I saw this post on Ispiredbythis.com and was instantly captivated by Joel Serrato Films. His stunning videography is shot on Super 8 film which- though I have no idea what it actually is- seriously makes a difference in the final product. He captures the true meaning of your celebration- the whole point to everyone gathering on that day- the love. The love in the air is actually visible within the films.

I can’t embed his videos because they are too large for my little site, but go to his website and view them. Or go the post on InspiredByThis.com. You won’t regret it! Now if only he lived in Buffalo, NY!

If you’re planning your wedding and haven’t heard of Etsy- go there now. You can find anything you need and customize it to your desire with experienced designers. Invitations, jewelry, garters, pillows, gifts, articles of clothing, truly anything can be found and designed specifically for you. I found a few items that I want to share.

I found my headpiece on Etsy for a fabulous $45 through Brendasbridalveils. And just recently I purchased my sash/belt for my dress from EmiciBridal. The designer is Marie and she makes gorgeous sashes, pillows, and headpieces and is happy to customize anything you need. Her belt that I found was beautiful as is but I wanted it a little longer and sewn on top of a black ribbon so it won’t snag my dress. She’s making the alterations and my belt should be here in a couple weeks. I can’t wait to see it! The original belt is $125 and with my customizations I’m paying $200. Totally worth it considering other belts in bridal salons are easily twice this much and not as well made. This is the belt without my requested customizations-

Another one of my favorite Etsy vendors is Cathy5591. She makes some beautiful, delicate necklaces including this original beauty that gracefully decorates the brides back. And these pieces are a total steal $45-$60.

And check out these gorgeous bolero jackets from Tiana Che. Perfect for a bride who wants a little extra style or warmth. And no matter what color you choose, you can wear these long after the wedding is over as an awesome statement piece with a cute pair of jeans and some heels. HUGE plus. They are priced around $200.

These earrings ($119) are also a love of mine. They don’t necessarily go with the rest of my accessories otherwise, I’d buy them myself. But Lizardi Bridal makes really beautiful vintage looking jewelry and will customize any of her pieces to be perfect for you.

As I mentioned, these items are all at great prices and significantly less than what you’d pay at a bridal salon. Do some shopping around before you commit to your jewelry. These are pieces that you’ll want to keep around and even potentially pass down to family members or friends getting married. Work with a designer whose style you love and see if they can help you create those special pieces just for you or your bridesmaids. Enjoy!

I’m desperate for a DJ.

We’ve chosen a jazz quartet for our ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner, but I’m looking for a fantastic DJ for our reception. I’ve sent out numerous emails with very little success trying to track down one. Come on Buffalo! Help me out here! I know my criteria is a little… we’ll say… strict, but I can’t help it. I have a firm policy of “no crap” at our wedding. I want plenty of fun- I just don’t want that fun to include synchronized dancing a la “YMCA” or “Macarena.” Is it so much to ask for a little originality in wedding music? Do DJ’s have nothing else up their sleeves than “We Are Family?”

I get it I get it. People love cheesy weddings songs. But I don’t. And neither does Chris for that matter. Call me Bridezilla, but seriously if I have to listen to that junk, I will walk out of my own wedding. Ok- maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but if I can prevent a conga line from forming- that would make me incredibly happy.

So here is my wedding DJ criteria and if you know of any around the Buffalo area who fit the bill and are available on January 1, 2011- please feel free to send them my way!

DON’T (and yes I have personally witnessed every one of these things at a wedding in the past)

• Props. There is nothing worse than when a DJ gets on the dance floor with a fuzzy pimp hat or afro wig and dances with your guests to “Play that funky music white boy” while doing the ‘sprinkler.’ Or when he tries to strap a fake ankle restraint with a ball and chain on your new husband. It’s not funny and it’s not cute. Please leave the props at home and let the drunk groomsmen take care of the ‘running man’ and the ‘worm’- they are entertaining enough.
• Advertisements. I don’t want to look at a banner for “PHENOMENAL SOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT, LLC HIRE US FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY!!” across your booth or see that in my wedding pictures for many many years to come. If people like you, they’ll ask me and I’ll be glad to give them your number if you do a great job. Let your work speak for itself.
• Flirt with or try to hook up with any guests or members of the wedding party. It is not ok. Period.
• Drink or smoke. I’m paying for a few hours of your time. Please don’t partake in my open bar and try to leave the cigarettes in the car until the night is over.
• Have a video montage on your website to Kool and the Gang’s, “Celebration.” This should go without saying, but I saw this on 4 COUNT EM 4 websites for DJ’s alone in 1 day. There are hundreds of thousands of songs out there that can represent you and the weddings you’ve worked. I’ll say it again- originality.
• Bottom line- don’t be THIS guy.

DO (I know there are amazing DJ’s out there who do these things without thinking…

• Have a fabulous catalog of songs with a large mix of genres. Big band to contemporary. Let the couple give you some suggestions of their favorite stuff and work with them on a playlist that won’t make them or their guests cringe.
• Update your website. I can’t tell you how many awful sites I’ve seen which immediately leave a bad taste in my mouth. You don’t need a HUGE site with tons of bells and whistles. Give me some basic info, a contact number and email, and some of the services you offer. Keep it simple, keep it clean. and see my note about the video montage above. I beg you!!!
• Dress professionally. I don’t need you in a tux necessarily but a nice all black outfit is always appreciated.
• Be punctual with all aspects of planning and the big day. Prompt email responses, phone calls returned in a timely manner, and showing up on time every time, demonstrates that you are responsible and trustworthy to handle the huge task of running the night and helps ease the already stressed out bride.
• Be personable and fun. You can be just as fabulous of a DJ without props or the cheese factor. Your emcee skills, knowledge of music and reading the crowd should be enough to entertain a room of people. No disco balls needed.
• Maybe this cat can be my DJ… because he is awesome.

Ok randomness. So anyway, I think this is a pretty comprehensive list. I know there is a DJ like this out there somewhere! I know it, I have faith! I mean, am I asking too much? Honestly- am I nuts and totally off my rocker with my requests for a music provider? Feel free to add your thoughts to my list. Anything you’d add or subtract? What are your dos and don’ts for a DJ?

And if you’re as paranoid as I am, here is a great  list of questions to ask up front before it’s too late and your DJ busts out a rubber chicken while subjecting your guests to the third grade nonsense of the ‘chicken dance.’ Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

So we got our cake!!! I’m so happy. I originally saw this design on an episode of Cake Boss where buddy was designing it for a Brides Magazine photo shoot. I saw the photo in the magazine and immediately ripped it out to add to my “inspiration” photo pile. I didn’t think there was any remotely possible way to get this cake knowing that the detail work would be incredibly time intensive and therefore expensive. (According to the magazine photo, the cake is about $15 per slice.)

But thanks to the AMAZING bakery, Muscoreil’s, here in Buffalo and the wonderful owner Dave, we have worked out a version of this cake that can be mine all mine AND still stay in the budget!!!

Our cake will be a square, 4-tiered version of this cake with no flowers. (In your head remove the bottom and top layer from the picture and that is what our cake will look like.) We wanted to keep it simple yet striking and stay with our classic black and white theme. The delicate black piping is almost lace-like which fits in with the lace textures we are working into the design of our wedding. We picked buttercream icing and chose 2 cake flavors in alternating tiers- white almond cake with raspberry filling and chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and raspberry filling. And Muscoreil’s doesn’t just make gorgeous cakes… they make gorgeous cakes that taste just as delicious as they look.

I just had to share this photo because the cake is unbelievable. I couldn’t be happier!!!

But- just a heads up who share my black and white vision- the bakery told us to make sure you don’t have too much black on your cake because there’s so much dye in the black icing, it can turn yours and your guests’ mouths black!

I’ve been going over the ever-daunting wedding checklist provided by TheKnot.com and I’m officially anxious. There is a LOT to do. We’ve been engaged for over a year and took this whole time to just chill and enjoy the time together. which has been pretty awesome actually but now that we’re under a year I’m beginning to panic.

Next weekend, Chris and I are driving home to Buffalo for our catering tasting, cake tasting/planning, and florist. Now if all these things work out then that’s some huge checks off on the list, however what if they don’t? I’m only in Buffalo for that weekend. Who knows when I can get in next. I still have to find an officiant, music (DJ or band!?!!), wedding gifts, hair and makeup trials and appointments, accessories, hotel blocks, transportation, invitations and every other piece of wedding stationary, finish our registry … the list goes on and on.

Being the slight control freak that I am, I feel the need to be a part of this planning in every step. I probably should have done more in this past year with my research. Found the vendors I wanted to use and then just put down deposits now. I wasn’t thinking!

From now on it’s wedding time. We’ve got 301 days to go- that’s 9 months and 25 days. I know that sounds like a lot but it’s not… especially when you’re planning a wedding in a location that’s 300 miles away.

Ok I’m gonna go freak out now. But not like this chick… because she’s just crazy.