A Wedding Story: Erika!

This week’s Wedding Story comes from former Connecticut Knottie, Erika, or as all you bloggers know her, Mrs. B from Life with the Bruneau’s! Here’s Erika:

When did you get married?
September 6, 2009

Erika’s Bouquet

Where was your ceremony? Reception?
Our ceremony and reception were both at The Waterview in Monroe, CT

Some indoor & outdoor views of the Waterview

What made you choose that reception location?
The lake that the reception hall is located on. I really wanted a beach/outdoor wedding, and since there aren't too many place in CT to get married on the beach, this venue was the next best thing. I wouldn't change a thing...it was beautiful!!

Outdoor ceremony décor: Fans & chair flowers

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
Oh boy, I don't know if I can choose just one! I would have to say it was marrying the man of my dreams/my best friend. Everything was perfect, and I couldn't have asked for a better day. :)

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
Hands down, The Knot...especially the CT message board! I can't thank those girls enough for all the advice/support they gave me. And, I've met some amazing friends through the process, as well.

Personalized Menus & Cocktail Napkins “Ear Drink and be Married”

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
I know it sounds cliché, but, I wish I didn't stress about all the little things. In the end, it's definitely not worth it. No matter what, everything will go perfectly.

Any advice for future brides?
Enjoy every single moment of *your* day. You deserve it! It goes by in the blink of an eye...literally. Take it all in, and remember to take some time alone for just you and your new husband. Sit back and look at all your family and friends who are there to celebrate with you, and who love you. It will be the best day of your life...no matter what!

Photos courtesy of Robert and Kathleen Photographers

If you'd like to be a Featured Wedding Story, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com

Nuptial Trends: Cookies!

This week I wanted to talk about cookies! You may be thinking; what inspired this post? Well, one day I was browsing around the web and I stumbled across these social networking cookies on I Am Baker that actually made me laugh out loud! I thought “How NEAT are these!?!”

Check out what I’m talking about…

There’s these Facebook ones…

As well as these Twitter ones!

So how can cookies be used in YOUR wedding? Well let’s explore the options…

For one, cookies can be used as placecards. Whether there are tags tied to the cookie bag or names written in icing on the cookie, both ideas are fun and unique!

Like these seen on The Knot here and here

Or these luau themed one, from The Celebration Shoppe

Cookies can also be placed at the table setting; either on the menus or napkins. Like these three themed cookies from The Knot found here, here and here.

You can also put your monogram on a cookie for a unique favor to send your guests home with. From The Knot

Another way to display cookies would be a cookie buffet! Similar to a candy buffet, different types of cookies can be put on display & labeled in differently sized jars. From The Knot

Or perhaps as an end of the night snack… cookies served with milk! From The Knot

Cookies can be used for more than just weddings though; for example Engagement Parties! These would make great favors or dessert.

I love these rings and bridal cookies from The Well Dressed Cookie

They can also be used to ask members of your bridal party to be a part of your big day!

Like this adorable Flower Girl cookie also from The Well Dressed Cookie

Cookies would also be a great touch at the bridal shower! What fabulous favors these beauties would make…

Personalize them with the bride’s name, the date or even a simple “Thank you” like these from Squidoo

I love this one from The Gum Drop Cookie Shop that uses this classic bridal phrase

Blow your guests away with a “cake” made of cake-shaped cookies! From The Celebration Shoppe

Bridesmaids from Elenis are another fun idea!

Another idea? Surprise your bride-to-be with these fun party cookies @ her bachelorette bash! Personalize them with her name and/or the date and make it a sweet treat she’ll never forget!

Bride-to-be tags from Flour Box Bakery

I love these fun unique pink and white ones from I Am Baker

Colorful corsets from Etsy

Corsets & high heels from Baking Land

Martini Glasses from Favor Studio

Our Cookies!

For our rehearsal dinner, I contemplated getting a Groom’s Cake but then considered that we wouldn’t have enough people there to justify a big cake. Alternative? Cookies! We ended up ordering “personalized” ones from local baker Holly’s Cookies.

We chose some designs that fit our personalities. I surprised my hubby by having baseball themed ones (Baseballs & NY Yankee hats). We also had pink and white dresses to go along with the wedding attire. I had made tags that said “See You Tomorrow!” along with our wedding date on them that Holly tied to each cookie.

Have you used cookies at your wedding? Or do you plan on incorporating them somehow? I’d love to hear your ideas!

A Wedding Story: Gwen!

This week’s Wedding Story comes from Massachusetts native Gwen Goulet, who had a beautiful Fall wedding last year. Let's hear Gwen's story...

When did you get married?
We got married 9.12.2009

Kristin Greene of Simply Beautiful did all the makeup for Gwen’s big day.

Where was your ceremony? Reception?

We had both the ceremony and the reception at the beautiful Kirkbrae Country Club, Lincoln, RI.

What made you choose that reception location?
My husband and I are both active, outdoorsy people and we loved the beautiful view of the mountains that surround Kirkbrae. We also got a great vibe from all of the staff at Kirkbrae, and it doesn't hurt that their food is to die for!

On the top of Gwen’s wedding cake stood figurines fashioned after the night they got engaged. Gwen had been in a tutu and her hubby? Batman!

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
My favorite aspect of our wedding was that we were able to take time before the ceremony to take our pictures. The ceremony and the reception flew by so quickly so by doing pictures before, it gave us the opportunity to spend some time together having fun, letting loose and getting rid of the pre-wedding jitters! Later we were able to enjoy the entire reception with all of our friends and family without any interruptions.

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
The best resource I had while planning the wedding was the small group of girls that I met on the Rhode Island page at The Knot. Some of the girls were planning their weddings at the same time while others had already gotten married so the advice and ideas were endless. I don't know where I would have been without them!

In front of her centerpieces, Gwen used baby pictures of her and her husband as their table numbers!

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
Ask more questions and don't be afraid to ask for discounts, promotions and special pricing!
Any advice for future brides?
Don't let the small things ruin the your sacred day...life is too short to worry about things that you can't change! It poured rain our entire wedding day...even during pictures but we got some of the most beautiful pictures and still had an amazing time :)

Very true, Gwen; Love your positive outlook. Your wedding pictures are absolutely stunning; it's hard to believe that it was pouring that day!

Photo courtesy of Berry Photos.

If you'd like to be a Featured Wife or Bride, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com