Tuesdays With Ty

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Jamie and Emile @ Headley-Whitney Museum

July 27, 2010 in Real Bridal Parties, Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

Jamie and Emile were married on a beautiful late Kentucky spring day on May 29, 2010.  Jamie lives in Los Angeles, but knew she wanted to come home to Lexington for her big day.  Planning the wedding from across the country was a huge task to undertake, but with the help of Always Planned, the results were stunning!  If you have not been to the Headley-Whitney Museum it is well worth a visit.

Jamie just shared these photos from her wedding with us by her photographer Harper Smith Photography yesterday and I knew I had to share them immediately! Jamie’s navy, green and accents of blue created a very classic, beautiful feel for the wedding.  Her bridesmaids were outfitted in After Six Style 6553 in Blueberry Taffeta.  This style suits many body types and is such a timeless dress!

Congratulations to Jamie and Emile!  We wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Tuesdays with Ty – Thank You Notes

July 13, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | 2 comments

Thank you notes are an absolute MUST to show your gratitude for the outpouring of love you experienced during your wedding.  While e-mail, texting, website and Facebook posts are appropriate for some things…they most certainly do not replace the kind gesture of a hand written note and should not replace your wedding thank you cards. 

Some people will tell you that you have a grace period of a year to write your thank yous after the wedding, but why leave it hanging over your head for that long??  Our goal was to have them done as quickly as possible after we returned home from our wedding.  We are now 6 weeks post wedding and just have a few left to write for gifts we recently received. 

As for the style of your thank you cards, that is personal preference.  You can have cards printed before your wedding with your new name on them, but we opted to share a wedding photo on ours.   Polka Dot Papers, who did our wedding invitations, offered to do a photo card for us.  One of my bridesmaids had these made by Grey Ink a few years ago and I loved the card and still have it on my refrigerator!  When we returned from our honeymoon I sent her a photo and she had the cards to us within a few days.  In the mean time we made sure we had recorded all the gifts given to us so we did not leave anyone out.

Deanna's Thank You Card by Grey Ink

To make the card writing more fun, we cooked dinner a few evenings and made a date night out of it.  Brandon wrote the cards to his friends and family and I did to mine.  The wording does not have to be anything profound…just thank them for taking the time to come to the wedding (if they did) and how much their love and support means to you.  If a monetary gift was given, you don’t have to mention the amount, just that you appreciate their generosity and how much it will help as newlyweds.

In the end, it is the act of taking the time to write the note that matters most. 

Happy Writing!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Wedding Day Don’ts

June 27, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

Like I said last week…I do not have many things at all that I would change about our wedding, so this blog will be much shorter than last week!  Here are just a few tips for making your wedding day the best it can be:

  • Do not run late!  Running late turns into stress, so do your best to be on time for everything.  We were cutting it very close on time after we got our hair done and it made me a little anxious and I felt rushed to get to the venue for photos.
  • Have a conversation with your photographer about exactly how the picture time will go.  Our photo time seemed a little scattered and we did not feel like we got all the pictures we would have liked to have done.  If the photographer does not offer a check list of exact family shots you want then make sure you let them know.
  • If your ceremony is outdoor then consider doing the group photos really early or inside the venue.  Our guests started arriving 45 minutes early and we had to wrap up our photos early so everyone wouldn’t see us before the wedding.  Again, I felt really rushed and that is not a good feeling.
  • Do not forget to thank everyone involved for making your day extra special…this includes vendors, friends and family!
  • Do not forget to look around at the guests right before you walk back down the aisle to take a mental picture of who all was in attendance.  Do the same thing at the reception a few times.  These are memories you will treasure forever.

Take this moment to look out at the crowd before you walk back down the aisle.

Tuesdays with Ty – Wedding Day Do’s

June 22, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

Now that it has been a few weeks since our wedding, I can think more clearly about what advice to give to other brides and bridesmaids.  I was so emotional about everything for a while after the wedding…and admittedly even a little depressed it was all over. 

View from the back where Dad and I waited

View from the back where Dad and I waited to walk in.

Here are a few of my favorite things or the “Do’s” I would suggest:

  • Do spend the night before with family or friends.  It was so nice to wake up at my parent’s house and be able to relax that morning with them.
  • If everyone is going to the same salon, go early and hang out while everyone is getting their hair and make up done.  Plan for mimosas and brunch and just enjoy everyone.
  • Have your photographer join for salon time.  I think we had some great shots just hanging out together.  Brandon and his guys played golf that morning and the photographer joined them for a bit as well!  Capture every moment!
  • DO have a person serving as your wedding coordinator.  Even if you can’t afford someone, have a friend that is organized help out.  Ours was invaluable!  She took the dresses to the venue and made sure everything ran smoothly for the wedding and reception.
  • Do have someone video the wedding ceremony for you.  Once I started down that aisle it is all a blur, so it was nice to watch everything and remember it all.
  • If you are willing to buck tradition a tad, I would recommend having a special moment together before the wedding.  For us, Brandon had my bouquet at the spot where we were getting married.  I came out of  the front doors of the Carrick House and met him there.  It was so nice to see him and relax before there were going to be 250 eyes on us.  We did all of our pictures before and it made us so at ease for the wedding.

Bridal party pictures before the wedding

  • If you are having an outdoor ceremony, offer a beverage to your guests.  We had tea and lemonade stations and it was a huge hit in the heat!  We also had our programs printed as fans to help keep everyone cool as well.
  • Brides – if you can get to a spot in the back of the ceremony to watch all the music and everyone be seated I would recommend it!  Standing at the back watching it all come together with my dad is one of my favorite memories. 
  • After the ceremony have a spot to meet your bridal party before everyone goes into the reception.  We had the Carrick House designate an area with drinks for everyone so they didn’t have to wait in line.  It was fun to hang out and take some fun pictures!
  • Save your cake topper and eat it when you get home from the honeymoon.  We hardly got any cake at all, so this was great!  We are going to have a fresh one made next year for our anniversary:)

Our cake by Martine's Pastries

  • Before you leave your reception, have your coordinator pull your parents out first to a special area so you can properly say your thank you’s and good-byes.

I have WAY more Do’s than Don’ts, but I will share those next week!

Happy Planning!

-Ty

Twirl Lexington featured in Business Lexington

June 15, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

Twirl Lexington was recently featured in Business Lexington and we couldn’t be happier!  The story is called “A Well Planned Proposal” and was in print on May 28, 2010.  It is now available online as well at the following link:  http://www.southsidermagazine.com/Articles-c-2010-05-27-92864.113117_A_wellplanned_proposal.html

Business Lexingtonreached out to us a few months ago asking to do an article. Meghan Mando came by for an interview and did a fabulous job writing the story and conveying the special attention Twirl pays to brides and bridesmaids.

Just had to share!  I’ll have more pictures and wedding advice next week:)

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – I am back!

June 8, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | 2 comments

I am back from the most amazing week of my life.  Brandon and I are seriously blown away by the outpouring of love we experienced for our wedding.  Words cannot fully explain all of the emotions that have occurred over the past week and a half.  Every moment was everything I had ever dreamed of.  The weather was perfect, the setting was perfect, and we were surrounded by people that love us…and best of all we are now married!

This week I just wanted to do a short blog thanking our wonderful bridal party, our loving families and all our vendors that worked tirelessly to make it all happen.  Next week I am going to re-cap everything with a fresh mind (everything is still so emotional right now) and give you a few wedding event tips that I hope will help make your day even better.

And of course…here are a few pictures to share as well!  We have gotten several from friends and family and a couple from our photographer, In Retrospect Photography, as a preview!!

Preview from In Retrospect Photography

Beautiful Bridesmaids in Thread's Stella Dress

Just Married!

We are obsessed with wanting to see pictures and have looked at these so many times so far!  I hope you enjoy them as well.  I will post more as we get them!

Happy Planning!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Last week as a single lady!

May 25, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | 1 comment

This time next week I will by lying on the beach with a banana daiquiri in my hand and my HUSBAND by my side!  I cannot believe this is the last time I am writing Tuesdays with Ty before the wedding.  Time has certainly flown by and I am so excited for this weekend!  I have enjoyed sharing my journey with everyone.  Don’t worry…I’ll be back to update you with photos and wedding day do’s and don’ts after we get back from the honeymoon:)  

I thought it would be fun to re-cap my fun wedding week attire with everyone!  Brandon keeps asking just how many dresses I will wear because I keep parading out with more for him to critique.  My excuse is that I will only get to be the BRIDE once and I want to make the most of it. 

Beginning on Thursday I plan to start wearing white…because I can.  We do not have any particular event on Thursday other than set up for the rehearsal dinner, but I plan to wear a super cute white sun dress my mom found for me in California!  

Sun dress for Thursday

 Friday I will have 2 wardrobe changes.  At 11:30 that morning I will be surrounded by all the special ladies that are a part of the wedding for my bridesmaid luncheon at Circa 1840 in my hometown, Georgetown.  For the occasion I will wear an ivory dress by Chloe & Reese sold at Twirl.  Later that day, I will change for our rehearsal and dinner.  Since we are doing a Fiesta theme, my dress is not white…but the festive Shiloh dress in fuchsia and ice blossom print by Thread, also sold at Twirl!!

Bridal Luncheon Dress by Chloe & Reese

Rehearsal Dinner Dress by Thread

   

  Now, for the wedding day!  3 wardrobe changes total!  The time before the wedding will be spent at ChaCha Salon and brunch at Josie’s.  Every person that has been in a wedding before knows that you need to wear something that doesn’t go over your head when you are changing.  So, while in Nashville on my bachelorette party I found the sweetest white strapless dress that is comfy and perfect for the wedding day.On to the wedding attire!  As you may remember, I am wearing my mother’s gown (with new life and style breathed into it).  I am giving you a sneak preview of mom in the original 1976 gown.  Of course,  I cannot post what it looks like now until after the wedding, but I love it and it is so special.  

Ty's Mom in the original 1976 gown

 For my final wardrobe change of the evening, I will change into a fun short, ivory reception dress by Lynn Lugo (also available at Twirl) after we cut the cake and do our first dance.  I am seriously obsessed with this dress!

Reception dress by Lynn Lugo

On Sunday morning we leave bright and early for the honeymoon and again, I plan to wear white!  Well this one is white and black and has fun flowers at the bottom, but still!  I will be Mexico ready when I get on the plane!Happy Planning!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – The Marriage License

May 11, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

18 days.  That is how many days we have left before the wedding!  I cannot believe how time flies and how quickly I know these next 18 days will go by.  So, on Monday, Brandon and I headed downtown Lexington to get our marriage license!! 

Having a marriage license is required in order to officially be married on your wedding day.  Getting it does not mean you are married, just that you are legally allowed to be married.  The license becomes official after the ceremony when both the bride and groom sign it with your witnesses and the officiant.  After that it is filed and then you get your marriage certificate in the mail a few weeks later!

Getting our marriage license at the county clerk's office

So here are a few tips on what you need to know for getting a marriage license in Kentucky (you can search your city for local requirements):

  • Both bride and groom must go together to to the County Clerk’s office to apply for the license
  • The license is valid anywhere in Kentucky
  • Both of you must have a valid ID with you (driver’s license will do)
  • The license is valid for 30 days after it is issued, so make sure you don’t go too far in advance
  • There is a fee ($35.50 in Kentucky) and you have to pay with an in-state check or cash, so be prepared
  •  They will give you the license – we are taking ours to our preacher to keep and remember to bring on the wedding day.  He will take care of getting it signed and mailed back in.
  • You will get the official certificate in the mail a few weeks later.  You need this in order to officially change your name!

Enjoy this day together and your last few weeks of being engaged!  We went to stock up on honeymoon beach basics afterwards:)   

Happy Planning!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Bachelorette Bash

April 27, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

Since most all of my friends are already married and never get out on the town anymore everyone was looking forward to getting away and having a fun girls weekend!!  My Matron of Honor, Nancy, is the ultimate planner.  We started talking bachelorette weekend not long after we got engaged.  We threw around some ideas, but really there was no doubt where I wanted to go…Nashville, Tennessee!!  It has a super fun music scene, great restaurants, shopping and is only a 3 hour drive.  Since I used to live there it holds a special place in my heart.

Nancy worked with Elizabeth Henderson of Polka Dot Papers to come up with the CUTEST  invitation ever.  She also included an itenerary and cost info to all of the other girls with the invitation. 

Bachelorette Party Invitation

We started off driving down together and checked into the chic Hotel Indigo.  After settling in we went to ultra yummy Lime and had the best margaritas and sangria ever!  From there we hit the town for some live music and dancing at Tin Roof and Legends Corner.  Twirl Girl, Angela, sent me the cutest sash to wear out (pictured below)!!  It was even personalized in our wedding colors!  Thanks, Ange!

The Future Mrs. McBrayer and Matron of Honor, Nancy

Sunday was a day of brunch and shopping at the best spots in Nashville.  We decided to fore go another night out on the town and have a slumber party!  We ordered pizza, sipped champagne and had my “personal” shower.  It was just what we all needed.

Pajama Party Personal Shower

It was the most wonderful weekend filled with friendship and laughter.  I cannot thank my friends enough for taking the time away from their own families to travel to Nashville to celebrate with me. 

Bridesmaid Bachelorette Party Tips:

  •  When planning, think of what the bride will want to do.  My friends chose all of my favorite things and it was absolutely perfect.  If she’s not into going out…then plan a night in!
  • It does not matter what you do or how much money you spend, it is the time together that will be remembered the most.
  • Make something memorable – my friends all chipped in and made me a picture book of us through the years.  My Matron of Honor headed up the project and collected pictures and made the book online.  It is priceless and I will always treasure it:)

Happy Planning!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Bridal Portraits

April 20, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

As you may or may not remember, I am wearing my mother’s wedding dress.   It is finally finished undergoing the major renovations and is beautiful!  My sister-in-law even started crying when she saw it.

I decided to book an extra session with my photographer, In Retrospect Photography, with just me to do some bridal portraits BEFORE the wedding day.  This way you get to wear your dress an extra day and get to do a trial run with your hair and make-up!!

The biggest reason I decided to do this bridal portrait session is to be able to display a picture of my mom in her dress and me in her dress at the reception.  I plan on putting them on the cake table.  That way everyone can see the major changes we made, but how special the dress still remains.  This would be a really neat idea even if you aren’t wearing a family wedding gown.

Here are some Bridal Portrait tips:

  • Schedule appointments for your hair and makeup.  Do a similar look that you want for your wedding day.  That way you can see if you like the look in pictures before the big day when there will be no “do-overs”. 
  • Pick  a beautiful location and one you wouldn’t have time to go to on your wedding day.  We went to Shaker Village here in Kentucky.  All the Spring trees and plants were in bloom…gorgeous!!
  • Take a blanket or old sheet with you to put under your dress to keep it clean if you are going to be outside.  You can hide it in the pictures with the dress.
  • Pack a couple bottles of water with you and maybe a little snack if you think you will be gone for a while.
  • If you have your make-up done ask if you can take the powder with you and return it the next day.  That way you can touch up if needed.
  • Take your mom or maid of honor with you – it is a special time of wearing your dress for the first time!  Have them enjoy it with you:)

The Grounds at Shaker Village where we did the portraits

Obviously I cannot post my pictures yet, but enjoy this time and enjoy your pictures!!

Happy Planning!

Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Bronzed Bride

April 13, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

It is about this time every Spring when the sun dresses and tank tops come out of hibernation that I wish I had a naturally dark complexion…or had just gotten back from a week at the beach!  But since both of those are not true I have officially started my self tanning experiment.

I decided to start experimenting early so I can have the process down pat just in time for the wedding…so I can be a perfectly bronzed bride.  Luckily, one of our Twirl brides is a manager at Fusion Tanning Studios here in Lexington and offered me great advice.  I have done 2 self tanning sessions so far in the Mystic Tan booth and am very pleased with the results!  Here is what I found to work best:

  • Take a shower and exfoliate before you go.
  • DO purchase the little foot bottom covers to stand on.  My feet were HILARIOUS the first time.  Yuck!
  • Use LOTS of the barrier cream on your hands.  Apparently I didn’t use enough the first time and my hands were not pretty.  My second time I asked how much to use and they were perfect.
  • Do not shower or sweat the night you go (good excuse for not working out:)
  • I do recommend going in the evening…the smell is a little strange.  I think it’s more of a self-conscious thing, but still.  They also have scents you can add, I am going to try that next time!
  • Start with a light application…better safe than sorry!  The first time I did the lightest version and second added a “bronze boost”.  I definitely recommend the boost!

While it sounds like a lot of hassle, it really is not.  It only takes about 10-15 minutes total time.  I was very reluctant at first because I had bad experiences when the spray tan first came out a few years ago, but things have drastically improved since then.  I love the results and can’t wait to go again!  You will feel tan and beautiful like you have just spent a day at the beach.

Fusion Tanning Studios also has bridal party packages that can benefit both bridesmaids and brides!  Ask your local tanning salon if they don’t mention it! 

Bridesmaid tip:  If your bride has mentioned trying self tanning chip in and get her a package to try it out.  It would make a great personal shower gift:)

Happy Tanning!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Ceremony planning

April 6, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

With 7 weeks to go now we are turning our focus to the details of the ceremony.  The big pieces of the ceremony have been put into place, but now we need figure out the little things that will make our day memorable.

Obviously, you need someone to perform your marriage ceremony and since our wedding isn’t taking place in a church we had to decide who to use.  The minister from my hometown church is marrying us.   Most ministers are very specific on how they want the ceremony to run, so getting this detail taken care of will help you move forward on this part of planning.  In our pre-marriage counseling classes we will go through and plan the ceremony and how we want it to go with the minister.

If you want to start getting an idea of how it will go before you meet with your minister, The Knot has a good resource of program wording by ceremony and religion type.   You can use this as a basic outline until you meet with your officiant to get his/her ideas.  This way you can start getting an idea of what readings and music you want to incorporate and where it is appropriate.

As for readings, I think it is important to use things that are special to you and your fiance.  Of course, there are the very traditional readings that are beautiful and never go out of style.  However, we are going to incorporate some Bible verses Brandon used during his proposal.  He had written a few very special ones about love on little cards for me.  We are also going to have the readings done by couples that are special to us and in the program list how many years they have been married.

If you want a different twist, you can always pick a unique poem or short book.  One of my favorite weddings I attended had a children’s book read during their ceremony called “I Like You”.  It was SO appropriate because she is a kindergarten teacher.  Don’t be afraid to go out of the box!

Music in the ceremony is the same…you can always go traditional and classic.  There are great resources for that as well on The Knot.   BUT we aren’t going traditional on the ceremony music!  We are having all acoustic guitar and I am so excited!  Brandon has a friend that is a musical genius, so he is in charge.  We are using a few special songs (that will be revealed later) and one that was written by the guitarist we are using.  I also have a dear friend, who happens to be a Grammy Nominated Artist, who is also singing.    I hope it will be memorable for all.

Tip: Go to YouTube and type in different songs to see if you like them.  Most anything can be found on YouTube and you might find something different!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Make your ceremony your own!  It is the little things that mean the most.

Happy Planning!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Keeping your engagement ring sparkly

March 16, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

After getting the engagement ring of my dreams I hardly ever wanted to take it off…whether to shower, sleep, exercise or anything!  My ring has become a permanent fixture on my hand.  With that much wear it is bound to get a little dingy ever once in a while, so I did some research on how to keep it sparkling just like the day Brandon slipped it on my finger!

When to take it off:  Jewelers will tell you to take it off to exercise, shower, sleep…but let’s be realistic.  I take mine off to shower, when I am cooking and using my hands in meat, cleaning with chemicals,  and I would if I worked outside (but that doesn’t really happen). 

Cleaning:  I clean my ring about once a week.  It doesn’t have to be anything special.  A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small bowl of warm, soapy water will do just fine.  Many jewelry stores also sell a container of jewelry cleaner with a small brush that is also convenient.  Also remember to stop up the sink anytime you have your ring off around an open drain!

Basic Jewelry Cleaner - Purchased in Jewelry Stores

Care:  Take your ring into your jeweler once or twice a year to have the setting checked.  This will prevent the prongs being loosened due to wear and losing your diamond!  A few hours without it is better than a tragedy.

White Gold:  You may or may not know that white gold is simply yellow gold plated with rhodium.  If your ring is white gold you may notice after a while that it is not as shiny as it once was.  This just means it is time for your ring to have the rhodium refreshed and sometimes is required twice a year.  This is also a good time to have the prongs checked and have it professionally cleaned. 

Platinum:  Rings in a platinum setting may just need to be buffed every once in a while to refresh their shine.  Your jeweler can also take care of this for you. 

Bridesmaid Tip:  When your friends get engaged get them a goodie bag and include jewelry cleaner and a ring holder in it:)  They will be two things she won’t want to be without!

Happy Planning!

-Ty

 

Tuesdays with Ty – Reception Menus

March 9, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

The food served at your wedding reception should help reflect you and your fiance’s style and tastes.  What if your tastes are vastly different, you may ask??  That’s where you can (and should) build both in to the menu.

Brandon and I we decided at the beginning we wanted everything to be comfortable and relaxed for our wedding day, and that will extend to our food.  Our caterer, Lundy’s Special Events, has a HUGE menu to choose from.  After weighing all the options, we decided on a dinner buffet for our reception.  We are trying to stick within our budget and while some may think heavy hors d’oeuvres are less expensive…think again!  Since the portions are smaller, many people will eat several.  If you are going this route, be sure and include some more substantial food mixed in.  The bite sized menu items are all the rage with receptions this year.  I love the idea, but it just wasn’t our style for the main course, so we plan on using it later in the evening.

Mini Cheeseburgers are a great choice for wedding appetizers! Yum!

So…now to reveal our dinner selections!  It is important to make sure YOU are going to enjoy the food served to all your guests.  Brandon doesn’t like crazy foods and I love home-style cooking, so we are doing a traditional Southern meal.  Southern pork tenderloin, fried chicken, green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, salad and fresh fruit!  I am getting hungry just thinking about it!  We are also going to serve a “late night snack” but have yet to decide what it may be.  The ideas we have been given are Krispy Kreme donuts, mini cookies and milk shooters, cheese sticks, mini milkshakes…I could go on and on! 

Cookie and Milk Shooters

Food stations are also a fun idea for receptions.  We considered doing this with a pasta station and hot brown station.  Never be afraid to ask your caterer what your options are…the possibilities are endless!  Nacho bars, sushi bars, mashed potato bars, etc.  You can make the reception meal whatever you want!  Just make sure everyone will eat, drink and be ready to dance the night away!

Bridesmaid Tip: Offer to take your bride out to dinner at her fave restaurant to help brainstorm her favorite foods.  This may trigger a reception idea she may have never considered!

Happy Planning!

-Ty

Tuesdays with Ty – Wedding Shower Time

February 23, 2010 in Tuesdays With Ty, Ty by Twirl Talk | No comments

Friday was my very first wedding shower! My dear friend Hillary and her mother hosted “A Taste of Tuscany with Ty” at the best Italian restaurant in Lexington, Portofino.  It was only appropriate for Hillary (8 months prego, BTW) to host an Italian themed party, since her family is Italian. 

Centerpieces for Italian Themed Shower

My Place Card

Upon entering the cozy Wine Room, the centerpieces featured bright fuchsia flowers and grapes in a clear round bowl with wine corks in the bottom.  Each arrangement had Italian wedding wishes on a card as well.   The place cards were all placed in wine corks as well and had Italian sayings on them. We all enjoyed a fabulous dinner and then devoured the favors of Italian kisses, chocolate covered grapes and Italian Confetti for dessert!

Ty and Hillary at the shower

I must admit it was quite strange to be the one finally in the spot light opening the gifts and having pictures taken…but it was too much fun!!  The generosity and love you feel from your friends and family is amazing.  Hillary and Mary certainly outdid themselves and pulled off the perfectly planned shower.

Bridesmaid Tips that will make your shower outstanding:

  • Select a theme and stick with it.  It will help you stay consistent and make everything memorable.
  • Purchase thank you notes for the bride so she is prepared to send them immediately following the shower (Hillary even addressed them all for me!)
  • Have someone write down all the gifts and who they are from so the bride has it all together for thank you notes.
  • Do not go overboard on the shower games.  We just did one for the door prize…if anyone wants a copy I am happy to send:)

Bride tips:

  • Take a small hostess gift to show your appreciation for the person having the shower for you.  It does not have to be anything fancy…just thoughtful.
  • Send your thank you notes as soon as possible!  This is very important and appreciated by everyone.  They don’t have to be long, just to let them know you appreciate their generosity.
  • Savor every minute of this time!!

Happy Planning!

-Ty

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