to use the "Rustic" theme that everyone seems to be loving lately, but I also really wanted to stand out.  This is the board that I put together to follow my theme through {notice the burlap along with all of the bright elegant colors}.

Crazy for the Peacocks!!!

Watch for the pictures from the show next week.  I am bringing my camera so I will be posting pictures of my booth.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think of the colors.  Also, make sure to follow and share my blog for weekly tips, ideas, themes, and all around fun wedding stuff.  

I LOVE this theme!!!

Elements: Color

Col-or
noun

Color is an important element in our lives.  It can help to calm us, excite us, even help make us feel refreshed.  It can show our personalites, help us to convey an idea, and for some, it could represent culture and religious views.

I LOVE using color in weddings.  I think it great when a bride gets colorful shoes, the tables have colorful flowers and centerpieces and the lighting adds a colorful hue to the room.  Read below to see what your wedding colors might say about you.

Red {action, courage, confidence and vitality}

Red is a color that evokes energy and excitement.  It draws people together and stimulates conversation.  When using red as a major color in your wedding decor, you should be planning for a very exciting event.  Turn your music up and  let it all out!

Orange {thoughtful, sincere, creative and endurance}

While red is accociated with fiery heat, orange is associated with the warmth of the sun.  It is thought to stimulate endurance and creativity and helps to give relief from stressful situations.  If you want your wedding celebration to keep from getting too serious, add orange to your color palette.






Blue {calming, inspiration, spirituality}

Blue is the coolest color.  It is often a color chosen by more conservative people and encourages conversation and peace.  For a more serene, yet exciting night, any of the variations of blue are great choices.






Yellow {wisdom, joy and happiness}

Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness.  Yellows work great with greens and oranges to help create a lively upbeat celebration.










Green {nature, fertility and life}

Green symbolizes self-respect and well being and is the color of balance.  It is a color that will encourage your guests to unwind and yet will give enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.  This is a safe color, so if you're just not sure where to start, start with green.








Brown {nature, wholesomeness and dependability}

Since brown is a neutral color, it will work well with almost any other color and will work in any season.  Try not to use brown by itself though...boring!














Purple {dramatic, sophisticated and royalty}

Dark purple is associated with luxury and creativity and is a wonderful accent color.  Lighter shades of purple will bring you peace of mind.








What are your favorite color combinations?  Let us know!

A Mexican "flavored" Wedding

I love Mexico!  I love the water, the people that I've met, the food and most definately the drinks!  Cinco de Mayo is coming up {YAY!!  another reason to have a party!} so here is an Inspiration Board - Mexican style!

I also created a fun Bridal Shower invitation for my future sister-in-law {ooo...that is so fun to say}.  Since I love Mexican food, and I'm hosting the party, Cinco de Mayo style is what she is getting!

Watch for party pics!

Theme Thursday - Summer Wedding Inspiration

It is still cold here in Wisconsin, but I know summer has to be getting here soon.  Pinks, Greens, Oranges, Yellows, and Browns.  Here are some colorful and sunny inspiration boards for your outdoor summer wedding.

Theme Thursday - Spring Weddings

Maybe it's because it's still cold and snowy outside, but looking at bright spring flowers in the flower shop made me dream of spring weddings and all of the fresh looks and colors. 

Here are some ways for you to bring "spring" into your wedding theme. 

• Use fresh flowers.   Some popular wedding flowers for your bouquets, centerpieces and any floral decor would be - Tulips, Freesia, Daffodils, Irises and Lilacs.  Also, a colorful mix of wildflowers is great!
• Use birdseed instead of rice or bubbles for your guests to toss after the ceremony.
• For your ceremony and cocktail hour music, consider using soft soothing music, like a harp or a flute and, if the weather permits, open up your reception to an outdoor patio.  You and your guests have been cooped up all winter long, so get outside and enjoy some warm, beautiful spring air.
• Use fresh "garden" foods.  Fruits, vegetables, delicious salads.  Offer chocolate covered strawberries and a bright green salad full of colorful vegetables served with a homemade fragrant dressing. 
• And, for a fun wedding favor, you could offer flower bulbs for your guests to take home and plant, garden tools, or wine glass charms shaped like butterflies.

This is from Always Andri Wedding Design



Theme Thursday - Vineyard Weddings

A Vineyard theme for your wedding is perfect for a wine loving couple! You don't need to be at a vineyard to create the feel of Napa Valley either...how cool is that! With some creativity, some good food and really yummy wine you can design your wedding to make everyone feel as if they are at a real winery! I believe the main ideas to stick with when designing your vineyard themed wedding are elegance and simplicity. Look into vineyards, country clubs and manicured gardens - rustic sophistication. Talk with your caterer about a "Tuscan" themed menu.

Any Tuscan menu is going to highlight simple yet perfectly-done combinations of peasant breads, soft cheeses, tomatoes, beans, olive oils and wine. Typically you might find starters such as antipasto, bread sticks, and Tuscan white bean bean paté on crostini.

Also on your Tuscan menu you might find a selection of the finest olives and gourmet tapenades, fruit compotes, and delicious cured meats like Tuscan proscuitto and salami. Or in the European tradition, golden pears poached in a flavorful red wine, then knocked over the top with goat cheese and honey. A Tuscan ravioli filled with grilled eggplant, spinach and a variety of cheeses would draw raves as a main course.

This is also the perfect theme to offer a wine tasting for your cocktail hour (hint, hint). Offer a variety of reds, whites and roses, cheeses, breads, and please don't forget the chocolate!

Keep your music more intimate during your cocktail and dinner hours. A soft string quartet for example. As the night goes on, and you and your guests are ready to hop out of your seats, a great traditional Italian band should get your guests stomping!

Here are two of my favorite Boards for some Vineyard/ Tuscan Weddings

Simple Tip #3 - Wedding Inspiration

Simple Tip #3 - Wedding Inspirations. When you're planning your wedding and your head is spinning around, sit down, close your eyes and take a slow deep breath. When you open your eyes again, go grab your car keys and run to the store. Grab some magazines, a poster sized sheet of paper (or better yet, a project board), some glue or tape and a sharp pair of scissors. When you get home, start cutting out the pictures that you really like. Cut out pictures of cakes, shoes, jewels, gifts, flowers, clothes, pictures that you like the "style" of - everything! Group the images together, all cakes in this pile, all flowers in this pile...you get the idea! Then start weeding out. You will find the color palette you like, the style of flowers, cakes, attire, jewels and maybe you'll find the perfect pair of funky shoes! Put all of these on your board and voila! You have your Inspiration Board to keep you on track. Here are some samples for you. Good luck and have fun!!