Do you ever talk to other women who are engaged and hear about the unexpected ways their grooms proposed? I love hearing stories from my brides about the men who plan something totally unique and meaningful whether than just blurting out the question during a normal dinner. Hopefully not a lot of guys out there are still doing that, but you would be surprised the stories I hear. That’s why I was excited to find that the local Aquarium here in Cincinnati (Newport Aquarium) offers Wedding Proposal packages. There are currently 3 options of how the Aquarium can make your proposal memorable:
1. The Penguin Proposal: It’s what you think it is… these cute, tuxedoed groomsmen may not make it to the wedding, but they can still help you pop the question. The groom and bride-to-be will get an exclusive, 20-minute encounter with three African Penguins, who will crowd around her while the groom drops to one knee. The Penguin House can accommodate up to 12 guests if you want to have family/friends watching your special moment.
2. A Very Engaging Dive Show: A fun date to the aquarium becomes the surprise of her life when the groom joins the audience for a seemingly normal dive show. When the curtains rise to reveal a diver in the tank holding a sign that reads, “Will You Marry Me?” the gasp you hear won’t be for air. The final step is simple – seal it with a kiss. Your special moment can take place in any of these underwater exhibits: Amazon, Coral Reef or Surrounded by Sharks.
3. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour: The aquarium offers a 40-minute behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities. Then, when she least expects it, the groom can give her the highlight of the tour – a proposal she’ll never forget.
What other creative and memorable ideas do you have? How did your groom propose?
Marie & Dave, both coworkers at my company here in Cincinnati, OH tied the knot in May, and I wanted to showcase some of their lovely photos taken by Steve Lyons. Their ceremony location, the Saint Mary Cathedral – Basilica was absolutely STUNNING and Marie’s choice of dress and decorations truly fit in with the elegant and timeless decor. The lace, the pearls, the beautiful purple bridesmaids dresses… Marie is a woman after my own heart! Dave is one lucky man! Enjoy!
Have you ever met someone who is just striking? I mean, literally, just stunningly beautiful? Well that is my friend Abbie. We first met when we moved into condominiums on the same street in Cincinnati, and we both had small dogs that quickly became boyfriend/girlfriend. The most amazing thing about Abbie is that besides being naturally gorgeous, she is one of the sweetest, most down to earth, caring & loving individuals I have ever met. Total package. Seriously. And after 2 years of being neighbors, trips to Cabo and Lake Tahoe together, we’ve now both met the loves of our lives and gotten married.
I’ll feature Abbie’s wedding on here soon, but until then I wanted to share some shots of her modeling for amateur photographers in the Dallas area. She was a model for a bridal workshop, where various budding photographers took plenty of pics showing her beauty… and her wedding dress. That’s right, the gown she has on in these photos is her actual wedding dress that was worn last summer. I love these pics and I know you will, too!
Hot Pink Brides did a poll from Brides to Be to find out what order brides chose their wedding vendors. It was fascinating – I was shocked with the results.
1) Wedding Dress & Attire
2) Venue for Ceremony
3) Venue for Reception
4) Photography
5) Catering (If it was NOT included with venue)
6) DJ
7) Wedding Cake
8 ) Flowers
9) Videographer
10) Officiate (if not including by church venue)
11) Ceremony Music (if not provided by DJ like a harpist or guitarist)
12) Coordinator
13) Grooms Cake
14) Lighting and Favors
15) Transportation (Limo services)
I am not surprised that the dress was chosen first, as that is what most girls dream about. But I am really surprised that coordination was so low because it is SO important to have a good planner/coordinator.
What better way to announce you’re “taking the plunge” than to do so, literally? Check out this awesome save-the-date announcement inspiration from Steep Street where the bride & groom-to-be donned wedding gear and jumped in feet first, so to speak!
I’ve been helping some of my brides search for the perfect shoes.. I just wanted to share with you some of the great shoes I’ve come across in my searches… wouldn’t these look hot on any bride?!
And if you’re not the type of gal to wear shoes with a huge pop of color, but you want to veer away from wedding white.. why not go with one of this season’s trendy colors – blush pink.
I saw the photos from this shoot on GreenWeddingShoes and had to share it with you all! Love Love Love the soft colors mixed with romantic pops of color.
Check out European Bridal in the Reading Bridal District for Unique wedding gowns… and right now, great prices! Don’t miss their $99 dress sale going on now through April 9th!
As I was browsing Facebook recently, I noticed my friend L had posted some great photos of herself doing some modeling work! I immediately asked if I could share on the blog, as some of her modeling photos were ‘rustic bridal’ as I like to say. These photos are taken my two local photographers that are friends with L –> so check out Jason Hatcher & Josh Beeman.
LOVE this one!! Photo by Jason Hatcher.
Photo by Jason Hatcher. This is actually her real-life groom, J!
Photo by Jason Hatcher.
The two photos above are by Josh Beeman. L did the make up herself — talk about talent!
If you know me, you know that I’m obsessed with wedding photography. I love how photographers can capture every aspect of the day, every mood, every emotion, and the pure sexiness that exudes from brides on their wedding day. A friend of mine who models wedding gowns suggested I check out local Cincinnati photographer Neysa Ruhl, and I can safely say that I am so glad I did. Below are some of my favorite shots from this photographer!
