Category Archives: Real Weddings

Jake and Ellen were married on December 17, 2011, at the Grand Event Center in Northfield, Minn. The wedding was beautiful, but what you really want to know is how the dessert buffet table turned out, right? Here are a few pics for you to take a peek:

Jacob and Ellen's White Sox Candy Buffet

Here’s the happy couple next to their baseball-themed buffet table. The look was inspired by the Game-Time design created by our very own party planner, Carynn. See the other looks Carynn came up with when you visit our post, “Check out the looks we pitched to Jake and Ellen.”

Treat and Candy Buffet at Wedding Reception

We LOVE how the black and white wedding napkins add a touch of dramatic style to the spread. The fish bowls of treats with scoops and the vase of baseballs make great additions to the setup.

White Sox Themed Treat and Candy Bar

The glove filled with baseball candies is super clever, and the wooden crates lined with fake grass create a fun backdrop for the entire table as well as a fun spot to display more treats.

Wedding Reception Treat and Candy Bar

Personalized favor bags are easy to arrange and easy to use, making them a big favorite with today’s couples. Plus, they create a nice, clean look as a part of this buffet spread.

We’re quite pleased here at Ann’s Bridal Bargains with how well the dessert buffet table turned out. Thank you so much to Jake and Ellen for letting us be a part of their special day, and thank you to everyone who followed this Real Wedding Story.

 

Posted in Real Weddings, Wedding Reception | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Courtney and her fiancé, Matt! Congratulations!

Now the couple can have fun shopping for wedding invitations and stationery, as well as other wedding accessories, without worrying about their budget.

Courtney and Matt met at Iowa State University when their Greek houses were paired together during Greek Week freshman year. They’ve been together now for more than three and a half years.

November 2011 Ann's Bridal Bargains Shopping Spree Winners

The proposal story is heart melting! At the time, the couple lived near a river where Matt enjoys fishing. He called her outside, to show off his catch she assumed, and pointed to a message in a bottle! Courtney, thinking this message randomly washed up on shore, was intrigued and began to read the message inside. The letter was written like an old-time fairy tale about a prince and princess, but it touched on different things the couple had done together. At the end, the prince wanted to spend the rest of his life with the princess, and then Matt proceeded to get down on one knee and ask her to marry him. Awww…love it!

The couple will marry in November of 2012 in the Quad Cities in Iowa. Pink and grey are their wedding colors. So far, they have made just a few wedding plans, but Courtney has already learned a few things she’d like to share with other brides.

  1. Don’t wait too long to get the dress. Then you’ll have time to order, send it back if need be and alter it. Give yourself plenty of time.
  2. Meet with different photographers. Courtney found that she loved pictures from one, but the photographer turned out to be rude. Instead, they selected another that had a whole wedding-date package, engagement session and a CD with copyrights. Now the couple can buy the photos they want via the CD rather than the photographer’s prints.
  3. Take cake baker suggestions from friends and family, or from your own experience, to be sure you’ll be happy with the result and the price tag.
  4. Find a decorator! Courtney thinks it’s so worth it for sake of sanity. She found someone to take care of tablecloths, all the flowers at the church, centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres. They’ll set it all up and come back to pick it all up the next day.

Congratulations, Courtney and Matt. Happy Shopping!

Want to win a $500 Shopping Spree? December is your last chance! Sign up to become a member today and be automatically entered to win. We’ll select our last winner the first week of January, so watch your email!

Posted in Contests and Giveaways, Real Weddings | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Looks like the A-Team has scored with Look #3: Game Time. Jake and Ellen loved the fun-loving nature of our last buffet table look, but they threw us a curve ball and chose a few elements from the other two looks as well. Here’s what they chose!

black and white baseball candy buffet

1. Game-Time spread with wooden crates, fake turf, Cracker Jacks and popcorn.

2. Clear favor bags with flourish favor labels in black and accents of black satin ribbon.

3. Black, personalized wedding napkins with baseball design cut in white.

4. White favor bags with the baseball design cut and “7th inning stretch” in black foil.

Want to see how they put it all together for the big day? Check back in January and we’ll have photos from the wedding reception!

We want to send a HUGE thank you to Jake and Ellen for working with Ann’s Bridal Bargains and giving us the opportunity to offer some creative ideas. Have a wonderful wedding and a long and beautiful life together!

Posted in Real Weddings, Wedding Favors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Black and White Classic Candy Buffet

Classic black and white is always an elegant choice, and it just so happens to fit the White Sox theme perfectly. Our party planner, Carynn, put together a simple yet very attractive look by using clear glass vases and bags as well as black and white bags, favor boxes and napkins. A flourish design cut is carried throughout this look as well. See below for product details!

 

Sapphire and Black Candy Buffet

Since White Sox colors are black, white and blue, Carynn wanted to create a look where the blue really popped, as that is one of the bride and groom’s wedding colors, but remained tasteful and traditional. Blue becomes an eye-catching element of color that really ties everything together, from the napkins to the candies. See below for product details!

Baseball Candy Buffet

This look totally says “Take me out to the ball game!” Wooden crates, fake turf and fake grass create a presentation that can’t be beat. And, of course, classic popcorn bags and cracker jacks are fun treats to offer guests. See below for product details!

 

Look #1: Classic Black and White

1. Cellophane bags were filled with popcorn and sealed shut with flourish favor labels in ebony. The favor labels are custom printed with “7th inning stretch.” Black satin ribbon was added as the finishing accent. Also shown are clear glass vases of varying sizes and heights filled with a variety of treats and accented with black satin ribbon. Black personalized napkins stacked on top of coordinating white napkins complete the look.

2. White favor bags were personalized with a flourish design, names and wedding date in black foil. Favor bags can be pre-filled or filled by guests.

3. Black favor boxes were personalized with pearl border seals in white featuring just first names. Favor boxes can also be filled ahead of time or set out for guests to fill.

 

Look #2: Sapphire and Black

1. In this look, the white favor bags are personalized with a single initial, names and wedding date in blue foil and nicely stacked in a white wooden box for simple presentation.

2. Once again, clear glass vases were used to elegantly display a variety of treats. Treats can be scooped by guests into whatever favor boxes, containers or bags the couple chooses.

3. Royal blue wedding napkins are personalized with single initial, names and wedding date in white. The blue napkins give that final pop of color needed to make this buffet table an excellent representation of the White Sox theme.

 

Look #3: Fun Baseball

1. Carynn used real wooden crates and boxes for presenting cracker jacks and classic popcorn bags. You might find crates at your local hobby store, but also check with your local grocer for any giveaways. Fake turf can be found at home improvement stores. Cracker Jacks are available at most large grocery stores, and classic popcorn bags are often found at party stores or department stores.

2. Clear cellophane bags are filled with homemade trail mix and tied closed with black and white stain ribbon. Carynn also added white, personalized favor cards.

3. Ann’s white treat boxes are shown here with the create-your-own seals in white. The baseball design cut shown is a custom design cut, meaning call us and we’ll work with you if we don’t have the design cut you want!

Come back tomorrow to see what Jake and Ellen have chosen for their buffet table look!

Posted in Real Weddings, Wedding Favors | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ellen has seen hundreds of diamonds throughout the seven years she and Jake have been together, but not the kind of diamond that fits on a ring finger. Baseball has been a big part of this couple’s life ever since they started dating back in high school. And even after pursuing different dreams at different colleges, they’ve remained together through it all. Today, Ellen works as a registered nurse and Jake plays for the White Sox minor leagues, but it wasn’t until last year that Jake made the greatest catch of his life and asked Ellen to marry him.

Ellen and Jake

The wedding date is just a few short weeks away on December 17, 2011. Ellen wanted a truly elegant event, but also wanted to incorporate baseball into their wedding. They decided to go with a baseball-themed, candy buffet table for guests to enjoy at the reception.

Here’s where Ann’s comes in! Our party planner, Carynn, has put together three looks for Jake and Ellen. All three looks feature the White Sox baseball theme they wanted but in three unique styles.

Visit us Wednesday to see all three looks. We’ll reveal the winning choice on Thursday!

Posted in Real Weddings | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A big congrats goes out to our newest Shopping Spree Winner…Glenda! She’ll have tons of fun spending $500 at AnnsBridalBargains.com on anything from save the dates and wedding invitations to accessories and favors.

 

But first, you have to hear the story behind their courtship and proposal! Glenda and Andy have known each other since they were kids. They grew up in the same small town, went to church together and occasionally spent time with the same friends. They never dated and went their separate ways to college. After 15 years, both returned home, the stars aligned and the dating began. He won her heart treating her like a princess — helping her study, taking care of her when she was sick and bringing her daisies simply because they’re her favorite. Being a good Christian man was the icing on top (something she always wanted).

 

Now, for the proposal story! This is good.

While Andy wanted Glenda to pick out her ring, he also wanted a proper proposal. Andy first attempted to embarrass her on the Jumbotron at her favorite team’s game, the Arkansas Razorbacks. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the cards. He then worked with the local radio station, which was having a game party at a local restaurant in Little Rock. The radio DJ jumped on the bar at halftime to have some fun with trivia, but threw in an extra trivia question at the end  — “Does anyone have a birthday on October 13?”  Glenda shyly raised her hand. The DJ then asked her to come to the bar so he could introduce her to the crowd. He gave her a huge bouquet of heart-shaped balloons, a restaurant glass and had the bar sing happy birthday. After all that embarrassment, she began to walk back to her seat and the DJ stopped her just in time to see Andy walking around the corner carrying a huge bouquet of flowers. The DJ introduced Andy as Glenda’s fiancé, and Glenda corrected him saying, “He’s not my fiancé yet.” Then, Andy got down on one knee and said, “I will be if you marry me.” Naturally the girl said YES!

 

And the dream wedding…Island Sunset

Glenda has been dreaming of a wedding on the beach at sunset, and Andy is delivering! The lovely couple will get married in the Cayman Islands the day after Thanksgiving, on the beach, at sunset. And while the couple will miss the biggest Razorbacks game of the year, I’d say a wedding on the beach is way better. Plus, a fabulous reception is planned for the return home.

Here’s to a few dreams come true! Congratulations, Glenda and Andy!

Posted in Ann's Shopping Spree, Contests and Giveaways, Real Weddings | Tagged | Leave a comment

Congratulations to Stevie, and her fiancé Nik!  They won a $500 Shopping Spree from Ann’s Bridal Bargains by signing up to become a member in July.  Stevie was selected by random.org out of the total number of entrants last month, and can spend her $500 on ANYTHING at AnnsBridalBargains.com.  From save the dates, to wedding invitations, to wedding accessories, and even bridal party gifts, and keepsakes.

Nik and Stevie have a very contemporary story about how they met – on Facebook through mutual friends!  Love it.  But what’s even better, is the proposal story…

They had spent the day at a folk music festival watching Nik’s favorite band, and he later pulled Stevie aside and started to ask the big question.  Right in the middle of it he says, “There’s too much trash around here”, and walks away – leaving Stevie a bit dumbfounded.  Later that evening they ventured to a bamboo forest that he loved, but she had never seen before, and attempted again.  Down on one knee and about to pop the question, a shirtless guy and his dog walk right in between then and stops to yell – “This place is awesome! I forgot this was here!”  Attempt #2 – failed.  Finally, while having fun and goofing around trying to cheer up the groom-to-be, he grabbed and kissed her …and there went the ring out of his hand and down to the lake!  But, as fate would have it, he dove for the ring and caught it before it the lake could swallow it and the third time was the charm.

Now the couple is excited to plan a spring, outdoor wedding at a park in South Carolina for a laid back, hippie picnic feel they so want, and are using the great outdoors to their advantage, saving tons of money on wedding decorations.  But this frugal couple found more ways to save!  The bride found a beautiful sundress for the cost of a t-shirt, are making a few decorations on their own to add to the beautiful outdoors, and are having friends and family be a part of the big day in the form of photography, catering, and even entertainment.  Their wedding colors, sage green and white, will lend themselves beautifully along with different wildflowers throughout.

Stevie’s tip to other brides on a budget – think outside the box.  “There are so many options to keep your wedding from being too ‘cookie cutter.”

Congrats to the happy couple – and here’s to having fun spending $500, and to a beautiful new life together.

Want to win a $500 shopping spree, too?  Just sign up at AnnsBridalBargains.com and become a member today.  Good luck!

Posted in Ann's Shopping Spree, Contests and Giveaways, Real Weddings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sheena met her fiancé, Ryan, through PlentyOfFish.com. A good friend made a profile for Sheena after moving away so they could keep in touch. Ryan messaged her and after about a year they met as friends and started dating shortly after. They’ve been together for four years now!

Sheena and Ryan plan on a traditional wedding in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri with a main wedding color of purple and an accent color that is yet to be decided. They’ll receive $500 to use anytime on anything site-wide at Ann’s Bridal Bargains, and it sounds like Ann’s is the perfect place for them to shop.

“I’m a nursing student, so I’m planning on a tight budget. You have no idea how much this means to me!” says Sheena.

Lucky for Sheena, $500 goes a long way at Ann’s. We’ve got all kinds of wedding necessities at affordable prices, from save the dates to bridal party gifts.

Congrats again to the happy couple! We’re excited to help you keep your beautiful wedding within a reasonable budget. Have fun shopping!

Sincerely,

The Ann’s Bridal Bargains Team,

P.S. Sign up to be a member at Ann’s Bridal Bargains and you could be next month’s $500 Shopping Spree winner!

Posted in Ann's Shopping Spree, Contests and Giveaways, Real Weddings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The lucky winners will receive $500 to use anytime on anything site-wide, and at Ann’s Bridal Bargains, $500 goes a long ways! Since Carrie and Kurtis plan on getting married in August of 2012, they have lots of time to shop everything from save the dates to wedding invitations to wedding reception decorations.

Let’s hear a little bit about this couple’s romantic story.

Carrie and Kurtis are getting married after parting ways 20 years ago! Carrie says Kurtis stole her heart, but her parents didn’t approve at the time. Of course, that resulted in the two of them sneaking around, but after getting caught a couple of times they decided to go their separate ways. Both got married and had children, but both marriages fell through. Then Carrie discovered his name on a friend’s social network page. Carrie decided to send him a message and the rest is history! Kurtis moved to Illinois shortly after to be with Carrie.

“We have 6 kids between the two of us and the best of times!!!” she says. “The first time you fall in love, it changes you forever and no matter how hard you try, that feeling just never goes away.”

Ann's Bridal Bargains May Shopping Spree Winners

Congratulations you two! We’re so happy you found each other once again, and we’re glad to be a part of your extra special day.

Sincerely,

The Ann’s Bridal Bargains Team,

P.S. Sign up to be a member at Ann’s Bridal Bargains and you could be next month’s $500 Shopping Spree winner!

Posted in Ann's Shopping Spree, Real Weddings | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

You May Also Like

No related posts.

Posted in Real Weddings | Tagged | Leave a comment