BB Jean Events

Getting Fancy!

2010-12-08T21:21:00.001-08:00

We've updated our blog and we're so excited!

Please visit our new blog home at www.bbjeanevents.com/blog

Can't wait to see you there!!

Amanda and Andrew Sneak Peak!

2010-09-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Alyson & Terence Married! - BB Jean Events Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

2010-08-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy few months here at BB Jean and we have a few more months to go before things slow down! Lots of photos coming soon, but in the meantime, here's a shot of one of my favorite couples of the summer thus far. Alyson and Terence were married a few weeks ago at the Hotel Bellwether and they were awesome! Loved every second working with these two and hearing how much they enjoyed their wedding made my day :) More photos by Selena of Blue Moon Photography to hopefully be posted soon!

Chelsea & Gary Details: BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

2010-07-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Last year, I had the privilege of helping my former college roommate Lauren with the planning of her June wedding to her now hubby Jeff. A bit over a year later, I was able to once again work with this sweet family as Jeff's sister Chelsea married the love of her life, Gary last night at Evergreen Gardens in Ferndale, WA. Chelsea and Gary wanted a day that was simple and sweet, colorful and summery and would invite guests to linger on a warn night as they celebrated. The end result was just that: s'mores were up by the fire pit, fun summery tunes lingered in the air and the bride and groom were nothing but all smiles the entire day. It was wonderful!

Coconut cutting cake, lemon wedges and strawberry shortcakes provided by Andi of Pure Bliss Desserts. And as always, everything was beyond yummy!

Summer flower bouquets were created by Charlene at Boxx Berry Farm. She always makes such pretty wildflower bouquets and is so fun to work with!

Wreath created by Karen at Floral Designs for Weddings.

Congratulations Gary and Chelsea!! I loved working with your family again and wish you a long and happy life together!

Cat & Todd: Details - BB Jean Events, Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

2010-07-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already guessed, Cat and Todd are one of those couples that has their own, crazy, rad style. And as a result, working with them followed suit. This was one wedding where different ideas came together well - the bride and groom made their altar area and centerpieces, we came up with the stationery pieces, flowers and decor and the relaxed but personal day that resulted was fabulous!
Cat and Todd made their own hemp and soy tin candles (I still have no idea what the scent were, but they smelled incredible!!). We created custom stickers - 4 different ones to be exact, to top their tins with.

Andi of Pure Bliss Desserts created the ocean life covered cake. And (if you checked out a few of Cat and Todd's other photos), the lemon tarts.

By far. the coolest. wedding rings. I have ever seen. EVER! His is anchors, hers is a rad Octopus and MJB Jewelers did an incredible job custom making these for them. And even better, all the diamonds in Cat's rings that each tentacle weaves around was passed down to her. Love it!

Most brides give me details on what they want. I want these colors or these flowers or this style, you get the idea. Cat says "I want one of those ball bouquet things" and that was it. We got to run with it from there! In a nod to the family from Ireland that flew over, we used lots of Bells of Ireland for Cat's pom along with orange (because she and Todd love pops of color), thistle (because it reminded me of sea urchins) and lots of blues and greens.

I'd been describing this wedding as "The Octopus Wedding" and when people, when peaked by the words "Octopus" and "Wedding" appearing in the same sentence would ask for more detail, I would try to describe the wedding as "vintage-backyard-ocean". But really beyond any theme or ideas on either mine or the couples' part, it was a wedding dressed to be more about the bride and groom then anything else and I loved that! I love helping couples realize a day that really and truly is all about them.

And as always, a thank you shout out to Kaylee who always lets me post some incredible photos and makes my work look amazing ;)

Vendors:

Photography: Kaylee Eylander Photography

Cake/Desserts: Andi, Pure Bliss

Stationery: BB Jean Events

Flowers: BB Jean Events

DJ: Drew, Wannadance Mobile DJ

Tent/Table/Chair Rental: Pacific Party Canopies

Linen/Decor Rental: BB Jean events

Rings: MJB Jewelers

Annie & Jake: Details - BB Jean Events, Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

2010-07-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

A few detail shots of Annie and Jake's wedding last Monday at Lairmont Manor - taken by the lovely Jen of Jen Martin Studios. This couple was all about keeping things simple but elegant and that translated into garden rose themed stationery, garden flowers and roses for the bouquets, classical music in the background and some amazing food!

Annie's Bridal Bouquet - BB Jean Events, Bellingham, WA, Wedding Planner

2010-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

I got home not too long ago from Annie and Jake's elegantly laid back garden party wedding and reception at Lairmont Manor. Loved working with this couple and I can't wait to share the professional photos when Jen of Jen Martin Studios is done working on them! I can't event begin to tell you how rewarding and fulfilling it was putting this day together for them - these two people were amazing! But more on that later...

In the meantime, here are a few shots of the bouquet we put together for Annie. A garden wedding deserved a garden flower bouquet and this one was filled with roses, sweet peas, tulips, scented geranium leaves, seeded eucalyptus, alstromeria and freesia. And it was almost as beautiful as the bride!

Cat & Todd: Decor Sneak Peak - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

2010-06-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

There will be a deliciously long post of pictures for this couple's wedding when the gorgeous professional photos from Kaylee Eylander Photography are finished. But in the meantime, because I loved this wedding for being simple and pretty but still chock full of personal touches, and because I loved this couple for being the quirky, awesome pair that they are, I'll share a few glimpses to tide you over.

Cat and Todd: Sneak Peak - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-06-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Amanda and Andrew Save the Date! - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-05-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

You may remember Amanda and Andrew from their engagement photos taken by Kaylee Eylander Photography. And you may also remember that their Labor Day weekend wedding is going to be a glamorous swing dance affair at the Marysville Opera House. Their invitations are in the final design stages and we're gearing up to print a beautiful and formal stationery suite. When it came to save the dates however, we wanted to keep things in the theme but fun. Amanda found a photo of an old playbill and the rest was history!

Engagements: Breann and Travis - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-05-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I think this is my last engagement posting this year...which means postings of wedding photos are right around the corner! So excited!

Below, meet Breann and Travis! Another super laid back and easy going couple that are getting hitched in September with a modern peacock color wedding at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. I've really gotten lucky with my clients this year as they're all just genuinely fun and great people to work with - this couple no exception!

Just like the images say, the photos were captured by the lovely Kaylee Eylander of Kaylee Eylander Photography! Thanks again for Sharing Kaylee :)

Engagements: Alyson & Terence - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Coordinator

2010-05-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

I adore Alyson and Terence! They're two of the most fun and genuine people you will ever meet! Come August, they'll be tying the knot on the waterfront at Tom Glenn Common followed by a reception at the Hotel Bellwether complete with great music, hints of the outdoors, good food, line dancing...and all things awesome!

Engagement shots were taken by Selena of Blue Moon Photography. It's my first time working with Selena but thus far she has been a delight to interact with and I can't wait to see how this couple's wedding day turns out!

Engagements: Amanda & Andrew - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

2010-05-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have super creative couples this year including the lovely pair below. Amanda and Andrew are a sweet pair gearing up for a 1930s swing dance wedding reception at the Marysville Opera House in September complete with incredible food and wine, dancing and plenty of glamorous vintage touches. Can not wait!

Somehow Kaylee Eylander Photography managed to snag another of my couples and she has once again captured them in such a beautiful and cool way (despite the chilly, wintry, rainy weather!). :) This couple is every bit as head over heels for eachother in person as they are in these pictures and I'm looking forward to their beautiful upcoming wedding!

In love with Bake It Pretty - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding planner

2010-04-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

You know when you find those websites that just make you happy to the core?! I found one of those today. You see, it's Monday so I like to go over to Bakerella to see what crazy cute thing she's baked up this week. It's a favorite fun site of mine and provides some inspiration for

the occasional party I get to throw that doesn't involve veils, first dances or champagne...ok maybe there's champage but definitely not the other two.

Bakerella had a post today about Bake it Pretty...my new internet BFF for sweet special occasion exploits. The little gems on this site turn a simple box of cake mix and tub of frosting into something your friends and kiddos will swoon over. All things cute, fun, exciting . . . for baking.

Like this:

When I was a little girl, I was all about the cupcakes topped with the plastic ballerinas...and these look exactly like the ones I remembered from 20+ years ago...ah the memories!

Or how about these awesome cupcake wrappers?! These are just two of the DOZENS of regular and mini cupcake wrappers they have. DOZENS PEOPLE!!! There's no excuse not to make any occasion cute!

And they have fancy schmany baking cups. Like these pretty floral numbers below. How pretty at a wedding or baby shower. For those that are still on the fence about cupcakes being appropriate at weddings, these just might change your mind.

I remember birthday party loot bags as a kid too. Although the ones that stick out were the plastic bags with the pink background and the clown face on them. . .I never did care much for clowns. But these bags, are fun and vintagey and all kinds of awesome!

The site has even more on it! Party goods, more toppers, more wrappers, ribbon, string, boxes, favor bags, candy, candy molds, fondant, straws, party hats, and I'm finishing this post so I can go back to gazing at all the fun...and maybe buy a few things for my next little gathering!

So giddy I can hardly stand it! - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-04-23T12:18:00.001-07:00

We will soon have a new website!! How cool is that?! I'm in process of finalizing what will be on there for now. We expanded our company last January and our 2010 weddings will add a few more sections of info...but since those weddings are only just beginning and since this site is just about ready to go, those new sections will be on hold for just a bit.

I hope our remodeled home on the world wide web will be appreciated by others as it is by us! I hope it lets our potential clients know that we love what we do, and we're capable, and we're enthusiastic. I hope it lets them know that we know that they have a personality and a vision and that we will respectfully bring that to life. I hope...I can contain my excitement enough to finalize the last little bits of this site to get it online!

Happy Friday :)
-B

Engagements: Annie & Jake - BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-04-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, I wanted to be a high school music teacher. I loved music. Still do, but this story isn't about me. It's about Jake and Annie. When I first met Annie, I learned that she was finishing a degree in piano performance. When I first met Jake, we had a "Hey! I know you!!" moment where we learned we were both in the music program at Western at the same time (see?! There was purpose to my intro ;). He stuck it out and became a high school music teacher, but not before finding Annie. Now they're gearing up for an elegant and sunny (right weather?! You hear me?!) June wedding at Lairmont Manor in Bellingham, WA laced with beautiful live music performed by some of their close friends. It should be a lovely afternoon and I can't wait to see how it turns out!

They had their engagement shots a few months ago in Fairhaven. Fairhaven is all kinds of cute and I love it when my clients shoot sessions there. These were taken by Jen of Jen Martin Studios whom I'm looking forward to working with again!

Engagements: Cat & Todd - BB Jean Events, Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

2010-04-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

How to describe Cat & Todd . . .well, they met on a commercial fishing vessel, she's a fesity blonde from California that does roller derby, he's a guy that likes to cook, make mead, and adores the feisty roller derby blonde from California, and together they're a breath of fresh air because with them came ideas for one of those most outside the box weddings we'll be putting together and I'm super excited for their date to arrive! All kinds of fun and mayhem and great times will be had at their ocean themed wedding. And by ocean, they meant that there would be plenty of anchors and octopi used, maybe some quirky vintage details, maybe flower girls dressed as sea princesses, maybe a killer band at cocktail hour and plenty of fantastic food... But alas, the big day is still two months away - two months exactly until the summer solstice when these two get hitched and for now, you'll have to be satisfied with their incredible engagement pictures by Kaylee at Kaylee Eylander Photography. Their shoot took them from 20th Century Bowling in Downtown Bellingham, WA to the railroad tracks and then to the waterfront...

Everyday Beauty: Pangea Organics-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-04-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Every once in a blue moon, I do a Bridal Beauty post with some great find that brides can use to get gussied up for their wedding. This post is taking advantage of the "life" category that we sometimes fill on Fete. Those everyday habits, items and prettys that make day-to-day living a little more fun. These items in particular I love, love, love!!
A few weeks ago, I had a day off to spend in Seattle with my best friend. These are rare days for me because I work during the week, have events on the weekend, a husband to see and all of those other life responsibilities that keep "fun" off the forefront. We scurried around University Village (which by the way, could be it's own blog post! Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, Sephora, H&M, Williams Sonoma ALL IN ONE PLACE!! Why had no ever told me before?!?!??) and made a final stop at Sephora to stock up on some necessities. We don't have a Sephora in Bellingham. It makes me sad.

Anyway, Sephora skincare expert Ruby introduced me to Pangea Organics: a line of organic, all natural beauty care that more then lives up to it's name. Now, I'm all about being as eco-friendly as possible. We buy local and organic, we no longer use plastic wrap or paper towels, our TP is 100% recycled with 80% post consumer and wrapped in biodegradeable packaging. HOWEVER, I'm at times wary of organic beauty and bath products because a few that I've tried just. don't. work. I'm all about saving the planet, but if I wash my face only to have make-up still caked on what's the point?!

These products, I'm oh so happy to report, work. They work well in fact. They work so well, that I would buy them even if they weren't organic simply because they feel and smell fantastic and make my skin look great. Now the glass bottles along with the glue/plastic free recylcled uncoated boxes these goods come in in addition to the wild harvested herbs and organic ingredients inside each cute little container...well that's the cherry on top for me.

Pangea Organics offers a large line of body care products from face wash to hand soap offering a really great way to green up your day-to-day routines. Currently, they're offering 25% off ALL OF THEIR PRODUCTS in honor of earth day! Yay!! And they offer free shipping on orders over $50 so if you go crazy and say, convert all of your skincare products in one purchase, you'll save about $35 on the products and get it sent your way for free. Try it out, you'll love it!

Wedding Planners rock! But that's not why you should hire us first... BB Jean Events, Bellingham Wedding Planner

2010-04-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

... or maybe it is :) Every year I get a mixed variety of clients-which is fun. I like variety. But inevitably there are always 1 or two that hire us at the last minute because they didn't realize they would need a wedding coordinator until the inevitable happened-they couldn't figure out who was going to handle set up, vendor schedules, timelines, final decor pieces ...and heaven knows they weren't going to trust the groomsmen or their 14 year old cousin to handle those details for them.

I sometimes call my work with late bookings damage control-I'm often fixing issues that have come up, having to re-coordinate with vendors what is going on, working under some looming deadlines to make changes happen, and calming down an overly stressed bride who is about to fall to pieces from trying to figure it out on her own. Not my favorite way to work. I like happy brides. Hiring a wedding planner sooner solves that.

The average wedding isn't what it used to be and there are a lot of details to cover in a finite amount of time. If you're engaged, you most likely haven't done any of this before, and that's ok. It's why I'm here. But if you're worried about financially affording a wedding planner, let me provide a bit of insight (insight at least with how we roll over here at BB Jean).

First, our prices don't go down because you've waited to hire us. In fact, sometimes last minute bookings can be significantly more because we have to get a lot of things taken care of in a very short amount of time. There are also situations where clients have booked vendors that were too expensive, beyond their budget or just down right not working for them. This can cause a lot of headaches and financial issues that could have been solved had we been brought in from the beginning. Coming in at the beginning makes us happier campers and you a much more relaxed person. Helping you pick the right vendors for your style, budget and wedding are one of the biggest reasons couples should bring us on-and more times then not, it's a decision that can pay you back.

When it comes to what your wedding looks like, well, sky's the limit. You can literally do whatever you want-which can be tons of fun when you two get started, until you get to that one thing that you would love to have, but just don't know how to coordinate. Another little perk we offer our clients-your wish is our command and we do whatever it takes to make it work. We also have an eye for making sure your wedding looks cohesive and the overall look is on par with what you want. You're shelling out oodles of money for your wedding photography, how about we make sure what's in the pictures looks stellar? What's that? You want a rad wedding with incredible pictures? Fuinny, I want you to have that too! And I would love to help you get it!

Getting to Know: Josh Durias Photography-BB Jean Events Bellingham Wedding Planning

2010-04-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast winter flew by and how quickly spring arrived! Finally getting around to updating my poor blog has been made a priority and I'm glad to get back into the swing of things with a new vendor spotlight! And on top of that, weddings are starting oh so soon and this summer has been keeping BB Jean busy with some incredible themes and ideas that we're so excited to work on (swing dancing, octopi, paella, oh my!). So while I keep you in suspense for what I'm sure will be some awesome wedding photos from the summer to come, I'd like to introduce you to Josh Durias Photography:

Bellingham is full of some pretty awesome wedding photographers, and I had the pleasure of getting to know another one! Josh of Josh Durias Photography is a fun guy in his second season of shooting weddings and is quickly gaining a following partly due to his clean, fresh style of capturing images, and partly due to his fun personality that brings out the best in his clients.

Why did you start Josh Durias Photography?

Story telling has always been a major part of my family. Growing up, every holiday, birthday or weekend (practically), we'd have people over to our home to share a meal. While the kids ran around the house, the parents would sit around and tell stories-that ranged from reminiscing about old times in the Phillippines to the funny things their kids are doing. Stories were always at the center of our relationships.
I think that with story-telling as a starting point, stepping into the 'business' of photography was natural. To have the job that entails getting to know people and tell their stories visually is perfect.

Why do you love shooting weddings?

Besides the fact that weddings as an event are mostly aesthetically awesome. Being married and having two kids, shooting weddings are a great reminder of how things started for my own family.

What are your favorite types of clients?

Happy ones :)

What do you wish people knew about wedding phtoography, but don't?

I think that people need to know that when hiring a photographer, they are not only getting photos, they're getting the photographer. I think that it is important to find someone that as reliable as they are comfortable to be around. The best compliment I was given was when I had a couple tell me that they "felt like I was on the guest list of the wedding".

For more information, give Josh a call at 360-961-7217 or visit his website!

Blog Love: Kaylee Eylander Photography-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

2010-02-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

How much do I love weddings?

Wait for it...
Wait for it...
There you go! Alot, if you haven't figured it out. And for the list of all of the people, places and things that I love about what I do, Kaylee Eylander Photography is pretty high on my list. In fact, to be quite honest, I'm smitten with all that Kaylee creates and when she offered some new company head shots and a shoot with my husband, I was touched, and excited, appreciative, and giddy all wrapped up into one.

I'm not the biggest fan of posting pictures of me-I prefer to showcase my work instead. But in this instance, I had to offer some kudos to Kaylee's way. She did an awesome job and is one of only a few photographers that I've had the privilege of working with professionally and personally. The time spent with her was just as much of a treat as the rockin' photos she created. Below are a few recent snaps-with many more available at her blog.

Thanks again, Kaylee! Can't wait to work with you again :)

a t-shirt kind of love-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding planner

2010-02-11T15:31:00.000-08:00

This year will mark the seventh Valentine's Day I will be celebrating with my husband. And I'm excited. After seven years, I still get butterflies when he walks in the room, I look forward to just hanging out with him and he's my favorite person to talk to.

In the past, when it came to Valentine's Day, I would rack my brain for something new and amazing I could do for him, each year trying to top the last. After seven years, my husband has gone from being this bright shiny new exciting person in my life to the favorite comfy t-shirt, and you all know what I'm talking about-the one that's worn out from years of wearing but it's super soft from all the washes, has your favorite design on the front and is your favorite thing to live in.In the process of my husband turning into the fuzzy shirt also came the realization that sweet words and time spent together meant more then a fancy dinner out. It's an understanding that our relationship has grown into the realm of being comfortable-in a really great way. We're not trying to impress eachother, we're just happy being. We've gone from tiramisu to oreo cookies-sweet, familiar, comfortable.

So what am I doing for my husband this year? A little something meaningful, a little something he'd love and a little something sweet. A book in fact, wrapped in brown paper with the lyrics from our first dance written on it. Along with a batch of homemade oreo cookies. Nothing super flowery, over the top romantic, because that really isn't my husband. It's a cozy, comfortable, cuddly kind of Valentine for a man I'm crazy about. And I know he'll love it more then anything else I've done.

So the moral of my little story: Whether you're at the bright, shiny new relationship stage, or a t-shirt kind of love, know that roses are wonderful, chocolate is yummy but neither are as lasting as taking the time to really love and appreciate the person you're with-something we should do beyond February 14th.

To all of you out there, I hope you have a very Happy Valentine's Day and wish you a warm, fuzzy, cuddly well worn t-shirt kind of day :) XO -B

Crystal+Brent: More Details to Share!-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

2010-01-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

Some more photos from Crystal and Brent's wedding last August taken by Michele M. Waite! Crystal had such a fun vintage style wedding and I'm so glad to have more photos to share! Please enjoy!

John+Geraldine-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

2010-01-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Two and a half months ago, Geraldine sent me an email thinking that she might need assistance planning her january wedding that she hadn't really started putting together. After a few consultations, we got underway making up for lost time. We first got an idea of what they wanted: shades of purples, hints of green, simple, traditional somewhat elegant. From there, we ran with it and two months later, John got in his tux, Geraldine dressed up in her gorgeous gown and we made sure there was a beautiful reception awaiting their arrival!

Geraldine's bouquet in shades of purple: lavender roses, schwartzwalder callas, fern curls, seeded eucalyptus, lavender spray roses and scented geranium.

The cake and cupcakes were created by a friend of the couple.

Custom made paperweights with the logo from the invitations.

We lined the dome with hanging bubble tealight holders that looked like twinkling stars when night fell.

Drew Graham of Wannadance Mobile DJ teaching 35+ guests how to do the Electric Slide-One of the many features and services included when you hire Drew for your wedding!

Photos were taken from BB Jean's camera and I promise to share some professional photos when I get them.

John and Geraldine, you two were a delight to work with and the enthusiasm and excitement that bubbled out of you both as the day grew closer was contagious! Congratulations!

Abby+Matt-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-01-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

From the first moment I met Abby, this girl knew what she wanted and how it was going to get done. And after we met again for a final planning session and she handed me a three hole punched portfolio with wedding and contact information, I knew this was a bride after my own heart (HOLE PUNCHED PEOPLE! And collated!)! And when the rehearsal arrived and Abby was trying to juggle twenty different things at once, I was wondering how the wedding day would go, but nope, there was Abby, a beautifully calm as a cucumber bride who was ready to tie the knot with the love of her life and let all the stress go.

So I guess you could say, that Abby and Matt were a pretty easy duo to get along with. Pair that relaxed couple up with a lively bridal party and a little holiday we call New Year's and you have a good idea of the fun night the ensued!

All photography by the lovely Amy Parsons of Amy Parsons Photography! It was my first night working with Amy and she was a delight-I love photographers that know how to have fun, do a good job and communicate what's going on! Thanks for being easy to work with Amy!

Expo Shots from Jen Martin Studios-BB Jean Events, wedding planner, Bellingham WA

2010-01-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

More expo shots from the fabulous Jen of Jen Martin Studios! She was the official "expo photographer" and while I love my new camera, I always love getting pics from photographers and sharing their work!

Marissa is our new intern for 2010 (on the left) and she did an amazing job yesterday talking with brides! Keep an eye out, you'll be seeing more of her throughout the year!

This year, we handled every aspect of our booth except for a few things. The mini cakes in our display were from Andi Vann of Pure Bliss Desserts and the white draping backdrop, silver pintuck linens, white chairs and white plates were from Pacific Party Canopies (and a huge shout out to the guy that put of with me and my neighboring vendor and for getting us all set up amidst the chaos! Whoever you are, you rock!).

And to all the brides that fell in love with those tealights-yes, we rent them out!

2010 Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA Wedding Planner

2010-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo was fantastic this year! There were literally hundreds of additional attendees that we didn't expect so it was a welcome treat to have so many guests stop by our booth to see what we're all about!

This year we opted for something a little bit Victorian, a little bit vintage, a wee bit of modern and lots of elegant glamour! We had a great time putting this together and hope it shows our potential brides that we can definitely class things up with capabilities to do anything in between.

A big thank you to Andi of Pure Bliss Desserts! Every time I've worked with her, she's been fabulous and for this event she provided the fondant covered mini cakes that were in our display! Thanks a ton, Andi! Your gorgeous little treats were a huge hit!

Thanks again to every one that stopped by! If you're getting married, we would love the opportunity to work with you and make your day happen!

Expo Sneak Peak!-BB Jean Events, Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

2010-01-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

I just got home not to long ago from participating in the 2010 Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo here in Bellingham! After a long day and meeting hundreds of brides I'm tired but content :) had a great time connecting with all of the new brides, loved reconnecting with some awesome vendors and all in all it was a fantastic day!

Special thanks to our new intern Marissa who did a rockin' job at her first event with us! Also thank you to Erin and Mackenzie for helping us throughout the day and being some of the #1 supporters of BB Jean :) You are very much appreciated!

Here are a few sneak peak pics of our flowers that we created for this shindig. I hope you enjoy and I'll have more pictures to share soon!

Bringing Sexy Back!-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA wedding planner

2010-01-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Amy Parsons Photography and Medcalf Photography are teaming up and throwing a little sexy photo shoot weekend! If you didn't know what to get your husband for Valentine's Day, then how's this for a little inspiration? Sign up for a session and have some hot pictures taken in some sassy lingerie, tank top and shorts or... ;)! He's sure not to forget it and you'll have a fun time unleashing your inner goddess!

Details: The weekend is January 22-24th. The pictures are taken and edited by females only, so no needing to worry about any random guys oogling over your hot shots (unless you want to show them off after you get them which is totally all up to you!). You'll be alone in your session, so no onlookers to worry about along with a possible makeup artist on-site and tips to think of before your session. It's a combo of services that will not only let you feel like your best sexy self, but it ends up in a pretty unforgetable gift as well!

Spots fill up quickly, so if you're interested, contact Amy at photos@amyparsons.com

All You Need is Love!

2010-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Kaylee Eylander from Eylander Photography in Seattle is one of my favorite wedding photographers, and now she's holding a wedding photography contest! So what do you have to do? Send her a photo of you and your fiance and let her know why you and your true love deserve to have some amazing wedding photography even if it doesn't fit in your budget.

For more details on how you can enter along with deadlines, prize details and more, visit The Kaylee Eylander Photography blog. Good luck!

BB Jean Events' Giant Expo Info Blog! Wedding Planner, Bellingham WA

2009-12-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

Wedding expo season is right around the corner and if you're engaged but have never gone, it's an excellent opportunity to meet some incredible local vendors, get ideas and information and score some awesome deals on services. This year at the Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo in Bellingham, there will also be plenty of appetizers and desserts to try, prize drawings for free engagement photo sessions, gift baskets, spa services and more and a bridal fashion show! You'll also find info seminars to getting some wedding how-to info, wine and plenty of inspiration to get you started with planning your own day!

Sunday, January 10th, 2010 Noon-5:00 pm The Lakeway Inn, Bellingham, WA

www.bridalinspirations.info

Event Schedule

12:00 pm-Doors Open!

1:00 pm-Learn the basics regarding Wedding Music presented by WannaDance Mobile DJ

1:45 pm-Prize Drawing!

2:00 pm-Easy mistakes to avoid to plan the perfect fete presented by BB Jean Events

3:00 pm-Bridal fashions and how to find the perfect dress predsented by Alicia's Bridal Shoppe

3:45 pm-Prize Drawing!

4:00 pm-Fashion Show begins

Tips for Attending

Dress the part: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sturdy tote bag with you to stash all your goodies.
Register online if available: For the Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo in Bellingham, this means being automatically entered into all of the fabulous prize drawings AND saves you precious time registering at the door.
Bring pre-printed address labels: They'll save you time entering drawings that vendors offer. Include your first and last name, address, phone number, email and wedding date.
Stock your purse: Include one or two pens, your checkbook and datebook in case you've found the perfect vendor.
Bring your fiancee, your mom or a few friends: Talk to them throughout the expo to get their feedback and get their help gathering information and items.
Take your time: The expo allows you to meet and greet vendors that you may want to use for your wedding. Talk to them, ask them questions, see if they may be a good fit before setting up a consult. It's a little legwork that can help you narrow down who you will work with.
Remeber first come, first served: This includes events like wedding seminars and the fashion show. These events often have limited seating so keep that in mind if there's an event that you want to attend.
Make it an all day thing!: There's a lot to see and do at an expo. Make the ticket price worth your while, attend as many things as possible and take advantage of everything there is to offer! It's all there to help you have the best wedding possible!

Merry Christmas from BB Jean Events, Bellingham Wa Wedding Planner

2009-12-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas season! For me, this time of year is all about celebration, family and reflection. By tomorrow afternoon, I will be with my family catching up on all the great moments of 2009, but before I go I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you. Thank you to my readers, my clients-past and present, my fellow vendors, and everyone else that has supported BB Jean. It's because of you that we get to do what we love everyday!

And to you, aforementioned awesome people, we wish you a very merry, safe and happy holiday and lots of joy for the new year!

Cheers!,B

Photo, Martha Stewart.com

Mike+May: A Beautifully Rainy Bellingham Wedding!

2009-12-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

In the world of wedding folklore and tradition, it's said a couple will be very lucky and blessed if it rains on their wedding day. Well, if this rings true, Mike and May are going to have the greatest life ever (although the fact that they're crazy about eachother doesn't hurt either!). It sprinkled, it poured with everything in between on their wedding and yet the whole day turned out beautifully!

As before, photography created by Zinchuk Studios in Seattle!

Congratulations to the both of you! We wish you a very happy and long life together :)

An easy way to give back!

2009-12-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

Zinchuk Studios is a videography and photography company in Seattle. I've worked with them before and they're a fun duo who also does some great work. They're currently doing "Cans for Comments". Leave a quick comment on their blog and for each comment posted they'll donate a can of food to a local food bank.

Visit their blog for more details!!

Bryan+Sheralyn

2009-12-01T16:40:00.001-08:00

Bryan and Sheralyn were married last September at the Hotel Bellwether. From the moment we met for our first planning session, I knew these two were going to be fun to work with. On the big day, they were relaxed, happy and couldn't keep their eyes off of eachother which made for a fun, elegant and easy going afternoon for everyone!

Photography was provided by Tania of Azzura Photography in Seattle. Stunning photos right?! I thought so too! Not only were Tania and her assistant easy to work with, but they did an amazing job as well. I can't wait to work with them again!

Mike+May Teaser

2009-11-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Mike and May were married this past Saturday. This sweet couple survived some pretty nasty rain and came out all smiles despite it. These are the first few photos posted by their photographer Jennifer from Zinchuk Studios in Seattle, WA. I'm hoping to have more to share soon but in the meantime, definitely visit Zinchuk's blog-one of the funniest engagement videos I have EVER seen!!

Bryan+Sheralyn: Teaser!

2009-10-28T21:19:00.001-07:00

I had a great time working with this adorable couple and I'll have more details and pictures to share soon! In the meantime, I was given this lovely photo to post by Tania of Azzura Photography in Seattle. It was my first time working with Azzura and it definitely won't be my last! Tania and her assistant were fabulous and I'm looking forward to working them again soon!

2009-10-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

It's that weird time of the year when you realize only a month ago it was summer and only a month from now we'll be thrown headfirst into the holiday season. Normally, this means that my job slows down a bit and I have time to gear up for next year. Not so much this year thanks to a few last minute winter brides mixed in with a few that were already booked. I have to admit, it's a good problem. I love what I do and I'm all too happy to continue being busy during my usual off season. Of course this means I've been HORRIBLE about blogging. Rest assured I have photos from some amazing weddings taken by some equally amazing photographers that should be coming up soon and I can't wait to share them with you! I promise, they're worth the wait :)

2010 Internships!

2009-10-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce up to 4 year long internship opportunities available beginning in late December! Interns will get a hands on look into event coordination while gaining invaluable skills to bolster their resumes. The ideal candidates will have a positive attitude, willingness to learn, be detail oriented, organized and creative, have weekend availability, professional demeanor and excellent customer service skills. Think you have what it takes? Applications are being accepted now through November 10th! Email us for your application at: internships@bbjeanevents.com

Crystal + Brent

2009-09-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Crystal and Brent were married last August at the Squalicum Boathouse. This laid back couple was a joy to work with and I had a great time helping them work out the details of their big day. Photos by Michele M. Waite-Enjoy!!

Crystal and Brent-You two were fabulous and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Lauren + Jeff

2009-09-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Jeff were married last June at Assumption Catholic Church in Bellingham. Lauren and I were friends before she was engaged: we worked together, we were roomies for a summer and we survived a week long road trip to Disneyland in a minivan with our guys and still happily remain friends. Their wedding was the finale to almost a year of working with them and it was a pleasure to help two wonderful friends tie the knot! Photos by Laurie at Bayside Photography.

Once dancing got underway, the dance floor was full all evening long!

You know it's a good party when even the officiant gets down on the dance floor :) Thanks Lauren and Jeff for letting me be a part of your big day! I can't wait to see you guys when you're back from your honeymoon in ITALY (yes, I'm very jealous!!) and wish you both lots of happy memories and years together!

Alicia's Bridal Trunk Show!!

2009-08-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone?! I swear two seconds ago it was May! The last few months have been crazy with weddings, weddings, weddings and I can't wait to get more pictures to share :)

In the meantime, I had the pleasure of assisting Alicia's Bridal with their Summer Trunk Show-it was a day filled with new gowns, accessories and veils topped off with dessert and champagne! It was a lot of fun watching brides search for their dream dress and the smiles that came out of the dressing rooms with each dress did nothing short of warm my heart. I love weddings-they're such an incredible day in a couples' life and every step of the planning process gives me plenty of warm fuzzies!

Those beatiful flowers were from In Bloom Designs and they looked amazing against the turqoise linens!

In case you're wondering, the desserts tasted even better then they looked! The Mascarpone Tarts with fresh berries and Red Velvet Cupcakes were from Pure Bliss Desserts. They are my new favorite dessert company and owner Andi Vann is as sweet and wonderful as the goodies she makes!

Photos were provided by my pal Jen from Jen Martin Studios-she's always willing to take pics of my crazy antics and does an amazing job each time. She's worth a call for portraits or wedding pictures!

Thanks Alicia's for letting me play dress up with you on Saturday! I had tons of fun preparing and setting up displays and loved chatting with brides! Can't wait to do this again sometime :)

Gretchen+Dane Continued!

2009-08-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a few more shots-Victor did a rad job and deserves to have some more work showcased ;)

How gorgeous is that gown?! I love the ethereal look of it. Gorgeous!

The bridal party were champs during photos and were game for some pretty cretive shots! They all look like they're having such a great time posing

Sarah and Patrick-two of the cutest little ones you will ever meet!

The father of the bride was absolutely wonderful to work with and here he's offering words of wisdom for the bride and groom-very important words of wisdom that had us all cracking up :)

This photo proves that gray skies on your wedding can turn out some stunning photographs. I love the contrast. By far one of my favorite photos from this wedding.

Gretchen+Dane

2009-08-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

First, a big thank you to Victor of Victor Saidov Photography-I wasn't expecting pictures for a few weeks and he not only got them to me quickly, but they're GORGEOUS!

Gretchen and Dane were married this past Saturday, on August 8th at Dane's parents' home and despite a few moments of sprinkling rain, the day turned out beautifully!

Gretchen had a very elegant style involving a clear topped tent, shades of silver, green and white and lots of candlelight. We installed hanging globe tealights with larger candles that flickered like stars and reflected off the tent. White lights lined the tent parimeter and candles adorned each table. The end result was a gorgeously warm and elegant tent that showcased the moon and the fireworks that arrived later in the evening.

The wedding cake was an amazing red velvet, chocolate ganache, buttercream cake made by the bride's friend Audrey. It was honestly one of the best wedding cakes I've tasted and looked beautiful!

The beautiful flowers, bouquets and boutonnieres were created by JQ's A New Leaf in downtown Bellingham.

We had light sprinkles of rain before the ceremony began but once the bridal party headed down the aisle, the skies stayed dry and provided a beautiful soft backdrop for the ceremony.

The reception started with an hour of cocktails and then the tent opened. I still can't believe that we fit over 200 guests in the tent comfortably. These photos show you the calmer side of the evening :) Once the toasts began, guests were ready to party which was only helped by the tequila shots served in custom shot glasses to the guests for the toast. The party continued into the night with a full dance floor, late night snacks and fireworks by the neighbors and the groomsmen to celebrate Gretchen and Dane.

Gretchen and Dane, I hope you both enjoyed your wedding! I know I did and I've enjoyed working with you both to make it all happen! Congratulations and a long and happy life to you both!

Creative Wedding Centerpieces

2009-08-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Jen from Jen Martin Studios and I like to share stories and ideas from our events and she was kind enough to send pictures of these super cute DIY centerpieces at a wedding she shot recently.

I love the variety of design and style that weddings can encompass. I'm all about over the top elegance but a casual DIY affair can be just as gorgeous and fun and I think these super cute centerpieces are a great example of that:

These would also be super cute at a bridal or baby shower and I challenge my readers to put their own spin on this fun idea and share! Thanks Jen!

Matt+Chrystin

2009-08-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Matt and Chrystin were by far one of my favorite couples to work with thus far! When we first met back in January, our initial meeting told me they wanted lots of color, good food, good alcohol and a bounce house: ultimately a combination of things that made for one fantastic wedding!

As a couple, these two are head over heels for eachother and it was wonderful to watch them (FINALLY-as Chrystin would remark) get married. They have a genuine joy that comes out just by being together and I wish them nothing but happy things and happy years to come!

Ah, the calculators: Matt and Chrystin both left college with math degrees and by the time their wedding arrived, I'd been periodically peppered with number jokes, math references, and pi (the number sequence, not the food). When I discovered their wedding party tying calculators to their getaway car, it completed the cycle.

Yup, there was a cotton candy machine. There were Canadian candy bar favors (in honor of the groom), there were s'more by the fire pit, there was strawberry shortcake, there was wedding cake. And I think it worked in a stangley good combination: that dance floor stayed busy for hours.

Congratulations Matt and Chrystin on a fabulous wedding and what is sure to be a wonderful lifetime ahead! -B

Photography by Josie Liming Photography

DIY: Card Box for Weddings from Merriment

2009-07-30T08:33:00.001-07:00

This cute card box project was found via Merriment. Yet another fun way to customize your wedding while providing a home for all of the cards that will gather at your gift table. After the wedding, it makes a great box to store those wedding day mementos. Directions direct from Merriment.
Supplies:

Sturdy box (cardboard shoebox or other; be sure to choose a deep one if you want to cut a card slot)
Bookbinders Glue (also at Papersource)
Brush
Decorative paper for outside and inside
Satin Ribbon

Find a sturdy box with a good lid and make sure both are in good shape.Spread the book binding glue on the box and wrap the top and the bottom individually with decorative paper. Tip: Cristin [the project contributor at Merriment] reccomends using natural or recycled paper because the texture helps to hide any imperfections or wrinkles you might get in the box because of the glue.

Optional: If you'd like to add a ribbon to the lid: Cut one piece of ribbon that will go from the inside to the left side to the inside to the right side. Glue one end in place, stretch the ribbon across the top of the lid, and glue the other end inside the lid. Cut two more pieces of ribbon that are long enough to act as ties. Glue one end to the underside of the box, leaving the other end loose. Repeat on the other side. Once dry, tie the two ends together into a bow. No need to be too particular about the ribbon ends, as you'll cover up the ribbon ends on the inside with the yellow paper. For the inside of the box, Cristin chose a solid yellow colow wrapping paper, but she wanted it to be textured to match the outside. Measure one piece of the paper for the interior bottom and four pieces of paper for each of the four interior sides. To get a textured effect, ball up the paper tightly in your hands to get it to fold and wrinkle. Smooth it out again and you'll now have a textured look. Glue the paper inside the box. Repeat on the inside of the lid covering up the loose ends of the ribbon.

Jam it up!

2009-07-28T08:32:00.001-07:00

I love edible favors. Guests do too. And I love when those edible favors are practical enough that brides can do them on their own. For instance, jam! I made jam for the first time yesterday, and my mom wasn't kidding, it was super easy (a little bit of a bad idea in the 90 degree heat we had, but that was about the worst of it). Jam perks: it's easy to do ahead of time, it's easy to customize the packaging to your event, and most people like jam.

So here's how you do it, the concise making-jam-in-a-walnut routine: buy cute jars, lids and rings. Get berries. Wash berries and sanitize jars. Mush berries. Measure mushed berries into a pot. Add pectin and bring to boil. Add measured sugar. Stir. Bring back to boil. Pour in jars. Lid the jars. Boil jars. VOILA! Each box of pectin has detailed instructions for how much to measure for what type of fruit so consult for specifics. And for the record, I liked the box instructions better then the internet. But in case you like the internet, this is a good site: www.pickyourown.org/jam

When it comes to knowing how much to make, the box underestimated a bit I discovered. One batch (and jam should be made one batch at a time, no doubling up here folks. A batch only takes around 30 minutes so suck it up!), made 5 pints, or almost 10 half pints or up to 20 4 oz jars. 15 pounds of raspberries got us 20 pints or the equivalent of 80 4 oz jars. It just depends on what size jar you'd like to give your guests.

A good result is always in the details and I would recommend picking your own berries. They're super fresh and they just taste better. Seriously. Something about that sun warmed and ripened berry waiting for you just makes the prouct that much better. And ps, u-pick means local, fresher and CHEAPER then the grocery store.

Extra Credit: Small baskets of jam, orange juice and scones waiting for each couple after a late night of partying and dancing at your wedding. Nothing says "thanks for coming!" like a hearty and simple breakfast to get your guests past their morning hangover :)

Lauren & Jeff: Sneak Peak

2009-07-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Jeff's wedding was a wonderful finale to almost twelve months of working with them. After their traditional ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church, they had a relaxed and whimsical cocktail party reception complete with a suble polka dots meets spumoni theme at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The day turned out beatifully and I'll have more details to share with you when I get to see more of the pictures :)

The photos below are a little glimpse of the day. The couple started dating when they attended Western Washington University and decided it was only fitting to have a post-ceremony photo shoot at the university's Red Square. Photography by Laurie Perkins of Bayside Photograpy.

Sweet Details

2009-07-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Candy and dessert buffets are still going strong and with good reason: guests love options and sweets appeal to pretty much everyone. My favorite is when couples utilize the buffet as another decor element in their wedding. And why not? It's visually appealing when put together well and adds another detailed element to your wedding. Take the examples below: each one combines color, texture, style and type and the end result is gorgeous!

Matt & Chrystin Sneak Peak

2009-07-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

I met Matt and Chrystin last January when they were just beginning the process of planning their wedding. At our first meeting Chrystin declared that her main goal was for everyone to have a fun time and that she was renting a bouncy house and she wanted pictures in her dress in the bouncy house. And that's when I knew the next seven months were going to be fabulous!

Their wedding day was nothing short of perfect and I'll share details when I get more photos. In the meantime, here's a sneak peak to get your started! Photos were by the amazing Josie of Josie Liming Photography.

2009-07-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a behind on my posting. It's wedding season so I'm a bit busy but the good news is I'll have plenty of photos to share of my amazing brides soon. Stay tuned!

Summer Trunk Show at Alicia's Bridal

2009-07-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! Alicia's Bridal Shoppe is hosting a summer trunk show chock full of goodies that are sure to make you swoon. What sort of goodies you ask?

How about brand new 2Be Bride gowns from their Spring 2010 line! You'll be able to preview bridal gowns before your friends and choosing one will no doubt make you a true wedding trendsetter ;) There will also be new gowns for Fall 2009, featured bridal jewelry and accessories, information and discounts from other area wedding vendors, and refreshments-and not just any refreshements. We're talking sparkling cider, champagne and delectable bites from Pure Bliss Desserts!

Stop on by and check things out! What better way to spend an afternoon then surrounding yourself with fashion, dessert, champagne and fun?!

Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 10:00 am until 5:30 pm at Alicia's Bridal Shoppe

1400 N. State Street, Bellingham WA

"Trashing the Dress" with Jen Martin Studios

2009-07-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

I don't often comingle my personal life on BB's Blog, but sometimes my business and personal lives mix and you get a small peek into my life. A few weeks ago Jen from Jen Martin Studios asked if my husband and I wouldn't mind being models for a "Trash the Dress Session".

For those readers that don't know what a "Trash the Dress Session"or "Day After Sessions", they're a photo shoot after your wedding capturing fun, unusual or creative shots that you wouldn't have done on your wedding day. I've see shots of couples laying on the beach with the waves breaking over them, brides floating in a pond, or couples simply getting more photos after the big day when they can focus and relax and not worry about staying on schedule.

Our session was a bit tamer, but still fun. Here are a few of my favorite shots:

If you're interested in booking your own shoot, talk to your photographer. Or better yet, give Jen a call. She'd love to spend an afternoon capturing your own moments!

Wedding Lemons

2009-07-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

I've noticed a resurgence of lemons and yellows in wedding decor lately. Perhaps, when people think of happy summer moments, lemonade comes to mind. Not sure, but I love what brides are coming up with and putting together. See what you think!

Save the Date Even After the Wedding

2009-07-07T09:40:00.001-07:00

I discovered these beautiful gift ideas at Frame the Date via Earth Friendly Weddings. And I must admit, I'm a fan. Not only is this a great gift idea for the modern and trendy couple, but the company utilizes a lot of reclaimed pieces to make a new gift of personalized art. Simple and beautiful.

Red, White and Blue Wedding Inspiration

2009-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

I looked up "4th of July Weddings" on google, and while I'm not a big fan of stars and stripes wedding gowns, I am a fan of reds and aquas. This color palette has been making a big impact on weddings for the past few years and proves that there is a classy way to throw your own red, white and blue soiree. Happy Fourth of July!!

DIY: Sewn Detail Wedding Invitations

2009-07-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous find from Merriment Design: Fabric poppy wedding invations. What makes me smile with this project is that the how-to information isn't design specific-customize the entire concept to your own event style. Intrigued? Inspired? Check out the instructions here!

Tara+Robert Continued

2009-07-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

A few more shots from Tara and Robert's fabulous reception-again pictures by the amazing Kaylee Eylander Photography. Enjoy!

The Eco-Friendly Registry

2009-06-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

Before you and your fiance fight over who gets to carry the scan gun at Macy's, take a few moments to consider some greener options for your new home. Yes, cute and fun things are important but take function, longevity and purpose into account before zapping everything in the store. Here's our top ten list of eco-friendly items that are a must for any home:

Cloth napkins-one set is good, two sets are even better (one for everyday and another for special occasions). You can help save scores of trees every year by reusing your own set and make every dinner a little more refined at the same time. Multi-colored fabric napkin set available from Crate and Barrel.

Bamboo cutting boards. Durable, sustainable and beautiful all at the same time. With proper care, bamboo cutting boards can last for decades and are pretty enough to use as serving trays. Green lite cutting boards available from Sur la Table.

Espresso Machine. Especially if you and your betrothed are all about your morning cup of joe. Not only will you save big bucks each day with your DIY drinks (average savings of $3 a day per 16 oz vanilla latte) but you'll avoid driving to the coffee stand and wasting paper cups and sleeves each day. Cafe Modena from Breville available at Macy's.

Cast iron cookware. With proper care, cast iron can easily last a life time. It has the ability to go from stove to oven and over time creates a natural non-stick coating. Enameled cast iron is another great option if you'd like items that can also function as serveware. I'm a fan of le creuset. Available at Macy's.

Fabric shower curtains and liners. Vinyl curtains are made out of highly toxic chemicals and break apart over time. Fabric curtains with a nylon fabric liner give you an elegant addition to your bathroom that are safer, non-toxic and easy to clean. 100% Cotton Pansy shower curtain from Target.

Organic bedding. 100% organic cotton meets trendy design for a comfortable and eco-friendly way to end your day. Willow duvet cover by Branch.

Beeswax candles. Candles are a staple for romantic evenings and dinner parties. Stock your new home with beeswax candles for a soft honey scent and "green" glow. Beeswax colonial taper candles by Bee Hive Candles.

Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. Opting for good quality appliances ensures that broken ones don't end up in landfills when you purchase replacements. The kitchen aide stand mixer is an appliance that has stood the test of time for generations and makes an excellent addition to any avid cook's kitchen. Available at Macys.

Recycled glass vases. Decor and heirloom pieces on your registry can still look great while avoiding damage to the earth. These fabulous recycled glass vases are a great way to add panache to your nest without looking repurposed. Glass vases available at VivaTerra.

Crock pot. Yup, just like grandma's, crock pots are incredibly energy efficient and cook up a mean pot of stew. Fantastic for having dinner ready when you get home from work or keeping foods hot at the buffet, they make an essential addition to any kitchen. Rival programmable crock pot available at Target.

Tara+Robert

2009-06-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

I first mentioned Tara and Robert when I posted pictures from their gorgeous engagement session. I began working with them last winter and ever since, they were an awesome couple to work with and I enjoyed every moment I had with them. They had a fantastic "beer" theme (earthy, classy and very "them") complete with hops vines on the gazebo, barley in the decor, and grain depicted on the invitations. The groom made most of the beer served at the event and the couple even had custom pint glasses created. Tara made everything! The woman was an amazing crafter and had so much for me to work with!

The amazing pictures are the work of Kaylee Eylander of Eylander Photography. She did an amazing job capturing images for this wedding and was an absolute joy to work with! Fun, easy going and professional, I had a great time getting to know her at the reception and am looking forward to the next time we get to work together!

Overall, a gorgeous and warm day that led into a beautiful evening. The couple, their family and their friends had a wonderful time celebrating and I am thrilled that I got to be a part of the day.

Congratulations Robert and Tara and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day!

Budget 'Moons: Town and Country

2009-06-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

I decided to play guinea pig and try out our next budget moon; a 50/50 split between town and country with a romantic twist. My husband is very in to the outdoors and I'm more of a city girl so when it came to putting a romantic getaway together that was affordable, we found ourselves splitting the week between two fun destinations. Here's how it all played out:

The first half of our vacation week was spent camping at Deception Pass State Park. While I admit, camping doesn't sound like the most romantic of vacay's, I must implore to you it's not where you camp, but how you camp (although, the view isn't too bad in this area, I must say!)

Thanks to the Washington State Parks website, you can get specs on various camping sites and are able to book a reservation online. We chose a partial waterview site that offered plenty of privacy and were set! For sleeping arrangements, we opted for as many cushions, pillows and blankets as our 3-person tent would allow and created a luxurious little nest that would offer sleep to even the pickiest of people.

For food, we strayed off the beaten path and went camping gourmet. Our menu offered easy to prepare food that was far from the usual hotdog over the fire. Breakfasts included breakfast burritos with chorizo sausage, salsa, eggs and cheese in organic wheat and corn tortillas and oatmeal made with whole milk, cashews, blueberries, maple syrup and a wee bit of peanut butter (my fave). Our favorite lunch involved grilling 4-cheese sourdough over the grill and melting baby swiss on it then topping it high with turkey breast with fresh berries on the side. Grilled flat iron steaks with roasted vegetables and gourmet chicken burgers with fresh bakery buns, bacon and slived cheddar were on the dinner menu. Best part was that each meal used minimal dishes and took less then 30 minutes to make.

Camping as a couple offers a lot of quiet time and solitude: perfect for newlyweds that want to stay bunked in the tent and cuddle all day. At our location, the beach was also a short walk away and strolling hand and hand along the sand at sunset was a daily activity. Other suggestions include renting a boat at the lake (also less then 5 minutes away walking), swimming, packing a picnic at the beach, hiking, reading or whatever your mind comes up with. We found after half a week in the wild, we came home rested, relaxed and ready for the next leg of our journey.

After a brief stop at home to unpack the camping gear, shower and get ready again, we were off to Seattle for the rest of the week. I grew up in Tacoma and while Seattle has always been right down the interstate, neither of us had ever taken the time to really see the city. We thought we'd give it a go!

We bought City Passes which had single admissions into Seattle's most popular attractions including the EMP, Science Center, Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium. Sadly, we hadn't visited any of those places before and thought we'd make up for lost time. Our days were spent exploring attractions, visiting shops and eating great food. We had dinner our first evening at The Pink Door, located in Post Alley near Pike Place (there's no sign, just look for a pink door). Not only was the food fantastic, but the cabaret style entertainment made it a highlight of our trip.

We took a gamble and purchased our hotel room via Hotwire. It works by showing you the location, amenities and star rating of a hotel but not giving you the hotel name (keeps the pricing competive). For under $150 a night, we were able to book at a 5-star hotel that was walking distance to everything!

So how did this trip stack up on pricing? Here's the breakdown (not including food in Seattle since that depends on where you go):

55.00 for the campsite
100.00 for camping food and supplies
500.00 for 4 nights at our 5-star hotel
108.00 for 2 adult city passes

$763.00 total :)

Up to my ears in lillies with vacation on the horizon

2009-06-19T11:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!!

Busy busy week! Tomorrow I get the privilege of helping Lauren and Jeff head down the aisle! My condo is stuffed to the gills with hydrangeas and lillies and I'm excited to see how their theme (a modern, whimsical spumoni-meets-polka dots) comes together! I will hopefully have plenty of pictures to post and details to share! Lauren was my former co-worker, roomie in college, and road trip travel mate and I'm looking forward to seeing her and Jeff finally tie the knot!

After that I'm hitting the road with my husband to celebrate our own wedding anniversary! He's the best thing that's ever happened to me and being married has been a fun adventure. After almost six years together, I'm still giddy when he walks in the door after work (yup, butterflies, tummy flip and all!)

For all of my amazing brides that I have, and will continue working with this summer: being married is worth all the wedding stress and craziness. I hope you enjoy every moment!

I will be back with more tidbits and trends to share when I return in a week!

Wedding Inspiration by Anne Benjamin

2009-06-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

Anne Benjamin, creator of the Mok Duk wedding invitations below, has a fun look to her work that no doubt brings unexpected amusement and joy to the recipients of these fabulous invites. Two parts retro, one part kitsch, and three parts fun seem to make up her style and take on the traditionally stuffy (albeit shifting) world of wedding stationery. If you're looking for something that's certainly one of a kind and an intense reflection of you and your fiance, she's a good option to look into. For more information, visit: www.annebenjamin.com

Eco Ideas: Local Flower Hunting

2009-06-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Local and seasonal flowers are a great choice for an eco-friendly wedding. And right now, they're abundant in famer's markets and local farms in the area. If you're interested in integrating them in to your own wedding, consider a few tips below.

First, do your homework and find out what flowers are in season for your wedding. Keeping in season flowers in mind will guarantee you an easier time of knowing what to expect when you select your flowers. Next, be flexible. A farm may be out of the type of flowers you were hoping for or weather may have permitted them from growing on time (think Skagit Valley Tulip Festival-I think they finally bloomed the last week in April...). If you're willing to opt for a monochromatic color scheme (shades of pinks like the dahlias above for example) instead of a specific flower combination, you're more likely to have fun finding your flowers and getting colors that work with your event.

Determine how many flowers you will need ahead of time, to keep from overbuying, and have a great time hunting down your blooms! Farmstand flowers can look stunning and are an excellent and economical way to dress your reception.

Vendor Spotlight: Alicia's Bridal

2009-06-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

You only get married once and if you're like most brides, you want your engagement and wedding planning to be fun, special and memorable. Choosing your bridal gown should be one of those fun and memorable occasions and heading to Alicia's is a way to help ensure that the process will not only be fun but also simple and enjoyable.

So what happens at Alicia's? After arriving for your appointment, you get a bridal gown consultant who works one-on-one with you to help you choose the right gown (yup, think personal shopper!). After the perfect gown is chosen and ordered, you're called when the gown arrives and get to come in for a finishing touch appointment-a dress-up session where you get to add all the fun accessories to your dress from undergarments to your headpiece. From there, alterations are handled and when your gown is done it's pressed (complimentary) and can even be stored at the shop until your wedding date-no needing to worry about grooms peeking at your dress.

Overall, Alicia's turns your gown shopping into an experience. They work with you throughout the process to ensure that you look coordinated and fantastic for your wedding and give you someone to contact directly in case you have questions or concerns about your gown. It's a lot of little reasons that add up to a fantastic experience!

Happy Friday: Wedding Toasts

2009-06-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Thanks to everyone that entered in our freebie Friday drawing last week! Thanks to random.org, comment #3 was selected as this month's winner! Stay tuned for the next drawing in a few weeks.

My busy season is in full swing with weddings almost every weekend and it gives me the opportunity to see some really fantastic wedding toasts, and some really really bad ones. Wedding Toasts & Speeches is a book designed to assist your Maid of Honor, Best Man or families with finding the right words to say at your wedding, and make a fun little token to give them if they're short on words. Available nationwide or at spoonsisters.com

Freebie Friday: Last chance!

2009-06-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Last chance to enter in our drawing for free cupcakes from Icing on the Cake (yup, the same Icing on the Cake at the Bellingham Farmer's Market that are so scrumptious). Leave a comment on last Friday's post to enter! Drawing is tomorrow :)

Inspiration: THIS IS AWESOME!

2009-06-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Another amazing find from Merriment Design is this fabulous "story-of-our-lives" meets wedding invitation. You heard me right, this wedding invitation was created as a story book detailing out the relationship of the couple and ending with the invitation in the back. Merriment Design includes all of the how-to information although they express explicitely that it is not for the faint of heart. The bride of this wedding is also a graphic desginer so if you're tickled pink about this idea and want it sans blood, sweat and tears, email nikkilobue@gmail.com.

Eco Ideas: Try a little TLC

2009-06-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Turtle Love Committee is not your average jeweler; their purpose is to provide unique and unusual engagement and wedding rings for couples. They also have an entire organic line of eco-friendly rings that are not only far from run of the mill, but are also better for the planet. Take a peek and be inspired.

Freebie Friday: Icing on the Cake

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been to the Bellingham Farmer's Market you've most likely seen the tasty cucpcakes created by Liz Kovaks of Icing on the Cake. If you've tried them, you know how absolutely and amazingly delicious they are. If you haven't, here's your chance to try them out . . . for FREE! That's right, a gift certificate for four tasty-licious cupcakes is up for grabs. Leave a comment on today's post telling me your favorite wedding cake ideas and you're entered. One winner will be chosen at random one week from today!

DIY: Giving Tree Save the Dates

2009-05-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

Simple, natural and reminiscent of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, these save-the-dates could complement a number of simple chic wedding styles. Care to use them for your own soiree? The template to make them is free and complete with step-by-step how to instructions at Merriment Design. Enjoy!

Sneak Peek: Tara+Robert

2009-05-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Tara and Robert are the kind of couple that bring my job so much joy-they're so fun and easy to work with and they're crazy about eachother. Their wedding is only a few short days away and I'm excited to see how it will all come together. Below are a few of their engagement photos taken by Kaylee Eylander of Eylander Photography and based on what I've seen of her work so far, their wedding photos are sure to be nothing short of amazing!

Happy Friday: Bad Bridesmaid Gown Bachelorette

2009-05-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan of the bad bridesmaid gowns and ended up finding a FABULOUS bachelorette party idea via the internet. Keep in mind, it's an idea best used for the insanely outgoing-I-have-no-shame bride and her pals and if anyone pursues this avenue, PLEASE send pictures!!!

A Bad Bridesmaid Gown Bachelorette works on this premise: once upon a time you've spent way too much money on those awesome gowns that perhaps should see the light once again... ;) Or better yet, raid your local thrift store, find the best sequined, bedazzled, layered, poof-sleeved number you can get your paws on and strut your stuff with your gal pals for an insane night on the town. Think of the scrapbook pictures afterwards!

While you mull over the possibilities, a few more fabulous gown finds:

As if the gown couldn't get any better, check out the shoes!

Do these dresses remind any one else of Jem

(for those who don't remember Jem think 80's rockstar cartoon icon)

Mrs. Claus wants her gowns back.

. . .words can't express the glory of these gowns. . .

Happy Friday everyone!

Kissing Alternatives

2009-05-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

I found these awesome ideas at C Star Events' Blog and LOVED THEM! Had to share! At weddings, it's customary for the guests to clink on their glassware in order to get the newlyweds to kiss. As you can imagine, once the glass starts clinking it tends to go alllllll night-which can get annoying really quickly.

The first option is a kissing menu: it works on the idea that your guests have to earn your PDA.
Place a menu on the guest tables, or at the bar. It lists off what guests need to do in order to get a kiss from the couple-and in return provides a great and active way for guests to have fun at your wedding!

The second is a kissing tree. Tags are hung from a tree and list off activities that guests can take to the DJ who will read them alloud. The guest need to perform the read task and in return the couple will kiss. Activites can be whatever the couple would like-from answering trivia about the couple, to performing a scene from a wedding movie, etc (just a few examples listed from the other post).

Both are super cute and fun ideas to get your guests involved in the day and to avoid the crash of glasses all evening. Get creative with either and you're sure to have a fabulous wedding!

Eco Ideas: No Electricity Wedding

2009-05-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Part of why I love what I do is the challenge. That's why I loved this post from Earth Friendly Weddings. The idea is to go through your entire wedding electricity free. Impossible you say? Definitely not.

Here are the tips that Earth Friendly Weddings suggests:

Skip the lights. Hold your wedding outside in daylight.
Hire an acoustic band. Keep the guest list small and intimate so they can hear the music without speakers.
Although you have no control over how guests actually get to your wedding, have your ceremony and reception in the same place so guests can walk between the events.
The biggest obstacle is food. It might be tricky (and it might illicit a few choice words from your serious meat eating cousin) but...it can be done! To serve food at a true-zero electricity wedding, thing BIG salad bar. Vegetables, saladas, pasta salads, breads, fruits, cheeses, and cold cuts are just some of the goodies you could offer.
Another option? Use a gas grill, which emits a lot less CO2 than charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid. This will satisfy that meat eating cousin and you could even create some very interesting desserts with a grill-think bananas foster or grilled peaches. . .

Going electricity free doesn't have to mean nixing a classy affair. Hold an early afternoon wedding that fades into a candlelit twighlight by the end of the reception. Choose local gourmet food items to serve your guests-seasonal and organic fruit and bread with wheels of cheese paired with local wines. Opt for grilled vegetables and meats. Keep the guest list intimate so guests can hear everything without the use of a mic and request cocktail attire so everyone in attendance knows that despite the use of the outdoors and the lack of electricity, that your wedding is still a classy fete.

Black and White Beauty

2009-05-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes keeping things simple can make the biggest impact. For example, this photo spread from Martha Stewart Weddings: the only colors really featured throughout are black, white, gray and a very pale pink background. And yet the pictures and the style are so visually stunning you can't help but think it's all beautiful. At least I do :)

I'm not a fan of table clutter at weddings. I prefer for all of the items on a table to have a purpose-centerpiece for decor, candles for lighting, setmware for wine, etc-and to keep things as clean and minimal as necessary.

That's what I love about these wine bottles. They serve so many purposes it pratically makes me giddy: 1. You get the option of picking affordable wine without your guests knowing because the label has been replaced with 2. the table number that keeps things minimal by being directly on the bottle 3. and the bar line is shorter because you've started guests off with a drink right at their seat 4. in a beautiful and stylized way that still matches your fete! And the tuxedo style is awesome! I love that the labels resemble cuffs! So fun!

The lapel on this groom matches the coat but it still provides some very cool and chic impact. I love how the color blends in, but the texture still makes it noticeable.

A black and white tablescape just screams glamour! By keeping the colors to a minimum, it makes the textures of your decor pieces stand out and any dabs of color that are included really pop in a sophisticated way! Elegant script on a menu card is far from lost because the minimal use of color makes it a dramatic focal point at each guests' setting.

I love that each centerpiece is in a different shade of gray fabric around the vase, and how each one has just the slightest hints of maroon amongst the flowers!

A sweet treat to send guests home with is a lovely way to end the night. Notice how the blooms resemble the groom's lapel? And the alternating between white, grays and blacks for the boxes and the flowers keeps the theme going.

Playing Dress-up!

2009-05-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

I was invited by Semiahmoo Resort to be a designer at their Wedding Open House yesterday and had an amazing time! Working within the Loomis Trail Mansion was a fun challenge and I appreciated the opportunity to show off my stuff! Major kudos go out some some pretty fabulous people that worked with me on this project-I could not have done this without them: Kate Fadden from In Bloom Designs put together the flowers for the room and she did a fantastic job, Kerri of Kerri Efendi Designs handled the gorgeous stationery suite, Drew Graham from Wannadance Mobile DJ provided background music, and Jen from Jen Martin Studios shot the beautiful photos you see here. All are exceptional vendors that I would recommend to any bride! Enjoy!

Freebie Friday revealed

2009-05-01T14:51:00.001-07:00

Jen, you get a fabulous new tote bag! Thanks for posting!

Stay tuned in a few weeks for the next goodie being given away!

Budget 'Moons

2009-04-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Once all of the vendors for your wedding are paid for, you may be wondering how you're going to afford a fun and relaxing honeymoon. With a little creativity, you can create a fabulous and budget friendly trip. The key is to keep things closer to home and to focus on the activities you want to do, rather then the locale. For the next few weeks, we'll be featuring some fun, low cost trips in the pacific northwest that you can create for an amazing honeymoon!

Adventure 'Moon
For an active, outdoor, full of fun vacation, our first trip is (believe it or not!) Leavenworth, WA. Yes, I know Leavenworth has it's fair amount of kitsch and cheese but, by keeping it local and in the mountains you can save money and have a handful of outdoor activities right at your fingertips. And trust, me there's so much to do that hanging out in the town will be a mere afterthough!

For accommodations, check out the Abendblume Pension. Located in Leavenworth, but off the strip, it's close to town but still peaceful and quiet. Abendblume is a bed and breakfast that offers incredible service, amazing views, comfortable rooms and some of the most affordable rates I could find for the quality that you receive. As with any B&B, breakfast is included. Perhaps stay in their Schneewitchen room which comes with a beautiful canopied bed, jetted tub, private balcony and fireplace.

When it comes to activities, Leavenworth isn't short on anything. A sampling of to-do activities includes rock climbing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, wine tasting, tubing, movies, spa treatments, cooking classes, and more. You could easily find enough activities to fill each day.

So how does Leavenworth stack up on cost? For 6 days and 5 nights and a sample of activities:

Hotel accommodations in a romantic suite+breakfast: $880
River Rafting for two: $170
Horseback riding for two: $90
Full day mountain bike rentals for two: $80
Touring local wineries: free
Hiking: free
Touring the town: free
Tubing, two all day tube rentals: $30
Total: $1,250

Our Picks for things to do: Check out the Osprey Rafting Co. For the above price, you get a half day of river rafting and lunch is included. Gustav's can't be beat when it comes to getting German sausages and saurkraut. They also have an amazing selection of beers to choose from. Tired from playing outside but not ready to hit your room yet? The Icicle Junction Activities Center has a movie house playing new films and mini golf (honeymoon+mini golf+sexy bet=fun for both of you!). Or wind down with a couples' massage in your room. Eagle Creek Ranch offers affordable horseback riding options for all skill levels and, if you're feeling gutsy, contact the Mountain School for guided rock climbs!

Freebie Friday: I Heart Earth Day!

2009-04-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here!! The tulips are opening, the sun is shining and . . .it's . . .FRIDAY!! And not just any Friday, the last Friday of the month. . .the last Friday of the month AND it's Earth Week!! Woo! So let's celebrate and give something away shall we??

In honor of the aforementioned Earth Week, BB Jean is giving away a delightful, 100% organic cotton tote bag featuring the endearing phrase "I heart to recycle" from Nordstrom! It's durable enough to hold a bagful of books, roomy enough to carry quite a few trinkets, but moderately sized so you won't feel like you'll be swallowed whole by your tote bag.
Take it along to the farmer's market and stock it with goodies, use it for a sightseeing daytrip, or just strut around town with it on your shoulder!

How do you win this fabulous item? Leave a comment on today's post telling me your favorite way to go green! One winner will be chosen randomly next Friday!

Freebie Q&A:

Q: Can I post anonymously?

A: YES. . . .BUT you need to send me an email repeating your comment and have your name and email in it so I know who you are in case you win!

Q: If I won last month, can I enter this month?

A: Sure!

Q: Will you use my info and send it to other vendors?

A: Eh, I'm not a fan of having my privacy invaded so no, your info will only be used to contact you in the event that you win.

Q: What determines the freebies that are given away?

A: I always try to pick local goodies first, if it isn't local I try to keep it eco-friendly.

Glamorous Wedding Wishes

2009-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a stunning guestbook alternative from Here Comes The Guide. It features a wedding wish tree: guests write a "wish" for the bride and groom on provided cards and hang them from the tree. It creates a fabulous focal point to the entrance of the reception or ceremony, and at the end of the night, the "wishes" can be packed up for the bride and groom to read together on their honeymoon.

Care to make your own? You'll need a few larger vases, glass vase beads (or rocks, or other sturdy material), branches, strings of beads, card, pens and a sign explaining to guests what it's all about. Having your maids write you a few wishes in advance to hang on the tree before the reception starts isn't a bad idea either.

Show Your Mom a Little Love...

2009-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

...and help other women in your community!

Soroptimist International of Bellingham is hosting a Mother's Day Brunch at the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom. Take the special women in your life out for a scrumptious seaside meal and feel warm and fuzzy from the fact that 100% of profit made from the event goes back to help other women in your community!

Soroptimist International of Bellingham is a nonprofit organization that seeks to better women and girls in their community and the world. Past projects have included annual scholarships for higher education, jerelry drives and fundraising for other organizations in Whatcom County including Lydia Place and the YWCA.

Need a few more reasons to bring your mom? How about amazing food prepared by the Harborside Bistro? Or perhaps the beautiful (and hopefully sunny) view of Bellingham Bay? How about instant seating? This event is for ticket holders only so you're guaranteed a chair when you arrive!

Tickets are $35 for adults and $16 for children 10 and under. There are limited numbers available so if you're interested, email me at info@bbjeanevents.com or call!

Little Cakes for a Big Day

2009-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love cupcakes! They're petite, they're cute, they're just downright fun! And for weddings, they make a cost effective alternative to the traditional cake: smaller price per cupcake, no cake cutting fee, etc. And with the growing trend, it's becoming easier to find elegant versions for your fete!
This fabulous pic is from Trophy Cupcakes in Seattle. And their cupcakes. are. amazing. Although, they're a bit tricky to use for weddings in Bellingham, WA (for my own wedding, they had to be picked up the day before by a wedding guest) they're worth the stop when you're in Seattle and to utilize for events in that area. They have an amazing attention to quality and detail and can be extremly elegant when topped with buttercream flowers.

Bella Cupcake Couture now offers fashion for your cupcakes! Paper wraps are available in many colors and styles to complement your event.

Little details go a long way. Like these cupcake picks made by Kimberly of Blue Ribbon Design. She used leftover letterpress paper scraps to make little flags for each cupcake. This little addition was affordable and made the cupcakes look cohesive and match the event. I love it!

I'm all about making things easy for guests. Another alternative to the cute flags is to label your cupcakes. These picks were made from leftover paper used in the wedding stationery and printed in matching fonts. They make it easy for guests to determine which flavor to pick-these cupcakes were two of six cake/cupcake/pie choices for guests-making the dessert line move a little faster.

This has nothing really to do with weddings. Although, I suppose it would be a great treat to send a stressed-out bride . . . Either way, it's delightful and I'm so glad I ran across it on the Soap Queen's blog! Saint Cupcake, in Portland OR now ships a fun and festive cupcake kit to you or a friend. Their interactive selection tool online lets you drag and click three cupcake flavors, three frosting choices and three sprinkle types into your cart to make a fun "make-your-own-cupcake" set-no baking required! Everything arrives ready-to-assemble and includes a frosting spreader for instant gratification.

If you're in Bellingham, you're in luck. Tasty cupcakes have been springing up all over the place so you won't have to travel far to treat yourself. One of the most prominent sources is the Bellingham Farmer's Market. Liz Kovaks, owner of Icing on the Cake in Ferndale, WA has become a regular vendor at the Saturday markets with her amazing cupcakes and she also handles special orders for weddings and events. And, only a few weeks ago in fact, Katie's Cupcakes opened in Fairhaven. Located on Harris St, near the Village Green they offer a selection of cupcake and cookie goodies.

Where for art thou BB?!

2009-04-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

It's been and will be a crazy couple of weeks for me and I apologize in advance for not getting the blog posts out in my usual timeliness. Not to fret though, when these weeks are over, I will have plenty of new inspiration coming your way (yes, the summer wedding season is almost here!)!

Please keep checking back for new posts- I promise I haven't abandonded my blog!

XO
BB

A Non-Peep-Eater's Guide to Handling Peeps

2009-04-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time again. The sun begins shining a bit more, the daffodils start to bloom and the Peeps are back in stores.

Peep obsession has always boggled me. And those who like the taste of the sugary, corn syrupy birds boggle me even more. I was never really a big fan of them, and yet every year, there they were in my basket. It's like the parent manual states that there must be a packet of peeps in every child's Easter basket regardless of how many times they tell you they hate them. I still get them. But thankfully now I know what to DO with them . . .

So officially, here it is, my dedicated post to non-peep eaters. Here is a basic sampling of things to do with your stash of Peeps: from elegant and refined to downright trashy!

Cup-o-peep: I thought this was a super cute idea (more for the presentation then anything-but in my line of work presentation is key). Peep marshmallows in hot chocolate on Easter morning. Oh Dee Doh earns major points in my book for this cute number. And to transcend generations, add a peep to coffee for the grown-ups. Add some Bailey's in the coffee and I might even enjoy the peep-mallows with you!

Peeps! the book (it's almost like a bad off-broadway title: Peeps! The Musical!-although after what I found on the internet with these things, I wouldn't be surprised if it existed) gives you more fun food ideas to incorporate your peeps into. When I looked in the book, the Peeps and their friends were more of a garnish, but still I give the author some creative points. I mean, she made an entire book of these guys-and in a cute, fun and family friendly way. It would make a cute novelty gift for a hostess or party-loving friend at your next spring get together-or anyone obsessed with incorporating peeps into e v e r y t h i n g.

Peep-o-matic: Yes, there really is a make-your-own-peep machine. I guess it's only fitting that it's made by Wham-O. I'm still trying to figure out why there's a coupon for more Peeps on the box if you're already making your own . . . Either way, you too could create your very own assortment of REAL (see box) peepy friends for only $26! Additional peep ingredient kits not included.

The Peep Show: Not that I would encourage anyone to create things like this in their spare time, but you have to admit it is pretty funny!

And lastly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I18FIrE5xfk Peep jousting. My brother and I discovered this when we were young and it's been a fun activity ever since-although made even better with the inclusion of different colors (we started with yellow vs yellow when we were kids, made it difficult to keep track of which was which when the microwave was spinning). I would recommend putting your peeps onto a paper plate for easy disposal as the peep's marshmallowy insides get a bit difficult to deal with after cooking.

Have any additional peep-y activities that are part of your own Easter traditions? Feel free to comment! I'd love to hear what you do!

Real Weddings: Jessica and Hunter via Amorology

2009-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I came across this gorgeous wedding via Amorology's blog. It makes me sigh, and smile, and feel all fuzzy all at once. I had to share!

Something about mixing pale pinks and peach's with a nice smoky gray is so Victorian-chic to me . . .I think it's lovely.

I heart old umbrellas!!

Love this shot-love the mis-matched umbrellas with the formality of the bride and her maids. It's a very fun, but beautiful photo.

This is the part where I usually feel compelled to share the vendors with you, but this shindig took place in California... I do urge you to check out Amorology's blog though. Seriously, I could gaze at the eye candy that's posted there for hours! And check out more pics from this wedding-this event is a fantastic example of romantic elegance and the final result is gorgeous!

Stealing the Spotlight

2009-04-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

I'm stealing the Vendor Spotlight post today to share some new goodies available to brides from BB Jean Events!

As brides make requests, BB Jean Events has been expanding its inventory to include various rental items for events. They're available to anyone BUT BB Jean brides always get first dibs and a discounted rate.

This month we've added hanging tealight holders. These awesome little guys can be used with tealights, colored LED tealights or even have flower blooms placed inside. They're perfect for decorating your reception space or a wedding arch and look even better when they're clustered together above tables. They're currently available to rent for $2.50 each and make a very cool alternative to paper lanterns.

Intersted in renting? Contact us and we'll let you know availability!

Freebie Friday Revealed!

2009-04-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Congrats to my anonymous commentator who wrote:

Relax, enjoy the day and have fun because it will be over in a few moments!

Using the random number generator at Random.org, this bride has won a super cute bridal scrap book with embellishments!

Thanks for all of the great comments! Stay tuned for our next giveaway of the month in just a few weeks!

Eco Friendly Favors

2009-04-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Trying to find eco friendly favors? And not just ones through big favor companies online that list the items as "green" (with the little quotes and all) but ACTUAL earth friendly favors?

Many products that are being offered from wedding companies as green favors, aren't as green as they're saying. And to sift through the advertising, simply as yourself a few questions:

1. how close is the item to me (local means supporting your community and less polution from shipping), 2. Is it organic, 3. What is it packaged in.

Why is this important? When I searched a popular, nationwide favor company for green favors, I inquired with customer service about a particular product made from bamboo. I found out it was packaged in several different layers of material, the bamboo wasn't organic, and it was being shipped from the east coast. The eco-friendly benefits of that product were starting to look not so green after that.

For your own green favors, here's a few of my favorite items and locations to hunt down your own:

1. Soap. Everybody uses it (or SHOULD be using it) so it's useful, and can be molded into a shape befitting of your wedding. The heart below is from Lavendar Wind Farm in Coupeville, WA who use organic lavendar and goat's milk in their guest soaps. 2. Famer's Markets. Why order honey from a nationwide favor company and pay way too much on shipping when you can get it from your local farmers market (I mean, you could even MEET the bees the honey is coming from if you wanted!)? You can find great prices and quality products at these places and they make a fun and gourmet-esque gift for your guests. If you don't like honey, consider other items that may be offered like flowers, lavendar, cheeses or fresh berries.

3. Speaking of bees, try beeswax candles. Candles have long since been a popular favor option but cheap ones can have lead in the wick and be made with parafin wax overseas. Beeswax is all natural, clean burning and most have cotton wicks. This one is in a cute travel tin but the company making them (Beehive Candles, Maple Falls WA) also offers taper candles, votives, or aromatherapy options.

4. Etsy.com. Etsy features handmade items and you can choose to shop locally. When I searched Bellingham, WA I was shown plenty of options from sweaters and furniture to small toys, soaps and lotions. If you find an item you like, make sure to check with the seller first to see if they can accommodate your order and that you give them plenty of time-a little bit of work, but worth it for the handmade goodies your guests will get!!

5. Tree favors. Greenworldproject.net provides a variety of tree seeds and seedlings in different types of packaging. Some plastic tubes the trees are shipped in can even be converted to bird feeders.

Happy Friday: Get Your Bridesmaids to Love You By Loving Them!

2009-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous Friday in our midst! And once again I have a picture posted of some AMAZING bridesmaid gowns! They make me chuckle :) I LOVE the matching bow in everyone's hair!!

Along with our wonderful illustration for today's post, I have a few words of wisdom when working with your maids.
#1 (See above pic) NEVER do this to your girlfriends! Real friends don't let their friends leave the house with this on! And for brides intimated by their hot girlfriends: don't punish your friends for your insecurity by choosing icky bridesmaid gowns and forcing your friends to wear them (and you brides know who you are!). You'll be in a big white gown, trust me, everyone will have their eyes on you

#2 Brides please remember this is YOUR wedding and not your bridesmaids' wedding. They all most likely have jobs, families, friends and other activities other then your wedding. Be kind and considerate when you ask them for help and keep things reasonable. Having them there for your gown shopping=acceptable, forcing them go to the mall with you because you forgot to get new socks=unacceptable.

#3 "Thank you" goes a long way. Use it often on your maids. Make sure they know how much you appreciate their help. They're spending a lot of time, money and energy to make things happen for you.

#4 Be budget conscious for your friends. Some bridesmaids may be ok spending hundreds of dollars on a dress they'll only wear once. Most, however will not. Remember that apart from their dress and shoes, they may have to pay for hair and makeup, hotel accommodations, bachelorette party activities, a wedding gift and possibly even shower gifts.

#5 Have fun! Weddings are supposed to be a joyous occasion so make sure that not every time you gather is work and be sure to have some fun friend time. It gives you all an opportunity to remind yourself why you're all friends in the first place.

Wedding How-to: Destressing for the Big Day!

2009-04-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

If you aren't already following a health regime for your wedding, now may be a good time to start. Regardless of whether or not you want to lose weight for your wedding, excercise and eating right are essential for a healthy lifestyle (before AND after the wedding) and are one of the easiest ways to help your stress levels.

If you aren't already working out regularily, simply look at exercise as a wedding free time to unwind. Cardio at the gym is fine, but you can also mix it up by going for a run in the park, go for a bike ride, or take a fitness class with your bridesmaids-anything for you to be active and to get those endorphins pumping!

Also take a close look at your diet. What we eat directly affects our physical well being AND mental well being. Choosing highly nutritious foods can help you stay mentally alert and energized. Nix the caffeine (if you can) and keep sugars low to avoid crashing throughout your day. Eat breakfast to give your body a healthful start and keep snacks on hand. I personally always have almonds in my purse or car and I've had many moments when I'm so glad they're there!

Try meditating. Find a clean and quiet space in your home-away from the TV, the cat and dog and any other distratctions-and breathe and relax. Couple this with stretching and you have a pleasant way to end your day.

Real Weddings: Erin & Steve

2009-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I got in contact with Erin after discovering her amazing DIY wedding invitations online last month. When I got her permission to post her creation, I asked her to let me know how her wedding turned out because I was certain if it was planned as creatively and detailed as the invites, it was sure to be amazing. I was right. Here are just a sampling of the fabulous pictures taken by Shelby and Rich at 927 Photography.

Erin, thank you for letting me share a few pics from your gorgeous wedding! And thanks for sharing that small world moment with me: if you're friends with K, who is an amazing woman herself for being able to date Ben, then you're a pretty fabulous person in my book! My sincerest congratulations to you and your new husband and best wishes for an amazing future together!

Introducing Ask BB Jean!

2009-03-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Now available is our complimentary service Ask BB Jean: a totally free resource to ask any boggling wedding questions that you want figured out for your fete!

While looking up Q&A's on other wedding sites might help a bit, we're ready and excited to offer you a personalized answer to your personalized question-no two weddings are the same so forgo the one-size-fits-all answers and let us try to help! From wedding etiquette to logistics to crazy and random, we'll do what we can to figure it out!

Have a question you want answered? Either give us a call 360-820-0306 or send us an email!

askbbjean@bbjeanevents.com

Friendlier Flowers + Favors

2009-03-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Flower favors have to be one of my most favorite things to do at weddings for a few reasons: They can serve as your centerpiece or another decor element, they act as favors, they are live plants which are good for your home and they don't get thrown into the garbage like candy favors do once all of the chocolate has been scarfed :)

Clustering a group of flowers together on the table makes for a pretty, garden-like centerpiece. Martha Stewart Weddings recommends a little sign with them that say "Pick one" so guests know to claim one when the night is through.

Putting flowers on a silver tray or in silver vases instantly ups the glam factor. These purple hyacinths are striking and add a lot of vibrant color to your space. Again, just make sure guests are informed that one is for them. Another idea is to place a small potted bloom at each guests' space with their name on it: favor, namecard and decor piece all in one.