Past brides have told us time and time again that they wish they had more creative - and memorable - wedding photos to look back on. Always trending on Pinterest are wedding photo ideas and poses that photographers, as well as brides, have come up with - some funny, some sweet, and some offbeat. For today's Friday Favorites, we have put together some ideas and tips for making sure you get the photos and poses you want on your wedding day.

Some tips: 
#1. Make sure you and your wedding photographer have a meeting before your wedding day where you discuss certain poses, must-have photo opportunities, and any certain style of photography you want.
#2. Share your photo vision with a Maid of Honor, bridesmaid or other "coordinator" so they can help oversee the photo process and make sure you get the poses/photos you intend. Be careful this person does not step on the photographer's toes.
#3. Figure out a wedding schedule so you can be sure to pencil in enough time for you to take the photos you want without rushing. Decide with your photographer and/or wedding planner what photos you want taken before the wedding, during the wedding and afterwards. 
(Another idea we love are the Day After Sessions that Katie Lamb Photography offers - where sometime after the wedding, couples can take the time to get all the shots they want, at a fun location.)
#4. Use Pinterest for all its glory! Pin away, and you may even want to share a certain board with your photographer ahead of time.

Speaking of photos, we would like to welcome Good Times TX Photo Booth Rentals to our Vendor Guide! They feature a large photo booth (can fit up to 16 people in it!), they create customized artwork for every event and their staff is present at your event to assist guests with poses, props and printouts. For a stress-free and affordable way to entertain your guests, check out Good Times TX vendor listing.

It's Tuesday and it's time for a guest post! We love when we have the opportunity to share with you the thoughts, insight and experiences of other wedding industry professionals. Today's guest post is from Alyssa Ennis, a bridal blogger and professional wedding photographer from the Seattle area.  

From bridesmaids to groomsmen, maids of honor to best men, the main role of the bridal party is to keep the bride and groom as anxiety-free as possible. Whether this means simply shuffling into the right positions at the right times or arranging the most high-octane, Michael Bay-esque bachelor party ever will vary widely depending on the couple.

There is, however, one universal: knowing the basic in's and out's of what’s expected of you in the lead up to the big day will go a long way towards keeping the process as low stress as possible for everyone involved – you included!

So, without further ado, here is all that the wedding party needs to do before walking down that aisle.

Bridesmaids
A bridesmaid is part-sister, part-fashion consultant and part-worker bee. Her duties include:

•Helping with the shopping. Bring out the wedding magazines: the bride may ask you
for help in finding her dress and picking wedding colors and themes. She may also have you help select the bridesmaid dresses, or she will simply send you a link and ask for your sizes. You will be responsible for purchasing your dress, shoes, and all accessories.
•Partying it up, pre-wedding style. From the bridal shower to the bachelorette party, you’ll be expected to participate in all of the pre-wedding festivities. The maid of honor (MOH) may also ask you to help make and pay for arrangements, and you’ll definitely need to pony up for a great wedding gift.
•Attending the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is crucial for knowing how it’s
going to go down the next day. And, if there are any extra pre-wedding parties, make sure to track and attend them as well.
•Standing in the receiving line. This one is optional, so be sure to ask at the rehearsal dinner whether or not you’ll be lining up.
•Being the life of the party. Both before the wedding and during, the bridesmaids help greet the guests and make everyone feel comfortable. And, hey, if you love dancing, no one’s going to complain if you get the dance floor buzzing, too.
•Giving the MOH a helping hand. If the MOH is there to calm the bride, you’re there to calm both the bride and the MOH. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of stress and be ready to pitch in! Looking for even more tips for being the world’s best bridesmaid? Check out this for a few extra pointers.

Maid of Honor Extras
Being the (MOH) comes with a <>few more responsibilities, including:

• Keeping a record of who sent what. The bride will turn to you to track gifts, and potentially RSVP's as well.
•Planning the pre-wedding parties. While any friend is allowed to plan the engagement party, the bridal shower and bachelorette party fall squarely on you.
•Keeping track of the bridesmaids. Whether it’s making sure everyone gets to the
rehearsal dinner and ceremony on time, arranging for makeup and hair styling, or enlisting the team to help greet guests, the MOH is in charge of herding the bridesmaids from place to place.
•Signing the marriage license. Along with the best man, you will be a witness and signatory to the marriage license—depending on the state.
•Being the chief therapist. There’s no two ways around it: being the MOH may very well mean a lot of late night sobfests. Charge up that phone!

Groomsmen
Groomsmen, just like their bridesmaid counterparts, are there to support the groom throughout the wedding process. The groomsmen duties include:

•Paying for wedding gear. From tuxes to ties and those gleaming, fancy shoes, make sure you know what gear to buy and get it ordered pronto so there’s time for tailoring.
•Partying it up. Between the engagement party, bachelor party and rehearsal dinner, it’s up to you to party it up in a big way. The best man may also ask you for help in planning and paying for the bachelor party.
•Painting the getaway car. Contact the bridesmaids and begin plotting nefarious plans for decorating the honeymoon getaway car.
•Buying a wedding present. Whether you pool your resources with the other groomsmen or go solo, make sure you get the couple something good – not something that could be pasted to a college dorm wall.
•Lending your arm. On the big day, make sure you arrive 45 minutes to help escort guests to their seats – particularly those who are elderly. For Christian ceremonies, this will mean seating the guests of the bride’s family on the left, while Jewish ceremonies will be the opposite. That arm will also be used for escorting a bridesmaid down the aisle.

Best Man Extras
The best man is the leader of the groomsman. As well as the groomsmen’s duties, the best man must also help in:

•Picking out formal wear. You will also guide the groomsmen in buying or renting their own.
•Planning the bachelor party. Whether you head to Vegas or go snowboarding, it’s up to you to make sure the party’s festivities match the groom’s party style and to arrange all of the little details, like hotel and flight bookings.
•Helping make it official. Sign as a witness on the marriage license and make sure to pay the officiant after the ceremony. (The groom will provide the cash, but he’ll be busy celebrating after the nuptials).
•Preparing a speech. You’ll be the first one to toast the couple after the ceremony, so get writing!

In Short
Weddings are a time for celebration. With the entire bridal party working to make the day go smoothly, it should be just that. So get to know your duties, buy your formal wear, and get excited for the big day!

Alyssa is a bridal-savvy blogger and avid DIY-er living in the Seattle area. Through her work as a professional wedding photographer, Alyssa has developed a keen eye for both classic wedding styles and modern day trends (though she tends to gravitate towards all things vintage!). 

You can keep up with Alyssa via Twitter.

Spring is officially here in The Woodlands! The weather's getting hotter and the flowers are blooming. And it's time to start thinking about summer...summer plans, vacations and summer wedding makeup and beauty trends.

We knew we needed the advice of a local makeup professional who could give our readers (and us) some tips for beating the Texas heat in style this summer. A makeup professional who we think you should get to know and love, like we do. Meet Keri Ann and get to know her business - Makeup by Keri Ann. Teaser: Brides, she gives a list of what to have in your wedding day emergency beauty kit!

Woodlands Bride: Tell us about your background. How did you get started as a makeup stylist and how long have you been in the beauty industry?

KA: I always enjoyed putting on makeup and wearing it, but my need for makeup began when I was suffering with a serious case of cystic acne. I needed serious coverage for a painfully embarrassing problem. I also quickly learned that makeup that covered acne well often caused more problems. Eventually I discovered the importance of quality skin care and I wanted to teach other women my age about it so I quickly became a student of makeup application. I have actually been in the cosmetics industry for almost 20 years now. What really makes me unique is that I also spent 7 years working as a corporate Chaplain.

Woodlands Bride: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

KA: Seeing a woman’s face light up when I hand her the mirror to see the finished makeover is priceless.  I also know that when a woman looks good on the outside she feels more confident on the inside and that’s my gift to every client!

Woodlands Bride: What are some products every bride should have in her makeup emergency kit for the day of the wedding? 

KA: •  Handkerchief or tissues •  lipstick and lip gloss •  oil-absorbing tissues •  nail glue          •  clear nail polish •  compact mirror •  pressed powder •  fashion tape •  breath mints          •  bobby pins •  hairspray •  pain reliever •  band-aides 

Woodlands Bride: Summers are so hot in Texas! Do you have advice for brides or bridesmaids who need their makeup to stand up to the Texas heat in an outdoor summer wedding?

KA: Believe it or not, avoid skin care and makeup products that contain sun protection on your wedding day.  SPF products actually are light reflective and can be a problem for the camera and all those pictures you are smiling for.  So many cosmetic products have spf protection, you really need to pay attention AND ask your makeup artist if he/she intends to use products with spf protection.

•  Stay inside the a/c as long as possible!
•  Use oil-absorbing products - moisturizers that absorb oil; primers and other mattifying products are a must during the Texas heat.
•  Oil-absorbing tissues - thin “paper like” products that will absorbs the oil but won’t remove the makeup.  Just blot on areas where moisture is building
•  Apply very thin layers of pressed powder in areas that are needed.

Woodlands Bride: Are there things a bride can do to make sure her skin is perfect for her wedding day? And how soon should she start? 

KA: Healthy and smooth skin is the perfect canvas for a makeup artist.  I can’t emphasize the importance of a good skin care regimen enough.  If you don’t have a good skin care routine, you need to find one that works before that ring is on your finger!  It sometimes takes 6-8 weeks for skin to adjust to a new routine, so it really could take a year to get the right chemistry for your skin.

Also, make sure you drink lots of water during the day to hydrate your skin and make sure you have a nutritious diet, too.

Woodlands Bride: What can a bride expect for her day-of makeup application?

KA: The bride should have a trial makeup run weeks before the big day - this way the bride knows what to expect. (I often hear stories that sometimes 2-3 makeup artists have to be tried before the bride finds the one that’s right for her.)

The bride should be able to communicate and show her makeup artist what type of makeup look she wants.  Pictures are so helpful! Application will probably take around 45 minutes for the bride - the artist should take time to really conceal, highlight and contour the face.  Make sure your artist is using waterproof makeup - especially around the eyes. (I heard one story where an artist put makeup on the bride and her mother and said “O.K., you can’t cry now.”  Really?!?!) 

Also, I always recommend false lashes - they really add a beautiful dimension to pictures and there are so many fabulous looks to choose from.  If you have a set of lashes you are in love with, bring your own lashes for the artist to apply.

If you don’t like something about your makeup - SPEAK UP!  The artist will never know unless you tell them.  I always take time to show my clients and get their opinions throughout the process, but many artists don’t work that way.

Woodlands Bride: Can you give us a little glimpse into your makeup bag? What 5 products can you not live without? 

KA: 1.  Eyeshadow primer - it keeps my eye makeup on all day!
2.  Lip balm (note: not a chap stick or cold sore product) - keeps lips soft and smooth
3.  Lipstick and lip gloss
4.  Eye brow pencil - the most under used and forgotten product with the most dramatic results!
5.  Mascara - I actually apply 2-3 different types to make lashes really stand out.

Advice by KA: I really try to educate my clients rather than selling to them.  Everyone has their favorite brands or ideas about products so I really like to talk about products in a general way.  I believe that women should always ask for samples and they should never be afraid to return products they don’t like/can’t use.

Keri Ann is a freelance makeup artist in the Houston area. She offers airbrushing and traditional makeup application for all of life's special events, including weddings. Keri Ann has 19 years of experience in the cosmetic and skin care industry, and she loves helping women find new ways to enhance their beautiful God-given features. Contact Makeup by Keri Ann today to schedule a consultation!
www.makeupbykeriann.com
713-775-5659 or info@makeupbykeriann.com
Makeup by Keri Ann is a featured vendor. View her listing in our Vendor Guide here.

"Wedding Season" is in full swing and brides are staying on top of the trends and incorporating these colors into their weddings.  But, don't forget to include your husband-to-be in the design aspect. (No, you don't have to ask him what shade of blue to use!) Make sure to include his outfit in the color scheme!  Our mantra around here is: "A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life." -Oscar Wilde

Take a look at the current fashion-trending colors this season:

One of my favorite color combos (right now) is Greyed Jade & Linen.  I love seeing this minty color paired with linen/burlap. Here is a little inspiration of such and a REAL bride and groom I worked with:

When you work with me (Rose is a Rose Designs), you will get one-on-one attention (because I limit the amount of weddings I will take on at one time!) And you receive professional help pulling the groom's look together with Ties, Bow Ties & Suspenders.  The men's wardrobe for the day can really pull everything together and add those finishing and unique touches!

A color combo I'm dying to do for a bride is Lemon Zest & Monaco Blue. If I were to do my wedding over again, I might JUST have to do this color combo or variation of it and use one of my new Rose is a Rose Designs Bow Ties (Anchor tie pictured): 

Don't be afraid of the power of using more than one bold wedding color!  Have fun, personalize your wedding and if you're feeling lost just check out the current color trends for your season to help you feel inspired!

For personalized attention and a fresh look at your wedding, please feel free to visit me at www.roseisarose.com or email me directly at roseisarosedesigns@gmail.com.  You can also check out our Vendor Guide profile on Woodlands Bride!

Now, onto the contest. Rose is a Rose Designs is giving away this prize to one lucky reader: Free tie and suspender sets for the Groom and Ring Bearer with the purchase of two additional groomsmen attire (up to $110 value!)


Here's what you do to enter:
1. LIKE Woodlands Bride and Rose is a Rose Designs on Facebook.
2. Take a look around Rose is a Rose Etsy shop and tell us your favorite look or item in the comment section below.

Then, you're entered! Wait until end of business Monday for us to wrap up the contest and pick a winner, to be announced Tuesday morning. 

*Everyone's a winner at Woodlands Bride! Rose is a Rose wants to give everyone a special treat - a coupon code to use in her shop: Enter BRIDE2013 to get $25 off your purchase of $150 or more (including custom orders!)  

The Dream Weddings Bridal Show is only 4 days away. We know how you last-minute brides work so no sweat; we have all the information you need to decide if you want to go. (We think you should!) Read on and pre-purchase your tickets now.

The Dream Weddings Bridal Show is put together by Gail McGroder, president of Perfect Wedding Guide. The 2013 show is this Sunday, February 24 from 12 to 5pm at the Marriott Hotel + Convention Center in The Woodlands (1601 Lake Robbins Dr.) Note: Free covered parking located in garage off of Six Pines. Marriott Parking Garage is not free.

Fashion. See the newest bridal fashions in the exciting fashion show to be held during the bridal show. This part is always our favorite!

Fabulous Vendors (like us!) Some of the fabulous vendors featured in our Vendor Guide will be at the show, including: Memories by Maryanne photography, The Woodlands Resort, Dream Cakes as well as a new venue that is also apart of our first Venue Toast and Tour - Waterpoint.

Freebies. Besides the tasty samples you'll find at the show and the free promotional items you'll get from vendors, Woodlands Bride also has a little something for you. Swing by our booth at the show and pick up your free gift! Not just any gift, something useful you can use for your wedding planning. One of our featured vendors, Memories by Maryanne, is offering this special: Book your wedding date with them at the show and receive TWO companion albums.

Bridal Show Tips: It is a good idea to make your own labels ahead of time, with all your information on them, to stick on sign-up sheets at the show. You'll spend less time writing and leave with less hand cramps (ouch!) 
Give all vendors a chance. Take their information and bring it home with you to sort out, compare and make a decision. It's easy to get caught up in the moment of finding a "good deal" but make sure to do your own research once the show is over. 

For more information, watch this video of the 2012 Dream Weddings Bridal Show.

Now are you ready to get your tickets? Tickets are only $10 if you purchase them early - and $15 at the door. Register Now!

One of my favorite trends is the floral print bridesmaid dress. I love how a great pattern can give the dresses a vintage flair or provide an amazing color palette from which to draw your wedding inspiration.  

Flowers
Styling a floral print wedding dress can be a little tricky though. Since the dress is generally busy, you should choose bouquets that are more simple. 

Choose bouquets that are made up of a single one color flower or many flowers in a single color. I love the simple baby's breath bouquets with a great floral print. You do not want your bouquets and your dresses to compete for center stage. They should complement each other. 

Jewelry
You can put almost any kind of jewelry with a flora print bridesmaid dress, but you should follow the same guidelines as in choosing your bouquet. Let the dress shine and choose simple but interesting jewelry. 

Shoes
The type of shoes you put with the dress can completely change the look and feel of the dress. Have your bridesmaids wear a pair of peep toe heels for vintage glam or your brides can pull on their cowboy boots for a rustic chic wedding. 

Hair
Your bridesmaids should wear their hair in ultra feminine and flirty styles to match the feminine style of the dress. Think loose curls or braids. 

What do you think? Would you use floral bridesmaid dresses? Tell me in comment section below!

There is a new trend many brides are embracing. They want to say their vows dressed in a Cinderella ball down but could do without lugging around pounds of tulle all night long. They would rather dance the night away in something a little less cumbersome. They are opting to purchase a second, less expensive dress...the reception dress. 

The reception dress can be many things. If are torn between two dresses, you can simply say yes to both. You may also consider a dress that compliments the first but is in a slimmer silhouette. If you want  to be a little more matchy matchy, consider purchasing your bridesmaid dress in white.

If white is not your color, purchase your second dress in a dusty rose or if you plan to show off some serious dance floor moves, you may want to look at the shorter dresses. 

Some would say a reception dress is frivolous.  However, I think there is good reason to spring for the second dress (especially when you can get so many for less than $500), when it is an issue of comfort.  Summers in The Woodlands can get very hot and wearing a heavy wedding dress at an outdoor reception sounds like it could be miserable!   

Are you wondering if a reception dress is something you should buy? I would love to know what you think in the comment section below!

Photo by Jo Photo

When I first sat down to write this article about church coordinators, I must admit that I envisioned a little, grey-haired lady following a bride and groom around saying “No” to this and that request. I assumed, (which I should not do, as we all know the saying that comes with “assuming”), that the role of a church wedding coordinator, above all else, was to maintain the sanctity of the church.

However, in the midst of writing, I discovered two things. First, they are not all old and grey. In fact, the majority are young and open to new ideas. Second, even though the integrity of the church is important, it is not the only main focus. 

Even though each house of worship has a different set of procedures and guidelines to follow, the wedding coordinator’s job is to ensure that the bride and groom, most importantly, are able to have the ceremony they envision.

Toni Meason, Wedding Director at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, has been
coordinating church weddings for 11 years. Toni makes sure the bride and groom are “made to feel welcome, let them know I am there to help, and know I am glad they are here.” She stresses, “I want the couple to have a good understanding of how the wedding
will proceed, so that they can enjoy their rehearsal and wedding day.”

In order to accomplish this goal, she arranges a private meeting with the couple, which typically lasts about an hour. She inquires about the chosen vendors (i.e. Wedding Planner, musicians or specialty choir, florist, etc.), family members and bridal party, ceremony music, particular readings, and whether the couple plans to have Communion. Basically, she apprises the bride and groom about her role from the rehearsal all the way through the recessional. 

Toni also emphasizes that she supports anything the bride and groom wish to include as far as décor as long as it does not “endanger the guests or facility.” She feels that there are some churches that are far “too rigid” and this might be why so many couples today are choosing a venue rather than a place of worship to have their  ceremony.

Realizing that brides and grooms have other options, I have found that most church wedding coordinators today want to send the message that just because there are still guidelines that must be followed does not mean the couple cannot incorporate new trends in order to have the wedding they envision. No longer are they blurting out “No!” to all ideas.

About the Author
Pam Sparks is an event manager and event specialist for En Vogue Events and is known for her amazing energy and love of designing beautiful wedding themes. 

Pam is currently a member of NACE, the National Association of Catering Executives, and serving on the Crystal ICON Awards committee for ISES, the International Special Events Society.

You can connect with her on Twitter!  

The polka dot is a simple reminder that it is the simple things in life. Polka dots are not an exceptionally artistic or intricate design, but they have withstood the test of time and are embraced as an American Classic. 

Polka dots are also a popular wedding trend. Personally, I think it is adorable! So, what has me thinking about polka dots? 

Well, my friend Candice has started writing for a super informative wedding blog called Zankyou. Her first published story with them is "8 ways to Dress Your Wedding in Polka Dots." Check out her article and tell her hello! 

I love cooking and if you do too, this is your opportunity to fill your kitchen with decor and tools that you will use almost everyday to prepare food for your new husband and future family! These must-have registry items are a collection of  lovely + colorful kitchen wares as fresh as a farmer's market. Fill your registry with items that you love. Don't worry about an item being too trendy. Use this opportunity to fill your home with things that you love and inspire you! (Full disclosure: some of the items links below are affiliate links, but I wouldn't have chosen them if I didn't love them and wish they were in my kitchen today!) 

1// Farmer's Market Basket by Anthropologie
2// Chevron Kitchen Art Prints by TexturedINK

4// Dotty Match Apron by Anthropologie

5// Handmade Pottery by Tasha McKelvey

7// Screen Printed Kitchen Towel by Counter Couture Design