Bride Blogger Amanda: The Mini-Moon

Since John’s a teacher and we’re getting married during the school year; and since I just started a new job and don’t have much time to take off, we decided to take a short “mini-moon” for a few days after our wedding. We wanted to do a little something to celebrate together after our wedding, but we won’t have the time to do something big for an extended period of time right now. A short trip to some place warm and fun was the perfect solution. We decided that next summer for our pre-anniversary, we’ll go on a big trip to Europe or something for a week or two and make that our “real” honeymoon.

For our mini-moon we decided to go to Las Vegas. We went last year for my birthday and had a great time, so we knew we would have a good experience again. Between the food, drinks, shows, swimming pools and entertainment, there’s plenty to do, and it will still be great weather there at the end of September.

We got a really amazing deal at a hotel just a block off the Strip. Our three days there will cost less than one plane ticket! If you want to take a quick trip to Vegas and not spend a ton of money, check out hotels off the Strip – you are still near all the action but for a fraction of the price of a hotel right on the Strip. Basically, you’re only in your hotel room to sleep anyway, so it doesn’t matter where you stay.

We also plan to get tickets to a show or two by going to the day-of ticket kiosk on the Strip. You can get really great discounts by waiting until the day of the show and purchasing tickets at one of these places. You can’t be picky about seats, but it can be a great way to save money. Other than that, we plan to find a really great restaurant to celebrate, and then - just go without a plan and see what happens. There’s always so much going on and so many places to go within walking distance, I know we’ll have a great time together no matter what we do!

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Real Wedding: Nicole+Ali

Happy Labor Day! Take a moment on your day off to enjoy this perfect summer wedding from the super-talented Strohm Photography. The ceremony took place outdoors at Heartland of America Park and the entire wedding party came across the lake in a boat for the bride's entrance - talk about memorable! Vendors included:

Reception: Legacy Hall
Photography: Strohm Photography & Design
Dress: The Bride's Store
Tuxes: The Tux Shoppe
Catering: China Buffet (how fun is that???)
DJ: Complete Music
Florist: The extremely gifted bride!

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Marriage Advice from Tom & Nancy Osborne

Some of you brides may have picked up on the fact that here at NWD, we're Husker-obsessed. Ok, ok...I must admit that really it's ME that is Husker-obsessed. Since I get to write the blog and it's now officially Husker football season, I think it's fair to say you may be seeing more Husker-themed posts over the next few months.

Today we're lucky enough to have some advice from Tom and Nancy Osborne on how they've made their marriage last. Here are a few valuable tidbits:

"Nobody gets to where they are without hard work. A marriage commitment must be intentional; it doesn't just happen." -Nancy

"The instability of marriage is quite distressing. Young people should think it through before making the commitment. Don't ignore the glaring areas of conflict and don't go into the marriage expecting the other person to change." -Tom

"Our marriage has endured because we have a common set of values, a shared spiritual faith, and we see the world through a similar lens." -Tom

"Everyday communication is so important. I've learned the hard way that hiding your feelings can be detrimental to handling issues in marriage."-Nancy

"Communication needs to occur without television, children, or phone interruptions, and it needs to be one-on-one." -Nancy

"Nancy laughs easily and celebrates life most all of the time, which influences me to keep a balanced perspective." -Tom

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Things We Love!

...In Closed, a fabulous invitation studio here in Nebraska. Owner Lesley Peterson is constantly staying on the cutting edge of what's new in invitation design and her pieces are FABULOUS. Check out some of her recent work and contact her for more information - she can create a perfect design to fit your style and works with a variety of budgets. You can also stop in at her chic studio to learn more. Oh, and GO HUSKERS!

*Appointments recommended
1330 Mike Fahey Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402.321.3442

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Friday Freebies!

Today's giveaway is a great deal - Colleen Dustin Photography is offering 10% off a wedding package plus a FREE 16 x 20 gallery wrap! Colleen's motto is "simple, classic, real", and that is definitely her photography style. You will love working with her and seeing the beautiful images she captures on your special day!

Click HERE to enter (must register by Monday, September 6th, to win).

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Bride Blogger Nicole: The Chair Covers

One of the things I really wanted but wasn't sure we would be able to afford was chair covers. I have always thought chair covers are elegant and really make a difference in making the venue even more polished. Look at this picture of a wedding in the Jasmine Room at the Grand Manse and how the chair covers tie everything together!

 

I called around to some of the rental places in town, and the average price for a chair cover without a sash was $4. To add a sash was $1.50 more, and then there were also added costs if you wanted the company to set up and take down the chair covers. The prices were what I was expecting, and like I had thought, there really wasn't a way to work that into our budget.

A couple of days later I got a postcard in the mail from a company called Weddings Across America, and it said they specialized in the $4 chair cover, which also included sash, set up, and take down. I was thrilled - I knew this was definitely the way to get my covers!

I called them and they said they were running a special, so I could actually get everything for $2.50 a chair -even better! Also, they came right to our house to show us the different options they offer. They brought all of their covers and sashes so we could see the different fabrics and colors. They showed me all the different ways the sash can be tied, and also what the Universal Chair cover looks like (where there is no sash and the actual chair cover gets tied).

It was so convenient and helpful to our busy schedule that they could come to our home and show us what they have to offer! I honestly didn't think chair covers would be something I would be able to have at my wedding, but I'm so glad that Weddings Across America is making it possible for me!

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August 2010 Wedding Inspirations Show

NWD was so excited to be a part of this event! They always put on a great fashion show and this one was no exception. The show featured gowns from Ellynne Bridal, tuxes from Gentlemen's Choice, flowers from Stem Gallery, jewelry from Elisa Ilana, and hair and makeup by One Drake Place. Image Society took professional photos (the photos below are NOT from them - they are much more talented than I!).

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