There is nothing wrong with cookie cutter!

Yes, you read the title right, it is okay to be cookie cutter!

Seriously, how many times have you heard someone refer to a wedding as totally cookie cutter? I have heard it a million times and even out of my own mouth.

After I wrote my style post last week I began thinking about the term cookie cutter wedding, it's negative connotation, and the whole concept in general. After much thought I began to realize that cookie cutter is a choice and completely acceptable. Our culture has created a mold for what a wedding can look like, so why not use it?

Now, I am not preaching that you should copy someone's wedding exactly, but don't feel pressure to make your wedding nothing like anyone elses. Some brides get so caught up on not being cookie cutter that they exaust all of their energy coming up with crazy ideas, but not because they want to but because they feel they have to.

Your planning process should be enjoyable and spent creating a day that suits your style and personality and if it ends up cookie cutter, so be it!

I know some of you may think my concept is crazy, so I challenge you to make holiday cookies this season without a cookie cutter and let me know how it goes!

Giving Thanks

I know this is a day early, but you better believe I will be soaking up family time and indulging in turkey tomorow, not writing blog a post. (sorry dear readers!)

Anyway, since there is so much to be thankful for this year I decided it deserves a post all by itself. I warn you this is a little mushy, so if you dare, read on.

I am thankful for:

The opportunity to help people as I follow my heart and dream.

The support and guidance I receive from my family.

The amazing wedding I had just 6 weeks ago.

The inspiration I find in the world and others.

The friends who gave me the confidence and energy to start a business.

My amazing husband who without a doubt will always stand by me, support me, and motivate me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

How to {properly} hold a wine glass

With the holiday season approaching, I feel this discussion is very necessary. I am constantly witnessing people inappropriately holding a wine glass and to be honest, it is one of my biggest pet peeves.

This lesson is easiest to discuss using pictures. So, follow along.

Please, always hold your wine glass from the stem. Holding the glass by the stem ensures the temperature and aromas of the wine are perfect for enjoyment.

Do not, under any circumstance, hold your glass like any of the following:


Yes, you are holding the glass by the stem but the death grip makes you look ridiculous and purple hands are never attractive.

The glass is not a basketball. There is no need to palm it.

Ths is just simply ridculous. There is no way that this is comfortable.

Please, the next time you attend a celebration, hold the glass properly!


Cheers!

Defining your style

Well, today is the day that I jump right into discussing all things weddings. With planning season upon us it is time for brides to think about style. Style is an important element that sometimes is overlooked in the excitement of beginning to plan a wedding.

I am not sure why, but discussing style seems to be difficult for most brides. They get a glazed over, deer in headlights look on their face as soon as the “s” word is mentioned. But, brides, it really doesn’t need to be like that!

Below are my tips for defining your wedding style:

• Begin with an open mind. Maybe you’ve attended 25 weddings or never one at all, but don’t let that influence you. This is a time in your life when you are allowed to be creative and dream. Take advantage of that!
  
• Create an inspiration board of elements you love. Yes, I know this isn’t a new idea, but it really does help. Inspiration boards allow you to visualize your style as a whole, making it easier it determine if elements work or not. If you aren’t feeling crafty, you can always check out one of the many great blogs out there dedicated to style. Of course, my favorite is Style Me Pretty.
  
• When looking for inspiration think outside the box. It doesn’t only have to come from bridal magazines or the latest reality wedding TV show. I like to use fashion and home and furniture magazines.
  
• Talk about your style. You may be thinking that your style will just figure itself out as you begin to choose vendors, flowers, a cake etc. but it won’t. Talking about your style will assist you in making those tough decisions an also ensure that your wedding doesn't look like a total mess. (Unless of course, that is the style you are going for!)

Remember, no one has any expectations of your wedding style. It can be whatever you want it to be!

A little randomness...

For those readers who aren’t familiar with my Recessionista Series (which can be found on the right side of the blog,) I’d like to share a little more about myself. Below you’ll find a list of some of my favorite things in life and other random fun facts. Enjoy!

• My Starbucks order is always, no matter the season, a Caramel Frappuccino. The combination of whip cream and drizzled caramel on top is absolutely amazing.

• My wardrobe consists primarily of J.Crew and Forever 21. Yes, I know, it’s an interesting combination. I love the classic look of all the J.Crew pieces and the price of Forever 21 allows me to change out pieces often.

• My favorite fast food restaurant is Qdoba. I always order the same thing, vegetarian nachos plus guacamole. I eat there so often I have a Qdoba Card which allows you to earn free entrees for frequent dining. It’s pathetic.

• I have joined the rest of the tweens on earth and have become completely obsessed with the Twilight Saga. I read the entire series all in a matter of three weeks. I also secretly have a countdown to the release of New Moon... only 2 days left!

• If you follow me on Twitter you’ll often see me tweet about my Stylist, which is really my husband. I consult him daily on my outfit, hair, etc. Not because I am not capable of looking fabulous on my own but simply because he gives me the extra confidence and approval for the day’s look. And, I promise, he doesn’t mind the nickname!

• One of my favorite parts of a wedding is the cake. I have a serious sweet tooth and LOVE wedding cake. So, brides, if I help plan your wedding please save me a piece of cake and I promise it will keep me more focused.

Thanks for reading my random fun facts!

Why City Bride?

To be honest, naming my business was not an easy task for me. I have struggled my whole life coming up with creative names. To prove my inability, I’ll share with you that my childhood cat’s name is Miss Kitty Fischer. My sister and I came up with this name because well, she’s a female cat and we lived on Fischer Avenue. Really creative name, right?

Anyway, when choosing a business name there were certainly things I did not want to include. Such as, adjectives to describe the weddings I plan or my name. I wanted a name that I felt emotionally connected to.

When I chose City Bride, I immediately knew it was the appropriate name. My entire life was spent in a small town and while it was a great place to grow up, I couldn’t wait to explore. When I moved to the city I started what felt like a whole new life. The city is an adventure for me. I love the lights, the architecture, and the diverse cultures. I love the mystery of experiencing new things and the illumination I feel along the way.

This is exactly what wedding planning should be, a new endeavor that brings out excitement and the beginning to a new life. I want to provide brides with a sense of comfort and guidance as they start a new life, just as the city did for me.

I will always be a City Bride.

Hello, I am back!

Well friends, I’ve returned and hope to never leave again!

Some of you may know me as the Recessionista Bride on Bespoke for the former The White Box of Wedding Design, but I’ve started a new journey. I am now married (more on that later) and as you can see, a new business owner.

When I heard the news of The White Box closing, I was joyful and saddened in the same breath. I was happy that my friend could find ease and comfort in her decision, but I couldn’t help but think about what I was going to do. I wasn’t ready for my career in the wedding industry to end. I love this industry, not for the glamour and frills but simply because it allows me to serve people.

I started to realize I can’t deny my passion and talent for this industry and with a little motivation from Monica and my husband, I realized that I didn’t need to leave the industry. From that moment on, I began creating the foundation for City Bride.

I am so excited to again be a part of this industry and to have the opportunity to help brides in Milwaukee plan a fun, flawless and unforgettable wedding!


Thrilled to be back!