I’ve got to say that Spring and Summer run a tight race for my favorite season of the year.  Right now I’m enjoying the beautiful, bursting cherry trees that dress up all of Atlanta this time of year.  They’re the inspiration for our fabulous Cherry Blossom favors. 

Cherry tree treats not only hold their soft, pastel pink blooms up to a beautiful spring sky for all to enjoy, but they also pack a punch of symbolism for two ancient cultures.

Did you know that the cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan?  They even make a tea-like drink from the blossoms, called Sakura-yu, which is often served as part of a Wedding Ceremony!

   The Japanese character for “Cherry Blossom”.

In the Chinese tradition of herbal lore, the cherry blossom is a symbol of love, power and feminine beauty.  Blooming cherry trees are a focal point every year at the Yangmingshan Flower Festival in Taiwan.

Chinese characters for Cherry Blossom.

Seriously, there’s nothing not to love about Cherry Blossoms!  They’re even pretty when they scatter on the ground after a rain!

And you know how much I love weddings, so I’ll leave you today with a little cherry blossom inspiration for your wedding plans… Enjoy!

You know we stay in touch with Brides, and since this is “high season” for wedding plans, I thought you might like to know what’s on the minds of our two “Kate Aspen” brides.  That’s right, we have two blushing June brides-to-be on staff! 

Right now, their venues are picked, tastings were successful, and hemlines just-so.  It’s time for invitations!

Deciding on just the perfect invitation is not easy.  Skip shares her personal “invitation journey” to date:

• Looking at invitations online for ideas (wish I were craftier, this would be a fun DIY!)
• Whoa!  Found them!  And they have matching accommodations cards and RSVP cards!  Yea!
• Place order
• Wake up middle of night.  Forgot to order Directions Cards with a Map.  Gotta send an email fast!
• That lady is so nice.  Guess she’s used to panicky brides like me!  LOL!
• Proofs are very good – but is that blue my Tiffany blue or just a light blue? Hard to tell from a photo.
• Nice lady sends a sample in the mail.  The colors are perfect.  Confirm the order.  They’ll be here in a week.
• Re-checking my guest list.  Double-checking spelling.  These are our friends and family – it has to be perfect!
• Calligrapher?  Labels?  Embossed addresses?  Might go with the hand-writing…
• Hey!  Postage is going up in May!  Need to check on extra postage for RSVPs …

Oh she’s so happy and so busy!  And the invitations are positively perfect – here’s a glimpse:

Hey Skip!  While you’re studying the guest list – are you also thinking about place card holders?

Best wishes for happy planning to all our June Brides!