Kiss My Tulle

Partnered Post: King And Queen Photographic Arts

Y’all know my undying love for REALLY GOOD wedding photography, right? Well, you should know that it also extends to REALLY GOOD wedding photography keepsakes – I do mean the quality stuff. Enter King And Queen Photographic Arts (Whose homepage is TOTALLY worth the visit. Hint: There's a SUPER YUMMY MAN! And no, it's not Hot Patrick. Go ahead and visit... I'll be right here when you get back.)!

King And Queen Photographic Arts is the only truly online source for high-quality custom coffee table books for your wedding photos (or baby photos, work portfolio, or corporate event – ‘cause we’re always thinking ahead!).

The GORGE handmade albums from King And Queen Photographic Arts are Italian-made of the finest materials available. They utilize the best leathers, metals, and acrylic covers along with archival papers (which means your photos won’t start cracking and change colors!) that ensure image retention for generations to come. So your grandkids? Can giggle and sigh over your wedding photos just like you do over the ones of your grandparents!

King And Queen Photographic Arts makes it easy to design your wedding album - simply choose a preferred layout style, next you determine the sequence in which your photos will appear!, and then designers in Italy layout and construct the books accordingly.

Up until now these books have only been available through very select channels and at twice the cost! Finally, they're available to Tulle Nation through the website's order and upload process. King And Queen Photographic Arts. Your heirloom awaits. 

Are y’all LOVIN’ King And Queen Photographic Arts as much as I am? Seriously, I would throw down for that leather album (The Boy REALLY liked the metal one. Decisions, decisions.)! The coolest part? From now until April 20, 2012, you can purchase a King And Queen Photographic Arts for yourself at a discounted price! Holla! Simple choose your album and photos and then pop the code “kmt0001” into the coupon code box during your online ordering prcess and receive an EXTRA 30% OFF at checkout! RUUUUUUN!!!!

For some extra funsies, follow King And Queen Photographic Arts on Twitter and Like them on Facebook! Okay, quiz time – which King And Queen Photographic Arts album is your favorite? What photos would you use to create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece? Wedding shots? Engagement session? Come on spill! You know you want to…

Partnered Post: Honeymoon Pixie

As I enjoy my very own honeymoon with The Boy, it thrills me to no end to introduce y’all to the newest member of Tulle Nation - Honeymoon Pixie. I flippin’ adore them! Honeymoon Pixie provides a honeymoon registry service to engaged couples (you know, like a traditional registry but instead of spoons and teakettles people can buy y’all fun activities to do on your honeymoon!). Let’s face it; most of us aren’t the “moving from mom and dad’s right into the martial home” kinda people. Most of us already have all the stuff people would normally give us for a wedding gift and what we’d REALLY love is a couple’s massage on the beach in St. Lucia! Well, Honeymoon Pixie can help you with that!

One of my favorite things about Honeymoon Pixie’s registry service is how stinkin’ easy it is to set up! Simply use one of the pre-built registries provided by Honeymoon Pixie – yep, that’s all. They’re all based on the most popular honeymoon destinations and include a huge number of different activities. What a time-saver!

But Cris, you ask, what if I want to create my own honeymoon registry? Pffft, Honeymoon Pixie has got you covered – choose from a variety of price points (ranging from $20 to $100 dollars) and publish (You can also break-down big ticket items into smaller increments. For example, a $400 honeymoon suite upgrade can be listed as four $100 gifts – cool, right?).

In addition to their kick buns honeymoon registry service, Honeymoon Pixie also provides many other free tools for their users. At Honeymoon Pixie, you can:

• Print announcement cards
• Print Thank You lists
• Send out pre-written emails
• Implement Facebook integration
• Upload unlimited photos
• Select a beautiful registry theme
• Redeem your gift funds at anytime
• Benefit from expert travel tips and links
• Learn from our honeymoon destination guides
• Reduce stress by using our Planning and Packing Tips 

One thing that really struck me about Honeymoon Pixie is their consistent 5-Star ratings from newlyweds and Bride's Choice Awards 2012 (for excellence in quality & service). And my very, very favorite thing ever? Honeymoon Pixie founders, Andrew and Gina, passionately believe in giving back to their community and are involved in a number of local volunteering activities. One example is their involvement with Camp Korey – a Paul Newman SeriousFun Children’s Network Camp – which is 100% free to all families dealing with a serious childhood illness. They also have a therapy dog Roxy. She’s an Australian Shepard who loves volunteering and helping kids in the “Reading With Rover” program.

With that in mind, Honeymoon Pixie has included a “Charity” gift category with all of their pre-built honeymoon registries. This allows wedding guests to contribute money as a wedding gift to a specific charity. Couples can add a specific charity that is meaningful to them (you can also delete this option altogether but how AWESOME is it that Andrew and Gina included it at all?). Have a moment? Check out a few of Honeymoon Pixie’s charity gift lists.

Gah. Now I wish I had registered for The Boy and my honeymoon! How sweet would it be to know that the champagne brunch you’re enjoying is from Aunt Shirley and the snowboarding lesson was given with love from grandpa? Too cool. Is anyone in Tulle Nation registering for a honeymoon? How much do you love the services and tools that Honeymoon Pixie provides? Fire away in the comments!

Honeymoon: Affordable Luggage Round-up

While planning your super affordable wedding be sure that you remember to also give yourselves the opportunity to plan that equally super affordable honeymoon. And I don’t just mean finding a killer deal on airfare and hotels – I’m also referring to all the crap you’re gonna need to get there, stay there, and play there.

For the most part, you can probably pull the bulk of your honeymoon wardrobe from your closet. So keep those impulsive, last-minute buys to a minimum (really, I know those shorts are cute but wouldn’t you rather spend the money on a couple’s massage or room service?). What you will need to invest in is good luggage. And luckily, good luggage does not have to be expensive luggage… it just has to be good.

Below is a round-up of affordable luggage (both sets and just carry-ons, pick yer preference, travelers!) all for under $100*. Enjoy!

*1. Three Piece Blue Trolley Luggage Set. *2. Diane Von Furstenberg On The Go Medium 2 Piece Luggage Set. *3. 2 Piece Luggage Set. *4. Benzi Travel Goods BZ 3386GRN Trolley set Extendable in Green. *5. CONFIDENCE Travel BLACK Expandable 2 Piece Deluxe Luggage Set. *6. Cargo Cool Traveler Suitcases, Set of 3. *disclaimer

Any of these options appeal to Tulle Nation? Or do you already have some tried-and-true luggage that you’d like to share with the class? Maybe you’ve registered for a luggage upgrade? Chat away (in the general vicinity of the comments)!

Honeymoon Advice from Favor Craver - TAKE PHOTOS!

When Cris asked me to write a guest post about honeymoons, I actually begged her to let me write about something else. "Let me write about thank you notes!", I pleaded. But Cris wasn't having it. She's a tough mistress.

So what's my problem? Why would a wedding blogger beg to get out of writing about honeymoons? Well, because my honeymoon was brief and unimpressive. Honestly, I get a pang of jealousy anytime anyone talks about their honeymoon.

Image Courtesy of: That One Rule

My husband and I married in Las Vegas when we were 22 and 23, respectively. We were broke-ass kids working boring jobs, and we had just a few days to get out to Vegas, get hitched, and get home for work later that same week.

We saw the Blue Man Group (rad). We played the penny slots (meh). We decided to cement our sophisticated, married-peoplehood with a martini in Caesar's Palace, but couldn't bring ourselves to finish them -- such lightweights! We toured the gardens of Bellagio, and the art museum at the Venetian. And then we went home.

Brevity aside, when I think back on our honeymoon, my regret is that we hardly took any pictures. There's only one photo of us together on our honeymoon, and it's blurry. The rest are of things like our room, Blue Men, etc.

In retrospect I realize that we weren't really thinking about where we were in our history at that time. We were young, but we'd already been together for several years when we married (we're high school sweethearts). So I wasn't thinking about how nice it would be to have photos of us together while we were young -- I honestly wasn't thinking that we were all that young. But now, as we approach our tenth anniversary, I find myself thinking that it would be so nice to have some more photos of me and him, young and newly-minted, on our honeymoon.

Fill up your cameras, Tulle Nation, wherever you go, for however long.

Marie curates the best wedding favors in the universe on her blog, Favor Craver. You can also find her on Twitter and Pinterest. Or, geek out with her on her latest blogging adventure, Code it Pretty.

Happy Memorial Day

In loving memory of my dad, James Stone.

Image Courtesy of: Amber Westerlund

Happy Memorial Day, y'all.

Around Here {The Day Before Our Wedding}

It's the day before our wedding.

Last night was the rehearsal dinner. It was a blast - one of the best times of my life. Thank you everyone. I can honestly say that I an truly excited for tomorrow.

Photography: Elegant Bridal Shoot from Amber Davis Photography

So, having grown up in the North, I get a big kick out of the whole Southern Belle thing. And as a wedding blogger, I get an even bigger kick out of the Southern Belle Bride traditon of doing a pre-wedding bridal session in your wedding dress. Some do it weeks before and some right before the ceremony but all get the same experience - pretty dress, pretty hair, pretty pictures. Need proof? Check out Bailey Davis's country meets rustic bridal session shoot by Amber Davis Photography:

Images Courtesy of: Amber Davis Photography

Are any of you planning a bridal session? When will you be doing yours? Are you paying for it separately or was it included in your photography package? Tell the truth... are you excited to dress up and "play" bride without your other half? Hee. Be sure to let me know in comments!

Wedding Wednesday: I Fucked Up

So, last week I wrote a rant about RSVPs and my frustrations with our experience. I totally went off and said a lot of really mean things. I thought I had made it clear in my post that I was not angry at any one person or group of people in particular – however, I realized this week that I did not and made a lot of people I care about very, very angry.

And for that I am truly sorry.

I could try to explain my writing choices, I could talk about my emotional state, I could share everything that’s been happening that I don’t talk about to other people, I could plea exhaustion. But none of those things are an excuse for my choice. I chose to write a post and not sleep on it. I chose to make it live for the world to see. In doing so, I ultimately hurt and embarrassed people that mean the world to me. And I disappointed The Boy – which was the worst was feeling ever.

I have been able to apologize to a few people in person but I felt that it was important to share my poor choice and humble myself here – where it all started. I am truly sorry if I hurt anyone. I am very upset that people I care about had to feel so badly.

I am truly sorry.

 

 

 

To end things on a lighter note, here are some pictures of cute cats:

Music: Gay and Lesbian First Dance Wedding Songs

I've been seeing loads of First Dance song recommendations floating around the Internet lately and they are all wonderful. However, they are all aimed at heterosexual couples. That's nice but our ever evolving country is seeing a greater need for recommendations for gay and lesbian couples getting married - not all love songs are appropriate for all love stories.

Images Courtesy of: Michele Waite

So, I did my own. Each of these songs is perfect for gay or lesbian wedded couples because the lyrics do not directly refer to a boy/girl love story. Some don't mention the sex of the couple at all. Holla!

For the Ladies:

• "Wedding Song" - Tracy Chapmen
• "Power of Two" - Indigo Girls
• "I Kissed a Girl" - Katy Perry
• "(Let's Give Them) Something to Talk About" - Bonnie Raitt
• "On the Street Where You Live" - Linda Eder
• "I’m In Love With A Girl" - Big Star
• "Let Me Tell You About Her" - Elvis Costello
• "And I Saw Her Standing There" - The Beatles
• "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper
• "My Girl" - The Temptations
• "What Makes You Beautiful" - One Direction

For the Gents:

• "In My Life" - The Beatles
• "All of My Life" - Irving Berlin
• "My Boyfriends Back" - The Angels
• "Zing! Went the Strings of my Heart" - Judy Garland
• "If I Should Fall Behind" - Bruce Springsteen
• "Post Post Modern Man" - Devo
• "Let's Hear it for the Boy" - Deniece Williams
• "We Danced" - Brad Paisley
• "Walking On Sunshine" - Katrina And The Waves
• "No Finer Man" - Linda Eder

For Anyone:

• "Time After Time" - Cyndi Lauper
• "A Simple Love" - Melissa Etheridge
• "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" - Elvis
• "Everything I Do, I Do It For You" - Linda Eder (a MUCH better version than Bryan Adams)
• "Your Song" - Elton John
• "Many Rivers to Cross" - Jimmy Cliff
• "It Had to Be You" - Harry Connick, Jr.
• "To Make You Feel my Love" - Bob Dylan OR Billy Joel OR Garth Brooks OR Adele (each version is great)
• "Born This Way" - Lady Gaga
• "God Bless The Broken Road" - Rascal Flatts

Image Courtesy of: Kate McElwee

Can anyone think of any additions to the list? What song did you (or a friend or family member) use for a first dance song? Why was that song so important? Please share!

Photography: Spotlight on the Men (from Off BEET Productions)

So often in wedding photography, the men get the short end of the stick. While the bride and the bridesmaids are photographed in various poses and locations, the men are generally treated as background or living props. And y'all - that just ain't fair. They are equal partners in the wedding, do just as much work, and look just as good as the bride and her 'maids. So, do as Jennifer Jones and Ben Baker did for their May 2011 wedding and let the photogrpaher have equal time with the men of the wedding. The result could be as killer as these ones:

Images Courtesy of: Off BEET Productions

Come on! How awesome are those photos?!?! How badly do you want groom and groomsmen wedding photography now? How are you handling divvying up the bride to groom photography ratio? Do share!

Deals and Steals: Kiss My Tulle's Awesome Partners

It's that time, y'all! The time for me to stop and thank my awesome blog partners for helpin' me keep the wedding porn alive. If you like what you see, click through and check 'em out:

• King and Queen Photographic Arts is THE place to have your amazing wedding photos made into an amazing (handcrafted in Italy) wedding album. Choose from metal, leather, and more!

• Have all the traditonal wedding gift stuff and wish that people could just help with the honeymoon? You're in luck! Honeymoon Pixie is here to help you get exactly that - a great honeymoon with special adventures, splurges, and services "gifted" to you by your guests.

• Did you know that I was one of the bride bloggers over at Budget Savvy Bride? Well, you do now! Swing by and say "hi" and check out all the bride bloggers (they're a varied and fun little crew!).
• Need a gorgeous wedding band to go with that awesomesauce engagement ring? Then it's White Flash to the rescue! Like a weding ring superhero, they have everything you need to buy your wedding ring online.

 

• Visit Big Day for 10k for plenty of "little budgets, big inspiration"! Tell Nicole I said "Hi"!
• Are you a member of the wedding industry? Then join TWIPS (Twitter Wedding Inspiration Pals).
• Didja hear? I'm a newly minted editorial partner for Two Bright Lights! If you're dying to have a wedding or wedding-adjacent event featured on my bloggity - submit 'em via TBL.

 

• James Allen has some fab stuff (seriously, check out their engagement rings). I lurve the sparkly!
• Remember when I talked about getting my wedding dress for free and then discussed how important it was to make your own moments during wedding planning? If you loved it - then you definitely want to check out The Wedding Dress Project to experience your own awesomeness.
• Would you like to become a partner in Tulle Nation? We'd love to have ya! Click here for more information!

Thanks all! I've got the BESTEST week planned for you next week so be sure to swing by (M-F) for the awesomeness.