I just got an email from a former bride, Sarah (Beddingfield) McIsaac asking to be a friend on her Facebook page. Well, OF COURSE - only problem was, I didn't have a profile on Facebook.....! My web guy has been pestering me to do this (sorry Brian), and honestly, I really wanted to see the pics Sarah had posted on her profile, so I did it! Now, after seeing pics of her and her groom, Brian, (geez has it really been over 2 years since the wedding?) I'm having separation anxiety over them, all over again! Truth be told....I have separation anxiety after all my weddings! After spending a year or more planning with my clients, I get a bit emotionally invested, knowing full well, once the wedding is over, most of them will leave South Bend to begin their lives. Its part of the deal - I get it...but it doesnt' stop me from thinking of them, and wondering how they are. So Sarah, thank you dollface, for contacting me!! I DO (no pun intended) think about you, miss you, wish you well. If any of my other former brides happen to come upon this blog entry, give me a shout out - I would love to hear how you are doing. I think of you often, I really do.

Labels: former brides, wedding planning

While attending the Chicago National Bridal Market for Spring '09, I noticed a definite trend in headpieces emerging. The headband! Although tiara's are still very strong (tiara's are timeless, no?), everywhere I looked, there were headbands and more headbands! Styles ranged from very simple to the very elaborate, with embellishments of crystals, rhinestone, pearl, shell, silk flowers and even feathers. A few favorites were the Octavia, the Alvina and the Miu by Tigerlilly (www.tigerlillyjewelry.com) and the Makenzie, the Sophia and the Vera by Sara Gabriel (www.saragabriel.com). Both lines are available at my boutique Girly Girl. I'll let you know when the new inventory I ordered arrives! Stay tuned!

Labels: headbands, headpieces, tiaras

I wanted to share this idea with all of you! Especially those of you who are in the teaching profession. One of my brides, Maren Palmer-Campbell (now Maren Novotny), who is an elementary school teacher, had her students write her wedding guests names on her place cards! Some of the names were written teeny tiny, some super big, some up hill, some down, but they all had charm for miles! Maren's students were excited about her upcoming wedding, and this was a darling way to 'include' all of them on her special day. I've posted an image of them here - doesn't the idea just make you smile?!

Labels: cute idea for place cards, place cards

Michiana's Premier Wedding Expo will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2008 from noon until 5:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, in their beautiful new Fleur de Lis Ballroom. I've been asked by the show directors to design the stage decor where the fashion show will take place. I'm collaborating with MichaelAngelos to create an exciting environment for the runway show. I don't want to give anything away, but come expecting the unexpected! My boutique, Girly Girl will be exhibiting, where we will be debuting our gift registry! We will also be featuring new styles from our popular line, Classy Bride, with new, cute catch phrases as 'Hitched', 'Happily Ever After' and ' Just Married' done in crystals on their tanks and tees. See you there!

Labels: classy bride, girly girl gifts, michiana's premier wedding expo

Bella, An Exceptional Event for Brides, is back! This fabulous show will take place on November 23, 2008, at the Palais Royale, in downtown South Bend, IN. My boutique GirlyGirl Gifts & Accessories will have a booth there, where you will see the latest trends in accessorizing your wedding! You'll not want to miss the fashion show where our tiara's and headpieces will be featured on the runway! The show hours are from noon until 5:00 pm. The fashion shows will take place at 1:30 and 3:00 pm. I'll be speaking at the Brunch in the Morris Bistro, which begins at 10:30 am. Tickets for the Brunch are $35.00, top area industry pros will be speaking on topics ranging from fashion to etiquette, and guests will be invited to bring their questions, as there will be a Q & A session as well. I'm looking forward to speaking at the brunch, and will be in the Girly Girl booth afterwards if you'd like to stop by! See you there!

Labels: bella bridal event

Alexa Hilal and Rob Calabro were married on September 20, 2008, a beautiful, and unseasonably warm fall day. I love the light in this photo, soft and magical. The ceremony setting was The Church of Loretto, on the Campus of Saint Mary's College, the bride's alma mater. The tented reception was held on the lawn at Tippicanoe Place, with the fabulous mansion serving as a drop back.


Notice Alexa's blue shoes! Her something blue!


The groom is a huge boxing fan, so each table was named after a famed boxer. The one featured below was on the head table, appropriately named, Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time! On the reverse of each menu card was poem by Omar Khayyam; Drink wine, it is what remains of the harvest of youth - the season of roses and wine and drunken friends. Be happy for a moment, that moment is your life.


I now pronounce you.......

Alexa and Rob listening to their toasts - notice Alexa's necklace, this was the first gift her Grandfather gave to her Grandmother when they were dating.

I think this photo is pretty self explanatory! The band, 'The Business' was just fabulous and kept everyone dancing 'til the wee hours! Photos are courtesy of Todd Pellowe Weddings - thanks Todd!

Labels: Church of Loretto, Saint Mary's College, Tippicanoe Place

We love to hear 'job well done!' by our clients, but hearing it from our vendors is icing on the cake! The following are notes we received from the bandleaders of The Dennis Keith Experience of Chicago, IL, and First Impressions of Indianapolis, IN following the Reilly/Frey and Sandrea/Fahy Weddings, both on July 19, 2008.

Dear Cyndi,
Thank you so much for referring us for this event. It was unique, elegant and a lot of fun. I love working with you – you are so creative!
Cherryl Fonfara
DENNIS KEITH EXPERIENCE

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Hey Cyndi,
Great to see and work with you again Saturday! The place looked stunning; and Liz was great to work with.
Best,
Jeff
First Impressions Band

Thanks Guys - Cyndi

Labels: vendor compliments