Wedding Wednesday: First Dance Songs

In our careers, we have produced a LOT of weddings. And while personal touches, locations and menus are always changing, the couples’ first dance remains a staple during the reception.  We have seen it all from elaborately choreographed routines to watching a couple stand on the dance floor and sway back and forth like 7th graders. No matter how it's done, it's always touching and always a moment to remember from the evening.  

Here are our top 5 picks for a traditional first dance songs:

1. At Last - Etta James (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADDigK8LwyE&feature=artist)

2. Can't Help Falling In Love With You - Elvis Presley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmakK7BSRnE)

3. It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr.  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ2nrDnMb1o)

4. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCQed1WBpUw)

5. Our Love Is Here To Stay - Billie Holiday (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6zvEebcwok)

6. As Time Goes By - Frank Sinatra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY62QByUYJQ)

Sometimes it's nice to venture off the beaten path. Dare to be different! Here are 5 new songs we think would make for a memorable first dance:

1. Everything - Michael Buble (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeKtB2EhdaE&list=PLC54F72FA80FCD5A3&index=6&feature=plpp_video)

2. Make You Feel My Love - Adele (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jpzBEiARaE&list=FLsRM0YB_dabtEPGPTKo-gcw&index=14&feature=plpp_video)

3. Stuck On You - Meiko (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6jcvodNBTuA#!)

4. Old Fashioned - Cee Lo Green (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUAuZ2qWvsk)

5. Lucky - Marc Broussard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eICnTzT4TY&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLC28DA35AB3655B2B)

What's the most memorable first dance song and/or moment you can remember??

Wedding Wednesday: April's Inpirations

Happy April!  We can't believe Spring is here and in full swing already!  Each new month brings new events and new clients and being that it's our job (and pleasure) to present interesting, fresh ideas and produce creative, fun parties we must constantly stay inspired ourselves.  We thought it would be fun to share with you 5 things that are revving up our creative juices this month.

Individual Crudities

Vintage Silk Scarf Bouquets

Repurposed Library Card Catalog Cabinet As An Escort Card Display

Spring Floral Centerpiece

Rustic, Blush Colored Reception

Original Take On A Guest Book - So Sweet!

Wedding Wednesday: Ruche Dreams

Though we spend a good portion of our professional lives planning weddings, we pride ourselves on the fact that the romance of the occasion has yet to elude us. Brides still take our breath away, we still get a little weepy at the "I do's," a couple's first dance is always a sigh worthy moment and yet, every so often, we come across something that shifts our romantic persona's into overdrive.   

This month Ruche launched their bridal collection. The mix of vintage inspired dresses and accessories left us as breathless as a heroine in a Bronte novel. The collection boasts lots of delicate details and lace, embroidery, beadwork and layers play important roles in the designs. In addition to bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses, the collection includes hairpieces, veils, gloves, shoes, clutches and more. The most breathtaking part is that most of the collection is under $500!  Excuse us while we grab our hankies and wipe the tears of joy from our eyes!

*You can view the entire Ruche Bridal Collection lookbook here 

Wedding Wednesdays: Etsy!!!

By now most of you have heard of Etsy but if you haven't, Etsy is a wonderful online marketplace where artists can sell their handcrafted goods.  

The "shops" on Etsy are full of remarkable items. We always marvel at what artisans are creating; it is a constant source of inspiration.  And while JOWY Productions is a fan of Etsy for all sorts of reasons, we especially love the website for weddings because buying something there seems special and unique. 

Here is a list of 10 Etsy wedding shops we are loving right now:  

1.  Your wedding will shine with these beautiful handmade invitations: www.etsy.com/shop/shineinvitations  

2.  Vintage inspired, hand stamped spoons can be found here: www.etsy.com/shop/woodenhive  We can just see these being used on your first anniversary. 

3.  Looking for colorful, affordable bridesmaids, this is your place: dresseswww.etsy.com/shop/nostalgia 

4.  We are loving these adorable mason jar lantern lights for a rustic wedding: www.etsy.com/listing/93317959/mason-jar-strand-with-light-full-pint 

5.  This shop makes the most interesting wooden and metal ring bearer pillows: www.etsy.com/shop/OliveandFern 

6.   Old school romantic veils and headpieces in this shop makes us swoon: www.etsy.com/shop/myrakim 

7.   Want a unique wedding band? Head here for stunning titanium and wood ones: www.etsy.com/shop/MinterandRichterDes 

8.   Suckers for letterpress...we couldn't stop staring at these gorgeous invitations: www.etsy.com/shop/invitedink 

9.  All signs point to I DO with these adorable hand painted decorations: www.etsy.com/shop/SweetWeddingDetails 

10. Ever heard of a pocket program?  Take a look: www.etsy.com/shop/baumbirdy

Wedding Wednesdays: Creating A Vision

Welcome to the first installment of JOWY’s new wedding inspiration boards. When we design a wedding or party, we use inspiration boards as a starting point to showcase our design and vision. There is no better way to focus everyone's ideas and ultimately create a singular vision. We also find it interesting to look back and see how the original inspiration board matches with the final look of the event.  For those of you readers that are planning weddings and parties on your own, we thought it would be fun to put together color palettes and themes that are currently inspiring us and share them with you monthly. So, here we go!

Pantone (the color experts) declared Tangerine Tango as Spring 2012's trend color.  

For our first color inspiration board, we bring you "Tequila Sunrise," an exciting and lovely blend of orange and hot pink!  Together, these two colors create such a beautiful, bright, energetic palette reminiscent of hot summer nights in Miami or beautiful sunsets in the Arizona desert.  And while we love Spring, we really love Summer (wedding season!) and we can't think of two colors that highlight the warmer weather better than these; whether in our home decor, our wardrobes or in a client's wedding, embrace color!