Monday, April 25, 2011

The 4 C's of choosing your sparkler

Diamonds are often referred to as "sparklers" because of their shine.  There are so many choices and things to consider when choosing a diamond ring, but I bet you didn't know that the 4 C's are also just as important when selecting your sparklers!

CUT - The cut of a diamond allows it to make the best use of light.  When selecting a sparkler, choosing the cut, or shape, is also just as important.  Going with the traditional sparkler, you can't go wrong with its beauty.  But the heart shaped sparklers are very unique and will provide something special to the wedding.  Whatever shape you choose, the right sparkler will add pizazz to your celebration.

COLOR - Not only do diamonds range in color, but sparklers do as well.  The most beautiful sparklers are the gold, metallic sparklers.  They provide an elegant hue and make stunningly gorgeous photos and provide lasting memories.  The gold color shows up in pictures beautifully!



CLARITY - Diamonds with fewer inclusions provide a more beautiful gem!  Sparklers also need to be inclusion free.  A good, quality sparkler is made of wire which will be smoke free and will NOT ash off.  This is very important especially at a wedding.  A bamboo sparkler produces smoke and it will ash off which is very dangerous not only to the bride but to the guests as well.  So be sure to choose a wire sparkler for its clarity as well as for its safety.

WEIGHT - The size of your sparkler is vital to the preparation!  BuySparklers.com offers 3 fabulous sizes to choose from.  The #14 Gold Sparkler burns for 1.5 minutes, the #20 Gold Sparkler burns for 2 minutes and our #36 Sparkler burns for 4 exquisite minutes.  Make sure to take the length of your grand exit in mind when choosing the right length for you.  A longer tunnel will require a longer sparkler so that the bride and groom will have enough time to run through with all the sparklers still lit.

Don't rush into your decision.  Take your time and evaluate your choice carefully.  The choice you make will provide long lasting memories of your special day!

Monday, April 18, 2011

How to make a wedding photo POP

I just received this beautiful picture from a bride and had to share it!!!   I really like the contrast of the black and white photo - it really makes the picture POP!!
Photo by Jacobus Photography

The bride did a great job in pre-planning by making sure that the tunnel was wide enough to go through without having to duck down while making their grand exit.  It makes such a beautiful picture when all the small details are thought of.  Remember to talk to your photographer and wedding planner for great tips to ensure capturing those memories that will last a lifetime!

Thank you to Jennifer Kaler for sharing this incredible picture of her special day!   Best wishes to you and Andy!!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Spring is in the Air!

You can tell Spring is the air by all the pictures illustrating beautiful wedding ideas.  From the sage green bridesmaid dresses (and coordinating ties for the groomsmen) to the fun and sassy polka dot dresses.

I love looking at all the adorable ideas for decorations and wedding favors.  I saw this robin's egg nest that a bride used in Invermere, BC and fell in love with it!  There are so many exquisite candies out for Easter right now that you could find just about any color candy to match the wedding theme.


Photo courtesy of Mark 11 Photography

And nothing says Spring more than tulips, daffodils and calla lilies!  Be sure to add these flowers to your bouquet or have them as your floral arrangement on tables at the reception. 

Photo courtesy of besthudsonvalleyweddingever.com

The soft colors of Spring are a refreshing site to see after such a long, drab winter!


Monday, April 4, 2011

Creating Memories

I recently received an e-mail from a bride in North Texas whose grandmother went through 5 sparklers before they made it out of the reception to start their grand exit.  Her grandmother kept apologizing for going through so many, but said she hasn't done them since she was a kid and was having so much fun with the sparklers!

This brought back memories from my childhood and how there is something so nostalgic about holding a lit sparkler in your hand.  For me it brings back memories of such a fun, care-free time when family was all gathered together to celebrate the 4th of July.  We always had the traditional BBQ with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, grilled corn on the cob and everyone enjoyed eating fresh, cold watermelon on those hot days while the food was being prepared.  Kids running around and playing in the sprinklers while the adults listened to music and played horseshoes in between cooking.  Once the homemade ice cream and apple pie were brought out for dessert, we knew that the fireworks would soon begin.  The sparklers always came out first and excitement filled the air as we waited patiently for our sparkler. 



Reading her sweet e-mail brought back all those memories and it made me smile because I knew exactly what her grandmother was feeling.  I am so glad that sparklers are now a part of such an important day!  The memories will create a lasting impression on so many people and one day they too will hold a sparkler in their hand and those memories will come flooding back bringing a smile to their face as well!


The picture is from Whitney and Devin Hall's December 2010 wedding in Lebanon, TN.