Mrster :: A Gay Wedding Planner & Online Resource

Contest :: Why you deserve an engagement session! :: Kym Ventola Photography

2010-07-16T17:02:02Z

I am excited to announce a contest that the lovely Kym Ventola of Ventola Photography has submitted to our MRSter readers. You will see samples of her work below as well as the instructions and rules at the very bottom. First, take some time to read a bit about Kym and her team. They are dynamite and so fun to work with. We are excited to have them on board and soon to be offically MRSter approved.

Who are you? I'm the girl behind the camera. The one that adores weddings....adores people in love.

What is Kym Ventola Photography? Someone actually called us, "Team Freaking Awesome" after a wedding this year. I guess our clients have a great experience with us from beginning to end. Actually, it doesn't end after the wedding or when they get their album. We get inquiries for maternity and portraits when our couples start a family. I totally and completely love that. Oh, and who is "team freaking awesome"? Kym Ventola - Owner/Photographer/Mom/Wife, Mackenzie Goodman - Associate Photographer/Photoshop Extraordinaire, Tayler Moore - Office Manager/Our Former Bride

What is the most common thing people say after working with you? "That was so much fun!". We hear that the couples, their families and their wedding party felt really comfortable with us. I think it brings out the best in them.

Why do you do what you do? I like when people are in love. I adore documenting their commitment to each other. I love how emotional it is. I often cry (or tear up) behind the camera.....especially when the bride and groom cry. I've spent a lot of time with these couples....our first meeting, their engagement session, our follow-up meeting, random phone calls and e-mails. And then Mackenzie and I get to share one of the most important moments of their lives!

Why do you want to be a part of MRSter? I flipped out the first time I found Mrster.com; I couldn't believe it was local, here, in Arizona. The first thing I did was contact Cicely, one of the co-founders. My team and I wanted to be a part of something that supports equality for same-sex marriages and this was so perfect.

DETAILS ::

1. 250 words or less: "WHY DO YOU DESERVE AN ENGAGEMENT PORTRAIT SESSION?"

2. Submit to: kym@ventolaphotography.com

3. Voting will be done by Kym Ventola, Tayler (office manager) & Mackenzie (associate photographer)

4. Deadline is August 1st, 2010

5. Winner announced on August 6th, 2010

6. Engagement session will include: 2 hours with Kym Ventola, up to 75 images presented on an online gallery

7. Engagement session can be booked between August 15th - September 30th

8. Engagement session will take place in Phoenix, Arizona

Good luck and submit your entries soon! 250 words is nothing...you can write that in your sleep!

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Cicely Rocha.Miller is the founder of MRSter.com and is the owner and senior consultant of an event and wedding planning company based in Phoenix, Arizona called Life Design Event Planning. She specializes in celebrations of all types including hetero- and gay weddings or commitment ceremonies.

Network Paving the Way for Same Sex Couples

2010-07-14T17:00:58Z

NBC's 'Today' show produces their 'Modern Wedding Contest' every year, and annouced that they are including the applications to include same sex couples. This is awesome news!

Check out the link below from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Thanks Sara for sharing this article with me (and our MRSter readers!). If you are interested in applying click here for information on the contest and to read their rules.

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Table Top Decor & Confectionary Creations Competition

2010-07-12T20:37:02Z

This event is AWESOME to check out. We have had the pleasure of being involved in the three previous ones, and all the designs are damn kick ass. I just can't tell you enough how worth it is to go. If you are a couple, designer or just like pretty things you have to check it out. All information is below. See you there!

Last year Rikki of The Invitation Lady and I designed this table with the category of Tokyo! We won two out of the three awards including 1st in our category and People's Choice!

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Killing Two Birds

2010-07-12T20:03:19Z

Bridesmaid dresses conjure up images of Pepto-pink frilly disasters that go straight to Goodwill after the big event. Two Birds Bridesmaid raises the bar by creating one dress that can be wrapped 15 different ways, so your ladies can pick the style that flatters most.

The dresses come in 18 colors and four lengths, so no alterations will be necessary. Sizing is simple: "A" fits girls between 0-14, and "B" is for those in the 16-24 range. Wrap, tuck and embellish if desired, and your friends will thank you for choosing a dress that will be in the forefront of their closets for years to come.

Guest blogger Gina Niemiec is the owner of Fiori Floral Design in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Gay Wedding Officiant

2010-07-06T22:24:57Z

I recently received an email from a gentleman who is an LGBT-friendly pastor in Tucson, Arizona. He asks, "I want to open a commitment ceremony chapel. What certification does the LGBT community want me to have?"

Since our stubborn state doesn't recognize...well you know where I am going with that. How should I respond to the LGBT-friendly pastor?

Do you have any thoughts on what you want from him or what kind of feedback we can give him?

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Host A "Cheese-y" Bridal Shower

2010-06-29T15:00:33Z

Guest Blogger :: Shannon

I'm no diamond diva, but I do know about "the 4 C's"...Comforting, Classy, Complimentary, and of course Creamy. Yes people, I'm speaking cheese!! Considering my affinity for cheese and desire for a simple yet elegant bridal shower, throwing in some wine was all we needed.

My fabulous feast:

If you are a bridesmaid or groomsman searching for that low maintenance, inexpensive-yet-gourmet party for your bride or groom...check out these tips:

1. Set Up -- Looking at a beauitful wine & cheese spread is just as fabulous as tasting it. So be creative. Use a long table or surface and show off your skills by using a variety of platters, wooden cheese boards, or unique glass dishes. Another playful idea is "wine & cheese" stations that showcase cheese by pairing it with a complementary wine. There are numerous websites with rules and guidelines to help you out, but for me and my peeps, we'll drink any wine, with any cheese.

2. Choosing Your Cheeses -- There are no rules; however, it's nice for guests to relish in cheeses that offer distinct tastes, textures and aromas. I would suggest brie (soft & a little stinky), Parmigiano Reggiano (nutty & salty), chevre (creamy & tangy), sharp cheddar ("sharp" says it all), & I LOVE a stinky blue. Visit your local speciality cheese store...although I can find everything at my local Trader Joe's or A.J.'s Fine Foods.

3. Accoutrements -- Bread and crackers are a no-brainer, so spice it up with toasted nuts, fruits, preserves, tapenade, or even meats.

4. Wine -- Stick to your favs or ask around; the staff at Trader Joe's and A.J.'s know their stuff. Have a selection of white and red to satisfy everyone, and maybe a sparkling wine or two.

Plan this palate-pleasing menu for your next engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or even your wedding reception. Cheers...and say "CHEESE!"

Guest Blogger, Shannon Williams, and her wife are sharing with us their journey of planning their same-sex wedding and what it's like to be married. Read more about them here.

A Distinguished Cake Topper

2010-06-23T15:00:14Z

Guest Blogger :: Shannon

Dessert is often one of the most memorable parts of a wedding, and many couples want to personalize their cake with something fun and meaningful.

A unique and fun cake topper customization can be ordered through www.fundeliver.com. This company goes beyond a simple bride/groom, bride/bride, or groom/groom cake topper. If you want to drop just under $300 you can put YOUR mug on them.

How fabulous for guests to see the "real" you on top of the delicious finale to your wedding spread? The site is really simple. You pick your type, theme, and download pictures of you and your wife/husband to be and voila!

Lily's Design also has simliar cake toppers you can order online. You can check her suggestions out or create your own at http://www.weddingcaketoppersideas.com/.

A more simple, yet elegant idea I found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/dandelionland offers hand-painted "bobblehead" type cake toppers for about $100 that are super cute.

A cake topper doesn't have to be tuxedos and wedding dresses, so have fun creating a topper that reflects the individuality that brought you together!

Guest Blogger, Shannon Williams, and her wife are sharing with us their journey of planning their same-sex wedding and what it's like to be married. Read more about them here.

The Curvy Bride

2010-06-21T15:00:01Z

Finally, a place for the ladies with a little extra. Strut Bridal Salon is a stylish new boutique in central Phoenix featuring a wide variety of designer gowns that don't look like potato sacks. Sizes start at 12, and go up to 32.

Mermaid dresses, column styles and gorgeous details for all? Yes, please!

Guest blogger Gina Niemiec is the owner of Fiori Floral Design in Scottsdale, Arizona.

New Bumper Sticker for "The Movement"?

2010-06-15T15:00:38Z

Guest Blogger :: Erika

I happen upon what I feel is "art" on a daily basis; the sky, people, buildings, movies, weather, the earth, children, music...you get the picture.

Speaking of picture, I happened upon some "art" while checking out this article:

Best American Spots for a Same-Sex Wedding

I was so impressed with this pic, I thought it important to share with my fellow Mrster peeps. Enjoy.

I'm hoping to find this on a bumper sticker...STAT!!

Guest Blogger, Erika Cárdenas, and her wife are sharing with us their journey of planning their same-sex wedding and what it's like to be married. Read more about them here.

Featured Modern Union :: Drew and Andrew's Wedding

2010-06-14T15:00:02Z

FABuLIST member and MRSter advisory boardmember Drew recently married his long time partner Andrew. The emotion and fun captured on film by the incredibly talented Sergio Photographer is palpable! Here are several shots of their big day.

There are many more images on Sergio's Blogito (love the spanish twist).

Congrats to Andrew and Drew on their amazing wedding day. Thank you so much for sharing it with us and all of our MRSter readers!

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely