The Groom's Uniform: Not Necessarily Traditional

It’s nice to see variations on the standard tux-wearing groom.  You pretty much can’t go wrong with a tuxedo on your wedding day, guys, but it’s just so refreshing to see something simpler.  There are plenty of ways to keep the jacket off and still manage to look dapper.

I don’t know why, but there’s just something about a bunch of guys in vests that says fun to me.

Picture from Ruffled.

It’s a way to avoid a stifling tuxedo on the wedding day but also manage to keep it pretty classy.  Maybe it’s just because I’m a huge Patrick Jane fan, but this is my favorite look for groomsmen.

It’s also nice when the guys opt out of jackets and vests altogether and go for a simple button down (or cardigan) and bow tie or tie.  You’ve got to be able to pull it off, but it can look great if you can!  I think this look is lovely at a fall or summer wedding:

 Picture from 100 Layer Cake.

Maybe it’s just the Southerner in me, but I adore bow ties at weddings.  They’re sweet, quirky, and still fit with the formal attire motif.  The idea is spreading like crazy; there are tons and tons of bow tie options out there.  It’s easy to pick one that represents your personality!

Green Wedding Shoes had a marvelous post about bow ties.  My particular favorite is this one from Etsy shop xoelle.

Unsurprisingly, men tend to be the big complainers at weddings when it comes to shoe pains.  They’re just not used to the formal-shoe-induced pain that women deal with on the daily.  Some groomsmen, anticipating this, choose to spare themselves and go with something a little more whimsical.

 Picture from Penumbras.

I adore this idea, and it’s not just because I live in my Converse.  It's such a great way to bring some character into the wedding and keep it aesthetically pleasing at the same time!  I’d love to see this same idea with Toms or other matching bride-groom footwear.

Music Monday: Father/Daughter Dance

Our bride last weekend surprised her dad with this song as their Father/Daughter Dance song. 

How sweet is this?!?

"God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys

Real Wedding: Randi and Michael Wedding Video

Remember Randi and Michael? They were the amazingly sweet couple we helped celebrate their wedding day in August. You may have been following them on twitter under #GreatOaksBride.  See their pictures by Altmix Photography. http://www.altmixphotography.com/2011/08/randi-michael-are-married/

Here's a beautiful trailer from White Dress Media detailing Randi and Michael's perfect day. 

Michael &; Randi Highlight from White Dress Media on Vimeo.

Thanks, y'all for letting A Big To Do Event be part of your first day of married lives! 

It was an honor and privilege to work with you.

Music Monday: First Dance

I'll admit it. I'm literally a card-carrying fan of Bon Jovi. Literally. I'm in the fan club.

However, regardless of my love of all things Jon, one of my all time favorite songs is "Diamond Ring."  

Doesn't this sound like a perfect First Dance song?

What song will go down in history as your First Dance Song?

Shutterfly Guestbook

Guest books are an important part of a wedding. They show who came to celebrate your wedding day with you, as well as show who supports your choice to create a new life together.

Recently, I created a picture book on Shutterfly for A Big To Do Event, and thought this could be a great idea for a unique Guest Book!

Photo from http://www.polkadotssprinkles.blogspot.com/

This was such a fun project and easy to do!

 You can choose one of two options on how to create your photo book.

The Custom Path allows you to have between 1-25 pictures per page. You can add,

 move, and resize pictures and text anywhere on your pages. There are many backgrounds,

layouts, and embellishments you can choose from as well.

The Simple Path allows you to have between 1-4 pictures per page. The pictures are

arranged for you, with over 20 styles of preset backgrounds and layouts.

In both paths, you can choose your book size. Either 5 x 7, 7 x 9, 8 x 8, 8 x 11,

or 12 x 12. The books are all 20 pages, but you can add pages if necessary.

When creating the book, there is often much free space on the pages. This is where you

can have the guests sign. Use a Sharpie pen that will write nicely on the

thick, glossy pages of your book.

This is such a fun idea, and a great way to get creative with your fiance.

Add pictures of the two of you growing up, and some of you together

throughout your relationship.

Be Creative!!

I would love to see your books if you decide to make them!

Send me the links or share more ideas with me. Follow me on Twitter or shoot me and Email!