Bicoastal Bride

Join Me @ High Heels & Flip-Flops!

2012-01-09T09:00:00.004-05:00

Winter’s greetings, and a belated happy New Year! After two glorious weeks spent basking in the California sunshine, plus a few extra days devoted to catching up and fighting off the inevitable post-holiday blues, I’m back and excited to kick off a 2012 that is certain to bring new challenges and accomplishments alike.

Want to join in my non-wedding-related adventures throughout the year? Come say hi over at my lifestyle blog, High Heels & Flip-Flops, where I love talking food, fashion, fitness, travel, career and more every week.

Cheers, and here’s to an amazing year ahead!

(Photo Credit: Thomas Sabo Charm Club)

Sharing Holiday Cheer

2011-12-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

Last year, for our first Christmas as a married couple, Stephen and I loved sharing a few of our favorite wedding photos in the card we sent to relatives and friends, including those who couldn’t be with us on our big day.

Though we don’t have any major milestone moments to share this year, we thought it would still be fun to keep the tradition alive with another Shutterfly card, this one showcasing offbeat pictures of our newest additions, Molly and Twix, along with a couple shots from our summer trip to St. Maarten, where we had a great time riding horses in the surf.

Now that the cards have all gone out, I wanted to share a copy here, as well, to wish each of you a wonderful holiday and also send out a huge thanks for sticking with me throughout the year. From all of the awesome readers over at my new blog High Heels & Flip-Flops to the friends who have been amazingly sharing advice and support since way back when I first launched Bicoastal Bride in 2009, your kind comments and inspiring posts never fail to make my day.

I hope you’re all enjoying a great week and are having fun gearing up for the holidays! I don’t know about you, but this month has just flown by for me, and I can hardly believe that Christmas will be here in just a little over a week. I think it's definitely time to start packing up for my trip to California!

Do you usually send out holiday cards, and if so, do you include any special photos?

P.S. If you haven't already, head on over to Such Life in the Tropics to enter Sunshine's "Bone Appetit" Caribbean cookbook giveaway! Her blog is always so inspiring and uplifting to me, and I especially love that she's using this giveaway to help raise awareness about animals in need.

Real Wedding Inspiration: Vintage Mardi Gras Flare

2011-12-01T09:00:00.004-05:00

Without a doubt, one of my favorite things about coordinating a wedding is the chance to help bring to life each bride and groom’s unique vision for their day. Since no two couples or weddings are ever quite the same, I never cease to learn from and be inspired by all of the creative and truly personalized details that make each occasion one-of-a-kind.

When it comes to original ideas, our friends Julie and Nash certainly outdid themselves with their vision for a 1920s Mardi Gras-themed celebration – a well-thought plan that evolved and came beautifully together throughout the past year, culminating this fall into one of the most unique and exciting weddings I’ve seen, let alone had the honor of coordinating.

Here, a few highlights of their day as shot by Jon Fisch of The Seattle Times, along with family members and friends. Photographers at their venue, Urban Light Studios in North Seattle, shot tons more throughout the ceremony and cocktail reception, which I look forward to also sharing soon.

Julie & Nash's Library

Jon Fisch

In keeping with the Carnival-inspired theme, the wedding party and groom wore handmade masks and rang bells as they made their way down the aisle. Vintage hats and feathered headpieces also enhanced the party's attire, while colorful beads and peacock feathers made fitting accents for the flowers and decor.

Jon Fisch

Julie's bridal look was beyond breathtaking, as she accented her already stunning gown with a variety of vintage and Mardi Gras-inspired touches, including a colorful sash and necklaces, mask-themed brooch, and headpieces featuring eye-catching feathers and beads.

Jon Fisch

Stephen Walrath

Ahead of the ceremony, Julie and Nash exchanged a private first look on their backyard deck, followed by photos with the wedding party, which showcased the group's vintage-focused attire. I absolutely loved the bridesmaids' peacock headpieces and the groomsmen's unique boutonnieres, the latter of which were skillfully crafted by bridesmaid Jessica.

Jon Fisch

Julie & Nash's Library

Jon Fisch

Stephen Walrath

Julie & Nash's Library

Jon Fisch

At the venue, an eclectic Seattle photo studio, the unconventional ceremony kicked off with officiants Chris and Olivia waltzing down the aisle to take their places before a gathering of 100 guests. Once in place, they exchanged the wedding party's "wild" masks for more "civilized" bouquets and top hats to symbolize the groom's impending transition from bachelor to husband.

After walking his daughter down the aisle to Bob Dylan's Wigwam, Julie's father, a Central California vintner, gave a stirring and symbolic speech relating the growth and changes of grape vines throughout the years to those experienced within marriage. Readings, personal vows and an exchange of rings followed.

Stephen Walrath

Post-ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring appetizers and drinks, including signature concoctions such as the Mint Julep and Southern Soprano. The two-level venue featured a variety of themed rooms for guests to explore, along with a studio-run photo booth that was a huge hit throughout the night.

Stephen Walrath

Closing out the night with a special touch, Julie and Nash held a midnight marriage certificate signing ceremony to symbolize the start of their new life together and set their official wedding anniversary date as 11.20.2011.

Venue:

Urban Light Studios

Catering:

Duos Catering

Wines:

Fratelli Perata

Photography:

Jon Fisch & Urban Light Studios

Officiants:

Chris & Olivia Bloomquist

Floral Design:

Jessica Wilbur

DJ:

Ted Garbeff

Coordination:

Heather & Stephen Walrath

Thank you, Julie and Nash, for letting me share your day, and many happy wishes for an incredible life together!

Marriage: One Big Publicity Stunt?

2011-11-02T13:48:00.006-04:00

On August 20, I had the honor of coordinating a wedding for my friend and former co-worker Kim, who married her high school sweetheart of 12 years in a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony.

You may recall that the very same day, another woman named Kim was also busy tying the knot – this one much more famous but apparently not nearly as sincere in her love for and commitment to her partner. As you can imagine, I’m dumbfounded along with everyone else to hear that Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries have called it quits after just 72 days of marriage. But am I honestly all that surprised? Sadly, no, and here’s why.

First of all, even from the very beginning, it seemed obvious to me that the wedding and marriage were nothing more than publicity stunts designed to generate media interest and rake in piles of cash. But even if they weren't, the alternative really isn’t much better in my eyes. After all, marrying someone you met less than a year earlier and then divorcing because marriage “wasn’t what you thought it would be,” flies in the face of everything this type of commitment stands for – a lifelong partnership that will at times require a great deal of hard work, sacrifice and support.

Of course, Kim’s not the first to cash in on wedding-related publicity or to divorce so quickly, and it makes me sad and angry to know that there are so many people, celebrity or not, who obviously consider their wedding vows to be nothing more than empty words. Whatever happened to the sacredness of pledges to love one another “in good times and in bad, all the days of our lives”? Are these merely symbolic statements? Do couples still consider the true meaning behind what they are about to say and do before standing up in front of family members, friends, TV audiences and the world to make such intimate promises?

In the end, while I certainly do believe that there are legitimate reasons for divorce, including such horrible acts as infidelity and abuse, I also believe that we as a society have too often come to view weddings as nothing more than heavily staged parties. Furthermore, with so many divorces and splits, it saddens me to think that there are many loving and committed gay and lesbian couples who would faithfully honor their vows and take them seriously, but who aren’t given the chance, because somehow, couples like Kim and Kris have more of a right to marriage in our society.

What do you think? Do people like Kim and Kris make a mockery of marriage, and what does this say about our cultural attitudes?

(Photo Credit: People)

Living Apart as a Married Couple

2011-10-27T11:34:00.000-04:00

It’s no secret that my husband and I would eventually love to move back to the West Coast, or at least somewhere that’s hopefully closer to our families and friends in California. Initially, our plan was to consider heading back last year after we got married, which would have allowed Stephen to take advantage of some great career opportunities in the state we both know and love.

But after I applied and was accepted to my publishing master’s program, we knew we’d definitely need to delay a big move for at least another couple years. Though I sometimes question whether we made the right decision, all in all, I know we’re both happy to have stayed right here in the DC area for the time being.

Why? Well, among other things, being here has allowed us to adopt our beautiful kitties Molly and Twix, work together to coordinate weddings for several amazing clients, spend time with my sister-in-law following her move from NYC, and most importantly, enjoy our first year of married life together in a place we’re growing to love more and more as time goes on.

It may not be California, but there's still plenty to love about the DC area.

That’s why I didn’t hesitate to give an emphatic “no” when a couple friends asked whether we’d ever consider living apart for a year or two so that I could complete my degree while he began taking advantage of opportunities elsewhere. The question again came up when a professor recently shared details about a fellowship program that certainly sounds intriguing but would require me to be “geographically mobile” throughout the various rotations required.

The truth is that although this arrangement might work for some people – and some may simply have no choice, such as those with military spouses or career and training opportunities that can’t be adjusted – in my eyes, willingly choosing this type of arrangement in our situation would fly in the face of what it means to be married and share a life with one another.

While it may not always be easy to make our dreams and goals fit neatly and compatibly together, I simply did not get married to live apart from my husband for an extended period of time. After all, if I wanted to live singly and maintain a long-distance cross-country relationship, I would not have taken the step of getting married at this point in my life. Career goals and aspirations are incredibly important, no doubt, but not as important as being there for one another day in and day out, through the good times and the bad. That’s what I promised on June 4, 2010, and that’s the way I plan to live, understanding that it’s definitely never going to be all about what either one of us might individually want, but rather about finding the right path together, whatever that might be.

Married and together for life.

In the end, we’ve made the best decisions we can thus far and will continue to do so "all the days of our lives," without any regrets, just as we promised we would. There will always be other and better opportunities to come, but none more important than the opportunity to support and care for one another each and every day.

What do you think? Have you ever lived apart from your spouse or significant other for an extended period of time, and is it something you'd consider?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

An Aminal Print Wedding Gown?

2011-10-19T12:33:00.010-04:00

Happy Wedding Wednesday! Though I was disappointed that my busy schedule kept me away from last weekend’s Bridal Fashion Week in NYC, I of course loved following all the hot trends and fashions on my favorite blogs. While there were many bold styles on display, the most daring by far made its appearance in a fellow blogger's tweet showcasing a full-length wedding gown with haphazard combinations of leopard and zebra prints, complete with hot pink accents.

Now, I’m a huge fan of the animal print trend in general, but a wedding gown awash in multiple prints? It was definitely a bit over the top, to say the least. Here, a few other animal-inspired findings that have recently turned my head.

What do you think of these designs? Are they uniquely eye-catching or too wild for their own good?

(Photo Credits: weddinginspirasi.com, intimateweddings.com, leopardface.onsugar.com, oscardresses.org & utah-bridal.com)

Help Support Wish Upon a Wedding DC!

2011-10-06T09:00:00.006-04:00

Those of you who have been following this blog already know that in addition to coordinating and writing about weddings, I’m also proud to be a founding board member for Wish Upon a Wedding DC, which provides weddings and vow renewals for those facing terminal illness or serious life-altering circumstances. Since our founding last year, we’ve granted the wishes of two very deserving couples, and our fellow chapters across the country have also worked hard to make many couples’ dreams a reality.

Though some of you aren’t local to the DC area, I’d love to invite those who are to come join us Sunday, Oct. 16 at Crush Winehouse in Annapolis for a fun afternoon of tastings, small plates and pairings, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Wish Upon a Wedding. See our event listing on Facebook for more details, and please help us spread the work by posting, tweeting and sharing the news with your own followers. Your support means so much!

Do you volunteer with any organizations? What are some of your favorite causes?

Wish Upon a Wedding DC – Meet & Greet Fundraiser

Sunday, October 16, 2011

2-5 p.m.

Crush Winehouse

114 West Street

Annapolis, MD

Valet Parking @ Loews Hotel – $2.00

(Photo Credit: crushwinehouse.com)

Real Wedding Inspiration: Summer Elegance

2011-10-05T09:00:00.005-04:00

I love my amazing clients, and working with Tiffany and Fiat to coordinate their June wedding was a fabulous experience in every way. From the day I met her, I was wowed by Tiffany’s clear vision and stellar organization, and it was a tremendous honor to help her talented vendors bring it all together as she married her best friend on a gorgeous summer’s afternoon.

From the traditional Catholic ceremony to the elegant reception, photographer Hino Banzon captured every moment, and I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite highlights below, showcasing a beautiful bride, lovely details and an all-around incredible celebration.

Ceremony Venue:
Saint Raymond of Penafort in Springfield, Virginia

Reception Venue:
Waterford at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, Virginia

Photography:
Hino Banzon Photography

Florist:
Total Wedding Kama

DJ:
DJ Chizzau

Hair & Makeup:
Leah Le

Coordination:
Heather & Stephen Walrath

Thank you, Tiffany and Fiat, for letting me share your day, and many happy wishes for a wonderful life together!

(Photo Credits: Hino Banzon Photography)

Real Wedding Inspiration: Blending Eastern & Western Tradition

2011-09-30T09:00:00.013-04:00

Fall may be officially upon us, but before I start focusing on pumpkins and Halloween, I'm excited to at long last recap the beautiful weddings I was honored to coordinate this summer, beginning with Kim and Francis’ August celebration.

You’ve already seen a bit of detail about Kim’s wedding in my recent post showing off her simple and lovely centerpiece design, along with my earlier post about her Vietnamese engagement ceremony. Here are a few more of my favorite images and highlights from a wedding that elegantly combined Eastern and Western traditions for a day that was fun, meaningful and memorable for all who shared it.

Kim's Vietnamese Catholic parish was already so beautifully decorated that several floral arrangements, plus a handful of DIY tissue paper pomanders, were the only items needed to add a special touch.

The beautiful and beaming bride, showing off her blue and white rose bouquet.

Formals at the altar with pro photographer James Le.

Along with a menu card, Kim prepared a reception program, helping guests know what was coming up next throughout the evening.

The double-sided head table allowed wedding party members to talk with one another, while leaving space in the middle by the bride and groom for guests to easily see them and stop by to visit.

Taking a break to catch up with former colleagues and friends.

One of Kim's outfit changes throughout the night included a traditional handmade Vietnamese ao dai. I just love the way the groom is seen here clapping for his beautiful bride!

The three-tier cake featured a miniature fountain and lush hydrangeas.

How cute are these custom toppers, symbolizing that both the bride and groom were born during the Year of the Pig?

The venue's split-level layout, with the dining room upstairs and the dance floor downstairs, allowed guests to watch the action from wherever they happened to be.

Chopstick favors made for a useful and fitting favor.

Ceremony Venue: Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish in Arlington, Virginia

Reception Venue: Grand Atrium in Vienna, Virginia
Photography: James Le Photography
Coordination: Heather & Stephen Walrath

Thank you, Kim and Francis, for letting me be a part of your day! Special thanks also to my husband Stephen, who graciously assisted me throughout the entire wedding, and to both he and my former colleague Nancy for snapping all of these pictures.

Coming Up Next...Tiffany & Fiat's June Wedding Recap

Did you attend or take part in any weddings this summer? I know that for some of you, the answer just might be your own! :)

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

Rehearsal Dress a la Mad Men

2011-09-07T09:00:00.008-04:00

Ever since the fashion blogs started to buzz with news about Banana Republic’s fabulously feminine Mad Men-inspired fall collection, I’ve been itching to get in on the action.

One of my favorite pieces? This sweetly chic cream lace dress, which would add the perfect splash of 1960s flare for a rehearsal dinner, engagement party or bachelorette weekend, not to mention countless other soirees, whether wedding-related or not.

Though my days as a bride-to-be are now behind me, this lovely and versatile $130 pick still tops my list of the season's must-haves! How about you? Would you wear this dress, and which fall favorites would you love to show off at a wedding-related event?

(Photo Credit: Banana Republic)

For the Love of Pinterest

2011-09-01T09:00:00.003-04:00

I’ve tried -- honestly I have -- to be productive this week. But try as I might, the ever-exciting world of blogs and the web always seems to get the best of me. The newest offender? Pinterest, which I just joined and am convinced has to be just about the coolest site ever.

My first set of pins.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, please do! It's a crazy fast and fun way to “pin” and catalog inspiring photos and ideas you love from other users' boards or from sites all over the web. Oh, if only reading about subsidiary rights were half as pleasantly distracting.

Are you on Pinterest? Leave your URL so that I can follow along, and come say hi @ http://pinterest.com/hwalrath. I've got a lot of board space to start filling!

And now, back to my regularly scheduled reading…

(Graphic Credit: Pinterest)

Décor Inspiration: DIY Water Bead & Hydrangea Centerpiece

2011-08-31T09:00:00.009-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I had the honor or coordinating a wedding for two wonderful clients and friends, Kim and Francis, who recently spent the past week honeymooning in sun-kissed Cancun. Their wedding day was incredibly beautiful, and I of course can’t wait to share more details and photos very soon.

In the meantime, I was so inspired by Kim’s vision for a quick, easy and eye-catching centerpiece that I just couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. Taking only mere minutes to assemble, this centerpiece is perfect for a wedding or dinner party, and could even be tailored to add a splash of prettiness to your home and office décor.

How's it made? Read on!

Items Needed

* Wide glass containers in the style and quantity of your choosing

* Glow sticks

* Water beads, also known as jelly beads, in the color of your choice

* Hydrangeas or another flower type of your choosing

Instructions

* Place one or two lit glow-stick necklaces in the bottom of a fish bowl or other type of wide glass container.

* Cover the bottom of the container with a layer of water beads, filling as high as you desire.

* Cut a hydrangea stem, or the stem of another type of flower you prefer, so that only a small portion remains beneath the head. Place the cut flower in the center of the bowl atop the water beads, inserting the stem to help hold it in place.

And that’s it – fun, fast and lovely! Have you ever experimented with water bead décor, and what are some of your favorite DIY ideas?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

Barbie’s Big Day

2011-08-29T09:00:00.010-04:00

Many of us can remember fantasizing about Barbie’s wedding day as little girls, from dressing her in over-the-top sequined ensembles to marching her down a makeshift aisle lined with plastic chairs.

Now that we’re brides and newlyweds ourselves, how could we not appreciate photographer Béatrice de Guigné’s stylish and creative Barbie & Ken “real wedding” photo shoot, which is funny and sweet all at once?

If you haven’t yet checked out the full feature over at Rock n’ Roll Bride, you simply must, if for no other reason than to start your week off with a big smile!

P.S. Thank you all for your well wishes ahead of Hurricane Irene. We made it through just fine, hunkering down for the weekend with good books, a couple bottles of wine and our trusty iPhones as we waited out the tropical-storm force winds and rain. Other than a few downed trees and a temporary power outage, it looks as though our immediate area thankfully made it through without any severe damage. My heart goes out to all of those facing serve flooding and destruction as a result of the storm.

(Photo Credits: Béatrice de Guigné)

Earthquake Bride

2011-08-26T12:26:00.002-04:00

Hurricanes… Earthquakes… It’s been a wild week for all of us here on the East Coast, including this bride, whose secret courthouse nuptials were interrupted by Tuesday’s unexpected temblor. Talk about a shock on your wedding day!

If you haven't already, check out her story here, and have a fun and safe weekend, everyone! I'm sending lots of love to all my friends up and down the East Coast, and here in DC, we've got our flashlights and wine at the ready. See you on the other side of Irene!

(Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

'Kaptur'-ing Our Day

2011-08-22T14:18:00.004-04:00

Returning from our honeymoon last year to start organizing all of our wedding photos, videos and well-wishes was undoubtedly exciting but also somewhat daunting, since our friends, family members and vendors alike had tons of memories stored all across the Internet, on CDs, on photo-share sites and more.

After a year of juggling these items in different locations, I was excited to discover and start using Kaptur, an interactive website that allows you to easily bring together everyone’s photos, videos and updates for access via a personal online album.

Quick to set up and easy to use, this customized program pulls together media from sites including Facebook, YouTube and Flickr, along with items you choose to upload from your personal computer. Once you’ve created an album, it’s a cinch to share via email, Facebook or Twitter, too.

I plan to keep adding to my collection over time, and am thrilled to see my album and wedding story featured on the Kaptur blog today! Feel free to check it out and give this service a try for a fun and simple way to relive your day over and over.

How did you or will you organize your wedding photos and video clips?

(Graphic Credit: Kaptur)

Always The Bride, Never A Bridesmaid

2011-08-19T09:00:00.014-04:00

How many times have you been a bridesmaid? If you’re like me, the number is zero. Have I been the bride? Check. Wedding coordinator? Check. But bridesmaid? Not yet.

Last week’s bridesmaid-themed Twitter chat (where I won a free copy of the movie Bridesmaids – yay!) got me thinking about these special ladies and what an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they have to share with the bride. I also started to think about those women who have been bridesmaids multiple times, for many of whom the thrill seems to eventually wane, with excitement and joy replaced by been-there-done-that sentiments and nagging concerns about money, time and other practical considerations.

While I can definitely relate to these concerns and agree that they’re incredibly important, in my eyes, weddings will always stand out as irreplaceable milestones – each one entirely different and unique in that it is the celebration of a singular love story, two distinct families and a personal vision that in its totality is not identical to any other event in the world.

On my wedding day, it gave me amazing joy to be surrounded by the nearest and dearest ladies in my life, including my lifelong sister, sisters-to-be, and close friends who have been at my side from elementary school to high school to college and beyond. These strong and inspiring women, including some who had been bridesmaids before and some who had not, know me better than anyone else, have stood beside me through thick and thin, and showed a genuine love and excitement about my day that truly meant the world to me.

All in good time, I hope I’ll someday be able to return the favor and that no matter how many times I’m asked to be a part of a wedding, whether as a coordinator, guest or bridesmaid, the sense of magic will never completely fade.

How many times have you been a bridesmaid, and what was your experience like?

(Photo Credit: Damien Smith Photography)

Bridesmaid Twitter Party!

2011-08-11T09:00:00.004-04:00

Back during my own days as a bride, I got so many fabulous and inspiring ideas from Sharon Naylor’s wedding book collection, including Your Wedding Your Way and The Bride’s Survival Guide. Since then, Sharon’s come out with a couple new titles, including Bridesmaid on a Budget and The Smart Guide to Bachelorette Parties, which are also super helpful and fun to read.

As editor of the Weddzilla Blog, I had the honor of personally working with Sharon, along with the outstanding team at Bridal Guide magazine. Today, these two powerhouses are teaming up to bring brides and bridesmaids a fun and informative Twitter party @ 2 p.m. EST covering all things bridesmaid-related, from dress shopping to throwing a stellar bridal shower to planning an awesome bachelorette party.

I’ll be there gathering advice to share with my clients, friends and readers, so stop by to say hi, chat with Sharon, and take your chance at winning copies of her books and other fun prizes. Visit Bridal Guide online for instructions on how to join the party, and I hope to see you there!

(Graphic Credit: Sharon Naylor.com)

From Blog To Keepsake Book

2011-08-10T09:00:00.005-04:00

In my publishing master's program, we talk constantly about the contrast between electronic and traditional media, including e-books, web platforms and social media. Though I’m obviously a huge fan of blogs and online publishing, even I must admit that there’s just something so special about holding a printed copy of your work, seeing your thoughts and words preserved permanently in ink and on paper.

That’s why before I left for my summer trips to California and St. Maarten a few weeks ago, I used Blogger’s SharedBook program to turn this very wedding blog into a keepsake book – or as it turns out, books, since my more than 400 blog posts, plus comments, ended up taking up much more space than I originally anticipated!

Still, this online program was easy to use, and I was able to order two paperback copies – one pre-wedding volume with 343 pages and one post-wedding volume with 479 pages – for less than $100. Had I decided to splurge on hard covers or color photos, I would have paid several hundred dollars extra, and after receiving the books, I’m so glad I didn’t bother. All in all, the black-and-white paperbound copies, each about the size of a textbook, look great and are just what I wanted.

Did I really write that much?!

Customizing the covers with some of my favorite photos was fun!

Sure, the layouts, adjusted by the program to minimize the total number of pages, aren’t perfect in a few places, and some of my longer headlines are truncated, but overall, I couldn’t be happier as I flip through each volume reliving what was without a doubt the happiest and most exciting time of my life to date. Plus, the fact that this program allowed me to include reader comments, unlike some others I tested out, including BookSmart, sold me on it immediately.

So many comments! See yours?

I’d give anything to hold in my hands a wedding diary or memory book written by my mom or grandmothers, and thanks to these books, I hope I’ll be able to share my own special moments with my children and grandchildren, long after the electronic versions have faded in the wake of new and changing technologies.

Do you keep a personal diary or hard copy of your blog? After seeing mine transformed, I'd definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to start!

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

New Blog...High Heels & Flip-Flops

2011-08-08T09:00:00.007-04:00

Greetings, readers! Since I last posted here a few weeks ago, I’ve happily completed my first year of grad school and also enjoyed two incredible weeks in California and St. Maarten. Now that I’m back, I can’t wait to share all the fun details about my trips and start blogging regularly again.

Though I plan to keep posting wedding-related inspiration here as the mood strikes, including about the next wedding I’m coordinating in just two weeks, I’m also excited to share my new blog, High Heels & Flip-Flops! Head on over to read my first post, describing the inspiration behind the title, and join me as I share my experience as a West Coast girl who’s spent the past few years learning to live and love life in our nation's capital.

Inspired by my love of food, fashion, fitness, travel, career and all of life’s adventures, High Heels & Flip-Flops chronicles my mission to live a positive, meaningful life to the fullest, whether East Coast or West Coast, in high heels or flip-flops.

Hope to see you there!

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Signing Off

2011-07-12T09:00:00.004-04:00

But just for a couple weeks! After I wrap up my last publishing class of the semester on Thursday, I’ll be headed straight for sun and sand in both California and St. Maarten!

Of course, I’ll be back in August to officially launch my new blog and share all the fun recaps from that trip, my awesome trip to Boston last weekend and all the other fun, non-wedding-related things I’ve been up to lately. I’ll also continue sharing wedding advice and ideas here on Bicoastal Bride as inspiration strikes, especially since my next wedding is coming right up on August 20, which I’m very excited about!

I hope you all continue having a great summer! I’ll be following your blogs and can’t wait to catch up with you again soon.

Are you vacationing this summer or taking any fun day trips? What’s the best summer vacation you’ve ever taken?

(Photo Credit: bestdealscarrental.com)

Beautiful Belluccia

2011-07-07T09:00:00.004-04:00

After an incredible 4^th of July weekend filled with wine tasting, shopping, food, fireworks and fun, I’m ecstatic to at long last be heading into the home stretch of my final grad class for the summer! Not only will wrapping up this class mean that I’ve survived my first year of grad school, but it will also mean I’m off to both California and St. Maarten for two weeks of family, friends, Disneyland, beaches and more.

Needless to say, I can’t wait, but first I’ve got to get through the next week and a half until we leave. That should be pretty easy to do considering that I’ve got a fun weekend in Boston planned just a couple days from now, and also because I received a very special treat this week from the talented and super sweet Debi Sementelli, calligrapher extraordinaire and creator of Lettering Art Studio.

When I was editor at Weddzilla, Debi was one of my favorite bloggers on our team, always quick to share helpful advice, creative ideas and fun giveaways with our readers. I’m so glad we’ve been able to keep in touch and that she’s now offered me a sneak peak at the newest font to join her collection, Belluccia, which she sent to me inscribed on an almost too-cute-to-eat sugar cookie!

Elegant yet not the least bit stuffy, Belluccia’s signature flourishes and unique lettering immediately caught my eye, bringing a smile to the face of someone not only obsessed with all things perfect for weddings, but also with the pretty fonts and paper types used in all different kinds of publishing.

Clearly created with brides and designers in mind, Belluccia would be a perfect choice for any project needing a hand-lettered look, especially since the font is available in four different versions. Want to learn more? Visit Debi’s blog for ongoing DIY projects using the Belluccia font, along with tutorials, giveaways and contests! You can also find this font via new.myfonts.com.

Which font did you or will you use for your wedding invitations or any other special project?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

Creating A Blog Book

2011-06-27T09:00:00.015-04:00

Now that my first anniversary has come and gone, I’m thinking about expanding to a second blog where I can not only share my ongoing passion for all things wedding-related, but also my love for fashion, fitness, food, travel and so much more.

But before I get started, I need to focus on something I’ve been planning to do for a long time -- turning this blog into a book, using a service my friend Hannah at Gator Tales wrote about while she was planning her own wedding.

Designed especially to be compatible with Blogger, this service allows you to choose date ranges, photos, a cover and more to see your blog converted into an awesome keepsake book! A 20-page hardcover book starts at $25, with a cost of 35 cents for each additional page.

I love everything about this idea, though I know it will surely cost quite a bit to create a book featuring the more than 400 posts I’ve written since starting this blog! But even so, it will be well worth it to know that all of the stories, experiences, advice and interviews that I’ve shared here on Bicoastal Bride throughout the past two years will be preserved for my children, family and myself, since we all know that digital formats constantly change.

I’ll let you know how things go once I actually place the order, and will also be sure to keep everyone posted about my progress on creating the new blog. Do you have any ideas about topics or themes you’d like to see included? Any fun names you think I should use? Let me know!

Would you consider making your blog into a keepsake book?

(Graphic Credit: dborck.wordpress.com)

Vietnamese Engagement Ceremony

2011-06-24T11:48:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite things about weddings is without a doubt the chance to learn about and share in traditions from other cultures. The wedding I’ll be coordinating in August for my friend Kim will include both Vietnamese and Western traditions, and just a couple weeks ago, I got to be a part of her formal Vietnamese engagement ceremony, a cultural tradition that she’ll also observe on her wedding day.

The day began with the bride’s family and friends gathering at her home to wait for the groom and his family to arrive. As the arrival time approached, she went upstairs to “hide,” while eight young women dressed in the traditional Vietnamese Áo dài, including her bridesmaids, me and a couple other friends, waited to accept the gifts that would be delivered by the groom and his own eight male attendants. In the photo above, you can see me second to last, wearing a beautiful pink and gold dress loaned to me by one of Kim's bridesmaids.

When the groom and his family arrived, the eight of us proceeded outside, lined up across from one another and accepted the gifts – mostly traditional food items in boxes draped with red cloth – one by one. We then processed back into the house, where family members took the gifts and placed them on a special altar arranged for the ceremony.

Once the gifts were all in place and the groom’s family was also inside, Kim was escorted into the room by her mother. Prayers and song followed, and her fiancé then presented her with the ring. At the conclusion, we took more pictures -- check out her super cute dog in his tux -- and all got to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese feast!

I loved being a part of the celebration and can’t wait to share Kim’s wedding day with she and her wonderful fiance!

Have you ever taken part in a wedding tradition from another culture?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

Happy Days

2011-06-21T12:01:00.005-04:00

It’s a great day for me, with another publishing class done for the semester and a very successful wedding this past Saturday for two wonderful clients!

I can’t even begin to tell you what an honor and a joy it was for me to share their day. While wedding coordination is certainly a huge responsibility, it’s one that I love, and it was truly a magical feeling to share in my clients' excitement throughout the day and in the months prior, knowing that I played a part in making sure things ran smoothly and that they had the day they’d dreamed about. Here, just a few pictures of the lovely ballroom, along with me taking things in from the sidelines during a quiet moment before springing back into action.

Plus, now that my crazy busy marketing class is out of the way at last, I’m looking forward to getting back to blogging, working on my next wedding coming up in August and actually having some time to spend with my husband, family and friends!

Before I dive back in, I want to first share a quick feature from Fredericksburg.com, where the wonderful Sharon Naylor, author of more than 30 fabulous wedding books and one of the kindest people I’ve met in the industry, asked me to weigh in about one of my favorite wedding trends – late-night snacks!

Check out the article, written a couple weeks before I moved on from Weddzilla, and stay tuned for more new blog posts soon!

(Photo Credits: Personal Library & Creators.com)

A Fresh Start

2011-06-14T11:29:00.003-04:00

Hello to all my friends here in blog land! Long time no see! Hmm, where do I even begin? The past couple weeks have been filled with decisions and some changes for me, but the good news is that as I write this, I feel incredibly happy, relieved and excited about the future.

As many of you know, life has been pretty crazy for me throughout the past year. In a nutshell, here are just some of the big changes the past year has brought for me:

* Getting married

* Starting grad school

* Becoming a founding board member for Wish Upon a Wedding DC

* Seeing my Capitol Hill career all but vanish in the wake of an election

* Earning my wedding coordination certificate and taking steps toward building a business

* Taking on the substantial role of Weddzilla Blog editor

This is not to mention the personal family issues, financial issues, and other day-to-day challenges that we all face in our lives and that I have faced, as well. In the end, after months of dealing with the most intense stress and pressure I’ve ever felt in my life, I knew that something simply had to give.

That’s why after a great deal of personal consideration, I decided to move on from my position as editor in chief at the Weddzilla Blog, which I officially announced last Friday. As you can imagine, this wasn’t an easy choice for me, since I was truly passionate about the blog and loved every minute of my experience living out what has long been a dream of mine. But in light of internal changes taking place, the fact that the amount of time I was putting in wasn’t compatible with the financial benefit I was getting, and everything else I have on my plate, I knew it was without a doubt the right choice.

In the end, I am incredibly proud that thanks to the amazing contributions of our bloggers and the work we have done together throughout the past six months, the blog has now grown to include a team of more than 60 fabulous writers, has gained a widespread readership and has gotten a great deal of positive recognition.

As for me, I plan to spend the next few weeks refocusing and regrouping. I need to reassess my long-term goals as I continue earning my master's degree and working with my awesome wedding coordination clients, one of whom is getting married this Saturday!

Of course, I plan to stay very active in the wedding blog world, am open to any other freelance blogging/writing opportunities that come my way and am planning to reevaluate this blog, as well, now that my first anniversary has come and gone. Chances are, I’ll have a couple more posts to share here and will then start to work on launching a new blog, as many of you have.

Ideas? Suggestions? Let me know! Fresh start, here I come! :)

(Photo Credit: greenhousearts.com)

Rest in Peace, Erwin

2011-06-08T10:39:00.001-04:00

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Erwin, Wish Upon a Wedding DC's first wish recipient, has passed away.

Erwin was kind, humble and genuine. I feel honored to have met him and to play even a small role in making his wish come true. He was so deserving and so positive in light of what he was facing.

My heart is with Ed and the couple's children.

(Photo Credit: Three Lights Photography, LLC)

Happy First Anniversary!

2011-06-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

I love you more today than yesterday, and I will love you even more tomorrow. Happy anniversary, Stephen! One year down, the rest of our lives to go...

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

One Year Ago…

2011-06-02T09:00:00.011-04:00

One year ago today, Stephen and I were out in California, finalizing things, greeting guests and feeling more excited than ever before about our wedding on June 4, 2010. Now, nearly a full year has gone by, and I can’t believe how much my life has changed.

Back then, I was a bride blogger and congressional aide dreaming about the future. Today, I’ve already been married a year to my best friend, and am living my new dreams of coordinating weddings, being a wedding blog editor, and earning my master’s degree.

Things change, but one thing that never will is how happy I felt on that day and in the days leading up to it – a feeling I’ve never experienced at any other time in my life and probably never will again, at least not in the exact same way.

This weekend, Stephen’s planning a special surprise for me, which I can’t wait to blog about next week! In the meantime, here’s a short recap of reception highlights from our wedding video, which some of you may have seen already, but which still make me smile every time.

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography; Video Credit: Max MacIver Videography)

Memorial Day Weekend: Lots Of Play & A Little Work

2011-05-31T09:00:00.006-04:00

I’m back after my mini-break, ready to share a couple more posts before I celebrate my first anniversary this Saturday! I hope you all had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend, filled with food, friends and fun. While I've recently spent many of my weekends holed up working away, this one was an exception, and I allowed myself some time to unwind and relax without worrying or thinking about my to-do list.

To kick things off, Stephen and I went to La Tasca with none other than my blog friend Hannah from Gator Tales, who was in town for business. We had a blast drinking sangria, sharing tapas and hanging out offline, where Hannah’s just as nice, fun and awesome as she is online. (Sorry about the bad quality iPhone photo -- I always forget my camera!)

Then, after a lot of reading, relaxing and eating on Saturday, I decided to get back on track workwise by sprucing up my home office, starting with a new L-shaped desk that’s much more spacious than the one I was using before. I love it, and it’s already helped me get better organized and feel more on track with my projects, whether for grad school, Weddzilla or the weddings I’m coordinating this summer. And the best part? We got it on sale for nearly 50 percent off at Staples for just $70!

All in all, a lot of play and a little work made for an awesome weekend! How did you spend yours?

P.S. I think I've fixed the problem I was having commenting on other blogs by clearing my cache and also switching to using the Google Chrome browser all the time, instead of Internet Explorer. I know a lot of you are having the same issue, so I suggest giving it a try!

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

Google Blogger Help Needed: Unable to Comment!

2011-05-30T10:11:00.001-04:00

I hope you're all having a great Memorial Day weekend! I'll be back later this week with a couple new posts, but today's is an open call for help from my blogger friends.

For the past week, I have been unable to comment on many of the blogs I follow, which is probably why many of you haven't seen me around on your pages. Even though I am signed in to Blogger, when I try to view and comment on another blogger's page, the system often doesn't recognize my profile. It's like it doesn't think I'm really signed in. And when I try to sign in again, it doesn't help. Plus, since many blogs won't accept anonymous, name/URL comments, I have no way to leave one.

I submitted a question via Google's help forum but haven't gotten any feedback. Is anyone else having this problem? Any advice on how to fix it? If so, please feel free to leave me a message or email me at htwalrath@gmail.com. After a week of this happening, I'm totally fed up!!

(Graphic Credit: lucknow.olx.in)

Be Back Soon!

2011-05-25T10:40:00.003-04:00

Hi friends! The past week has been super crazy in my world, but I’m still here following your blogs and hope to be back next week with at least a couple new posts of my own, including one about ideas for our first anniversary, coming right up on June 4!

In the meantime, I’m trying to keep my head above water while prepping for a client’s wedding in June (so excited about it!), managing the Weddzilla Blog, and that little thing called grad school.

See you all again soon, and in meantime, take a peek at my little wedding coordinator in training. What do you think – has she got what it takes? :)

Have a happy Memorial Day weekend!

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

The Certificate

2011-05-18T09:00:00.005-04:00

Since one of my awesome clients is getting married exactly one month from today, I figure it's the perfect time to share this little beauty. She just arrived in the mail Monday, and I couldn’t be happier to say hello.

Yes, I know it’s a wedding coordination certificate from a community college, and not a master’s degree or anything fancy like that in the eyes of many, but I worked hard to earn it (while at the same time working on an actual master’s degree), and I feel incredibly proud to have made another one of my dreams a reality.

Just a piece of paper? Maybe. But I’ve got a feeling we’ll do great things together. :)

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Learning To Let Go & Relax

2011-05-16T09:00:00.007-04:00

One month in, and it’s already official. This semester of grad school is off to an even crazier start than the last one!

But although my schedule is as demanding as ever, the publishing courses this time around – marketing strategies and production management – are more closely in line with my interests. The professors’ styles are also very interactive and project-based, which creates more work overall, but also helps each three-hour class pass by much more quickly and interestingly.

Even better, I’m doing my best to improve at setting boundaries in other areas of my life, no longer trying to frantically respond to emails and edit material during our class breaks. Instead, I now typically use the time to take a quick walk outside or down to Starbucks, chatting with my classmates and knowing that the rest of the world will still be there three hours later for me to respond to.

As you can imagine, this is sometimes a challenge for me – someone used to being constantly connected and who has trouble relaxing even when she does have the chance – mostly because I think about all the things I “should” be doing.

Though it may sound crazy, my hectic schedule has led me to crave being able to constantly check things off my to-do list, and I often feel anxious when I can’t respond to every email the minute it comes in, or when I have unfinished tasks leftover that I’d hoped to complete before the end of the day. But, since I know it’s not healthy to go through life feeling continuously on edge, I’m doing all that I can to change my ways, taking time to focus on and appreciate the small, quiet moments in life, no matter how few or far between they may be.

Will I be able to change overnight? Definitely not. But who knows? In the end, if I keep this up, I just may make it through this whole grad school while working thing without going insane after all!

Do you ever find you have a hard time relaxing or being “disconnected”? Which techniques do you use to help you unwind?

(Photo Credit: domarcenter.com)

Symbols Of Our Love

2011-05-11T09:00:00.004-04:00

Prince William made headlines last month by deciding to go without a wedding ring, and people the world over took the opportunity to speculate as to whether this was the “right” decision and whether both partners in a marriage should always wear wedding bands.

In our marriage, my husband and I both happily wear wedding rings every day. In our eyes, our rings are beautiful symbols of our love and commitment to one another, reminding us that we are not alone throughout each moment of joy, sorrow or frustration. Stephen and I stand behind one another and support each other in all that we do, and our rings are one of the many ways we share that perspective with each other and with the world.

That said, if a couple chooses to forgo wedding rings, or if only one partner wishes to wear one, I don’t feel that it’s in any way a bad decision. After all, marriage is about understanding one another and doing what’s best for you as a couple, and if that involves making the decision not to wear a ring, what right does anyone else have to pass judgment?

In the aerospace engineering world, there are also certain career paths that don’t allow employees to wear wedding bands daily when working around high-tech equipment. In light of this, I realize that there may come a time when Stephen will no longer be able to wear his ring while on the job.

Would I feel sad about this? Yes, because when Stephen wears his ring, it makes me feel as though I am symbolically with him even when we are apart. But would I become angry or incredibly upset? Absolutely not. After all, a ring may be a beautiful symbol, but at the end of the day, it’s just that -- a symbol. Marriage, of course, is about so much more.

Do you and you husband both wear rings? Would it bother you if your spouse chose not to wear a wedding band?

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

Living The Bicoastal Life

2011-05-09T09:00:00.007-04:00

This past weekend marked another “bicoastal holiday” for Stephen and I, as we both had little choice but to “phone it in” with our moms on Mother’s Day.

While this is of course an understandable part of living all the way across the country from our families, after six years of making it work, the past few months have for many reasons made us both eager to head back to the West Coast, or at least somewhere closer, at some point after I complete my master's.

The truth is that as great a time as we’ve had here in DC, as we and our family members all get older, the idea of seeing them just once or twice a year simply isn’t enough. My close friends are all still in California, as well, mostly in the same area. Two of them are even set to move back this summer after time spent in Boston and Germany!

The thought of being able to once again enjoy the simple luxuries others may take for granted, like going out to dinner with your close girlfriends, enjoying a shopping trip with your sister and mom, and spending the holidays seated around the table close to beloved grandparents, fills me with an eager joy and anticipation that can’t accurately be described in words.

Just as pressingly, the thought of raising children and starting a family without the support and nearness of family fills me with a great deal of anxiety and sadness. I guess it's fair to say that being far from loved ones long-term is incompatible with my vision of a happy and healthy life, career and marriage.

How far are you from your family and close friends? How do you cope when you can’t be together?

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

One Gown Fits All?

2011-05-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

Last week, as the fashion world buzzed over what the former Kate Middleton and now Duchess Catherine’s wedding gown would look like, with brides everywhere eagerly awaiting the chance to get copies, I couldn't help but wonder whether it would be wise for so many women to want to copy someone else – especially someone who might have a very different build and body type than they do.

Though Catherine ultimately went with a very classic and flattering style, if you’ve ever read a fashion magazine or looked at bridal runway shots, you already know as well as I do that wedding gowns are “sold” to the rest of us on models that oftentimes look very much like Catherine – tall and extremely slender.

In reality, as much as I loved attending the Bridal Market fashion shows last month, the lack of diversity on the runways and the twig-like figures of many of the models definitely didn’t go over my head. Though I consider myself to have a pretty trim and petite figure, one that I have worked hard to maintain over the years, the fact that even someone my size would be considered too curvy to head down the runway is truly disturbing.

From an industry standpoint, I well know that the goal is to sell as many gowns as possible and earn as much profit as possible. Most designers feel the best way to do this is to showcase gowns on thin models. But are these portrayed ideals realistic? Why is there so little cultural diversity in the fashion world, and is it wise for designers to market “Kate’s gown” to brides who may be better suited by a different style entirely?

What do you think?

(Photo Credit: Official Royal Wedding Website)

Help Someone Remember Their Dream

2011-05-04T09:00:00.002-04:00

It’s no secret how stressful the past few months have been for me. At my worst moments of intense pressure, I’ve wanted to drop everything and give it all up, in spite of my passion, just so that I could make the overwhelmed feelings go away.

Last week was one of those weeks. Between overseeing royal wedding blog coverage, starting yet another semester of grad school (yeah, there’s no summer break) and completing my final wedding coordination project, there were moments when I felt about ready to snap.

But then one day, just when I was at the end of my rope, I got the most awesome emails from a couple Weddzilla bloggers, telling me just how much they have appreciated the experience and how the work of myself and others has truly made a difference. As you can imagine, these types of messages meant the world to me, helping me to remember just why I do what I do and why I love it.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, and each time it does, it reminds me how something as simple as a thank you or a few words of encouragement can truly revitalize your spirit, letting you know that your efforts are in fact worth it and are affecting others in a positive way.

Last year, at my friend’s graduation from medical school, the dean gave a speech about the importance of “remembering your dream,” especially at times when you want to give in and give up. Think about how your actions are impacting the lives of others, he said. Think about how they are impacting your own life. Remember your dream and how hard you've worked to get where you are. Remember your dream, and keep moving forward.

That's why I think that everyone, myself included, should take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the things that others do and the ways their actions have made a difference in whatever way that might be. Take the time, and you never knew what type of influence you might have. You just might be helping someone remember their dream.

(Graphic Credit: explodingdoughnut.blogspot.com)

Swept Away By Royal Wedding Fever!

2011-05-02T13:55:00.004-04:00

I’m late posting here today because ever since 3 a.m. Friday, Weddzilla assistant Amanda and I have been swept away by royal wedding fever, blogging live and doing our best to keep up with every development that comes our way so that we can share it with our readers just as quickly as we can.

On Friday alone, she, several of our other fabulous bloggers and I worked together to publish a whopping 42 blog posts! Yes, Amanda and I were writing, editing, tweeting, posting and responding to questions from before the sun came up to long after it set, loving the chance to share all the news and details firsthand, but nevertheless feeling entirely exhausted by the time it all drew to a close.

This week, we’re still going strong with follow-up reports about trends, newly revealed recaps and more, written by the two of us, as well as the rest of the awesome Weddzilla blogger team. Check it out and see for yourself the proof that as if I wasn’t royally obsessed enough before the wedding, I certainly am now!

Did you watch the royal wedding? Are you still following the latest updates and recaps as they come out, or are you getting tired of hearing about it at this point?

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

It’s A Royal Wedding Blog Party!

2011-04-29T03:00:00.005-04:00

I’m not usually a coffee drinker, but there’s a good chance I’ll become one this morning. Why? Because it’s 3 a.m., and I’ll be watching and blogging live along with the rest of the world as William and Kate at long last say “I do”!

Want to join the party? Come on over to the Weddzilla Blog, where me, royal wedding reporter Amanda, expert guru Sharon Naylor, and tons of our fabulous bloggers are on deck for a morning filled with live updates, trend tracking, interactive polls and more from 4 to 11 a.m. EST. Additional updates will be ongoing throughout the day, so be sure to join the conversation by sharing your thoughts, comments and ideas!

Of course, we’ll be live on Twitter and Facebook, and also invite readers to submit their stories, plus photo and video links, for a chance to see them featured on the blog! Want to join the party via your own blog or website? Add the code for our Facebook live stream to your page so that all of your readers can follow the fun.

Stop by and say hi! It’s going to be an awesome day, even if I do end up wanting to take a nap before noon!

(Photo Credit: Official Royal Wedding Website)

Colonial Thanksgiving Success

2011-04-27T09:00:00.002-04:00

Why, you ask, am I talking about Thanksgiving in April? Well, because it was the focus of my final project to earn my wedding coordination certificate, and…I AM DONE!

Can you tell I’m excited? Last night, we presented our project, which was to plan a complete mock wedding in the DC area, providing a budget breakdown, vendor roster, timeline, venue selection, couple's story, program text, invitation wording, menu outline and more, based upon the guidelines we randomly drew at the start of the class.

My project had to feature a Thanksgiving theme, cost less than $5,000 for the entire wedding, and prioritize décor. If you know anything about how expensive the DC area is, this certainly wasn’t easy, but the challenge was actually a great way to get creative and think outside the box.

Working with Stephen, who awesomely took the class with me in preparation for assisting with my upcoming client weddings, we crafted a day that was simple and family-focused, with lots of laughter and joy, along with a décor scheme that celebrated the Thanksgiving harvest and the colonial history of Alexandria, Virginia, by using candles, magnolia leaves, pumpkins and more. From finding an affordable clubroom reception site to finding a vendor who could offer a luncheon of turkey cranberry sandwiches, we had fun working together and finding solutions that worked.

And the best part? After months of hard work, I’m graduating from the program confident in my ability to work with my clients to bring their visions to life. I’m excited, proud and definitely ready to put my knowledge to good use!

What’s a major accomplishment you’ve achieved that just made you feel ecstatic?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library & Google Images)

The Pushover Bride

2011-04-25T09:00:00.004-04:00

Thank you all once again for being so supportive following my recent “bridezilla” accusation for giving my photographer a shot list. I’m over it now, but looking back, I know the reason I felt so upset is because in reality, I was the exact opposite of a bridezilla. In fact, being called a bridezilla hurt so much because the truth is, I was too nice as a bride, so much so that I often didn’t speak up for myself and even let others get away with making mistakes, treating me disrespectfully, and more. As much as I loved my wedding day, I have to admit that looking back, I don’t feel good about these things.

As one example, when we arrived at Gardens of the World, our first look site, we were greeted by a very rude member of the management who insisted that the photographer and I sign off on paperwork before entering the grounds. Fine. No problem. That was part of the agreement when we’d set up the appointment. But when she looked around the room holding the forms and stated quite rudely, “And who’s the bride?” I was shocked and taken aback. I mean, did she not see the white gown, the tiara, all the hard work that I'd put into looking and feeling beautiful?

In that moment, I should have remained calm, but still been assertive. I should have at the very least made a joke to the effect of, “Not me. I just felt like putting on a tiara and lace gown today.” Or, I should have politely and calmly asked her that since it was my wedding day, would she mind being perhaps a bit kinder about the whole situation? But instead, I could only bring myself to raise my hand in silence. No one else said a word, either.

The church situation was a whole other debacle. The truth is that all throughout the planning process, I just did not feel great about the church and officiant we were working with. Though I was raised Catholic, I’m not a very religious person today, and I take issue with the Chruch’s views on gay marriage, women’s rights and other items. I agreed to a church ceremony because it was important to Stephen, and while I was willing to compromise in that way, undergoing the scrutiny and questioning during the preparation process bothered me. Our priest was new and not yet very knowledgeable about weddings, and something just felt off. But I rolled with it, thinking things would be all right.

They weren't. The day of our wedding, I’d hoped to listen and watch on the church’s screen in the bride room as the processional took place. I imagined the moment I’d see everyone assembled at the altar, hear my own music start and get in place to head down the aisle. But I didn’t have that experience. The church’s coordinator very rudely started the processional while I, the bride, was using the restroom, without checking with my mom or personal planner, and by the time my mom frantically knocked on the door to tell me it was my turn, I had to rush, worrying that there’d been too long a gap between the end of the processional and my entrance, feeling sad and disappointed that this was a moment I had wanted to be special, but now had passed.

Then, during the wedding, the priest, who had refused to attend our rehearsal becasue he "knew what to do" struggled to remember who we were and what was supposed to happen. He introduced us not by our names, but as the “newest family in the United States of America.” He skipped over my sister’s Irish Wedding Blessing reading entirely. And after all this, the church coordinator had the nerve to come up to me afterward and say that everything had gone perfectly! Again, given my chance to speak up, I somehow managed to say nothing.

So, as you can see, I was no bridezilla, and if anything, I was too nice – a pushover, even – the result of nerves, excitement and who knows what else. Looking back, I wish I had spoken up and reasonably asserted myself, with no fear of being called a bridezilla and no worries about what anyone else would think, which I would do in a heartbeat for any of my clients.

Now, almost a year later, I can’t help but feel that our wedding was supposed to be in part “my” day, but because I was so nice and accommodating, I somehow forgot that, and so did others around me.

Do you ever struggle with being "too nice"?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library & Alex Neumann Photography)

Discovering My Dream Home

2011-04-22T09:00:00.004-04:00

So many of our friends and relatives are buying their first homes, which is of course very exciting for them, and also for us, since we get to help them celebrate!

Certainly, buying a home is a huge step, and while Stephen and I definitely hope to have our own within the next few years, we can’t buy until we decide where we want to be long-term. As I’ve mentioned before, though we’ve enjoyed the D.C. area, we hope to move somewhere else next year after I complete my master’s degree.

But just because we can’t buy yet doesn’t mean I haven’t had time to dream about the type of home I’d like. And last year, while we were in New Mexico, I saw a real estate listing for my ultimate dream home. I’ve always adored ranch-style architecture, and although this house might be too extravagant for a first-time buy, I can certainly dream of owning a place like it someday.

Check out these pictures, and tell me, what’s your dream home look like?

Have a happy Easter weekend, everyone! Tomorrow, I'm taking my first full day to relax since January! Stephen and I will be heading to our favorite vineyard and then just spending time together, celebrating all of our accomplishments so far this year -- most of all, having a strong and loving marriage even in the face of intense stress in other areas of our lives. In our eyes, there's truly nothing more important than that.

(Photo Credits: Zillow)

Find A Wedding Job

2011-04-20T10:50:00.000-04:00

Looking for a job in the wedding industry? Check out Wedding Industry Jobs, an awesome -- and I believe fairly new -- website for job and internship seekers all across the country. I love this site, and will be scouring it daily to keep on top of the industry both here in the DC area and in other out-of-state hotspots.

Do you know of any other great websites or resources for wedding job seekers? Let me know so that I can follow them and share them with others!

(Graphic Credit: Wedding Industry Jobs)

Crunch Time!

2011-04-18T10:30:00.002-04:00

First, thank you all so much for your kind responses to my post on Friday about facing pressure and criticism. I feel 100 times better thanks to such caring and supportive friends as all of you, who make the nasty comments seem entirely insignificant when compared with the supportive ones you share with me every week.

And speaking of pressure, to say it’s crunch time in my world would be an understatement! April is flying by, as I’m focused on things including:

• Managing the quickly-expanding Weddzilla Blog

• Completing the semester in grad school this week and getting ready to start another next week

• Preparing my final project to earn my wedding coordination certificate

• Working with my summer brides whose wedding days are fast-approaching

• Keeping on top of things for Wish Upon a Wedding DC

• Taking care of all of the personal things related to my daily life, marriage, family, health, etc.

Whew! I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel very overwhelmed at times, but I’m doing my best to remember my dreams, focus on why I’m doing what I’m doing, and stay focused on my motto…I’m almost there!

How's your April shaping up?

(Photo Credit: funny-potato.com)

An Editor’s Life: Handling Pressure & Criticism

2011-04-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

Being an editor is not a job for the faint of heart. I learned this early on back in my college newspaper days, when I at one point or another had just about every insult you can imagine thrown my way.

When we were too short-staffed to make it to a couple Black History Month events, though we made it to others, I was called a racist and harassed. When we ran an advertising insert from The Onion, angry conservative parents were on the phone accusing me of spreading lies and pornography. Our adviser put my mind at ease by assuring me that public criticism and pushback were signs that others were reading the paper and cared enough about what we had to say to share their own views.

Still, there is a tremendous amount of responsibility in being the final line of defense in what is presented to the public, and the criticism can at times be hurtful and hard to take. As a case in point, last Wednesday on Weddzilla, I shared the shot list I discussed with my photographer in advance of my wedding day.

Though I did get positive feedback, I also got some negative feedback. On Facebook and Twitter, photographers left comments implying that I was obviously a bridezilla, that I didn’t trust my photographer, and that I was crazy to have ever suggested that others might want to do this. Since my list included the more standard and expected shots, along with special creative shots I hoped to have captured, these readers felt it was unnecessary to go over such a list with the photographer at all, saying that he would automatically know to capture most of those pictures.

While I can definitely see their point, I didn’t see the harm in having a conversation with my photographer before the wedding day, letting him know which standard elements we would be including and which we’d be eliminating. For example, I clearly laid out in my list who the key family members were that we wanted pictures with, that the groom was taking the unusual step of walking down the aisle with his parents, and which elements of décor we were including in our setup. Does doing so make me a crazy bridezilla? I certainly don’t think so, especially since I also clearly stated that I in no way wanted to stifle the photographer's own creativity.

In public forums, it is so easy to comment and criticize without knowing where someone is coming from, what their story is and what their intentions are. It is also easy to forget how hurtful certain comments can be. Finally, it’s important to remember that those we "meet" via blogs and online forums are real people, including the editors of these publications. Do we make mistakes on occasion? Yes. Do we hurt just like anyone else when we’re called names and criticized? Yes. Are we perfect in every way? Certainly not.

I love what I do and certainly don’t let others' actions ruin my experience. But I’d be inhuman if I said the pressure and criticism didn’t affect me at times, just as they affect everyone, making me reevaluate how much of myself it’s OK to share as a blogger.

How do you deal with criticism and pressure in your life? Does fear of criticism lead you to limit how much of yourself you share with others, whether in person or on your blog?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

They Grow Up So Fast…

2011-04-13T09:00:00.019-04:00

They say this is true about children, and I’m learning firsthand that it’s especially true when it comes to our little kitties, who are already over six months old and growing up so quickly!

I’ll admit that when Molly and Twix first came home with us from the SPCA, as excited as I was to welcome them into our life, I was also a bit nervous about the changes they would bring, hoping I'd be as good a caregiver as their foster parent. After all, before these two came along, the only pets I’d ever raised were fish, lizards, hamsters and the like. I’d never before experienced the real joy that can come from having a cat or dog – animals with big personalities and a lot of love to share.

In just the three short months we’ve had them, I can honestly say that any doubts I had are a thing of the distant past, as Molly and Twix have changed my life for the better in so many ways. Whether they’re playing with their toys, sitting with me and purring as I work, jumping and tumbling together, or any number of other things, their energy and presence always brightens my day, leaving me happier, less stressed and less lonely than I might otherwise be working from home. And as a caregiver, I think my only real flaw is that I spoil them with toys and treats! They are so special, and I can't imagine my life without them.

Here are a few photos of the girls -- Molly is grey and Twix is brown -- when we first got them, so timid and shy, and now, so much bigger and running things all their way!

In The Beginning...

Today...

How have your pets changed your life?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

A Royal Interview

2011-04-12T13:00:00.004-04:00

Like everyone else, I’m super excited about the royal wedding coming up on April 29! Our fabulous Weddzilla reporter Amanda has done a great job covering all the details leading up to the big day, and we’ve got some exciting ideas in the works. For now, you can read her posts via the link above!

In the meantime, I was also thrilled to share my thoughts and ideas about the royal nuptials in an interview with Wedding Republic. It’s live to today, so feel free to check it out!

Will you be watching the royal wedding live? What are the top details you can’t wait to see revealed?

(Photo Credit: officialroyalwedding2011.org)

SkinCareRx Gift Card Giveaway

2011-04-12T09:00:00.003-04:00

My sister Kellie, the blogger behind fashion site Playing Dress-Up, is hosting a fabulous giveaway for a $25 SkinCareRx gift card now through April 22. This site features some truly awesome products from Dermalogica and other top skincare lines, so click on over to have a look and enter today!

You can tell her I sent you. :)

(Photo Credit: Dermalogica)

Bicoastal Bride At Bridal Market

2011-04-11T09:00:00.007-04:00

I’m back after my whirlwind weekend in New York City covering Bridal Market, and what an awesome weekend it was! Though I was only able to attend a few shows this time – my first ever at Bridal Market – I had a ball and can’t wait to hopefully head back in the fall to cover more ground and meet more new faces in the industry.

Bring completely new to Bridal Market, and the New York fashion scene for that matter, I didn’t quite know what to expect at first, and admittedly felt some degree of intimidation at the thought of being in the same room as such big name players as Bridal Guide Editor Diane Forden, Brides Editor Millie Martini Bratten, and reps from most of the major bridal magazines and websites in the country.

But after going from show to show while tweeting, posting and blogging throughout the day, I was having such a great time, I forgot all about the newness of the experience. In the end, I even found myself wishing I could stay longer, catch more shows, and talk with more people. Though I didn’t get a chance to network with everyone I wanted to this time around, those I did meet with were incredibly kind and welcoming, excited to hear about everything going on at the Weddzilla Blog, and making me feel even more thrilled to be a part of such an awesome event.

Here, a few sneak peeks inside my experience at Bridal Market, which I hope will be the first of many!

Weddzilla Marketing Director Sara Morgan and I loved attending the Alfred Angelo runway show...

...where we chatted with talented Bridal Guide Editor Diane Forden.

Seeing Alfred Angelo designer Michael Shettel in person was awesome!

And the Christos, Kenneth Pool and Amsale shows were just as exciting...

...as was seeing another of my favorite designers, Amsale Aberra, herself!

Be sure to visit the Weddzilla Blog all week long for details about our favorite Bridal Market trends, and let me know which designers you'd love to see covered in the future. The fall shows will be here before I know it!

Christos, Kenneth Pool & Amsale Runway Shows

2011-04-09T18:42:00.002-04:00

I'm still having a blast in NYC, and sneak peek recaps are now live on the Weddzilla Blog, sharing the latest from the Christos, Kenneth Pool and Amsale runway shows! Check them out, and stay tuned for complete reviews starting Monday.

This ruffled train by Amsale is definitely a top favorite so far!

(Photo Credit: Weddzilla)

Alfred Angelo's New York Runway Show

2011-04-08T21:07:00.000-04:00

Bridal Market is in full swing here in New York, and one of our first stops today was the highly anticipated Alfred Angelo runway show, where we got a sneak peek at 40 stunning bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses hitting salons this fall!

I loved seeing all the new designs, meeting industry gurus and being a part of the Bridal Market energy. Check out the Weddzilla Blog for teaser photos featuring a couple of our favorite wedding gown styles, and stay tuned Monday for a full set of recaps and video clips!

(Photo Credit: Weddzilla)

On The Road To Bridal Market!

2011-04-08T09:00:00.004-04:00

Today’s post is short, because as you read this, I’m on the road to Bridal Market in New York City!

It’ll be my first time hitting the runways at shows by some of my favorite designers, including Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Christos and Alfred Angelo, the designer of my own wedding gown. I’m very excited and can’t wait to share recaps next week on the Weddzilla Blog!

In the meantime, I’ll try to post live here a time or two, and will also be tweeting from @Bicoastal_Bride if you'd like to follow along. Have a fabulous weekend, everyone! See you Monday!

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

Flat Shoes = A Bride’s Best Friend

2011-04-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

Though I rarely wear high heels in everyday life, like most brides, I wanted to rock a classic pair on my wedding day, if only for the photo ops and so that I’d be closer in height to my husband, who towers over me at 6’4”.

But as reasonably comfortable as my three-inch heels actually were throughout the ceremony and part of the reception, I still had no intention of sticking with them all night long. No, as soon as the garter toss -- the last photo op of the night for my feet -- came to a close, I was more than ready to trade in my heels for a pair of silver Delicate Soles shoes I’d won through a blog giveaway.

Not only were these shoes comfortable, but because they’re designed to roll up for storage, they were also incredibly easy to slip into my bag of essentials for the day. Plus, the silver color still matched up with my color scheme, letting me dance the night away in style!

Are you bringing a change of shoes for yourself or your bridesmaids? Do you normally like to wear flats or heels?

(Photo Credit: Delicate Soles)

Is Your Husband Your Best Friend?

2011-04-04T09:00:00.011-04:00

I’ll always remember the way, back in high school, one of my favorite teachers used to speak about his wife, or rather, “his best friend,” as he always referred to her. Being 16 at the time, I thought how wonderful it must be to marry someone and share each day of your life with a best friend who understood you and loved you in a way no one else could. Looking ahead, I dreamed of the day when I, too, might have that experience for myself.

Today, more than 10 years later, I have the amazing priviledge of saying that I do. My husband is without a doubt my closest and dearest friend, and I treasure the way we are partners in all of life’s adventures and challenges. Abigail Adams, one of my heroines, also fondly referred to her husband as her “dearest friend,” which makes me feel as though I have at least something in common with this truly remarkable woman whose brilliance was far ahead of her time.

What do you think? Is your fiancé or husband your best friend? Is it possible to be married to someone who is not your dearest friend?

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

Cheesy Wedding Songs: Must Or Bust?

2011-04-01T09:00:00.004-04:00

Though many couples want to avoid cheesy group songs at all costs, banning the DJ from ever playing them, I personally am glad we chose to include them at our wedding reception. Why? Because everyone loved them and had fun!

As cliché and overdone as songs like YMCA and Thriller might be, they never fail to get everyone on the dance floor, laughing, acting crazy and having a great time. Looking back, one of my favorite things about our wedding reception was that we also decided to vary our music selections, playing a mix of our current favorites, old-time classics and well-known favorites in different genres. As a result, we had three generations of guests packing the floor throughout the night!

One of my bridesmaids even told me afterward that our wedding had made her grandmother “young again,” and that she hadn’t seen her move like that in years! Worth an Electric Slide or two? Definitely!

What do you think? Will you include fan favorites and a variety of music at your wedding?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

Cruising Together

2011-03-30T09:00:00.005-04:00

Over the past couple years, cruising has definitely become my absolute favorite way to travel. For one thing, it lets you visit tons of different places without the hassle of unpacking, repacking and hopping a plane each time. Instead, you’re free to simply relax while the ship carries you on to the next port. The all-inclusive food, great options for excursions and fun things to do onboard don’t hurt either!

So far, we’ve cruised to Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and the Hawaiian Islands. Though we’re cutting back on travel somewhat this year, both to save money and because of my hectic year-round class schedule, it hasn’t stopped me from dreaming about the next two regions I want to cruise – Alaska and the Mediterranean.

The Alaskan cruise I've got my eye on is a weeklong trip aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. It starts and ends in Seattle, stopping at different Alaskan ports and cruising Glacier Bay throughout the week. Excursions include whale watching and other fun nature or wildlife-focused activities.

The Mediterranean cruise is a longer 14-night Royal Caribbean trip, starting in Barcelona and stopping at gorgeous ports in Sicily, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Malta and Spain. This list majorly excites me, especially since I've always wanted to see the pyramids and visit Athens.

Which do you think sounds the most fun? I just may have to choose between these two for my graduation celebration next year, and right now, I’m leaning toward going all out with the Mediterranean trip!

How do you like to travel, and where do you hope to head next?

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Tossing The Bouquet & Garter

2011-03-28T09:00:00.003-04:00

With our first anniversary quickly approaching in June, I’m determined to get through a few more fun wedding recaps before then! While I know some bloggers prefer to post their recaps chronologically, going through them all at once, I’ve really enjoyed jumping around, sharing a piece here and there, remembering and reliving our amazing wedding each time.

Today, I want to share a couple stories and photos from our garter and bouquet tosses, one of which didn’t go exactly as planned, and the other which we almost skipped altogether!

Those of you who have been reading for a while may remember that Stephen and I went back and forth about whether or not to do a garter toss, especially since neither of us was comfortable with the whole over-the-top groom-removes-garter-with-his-teeth idea.

In the end, rather than skip it altogether, we toned things down and did it in a way that worked for us. While our DJ played the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love,” which is one of our favorites, Stephen kneeled down, kissed my hand, and removed my garter by hand. After that, he tossed it to all the eligible guys at the party, who got so into it that one of them even tripped and went tumbling to the ground!

The bouquet toss was just as fun, although my original plan of doing it as a “good luck” toss for all the ladies at the party went awry when the DJ announced that only the single ladies should head to the floor. I was having too much fun to care, though, and it actually worked out great, since one of my bridesmaids was incredibly excited to snag the bouquet, allowing for lots of fun pictures, hugs and laughter!

Are you doing a bouquet or garter toss? How will you make them unique?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography & Personal Library)

Celebrity Bride DeAnna Pappas Obsessed With Weddzilla’s Weddmark App!

2011-03-25T13:44:00.003-04:00

As editor of the Weddzilla Blog, I love getting great feedback from brides and readers about both the blog and the wedding planning tools Weddzilla offers.

This week, I especially loved reading our celebrity bride DeAnna Pappas’ fabulous post about all the ways Weddzilla's Weddmark app is simplifying her wedding planning, allowing her to easily share ideas and inspiration with family members and friends, even though she’s constantly busy and on-the-go!

Check out what DeAnna has to say by reading her blog post, where she shares exactly why she's obsessed with the Weddmark and why she thinks other brides-to-be will love it, too. You can also visit our Weddmark site to learn more about the app and web browser tools.

Have you tried the Weddmark? Are there other apps or planning tools you love? Let me know what you think by commenting below!

Carded At 27

2011-03-25T09:00:00.019-04:00

People always say that when you stop being carded, you’ll be disappointed. Maybe they’re right, but at 27, almost 28, I find it incredibly hilarious that just about everywhere I go, be it a restaurant, vineyard or anywhere else alcohol is served, I typically still get carded!

I guess being petite and having a high voice doesn’t help any, and while I understand the need for businesses to be careful, it still makes me feel a bit silly. I mean, do I really look like I’m under 21, which is how old my seven-year younger sister will be this year? Do I, someone who has been a working professional for years, is now married, and is working her way through grad school, really look young enough to still be an undergrad?

I guess so, because with every passing year, though I always think people will finally stop asking, it continues to happen. This past weekend, while visiting two wineries with Stephen and my sister-in-law, staffers took one look at me and asked us to all whip out our ID cards.

In this case, I felt even sillier than usual, because not only did Stephen, who’s already 28, have to pull out his ID, but so did my sister-in-law, who is in her 30s! The staffer who looked at Stephen’s ID even made a point in announcing, “He’s been getting carded for a long time!” “We all have,” I answered back, shaking my head and laughing in disbelief.

If you’re over 21, do you find that you still get carded frequently, or find that people take you to be younger than you really are?

(Photo Credit: winelist.com)

Personalized Wedding Memories

2011-03-23T09:00:00.003-04:00

Being almost a year out from our wedding, I thought my days of buying wedding-related products had just about come to a close. After all, I’d already completed my photo albums and ordered blowup prints of my favorite images. But when I was asked by the team at Personalized for Weddings to be a part of a focus group for brides and newlyweds, I jumped at the chance.

Why? Because this site is awesome! As a part of the program, I was able to choose two products from the site’s array of personalized stationary, jewelry, photo canvases, laptop skins, albums and more. My two picks, a water bottle featuring three of our wedding photos and a framed canvas of my favorite bridal portrait, were easy to create and of high-quality when they arrived.

Plus, even though I got my items for free as a part of the focus group, the pricing for the products seemed very reasonable. The personalized water bottle would normally cost just under $25, and a 20 x 30 framed canvas would come in at just under $123.

So, if you’re looking to buy products for yourself, family members or your wedding party, I’d definitely recommend checking this site out. If you’re like me, the hardest part will be deciding what to choose!

Did you create any personalized products using your wedding or engagement photos?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library; Water Bottle Images: Alex Neumann Photography; Bridal Portrait: Damien Smith Photography)

Holiday Weekend Weddings: Yay or Nay?

2011-03-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Most people I know fall into one of two camps when it comes to holiday weekend weddings. They either love them or hate them.

As for me, I’m solidly in the “love” category. When we’re invited to a wedding, a holiday weekend typically gives us plenty of time to have fun and then also relax a bit afterward without rushing back to daily life right away. When the wedding is out of town or held on a Sunday, this also gives us a nice time cushion, especially since I don’t typically have class on Mondays that are federal holidays.

One of the weddings I’m coordinating may also be held on a holiday weekend later this year once the date is set. That too sounds great to me, as it will give me extra time to get caught up on classwork and other obligations after what will surely be an exciting and busy week spent helping finalize things for the big day.

On the other hand, I know many others absolutely hate holiday weekend weddings, whether because they feel they interfere with making family vacation plans or because they force them to choose between multiple friends’ wedding taking place the same day.

What do you think? Are you a fan of holiday weekend weddings, or would you rather stick with your average Saturday?

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

For Japan With Love

2011-03-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

Vintage Headband Inspiration

2011-03-16T09:00:00.011-04:00

Last week, I shared a few fun details about the vintage Mardi Gras wedding I’ll be coordinating this fall. I can’t wait, and even though I’ll be working throughout the event, our friends still want Stephen and I to get into the spirit by dressing vintage.

Though I of course will need to choose an outfit I can work easily in, I thought I could perhaps add a touch of vintage flair with a fun headband or clip that will also help vendors and others who need to interact with me know who I am.

I have plenty of time to make up my mind, but just to get a little inspiration going, here are a few favorites I’ve found on Etsy.

What do you think? Is there a certain seller or vendor you recommend I check out? Leave me a comment and let me know!

(Photo Credits: cheesecakemilkshake, BridalShoppe, OhhSoSweetBowtique, ChicPretties, moxiehairware)

Working From Home vs. At The Office

2011-03-14T09:00:00.005-04:00

Since leaving my Capitol Hill job at the end of last year, I’ve become quite familiar with the strange new world of working from home. When it comes to working in this way, I know opinions are generally mixed. Some people hate it, and some people love it. Others simply have a lot of misconceptions about what working from home really entails.

And I can tell you, after a couple months of doing it, I am definitely in the “love” group, though that’s not to say it isn’t without its downsides at times. Here, in my opinion, are the top pros and cons of working from home.

Pro

• Space and privacy. Though I had my own private office on Capitol Hill, that didn’t stop people from walking in unannounced, catching me as I was headed out the door, and so on. Working from home allows me the space I need to be as efficient as possible, prioritizing as I see fit, with fewer distractions.

• No commute. When I worked on the Hill, I had to get up a full two hours before my start time to get ready and commute by Metro each day. Working from home, I’m able to easily stay in one place, no suit or perfect hairstyle required.

• More freedom. Working from home allows me to set up my office in any way I choose, and to schedule breaks as I find it necessary and appropriate. If I need to run a quick errand at lunchtime or stop at 4 p.m. to make it to class on time, I can. Working from home allows me to make basic adjustments to my schedule in this way, as long as I am still taking care of everything I need to.

Con

• While working from home allows me to tweak my schedule now and then, it also makes it harder to set limits on hours. It’s very easy to spend all of my time at the computer, literally working around the clock. I regularly have to remind myself that I still need to take breaks and set clear parameters between work time, classwork time, time with my husband, and so on. Working from home can definitely blur some of these boundaries.

• Less interaction and exercise. As much as I love my kitties who keep me company each day, I do at times miss being able to head down the hall to chit chat with coworkers or get their opinions about something. Physical activity is another issue, since I don't move around or walk as much throughout the day anymore.

• The misconception many people have that those of us who work from home somehow aren’t really “working,” like in the picture of Homer up above. This honestly drives me nuts. Trust me, when I say I am working from home, I honestly mean I am working, often including long hours and a hectic schedule, just like anyone else. Working from home definitely does not mean kicking back, watching daytime TV and being lazy! After all, I’ve got a blog to manage, brides to help, classes to pass and volunteer work to be done!

What do you think about working from home vs. working at the office? Which do you think you’d prefer, and why?

(Graphic Credit: scrapetv.com)

A Vintage Mardi Gras Wedding

2011-03-11T09:00:00.015-05:00

When helping a bride to plan her wedding, one of my favorite parts of the process comes at the very beginning, when the possibilities seem endless and the options for theme and style have yet to be nailed down.

For many brides, however, this can also be the most stressful phase, because as we all know, infusing different ideas and interests into one cohesive vision can be tough. But with the right direction and inspiration, I know it’s also totally possible.

That’s why when one of my clients came to me a few weeks ago asking if I thought combining 1920s vintage style with a Mardi Gras atmosphere would be too disjointed, I told her absolutely not! Jumping into my blogger mode, I immediately started hunting for examples of the fabulous vintage New Orleans-style weddings I’ve seen.

Here’s just a sampling of what I found, including images and ideas she’s now using to give family and friends a peek inside her own developing vision.

What do you think of a vintage Mardi Gras wedding theme? What special touches would you throw into the mix?

(Photo Credits: Postcards & Pretties, Postcards & Pretties, Nicole Nichols, bridefinds.com, susiesscrumptioussweets.com)

Perfection

2011-03-09T09:00:00.021-05:00

We all have our vices. Some drink. Some smoke. Me? I’m a perfectionist.

I was first self-diagnosed with perfectionism even as far back as elementary school, and from there, it only got worse as I made my way through high school and college. This is in part because, growing up in a blue collar family, with neither parent having gone to college and one not graduating from high school, I always knew that success – in my eyes, perfection – was my ticket to living the American dream.

And so I’ve always worked hard to excel at everything I put my mind to. Getting a 4.0 so that I could land scholarships to pay for college? Done. Getting a job on Capitol Hill, where some turned up their noses at, gasp, a public university graduate? Done. Getting into grad school and pursuing my dream jobs in the wedding world? Done and done.

But the truth is that although I work hard in everything I do, and for everything I have, no matter what successes I might achieve, I always feel that I should be doing more, accomplishing more. In short, I always feel that my achievements just aren’t “perfect” or good enough. Got a B on a tough exam? I should have worked even harder to get an A. Flaked out on exercise class to relax with a magazine? Not the habit of someone successful.

But in the midst of all the combined elation and stress I’ve been going through lately, I've finally realized that I am so much harder on myself than I would ever be on anyone else. Try as I might, I am simply not superwoman, and it’s time to stop this vicious cycle once and for all. Because perfection is unattainable and ultimately leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. Excellence, on the other hand, is something I can strive for and take pride in every day, allowing myself to fully appreciate what I do well, while forgiving myself and learning from my mistakes when I fail.

Life is short, and it shouldn’t be viewed as a constant struggle toward unattainable standards, especially when it’s yourself you’re struggling with. So, if you’re like me, a perfectionist, or even just too hard on yourself at times, I encourage you to stop what you’re doing every now and then, and as cheesy as it sounds, just take a moment to be proud. Proud of who you are, and proud of what you’ve done, no matter how imperfect or insignificant it may at times seem. Do it today, and do it often.

From now on, I promise that I will, too.

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

DeAnna Pappas Reveals Her Wedding Vision!

2011-03-08T13:34:00.003-05:00

As promised, celebrity bride DeAnna Pappas of Bachelorette fame is featured on the Weddzilla Blog today, sharing her unique wedding vision, stress-relieving planning secrets and gorgeous inspiration board.

Check out the post by visiting the link above, and share your thoughts about her wedding details!

(Photo Credit: thehollywoodgossip.com)

A Clean Home Is An Expensive Home…

2011-03-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

…but worth every penny, in my opinion.

Last fall, after I started grad school and saw my schedule really start to go from hectic to crazy, Stephen and I decided that we just didn’t want to spend what little time we still have together on things like house cleaning and chores. So, we started to research cleaning services, considering a couple different companies before settling on Green Maid Works, which we got for $69 a month through a deal on Living Social. (If you aren’t signed up for this service or Groupon, you are totally missing out on some great deals!)

Things went well for the first couple months, with Green Maid coming in every fourth Thursday to vacuum, dust, mop, and clean the kitchen and bathrooms. Though we of course had to do some general cleaning and maintenance throughout the month, this service quickly became a real stress reliever, freeing us from having to do the biggest things on a regular basis.

But then, after I left my previous job following the elections last fall, we had a hard time deciding whether or not this was something that was worth the added expense, especially since these are things we of course can and have done for ourselves. Plus, Green Maid started to irritate us in some ways, such as not using the key we’d given them, confusing whether or not we’d be home, and refusing to reschedule when we had a guest staying with us.

In the end, however, we decided that if it saves us time and stress overall, allowing us more time to either spend together or in taking care of our other responsibilities, it’s well worth the extra cost, especially while we’re getting such a good deal. Whether we’ll continue after the deal expires is TBD, but for now, it’s a real load off my mind to have one less thing to worry about.

What about you? Is there anything you splurge on simply because it gives you peace of mind and allows you to stress less? How do you handle chores around the house?

(Graphic Credit: allaboutthehouseweb.com)

Celebrity Encounters

2011-03-04T09:00:00.007-05:00

Five years ago, if someone had told me I’d today be married to the love of my life, working in the wedding industry as a blog editor, and feeling so happy and hopeful about my future, I would have called them crazy. The truth is, though I have a journalism background and have always considered writing and editing my true passions, I came to D.C. to be a congressional aide and policy guru. Why? I guess I got a little sidetracked on the way to finding my niche and ultimate passion.

And I do feel that I have found it within the wedding world, where I’m able to find just the right balance of creativity and organizational logic in all that I do, whether managing a team of bloggers, writing a piece, or helping a bride plan her day. Of course, one of the most fun and exciting parts of all is the chance to interact with celebrities and other big names in the industry!

Since I started blogging, I’ve been able to connect and network with some truly fabulous people, including former Get Married CEO Stacie Francombe, Bridal Guide Editor Diane Forden, and respected wedding author Sharon Naylor. And now, this week, I had the amazing opportunity to interview celebrity bride DeAnna Pappas, of Bachelorette fame, who will be joining our Weddzilla team of bloggers every other Friday!

I’m so excited about welcoming her to Weddzilla, and can’t wait to share her story with our readers as she preps for her wedding this October. Visit the link above to check out the interview, and stay tuned for her first post!

Have you ever met or connected with celebrities or big names in your field?

(Photo Credit: thehollywoodgossip.com)

Eco-Chic or Just Eco-Shabby?

2011-03-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

As a newlywed and now blog editor, I’ve been to my fair share of bridal expos throughout the past couple years. Some are more inspiring than others, but in general, they can be crowded, loud and generic. Well, this past Sunday, I attended the Mid-Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase in Maryland, and let me just say, I’ve never before been to a more fun and unique bridal show!

This week, Stephen and I are recapping the show’s eco-friendly wedding highlights on Weddzilla, complete with quick tips for planning a green wedding, eco-friendly fashion inspiration, and my husband’s personal favorite, “the mancave.” Feel free to check out those posts, and in the meantime, let me know what you think about the following topic.

I don’t know about you, but going to eco-friendly events always leaves me feeling in many ways inspired, yet guilty and even overwhelmed at the same time. Though I’d like to believe I do what I can for the environment, including simple things like recycling, turning off the heat or air when I leave the house, and using energy-efficient light bulbs, I also feel there’s so much I don’t do, mostly because I just don’t make the time.

Yes, even though I know it’s important, the selfish and busy part of me feels that my schedule is already packed enough, and I’m embarrassed to admit that most of the time, I just don’t want to put in the energy, or some cases, the money, to go the extra mile to be green in all areas of my life. Composting? Seems like a lot of work for an apartment dweller. Buying local? I can hardly find time to get to the grocery store for five minutes as it is, let alone scrutinizing my every purchase. Looking back on our wedding, I’m sure it was probably not the most eco-friendly of affairs, either. And this makes me feel bad.

What about you? Are you doing all you can to live eco-chic, or do you struggle with being eco-shabby, the way I do? Those of you who are living green, what tips to you have for a busy, time-crunched gal like me?

(Photo Credit: Mid-Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase)

Just Say No

2011-02-28T09:00:00.008-05:00

In elementary school, “just say no” was a slogan we learned in case someone tried to offer us drugs. Though I never had a problem “saying no” in that way, in other areas of my life, I’m one of the biggest “yes” women around.

The truth is, when it comes to projects and opportunities I’m passionate about, I have a very hard time stepping back, even when I know I’m biting off way more than I can chew. Sometimes, I feel like I’m the only one who has a hard time saying no, but a post last week by one of my favorite bloggers, Teenage Bride, really spoke to me and confirmed that I’m not alone at all.

Saying “no,” whether to requests from others or to pressures we place upon ourselves, can be hard and even gut-wrenching. Making it even harder is the fact that not everyone understands when you do say no. For instance, after taking on my new role with Weddzilla and finding my class load increasing, I realized I had to cut back on contributing to other blogs. Although I let one group know two weeks before my next post was due, they were not fully understanding, wanting me to finish out the month and not responding to wish me well after I apologized and said I unfortunately could not due to my class obligations.

But as hurtful as this can be, it’s these situations that especially make me realize I need to stop feeling bad about saying no to others, because others often do not reciprocate when given the chance. I also need to put less pressure on myself and accept that there are only so many hours in a day, that I am only one person, and that when you try to excel at too many things, you may set yourself up to fail at them all. My health and marriage need attention, and even though I am lucky enough to be living out many of my dreams, balance is still essential, as is just saying no when I absolutely have to.

Do you have a hard time saying no? Have you ever taken on more than you can handle, and how do you find the right balance in your life?

(Graphic Credit: Babble)

My Husband, The Rocket Scientist Groom

2011-02-25T09:00:00.009-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone! It’s been another busy week around here, but definitely a good one. The radio show on Wednesday night went really well, and our wedding coordination project is moving right along. This weekend, I’ll be covering the Mid-Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase for Weddzilla, while also gearing up for my next round of class presentations and papers that kicks in next week.

Of course, there's no way I could be doing all that I am without Stephen's support, and that's why I'm especially excited that my aerospace engineer husband, aka The Rocket Scientist Groom, is now writing for Weddzilla each Monday. There, he's sharing his perspective as a newlywed groom. This past Monday, he offered a groom’s guide to wedding flowers, explaining why he thinks guys should care and how they can get started. Before that, he also shared his helpful yet tounge-in-cheek advice for how grooms can survive a bridal expo.

Feel free to check out his posts and leave him a comment letting him know what you think. Know of any other grooms who like to write? Be sure to send them my way!

Does your spouse or significant other ever get involved with your career or hobbies?

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

Radio Show Replay

2011-02-24T10:36:00.003-05:00

I had such a great time last night on Blog Talk Radio, spending a full hour talking about my two favorite topics – weddings and blogging! It was awesome to chat with Laura from Saying I Do, and Kim of Black Bag Productions kept the interview completely laid-back and relaxed.

Now that it’s over, I can’t believe I ever felt nervous at all, and I really hope I get a chance to do it again in the future! If you missed the show last night but want to listen to the playback, feel free to check it out online. And finally, thanks so much to you all for your kind comments and words of encouragement, which meant so much to me!

Have you ever been interviewed for radio, TV or print? What was your experience like? Did you get nervous?

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

Catch Bicoastal Bride Tonight On Blog Talk Radio!

2011-02-23T09:00:00.010-05:00

It’s an exciting day for me, because tonight, I’m being interviewed live on by Black Bag Productions on Blog Talk Radio, along with fabulous Weddzilla bride blogger Laura from Saying I Do!

Tune in online at 9 p.m. EST as we spend a fun hour talking about all things wedding-related, including how we got started blogging and what it's been like planning our own weddings. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I must admit I’m a little nervous, but mostly, I’m excited and honored to have been selected for this interview!

Got a question or comment you’d like to share during the show? It would be awesome to hear from some of our blogger friends, so be sure to call in to chat with us @ (877) 455-4944!

(Graphic Credit: Google Images)

Adventures In Wedding Coordination: Planning A DC Wedding On A Shoestring Budget

2011-02-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

April 2011 is already special within the wedding world, which seems to be more abuzz each day with the latest details about William and Kate’s royal extravaganza, set for April 29. But it’s also important to me in my own personal wedding world, since that’s the very same week I’ll graduate with my wedding coordination certificate from Northern Virginia Community College!

But before I can start celebrating and doing even more coordinating, I’ve got a couple more courses to complete, along with the final capstone project of the program – coordinating a mock wedding, which I’m actually completing with my husband. Yes, you read that right. Stephen has decided to take this one class as preparation for assisting me with the two weddings I’ll be coordinating this fall. Isn’t that awesome of him? I definitely think so!

Now, I will admit that simply coordinating a wedding on paper is a lot different than actually carrying out the details the day of. However, I do think our instructor has done a great job in making the project as challenging as she can in a classroom setting by requiring each team to draw a wedding scenario at random, and then fully plan the day, choosing the theme, researching venues, interviewing vendors, creating a budget and itinerary, designing a program and invitation, and so on. Basically, every aspect of the couple’s wedding must be fully accounted for, and the couple themselves must have a back story and history that fits into the plans.

Two classmates drew a scenario that involves planning a Pakistani-Indian wedding for 300 guests, and another team is planning a $300,000 platinum wedding. As for our scenario, our theme must be at least loosely Thanksgiving-related. The wedding must be held in the DC area, must prioritize décor above everything else, and…must not exceed a total budget of just $5,000. I don’t know about you, but in my experience with wedding venues and vendors in the DC area, $5,000 won’t get you much! But what’s the fun in doing the project if it’s not challenging, right?

I’m excited to see what we can come up with, and we already have roughly nailed down a few ways we can flush out the theme and create a budget-friendly wedding that’s still classy in every way. I’ll share my thoughts and experiences with you as we complete the project, but first, I’m curious to know what you think! When you think of a Thanksgiving wedding, what themes, color schemes and settings come to mind? How would you work within a budget that was very tight in an expensive region?

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

Not Just One, But Three, Fun Announcements!

2011-02-18T09:00:00.007-05:00

Happy Friday, blogger friends! It’s sure been a tiring couple weeks for me, but I feel like things are definitely looking up and coming together, starting with the three exciting announcements I’m about to share.

Announcement #1

Remember that exam I thought I failed? Well, somehow, I actually managed to get an A! When I saw my score last night, I was so excited I could hardly even sit through the class. Take that, accounting!

Announcement #2

After many weeks of hard work by a team of fabulous people, the all-new Weddzilla Blog has officially launched! Our site has a fresh design, new features, and a great team of bloggers, so check it out if you haven’t had a chance. You can also submit your own wedding photos and stories for our new real weddings feature, or apply to become a blogger. Brides, grooms, newlyweds, vendors and wedding lovers are all welcome! You may already notice a couple familiar faces, and I hear the editor’s pretty cool. :)

Announcement #3

I teased you about this one in my last post, when I said learning about the blending of wedding traditions from different cultures was especially important to me right now. Well, that’s because I’m now coordinating my second wedding of the year, this one for a former colleague whose wedding will combine Chinese and Vietnamese traditions. I’ve been informally advising her about certain things for a few months now, and am so excited to come on board to help her coordinate the wedding, especially in the month right before and on her big day. Stay tuned for more details about my newest bicoastal wedding planning adventures, both here and in Seattle...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

(Graphic Credit: Weddzilla)

Culture In The Classroom

2011-02-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Throughout my life, I’ve always loved learning about cultural and religious traditions that differ from my own. And now, as an aspiring wedding coordinator, one of my favorite things about meeting and interacting with soon-to-wed couples is learning all about their heritages and how they plan to tie these aspects into their wedding celebrations. So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled to take my latest wedding coordination course, which focused entirely on weddings of different faiths and cultures!

To keep things informative but fun, our instructor arranged for the last class to include a tasting of foods from around the world. Each student made and shared a favorite dish representing her own heritage, with one simple catch. It had to be a food that could be easily served during a wedding reception. As an Irish-Italian, there were tons of delicious options that initially came to mind, but in the end, I went with a tried and true, and relatively simple, recipe – bruschetta.

Not only is bruschetta incredibly tasty, but it’s also one of my favorite cocktail hour foods because it’s so easy to eat with your hands and is a great vegetarian option. All in all, I loved this class, especially since blending traditions when coordinating a wedding is now important to me for another reason. But I’ll save that announcement for next time…

What are your favorite cocktail hour foods, and what’s your favorite dish from your own culture?

(Photo Credit: Simply Recipies)

A Fondue Valentine

2011-02-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

Valentine’s Day at our house is pretty low-key this year. After all, it’s hard to make Valentine’s weekend plans when you spend the entire two days at the computer working on projects for grad school, wedding coodination class and so on. Though I sincerely love everything I'm working on in my life right now, and wouldn’t trade any of it for a second, I have to admit that this past week, I felt rather overwhelmed, at times finding it hard to stay positive.

This was particularly true when it came to my master’s classes. Though my program is technically designed for working professionals, this semester doesn't feel like it's shaping up that way. Never before in my life have I failed an exam, but after completing a business midterm on Thursday, which focused completely on one my most difficult subjects – accounting – I am truly hoping I earned enough points to pass the class. Needless to say, this is a pretty awful feeling for someone who prides herself on success and sets very high standards.

But in midst of all this stress, my husband has been my strength, helping me keep my head up and not give in. From cooking me dinner each night to listening to me vent, he reminds me each and every day why he such an amazing husband and friend. Yesterday, in the midst of my most stressful moment yet, Stephen surprised me with a wonderful dark chocolate fondue dessert, complete with fresh strawberries, graham-cracker-coated marshmallows, homemade brownies, and raspberry merlot wine. All in all, it was wonderful to take a break and enjoy a special treat with my guy, knowing that no matter what happens in other areas of my life, it’s our marriage that truly matters more than anything else.

Happy Valentine's Day, Stephen, and thank you for loving and supporting me no matter what crazy twists life brings our way. I love you!

How does your partner help you deal with stress, and how are you celebrating Valentine's Day?

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Sharing A Life Is One Thing, But A Bathroom? No Way!

2011-02-11T09:00:00.005-05:00

Marriage means sharing in just about every way possible, both good and bad, including everything from life’s major joys and sorrows to the smaller, everyday details, like cleaning the cats’ litter box or splitting a decadent cupcake. But when it comes to sharing, there are two areas where I absolutely draw the line, and that’s when it comes to sharing either a bathroom or a closet.

Growing up and even throughout college, I lived in a small, two-bedroom apartment with my family, where my sister and I shared a room, a closet and a bathroom. When I moved to DC to work and live on my own, I discovered the absolute freedom and joy that comes with having your own space. Since Stephen also shared a bathroom while growing up and while living with roommates during college, when we considered where we’d live together, having private bathrooms and closets were two big things that topped our lists.

Today, I absolutely love our two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, where we have the space to be together, yet still do certain things in our own way. Having separate closets and bathrooms is a big help when we both have to get ready to go out at the same time, and it entirely eliminates any spats about organization or cleaning up in these rooms. This way, we’re able to fully share a home and life, but in the way that works best for us.

Do you and your husband or fiancé share a bathroom or closet?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library)

Pretty Floral Details

2011-02-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

It’s the love that truly makes a wedding special, while pretty details can only add to the beauty of the day. Since I’ve spent a lot of time daydreaming about springtime and blooming flowers lately, here’s a little recap showing off a few of my favorite floral shots from our wedding.

Which happy thoughts make you think of spring?

(Photo Credits: Damien Smith Photography & Alex Neumann Photography)

Gather Inspiration On-The-Go With The Weddzilla Weddmark iPhone App

2011-02-08T09:00:00.003-05:00

Last week, brides everywhere told me how much they just love the Weddzilla Weddmark, the simple and easy way to gather wedding ideas and inspiration from anywhere on the web, making bookmarking and wedding binders so old-school.

At Weddzilla, we understand just how busy and constantly on-the-go you are, and that’s why this week, we couldn't be more excited to announce the launch of the Weddzilla Weddmark iPhone app! There’s no telling where you’ll be when you find inspiration for your wedding. That’s why the Weddmark app was created, to give the nearlywed on-the-go the ability to snap and store photos of anything that inspires her, right from her iPhone! Plus, with the Weddmark app, you can share pictures with your friends via Facebook, Twitter, or email instantly.

Find...

Collect...

Share...

Anywhere...

Go to Weddmark.it to learn more, and be sure to let me know what you think!

(Graphic Credits: Weddzilla)

An Oh Boudoir! Recap

2011-02-07T09:00:00.007-05:00

Boudoir photography is all the rage right now for brides and newlyweds alike, and I’m proud to say that last month, I joined the many confident ladies who are giving this type of shoot a try. My Valentease Marathon shoot with Baltimore photographer Olehsa Haskett of Oh!Boudoir was fun and challenging all at once, as I pushed myself outside my usual comfort zone and channeled my inner “diva” for the camera.

First, as I loosened up with a glass of wine, makeup artist Danielle Lewis of All Dolled Up gave me just the sultry look I wanted, which was a far cry from the natural, low-key look I go for every day, and also very different from the romantic, soft look I chose for my wedding. While that style was undoubtedly timeless and classic, my boudoir style was all about kicking it up a notch!

Though I was a bit nervous at the start of the shoot, Olesha and her assistant quickly helped me relax and get into it. Three outfits, several backdrops and many different poses later, I’d created tons of fun and flirty images to choose from for my album. Check out a couple snapshots below, which I’ve cropped to make appropriate for posting. As for the complete images? My “little black book” album is on its way, and should arrive just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Have you ever pushed yourself to do something that was outside your normal comfort zone? What was your experience like?

(Photo Credits: Oh!Boudoir)

Battle Of The Seasons: Summer vs. Winter

2011-02-04T09:00:00.004-05:00

To anyone who knows me, it’s no secret that I hate winter. Snow? Cringe. Ice cold wind blowing in my face? No thanks. But until we can move to Hawaii or at least back to a warmer climate like California, it looks like the icy winters are in my life to stay.

But while I know my disdain for this season is especially high compared to most others’, I must say I’m always stunned by how many people honestly prefer snowy, cold weather to the heat of summer, arguing that when it’s cold, you can simply put on more layers.

Me, shivering during last year's massive blizzard.

But to me, that’s a big part of the hassle, as I simply hate having to put on my coat, scarf, hat, gloves and boots before going outside, taking them all off again when I go inside, not to mention lugging them around with me all day. Plus, though summer’s storms can certainly be violent and damaging, they are typically over quickly and easy to wait out. They also don’t normally cause six-hour traffic jams and the truly treacherous conditions that left drivers cold and stranded on the side of the road during last week’s snowstorms.

What do you think? Am I truly in the minority here? Is it better to be hot in the summer or cold in the winter?

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Seattle, Here I Come!

2011-02-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

As most of you know, in addition to writing about weddings, I also aspire to coordinate them. I’ll officially earn my wedding coordination certificate later this spring, and in the meantime, I’m excited to share that I’ve been hired to coordinate a wedding this fall for two of our friends who are getting married in Seattle!

While the details are of course still being worked out, they envision a low-key and laid-back cocktail-style wedding for roughly 100 guests, with the ceremony and reception both held at a modern and fun art studio venue. I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity, and will definitely be blogging about my experience, lessons learned, and tips that I think can help other couples along the way.

Though I am certainly limited by not being located in Seattle myself, and was honest and upfront with our friends about those limitations, we all agree that I’ll still be able to play an advisory role throughout the process, traveling to Seattle in advance of the wedding to do a venue walk-through, coordinate the rehearsal and, of course, coordinate the wedding day.

Throughout the coming months, I’ll be continuously in touch with both they and their vendors via phone and email, and to start things off, I’ve sent over a custom timeline outlining what I think they’ll need to do each month to stay on track. We’ve also gone back and forth with various ideas and suggestions about booking the venue, choosing vendors and mapping out a basic game plan for the day.

I honestly can’t get over how so many of my goals are coming to light this year, even though it is only the beginning of February! Though it’s tough at times to balance everything I have going on, I know it’s worth every minute, and it feels like a lifetime ago that I was at my old "day job" in Congress.

How is 2011 shaping up for you so far? Have you ever had many of your goals become reality all at once, leaving you simultaneously thrilled and overwhelmed?

(Photo Credit: Downtown Seattle Hotels)

A Hawaiian Honeymoon Feature

2011-02-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

I hope you're all safe and warm this Tuesday, unaffected by the snow and ice pounding so many parts of the country. Isn't winter over yet?!

To help inspire thoughts of warmer days, I'm honored to be featured on All Women Stalk, where I'm sharing a few fabulous details about my Hawaiian honeymoon cruise.

Feel free to check it out, and keep your fingers crossed that the groundhog predicts an early spring this year!

(Photo Credit: Personal Library)

Ditch The Binders, Get The Weddmark!

2011-02-01T11:19:00.002-05:00

If you’re still using a binder filled with paper tear sheets to plan your wedding, the Weddzilla Weddmark will revolutionize and simplify your planning experience by allowing you to virtually catalog all of your wedding photos in one place! Paper copies get easily damaged, bookmarks get buried, and links get lost. After days or months of collecting wedding inspiration and ideas, you can never remember where they’re stored! The unique, one-of-a-kind Weddmark button changes all that.

With the Weddmark, Nearlyweds can grab pictures from anywhere on the web and store them in a personal Collection, sharing them with friends, family, and social networks for instant feedback. These photos will also live in the Weddzilla.com Ideabook, a visual library of thousands of user-generated images that Nearlyweds can browse through for wedding ideas and inspiration. Nearlyweds can tag photos with keywords, select colors for easy organization, search and sort by category, and add personalized notes to remember specific details about an item.

So, stop collecting clutter and start simplifying! Have you tried the Weddzilla Weddmark? Tell us what you think!

Our Family Is Growing!

2011-01-31T09:00:00.007-05:00

But not in the way you might think… Though we don’t plan to have kids for a couple more years, we decided this month that we were ready to expand our family in another way. So, a little over a week ago, these two beautiful girls came home with us.

Molly

Twix

Both kittens are four months old, rescued by the Northern Virginia SPCA after being found with a hoarder who has 18 adult cats living in a one-bedroom apartment. Many liters of kittens were removed from that home, including this last one, before all of the adult cats were at last neutered and spayed by the SPCA.

Even though Molly and Twix were a bit shy when we first brought them home, that wasn’t the case for long, and they now spend their days exploring, playing and getting into all kinds of adventures. So far, we can tell that Twix is a real daredevil, fearlessly climbing up onto shelves, burrowing under the covers on beds, and racing around chasing her mice toys. Her cousin Molly is an adorable and sweet little kitty who likes to play, but also loves to curl up on my lap while I work, purring happily as she keeps me company.

Since I grew up in an apartment building that didn't allow cats or dogs, adopting these two has been a really exciting change for me! In just the short amount of time we’ve had them, I already feel a strong connection to these girls. They’re fun, loving, and such a joy to have in our home!

Do you have pets? What are their personalities like?

(Photo Credits: Personal Library & SPCA)

DC Ladies Post: Wedding-Planning Web Standouts

2011-01-28T09:00:00.002-05:00

As bloggers, we already know how many great resources are out there on the web when it comes to wedding planning, along with which ones have been the most helpful to us. So, to help newly engaged brides who are just getting started, I’m sharing info about three of my favorite planning sites – Weddzilla, Get Married and WeddingWire – over on The DC Ladies site.

Feel free to check out the post, whether for yourself or to help a fellow bride-to-be, and share your own opinion. Which online sites have you found to be the most helpful in your planning?

(Photo Credit: My Wedding Favors)

Putting A Bow On It

2011-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt, one of the most fun things about getting hitched is being able to announce to the world that you and your groom are “just married,” finally united in love for the rest of your lives. Though we didn’t rent a wedding day limo, we were just as happy to spruce up our trusty rental van with a festive bow I’d snagged at Party City on the cheap. Silly? A little. But fun? Definitely!

Did you or will you decorate your getaway car?

(Photo Credit: Damien Smith Photography)

What’s Hot, What’s Not? WeddHOT On Facebook Lets You Decide!

2011-01-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Love everything about weddings and think you have impeccable taste? Well, here's your chance to prove it with Weddzilla's brand new Facebook app, WeddHOT. With WeddHOT, you can check out pictures submitted by real brides as they plan their weddings, and judge for yourself whether they are WeddHOT or not!

Get inspired by browsing thousands of images from real brides and wedding professionals. Want to get in on the action? You can even submit your own pics to WeddHOT by grabbing the Weddzilla Weddmark now!

Collect, browse, and get instant feedback on pics from your family members, friends and social networks with just one click. It's all about making planning your wedding fun and social.

Have you tried the Weddmark or WeddHOT app, and if so, what do you think?

On Feminism, Weddings & Being ‘Given Away’

2011-01-24T09:00:00.004-05:00

I’ve always considered myself a feminist, in the sense that I believe men and women should have the right to define themselves within society, rather than being pressured to live their lives within the parameters of societal expectations and boundaries. So, when I got engaged, I’ll admit that the symbolism behind certain wedding traditions initially rubbed me the wrong way, especially the “giving away” of the bride. Why, I thought, should I, a financially and emotionally independent woman, require my parents' walking me down the aisle and physically placing my hand in Stephen’s, as though this marriage were somehow their choice, or something over which they had the final say?

I should note that unlike is true in some religious traditions, the Catholic Church does not advocate a formal giving away of the bride, and the Church often prefers that the bride and groom actually walk down the aisle together as symbol of their equality both before and after marriage. I thought about having this type of processional, walking down the aisle alone, or even having Stephen meet me halfway so that we could make the rest of the walk together.

But as I became more involved in the planning process, something changed, and I somehow I started to feel an attachment to classic weddings traditions, in spite of myself. In the end, I allowed myself to be walked down the aisle, and I allowed my hand to be placed in my groom’s. Though I did put my foot down on being introduced as "Mrs. Stephen Walrath," and would have objected strongly to a typical “who gives this woman” opening phrase, the other traditions in some strange way just felt right.

The way I see it, walking down the aisle with my parents was a sign of my love for them and all they have given me throughout my life. And seeing Stephen waiting for me at the end of the aisle filled me with tremendous joy. Does my going along with these traditions mean I am no longer a feminist? Not in my opinion. In the end, by choosing to honor tradition, I made my own decision and defined myself in the way that I chose, which is what I believe feminism is really about. I had a choice, and I made the best choice for myself, without any doubts or regrets.

What do you think? Do certain wedding traditions make you uncomfortable, and how did you or will you deal with these issues?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

Gifts That Glittter

2011-01-21T09:00:00.004-05:00

Though I may have suffered a major creative failure when it came to asking my bridesmaids to be a part of our wedding, when it came to choosing the right gifts, I had a lot more time to think and consider different options.

Hoping to choose something timeless and classic they’d be able to use again after the wedding, I ultimately settled on a diamond necklace and earring set for each girl. While the matching sets allowed for a unified look on the wedding day, I thought the pave design – a large center stone surrounded by smaller stones – would also be simple and versatile enough to work with a variety of other outfits in the future.

To help set my sister and maid of honor apart in a special way, I let her choose her own unique diamond set, along with a crystal headband she loved. A set of pretty journals rounded out my pre-wedding gift to each lady, which I presented in purple mini-totes the night of the rehearsal dinner.

A few months later, for Christmas, I also gave each girl one final wedding-related gift – a framed photo of the two of us together just before the ceremony. Since I live across the country from most of my close friends and don’t get to see them often, knowing they have these photos helps me feel connected and close to them, and lets each girl know how much it meant to have her beside me on my wedding day.

What did you or will you give to your bridesmaids?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography & Damien Smith Photography)

Major Announcement…I’m The Weddzilla Blog's New Editor in Chief!

2011-01-19T09:00:00.016-05:00

As you know, the new year has brought about many huge changes in my life, and now, I’m ready to reveal one of the biggest and most exciting. I’ve been chosen by the team at Weddzilla.com as the new editor in chief of the site’s fabulous blog! Though I’ve worked with Weddzilla before as a featured bride blogger, this new role is far more involved, and is also right in line with my electronic publishing master’s studies.

So, how can you help? In anticipation of our upcoming relaunch and rollout of new features, I’m looking for writers in all of the following categories.

• Real Brides, Grooms & Newlyweds
• Expert Vendors
• Wedding News & Trend Bloggers

I’m also accepting submissions of the following items.

• Questions for our weekly “Ask Weddzilla” feature
• “Real Wedding” photos & stories
• Alerts about upcoming giveaways & events

Want to get in touch with me about any of these? Email heather@weddzilla.com for more info, and stay tuned for more updates!

Asking My Bridesmaids, The Uncreative Way

2011-01-17T09:00:00.004-05:00

Post-engagement season, I hear tons of chatter amongst brides about the quandary of choosing their bridesmaids and the creative ways they hope to ask these lovely ladies to stand beside them during such a memorable occasion.

That’s why I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that as passionate and up-to-speed as I am about weddings, I was as least creative as possible when it came to asking the girls. The truth is, as soon as Stephen popped the question, I was so happy and excited that I called all seven of them right away to share the news and ask if they’d be in our wedding party!

And since I’ve had the same close-knit circle of friends for years, there was no doubt in my mind from that very first moment which special ladies I hoped to have by my side, along with my sister as maid of honor. I’m grateful that although I may not have gotten any points in the creativity department, they were excited just the same, and they all said yes!

Did you think up a creative way to ask your bridesmaids, and how easy or difficult was it to choose who to include?

(Photo Credit: Damien Smith Photography)

DC Ladies Post: Indoor vs. Outdoor Wedding Venues

2011-01-14T09:00:00.008-05:00

You’ve said yes, the planning’s begun, and it’s time to choose the perfect venue. Indoor and outdoor sites both have their pros and cons, but narrowing down the options can be tough. In our case, the Catholic Church's rule against holding ceremonies outside a church building ultimately made the decision for us.

But for those who are still deciding, I’m featuring an expert interview over on The DC Ladies today to help newly engaged brides sort through all the ins and outs. Head on over, and feel free to leave a comment here or there sharing how and why you chose the venue you did. Happy Friday!

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography)

Birthdays, Books & Business

2011-01-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

Whew! I knew 2011 would get off to a busy start, and the first week definitely did not let me down. This week, things get even more hectic, since I'm heading back to grad school after a month-long break to kick off my second semester. During the next few months, I’ll be focused on copyright law and business policies in the publishing realm, while also planning a mock wedding and studying business techniques as the final projects before earning my wedding coordination certificate. Like I always feel at the outset of something new, I’m excited and anxious all at once, ready to jump in and get things moving.

Stephen’s birthday is also coming up on Friday, my “Valentease” boudoir shoot is lined up for Saturday, and I’ll be starting Zumba and ballet toning fitness programs before the end of the month. I’m still adjusting to working from home and not heading into the office each day, but overall, I’m enjoying the freedom and flexibility to focus on those areas that will help me get to where I want to be in my career and life. Time’s flying, and before I know it, I hope to have a master’s diploma in my hand and lots more to look forward to. 2011, here I come!

Are you having a busy start to the new year?

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

Love In The Face Of Violence

2011-01-10T09:00:00.024-05:00

As an American and former congressional aide, I, like the rest of the country, am sincerely disgusted and saddened by the shootings that took place in Tucson this past weekend. Many have expressed shock over these events, and while I am shocked as well, it terrifies me that these types of sick actions seem to be occurring with increasing frequency, whether at universities, workplaces or events where our public officials are doing what they were elected to do – connect with those who elected them.

Though I was outraged from the moment I heard the initial news reports, the story truly hit home for me when CNN reported that one of those killed was 30-year-old Gabe Zimmerman, a congressional staff member who was engaged to be married. Gabe was no doubt a hardworking and dedicated professional, just like I was, serving his country and making a difference in a way that was surely meaningful to him and to others. That he worked in his boss' district while I worked up on Capitol Hill makes no difference. He was a citizen doing his duty, just like me, and he and all the innocent others who were killed in such a tragic way certainly did not deserve to die like this.

Before I left Capitol Hill, I witnessed that political tensions and anti-government rhetoric in this country are as high as many have ever seen, and primarily over issues that, in my opinion, are far less outrageous than many of those we’ve faced throughout the past decade. However, the purpose of this post is not to tout my own political views, but rather to express solidarity and love in the face of violence. The truth is, no matter how much someone’s views might anger or even outrage me, I respect their right to disagree, and certainly still value them as human beings. What has happened in our nation and society to make individuals feel that senseless violence is the only way to make their voices heard? I'm not sure, but it truly leaves me sick at heart.

So, moving forward in light of these tragedies, I’m asking everyone – readers, friends, family members, strangers and myself – to think before we speak, and to consider how our own actions might unwittingly foster a culture of hatred and intolerance, from saying we hate someone to calling someone an ugly name. Certainly, sick individuals will still continue to carry out violent acts, but I truly believe that we all need to make it our personal mission to stand for compassion instead of anger.

I once interviewed a professor who shared that his favorite quote comes from St. Augustine, who said, “Love, and do what you will.” “Because if you love, you will know what to do,” the professor told me. I believe this and try to live by it. I wish everyone else would, too.

(Photo Credit: Roll Call)

When Parents Meet

2011-01-07T09:00:00.008-05:00

When Stephen and I met, we discovered that we have somewhat different family backgrounds, including in terms of economics. Even so, it was important to us, and to our parents, that they meet prior to our wedding day.

Since both families live in California, they decided it would be best to meet for dinner during a trip Stephen’s mom and dad took to SoCal, even though he and I wouldn’t actually be there to participate. In the days leading up to the meeting, I truly hoped things would go well and that our parents would develop a genuine liking for each other. Most of all, I hoped they’d find plenty to talk about and share, despite their varied backgrounds and the fact that we wouldn’t be there to take part in the conversation.

The day came at last, and after a few hours of wondering, I learned that to my complete delight, things went as well as I could have hoped, with our parents finding plenty of common ground, specifically a son and daughter who had decided to spend the rest of their lives together, but also much more than that. Most importantly, meeting ahead of time allowed both families to relax and have a great time at the wedding, where we celebrated not only the union of two people, but also that of two distinct yet now interconnected families.

Did your parents meet prior to the wedding, or will they? Do you and your groom have similar or different family backgrounds?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

Accessorizing The Bride, For A Little Or A Lot

2011-01-05T09:00:00.012-05:00

While the bride’s gown always steals the show, it’s her accessories that truly help pull the entire look together. On my wedding day, I adored each and every one of mine, from my $10 faux-pearl earrings to my nearly $300 crystal tiara.

Shoes…$25 at Payless

Tiara…$275 at The Bridal Collection salon

Earrings…$10 at Target

Veil…$75 at David’s Bridal

Irish-Themed Garter…$30 from Garters by Kristi

Feeling bridal and beautiful on my wedding day? Absolutely priceless.

LESSON LEARNED: Gorgeous wedding day accessories come in all shapes and sizes, and at all price points. A pair of earrings that costs just $5 can be every bit as beautiful and fitting for the right bride as those that cost $500 or more. At the same time, splurging on an item or two you truly love can be well worth the extra money. As with all other things wedding-related, what matters is staying true to your budget and to yourself.

What types of wedding day accessories did you or will you wear?

(Photo Credits: Damien Smith Photography & Alex Neumann Photography)

My New Year’s Resolution: Happiness

2011-01-03T09:00:00.009-05:00

Six years ago, at a New Year’s Eve party right before my last year as an undergrad, a group of friends went around the room sharing their resolutions for the coming year. Of course, there were all the usual goals, like working out and focusing more on relationships, plus those specifically relevant for soon-to-be grads, like launching a job search or getting better grades. When it was my turn, I at first didn’t know what to say, since I don’t typically make specific resolutions at the start of each year. Instead, I simply stated the goal that had carried me through college and has since carried me through right into 2011 – to be happy.

Though setting specific goals for the future is of course important, keeping happiness front and center as a focal point has helped me achieve these very goals, and has allowed me to keep my perspective when things get tough. Focusing on being happy has always pushed me to make the best decisions possible, whether in terms of career, health, relationships…you name it.

When I decided to get fit and lose weight a couple years ago, it was because I knew I’d be happier and healthier once I did. When I decided to leave my childhood hometown and come to DC to start a new life, it was because I knew I’d ultimately be unhappy if I didn’t push myself beyond my comfort zone. And when I chose to leave Capitol Hill last month instead of applying for another job there, it was because I knew I’d grown unhappy with my situation and that my staying would have been entirely motivated by other factors.

Now more than ever, this year brings me a fresh start, new opportunities and a new phase in my life. I plan to focus on doing well in grad school, continuing my work in the wedding industry and being a loving partner in my marriage. And at the heart of all of these is that same basic goal I carry with me in all that I do – to be, and stay, happy.

Do you like to make resolutions at the start of each year? What are your goals for 2011?

(Photo Credit: Damien Smith Photography)