We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love these eco-friendly wedding favors and gifts from ecoparti.


Ecoparti offers biodegradable confetti in many colors. The confetti dissolves in water making it a smart choice for a fun and earth friendly bridal toss.

Other items available include rice paper napkins, rose petals, seed favors, milk soaps, and much more.

Leap of Love

We'd like to say Happy Anniversary to Penny and Scott Simmons today. Penny is the general manager at B&E and the mastermind of many of the ideas that pour out of the company. Scott and Penny were married on Leap Day, so this special occasion only comes around every four years!

Enjoy your day!

Wedding Favors Under a Buck

1. Scratch Tickets
Price: $1 each
How to use them: Place each scratch ticket in a clear sleeve with a brand new penny. Put a little note inside telling your guests you hope they are as lucky in love as you have been.
Where to get them: At your local grocery or convenience store

2. Mini Vellum Envelopes
Price: $8.75 for a pack of 25 (that's $.35 each!)
How to use them: Fill each individual envelope with a family recipe, verse, poem, fortune, or other meaningful words. Or go another route and just fill them with candy such as Jordan Almonds, a traditional candy for good luck.
Where to get them: Type pictured is available at Beau-Coup.com

3. Embossed Favor Bags
Price: $.50 each
How to use them: We suggest going green with these adorable pouches. Place some seeds inside to grow herbs, flowers, or vegetables and include instructions for your guests on where and how to grow their new plant.
Where to get them: Available at Beau-coup.com

4. Tea For Two Teabags
Price: $.85
How to use them: Everything can be customized these days including these adorable teabags. Order personalized tea bags with sweet phrases like "Love is Brewing," "The Perfect Blend" and "Tearific Couple." And be sure to also print your names and wedding date on the bag.
Where to get them: Available at Beau-Coup.com

5. Personalized Matchbooks
Price: $.26 each
How to use them: Show your guests that you and your new spouse are a "perfect match" with personalized matchbooks. These matchbooks come in several colors and motifs and can be combined with a small candle as a charming wedding favor.
Where to get them: Weddingchannel.com

Best Places To Kiss

Romance is alive and well (as you very well know) in the Northwest and this handy little guide will take you on a lovefest through the city. The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest by Kate Chynoweth is the 9th edition of this lover's travel guide. Covering Washington and Oregon, Chynoweth takes you on an insiders guide to the region’s most romantic inns, resorts, B&Bs, and hotels, with detailed information on privacy, amenities, views, and décor. Restaurant reviews advise readers what to order and where to sit for the ultimate in dining romance. A "Romantic Highlights" section for each destination has insider information on the best sunsets, beaches, scenic drives, shopping, fireside snuggling, and outdoor activities. Sometimes even love can use a little inspiration, don't you agree? And who said date-night has to disappear just because you got engaged? We certainly didn't.

Unconventional Wedding Songs

Are you searching for that perfect song to enjoy your first dance as a married couple but aren't having any luck? We have some ideas for you, that may not be the most popular songs, but certainly embody the words and melody to make your heart melt.

1. Stolen, by Dashboard Confessional
Featured on the album Dusk and Summer, released June 27, 2006
Lyrics to make you melt: You have stolen my heart; I watch you spin around; In the highest heels; You are the best one; Of the best ones

2. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
Featured on the album Girls and Boys, released on June 28, 2007
Lyrics to make you melt: I'd buy you Rogaine if you start losing all your hair; Sew on patches to all you tear; Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise; And you take me the way I am.

3. Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg
Featured on the album LP released July 25, 2006
Lyrics to make you melt: I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you; Yes theres a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you; I've seen the paths that your eyes wander down; I want to come too

4. Lay Down Beside Me by Alison Krauss & John Waite
Featured on the album A Hundred Miles Or More: A Collection
Lyrics to make you melt: Mornings and evenings all were the same; And there was no music till I heard your name; But I knew when I saw you smile; Now I can rest for awhile

5. Modern Nature by Sondre Lerche
Featured on the album Dan In Real Life released October 2, 2007
Lyrics to make you melt: Do you have the slightest idea (No, I don't); Why the world is bright with you here? (Oh, is that so?); Stay a while and wait and see (wait, and see); If things go right we're meant to be

Press On Makeup

Do you sometimes feel inadequate when applying makeup? And does your makeup never turn out as good as what you see on TV? We suggest trying press on makeup and eye shadow by ColorOn. ColorOn Professional Makeup Applicators, can make anyone look as if they have a make-up artist on call. Pre-made eye shadow applicators come in several colors to match every skin tone. Just choose the color palette you like, press it on your eyelid, and peel off the applicator. You'll have flawless eyeshadow as if a professional makeup artist did it themselves. What's ColorOn's motto: makeup made easy, glamour made simple!




Product Description:
One oval does both eyes, so you get 20 applications! Learn more and see all the colors available in this kit. The best way to get familiar with ColorOn Instant eye shadow applicators is with our Best Sellers Kit! In this set you get to try the most popular, very wearable color combinations, from subtle to smokey.

Kits Retail: $30

Design Your Own Couture Dress

Have you looked and looked for the perfect rehearsal dinner dress or bridesmaids' gowns and not found anything that truly fits your needs? Well look no further. You can design your very own couture dress, in the shape and style you want. And it's as easy as the click of the mouse.

Check out Studio 28 Couture, where in four simple steps you can design your very own couture dress. Just pick the bodice, skirt, fabric and trim, and voila! You have your very own custom designed dress.

Dresses retail for around $200 and take about 3 weeks to arrive. They don't accept returns, but will do alterations free of charge.

Here is what Studio 28 Couture says about themselves: "Studio 28 Couture, Inc. offers a unique service to customers, enabling them to own a unique and likely a one-of-a-kind piece by designing their own dress via our web site. Founded in February 2007, Studio 28 offers dresses that have a vintage appeal and according to customers, a great fit. Although the style of dress varies greatly from customer to customer, the level of quality is consistent. The dresses are made individually in the U.S.A. by Studio 28’s seamstresses from solid or printed 100% cotton fabric. In Summer 2007, Studio 28 Couture began selling dresses in Jenny G’s Clothing Boutique in Pittsford, NY. In Spring 2008, Studio 28 dresses and custom services will be available at J. Seitz & Company in New Preston, CT. The offices of Studio 28 are located in Pittsford, NY."

Pamper the Bride

You are only a bride once, so do the little things to pamper yourself along the way.

Here are some of our favorite bridal treats to help you slow down and enjoy the ride.

1. Here Comes the Bride - by Philosophy

By Philosophy, 'here comes the bride' set includes: purity made simple facial cleanser (2 oz.), hope in a jar daily moisturizer (1 oz.), 2 oz. amazing grace shower gel (2 oz.), amazing grace hair conditioner (2 oz.), amazing grace body emulsion (2 oz.), soul owner exfoliating foot cream (2 oz.), and time on your hands exfoliating hand cream (2 oz.).

Available at Nordstrom
Retails $45

2. Wedding Zen Book

Planning a wedding can get a little stressful - and even the calmest of couples might fantasize about eloping. Before you cancel the caterers, Wedding Zen can help. Learn to apply the principles of classic Zen teachings to the time-honored traditions of the bride, and see how a little namaste can improve your nuptials in a big way. With the gentle teachings of Zen, you'll realize that there's no such thing as perfection and to focus instead on what really matters, setting you free to have a truly wonderful, utterly enjoyable, best-day-of-your-life wedding!

Available at weddingfairy.com
Retails $9.95

3. Lollia Believe Bubble Bath

Uncork a bath-time getaway to a land where the air smells of cabbage rose and citrus, and where your skin is as soft as silk.

Key ingredients: rose water, red apple, bergamot, jasmine, plum, cedarwood

Available at Anthropologie
Retails $32


And we can't forget the groom...

1. Here Comes The Groomed - by Anthony for Men

Guys getting ready for the big day--wedding day, that is--will appreciate the strategy and simplicity of our multifunctional set from Anthony Logistics for Men. Formulated using ingredients geared to men’s skin, the set includes the essentials of good grooming, complete with a handy "Grooming the Groom" instruction card. The nylon mesh bag has a plastic lining complete with a side pocket to hold a razor, toothbrush or other wet items. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to charities that support the fight against prostate cancer.

Available at RedEnvelope
Retails $50

Bridal Makeup Tips...Part 2

Watch MakeupGourmet.com's makeup artist Chris Scott apply bridal makeup in simple steps so you can replicate for your wedding day.

Bridal Makeup Tips...Part 1

Flawless bridal makeup is achievable with a few simple application steps from MakeupGourmet.com Tips in this video offer guidelines on applying the proper makeup for wedding photography so you can look your very best.

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love these charming hand painted martini glasses by Lolita "Love My Martini" Collection. Whether you're a shopaholic or a chocoholic, a beach bunny or a party girl, there is a special martini glass for you. These hand-painted martini glasses from Lolita are all whimsically named and themed. They also all come with a fun surprise, an individual martini recipe painted on the bottom! These delightful glasses make a perfect gift for any occasion or a great addition to your own collection.



These adorable glasses can be collected to reflect different momentous occasions in your life, including your wedding day, birthday, Christmas, and so much more. You can register for these collectables at Macy's.

A New You, A New Do

Are you considering a new hair style but not sure if the style you are interested in will look on you or not? We've found just the solution. Try on different celebrity hairstyles at InStyle.com. Just upload a digital photo of yourself with your hair pulled back and voila! Start trying on different hairstyles right now. They even have a special section for wedding updos. Plus the hairstyle options change regularly so check back often.

Are You Inspi(RED) this Valentine's Day?

This Valentine's Day, choose your gift wisely. Hallmark, has partnered with (PRODUCT) RED™ to help people living with AIDS in Africa. The contributions to Global Fund comes right out of Hallmark's profits. Now when you send a card or give a gift, you help people living with AIDS in Africa. 8% of Hallmark (PRODUCT) RED™ net wholesale sales will go to the Global Fund. Other companies have joined in the effort to raise funds for this cause including GAP, Converse, Emporio Armani, Apple, American Express and Motorola.

The (PRODUCT) RED™ items available at Hallmark include cards, gifts, gift wrap and more and are available online or in the store.

Flowers the Experts Love To Use

Preston Bailey's lush sense of style in inspired by his upbringing in the tropical paradise of Panama. Preston is an internationally celebrated event designer and wedding planner with clients that include Donald Trump, Middle East Royalty and Oprah Winfrey. This week he talks about his favorite flowers, and why he loves them so much.

All That Sparkles

There is nothing more elegant than sparkle for an evening wedding. Romance is illuminated by light, crystal, diamonds and gems which is why these elements are an excellent theme design for your evening wedding. Paired with any color, rhinestones, diamonds and crystals set the mood for your romantic wedding design. We've gathered some examples of how you can use rhinestone and crystal accents as the backdrop for your decor.

First pay close attention to the detailing of your table centerpieces. By using reflection in the form of mirrors or glass, pair crystal or cut glass candleholders with silver or gold accents to reflect light at each table. Featured above, is an example from Plum Party. A pack of two retails for $36.

Rhinestones can also be featured in your cake and table setting. The cake featured to the right, comes from Creme de la Creme in Seattle, WA. Crystal accents adorn the base of the cake. The rhinestone motif is also carried out in the frosting of the cake itself - and its all fully edible. Rhinestone ribbons in packs of 50 are also available for various decorative accents at Target. Target also carries rhinestone cake toppers in any letter or number.

The rhinestone and jeweled motif also transfers beautifully to bridal style and accessories. Featured below are examples of small accent pieces that adorn bridal gowns. (Left: BCBG gown available at Nordstrom; Top Right: Alfred Angelo) Also note the rhinestone cuff detailing the bridal bouquet.


Beautiful accessories for the bride are also available in many retail outlets that are adorned with tasteful touches of rhinestones. Choose accessories like lipstick cases, chandelier earrings, cuff bracelets, shoes, and clutches to accent your jeweled theme.

Even the wedding favors or bridal party gifts can reflection the overall theme. For instance, the beautiful and classic key chain from Swarovski makes an excellent gift.

As with any theme for your wedding, the important thing to remember is that even the smallest details should be addressed. A successful design is executed when everything from the invitations to the decor to the accessories carries out the same theme. Not only does it bring continuity to your design, but it actually makes it easier to shop and create the decor because you'll have a clear focus on what you are purchasing.

It's All In The Details

In this clip from Get Married on Lifetime, Celebrity wedding designer David Tutera gives some tips on details that you can use for your wedding.

From Red Carpet to Wedding Day

Inspiration comes in many forms. This year at the 2008 Grammy Awards, the stars went all out in their fashion choices. From fun and flirty, to sophisticated and regal, the celebrities wore awe-inspiring gowns suitable for the red carpet and your wedding day. Below are a few of our favorite gowns from this year's red carpet and to show you how you can create the same look at your wedding, we've found similar styles by bridesmaid gown designers.

1. THE HIGH NECK



R&B singer Alicia Keys wore this off the shoulder royal blue gown by Armani. The high neck pairs well with her high up-do and shows off her back. Our comparison gown by Badgley Miscka is available in many color options and also features a high neckline in the front and a low back.

Featured gown available at Badgley Miscka Bridesmaids

2. SILVER AND SHORT



Shiny and bright certainly were popular themes with Miley Cyrus in a short silver dress by Celine — and a lot of silver eye shadow. Our comparison gown is by Badgley Miscka and features the same short and flirty shape as the Celine dress.

Featured gown available at Badgley Miscka Bridesmaids

3. BLUE AND FLARED



Rihanna wore a Zac Posen short and flared gown in a bright blue color. You can get a similar, yet toned down look with this similar gown from Dessy.

Featured gown by Dessy Collection

4. SUN-KISSED



Banquetevent.com has already predicted that the color yellow will be making a large showing in 2008 in wedding design. Fergie chose this elegant yet simple ensemble from Calvin Klein. Our comparison gown by Watters & Watters features the same cheery color in a short and flirty design.

Featured gown by Watters & Watters

5. FLORAL



Are florals making a comeback? Carrie Underwood thinks so. Florals can be done with many bright colors or a two-toned theme as pictures in our comparison gown by Priscilla of Boston.

Featured gown available at Priscilla of Boston

6. OFF THE SHOULDER



Faith Hill chose an off-the-shoulder black gown by Valentino. With its sleek shape, this gown can work well with broad shoulders and long necks. Our comparison gown is by Greg Cassini and available at Dillards.

By Greg Cassini available at Dillards

All About Reem Acra

In this clip from Get Married on Lifetime, Reem Acra, who has designed red carpet gowns for Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie to name a few, describes her wedding gown collection and gives tips for choosing your dress. Watch Get Married, airing on Lifetime EVERY weekday morning at 7:30 am ET/PT.

Northwest Wines

The Northwest, specifically Washington State and Oregon, is home to some of the best wines in the world. With such excellence in your very own backyard why not use some of the area's finest to wow your guests' tastebuds at your wedding reception. Here is a guide to some of our favorites...

The Prestigious Award Goes To...Chateau Ste MIchelle, WA
The Chateau Ste Michelle Winery is one of the oldest and most award winning wineries in Washington State. With its large cellar of reds and whites alike, Chateau Ste Michelle's wines represent the varietal character of the Columbia Valley.



The Best Wine For Your Buck Award Goes To...Hogue Cellars, WA
Hogue Cellars™ is located in Eastern Washington's Columbia Valley, the premiere grape growing region of the state. The climate and soils of the Columbia Valley produce grapes with intense fruit flavors and high natural acidity. The wines have a liveliness and ripe, zesty fruit flavors that make them ideal complements to a wide range of food. What makes their bottles unique are the screw tops rather than corks.



The Most Surprising It Came From Washington and Not Italy Award Goes To...Tsillan Cellars, WA
Tsillan Cellars (pronounced "Chelan") brings a taste of Tuscany to the Northwest. Their meticulous attention to detail has allowed Tsillan Cellars to establish itself as the premiere, award-winning winery in the valley; with varietals such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah winning gold medals, and the Estate Pinot Grigio, and Estate Gewurztraminer winning double gold and platinum medals in both regional and national wine competitions.



Best Female Winemaker Award Goes To...Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, OR
Oregon’s northern latitude brings long hours of summer sunshine and cool nights to the Penner-Ash vineyard which helps fully ripen the grapes and retain natural acidity. Their unique growing season allows for the development of complex fruit flavors, aromatics and nuances associated with world-class wines.



More Spice and Less Sugar Award Goes To...Panther Creek Cellars
For the couple who likes to spice it up, we recommend Panther Creek Cellars. Known for their Pinot Noirs, Panther Creek's wines almost have a pepper taste in the background which is sure to spice up any dining experience. This wine is not for the faint, with its bold tannins and fragrant aroma, but pairs surprising well with ethnic foods also rich in flavor.

Fleur di Lis Fabulous

We always recommend choosing a central theme design for your wedding decor. By choosing one design, color, fabric pattern, etc. as your central focus, you can easily narrow down options for even the smallest details of your wedding decor. Here is an idea for a fabulous design theme for your wedding: Fleur di Lis. With its versatility and representation of all things regal, the Fleur di Lis is an excellent choice to use in almost any aspect of your design.



Featured above:
Top Row Left: Charger and napkin ring from French Quarter Market
Top Row Right: Fleur di Lis Stamp from Michael's
Middle Row Left: Champagne Flutes from French Quarter Market
Middle Row Center: Fleur di Lis cake topper from French Quarter Market
Middle Row Right: Fleur di Lis name card holder from French Quarter Market
Bottom Row Left: Fleur di Lis wedding invitation from Bumpercards.com
Bottom Row Right: Fleur di Lis cake design from Creme de la Creme, Seattle

Put Your Stamp On It

Personalization is the key goal for many brides and grooms planning weddings today. Monograms have become a widely popular theme for wedding decor in items from invitations to wedding cakes. Custom labels can be ordered for your occasion and implemented easily into your wedding design. You can use your labels on favor packaging, wine bottles, cd cases, coasters, name cards and much more.



Be creative with your custom labels for other uses as well. In the image pictured below, a bride used a personalized label on a hand-made cone filled with rose petals and handing one to each person sitting on the center aisle. When the bride and groom walked down the aisle after saying their "I dos" the guests tossed the petals on them as they walked by.



Featured Stamps: myweddinglabels.com
Photo by: Bradley Hanson Photography, Seattle

Valentine's Treats

This morning we heard on the radio that Valentine's Day has traditionally been a day for the man to spoil his wife or girlfriend and that a lot of pressure is put on the man to make the day special for his lovely lady. But we think that tradition has changed. Why shouldn't women put the same effort into planning a special Valentine's Day surprise as men are expected to? Since Valentine's Day is only 10 days away, we've collected some special ideas to help you wow your significant other.


1. Romantic Spa Getaway at the Salish Lodge & Spa
The Salish Lodge in Washington sits on the hillside of the Snoqualmie Falls. With its incredible views, romantic dining and special in-room spa treatments, the Salish Lodge is the one spectacular choice for Valentine's Day. The Salish Lodge offers a Valentine's Day Package that includes a one night stay in historic guestroom, rose petals in room upon arrival, and dining room dinner for two, with our special Valentine's Day menu. Enhance your special night with a spa treatment or massage right in your own room.
Package Price: $599 plus tax and resort fee
Website: www.salishlodge.com

2. Take a helicopter ride
You've seen it in the movies, so why not make it a reality. Helicopter rentals are available complete with scenic tours. Looking for one in the Seattle area? Try Take Off Events which leaves from Renton.

3. Throw a party, and hire a lipsologist
Valentine’s Day is a day of romance and remembering our loved ones. Whether you’re mailing a card or celebrating with others at a gala party or a private one with your family, or that one special someone, don’t forget about hugs and kisses and lip print giving and receiving. Learn More...

4. Enjoy a post-Valentine Brunch at the Waterfront Seafood Grill
Enjoy a romantic morning a few days after the crowds have dwindled on Sunday, February 17 with a bottle of bubbly, live jazz and a brunch menu that includes pastries, fresh fruit, seafood omelets and bananas foster beignets.
Location: 2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70
Seattle, WA 98121

5. Spend Valentine's Day with some other love animals at the Woodland Park Zoo
Enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day at Woodland Park Zoo's historic carousel as you and your sweetie take a romantic spin on the elegantly hand-carved, wooden carousel horses and enjoy an assortment of delicious hors d'oeurves, a ristotto station, seafood station and satay station as well as fresh fruit, baked brie hearts, an international cheese board, deviled eggs topped with Tobiko caviar, hummus an caponata with baked pita chips. A cash bar will be available and a surprise animal guest will make an appearance for an up-close encounter. Cost: $60 per person, includes service charge and tax. Reservations and pre-payment required. Space is limited. For more information and reservations, call 206.548.2662.
Location: 5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
Time: 7-9pm

Avoiding Budget Busters Tip #2

Floral designs and centerpieces can be very costly when it comes to ordering centerpieces for each table at your wedding. We've gathered some excellent ideas for alternative centerpiece designs that can help you save costs on your designs. Consider the following budget saving, but beautiful centerpiece ideas.

1. Use fruit and vegetables in clear bowls or on pedestals. Nothing is more vibrant in color than fruit and vegetables. Consider lemons, limes, oranges, red and green apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, cranberries, peppers, and other vibrant yet non-bruising edible alternatives as elegant table centerpieces. Then, as favors, you can even provide a recipe using the featured item that your guests can take home and try in their own kitchen.

2. Colored water creates a unique yet romantic table piece decor item. Simply gather clear, glass bowls, candy jars, vases, etc., fill them with lukewarm water and add any food coloring to the liquid. You can even add rocks, crystals, glass balls or other weighted items to sit at the bottom of the bowl. Simply add a floating candle, flower or seashell to the top for added charm. Glass bowls or vases can usually be rented from your local rental company so you can save the purchase of these items.

3. Kill two birds with one stone by using your favors as centerpieces. Pile miniature boxes filled sweet gifts in the center of each table and allow your guests to take the gifts as thank you presents for attending. Or, consider filling candy jars with colored candies that match your theme in the center of the table. Provide scoop spoons and clear plastic bags for your guests to treat themselves throughout the reception. You're guests will feel like they're in an old fashioned candy store.

4. Purchase picture frames at a local discount or dollar store in various sizes and fill them with shots of you and your fiance doing various activities. Your guests will enjoy roaming around the room to view different photographs of you and your fiance and they'll get a chance to take a glimpse into your life. It's a charming way to give your guests something to talk about as they roam the room and visit other tables.

Pictured above: Martha Stewart Good Things

Avoiding Budget Busters Tip #1

Everyone wants to be smart about how they spend their money on their wedding. Couples want the most bang for their buck and we'll post our favorite budget savers all week!

Tip #1: You can easily save money on the cake. Today, cake's range from $3.50 to sometimes $10 a slice depending on how elaborate your design is. Here is a way to achieve your dream wedding cake without breaking the bank. Rather than ordering a huge five-tiered cake, talk to your baker about designing a small "Bride & Groom Cake" that you will cut and feed each other at the reception. Then have your baker create the same flavored sheet cakes that can be hidden in the kitchen or another room of your facility. The cake can be pre-sliced and brought out by the facility or caterer during the cake portion of your reception - and no one will ever know! Undecorated sheet cakes are significantly less expensive than tiered cakes and taste just as good! If however, you still want the effect of a large wedding cake, your baker can work with you to create only sections of your cake that are actually real and edible. For instance, consider making the bottom or top layer the only real section of the cake. The rest can be decorated foam or cardboard. Then, just bring out the sheet cakes for your guests.

Pictured Above: Consider how little of this cake is actually real. The the large calla lily focal point creates the illusion of a large cake without actually using real edible elements.

Open House Announcement - Acalia and Foodz Catering

Date: February 9, 11am - 3pm
Location: Acalia - 301 Queen Anne Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109

Whether you're a bride-to-be or a corporate event planner, come taste the Flavors of FOODZ and see what sets Acalia apart from the other event/reception places in town. It's free, it's delicious, and it's a lot of fun! It's all taking place at Acalia's beautiful Queen Anne location; RSVP kindly requested.

R.S.V.P Here