Rubies & Pearls LLC...Occasions to Remember

Pearl's Thoughts: Things to consider when planning an at home wedding?

2011-08-25T11:18:00.004-04:00

Q: We are planning on having our wedding at my parents farm this spring. The house is a fairly nice size but the yard is where everything will take place. We are renting a large tent to house the reception. What are some special considerations we may have overlooked?

A: There are a few things to consider when planning an outdoor wedding or a wedding that is not at a "regular" wedding venue. If your parents' farm house does not have a large enough kitchen for the caterers to serve out of, you will either need to rent a smaller tent just for food prep and serving or find a caterer that is capable of working out of their own trailer or truck.

Another thing that you will have to consider is furniture and dish rentals. Hotels and other reception venues typically provide you with tables, chairs, dishes, flat and stem wear and linens. Unless your parents have their own stock, all of those things will have to be rented and that can be an incredible bill if you don't expect it.

The last thing, and possibly the most important detail that can be overlooked when planning an outdoor wedding is restrooms. If your parents house does not have sufficent restrooms for ALL of your guests, both male and female, you may want to consider renting a "port-a-potty" and, boy, do they have some fancy ones!

Aside from these commonly overlooked issues, there are all the "regular" wedding considerations: flowers, cake, decor, photography and videography, transportation, etc. We know that your wedding will be beautiful and go off without a hitch! Good luck! Until next time...

~Pearl (and Ruby) Thomas~

~*The lovely ladies of R&P*~

Happy Tuesday!... Beautiful Engagement Rings and Bands

2011-08-09T14:00:00.010-04:00

Hello Brides and Grooms,

We came across a beautiful online jewelry store that specializes in jewelry made with precious stones in the Fall 2011 "Get Married" Magazine. I am a little biased, so I was browsing the stunning "Ruby" engagement rings but feel free to look around and share this website with your friends and family members. They have engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as earrings, necklaces, and more! Enjoy!

http://www.gemvara.com/

~The Lovely Ladies of Rubies & Pearls~

Race to the Altar!

2011-07-29T11:24:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Come join us tomorrow, Saturday, July 30th, at Colonial Downs race track for the Race to the Altar Wedding! Michelle Dionisio and Bruce Testerman will be wed in the winners circle after the second race and YOU can be a part of it... everyone is invited!

An amazing vocalist from Chesapeake, VA, Sarah Kiah Morton, will be singing the National Anthem before the races so be sure to arrive on time!

We hope to see you there! :)

2011 Race to the Altar Winners!

2011-06-28T15:22:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to the 2011 Colonial Downs and Richmond Times Dispatch Race to the Altar Grand Prize Winners Michelle Dionisio and Bruce Testerman!

We enjoyed an exciting evening at Colonial Downs for "Ladies Night Out at the Races"! There were beautiful dresses and sun hats, great music, delicious cupcakes, amazing prizes, and of course the horses!

Amongst all this excitement a Grand Prize Winner was selected for a FREE Dream Wedding to take place in the Winner Circle at Colonial Downs Race Track on July 30, 2011. The wedding will be open to the public and a closed reception for 150 guests will be held in the 4th floor ballroom following the Ceremony!

Thank you to our event sponsors! We couldn't have done it without you!

The Jefferson Bride: Fashion Past to Fashion Forward

2011-05-26T09:36:00.005-04:00

Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Jefferson Hotel

Richmond, VA

4pm- 6pm

The first-ever Bridal Fashion Show held on the Grand Staircase of the Jefferson Hotel.

Today's most fashion forward gowns from Jingle's Bridals and timeless gowns from weddings past.

Before the show enjoy:

A special "Groom's Room" for the man in your life

and

Bridal tea in the Empire Room where you can meet and greet with metro Richmond's top wedding professionals

Go to http://www.thejeffersonbride.com/

or email info@thejeffersonbride.com

to purchase tickets or for more information!

We hope to see you there!

~The lovely ladies of R&P~

Interview With Rhonda Potters of Alfred Angelo

2011-04-18T16:14:00.010-04:00

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to give away our first 10th Anniversary package at Alfred Angelo's Boutique in Short Pump. We thought that you may want to know a little more about the shop so we interviewed the Manager, Rhonda Potters, and here is what she had to say about their wonderful store!

R&P: What sets you apart from other bridal stores?

Rhonda: We are a family owned bridal gown company that has been in business for over 77 years. We design and manufacture only Alfred Angelo Dresses that are made especially for you so that they are fresh and perfect!

R&P: What's New at Alfred Angelo?

Rhonda: We have recently partnered with Disney to offer a new line called " Disney Fairytale Weddings by Alfred Angelo".

R&P: What do you have to offer in your stores?

Rhonda: We have a large selection of bridesmaids and social occasion dresses, all in 55 different colors, as well as customizable gowns and accessories. We carry gowns in all sizes that can fit any delivery need or budget.

R&P: What else do you want your customers to know?

Rhonda: Our staff is dedicated to working with only one bride at a time to make sure you are given the utmost attention. Your personal specialist with keep notes on your event, gown choices, and party members creating a personalized relationship with you. We hope to see you in our shop in Short Pump soon!

Alfred Angelo

11341 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA

804.360.5780

Congratulations to Miss Deanna Ross!! Our first 10th anniversary Prize Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-29T15:29:00.005-04:00

Thank You! Thank YOU!! THANK YOU!!... to all the vendors and venues that participated in our first 10th Anniversay Prize Pack Giveaway!...

Miss Deanna Ross won prizes from...

Choice Entertainment

Flowers By Mona Ray

The Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown

Evelyn Designs

Alfred Angelo

Brandon Boswell Photography

RSVP Guest

Allow Me

Ruby's Pearls

and

Rubies & Pearls LLC... Occasions to Remember!

Each 10th Anniversary Prize Pack is vauled more up to $1000 and you can win the next one.... Come and see us at Alfred Angelo's "Girls Night Out"... April 28th!!

And look for our interview with Rhonda, the manager of your local Alfred Angelo Boutique coming soon!! :)

Spring Inspired Weddings!

2011-03-26T11:06:00.009-04:00

Hello to all the beautiful Brides and Grooms!!

Don't let this blistery March weather get you down... be inspired by these beautiful spring inspired weddings, invitations, cakes, and more! Enjoy!

Ruby's Pearls presents...

2011-02-24T17:49:00.010-05:00

The lime green wedding... all the printing you need from start to finish!

~Ruby'sPearls and the Lovely Ladies of R&P~

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-02-21T16:48:00.000-05:00

Hello All!!

We have had a busy month, celebrating Valentine's day, meeting and working with some of Richmond's top vendors and venues and working on projects for our 10th Anniversary and the year ahead.

We just wanted to take this break from our busy schedules to say... HAPPY TUESDAY!!... if you haven't had the opportunity to check it out, please visit our new website and let us know what you think on the feedback page!!

Thank you for all of your continued support through out the years!

~The Lovely Ladies of R&P~

The Launch of Ruby'sPearls!

2011-02-03T13:08:00.009-05:00

Custom Handcrafted Invitations and Printing

for the Bride who knows what she wants...

Hello All!!

This year, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are happy to introduce Ruby'sPearls, designed and handcrafted by our very own Ruby Thomas. Now, if you can't find exactly what you want in the stores or online, we can make it for you! Ruby'sPearls specializes in Wedding Suites, creating a seamless story, from the Save-the-dates, to the invitations, to the menu cards, and all the way to the thank you cards. We can work with any design, pattern, or idea, that you have or create your that fits your wedding!...

We were blessed to be able to debut my our new line at the Jan 23rd, Elegance in Bridal Show in Charlottesville, VA. We hope you enjoy the pictures from our latest wedding courtesy of David Abel Photography and the Bell/Johnson Wedding!! Pictures from our first show will be up soon!

Unique Place cards!!

2011-01-21T12:33:00.012-05:00

Hello All!!!

With the launch of Ruby'sPearls just around the corner... we decided to share some unique printing/place card ideas with you!... Remember place cards and escort cards can be an inexpensive and easy way yo add color, style, and a personal touch to any event! Hope you enjoy these examples we found on the internet!!

Picture place cards

Small vase of flowers

Place card wall

Rock Place cards

Edible place cards (courtesy of MarthaStweart.com)

~*The lovely ladies of R&P*~

New year, new look, NEW R&P!!

2011-01-08T14:12:00.003-05:00

Hello all!!...

hope you had an amazing close out to 2010!... We're extending a BIG welcome to 2011... R&P has been blesssed to celebrate TEN YEARS of business this year and we hope to share our sucess with you! Stay tuned for our new logo, look, website, events, and attitude!... we hope that you have a fabulous 2011!!

~*The lovely ladies of R&P*~

Wedding of Kira Bell & Earl Johnson, Jr.... December 18, 2010

2010-12-22T14:04:00.010-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the BEAUTIFUL wedding of Kira & Earl courtesy of David Able Photography... We truly enjoyed working with ALL of the vendors, family members, and bridal party... this was an exceptional event!!... Pay special attention to the table numbers, menu cards and programs (all done by Rubies & Pearls Printing!!)...

~*The Lovely Ladies of R&P...

Holiday Weddings...

2010-12-08T18:57:00.009-05:00

Hello Brides, Grooms, and Vendors!!...

Hope you are all having a great start to your holiday season!... We have TWO weddings coming up in the next two weeks and will be running like crazy!... Thought we would stop a minute to leave you with some beautiful and inspiring Holiday wedding pictures we found online!... We are also adding some pictures of purple weddings (the main color for FOUR of our upcoming weddings)!

Happy Holidys and we'll have somenew pictures up on facebook, twitter, and our blog in the coming weeks!!

~The Lovely Ladies of R&P~

Happy THANKSgiving!!...

2010-11-25T11:53:00.009-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our table to yours!!...

~*The Lovely Ladies of R&P*~

DIY Invitations!!

2010-11-15T20:13:00.013-05:00

Wow!... what a busy month we've had so far... and we have 3 Weddings coming up between now and the end of December but we can't complain!!... Hope all of you brides, grooms, and vendors out there have been planning away as well!

Planning your wedding can be a stressful, and very costly endeavour and making your own invitations can save you a good deal of money!... for all those creative brides and grooms here are a few great sites you should visit if you want to DIY!!... (some ideas, pictures, and videos to come later this month!)

Countdown to Halloween!!...

2010-10-27T20:53:00.005-04:00

It may just be me (Ruby) but Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year... in the sense that everyone gets the opportunity to be anyone or anything they want to be without judgement (for the most part)... So far, we have shared with you some last minute costume ideas and some cool pictures from Halloween themed weddings... Hopefully you have chosen your costume and are ready to trick and/or treat the weekend away... so the only thing left to do is to share some last minute safety tips so you can have a safe, fun Halloween with your loved ones and still be on track for your wedding planning when it is all over!!...

Picture courtesy of Google.com and Peanuts

1. Check your (and all children's costumes) and be sure they can see and that there is nothing hanging that may cause them to trip. If it is a store bought costume, read the label and make sure that it is made from flame retardant materials.

2. If you are giving out candy, be sure your porch is well lit and that there are no open flames (candles in jack-o-lanterns, etc) that may catch any costumes or cause little ones (and big ones) to fall.

3. Try to stay away from busy streets and intersections and (as always) keep a close watch on any little ones you may have. With all the excitement, laughter, candy, and costumes they may not see a car coming down the street.

4. For the little ones, if you have a store bought costume for them, especially ones that have mask or parts that cover their faces, make sure you add something to distinguish them from the other little ones wearing the same costume. It may be funny on TV when someone goes out to trick-or-treat and comes home with someone else's kid but I'm SURE it's not funny in real life (don't know how often this happens but as a mom of a toddler who will be trick-or-treating for the first time I won't be taking any chances!!)

5. For the BIG little kids, be aware that you may be out to have fun but that there may not-so-nice people out with other intentions. They may use this holiday and the opportunity to wear masks and other costumes to their advantage (and your disadvantage)... if you will be drinking, have a designated driver, and be aware that drinking leaves you impaired even if just a little... be aware of your surroundings and watch for anyone suspicious!!!! There are creepos out there... and not the good kind (if there is a good kind ;))

6. For parents, use your judgement, if a house, person, piece of candy looks suspicious pass it by... you may receive ridicule from your little ones but there is plenty of candy out there and no piece of candy is worth your safety or the safety of your family. Don't accept any open candy and be sure to check your kiddies baskets before they eat anything!!

7. Remember to have fun, be safe, and enjoy your family. We are wedding planners by trade but family women by birth!!

Happy Hallooooooooweeeeeen!!

~The lovely ladies of R&P~

Halloween Weddings!!

2010-10-11T13:06:00.008-04:00

Was browsing the web this morning and thought... I wonder if many people have Halloween Themed weddings... turns out they sure do!.. here are some pictures of some great cakes, place cards, dresses, and favors!

The monogram jack-o-lantern and mini pumpkin place cards can be used at any harvest or Halloween party... add other fall colors like brown or burgundy for a nice fall touch without looking to "Halloween-y"!!

~* The lovely ladies of R&P*~

Easy Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas!!

2010-10-05T20:42:00.003-04:00

Halloween is just around the corner!... do you have your costume together?... if not here are a few simple ideas that you can pull together from your own closet.

1. Tights or Leggings- Start with a pair of your old tights or leggings in your favorite texture or color: Use your hot faux leather tights and a leather jacket and you have an awesome biker chick or vampire outfit. Have green tights?... couple it with a green vest, boots, and a belt and you have Robin Hood. Brown tights and top??.. add some ears and a tail to create an adorable bunny, bear, or dog.

2. Cardboard box- Decorate an empty cardboard box to become your favorite cereal, board game, a computer, rubix cube, or an ice cube!

3. Look-a-like- Have a celebrity that people always say you look like??... pick a well known scene from a movie or tv show and pull items out of your closet or purchase them from a store like Target, Kohl's or Wal-mart. If people think you look like them on a regular day, chances are you will have a great costume.

For some great kids costume ideas go to www.parenting.com/halloween-central!!

More ideas for treats and decorations coming soon!! And look out for our two newest couples in the "I do, I do!!" section of the Richmond Times Dispatch Celebrations!

~*the lovely ladies of R&P*~

Questions to Ask When Booking a Hotel

2010-10-01T20:14:00.004-04:00

There are some simple questions that everyone asks when booking a hotel for their wedding or event like... what is your room rate?... and what type of amenities does your hotel have?... but what about the more complicated questions? Here are a few helpful questions that you may not have thought of...

• What is the name and phone number of your contact person?

• How long have you been providing rooms for weddings?

• How many rooms does your hotel have?

• What amenities are included in your regular rooms?

• Do you have any suites? If so, how many?

• What amenities are included in your suites?

• Do you have handicapped accessible rooms? If so, how many?

• What is your check-in time?

• What is your check-out time?

• Do you have a parking deck? If so, how much is parking?

• Does your hotel have a restaurant?

• Is breakfast included with an overnight stay?

• Do you provide the bride and groom with a complimentary bridal suite?

• Do you provide room blocks? How many rooms are required for a block?

• Do you provide a contract for room blocks?

• Do you charge an attrition fee if rooms in a block are not reserved?

• What is your room cancellation policy?

• Do you provide guests with roll away beds? Is there an additional fee?

• Do you provide cribs if guests request them? Is there an additional fee?

• Do you provide babysitting service?

• What are your fees for babysitting service?

• Do you provide welcome notes to your hotel guests?

• Will you deliver welcome gifts for the wedding guests? Is there an additional fee?

• Do you provide free cable?

• Do you provide free Wi-Fi ?

• Do you have a business center?

• Do you have a fitness center?

• Do you have a pool? Is it heated? Indoors? Depth?

• Do you have a beauty salon?

• Do you provide laundry service?

• Does your hotel have any boutiques, gift shops, or salons?

• Do you provide transportation to the local airport?

Hotel Welcome Baskets

2010-09-17T10:17:00.012-04:00

Hello Brides and Grooms!

As we mentioned in last week's posting we will be highliting a new vendor each month and September is dedicated to all of the magnificent hotels and hotelliers out there!

A wedding is a time you share with all your closest family members and friends and when they are coming from out of town, state or even the country, you want to make them feel as welcome as possible. So what do you do!? It is both proper etiquette and an opportunity to show off your creative side by leaving a "hotel welcome basket" in each room or for each visiting guest.

Welcome baskets come in many shapes and forms from actual baskets filled with the best treats your locality has to offer, to bags that hang on the door, to adorable folded towels to match your wedding theme, and directions to the closest local attractions. Be creative! The goal is to let your guests get a taste of how amazing your wedding weekend will be from the moment they step foot in the city.

Here are some neat ideas we found on the internet! Enjoy!!... If you find inspiration in something you see, feel free to use it! And oh, "You're Welcome!"

~*The lovely ladies of R&P*~

Welcome Back!!

2010-09-08T10:13:00.012-04:00

Attention Brides and Grooms!!... Rubies and Pearls are back in action!... and now we're in Charlottesville too!!

Pearl Walden Thomas with Race to the Altar Winners, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hawk

Welcome back to the world of Rubies and Pearls… We have had a very busy and productive year; Building our business, meeting new people, taking on new clients, and so much more! We are excited to get back to the world of “social media” through blogging, facebook, and twitter and we hope that you will follow us on our journey. Each month look out for our featured vendors and weddings, etiquette tips, and wedding trends for the upcoming season!

And now for a look back on what we have been up to since we left you... We have worked with some amazing organizations, participated in some beautiful wedding shows, and of course, planned some weddings and events all along the way!

Race to the Altar at Colonial Downs

The Greater Virginia Bridal Show

at the Science Museum of Virginia

The Wedding Showcase at the Bank and Vault

Virginia Heroes Day 2010 at the Arthur Ashe Center

Wedding Shoes and Accessories…

2009-12-10T08:26:00.006-05:00

All women know that it’s not what you’re wearing, but your accessories that make your outfit. Do you have the right jewelry, shoes, and accessories to make your beautiful gown into a stunning masterpiece? Here are a few pointers on selecting the correct complements to your gown for your big day…

1. When it comes to jewelry, less is sometimes more. If you have a beautiful dress adorned with Swarovski crystals and beading you may want to skip the big, attention grabbing, necklace and earring set, and select a subtle single diamond drop necklace and earrings. Even though the accessories make the dress… you and your dress are still the showstoppers of your wedding. Don’t let the “extras” out shadow you.

2. Your headpieces are just as important as what you are wearing. This includes your hat, veil, tiara or barrettes, AND your hair. All of these elements have to work hand in hand and there is nothing worse than a bride wearing a beautiful gown, but has a busy head of hair and other tangled accessories. Choose the veil that fits your gown and type of ceremony. If your wedding is traditional and formal, go for the long cathedral or chapel length veil with an optional blusher. If your wedding is more modern and hip you can wear a show-stopping hairstyle with an accent hair jewel, go for a cute little pill box hat, or slip on a beaded headband with an attached short, stylish blusher. Remember you do not have to wear a veil, or anything on your head for that matter, but it is wedding tradition and many designers create dress/veil combinations that you can purchase together.

3. Keep your feet happy by choosing the right shoes. If you have a beautiful floor length gown, your shoes may not be seen by everyone, but they are still just as important. Choose stylish shoes that won’t leave you on crutches at the end of the night. Pay attention to the height as well as the thickness of the heels, the type of foot and ankle support, and the color and/or style of the shoes. If you do not wear high heels on a regular basis, this is probably not the best day to start. You will more than likely be on your feet from sunrise to sunset - getting ready, taking pictures, walking down the aisle, dancing, and greeting guests. Comfort is key to choosing your shoes, and there are many stylish shoes that are also feet friendly.

4. Last but not least, don’t forget the undergarments!! Selecting the right bra, panties, and other undergarments are just as important as choosing the right gown. Don’t wear your old worn out bra and panty set in order to save money. It is important to purchase the right support to wear under your beautiful gown. Face it, no bride wants to look in the mirror on her wedding day and see lumps and bumps, and as beautiful as your gown might be, those imperfections will take away from it!

Holiday Savings

2009-11-24T17:53:00.002-05:00

Parties, weddings, and events during the holidays (the time between Thanksgiving and New Years) are always memorable, but did you know they can also be big money savers? Here are a few ways to stay out the red by saving green this season!

1. Save on Vendors and Venues- Wedding season usually starts in May and extends through August. Any time that is considered “off-season” can offer you considerable discounts on both venues and vendors. Even though it’s off season for weddings you may want to book in advance because many businesses and organizations like to plan annual holiday parties and your date may be taken.

2. Save on Decorating Costs- Many churches, hotels, and other venues are already decorated for the holiday season with beautiful trees, garland, lights, and ornaments. If you are already planning a “winter wonderland” wedding, you can have all the beauty without any of the work… or cost for that matter!

3. Save on the Guest List- Many family members may already be planning to travel home for the holidays and would be able to attend your wedding. The accommodations they would make to visit family could be made in time to attend your wedding. Although you are not typically responsible for that part of the cost, you will be able to have more of your family members present without additional cost or stress.

4. Save on the Florist- A big trend today is to use branches and other natural elements in your centerpieces instead of the typical flowers. What better time to find branches and pine cones than in the fall and winter times of the year. During the fall months, you can use hollowed pumpkins and gourds to hold your flowers, - colorful leaves, and pinecones to decorate the tables. During the winter months, you can use big branches with small tea lights and crystals hanging from them to provide a beautiful sparkling atmosphere.

Whatever your ideas or budget, you can have a memorable event this holiday season and Rubies & Pearls would love to assist you. And while you’re at it, you might as well plan for next season too!

~The lovely ladies of R& P

Bridesmaids NOT Bride's Maids!... Bridal Party Etiquette

2009-11-08T10:06:00.001-05:00

After watching a marathon of WE TV's hit show “Bridezillas,” the R&P ladies decided to address the issue of bridal party etiquette. Brides and grooms get the opportunity to choose their closest friends or family members to be a part of their special day, but many of them tend to take these people for granted. The brides on the show were seen cursing their friends, calling them fat, walking all over them and pretty much treating them as slaves. Even though your bridal party members will typically honor you by hosting the bachelor and bachelorette parties and paying for their own wedding attire, they are not obligated to serve you or be your "maids". Here a few tips to help keep the level of stress between you and your bridal party to a minimum:

1. Choose someone you know will be there for you. Don't choose your unreliable, on-again-off-again friend and expect him or her to change their ways just because it is your big day. Chances are, if you could not rely on them for support before your wedding, you won’t be able to rely on them on your special day!

2. Give a lot of thought to selecting your bridesmaids. If you have a serious problem with their appearance – their weight, hair, tattoos, etc. - DO NOT antagonize them by calling them names and belittling them. That only causes tension and leads to problems. If you feel strongly about having her in your bridal party, then just accept her the way she is.

3. Be up front with your bridal party. Let them know what you expect of them if they agree to be a part of your wedding, including their financial and time commitment. Ask them to consider their amount of time off from work, the cost of their attire, shoes, jewelry and hotel stay (if they're out of town), as well as their cost for hair styling and make-up (if you do not give it as a gift to them). Also, remind them to include the cost of the bachelor/bachelorette party, if they decide to host one. Give them enough time, before your wedding, to save up money and let them know exactly how much they can expect to fork out for the big day. That way, later on down the line, there should be no confusion.

4. Remember that the members of your bridal party have their own lives. Just because they agree to be in your bridal party does not mean all of their time will be devoted to you. They may have demanding jobs, families, and other financial obligations to attend to. Be respectful of that. Also, be understanding if they are not able to attend every meeting, luncheon, party, fitting, or event you ask them to attend.

5. Be kind to your bridal party. Everybody is different with different ideas, values and obligations. There may be something you may not agree on, but as long as you address every situation with a level head and open mind everything will work itself out. Don't think you're always right just because you're the bride, because that's just not true. Love and respect your bridal party and they will help make your wedding day as special as you hoped it would be!

Our Simple and Elegant Black and White Wedding

2009-10-28T00:38:00.002-04:00

We had the honor of being the planners for a beautiful "Black & White" Damask themed wedding on Saturday, October 17th, that was held at the Omni Hotel in downtown Richmond. The mood for the 11am ceremony was set by a VCU string quartet that played classical music as guests arrived and throughout the entire ceremony. The room was decorated with a beautiful black wrought iron arbor draped in white tulle with roses and ivy; two white Greek columns topped with a beautiful mix of white flowers (KW Flowers); and a rose petal lined aisle. The cocktail hour was held immediately following the ceremony, where an elegant black and white serpentine table with a fruit and cheese display, crab dip, and cashew chicken spring rolls with peanut sauce was set up. The bride and groom chose a special "peach tea" (they both reside in Georgia) to compliment the food.

The doors to the reception opened at 12:30 pm and the bride and groom offered their 125 guests a choice of Beef Au Poivre with Cognac Pepper Cream Sauce or Pacific Rim Salmon with a Lemon Thyme Sauce. The couple carried out their black & white theme by decorating their guests’ tables with white table linen, black napkins, black damask votives, black and white escort cards, and a damask table marker. The centerpieces, designed by KW Flowers, were an oversized brandy snifter filled with a large white floating hydrangea. The chairs were dressed with white chair covers, accented with a sophisticated black bow. Following dinner, the happy couple cut their three- tiered white buttercream cake with black fondant ribbons, prepared by Bakers Kitchen. The cake-cutting was followed by toasts, bouquet toss, garter toss, and dancing. The DJ, Donnell Robinson of Chi Dr. Productions kept the bride and groom on the dance floor all afternoon!

The reception ended at 4 pm and the bride and groom were whisked away for a "couple's only" photo shoot with their photographer, Daniel Min of Daniel Min Photography, on the beautiful cobblestones located right around the corner from the hotel. All and all it was an absolutely beautiful day. Simply elegant!

Many thanks to Cowles Wall and the amazing staff at the Omni Hotel Downtown!

Pics coming soon...

Convertible Bridesmaid Dresses

2009-10-13T17:00:00.005-04:00

Convertible dresses are all the rage! I just finished watching an episode of WE TV’s hit show My Fair Wedding with David Tutera and he took the bridesmaids to the Two Birds dress shop in New York, to get their new dresses. Everyone is getting into this trend because it is easy, creative, and it gives your bridesmaids a dress they can wear over and over and over again.

I actually came across the idea of a convertible dress while strolling through the mall in Charlottesville one afternoon. There was a kiosk that had really pretty dresses on display. I went over to speak to the lady at the register and was amazed when she told me that it was actually one dress, made out of two pieces of fabric that you could wear almost 100 ways!
Later that week, I was flipping through a popular wedding magazine and saw an ad for what I again thought was a line of dresses that looked similar, but were not the same dress. I was floored when I saw that it was a convertible dress by Two Birds.

I immediately went to the website to look at the prices and colors available. Two Birds has a wide range of colors and ways to wrap the dresses with a style to fit each and every body type. They offer tea length ($270)and floor length ($290) dresses. There are other versions, such as the twist by Dessy and the one I found to have the largest choice in colors, Butter by Nadia. They have an amazing selection of styles, colors and fabrics. But, with all of these styles running $200+, they may cost more than what bridesmaids can afford.

On a further search, I found that Victoria's Secret has a more affordable dress coming in at around $110. If that price is still too much. Another option for the more crafty bride is a DIY convertible bridesmaids dress that you could give to the girls as their gifts. There is a simple guide making this dress at rostitchery.com that almost any bride can make in an hour or two.

In the Richmond area, you can soon find convertible bridesmaids dresses at Tiffany’s Bridal.

Happy dress hunting!

Ruby and the Lovely Ladies of R&P

Hope you had a great week! Enjoy...

2009-10-09T13:44:00.004-04:00

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

2009-10-06T12:42:00.012-04:00

We hope that you had a productive week and a restful weekend! The Rubies & Pearls team has been working double time to make sure our upcoming wedding goes off without a hitch. This is crunch time and we are so excited.

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to visit a beautiful new restaurant and event venue, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, located on the banks of the James River. Let us take you on a little tour.

The restaurant occupies the first floor of the newly renovated power plant, which once provided electricity to Richmond's trolley cars.

While we were on sight we had the opportunity to taste the amazing food. We were served a spinach salad with orange peppers and olives, followed by stuffed chicken marsala with red potatoes and vegetables. To top off the delicious meal we were served a shot of cheesecake with chocolate mousse and fresh berries. The service was delightful and the scenery was breathtaking.

On the third floor, The Harbourmaster Suite is available for private events of 20 to 30 guests. With floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views of the James River and the Richmond city skyline, The Harbourmaster Suite is perfect for a small rehearsal dinner or birthday gathering.

From there, you can take a glass elevator, or a flight of beautifully sculpted stairs down to the riverside tent pavillion, a beautiful space overlooking the James that can be used for weddings, receptions, or other events.

If you are looking for a rustic space for you upcoming wedding, rehearsal dinner, or other event, or maybe just a fresh new restaurant for a night out on the town we highly recommend The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing!

The Lovely Ladies of R&P

Five Great Money Saving Tips

2009-09-20T16:04:00.004-04:00

Welcome!...all blushing brides, handsome grooms and fellow wedding industry professionals.

Thanks for stopping by and viewing or BRAND NEW BLOG!!... Rubies & Pearls is also introducing our bi-monthly newsletter that will be filled with great information on all of the hottest trends, coolest venues, and a firsthand look into everything R&P!

With the uncertain economy, we decided to start our blog with a post on “5 great money saving tips” that can help you stick to your budget without sacrificing the elegance you are looking for on your big day.

1. Cutting corners and cutting cake- Instead of having the traditional tiered wedding cake to serve all your guests, have your baker prepare a faux cake and a sheet cake to cut at your reception. The bottom tier of your faux cake will be made of real cake for you and your groom to cut, and the rest of it will be beautifully decorated Styrofoam. The best thing is, the guests will never know!! You can also try having a smaller tiered cake and supplement it with a cookie, candy or cupcake station.

2. Digital DJ- Thanks to the wonderful world of technology, you can save money by making your own playlists on your IPOD and plugging it into the sound system at your reception site. Ask a reliable friend or family member to announce the bridal party and program your IPOD to play your lists for the different reception events (pre-reception, announcement of the bride and groom and bridal party, first dance, father-daughter dance, party time, etc.)

3. “Part-time” photographers- For those of you who don’t want tons and tons of posed pictures, consider having a photographer just to shoot those oh-so-unnatural posed pictures, and have throw-away cameras for your wedding and/or reception. Your guests will be able to take candid shots and as many or more pictures than a single photographer (just be sure to purchase cameras with 800 speed; they take clear pictures under most lighting conditions). After your wedding, have the film developed to DVD’s. You can even pick the ones you and your groom like, and have your own wedding album printed. It's as easy as that!

4. “Stick” to your floral budget- Cut back on the cost of a florist by replacing your flower-filled centerpieces with sticks (natural or spray painted in your wedding colors) or candles with smaller floral accents. You can also buy flowers in bulk and put together a simply elegant centerpiece on your own. You may want to have a florist make your wedding bouquets and boutonnieres.

5. Savvy shopping- Start early and look everywhere, not just in bridal stores and boutiques. You’ll be surprised what great deals you can find online or even in your local department stores. Shop the sale racks to save money on your dress, your bridesmaids’ dresses, and the tuxes for your “honey” and his groomsmen. Shop venues and vendors with an alternate day in mind. You can save 10% to 20% just by moving your wedding to either Friday or Sunday. And last but not least, hire a Wedding Planner! No matter how unnecessary you may think it is to hire a planner, the years of experience and knowledge of the best vendors and venues can be worth MUCH MORE than the fee you pay them.

We hope you found our first blog helpful! If you have any other questions about ways to save money while planning your wedding leave your comments and Rubies & Pearls will address them! We look forward to hearing from you and helping you make your wedding…an Occasion to Remember!

The Lovely Ladies of R&P!!