Happy New Year!

Reflective thoughts from Katie on NYE:

            As I write this post, a couple is about to walk down the aisle at our very own War Memorial Center and say their I Do’s as the world leaves behind one year and welcomes another.  At first I thought NYE was an odd evening for a wedding, but now that I am here reflecting on the events of 2010, and anticipating what 2011 will bring, I find it absolutely appropriate.

            At the turn of a new year, many people take a look back on the experiences that helped shape the previous year, and decide to move forward with a new sense of anticipation, inspiration and motivation.  Many people make New Year’s Resolutions.  Most people look at the coming of a new year as a way to start over, make changes, do things differently, or as an opportunity to try again. 

            Many people also see a new year as an opportunity to continue on whatever path they are currently on, to be thankful for another year of health, happiness, and time with their friends and families.  As an opportunity to look back on all of the great things that brought them to where they currently stand, and dream even bigger and better about what they want to accomplish in the year to come.

            As I was thinking about these things, I had a thought about how interesting it is that the concept of a new year accompanies such reflective thoughts, that the passing of another year (or day really) brings with it a sense of renewal and opportunity to start fresh.  Why not the passing of any random day throughout the year?  What is it about the New Year?

            For two people choosing to commit their lives to each other, the day they select as their wedding day brings with it such emotions.  On that day, their lives change forever, and they are filled with anticipation, happiness, perhaps a little anxiety, and no doubt the feeling that from then on they will strive to achieve their dreams with the person they have chosen to spend their life with. 

            So, then, it makes perfect sense that on the day in which two peoples’ lives will change forever as they say their vows, so too perhaps will the lives of everyone else in the world, as we turn over a new leaf and welcome a New Year.  As they wake up to a new life, so too will the rest of us, as we start fresh in 2011. 

            Whatever the passing of another year and the entering of a new one means to you, I wish you all the happiest and safest of New Years.  Congratulations not only to our Bride and Groom, but to all of you, as you welcome a new year.  I wish you all health and happiness in 2011!

Engagement Season is here!

First off, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Love and Blessings to you and yours! I feel so blessed to be able to spend this holiday season with my wonderful family and friends and hope the same for you as well.

It isn't hard for people to become extra emotional and humbled over the Holiday seasons....in fact if I think about Christmas and it's meaning and my family..I start tearing up (although, my family and friends would say that is normal...as I cry so much they just ignore the tears now).  Anyways, because of the extra hype of love and emotion in the air, many people tend to become engaged. It is even knows as the engagement season. There is a reason why the most popular wedding fairs are held in January....it's because a lot of people were just proposed to.

Thinking about the different ways my friends and family got engaged is quite fun. I have had friends get rose petals paths to the bedroom with a nice ring on the bed, to my sister...who actually, now that I think of it..not sure how exactly it happened...I think my brother-in-law just sorda asked her...hmm...should probably get that straight. Anyways I LOVE to hear how people get engaged (and funny how I remember how everyone else did than my own sister...). I love the surprise elements and the creativity that is done. I also LOVE modern technology and how people You Tubes their engagements! Check out this one:

Pretty sure that is one of the cutest proposals ever!

I stole this from a different blog as an unusual way to propose..

In December of 2007, Oliver Thompson wanted to surprise his girlfriend with an extraordinarily impressive plea for her hand in marriage. Instead of a traditional hot air balloon ride or average billboard proposal, Oliver took his girlfriend, Emma, to the Blackpool Zoo where the two had met many years before. While many boyfriends may choose to propose during a romantic sunset near a favorite exhibit, Oliver took matters into his own hands by making an unusual request.

Prior to the zoo visit, Mr. Thompson convinced the zookeepers to allow a six-ton elephant to aid in the marriage proposal. He had purchased a beautiful engagement ring, but chose to use a simple band in case the elephant decided to swallow the ring. The couple arrived at the zoo and spent a day inside the elephant exhibit – a treat that Emma was told was for her birthday. However, she was pleasantly surprised when the large elephant came towards her with an engagement ring, after which Oliver proposed
{source}


One thing I do suggest if anyone is planning a marriage proposal  out there...is to possibly search on You Tube for failed proposal ideas....no one wants this to happen:

Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Also, if you just got engaged and are in the Milwaukee area...CALL ME to set-up a tour  :-) 414-273-5533!  (what...a little self promoting never hurt anyone! )

Merry Christmas!

Birdie's Cafe

So, maybe it is the effects of the Holiday's and all of the sugar that is around the office, but I can't stop thinking about sweets.

I am more personally, someone who likes "savory" over "sweet" but definitely will enjoy a piece of chocolate or cake. Okay, let's just be honest...I just love food, not matter what it is...I now take back my above statement of liking one type of food over the other.

One of my other loves is supporting local businesses in the Milwaukee area. There are so many hidden gems and I have found another one that definitely needs recognition. 

Birdie's Cafe

4110 W. Martin Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53208 

Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm.

I was first introduced to Birdies last year when a wedding decided to go sans cake and instead let their guest feast on some amazing homemade pie.
Then my mom told me about this amazing cafe that she went to that I needed to check out. This amazing cafe happened to be the same place where the amazing pie came from: Birdies.



Delicious Heart Pie

So FINALLY  I was able to check it out. Like so many things....my mind goes straight to weddings. Not only for their amazing pastries and cakes but the space itself is absolutely adorable! I love the fact that when you walk into Birdies, you get an overwhelming feeling of being home...which you should as it is located in what once was a house. The decorations and atmosphere make it a great place to have lunch (which they serve all day, along with breakfast) or to study, or to have coffee with a friend.

  Anyways, back to the wedding mindset....many bride and grooms have their wedding here in Milwaukee because it is a neutral location. Their families may or may not be from here. Therefore, with the homey and calming atmosphere that Birdie's presents, I thought it would be such a good place for a rehearsal dinner or a bridal shower. They do their own catering and have event space for up to 75 people. 

Comfortable Living Room Style Cafe

 So, while you are in the Miller Brewery area, please check out Birdie's Cafe and I hope you fall in love with it just like I did!

Life Imitating Work

Hi All, Katie Again!

A few weekens ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Raleigh, North Carolina to attend one of my dear friend’s weddings. We have known each other for several years, but life has gotten in the way of us seeing each other very often, so her wedding doubled as an opportunity for us to spend a minute of time together!! I served as one of her attendants, and therefore got to spend a little one on one time with her on her big day! I was so happy to be there and to see her; she made a beautiful bride!


I seem to be attending a lot of weddings lately, and each time I attend one, my experiences on the job creep out a little bit. I seem to always have an eye out for the person running the show, and I make sure to be very polite and thank the caterers profusely. Being a guest brings with it all of the perks, such as getting to eat the wonderful food and enjoy a glass of wine, but there is always a part of me that is thinking about the staff working hard behind the scenes.

Each wedding I have seen, either that I have worked or that I have attended, is special and unique in its own way. But there is just something about watching two people you know personally stand in front of their friends and family and say those vows that will bind them together as husband and wife forever. As I watched my friend walk down the aisle and marry her best friend, a strong sense of just how much her life is about the change washed over me, and also how our relationship as friends would change. No longer will it be just Carrie, but Carrie and Paul. Though I watch people get married and say those vows all the time, hearing them come from someone you are close to certainly gives them a more personal meaning.

Congratulations to Carrie and Paul! I wish them love and happiness as they begin their lives together! Thank you for having me be a part of your special day!

As an aside, wouldn’t you know that we traveled from Wisconsin to North Carolina, only to get stuck in a snow storm?! What are the odds?? Carrie is a lover of snow, though, so it was only appropriate!

Videographer's

Being a budget conscience person, especially for weddings, I have thought in the past that it has not always been necessary to have a videographer at your wedding. I mean, who is going to really watch the DVD? Maybe it is something that you will watch on your anniversary, but I sort of put it in the category of the guest book.

I am now a born-again-videographer promoter.

What professional vidographers do now is no less than art at it's best. With the music they put in the background and the way that they edit the video so the flow from getting ready to dancing at the reception depicts all the special memories of the day is amazingly done within a 4-7 minute time slot.

I will have to say, that Amy Johnson's blog ( from One Fine Day Productions) is what made me a believer..
 Her blog is a MUST to check out and see all of her talented work in making these spectacular wedding videos. What else that is pretty amazing is that she will even edit and design a video from your honeymoon with the video that you took. What talent!

There are many many many talented videographers here in Milwaukee, and a lot of them work with the photographers. Therefore, if you have a photographer you love, ask for recommendations on a videographer, that way they can be the same "style" as what you personally like.

Let me see that ring!

     This is Katie again, catching up from a few weeks ago!      

 A few weeks ago I wrote about proposals and the element of surprise.  This week, I want to talk about the ring (the other potential surprise!).  Normally, right after the “how did he do it?” comes the “let’s see the ring!” The diamond business in western culture is a booming industry, a large portion of which is comprised of engagement and wedding rings.  While I am not traditional about most things bridal, the rings are something I do care a lot about.  It is meant to signify to all of society that you are a taken lady (or gent!).  As far as I have noticed, the wearing of an engagement or wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is often cross-cultural tradition.  This got me to thinking about how the giving and wearing of an engagement ring got started in the first place.

            According to ancient Egyptian mythology, the wearing of a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand began with the belief that a major vein leading directly to the heart branched out into that finger.  The idea of a ring symbolizes lifelong and everlasting commitment.  The addition of a diamond, which is the strongest gemstone on the planet, is also meant to symbolize strength in the couple as they move forward in their lives together.  “Engagement” rings were first commonly used by the Romans, but didn’t catch on in the western world until the 13^th century.  They became standard in America at the end of the 19^th century, and rings with diamonds included weren’t common until around the 1930’s.  Today, more than 80% of women (in America) will wear an engagement ring before her wedding.

            A quick look at a jewelry store website will reveal that engagement rings come in all shapes, colors, sizes and of course prices.  As the old saying goes, a guy is “supposed” to spend roughly 3 months of his salary on a ring.  In the US, the average ring purchase is $2100.  In my book, that is quite a bit of money, and because every person’s taste is uniquely different it is important to have a general idea of what your partner is looking for (especially if the engagement is a surprise).  Some girls want to pick out their own engagement ring, or don’t want to wear one at all.  Many engagement rings are being created as part of a set with a wedding band, so knowing if the ring comes as a set is important. The passing down of diamonds or engagement rings through the family, to be worn and/or reset by newly engaged family members, is also a unique tradition that is being upheld in many families. There are even some guys out there that are opting to also wear an engagement ring before their wedding!  (okay.....Amanda writing....this reminds me of my post on the MANgagement ring...check it out here, that is, after your done reading Katie's post).

            What does the receiving of or wearing of an engagement ring mean to you?  Did you/do you expect one at your proposal?  Would you like to be surprised by the design or do you have a very specific idea of what you would want to wear?

Fancy Flours!

Last year, my dear sister started a holiday tradition of having, my mom, myself and herself exchange cookie cutters. This way, wherever we live (she lives in a far off country with my ONLY two nephews....)and no matter how many miles between us all, whenever we make holiday cookies we can make the same ones. So...after the meaningful and joyful tears were shed...a tradition was started.
Now...a year later, I am searching for a great cookie cutter that I can share with the women in my family. As I am searching the world wide web, I came across a website called Fancy Flours. Of course, I went straight to the wedding section (it's a job hazard) and came across some absolutely adorable wedding ideas! Check these out!

I Love lovebirds! These cupcake holders are incredibly charming! 

Candy Origami, what a great topper to a cupcake or a cake or as favors!

 Yup..it's a LOVE cookie cutter

So, basically I could keep putting pictures up...or you can go to the website, which I HIGHLY suggest! Check it out www.fancyflours.com

Happy baking!

The Guest List

Thanks Katie for another post!


I was planning on writing my next blog post about finding a ceremony and reception site, but then it occurred to me that finding these sites generally depends on the size of your guest list! When couples come in to view our facility, we like to ask them roughly how many people they are anticipating, so we can educate them about how many people we can comfortably hold and what their options are. At our site, less than 100 people is considered small. Over 200 wedding guests is not as common. According to Google, the average guest list is 175 people. This got me to thinking about how couples decide on a guest list. Are there people that you are “required” to invite, such as family members, even if you do not see them very often? When a friend of mine got married, she had little control over the guest list because her parents were paying and they therefore wanted say in who was coming. Another friend had compiled her list before she was even engaged!! From my own experience and discussions, I get flustered about having to invite family members that I have only seen once or twice in my life over friends who are a daily part of my existence, simply because inviting family to your wedding is the norm. Is it rude not to include your whole extended family?

Budget is another issue when it comes to a guest list. The fact of the matter is, the more people you invite, the more people you have to feed! And let’s be honest, the catering can potentially be the most expensive component of a wedding! Other things to consider are where people are coming from and whether or not they need somewhere to stay. Plane tickets, hotels rooms, and cars all add up in a hurry, especially if you opt to assist your guests in paying for these things.

So back to the original point: compiling the final guest list. I have a vision in my head of a bride-to-be and her fiancé sitting down with a pen and paper writing out every person they can think of as a starting place. Start with family members, move on to friends, work your way down to co-workers, so on and so forth. How about inviting the people that you are friendly with, for example, who cuts your hair?! Where does the list end?! Is there an actual method to the madness?

A final option would be to set up a budget and work within those limits. From my experience attending weddings, I think it is also important to keep the list at a manageable number so that it will be possible to interact with your guests, in order to make them feel appreciated. In the end (in my humble opinion) it is you and your fiance’s day and you should be allowed to surround yourself with whoever you feel will support you in your new life as a married couple.



How did you decide who would attend your wedding?? How many people are you inviting/did you invite and why?