After 11 years of marriage Naaja and Rolly decided to do it all over again on February 7, 2010 in Pearland, Texas. Check out these stunning photos taken by Phenom Photography. To see more pictures capturing this beautiful milestone click here.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Click pictures to enlarge


 
 
We received this email from our bride, Gabriel:

“Hello!

I've been trying to put together an inspiration board (as per Soulful Engagements' advice). Attached is a preliminary version of my inspiration board. I know we are about a year and a half out, but... a girl can look and dream right?

Let me know what you think...The colors are marigold yellow (flowers & stationary), navy (bridesmaids dresses & stationary), and light charcoal (groomsmen attire)

~G”

Picture
Leave a comment and let Gabriel know what you think of her inspiration board.

 
Sunday Poll 03/07/2010
 



 
 
Do make your own invitations if you have the time and are looking for areas to cut costs. With do-it-yourself invitations you are not limited to what the stationer has to offer and you have complete creative control over the paper, fonts, colors and embellishments. You can buy blank stationary and design your invitation from scratch, or you can purchase a wedding invitation kit. If you do not have access to a high quality printer you can still save money by designing your own invitation and taking your design to a local copy center to be printed.

Don’t use your new monogram on your invitations or any other pre-wedding stationary or decorations. Save your married monogram for post-wedding activities like the reception and thank-you cards.

Don’t print “adult reception”, “adults only” or any other variation on your invitation. The way you address the invitation should make it clear who is and who is not invited to the wedding.

Do print the dress code on the invitation if it is a formal affair (i.e. black tie, black tie optional, etc.)

Don’t include registry information on your invitation or any of the insert cards. Registry information should only be included in the bridal shower invitation and spread by word of mouth by your family and the bridal party.

Do address the envelopes prior to inserting the invitations to avoid indentations or ink marks on the invitation.

Don’t worry about hand writing the addresses on the envelopes. Traditionally, all addresses were hand written, however some modern couples are opting to have the addresses printed directly onto the envelopes to cut costs and save time.

Do visit www.usps.com and browse through their inventory of stamps to find a stamp that fits your wedding style and theme. 

Do call guests if you have not received a response by the deadline. Don’t automatically assume that they are not coming, they may have simply forgotten to send back the response card.


 
 
Want to exude ambiance at your reception? Check out this fabulous lighting.

Click pictures to enlarge 
 

 
 
These dresses may be short in material but what they lack in length they more than make up for in style. They're perfect for casual weddings, receptions were you want to let loose and dance or if you just want to show of your legs! Check out which dresses made it on our short list of favorites.  
Click pictures to enlarge


 
 
This inspiration board is elegant and modern, perfect for a formal spring or summer wedding.

Picture
Click picture to enlarge
 
 
Check out the gorgeous pictures Ayesha of Bedazzled Photography shot of Doyin and Ralph at Central Park West in New York City last summer. “They were an absolute pleasure to work with and open to trying anything.” Here are some Ayesha’a favorite shots from their engagement session.” To see more pictures from Bedazzled Photography visit her blog here.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Click pictures to enlarge


 
 
Picture
Set up a meeting with your DJ or bandleader to discuss the timeline and details of your reception. This meeting should be a collaborative effort, with a free exchange of ideas, feedback and guidance.  Provide them with a must-play list and a do-not-play list. 

The must-play list should be inclusive of all the songs that have meaning to you and that you absolutely love, but the list should be kept as short as possible. You do not want to micromanage the music. Instead of handing them a ten page song list, let the DJ or bandleader know the genres you are interested in hearing throughout your reception. Your DJ or bandleader should be able to read the crowd and react to your guests and select songs accordingly. 

The do-not-play list should include all the songs & genres that you find cheesy, cliché, and absolutely hate, as well as songs that may have inappropriate lyrics or subject matter.

In addition to your must-play and do-not-play lists you will need to provide the DJ or bandleader with your song selections for any key dances or traditions such as, your first dance, parent dances, and cake cutting. You should also let your DJ or bandleader know if you are open to them taking requests from guests.

If your DJ or bandleader will also be emceeing the event they will be responsible for keeping the flow of your reception moving smoothly and informing your guests of what is going on. You will need to provide them with the specifics on when you want them to talk (i.e. introductions, toasts, bouquet toss, etc.) and what they should say (i.e. names, pronunciations, relationship to bride & groom, etc.)


 
 
If you would like to have your wedding announcement posted on Soulful Engagements enter your names, wedding date and the city & state where your wedding will be held in the form below.

If you want a picture included with your announcement please email us a picture and be sure to include all of the information listed above in your email.
 
Share |