| DIY touches add a whimsical feel to Heather and Ryan Russo's posh Glen Manor celebration. |  While planning her October nuptials at Portsmouth's Glen Manor, Heather insists she was far from obsessive. But you'd hardly know it from the look of her wedding. Ryan is a scientist and Heather works in finance, but creative interests like music and crafting play a major role in their lives -- and as a result, in their wedding. In lieu of a guestbook, they invited guests to write notes on handmade "wish" cards. Another fun touch was printing quotes from their own love letters on the cocktail napkins. The Pawtucket couple even paid homage to Heather's love of carnivals (they took their engagement photos at one) by passing around candy apples and mini dough boy bites during the dancing. And Ryan, who plays the saxophone, managed to pull himself away from the dance floor long enough to jam with the band for a few songs. "It just flowed," Heather says of the planning. "My goal was to represent Ryan and me by carrying out little traditions that are important to us." >> Click here for photos and more details. Are friends still raving about your reception? Then we want to hear from you! We're looking for inspired weddings to feature in this newsletter and on our website. To be considered, email photos and a short description of the event to jpelletier@rimonthly.com. |
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| Sugar Rush Let them eat cake. And candy. And cookies. Three trendy dessert ideas to sweeten your wedding. |  1. Candy Table: Artfully arranged apothecary jars brimming with colorful confections liven up both the decor and the menu. Invite guests to snack on site or fill up a bag as a favor. Opt for nostalgic treats (think Tootsie Rolls, Necco Wafers, Smarties) or coordinate with your wedding colors. For inspiration, take a peek at New York-based Amy Atlas' coveted table designs. 2. Cookie Table: Tables piled high with snickerdoodles, biscotti and sugar cookies have long been incorporated into Pittsburgh weddings, but they're now finding favor with couples across the country. Hire a pro to bake several dozen batches or ask -- beg? -- a bunch of friends to whip up their favorites. 3. Gelato Bar: Roll out an icy treat to cool down guests who have been pounding the dance floor all night. Narragansett's Nana's Gelato provides two servers who'll scoop your choice of more than sixty flavors --pistachio, stracciatella, chocolate hazelnut -- into homemade waffle cones. | Ask the Expert
|  Q: Are wedding planners only necessary for big, pricey weddings?
A: Actually, no. I not only help couples design the wedding of their dreams, but also help them do it within a budget. To make all of your ideas come to fruition without spending too much can be tough. Say you want to serve filet mignon but can't afford it. I have relationships with caterers, so I can steer you to one that offers a great alternative for less. Q: How should a couple go about choosing a wedding planner?
A: It's a personality thing on both sides. You're trusting the person with the most important day of your life. You're going to talk virtually every day, so you have to have someone you can trust and can communicate with. A professional planner won't just do any wedding. I won't work with a bride if our personalities aren't clicking.
Q: Can you fill us in on current wedding trends?
A: Vintage is still big. I've also noticed that when it comes to linens and back drops, people are using a lot of bright, bold colors. Another thing that's huge is personalization. Couples are getting really into developing a theme and using the design and colors on everything from save-the-dates and thank-you cards to place cards and signs. For food, lots of people are opting for a more casual buffet style. Q: What's the most important piece of advice you can offer couples? A: Good vendors are going to work with you to make sure you get exactly what you want within your budget. If they're not accommodating or are pressuring you into anything, then they're probably not right for you. Remember, you are hiring them. A lot of brides feel a little pushed around. Q: Can you share some ways to cut costs without sacrificing style? A: One way to save money and add depth is to do a lot of the details yourself. DIY is a huge trend right now. Through sites like Etsy, you can really personalize things. For example, maybe you buy a bunch of vintage handkerchiefs, wash and iron them and arrange them in baskets with little signs that say "wipe your tears of joy." | | Advertisement
Relax and Unwind
Before the big day, relax, rejuvenate and renew your mind in a tranquil, seaside setting at Waves of Healing Wellness Boutique. Winner of a Rhode Island Monthly Best of Rhode Island® award in 2008, Waves of Healing offers therapeutic massage, personalized skincare and fitness education. Click here for more...
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| | 1/31 Open House Tour the lakefront Foxborough venue and chat with event planners about your big day. Lake View Pavilion, 45 Lakeview Rd., Foxborough, Mass., 508-543-9099. | 2/13 With more than forty wallet-friendly vendors, this event sets out to prove that the wedding of your dreams can be had without breaking the bank. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5. Jacky's Galaxie, 383 Metacom Ave., Bristol. The guys might be willing to join you for this one -- it's at Gillette Stadium. Expect fashion shows, giveaways and more than a hundred vendors. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $6. Gillette Stadium, Fidelity Investments Club House, 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, Mass., 860-563-2111. For more events, visit www.rimonthlybride.com. | | |
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