I just wanted to let you know I extended the Dolcetto Designs giveaway – until next Thursday, Feb. 11th! I know this is a busy time for some – so I took that into consideration. Good luck!

Today I turn the fabulous 3-0 and I could not be more excited! A new age group, a new decade, a new adventure! So what better way to celebrate via the blog than a giveaway for trendsetting wedding readers, brought to you by the great Dolcetto Designs!

Dolcetto Designs creates beautiful and modern photo wedding thank you cards, save the dates, holiday cards, birth announcements, birthday invitations, etc. With Dolcetto Designs, you are able to purchase the digital file and print, e-mail or post your own cards or announcements!

Dolcetto Designs will be giving away any 1 custom design to 1 lucky trendsetting wedding reader! Just visit the Dolcetto Designs website, select a design and comment in this post what your favorite design(s) is and what you would use it for! A winner will be selected randomly.

The winner could redeem the digital print anytime in 2010. The giveaway ends Feb. 11th at 11:59pm PST. Now go pick a design + comment. Good luck!

Yes, it is true. The last post was also a What I Like This Week. I just don’t like the lack of blogging but this week has been busy busy. I am planning my birthday celebration on top of working mucho + many other things this week. Speaking of, where has the week gone?

What do I particularly like this week?

These images of a recent Chicago wedding photographed by Jared Wilson. The wedding took place at a great Chicago venue, Cafe Brauer. For more images of this Chicago wedding, visit Jared’s blogsite.

And this next image was shot by Kevin Von Qualen, the second photographer of that wedding.

This fun shot photographed by Tara McMullen:

This beautiful bouquet from this vow renewal, photographed by Adrienne Gunde:

And Carissa’s [of JL DESIGNS] own beautiful chic + modern wedding!  Since it is her own wedding, I don’t feel comfortable posting any of her lovely wedding images here [out of respect for Carissa + the fact that you can visit the JL DESIGNS blog + see them all in their glory! ]…but head over to the blog + take a look! That is, if you haven’t already…

Just a head’s up  – wanted to let you no you can now follow + interact with trendsetting wedding + its readers on facebook.

You’re a reader, so you must be a fan, right? Give trendsetting wedding some facebook love by  clicking here. thanks!

I’ve always loved Peacocks and their beautifully colored feathers. I think the look is timeless and I don’t think I could ever get sick of seeing peacock feather inspiration. I am actually incorporating a slight peacock feather touch to an event I am currently working on. When the feathers are added with deep purple, I think it adds even more depth and character. Peacock feathers look great as a bouquet as well and that could be a great option if would like to save money on your florals.

[image credit: purple belt and bouquet- Elizabeth Millay; Peacock bouts and couple holding hands - Caroline Tran; cake and wedding rings - Victor Sizemore]

If you’re throwing an event + would like to send your guests home with a little gift bag as a token of appreciation, these modern + simple freebie thank you labels/stickers (compliments of trendsetting wedding) would be great on a glassine, cello or paper bag full ‘o goodies.

directions: download the labels (trendsetting wedding freebie-thank you sticker green ) and ( trendsetting wedding freebie-thank you sticker yellow) on adhesive-backed paper or send through a xyron machine, if you own one. Cut out the circles and use to close a small gift bag. Enjoy.

Happy Monday, all.

Just a quick note to let you know that today is a good, good day.

This morning, I received word that trendsetting wedding is among Bridetide’s list of the top 100 wedding blogs of 2010, again this year. Two years in a row – I am delighted!

Also, as mentioned, 2010 will bring many additions to the blog. Today, the list of venues has been posted. So Cal and Chicago brides-to-be may find this list especially helpful now, if you are pondering venues. Shortly, I will be adding NYC, San Francisco and other big city venues as well. These venues comprise the beautiful, the unique, the modern and the chic. To follow: look for more freebies + downloads on the blog this year as well!

Happy new year! trendsetting wedding wishes you happiness + prosperity in 2010. There are exciting things planned for the blog this year. So stop by often.

“Baby, it’s cold outside…”

…and that is no joke. With the cold temps, I’ve been thinking about a fun-filled spring + summer – with fairs, carnivals + color galore. Want a colorful engagement session or wedding pics? Take some inspiration from these photos. How fun are they?

[image credit: balloons + couple with cotton candy - Adrienne Gunde; photo booth - Jasmine Star; carnival - Joe Elario; carousel - Justine Ungaro]

No carnivals or fairs near you? Consider a downtown city lights or an outdoor movie theatre session.

Today’s engagement session, which was sent to me by Nicole from Design Curiosities, is pretty cool + different. Shots of Steven + Nicole were taken at various locations throughout Houston, starting out at The Orange Show (the couple went their on their second date, too!). They were closed due to inclement weather; however, Table 4 Weddings , their photographers, were able to get some great shots outside!

After The Orange Show, they moved to a lot near it, where there was this trailer in the shape of a rocket…

Then it was onto The Daft Punk Mural…

Then it was onto Domy Books in Houston, where the couple spends time looking through the many books + vinyl toys they have.

[image credit: Table 4 Weddings]

Visiting the locations where you previously created memories is a great way to personalize your engagement session. Interested in seeing more photos from this session? See the rest over at Design Curiosities.