Wedding Favors

Ah, the wedding favors. We wanted to give our guests something that they could actually use while keeping true to our barny, homemade theme. I really really wanted to make my own hot sauce and jar it up to give as gifts but in the end we didn't have so much time. We came up with the idea of honey in jars.

We sourced the honey from a local farmer - something like 8 gallons in total (8 large jugs)
Then we bought 4 oz. glass jars and pewter lids from an online candle supply co., and I got to work designing round labels that were printed on sheets of avery label paper, each one cut out with a circle cutter.

Once we had the honey and jars in hand, we began filling them one-by-one with a ladle with help from our roommate Charlie.

Success! The honey was a hit and no jars were left behind.

Bridesmaids Rock!

Pretty Plum Sugar

These dresses are super cute and an amazing option for a more laid back bride. Plus they can be worn AFTER the wedding!

Groom Style: Cufflinks

Wood You Love Me Cufflinks

Wooden DEER Cufflinks

How great are these two options for cufflinks? I just adore the way cufflinks look peeking out from under a jacket sleeve. And if you guys are planning on wearing a classic suit, this is a fun way to add a little individuality to your look without pulling grandpa's powder blue tux out of the attic. Or you could go that route as well...

Real Wedding: Erica & Collin

All photos by Jacob Pritchard

Last fall, Erica and Collin got married at Webb Barn in Connecticut. Their wedding had all the elements that we appreciate here at PH+C. Erica’s 60's dress was found at vintagewedding.com and her veil was made from her mother's veil, to which she added new tulle and lace. Her bridesmaids bought vintage dresses from the 50’s and 60’s that they found themselves at thrift stores while the groomsmen's shirts were chosen to match the same vintage feel.

One of the highlights of the wedding was the band, aptly named The Barnstormers, which consisted of the bride, groom, father and brothers of the groom, and mother, father and aunt of the bride. Weddings are meant to be a reflection of the bride and groom and the people in their lives. This is really best highlighted by incorporating your personal talents and creativity into it!

Among the homemade decor was a giant wooden cut-out painting of Collin's father's guitar. The decorative guitar was originally made by Collin's uncle as part of a float designed by his late wife. Upon arrival to the barn, guests were served hot cider. As a gift for all the guests, they gave a mix CD.

Erica and Colin had their fingerprints imprinted on their wedding rings.

Isn't it great to see two people not giving into conventional wedding brouhaha and creating their own, creative, inspired day? Heck yes!

Wedding Band vs. Wedding DJ vs. Friend With IPod

And so, the endless debate rages on...

Such an important decision, but which do we choose? A live wedding band, a wedding dj, or a lucky friend of ours we volunteer to run the iPod? While it may seem like a difficult decision, after weighing in the pros and cons it just may actually become an easy choice depending on your needs.

There's really nothing like a live band to rock out to, but what if I don't want to listen to a cheesy rendition of “I will survive.” Should you worry if the dj wants to bring a siren? Do you really want someone to yell....“AAAAALLRIGHT party people, everyone shake yo' grooooove thang on the dance floor, that means you too grandma!” Some things to consider:

DJ

Pros

• Cheaper than a band

• You can tailor what they play

• Songs are played in original format

• Can fulfill MC duties

• Large variety of music

• Professional experience

Cons

• Beware of cheesiness

• May only have tacky, generic music

• Personality can make or break reception

Live Band

Pros

• Great atmosphere

• Singer can fulfill MC duties

• Feels more like a party

• Professional experience

Cons

• Expensive

• Limited to what songs they know

• Can be a challenge to work with

• Needs most amount of space

IPod or Laptop with iTunes

Pros

• Cheapest option (considering you can source sound equipment)

• Total control of playlist

• Least amount of space needed

Cons

• Not having professional MC

• People may think you are el cheapo

• You (or said friend) are responsible for set-up and any technical issues that arise

Since we wanted to keep our wedding in a more home-grown vibe and we are ULTRA picky about what music we like, we opted to go a hybrid dj/iPod route. Our lovely friend Jade who has been a dj was kind enough to offer the task of djing for us. We purchased an inexpensive iPod mixer (around $90) from Radio Shack which allowed her to mix between her iPod and ours. Being that our wedding was in a barn with no sound system to speak of, some other friends donated the use of two amplified speakers which were plenty loud.

We then selected most of the music for the whole night and broke it down into different playlists for cocktail hour, dinner, first dance and reception. The MC duties fell on the best man.

If you have the means and are sold on either a dj or a live band, make sure you meet with them and discuss exactly what you want and what they can offer you. They should come across as professional. Make sure their musical style is in sync with yours. Even better, if you can, check them out in person before your wedding.

If you do go the iPod or laptop route sans dj, I definitely would bear in mind song order as you make your playlists, especially for the reception. You should have someone designated to “man” the iPod from time to time, especially when switching between playlists. Also be mindful of the gaps between songs — preferably none as you don't want any dead air to break up your groove!

Winter Weddings

via Bryan Photo

If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing! But there is such a magical quality to winter weddings. So romantic with all the warmness and snow. I can imagine having tons of soft lighting and warm whisky cocktails. Lovely! Also, I love the look of the stole or caplet over the wedding dress. Instant glamour!

These are some of my favorite winter wedding ideas:

via Jennifer Behr

via East Side Bride

via Little Winter Bride

Bride Style: Hair

I didn't really think about how I wanted to have my hair until the day before the wedding. I know it sounds crazy but I just didn't really have time to consider it. After I realized it was hot and humid and I was stressed out enough, I just decided to pin it back. And it was the BEST idea I had for the whole wedding! I was so comfortable throughout the ceremony and reception, I was not too hot, and I didn't have to worry about the wind blowing it around too much.

A great resource for checking out some fun and different hair options is looking at celebrity hairstyles.

Unless you trust that your stylist knows you and you share the same vision, I suggest bringing a photo, or several so they have a clear vision. I brought my hair stylist several photos of the same style that I wanted to achieve, and boy was I glad I did! She was able to get a better idea of what I wanted, without any confusion!

Here are some looks I'm loving right now:

Blogging from 35,000 feet!

Hi Everyone. Sorry about the lapse in posts lately. Its not due to a lack of interest, rather, K and I have been soooooo busy lately trying to keep up with an ever-growing mountain of work! (which is a good thing) So many new projects going on at the moment. Aside from work, we just spent a week in LA visiting family and friends and having a blast. LA was so much fun and people keep tempting us to move there. We will tell you all about our weekend of fun in the next few posts!

On another note, I have to point out that this post is being written on our flight back to our dear NY. We flew Virgin Atlantic this time and have to say that it was a great experience. Our flights were super efficient and we hardly waited for anything. The planes are new and the cabins are lit with cool purple and magenta lights so it feels more clubby than airplane. And the BEST part...free internet on all flights till Jan 15th!

Thank you Richard Branson.

Groom Style: Guys, It's Your Day Too!

Before and After

It is a great understatement that a wedding is highly focused on the female involved (something borrowed something blue). There is absolutely nothing wrong with this but I do feel men should have some sentimental value invested in their wardrobe for that special day.

I have taken you through the wonders of having a custom piece made for your wedding as a guest writer on this blog once before but now I will take it one step beyond and let you in on how you can really step it up.

Recently my father gave me an old tuxedo he purchased back in the day and I had it restored and fitted to perfection and now what was once my father’s black tie gear is now mine. It feels really good to wear it because it’s been passed down to me from him and just as that first game of catch you have with your dad is a bonding experience, so is the moment he hands you one of his old suits. The process could also be enjoyed with an uncle, a grandfather, or even an older cousin. Just make sure the tux/suit is close to your size and can be altered.

If you already have your outfit made or picked out, ask your dad for a set of cufflinks, bow tie, even a shirt. This is something that can bring you closer to a strong male figure in your life as well as make the day just as special for you as it is for your bride to be.

Guest post by Dennis Cahlo of Made to Measure