Living in Wyoming can bring either a strong desire to have a Western wedding, or a strong desire NOT to. I argue that one can have both -- in a barn! In a barn, really? You bet! In Wyoming, we have a rich history and heritage that includes beautiful structures, both for humans AND animals! The other option? Elegant horse stables, county fairgrounds, carriage houses, the possibilities are endless! Research your wedding's area to see what exists -- you'd be amazed what is out there to use!
Here are some inspiration pics...talk about brilliant ideas...
photo by Josh Goleman; www.thecraftyminx.com.au
Photo by Cameron Ingalls, Design by Emily Kelly; www.greenweddingshoes.com
Photo by Cameron Ingalls, Design by Emily Kelly; www.greenweddingshoes.com Here are some images from Molly & Bo's beautiful wedding in the Tetons...they utilized a facility that their caterer, The Wildwood Room in Victor, ID, owns and operates. Here are pictures from their fun reception -- all images by Katy Gray Photography in Jackson, WY:
Image by Katy Gray Photography
Molly & Bo were married beside the Old Rammell Barn, on the property of the Teton Springs Lodge & Spa. Love these fabulous pictures!
Image by Katy Gray Photography
And one beautiful portrait of these two love birds in front of the barn...
Image by Katy Gray Photography
I loved the use of this striking red barn used by Jordan & Kody in their Glenrock wedding -- images by Beartooth Photography in Casper, WY:
Image by Beartooth Photography
Image by Beartooth Photography
I LOVE this -- that uniquely western and antiqued feel, just too cool...
Image by Beartooth Photography
Are you planning to incorporate a barn or similar structure into your design? How about a unique location? Kelsey & Chad, for example, a couple planning their December 2011 Wyoming wedding, will be married at the Natrona County International Airport, on their observation deck! How unique is that?! If you have a fun idea or comment, we'd love to hear from you! Post on our Facebook page or comment on this blog -- OR, you can always email brides@wyomingweddingsonline.com!
Your guests may have traveled, or not, but regardless, they spent their time coming to support YOU on your wedding day! Giving your guests a little memento to say 'thank you' is a fantastic idea. But do you have to break the bank doing so? Not at all! Below we've got some suggestions for fun guest trinkets, but also a brilliant ways to entertain your guests...
BUTTONS!
www.cafepress.com
OK, so if you're a science geek like my hubby and I, you might want this button at your wedding -- but chances are you'll want something a little more guest-oriented -- but you get the idea. :) Creating simple, title-only buttons can spark some great conversations...such as 'Mom' or even 'MOB' or 'MOG' (for Mother of the Bride/Groom), 'Grandma', 'MOH" (for Maid of Honor)...for your guests, simply 'Guest' might turn into a funny conversation piece, or if you feel up to the challenge (or for a small wedding), come up with personalized buttons with a trait of each of your guests. 'Party Animal,' 'Jokes told here' or 'Needs Tissues' for someone who cries at everything...you get the idea...make it fun! For a plated meal with place cards, add the buttons to each place for instant conversation when the guests arrive at your reception!
GIVE YOUR GUESTS AN ASSIGNMENT!
www.blog.tinyprints.com
What on earth, you say?! Give them something to do while they wait for you at the reception -- and they'll love it! I read this idea in Utterly Engaged Magazine, the couple that used this are so brilliant: wrap a few inexpensive notebooks purchased from the discount store in a cover, or buy some inexpensive journals from a bookstore. Designate a different question on each book, asking the guests to give their best wedding advice, share a special memory of you both, or answer questions such as 'Where do you see us in 10 years?' Place a different notebook at each table, and have your DJ encourage guests to pass them around and/or visit each table to write in them all! Instant memorabilia!
OUTDOOR WEDDING? GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO WRAP UP IN!
These pictures come from Molly & Bo's Teton Valley wedding, by the fabulous Katy Gray of Jackson. Molly and Bo had an intimate destination wedding, and provided these little warming gifts to their guests. While this certainly could get expensive quickly, be smart! Shop specials, or if someone is a crafter in your family, see if they might help you by making some gifts for you!
(I also have to add that I adore these handwritten tags -- absolutely fantastic!)
Image by Katy Gray Photography, Jackson Here is another fun idea from Molly & Bo's wedding -- what a fun idea! Bells to ring when you kiss -- and notice another darling handwriten tag! Love this!
LUCKY GUESTS! As I've blogged a few times, my friend Elena's wedding this past summer included an incredibly fun, unique guest favor -- lottery tickets! (And we won $37! Woo hoo!) :) This is a super fun, relatively inexpensive idea!
If you haven't seen the 1950 production of Father of the Bride starring Elizabeth Taylor, you must! It is a charming movie, to say the least. The 1991 version was always a favorite of mine growing up, and when I discovered the 1950 version a few years back, my husband and I had to stay up half the night to watch it.
The movie was a hit, with Elizabeth's dress reportedly designed by Helen Rose, influencing bridal gown trends in the early 50's. http://pasttrends.fuzzylizzie.com/hollywood.html
The world said good-bye to an icon of American cinema, and she will be missed...but her memory lives on in her many films, including this American classic...here's the trailer... Rest in Peace, Elizabeth Taylor...
Kati Hime, Editor editor@wyolifestyle.com LINK BACK TO OUR WEBSITE: www.wyomingweddingsonline.com OR OUR SISTER PUB, WY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE: www.wyolifestyle.com
Ooooh I LOVE Shoesday Tuesday! If you're new, Shoesday Tuesday is our celebration of a little piece of shoe bling Heaven every week. We include designer shoes, non-designer shoes, DIY shoes, flip flops...doesn't matter! Use this for an inspiration point, even if those designer shoes you adore are a bit out of your budget...
So say "Kate Spade" and you instantly know it's going to be adorable. And these pretty in pink heels don't fail...I LOVE that wedding shoes can be in ANY shade...
Designer: Kate Spade
Post-wedding, I would pair these with a simple black dress in a heartbeat...heck, I'd wear these with jeans! :)
Heels may not be your thing. And that's totally cool. OR, if you're like me and suffer from a bit of foot pain as the day progresses (darn my plantar fasciitis from running!), you need some comfort in your day. Well fear not -- here are some fun FLIP FLOPS that celebrate with you!
www.wedglitz.com
FUN! A comment on Facebook suggested wearing these on the honeymoon, especially if you're heading to a beach -- GREAT idea! I want to see if they'll leave a 'Married' print on the sidewalk after you step in mud or water... :)
If you have a Shoesday Tuesday celebration of shoe bling to share, please do so! Doesn't have to be heels, and definitely DOESN'T have to be designer -- just has to be LOVED by you! :) Email it to brides@wyomingweddingsonline.com or post it to our Facebook wall!
This picture is from AbbyDell Photography -- and it's just pure fun! Ask your manicurist about this fun little addition to your left ring finger...and get your fingers into it! :)
LOVE this! Nice capture, Abby! :) 'Til Next Time...Can I do this anyway? Or maybe to celebrate my tenth anniversary? Because that's worth saying 'I Do!' for every day...
