Aloha Au Ia 'Oe (I Love You!)

Over the summer, Lauren's sister and her girlfriend had a civil union ceremony in Hawaii where they live. (While most people can only dream about having a honeymoon in Hawaii, they actually live the dream everyday!)

Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is not yet legal in Hawaii, but they do permit civil unions. Along with a small group of family and friends dressed in tropical garb and cheery yellow attire, Julie and Christina joined together in a binding union, and in love.

They both chose Hawaiian sayings to have engraved on the inside of their rings. Julie's has ku'uipo (sweetheart) and Christina has ho'oulu like (to grow together).

As a gift, we designed and created a Quaker union certificate, where all of the witnesses of the union sign the document. It makes for a great framed memento and personal keepsake of a truly special day. 

Ho'omaika'i 'Ana (Congratulations) Julie and Christina!

Photos by Joseph Esser Photography

Keep Calm

You're engaged, let the planning begin! But don't stress out, we are here to help. Inspired by all of those Keep Calm and Carry On posters we have seen plastered across Facebook pages worldwide, we have come up with our own poster design; Keep Calm and Hire a Wedding Planner!

Sneak Peek

Last summer, we planned and designed a backyard Hoedown party. This time, however, it wasn't for a client—it was for Ruthie's family. (We do get to have our own parties once in a while too!) Here is Lauren, Eutopia co-owner, setting the tables for this beautiful outdoor event. We can't wait to share more with you! Stay tuned for more photos!


© Michelle Girard Photography

Hitchin' a Ride

When Sylvia and Dan planned their October wedding, they wanted a very traditional fall theme, complete with fall colors, leaves, gourds and the like. However, tradition also calls for something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. They had the first 3 things, but what about the last?

That is when this stunning cobalt blue antique car came into play. There is nothing traditional about this beautiful car! We also adore their "gangster" status while posing for this picture by Cronin Hill Photography. Check back soon for more pictures of their day!

Pretty in Purple

While the trending color palettes have been changing for weddings, one color still remains as a popular one for many, as was the case for Ariann and Nathan. Purple! Purple is a great fall color, different from the typical orange, red, brown and yellow.

Not only do we plan and coordinate weddings and events, but we are also designers and stylists, and sometimes even florists. Here is a picture by Cronin Hill Photography of Ariann's bouquet we created which consisted of purple dahlias, lithianthus, white ranunculus, green spider mums, hypericum berries, and fiddlehead ferns. A rich purple ribbon with pearls wrapped around the stems completed the look.

Check back soon for more pictures of their beautiful day!

Flowers created and designed by Eutopia Events

The Eyes Have It

We are so lucky to get to work with so many beautiful couples, both inside and out. We learn so much about them, getting to know them, and working with them closely on one of the most important and memorable days of their lives. We often forge friendships with our couples, keeping in touch, and sharing what is going on in our lives long after the wedding is over.

Jess and Molly are two of these very people.

Jess is a super bubbly, friendly, sweet, creative girl with a whimsical style, a vintage edge, and a flair for anything artsy. She had a vision for her wedding, from colors to theme, and really rolled with it. She is at the top of our list for one of the best DIY brides we have ever worked with. And to top it off, this vintage bird cage veil she chose to wear not only captures her personality and the style of her wedding, but her eyes are incredible! Can't wait to show you the rest of Jess and James's September wedding from JEsther Photography, but that is for a later post.

Molly is not only one of the sweetest, most organized, and thoughtful brides we have had the pleasure of working with, (she got us both personalized, canvas tote bags!) but she is also gorgeous. She is also at the top of our list for one of the most organized brides we have ever worked with. Look at this picture of her from her October wedding, her eyes are stunning! Thank you Cronin Hill Photography for so beautifully capturing Molly's smiling eyes and personality.

Check back soon for more photos. We have had a busy fall season!

Savage Farm Wedding Sneak Peek!

We can't wait to see the rest of the photos from Jessy and Gabe's August wedding, but here are a few that we do have! The weather that day was tricky (a huge thunderstorm rolled in just as the ceremony was to get under way, but then it cleared up and was absolutely perfect). The bride's family farm is beautiful, and their day was exquisite. More photos to come!

Photos by Cronin Hill Photography

Thank You Note Tips and Tricks

The time leading up to your wedding and the few weeks after can be a whirlwind. It's hard to imagine when you would possibly have time to write out all those thank you notes! Ideally, thank you notes should be written within two weeks of receiving a gift, but no later than two to three months after the big day. So how do you make sure your sentiments go out in a timely manner? Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Thank You card design by Eutopia Events

PURCHASE CARDS AHEAD OF TIME
Why not order your thank you cards when you order your invitations? Not only will they coordinate, but you will have them in hand as soon as the gifts start arriving (engagement gifts, shower gifts, etc.)

KEEP ORGANIZED
Keep a record of the gifts you receive and who they are from. It can be as easy as adding a line to your wedding guest list spreadsheet. That way when it is time to write out your cards, all of the information you need is right there for you.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Both newlyweds should share in the responsibility of writing out thank you cards. It will take far less time to get them completed, as well as act as an excuse to do something constructive together as a couple. Also, don't try and do them all in one day. Your words tend to become monotonous and less personable when you try to do too many at once. Instead, work on them in small chunks, everyday, until they are completed.

PROPER WORDING
No matter the gift you received, your sentiments should be heartfelt, and always in writing. You should not use fill-in-the-blank style cards, email, or your wedding website to express gratitude. In your handwritten note, you should make mention of the gift they gave, that it is appreciated and note how you plan to use it. If the person gave you money, you can mention how you plan to spend it, but you do not need to mention the amount that was given.

WHO GETS A THANK YOU?
While you should always write thank you notes to those who have given you a gift, it is also a good idea to send notes to others that have assisted you before, during, or after the wedding. This includes but is not limited to your neighbor who has accepted wedding packages at their door on your behalf, a friend who has helped you write out your place cards, even your vendors. Even though you may tip your vendors, it is still nice to send a handwritten note, whether giving a tip or not.

If you still find yourself missing the "deadline" for mailing out your thank you notes, don't worry. A late showing of your appreciation is better than none!

Wedding Budget Cost Saving Tips

The ever important wedding budget. It can be a daunting task, but one of the very first things you must do in order to begin planning your wedding. Where can you cut costs in order to keep within your budget, or to be able to afford that videographer you love? Here are 5 ways to do just that. Video by JPod Productions

Love is Hot, Hot, HOT!

Even though Meagan and David got married on one of the hottest and most humid days in July, they kept their cool during their wedding on the grounds of the Amherst Woman's Club.  What a lovely, old building! The ceremony was beautiful, complete with string musicians and a handmade arbor. The flowers from Old Friends Farm were almost as gorgeous as the bride!

Meagan and David used burlap runners over white cloths, with touches of blue and yellow, perfect for the summer. All of the centerpieces were arranged in glass Ball jars, which tied in perfectly with their outdoor tent reception. Food was provided by Seth Mias Catering and was terrific. The cakes (yes there were 2!) were made by Greg at Pasture Patty's. They were delicious!







People danced the night away, as well as played croquet and bocce. Other guests enjoyed sitting in the shade of some of the large trees on the property, using paper fans provided by the couple, and mingling with other guests.

The evening ended with Meagan and David driving off in their car, which the bridal party had decorated with an assortment of cans, tape, and signage. What fun!

We loved working with this couple and their family! They are so sweet, and Melissa Hadley Photography captured their personalities, and their day perfectly.

Oh Baby!

Last month, we took off our wedding planning caps and put on our baby shower caps, and boy was it fun! (or maybe we should say girl since that is what she is having!)

We planned and designed a very natural look for this shower, to really play on the mom-to-be's personality. We had burlap table runners over ivory cloths and pink napkins. Each place setting was adorned with these adorable owl cookies, custom created by Rebecca of Crumbs, Cookies, and Cakes. Aren't they a hoot?

We used clustered groups of herbs for table centerpieces, mint, lavender and sage. We painted the pots blush pink and tied gingham ribbon around each one. They were a big hit and guests were excited to take them home at the end of the afternoon. We also designed luncheon menus, invitations, and thank you cards, all using the owl theme.

We set up a beverage station, complete with pink and green paper straws, pink lemonade, and sassy water. It is a refreshing and delicious drink, not to mention pretty, and it is very easy to make.

   SASSY WATER

   • 2 lemons, sliced
   • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
   • 10 to 12 mint leaves
   • 1/2 teaspoon ginger (optional)
   • 3 quarts water

   1. Slice cucumber and lemons. Place the sliced
       fruit in the bottom of the pitcher. Toss in mint
       leaves, ginger (optional), then add water.

   2. Chill overnight or for at least 8 hours.

   3. Enjoy!

   Image from asweetsimplelife.com




The guestbook was a thumb print tree with an owl on the branch. We found it on Etsy, which is a great place to find handmade items. They worked with us to customize the perfect design to match the theme of the shower. Everyone had fun stamping their fingers and adding their names in order to bring the tree to life.

Guests had a great time at the shower, and we were so glad to be a part of it. We wish Colleen and her husband a happy and easy labor, and we can't wait to hear of the birth of their daughter!

Something Peach, Something Blue

Peach and blue are trending colors in many weddings this year, so we have put together an inspiration board showcasing some ways you can utilize this color palette.



Need some help achieving a similar look? Contact us, and we can work with you to create something truly one-of-a-kind and personal for your wedding day!

Please note: These images were collected from various websites for inspiration purposes only. We do not own these images, nor do they represent our work.

The Wedding on Ice

Here is a lovely video of Nicole and Mike's wedding on ice by Epic Filmmakers. Nicole and Mike are an amazing couple who deserved a very special wedding day!

Nicole | Mike || Wedding on Ice from Epic Filmmakers on Vimeo.

The wonderful photographers at Snap Shots Unlimited have posted all of the photos from the Wedding on Ice to their gallery.

Thank you to both Epic Filmmakers and Snap Shots Unlimited for posting these for everyone to enjoy!

Congratulations Nicole and Mike!

We had an amazing time assisting Nicole and Mike with their wedding day at the Falcon's Game Friday at the MassMutual Center. This couple won a complete wedding package sponsored by Hannoush Jewelers. A really sweet couple who deserved to have a perfect wedding day! We were thrilled to be a part of their day. We hope it was everything they imagined it to be!



Thank you Snap Shots Unlimited for all of the beautiful photos! More to come.

Below is a list of all of the wedding professionals who also donated their time and energy to provide the couple with a beautiful wedding. We were honored to work with these amazing people!

Justice of the Peace: Marianne Kornblum.
Photography: Snap Shot Unlimited Photography of Enfield, CT
Videography: DL Video Productions
Bridesmaids dresses: Stylez for the Aisle of Windsor, CT
Wedding cake: Royal Icings
Wedding bands: Hannoush Jewelers
Bridal Dress: Bridal Corner located in Chicopee
Flowers: Langone's Florist and Greenhouse
Tuxedos: College Formal located in West Springfield
Hair: De Ja Vous Hair & Nail Salon of Wilbraham
Makeup: Makeup Artistry by Liz
Party favors: Pops Biscotti
Party Bus: Party Boss Limousine