Fall Frenzy 2010: Wedding Tree

So often I'm asked "what can I use for a guestbook other than the boring ol' book that I'll never look at again after I'm married?"

I came upon this adorable fall-inspired "guestbook" idea, created by lovliday on Etsy.com, a few months ago and knew immediately that I wanted to use it for our Fall Frenzy 2010 blog series.

Instead of having your guests just sign-in, give them a little more to play with. Like placing their thumb-print "leaf "on your Wedding Tree - forever leaving their place in the biggest day of your life.

"Having your guest leave their thumbprint and signature at your wedding day will leave you with a beautiful piece of artwork to display. Instead of storing a traditional book, which you may never look at, you can frame this finished piece and enjoy it for many years," explains lovliday.

This 18" x 24" printed poster (with your names and wedding date) costs $50 to create and $5 to ship if you live in the United States. Also included is a 4"x6" instructional card to display to guests as well as red and orange ink pads. To give it more color, you could always purchase yellow and/or green ink pads at your local craft store.

Be sure to check lovliday's Etsy shop for a Wedding Tree that is appropriate for your guest count - she gives a number of options including smaller/larger tree sizes and color moderations. There are even variations of the tress for you brides planning winter, spring and summer weddings.

I hope you can use this to bring a new and creative way of including your guests in being a part of your special day. After raking all the beautiful falling leaves in my yard today, I thought this idea was perfect to share first in our Fall Frenzy 2010 blog series. Enjoy!!

New Blog Series - Fall Frenzy 2010

Wednesday officially marked the first day of fall 2010. Fall is by far my favorite season: comfortable weather, jeans and sweatshirts, the beautiful changing leaves, colorful scenery and (in being true to my OH-IO) football!

But not only is it a relaxing time of year, it's a perfect time for getting married. Mother nature provides so much in the fall: photos full of natural color, outdoor ceremonies in the falling leaves, weather that won't leave your guests sweating, and (for you DIY Brides) FREE decorations such as pumpkins, acorns, and pinecones.

Janelle Marie Events is SO excited to present our fall-inspired blog series: Fall Frenzy 2010. Over the next 10 weeks, I will be sharing a ton of tips, tricks (and treats) and ideas that I hope you can use to plan your fall wedding or pass on to a friend in need.

We'll be covering topics such as:

• DIY projects and how-to's for fall-themed weddings
• How to "handle" your wedding date on football Saturdays
• What flowers bloom in the fall
• Popular themes and colors for fall weddings

Be sure to subscribe to our blog (to the left) and follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for updates on this great new series - you won't want to miss one post!

On behalf of Janelle Marie Events, I wish you all a Happy Fall!

Something I'm Liking to LOVE: Dr. Scholl's Rub Relief Stick

Please don't walk away from those strappy sandals or the cute pair of  flats you’re eyeing because you know they'll give you blisters and leave your feet uncomfortable for the night.

I LOVE my shoes but I'm also a HUGE fan of comfort. Not too long ago, I pulled a pair of sling-backs from my closet, that matched my outfit just right, and my first thought was "these are going to hurt!" Then I remembered that I had recently purchased a stick of Dr. Scholl's for Her Rub Relief at my local drugstore (costs about $10) - just because I wondered if it worked. What a perfect time to try it out!

NOT ONE BLISTER! And we're talking some serious walking...

This little tube of miracles has now made it into my Emergency Bridal Kit (and permanently onto my dresser shelf). Because I love it so much - I wanted to share it with all of you in hopes that you can still wear your expensive wedding or party shoes without having to pack another pair for Plan B! Enjoy...

Vendor Visit - Shannon Sano Photography

The most important thing to consider when hiring a wedding photographer is how comfortable you feel with her. I got the chance to have breakfast with wedding photographer, Shannon Sano last week and it was a BLAST! I love meeting new people that I can easily relate to and I recommend that anyone looking for an amazing photographer to shoot their wedding day should meet with Shannon Sano Photography.

Here's a taste of what we got to talk about...

Who are your favorite wedding couples to shoot?
We are always looking for opportunities to try new things, so I look forward to wedding shoots that have an unique element; not the same ideas over and over again. I most enjoy the clients that give us complete freedom to be creative and have total trust in what we can do. This is when we can do our best work. I also try to get to know the couple throughout their planning process so they feel completely comfortable with us on their wedding day which allows me to better understand what to look for when I’m taking their pictures.

Do you include engagement pictures with your wedding packages?
Every one of our wedding packages includes an engagement shoot with us. This type of shoot is one of my favorites to do because it is a great chance for us to get to know the couple and help them feel comfortable with us. I have really learned to love using modern posing techniques and since this type of shoot isn’t as time sensitive as the wedding day, we get to try different things and really get a sense of what the couple is like. Our engagement shoots are very relaxed and casual.

You recently started to shoot boudoir photos? What made you interested in this type of photography?

I saw boudoir as a upcoming trend and as another way to be creative with my photography. I loved the concept of giving average everyday women a glamorous model type experience. My boudoir sessions are actually a huge confidence boost for most women! So we launched Boudoir by Shannon Sano in January 2010.

Boudoir photography is SO sexy, how do you keep clients from feeling self-conscious?
Most people think they have to act sexy to have a successful boudoir shoot. In reality, the client and I are talking throughout the shoot. I bring in a make-up artist and while the client is getting her make-up done, it gives me time to make her comfortable and willing to open up. Then once the shoot starts, things just start to roll and the pictures come to life. Everything is kept very tasteful and classy and after the shoot, I airbrush everything to make it look perfect.

Where do you do the boudoir shoots?

We can take the boudoir shoot wherever the client would like. If the client would prefer, I’d be happy to come to their house or to another location that they have “borrowed” such as a friend's house. I also have personal relationships with local vendors that allow me to shoot in their business spaces. The possibilities are always up for discussion.

Thanks so much for sharing with me Shannon. I'm so looking forward to sharing some upcoming wedding time with you real soon! Everyone check out Shannon's website to learn a little more about Shannon Sano Photography - she'll be a great addition to your wedding vendor line-up.

Renae and Scot

Married June 12, 2010 in Newark, Ohio

What a beautiful wedding for such an amazing couple! I had a BLAST planning this grand event with Renae, Scot and their families and though it threatened to rain, it turned out to be a truly picture-perfect day. Renae was by far my most detailed bride. Not one aspect of the wedding went unplanned, even down to the greenery placed within guests' napkin rings. I can’t begin to describe how gorgeous everything turned out.

My favorite part of the day happened when rain clouds were hovering overhead as guests took their seats. Right as the processional began, a bright burst of sunshine came through almost like a spotlight to present the bridal party before Renae's grand entrance. It was heart-warming and timeless; giving Renae the bright blue sky she wanted on her wedding day. I feel very honored to have been a part of their special day... what an remarkable memory!

Wedding Coordinator: Janelle Marie Events

Ceremony: Enchanted Gardens

Officiant: Reverend John Harra

Dove Releasing Ceremony: Wings of White Doves

Reception: Longaberger Golf Club
Photographer: Adam Lowe Photography
Florist: Roots & Shoots
Cake Baker: Cecile Pletcher
DJ: Ken Justice
Transportation: Violet Limousine Service
Chair and Tent Rental: Main Events Party Rentals
Reception Entertainment: joyUNSPEAKABLE