I took about a zillon pictures for you this weekend. We had this fabulous beach themed event for an organization called YPO. The details of this event were so fantastic that I just had to share them with you.

You may have noticed that there were no videos posted from last weekend. Well, there is a very simple explaination…I LOST MY CAMERA!!! Luckily, my groom from Saturday called and said one of his guests turned it in. YAY! So, I at least wanted to give you a glimpse of these beautiful events. Here are some pictures I took with my other camera. Enjoy!

This event is features beautiful centerpieces and a traveling photo booth. The photo booth was provided by The Traveling Photo Booth

This wedding has a place card tree, Mexican coffee for favors and gorgeous centerpieces.

Today was a very hot and humid day. I think it reached upwards of 100 degrees with 100% humidity and a three-piece suit, a lethal combination. Right before the bride and groom took their first steps as bride and groom, one of their groomsmen collapsed with heat stroke. We called the paramedics and the boy is fine, but it was scare that may have been avoidable.

Here are a few tips on how to stay cool when having a outdoor ceremony:

1- Have plenty of water and keep everyone hydrated.

2- Consider giving your bridal party hand-held fans.

3- While taking pictures do them in shifts so your bridal party is only outside in 10-15 minute increments. During these breaks it is a good idea for the men to take off their coats. Remember to drink lots of water.

4- Remind your bridal party not to lock their knees while standing at the altar.

5- For your guests, make your program a fan or place fans on every chair as a favor.

6- Have a water or lemonade station available for your guests before and during the ceremony.

7- Let people know including your bridal party that if they start not feeling good they can go sit in the air conditioning without reprimand.

Simply yet elgant wedding featuring yellow theme centerpieces, a v-shaped head table and a beautiful cake.

A delightful Sunday reception with rose centerpieces, chair covers and sashes, chiffon swags w/lights on the head table, ceiling draping, cake shaped like a present and signing rocks in lieu of a guest book.

Nicole, our fantabulous intern at BayView took an exclusive look at our wedding this evening. It includes tall pillar vases filled with light blue water and hurricane vases filled with blue sand and a pillar candle. They also have a Candy Buffet.

I have been doing a lot of research on eco-friendly wedding practices and on planning a wedding on a budget. One item came up over and over in both categories… used wedding gowns.

I have always been a thrifty person. I love getting designer jeans for $5 at a Thrift Store. Bargains are key and can definitely be a big help if you are looking to save a little money on your wedding.

I decided to investigate the pros and cons of purchasing and wearing a used wedding gown.

Used Gown Pros

1. You will save money. Whether you want an expensive designer gown or a more modestly priced dress, used is always cheaper than new. The money you save on the gown will allow you to either spend more money on another aspect of your wedding or you could actually put the left over money in the bank!
2. If you want to create an old-world look for your wedding, nothing that is manufactured today matches the attention to detail and workmanship found in a vintage wedding gown. Furthermore, you can be fairly certain that none of your friends will be wearing the same gown at their wedding.
3. If your used gown belongs to a family member or a close friend, the sentimental value to the gown is priceless. I cannot imagine a more significant way to honor a loved one than to wear her wedding gown

Used Gown Cons

1. Someone else has worn the gown. If you are superstitious or just feel funny about wearing someone else’s clothing, this may not be the best solution for your wedding gown purchase.
2. You will most likely not have an opportunity to try it on. You will have to go on faith that the size is correct and you may miss the “salon experience” that is unique to purchasing your wedding gown.
3. A used gown may have stains and tears that won’t be evident until you own it.

If you decide to purchase a used gown, read on for some helpful tips:

1. Purchase the used gown through a reputable seller. There are many services on the Internet that broker used gowns. I recommend checking out Ebay.
2. Find a good seamstress and dry cleaner to help with repairs prior to purchasing the used wedding gown so you don’t have to scramble when you receive the it.
3. Ask the seller specific questions about the gown. Are there any flaws? What are they?
4. Try to get photos from all angles of the gown. If there is something really wrong, you should be able to see it in the pictures.
5. Pay for the gown with a credit card. If the worst happens and the gown is a disaster when you receive it, you will have some recourse against the seller.

As with all other purchases, follow your instincts. If you don’t have a good rapport with the seller or something feels suspicious, don’t buy the gown. You will find others out there.