While some wedding and event experts are citing 2013 as the year of the return to glamour and sophistication, other experts are expecting this year to be a little more fun and whimsical. Patterns, longer receptions and more personal events are all being cited as big trends to look forward to this year.

DIY apple votives at my friend Emily's bridal shower

I think that I can say with relative certainty that most of us are on Pinterest (and when I say on, I really mean "obsessed-with").

Windows on the River is in the Flats District of Cleveland, just minutes from downtown restaurants and hotels.

My lovely friend Lisa is getting married in September, so like any good bride and matron of honor, we've dedicated a small portion of our lives to swooning over gorgeous things on Pinterest. We have a whole board devoted to details, and lately sparkly tablecloths have been dominating, even though we both know in our heart of hearts that we would have to come close to cashing in the US treasury to be able to afford something similar...