The Sweet Scoop

Let's go Retro!

2011-10-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

Katie's Retro Bridal Shower

The little details were what made this candy buffet. Katie had a retro housewife themed bridal shower and her buffet fully reflected this theme.

1940's and 50's kitchen gadgets and cook books surrounded Katie's vintage candy selections. Our favorite touch - period aprons were used as the linens!

Lime rock candy strings, pina colada licorice, Dove chocolates and strawberries & cream salt water taffy were Katie's vintage candy selections and were served inside Pyrex dishes matching the pink and green theme.

Custom treat bags made from period fabric were presented to the guests to take home their treats and to keep as a remembrance of this amazing day.

Brittany & AJ - A Princess and Her Cowboy

2011-10-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Cowboy and princess meet, fall in love and begin their foreverafter. Classic damask is paired with hot, fushia pink in this late afternoonwedding. Design elements include hanging paper lanterns, mini cowboyhats and black tabletop lanterns which fit in perfectly with beautiful Kohl's Ranch Lodge in Payson, Arizona.

Brittany choseyummy candies for her candy buffet that didn't make it through the end of the night as they were devouredby hungry cowboys and cowgirls.

Pink Jordan almonds, watermelon gummy rings, strawberry licorice, white malt balls and white milk chocolates were the hit of the night!

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You - Bridal Shower

2011-10-05T21:30:00.001-07:00

Kelly & Chris chose lots of gorgeous yellow and white candy for their couples bridal shower. Lemon meringue salt water taffy, butter rum hard candy sticks, lemon slices, yellow rock candy as well as yogurt covered pretzels, white chocolate mints and everyones favorite sixlets.

Guests took their treats home in beautiful yellow and green organza bags.

Vintage Green and Gray Wedding Candy Buffet

2011-09-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth & Michael

Green, gray and white candies made up this cute candy bar. Guests took home Elizabeth and Michael's candy selections in white Chinese take out boxes with custom designed treat labels.

Watermelon rock candy strings, white and gray milk chocolates, nonpareils, Sour Patch apples and silver Hershey's kisses made up the choices from which their guests made their selections.

Thank you to Tuscany at JW Marriott Desert Ridge for the beautiful candy bar sign and an equally beautiful location to showcase Elizabeth and Michael's candy buffet.

Royal Blue Bliss in the Desert

2011-08-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Shauna & Ben

Custom stationery tied to a beautiful gold, white and blue candy buffet was the highlight of this amazing wedding reception at the Tempe Mission Palms.

Escort cards, table names, menus and a special guest book sign were designed and created by Sweet I Do's. We also set up their candy buffet filled with yummy traditional and not so traditional candies.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, yogurt pretzels, Cookies and Cream Hershey's Kisses, Jordan almonds and rock candy strings were taken home in stunning royal blue organza bags with custom treat tags.

2011-08-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Georgann & Donald

How would you like to celebrate your birthday by getting married? That's just what this couple did. Gorgeous McCormick Ranch Golf Club was the setting for this amazing celebration. Black, white and red were the colors that filled the banquet room and of course our candy buffet.

Gorgeous red roses provided by Enchanted Florist graced the table. And an image of a single red rose carried through to the candy labels and decals on the cute red Chinese take out boxes that were provided for the guest treat containers.

Red Vines, Swedish fish, cherry sours and cinnamon imperials made up this beautiful candy buffet. And our chocolate lovers were treated to chocolate covered raisins and a special treat - chocolate covered blueberries.

Classic Neutral Wedding Candy Buffet with a Splash of Chartreuse

2011-07-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Meredith & Stan

Classic color combinations of white and black were mixed with the fun and whimsical color of chartreuse green to create this amazing candy buffet. Our couple chose fun favorites like Hershey's kisses, yogurt raisins and chocolate covered pretzels. These were paired with unique candies like green apple licorice and caramel swirl salt water taffy. Taking center stage and leaving the guests amazed were hand made pecan turtles.

Decorative touches of beautiful live lilies and hydrangeas provided by Rita's Floral Designs added just the right amount of elegance and tied this wedding candy buffet to the rest of the reception decor. Simple white bags with chartreuse ribbon closures were provided for the guest treat containers.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club provided an amazing staff to help maintain the beauty of the buffet throughout the night. Our thanks to Denise and Marcia!

Beauty in Miniature

2011-03-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Brides spend hours picking out just the right dress, the most amazing accessories. They spend hours comparing venues, DJ's and photographers. Couples sit through numerous tastings with their caterer and learn more about flowers than they ever thought possible. These brides and grooms taste multiple flavor combinations of cakes, fillings and frostings. They page through hundreds of magazines, bookmark thousands of websites. An average bride can spend up to 11 hours per week planning their wedding.

In the end they may have an album full of beautiful pictures, possibly a video to watch throughout the years. Maybe they preserved their wedding dress and bouquet, maybe not.

But what if they could have something more, something unique?

Think back to the time that you spent finding the perfect cake design - the combination of colors, textures, flavors. And in five minutes that beautiful cake was gone. Or is it?

Enter Memory Cakes by Arianna Creations owned by Jacqueline Celano. Drawing upon her 20 years of baking and design talent, Jacqueline can recreate your wedding cake in absolute perfect miniature. Working from color photographs and using baked marble clay Jacqueline will provide you with an exact replica of your wedding cake.

Cakes are six to eight inches tall and four to five inches around and take about two weeks to hand craft.

Memory Cakes by Arianna Creations offers gift certificates to gift as a wonderful wedding present to the bride and groom. What better gift to give than the gift of lifetime memories and beauty? Memory Cakes can also be given as anniversary gifts, Sweet 16 presents, Quinceanera gifts and Bar and Bat Mitzvah mementos.

Can you tell which picture is the original and which is the Memory Cake?*

For more information, to order your Memory Cake or to purchase a gift certificate, please visit Memory Cakes by Arianna Creations at www.ariannacreations.com.

Tell Jacqueline that you found her through Sweet I Do's!

Do you wish that you had a unique memory of your wedding day?

*btw - the cake on the right is the real cake :)

Sweet I Do's has the perfect Halloween candy buffet for your party

2011-01-24T20:50:00.002-07:00

Sweet I Do's has the perfect halloween candy buffet for your party

Sweeten up your next party with a candy buffet

2011-01-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Sweeten up your next party with a candy buffet

Sonoran Living Live!

2010-09-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to be asked to show a demonstration and present Sweet I Do's on Sonoran Living Live on September 3rd, 2010. Andi Barness was a wonderful hostess and the staff was amazing.

We can't wait to go back!

Check out our segment!!!

Announcing the New Examiner!!

2010-08-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

That's right, it is official! I have been selected to be the West Valley Event Planning reporter for examiner.com.

Please check out my articles, follow and comment.

Thanks!!!

My new best friend...

2010-08-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

So, I have been poking around trying to find a software that will let me take my pictures and put them into a collage or mosaic, easily. I am very much not a technical person and I am a planner and coordinator, not a photographer, so I need all the help I can get.

After asking the photogs that I do know and surfing the Internet for versions that I could try before I bought, I stumbled across this little gem - Picture Collage Maker. Sold in two versions for the occasional dabbler and the hard core scrapbooker, the software seems to have it all.

Picture Collage Maker Pro comes with 130 pre-installed templates and will allow the user to create a multi page project.

Picture Collage Maker comes with 80 pre-installed templates and will only create one page projects.

Compatible with all versions of Windows, this software is easy to load, easy to understand and fairly intuitive to use.

Currently priced at $39.90 for the Pro version and $29.90 for the original version, this software packs a lot of bang for the buck. Try it for 15 days for free, but just an fyi - all projects created in the trial version will be watermarked...

Do you have a favorite photo collage software program? Are you currently using Picture Collage Maker? Leave us a comment!

The Most Important Thing

2010-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

He asked and you said yes. After months or perhaps years of planning and dreaming, imaging and hoping, your wedding day is finally here. You have the perfect dress, the amazing location and all the other things that make up the Day.

Wait…all the things that make up the Day? Isn’t your wedding, no matter how big and glamorous or small and intimate an affair, supposed to be about two people committing their lives to one another – for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health until death? I’m not saying that the reception isn’t important, but what about the reason for the reception?

We asked guest blogger Celia Milton, a New York/New Jersey officiant to share with us ways to make the ceremony the focus of the wedding and not the reception. Celia has created and performed hundreds of marriage and civil ceremonies that reflect the individuality of her couples.

…”my couples express themselves in ways that are truly meaningful to their families and friends; to introduce them to readings, music and other resources that can make their wedding day a celebration of their unique journey and the future that awaits.”

Here are Celia’s tips and advice on how to make your ceremony the most memorable portion of your wedding day.

There are so many ways to personalize your wedding ceremony! Here are some delightful little notions to consider.

“The lineup”

Who do you pick? Best Women? Men of Honor? Moms? Dads? Siblings? Your Children? Your Dogs? Or no one? Those you choose to “stand up” with you should be chosen carefully, not out of obligation, but because they belong next to you, as they’ve always been. The “sides” don’t have to balance out!

The Seating

Switch up the sides! Have the bride’s family sit in the front row of the groom’s side so they can see her face, and visa versa! Or better yet, come up to the ceremony space and then switch! They’re ALL on your side!

The Music

What music do you love? Reggae? Gospel? Vintage Sinatra? Depeche Mode? You can choose music that expresses your personality and your relationship in many original ways beyond the traditional classical selections. For the processional, you need to be able to walk (or dance!) in to the beat. The recessional should be a joyous accompaniment to your first walk as married partners!

Processional

How will you all get down the aisle? In a crazy dancing group? Will your dads, moms, or both walk you down? Will your children walk with you? Your dog? Or will you walk together. Each choice sends a different message about your history, your present and your future.

Gratitude

So many people to thank! The most popular gratitude ceremonies include moms or other treasured women, handing them roses, photo journals, or other tokens of your thanks. You may have sponsors or mentors who have been key to your growth as individuals and a couple. Who are you the most thankful for? How can we express that!

Remembrance

“We are all the culmination of the people who came before us, and we are here to finish the dreams left unfinished.” Playwright Welly Yang. There are many ways to honor the friends and relatives who are such an important part of our histories. A moment of silence within the ceremony is one; photos and mementos displayed at the reception are as well. If you’re wearing your grandmother’s ring or your uncle’s bow tie, let’s mention that as a fond acknowledgement of their presence and influence in your lives.

Love Story

It is yours alone! What makes you special? What is unique about him, about her, about yous twos together? What do even people who THINK they know you, not know? What is your fondest, maybe unspoken dream for the future? What is your funniest guilty pleasure?

Special Guests

Who do you know who tells a great story? Sings like a pro? Play the harp? Do card tricks? Great! Enlist them to participate in the ceremony in ways that are comfortable for them. Your guests will love a break from ME talking, and your talented friends will know that they’ve given you a special gift.

Vows

Write them, steal them, repeat them after me. Read them from an antique book or a velvet notebook; read them from your ipod, blackberry, from post it notes, valentines or, as one of my grooms did, write it on a banana. Make them funny, make them serious, make them rhyme. But make them you.

With this Ring

How about a “ring warming”, a beautiful ritual in which each guest holds the rings and infuses them with their hopes and dreams for you. How about your parents presenting you with your partner’s ring and giving a little blessing or a few words of celebration as they do? How about tying them (securely!!) to your dog/ring bearer? How about, instead of a ring pillow, a treasure chest? A cupcake? A fishing pole? Something that is as original as you are?

Unity

Of course, there is the unity candle ceremony. But there is also the pouring of the sand, various sharing of beverages (wine, tea, tequila, sake, chocolate milk…you name it; if it can be shared, I’ve helped couples share it!) There is a sharing of chocolate, sushi, bread and salt, even water. You can saw a log in half (if you’re Swedish and your venue will let you….), you can include a handfasting or drape your shoulders in a blanket or cord.

Bye Bye

Before you dance down the aisle, we’ll announce you as husband and wife, partners and family, Pinky and Brain, or anything else you’d like to be called. Maybe we’ll break a glass (or a Christmas bulb, as one of my mixed-tradition couples did). Or jump the broom. Or leave to a shower of bubbles, noisemakers, confetti canons, birdcalls, rattles, bells rose petals, popcorn or sparklers. Your imagination is your only limit! And now, let’s get this party started!

Do you feel that your ceremony is the centerpiece of your wedding day?

Do you hope your ceremony will be personal, creative and inspiring?

Do you want a celebrant who will be your partner and friend in the planning?

http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/celia-milton-celebrant-north-haledon/25ebd20dcf22a932.html

68 reviews, 5 star rating

www.celiamilton.com 201-563-5544

Featured officiant for the TLC show, "Four Weddings"

Many thanks!!!! to Celia for offering such amazing advice on how to add something more to your ceremony, the most important part of the wedding.

Did you do something during your ceremony that made it uniquely yours?

Have you been to a ceremony and thought what a beautiful moment when…?

Leave us a comment and share your “Sweet” moments.

Fourth of July

2010-07-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Please watch and remember, it's not about the BBQ or fireworks, but freedom. Happy 4th!

This is Freedom - Justin Unger

Weddingwire Rated!!!

2010-06-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, has just announced that Sweet I Do’s is officially WeddingWire Rated 2010! WeddingWire created the annual Rated program to honor wedding professionals, like Sweet I Do’s for their excellence and to help brides and grooms easily find the right wedding professionals to match their needs.

“We are excited to unveil WeddingWire Rated 2010, now in its fourth year. With hundreds of thousands of reviews, WeddingWire has made it easy for engaged couples to find the nation’s very best wedding professionals,” according to Sonny Ganguly, WeddingWire’s Chief Marketing Officer. “WeddingWire Rated is an excellent way for businesses to showcase their continued success in the wedding industry.”

Sweet I Do’s has 5 reviews with an average of a 5.0 rating, making us eligible to hold the Rated title on the WeddingWire Network. Each review has been written by our former clients and includes detailed ratings and insightful descriptions of their experiences with our services. These reviews not only enhance our credibility, but also help differentiate our business within the WeddingWire Network.

Sweet I Do’s would like to thank our past brides and grooms for taking the time to review our services on WeddingWire.

If you are a past client of Sweet I Do’s and have yet to provide us with your feedback, visit reviews.weddingwire.com and review our services today.

The Difference is Clear - Not! Just what is a wedding planner, coordinator and designer...

2010-06-01T22:47:00.002-07:00

There have recently been a number of discussions on various wedding professional boards about the differences between a wedding planner, coordinator and designer. Many professionals state that they have no idea what the true differences are, which makes it hard to explain to clients and prospective clients just what they may need and why. I think that the differences are obvious, but since it is my profession, I guess I do have a tad bit of insider information. That being said, here is what I think each of these "job descriptions" are and what type of client may want to look at hiring them.

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner is a person that is instrumental to an event where the couple has no time or frankly no inclination to deal with all of the details that are needed to put together a wedding - whether it is for 25 people or 300 people. Couples that hire wedding planners want someone else to take care of the planning of the wedding with input from the couple at the crucial points in the process. Wedding and event planners provide vendor and venue recommendations and may be involved in the selection process as well as being the point of contact for all questions, decisions and issues. They help the couple select colors and or themes for the wedding. Wedding planners create and maintain timelines, budgets and some even handle the guest list, RSVP tracking and thank you cards, as well as seating charts, Save The Dates and invitations. They are detail oriented, can think outside of the box and know all the tips, tricks and traditions surrounding an event. They are there to make your vision a reality while keeping it real. True, professional wedding planners charge either flat fees based on the time required to achieve the perfect event, or they charge a percentage of the total wedding budget. While this may seem like a large amount of money to spend on an intangible, what you are truly paying for is this person's ability to remove obstacles, create opportunities, save you time and money through their knowledge, experience and contacts, but most importantly this person will allow you to truly enjoy all the aspects of getting married with little or no stress, worry or aggravation.

Wedding Coordinators

A wedding coordinator is very different from a wedding planner. Wedding coordinators are critical for the couple that wants to be involved in the nuts and bolts, every meeting, every detail wedding, but then want to hand over the final product so they can enjoy the fruits of their labors. Coordinators are not involved in the selection process of the vendors and venue, but they will contact and coordinate all the parties involved to ensure that the couple is receiving every thing that they have contracted and paid for from the vendors and venue. They work with a pre-established timeline created by the couple. Coordinators do not usually have anything to do with the selection of colors, themes, decor, budget, guest list or any of the actual decisions regarding the event. They are there to safeguard the couples thoughts, wishes, dreams and desires. Coordinators take the details and make sure that they happen within the parameters of the couples thoughts and the vendor's and venue's contractual obligations. Coordinators do not plan events, they execute the plans that have been created. Coordinators usually charge a flat rate based on the number of hours they are needed. Again, paying someone for an intangible seems like a waste, but you are paying for peace of mind, experience and a network of vendors that are able and willing to step in at a moments notice to take care of anything that may have gotten overlooked, broken or maybe to replace the vendor that may not show up. Allowing a professional to coordinate your event ensures that all of your guests and family, as well as yourself get to enjoy all the hard work you put into making your event all you.

Wedding Designers

A wedding designer is the person that helps with the actual design of the event. These individuals have nothing to do with the planning or coordination of the wedding, but have everything to do with creating the vision of the couple. They work with the couple and wedding planner regarding theme, color and texture. Designers work closely with the couple to make the vision real and a good designer will be able to stay within budget while still creating a masterpiece. Knowledge of alternative selections to keep the event on budget is crucial to being a wedding designer. Designers are extremely creative and detail oriented. Couples that are non-DIY hire designers to take their dreams and translate them into something tangible. A wedding designer is perfect for the couple that knows what they want but may not have the knowledge or time to make it happen. A true designer is able to take all of the elements of a wedding and create a cohesive, seamless event from beginning to end - including the stationery products, paper products, floral and centerpieces, lighting, music, attire, linens, favors, etc. Wedding designers charge for their time and talents either in a flat rate arrangement or hourly. Hiring someone to design and create all of the details that will make your event truly you and truly unique help to create all of the once in a lifetime moments you've dreamed about. The best designers will save you money by telling you what can and can't be done, but more importantly they keep you from wasting money on ideas that can be created with more cost-friendly alternatives. Designers also help with the DIY gone bad that we all have seen, but can't seem to bring ourselves to stop - hundreds of dollars and tons of time have been wasted. And once they are gone, there is no getting them back.

A great wedding planner is worth their weight in gold. They can save you time and money with their experience, connections and knowledge. The goal of every planner is to make sure the couple never knows they are there. And that if there is an issue, it is a non-issue by the time the couple finds out about it.

A true coordinator relives all of the stress and worry associated with any major event. Taking everything in stride, the most amazing coordinators can handle all of the details with ease and still keep the big picture in mind.

Designers are the people you trust to take the vision in your mind and make it real. Obsessive over the details, great designers make sure that all of the elements of your event showcase the story you want to tell, the picture that you want to paint.

A business can provide all of these services, or may just focus on one. Schedule a meeting with your prospective vendors and discuss in detail what you are looking for and what they can provide. And make sure to get everything in writing.
In my humble opinion...

There are tons of well meaning friends and relatives that claim to be able to "plan" a wedding, "coordinate" an event, or "design" the elements of a wedding. Reality is, they can't. They do not have the time, experience, or network to be able to create, translate and produce a truly memorable, once in a lifetime wedding or event. Time, talent, knowledge, experience, education and training all have their place in the repertoire of a true professional. Hire a professional, sit back and watch as they take everything you have ever wanted, ever dreamed of and make it real and let your friends and relatives sit back and enjoy your wedding without having to work and stress over all the details.

Planners Little Helpers

2010-04-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my wonderful vendor connections on WeddingWire, I was able to get the inside scoop on what event planners and other event and wedding professionals keep in their little magical boxes. You know, those rescue me from every known and unknown disaster boxes filled with all kinds of tricks to fix just about anything.

Are you ready for it? Wait, wait....

Everything is included in these kits! And when I say everything I mean everything.

Erica from TREEmendous Event Planning carries all kinds of goodies, from sewing kits to a comb and brush. My favorite items - crackers, post it notes and a stop watch.

Prestigious Occasions carries a more unusual set of items including chalk, bottled water with straws and sunblock. Check out her blog for more details - http://www.prestigiousoccasions.blogspot.com/

Celia from Celia Milton Celebrant takes care of the couple and the vendors. Included in her magic box - tape of every kind (duct, scotch, electrical, first aid), antique hankies and extension cords and adapters.

Judith with Lovely Weddings reminds all of us that corsage pins are essential. You know those little pins that inevitably ending up bent, broke or MIA.

Stephanie with Elegant Events by Stephanie Forte carries black men's socks, ribbon in the color of the event, trash bags and ring bearer pillows.

Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens provides adapters for various sound systems. music stands for entertainers and sterno.

Rhonda New Beginnings Weddings and Events has some of the most intriguing and never would have thought of items. My absolute favorites (and things I need to add to my own kit btw) - extra earring backs and snuggies for rings, umbrellas and insect repellant candles.

Taking a peak into my own box of goodies, you'll find curling irons, a small, portable hair dryer, and makeup and perfume in the small sample sizes with disposable applicators to keep it all neat and sanitary.

What do you carry in your magical box of goodies? Ever needed something and had to improvise? Please leave a comment!

Candy Buffets - Not just for weddings!

2010-04-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Candy buffets are usually associated with weddings. Everyone talks about the wedding candy buffet and how very fun and exciting and beautiful they can be - Sweet I Do's included.

We have recently had the opportunity to put together a candy buffet for a 70th birthday/wedding reception and an Easter buffet. And we will be setting one up for a high school graduation, a retro housewife bridal shower and a 4 year olds birthday party.

A candy buffet can be a great alternative to purchasing and putting together treat bags for just about any party or occasion. They bring excitement, anticipation and fun to all types of parties.

Putting one together yourself? Keep in mind the guests age. Younger kids should have someone attending the table to keep the kids from overdoing the sugar and sweets, as well as to protect the glass. Consider alternatives to candy such as temporary tattoos, small plastic animals, race cars, erasers, crayons, etc. Dietary considerations are not a problem any longer. There are a large number of sugar free alternatives as well as flavored popcorns, pretzels and peanuts. Hate candy and love deserts? Consider mini versions of your favorites - cheesecakes, brownies, pies, cakes, etc.

Hiring a professional like Sweet I Do's? Great! We have the resources to find every candy that you can imagine, and some that you can't. Remember your favorite childhood candy? Bet we can find it. We have the experience to steer you in the right direction and provide a little something for everyone. We'll even set up your buffet to look like an old time sweet shop - complete with signage.

The candy buffet has broken out of the wedding favor market and is quickly becoming a favorite for every occasion.

Wands anyone?

2010-04-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Photo - tbabian wedding

Traditionally, flower girls, no matter their age, were dressed in cute flowy dresses and carried little baskets filled with rose petals that they were suppose to strew down the aisle in front of the bride. The key word in the statement - suppose. 9 times out of 10 the little girls were soooo!!! excited/nervous/scared/overwhelmed with walking down the aisle in front of all those people that the petals either never made it out of the basket, or were dumped in a pile as our FG tumbled head over heels trying to run to her mom.

Bring on the pomander or kissing ball. Beautiful works of art that could be made from fresh or "real touch" flowers. Carried in the hands or on a long ribbon, these solved the dilemma of the petals. Able to be made in any size imaginable, they were perfect for the smallest hands on up.

Photo - Bubbly Bride

But what if you want something more whimsical? Something that can be kept by the little girls. A fairytale memento of their day in their princess dress.

Presenting the flower girl wand!

Photo - WeddingBee

I came across this gem, while perusing the blog boards of WeddingBee. So easy to make, totally customizable and able to be matched perfectly to the ring bearer's pillow and the bouquets of the bridal party. And best of all, our FG's get to keep them forever.

All you need is a wooden dowel, flowers (fresh or artificial flowers - if the FG's will be keeping the wands) and ribbon. Visit DIY wedding for step by step instructions.

Not a DIY bride, not a problem. There are a number of vendors that will create these beautiful works of art just for you!

WeddingWire Review

2010-04-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

Check out our reviews on WeddingWire!

Project Wedding!

2010-04-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Just added our company listing to Project Wedding!

DIY Pillowboxes - Wedding Candy Buffet Favor Boxes

2010-04-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

So, you're having a candy buffet at your wedding. Beautiful! Hopefully Sweet I Do's is designing and putting together your scrumptious display of confectionery goodness. But if not, and you have went the way of the DIY bride, we have a treat for you.

Presenting the alternative to the cello bag as a guest treat container - the elegant and versatile pillow box.

Pictures courtesy of Favor Studio.

We came across this lovely project on Carolyn's Stamp Store. We couldn't believe it either - a template to create those cute, but expensive pillow boxes in as many colors as there are pieces of cardstock. Sweet!

The come in two sizes - small and large. Easy, fun and totally personalizable. Create in the color or colors you desire, stamp, monogram, ribbon, jewel - the sky is the limit!

Have fun with this project. Please post a link to your completed works of art!

Wish Upon A Wedding

2010-03-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Was turned on to a new program through the vendor discussion forum on WeddingWire. I couldn't wait to sign up! Thank goodness there was a chapter already established in Arizona.

Wish Upon A Wedding provides weddings and civil ceremonies for individuals dealing with life threatening illnesses. They are getting ready to have their second wedding and have only been official since January of 2010.

Wish Granters provide their services and products free of charge to couples that complete the application process. There are a number of different levels of wishes that can be granted. Please visit Wish Upon A Wedding for more information.

I want to put a request out to all of my friends in the wedding and event business. Please sign up to be a Wish Granter. It only takes a few minutes of time, but our services with provide memories that will last forever.

Candy Buffet Prep

2010-03-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

So, I missed posting last night because I was getting ready for a hugely busy weekend. I have a wedding tonight at McCormick Ranch and a booth at the Great Bridal Expo tomorrow. Can you say candy?????

Between pulling the candy out and choosing just the right container or display piece, I also designed candy labels, treat containers and signage. Without my penchant for lists and mad organizational skills this would be an interesting weekend. Here is a sneak peak of the wedding....

Check back tomorrow for an update on how the show went...and be sure to visit our website for pictures from the wedding and the show.

Going out of the country on your honeymoon? Remember your passport....

2010-03-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

I recently had a bride tell me that her family was giving her a special gift for her wedding....a honeymoon...that required a passport. How totally awesome is that???? She had tried to get the information herself, but it didn't seem to be all in one place and was about as clear as mud.

I put together a quick little informational packet for her, but then I thought others would benefit from the information as well, so here it is...

BTW - this is only for someone who is over 16 and has never had a passport issued in their name before. There are different procedures for children and people who need to renew, replace or update their passports. Click here for more information on these other scenarios.

As a bride, if you are going to need a passport right after you get married (or within 6 weeks or so), you will not be able to use your new last name. You will still have to use your maiden name.
Click here to begin and follow the directions. Taking special care to use black ink only, on regular white paper. DO NOT SIGN IT! Let me say this part again - DO NOT SIGN IT - because if you do and it isn't witnessed by the processor, you will have to redo all of the application - AGAIN. So wait to sign until you get to a processing facility and are told to sign it by the reviewer.

Most of the post offices have a passport facility, but they have restricted hours and may require an appointment. See the USPS website for more detailed information as to locations, hours and restrictions.

Bring the following items with you for your appointment (including your completed application)
1. A certified birth certificate (this will be printed on colored paper and have an embossed seal somewhere near the bottom). If you do not have one, you will need to get one from the Office of Vital Records.

2. A valid driver's license or military ID.

3. A photocopy of the ID you will be using. Front and back of the ID on two separate pieces of paper. Front on one page, back on one page.

4. $100.00 - $25.00 for the acceptance fee and $75.00 for the application fee. These are payable by cash, check or card and will be paid to two separate places. It is recommended that you send the application and all items by express mail, so there will be that fee as well.

5. Two pictures that meet the following requirements. Courtesy of Google, here are some locations in Phoenix that offer to take these pictures for you. They will make sure the fulfill the requirements, but just in case you want to do it yourself...

They must be

Identical
In color
2 x 2 inches in size
Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Taken in normal street attire:
Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily
Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline
If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture
Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons (a medical certificate may be required)

Or for $15.00 you can have the post office worry about all the details and have them taken that day. The attire and other restrictions above still apply if you choose to have them taken at the post office.

That is pretty much it. I know it seems daunting, but it is fairly easy. However, the processing time is taking a LONG time, so I would get it taken care of as soon as possible.

St. Patrick's Prayer - Beautiful blessing/prayer for your wedding or reception!

2010-03-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

So driving into work today, I had my radio on my favorite station, KLOVE. Here in Phoenix it is 89.1FM. The morning show hosts were talking about an amazing prayer by St. Patrick that just brings Christ into every aspect of everyday. I think it would be beautiful to read before or after the wedding ceremony or before the meal at the reception. To me it reminds me of the fact that we all need to put God into every moment, every thing that we do.

Christ be with me

Christ before me

Christ behind me

Christ in me

Christ beneath me

Christ above me

Christ on my right

Christ on my left

Christ where I lie

Christ where I sit

Christ where I arise

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me

Christ in every eye that sees me

Christ in every ear that hears me

Salvation is of the Lord.

Have a great St. Patricks Day!

OMG! I can't believe it took me SOOOOO long to find these....

2010-03-16T23:38:00.001-07:00

Ok, so in my last post I promised some DIY candy buffet labels.
I hope that you will be as thrilled with these templates as I am. The wheels are already spinning in my head as to where I can use them.

I found this first set completely by accident. They really aren't candy buffet labels, but they are gorgeous. I need to start collecting old bottles...But I digress.

Borrowed from the absolutely fabulous site iDiY who found them at Eat.Drink.Chic, these vintage apothecary labels are beautiful and are a must have for any retro kitchen or vintage bridal shower...

Vintage apothecary jars, oil and vinegar bottles, wooden boxes, herb jars and tea containers make up this collection of unique labels. They can't be customized, but they are amazing and make me want to start a collection glass jars (oh wait I already do that!!). Images courtesy of Eat.Drink.Chic.

These are totally free to use. Thank you Amy Moss for your beautiful collection.

But now to the main event - candy labels and matching unique favor labels!!!!

This is just a sampling of the newest treasures that I have found. Again from my new favorite site iDiY, come these fun and colorful labels.

To the left are customizable drink labels and slipper labels. To the right are jelly and donut labels. Images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.

My last finds for the night also come from iDiY and were created by World Label. The totally free, customizable labels are so elegant and beautiful and I only brought over three of them. They make me want to design a wedding around them!!!

Remember that all of these label templates are FREE for personal use only and are not to be used for commercial publication, catalogs or compilations. Please make sure if you use any of the information contained in this blog to link back.

Check back soon, I think the next set of labels will be circles....

Should I or shouldn't I? To DIY or not....

2010-03-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am a HUGE fan of DIY. As a matter of fact, I did most of my own wedding and love to help other people with their special projects. I learn a lot and discover hidden talents and new and exciting things. However, there comes a time in every DIYers life when you look around at the lists and piles and unfinished projects and wonder - WAS I NUTS?

There is a fine line between DIY to enjoy and add your personal touch to something and DIY your every waking moment to complete just one more thing. Getting married is a life event and then add the stress of wanting to DIY the whole thing. It will make you wish you had never said yes.

That being said, I really am a DIY person. I just had to learn to let go and let others. Others with more time, more talent or just more patience than I have. I mean I did the centerpieces, ceremony decorations, flowers, linens, place cards, table names, dress making, candy buffet and and and and for my own wedding. Before the ceremony I was fussing with just one more thing, I was running around before pictures setting up, instead of getting ready. I wish someone had told me, DIY is great, but it is YOUR WEDDING, not a craft show. Let go and let others.

Professionals know the shortcuts and techniques, but above all have the resources to get it done faster. Do I regret the time I spent DIY'ing, not really. Do I wish I had spent more time on enjoying the day, definitely.

My advice, pick one or two projects that you really would like to focus your energy on and then delegate the rest. Enlist friends, family and your planner/designer to help you create the vision in your dreams. A good designer will be an amazing help as they make your dreams reality. They are worth their weight in gold and they will save you enough money and time to make their cost well worth the expense.

But for those of you who are die hard DIYers (as I look in the mirror and ignore my own advice), check back tomorrow for tips and tricks on making labels for your candy buffet.

I couldn't resist...just one more...

2010-03-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

So I was out shopping yesterday and of course came home with some more treasures. I couldn't resist, just one more, or two or three... or four bags worth! It's just that when I am out shopping and I see things that will look beautiful on the next buffet table or are just the right thing to tie a design together, I can't help myself. And I know that if I don't get it then, that I'll regret it, forever. So, four bags later...

Here are pictures of some of my latest finds...

Can't wait to use them!

Sweet Beginnings

2010-03-13T08:49:00.002-07:00

Welcome to my blog! Filled with tips,tricks, trends and DIY advice for all events, but especially WEDDINGS.

Let me introduce my company - Sweet I Do's. We are a full service event design, planning and coordination company. But we have a secret specialty, well not really a secret :). We design custom candy buffets. That's right, those beautiful and fun additions to any event. Located a little west of Phoenix, Arizona in the semi-small town of Surprise, we provide service to the Phoenix metropolitan area, but will travel throughout the state for travel expenses.

Our planning packages cover every little detail from the beginning to the end and even afterwards. Our personal touch and attention to the wants, needs and desires of our clients are second to none. And our buffets, well the pictures speak for themselves! But, we are happy to rave over the thousands of candy choices, the color and flavor combinations that can bring additional elegance to your event or spark memories of visiting the candy store as a child and being overwhelmed with the possibilities.

Check back often for tips, tricks, DIY projects and of course pictures of our designs and candy buffets.

Who knows, we may even giveaway a candy buffet or planning package for your next event!