Social Media and Your Wedding

Social Media is continuing to takeover the world wide web of a world we live in.  It's amazing to think where the social media world was even just a few years back and compare it to where it is today.  It often could take at least a weekend-- sometimes a few weeks or even longer, for word to travel of a couple's wedding and all of the details that went along with it.  Today, it's all accessible at your fingertips within moments and the best part is, you oftentimes get pictures too!!!    

According to Mashable, about one in ten brides update their Facebook relationship status within minutes of saying "Yes", and nearly one in three (31%) do so within hours of getting engaged.  It seems everyone is using social media to stay connected and share information about exciting life events with others.  Whether you love it or hate it, social media is here to stay and offers a unique way to connect with your guests.

Photo courtesy of Arkarthick

About 62% of brides like when their guests immediately post photos from their wedding onto various social media sites (according to Mashable).  If you do fall into this category, we suggest you create a hashtag to your event (e.g. #amenaandbrandonsayido #johnandcarrieswedding #bebowedding).  Share it with your guests and ask them to include it after any photos they post from your wedding.  This will provide you with the opportunity to view your wedding from various angles and see all of the unique and fun experiences your guests had while celebrating with you.  The best part about it is that it is free!  Check out these fun ways to share your hashtag with your guests:  

Photos courtesy of (1) CeeBeeandJ, (2) Pinterest, (3) In Bliss, (4) Style Me Pretty

If you like the idea of collecting photos from your guests but would prefer they not be shared via social media, consider using a company such as Wedding Snap or Photo Opp which provides a platform for couples to collect wedding photos and videos from their guests.  Guests can capture, store and instantly share their unique wedding photos in one central, password protected location.  This is a great option for guests that prefer not to use social media or don't understand the whole "hashtag" thing.  

Photos courtesy of Wedding Snap

Although some couples encourage their guests to immediately post photos from their wedding onto various social media sites, if you are unsure, we suggest that guests hold off until the newlyweds have had the opportunity to post their photos first.  If you are a more private couple that would prefer not to share photos from your wedding with the entire world, consider posting a simple sign like this at your wedding:

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop SerendipityDesigned

We just had to share this fun gift idea with you.  It is perfect for the social media/Facebook loving couple!

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop blushface

Oh and speaking of social media... are you following The Sterling Team?  Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!   

What do you think about social media and your wedding?  Will you or have you developed your hashtag?  If so, what is or would it be?  We want to know, share with us, by commenting below!

xoxo,
The Sterling Team

Sterling Engagements Wishes: Happy 4th of July!

What a beautiful day it is to celebrate such a festive holiday!  Hoping you are able to get out, take the day off and enjoy some sunshine!

 

Photo courtesy of Examiner

The 4th of July is one my own all time favorite holidays for the sole purpose that I LOVE fireworks.  This year is an extra special one for me as I'm actually able to take the bulk of the afternoon and evening off.  So I'm going to share with you some holiday rules and guidelines that I made for myself for this special day.  Hoping it will encourage, inspire and excite you as much as it has me!
   
ӿ  Embrace the day: Do something a little different than what I usually do... 

ӿ  Be Kind: To yourself and others today, push yourself to somehow go the extra mile for you and for someone else in some way.  Even if you don't want to, it will come back.

ӿ  Have Fun: Be a little extra silly, laugh a lot and create memories with those around you to make this THE BEST 4TH EVER!

ӿ  Make New Friends:  Wish anyone you get the opportunity to a Happy 4th!  Whether it's a stranger on the street, a waitress at lunch or even a person you haven't met yet at the same party you are at.  Change their day, it's powerful and amazing and oh so rewarding.

ӿ  Be safe:  That's self explanatory!

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Inspired by All White Weddings & Events!

Spring is in full force for Sterling Engagements and we have been busy bee's prepping for all our amazing Spring and Summer weddings.  But with all the chaos, I still find myself more inspired then ever even by just seeing a window display or reading a magazine.  It's incredible how inspiration just magically appears in the most unconventional of ways and I always challenge myself with what I want to do with it.

Today, I had to share one of my favorite looks with you as we have several designs inspired by this coming up that are very white!!!!  There's something so pure and serene about all white.  It could be simply designed or extraordinarily over the top, either direction always ends in one result, truly stunning!

Whether it's an all white wedding or event, everything white always excites my mind and with that being said... I have to share a few of my favorite images that I've been lusting after lately.

I love the lighting installations on this one.  Notice how on the actual tabletop it's more simple and understated but adding that extra design element from above just takes it to a whole new level!

Photo courtesy of  Bridal Banter

Again, simple but elegant with a more understated ceiling installation.  When you are designing with an all white palette it doesn't always have to be or need to be over the top and this image shows us that...  Yet view how beautiful it is!


 

Photo courtesy of Damon Tucci Photography

Then of course we go over the top and look how amazing that can be!  It's whimsical, romantic and oh so angelic.  I just adore this ceremony setup.
  

Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

So classic, so timeless, so garden romantic!


Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

 I just love how the fabric draping begins from the very top of the ceiling.  It makes such a difference to the eye... I also love the potted arrangements flanking the sides while they still have a more simple tie back in combination with it.  So beautiful!

 Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

This image just makes me want to drift away right now to Palm Springs where the event actually took place!  It's stunning, modern, elegant and sexy!  Both the acrylic columns and the covered ones add such great dimension to this look.  Dimension and texture are always a favorite of mine...

 Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

 I just adore this period!  There's obviously a lot going on between the candles and the lighting plus the florals with the textured linens... but events like this whisk you away to a far away place, a happy place.  A place where guests are just enamored with their surroundings and that's an incredible experience to provide.

 Photo courtesy of Once Wed

I love the balance of this cake.  How it's a heavier base with roses and as you go further up it gets lighter and more simple.  Yet it still has just the right amount of detail to wow you.

Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

Again the most simple of tabletops with all the action above eye level to blow you away!  Just extraordinary!

 Photo courtesy of  Pinterest

I love everything mirror, so of course this one's in my top 3 of the bunch!  From floor to ceiling it's just incredible!

Photo courtesy of  Unique Bridal Dresses

I love all the different white textures going on here.  Controlling the lighting with blue and even purple hues when doing an all white palette is always breathtaking as you can see below!
 

Photo courtesy of Shawna Yamamoto Event Design

Today I'd like to try something different.  I'm going to end this post with a challenge.  I challenge you to get inspired this week over something unconventional.  Let something out of the ordinary or that you find in a unique way inspire you and be creative with it!  Creativity for myself is just there.  It's very apparent everywhere I look, design, touch and feel.  For some, they relate, for others it's more of a challenge than that.  Push yourself to be inspired and be creative with it this week.  Let us know what you find and what you do by commenting below.  I'd love to see you push outside your comfort zone whether it's for your wedding or event, professionally or even personally and do something amazing with it.  I can't wait to check back and hear what you've done... =)

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays: New Postage Rates for 2012!

On Sunday The USPS rolled out new postage rates for 2012.  As you and your loved ones prepare to send out your event stationary, whether it is your save the dates, shower invitations, wedding invitations, thank yous and more it's important to know how these increases will affect you.  

Photo courtesy of Oh So Beautiful Paper

If you're working with an invitation designer they often times are in the know.  If you're not, the old fashioned way of visiting your local USPS with a sample of your stationary is always effective.  The USPS website does have a helpful postage calculator as well, it can assist you in getting an idea of what your looking at rate wise.  However, I do feel that sometimes in person is the safest bet when it comes to something so important as an invitation.  

In researching for this post I found an amazing cheat sheet created by the awesome Erika of Delphine Press.  Check it out!

 

All this stamp talk also makes me feel like sharing some of my favorite stamp designs for wedding invitations.  If you don't want to spend the cost associated with using Zazzle to customize your look, here are the best of the best when it comes to wedding and/love themed stamps.  

The cake is of course a very common selection and often paired with the rings.  I however adore the king and queen.  I love the heart detail with the flowers plus something about the pair when often used together seems lucky.  

I also love the garden of love sheets.  Filled with bright colors and hearts, these ones are so festive!  They're perfect for a shower, the response card envelop or even a thank you post shower or wedding.  Speaking of festive, how great is the celebrate in the neon lights?  It's the perfect stamp for a rehearsal dinner invitation, bachelor or bachelorette or even an engagement party!

Be sure to visit the USPS Shop to purchase these LOVE-ly designs.  What do you envision on your envelopes?  Isn't something wedding themed, a photo, something sentimental?  If you're already hitched, what did you opt to do?  So curious, let us know!                                                                                                                                                                                            Happy Stamping! 

Inspired by Garden Roses!

I truly love Garden Roses. They're so textured and soft, super complicated yet still fragile and they're very versatile. Most importantly they are one of the best and most economical substitutions for Peonies. While they look beautiful and every color, I think my personal favorite is peach!

Here is some lovely inspiration showcasing these roses at their best!

Photo Courtesy of Ruffled Blog

Photo Courtesy of Francoise Weeks European Design

Photo Courtesy of Real Simple

Photo Courtesy of Every Last Detail Blog

Photo Courtesy of JL Designs

Hope you enjoyed viewing these textured beauties as much as I do! They're just a perfect touch to any summer wedding which I've clearly been seeing lots of lately during our summer season!

Countdown To The Royal Wedding

The countdown has officially begun and as I sit here watching the Royal Wedding coverage with so little time left to go, I felt the need to share a a piece of my excitement with you.

I started my day attending a very special Royal Tea Party hosted by the ever so wonderful Eddie Zaratsian of tic-tock Couture and The Langham Pasadena. The event was flawless, so much fun and truly the perfect beginning to a magical event in history. Here's a sneak peak of the tablescape from the Viennese ballroom where we had tea.


With all this Royal Wedding buzz the wedding industry is booming with Royal inspiration and I felt it was fitting to share a bit of it with you tonight.

Photo Courtesy of Hulu

A couple week's ago the incredibly talented Youngsong Martin of Wildflower Linens revealed an opulent "Royal" inspired napkin ring that is just epic. From the moment we received the details on this stunning show stopper we were sold!

Photo Courtesy of Tres Fabu

Today we received an email from Classic Party Rentals on yet another "Royal" inspired Chameleon Chair. How elegant is this?


As I watch the arrivals I love all the hats and headpieces I see! It's fascinating to watch all the different designs, colors and details of these fabulous hats!

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Trevor-Morgan

Photo Courtesy of All About Weddings

I'm also fascinated by the men's morning suits! How great are they? Just as versatile as some of the hats are the variety of colors and textures in the gentleman's suits. Here are a few favorites...

Photos Courtesy of Nicola Cornick

Last but not least is what I hope to see Kate in... a lace gown that's timeless, sophisticated and contemporary but still pays homage to Diana. A friend told me today to revisit Grace Kelly's gown, I did and now I must share it with you, it's just breathtaking!

Photo Courtesy of Covelli Boutique

Hope you enjoyed the countdown but now it's time for the moment I've been waiting for since November... The Royal Wedding!

Inspired by Dusty Miller!

One of my brides is currently in debate with whether or not to incorporate Dusty Miller foliage into her bouquets. So lately I've been inspired by this velvety goodness!

Photo Courtesy of Dave's Garden

I seriously love Dusty Miller, it's so delicately soft and a perfect neutral filler to add a little texture to whatever palette it graces! Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate it into your design!

Balsa Wood Flowers are gorgeous and so texture rich, combine them with dusty miller and the look is just exquisite! Check out this bouquet made by the fabulous Carissa of JL Designs.

Photo Courtesy of Bollea

How great is this boutonniere? The white spray roses combined with foliage and the softness of the dusty miller is just so sweet!

Photo Courtesy of Floral Verde

I love this smaller centerpiece off the Martha Stewart website using the dusty miller with a pink palette!

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart

What I love must about Dusty Miller is it's versatility, it looks just as wonderful with a neutral palette as it does with some color! Check out this gorgeous fall colored tablescape by the ever so wonderful Susan of Peony and Plum!

I absolutely adore this final photo of an oyster shell wedding cake. How beautiful is this!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr

Hope you enjoyed viewing all the many ways you can add a little dusty miller into your look!