16th Annual Ultimate Bridal Faire

Whether your the bride-to-be, mother of the bride or just along for the ride come see us on January 11th, 2008 at the 16th Annual Ultimate Bridal Faire. Northwest Special Events puts this bridal faire on and you wont want to miss it. With over 60 of our area's top wedding-related vendors displaying their products and services you must come see for yourself. Plus there will be a Fashion Show for you to check out all the new bridal trends! We'll be there so come say "Hello" to us at Creative Celebrations, we would love to help you with all your wedding needs!

When: January 11th 2009

Where: Skagit Valley Casino
(map it)

What Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fashion Show starts at 2 p.m.!

Something for the Boys....Proposal Ideas!

The holiday season is here and what a great gift to the women you love....an engagement! Did you know that approximately 1/3 of all engagements occur around the holidays? With the advice from Elegala, your proposal can be well prepared, memorable, and special. Below is a list of Elegala's favorite proposal ideas for the season. Their website is also full of other useful information for brides, grooms, and almost anything related to weddings. Click here for your ultimate guide for engagement rings, and here for more proposal advice.

Silent Night
With blanketed countryside catching the glow of the twinkling lights and stars above, the season’s natural landscape sets the perfect ambiance for a romantic marriage proposal. Take a moonlit stroll through the new fallen snow, and ask her to be your wife.

Jingle Bell Rock
Arrange for the two of you to put up the holiday decorations together. Carefully attach a sparkling rock to her favorite ornament, and give it to her once all the rest have been placed on the tree.

And a Happy New Year
Ringing in the New Year goes hand in hand with a glass (or two) of the bubbly. Make hers extra sweet by dropping a dazzling diamond in her glass, and present it to her at the stroke of midnight.

Let it Snow
Ask her in a winter wonderland; write “Will You Marry Me” in fresh snow.All She Wants for Christmas If you suspect she may be on alert for a marriage proposal this holiday season, throw her off track during your gift exchange. Give a typical present, and when she starts to think that it’s not happening this time, suddenly remember another gift – and surprise her with the ring.

Home for the Holidays
Dreading the annual day of airport mayhem required to visit your families for the holidays? If you’re traveling together this season, make it a trip to remember. Stow the engagement ring in your carry-on (un-wrapped of course), and have the boarding attendants announce a message for passenger (her name). Then pop the question just before you’re about to board. Hey, they may even bump you up to first class.

Caroling, Caroling
Have carolers come to the door and sing her favorite holiday tune – modifying one of the verses to say “will you marry me.”

Hooray for “Christmas Vacation”
Plan a night in to cuddle up and watch your favorite holiday film. Make a bowl of popcorn and place the ring at the bottom. When the popcorn’s almost finished, grab the ring and propose. (just don’t eat the ring!)

Santa Baby
Arrange to play Santa at a family or social Christmas party you’ll be attending with your honey. Have one of your friends convince her to sit on Santa’s lap. Be sure to tell her what Santa wants for Christmas – for her to be your wife!

Sleigh Ride
Many towns and cities offer carriage rides or tours to view the festive holiday regalia. On a particularly chilly evening, take your sweetie on a ride under the holiday lights. Propose while snuggling together under a blanket on a romantic “sleigh ride” through town.

Festive & Fun Holiday Drinks!

Festive drinks are always a big hit at any holiday party. Whether you go with a classic drink like homemade Eggnog and spiced cider, or want to mix it up with more complex blend like a Pumpkin Pie-Tini, holiday drinks are fun to experiment with and to serve to your guests. Here are a few festive drink recipes to try this season.

Happy Holidays Everyone ...from Creative Celebrations!

Winter White Cosmo

1 1/2 ounces Stoli Cranberry vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce white cranberry juice
3 frozen cranberries, to garnish
Combine ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake and strain into chilled martini glass. Float 3 or 4 frozen cranberries on top.

Poinsettia

1 scoop ice
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
4 ounces champagne
2 ounces cranberry juice
Squeeze of lemon
Build in a cylindrical or stemmed glass, in above order. Just before serving, top with the cranberry juice so it will float to the bottom of the champagne and Triple Sec. Garnish with large straw and lemon squeeze.

Naughty Milk

¾ ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
¾ ounce coffee liqueur (Starbuck’s preferred)
2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
4 ounces hot water
Whipped cream
Chocolate sprinkles
Peppermint stick (optional)
Use an 8 ½- or 9-ounce stemmed coffee mug (such as one you’d use for Irish Coffee). Add first four ingredients. Stir to mix. Top with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and a peppermint stick for the holidays.

Pumpkin Pie-Tini

Honey
Graham cracker crumbs
1 ounce milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 1/2 ounces Three-O Vanilla vodka
1 1/2 ounces crème de cacao
Using a small amount of honey, rim martini glass with graham cracker crumbs.Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice to combine. Pour in remaining ingredients and shake well. Strain into the martini glass.

If They Don't Make the Bridal Party

Do you have any close friends or family members who didn't make the bridal party list, but you still would love them to be apart of your special day? Why not ask them to help with something special either on your wedding day or in the preparation process so they can still be involved?

Here Are Some examples...

Wedding Day Tasks:

1. ask them to do a reading at your ceremony

2. maybe they could even officiate your wedding

3. they could serve as a greeter at the ceremony and hand out programs

4. maybe you have a friend or relative that can sing at your ceremony or reception

Pre-Wedding Tasks:

1. they can accompany you when trying on wedding dresses

2. they can help with either favor or invitation assembly

3. maybe they have ideas of places to hold your reception

M&M's Wedding Weekend

I just got back from an amazing wedding in one of my favorite little towns Old Town Alexandria, VA. We couldn't have asked for better weather and a more romantic place to see two of my favorite people get married. They went with a very Autumn filled event with rich colors of yellows, auburns, reds and golds. The flower girls had baskets full of autumn leaves which added to the Fall feel. They had a bagpiper at the ceremony site to welcome the guest which was such a fun little detail.

Wedding Cake Styles

The wedding cake has always been such a big part of a wedding, but now it's so much more then just flour and frosting. The wedding cake is almost the center piece of the reception. You can design a cake to be pretty much anything you would want. There are so many styles to choose from, you could do the traditional cake with fresh flowers to the totally fun & funky cake with bright colors and jewels. Another fun addition to your reception is a Groom's Cake. With its roots in Southern tradition, the Groom’s Cake has been around for many years and is back in fashion on the wedding scene. Today, the cake is meant to be a reflection of the groom’s interests, hobbies, favorite sports, alma mater, profession, or anything else he enjoys.Your wedding cake is something you should have fun with so whether you do classic and simple or custom and crazy just have fun...it's Your Wedding Day!

Off to the East Coast....

photo of Hotel Monaco

I'm off to the East Coast next week for a wedding, but not just any wedding...it's my brother's! The wedding will be held at The Athenaeum in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. This building is full of such history, as much of Old Town is. It was built in 1851 and has such a romantic feel to it. The reception will be held at this fun chic hotel in Old Town called Hotel Monaco. Misty, the bride-to-be has amazing taste and has been planning this beautiful fall wedding for months...I can't wait to post all the fun little details.

photo of the Bride & Groom by openField.

A wedding in the San Juan Islands?

These islands are near and dear to my heart since this is where I grew up. Every Spring and all the way through Fall the islands are busy, busy, busy with weddings! If you're from the Northwest you have probably been there for a wedding or at least a little vacation...if not pack your bags and make the trip. It's an amazing place to visit and a spectacular location for a dream wedding. Here are a few of my top picks.

Friday Harbor House, San Juan Island, WA
Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Island, WA
Lakedale Resort, San Juan Island,WA
The Orcas Hotel, Orcas Island, WA
Rosario Resort, Orcas Island, WA
Inn at Ships Bay, Orcas Island,WA

Shalyce & Ian

Shalyce & Ian had a beautiful wedding at Juntunen Farm & Gardens in Mount Vernon, WA this past September. Not only is Juntunen Farm one of Creative Celebrations Premier Venues, but Shalyce is the daughter to Colleen Smiley, the owner of Creative Celebrations. With that said, you knew everything was going to be perfect down to the last little detail for Shalyce and Ian's big day, as Creative Celebrations does with all our events. Rose Briar did such a fun and romantic job with the flowers and Michèle M. Waite did an amazing job on the photography. She has such a great eye and is one of our favorite photographers to work with.













All photos courtesy of Michèle M. Waite

SPRING & SUMMER 2009 WEDDING COLORS

Here are few color trends the 2009 Brides are looking at, very FUN!!!

TIFFANY BLUE

CORNFLOWER BLUE

CLOVER GREEN

APPLE

ORANGE

WATERMELON

GOLD

CHOCOLATE

BLACK + WHITE

Inspiration Boards

Whether you're planning a wedding, coroperate event, shower or just an intimate gathering heres somthing you might want to try.... an inspiration board. My soon to be sister in-law showed me hers back in the beginning stages of her wedding and I thought "what a great way to get all of your ideas in once place". Here our a few inspiration boards I've found to share with you.

2009 Wedding Gown Trends

I was reading Brenda's Wedding Blog and came across this posting. If your a bride in 2009 you might want to check this out to see the 2009 tends.

"Today's post is from Christina Demarco and she unveils the bridal fashion trends for 2009. It's time to say good-bye to A-line wedding gowns. 2009 brings new looks in bridal wear and Cristina DeMarco (Vice President and General Manager of Bridal Reflections in New York) shares with us what's hot in bridal styles that will suite even the most fashion forward and traditional brides."

1. Cap Sleeves: Keeping your shoulders covered may be favorable in some churches but it is also stylish, sophisticated, and sexy. "Cap sleeves show off a lot of skin while simultaneously keeping a sense of mystery by covering your shoulders," states DeMarco. Look for St. Pucchi for the best in this trend.

2. Soft-Ware: You'll see less and less bold hardware and beading on the gowns because the latest looks keep treatments subdued. "You'll see lots of delicate beading this year," she says. Gowns will still have intricate treatments but with a rich, fine look. Look for Ines Di Santo for the best in this trend.

3. Rich Fabric: It's all about the fabric this season from rich taffeta and delicate lace, to heavy silk. Choosing your fabric is just as important as the style and cut because it really brings your whole look together.

4. Cut: Sexy, low-cut backs are making their way down the aisle as are V-neck cuts in the front. "More and more brides are moving away from the strapless, A-line gown. Styles are evolving to help brides show off their best assets, whether that it their arms, neck, or back." Look for Ramona Keveza for the best in this trend.

Thank you Christina for sharing these trends with us.

Premier Venue

Juntunen Farm & Gardens is a 51-acre wholesale tree farm with 9 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The gardens have received recognition in national magazines, books and many local publications. Styles range from simple, cottage gardens to more formal, European-inspired design. Located just 60 miles north of Seattle, the gardens are a wonderful escape from the big city and an enchanting surprise within a country setting.
Though open to the landscape trade by appointment only, Rod and Mari Juntunen open the gardens a few times a year for fundraising events. Opportunities to host your own cocktail or dinner party are offered through auction at local charities.
For a rare and unique opportunity to book a wedding, special occasion or corporate retreat, the Juntunens have enlisted the exclusive services of Creative Celebrations.

Celebirty Weddings Anyone?!?!

I just found out that Beau-coup's has a new blog feature. Every Wednesday they'll highlight celebrity weddings with "Celebrity Wedding Wednesdays". I know I always want to hear the details about these wedding; pluse they'll have all the latest on celebrity engagements, weddings, and more. Something fun to check out mid-week.

Haggen Food & Pharmacy Corprate Event!

The 2008 Haggen Awards Banquet was such a success; with over 500 guest attending we made sure every detail was taken care of. The event was held at The Edward D. Hansen Conference Center in Everett, WA. They went with an Asian menu this year so we went with a red and black color scheme and had amazing centerpieces, designed by Haggen. We want to Thank Haggen Food & Pharmacy for having us be apart of their 2008 Awards Banquet.

See what people are saying about Creative Celebrations!

“Our wedding was perfect! We could not have asked for a better celebration! Everyone was so impressed with the work you two did. We could not have done it without you! I hope I was able to express how thankful Ian and I are, considering how much time and effort you devoted to help make our wedding day wonderful. We are so happy we were able to share this experience with the two of you, and again, thank you so much!”
Erica Butler – bride, Mount Vernon

“Colleen and Creative Celebrations rock! No stone left unturned, and a pleasure to work with.”
Mike Blade – Blade Chevrolet, Major Event Sponsor

“Creative Celebrations has been coordinating various corporate events for us since 1996, from our annual awards banquet with 400+ guests to new store grand openings for entire communities. Their dedication to perfection, creativity in design and helpful insights into the behind the scenes of these large events have made them stress free for our staff and a joy for our guests.”
Lisa Hill – Human Resources Coordinator, Haggen, Inc.


“Creative Celebrations has been a vital and energetic source of information for us; they have provided us with a timeline for success in what we were trying to accomplish. Melissa and Colleen have the utmost of integrity, patience and energy! Moreover they are highly organized and actually turned our pressure into fun.”
Lisette Mast – Skagit Symphony, Skagit Performing Arts Council



“I was extremely happy with all the vendors and feel blessed to have had such a great team on my wedding day. As I said on the phone, you both were great and I couldn't have done it so well without you - I was truly able to just enjoy the day and our guests! Thank you, thank you!”
Shellie (Sever) Fredrich – bride



“Thanks again for taking charge of our varied events on short notice and for making them each a tremendous success. We are so busy that we have not had the time to give you much direction. Yet you somehow always figure out what we need and have made each event a class act. That reflects well on us and we appreciate it!”
Peter Buck – on behalf of Haggen, Inc.


“Creative Celebrations receives our highest recommendation – the groom was in Atlanta, the bride in New York, and her parents in Ohio. Their wonderful staff coordinated accommodations, sites, food and beverages, flowers, cake, tuxes, the rehearsal cruise and a myriad of other details, all with unfailing grace and patience.”
Jim & Sharon Lockett – parents of the groom, Camano Island.