Pinterest Wedding Planning – 5 simple ways to make wedding planning a breeze

Pinterest Wedding planning is like Cake and Ice-cream.  They were meant to be together (although you don’t necessarily have to enjoy cake or ice cream for Pinterest to benefit your wedding planning ….personally like cake better)

I find it amazing actually – the concept of keeping all your ideas, images, videos….in once simple place. But that’s the key – keeping it simple.

These 5 simple ideas will help you cruise through your wedding planning – and leave you refreshed and happy on your wedding day. This is not a “How to use Pinterest” blog post. I’m assuming you’re reading this because you already know how amazing it is and you want to use it the best way possible.

1)      Start off by organizing your boards. If you’re new-ish to Pinterest, then this is the easiest step. Label your wedding boards (oh yeah, and delete the boards they already have – so boring!) You’ll want to have an small number of boards to work with: Wedding dresses, Hair & Veils, Photo Ideas, Cake, Décor, Flowers, Engagement. I realize how easy it is to get carried away with a bunch of various boards. Refrain from having too many (how many is too many…I recommend staying under 8 wedding boards, remember – we’re trying to keep this simple). I realize that you’ll have personal boards as well – I’m simply referring to Pinterest Wedding Planning boards for the sake of this article.

2)      Don’t pin everything you see. I know – it’s difficult….really really difficult. But we need to be judicious with our pinning. I don’t want you to have too many GOOD ideas. I want you to remember the GREAT ideas. Only pin when it’s something you want to do for your wedding. If you feel it necessary to pin “wish list” items (something you probably won’t do, but like the idea anyway) then make a Wedding Wish List board and put the items there. If you skip this step – Don’t Pin Everything – then you’re only making it harder on yourself. Too many ideas, too many options, not enough time…it’s stressful and overwhelming when you let it overcome you. This is the MOST IMPORTANT STEP……. Yeah, it is.

3)      Review what you’ve pinned. This isn’t just a game of “Who pinned the most items” (although I’d be interested to know who does hold that record). Review your boards, clean out items that are no longer interesting to you. Get rid of color schemes you’ve moved on from. Delete (yes, delete) the dresses you changed your mind about. In other words – keep your boards clean and organized. Don’t allow junk or unrelated items to clutter up your boards. This isn’t a “Dream Wedding” you’re planning for. This is for REAL. This is your wedding! Pin and Keep the items you are really going to use.

4)      Share your Boards. Your wedding planner wants to know what you are thinking about. Your Décor board will put the two of you on the same page. As a photographer, I can’t read your mind. But I do enjoy reviewing your photography ideas to see how we can incorporate it into our style. (side note: As a photographer, I want the ideas – but my clients understand that I will use them to create their own unique images.) You can share a board with your bridesmaids and collaborate with bridesmaids gowns. The options of sharing and collaborating are endless.

5)      Put it all together. Now that your ideas are catalogued on one easy website. Put it all together in real life. The photographer you choose should have images that complement the ones you’ve pinned. Your décor/invitation can be designed and ordered based on the patterns, color themes, and other items you’ve decided on. The table settings and flower ideas can be sent to the wedding planner and florist. The last step is to bring it all together and USE Pinterest wedding planning to make your life easier.

I feel confident that if you follow these 5 simple steps – you’ll be well on your way to Pinterest Wedding Planning. Using the tools you have available to save time, energy, and above all….being able to be happy and enjoy your wedding day. (Because that’s what it’s all about)

I’d love some feedback about how using Pinterest has helped you with your wedding planning. Feel free to comment below. (and if you disagree with me…I don’t mind, I still would love to know how you feel.)

Bonus – I just updated my blog…now when you hover over an image…the Pin It button shows up. I’m super stoked. If you want to take a minute to review my blog – I’d be honored if a few of my images made it to your pin board.

If you’re interested, here is my Pinterest page. Let me know what you think about my ideas J

 

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Mesa Wedding Photography – Christina and Phil

Christina and Phil were married at Tre Bella in Mesa.

It was a fabulous day – even with a summer downpour an hour before the ceremony and the threat of rain all day…it turned out amazing. The sun came out – the clouds departed – and July 14th turned out wonderful.

It was hard to narrow down the images for the blog – I felt like they were all so amazing….

Christina brought a basket of snacks and necessities for her bridesmaids. Such a great idea!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this ring shot with the shoes. Seriously, my favorite!
I always love having back-up photogs.

I did save the best for last – the light on this last image is spectacular. If you were to pick a favorite image from this wedding – which one would it be?

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8 Tips For Moving In Together

Guest Blog Post: Thank you Dan for this fabulous article!

Many of us could agree that when you move in with your partner, it is a very big deal.  A move like this creates new joys and new conflicts, all of which are an inevitable part of your development and growth with your partner. There’s no way to avoid conflict altogether when growing in any partnership, but following these tips will help make for an easier transition.

 

1. Share Household Duties

Who’s going to do the dishes? Mow the lawn? Vacuum? Do the laundry? Dividing up these activities from the onset of moving in together instead of bickering about ‘whose going to do what can make a difference in how smooth your landing will be. Moving by itself is stressful, not to mention, moving in with a new partner. So divide up those chores right away before the stress sets in. You’ll get along much better.

 

2. Get Clear about Money

Will you be combining your finances or keeping separate accounts? Will you combine your insurance?  Who will be paying the bills?  Never assume the other is taking care of the finances. Outline the responsibilities and monthly duties. Creating financial goals such as savings goals will strengthen your partnership and help you both stay on track.

 

3. Create Alone Time

Many couples forego their alone time once they live together, but it’s still important to have personal alone time. Make sure your friendships and family relationships are tended to and not neglected. Maintaining healthy relationships and keeping a balance of how and with whom you spend your time is important to creating a healthy partnership. You’ll appreciate your partner more, too.

 

4. Go Public, not Private
Some couples fall into the trap of staying home too much.  It could be routine, comfort, laziness, or other reasons. Whatever the reason, it’s important to keep the relationship sparking by getting out and participating in the world together. Go out to eat, see live music, take walks together and join with friends.  Sharing new life experiences will bring you and your partner closer together.

 

5. Decorate Together
Decorating together does more than just enhance the beauty of the home. It enhances intimacy by sharing ownership.  Décor isn’t the only time you’ll work together in your partnership, for sure.  Decorating will help you discover together how well you work together.  If you both enjoy working together, you can take on more challenging activities together!

 

6. Create House Rules
What are the house rules going to be?  Creating a list of rules (especially if there are children involved) will help to ensure a smooth running household.  For example, “pets do not sleep on the bed” could be considered a house rule.  House rules can help you both to steer clear of pet peeves and stay on each other’s good side.

 

7. Express Appreciation

Every partner needs appreciation.  Everyone needs to know they are thought about and cared for, so telling them and showing them with small gestures can make a big difference in your partner’s happiness in your relationship.  If you think it or feel it, share it!  They want to know, and it will come back to you also.

 

8. Talk about Merging Your Personal Items

When merging households, it’s a really great idea to talk beforehand about how you will be merging your personal items. Will you have enough space for both partners’ stuff?  Whose plates and silverware will you be using? What will you do with any duplicate items? Will you need to rent additional storage space or hold a yard sale? Who will you be using as a professional mover?

 

 

About the Author

Dan Meissner is the owner of Cor Moving Company. They are known as “the careful mover,” but they are also movers who care.

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Arizona Grand Wedding – Jessica and Ryan

I was so privledged to photograph Jessica and Ryan’s wedding – This Arizona Grand Wedding was spectacular.

Ryan is in the Navy, stationed in Florida. Jessica is a real-life rocket scientist…As an engineer, she gets to test engines and try to blow them up…okay, I may be exagerating slightly – but both of their careers are amazing. They are wonderful people and incredibly talented. Again, I LOVED being part of their wedding day.

Their love for one another is so obvious…This was such a great wedding. Loved every minute of it.
(Special Thank You to Diana Carver…my 2nd photographer for this wedding.)

 

The LOVE with the sparkelers was SO MUCH FUN!! Probably my favorite images were the Sparkeler photos. Let us know your favorite photos by commenting below….  XOXOXO

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July 22, 2012 - 7:55 am

Joan Kaminski - Love the sparkler picture too. Several good ones.

Phoenix Wedding – DoubleTree – Stephanie and Art

Stephanie and Art’s wedding was amazing! They are so madly in love with each other. I hope you enjoy the images as much as we enjoyed being there to capture the moments.

 

One of my favorites is the reflection on the building and of course this last one! What are your favorite images?

 

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July 19, 2012 - 9:16 pm

Corey Nicholson - You guys had one amazing wedding! So glad I was there to witness it!

July 19, 2012 - 9:17 pm

joshua - congratulations you guys ! i love the photos !

July 19, 2012 - 9:17 pm

Stephanie De La Cruz - Thank you Chris for some amazing photos and for being so much fun to work with! We would recommend you anyday!

July 19, 2012 - 9:28 pm

Katie Lemelin - I love these pictures! So good! I am so happy I got to go to Stephanie and Art’s wedding! :-)

July 19, 2012 - 9:33 pm

Megan Cundiff - These pictures are beautiful. I am so happy for the both of you!

July 19, 2012 - 9:36 pm

Jessica - So beautiful! Great photos! Xxoo

July 19, 2012 - 9:46 pm

Meagan Furnia - I love them all! You two are adorable :)

July 19, 2012 - 9:55 pm

Amanda - Beautiful wedding! You guys are just so sweet together :)

July 19, 2012 - 10:10 pm

Stephanie Denes - You guys look great! Congrats!

July 19, 2012 - 10:15 pm

sara de la cruz - Beautiful pictures! very nice job:-D:-D:-D:-D

July 19, 2012 - 10:23 pm

Roberto Dominguez Quiroga - Congratulations Art and Stephanie! You guys look great!

July 19, 2012 - 10:28 pm

Eddie Lopez - These photos are terrific! Congratulations, Art and Stephanie!

July 19, 2012 - 10:32 pm

Ivette - “-Many. Blessings. For. Both, many good. Things. To. Come. U. Deserve. The best. &. By. The. Way. love. The. Wedding. Pictures. Both. Look. Goood

July 19, 2012 - 10:37 pm

Nikki - Um all of them are amazing!! Seriously the bummer of the year missing this event but hope you know I was there in spirit and I truly appreciate the photographers amazing job at capturing this joyous occasion where I feel like I was there! Can’t say enough how gorgeous you look Stephanie! Guess we really are growing up and becoming women! And now married women! But think I will hold off on planning my own just yet, you scared me a little with your wedding stress Fb statuses ;)

July 19, 2012 - 10:39 pm

J-Ag - You guys look so in love! The photos turned out great! Congrats on your new married life, Art!

July 19, 2012 - 10:40 pm

Justin Jordan - Congrats Stephanie! The pictures are amazing! :)

July 19, 2012 - 10:41 pm

Sam - These photos are amazing! You both look very happy, and you look very good!

July 19, 2012 - 10:47 pm

Grisell - Beautiful pictures! Best Wishes!

July 19, 2012 - 10:50 pm

Delma - Beautiful pictures!! May God bless you many many years of happiness!! Congrats!

July 19, 2012 - 10:50 pm

Joann - They are the best couple I know. There marriage is an inspiration to me and will be to many others in the future. I love them so much. The pictures capture all there love and happiness.

July 19, 2012 - 10:51 pm

Rachel - Adorable!!!

July 19, 2012 - 10:52 pm

Adriana Vega - I’m very happy for both of you! Marriage is a beautiful blessing.
I wish you both the best!!! Your pictures are beautiful, wish you guys luck and hope you win the contest ^_^
Congrats once again!!

July 19, 2012 - 10:56 pm

nohemi cuesta - felicidades,les deseo lo mejor ahora y siempre! las fotos están hermosas!

July 19, 2012 - 10:58 pm

Brian G - Congratulations Art and Stephanie! The photos are amazing, and the wedding was the best ever.

July 19, 2012 - 10:59 pm

Matthew Covarrubias - A beautiful couple and stunning photographs!

July 19, 2012 - 11:12 pm

Vanessa Cassian - Beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple glad I was able to be a part of it and witness you’re guys love for one another as you became one and spiritually united! Love you <3 may your marriage be filled with just as much happiness and joy as you've had with each other these past years ;)

July 19, 2012 - 11:15 pm

carissa de la cruz - It was amazing that day. Congratulations to my bro & sis ……beautiful pictures

July 19, 2012 - 11:38 pm

Jose A. Cuesta - Felicidades por su boda!!!, les deseamos lo mejor en esta nueva etapa de su vida!!!!!, un fuerte abrazo de la Familia:
Cuesta-Ochoa….

July 19, 2012 - 11:44 pm

Irene - These pictures are so original! Love them! Congratulations, you both look great!

July 19, 2012 - 11:52 pm

Levi Hill - Bellissime foto! Complimenti!

July 20, 2012 - 12:48 am

maggie - You two look glowing, congratulations!

July 20, 2012 - 12:49 am

Arlys - Absolutely enchanting <3

July 20, 2012 - 1:13 am

Karen - Love you guys!!!!!!!!!

July 20, 2012 - 2:26 am

Kimberly Lerdall - Love the scrabble tile picture! What a beautiful wedding…so happy to have been able to share in the day with you two!

July 20, 2012 - 3:03 am

alex pasco - Love the pictures! Glad to see you’re happy Art!

July 20, 2012 - 3:05 am

Jay - I love you both dearly and can’t wait to spend some time with you both your pictures are amazing.

July 20, 2012 - 3:27 am

Delfina Rodriguez - These pictures are amazing!!!

July 20, 2012 - 3:32 am

Jay - P.S. Go Sparky and GO ASU.

July 20, 2012 - 4:46 am

Brandon T. - You both look great and the wedding pictures are awesome. I’m so happy for you two and can’t wait to hear about Mexico!

July 20, 2012 - 6:11 am

Renee - It was a beautiful wedding and reception. I’m so glad I was able to be there. These are great photos.

July 20, 2012 - 6:55 am

Matt C - What an amazing couple and wedding…congrats!

July 20, 2012 - 8:17 am

Apryl Melancon - Stephanie & Art FTW

July 20, 2012 - 8:21 am

Casey - Congratulations Art & Steph! Your wedding was beautiful :)

July 20, 2012 - 8:25 am

Karina - I love all of these pictures. SO MUCH!!!! You guys are fantastic and I love you both!

July 20, 2012 - 8:42 am

Mark Adaoag - Amazing photos! all the pictures rock!

July 20, 2012 - 8:43 am

Marc - A spectacular day filled with love, laughter, good times w/old friends and great memories. One of the best weddings I’ve ever been to! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness together! :D (P.S. I thoroughly enjoy the creativity of the photographers – the scrabble pics are awesome).

July 20, 2012 - 8:45 am

Rosa - Congratulations!!! Beautiful pictures. God bless your union:)

July 20, 2012 - 8:48 am

Dusty T - Awesome pictures. That scrabble with the ring picture is awesome. Congrats you too.

July 20, 2012 - 9:27 am

hope - The one of you looking at each other on the bridge at gammage looks like a photo that comes in a frame. They all look great and I love the asu love.

July 20, 2012 - 10:14 am

Art De La Cruz - Chris, you did a great job! Can’t wait to see the rest! Thank you very much!

July 20, 2012 - 10:20 am

Shannon - Beautiful photos! Congrats! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

July 20, 2012 - 10:44 am

Donovan - Wish I could’ve been there! The pictures are beautiful. Wishing the best for you two!

July 20, 2012 - 11:03 am

Louie Fratini - Outstanding photos! Good job to the photographers. Wishing Steph and Art a long and happy marriage!!!

July 20, 2012 - 11:22 am

Jimbo - Love the pics. And enjoyed dancing with Steph, Suzan, Ruthhie. And of course Louie and Mikie.

July 20, 2012 - 11:32 am

FLORENCE - WOW – These are fantastic. I can’t wait to see them all and be able to order -

July 20, 2012 - 11:34 am

JANET - Beautiful! You guys look great.

July 20, 2012 - 11:35 am

mary - Amazing & Gorgeous you too :)

July 20, 2012 - 11:39 am

Happy - Congratulations, Great photos!! Best wishes for a long happy marriage.

July 20, 2012 - 11:45 am

Pam Fratini - I’m so *incredibly* happy for both of you! You are a gorgeous couple and the love you feel for each other just oozes out so the whole world can see and, more importantly, *feel* it. Congratulations!! And these photos are absolutely wonderfully creative and fantastic!! Love you, -Aunt Pam x0x0x0x0x0x0x

July 20, 2012 - 12:22 pm

Melissa De La Cruz - I love them they came out amazing! Congrats again Mr and Mrs De La Cruz ;)

July 20, 2012 - 12:22 pm

Lance - These are stunning photos! Congratulations!

July 20, 2012 - 12:22 pm

Sal - wow, these pics are amazing! All the best wishes for a happy marriage! You two look amazing together <3

July 20, 2012 - 12:25 pm

Tippy - Stunning photos, full of fun and love! The Scrabble tile one touches my word-nerd heart. :) Congratulations!

July 20, 2012 - 12:27 pm

Cara - ohh those are super pretty! i especially love the one with the letters spelling forever :D

July 20, 2012 - 12:37 pm

Beth - What lovely photos of a lovely couple! All of the group shots are adorable. My favorites of the set are the reflection one and the one of the shoes—something about the latter just makes me really happy. Congrats to the newlyweds!

July 20, 2012 - 12:50 pm

Louise - Oh, these are gorgeous! Think my favourites are the group photos with the bridesmaids and the groomsmen ^^ because they’re so much fun.

July 20, 2012 - 12:55 pm

Dara - Oh wow. These are so gorgeous. Absolutely stunning.

July 20, 2012 - 12:59 pm

Max - These are really pretty!

July 20, 2012 - 1:05 pm

Cristy - Awesome pictures!!! I want more!!!!

July 20, 2012 - 1:07 pm

Bob Cundiff - Congrats you two! You both look wonderful and happy.

July 20, 2012 - 1:18 pm

sue - Looks of naughty and nice! Eternal love and dedication, so happy and proud, ready to start this new road in life even though there could be bumps in the road- be as one, always support and communicate, be yourself yet know you are a couple; each with your own views and remembering one view might be differant than the other and respect any differances. I send you my wishes for long happy marriage. Enjoy the mysteries of life, each and as a couple, very day.

July 20, 2012 - 1:25 pm

L Hill - What a lovely wedding! I wish I had been there!

July 20, 2012 - 1:57 pm

Erica - Congrats!! Amazing pictures!

July 20, 2012 - 1:57 pm

A Scheffer - What beautiful pictures that captured a wonderful day and the incredible love these two share!

July 20, 2012 - 1:59 pm

Elizabeth - Congrats!! You guys look great!

July 20, 2012 - 2:00 pm

Brian - Great pictures! It looks like you two had a blast

July 20, 2012 - 2:53 pm

Katie - What a handsome couple !! The photographs are fantastic ! I know Aunt Pam so therefore feel like I attended the wedding. Congratulations !

July 20, 2012 - 2:53 pm

Laurie Shaw - What a beautiful wedding. I can’t wait to wear your special garter at our wedding. Love you both Laurie

July 20, 2012 - 4:57 pm

Melissa Cassick - Beautiful!! Love the photos in front of the fountain. Congratulations to you. :-D (I am a friend of Gina) :)

July 20, 2012 - 5:35 pm

Salina M - I love them all! Everyone looks great!

July 20, 2012 - 6:14 pm

arturo de la criz sr - Great pictures!!!!!!!!

July 20, 2012 - 6:18 pm

orlalia moyron mendez - what a beautiful wedding,Congratulatios to you!!!!

July 20, 2012 - 6:19 pm

Gabriela - What beautiful memories! You look extremely happy Arturo! Congrats to both of you.

July 20, 2012 - 6:44 pm

Alejandro Avalos - Great job and excelent pictures.

July 20, 2012 - 7:02 pm

Ashley - Beautiful wedding photos for beautiful memories.

July 20, 2012 - 7:08 pm

Rosie - These photos are beautiful, they look like the day was perfect!!

July 20, 2012 - 7:13 pm

Jess Leftault - If there is one thing I can see from these photos, it’s that you two have a fun(ny) life together ahead of you. Congrats!

July 20, 2012 - 7:28 pm

Gwen Phillips - Beautiful Pictures! Congratulations!

July 20, 2012 - 7:36 pm

Lisa Scheier - Gorgeous couple, Gorgeous Pics! Congrats you two!

July 20, 2012 - 8:19 pm

alan Gonzalez - Great pictures! Amazing wedding! And a long lasting marriage I can tell!

July 20, 2012 - 8:24 pm

alan Gonzalez - Wish u both the best life has to offer!

July 20, 2012 - 8:41 pm

Heavy D - Totes adorbz!

July 20, 2012 - 9:05 pm

Jay - I love your pics esspecially the second one of Stephanie I have never seen her more happy than in that picture your beautiful steph and now you only need 8 more comments.

July 20, 2012 - 9:55 pm

Lindsay - All these pictures are absolutely amazing! Congrats to the happy couple!

July 20, 2012 - 10:50 pm

Michelle - The pictures are gorgeous! Such a cute couple!

July 21, 2012 - 12:40 am

Brittney - Congrats to you both!!! Amazing pictures:-)

July 21, 2012 - 4:49 am

Stephen - HOLLA CITY OF SQUALLA!

July 21, 2012 - 6:08 am

Drew - Art & Stephanie, the photos turned out just as well as the actual event-amazing!

July 21, 2012 - 9:04 am

susana gray - Great pictures!!!!!!! I love it

July 21, 2012 - 9:19 am

Teriann - Such wonderful people! Such beautiful pictures!

July 21, 2012 - 9:56 am

James Gray - You guys are meet for each other, you guys look amazing god bless you we love you so very much

July 21, 2012 - 10:33 am

Joanie - What beautiful pictures of 2 beautiful people!

July 21, 2012 - 12:55 pm

Libby Rose - Absolutely gorgeous! (friend of Aunt Pam) Wonderful photos!!

July 21, 2012 - 3:26 pm

nancy snoddy - Hi kids,
This is your cousin in Indiana and you two are beautiful. have a nice life. Nancy

July 21, 2012 - 4:58 pm

Sam - Great pictures!! Congratulations!

July 21, 2012 - 11:39 pm

Gina Marie - You guys really do look incredible. So happy for you, sister & brother-in-law. ♥

July 22, 2012 - 1:50 am

Ricky G. - Very very beautiful wedding and these pictures really capture the moments. I love the one with all the groomsmen and arturo all standing together, its a very fun and pic:) but really all of them look very beautiful an unique. The photography was excellent.
i am so glad to have been apart of your guys beautiful wedding. Thank you so very much:):):) wish you the best!

July 22, 2012 - 9:19 am

Cynthia D Gamboa - Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! Pics are very beautiful!!!!!! Love and respect each other every day. Treasure every precious moment never taking each other for granted and may Jehovah bless you both. Wish I could have been there. WIth Love Carissa Mother Law. : )

July 22, 2012 - 8:18 pm

Alicia cuesta - I LOVE THE PICS!<3I WISH YOU BOTH THE BEST GOD BLESS YOU!<3

July 22, 2012 - 9:01 pm

Holly - Absolutely gorgeous photos!

July 23, 2012 - 9:42 am

Valerie - Love the garder on the football. Good idea.

July 23, 2012 - 4:53 pm

Ricardo Jr - Very beautiful wedding!!!

July 24, 2012 - 3:50 pm

Barb - Beautiful pictures.