I am actually surprised that Jonathan is allowing me to blog this one as he is a self proclaimed aficionado of all thing cake…errr desserts really!  Don’t get me wrong, he loves photography, he loves wedding but he is IN love with cake!  And man oh man did we have some fabulous cakes this year!  So much diversity too!  Below are some of our favorite cakes and well desserts we photographed (and ate) from our 2011 weddings.  Huge thank you to all the cake designers who created these delicious works of art!

Adkins Wedding ~ Cake by Sandy’s Cakes

Raetzsch Wedding ~ Cake by Romano’s Bakery ~ The bride had mini 2 layer cakes made for each table which served as their centerpiece and dessert!  Brilliant!

Ramirez Wedding ~ Cupcakes by Sprinkles Dallas ~ Each of the cupcakes had a symbol of something that made up their lives together: Love, Soccer & Marriage

Thomas Wedding ~ Cake by Creme de la Creme ~ this groom’s cake was fashioned around this couple’s love for hunting.  Great job huh!

Steele Wedding ~ Cake by The Cake Guys & Decor on top by The Bride ~ After having her cakes made for her, the bride added a final touch with hand made pieces of art based on things they love

Seale Wedding ~ Cake by Frosted Art Bakery ~ a simply stunning wedding cake

Tower Wedding ~ Cake by Creme de la Creme ~ I think this elegant wedding cake and its floral cake base wins as the most beautiful cake of 2011!  Absolutely gorgeous wedding cake!

Valderas Wedding ~ Cake balls by Sugar Bee Sweets & Cupcakes by Opulent Cakes.  Sugar Bee’s cake balls ARE THE BEST!!!

Blount Wedding ~ Cake by Panini Bakery ~ a simple yet elegant wedding cake with bows

Bradley Wedding ~ Cake by Simply Cakes ~ the brides textured white cake and the groom’s golf cake with decor to match

Cherian Wedding ~ Cake by Romano’s Bakery ~ we love the intricacies of this wedding cake with the large flower spread across the side of the cake

DeMaagd Wedding ~ Cake by Calling all Cakes ~ a more elaborate purple and black wedding cake with hydrangeas spread across it

Dublin Wedding ~ Cake by Edible Designs by Jessie ~ love the mixture of a yellow and green wedding cake along with yellow and white cake balls

Hankins Wedding ~ Cake by the bride and her mother ~ a petite wedding cake with buttons

Hughes Wedding ~ Cake by Colleen’s Cakes ~ the brides purple and white wedding cake and the grooms decadent chocolate cake

Moore Wedding ~ Cake by Say it With Sugar ~ a simple 4 tier white wedding cake and the groom’s chocolate cake from his alma mater

And I end this post with the most meaningful cake of all….Emma’s baby shower cake by Susie’s cakes!  This is not only the most delicious cake I have ever had, it is also the cutest! The belt & topper both designs from Jacqueline Chapelle.

As we look back at 2011 we are realizing just how blessed we are.  We met so many fabulous couples this year, so many of them became friends and a few we have even got to see their family go from 2 to 3 people which just love.  There are so many special moments from each wedding and event that I wish we could kick back and recap each and every one of them.  We owe so many vendors a huge Thank You for performing beautifully under some crazy circumstances and making it possible for us to capture their beautiful work for everyone to enjoy for a lifetime and more.  Some of my personal favorites will be popping up on our blog as 2011 comes to an end. Today I am sharing with you bouquets and flowers.  Oh man was choosing my favorites difficult!  So many textures and colors!  Ahhhh these photos bring a smile to my face.

Adkins Wedding: The beautiful flowers above are some of my favs!  They are designed by A Rose in Bloom owned by the bride’s mom and were set as a team with Travis Lee of Functions Events.

Behm Wedding: As most of you know, I am a huge pink fan so of course I think the above flowers and perfect!  Designed by Functions Events.

Moore Wedding: These bright arrangements we a hit at this wedding!  They were a great pop of color! Designed by Z’s Florist.

Seale Wedding: These elegant pastel flowers just stole my heart!  Designed by DiFiori.

Steele Wedding: Hand Made Brooch Bouquet by the Bride

Raetzsch Wedding: Love when a family memory is tied into the wedding and in this case the bouquet is wrapped in the bride’s mother’s wedding gown. Designed by Edwards Florist.

Tower Wedding: I believe the brides gorgeous white bouquet compliments the girl’s flowers perfectly! Designed by Lefleur Couture.

Usrey Wedding: So I’m sure I’m partial since this was my cousin’s wedding but I though all of the bouquets fit her perfectly! These are bright & beautiful! Designed by San Antonio Floral Design.

Bradley Wedding: The above flowers were created by a good friend and in my opinion one of the Best Florist is the DFW! Her work is always perfect!  Designed by: Kate Foley Designs.

Cherian Wedding: The gorgeous bouquet above was created by the bride’s friend & bridesmaid who is also a florist. Created with love you might say! Designed by AK Floral Designs.

DeMaagd Wedding: LOVE the pop of purple here!  Purple was such a hot color this season.  Designed by Di Fiori.

Porter Wedding: I don’t think this bouquet could have been more perfect!  Stunning arrangement!  Designed by Antebellum Designs.

Dublin Wedding: The use of flowers in this bouquet is fabulous! Love how they stepped outside the box on this one = Gorgeous! Designed by The Senterpiece!

Parmerlee Wedding: The brides bouquet is simply gorgeous!  Love the use of stephanotis in her bouquet, definitely one of my favorite flowers of all time!  Designed by bridesmaid & friend: Ingrid London

Blout Wedding: Love the touches of light pink in the bride’s bouquet and how the table’s centerpiece compliments the bride’s flowers. Designed by Fete Des Fluers.

Roser Wedding: The use of 2 different roses in this bouquet gives it a very rustic red look. Taking the basic red bouquet to a new level!  Designed by Twigs Florals.

Getting Personal with Couture Events by Lottie

How to give your wedding a personal touch

My name is Lottie Fowler and I am the owner of Couture Events by Lottie. We are not only an event planning company but we also cater to those who are looking for an overall design and event theme. I must admit I am not much for trends but I do take bits and pieces here and there and use them for inspiration. My favorite part of working with my clients is drilling down to the details that ultimately end up creating the scheme for the day. I LOVE alternatives so I thought I would provide some great alternate examples for guestbook’s and the “send away” toss. Having alternatives on your wedding day gives your guests a “personal touch feeling” and leaves them gushing even after the wedding is over. It gives an opportunity for new moments and memories to be made and engages family and friends to actively become a part of the event. There is nothing more boring than attending a wedding where everything is ordinary and nothing seems personal or intimate in anyway. You end up leaving feeling like you know the couple no more than a wedding crasher would.  As a planner and designer, I hear this from many of my brides to be. They don’t have the time to dedicate to the details and their fear is that, they will just settle for ordinary. I don’t think we’d get calls if we were Ordinary Events by Lottie so in steps the Couture. Here are some ways to tailor your wedding to fit your personal wishes:

Guestbook Alternatives:

Instead of signing a matted photo, why not have a personalized and unique puzzle created like those from Bella Puzzles for guests to sign or write sweet wishes.

Instead of a wishing tree, try a post card or recipe station?

Are you known for being over the top in love with something in particular? Do you over-obsess about your record player and vinyl’s or does the groom-to-be have some mad Jenga or poker playing skills? Get approval first but incorporating items such as a deck of cards or an old record is a great way to add personality.

All girls love china. Check out one of our favorite guestbook alternatives from Martha Stewart Weddings. Choose white dishes for the well-wishes, which show up nicely when inscribed with metallic paint pens. Then later arrange them on a focal wall in your home for a beautiful touch.

Oh how we love Christmas weddings and a wonderful way to incorporate a unique guestbook by having guests sign or wish you well on ornaments. You will have many years of laughter and heartfelt memories each Christmas season to come.

Getting married on a beach? Have wishing stones signed and collect them in jars later for décor.

Are you a southern gal or guy? Have guests type a note to you on a super cool vintage typewriter or place a print on your thumbprint family tree.

“Send away” Toss Alternatives:  Unique Grand Exit Ideas

Nothing beats that first introduction as man and wife but the departure sure comes close. The night is over, your guests are happy, and you are both on your way to the hotel to… play some awesome Jenga. HA! I love thinking up creative ways to send the duo off into the night. Here are a few of our favorite grand exit ideas.

Rice kills birds, and birdseed attracts too many. So… why not toss lavender buds?

Say no to sparklers, say yes to ribbon wands like those found on Etsy.

Out with the bubbles and petals and in with the eco-parti toss! Lovely and won’t harm mother earth.

Don’t want to worry about the cleanup of confetti? Then choose paper airplanes!  It’s fun and makes beautiful photos.

Since venues can be really particular about cleanup, you are usually always safe with choosing noisemakers like slappy hands or blow horns.

I just wanted to share with you one of my favorite wedding blogs for brides. This is full of really great information that I am sure you will love also! They are dedicated to helping you find new and unqie venues and awesome ideas for your wedding day! Check them out!

100 Layer Cake

Also if you are looking for ideas on great outdoor wedding venues in dallas check out this post!

So Jonathan and I were so excited when Elizabeth with After Yes wedding planning invited us to be a part of After Hours with After Yes which is a gathering for couples and vendors to mix and mingle in a unique setting.  This month the party was held at Sambuca in Uptown and it featured so many fabulous vendors.  Here are just a couple of photos from his fabulous event.  We hope to see you at the next After Hours.  Follow After Yes on facebook for more details.

Planner: After Yes

Hair Design: Sonia Trevino

Makeup: Faces by Briana

Gowns: Bridal Boutique in Lewisville, TX

Models: Monet Mercer, Rebecca Smith, Shelley Kurian

Stylings: November Lily

How cute are the little wedding party boxes?  These were created by November Lily as ideas to be used when creating “day of” gift boxes for your wedding party.  For more tips and ideas be sure to check out stylings by November Lily!

Jewelry Show: Stella & Dot- Tamytha Smith

Brides, Grooms and vendors mixin’ and minglin’ while enjoying drinks and appetizers paid for by Sambuca and After Yes!  Everyone loves complimentary yummy food and drinks right?!

Maps: Merry Maps

Photography: Jonathan Ivy Photography

Partners in Crime!  These 3 lovely ladies make things happen!

From all of us to all of you, we hope to see you at the next After Hours with After Yes!  Have a fabulous day!

I just stumbled across this super cute new digital wedding magazine that you have to check out.  Its called “Nonpareil Magazine” they are “an online magazine that approaches weddings and other occasions with a focus on hip, stylish, do-it-yourself projects and inspiration, and our goal is to awaken your creative side and to help you plan a beautiful wedding in a more accessible way.”  which translates to “Perfect!”

Let me know what you think!  Nonpareil Magazine

Check them out for too cute DIY projects!

The base Day-Of-Coordinating package, includes, but is not limited to:

1 face to face meeting up to 2 hours

Continuous communication

Access to the emergency kit complete with needle & thread!

A list of our preferred vendors

Confirm Vendors for the day

Act as a liaison between bride, family and their vendors

Execute wedding day schedule

Pin flowers on attendants and distribute bouquets (if bride is not using a full service florist)

Ensure signing of the Marriage License & give to assigned person

Direct Wedding & Reception

Ensure boxing up of cake top

Ensure all gifts are given to the assigned person

We offer 2 additional packages that elaborate past the wedding day itself for Brides on the Run.  Please shoot us an e-mail for more information: sam@thepinkenvelope.com

We leave you with this proof that we provide relax & happy weddings!

We would like to introduce to you Mr & Mrs Jake Baker!

If I was allowed one word to describe this wedding, it would be Fun! Because without a doubt everyone there was having a blast.  This family was one of the closest, tight knit families we have met and their love for this beautiful couple poured through every aspect of this event.  From the moment we walked into the rehearsal till our final goodbyes at the end of the wedding day we were blessed to be a part of such a wonderful event.

Please click here to view their slideshow!

Planner: The Pink Envelope

Location: Old Red Museum

DJ: Bill Cody’s Party Time

 Funny Story to end this post…So one day Samantha is flipping through our iCal checking date availability when she sees that we have a wedding booked on the 16th for Casey & Jake and one on the 17th for Kacie & Jake.  As she begins to frantically flip through e-mails to see where she has messed things up she is yelling across the house at Jon.  So Jon comes running into the office and joins the search.  After way too much drama for our own good we both end up standing there each with a contract signed by Casey/Kacie & Jake.  Yes, we had book 2 different couples back to back with the same name.  After a good laugh we moved forward with a new plan, Casey with a C came first in the alphabet and her wedding came first in line, next was Kacie.  So here we officially are introducing to you Mr & Mrs Jake Baker but in our next post we will introduce to you Mr & Mrs Jake Brewer (see why we were running crazy!!!).

Raves & Reviews:

Be sure to keep an eye out on our reviews tab to see some of our latest reviews.  

Looking for all our reviews? Please visit us on www.weddingwire.com.

Looking for reviews on The Pink Envelope Coordination services?  Please visit our site www.thepinkenvelope.com.

You also can find lots of juicy details on our facebook pages as well:

www.facebook.com/jonathanivyphoto

www.facebook.com/thepinkenvelope

Thank you to all our fabulous brides!

Hey Brides,

We are slowly building up a list of ‘preferred vendors’ that time after time have proven themselves to go above and beyond the call of duty.  If you are looking for a vendor or want to suggest one you have worked with, please let us know.  You can check out our current list under Information then Preferred Vendors.  We would like to give a shout out to a few of our favorites!

Kate Foley Designs- Florist- DFW

Butler Signature Events- Wedding Coordinator- Coastal Bend Texas

Sugarbakers- Cakes- Coastal Bend Texas

Vero Voz y Compania- Live Band- DFW

Razzle Dazzle- Florist- Coastal Bend Texas

Flowers by Kate Foley Designs

Amy Canterbury – Butler Signature Events

Sugarbakers Cakes

Vera Voz & Company

Razzle Dazzle

Have a wonderful week!

Dallas Wedding Photographer Jonathan Ivy Photography is a International photographer based out of Dallas, TX who enjoys working locally and world-wide. Thank you for visiting us and for viewing this DFW Wedding.