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Pretty in Pink is more than just an 80s movie.  It’s the color scheme behind this fabulous issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.  As a lover of the color pink, you can only imagine how delighted (and sort of giddy) I was going through the pages.

Here are my favorite parts of the issue:

p. 24 :: In Love with Pink – Ummm, who isn’t?  There are great finds from fine china and ballet slippers to macaroons & nail polish.  My favorite has got to be the Christian Louboutin “Tutulle” clutch, which, of course, is pink (unlike the link via Saks).

p. 53 :: Good Things - First up is the altered plates.  With everyone skipping out on the “traditional” sign-in guest book & opting for unique, personal, & fitting ways to incorporate this tradition, you should consider them signing some plates, which you can later hang with a variety of others on your wall (see below).  Page 54 highlights the best part of a tea party, and I really like the use of upside down teacups that are working like pedestals to elevate the other teacups.  You have to check out page 60 which features a couple of ways to add your signature to any style–literally.  You can embroider your initials or even make some custom cufflinks.  Finally, I want to dig into the “desserts gone wild”.

Martha Stewart Weddings

p. 70 :: Ask Martha - Be sure to check out this section if you’re dying to know: how to decorate your ceremony chairs with items aside from ribbon & bows; how to pick your MOH or if more than one is allowed; how to ask for money versus regsitering for home goods; how to address a religous request being incorporated into your day that you weren’t planning on.

p. 76 :: Real Wedding - Check out the gallery of the simple garden wedding of Cynthia & Christian in Bedford, New York.  It was shot by Ben Fraser of Weddings by Two.  There’s also the vintage pink wedding of Vanessa & Keith in Glen Ellen, California, shot by Sara Remington for Anna Kuperberg Photography.  I also love the modernly chic wedding of Zooey & David in St. Louis, Missouri.  It was shot by Susan Jackson.

p. 84 :: Gown Gallery – I can’t get enough of the “Spring to Life” set of gowns, where it’s obvious that blooms, florals, and everything about spring were obviously the inspiration.  “Flounce Forward” is all about the layers & ruffles, “Hearts so Good” is super sexy with the sweetheart neckline, “Sweet Deals” showcase the gowns that can be found for $300 to $3,000.

p. 94 :: Your Other Big Day – Get the etiquette & how-to’s when it comes to Bridal Showers, from invitations & location to gifts & games.

p. 106 :: Baker’s Delights – Get an idea of some fabulous gift registry finds that will surely delight the baker & hostess side of you.

p. 118 :: Luxe on Loan – Matthew Robbins gives his 4 tips on how to pull off a luxe affair on loan from a rental company.  He shows you how to highlight your event with the perfect seating from tables & chairs to lounge furnture, add color & warmth, and showcase some stunning dishes.

p. 128 :: In the Pink – There are some fabulous beauty products out there in shades of pink for every skin tone.

p. 138 :: Expert Advice - Love this section!  Get some hot tips from Elle Warren & Cecilia Flores-Barron (Bridal Salon Owners) of Warren Barron, Tara Guerard (Event Designer), Kevin Book (Caterer) of Canard, Inc., and Kathleen M. Welsh, M.D. (Dermatologist).

p. 150 :: A New Leaf - There are so many fun & easy DIY projects.  The Bright Bulbs, Sunny Side Up, & Petal Perfection (seen below) are my favorites.

Martha Stewart Weddings

p. 166 :: Play Nice - Got etiquette questions?  This issue addresses the issues of: banning children from your reception or only allowing a select few; how to avoid any confusion on invitations & who you’re exactly inviting; who pays for the flower girl dresses; how to select the flower girl & ring bearer amongst a huge family of young ones; a kid-friendly ceremony but a no-kid reception, etc.

p. 177 :: Perfect Palette – I lied.  The perfect palette in each issue is my favorite part.  This issue features pink PLUS… So there’s pink + gold {love this – it’s so elegant}, pink + copper {seriously, loving even more}, pink + navy {one of my favorite color combos since the pink stands out so much}, pink + dove gray {I cannot get enough of this!  If my son was a girl, forgetaboutit!} – check it out below.

Martha Stewart Weddings

p. 197 :: Center Stage - I cannot get enough of the bridal fashion inspired by ballet.  When I was 9 years old, I was convinced I would be a ballerina.  It’s too bad I don’t have the body type or flexibility.  There are some amazing & gorgeous gowns featured that are literally jaw-dropping.  I can’t get enough of it.  I would do anything to be able to sport a tutu without people thinking I’m crazy.

Martha Stewart Weddings

Martha Stewart Weddings

p. 212 :: A Piece of the Past - Beautiful cakes inspired by fabrics of the past.  You must check out the gallery.

p. 222 :: Western Union - I can’t find the words to describe this wedding.  Fun? Imaginative? Different?  Maybe it’s just a juxtaposition.  It’s elegant & rustic, yet inventive & modern.  The wedding of Eunice & Daniel, in my opinion, seems breath-taking.  Seriously, no detail was overlooked, and it seemed like everything was well thought out & accessorized to the max.

p. 232 :: Blossoming - With spring all around us, from spring break to flowers in bloom, this section highlights the beauty of cherry blossoms, and, more importantly, how you can incorporate them into your day.

Martha Stewart Weddings

p. 242 :: Eat, Drink, and Be Married – Gail Simmons, judge on Top Chef, married Jeremy Abrams.  The wedding was traditional, rustic, family-style, and a foodie’s dream.  From the invitations & bouquets embracing shades of pink, orange & yellow, to the mouth-watering foods, all I have to say is WOW!

p. 248 :: La Vie en Rose – From champagnes to wines, here are the picks for rose-inspired pairings.  I personally am loving the Rose punch.

p. 254 :: A Modern Love - This 1920s-style reception was romantic (as if I was actually there).  Taylor & Jonathan’s wedding seemed lovely, with nothing over-the-top or overwhelming.  It was so vintage & modern at the same time.

p. 264 :: Girls-Only Getaway – Get some ideas on some rockin’ bachelorette parties.  Options: New York City, Aspen, Las Vegas, and Tulum.  I say “All of the above, please!”

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I hope you would agree with me when I say that Martha Stewart Weddings magazine is probably one of the best, if not THE best, wedding resources out there.  Whether it’s in print or online, they are always an inspiration.  Their issues include so many DIY projects & recipes that are easy and can easily be incorporated to your day.  Their color palettes are always HOT and reflective of today’s bride.  Their “good things” are details that any type of bride can use as a starting point of making the big day reflective of her style and the day’s overall theme.

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This special travel issue is absolutely wonderful.  From the photo on the cover, to the color of “weddings”, and all the way to the font of the words “destination & dream honeymoons”, I am in love.  Even though I’m a fanatic about not putting any creases in or around my magazines, I have put this one on the top shelf to keep it away from any sticky fingers.  It’s a shame that I love it that much though, because there’s plenty of inspiration inside.

p. 9 :: “Good Things To Go” – - personalized maps, vintage postcards, and maps that highlight the best to-see spots.  There’s also the 8 surprises to leave on their beds, which will definitely show your guests how much you thought about them.  There are 6 fast fixes, and my favorite of the section personalized candy bar labels.  Maybe it’s the color palette, or maybe it’s the chocolate, but I love them!

p. 23 :: “Real Weddings” – - The Toronto wedding of Somina Madan & Gaurav Seth is filled with bright colors, gold, and tradition.  The Lanai, Hawaii wedding of Lisa LeRoy & Steven Pearson is very chic, with a soft color palette, outdoor reception, and lush with orchids.  The Vail, Colorado wedding of Claudia Lipcon & Michael Winkleman is very simple and elegant, which allows you to soak up the scenery & enjoy the view of the mountain backdrop.  The Los Cabos wedding of Alissa Schell & Larry Oleska has a pink & orange color palette, very festive, ans without a doubt a rocking fiesta!  The St. Helena, California wedding of Christina Lowris & Alexander Panos looks very sophisticated .

p. 31 :: “Let’s Make a Date” – - nothing sets the tone of your big day than the invitation, and these fabulous ideas from the issue are easy to do.  Check them out online.  Plus, there are plenty of downloadable templates for you to use!

p. 38 :: “Trek Tech” – - Ther are 8 gadgets you shouldn’t go without when travelling.  The one I want is the solar charger.  How awesome would that be?  There are 8 more that will help you be entertained & document you trip.  These items range from speakers & underwater digital cameras to your mp3 player & “reader” (Kindle, anyone?).  The last 5 items are what will help you savor the photos you take, like the photo printer (I seriously want one of these… just to have!).

p. 44 :: “The Away Team” – - this is a team I can’t help but cheer for.  Resort Insider, Cerona Carter, is considered a destination wedding guru.  She answers her opinion on what the hottest spots are, and some advice for brides who are considering a destination wedding.  Event Planner Alison Hotchkiss shares her ideas of the disadvantages of having your big day far away, but also how couples should select their destination.  Photographer Jose Villa shares his favorite destination, as well as what makes a good picture.

p. 50 :: “Destination Do’s & Don’ts” – - get the answers to your pre-wedding questions, which may include: whether or not to pay for the wedding party to go; whether you must plan daily activities for the guests; inviting folks to your shower if you’re not inviting them to the wedding; or registering for gifts.  You might also be worried about things happening closer to or while on your destination, like what if a bridesmaid misses her flight, how to discourage guests from bringing along their gifts, and whether you’re obligated to “hang” with your guests all weekend.  There are also some post-wedding issues that may get you wondering.

p. 55 :: “Ready Set Go”.  Check out the 10 different luggage options featured in the magazine.  Some are traditional colors, while others are colorful.  I go with the colorful!  There are also some helpful tips on what you need to do to make sure you’re legally wed.  Find out about the shipping costs & news, quick honeymoon fixes in case someone gets sick, and the best websites to help you plan your escape.  You may also want to remember your shades, and their “destination decoder,” which tells you which locations you should travel depending on the time of the year, is very helpful.

p. 75 :: “Travel Happily” – - These destination wedding dresses will help you travel light, and they totally fit the part.  These are my favorites: Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston, Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, and Morgan Le Faye.

p. 88 :: “Room Service” – - Get some creative ways on how to personalize your destination wedding with these easy & fun DIY projects.  Oh yeah, and they look so darling too!  Make them feel welcome, make concierge & friend buttons,Luggage Tag How-To tags, and even your own Newsletter.

p. 96 :: “Swept Away” – - Seriously one of the most gorgeous destination weddings I have ever laid my eyes on.  Pink peonies and the coconut wedding cake did it for me.  You will get swept away as I did.

p. 107 :: “America the Beautiful” – - there are plenty of “destinations” throughout the United States.  This article gives you some fabulous suggestions for every type of bride – - country, beach, city, and desert.

p. 114 :: “From Ethiopia, With Love” This city wedding with a village celebration was very cultural and looked like a lot of fun… the best of both worlds!

p. 120 :: “The Great Escape” – - There are several suggested destinations for any type of couple, from beach bums & thrill seekers to city slickers & frequent fliers.

p. 130 :: “All-Inclusive Exclusives” – - This article breaks down some awesome package deals for adventure-seeking couples to those that like to cruise.  Whether your budget is very tight, moderate, or luxury, there is a suggestion for you.

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I know this is long overdue, but I couldn’t NOT do one.  Better late than never.  With Martha Stewart Weddings’ 15th anniversary issue coming out in December, I am dying to see what the talented ladies behind the magazine come up with.  I’m sure it will definitely include something old {flashbacks of the past 15 years}, something new {with their fresh ideas}, something borrowed, and something blue {you know…the signature Martha Stewart blue}.

Here are my favorite parts of the Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2009 issue.

p. 30 :: “In Love with Sparkle & Shine” – - the Anthropologie shot glasses are different, quirky, but cute at the same time.  ”My Private Sky” plates from Nymphenburg Store USA are perfect for any star-studded event, literally.  NASA lovers, anyone?

p. 48 :: “Ask Martha” – - you definitely need to read the advice regarding hiring a planner.  The other questions included revolve around inviting the groom’s close friends who are on a tight budget & live pretty far away; the issue of whether to trust your ringbearer with the rings; not wanting to anyone besides your bridesmaids and mother where you’re getting ready; and where to have the response cards addressed to.

p. 59 :: “Good Things” Looking for something different, but not too over-the-top?  Consider having live lovebirds at your event.  You can also celebrate fall with the pasta made leaves or DIY acorn earings.  My favorite?  The DIY belled-ballet slippers and DIY velvet table numbers.  Some other DIY projects suggested are the not-so-typical cards your guests can fill out, in lieu of your guest book.  Have your guest fill-in-the-blank to make it fun!  Funky boutonnieres, a fanciful table seating chart, as well as recipes for peanut brittle & toffee round out the Good Things for this issue.

p. 78 :: “Real Weddings” – - Loving the real weddings featured in this issue.  They seriously evoke autumn.  The first one has the wedding attendants carrying glowing candles.  The second one’s color palette and fascination with squirrels totally scream autumn.  The third one reminds me of that feeling you get at the beginning of the fall semester on campus.  I don’t know why.

p. 86 :: “Ring Galaxy” – - I was swooning, ooh’ing, & aah’ing over these bling-y rings.  Whether the engagement ring is a solitaire, or not, these diamond bands are AMAZING.  Convincing factor is that you’re trying to reduce by only one ring, because I am telling you – - these rings make up for only sporting a band.  I love the Jack Kelege “Leaf’ ring ($10,6000), Varna “micropave-set chain-link diamond band” (uber chic & sleek), and the Dior Fine Jewelry “Oui” ring (charming is the word).  For the combo’s, I loved the De Beers DB classic set (nothing wrong with classic), and even though I’m not a huge fan of pear cuts or marquis, the contemporary rings by Conroy & Wilcox being featured are stunning.  I like being different, so the gold rings (or predominantly gold rings) are darling.  My favorites are the Melinda Maria textured circles & Cathy Waterma antique-style scroll ring.

p. 94 :: “Fresh for Fall” Gown Gallery.  Whether it’s a hint of gold, or accentuating the shoulder, these looks are totally trendy and not one of those 80s disasters.

p. 100 :: “Going the Distance” – - gets some advice to make your look last.  Eyes, lips, scent, and skin is covered.

p. 106 :: Expert Advice “At Your Service” from the fab gown designer Carlos Ramirez.  He gives his opinion on how many dresses you should try on, his top tip, and ideas for brides on a budget.  Style setter, Claudia Schwartz, shares how she comes up with her vision, advice for working with a tight budget, and what makes a good favor.  Event designer, Todd Fiscus, describes how things are done in Texas, his idea as the biggest benefit to hiring a wedding planner, and some ways to cut costs.  Registry Insider, Mary Rose Gearon, advises as to when a couple should register, how many gifts to register for, and the one knockout item that should be on every couple’s list.

p. 116 :: “Pleased as Punch” – - here are some DIY projects that you can do.  Great ways to cut costs for your day, add a personal touch, and doll it up at the same time!  They’re super easy.  Step one is picking up a few of Martha’s special punchers.  Step two is getting the instructions!

p 126 :: “Room for Improvement” – - get some advice on how to spice up your event by using the walls, ceiling, and lighting to your advantage.

p. 138 :: “Party Protocol” – - find out who to sit where, what happens when, etc.  There are 12 total topics for things you probably didn’t think of, but need to know.

p. 148 :: “Personality Plates” – - although they’re not deal-breakers when it comes to making your event an extraordinary one, plates can add some life to, not only your table, but the overall mood of your event.  Add some personality by picking something different.  You can get sophisticated with some gold tints added, or go eclectic with a special pattern.  You can keep it pure & simple with solid whites, and trust me, you can’t go wrong with that either.

p. 158 :: “Making it Official” – - what route are you going to take when hiring an officiant for your day?  Someone of the clergy, a judge, or a friend?  It’s up to you, but be sure to read this article if you’re still trying to decide.

p. 169 :: “Perfect Palette” is Honey & Wheat.  What a gorgeous color palette!  From the table decor & centerpieces, to the cheese & signature drinks.  The variety is tremendous, bloom selection can be overwhelming (only because there are so many), and the attire & accessories are perfect for any type of bride and her bridesmaids.  There’s something for everyone.  I seriously thought of WeddingBee.com when I was checking this article out, with all the “bee-themed” items included.

p. 190 :: “Let’s Dance” So many gowns, for all types of dancing.  You will love it.  Get some playlist recommendations to get your guests something to get down to!

p. 202 :: “Sweet Treasures” – - cakes and jewelry.  They really go hand-in-hand, especially with these literally sweet and gorgeous cakes.  My favorites are below.

p. 210 :: Real Wedding “Giving Thanks” – - the details of this wedding are impeccable.  Black & white color palette.

p. 218 :: “Ready, Set, Confetti” – - you have to check out the details in this article.  The color palette is so fun, the details are so do-able, and the ideas can be used for any type of party.  Who doesn’t like confetti, besides the person who has to clean it up?  Take a look below of my favorite images.

p. 226 :: “Just My Type” – - I am a huge paper lover.  From banners to stationery, anything paper is divine.  You can go refined, glamourous, playful, minimalist, whimsical, or offbeat.  I think I’m a little bit of each. Ha!  Check out Martha’s online gallery of the pretty paper, by stationers like Rifle Design.

p. 234 :: “Southern Comfort” – - not the drink, but a classy Brooklyn couple get married and have details that will make you swoon.

p. 242 :: “Take a Bough” – - Get some inspiring fall ideas from this section, which includes lots of branches and leaves transformed into centerpieces, arches, hanging decor, and more.

p. 254 :: “Food of Love” – - you travelers will love the suggested honeymoon destinations in this issue.  The inspiration?  Food!  This article gives the 411 on Tuscany, Hoi An, Napa Valley, & Oaxaca.  Delicious food with amazing flavor, with plenty of places to see, people to meet, and stores to shop!

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