Kiss My Tulle

Monique and Ray's Engagement Session at The Palace of Fine Arts and at Sutro Baths

San Francisco is one of those places that I have always wanted to go to. Mostly due to it's amazing architecture and gorgeous views. So, OF COURSE, I went a little crazy when this submission dropped into my inbox. Monique and Ray's engagement session at The Palace of Fine Arts and at Sutro Baths in San Francisco, California features an adorable couple and some SERIOUS locale eye candy!

Image Courtesy of: Iliana Morton Photography

From photographer Iliana Morton Photography, "Monique and Ray met at a Salsa dancing class. She wasn't in the mood to go that night, but her friend dragged her along, and I bet she is glad she gave in! Soon after meeting at that salsa dancing class, Monique and Ray learned that they had attended the same college (SDSU) and even drove the same car (VW bugs). They definitely had a lot in common. Monique and Ray decided to marry and decided to surprise their friends and family with the news of their engagement after most of the plans had been set. With their venue booked, their engagement photos done, and a wedding dress purchased, Monique and Ray excitedly announced the news of their upcoming September 2013 wedding in San Francisco! We had a great time shooting their engagement photos at The Palace of Fine Arts and at Sutro Baths, which are two places they both love, especially Ray, who is an architect."

Images Courtesy of: Iliana Morton Photography

How badly do y'all want to do your engagement session at this location? GORGEOUS!

Partnered Post: The Money you Spend on your Wedding can Help Pay Down your Student Loans…

Smarter spending starts with SmarterBucks^®

It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, especially for couples who are living with student debt. But did you know that when you shop for wedding necessities (or anything else!) through the SmarterBucks Marketplace or use a SmarterBank^® Visa^® Debit Card, you earn rewards that automatically becomes extra student loan payments?

The SmarterBucks rewards program was created to help the 37 million Americans (that’s one in five households) living with student debt by applying rewards from everyday purchases directly towards paying down student loans. To earn rewards in the free program, members can shop their favorite merchants via the SmarterBucks Marketplace, use the optional SmarterBank Visa Debit card, take surveys (coming soon), and receive contributions and gifted rewards from family and friends. These rewards automatically become extra payments on any student loan you choose.

So why not turn your wedding expenses into extra loan payments that get you debt-free faster and for less?

Wedding-relevant vendors in the SmarterBucks Marketplace include:

• Jewelers: ICE.com, Gordon's Jewelers and Diamond.com
• Invitations: Minted
• Dresses and accessories: David's Bridal, J.Crew, Nordstrom
• Dance Lessons: Arthur Murray Dance
• Shoes: ShoeBuy.com, Nine West, Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW)
• Makeup: Sephora.com, Avon.com
• For the groom: Joseph A. Bank, Macy's
• Gifts for the wedding party: Red Envelope, PersonalCreations.com, Brookstone
• Gift registries: Crate & Barrel, Bloomingdales, Target.com, Williams-Sonoma
• Honeymoon: Expedia.com, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Hotwire, InterContinental Hotels
• And more!

Plus with the SmarterBank Visa Debit Card, you can earn rewards on offline purchases, too. Score rewards on your wedding dress, the deposit for your photographer, the deposit for your band, the wedding cake, your floral arrangements, or any other expense you can charge to your card as a non-PIN purchase. 

Sign up today—it’s free!

Learn more at SmarterBucks.com

The SmarterBank Visa Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC.

Banking services provided by the Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC.

Budget Finds: Earn $25 Stella & Dot July Dot Dollars the Easy Way!

In June, it pays to shop with Stella & Dot! For every $50 you spend you will earn $25 in Dot Dollars to redeem for yourself in July. You can apply the $25 Dot Dollars for every $50 you spend between July 3rd-11th, 2013. *Don't worry about forgetting your Dot Dollars because on July 3rd you'll recieve an e-mail with your promo codes and each code will represent a $25 Dot Dollars award. Below are a few of my favorite pieces that are totally affordable and perfect for the bride or the bridesmaids!

Lily Chandeliers // Pippa Stone Earrings // Serenity Stone Drops // Sanibel Chandeliers

Spring Awakening Necklace // Olivia Bib Necklace // Campari Necklace // La Coco Rope Necklace

Brides, which piece would you choose for your wedding party?

***Kiss My Tulle is a part of several affiliate programs with companies that we enjoy and shop from on a regular basis. Kiss My Tulle never promotes a product or brand that we would not use ourselves or that we believe does not appeal to our readers.***

How to Get Married in Michigan

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Michigan!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: To apply for a marriage license in Michigan, you must be 18 years of age and of the opposite gender. There is a 3 day waiting period. The county clerk can waive the 3 day waiting period for "good and sufficient cause shown." For the purpose of marriage application, residency is determined by a current valid driver's license or state I.D.:

• If you are a Michigan resident, you must apply in the county where you live. If both parties are Michigan residents, you may apply in either county.
• If both parties are out-of-state residents, you must apply in the county where you are going to be married.

3.  The following is required of both parties:

• Valid driver's license or state ID showing current address.
• Birth certificate or valid passport. If passport is used instead of birth certificate, full names of both parents and the state or country where they were born must be provided at time of application.
• Social Security numbers of both parties.

Under 18: Persons 16 and 17 years of age must show a certified copy of their birth certificate and have written consent of one parent or legal guardian, who must appear at the time of application with picture identification.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: Marriage license fees are $20.00 for Michigan residents; $30.00 for out-of-state residents.

Officiants: A minister of the gospel who is ordained or authorized by his or her church to perform marriages and who is a pastor of a church in this state, or continues to preach the gospel in this state may perform marriages. Marriages may be solemnized by any of the following:

• Federal, probate, district, and municipal judges, and district court magistrates, in their court area;
• Mayors, in their city
• Wayne County clerks;
• Ministers of the gospel, anywhere in the state, "if the minister is ordained or authorized to solemnize marriages according to the usages of the denomination, and is a pastor of a church in this state, or continues to preach the gospel in this state";
• Non-resident ministers of the gospel, anywhere in the state, if the minister is authorized to solemnize marriages by his or her state's laws.

Valid: Your marriage license will expire 33 days from the date of application and if you are a Michigan resident, you must apply in the county where you live. If both parties are Michigan residents, the license is valid throughout the state. If both parties are out-of-state residents, the license is valid in that county only.

Equality Rights: Same-sex couples cannot get married in Michigan.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

Click here to apply online for your Michigan marriage license.

How many of you are getting married in Michigan?

Couple's Engagement Session at the Same Location as Her Parent's Wedding Ceremony

I love this engagement session (and sweet, sweet love story) from couple Ashley and Matt. First, they have an ADORABLE dog. Second, they are from British Columbia (which this Alaskan has always considered a second home). Third, they did their engagement session at the same spot where her parents got married (insert *aw* here).

Image Courtesy of: Tracie Ann Photography

From photographer Tracie Caldwell of Tracie Ann Photography, "Matt and Ashley have a very special bond. You can truly feel the love and respect between these two. That is probably due to the fact they are true high school sweethearts! They have been through a lot together and you can see that shine through!

Matt FINALLY popped the question while taking Ashley out for dinner close to Christmas time, He took her out for dinner at a local ski resort and got down on one knee in the snow! And thankfully she said YES ;)

Ashley asked to have the engagement session in the same park her parents were married which was such a special touch. They went for a fun/cozy feel with a little touch of chic. Of course they had to incorporate their 'baby' (dog) Lola for a few shots as well!

They are planning a destination wedding for 2014!"

Image Courtesy of: Tracie Ann Photography

Would you plan an engagement session (or even your wedding) at the same location as your parents exchanged their vows?

Wedding Wednesday: Focusing on The Groom and Groomsmen

Ah, the mens. The gender that, as whole, is just adorable (In a "Aw, I wanna you on the head when you do stupid stuff" way.). So, why are they always the second-class citizens at a wedding? For The Boy and my wedding last May, it was really important for me to make sure that the boys had plenty of time alone with the photographer. Thankfully, Miranda Laine of Miranda Laine Photography was right on board with the plan and nailed some GREAT shots of the mens while the ladies were chillin' in the house. Check them out (some are fab... some are what happens when you leave boys alone with your photographer...):

Images Courtesy of: Miranda Laine Photography

Are you making sure that the men in your wedding get their time in front of the camera?

Boudoir Session Ideas for Normal-Sized Women

Ugh. The boudoir session... it's the delight of skinny bitches everywhere and the bane of those of us who are normal-sized. In what world would I want to strip down to my skivvies, hang out on a tree branch, and let someone record it all for posterity? I think a lot of my reluctance comes from NEVER seeing normal-sized women in a boudoir session that's been featured on a wedding blog.

Then this bit of gorgeousness came across my desk and I knew that it needed to be shared with my readers. Two stunning woman, one lovely outdoor boudoir shoot, and tons of tasteful touches. Enjoy, y'all:

Images Courtesy of: dani. fine photography

Would you do a boudoir session?

Vendors:

Photographer: dani. fine photography
Makeup Artist: Crystal Vazquez & Company
Event Planner: Eutopia Events
Lingerie: Gazebo

The Registry Handbook: Bar Basics

Registering for wedding gifts - it's supposed to be fun but usually ends up being overwhelming. Mostly because everyone keeps telling you that you HAVE to register for this or you HAVE to register for that. Ignore them. These days you can register for your honeymoon or even register for the kitchen sink. But what if you actually DO want to register for stuff - just not AS MUCH stuff as everyone's telling you to?

The Registry Handbook to the rescue!

This series will be helping you build your registry piece by piece but with a practical bend. This is the registry round up for you non-three-thousand-different-cocktailers, non-homebrewers, and non-fancy-ass-anythingers. These are the essentials you'll need to get you into your new married life in a sensible fashion. We're talking the bare-bones basics and looking more into investing in good (not great) quality than in hoarding. Check it out:

Bar Cart | Ice Bucket | Cocktails Book | Ice Tongs | Jigger | Bottle Opener | Set of Assorted Bar Glasses | Cocktail Strainer | Corkscrew | Bar Spoon | Cocktail Shaker | Muddler

The focus of this bar registry is to get you what you need to do a little relaxing and a little entertaining. Nothing more. Nothing less. When registering, try to focus on picking out quality items in the middle price range. Anything less will not last or be crappy and frustrate you and anything more is a bit much if all you plan on doing is fixing a few drinks for friends on special occasions. Stick with simple colors and materials (glass and stainless steel are great and long-lasting). Everything on this downloadable (click the image for the PDF!) handbook page is perfect for your starter living room and ready to 3-hole punch and insert in your wedding binder/planner.

Tulle Nation, how many of you agree with this bare-bones basic bar registry? Did any of you register for bar stuff you've never used? Or maybe you registered for stuff that didn't hold up? Tell us about it! *Check out our other The Registry Handbook basics here.

How to Get Married in Massachusetts

So, you've planned a lovely wedding, stayed within your budget, and and now you're ready for the actual getting married part of the process. But how? Don't worry, Tulle Nation, I've got you taken care of. Each week this year, I'll be sharing all the information you need to know to get married in one state in the United States. Today, Massachusetts!

Application, ID, and Residency Requirement: There are no residency requirements to obtain a marriage license in Massachusetts. There is a three-day waiting period after the application has been filed and both parties must be present when the application is turned in.

The Social Security number of both parties must be presented at the time of application. If age is in question and an applicant appears close to 18, proof of age will be required with a document indicating date of birth, such as a birth certificate or driver's license. The state does not require proof of divorce, but some counties require a 90-day waiting period after a divorce is finalized before a marriage license can be granted.

Massachusetts permits first cousins to marry.

Under 18: The legal age to marry in Massachusetts is 18. Applicants younger than 18 must receive permission from their parents or guardians, and petition a judge for a court order to authorize the marriage.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?: Marriage license fees vary across municipalities in Massachusetts. Applicants should check with the local town clerk's office or town hall for specific costs and payment options.

Officiants: A justice of the peace, priest, minister, rabbi or other religious official can officiate weddings in Massachusetts. Additionally, a family member or friend can perform the ceremony by paying a $25 fee and filling out an application that takes four to six weeks to process. Massachusetts does not require any witnesses at wedding ceremonies by a justice of the peace but some religions may.

Valid: Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the time of issuance.

Equality Rights: Same-sex couples can get married in Massachusetts through the same process as opposite-sex couples.

Name Change: Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

Click here for more information on marriage in Massachusetts.

How many of you are getting married in Massachusetts?

A Modern Engagement Session in Downtown Los Angeles

Today's post features a couple who are urban, modern, and love Crossfit (quite the bad ass combination, huh?). Drew and Allison asked their photographer to showcase their engagement session at several downtown Los Angeles locations (like Union Station and Angel's Knolls). I think it matches their clean and simple outfits and personalities perfectly!

Image Courtesy of: Andy Bang Photographers

From the photographer Andy Bang Photographers, "Drew and Allison are two cute peas in a pod. They each work at high-stress jobs and yet find the time to make their relationship work. They both love Crossfit and regularly workout together. This is an engagement session we did with them in downtown Los Angeles. We visited several hot spots including Union Station, Angel's Knoll and wandered the streets of LA. They were dating for years before Drew popped the question at the beach with a surprise bonfire with all their friends. They are planning to get married in sunny Santa Barbara at the Montecito Country Club this September."

Images Courtesy of: Andy Bang Photographers

Are any of you planning a downtown Los Angeles engagement session?

5 for 5: Top Five Budget Tips for the Ceremony Music

In today's 5 for 5, I'm offering suggestions on how to save money on the ceremony music (On the 5th day of every month, I share a downloadable infographic with my Top Five Budget Tips for a specific facet of wedding planning).

Hope this helps y'all find your perfect, budget-friendly the ceremony music! (click the image below for a free PDF!):

Top Five Budget Tips for the Ceremony Music

1. Ask a talented friend or family member if they would play at your wedding ceremony as their gift to you. Offer to purchase/provide the sheet music, if necessary.
2. Hire a music student to play. Usually, music students are excellent musicians but will generally charge less.
3. Skip music and have someone read out loud a love poem or letters you have written to each other.
4. Instead of the traditional string quartet, consider hiring a pianist or a classical guitarist to provide the music for your wedding. You’ll save by not paying for multiple musicians to perform.
5. Create a special playlist on your iPod and hook it up to some rented speakers (which sound MUCH better than the home kinds). Ask a friend to start and stop the music when appropriate.

Be sure to check out all our 5 for 5 suggestions.

Adorable Urban Engagement Shoot with LOTS of Color

I love engagement sessions set in urban areas. They are just SO colorful and have so many cool ass features and focal points. So, naturally, I adored this engagement session from Iliana Morton Photography the moment it came across my desk. Louanne and Joe are a funky and fun couple from California who wanted a bright engagement session that matched their personal style.

Image Courtesy of: Iliana Morton Photography

From photographer Iliana Morton, "Louanne and Joe are so great. She is one stylish and creative hairstylist and makeup artist. He is a witty and sarcastic middle school English teacher. Their personalities balance each other out perfectly. They are so much fun to be around, and when they're together, you can't help but have a great time!

Image Courtesy of: Iliana Morton Photography

For their engagement session, Louanne and Joe wanted to go somewhere vibrant and fun. We decided to shoot in Little Italy in Downtown San Diego because there's so much color and energy there. We had fun exploring the area and snapping some great photos. At one point it did start to rain, so we ducked into a nearby bar-- Bottlecraft-- which is one of all of our favorites. Those ended up being some of my favorite photos! And in the end, the sun began to shine, giving us just enough time for a few more photos, with the sunshine glistening off the wet surfaces!

Image Courtesy of: Iliana Morton Photography

Louanne and Joe are getting married in September in San Diego, and I'm sure it's going to be an awesome day!"

Images Courtesy of: Iliana Morton Photography

Would you embrace an urban setting for your engagement session?