Be Our Sweetheart

Yes, Valentine's Day is over but we still want you to be our sweetheart!

We have been so overwhelmed with support and love from our fans that we thought of a way to work closely with a few of you who want to be part of Say I Do! help us break new ground and continue to provide resources for same-sex couples who are planning to marry.

Introducing the Say I Do! Sweetheart Ambassador initiative! 

If you love what we do and want to be part of our efforts going forward, we are looking for you! To learn more and to apply, send us an email to info(at)sayidoexpo(dot)com and we will send over details. 

Thank you!

Fascinated by Fascinators!

I must admit, I have an obsession with fascinators. Without a doubt, one will be making a cameo at my wedding. I love them because they are great for those who want to go the veil route, but also want to do something not as traditional.

The range of fascinators go from sleek and elegant to wild and funky plus everything in between.  Here are a few that caught my eye...

So tell us, are you a veil or a fascinator type gal?

3 Tips For Valentine's Elegance at Your Wedding

Love is in the air and while many limit Valentine's Day to just Feb 14th, many couples choose to carry out the Valentine's Day theme when they say "i do".

There are so many different ways to execute the Valentine's Day theme in your wedding without a million little naked cherubs showing up at your wedding!

Here are 3 ways to create the romantic ambiance that Valentine's Day requires in subtle ways at your wedding.

Think Color

Clearly red would be on the top of the list for Valentine's Day wedding themes. But also pinks, purples, whites and silvers work as well. Incorporate these colors throughout your wedding in various ways. Weave these color combo's through your wedding to create the theme.  You can also opt for for a more monotone event, choosing one color such as red for your wedding.

Great use of red as dominant color

Hues of pink and white

Think Romance

Remind your guests how sweet love is by weaving romantic phrases and sweet words throughout your wedding.  Your dessert table, can have a cute little plaque that says "love is sweet...indulge" or even but a cute little tag that says something similar on an edible wedding favor.

Soft lighting says ROMANCE!

Dessert!

Think Accessories

The little things make a big difference! How about a pop of color with some darling red shoes?

Photo credits:
www.iwannebeaweddingplanner.wordpress.com
www.indulgy.com

Do's and Don'ts for Your Rooftop Wedding

Rooftop weddings can be beautiful. Catch a stunning glimpse of a city skyline or overlook a sparkling blue ocean. You really have the chance to impress your guests (and take some awesome pictures) with a wedding on a rooftop. But before you book your ideal rooftop venue, we've got the scoop on some important tips every couple should know in planning a rooftop shindig.  We got a some help from planner Latoya Parnell of Something Blue Weddings for this piece.

Keep reading to learn the do's and don'ts of a rooftop wedding.

DO - Have a Plan B!! Mother Nature is a funny thing and unlike a tent which has covering a rooftop is open to the elements so unless you plan for the unexpected rainy day of having an inside space available you may be in a pretty pickle with nowhere to go.

DO - Consider an evening shindig. Nothing is more gorgeous, especially in the city than the illumination provided by the surrounding buildings.  This will give your wedding that extra ambiance and something special.  If you can catch sunset just in time to say "i do" that too would also make for stunning pictures. If you're having a rooftop wedding be sure to consider all the ways you can take advantage of the setting. Which brings us to...

DO - Remember that the sky is the limit. Play off the beautiful colors of the sky and the open airedness (I know this isn't a word. lol) or the space. Natural sunlight is a photographers best friend so let the world be your backdrop and try not to over decorate the space.

DON'T - Forget to check the sound. If you're having a wedding on a rooftop, chances are the wind is greater than on ground level plus with the other outside noises be sure to make sure you have the necessary equipment so that your guests can hear important announcements.

DON'T - Assume that everyone knows its your wedding day and will adjust their plans accordingly.  Flights are still scheduled (their path may be over your venue!) and other normal events will unfold. Some things, such as a plane flying overhead just as you say "i do" can be managed, by ensuring your wedding accounts for scheduled flights so you can plan around them.  Be sure to look into what other events are happening the day of your wedding, so there are no surprises!

And now, as a bonus, for our DC area couples (or those considering a DC wedding), here are 3 local venue options for a rooftop wedding.

Point of View - Rooftop Lounge, Washington, DC

Newseum - Washington, DC

Tabaq Bistro Resturant

2013 Ultimate Wedding Contest: Win $5,000 in Prizes Towards Your Wedding!

Share your love story and you could win $5,000 towards your wedding. Contest courtesy of Micheal's Craft stores, open to all couples.  To enter, click the banner below.

Virginia Residents: Witness for Marriage Equality on Valentine's Day

    

Virginia residents: Stand up for equality and join Equality Virginia and People of Faith for Equality in Virginia to Witness for Marriage. Events held on Feb 14th in Arlington, Hampton, Richmond and Winchester. 

See link below for details and to RSVP:

http://www.equalityvirginia.org/marriage

Click here to select an event to join.

Awesome Giveaway in Support of Marriage Equality!

Are you engaged?

Do you live in Maryland?

If so, I have some really great news for you! 

Capitol Romance and Maggie Winters Photography want to give YOU a free 2-hour photoshoot. The photoshoot will be shot by Maggie of Maggie Winters photography and styled by the incredibly creative Bree of Capitol Romance.

Trust me. You want to win this!

Okay, enough chatter...here's the scoop on how to land this great prize:

1. Mosey on over to Capitol Romance (here is the full link: http://www.capitolromance.com/2012/11/26/photography-giveaway-with-maggie-winters-photography-for-maryland-marriage-equality/).
2. Leave a comment on the Capitol Romance blog (not ours) with your creative idea for a photography session
3. Be sure to tell 'em Say I Do! sent you. This won't boost your chances of winning but will score you brownie points with me :-)
4. The giveaway closes Jan 31st. So expect a winners announcement shortly thereafter

And that's it! Do enter and please share!

Thank you and may the odds be ever in your favor!!