Kiss My Tulle

Try One of These Inexpensive Bridal Bouquets

Bridal bouquets can be SO expensive! But, they can also be SO pretty to look at and make you want one NO MATTER THE COST! Well, you can have a pretty bouquet and not have it break the bank, too. Just check out these summer seasonal options that will not cost you an arm and a leg.

Images Courtesy of: Katie Stoops, Martha Stewart, Real Simple, and Eleise Theuer Photography

1. Pick up a single bunch of tulips from the grocery store. Secure with tape (floral or masking) and cover tape with a wide piece of ribbon or fabric. Then finish off with a narrow ribbon tied in a bow.

2. Buy a single bunch of peonies in one color and another in a slightly different hue (look at your local floral market or grocery store). Bind together with a rubber band and cover with a long ribbon tied in a bow.

3. Transform a few bunches of the supermarket staple carnations into a gorgeous bouquet (tutorial here).

4.Buy a pre-packages wildflower bouquet (from the grocery store or wildflower farm) and completely disassemble. Rearrange (however you want) and secure with tape. Wrap twine around tape to conceal and leave the ends long.

Would you carry one of these bridal bouquets down the aisle?

Modern and Simple Courthouse Wedding Ceremony in Houston

LOVE it when photographers send me courthouse wedding ceremony submissions. They are so sweet and simple and focus so completely on the true meaning of a wedding - the ceremony and vows. I adore that bride Sunitha and groom Christopher chose to skip the elaborate details of a full wedding day and instead, invite a few people to share their vows with them at the Houston courthouse.

Images Courtesy of: Kimberly Chau Photography

From photographer Kimberly Chau Photography, "Sunitha and Christopher invited me to photograph your sweet courthouse wedding! They met in grad school at the University of Texas at Austin. Their first conversation was about thier mutual love for Austin and immediately they clicked. During a weekend in South Beach Miami, Christopher proposed to Sunitha over a lovely Haitian dinner. Sunitha shared: 'It was low key and laid back, just like him and just like how I wanted it to be.'"

Images Courtesy of: Kimberly Chau Photography

Are any of you planning a courthouse ceremony?

Vendors:

Photographer: Kimberly Chau Photography
Attire: Banana Republic and Zara

Partnered Post: Joico ‘Drab To Fab’ Miniseries + Some Incredible Wedding Hair Tips

Joico is hosting a wedding campaign and it kicks off with one of their popular ‘Drab To Fab’ miniseries featuring International Artistic Director, Damien Carney. In this webisode he shows off a mother and daughter getting ready for the big day with two styles that can be re-created at home. This webisode is very interesting to us as after a national survey 73% of women say their wedding is the biggest hair moment in their life along with 1 in 3 women polled that having a horrific hair day is worse than tripping while walking down the aisle.

Hair Comes the Bride

For flawless wedding-day hair, Joico’s International Artistic Director, Damien Carney offers insider advice that guarantees “wows” down the aisle.

• Spray hairspray directly on a Mason Pearson brush to allow for smoothness and light control when brushed through the hair during styling
• Use products that are humidity resistant and “restyleable,” like the Joico Humidity Blocker
• Start with hair that isn’t too “freshly” washed or generously spray Joico Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo all over the hair for a little grip and ease of styling
• Use Joico Power Spray Fast-Dry Finishing Spray to “set” curls from a curling iron – this gives you that “hot roller” type of hold
• Joico Design Works is a workable spray that you can layer, spray around the head 12 inches from the head and also spray the brush for that incredibly smooth look
• For hair that retains curl well you can use a thicker curling iron or as hair is setting you can stretch the curl for a looser curl. Work Joico JoiShape, another great workable spray, onto the hair with hands, gather the hair and twist affixing a bobby pin

Watch the video here: http://www.joico.com/joico-videos/

As part their commitment to brides everywhere, Joico has partnered with ShoeDazzle to offer one lucky bride and her bridesmaids a chance to win styling for the big day. The wedding package starts with hair – a full styling session, including consultation days before the wedding, rehearsal dinner hair and wedding day hair styled by a Joico artist. Plus, ShoeDazzle will gift the bride and her ladies each a pair of wedding day shoes. And the gifts don’t stop there.

The winning package also includes a bridal beauty basket extravaganza with products from Joico, NARS and Julep, a $500 gift card from Joico towards the bridal gift registry, and up to ten bridesmaid gift totes (includes six Joico hair care products, $52 value). The total prize value exceeds $3,000. Enter here: http://pinterest.com/hairtips/monumental-hair-moments/

Sun-drenched Musical Engagement Session

One couple. One guitar, One gorgeous location. All those elements equal a stunning and sun-drenched musical engagement session for Gillienne and Brad in Phoenix, Arizona. Read on for the couple's sweet love story and truly awesome engagement session.

Image Courtesy of: Jamie Bearg Photography

From photographer Jamie Bearg Photography, "Gillienne and Brad first met at their work. Brad and his parents were opening a new restaurant and they hired Gillienne to work there. So, I guess you could say Brad's parents set them up! After about a month the two of them exchanged phone numbers and since then, not a single day has gone by without talking to each other.

Image Courtesy of: Jamie Bearg Photography

Brad knew right away that Gillienne was who he wanted to be with and that he wanted to marry her. So, Brad headed over to Tiffany's (to buy the perfect ring) but held on to it for a few weeks before he actually proposed. The night that Brad proposed to Gillienne they went out to dinner at The White Chocolate Grill in Scottsdale, AZ and then went back to his home to enjoy a relaxing evening by the bonfire and pool. Brad said, 'At first we were having normal conversation and watching the fire and looking at the stars. I started to get more quiet as I was trying to find the right moment. I started telling her some of the things that I loved about her and why they were important to me and then I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me! She was so excited and said yes right away while giving me a long hug... followed by some kissing (of course).' Brad proposed to Gillienne on January 20th 2013 and they are getting married on this September in Phoenix, AZ."

Image Courtesy of: Jamie Bearg Photography

Any of you planning to include a guitar in your engagement session?

How to Get Married in Louisiana

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Louisiana!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: Louisiana has no residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license. There is a 72-hour waiting period before a wedding ceremony may be performed. In Orleans Parish, this period may be waived by Judges of the First or Second City Courts for Louisiana residents. If both bride and groom are nonresidents, the ceremony is performed in Orleans Parish and the wedding officiant is registered with Orleans Parish, the wedding officiant can waive the waiting period.

For a Louisiana marriage license, both parties require a Social Security number and a certified copy of a birth certificate or certified birth card, as well as a current driver's license, state ID or passport. For license applicants who are born outside the United States, an original birth certificate is required as well as an authorized translation by the foreign country’s consulate. Additionally, those who have been previously married must present a final divorce decree or death certificate of a deceased spouse.

Only one party needs to be present to apply for a license, but that person must bring all required documentation for both the bride and groom. Since all Louisiana marriage licenses are issued under the auspices of the parish clerk of court in each parish, the particular clerk's office where the applicants plan on obtaining a marriage license should be contacted for exact locations and hours, specific requirements and fee details before appearing for a license. A marriage license obtained in one Louisiana parish may be used for a ceremony in any other parish. Once all requirements are met, applicants receive two copies of the license, which they hand over to the wedding officiant.

Under 18: The legal age on consent in Louisiana is 18 years of age (in order to marry without the consent of other parties). Couples older than 16 but younger than 18 years old may get a license with the signed consent of both parents, legal guardian or an order from a judge of juvenile court. For females younger than 16, permission is limited to a written order by a juvenile court judge.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: A marriage license costs $27.50 in Louisiana.

Officiants: Legally acceptable marriage officiants in Louisiana are judges, justices of the peace and clergy who have registered with the parish clerk of court to perform marriage ceremonies. Two witnesses at the ceremony are also necessary. After the ceremony, the officiant sends the two copies of the completed license showing a marriage took place to the local parish clerk of court. One copy is kept by the clerk of court, and one copy is sent to the Louisiana State Vital Records Office.

Couples are warned to make sure that the wedding officiant is legally authorized to pronounce the bride and groom man and wife. New Orleans law bans mystics, fortune tellers and palm readers from performing marriage ceremonies.

Valid: If the marriage does not occur within 30 days of the date the license was issued, the license is invalid and a new one must be obtained for an additional license fee.

Equality Rights: Same-sex marriage is not legal in Louisiana.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Louisiana?

Partnered Post: How to Get All-Inclusive Benefits on Your Honeymoon

There are many benefits of an all-inclusive honeymoon, which is why they're so popular. You don't have to worry about where to eat, how much you're spending on meals or activities, or where to find something to do. If you want to enjoy a beach location with great weather and plenty to do, an all-inclusive honeymoon might be for you.

There are ways to get all-inclusive benefits without being at an all-inclusive resort. Two options are to try a semi-inclusive honeymoon and to set up a honeymoon registry.

Semi-Inclusive Options

Bed and breakfasts usually have semi-inclusive vacation packages. Many times, bed and breakfasts come with travel assistance, including airport pick up and drop off, and you always get breakfast included with your base price. This means you have one less meal a day to plan for

A few resorts also offer semi-inclusive options, including ones where you can stay in private cottages or condos. These might include a few activities or meals along with your room, but options do vary from place to place.

A Free Honeymoon Registry

Setting up a honeymoon registry can also get you some of the benefits of an all-inclusive package, with the added advantage of not being tied to a specific resort or destination. Here's how it works:

You decide where you want to go, and then register for certain activities, meals, and upgrades that you'd love to have on your honeymoon. Your guests can then purchase these gifts from your registry as wedding gifts. You'll get the cash, and you'll be able to spend it to experience new things, try some great meals, or upgrade your accommodations for your honeymoon.

A honeymoon registry can help you end up with an all-inclusive style honeymoon because you'll be able to list and plan for the various activities you want to do on your registry. Most couples book their own hotel rooms and plane tickets. They pay for these major expenses since they need to be booked ahead of time, but then their guests can purchase fun excursions, spa treatments, meals, and upgrades as wedding gifts from their registry.

When you use a honeymoon registry, you are free to use the cash you get from your registry for anything. We recommend, though, that you use the money how your guests intended you to use it. You might get scuba diving lessons, jet ski rentals, a couples massage, or cocktails on the beach. When you can see ahead of time that those things have been paid for, you can count them as "included" in your honeymoon!

Combine the Two

Of course, one great idea is to combine the semi-inclusive bed and breakfast or resort-style vacation with a honeymoon registry. It's a great way to stretch your honeymoon dollars further without missing out on activities you can't afford

Setting up a honeymoon registry is easy and flexible, and it allows you to choose any desirable honeymoon destination in the world. Using a honeymoon registry to pay for certain aspects of your honeymoon can give you an all-inclusive feel – and an all-inclusive budget – without feeling that you must have all your meals and activities at one (inclusive) resort.   

About the Author: Andrew Marino is the CEO of HoneymoonPixie.com, an industry leader in providing honeymoon gift registries for engaged couples.  Couples create their free honeymoon registry website and receive honeymoon planning advice and travel tips.  Andrew also serves as a contributing Senior Travel Editor.

Mad-Libs Style Wedding Vows

Some of my most popular posts on Kiss My Tulle have been the ones sharing great wedding vow (or reading) ideas for the ceremony. But what if you'd like to write your own vows... but are struggling with writer's block? Well, how about trying out these Mad-Libs style wedding vows (click on the image to print them out)!

Hee! Any of you planning to use these Mad-Libs style vows for your wedding ceremony?

Bridal Skin Care on a Budget

A key ingredient to a fabulous bridal look is... great skin. Really. If your skin is radiant, your make-up will look amazing, your hair will shine, and your photos will be stunning. But let's be honest, getting great skin can be EXPENSIVE - if you don't know where to score a deal. The key to gorgeous skin at home AND on a drugstore budget - is using these brands religiously.

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Make-up Remover // Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF-30 // Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser // ROC Daily Resurfacing Disks // Clean & Clear Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment // Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50

What are your favorite drugstore skin care brands?

Sweet Second Wedding in Tallahassee, Florida Featuring the Groom's Children

Sometimes it feels as if the blog world likes to pretend like second weddings never happen. But let's be honest y'all - they do (Our wedding was a second for The Boy). This adorable couple met at work, she is an ER nurse and he is a helicopter pilot for the life flight helicopter. Like with The Boy, this is was groom's second wedding with his son as best man and his daughter as flower girl.

Images Courtesy of: Long's Photography

Are any of you involved in a second wedding?

Vendors:

Photographer: Long's Photography
Floral Designer: Flowers By Vince
Bakery: Publix Supermarkets
Venue: The Retreat at Bradley’s Pond

Giveaway: A Chance to Win Erica Courtney® Platinum Diamond Earrings Worth $11,000

Everlasting Love Contest

Perfect Circle® Jewelry Insurance by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company is celebrating a Centennial milestone and partnering with celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss to put out a call for “Everlasting Love.” From April 30 - May 21, 2013, readers can visit www.PerfectCircleInsurance.com, and share their story of everlasting love via a video, photo and/or text entry, for a chance to win Erica Courtney® platinum diamond earrings worth $11,000. The winner will be announced by June 10, 2013.

Perfect Circle encourages everyone to protect the true symbols of their everlasting love- their engagement and wedding rings by looking into a personal jewelry insurance policy that will replace lost, stolen and damaged rings! Take ten minutes to see what policy would work best for you on the Perfect Circle Insurance website!

On top of that Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance is giving all of you a chance to win an extra gift!

To win a pair of Eclipse Hoop Earrings in reclaimed EcoSilver designed by Toby Pomeroy who is committed to making sustainable beautiful, all you have to do is follow Toby Pomeroy on Twitter and like him on Facebook. Also be sure to follow Perfect Circle on Facebook and Twitter.

Weddings 'Round the Web

I troll the Internet weekly for amazing weddings, engagement sessions, and killer couples to share with you. To save y'all a bit of time, let me introduce you to THE BEST of weddings 'round the web from this past week.

Image Courtesy of: Dan and Melissa | Wedding Photographers

• Summer Picnic Wedding Inspiration Board (Burnett's Boards)
• Elegant Pink Wedding: Denia, David & Zoey at The Diplomat (Floridian Weddings)
• A Handmade, Sweet and Lively, Gray & Yellow Odyssey Country Club Wedding (Fab You Bliss)
• Mother of the Bride Attire | Dress for the Wedding (Bayside Bride)
• All About Letterpress by Hyde and Seek (A Paper Proposal)

And, if you missed it, this week on Kiss My Tulle:

• The Registry Handbook: Dining Room Basics
• Lots of Wedding Ceremony Vow Options
• Amazing Wedding Party Group Shots in this Grey and Purple Wedding
• How to Get Married in Kentucky
• Budget Mother-of-the-Bride Look
• 5 for 5: Top Five Budget Tips for the Bridal Bouquet

The Registry Handbook: Dining Room Basics

Registering for wedding gifts - it's supposed to be fun but usually ends up being overwhelming. Mostly because everyone keeps telling you that you HAVE to register for this or you HAVE to register for that. Ignore them. These days you can register for your honeymoon or even register for the kitchen sink. But what if you actually DO want to register for stuff - just not AS MUCH stuff as everyone's telling you to?

The Registry Handbook to the rescue!

This series helps you build your registry piece by piece but with a practical bend. This dining room registry is devoted to you non-cookers, non-entertainers, and non-fancy-ass-anythingers. They were the basics you'd need to get you into your new married life in a sensible fashion. This registry is for those of you who want to do a little entertaining but you're not looking to be Martha Stewart. It's still the bare-bones basics though and we're looking more into investing in good (not great) quality than in hoarding. Check it out:

Table // (2-6) Chairs // Buffet/Console // A Dozen Cloth Napkins // Tea/Coffee Set // Serving Tray // (6-12) Drinking Glasses // (6-12) Wineglasses // (6-12) Mugs // Carafe // (6-12) Plates // (6-12) Side Plates // (6-12) Bowls // Flatware Set

The focus of this dining registry is to get you what you need to do a little cooking, a little baking, and a little prepping. Nothing more. Nothing less. When registering, try to focus on picking out quality items in the middle price range. Anything less will not last or be crappy and frustrate you and anything more is a bit much if you don't cook or bake much. Stick with simple colors and materials (wood and glass are great and long-lasting). Everything on this downloadable (click the image for the PDF!) handbook page is perfect for your starter dining room and ready to 3-hole punch and insert in your wedding binder/planner.

Tulle Nation, how many of you agree with this bare-bones dining room registry? Did any of you register for dining stuff you've never used? Or maybe you registered for stuff that didn't hold up? Tell us about it!

How to Get Married in Kentucky

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Kentucky!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: Marriage applicants do not have to be Kentucky residents to get married in Kentucky, and there is no waiting period. A marriage license has to be obtained at the county clerk's office and both parties need to be present. An ID is required to obtain a marriage license in Kentucky. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, current picture ID, Social Security card, birth certificate or passport. Blood tests are not required. If either of the parties was previously married, most counties in Kentucky mandate that both parties bring proof of death or divorce.

Under 18: The legal age to marry in Kansas is 18. However, a person can get married as young as 16 if he or she has permission from his or her parents or legal guardians. If the parents are married, not legally separated, and no legal guardian has been appointed, the minor needs permission from either the mother or father. If both parents are legally divorced, and each has joint custody, the minor needs permission from both parents. Consent can also be obtained from another person that has legal custody of the minor.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: A marriage license costs $35.50 in Kentucky.

Officiants: The person performing the marriage ceremony must be an ordained or licensed clergyman or justice of the peace who has been licensed in Kentucky to perform weddings. Kentucky state law requires that the wedding have two witnesses. The person performing the ceremony must then issue a statement confirming the ceremony was indeed performed. This statement must include the name and title of the person performing the ceremony, the names of the people married, the date and place of the marriage, and the names of the two witnesses. This certificate must also include the legal qualifications of the person performing the ceremony.

Valid: The license is valid for 30 days, including the day it was issued.

Equality Rights: Same-sex marriage is not legal in Kentucky.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

For more information obtaining a marriage license in Kentucky click here.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

How many of you are getting married in Kentucky?

Amazing Wedding Party Group Shots in this Grey and Purple Wedding

The wedding party. They're a special part of most weddings and most couples like to commemorate this band of thieves with some awesome group shots. Take Kyleigh and Kenneth, they had a large wedding party and asked their photographers to really rock the group shots!

From photographer Dan and Melissa | Wedding Photographers, "Saturday, September 1st 2012, was the start of Labor Day weekend and the start of a new life joined together as one for this incredible couple. Kyleigh and Kenneth's wedding was perfect and what an amazing group of friends and family they now share. Perfection!"

Images Courtesy of: Dan and Melissa | Wedding Photographers

Would you use any of these poses for your wedding party shots?

Vendors:

Photographer: Dan and Melissa | Wedding Photographers
DJ: 2BaysDJ
Floral Designer: Cottage Floral of Bellaire
Equipment Rentals: GJ's Rentals
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Dress Store: Natalie's Bridal & Tuxedo
Hair Stylist: Styles North Salon and Spa
Cake Designer: The Underground Cheesecake
Dress Designer: To Have & To Hold Bridal Boutique

Budget Mother-of-the-Bride Look

In honor of the upcoming Mother's Day holiday (here in America) I thought I'd showcase some really affordable Mother-of-the-Bride looks for a spring or summer wedding. These looks can be quite costly to achieve... OR ARE THEY?!?!? I used my budget-finding skills to track down some FAB Mother-of-the-Bride options at an affordable price:

S L Fashions Women's Shimmer Dress // Susy Strappy Heel // Crocodile Flap Clutch // Gold Shell Multi-strand Necklace // Earrings With Crystals

Blakely Dress // Touch Ups Taryn Sandal // Feather Clutch // Irregular Necklace // Leaf Drop Earrings

Would any of these options work for the Mother-of-the-Bride in your wedding?