A Royal Affair

Like the rest of the world I fell in love with Princess Diana many moons ago.  And, after The Crown aired in 2016, I found myself quite smitten with the Queen as well.  I certainly would not consider myself to be a Royal Watcher. But, I too got caught up in all the fan fare of the Royal wedding.   Or should I say I got caught up in the details.  The wedding was not political for me as it was so many others.  No judgement …. I’m just saying.  For me it just had all “the feels”.

Starting with Mom and daughter riding in together to St. George’s Chapel.   As a Mom, I can only imagine all the thoughts and emotions that were running through both their heads and their hearts as they made they made their way to the wedding.  I totally fell for her Mother too, uniquely herself, well put together, but totally on her own terms, beaming with both pride and joy.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

I think most people loved this classic shot.  I was impressed that even with a wedding as iconic as this one, that she (Meghan) was able to let her own personal style shine through.  In a world where being over the top seems to often overshadow classic style and simplicity, that was quite a feat.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9685436as)
Meghan Markle
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Ceremony, St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, UK – 19 May 2018

It’s no secret that I love a good Black and White photo.  You can blame my Photographer husband for that.  I think it almost automatically changes the status of a stunning picture to a Timeless one.  And, in this case, nothing could be more true. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Lastly, absolutely nothing trumps a “Good Entrance” like an “Even Better Exit”.  And the Horse Drawn Carriage was just what Fairy Tales are Made Of.

Photo Credit: Getty Images Over the last week or so, I read so much commentary from people who couldn’t relate to all the fuss surrounding the Royal Wedding. Even though I honestly had no intention of watching the wedding or getting caught up in the blitz, I get it.  We are constantly bombarded by less than stellar news.  And it often seems like Evil Trumps Good.  So even if it was just for a few mere seconds, it was nice to see the World focus on Love, and that is it.

Now back to our regularly, scheduled programming.

Friday Freebies: Future Bride Freebies

SO YOU ARE GONNA BE A BRIDE?

Will You Be My Maid of Honor Printable Card - Future Bride Freebies

For Personal Use Only – – Not for Commercial Use – Do Not Alter or Redistribute. ©2016 Stage Presents

With Valentine’s squarely behind us, spring on the horizon, and  the wedding season approaching it seemed only right to dedicate a few of our Friday Freebies to the “Brides to Be”.  The wedding planning phase, while it holds its own frustrations, can be one of the most memorable and rewarding parts of your big day.  It is a time to bond with your family and friends as you embark on your new adventure.  So don’t half step do it up right!!    Ask them to stand with you on your Special Day with these Will you be my Maid of Honor Printable Cards. (Download Below).  Two different versions of Will You Be My Bridesmaids Printable Cards are available in another post  we shared here.

Will You Be My Maid of Honor Card - Future Bride Freebies - stage-presents.com

To Download: Right Click and Save

He Asked, You Said Yes.  Wanna take your new last name for a trial run?  Try out this Adorable “The Future Mrs”  Tech Wallpaper.  Right Click On the Second Picture Below and save this to your device and or computer.  Then simply Edit in Your New Last Name and there you have it.  For Installation Instructions on Your Device – Follow This Link. Plus what a Great Way to Share Your Good News with the World.

The Future Mrs - Editable iPad/iPhone Wallpaper - Future Bride Freebies - ©2016 Stage Presents

For Personal Use Only – – Not for Commercial Use – Please Do Not Alter or Redistribute. ©2016 Stage Presents

The Future Mrs Blank - iPad/iPhone Wallpaper - Future Bride Freebie - ©2016 Stage Presents

For Personal Use Only – – Not for Commercial Use – Do Not Alter or Redistribute. ©2016 Stage Presents

I’ve been married for almost 7 years now.  So, I guess I am no longer a Newlywed.  But, I truly enjoyed this stage of my life and I trust that you will too.  Do you know a future blushing bride?  Be sure to share this post with her.  What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process? I’d love to hear about.

Balloon Trends: The Life of the Party!!

 

Decorating with Balloons

Although seemingly simple as far as Party Decor goes, Balloons are still the ultimate “pièce de résistance“, for even the most extravagant party themes.  More and more often, I am seeing Party Planners  incorporating balloons into their designs to take their events to the Next Level.  Here are 3 of my favorite ways to decorate with balloons.

1.  The Ever Popular Balloon Back Drop:  From Birthday Parties to Weddings these Back Drops are Popping Up Everywhere… (Pun Intended).  I love how much versatility this affords.   You can use a variation of colors, go Ombre or even throw in some textured looks and patterns.

Pop

Photo Source: PopSugar.com

2.  Word/Letter/Symbol Balloons:  Right Now this is my favorite Balloon Trend.  Because well it’s CUSTOM.  You can personalize it with your name, the type of event, even your theme.  You can twist it and turn it to fit whatever you need.  It’s almost like a Monogram, your Personal Stamp.  And, One can never go wrong with a PERSONAL STAMP, in my humble opinion.

Word Letter Balloons

Photo Source: Pinterest

3.  Balloon Table Centerpieces:  Your Table Centerpiece should always bring THE DRAMA.  You can fashion and shape your balloons however you like, whether you shape them into flowers, use them to create a table wreath, or make them into  Hot Air Balloons. Your centerpiece should serve to transport your guests to somewhere fun and whimsical, and put them in the mood to PARTY. Currently, I am kind of obsessed with the Hot Air Balloons centerpieces.  They are so festive and can work at almost every event. They are more than likely going to be a big part of the next party that I throw.

Balloon Centerpieces

Photo Sources: 1 2 3

You have just finished reading: Balloon Trends – The Life of The Party.  How do you use Balloons to “Turn Up” for Your Events?  Consider leaving a comment below.

His & Her – Our Take on 2015 Wedding Trends

His & Hers Our Take on 2015 Wedding Trends - stage-presents.com

#WEDDINGTRENDS

Since deciding to add Wedding Invitations to Our Etsy Shop, I have found myself immersed in the 2015 Wedding Trends.  Some of them, I could get on board with, and some I could do without.  So just for fun, I enlisted my hubby to get both a male and female perspective on the latest crazes.

Drone or Go Pro Photos –

Hers – You know the Control Freak in Me Would Never Go For That.  You are also talking about the woman who gave her photographer a Definitive List of Must Have Shots.

His – I am a photographer.  NEVER. And besides, drones are too noisy.

Dance Routines –

Her – I would go for it as long as I felt like I had mastered it. I would hate to get out there and fall.  Not to mention how much I was shaking like a leaf that day.

His – No, I don’t dance and think they have been overdone. They novelty has worn off. Time for something new.

Rustic Chic –

Her – No, I think it works for some people.  But, Burlap and Lace at a wedding are a bit too casual for me.  Maybe, I would consider it, if the wedding was outside.

His – Yes, I am all for anything that is different. A rustic wedding allows you to use non-traditional materials that are cost effective and in some instances free.

Restaurant Wedding –

Her – Nope

His – Depends on What Kind of Restaurant We are Talking About.

No Dress (Solange Style)

Her – No, The Dress is Half the Fun.  I can’t imagine not going through that process.

His – The Bride Needs Her Dress.

1-2-3 Dress Changes –

Her – It was all I could do to put on one.  I can’t imagine having to manage a wardrobe change.

His – Just Seems Extra…

Cocktail Reception –

Her – It would cut the cost of the food, but I would worry about people getting too drunk.

His – NO, too expensive and I wouldn’t want to create an Uber tailgating party outside.

Food Trucks –

Her – NOPE.  I am not opposed to them at Carnivals or Fairs but umm… Not at my wedding.

His – YES. Goes hand in hand with a rustic wedding.

Black Tie –

Her – Yes, I would love that.  I love the look of gowns and tuxedos.

His – NO. You want to be the best dressed at your wedding.

Quote on Wedding Planning

 Photo Source: Malindyelene.com on Wedding Planning 101