My Top 5 Wedding Blogs

Over the years I have shared my fair share of wedding blogs, advice and inspiration. Topics range from planning to packing for your honeymoon, I like to cover all the bases. Today I am rounding up my 5 favorite wedding blogs! Learn more about what I do and what you should do while planning your dream wedding.

Weekly Wedding Words: 60 days or less

If you are 60 days out from your big day, check out this check list ready to use for your remaining planning!

Weekly Wedding Words: What will go wrong

Let’s be honest, you can only plan so far, then comes God. Here I have listed some of the most common things that go wrong on wedding day and how you can prepare, mentally and physically.

Weekly Wedding Words: Reminder list

With so many moving parts, wedding planning is a task that requires lists! A few reminders for your big day straight from a wedding planner.

Weekly Wedding Words: Registering for your new life

You think picking out your registry items would be so easy, but truth be told it is a lot harder then you think! To this day I love my dishes, hand held vacuum and bedding set the most from my registry. Separating your wants and needs can be a beats all its own.

“So what does a day of coordinator even do?”

The question I get asked more than anything and all the reasons you need one (or me) present at your wedding!

I hope these tips help you while planning your wedding day. As always, if you have questions or need more help, please email me at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com. I would love to help you plan your dream day!

-MB

“So what does a day of coordinator even do?”

I get this question a lot. People who have not worked with or seen the work of a coordinator at another wedding, don’t know a lot about what goes into a smooth running wedding day. Why would they? How often do you go to a wedding and study the staff and what their job entails, you don’t! You are there to have fun and enjoy the evening.

Now that it is your turn to get married, one decision you will likely have to make is if you want to have planner or coordinator involved in your wedding planning. For couples who are on a tighter budget or want to go through all the steps of planning, cutting out a full service planner can save you a lot of money in the long run. At bare minimum though, I strongly encourage a day of coordinator for your wedding. There are a million little details that a coordinator will take care of for you on your day that will go unnoticed unless they are not done.

One of my favorite quotes is “Good design goes unnoticed” I believe the same is true for a coordinator at times. People do not always notice your efforts, but they do notice when something is not done because of a lack of coordination. The coordinator’s job is to think through all of the details before they even happen. Here are just a FEW examples of what falls to a coordinator on your big day.

When you are about to walk down the aisle, through the vintage double doors at the base of the aisle. The doors are closed, the crowd rises, the DJ plays your song, your dress gets fluffed and a quick reminder to take a breath. The doors swing open and your walk begins. This all happens at one moment because the preacher knows that when I close the doors, that is his cue to ask the crowd to rise. The DJ knows that when the crowd rises he should play your song. The coordinator knows the exact moment in the song when the chorus begins, to swing the doors open for you. This is all thanks to a cue from the coordinator and the detailed timeline that they were all provided in advance.

Time to cut your cake! You walk up to your beautiful cake you will find the cake knife, fork, plates and napkins all just waiting for you. I also am right there, out of frame, available to line up your hands so the bride’s new ring is shining on top as you cut down into your cake and pull out a slice to feed each other. After that, I typically am the one who brings the cake to its next location to either be served or packed up. I have also been the one to slice and serve the cake if needed.

At the end of the night, when you hop into your getaway car and all of your things are there. That’s me! I always identify the bride and groom’s bags in advance and make sure your phone, chargers and over night bag is with you ready to go on your honeymoon the next morning.

I have been in all of these situations many times. I have had gum spit into my hands as a bridesmaid was about to start walking down the aisle. I have grab cell phones out of groomsmen’s jacket pocket to avoid a lump in his jacket during a photo. Bottom line, I am here for you, your family and your vendors day of and before hand. If you are looking for a planner, coordinator or something in between send me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com for more information. I hope to hear from you soon!

-MB

The Paper Year

On October 26th 2020 Jacob and I will have been married a full year, and what a year it has been. I will remember for years to come, how our first married year was spent in quarantine and amidst a pandemic. Even now as we are trying to make plans to celebrate our anniversary, we are still dealing with the pandemic and those restrictions. This year has been unpredictable for sure. I am happy now to take a moment and reflect on all the exciting moments that happen during your first 365 days of being Mr. and Mrs.

Sabrina Boykin Photography

Month 0-3

The first year of your married life is supposed to be mostly taken up by the honeymoon phase. For me this was 100% true! I floated around life with my MRS. Kate Spade necklace around my neck and would gush anytime someone mentioned my wedding. The first few months were still packed with wedding related activities, thank you cards, shopping for the remaining registry items and packing up our wedding. Life was good and full of organization! (my favorite)

Month 4-7

By now the pandemic has fully set in. Our at home life changed slightly. I had more time for projects and was able to memorialize all of our wedding moments in three scrap books. The wedding itself fades into the back ground of life and now I got to focus on what it is like to be a wife and what is next. What really came next was much tougher. My work took a hit and Jacob stepped up to the plate. Working more on the weekends became the normal for those next few months.

Month 8-11

Typically this is the time of the year when we would be heading to different events around RVA, concerts, festivals and more. Due to the pandemic we were not able to have those types of dates so getting creative was necessary. I believe it is so important to continue to date each other no matter what. Our activities shifted to movie nights with ordered in food, painting the bathroom and working on the yard and flower beds together. At the end of the day I love to lay my head down knowing that I accomplished a lot. Even better when I accomplish a lot with my husband by my side.

Month 12

As our first anniversary approaches, I am thankful and so in love with my husband. This year was unpredictable, truth be told , what year isn’t? Everyone’s first year of marriage will be different. For some, the honeymoon phase may still be going strong by the end of the year. For others, reality has gotten in the way of their own fairytale life. What I know, is that through fairytale moments or pandemic, Jacob and I will be together continuing to work together, side by side, through whatever life throws at us.

One of my favorite things I did this year was have our vows blown up on canvas and hung over our bed. I don’t read them everyday, but sometimes I will find myself making the bed and casually start reading the words we promised each other. They always make me smile or put me back on track. To all the 2019 brides out there, happy anniversary. Wishing you many years of love and happiness.

-MB

Addie and Marshal

On October 3, 2020 Addie and Marshal tied the knot at her childhood home! My joy in life is being able to help people, turns out one of the best ways I can help people is by assisting them on their big day. With every wedding I experience I am more and more grateful for what I get to do. I never seem to forget that this is the biggest day in someone’s life and I can have an impact by doing a good job. I never forget that! For Addie and Marshal, they were blessed with a gorgeous day surrounded by family and friends. With every wedding, I love to highlight some of my favorite elements that made their day unique.

The Flowers:

This particular wedding has grown in love, seriously. Addie’s mother has an amazing garden and grew every centerpiece, aisle decoration and chandelier floral present. The bouquets were created by the incredible Endless Creations. The dried flowers hung from the barn ceiling created a beautiful unique focal point for the reception. Each table hand glowing candles, a wood slab with beautiful flowers clustered together grown with love in her garden.

The rustic homemade touches

Aside from the stunning florals created by Addie’s family and friends. Her mother and friends also created the flavors, cut wine glasses turned to glasses with a custom script of their wedding date. Each guest was able to use the glass throughout the night, practical and cute, my favorite type of favor.

The family

I always love getting to know the families of both the Bride and Groom but in this couple’s case, it was such a pleasure. Both family’s worked so hard for this day, The groom’s family hosted the beautiful rehearsal dinner and kept the dance floor alive all night at the reception. The bride’s father surprised her by throwing dried flowers down the aisle that had been used at his own wedding to her mom many years ago. Sweet simple touches like this make me so happy for the bride and groom. The love of their families shines bright through large and small acts of generosity and thoughtfulness.

I am so thankful to Addie and Marshal, and their families for trusting their special day with me. One of the best compliments I can get is “I love your calmness and how on top of things you are.” I just think, “yep, I am doing my job well”.

Vendor details:

I love love and want to help celebrate your love. I would be thrilled to help you and your big day. Shoot me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com.

I love love and want to help celebrate your love. I would be thrilled to help you and your big day. Shoot me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com.

-MB

Dress for Success and The Dirty Blonde Stylist

Being able to change your perception of yourself is a powerful thing. I believe that how you dress has the power to do just that. Style is saying who you are without having to speak. Having the right pieces in your closet can make the world of difference in your day to day life.

Dress for Success Richmond, founded in 2012, is committed to empowering low-income women influences every aspect of their service and organizational structure. Dress for Success Central Virginia has helped hundreds of women across the metro Richmond area gain the confidence and credibility they need to realize their full potential.

Dress for Success is such an incredible organization and I am so happy to be able to share custom content for the organization’s online learning collection. During my webinar, I share simple ways to bring your at home work wear into your back to the office style. Understanding the basics of business casual, formal and professional is so important for any working woman. I wanted to make sure that this was another large section of my presentation for these lovely ladies.

Want to have your own cooperate style refresh? Custom content built for you and your workplace is now available for online or in person seminars. Click here to learn more about how to update your work style.

-MB

Courtney and Jon

On September 19, 2020, I was lucky enough to be a part of Courtney and Jon’s big day. Set along the country side, at the Bride’s family home, Courtney and Jon tied the knot outside surrounded by family and friends. With every wedding, that I am lucky enough to be a part of, I like to shout out a few of my favorite pieces that made their day unique and so heartfelt.

Highlights:

The Venue! This gorgeous family home was almost like a cozy museum. History was around every corner and perfectly preserved. This gorgeous farm house has been in the bride’s family for generations and has also hosted multiple other family weddings over the years. Not to mention, supplied a beautiful backdrop for Courtney and Jon’s big day.

The Florals! The flowers were assembled on site by Endless Creations . Every mantel in the house was covered in stunning colors. Greenery, roses and other classic blooms graced various locations throughout the house and the ceremony site. Paired with floating candles, the romantic fall feeling was on display everywhere.

The Food! Southern comfort food was present from start to finish for this couple. Chicken and waffles, meatballs and ham biscuits were served during cocktails hour. For dinner the guests feasted on mashed potatoes, green beans, tenderloin, and grilled chicken from Serendipity Catering.

In all honesty, the people are always my favorite and a huge part of what I do. Getting to know the family of both the bride and groom was such fun. It was easy to tell how much planning and hard work they had put into planning this beautiful day. I am thankful to them for having me there.

Vendor Details:

  • Florals: Endless Creations
  • DJ: I’m the DJ, Lee
  • Catering: Serendipity Catering
  • Photographer: Bent-Lee Photography
  • Rentals: Gibson Rentals
  • Venue: Family Home, Madison VA

If you are looking for help planning or coordinating your wedding day. Send me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com. I would be happy to be a part of your day too!

-MB


The wedding is over, now what?

I am not going to lie, getting back from the honeymoon, I wasn’t sure where to begin. Jacob and I got back from our wonderful honeymoon in Punta Cana in early November. The holidays were right around the corner and our house was full of wedding things that now had to find a new home. As much as I wanted to ignore it all and not deal with wedding stuff anymore, I suddenly remembered I loved organizing. Like any problem, I started with a list!

If you are wondering where to start with your post wedding process, I hope this list helps you navigate this next chapter.

Open your gifts

Make a list of all your gifts for thank you notes

Sort and organize you wedding decor. Categorize by sell, keep or donate

Post items for sale online. Facebook marketplace or wedding free and for sale groups are a great place to start.

Order thank you notes. (Budget tip: Since our wedding was in the fall, I was able to use my thank you notes as Christmas cards as well. This would work for any wedding between September – November.)

Have your wedding dress cleaned

Preserve and organize important wedding documents like your marriage license, vows or wedding day memorabilia.

Start the process of changing your last name. If you are here in Virginia, this link from The Knot was my guide to all the forms and where to start.

Utilize coupons from retailers to purchase the remaining registry gifts.

Submit your wedding! With their permission of your photographer, you can submit your wedding to local and national publications like Virginia Living, River City Bride or The Knot.

Review your vendors online. Even if your vendor don’t send out a link to review their page based on their services, take the time to review their services on Facebook, Yelp and or Google. These reviews are so important to any small business and are greatly appreciated.

I hope this list helps you find your way back to reality and enter into your marriage with a clear head.Don’t let this list over whelm you either, all these items can take months to complete. If you have any questions or wedding inquires drop your information below!

-MB

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My Fall Bucket List

I think every girl was programmed to love fall on some level. Something about that chill in the air and cute sweaters really gets our hearts pumping. Many people have written the rest of 2020 off. Packing up their bags and heading for 2021 as a fresh start. I too hope for a fresh start in 2021 but I have not given up hope for this year just yet. COVID has made me truly live and appreciate every day, one day at a time. You can only plan so far, then comes God. Even though I don’t have a calendar full of fall events this year, I still have complied my annual fall bucket list.

The RVA Fall Bucket List

Watch all of the Harry Potter movies

Go camping at Westmoreland State Park

Hike Lake Anna State Park

Have a bonfire with friends and s’mores!

Go to the pumpkin patch at Ashland Berry Farm

Enjoy my favorite fall festival at Hanover Vegetable Farm

Carve pumpkins Create festive fall cocktails for me and my hubby

Visit Carter Mountain for apple picking and fresh apple cider donuts

Have a pie baking contest with me and my girls

Try out new fall shades in my beauty routine

Go thrift shopping for cozy fall sweaters at Ashby, Clementine, It’s Chic again and Buffalo Exchange

Decorate the house for fall

Celebrate our first anniversary as husband and wife!

Watch football (since we can’t be there in person)

Eat too much candy corn

Watch Practical Magic

Write fall “thinking of you letters” to friends

Jump in the leaves, you are never too old!

I hope these ideas inspire you to continue to enjoy the fall season, even in unpredictable years like 2020.

-MB

Weekly Wedding Words: Your perfect first dance

Reception traditions may change with time but those special dances never go out of style. I love the first dances between the couples, mother and son and of course, the father daughter dance. I remember my first dance, Jacob and I debuted to our guests as husband and wife for the first time. Jacob sweetly sang “Today” to me while we danced around our reception.

To rewind, I remember stressing about what song should be “our song” for the rest of time. This stress is not uncommon. During my final details meetings with many couples, they are still trying to decide on their specialty dance songs with only days to go before the wedding.

I am happy to share my list of my favorite songs for your first dance or any special dance you may have at your wedding.

Sabrina Boykin Photography

Bride and Groom First Dance:

  • “Amazed,” by Lonestar
  • “All of Me,” by John Legend
  • “Yours,” by Russell Dickerson
  • “Today” by Brad Paisley
  • “Speechless,” by Dan + Shay
  • “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” by Frankie Valli
  • “Make You Feel My Love,” by Adele
  • “You & I (Nobody in the World),” by John Legend
  • “Perfect,” Ed Sheeran
  • “Say You Won’t Let Go,” James Arthur
  • “You Make It Easy,” Jason Aldean
  • “I Won’t Give Up,” Jason Mraz 
  • “The Best Is Yet to Come,” Frank Sinatra 

Father Daughter Dance:

  • “Man who loves you the most” Zac Brown Band
  • “Always Be Your Baby” by Natalie Grant
  • “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Michael Bublé
  • “Daughters” by John Mayer
  • “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
  • “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor
  • “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
  • “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
  • “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
  • “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” by Darius Rucker
  • “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks
  • “I’ll Be Your Man” by Zac Brown Band
  • “Forever” by The Beach Boys

Mother Son Dance:

  • “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
  • “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Simon & Garfunkel
  • “My Love, My Life,” ABBA
  • “Simple Man,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • “What a Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong
  • “You Raise Me Up,” Josh Groban
  • “Mama Said,” The Shirelles 
  • “Loves Me Like a Rock,” Paul Simon
  • “Mother,” Sugarland 
  • “Mama’s Song,” Carrie Underwood
  • “My Wish,” Rascal Flatts
  • “Drops of Jupiter,” Train

I hope these suggestions help you find the perfect song for you and your fiancee! If you are still looking for a planer or day of coordinator, I would love to help! Send me an email at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com for more information.

-MB

Work From Home In Style

COVID has changed everything, including the way we dress. For those of us still at home working and trying to find the balance, this one is for you. I am excited to announce my new styling services that are geared toward the working woman and her team.

I believe that this is a topic that not a lot of companies know how to police or how to train, this is where I come in. My 30/45 minute seminar covers all topics for dressing professionally and comfortable at home, do and dont’s for meeting attire, along with great styling tricks for everyday life at home. I am proud to say that my debut with this topic for Dress for Success was a hit! I feel very passionate about fashion education and would love to share this content with you or your team.

Popular topics include:

  • Easy looks for Zoom meetings
  • Workplace style post COVID
  • Everyday styling hacks
  • How to feel confident and comfortable working at home
  • Custom content for your position

This program can be geared towards to individuals or a whole team and can be offered virtually or in person. For more information, email me at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com. Spread the word! At the end of the day everyone deserves to feel confident, no matter where they are working.

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