Dana Markos Events; Event Design and Floral Styling

Vendor Spotlight with Cakes for Occasions!

2012-02-09T11:57:00.001-05:00

Vendor Spotlight with Cakes for Occasions!

Dana Markos Events: Can you give us a little history of your business? When/how did it all get started?

Cakes For Occasions: Cakes for Occasions is a gourmet bakery located in Danvers, MA, that has been delighting its customers for over a decade with specialty cakes and pastries. Their pastry chefs take great pride in handcrafting the finest desserts and have helped establish the bakery as the premier provider of wedding cakes in the greater Boston area, producing over 700 wedding cakes a year. Owner Kelly Delaney, who received her culinary education from the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland and Le Cordon Bleu in London, is recognized as one of the nation’s top baking experts.

Delaney, who started her business with a single oven in her mother’s home, now employs nearly 30 people and has over 8,000 wedding cakes to her credit. She has won dozes of awards for her outstanding products and has made dozens of appearances on national, regional and local television and radio programs. Kelly Delaney is now a nationally celebrated baking expert who has grown her gourmet and pastry shop into an incredibly successful business. She is now poised to take her business to the next level by expanding her retail space and opening additional retail locations. She also plans to drastically expand her reach by growing the shipping division of her company so she can provide more products to a wider range of customers.

Dana Markos Events: When working with a bride and groom on their cake design what is the experience usually like? Who usually takes charge? Is there a lot of compromise with the cakes attributes?

Cakes for Occasions: We put aside a full hour for a personal consultation with each of our couples. During this time, we work with them on designing their cake and then give them the opportunity to sample different cakes and fillings they might be interested in. Some couples come in with very clear ideas of the cake style they are interested in, while other need some guidance. If they have no idea where to start, we will often try to pull elements or colors from the wedding into the cake design. We often use things like invitations or the bride’s dress as a starting point for inspiration when designing out a cake.

Dana Markos Events: What is the most unique, or amazing, or your favorite cake you've ever created?

Cakes for Occasions: We have created many amazing cakes over the years. Most recently, we did a cake for a wedding that had a Vintage Carnival theme. We took inspiration from old carnival carousels and created an amazing cake, which is included in the photo collage here. The bride absolutely loved it!

Dana Markos Events: Are there any new trends coming up for the 2011 wedding season in the cake industry?

Cakes for Occasions: In 2012, I think we will continue to see cake designs that have a “Less is More” minimalist look to them. We are seeing a lot of interest in cakes with gold gilding accents, so I think this a trend on the upswing.

Dana Markos Events: How can any interested Brides and Grooms or new fans get in touch!?

Website: http://www.cakes4occasions.com
Retail Facebook: www.facebook.com/cakesforoccasions
Weddings Facebook: www.facebook.com/cakesforoccasions.weddings
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cakes4occasions
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cakes-for-occasions
Blog: We are currently working on putting a blog in place. We’ll keep you posted.

CASTING CALL: From the Producers of Say Yes to the Dress!

2012-02-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

Do you dream of walking down the aisle with the help of New York City’s premiere bridal expert but your budget doesn’t include a trip to the big apple? Never fear! It’s Randy to the Rescue!

For the first time ever, TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress fashion expert (and resident “FOB” – friend-of-the-bride) Randy, is heading off the floor of Kleinfeld and behind the wheel of a big rig – to bring his favorite gowns, his unsurpassed dress knowledge, and his signature “head-to-hem” styling approach to you!

If you love TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and live in New Orleans, now is your chance. Email us with your name, age, location, and wedding date ASAP to randytotherescue@gmail.com.

Randy will be in Boston on April 1st, so don't waste anytime! Casting will be coming to a close shortly, Best of luck!

Check out http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/randy-to-the-rescue for more details!

Check Us Out On Pinterest!

2012-02-03T10:56:00.000-05:00

If you haven't had the chance to log onto Pinterest open a second browser and enter www.pinterest.com into the address bar and enjoy. If you already know what we are talking about, you know how interesting, fun, and addicting the site can be! Dana Markos Events has created their own account for the site so now you will be able to be inspired by our past works, see new projects, and see what other styles and ideas we find interesting! Let us know what you think and be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

http://pinterest.com/danamarkosevent/

Movie Themed Engagement Shoot, PART 3!

2012-01-27T10:40:00.000-05:00

Being that this is the THIRD time we are blogging about this topic, you may be realizing how much we love Movie Themed Engagement Shoots! From the clever ideas, awesome props, and amazing camera effects, we can't get enough! Check out the latest ones that we came across and let us know what you think!

Water For Elephants: This engagement shoot below was inspired by the novel and movie Water For Elephants, starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattenson. The beautiful love story translates perfectly in this series of photographs, with perfect touches from the wooden elephant, to vintage look clothing.

Green Wedding Shoes

Sleeping Beauty: While most Disney movie themed enagagement shoots would probably make your eyes roll, this one is done elegantly, and appears modern and natural! It seems to tell a full circle story, from sleeping, to the perfect kiss, to happily ever after!

patersonwalls.com

pattersonwalls.com

Star Wars: When we came across this one, we must be honest, it was a bit alarming. The theme is so prominent that it does not really embrace the natural beauty and love of an engagement shoot. Looks like this couple really found happiness and a strong connection if they both agreed to this styling!

Michael James

So what do you think? Are these creative Engagement Shoots giving you any new ideas for your very own?! Think about your favorite movie, a story line that has similar traits to your relationship, or just decide to have fun with it!

Wedding Wire Brides Choice Award 2012

2012-01-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

Boston MA – January 25, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce Dana Markos Events has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Floral and Event Design.

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Dana Markos Events was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

Dana Markos Events is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Dana Markos Events for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that Dana Markos Events is one of the very best within the Floral and Event Design industry, within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/dana-markos-events-boston/747465f60bbb4525.html.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.

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2012 Wedding Dress Trends

2012-01-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

Looking for a unique but trendy dress for your big day? Thanks to the writers at Washington Post Lifestyle, your search is over! Here are the six most popular wedding dress trends for 2012!

While revealing wedding dresses are never a fan favorite, showing a little skin can be done in a classy way. The slitted wedding dress appropriately shows skin but being sexy in a very subtle way.

Glamour Weddings

Ladies, layers are in!

www.buyweddingdressonline.com

The great thing about the layered look is its versatility. The dress below is nothing like the one above, yet follows the same layered concept.

www.weddingdressonlineshop.com

Good news for the short dress lover: designers are making tons of them for this year!

wedding-splendor.com

Long sleeves and lace is the fourth dress trend for 2012! Thank you Kate Middleton!

The top of this dress is conservative and elegant.

The Capelet Cover Up is perfect for weddings being held in Temples or Synagogues.

www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/wedding-trends-for-2012

A lovely feature of this style is the ability to go from a conservative, covered look to shoulder bearing in an instant! Once your vows are taken and you are greeted as husband and wife outside, you can take off your cover up and show some shoulder!

The last dress trend for the year is the illusion neckline.

www.mainstylelist.com

Illusion necklines can be as covered or as bear as you would like!

Happy shopping!!

What Goes Into Preparing For An Event!

2012-01-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday we had an amazing event at the Ritz in Boston! We decided to take pictures of all the preparation and hard work that goes into putting an event together. For this particular event we were just in charge of the floral arrangements and candle lights.

One of the first steps to get done is count and clean the candles and the glassware for the candles and flowers. You do not want to show up to an event not prepared so we have to make sure we have enough candles and enough glasses to put the candles in. There were a lot of candles involved in this particular wedding so the interns worked tirelessly getting them to the DME standards, a BIG thank you to them for working so hard!

Now for the fun part, the flowers arrive! When the flowers arrive we cut the tips of them at an angle creating greater surface area for the flowers to drink and stay looking beautiful and fresh for the big day! For this particular event we received a lot of white hydrangea's which are cut and dipped in alum, to keep them big and beautiful until we put the into the arrangements (BTW this alum trick is just useful for hydrangea's).

We also received white roses, dendrobium orchids, peony's, rannunculus and dusty miller as well! Each flower has its purpose and place in the floral arrangements and help bring the brides vision come to life.

After cutting the ends of the flowers and sticking them in water we now began to CREATE. For this particular wedding we created gorgeous centerpieces, boutonnieres and bouquets at the shop before hand as well as made a few arrangements on the day of at the Ritz!

To make the centerpieces we started by lining the glasses with greens. The purpose of this is to cover the oasis which is a green foam that is soaked in water and shaped to fit in the glassware. The oasis is soaked in water to give the flowers something to drink and stay beautiful from the time we put them together to the end of the ceremony.

NOW we have the final products ready to be packed and transported to the venue!

Thank You to everyone that helped with this wedding! Stay tuned for more pictures to come of the actual event!

We are being featured in The Knot's magazine!

2012-01-12T11:22:00.000-05:00

Dana Markos Events is SO thrilled to announce that we are being featured in the Spring 2012 Issue of The Knot’s magazine! We don’t want to give away too many details before it’s released...but think PINK!

Some think of pink as a color that is the ultimate girly girl shade, but depending on your style and theme, pink can actually work really well in your bouquets, centerpieces and arrangements! The beauty of the magenta hydrangea is that it can stand-alone or be combined with other flowers such as anemones and roses. By using the big magenta hydrangeas with some blush and white roses and a touch of greens you can create a beautiful bouquet that has just the right feminine touch!

Just because you have decided on a pink themed wedding does not mean you have to stick to using just pink flowers. You can use many variations of pink in your bouquet, centerpieces and arrangements, from pastels to bright! The monochromatic mix of pinks below looks fresh and fabulous and MIGHT be popping up in a magazine this season... Keep an open mind because colors you never thought of combining may end up looking absolutely fantastic!

http://www.bouquetsandbeyond.com
These pink cymbidium orchids are stunning and unique, while feminine at the same time. They can also be used to make beautiful boutonnieres, corsages, or to adorn a wedding cake. Single cymbidium blooms may also look delightful as a hair accessory for the bridesmaids or bride. You can use these flowers throughout your whole wedding!

Roses will add romance to any wedding. These pink roses can be mixed with many different flowers to create a unique arrangement. One beautiful way to use roses is as petals down the aisle to create a stunning pathway for the bride. A pink wedding bouquet is a great choice for your wedding and will make you stand out like a princess.

http://www.bouquetsandbeyond.com

When planning a wedding you must keep track of all of the little details. With a pink themed wedding do not forget things such as the wedding cakes. Flowers can create a magical look for any cake whether you are using real flowers or sugar. These pink roses create the perfect touch to this already gorgeous white cake.

boards.weddingbee.com

Another great way to add a little more pink in your wedding is by spreading pink rose petals down the isle. This is another little detail that adds a big statement to your big day!

One of the great things about the color pink is that it can be added to a multitude of other colors and still look gorgeous! The combinations of Pink and Blue, Pink and Orange, Pink and White, even Pink and Green, all look beautiful and elegant. Maybe you’ll think about incorporating this fabulous color into your next big event!

Horoscopes Can Help Pick Your Wedding Date!

2012-01-11T16:05:00.000-05:00

Having trouble picking the perfect date for your wedding?

Believe it or not, horoscopes can give you insight into what your big day and your marriage will be like! Depending on which months you are married between, the Zodiac symbol paired with these months give us a sneak peak into what the day will be like. This gives a whole new meaning to customizing your wedding!

http://www.omastrology.com/zodiacsignsymbols.php

Virgo Marriages: August 23-September 22

These marriages have a strong focus which allows for wedding plans to be smoothly executed. Virgo marriages have a sense of duty that supports the love and passion between the couple. Virgos believe that taking responsibility for one another is the right thing to do when making a lifetime commitment.

Libra Marriages: September 23-October 22

Libra's have incredibly romantic spirits which pale in comparison to the other signs. Though, a couple may choose to be married when the weather is cooling down, colorful weddings and joyful moods warm the day. If you are planning a wedding of rich colors and a laid-back atmosphere, this is the best month to accomplish your goal. Marital spats may be common, yet always resolved with true compromise.

Scorpio Marriages: October 23- November 21

A deeply emotional atmosphere instills passion into the entire wedding party. The concept of "excellence" will come across in the ceremony and reception. The day will be centered on the story of the couple's love. In married life, the couple will like having lots of private time to explore the joys of their connection.

www.lilly'sbridals.com

Sagittarius Marriages: November 22- December 21

The pure happiness that emanates from the happy couple will create contagious laughter among the bridal party and guests. Marriages in this month will produce adventure loving families--from hiking mountain chains to camping out in the backyard.

Capricorn Marriages: December 22- January 19

December weddings do not always have to be chilly! Couples can whisk their guests away to tropical locations to take their vows or enjoy holiday themed weddings. Dignity is the key to Capricorn Marriages. Capricorn marriages will have some characteristics of a business relationship. The couple's love life will be private yet extremely passionate.

Aquarius Marriages: January 20-February 18

Though the weather may be poor, whichever day the couple chooses will be the most romantic moment of the year! After all, it could be Valentine's day. An Aquarius wedding will feature unconventional elements meant to shock guests. Couples will see the highest potential in one another and work hard to bring it out.

Pisces Marriages: February 19- March 20

This month brings out the most romantic side in Pisces. The couple will strive to display the soft side of their love while planning a magical wedding. The couple may be dreamers, but outsiders will admire the couples' ability to go with the flow as they go through life together.

Aries Marriages: March 21- April 19

The fiery side of Aries pushes life out of the dreary winter. This is an excellent time for marriage, because love thrives in the fresh atmosphere or springtime. It is important to keep an Aries marriage fresh and exciting. Anniversary getaways to lush destinations such as Hawaii or the Caribbean will keep the marriage alive and exciting.

www.turtlefiji.com

Taurus Marriages: April 20- May 20

For couples looking at marriage as the next logical step in their relationship, this is the perfect time of the year to take the plunge. The slow, steady and protective energy of Taurus cultivates the ideal conditions for marriage. Couples will be secure and happy. Though, they must be aware of finding themselves stuck in a rut. Sensuality thrives during spontaneous, short trips.

Gemini Marriages: May 21- June 20

Wedding preparations will probably come together all at once. However, people may often be of two minds in their choices of colors, flowers, food, etc. Gemini marriages will be characterized by strong communication between partners verbally and physically.

Cancer Marriages: June 21- July 22

Cancer weddings are always about the food, desserts, love of the couple, family, and friends. Couples often find themselves more concerned with their home, children and the way they interact with relatives than many of their friends. The trick to keeping passion is to designate time for just the couple.

http://blogs.dexknows.com/weddings/2010/09/top-pic-romantic-wedding-decor-2/

Leo Marriages: July 23- August 22

Guests will go above and beyond to honor the couple. The wedding may include embellishments that make the couple feel like royalty. Leo Marriages are a point of pride for both partners. Each partner is expected to live up to high expectations.

Information adapted from www.dailyhoroscope.com

Just Engaged? 10 Things Not To Stress Over!

2012-01-09T11:57:00.002-05:00

1. Choosing your bridesmaids
A few weeks after your engagement, you might have a better understanding of who's more excited to plan your wedding and who might be better as one of your wedding guests!

2. Buying your dress
   Perhaps after a few weeks of looking through pictures, magazines, blogs, or trying on dresses.. your taste might change in a surprising way! ( Same goes for your accessories )
3. Your seating chart
   Focus more on the rough estimate of your guest list so you can plan things like your budget and reception venue.
4. Picking your first song
   Your wedding song can be changed right up to the wedding day
5. Choosing your bridesmaids dresses
   Save your bridesmaids dress shopping until the final theme and look has been planned
6. Planning your honeymoon
   More and more couples are not jetting off on their honeymoon right after the wedding! Spend time researching about your destinations!

7. Choosing your flowers
Book your florist early on, however you don't actually have to pick the flowers you want right away!
8. All the little details
Little details like your linens, table settings, and escort cards don't need to be dealt with well after the bigger decisions, like your venue!

9. Buying anything edible
   No more in advance than a month!
10. The legal stuff
   You should be spending more time getting your nails done than paper cuts from paper work! All that stuff can be done after the wedding!

Images -   www.newyorkweddingdestinations.com, weddingexplore.com, bridalweddinggownsca.blogspot.com

The 10 Beauty Commandments

2012-01-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

Every bride wants to look their absolute best on the big day, follow these ten beauty commandments and you will have no problem doing just that!

Photo: CLS Photography

1. I will not over-accessorize.

2. I will play up my best feature.

3. I will fin a veil that works with the shape of my face.

4. I will not limit myself to a strapless dress.

5. I will wear metals that match.

6. I wont hold my bouquet like a trophy.

7. I wont slouch at the ceremony alter.

8. I will dance confidently.

9. I will not crash diet.

10 I will rock my smile.

To see how to follow these rules for your big day please visit:

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-beauty-tips/wedding-hairstyles-updos/articles/10-beauty-rules-for-every-bride.aspx

Selecting a Song for Your First Dance

2012-01-03T15:08:00.000-05:00

When the cocktail hour ends, and the Bride and Groom are announced into the reception, traditionally, the couple will head to the center of the dance floor and kick off the night with their First Dance as husband and wife! Selecting the perfect song for this moment can be a little tricky, so we have put together a guide to picking a song that suits your personality and style, without boring everyone with Etta James' At Last for the 100th time.

http://brideorama.com/wp-content/plugins/jobber-import-articles/photos/105155-first-dance-3.jpg

Do you and your fiancee have a selection of music that you've always considered "your song"? If it already has sentimental meaning to you, why not incorporate it into your first dance? This moment will be the first time you dance with your new spouse, so you want the moment to be special! Maybe the song isn't a traditional love song? Who cares!? As long as the overall theme isn't inappropriate and you would feel comfortable having your grandparents hear it, go for it.

If you prefer to go the more traditional route, and select something with the perfect tempo and beat, think about some recent artists whose music will be sweet and beautiful. Some of Michael Buble's best singles have become the go-to wedding song selection, but if you listen to the rest of the selections on his CDs, you will be pleasantly surprised to find additional songs that would be lovely, and less overplayed!

http://www.serendipity-photography.com/blog/20111021/Barr_Mansion_Austin_Wedding_Photography_KarenKevn_serendipity_0962.jpg

Maybe you consider your taste in music to be a little less mainstream, and a little more focused on the instrumentals. Artists like Dave Matthews Band and Ben Folds have a variety of songs that would make perfect first dance songs that your guests can enjoy with their easy listening vibes, but won't feel like they've heard it so many times before.

Do you consider yourself and your fiancee to be totally over the top and outrageous? Maybe you want to surprise your guests with a song that screams your personalities. In this case, if your going to go for it, go for it all the way! Pick an exciting and fun song like one of Lady Gaga's hits or even Ke$ha! This first dance is going to be totally different from anything your guests have seen before, so be prepared for some raised eyebrows, especially from the older more traditional friends and family.

http://www.myweddingideas.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/first-dances.jpg

No matter what your style may be, picking a song for your first dance is a part of the wedding planning process that the Bride and Groom should do together! Even if you have an old favorite you have been dreaming of using, maybe their is a cover of it by a more contemporary artist your fiancee would prefer to use. Take your time in making the perfect selection, and most importantly, have fun!

Play Up Your Winter Wedding!

2011-12-19T12:09:00.000-05:00

'Tis the Season to get into the winter spirit! Add some spice to your winter wedding and really play up the season by trying some different accessories or ideas.

Consider Sleeves - This may not be ideal for a spring/summer wedding, but it can really fit the feeling of a winter wedding! Try more of a lace sleeve, this way it won't be too hot for when you are saying your vows in front of everyone, or dancing away at your ceremony.

There are a few different options for sleeves. Either a cap sleeve, or short sleeve, 3/4 length, or full wrist length. Be willing to try out each option because you never know what will look best on you!

jormabridal.en.made-in-china.com

Photo courtesy of celebritybasha.com

Fur! (or faux fur) - Winter is all about staying warm so why not get a fur wrap for around your shoulders or a fur muff to keep your hands warm. Using these small touches really shows a fun and seasonal side to your big day. It is also a very functional aspect to have. Also, include the bridesmaids in this little detail! If you (the bride) are using a muff, have everyone else put a little fur wrap around their shoulders - it's a great way to keep the pictures looking tied together, but still having you stand out!

Photo courtesy of moda.com

Photo courtesy of libbyjamesblog.com

Why not a collar? A collar is a great way to make your wedding a little more formal. Now this doesn't mean you have to be fully covered up! You can still have the option of having a low v-neck to show some skin if you would like - or have no sleeves at all to keep your arms bare.

Photo courtesy of boards.weddingbee.com

Photo courtesy of wedding-in-dc.com

Add a little color! There are plenty of colors in the color wheel, but we suggest that you stick to a darker shade for your big day. Consider having the trim of your wedding dress a deep red, or a hunter green to match the season. This is a fun way to make your wedding dress a little different and to really make a statement

Photo courtesy of jormabridal.en.made-in-china.com

Photo courtesy of wedding-beauty.com

Enjoy adding fun touches to your wedding - it will definitely make for a memorable day for you and all of your guests. We at DME would love to hear what you are doing to get into the winter season for your special day!

Meet the staff of Dana Markos: Deven

2011-12-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

Meet the Staff

Deven

1. How long have you been working at Dana Markos Events?

Since September 2011, about 3 months.

2. What is your favorite flower?

I love many different flowers but my favorites would have to be Peony's and Ranunculus.

craftycouturebylauren.blogspot.com

naturehills.com

3. What is your personal floral style?

The floral style that I like the best would have to be Urban Preppy. I like many other styles as well but we did a wedding a few weeks back and the brides bouquet was Urban Preppy and it was amazing!

Dana Markos Events

4. What is your favorite event or favorite location for an event?

One of my favorite events we have done since I have been at Dana Markos would have to be a wedding we did at the Boston Public Library. Seeing the venue transform from a beautiful library to a gorgeous wedding venue was amazing.

Dana Markos Events

5. What are some of your hobbies?

Outside of Interning at Dana Markos, I attend school at Endicott College and am one of the captains on the Lacrosse team.

Spartansports.com

Winter Weather Skin Care!

2011-12-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

The winter can be so rough for skin (no pun intended)... Unfortunately the cold weather is not very conducive for maintaining that summer glow and dewey look that every woman strives for in pictures, especially on her wedding day! Fortunately, we have come up with some winter weather skin care tips to keep your skin and face looking beautiful no matter what the weather brings!

Change your moisturizer!
Summer and winter moisturizers are very different, and in the different seasons your skin has different needs. One suggestion for a winter moisturizer would be to get one that is an oil base. Oil helps to keep moisture locked in, which prevents dry-flaky skin.

Photo courtsey of azcentral.com

Sunscreen!
Although it may not be the first thing you think of, you can still get sun damage and sun burns in the winter! Being outside taking walks, going to the park, shoveling snow, or sledding causes you to still be at risk for a sun burn, so make sure you get a moisturizer that has (at minimum) SPF 15. This will keep your skin tone even for the whole season, and make it look younger in the years to come!

Photo courtesy of beautylish.com

Avoid Peels!
Facial peels are very popular for making your skin look great, but it can have the opposite effect in the winter. Peels, literally pull the moisture out of your face in the winter and cause it to become even dryer than before. And who wants to worry about that!?

Photo courtesy of ladyzona.com

Not so much hot water!
I know, I know, it's the winter, its cold, and there is nothing better than a hot shower at the end of the day... But try not to stay in as long, or just turn the temperature down a little bit! The hot water pulls out moisture from the skin, and leaves it red and dry, and the same goes for washing your face. Instead use lukewarm water or just a little warmer than that. The shower will still feel great after being in cold weather, and will ultimately leave your skin a little more refreshed and not so tight and dry.

Photo courtesy of michellephan.com

Hope these tips help to keep your skin looking beautiful this winter season! We would love to hear what other suggestions you have about winter weather skin care!

Meet the Staff of Dana Markos Events: Carly

2011-12-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Meet The Staff

Carly

1. How long have you been working at Dana Markos Events?

About a year and a half

2. What is your favorite flower?

My favorite looking flowers are Stargazer Lilies, but my favorite scented flower is Lavender.

3. What is your personal floral style?

The floral style that I like the best is classic and elegant.

4. What is your favorite event or favorite location for an event?

My favorite event that I have worked on was the Holiday Traditions at Castle Hill. From the red tartan to the antique ice skates, this event looked so magical!!!

5. What are some of your hobbies?

I mostly work on event planning and social media with Dana, but outside of working my hobbies are shopping and spending time with friends!! :)

A New Years Eve Wedding!!!

2011-12-06T09:45:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!!

New year, New beginnings, and for some a new life together. When the ball drops and the clock strikes 12:00 and all those new year resolutions are being made, there cannot be a more romantic way to ring in a new year than with a celebration of married and vowing to love your significant other for a lifetime! Planning a New Year’s wedding is a unique and special idea for couples that want to do something different for their big day.

marzime.hubpages.com

There are many different ways to plan and decorate your wedding so that it has a special new years vibe. New Years eve colors are typically black and silver or gold and silver so try to stick to this color pallet when picking out your table decor’ and decorations. If you feel the need for some more color try adding in dark Purples or dark reds for a rich feeling that is still very festive.

dmagazine.com

The Decorations for your new years bash will make for a festive atmosphere. When you think about New Years you think about glitter, party hats, noise makers, confetti, and the silly glasses that display the year across your eyes, these are all things that you could incorporate into your wedding. Try placing candles and confetti on the tables with your centerpieces, place balloons, white lights or even glittery snowflakes throughout your venue for a winter, new years feeling. You could place a large clock somewhere to countdown to the New Year with your guests, or have a large TV brought out to watch the ball drop! Streamers and confetti could be released as the clock strikes 12:00 for an unexpected surprise to guests.

community.theknot.com

The favors at your wedding should reflect the theme. Give your guests mini bottles of champagne with personal labels, party hats or tubes of confetti that they can open at midnight! You could also give them a CD with the greatest hits from the past year with a personal label or fortune cookies with a new years fortune inside. Another idea is to give them a personalized glass with the date and year on it like the one displayed below.

thenext.com

blog.cool-party-favors.com

No matter what you decided on, your New Years Eve wedding will be a unique and special occasion that everyone will always remember! Just think with every New Year you will have something extra special to celebrate.

Apps to Plan Your Wedding!

2011-12-01T10:36:00.000-05:00

Planning a wedding can be pretty daunting, but with these apps for your phone you are sure to stay on track with money, timing, and overall organization!

Wedding Budget

appadvice.com

This is a great application that is FREE to use! All you have to do is enter your budget and from there it breaks down the money into different sections and estimates the cost alloted for each. This app is also completely customizable and you are able to change how much money is alloted. Another great feature is that there is a note section for each breakdown. Here you are able to write down a quick reminder or if you remembered a DJ that you have heard before or something like that you can jot it down.

iWedding Deluxe - The Wedding Planner

appadvice.com

Although this app isn't free it is totally worth the $6.99! This app is basically your very own wedding planner and is with you 24/7. Some of the features that are included are a budget planner, registry tracker, guest list, seating arrangements, invitation tracker, etc. This is a great way to have everything you need at your fingertips if something comes up last minute. Another great feature with iWedding Deluxe is that you can post updates immediate to Facebook or Twitter if you need to!

itunes.apple.com

Family Quick Sit

appadvice.com

This application is a mere $0.99 and will keep your stress level to a minimum. Seating arrangements can always be a huge hassle - what family members should sit together? What about a kids table? What family and friends would mix well together? These things constantly change and having this application with you at all times would help alleviate the stress of trying to remember things as they come up! With this handy little app if you think of something, it is so easy to change around the seating arrangements.

Some of the great features included in this app is that you can pick the exact table shape you are having and how many people will be at each table. Once you complete the table arrangements you can take a screen shot and immediately email it to yourself so when it comes to the big day it will a breeze to place the seating arrangements!

Enjoy planning your wedding and hopefully some of these apps will be of assistance to you! If you have used any of these or other applications we would love to hear about it!

Not Your Average Wedding Shoes

2011-11-30T11:15:00.000-05:00

Never really been a high heel kind of girl? Do you trip just thinking of the word stiletto? At your wedding you want to feel beautiful, but you also want to be able to walk! Check out some of these unique alternatives to wearing heels in your big day!

TOMS shoes have grown really popular over the passed few years. With their policy of "One for One", which provides a child in need a pair of new shoes for every pair purchased, the company is one that is based on a great cause. With TOMS Wedding Collection, you can walk down the aisle wearing their comfortable flats! Their collection includes shoes for the Bride, Groom, Bridesmaids, and Groomsmen, and come in a variety of colors and materials ranging from silver sparkles to black leather.

TOMS Wedding Collection

The Dessy Group has designed a collection of Wedding Ballerina Flats that any girl could glide throughout the room in. Created in a soft satin material, with a stretch elastic back, these shoes are definitely something you can wear again! The best part is, The Dessy Group offers them in 18 colors, including a variety of white shades to complement your dress!

The Dessy Group

If your wedding is taking place during the Summer months you have the option of wearing a sandal. Light In The Box offers a great variety of wedding shoe styles, and includes plenty of flats and sandals for Brides to choose from. With all colors and shapes available, you will definitely find a comfortable shoe for your big day!

Light In The Box

So if you are dreading the thought of putting on uncomfortable four inch heels for your walk down the aisle, consider all of our other options. Just because these shoes don't have a heel doesn't make them any less elegant or special!

Christmas Themed Wedding!

2011-11-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

Christmas is a very joyous holiday in which family gathers and enjoy each others company. December weddings can be so elegant, joyous, and really represent what the holiday’s are all about.

If you would like to keep with the whole idea of Christmas, then keep in mind some of the major key points: Pointsettia flowers, green and red, Santa, reindeer, and Christmas trees! Now, we aren’t saying all of these have to be incorporated into your special day, but a couple touches here and there can really keep everyone in the spirit of the holidays, and most importantly your bid day!

M&M’s are actually a great way to add some color to a table, especially when they are red and green! These small pops of Christmas colors allows you to relate the holiday to your big day, without taking away the feeling of your wedding. Your guests will also really appreciate this little bowl of treats as they sit around and catch up!

griesbaum.wordpress.com

Trees can also be a great decoration and take up a good amount of space if the room where the reception is taking place is very large! They are also a great piece of lighting, and create a home-like ambiance to all of the guests. We suggest that you stick with the traditional white lights on it, rather than colored lights. This looks a little more simple, and is much more neutral so it won’t compete with the

kaboodle.com

Rather than having real trees all around the room and worry about allergies, or watering the tree, buy fake ones that are pre-lit. This takes away the time of stringing each tree with lights and making sure each bulb is working. The only kind of prep you will need to do is putting them together, and then fluffing out the branches so it looks nice and full!

A tree can also be a fun way to display where the guests are seated. You can attach the table numbers to a candy cane and have them hung on the tree as if they were ornaments. The guests will have fun looking for their name and when they find their card, they get a quick candy cane as a treat!

photo courtesy of Sarah Moore

Another fun way to incorporate the Christmas theme is to have a special drink at the bar. Find out if there are any Christmas brews and have those served, or make a drink that you and your fiance like, and name is something fun for the reception! You’re guests will be sure to try this delicious drink, and may even want to know what the recipe is later on.

marthastewart.com

The famous holiday plant is the Pointsettia! Instead of having these as centerpieces, have them as cocktail arrangements, or placed around where the guests will be arriving, or even by the welcome table. These plants won’t take away from what your centerpieces are if they aren’t placed right next to them. Instead, they will be a fun reminder of the time of year the wedding is taking place, and also add some bright color to any space you are in!

urbanext.illinois.edu

Have a blast planning your Christmas and holiday themed wedding – we would love to know what you are thinking for your big day!

Meet the Staff of Dana Markos Events: Anna

2011-11-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Meet the Staff

Anna

1. How long have you been working at Dana Markos Events?

I have been with DME since September 2011, so about 3 months now.

2. What is your favorite flower?

I would have to say... a calla lilly. I love how simple and elegant they are!

3. What is your personal floral style?

My personal floral style is simple, sleek, and modern. I don't like a lot of frills and extras.

4. What is your favorite event that you have worked on with DME or what is your favorite location?

I don't really have a favorite event, they are all so different and fun to work on! But I have two favorite locations - The Crane Estate and The Fairmont Copley, they are both stunning!

5. Outside of DME what are some of your hobbies?

Besides interning at DME and going to school at Endicott College, my main hobby is riding with the Endicott College Equestrian Team.

Wedding Venues You've Seen in the Movies

2011-11-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

Have you ever watched a movie and wondered where they found such a beautiful venue to film the wedding scene? Or maybe you've started watching and felt like the space looked vaguely familiar? We took a look into some awesome movie Weddings and found a few that were actually filmed in Massachusetts locations! Take a look and we bet next time you see the film you'll catch it!

Having our studio in Ipswich, and working here many times, we noticed this venue right away! Ghosts of Girlfriends Past starring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner hosted another character's wedding taking place at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA! Production for the movie painted and brought in plenty of props, but we still recognized the venue!

Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past

Bride Wars, starring Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner, featured not one but two Massachusetts locations! In one of the opening scenes of the movie, both stars are attending a friends wedding. Even though the setting for the movie claims to be taking place in New York City, they can't fool us! The wedding takes place at The Peabody Essex Museum!

Bride Wars

The second Massachusetts location Wedding venue you will see in this movie is where Kate and Anne both have weddings of their own! The movie focus's on the girl's quest for the perfect wedding at The Plaza, but we recognize those mirrored doors all too well! The venue they were actually filming at was The Fairmont Copley in Boston!

Bride Wars

We haven't had the pleasure of working at the beautiful church that the wedding ceremony during The Invention of Lying took place in, but when it was being filmed in Sudbury, MA, it had lots of people excited! The scene was filmed at the Martha Steward Chapel and looked perfect for the movie!

The Invention of Lying

Have you seen any other Massachusetts Wedding Venues featured in movies? Start keeping an eye out and let us know what you find!!

Something Other Than a Veil

2011-11-17T10:50:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a veil isn't for every bride, and that is okay! There are tons of other options to add a little something to your hair-do.

Here are a few ideas for a little inspiration and to get the ball rolling and for you to start thinking about what could work for you!

1. Sex and the City - Carrie Bradshaw. While having a bird in her hair may be a little much for other people to pull off, at least think of this... A pop of color could be really fun to add to a white wedding dress, especially if fun colors fit your personality!

bridalbuds.com

2. A Tiara!! Whether big or small could be perfect for the ultimate princess bride! If you have a full ball-gown wedding dress it could be a great detail to add on! If the dress is more simple, then go with a smaller and simpler tiara that doesn't overtake the rest of your outfit. When else would you be able to get away with wearing a tiara all day long and it totally match your outfit!?

womenshairstylesonline.com

Although it is tradition, Kate Middleton even wore a tiara on her wedding day. Her tiara was very elegant and had some very intricate and beautiful details in it. This was the perfect tiara for her outfit, and suited her personality beautifully!

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3. Headbands - and no we don't mean the kind you wore in elementary school that hurt your head after an hour. These headbands are elegant and add some glitz and glamour to your hair! Some can be ribbons with gorgeous detailing tied with a simple bow, others can be a plain headband with a flower-type detail on the side to add a little umph to a simple up-do, or a plain let down hair style.

boards.weddingbee.com

4. Flowers, as we know, are a very large part of the wedding day: the centerpieces, bouquets, welcome pieces, etc., so why not add one or two to your hair style? The flower accessories don't even have to be real, a fake flower would look just as fabulous! Without a veil, you have a lot of options as to the placement of the flowers. If your hair is up, then you could place a few right into the style (for example into the bun, or on the side). If your hair is down, maybe pin a section of it back a little to get the hair out of your face, and hide the pin with a small flower accessory!

wedding-cake-dress.info

mynewhair.info

Have fun picking out your wedding hairstyle accessory! We would love to hear about what you are thinking about, or what you have used!

Meet the Staff of Dana Markos Events: Dana

2011-11-16T11:08:00.000-05:00

Meet The Staff

Dana

1. How long have you been working at Dana Markos Events?
20 Years!

2. What is your favorite flower?
My favorite flower would be a peony.

3. What is your personal floral style?
My personal floral style is constantly changing and evolving. There isn't one style that I prefer to work on which makes our work so multi dimensional and different! If I had to choose I'd probably say clean lines and contemporary...but only for now!

4. What is your favorite event or favorite location for an event?
I have two favorites. My favorite Boston location is The Fairmont Copley. My favorite North Shore location Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich.

5. What are some of your hobbies?
Outside of floral design, my hobbies are running and spending time with my family, and our two new puppies!

Alternatives to the Classic Tuxedo

2011-11-15T10:35:00.000-05:00

A classic black and white tuxedo isn't for all grooms and groomsmen. Sometimes, switching it up can be a good thing and end up working out better in the end!

If you are having a late spring or summer wedding, one option could be to lighten it up! Try a full khaki suit with a light blue or white shirt. Add some color to it by mixing and matching ties or bow ties and you still have a sharp looking bunch of guys.

gallery.weddingbee.com

What if you are getting married outside on the beach or in a nature setting? Ditch the blazer all together! You don't want the groomsmen to be sweating out there on the beach, or feel too over dressed for the location. Instead, stick with the classic white collared shirt with or without a tie, or even opt for a fun color shirt. If you still want it to be a little more formal, but not have the blazer, try a vest! It still maintains a formal look, yet relaxes the outfit in a tasteful manner.

brendasweddingblog.com

offbeatbride.com

Getting married in a more casual location in the summer or fall? Try khaki's and a navy blazer paired with a solid tie. This style is a great transitional piece from summer to fall and looks great on guys and keeps the event feeling a little less formal, but still has that put-together feel.

boards.weddingbee.com

Having different options for what the grooms can wear can add so much to a wedding! It can be fun for them to get together and try different looks out, and even try to match the bridesmaids with their ties or belts. They will also probably be appreciative they don't have to wear a full tux, and instead feel comfortable all day long and into the night.

Let us know what your groomsmen plan on wearing, we would love to hear!

Another Way to Capture Great Moments!

2011-11-14T12:46:00.001-05:00

Everyone loves to look back at pictures from weddings and see all of the amazing moments that happened throughout the day. A new fun way to capture silly and fun moments is having a Photo booth Station at your wedding!

weddingbee.com

Photo booths provide endless amounts of entertainment for guests throughout the night. Who doesn't love to cram into a small little booth to take silly and fun pictures with family and friends!?

A lot of companies even provide assistance throughout the event to make sure nothing goes wrong with the booth. Some even come with fun props to use in the pictures such as masks, wands, hats, boas, etc! Another great perk of these photo booths is that they print out pictures instantly, which provides guests with a fast and easy wedding favor.

Also, ask if the company can provide the bride and groom with a CD of all of the pictures that were taken that day. These funny candid pictures are a great way to see your guests having fun and enjoying themselves! It could also provide a great touch to your wedding album.

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Photo booths can be a perfect fit for so many styles and themes of weddings. The different props can add a fun and free spirited feeling, or no props to keep with the simplistic details of the day, or even change the colors to black and white for a more vintage or formal look!

blog.weddingwire.com

Here are a couple tips to consider:

When booking a photo booth be aware that there are two different styles of booths. The first is the classic booth which there is just the one stool and everyone crams into it. The other style is the pipe and drape. The pipe and drape offer a larger space to accommodate more people into the shot.

Another, is find out if the set-up and breakdown of the booth is included into the cost, and also into the allotted time of the event. A suggestion would be that the booth be set-up about an hour in advance to make sure a couple test shots can be done to make sure everything is running smoothly!

Lastly, find out of there is a photo booth technician that will be there for the duration of the event. Having a technician there allows for some extra security to make sure nothing goes wrong with the equipment, they can keep an eye on the props, and be there to help guests or answer any questions.

austinweddingphotographer.biz

Have fun with a photo booth on your wedding day!! We would love to hear about how you worked one into your big day!

The Best of YouTube Wedding Clips

2011-11-09T10:23:00.000-05:00

With Social Media being such a present force of our generation, we have started to see some really amazing video footage from people's Big Days across the country! Check out our top five favorite clips representing YouTube's finest Wedding moments!

5. My Clumsy Best Man Ruins Our Wedding
This video was somewhat controversial after it appeared on America's Funniest Home Videos when many speculated that it was fake. Either way, we thought it was interesting enough to appear on our Top Five Favorite Clips, and gave it a DME rating of Two and a Half Stars!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DmtmmFEVo

4. Marriage Proposal Rejected at Basketball Game
We've all seen clips of an unsuspecting woman get proposed to at a major sporting event, but this video was the first time we had ever seen the poor guy get rejected! Our hearts go out to this Rockets fan, and although the entire situation isn't very funny, the reaction from the team's mascot is worth watching! DME rating of Three Stars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtPkxzHKLpk&feature=related

3. The T-Mobile Royal Wedding
This T-Mobile sponsored video hit YouTube in April during the Royal Wedding madness, and we couldn't be happier. With a slew of look alike cast members, eccentric guests, and best of all the hats, this video took third place in our countdown! DME rating of 4 Stars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kav0FEhtLug

2. Greatest Father Daughter Dance Medley Ever

This awesome video was submitted to YouTube by the Bride herself, and as the title suggests, it really is the greatest father daughter dance medley we have ever seen! We absolutely love the Dad's commitment to each move, and the crowd is going wild for it! DME rating of Four and A Half Stars!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u1FZhMA88g

1. JK Wedding Entrance Dance

This video takes first place on our Top Five Favorite Video List because of the excellent attention to detail that the Bridal Party gave to their entrance. The commitment from dance moves to props, and over 70 million views on YouTube, we were so impressed that we had to give it a DME rating of Five Stars!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

Do you have any Wedding footage that beats out our Top Five? Think about submitting them to YouTube or even on our blog! With the speed of Social Media, you could be famous by the time you wake up the next morning!

What Does Your Wedding Bouquet Represent?

2011-11-07T11:08:00.000-05:00

Most floral design reflects a client's personality or style. The first image that comes to mind is a person who likes to be over the top might have a more glamourous and glitzy design of roses and diamonds, while a more simple and sweet person would enjoy more wild flowers and greens. What many don't realize is that each flower is known as representing a specific trait in itself.

We took this opportunity to analyze a few celebrity bridal bouquets and see what their flowers say about them! Take a look below to see if the characteristics of their bouquet seems to match up with the persona that we have come to know from the media!

This celebrity Bride not only carried a bouquet of all white roses, she also had her entire bridal party carry them too! With the traits of a White Rose being "Purity" and "Silence", we're not so sure that these suit the wild reality star and her four sisters! This bouquet belongs to Kim Kardashian!

This celebrity Bride is less reality, more royalty. Her bouquet was made up of almost entirely Lily of the Valley, and a few touches of Stephanotis. With these flowers representing the return of happiness and marital happiness, we think this bouquet matches it's always smiling owner. If you can't tell by the iconic ring in the photo, this bouquet belongs to Kate Middleton!

This bride known for her edgy style, kept her personality in theme with her black calla lilly and black magic rose bouquet. With black calla lillies representing negativity and goodbyes, it might have been a telling sign! This marriage lasted less then 3 years, and belongs to Ashlee Simpson!

We're sure this bride wasn't aware of what the Blush Dahlias represented in her Bridal Bouquet! Carrying the traits of instability and misrepresentation, we hope that what these flowers say aren't a sign of things to come for this young Bride, especially now that she's pregnant! This Bride is Hilary Duff.

So what does your Bridal bouquet say about your personality? Has it been reflective of your marriage, or do you think the representation was all wrong? Check out The Meaning of Flowers by Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field to learn more about your bouquet's flowers!

A Gluten Free Wedding

2011-10-25T13:55:00.000-04:00

Deciding on a caterer can be a very difficult task when planning a wedding. So many considerations go into what they can provide, the cost, and pricing. When planning the meal, a very important concern should be if any of your guests have food allergies. A common new allergy that is affecting a lot of people is Celiac's Disease, which is an allergy to gluten. To have a gluten free option for a meal is very important and could be a necessity.

ijustsaidyes.com

One suggestion which would be to have a total Gluten-Free Wedding. This way, no guest has to question whether or not they are able to eat some of the hors d'oeuvres, entree, or cake that is being served throughout the day.

Even some celebrities have had gluten free weddings or eat gluten free everyday. Chelsea Clinton's wedding cake in 2010 was all gluten free, and Gwyneth Paltrow lives a gluten free life!

bnnstar.com

If this is not an option, make sure the caterer knows exactly what Celiac's is and how to properly cook for it and how to avoid cross contamination. One idea, would be to look at some menu's online of different caterer's in your area, and see if they offer gluten free menu's or gluten free options. Chances are if they are already providing this service on their website or brochure, they have done it before at an event!

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glutenfreeeasily.com

The items that would not be able to be consumed would be anything that contains the following grains: wheat, rye and barley.

The guests who are gluten-free would really appreciate this little consideration, and would allow them to enjoy the festivities so much more! So give it a thought when planning your big day!

We would love to hear some of the gluten free recipes you are planning on using!

Surprise the Newlyweds with a Little Decorating!

2011-10-18T14:47:00.001-04:00

What could be a better way to get some attention drawn to the newlyweds as they drive around town with a cool car and great decorations? One idea that never goes out of style is decorating the car they will be arriving to the reception in or leaving the reception in! It is a great little surprise for the couple to see this when they step outside. Even though they may fee a little silly with it all, they will love the attention and congratulations they will receive from random passer-byers!

projectwedding.com

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for this surprise and in the actual process of decorating:

Get approval from the rental company if the car is rented! This is very important because they may have decorations that the company provides or have they may have rules and regulations about what can and cannot be used on the car.

It is usually the duty of the Best Man and/or members of the Bridal Party to put this all together. The decorating usually takes place quickly and secretly before the couple leaves the location of the ceremony or before they leave the reception.

jabezphotography.com

Keep in mind the kind of couple they are and what kind of car they are driving in when buying and looking for decorations! Are they very classic and traditional couple, and the car is something a little older and high end? If so, use more flowers, bows and ribbons and have a nice sign on the back that says Just Married with a pretty font. Keep it pretty simple so it doesn't take away from the classic beauty of the car and the couple. It will also stay in sync with the rest of their wedding and the feel.

blogcatalog.com

http://emma-fashionweddingdresses.blogspot.com/

What if your couple is really outgoing, silly, fun, and maybe a little quirky? Are they driving in a fun old VW Beetle or a cool convertible? Go with something a little different, maybe some window paint, streamers, and balloons! This is a fun way to keep them laughing through the day, and even in years to come when they look back at pictures and they see how fun the car ride was!

fiveblondes.com

bowtiesandbliss.com

Although this decorating can be loads of fun, remember some of the safety concerns as well. Cans are always a classic idea to have clanging behind the car, but these cans can also cause sparks and no one wants that kind of a problem on their wedding day. It is also against the law in some places because of the fire hazards. Also, don't put any kind of sugar products on the car such as whip cream, the sugar will ruin the paint job. One last tip - don't obstruct the drivers view! Window paint can be a lot of fun, but keep in mind that the driver still needs to see where they are going, so don't get too carried away and color in the whole back window.

Now go have tons of fun surprising the newlyweds, and have fun decorating, this is something they will remember for the rest of their lives!

And don't forget... Take lots of pictures!

Andrea and Erin's Wedding: The Big Day!

2011-10-14T13:56:00.000-04:00

After months of planning, designing, and blogging, the time has finally come. Tomorrow is Andrea an Erin's Wedding!!! When we began following their wedding process we were just getting to know Andrea and Erin, and as we shared each step of the way with our readers, they became not only wonderful clients, but great friends.

Over the past year you have found out about their venue, the photographer, the cake, even the dress, and now tomorrow is the big day! We aren't giving away too much more information, but consider this picture somewhat of a teaser of some of the gorgeous floral design work we have in store!

Be sure to check back soon for the full coverage of the event, we will be sure to show pictures of every aspect that we shared with you earlier, and definitely all of the other surprises we have in store!

Wear-again Bridesmaids Dresses.

2011-10-13T14:57:00.000-04:00

VS.

j.crew.com

thecinemasource.com

The excitement that is felt when a close friend or a family member asks you to be a part of their wedding as a bridesmaid is indescribable! Some bridesmaids have it easy with a laid back, easy- going bride that wants her bridesmaids to pick their own dress (as long as it's in the right color) so they will be happy and comfortable in the dress they wear and hopefully be able to wear it again. On the other hand some bridesmaids get a dark feeling of dread when thinking about the "unique" choice of bridesmaid dress that will be chosen for them to sport down the isle.

Todays modern bride wants her bridal party to feel comfortable, pretty and stylish in the dress they wear for their wedding day. Hopefully the days of the ungenerous bride, who purposely dresses her bridesmaids in ugly dresses to keep all the attention on herself are long gone. Nobody wants to end up with a closet full of tacky bridesmaid dress that they will never wear again like in the movie 27 Dresses, so here are a few key points of advice when picking the perfect wear-again bridesmaid dress.

missksthinions.blogspot.com

The first key to picking a bridesmaid dress that can be worn again is making sure the dress is not a full-length dress. Full-length dresses are usually more formal and harder to wear again unless you are attending some sort of gala event. Choosing a cocktail length dress for your bridal party gives them the opportunity to be able to wear the dress multiple times to all different kinds of events. Cocktail length dresses are more flattering on a wide range of people compared to full- length dresses, especially if you have people in your bridal party that are on the shorter side.

j.crew.com

The second key for the perfect wear-again bridesmaid dress is to make sure that it is simple. No embellishing or crazy patterns, and as for the color, lets just hope your brides wedding colors aren’t to extreme. As a bride try to choose a dress design for your bridesmaids that is simple and classic with just a little detail, this way it will be timeless and never go out of style. A dress like this will give your bridesmaids options to wear the dress again to a holiday party or even as a guest to another wedding.

You may be asking yourself, "Where can I begin to look for a dress like this?" well there area few different places you can begin to take a look. Davids Bridal has a line on their website called "wear-again... styles that go the extra mile". The style of the dresses were are all picked keeping the idea in mind that they could be worn again, there are many different styles and each dress comes in a variety of different color options. Another place you can always find quality, classic, beautiful dresses is at j.crew, their website has a whole section devoted to weddings, with tons of different bridesmaid dresses to choose from ranging in different fabrics and colors to find the perfect one to match the colors of your wedding.

j.crew.com

Davidsbridal.com

j.crew.com

There are many different places to find the perfect wear-again dresses for your bridal party, and if you want to make sure your bridesmaids really truly love their dresses then simply just ask them their opinion! Of course your bridal party knows that it's your big day and want to do everything to make your dreams come true but there is nothing wrong with getting their input when choosing the bridesmaid dresses. I hope these tricks to finding the perfect wear-again bridesmaid dresses for your special day were helpful and gave you some ideas to get you jump started on your search. Just remember to stay away from.....

telegraph.co.uk

Ben & Jeanne at the Boston Pubic Library

2011-10-06T14:58:00.000-04:00

The preparation for Ben and Jeanne's wedding at the Boston Public Library on October 1st took some serious planning and a lot of teamwork. The week was spent preparing arrangements and making trips into Boston to ensure that everything would run smoothly and turn out perfect on the day of the wedding.

The morning of October 1st the Dana Markos Events team was up bright and early at 6:30 am excited and ready for the day. The Boston Public Library gave us from 7:00-9:00 am to deliver all of our flowers, plants and glass vases before the library opened to the public. When our team arrived at the library it was raining and we had to work quickly and carefully to make sure we unloaded all of our vans and had everything inside before the library opened at 9:00 and in one piece.

Dana Markos Events

Luckily we were able to get everything unloaded and into the room before 9:00 am. We headed back Ipswich for a short break to gather more supplies and talk about our plan for later in the day, and the set-up that would happen before the wedding. From there we headed back into Boston at 1:00 pm for the rest of the day and to prepare for the ceremony that was later that evening. At 5:00 pm the library closed to the public and everyone was running around to prepare for the ceremony at 6:30 and reception that was to follow in Bates Hall, and the Abbey Room.

Dana Markos Events

As our team rushed to get all of the arrangements and candles placed onto the cocktail and dinner tables, other vendors such as the caterers, band and lighting team were trying to set up as well. It took a lot of work and communication to get everything in place but when all was said and done it looked beautiful.

Dana Markos Events

Jeanne and Ben’s wedding had a wonderful feeling from the get-go. Although it was raining all day, by the time the ceremony took place it had cleared up beautifully. The bride had indicated that she really wanted an organic feel to this wedding, and although she wanted white colors for her roses, hydrangea, and orchids she also wanted small green natural plants that would continue living after the wedding. Some of these plants included Ivy, ferns, Sweet Potato plants, and many more.

The ceremony took place in the courtyard of the library facing the fountain. Candles were lit on the wall of the fountain that set a gorgeous backdrop to where Jeanne and Ben were married. The tall glass cylinder pillars had moss laying on the bottom with a candle on top, and the other pillars had a bouquet of hydrangea at the top with more candles up-lighting the arrangements, all keeping in mind the organic feel.

Dana Markos Events

After the ceremony the guests were ushered into the Abbey Room and Chavannes Gallery for the cocktail hour. All of the tables were draped in a green table cloth with a small plant placed on top with curly willow placed in the plants to bring the natural feel even more alive. The arrangement on the Welcome Table was a tall arrangement of more hydrangea, and roses with mini orchids surrounding it on the bottom.

Dana Markos Events

Following the cocktail hour everyone went into Bates Hall for their dinner and dessert. Along each table were all of the natural plants along with hydrangea arrangements, roses, and orchids. For the centerpieces there was a mix of height, some shorter and some much taller. The taller pieces were in a glass flute that had tall branches reaching out with small orchids attached to the branches.

Dana Markos Events

The wedding turned out just as the bride and groom had wanted and both families seemed very pleased with the outcome as well. It was a great wedding to work on and everyone enjoyed themselves!

Congratulations to Jeanne & Ben and may you have a long and happy marriage!!!

Vendor Spotlight, Ra-Mu and the Crew

2011-10-03T13:05:00.000-04:00

DME: We have seen some clips of you guys on the Internet, and you seem to have so much fun, and really keep the energy alive during a wedding! Can you give us a little history of your business? When/how did it get started?

Ra-Mu and the Crew: We went full time in 2000 with Ra-Mu and the Crew in an effort to avoid corporate America. I started DJ weddings for other companies back in 1995 as a sophomore at Boston College. It's been a long journey.

DME: When working with a bride and groom on their wedding what is the experience usually like? Who usually takes charge, and is there a lot of compromise on what will come out of this service?

Ra-Mu and the Crew: 99% of the time, the bride takes charge and is part of most of the communication exchange. Not a lot of compromise. We like to think that all of our weddings go extremely well!

DME: What is the most unique, amazing, or favorite event you've ever worked on?

Ra-Mu and the Crew: All of the weddings are unique and amazing. No favorites here. Every wedding brings a different group of people coming together. It's our job to make it happen.

DME: Are there any new trends coming up for Fall/Winter 2011 in the wedding entertainment industry that you have noticed?

Ra-Mu and the Crew: Video is big. Photobooths remain hot. And entertainment, in a tasteful manner, is coming back in a big way. No bride wants some stiff DJ standing in the corner and twiddling his thumbs.

To contact Ra-Mu and the Crew to entertain your wedding, go to any of these websites:

http://www.ramuandthecrewweddings.com , http://www.ramuandthecrew2012.com, http://www.riweddingphotobooth.com

Look Great and Feel Great for Your Big Day!

2011-09-27T15:25:00.000-04:00

Everyone wants to look FABULOUS on their wedding day, and not worry about how they will look in pictures, if their dress will still fit, and if they are going to (most importantly) feel great on that day. Getting in shape and eating right has never been easier - and if you have a few months to go before your wedding, here are some great ideas as to how you too can shed some pounds and feel your best!

1. Change up what you would normally eat. It is now time to cut out all fast food, processed, junk foods, and any foods that you can microwave! Think of planning your meals ahead of time, and really try to get some more greens into your diet! Have a salad for lunch or dinner and make a nice piece of chicken to go on top of it! This is a great way to stay filled throughout your day, get some protein, and most importantly get those bad foods away.

fitnessbootcampworkouts.net

2. GET ACTIVE! Don't sit around too much stressing about your upcoming wedding. Instead try to workout at least 4-5 times a week for at least 1 hour. When working out, you have to really confuse your muscles in order to see some results. Rather than going on the elliptical for 30 minutes, do more circuit training. Run/speed walk for 15 minutes, strength training for 10 minutes, and abs for 5 minutes, and then repeat! Another great idea is to try some new activities, take some spinning classes, yoga, Pilate's, or Zumba classes at your local gym to make sure your routine doesn't get boring! More ideas could be to find some local trails in your area and go for a hike when it is a nice day out, this way it won't feel too much like you are working out, rather you are enjoying a nice day with your fiance, or friends!

sheknows.com

3. Drink lots of water - limit alcohol consumption and soda. It may seem crazy but once you reduce the amount of alcohol you drink and replace is all with water, you will see a major difference in how you feel, your skin complexion, and weight dropping off. It may seem too good to be true, but if you try it out it will work! Also, cut out soda, it is very high in sugar and this will definitely not help you shed some pounds, even diet drinks - cut it all out!

inspiritation.com

4. Eat breakfast! This will jump start your metabolism for the day and really get you feeling energized early on. Now, this doesn't mean you can just eat whatever you want, you still need to plan ahead for this meal! Egg whites are a tasty option for when you wake up and fun to make too - you can put some peppers, onions, broccoli, whatever you want, in it to appeal to you! Another great option is to make yourself a nice smoothie. This has lots of different fruits in it, and with yogurt or milk it also gets some of that dairy into your day as well.

thewellnesshiway.com

5. Portion control! This is KEY!! Eating too much of anything is bad for you, so try to limit yourself to one serving of anything you eat. Make one omelet for breakfast, have one bowl of cereal with fruit, have one bowl of salad with chicken on top. This may seem drastic and leave you wondering - will I always be hungry? But you will get used to it, and it will soon become a habit to always eat this healthily!

Now have fun food shopping, and working out with friends and family!

We would love to hear about your workout regime, or what other tips you may have to offer.

Destination Weddings Close to Home!

2011-09-26T13:24:00.000-04:00

Although destination weddings are a fun and glamorous idea, they're not always realistic for every brides budget, especially with the limit it puts on the amount of guests that can attend. So maybe you can't afford to travel to a destination like Hawaii for your wedding, but there are still ways to create the feeling of a destination wedding that's closer to home.

amandaforbes.com

Start by picking a neutral location that's far enough away from home that guests would have to stay over but close enough that is isn't a pain for your guests to get there. Recently a friend of the business had a wedding up in Vermont and the couple was from New Hampshire. The distance was far enough away that all the guests came and stayed for the weekend to make the wedding feel like it was a destination feeling.

sapphirecelebrations.com

When looking for a venue for your close to home destination wedding start by looking in your own city. Is there a state park or historic church in your area, or what about a little bed-and-breakfast inn?

If you can't find anything in your town consider look in your whole state or surrounding states!

Consider renting a few houses or a block of condos for everyone to stay at together on a beach for a week or for even a long weekend. This will give everyone the relaxing, carefree feeling of a destination wedding. This is a great idea for brides and grooms with older relatives that don't like to fly or friends with small children because it not only cuts back on costs and allows everyone to attend, but parents with small children don't have to worry about finding someone to watch their kids. Having a destination wedding close to home is also great for people who can't wait a lot of time off of work.

oceanisleinn.com

Another thing to take into consideration is that some of your guests are from out of town so anywhere you choose will be a new and fun destination for them! In the end a wedding is a celebration shared among friends and family and no matter if it's held on a tropical island or in your back yard its going to be a special and beautiful day!!!

The Short Engagement!

2011-09-20T12:18:00.000-04:00

Congratulations on your engagement! Now only have a few months to plan it? No worries, a short engagement is totally do-able and will still be just as fabulous as you have always imagined. Here are some tips to make your planning as stress free as possible:

1. Be Flexible! As far as picking out a date and location, you are going to be limited since it will be such short notice. Keep in mind, weddings can also take place on a Friday afternoon/evening, and on a Sunday! This will open up so many doors for you while planning and allow you to have more options.

effective-time-management-strategies.com

2. Get Save the Dates/Invitations out ASAP. Once you have a location and date set, consider sending out Save the Dates so you're guests will be aware of the date and able to reserve it. Remember, a Save the Date doesn't always have to be sent out, you could just send the invitation right away. The general rule of thumb is that wedding invitations are to be sent out 6 weeks before the wedding. This allows time for response cards to come back and give the couple a head count.

bestuniqueinvitations.com

3. Cut out all the extra "Stuff." Make your wedding as simple as possible. Consider having less things on the table, or wedding favors for all the guests. Instead focus on the big things you really care about: wedding dress, bridal party dresses, tux rentals, flowers/bouquets/arrangements, seating arrangements, and decorations (lighting, etc). If you want to do this, you should really think about what matters to you most on that day and focus on making those pieces perfect!

utahbrideblog.com

4. Do it without the professionals. Now, this doesn't mean you have to bake your own wedding cake, if you want to get it done by a baker - go for it! One idea may be that you give out cameras at your wedding for people to take pictures and leave in a basket on their way out for you to print, or ask your guests to send you pictures after the wedding through email! This way you don't have to worry about booking a photographer or even paying for it. Also, it is a great way to get candid shots of everyone at your wedding, and as each one is printing it is a great way to remember the night and reminisce about everything! As far as the formal pictures, if you have a friend who is into photography, ask them if they would mind taking an hour or so after the ceremony to snap a few photos!

philadelphiawedding.com

5. Have fun and breathe! Remember, this is your wedding day - it shouldn't be stressful. You want to have fun planning it, and with a short engagement you can't get caught up in the little things. Really make sure, like in tip #3, to focus on the things that matter the most to you and your family, this will make planning so much more enjoyable and special!

Can't wait to hear about what you are doing to make the most of your short engagement, and how you are staying organized!

Happy planning!

The Backyard Wedding

2011-09-19T15:12:00.000-04:00

Have you ever really thought of the backyard you used to play kickball in, or run around with friends in could possibly be the place where you get married? Well, it can be! The backyard wedding has become very popular and is really picking up momentum. It is a wonderful place for family and friends to gather, and with this intimate, private space it really allows everyone to be comfortable and relaxed on such an eventful day.

Holding the ceremony and reception in a beautiful yard will also save you a bundle! Saving money on the location allows the couple to splurge on gorgeous flowers for the wedding party and centerpieces, dinner for the reception, and also to book that great band you wanted to play!

Even though it is your backyard, the reception can still be elegant! Here are a few ways to really change the space and make the most of what is there.

1. Use tents! They are great way to make an open space feel more closed in and allows people to feel like they are in the same "room" as one another. Using these elements it creates a feeling of closeness during the day and into the night. Tents are also a great way to protect your guests from the sunlight if the ceremony and reception are during the afternoon.

wedding.decoratrends.com

2. Lighting is also a key aspect to any outdoor/backyard wedding. Having fun and different types of lighting really change the feel of the day when it becomes dark out. Candles, lanterns, or string lights are a great way to make the space feel beautiful and elegant even when the sun goes down.

backyardweddingideas.net

3. Linens are also a wonderful way to dress up a normally casual space. Bringing in different colors, beading, and textures are great ways to spruce up plain tables! Another idea would be to have a runner go down the center of just a plain white table linen. This way it you could still achieve a traditional look but with a pop of color, or texture to the center.

theknot.com

Good luck with your very on Backyard Wedding, we would love to hear some of the things that you did or are planning on doing!

Retro Weddings - Think 1950s

2011-09-16T13:59:00.000-04:00

IT'S A RETRO WEDDING!!!

aperfectcelebration.com

There are many different ways to make your special day a little more special, one way is by giving it a retro 50's vibe. When planning a themed wedding of any kind it's all about the details of the event that make the theme really come to life. From the small trinkets on the table to the dress and the hairstyle of the bride and her bridesmaids, every details that goes into the event will set the a retro tone for the guests.

For a complete vintage feeling talk to your photographer about the look you want for your pictures, consider renting a vintage photo booth for guests to take pictures to take home for a memento or place disposable cameras on your guests tables so they can leave you a fun surprise.

trendhunter.com

As a bride your overall look, from the dress to the hair and make up will really help contribute to the retro feeling of your wedding. By adding small details such as 1950's inspired gloves, pearls and a 50's style wedding dress your retro wedding will really come together and will not only put you in the right outfit for your big day but in the right attitude as well! As a bride not only your dress but your hair should reflect the 1950's era, you could take one of the famous hairstyles from the 50's and modernize it to your liking!

ruffledblog.com

my-biggestday.com

ruffledblog.com

The food at your retro wedding can also help to set the scene. Candy and Soda shops were very popular in the 50's, set up stations for your guests such as a candy station or an ice cream station, you could even get a soda fountain. Sticking with the 50's theme consider american classics for the wedding meal. When deciding on the music for your big day consider a 50's style live band or research popular songs from the era for the DJ to play.

The table decor for your 50's vintage wedding can be made up of odds and ends found in antique stores or your families attics. It should be simple but elegant, without spending a fortune!

retro.weddings.com

Of course all the ideas listed can be modernized and altered to your personal liking but I hope some of these ideas got your Retro 50's creative juices flowing!

Cupakes and No Wedding Cake?

2011-09-15T10:32:00.000-04:00

Recently we have been noticing a new, and fun trend that has come out in weddings; cupcakes instead of the traditional wedding cake! There are new fresh alternatives to traditional wedding cakes and this is one that has really been a hit. Using cupcakes the bride is able to be even more creative as to what she wants them too look like.

Here the bride can change up the flavors of each one and therefore really appeal to everyone's taste buds. Some of the popular flavors and a few unconventional flavors tend to be vanilla, chocolate, lemon, peanut butter, s'mores, pumpkin, apple, and red velvet. Remember, you can always mix and match icing flavors as well to really change it all up!

wedding-reception.com

clevercupcakes.blogspot.com

The bride could also add more color than she had originally intended! She will not only be able match the colors of her wedding, but also add more colors in that really make the cupcakes pop during the reception.

wedding-cakes-and-topper.com

By using the cupcakes the bride is still able to achieve the multi-tiered look that she originally wanted, but instead the tiers would be filled with tons of cute, fun, and tasty cupcakes!

Here are some more ways people have gotten creative with this concept, and really made it their own to fit such a special day in their lives:

Phoebe's Cupcakes

flickr.com, clevercupcakes

jubileeevents.com

Now go have fun picking out your wedding cupcakes and don't be afraid of being colorful, and doing something different! We'd love to hear of what you are thinking for your wedding dessert!

Groomsmen Gifts

2011-09-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

Picking out the right gift for someone is always a difficult task. Getting the right gift for all of your Groomsmen can be even harder. Here are some useful tips that can help the Groom figure out what the perfect gift could be for all of his guys:

1. Personal budget. Make sure you aren't stretching your bank too far!
2. Consider what some of the guys hobbies are: i.e. running, hiking, cars, etc.
3. Do you want to give the same gift for each guy, or really personalize it and make each one different?
4. Remember the ages of each the groomsmen. If there is a large age gap, be cautious of gifts that don't fit each person's personality.
5. Have fun with the picking process!

Some great ideas that men have been turning to are some of the classics styles: cuff links, flasks, and Swiss Army Knives, all of which could be monogrammed and made even more personal, and used for years to come.

Gordon's Jewelers

eflasks.com

Are your groomsmen into beer? Get them tickets to a local brewery for a taste testing! These tickets are are sure to not be forgotten about and they could even all go together and reminisce about the wedding and how much fun it was!

Maybe one of the groomsmen is really into golf; you could get them a personalized golf towel or two; you know that this would be used, and used well!

kuddlesnkeepsakes.com

Have fun shopping, and let us know what you have bought or are thinking of buying!

Horses within a Wedding

2011-09-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

There are many ways to include horses within a wedding, whether it be traditional, or just because you are a horse lover! Here are a couple of ways they have been included in both scenarios:

In a traditional Northern Indian wedding there is a "Baraat", which is the large precession for the Groom to ride to the Brides house on a white/grey horse which includes dancers, music, and its very own band. When the Groom arrives at the entrance to his Bride's house he is greeted by all of the elders, family, and friends all waiting with large garlands and lots of excitement!

Tom Weis Photography

Another popular way to include horses would be a whole wedding ceremony on horseback. Out West it is very popular to go the entire ceremony ontop of a horse! The officiant would ride up first, followed by the Groom, and finally the Bride. There are different options as to what one could wear as well - informal, in jeans and western wear or dressed up in an actual tux and gown.

MD Resort, Bed & Breakfast

How would you incorporate horses into your wedding?

Getting Ready for Fall

2011-09-05T10:44:00.000-04:00

The Summer has gone by incredibly fast, with some really amazing Weddings and events that we can not wait to share with everyone! As September begins we are putting together a variety of awesome projects, and getting ready for our new interns to join the DME team. As far as the upcoming Fall is concerned, we have started to piece together some new trends that we think are going to really take off this season. Check out a variety of new ideas, from fabric choices to floral design!

It seems as of lately, clients have become more interested in using a variety of fabric choices to enhance the aesthetics of their event. Many clients are shying away from traditional solid colors of linen, like white, and going for fabrics with more texture and color. Whether it is the tablecloths or fabrics hanging from the ceilings, you may start to see a bigger variety of linens while attending your upcoming Fall events!

Paradise Delight Florist

In addition to changing the fabrics, many Brides and Grooms have started mixing the size and shape of the tables used for their event. By using a variety of tables, the event looks less uniform, and also allows different venues to look as if their room was meant for your party, especially if the room has a creative shape with alcoves. Keeping the set up of the tables, from the linens to the dinnerware the same will keep the event looking cohesive, but the tables will provide optimum comfort and style to the location.

Weddings By Color

The Knot

As far as floral design, this coming Fall you will begin to see much more creative boutonnieres for the Groom. Instead of simply matching the Bride's bouquet flowers, couples have become more willing to play with color, use different shapes, and create something original and beautiful that suites the person wearing it!

Design by DME, Photography by Joe Mikos Photography

We will keep a look out for additional trends that arise and keep everyone informed! We are already looking forward to a busy Fall, and can't wait to share it with all of you.

Andrea and Erin's Wedding: Details on the Dress!

2011-08-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

As their Fall wedding draws closer, the final decisions are being made and all of the pieces are coming together. Something we are excited to share with everyone is Andrea's Wedding Dress! We won't give it away completely, and we're definitely not showing anyone a picture, but keep reading for some details and let your imagination come up with the design!

When she was first considering a dress, Andrea wasn't planning on getting a Wedding Dress at all! She had been considering finding an evening dress instead and skipping the traditional gown, but after shopping around she found a stunning, perfect wedding dress that will be sure to impress everyone on her and Erin's big day!

Don't think that just because Andrea decided to go with tradition and wear a Wedding Dress that her dress is traditional! The classic color for a wedding gown has always been white, so maybe Andrea decided to go with something else...cream, taupe, off white, bright red, who knows!

http://weddingelegante.com/maggie-sottero-wedding-dresses/

DCgate.com

www.wedding-in-colorado.com

Most dresses have some type of embellishments, whether its ribbon, lace, or even crystals! We won't say what Andrea's dress has on it specifically, but you can trust us, it is certainly not plain!

perfectwoman58.com

www.niceweddingdresses.info/

i00.i.aliimg.com

So use your imagination and try to envision what Andrea will be walking down the aisle this Fall! Of course we will post pictures after the event so you can see if what you came up with was right!

Disney Theme Wedding Dresses

2011-08-09T09:50:00.000-04:00

On the most important day of her life what Bride doesn't want to feel like a Princess? Wedding Dress Designer, Alfred Angelo has created an entire line of gowns in his "Fairy Tale Weddings" collection, all of which represent a different Disney Princess! Now all the girls out there who want the Cinderella fairy tale wedding, can even dress based on her inspiration. Check out some of the beautiful designs below and see if you can tell how the designer took aspects of each Princess and incorporated it into each dress!

Ariel, The Little Mermaid

Alfred Angelo Design

Jasmine, Aladdin

Alfred Angelo Design

Aurora, Sleeping Beauty

Alfred Angelo Design

Tiana, The Princess and the Frog

Alfred Angelo Design

Cinderella

Alfred Angelo Design

Belle, Beauty and the Beast

Alfred Angelo Design

Snow White, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Alfred Angelo Design

Who was your favorite Disney Princess growing up? Is the dress designed in her image something you like now? Be sure to visit Alfred Angelo's website at http://www.alfredangelo.com/ to find out more information about the dresses and his other lines!

Why be on a Wedding themed show? Cash and Prizes!

2011-08-04T10:24:00.000-04:00

One of the major new themes that has begun to dominate television networks is anything Bridal. From dress shopping, to full wedding planning coverage, there seems to be shows dedicated to every aspect of Bridal! We decided to take a look at some of the most popular shows, and see what the participants were getting out of being on the show, from money to prizes. Continue reading to see what was in it for them!

WE TV's Bridezillas: We've all seen a Bride break under pressure, but no show documents this better then WE TV's Bridezillas! This show follows stressed out Brides throughout their planning process, all the way through their reception, with every problem or mishap that occurs. Needless to say the Bride does not get a a very nice reputation, so why are they willing to be filmed? A fabulous cash prize of course! The WE TV website describes that Bridezilla participants are "Generously Compensated", and Internet buzz claims they receive anywhere from $2500 to $10,000.

TLC's Four Weddings: Four Weddings brings four Brides in similar areas of the country together, and has each of them attend and rate the other's weddings. They give each woman a score based on their dress, food, venue, and overall experience. The participants don't look as crazy as the ones on Bridezillas appear, but it must be hard to have a group blatantly judging your special day. The perk: The Bride who receives the highest score will receive the honeymoon of their dreams!

WE TV's My Fair Wedding: On My Fair Wedding, David Tutera helps a chosen Bride completely revamp their wedding, and create something truly spectacular. The Brides who are selected to be on this show receive new dresses for themselves and their bridal party, new decor, gourmet food, a fabulous venue, and even more! It is probably slightly embarrassing for the participants to be judged by what they previously had selected, but with all of the major improvements that David provides, it certainly appears worth it.

Bridal themed television shows have definitely taken over major television networks and with good reason! Seeing how another couple is doing it right or wrong is pure entertainment. If anything, it reassures the watcher that when they get stressed with the planning, they are not alone!

Redesigning an Event Space: Ceilings

2011-08-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

When creating the event design for your Wedding, party, or other significant event, it can be a major challenge to give the room an elegant feel if it's taking place in a average venue, like a large hall or room. This past season we have gotten the chance to completely transform rooms, and one of the major aspects we haven't talked about in the past has been by redesigning the ceiling!

Partial Fabric Drape:
By adding sections of fabric draped across the ceiling, you can create an ethereal feeling to sweep throughout your venue.

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Complete Fabric Drape:
If you enjoy the fabric draping aesthetic, you may want to consider having the ceiling fully draped in fabric, creating an entirely different look for the event space.

Jen Fariello Photography, The Knot

Lanterns:
To continue accessorizing your ceiling, there are other objects that can be brought in to give the area more dimension and also a glow of light. The key for these lanterns is that they are made out of a higher quality material then the crepe paper ones you might see at the party store, so they remain elegant and expensive looking.

Design Light Co

Chandeliers:
If you like the idea of bringing in a lighting technique that adds dimension to your ceiling, but want to give it more sparkle, you can consider bringing in crystal chandeliers. These make the event space look a little more fancy and can also bring an average space to an elegant ballroom.

www.ayleebits.com

If your hosting your wedding in an event hall, or a venue most of your family and friends will be very familiar with, you probably want to figure out some way to make the location look more special and different from normal. You should consider taking some of these fabulous ideas to completely recreate your space and give your event an elegant transformation that will have your guests shocked!

Keep watch for an upcoming blog that will display how we completely redesigned an event venue this past week using some of the techniques discussed above!

Engagment Photos Inspired by Movies...Part 2!!

2011-08-01T11:34:00.000-04:00

A couple of months ago we did a feature on Engagement Photos inspired by movies and got a fantastic response! In the original post, we featured three shoots, each themed by an awesome movie, including The Notebook, UP!, and Alice in Wonderland. For part two of this piece we took another look and found even more movie inspired Engagement Photos and are so excited to share them with everyone again!

Starting with some older favorites, we chose this Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired feature by Axioo Photography. From the styling, to the venues, this shoot is the perfect representation of the movie. For a storyline that is a combination of fashion and romance, this theme will create a fabulous memory for the couple to look back on forever!

The next shoot we found was this vintage look shoot inspired by the movie Atonement with photography by Stephanie Fay. Set on a beautiful estate, with some really gorgeous vintage stylings, this shoot looks like a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The final inspired shoot that we came across was this more modern love story that has created somewhat of a cult following, Twilight. Before you roll your eyes, take a look at the photography by K& K Photography! This shoot is really accurate to the movie and if your someone who enjoys the series, it's definitely something to think about!

Hope everyone enjoyed this Part 2 to our Movie Inspired Engagement Photo feature! Taking your favorite movie and fashioning a shoot out of it will create something memorable from this period of your life. Did any of you use some movie inspiration for your engagement photography?

Unique Photos...But Still Elegant!

2011-07-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

As your two beautiful children flip through your wedding book in awe, they see their father, dressed in an elegant black suit, cleanly shaven, perfectly styled hair, shooting the camera a huge smile. It’s the best day of his life. They turn to the next page and gasp. Their mom has a luminous white dress on, covered in lace and bead details. Her hair is long, dark, and perfectly curled. The children’s gasp quickly turns to confusion as they turn to their mother and ask “Mom! Why do you have a mustache?”

Unique Images Photography

When getting ready to style the look of the photography you want to use for your wedding, it’s common to think about props or objects to use to make them a little more interesting than the standard line up of bridesmaids and groomsmen. While perusing the Internet, we came up with some pretty interesting looks bridal parties from across the country produced. Take a look below how we’ve seen it done right, and oh so wrong.

As a general rule, never pose with an alcoholic beverage, especially a beer can. On your wedding day, all of your photos should say “This is the best day of my life!” not “I love to drink!”

Channing Johnson Photography

Instead, perhaps a candid shot of the bride and groom during a champagne toast. By not using the glass as a prop, the photograph will appear as a moment from the wedding, and will remain elegant.

Charlton Churchill Photography

As another rule, less is more. It may be tempting to throw on a feather boa and a sparkly hat, but no one is going to look back on these photos and comment on what a great sense of humor you have, their going to be thinking how ridiculous you look.

Photos By Rowell

To stand out in pictures, try coordinating with the other bridesmaids and each wear a different colored shoe. The difference will be subtle and remain far more chic than a giant bow tie or gold chain.

Rockthediamond.com

If subtlety isn’t your thing, and you want your bridal party to stand out, there are objects that are noticeable but in a good way. When picking out the prop you want your bridesmaids to model with, make sure it’s not something degrading. You can ask yourself this by thinking “If this picture we’re uploaded to Facebook, would I be embarrassed if people at work saw it?” By posing with an inappropriate object, like a gun, you run the risk of some severe eyebrow raising after the prints come out.

Photography by Jeffrey Simms

An up and coming object that we found is something a little bit more delicate. By using something pretty, like a gossamer parasol, the people in the photograph remain pretty. Instead of trying to personify the attitude of a riffle, the subjects can use their props to enhance the photo.

Photography by Natalie Moser

While planning the photography for your big day, decide what feel you want your pictures to have. You can keep your photos different and interesting by adding special touches that make you and your bridal party unique, without going to far. If anyone objects to drinking through a curly straw out of a beer can, wearing a multi-colored feather boa, or posing with a gun that’s half their size, you may want to rethink your strategy.

Crazy Wedding Centerpieces!

2011-07-22T10:20:00.000-04:00

As a company that specializes in beautiful floral designs, we found these centerpieces super crazy! Check out the Top 5 and see if any of them are something you would consider!!

5. Balloon Centerpiece- Our number five pick was this awkward looking balloon centerpiece. The colors certainly match the scheme the host seems to be going for, but overall the look isn't really working.

www.arizonafltables.com

4.) Fish Bowl Centerpiece- Our pick for number four is this glass circular vase filled with water, marbles, and live goldfish! There were a surprising amount of these centerpieces across the Internet, but a lot of the comments described that guests would poor alcohol into the water, and the fish ended up dead.

alballoons2go.uk

3. Boot Centerpiece- Our pick for number three was this hiking boot centerpiece. Although they do get some bonus points for actually having flowers involved, the boot is so distracting that it just looks silly.

www.party411.com

2. Half Lady Centerpiece- Our number two pick is this half a mannequin doll dressed up in a wedding dress with big puffy white sleeves and coordinating hat! Not only is this centerpiece totally odd, but it is also so large that it would be impossible to talk across the table without leaning over.

classiccleaners.files.wordpress.com

1. Car Centerpiece- Our pick for the number one craziest centerpiece is this lime green sports car that was plunked down in the middle of this long table. The car is completely distracting and would disrupt any talking or mingling the guests would attempt.

www.blogcdn.com

So there are our Top Five picks for the Craziest Wedding Centerpieces!

Anything you might consider using?

LAST DAY TO VOTE!

2011-07-15T08:45:00.000-04:00

Today is the final day to get in your votes to make Dana Markos Events take first place for Best Wedding Flowers of Boston!

We want to thank all of our friends, families, and fans who took the time to vote, we appreciate you all so much!!

For anyone who would still like to vote follow these instructions and help us win!!

Enter this webpage into your web bar: http://boston.cityvoter.com/

Click the Sign In box in the top right corner, and fill out your information. If you have a Facebook or Twitter account it can use your information from those sites instead! The site does ask for your email address, but don't worry they do not send out a bunch of spam messages or anything!

Click on Search for Local Businesses and type in Dana Markos Events

Click on our page and press Vote for Us!

You can vote for up to 5 businesses each day, so if you know of another awesome vendor in the Boston area like a Caterer or Rental company, vote for them too!!

We truly appreciate all of the help from our friends, family, and fans!!! Thanks so much for everything you have already done, and thank you for your continuing support!

If you already have an account with Boston A-list click here to be taken directly to Dana Markos Event's page!! http://boston.cityvoter.com/dana-markos-events/biz/587566

Wedding Superstitions

2011-07-14T09:35:00.000-04:00

Bride's wear something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue for a little extra good luck, but what exactly are they worried about? We looked into Wedding Superstitions to see what has these brides crossing their fingers!

A marriage will have Bad Luck if:
The Groom sees the Bride on the day of the wedding before she walks down the aisle
The wedding is planned on the 13th of any month
The wedding is planned on the night of a Full Moon
If anyone other than the Bride wears white to the wedding
If the Bride does not wear a veil

romance-fire.com

For a little Good Luck, the Superstition specialists suggest:
Pinching the Bride
Saving the top layer of your wedding cake and eating it on the first year anniversary
Throwing rice as the couple exits
Saving any bows on gifts from the Bridal shower and making them into a bouquet for the rehearsal
Finding a spider in the Bride's wedding dress

dreamstime.com

Did any of you experience any Bad or Good Luck on your wedding day? Let us know!

A Different Kind of Bar for Your Wedding

2011-07-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

People have been having Bars at their weddings and events for generations, but something new and special that we have started to see pop up is a Candy Bar! The Candy Bar is a great take away gift for your guests, and also acts as a great visual as a part of your reception. Depending on the theme of your wedding, the style of candy, from color, labels, and even types can be completely personalized to match!

If your wedding has a very specific color scheme that you would like to continue in multiple ways throughout the reception, consider setting up a Candy Bar to follow suit! By taking the colors that you want for your event, and using a variety of candies in that color, even if they are in different hues, your Candy Bar will look cohesive and delicious!

Ever Thine Weddings

Max CDN Chic Weddings

If your wedding is taking place on or very close to a Holiday, and you plan on incorporating that into your event, think of classic colors and candies that people match with the Holiday in mind! Is it Christmas? Think classic red and white candy canes! Maybe it's Halloween? Orange and Black candies from lolly pops to chocolates will bring your guests back to Trick or Treating memories from when they were kids!

MBO Gakero

McLellan Style

If your event has more of a general theme rather than a specific color or Holiday, there are a lot of really unique and special options for you to consider! If your looking for an upscale look for your black or white tie wedding, consider a Black and White Candy Bar! This color scheme will look timeless and elegant. If your thinking of a vintage theme, consider bringing in some old fashioned candies! These old styled candies are surprisingly easy to find and will make a great impact on your guests!

The HollyWood Candy Girl

Weddzilla Blog

When coming up with the perfect Candy Bar for your event, make sure that you consider what you want the overall look of your Wedding to be! If you incorporate similar colors, or match it to the theme of the wedding, whether it be a overall style, or upcoming Holiday, your Candy Bar will look amazing, and your guests will take home something much tastier and sweet than the average gift!

Bridesmaid Presents

2011-07-11T09:35:00.000-04:00

As a Bride, you fill your bridal party with the women who are special to you for a multitude of reasons. It's probably a mix of sisters, best friends, cousins, soon to be sister in laws, etc. After the dress, the hair and make up, nails, shoes, accessories, etc. these girls certainly have shelled out a lot of money, and many Bride's want to come up with something nice to give them as a Thank You for not only being in the wedding, but for being such a great friend during this time. We found a wide variety of great Bridesmaid presents and have listed our top ten below. Maybe it can give you some inspiration or is exactly what you had been looking for!

http://www.eyecandygift.com/images/C/wedding-gift.jpg

10. Gift Certificate- If your not sure exactly what to get your bridal party but want to make sure it's something everyone will use, consider a gift certificate to a nice restaurant or fun boutique. Make it something they wouldn't normally get for themselves and they will find it to be a very nice treat.

9. Gift Basket- If your bridal party is made up of a group of totally different girls, make them each an individual gift basket personalized for them! Someone who loves to cook? Find a great selection of unique spices, dips, marinades etc. at William Sonoma! Someone who is a total girly girl? Put together a basket of OPI's latest nail polish colors, some hand lotion, a candle, and you've got a great gift!

8. Tickets to a Broadway show, Sports game, or Concert- You know these girls better than anyone! Get them tickets to that Red Sox v. Yankees game they would die to see, or seats to at the Garden for GaGa's next tour!

7. A designer purse, wallet, or wristlet- A lot of designers have some great new Summer styles out and wouldn't your bridesmaids be excited to get the latest colorful print wristlet they had been eyeing?

6. Perfume- Whether you already know your friend's perfect scents, or you find a beautiful one you think she will love, pick out a nice bottle of perfume and give your Bridesmaid's something sweet.

5. Spa day- Consider treating your bridal party to a day at the spa a day or two before the weekend. Everyone will look their best for your big day, and have a fun relaxing time together too!

4. Chocolates- Work with a great Chocolatier and pick out some decadent gourmet chocolates to treat your bridal party to. It's something they would never buy themselves, but will certainly enjoy.

3. Jewelry- Pick out a great piece that will look great on all of your bridal party, that they can incorporate into their wedding look as well! Simple pearls, or pretty delicate earrings would make a great gift that your girls will want to wear again!

2. The Dress- If you have enough room in the budget, consider paying for your bridal party's bridesmaid dresses. If you purchase them all together and pay up front, you will most likely be able to get a discount, and it is a really great gesture to show your Bridesmaids that you really care about them and are aware that they probably won't "shorten it and wear it again".

1. Book a Trip- Plan and book a little weekend trip for your bridal party to take together a few weeks after the wedding. It doesn't have to be anywhere exotic, just change it up from the norm. Plan an overnight in Newport, RI and take them on a sailboat cruise! You can hit the beach all day, shop, and most importantly have some fun!

Hope this list is useful for you Bride's out there searching for the best ideas! Or any of your Bridesmaids who want to drop the hint :)