Flu season is right around the corner, but so engagement/event planning/holiday hosting season! Stay healthy while preparing for your events with these tips:

Germs are spread easily through human and airborne contact, and although you cannot avoid airborne germs, you can stop the spread of germs from person to person. Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds after touching doorknobs, railings, car doors, keyboards, and other peoples hands, as studies show washing your hands five times a day with warm soap and water has been proven to cut the risk of illness by 45 percent. Keeping clean also applies to your house- especially during the busy holiday season! Use antibacterial wipes on countertops, refrigerator, doors and even phones to avoid any germs visitors bring into your home. 

Flu season = holiday season, and holiday season = FOOD. Eating unhealthy food (or not eating at all, if you're a busy bride) is one of the worst things you can do to knock down your immune system. Instead try to eat healthy meals with lean proteins, leafy vegetables, lots of water, and a daily vitamin. Looking to add something new into your daily regimen? Taking a garlic supplement daily is proven to ward off illness like colds and the flu! And as always, there's always room to sneak the occasional treat, but your body and immune system will praise you if you stick to a regular diet. 

Find ways to de-stress throughout the day as stress promotes the release of a hormone that can prevent the immune system from working properly. Whether it's yoga, catching up with friends, snuggling with a pet (or your fiance!), be sure to find your perfect way destress during flu season. Sleep is also essential to ward off any illnesses and fight off any current infections, so make sure to get plenty of shut-eye this season. Getting at least eight hours of sleep a day rejuvenates your body, and mind, so you can be sharp for conversations with old family friends and all the planning you're doing.

Dreaming of your fall wedding next year? Start your planning here, with our favorite ideas and tips for a perfect fall wedding.

There are so many ways to incorporate leaves into your fall wedding. We've seen everything from fall foliage boutonnieres, to leaves mixed with flowers in centerpieces, to flower-leaf crowns. One of our couples Jenny and Iskander had guests throw colorful pressed leafs into the air as they exited the church- it made for a gorgeous photograph!

Fall flavors are so unique and are only around for so long, so treat your guests to a Taste of Fall menu! Start out by serving guests butternut squash soup shooters and a hot spiked apple cider at cocktail hour, roasted chicken and pumpkin ravioli for an entree, and mini apple tarts, or caramel-coated candy apples served with your choice of cake.

Create a rustic fall atmosphere with burlap and lace accents (here's a gorgeous aisle runner!), mason jars filled with candles, and handwritten signs around your venue. We love the inspiration this Autumn Acorn Wedding (pictured above) provies- how perfect are those burnt-edge leaf place-cards?!

How are you Falling for Fall at your wedding? Let us know in the comments!

Just like most Americans, we love our furry, four-legged friends. Just like you we have an obsession with our pets who we call the love of our lives, our babies, and our best friends. As coordinators, we love seeing them incorporated into every proud pet parent’s biggest day of their lives- their wedding! Wondering how you can celebrate with your pet on your wedding day? Read our tips below:

Start out a pet-friendly wedding by including your favorite animal in your save the date photo-shoot. We love the idea of hanging a small chalkboard with “Save the Date!” and the date of your wedding around your dogs neck and taking a picture behind him. This blog from Mine Forever has more great Save the Date ideas and pictures!

Starting a new home with your sweetheart (or sweethearts, if you’re getting a new pet)? Think about including presents for your pets on your registry. These can include new food bowls to match your new décor, cat condos for a city apartment, or a pet-hair friendly vacuum to clean. We especially love this posh Jax and Bones lounge bed from Wayfair.com. 

Our favorite way to include pets in weddings is by having your dog or cat walk down the aisle, as a ring-bearer or flower girl. Dress them up in a pet-friendly tuxedo, or white dress, and have your favorite pet-sitter take them down the aisle. This ceremony addition is sure to cause many laughs, “awes,” and pictures to last a lifetime.

Having a custom made cake topper made? Why not include your favorite pet on it. This cute topper pays homage to your best friend, and you will have it as a keepsake forever.

We would love to know how you are including your pet in your big day- let us know in the comments below!