Holiday Proposals!!!

'Tis the season for proposals.  Did you get proposed over the holidays? If so, we want to hear your story. Everything from Thanksgiving through New Years is acceptable.  Share your holiday proposal story with us!

Email hello(at)pinkdotconcepts.com.  Be sure to include your names (first only is OK), ages, location and how long you've been together. Also include a picture as well. Your picture doesn't have to be a picture of the proposal (even though that would be nice) just any picture of the happy couple will do.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!

It's Freezing

It is beyond a shadow of a doubt, bitter freezing cold out.Despite the temperature reading at 21 degrees, with the wind factor, it seems like about 8 degrees. If you are reading this blog from a warm climate, please send some sun and warmth this way. If you're in one of those states were it's a lot colder than here in the DC area, I really don't understand how you cope.

Makes me wonder about winter weddings. No, not "winter" weddings in sunny California. I'm talking about winter weddings in places like Boston or Ohio where it is cold to the bone. I've found lots of stuff and pictures online about winter weddings. Many great ideas and pictures mainly featuring straight couples (if you have any winter wedding pictures featuring same-sex couples, I would love to feature them)!

But here is some inspiration for winter weddings. I love these pictures because it makes you feel all warm on the inside :-) Enjoy!

Community Message: Elixher.com "Our Family" series

I received this message from the creator of Elixher.com, Kimberley McLeod.  A new resource for the black female queer community.  Ms. McLeod has an opportunity to participate in a series she is creating, please read below for details.  If you're interested, please contact Kimberly directly.

--------------

I am spotlighting women in the Black queer community, everyone from artists to activists, for the launch of my website, Elixher.com. Elixher is your go-to resource for all things empowering, thought-provoking, and pertinent to the Black female queer community and experience. You’ll find everything from uplifting profiles and local events to political commentary and personal reflections and more!

I'm currently working on a series called "Our Family" that celebrates Black queer families and delves into some of the challenges they face. All names will be changed to maintain some anonymity.

I’d love to include you and family by asking a few questions via email or in-person. The goal of the series is to depict same-sex parent families in a way that's authentic and celebratory. If you would like to participate or learn more about the project, please email me at info@elixher.com by December 17. 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Kimberley McLeod

Creator, Elixher.com

info@elixher.com

Wish Upon A Wedding Online Auction - 10 Hours Left!

Have you seen? Wish upon a weddings online auction ends in just a few hours!  Check out the photography packages, honeymoon auctions and much more!!!  They have a floral/lights package valued at $7,000 being auctions for just over $300.  If you're looking for a deal, and great quality services visit: https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Browse.action?grouping=ALL&auctionId=115386483

Nicole Miller Sample Sale - This Friday (Philadelphia)

Brides! Looking for a great dress at an incredible price? Check out the Nicole Miller Sample Sale going in Philadelphia this Friday. For details, check out their events page here: http://www.wix.com/nmphilly/nicole-miller-philadelphia.  Not familiar with Nicole Miller?  Here is some of her work, starting with my favorite!

Dress retails for just $595!!

I'm On Examiner.com!

I am the new DC LGBT Weddings Examiner on examiner.com!  So far, I have one article up, but there are plenty more to come!  Check out and bookmark my page by clicking here. While this blog is more of my personal opinions, rants and raves on examiner.com I will providing great information and resources for any gay or lesbian couple planning to marry in or around our nations capital! 

My goal is to get one or two articles up per week, if you have any topic suggestions do let me know!

Oh, and here is the link to my first article: http://www.examiner.com/lgbt-weddings-in-washington-dc/gay-wedding-sanity-guide-part-1.

INSPIRATION: Pink, Black and Platinum...oh my!

It's been a while since I've found images of our colors that wowed me.  Our colors are pink, black and platinum and while pink and black seems to be hot now, it's often paired with white.  I came across this picture and immediately fell in love! Check out how they use the platinum for a little (not not too much) bling effect...

Photo credit: http://www.weddingplanningadvice.net

Tossing The Garter...

We've all seen the traditional garter toss at weddings.  The groom removes the garter with his hands (or teeth) from the bride and tosses it into a crowd of single guys.  I've seen a few times where the groom goes up under the brides dress (use your imagination here) to retrieve the garter. Even though I've seen this done lots of times at straight weddings, I've never seen this does at a gay, let me be more specific, lesbian wedding. 

Personally, I am not interested in this at all.  After all, who would remove the garter? Would I wear a garter and my partner remove it? Or, would my partner wear one and I remove it? Or, do we both wear one and and remove it from each other? Yeah...either way, I'm just not interested in this for my wedding.

I read up on the history of this practice and it's kinda weird.  Looks like brides began to throw their garter to keep others from ripping their dress...strange, but true!

But for me...I'll pass on the garter toss.  How do you feel about this traditional practice?

Is Virginia for ALL Lovers?

While doing some research on wedding venues, I noticed that I was looking only at DC and MD as potential locations.  The thought of having a ceremony and reception in Virginia made me cringe.Why? Especially since I live in Virginia would I be so opposed to celebrating my union here?

While there are many things I love about this state, there are certainly a few things that give me cause to pause.  Let me explain, I live in Northern Virginia and I have found that the differences between those who reside in the North and our Southern counterparts are many.  But, with respect to this blog, let's get straight to the point...I'm talking about marriage equality; well, just equality, period.

In the DMV, it seems that DC and Maryland have made some progress on marriage equality. But in Virginia, the issue is still taboo.  In Virginia, one can be fired for being gay.  In Virginia gays or lesbians are not allowed to adopt.  In 2006, Virginia passed a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex couples from marrying.  In Virginia, we have domestic violence laws that specifically EXCLUDE same-sex partners and hate crime laws that also EXCLUDE sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Could I be opposed to having my ceremony in Virginia because the laws have made it clear that Virginia is opposed to me?

I think so.  See, Virginia takes the same amount of taxes from me as they would any other person, but yet, I am not equally protected under the law.  And that's wrong.  And while I don't want my wedding to be a political statement, I may wind up spending my hard earned money in outside of Virginia simply because Virginia has proved that it is not for ALL lovers...just the straight ones.

I should however; and will, open myself up to VA venues simply because there are many businesses who support marriage equality who happen to be located in a state that doesn't.  While, I hope that Virginia wakes up soon and supports the rights of all...not just a select few, I won't hold my breath.

Not-So-Big Wedding Boutique & Challenge

So, I'm headed to the Not-So-Big Wedding Boutique & Challenge tomorrow with the family.  It is a wedding expo that focuses on weddings with a small budget (under 15K).  Which I think is great, because our wedding budget is not big at all.



The good thing is that representatives from one of the parks in MD (well, a few of them) that we are considering for our ceremony will be there.  Plus the event will be held at Rockville Manor, a facility that I like so it will be good to see it up close and personal, finally.


Here's my concern.  One of the reasons that I produce Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo is because most wedding shows assume a man-woman couple. That's the target audience and the assumption of a bride and groom is the norm. So as a non-traditional couple, you never know how you will be received.  So this will be interesting, to say the least.  It's always an interesting reaction with the person I am speaking to learns that I am marrying her not him...


Needless, to say I am hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.  But as I always say, if someone has a problem with me, it's entirely theirs!

Pride Jewelry

While I'm not a fan of rainbow merchandise, I have been looking for a little rainbow jewelry to show my pride. So I was checking out Love and Pride because they have a collection of pride jewelry that even works for my discriminating tastes. Here are my favorite items.  I really like the yin yang pendant.  My gf can take the one with the black rope and I will wear the one with the pink rope.  Yup, I know that's so gay! LOL



With this standout piece, you are sure to show your Love and Pride! Tags are a stunning 925 silver with a rainbow enamel that radiates through the word Love and provides the perfect amount of color and personality. This piece measures 1 1/2 inches by 3/4 of an inch wide and hangs on a 22 inch chain.




A new twist of a familiar symbol! This yin yang style pendant, made of stainless steel and adorned with pink enamel female insignias, shows a real statement of style. With a hint of pink, the pendant is feminine, yet striking! The two pieces fit together perfectly, and are attached to black and pink cotton cords. The perfect accessory for any woman's style! Special Offer! Free sample of exclusive "L" eau de Parfum included with purchase of this item.





Enjoy your inner wild side with these dazzling earrings! Inspired by the characters on True Blood, these infinity shaped earrings represent the infinite lives the vampires lead. 120 true rubies totaling 3.15ct are carefully placed to cover this earring with sheer elegance. Earrings measure 1.5" in diameter.

You can find this jewelry and more at Love and Pride!

INSPIRATION: Pretty in Pink

Pink is my favorite color.  Here's how pink goes sophisticated for a wedding...

October Too Chilly for An Outdoor Wedding?

Our wedding day will be in October of 2012.

Why? Because we both love the fall and how beautiful the leaves are with they change to bright reds, oranges and golds. October has some warm days and some really chilly ones, and when it's warm its NICE and when its chilly, it's not as pleasant.  It's not like were having our wedding in a warm climate, so I am getting a little concerned that our guests and us will freeze our piggies off at our October wedding. We plan on having an outdoor ceremony and a tented receptions.  If that wasn't enough we were looking to have an evening event or at least late afternoon. Maybe I'm putting to much thought into it.  I guess we hope for the best and plan for the worst.

Anyone else having a fall or winter wedding? How are you preparing?

10.25: Say I Do Diaries: Things Have Been Slow

Things have been slow on the wedding planning front.  Simply because life (outside of wedding planning) has been pretty hectic.  We are still on track of course, plus with a 2012 wedding we still have wiggle room.  I think now what we need is a timeline and we discussed sitting down at least once a week just to discuss wedding stuff (hasn't happened yet).  2012 gives us ample planning time, but I know it will be here before we know it!

I also need a book, kinda like a scrapbook so I can place picture of the things and colors I want for the wedding. This will help give my partner and I as well as the vendors we work with a visual idea of what we are looking for.  I think the vendors will appreciate this plus by doing this we make sure we don't forget any detail!

October Is GLBT History Month!

With so much going on this month, I had almost forgotten that this is GLBT History Month! Yes, shame on me! For a great and informative tribute to LGBT pioneers, entrepreneurs, activists and leaders head on over to: http://www.glbthistorymonth.com

Candy Buffets Make Every One Smile!

Candy Buffets are all the rage in weddings these days. candy buffets range from very simple and sweet to elegant displays that would make anyone's jaw drop in awe.

What I love love about candy buffets is that there is so much you can do with a small budget. I think that a candy hour could even replace a cocktail hour and be a lot less expensive. Of course, they can be incorporated into the reception as well but the point is here the options are wide with a candy buffet.

Here is how to execute a simple candy buffet, its as easy as 1-2-3!

Decide When
When will you display your sweet assortment? In lieu of a traditional cocktail hour, at the wedding itself or at the reception? You can use a candy buffet to "buy time". For example, if you have a late afternoon wedding you might have a candy buffet selection prior to the nuptials. Giving guests time to satisfy their sweet tooth while the wedding party gets ready. The choice is up to you. Whenever during your big day that you place your candy buffet be sure to allow time for the guests to enjoy it and even possibly provide small bags or boxes that guests can take home a few of their favorite treats.

Color & Style
How sweet would it be to infuse your wedding colors into your buffet? Red and white wedding? Then you will have all red and white candy. A color themed candy buffet is both creative and eye catching. Or, you can do certain candy types like candy found at a movie theater, nostalgia candy, etc... It's your wedding, have fun with it!

Presentation
A final note to consider is how you want your buffet to look. You can have a big round table or several rectangle tables. You can use glass or porcelain to display your candy. You can use small chalk board signs to let guests know the type of candy displayed or small tent cards.

The best thing about a candy buffet is that there really are no rules. This is a modern trend with not rooted in tradition, so you don't "have to" do things a certain way.

Need inspiration for your candy buffet? Look no further...

Source: http://budgetdreamweddings.com/2077

Source: http://budgetdreamweddings.com/2077

Source: http://www.weddingmanor.com/new_wedding_items.html

Source: http://www.big-wedding-tiny-budget.com

Source: http://www.weddingbee.com

 

 

 

 

Source: http://www.christinascreativeplanning.com

Four Weddings

I recently had the opportunity to view the show Four Weddings on TLC. For those who aren't in the know (like I was up until about a day ago) Four Weddings is a show where 4 brides judge each others weddings in hopes of having the best wedding and being awarded the grand prize...a honeymoon! Essentially, the brides attend each others wedding and vote on the overall experience, the dress, the food and the venue.

While I enjoyed watching the show I couldn't ignore the huge potential for bias as well as the lack of any same-sex couples on the show. However, the producers figured out a way to control the bias and ensure accurate results by having the brides rank first, second and third place for most of the categories. While it was a fun show to watch, everyone has different personalities so by default likes, dislikes and wedding styles were totally different. What one bride loved another despised.

So I got to thinking...would I do a reality show like this? And while I'm not the reality show type of gal, I think I would do this show. I get to attend 3 weddings, eat good food, have fun and possibly win a honeymoon? Count me in!

Are reality shows something you would do? If so, which reality shows would you be interested in?

10.7.10 INSPIRATION: Champagne Reception

On a budget? Check out this great idea for a simple but fun reception courtesy of Project Wedding. I love this because it goes to show that you don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a wedding. Remember, a wedding is a celebration of love not a means to go broke.

For the complete story visit: http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/create-a-simple-champagne-reception

Favors, Trinkets & Other Such Things...

My recent excitement over the 50% off sale over at The Knot Wedding Shop got me thinking about purchasing things for a wedding (or any other occasion) that will have little or no value to the recipient or any use after the event.  For example, we all attend weddings, parties, etc... and receive a small gift or goodie bag and while it's nice; most of the time it simply winds up in the trash or forgotten about in some dusty corner of the house.  The sad part is, that someone spent a good chunk of change on your forgotten prize.

I don't want to do that.

I want almost everything for my wedding to have a use that surpasses that one day.  So I am very hesitant to invest in cute little trinkets that wind up being "throw-aways" or "forgotten abouts".   Don't get me wrong I am a fan of cutesy favors and trinkets but when it comes to spending my money, I want to ensure that I get the most bang for my buck.

So what did I find that I thought was a great buy? Here are my top 5!

Unity Sand



So my gf wants a Unity Candle for our wedding. Cool. But the fact that it once the wedding is over the candle gets tossed or forgotten about...not so cool.  So when I found this Unity Sand Set I thought we just have to have it.  Here's why I like it:

1. We can incorporate our wedding colors
2. We can keep it forever as a symbol of our commitment and our wedding day
3. It's a great conversation piece
4. It's soooo pretty!!

Bubbles!


I do love bubbles!  And I really love these because they are 50% off at The Knot, they come in a variety of colors and styles as well.  Did I say they are 50% off?  I get 48 of these for just $6!!  This is great since we will have kids at our wedding PLUS the bubbles dissolve when they hit the ground so no mess!  And the tubes are recyclable! 

Blume Box


These are cute little pop-up vases that can be used as centerpieces which guests can take home.  What a treat!  These vases are affordable (2.99 on sale) and make great gifts for your guests.  They do double duty as decoration and as gifts.  Love it!

Matchbooks


Not an uncommon favor, but I think its certainly useful.  Even as a non-smoker I do have a need for matches.  And what a great way to remember a special occasion than with personalized matchbooks?  The Knot has a great deal on them, just $18 for 100. This isn't mandatory, but certainly not a budget buster and will most likely be put to good use.

Personalized Chocolates!!


Both my gf and I are chocolate lovers! I just can't image not having a few of Hershey chocolate with our personalized wrappers on them at each guests place setting on our wedding day.  I just think its a wonderful touch and sooo cute! I can't imagine these lasting for very long. Plus you can get 100 for $30!

Visit The Knot Wedding Shop for all these products and others.  Also check out etsy.com for some cute finds too!

Save With The Knot Wedding Shop

I'm a big fan of a sale!  I love getting discounts on things that I can use and need...and I think most people do as well.  So I would be remiss if I didn't announce that The Knot Wedding Shop is holding a 50% off sale off of many popular wedding supplies.  Do check it out (I think some of the pricing is below cost...bad for them, but good for us!). Just click on the image below or click here to browse the items on sale.

And The Winner Is (Drumroll Please...)

Jeanette and Theresa!!!!

Are the winners of our cutest couples contest!!! With a whopping 161 votes!!  Congrats ladies!  Of course they are the lucky winners of a special treat from the Lollipop Chef.  6 mouth-watering lollipop brownies will be to their door courtesy of Say I Do! and the Lollipop Chef!

Thank you and congrats to all our couples who were all just lovely and a round of applause for their participation!!!

*Winners will be contacted in 5-7 business days; however, if you are the winner feel free to reach out to us and claim your prize!

INSPIRATION: Creativity & Style

There is A LOT of inspiration on this blog! Check it out!

I've had about 10 tabs open on my browser for the past week of wonderful wedding ideas that I kept telling myself I would look at it later.  Well, now is later and the creativity behind some of the wedding ideas is truly amazing.

A wedding is one of the few times where its perfectly acceptable and expected for it to be all about you. I think that's exactly what a wedding should be, it would be fake if it wasn't.  There are many color schemes and themes that are not my style but I can't help but to admire how well done it is, making for a fab shindig.  I'm also learning how lighting done right can be a beautiful yet inexpensive way to decorate any venue.  So here's what I've seen around the web that I think is beautiful. 

Courtesy of: http://encoreevents.wordpress.com

 

 

 

 

More pink/black/platinum inspiration

Has It Been Over A Week?

Funny how times flies! I haven't posted in over a week! But don't worry, I will be back at it in a few days.  I have some great stuff and news to share with you!

Happy Monday!

9.5.2010 Diary: No Thank You...We Will Pass On Your Advice...

That's what my gf said when I presented her with the idea of having a bowl asking for people to give advice to the newly married couple (us, of course) at our wedding.  This was so funny to me simply because whenever I ask my gf a question, I rarely get a definitive yes or no.  It's usually, "whatever you want to do, babe", but when I asked her about this I got a loud and clear "NO!"  LOL!

I was inspired by the picture on the right, which I thought was a good idea. But my gf clearly pointed out that most people in her family aren't in happy relationships and/or are on marriage #3.  And I can honestly say that most people in my family aren't in relationships, period.  As the saying goes, never take advice from anyone you wouldn't want to trade places with.  Asking someone who never had a strong, happy and fruitful relationship about how to have a great marriage is like asking a poor man how to be rich.  I still think this is a great idea, especially if you have people whom you know can provide good insight and tips.  But for our wedding, it's a no-go.

But here are some ideas that we plan on using:

What an awesome idea!  A coloring book for the kiddies to give them something to do...if even for just a few minutes.
Of course, the cover would be different!  But this is genius and simple!

These are memory candles. What an awesome way to honor the memory of loved ones who have departed.  I want to do this in honor of my mom.  I figure we can do a few and my sisters and brothers can each take one.

All photos courtesy of: http://blog.splendidweddingco.com

INSPIRATION: PINK & BLACK = MARVELOUS!

Photo courtesy of: http://blog.splendidweddingco.com