Wedding Traditions: The Rice, The Kiss and the Unity Candle

The Rice:
Did you know rice is the symbol of fruitfulness and prosperity? Tossing rice after the ceremony was believed to grant fertility upon the bride and groom. Today we see rice being replaced with bubbles, lavender, confetti, and alternatives sparklers, which make for a great photo as you exit your special day!

The Processional – The Kiss – Unity Candle:

Do you ever get confused on which side the man or woman should stand?  Tradition has it that the men offer their left arm. This tradition originates from the medieval times were the groom needed to keep his right hand free in order to grab his word if they were ever caught in danger of their honor was disgraced.

What about the romantic first kiss as husband and wife? In the earliest days of civilization a kiss was legally binding and used as the formal seal to agreements and contracts. It’s believed that a wedding kiss between the ride and groom at the end of a wedding ceremony symbolizes the swapping of spirits and exchanging parts of their souls.

Another special moment between husband and wife is a unity candle which is symbolic of two elements becoming one as the souls of the bride and groom do so as well. Many couples decide to use sand rather than a candle in order to physically see two parts intertwine and become one.

Look What's Springing Up!

Picnic Redux! High and low priced fully outfitted picnic baskets make for the perfect wedding gift! There is nothing better then a date for the newlyweds that involves a picnic basket of any kind. It is the ideal set up of romance and practicality. Whether it is for after a hike on a hilltop or down by the water on the beach. 


 
Martha Stewart Picnic Basket
Tiffany Picnic Basket
RM Wine Tote

Guest Blogger- Marissa Cool

In anticipation of The Great Gatsby film (in theaters May 10th), I've been on a 1920's inspiration high. From fashion to jewelry to decor, the allure and nostalgia of the 20's never disappears from my mind. I'm absolutely googly-eyed for intricate beading and headpieces, sexy lingerie, hand-crafted cocktails, and the beginnings of art deco design.



xx, marissa

Surprise Monday: Santa Luz Wedding in Style!

We just CAN'T wait until Wednesday to share this post with you...

Meet Natalie and Mitch - a couple that loves life, each other and burritos! :) I am lucky enough to have known Natalie since high school days and am so thankful I had the special time together to work with her and Mitch as we planned their wedding.

Okay, so you want to know how they met? Well if you don't you should because it is SUCH a cool story.  A few years back I planned Natalie's very best friend, Tyler's wedding. Tyler married a Australian guy (she had meet during her years abroad) in May and with that brought a whole crew of eligible Aussie bachelors to San Diego for a whole week! The night of the wedding, sparks flew between Natalie and Mitch and a few months later she was moving to Australia! Best friends can't plan it any better - both marrying Aussie's and living close together once again. They had a plan and it worked! Luckily it worked on all ends of the equation as Mitch is the MAN! He is such a stud, sweet man and just so in love with Natalie. It is really such a joy to see.

Natalie and Mitch got married at Mary Star of the Sea and then celebrated all night long at Santa Luz Country Club. The always incredible Studio Castillero captured the day so incredibly well, and thanks to them we all get a taste of their day. 

All of Natalie's dreams for a gorgeous wedding were met when she walked in and saw her reception! The elegance of all white, full and lush floral, lounge areas with some sparkle and gitz, a cake table to die over and a full piece band jamming out! The night was so sentimental and a rockin party! Of course right- you don't get it any other way with 100 Aussies!

Take a peek for yourself!



San Diego Wedding Vendors:

Coordinating: Before I Do Events
Floral: Blush Botanicals
Photography: Studio Castillero
Videography: Medici Films
Rentals: Chiavari Chair Rentals, Concepts, Classic Party
Linens: La Tavola
Make Up: Lipstick and Luster
Hair: Robert
Cake: Extraordinary Desserts
Band: Sirens Crush

Tammi’s Tips & Trends: Eco-Friendly Weddings, Part 3

RECYCLING WEDDING FLOWERS… FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

 

Don't you get SO sad thinking about where all the flowers go at the end of the night? We do! One of the hardest things about coordinating a wedding with gorgeous flowers, is if we have to throw them away afterwards. 

When the bride and groom are whisked away, our break down job begins. There have been times when our clients and their guests can only take so many arrangements home, and the rest are up for grabs for the staff, or unfortunately, they may go in the trash.

The first time I experienced this, I dreamt of a service like this, and I’m so glad to have found one in San Diego!

Blooms from the Heart is a nonprofit that partners with local event planners, venues, and businesses to collect flowers that might otherwise be discarded. Their volunteers lovingly re-purpose them and deliver the new arrangements to local hospitals, senior homes, hospice centers, homeless shelters, and more… where they can be enjoyed, again!

I love it, and we definitely hope to work with them this year! 

Meet our New Interns!

We are so thrilled to welcome on our Spring Interns. Meet Lauren and Tori! They are already up and running and absolutely working their tails off for the company. We feel so blessed to have such great helping hands.

I was a proud mamma bear when I overheard Lauren giving the bridesmaids at last weeks wedding a "pep talk" right before they walked down the aisle. She was so cute and confident as she reminded them the list of things for them to do and remember.

Here are some fun facts about Lauren, Tori and Alicia (our full time assistant)! We love you girls!

Wedding History Series: The Bouquet and Garter Toss

Ditch it or Keep it...

Well lets hear the history on it first and then decide. You’d be surprised to find out the garter toss is one of the oldest traditions! In the past, tearing off a piece of the brides clothing was known to be good luck. You can all imagine this got out of hand so, in order to keep the bride from getting her dress nearly ripped off her body this is where the bouquet and garter toss originated from. Brides began throwing their bouquets and garters to guest as a symbol of good luck. The lucky person to catch the bouquet or garter would be the next to find and marry their soul mate. 

Many people are NOT fans of the garter or bouquet toss. You can hear Oh Lovely Day's strong perspective :) here. 

We agree on many of her points but can also see how some of you want to hold on to tradition. I guess our main point would be to do it because you want to, not because you are supposed to!

 

We found these handmade vintage garters and fell in love with all their unique designs! They are made with Swarovski crystals and jewels, which are then sewn onto various colors of French imported ivory lace. This website also has great accessories from jewelry to bouquet wraps, which are a beautiful accent to a vintage inspired wedding. 

Guest Blogger: Marissa Cool

I am an extremely thrifty person. In fact, I rarely purchase anything full price. Target is my vice (psst...they have some GREAT stuff right now!). I cannot, for the life of me, leave this store without spending at least $100. Yesterday, I went in to purchase some patio lights and walked out with three bags full of home goods. Thrifty minded yet terribly impulsive.



Images:
Accent Stool $49.99
Ombre Glass Lamp Base Collection $49.99
Iron Wire Table $59.99
Brass Animals $9.99
Glass Water Bottle $9.99

Tammi’s Tips & Trends: Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas, Part 2

SAVE PAPER + SAVE THE EARTH + SAVE MONEY + SAVE THE DATE!

Our dear friends Brittany & Scott are getting married this November in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! They are true lovers of the environment and hesitated big time at the thought of wasting so much paper (and money!) on Save-the-Dates and Invitations!

We are LOVING the new “video save-the-date” trend. What a unique way to ask your friends & family to join you on your big day! Sites like Animoto make it super easy to put together a slideshow to music, or an actual video of you and your fiancé telling your love story!

Check out their video:
http://animoto.com/play/bFl1aLAm50MlsTMrCLtrvg

 

Need a Bridesmaids Gift Idea?: Macaron Boxes

Need a Bridesmaid gift idea!? We have the cutest one for you... Check out these macarons in a trinket box from Urban Outfitters. They are so sweet and petite we just want to eat them up :). This is such a fun gift to give to each girl with a piece of jewelry inside. We even like the idea of putting a surprise in each one. Maybe:

~ Jewelery
~ Advil - just in case :)

~ Mints

~ Hair Tie

~ Bobby Pins

~ A sweet note

Nichole and Greg's Wedding: Rancho Santa Fe Tented Wedding

Nichole had dreamed of getting married in her backyard since she was a kid. She may not have dreamed of planning it in 8 weeks, but who can say no to a man down on 1 knee, "I love you so much and need you to be my wife before the holidays so we can have the best Christmas of our life thus far"! Greg was a man that knew what he wanted and together we all built their dream day!

The ceremony was held at The Village Church and was so stunning and romantic. Paula Mac Florals brought to life perfectly the vision.  Curly willow with hanging lights and hurricanes at the base lined the alter. Candles adorned the aisle and vines spiraled up the iron candelabras.

From the ceremony guests made the short drive to the Fischbach residence to enjoy a relaxing cocktail hour by the pool, which was lit up with lights everywhere. It was magical! There was a custom specialty cheese spread with all the pairings one could dream of.  Not only was it visually fun to look at but it carried a significance to Nichole and Greg. They first met grazing a cheese spread at a party and since then have always joked that their love for cheese is even deeper then the average cheese lover!

The sign in table- was a selection of gorgeous ornaments to be used for their 1st Christmas Tree that were placed on a Manzanita. With Christmas being days away from their wedding, it was the perfect take home for them to remember all their guests by.

From the cocktail hour guests made the romantic candle lit walk into the tent. Nichole and her mother are very crafty so they had a blast making the curly willow arch at the entrance of the tent! Oh the reception.... Wood tables, lace runners, table names of "cheeses" with samples to taste, pears at each place setting (both of their favorite food), market lights sitting along side paneled drapes, a homemade cake, a lace overlay for the sweetheart table that was passed down by her grandmother and gorgeous florals.

To top the night off they dined, exchanged thoughtful toasts, danced and had the best candle lit exit ever!

Take a peek for yourself. Cheers Nichole and Greg! We loved working with you and your family every step of the way!

Make sure to watch the incredible video from Aqua Vivus below:





 
Greg & Nichole {Short Film} from AQUA VIVUS on Vimeo.

San Diego Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner- Before I Do Events
Rentals- Classic Party Rentals
Rentals- Chiavari Chair Rentals
Floral- Paula Mac Florals
Linens- La Tavola
Printwork - Danielle Leopold
Valet- PVP
DJ- Still Listening Productions
Cake- Homemade
Decor- DIY
Catering- Festivities/TK&A
Photography- Gabriel Ryan
Video- Aqua Vivus