Howerton+Wooten Events Blog. The musings of a Maryland Wedding and Event Planner

Cocoa Wedding Color

Brown may not be the wedding color of choice anymore, but any bride would look absolutely gorgeous in these cocoa glass pearls available at Miriam Haskell.

Or how about these cocoa-colored Christian Louboutin Prestige Pumps.  The red and cocoa colors make a luscious wedding color combination.
 

I know this is a much darker cocoa color, but I just love this silk de chine A-line Jim Hjelm bridesmaid gown.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photos: Jim Hjelm, Christian Louboutin, and Miriam Haskell)

 

A Thoughtful Wedding Favor: Origami Hearts

Last year, I had the pleasure of taking care of a couple who held a private wedding ceremony at the Inn at 202 Dover in Easton, Maryland.

 

Since, so many of their wedding guests were coming from the Washington, DC metropolitan area, they had to pay a toll on their wedding to the ceremony.

As a thoughtful gesture, the bride and groom gave everyone an Origami Heart made in the dollar amount with a little note explaining that it was for their tolls.

Now, I would venture to guess that none of their wedding guests suffered financially because of the toll money paid.  But this favor was one of the many thoughtful ways they let their wedding guests know how much they appreciated them for coming to their wedding.

If you are ever at a loss for wedding design or favor ideas, think of ways to make your wedding guests feel welcome or comfortable, and the ideas will come from that.

 

If want to know how to make your own Origami Hearts, check out E-How for instructions.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photo of Inn at 202 Dover: What's Up Magazine)

(Photo of Origami Heart: E-How)
   

Peacock-Inspired Blue and Green Wedding Decor

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of planning a wedding for one of THE BEST couples.  I smile every time I think of them.

Their blue and green wedding design was inspired by the colors of a peacock.

This picture of the bridesmaids is one of my favorites.  The combination of their wedding day jewelry and their lovely saris made for pure eye candy.
 

 

Each table had its own design.  As you can see, this table's blue and green decor was accented by gold napkins and gold chairs.

Here is a closer look of the same table before the catering staff finished setting them for dinner.

 
Half of the tables were designed with lime green table linen with gold napkins.  The centerpieces for these tables were crystal trees.

The bride and groom had their peacock Cake Topper made by an artist on Etsy.  It was so cute, and it was such a fun way to showcase the inspiration for their wedding reception design.

Here is another picture of their wedding cake.

Here is a picture of the sweetheart table.  For those of you located in the DC area, you can easily tell that this wedding reception took place at the Galleria at Lafayette Centre.

Enjoy!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photos: Erin Marie Photography)
 

Simple Jewelry That Flaunts Your Heart

I think it is great how these pendants, made by Three Sisters Jewelry, showcase a special person in your life without being "in your face."

 This tiny sterling silver necklace comes with three small tags -- you can stamp one letter per charm or add a heart.  Because it is so delicate and sweet, it would be a nice gift for your junior bridesmaid.

I am defnitely a fan of this Circle of Life bracelet.  I can see this as a thoughtful gift for a bridesmaid, who is also a mom.  The bracelet could include the bridesmaid's name, her mom's name, and her child's name.  The bracelet also comes with smaller charms that say "joy" and "love."

 

What a nice gift to share with your best girlfriend!  You have the yin, and she can have the yang.  One hand-stamped tag is made of a gold fill and the sterling silver tag has an extra large letter.
   

Maptotes Are a Fun Option for Your "Out of Town" Wedding Guest Bags

 
Isn't  this Maptote a great idea for your "out of town" wedding guests?  The bags can hold all of your guests' wedding weekend items, and they would be a fun souvenir of your wedding city.

Maptotes offer numerous city options, and seven bag sizes.  I especially like the grocery tote bag because it can be used long after your wedding day.  Which, of course, is environmentally friendly.

If you don't see your wedding city as one of their options, you can have a bag customized with your wedding city.

I think the Mapnotes would be fun if you had your "save the dates" printed on the other side.  Your guests will have all of your wedding information, along with a snapshot of your wedding city.  The mapnotes are 4" x 9" flat cards.  They come with brown envelope that is made of 100% recycled paper.

What do you think?  Would Maptotes or Mapnotes be a fun addition for your wedding weekend?

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photos: Maptote)

Glamour Magazine Launches a Wedding Section

Glamour Magazine has launched a new wedding section designed for (in their words) brides, guests, and every girl who’s ever had to wear taffeta.  Check it out!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Giving The Gift of Alms to your Bridesmaid

During the time before the holidays, many families participate in the gift of giving alms to those less financially fortunate.

The act of "giving alms" is just as important to the giver as it is to the recipient because it endows the "giver" the gift of gratitude.

That's why this Alms Bowl is definitely a favorite for me this holiday -- But I can easily see it as an ideal present for a bridesmaid.  It's a perfect way of saying, "Thank you for standing by my side as I begin a new chapter in my life."  It's also a great way of saying, "I am grateful to have such a beautiful spirit be a part of my wedding party."

And the gift keeps on giving -- Eastern Serenity (the company that makes these bowls) shares a portion of each alms bowl sale with Thai Freedom House, a grass roots organization helping Burmese refugee children in Northern Thailand.

A Little Background: This Alms Bowl was used by practicing monks who rely on members of the community (near the temple) to provide daily nutrition.  Each morning, they visit the surrounding neighborhoods with an empty alms bowl that is filled with food for the day, by people wishing to gain merit from Buddha.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photo: Eastern Serenity)

More Links to Love . . .

 

There is just to much blog goodness going on right now.  I simply had to share more!

Social Media guru, Liene Stevens, is hosting a giveaway.  She is giving away a Kindle!  Wowsers!  Let me put it out there -- I hope I win.  To enter, you simply need to leave a comment on the post with the name of the book that has helped you in your business or life, along with a short note as to why the book was useful to you.

Tray 6 is an umbrella design company intent on combining fashion and function to create high-quality, high-design products.  The “Green Grass” umbrella seems to be a press favorite, but I am a fan of the bright yellow one.  Why?  Because we all need to feel a little sunshine when it rains.

Amie Otto Photography is hosting a boudoir marathon fundraiser called, Boudoir for Boobs next weekend! The marathon event will benefit the Step Sisters team who walks in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. So, gather a group of your best girlfriends, sign up for sessions, work it!  This would make an awesome Valentine's Day gift for your special significant other.  So, check it out!

Michelle Loretta (love her) of Sage Wedding Pros has a 3-part post on Goal Setting for 2010.  I found all three posts to be quite beneficial, so I wanted to share them with you.

1. Part One - Goal-setting for 2010, Part 1: Defining Your Goals

2. Part Two - Goal-setting for 2010, Part 2: SMART Strategies

3. Part Three - Goal-setting for 2010, Part 3: 10 Tips for Success

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending Eventology in Indianapolis.  This conference created by Katasha of K Sherrie + Company represented some of the best professional development dollars I spent all year.  Registration has opened for Eventology 2010, and I feel comfortable in saying that all event planners should attend.  Let me know if you are going, because I will definitely be there!

How about you?  Do you have any great links to share?

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Links to Love This Week

 

At the end of the year, I tend to be extremely thoughtful about my life and the occurrences of the year.  So, I feel quite comfortable in saying that this blog post (by Lara Casey) is just what the doctor ordered.

One of my most beloved colleagues (from my past life) got married recently.  She was stunning.  Her groom was handsome, and her wedding was just beautiful.  Here is the link to the pictures from her wedding photographer's blog.

Beautiful (inside and out) planner Eliana is hosting a fun giveaway to celebrate the launch of her new company EllyB Events (formerly By Your Side Events).  The giveaway is open to anyone that leaves a comment on her blog.  Click here to read all the giveaway details.  Hurry!  The giveaway ends on Sunday!

My little guy loves origami, so we are trying to make the origami cranes covered in glitter that I found on the Zakka Life blog.  I am sure our kitchen floor will be quite sparkly after this project.

One of my favorite Wedding Planning friends, Laura Auer, has a wedding planning quiz that reminds me of the old Glamour or Cosmo Magazine quizzes.  If you are a bride, check it out.

Do you have any good links to share this week?

Love and Soul Always, Kay

A Moving Wedding Ceremony Reading, "You Have Lit the Fire for Life"

This beautiful Navajo wedding blessing is so special to me.  Even though this blessing is very spiritual, it’s non-denominational.  Therefore, you can read it during any wedding ceremony.

 

 

 

 

"You Have Lit the Fire for Life"

 

"Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out.  The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life.  It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness.  The new fire represents a new beginning—a new life and a new family.  The fire should keep burning; you should stay together.  You have lit the fire for life, until old age separates you."

Enjoy.  Love & Soul Always, Kay