Panache Pics

Following up the Panache boutique wedding show that I participated in at the Columbia Tower Club to share pics of my booth. I had fun with a Spring floral theme using delicate yellow parrot tulips in wheat grass placed in silver dishes bordered with sea glass. Photos taken by the lovely and talented Tania Shepard of Azzura Photography.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Bridal Sweepstakes!

I have been obsessed with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics ever since I received my first gift card to the counter at age 17. Bobbi's makeup and skincare line is timeless and fresh. I get their monthly newsletter and was excited to see they are doing a bridal sweepstakes to win must have beauty goodies! Click here to enter the contest (see details below).

Prizes include their new bridal kit which I adore! Pictured above, Bobbi designed this kit with…"the bride and her bridal party in mind. This sleek white case with interior pockets and mirror includes makeup basics that work on everyone: Ivory Eye Shadow, Black Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, a Short-Handle Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, Black No Smudge Mascara, and Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss, along with a tip card with step-by-step instructions on how to create Bobbi’s Bridal Look. Plus, there’s room in the kit to add your favorite Blush, Lip Color, and more Eye Shadows."

Enter the contest by March 27th. Good Luck!

Curtsy Bella - funky boutique for unique gifts

Curtsy Bella is a hidden gem that I have been meaning to feature on my blog for a while. Owned by stylish mother and daughter duo Mary Jo Thomas and Danielle Thomas, Curtsy Bella is a boutique located behind University Village with fabulous gifts for weddings, showers, babies, birthdays and entertaining...

A few months ago one of my best friends became engaged and I went straight to Curtsy Bella to find the perfect gift to congratulate her with. She is planning a destination wedding so I bought a Wedding Day Survival Kit (pictured above) with 30 must have items such as a mending kit, stain remover, super glue and extra wedding bands. Plus how cute is the diamond on top! Normally I have my giant suitcase of items on hand but when flying in for the wedding this kit will come in handy. Not only was the gift a success but it was beautifully wrapped free of charge.

I am excited that Curtsy Bella just added the Mindy Weiss wedding collection by Two's Company. For those of you that don't know, Mindy Weiss is a well known and sought after celebrity wedding and event planner in Los Angeles. Her collection has goodies for initial planning to your honeymoon! Below are some of my favorites products...

Make sure to stop into Curtsy Bella when you are in need of a fun and unique gift! You can also keep up to date on new products by visiting their blog, Adventures in Curtsyland, which you can link to from their website.

"Sometimes Brides Forget" sticky notes booklet to tag favorite pics in magazines.


"Keep It Together" expandable wedding organizer


Response Card Organizer with alphabetized dividers


"Lovebirds Nesting" Do Not Disturb/ Room Service Please Door Hanger


"Mr. and Mrs." Luggage Tags


"Mr. and Mrs." Leatherette Passport Cases

Bellini Signature Drink

A signature drink that is both refreshing and elegant to tray pass before the ceremony or during cocktail hour is a bellini, made of prosecco sparkling wine and fresh fruit of your choice. I happen to prefer using peaches. If you choose to have a bellini skip the traditional champagne toast during dinner. Your guests will appreciate the bellini option early in the day and can toast later with a drink of their choice.

Peach Bellini Recipe
3 ounces prosecco sparkling wine.
2 ounces fresh peach puree.
Mix and serve in champagne flute.
Garnish with peach slice.
Enjoy!

Fun tote bags

I love a deal and these canvas tote bags from Target are only $12.99 each and perfect for your bridal party. Gifting a tote bag filled with wedding day essentials such as flip flops, bottled water and snacks will be much appreciated by your bridesmaids. Make sure to pack one for yourself too!

Bernadette is Nearlyweds site winner!

First of all I have to say that I so enjoyed reading responses of why readers would like a Nearlyweds website to aid in planning their wedding. It was fun to see that many of you are planning destination weddings or have guests traveling from all over the country. I was drawn to Bernadette's response because she had such a great case for needing a site including TEN detailed reasons why. I was impressed!

Bernadette, I will be sending you an email letting you know how to get your FREE Nearlyweds site. For the other gals that responded thank you for writing in and I still encourage you to start your own personal wedding website. You won't regret it!