Money Dance Anyone?

Hi!

If you are considering a Money or Honeymoon Dance, there are traditional ways and then the updated American version.

In many traditions, the bills are actually pinned onto the gown of the Bride and the suit or tux of the Groom. Boxes of pins have to be at easy reach for those occasions.

I found it best for the Bride to have a "money bag" and pin the bills on the Groom. It's fun!

We made a Groom's hat out of dollar bills and pinned the other bills all over his body, literally. Besides, the Groom's clothing is usually much more durable for that sort of thing.

So with that in mind, last weekend Kristine's family brought along the "pin balls" that I thought

were not only really cute but amazingly practical. No stab wounds from sticking your fingers in a pin box! These darling balls have the pearl top pins just waiting for the next guest.

No matter what, find the joy in each aspect of your wedding.

Love,

Michelle

The Best of the Best! A Mother's thank you!

Hi!

As I work each wedding, it is my goal that not only the Bride and Groom enjoy themselves, but the Mother as well. Today, I received a wonderful thank you note from Lindsay's mother, Kristi.

This note means so much to me. It's recognizing a job well done but it's more than that. It's about a real connection to each Bride and Groom and the joy that we can create together! I'm so glad Kristi enjoyed her day as Mother of the Bride!!

Today, I have more joy in my heart. Thank You!!

"Michelle:

I just wanted to say thank you again for making Lindsay and Justin's day the perfect day it was! Everything was all she dreamed of and we could not have done it without all you did!

you made a Mom's job so much easier and I was able to relax and enjoy watching my daughter have fun!

Thank you again - you are definitely the best of the best!

Love,

Kristi Martin"

Blue Comes Alive at the Jones Victorian Estate

HI!

This weekend Kelli Winkle and Brian Petterson were united under a trellis of multi-colored blue hydrangea balls and hanging crystals. The aisle was dusted with white rose petals and Shepard's hooks were used to hang blue hydrangea balls creating an elegant walkway for Kelli to meet her Groom. To carry the blue theme higher, Blue and White Chinese lanterns were strung from above! They looked magical once the sun set and the lanterns were aglow!

Her bouquet was breathtakingly beautiful! I am here with Kelli!! Thank you Flower Allie, again a superb job.

Kelli was the Bride that found all the blue glass for her centerpieces. Sitting in her living room, Brian and Kelli were overrun with blue. But at the Jones Victorian Estate, the color

was refreshing, whimsical and vibrant!! Check out the centerpieces! We put clusters of three together of different sizes, shapes and density to make the tables pop.

And... how about the cake? Kelli had a light blue cake with navy blue bows on each layer.

On the top layer, two light blue love birds enjoyed a kiss amongst blue hydrangea puffs. Missy Devine Cakes also created a Groom's cake by duplicating the "Wild Cat" mascot from his Arizona Alma mater. To top off the evening, Arizona beat UCLA to the delight of all the guests.

That's not all... she included a Blue Candy Station!!!! Check out all the candy.

We had wonderful photographers, Micah and Megan Dahlberg (www.micahdahlberg.com)that were a delight to work with. From a Coordinator's point of view, it makes the event flow so smoothly. They were creative, organized and really fast which makes the picture taking process a pleasure!! Kelli and Brian will have a host of photos to choose from when they return from their honeymoon. Well done Micah and Megan!! I hope

to see you again soon.

A Thank you from Shana Villoria!!

Hi!

I just received this wonderful thank you and I thought you'd like to read it!!

Dear Michelle,

It's been about 6 months since our wedding, and it is still so fresh in my mind because I loved it so much!

I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures with you, so you can click on this link to see them.

Also, I wrote a review about the Estate on www.yelp.com. The reviews there attracted me to the Estate, so I wanted to add to the love! You can see it here:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jones-victorian-estate-orange

Thank you again, so much!!
Shana & Gerald Villoria.

Here's the new Mr and Mrs. Villoria!!!

Scattered with roe petals, Shana and her Dad walking to meet her groom.

Our Silver Candelobras filled with Shana's roses sparkled in the sunlight and glimmered in the

candles' glow.

Beautiful and graceful Shana, my bride!!

Instead of the traditional wedding cake, Shana chose a beautiful and delicious

assortment of cup Cakes. The top of the cupcake stand sat a mini cake for them

to take home or cut. They chose to cut it and enjoy it that evening.

Here's Shana and her Bridesmaids. Chocolate colored gowns and soft roses in ivory,

the palest of pinks and the softest of peaches.

Here, they are stepping out!! Their first dance was a huge hit and clearly, they enjoyed

themselves to the fullest!

A perfect picture to end my blog!! Congratulations! I can hardly wait to read the

comment on www.yelp.com... yelp?

Love,

Michelle

The elegance of Red at the Jones Victorian Estate

Hi!!

Jack and Melina were married in June and I finally have pictures from the photographer!

Check out these selected few.

The rose petal exit is the best way to end the evening. It's the finale! The send off with lots of love and everyone had an opportunity to experience the joy! How are you ending your wedding day?

There are so many backdrops at the Jones Victorian Estate! Everywhere you turn there is another picturesque setting.

Here, the entrance road is our trademark (check out the ladies laughing and the guys jumping and kicking) but don't forget the swing, the hill, the wooded areas, the palm tree orchard and the interior of the 1881 Victorian House.

As gift favors, Melina chose the Candy Station. It's a real hit!! I think there still is a child in all of us still that enjoys a treat that we can choose for ourselves! We provided the old fashioned candy jars, tongs and scoops. She supplied the red candy that was delicious and perfect for the setting she created. Well done Jack and Melina! Love, Michelle

Orange!!! Bold and Bright at the Jones Victorian Estate

Hi!

This weekend Kristine and Junior were married under a trellis of orange roses, white hydragea and orchids! It was stunning.

Kristine brought the colors of Orange, Green and white throught the event elegantly for a fun and bold fall statement. She even wore Orange Shoes!!! Cute Shoes!!!

Here, she offered bottled beverages; IBC Rootbeer, diet and regular pepsi and sprite! She provided an old wine barrel to create a unique presentation for the bottles. Who says you have to be drunk to enjoy yourselves? The soft drink bottles were a huge hit! The wine cellar and chaulk board drink menu added to the ambiance of the event.

Love,

Michelle

Table numbers with pzaaaaaazzz!

Hi!

Here at the Jones Victorian Estate, I aways suggest assigned seating for dinner. I personally believe it's better than free seating. The guests don't have to worry about saving a place for dinner. Families are together, good friends mingle and nobody really has to stay at a table to reserve it. After all, it's just for dinner not for the entire event.

They can freely enjoy the Estate knowing that they have a spot ready and waiting for them.

Here are a number (sorry for the pun) of ideas that are fun and creative so your own style comes through.

Heather and Michael Makins were really creative with their table numbers with photos. Each table had a picture of the two of the holding the numbers in different and funny ways that were a delight to their guests! Each table had it's own personality!

My November Bride, Dana, got real crafty with her table numbers. She found these cute numbers, painted them and glued them to dowels and presto! Each dowel will fit easily into the centerpiece. Fun and Creative

table numbers in her colors!!

Here at the Jones Victorian Estate, we have pre-painted table numbers with beautiful flowers or silver card holders that work with any card numbers our Brides make!!

You can name your tables with places that you've been or surf sites or even baseball teams, BUT remember to alphabetize your names. Make it a more enjoyable experience for your guests by helping them find their table easier!!

Even table numbers can be a blast!

Be bold.

Love, Michelle