Trends come and go;  it used to be really neat to use silver wedding bells, tulle was all the rage when I got married, and tiered cakes that were on separate platforms joined by plastic bridges were once a very hot look in the wedding world. Now don’t worry, I am not knocking any of these, I am just saying that things evolve and that’s especially true for weddings.

But some trends have real staying power- ceremonies in the round, doing the first dance immediately after the grand entrance, feasting tables…you get the idea. One trend we think has said staying power is the Fingerprint Guest Book. Why do we think this trend will stick? Because it has 2 major hallmarks of good wedding design: it adds to the personalization of the wedding day and simply put, it makes sense.

 

(Image courtesy of: Jason + Anna Photography)

We love the sign in guest books that we often see at weddings that feature the couple’s engagement pictures. Guests can write a sweet message or give advice. Love it. But an alternative to this is to have guests use their fingerprints to fill in a tree that comes to life only when those who are there to celebrate with the couple participate. I have to admit, I’m a little bit of a sucker for the symbolic qualities of the Fingerprint Guest Book.

Here are a few more that we especially love:

(Inviting Moments via Etsy.com)

 

( SansLimit via Etsy.com)

 

(Teardrop Weddings)

You can see there are many options- you are only limited by your imagination with these functional and fun keepsakes

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog!

Kelly

 

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For an Arizonan, London seems like a completely different world. London is proper compared to our casual ways. We have an abundance of sun and London has grey skies. We have a short history, London’s is…how do I not understate this? It’s long and rich and storied. So why are we recommending it for a destination honeymoon? Because it’s different! It’s an escape from your every day Arizona life! And this year is especially perfect for a trip to London because there are 2 significant things happening there: the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee marking 60 years of the Queen’s reign and the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Pretty big stuff, right? If you go, you will need a place to stay and if you haven’t been to London, finding your landing spot can be a daunting task. When we saw Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley though, we knew we had to tell you about them.

First, Claridge’s:

Claridge’s is the beloved Art Deco landmark in Mayfair. It has always been the destination of choice for discerning travelers and royalty, and is often referred to as the “annex of Buckingham Palace,” making the hotel the perfect spot to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this June. Claridge’s is home to the legendary Claridge’s Bar, boasting one of London’s largest selections of champagne, and the gorgeous Fumoir Bar, a secretly tucked away and intimate space featuring exceptional Lalique details and 1920s inspired cocktails.  The hotel’s grand Foyer and Reading Room are always abuzz with activity and are undoubtedly the most glamorous place to enjoy the beloved British tradition of afternoon tea; Claridge’s currently holds the top honor for best tea in London by the UK Tea Council’s Tea Guild. David Downton’s famed fashion illustrations of some of Claridge’s most notable guests, which includes Diane Von Furstenberg, Sarah Jessica Parker and Carmen Dell’Orefice are also hung in the lobby, and provide guests and visitors with a unique gallery experience.

Isn’t this foyer gorgeous?

Then there’s The Connaught:

It’s one of the world’s most cherished hotels and stands as a London landmark, which has recently undergone a meticulous, £70 million restoration, including the latest piece, a Tadao Ando water installation located just outside of the hotel. The Connaught is also home to two of the city’s most buzzed about bars, the sparkling Connaught Bar by David Collins and the rich and cozy Coburg Bar designed by India Mahdavi, which overlooks the new Tadao Ando installation, as well as Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, which recently earned its second 2nd Michelin star, making Chef Darroze the only woman to have two stars in the UK, and one of London’s best dining destinations.

And finally, The Berkeley:

The Berkeley is located in Knightsbridge, just next to Hyde Park and is just steps from some of the city’s best shopping. It’s home to the delightful Pret a Portea, London’s most fashionable afternoon tea celebrating the must-have fashion accessories of the season in delectable sweets, and is not to be missed during a visit to the city. The hotel also features the Blue Bar, a favorite stop for celebrities, and London’s only rooftop pool and spa, offering stunning views of the area and across Hyde Park.

We are just a tad in love with the Blue Bar at The Berkeley

So now you can see why we got excited about London. The events happening this year are just one reason to visit but London is always a great place to go for shopping, sight seeing and swanky afternoon tea.  Have a lovely time!

Happy Planning from your Arizona Wedding Blog,

Kelly

 

 

 

 

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