As seen on www.sweetpea-flowers.com website, here are a few shots from some of the weddings we collaborated on.
What an amazing summer ... and this is just a little sneak peek of 2009. 

These weddings were at some amzing local and mountain locations from Rembrandt Yard to Devils Thumb Ranch and Phipps Mansion and Tennis Pavilion to the Stanley Hotel.


Pictures from top left to bottom right courtesy of Cafiero Photography, Megan Newton, Brinton Studios, James Christianson, Jenna Walker Photography - Katie Thurmes, and Paige Elizabeth Photography.

A maid of honor is an attendant who has not been married whereas a matron of honor is someone who is either currently married or has been married.
Some brides will choose to select a maid and matron of honor to be part of their wedding party. With religious specific weddings, sometimes traditions will dictate that the bridesmaids, including the maid and matron of honor walk down separately from the groomsmen whereas in other situations they do walk down as couples. 

I encourage couples that do not have a set tradition for their wedding to structure the ceremony with as much creativity or tradition as they would like, whatever best represents them.  I had a bride a few years ago that had a “groomsmaid” of honor as her best friend was a male.  I love when couples are comfortable making their own rules and creating their own special touches.  Tradition is great as well; again, whatever makes your wedding day YOURS is what matters most. Typically the maid and/or matron of honor is expected to assist the bride with various things.  If the maid/matron of honor lives out of state, sometimes family members and other bridesmaids will step in.  So much depends on the bride and the friendship she shares with her maid/matron of honor and other bridesmaids.  Things they usually would help out with, based on the bride might include-          planning or co-hosting bridal showers, engagement parties, and/or bachelorette parties-          helping with selecting the wedding attire including the bride’s gown, bridesmaid’s dresses, etc.-          might offer input and suggestions on colors, location, and other details of the wedding-          assistance with assembling and addressing invitations-          offering general support and enthusiasm for the bride-          helping with communication with the bridal party in regards to pre-wedding events-          being there for the bride, likely her best or one of her closest friends, for such an important and significant celebration-          during the reception, most of the time she will toast the bride and groom

This is our first blog posting as featured in mywedding.com

Knowing what to wear to a wedding or special event can be pretty confusing nowadays.  Rarely in Colorado do we see a truly formal black-tie affair and occasionally jeans or cargo pants will make their way into an elegant reception hall.  Based on the time of year, time of day, and part of the country, as well as the style of the venue, appropriate attire can really vary.  It can really be helpful to look online and learn about the town and location for the wedding in order to really select your outfit.  In general, I recommend guests be dressed similarly to the bridal party and immediate family or one step down if it is a more formal, traditional wedding.  For example, if the wedding party is in full-length gowns and tuxedos, a guest could wear a nice, dark suit and a shorter cocktail dress.

There are so many assorted descriptions and phrases used to communicate the appropriate and expected attire ...

Dressy casual -- the emphasis is really on the "dressy" and not the "casual".  Jeans and shorts are not really options, more slacks and a buttoned or polo shirt for men and a pant suit or cocktail or dressier sundress for ladies.

Fun or themed attire -- perhaps your wedding is at a ranch or farm.  Maybe you are getting married on a specific holiday or time of the year.  In this case, a themed outfit or certain colors might be appropriate.  You definitely will want to make sure that what you plan to wear is what the bride and groom have envisioned.

Black tie -- the most formal affair.  Traditionally men would wear a tux with a bowtie though nowadays a long tie is common.  A dark suit and tie may suffice but a tux is the requested outfit.  Ladies can wear a nice, elegant floor-length gown though a shorter dress is acceptable.  Women could also wear an elegant pantsuit though most will wear a gown.

Black tie optional or black tie suggested -- women should wear a nice , elegant gown or shorter dress.  Men can opt for a nice, dark suit but a tux would be completely acceptable.

Semi-formal -- A small step down from the full-length gown and tuxedo.  A full-length dress is appropriate for women though a shorter length is acceptable.  Men should be wearing a suit and tie.

Informal -- Usually this should be interpreted as semi-formal though it sounds like it could be more casual or dressy casual.  Basically it is also a small step down from formal or black tie.

Cocktail attire -- a suit or shirt and tie for men and a fun, festive yet still elegant dress for women.  And for the ladies, color is OK but black is always a safe option as well.

Elegant attire -- when most couples use this description, I think what they are really requesting is for people to look nice.  Similar to cocktail attire but maybe a little more elegant and creative.  No jeans or shorts, nothing too casual but a tux or fancier gown is a bit too dressed up.

Casual -- unless the event is truly at a ranch or farm and more likely the rehearsal or welcome dinner, even casual really doesn't mean jeans and shorts.  With the right accessories for a less formal event, women can wear a great pair of darker jeans or slacks or a more casual skirt and top.  You still want to look dressed up and ready to go out but not too formal.  Men can wear slacks and a nice shirt, not a T-shirt.

Daytime affair or more casual wedding -- Lighter and brighter colors are certainly acceptable.  A sportscoat and no tie for men or just a tie and no jacket is appropriate.  Women can wear a more fun sundress or skirt and top or nice blouse and slacks.  The darker, more formal suits and dresses are less common.

Wearing white -- simply put, this wedding planner does not suggest that any women wear a white or ivory dress or pantsuit or really even a white or ivory top or skirt to a wedding.  A pattern or print that includes white or ivory is perfectly acceptable.

Wearing the wedding colors -- while you don't want to look just like a bridesmaid or like the mother of the bride or groom, it can be fun and flattering for the bride who likely spent much time and effort selecting her color palette to have guests arrive wearing some of the wedding colors whether that be with accessories or your actual dress or outfit. 

JA Special Events is excited to announce that we will be appearing as a guest blogger for MyWedding.com
Topics that are of interest to brides and grooms around the country will be featured and wedding and event planning professionals will offer advice, information, and opinions.
The first topic ... wedding attire for bridal party and guests.
What does "dressy casual" or "elegant attire" or "cocktail dress suggested" really mean?
Stay tuned .... I will post my thoughts on my blog as well!

When you think of an autumn wedding, often shades of burnt orange, deep reds, and golds come to mind.  Chocolate brown has made an appearance in many weddings over the past few years in almost every season.  Recently a new client mentioned her favorite colors and they really didn't "fit" for the season in which they are planning their wedding.  I say that it is YOUR day and you get to set the mood and ambiance.  Regardless of the time of year or time of day, I encourage couples to incorporate their favorite colors.  It is a great way to customize and personalize your wedding and express yourself.  Greens and browns are very neutral colors that can compliment a brighter color pallette with pinks and purples or oranges and yellows.  White and ivory can also make a great statement whether it is with flowers, linens, or decor.  Decide the feel you want when guests arrive at your ceremony and first enter the reception .... clean and crisp, lush and opulent, fun and colorful, modern and structured and then just have fun creating!