Tracy Carolyn Photography

My newest sample album has arrived.  It’s from my Heirloom Collection, the leather bound flush mount albums that I offer.  This sample comes from Caitie and Brian’s wedding at the Sanctuary Golf Course.  View my Designer Series sample album here, or my Parent Album sample book here.  Of course you can always see them in person by scheduling a meeting with me!

Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by JJ Slatkin, General Manager of Jay Feder Jewelers in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.jayfederjewelers.com.  Photo courtesy of JJ Slatkin.

The day of wedding gift is a common tradition in which the bride and groom exchange gifts in commemoration of their blessed union. These gifts can come in many forms, with jewelry being a very popular option as both the bride and groom can wear these gifts on the big day. Further, while the wedding dress frequently gets just one opportunity for wear and tuxedos are so often rented, these day of wedding gifts can be worn regularly and serve as constant reminders of the special day.

The choice of piece is a highly personal decision and can be as varied and unique as the engaged couples are themselves. With that being said, there are some pieces of jewelry that tend to work very well in this situation. Brides typically receive a piece that matches their wedding ensemble and is often white in color. Pieces in this category include a strand of white pearls, a pair of diamond studs, a diamond tennis bracelet or a diamond pendant. For the groom, cufflinks, money clips and watches are very popular choices. Gold and diamond tuxedo stud sets are also a great option for the groom as they can be worn for future weddings the couple attends together, keeping the moment of the wedding alive in the minds of married couple.

Ultimately, the day of wedding gift can be anything the bride and groom deem meaningful. However, durable presents are ideal as they will serve as a reminder of the couple’s happiness on the wedding day for many years to come and can be passed on to children and grandchildren as cherished family heirlooms.

Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by Kelley Prather, owner of Kelley Kakes in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit her website at www.kelleykakes.com.  Photo courtesy of Kelley Prather

Wedding cakes are one of the highlights of the wedding reception, often placed where it is the center of attention and luring guests over to admire. Designing a wedding cake to wow your guests should be a fun task, and here are some suggestions on how to do so:

• Carry your theme right onto the cake – Are your centerpieces tall twigs and wild flowers? How about chocolate twigs clustered with matching flowers and little birds as the cake topper? Or sugar leaves and birch bark icing details?

• Embrace your love for skiing- How about a cake carved to resemble a mountain-top, iced in glittery white butter cream and colored chocolate trees?

• Black and white and red is the color scheme- A gorgeous black damask pattern on crisp white or alternating layers  of black and white icing with fun dots will make quite a statement!

• Make a bold statement with your cake using striking colors and patterns, such as rich shades of red and gold. View full post »

Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by Mary Fabrikant, a full service caterer in Denver, Colorado. For more information about Mary, visit her website at www.canteencatering.com.  Photo courtesy of Mary Fabrikant.

It’s your day. Your personality, and that of your groom, can shine in every detail of your wedding. Don’t miss an opportunity to infuse every aspect of your wedding with the sparkle you and he feel.

Now, don’t worry. That doesn’t mean you have to DIY every aspect of your wedding, exhausting yourself in the process. Your caterer can help take many tasks and a lot worry off your shoulders. In order to set that relationship up well, prepare yourself before you meet with caterer(s), by having thought about the following questions, which a good caterer will ask. Hint: If the caterer doesn’t delve deeply into what YOUR vision is, find another caterer.

Descriptive word: When you think of your wedding, what two or three descriptive words for the overall feel of the occasion come to mind? Examples include, “Elegant, Audrey Hepburn-in-Sabrina”, “Casual, foot-stompin’ fun”, “Intimate, sparkling, eco-friendly”, and “Rustic, Wildflower-filled, Natural”.

Heritage: What are the family and national or religious backgrounds of your two families? Would you like them to be featured in the food and/or decor? We catered a lovely wedding where the backgrounds of the families were Indian and Jewish. We incorporated Indian foods and decor with traditional Jewish foods using recipes contributed by both mothers, and the entire menu was kosher. Both families were very pleased with the thoughtfulness of the couple in honoring their respective backgrounds. View full post »

Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by Kate McCarthy, a makeup artist in Denver, Colorado. For more information about Kate, visit her website at www.katemccarthy.com.  Photo courtesy of Kate McCarthy.

Wedding season is my favorite time of the year, and this spring I encourage brides to step outside the box. You can bring the runway look to the aisle in a few easy ways. First things first, there is one makeup line that I cannot live with out: Glominerals. This line is not only good for your skin, it also provides brides with 12-hour staying power for the big day. Here’s a few tips for how to use it for your wedding day makeup:

For the face: Try Glo Pressed base, then pair it with the hydration mist for a flawless finish. The pressed base offers full coverage with out that ‘powdery’ look, plus it offers SPF 18, vitamins A, E and C and Green Tea Extract, your skin will be glowing all day and night. The Hydration mist will aid in setting the makeup and giving you that dewy finish that is the perfect foundation for the rest of your wedding look.

For the eyes: look at colors like Lilac, Water Lily and Eggplant. Don’t be afraid to add pops of color on your eyes. Apply Eggplant in your crease, Lilac on your lid (lash line to crease) and Water Lily in the inner corner of your eye. Top it off with Diamond shadow on the brow bone to highlight your features. You must not forget your mascara! I LOVE Cover Girl Lash Blast Water Proof mascara in Black. This stays on through tears of joy and won’t budge until you remove it! Use a waterproof liner like Glo cream liner in Ebony to line your inner rim (waterline) for an added punch of definition. View full post »