Happy New Year! A Glimpse of 2009!

I find that I get sentimental at New Years. It is and always will be, a time that I reflect on the year prior and count my many blessings. 2009 was a crazy year in the wedding industry, with the recession hitting the once recession proof industry hard. But through it all I had some of the most amazing experiences of my career! Every year I have wonderful clients and 2009 was no different. I love each and every couple I worked with, and was so honored to be a part of their special day! It truly was a year of innovation and creativity! Here are some of the amazing weddings and events I was blessed to work on!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I look forward to 2010 with an enthusiasm and inspiration!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...Tips from Mindy Weiss

I'm doing Dear Wendi Wednesday a little differently today. I found a video on You Tube from Good Morning America featuring Melissa Rycroft and fiance Ty Strickland. They and home viewers are getting their wedding etiquette questions answered by the infamous wedding planner to the stars Mindy Weiss. Check it out!


If you have a wedding questions you would like answered please leave me a comment and I will make it next weeks post! Thanks!

- Wendi

Holiday Wedding Giveaways!!

Junebug Weddings, the fabulous wedding fashion blog is giving away amazing prizes this week! Each day December 14th to 19th they will unveil a new prize for one or two lucky winners to take home! These aren't cheesy prizes either, they are jammed packed with goodies to make your wedding day that much better!! Today they are giving away

"- A Tying The Knot gift set from Philosophy and TheKnot.com

- A $100 gift certificate toward Bella Umbrella's vintage parasol rental for your wedding day

- And an adorable garter from the "Something Blue" collection of Julianne Smith Wedding Garters! " -Junebug weddings

If you haven't already you must check it out, and FAST!! You don't want to miss out on all they have to offer. Click here to go directly to the giveaway!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...That takes the cake!

Dear Wendi,

What is the deal with the Groom's cake? Should I incorporate this into my wedding?

Thanks,

J.F. Seattle

Hi J.F.

Thank you so much for your question! I love Groom's cakes! They have been thought of in the past as an unnecessary additional cost, but currently they are becoming incredibly popular. They are a wonderful addition of the Groom's personality into the wedding reception. According to Wikipedia:

"A groom's cake is a wedding tradition typically associated with the American
South... The decoration of the cake may reflect the favorite hobby or
interest of a groom, or be used for humorous effect... The groom's cake
is often served at a separate table from the wedding cake at a wedding
reception, though it may be served as a dessert for a rehearsal dinner."

The important part of a Groom's cake is that you have fun with it and make it about him. Have it made of his favorite flavors, and shaped to represent something he loves. Below are some great examples of my past clients' wedding cakes and groom's cakes!

Jenny & Amit's Indian inspired wedding cake

Jenny & Amit's University of Washington Husky Groom's cake
Hannah & Ryan's Naranja inspired wedding cake

Hannah & Ryan's Nike shoe inspired Groom's cake

Each Groom's cake was a surprise to the Groom, as a gift from the Bride! They were thrilled and touched! The cake really showed that the bride has thought about them, and what they would have picked if given the opportunity to pick the wedding cake! It was so wonderful to witness! I highly recommend a groom's cake.

Are you having a Groom's cake? Tell me about it!

I just couldn't wait until Friday...Real Wedding

So Ellen DeGeneres is probably one of my favorite people on television. She is hilarious, while being classy and respectful. She always exudes positive energy! For me, it is nearly impossible to not have my mood lifted when watching her show. (Which sadly I don't get to do very often:()

As a wedding planner I also love weddings on all levels. I have been coordinating weddings going on 5 seasons, and I still tear up at the ceremonies and toasts. I appreciate all of the details from ceremony and reception location to the hand tied handkerchief on the bride's bouquet. It is such an incredible day full of wonderful emotions and joy. I can't express how much I love weddings! And when ELLEN and WEDDINGS unite, it makes for an incredible day for me! Here is one of the most beautiful wedding videos I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot! You can feel the tranquility and joy in them both. This video captures how a wedding should be: joyful, full of love, serene, and all about the people getting married and the love they share!

Thank you Ellen and Portia for sharing this intimate look into your lives with all of us! It is truly a honor to watch!

12.01.2009!

If you are at all like me, this year flew by at torpedo speed! In honor of this, I just wanted to be the first to wish you a very:

Happy December!!!

From all of us at Ethereal Events!