7 Things #ambianceadores about Tatyana Ali's Wedding

Can we just start by saying how adorably sweet it is that Ashley (Ali's character on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air) is Married! Tatyana Ali became Mrs. Vaughn Rasberry on Sunday, July 17. I would have LOVED to do this celebrity wedding because of how authentic and genuine it appears to have been. The coverage of this wedding is chocked full of valuable lessons for the every day bride. Here are 7 that #ambianceadores:

1. A Morning Wedding! I love this bold, non-trending choice. Weddings are what you make them and it is a myth that dancing into the night is the only way to host a romantic celebration. I predict
more couples will start to at least consider the a.m. time slot in their wedding plans.

2. Small & Intimate. I can't say enough about the advantages of small and intimate events; but for the every day bride, think about how much further your budget could go with less than 150 people. How about your floral budget with less than 7 bridesmaids? I'm just going to leave that right there for you to chew on.

3. Hired Help. I'm just saying, a wedding coordinator is a valuable decision, no matter how biased I may be.

4. Embraced The Moment. Too often we wish for more or better of ourselves and our situations. Ali is pregnant and makes a conscious decision to not look at her situation as a hiccup within her wedding plans but as something to be embraced and shared. Instead of choosing a gown to camouflage her bump, she embraces with a more fitted choice that highlights her growing miracle.

Bringing new life into the world aside, the lesson still applies to you. Say you don't have the wedding budget of your dreams, it's ok, few people do. You must embrace where you are in your career, your finances and your life and DO with it what you can. Your wedding plans will reflect more beautifully, more authentically when you embrace and appreciate who you are, where you are, and what you have.  Deal with it...work with it.

5. Purposeful Design. Ali's centerpieces were intended to be something guests could take home. Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than an end of the night, after thought of an announcement telling guest to take a centerpiece if they want to. Talk about a deer in headlights situation. A little foresight goes a long way because most of the time, your centerpieces aren't designed for casual transport (insert water all over your seats). If you let your florist know this is something you are considering, you can design arrangements that are also user friendly for a car ride home at the end of the event.

6. Responsible Splurging. That is no mistake. Yes Ali was married at the Four Season's Beverly Hills but we are talking about a Doctor and a well known actress. This wedding could have easily been Over. The. Top. Yet, the couple's cocktail hour centerpieces (pictured above) were made using supplies from Michael's Craft Store. Your budget is a balancing act, spend in areas that matter to you, make affordable choices and use alternatives in areas that don't. It's that simple.

7. Meaningful Personal Touches. Ali's day could have easily been plastered with their names, monogram, and pictures, but the couple made a series of modest selections that were personal and important to them. I love their use of the wishing tree for two reasons. One, they used an actual tree that can be continuously enjoyed throughout their lives. Two, it speaks to who they are as a couple. It says the support and blessings of their family and friends is an important thing they wanted to capture to remember from their day. What matters to you?

The coverage of this wedding is simply beautiful. The photos showcase what I believe to be the  true magic behind weddings...love. All the up-lighting and glitter in the world can't manufacture the same energy as two people that are truly, authentically in love. See the full piece from The Knot and more on what the bride had to say, HERE.



*Photos Courtesy of The Knot. #TheKnot #TatyanaAli #CelebrityWeddings #ambianceadores #MichaelsCraftStore #inspiration #weddingplanner #va #dc #md #weddings

Wedding Favors, For Dog Lovers Only!

I am not a dog person. Well, truthfully, I am not a pet person but I am totally in love with this doggy donation card from #carlsoncraft.  It may be one of the most custom pieces of stationary I've seen.

If you are passionate enough about your pooch to make a donation to charity on behalf of your guests in lieu of traditional wedding favors, I've got just the finishing detail for you. #ambianceinvites you to get the scoop on this pooch themed present.

Details...Details...Details...

Dimensions: 6 1/4" x 3 1/2" Card
Printing: Thermography
Includes: Printed card
Production Time: 5 Working days

Ready to order? Fall in love with the Puppy Love Donation Cards, HERE! 

#AmbianceInvites you to help yourself to the ONE thing every bride needs

Every Bride? C'mon...impossible. Each bride is uniquely different in her concerns, her vision, her plans for her day. This is 100% true. Yet, there are several steps of the planning process that are exactly the same for each Ms on her ways to Mrs.

Each bride-to-be will collect addresses of family and friends they intend to invite. The length of their list may vary but at some point there are bound to be one or more of the following:

engagement party invite,  shower invite, save the date, wedding invitations, RSVP card/return envelope, thank you card. 

Although, every bride-to-be may not choose a professional stationer or calligrapher for addressing, all these pretty pieces of paper have to be sealed and sent out some how. That's where we come in (insert superhero arrival theme music). That's right, telling the masses what every bride needs but doesn't know she wants...yet!

Envelope Moistener with Adhesive from Carlson Craft

The Envelope Moistener! Compiling a solid and correct list of addresses for guests is difficult enough. It is one of the most commonly dreaded tasks of wedding planning; only because few are thinking ahead to the actual sealing of a potential 300-500 envelopes. This moistener is ideal because of the adhesive, a smooth seal in a single stroke. Cheap moisteners with refillable water containers leave much room for error, most commonly spills that ruining envelopes and pre-written/typed addresses. Raise your hand if you like to do your work twice? No one...exactly. 

This tool is an inexpensive no-brainer for every couple announcing they are getting hitched. Throw one in a bridal bag for your Bestie, attach to a congratulations card for your daughter, neice, or neighbor. Be the knight in shining armor Groom by volunteering to seal envelopes for her (major brownie points). Better yet, treat yourself because you are the bride and now know you don't have to do this the hard way. 

CLICK HERE, to save your sanity or that of someone you love. 

Hugs, Kisses, & Best Wedding Plan Wishes,

Team Ambiance



#ambianceinvites #weddinginvitations #bride #groom #weddingstationary #weddinghacks #weddings #weddingtip #ido #weddingplanner #virginia #maryland #dc 

#AmbianceInvites you to Think Spring!

If Spring is your thing, #ambianceinvites you to say "Yes" to the Graceful Dogwood - Sep 'N Send wedding invitation. {More questions about Sep 'N Sends? Find a quick overview HERE.}

This invite features branches, leaves, and beautiful dogwood blooms. It's the perfect welcome to your Spring wedding. Create a beautifully themed day by layering this invite with an outdoor ceremony, rustic themed cake and branch centerpieces for your reception.

Ready to think Spring? Get the scoop below.

Details...Details...Details...

Print Type: Themography

Size: Invitation 5 1/8" x 7 1/8", Reception & Response Card 4 7/8" x 3 1/2"

Production: 3 days

Included: Invitation w/ blank white envelopes, Reception Card w/ blank white envelopes, and Reception Card with blank white envelopes.

Notes: Invitation Sheet is 10 x 7 1/8" with perforated detachable cards. Invitation, Response, and Reception Card will come delivered on one convenient sheet.

Order your sample of Graceful Dogwood or shop more invitation designs, HERE.

#wedding #invitation #weddinginvitations #sepnsend #dogwoodtrees #rusticwedding #naturewedding #springwedding #inspiration #pinkwedding #weddinginspiration #virginiaweddings #isaidyes #ido #bride #groom #militaryweddings #dc #md #northernvirginiaweddings #weddingplanner #eventplanner #weddingcoordinator

#AmbianceAdores this "I Said Yes" FREE printable

I'm trying to figure out just how many ways to use this FREE printable sign from the Carlson Craft blog. Oh, you thought it was just for the bride-to-be? No way! Maybe I'll start taking pictures of me when I say yes to a new client or a new latte at Starbucks. It's just that cute! 

Lucky for you, this is an adorable and cost effective prop for your social media selfie or with your ring shot for your engagement session.  Best of all,  it's super easy to make; just download, print, cut, and glue/tape on a handle. 

Here's hoping you love this free find as much as we do...CLICK HERE for download and instructions. 

#ambianceadores #weddingprintables #bride #weddingsigns #isaidyes #inspiration #weddings #weddingplanner #VAweddings

#NFL Inspiration for the Big Day

 

We are all about incorporating the things you love into your special day. Nothing changes when it comes to football. Two tricks to keep in mind when you include sports elements into the big day.

1. Keep it sophisticated.

2. Don't over do it.


Tips to Achievement:

You are a grown up...planning an evening of class, tradition, and etiquette, no matter the style. If you want to include your love of football  or any other sport, just be sure to take a step back and make sure it matches the "ambiance" of the rest of the event. I recommend subtle choices that guests will notice out of surprise. Whatever you choose, it shouldn't be the sore thumb in the room.

Secondly, you don't need your favorite team, team colors, or sport on everything.  One or two elements should do the trick. Don't go overboard with color or design. Here are a few elements that #ambianceadores!

Table Names or Numbers

A guest book you can easily turn into decor for your home! 

Single men will be more apt to come out an catch this over a garter belt. 

Team Cufflinks, also a great gift for groomsmen. 

Chronicles Of A #weddingplanner: Happy Birthday Ambiance!

 Finally a quiet moment to sit beach-side and reflect on who I am, what I am and who & what I want to be. 

I closed my eyes, one big breath in, opened my eyes and there...my soul opened. The AHHHH moment I've been craving. 

Diamond Head Honolulu, Hawaii

I seek to be a mountain. A presence of majestic beauty. A pillar of quiet strength. Admired from a distance. Beautiful from within, no need for approval, or permission. 

I desire to be great, for myself, in hopes that it will runneth over into every aspect of my life. 

As I watch two of my favorite people in the world be carefree in a seemingly never ending playground of ocean, I seek to be a beacon of joy, a creator of celebration and more good. Good Times. Good Memories. And Real Good Love.

I hope the beautiful journey of my marriage & family continue to allow me to be inspiration for friends, family and clients...that love & matrimony are so worth it...fulfilling...satisfying...and worthy celebration every day. 

It is hard to believe that it has been a decade of trials and triumphs being my own boss. And like Diamond Head, I've been through some things, basked in sunshine, felt some rain, learned some lessons, yet here I stand. My gift is great and big and wide and steadfast and awing and more complex more than eyes can behold. Yes, I do believe I will be a mountain!

Happy Birthday Ambiance Special Events. Cheers to hard work, courage, believing in your dream and never being afraid to try...cheers to me.

All My Love,
~Michelle~

P.S. Just after writing this piece and snapping the above photo, a rainbow appeared over Diamond Head. The next morning, I hiked to the top and took a liberating breath in. I'm ready...ready to ride a new wave of growth and continued success.

                                                

All About That Lace!

Lace is such a timeless and classic fabric. Paired classic or rustic, lace adds elegance and charm to event design and decor. Today, #ambianceadores these lacy inspired invites and accessories just perfect for summer weddings. For more information on these looks and more lace inspiration, click HERE.

 Timeless Lace & Pearls Invite

Personalized Favor Bags

Classic Lace Invite

Modern Lace Invitation

Skip The Chargers and Spring for Lace Placemats!

Simple & Sweet Lace Seal N Send

Share A Photo & Say Thank You

Lace In Color, Double-Sided Invitation

Seven Lucky Tips from the Valentine Pros

Photo Cred: Bayside Resort Dot Com

It’s that time of year, where many spare no expense on bears, greeting cards, flowers, and more. The time honored tradition of publicly showing their affection for another on the day of St. Valentine.  According to 2014 statistics from CNN, roughly 2 billion dollars will be spent on candy, another 2 billion on flowers, and nearly 5 billion on diamonds, gold, and/or silver. Shocking, right?

This year, who better to advise you on your Valentine’s Day decisions than those who celebrate it annually…with the same person! We were so lucky to have a few of our Facebook Married couples offer their Do’s and Don’ts for the making this Valentine’s Day special and memorable.

Do think outside the box. It should be about quality time together...not things you receive. ~Kristi  & Nathaniel (3 years 11 months)

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is February 14^th. ~Andrew (3yrs)

Do - make an effort...a small gesture or card; prepare dinner or dessert.  ~Suzanne (16 yrs)

Don’t think the MAN has to do everything on Valentine’s Day. We like to feel loved and special too. ~Robb (1year)

Do think about his/her personality and choose a gift that fits, not necessarily the standard flowers and chocolates. Thinking and preparation go a long way!  ~Shannon & Peter (7yrs)

Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Treat each day as a special day. Giving flowers on the Tuesday before is better.  ~Omari  (5yrs)

If you don't do special stuff regularly and spontaneously throughout the year, Valentine’s Day isn't as special. ~Cassandra (19 yrs)

Before you cast your coins into the 18+ billion dollar pool of love tokens, consider just how well spent that money will be. Will your gestures really reflect your love and adoration for your partner? It looks like the pros agree to keep it creative and personal on any day you plan to show your love. These seven lucky tips are just the advice or reminders you need to achieve a more thoughtful and meaningful Valentine’s Day with your sweetie.

Go forth and spread the love!

#valentinesdaytips #valentinesday #valentinesdayideas #valentinegiftsforhim #valentinegiftsforher #ambianceadores 

Make It Monday: Napkin Design Series Pt 4

Today, a more advanced napkin design to use in your table glasses. Better Homes and Gardens has a jazzy little video to complete our Making It Monday Napkin Folding Series. Again, let me plug how terribly awful this would be for you to try and tackle without a coordinator (cough, cough...call me) for something large like a wedding. This design adds interest, a smidge of height to your tablescape and the pop of color we mentioned all month.

Hope you enjoyed and learned a few great ways to enhance your table glam for not a lot of moola!

Don't be left out. Get caught up on the whole January series:

Napkin Designs Pt. 1

Napkin Designs Pt. 2

Napkin Designs Pt. 3

What was your favorite design featured? Which, do you think was most easy to execute? Share...and post your comment below.



***More money saving tips and the best corners to cut in our newsletter subscription, Get It Here! 

#BumpDay: 2 Ways to Make Fun Last Long After the Shower

It's #BumpDay...your go-to spot for baby, shower, and mommy-to-be inspiration & projects. Today, we're sharing two fun and easy "pinteresting" activities for a baby shower. The special things about these activities, they are ways to remember your shower and the people who helped you celebrate long after it's over.

D-I-Y Bib Station: You'll need bibs, of course, and fabric markers to make this reusable memory. You'll love the conversation and laughs they'll create during the shower. The hard part will be deciding which one to use first. You can stay in touch with guests by snapping and sharing a photo when baby first wears his/her custom bib. It's a win-win activity.

Diaper Captions...are a great way to allow your guests to have some real fun. Capture each guests wisdom, wit, and encouragement with a diaper. You're sure to enjoy these long after the shower is over. I love this station for co-ed showers in particular. You are almost guaranteed to have a few laugh out loud moments just when you need one.

Enjoy & Happy #BumpDay!

Team Ambiance

5 Pinteresting Ways To Propose To Your Wedding Party

Searching for ways to pop the question a second time? How will you ask your closest friends and family to become your wedding party. We've got some adorable ideas just for you.

Custom Labels for Everyone 

Responsibilities Included 

We totally have a crush on this scrabble tile ring. CLICK  HERE to check out the DIY instructions.

#ambianceadores Grey's Anatomy, so Be My Person, sent us over the moon in love. 

Say It With Wine! Drink now or save for 1st Anniversary.

*Photo Cred: Pinterest

#ambianceadores #bridesmaidproposalideas #groomsmanproposalideas #weddingpartygifts #bridalparty #vaweddingplanner 

5 Gorgeous Gourds for Fall Decorating

It has been said that the key to economical decor is to use seasonal items. They can be the most cost effective and creative ways to decorate for events and holidays. The same rings true for fall gourds. Here are our favorite ideas to elevate gourds into something elegant and sophisticated for your home dinner or special event. #ambianceadores this gourd-geous inspiration!

Place Card Settings

*for smaller event, just sit on top of each dinner plate*

(photo cred: somethingvintagechinarental.blogspot.com)

Aisle Decorations (great touch for indoor weddings too)

*a great way to decorate your home porch or sidewalk as well*

(photo cred: wantthatwedding.co.uk.jpg)

Vases

*great for a home or more formal event*

Candles 

*another great choice for a home or more formal event*

(photo cred: foodnfemininity.blogspot.com)

Candlestick Centerpiece

*great look for a long table with candles*

(photo cred: pinterest)

Maximize Your Event Budget! At Dollar Tree?

It is easy to get side tracked with aisles and aisles of items that only cost $1. One can find beauty/health care, garden and seasonal items to cleaning products and even condiments, which leaves the questions, is there anything really worth going for? Granted some items will break just by looking at them but we've found at least 5 things that are an absolute SCORE for your special events budget!

1
  Glassware: the dollar tree has vases in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are great standard pieces for centerpieces and excellent for the craftier guys and dolls that go so far as to glue and paint the pieces into more custom centerpiece designs. A big win for your budget.

 Greeting Cards: Browse birthday, friendship, thinking of you, seasonal, wedding, baby, and more for just a buck. Tell me where in the world you can find a selection of greeting cards cheaper? Dollar Tree greeting cards are becoming so popular that the cards are $1/piece. If you are lucky, some locations still have a selection are that are 2/$1. So when you are heading out to your next event (birthday, baby or bridal shower), spring for the card, tissue paper, and bag, all from Dollar Tree.

3 Balloons: That’s right! Mylar balloons are only a $1/ balloon as opposed to a competitor like Party City which charges $1.99 each, an economical choice for kid or adult Birthdays, office celebrations, baby showers and open houses. Foil not your thing? No worries, you can also find packs of balloons you can blow up yourself, perfect for decorations, favors and party games.

Party Essentials: Table cloths, plates, napkins, cups, and cutlery. Although I’m not a huge fan of plastic tablecloths, there are some cool decorations and other décor you can make with them. I look at it like the very basics for customizing. For example, take a plain paper cup (any color) and add a themed sticker. Voila, instant custom cups for your party! Mix and match to create something you are sure to love.

5      Stationary: In this section you’ll find pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, stickers, activity books, note pads, crayons, stickers, and more. All the things you need to create custom bags/buckets to keep the kiddos occupied at something like a wedding or office picnic. Most items come with multiples in a pack, so you’re sure to make your dollar stretch farther. 

Friday Fave: Mason Jars

I reorganized my pantry using Mason and Ball jars last week. The Uniformity and organization of it all really calms my spirit. I also love how fun and playful Mason jars can be. It sparked the idea for today's Friday Fave. I wanted to show you a few fabulous ways to use Mason jars to personalize your event decor. Enjoy.

Drinks for guests at a casual or rustic wedding. Lemonade is always fun and refreshing.  

(Oh-lovely-day.com)

Sweet Love...Cake Favors

(elizabethannedesigns.com)

Luminaries...an incredible DIY project. CLICK HERE for the how-to. 

(torispelling.com)

Table Numbers

(you can also stencil numbers right on the jar, CLICK HERE to see how)

(wedding-zine.com)