The Southern Bride

The Bee's Knees!

2011-10-02T23:12:00.001-04:00

Who ever invented that saying obviously knew Allie and Josh! I am in LOVE with this stylish Florida wedding. It has everything... DIY elements, an adorable theme, a beautiful couple, and a gorgeous color scheme. What's more perfect for a summer wedding than bee's and honey? This bride is my wedding hero. I'm in love with her unique style and amazing fashion. So, I want to introduce you to Allie and Josh and their beautiful wedding.

Allie and Josh were living in Tallahassee, Fla but decided on Allie's "Old Florida" hometown of Stuart for their wedding. They even got married in the same church as Allie's parents, which they described as "an incredibly special opportunity". The reception took place at the Mansion at Tuckahoe, which is such a beautiful site. The Mansion, surrounded by oaks and a beautiful riverfront boardwalk, is one of the most historically significant sites in Florida, and provided a striking canvas for the details found in this elegant wedding.

At the reception, Allie and Josh's guests had cocktail hour on the patio while a guitarist serenaded the group. First and second floor patio's were decorated with pub tables, draped in white linens and tied with gold sashes. Beautiful covered lanterns with electric candles accompanied by a few lemons finished the tables, and made the perfect wind-proof centerpieces for the outdoor tables. Since the groom was a huge beer fan, the couple added select beers from Cigar City Brewing Company in Tampa, Fla. During cocktail hour the couple provided a signature drink, the Tom Collins (another lemony twist!), with handmade stirrers using craft sticks, hot glue and small yellow ribbons. That wasn't the only adorable detail. Guests loved the custom made koozies with the tagline, "A wedding without any buzz is a wedding that never was." I know, right?! I'm OBSESSED with that line! The cake, obviously a lemon cake to go with the citrus and honey theme, was made by a friend and decorated to reflect the Mansion's ornate railing. The super cute bird cake toppers were from Etsy (of course!) and were embellished with a bow tie and veil to mimic the couple. The gorgeous bridesmaid necklaces were handmade by Allie's Godmother. She collected vintage bee broaches and strands of pearls so that each bridesmaid would have a unique necklace. Next amazing detail, were the guys ties. At first glance they look like little bees, which goes perfectly with Allie's theme, but after closer inspection they are actually little bottles of whiskey and cigars. How clever??

I be you're dying to see this wedding.... And I promise you won't be disappointed! The photographer Esther Louise did an amazing job capturing this wedding.

The Bride is the Hostess

2011-09-26T20:22:00.000-04:00

Planning a wedding requires attention, thought and well, planning. There are a million little details that need to come together on one day. Of course, murphey's law will probably tell you differently, but that's a post for another day. Every bride wants one thing from her wedding day: for her guests to have the best time of their lives and remember her wedding. Okay, maybe that wish isn't number 1 but it's definitely in the top 5. Some times planning a fun, memorable wedding means planning from the point of view from the guest. Remember, while this is your big day, you're throwing a party and that means keeping your guest in the forefront of your mind during the planning. So, how do you plan a party for your guests? Easy! Remember you're the hostess! Read on for more information.

1.) Attend to your guests most basic needs:

Drink: Keep the bar stocked, free, and open. The End.

Food: To please your guests tummies, cater a 'normal' person. Don't limit your hors d'oeuvres and menu to specialty foods like smoked eel tartare, no matter how much you love it. Make sure you have options for all guests, from meat lovers to vegetarians. You should serve the 'out there' foods during cocktail hour.

Privacy: When visiting potential venue sites, always check the bathrooms. If you're renting portable restrooms because your event is outdoors, spring for an 'upscale' model. Your guests will thank you.

Family Needs: It's my personal opinion that weddings are really not a place for children. But, that's just me. So if you are planning on inviting children make sure you plan to keep them entertained and out of the way. Make a little goodie bag with crayons, scrap paper, stickers, etc. so that bored kids can entertain themselves. For older guests, make sure you have seating available during cocktail hour and there are places to sit away from loud music. It may be a good idea to schedule the traditional wedding events - first dance, cake-cutting, etc.- early on in the reception.

Safety: Along with the open bar, you should also be a curtious hostess and arrange for late night transportation so that everyone gets home safely. Don't worry you're not responsible for dropping off everyone! Arrange for the transportation to go back to a central location, like a hotel. If you're having an outdoor ceremony and reception, plan accordingly. For a hot day - provide fans, non-metal chairs plenty of shade and sun screen, a rainy day - umbrellas and dry areas for guests, like a tent, or a cold night - think about using shawls as favors for guests to bundle up and use space heaters if no indoor spaces are available.

2.) Really want your guests to love you?:

Social inclusion: Don't force your guests into awkward, high-school like situations. Avoid this by skipping the escort cards and seat charts. This will also save you money and time. Not to mention headaches!

Attention: Make your out-of-town guests feel appreciated with a simple welcome note. If there's room in the budget, include a welcome bag with things like a map, water, snacks, and a list of local restuarants and activities.

Activity: If there will be a long gap between the ceremony and reception, you'll lose the attention of your guests. To avoid this, plan some activities to fill the down time, such as a cocktail hour.

Respect: Guests don't like to wait, especially when they're hungry. By the time the reception comes along, it's usually way past dinner time, depending on the time of your ceremony. Nevertheless, it's very important to allow guests to eat. By pass the sit down dinner and open up the buffet! By allowing guests to graze and eat as they want, you will not have long lines. Also, you should have waiters passing appetizers and drinks to cut down on the line. I can't stress how important this is. Feed your guests well and they'll have the night of their life.

Entertainment: Trust your band or DJ to read a crowd and get your guests moving. Chosing a reliable, experienced band or DJ is key to fun reception. And, never ever shut down a full dance floor - even if it means post-poning wedding activities like cake-cutting or bouquet toss. I suggest couples do the toasts the night before at the rehearsal dinner. That way there is less nerves on edge for the speakers and they can be more intimate. It also doesn't cut time away from your reception! If you must do speeches during the reception, limit the amount of speakers and ask them to keep their speech to 5 minutes or less.

3.) Want to go over the top?:

Security: Assume every one of your guests has lost your invitation and has no idea where anything is. Provide them with direction cards as they check-in to the hotel or arrive at the ceremony. If you have room in the budget, charter a bus for ceremony-to-reception transfers. Remember, if you're planning for your guests, assume no one knows where they are. That means selecting a reception venue close to and easy to find from the ceremony site.

Lodging: Out-of-town guests need a convenient and affordable place to stay, so you should reserve a discounted block of rooms on their behalf. Suggest at least three hotels in different price ranges and advertise them on your wedding website. When talking to hotels, make sure they do not have an attrition clause. If you block off rooms at a hotel with an attrition clause then you are responsible for rooms that have not been booked.

Clothing: It's helpful to suggest to guests what wear to your wedding, as long as you keep it general like 'black tie' or 'cocktail attire'. Don't ask your guest to sacrifice too much by demanding they dress entirely in pink, or requesting they adhere to an off-the-wall theme like "Jersey-chic Glam". You want to make sure your guests are comfortable both physically and financially.

The Top 23 Must-Have Wedding Photos

2011-09-07T19:24:00.000-04:00

You could probably argue the importance of just about every detail that goes into wedding planning. The venue is the most important because it's the place where you get married, the band or DJ is the most important because it sets the tone for fun at the reception, or the dress is the most important because... well we don't need a because... it just is.

But, the photographer really is an important detail. After a whirl-wind wedding day, all you and your hubby have are the photos... I mean besides each other. Those memories will be with you forever; a beautiful reminder of that day. So, do you know what shots you want? Or, what shots you need to have? Lucky for you, I've compiled a list of must-have wedding photos for your album.

1.) A Really Good Kissing Shot

2.) The Guys Getting Ready

3.) Your Bouquet

4.) The Reception Site/Decor

Ask your photographer to sneak into the reception site before anyone messes up all your hard work and take detailed shots. Not all photographers do this, so be sure to ask them to get detailed shots of the centerpieces, colors, tables, favors, etc.

5.) Your Shoes

6.) You in Action

7.) The Wedding Cake (and Grooms Cake!)

8.) The ceremony, pulled back

9.) Your Dress

10.) A Close Up of Your Hair

11.) His Boutonniere

12.) Your First Dance

13.) A Posed and Composed Couple's Shot

14.) A First-Look Photo

15.) A Silhouette Shot

16.) The Getaway Car

17.) Candid Shots of Your Bridesmaids

18.) Getting Ready with You Mom (and Bridesmaids)

19.) A Before-the-Ceremony Shot

20.) You Two Right After the Ceremony

21.) Your Glamor Shot

22.) A Getting-Ready Photo of You

23.) The Wedding Party

Less than 10 months to go!

2011-08-24T20:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it?! I can't! Time is just flying by. Let's look at this timeline, shall we?

May 17, 2010: The day we got engaged
December 23, 2010: We pick a date, church, venue, & band
January 17, 2011: We pick a photographer, videographer, hotels, & transportation
June 9, 2011: 1 year til the big day!
June 26, 2011: Finally pick my dress!
July 2011: Bridesmaids & Maids of Honor are asked
July 2011: Bridesmaids dresses picked
August 19, 2011: Floral consultations, reception food tasting, reception logistics, & cake selection all done

Did you follow that? Because just reading over it is making my head spin! It's so crazy what all goes in to planning a wedding. And, I know at least one or two people reading this are probably thinking: "not if you elope or do a destination wedding". Which is true, but there's still planning that goes into those events too... sometimes more than a traditional wedding depending on the event.

So as you see from my timeline, Todd and I just finished some big wedding meetings in New Orleans last weekend. Of course my mom was there and my grandma, guiding us every step of the way. (Or should I say me. Todd was there for the food... not the flowers and planning). I went into last weekend fully prepared with photos and questions. At least I thought I was prepared. After the first floral meeting, let's call her Floral A, I walked away feeling so defeated and frustrated. I felt like I was describing two or three totally different wedding ideas and my thoughts were completely scattered. Anyone who knows me, knows that I think big, and you have to reign me in and focus my direction. It's a flaw but I like it because the 'how do we make this a reality' part is my favorite. It's hard for me to pick one style because I'm in love with so many different styles. And, depending on which personality you're talking to that day, you may get conflicting ideas about what I'm attracted to. So after the Floral A meeting I took a second to compose my thoughts, and felt more prepared for the second floral meeting, lets call her Floral B. Maybe I was more prepared, or maybe Floral B knew how to handle me. I felt like I was showing her all these ideas and she was creating my dream wedding right in front of me. It was formal, but playful; Rustic but sweet; Unique yet traditional. It had elements of me and elements of Todd. Obviously I'm leaning towards Floral B, but a piece of me felt like I didn't give the Floral A a fair shot. My plan is to contact Floral A and try to repeat what I said to Floral B, and see what she can do for me. If I still have the feeling like she's just not understanding me, or willing to be creative with me than I'll know my gut was right all along.
After florals we had our wedding day logistics and reception food tasting at the venue. Oh-My-God! This food is SO incredibly delicious! I have no idea how to choose a menu when everything is so good and I just want it all! I felt like a Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka... that bratty, annoying girl that's like "I want it now, Daddy!" Seriously, I wanted it all. So, I'm kind of defaulting to mom for that one. I know it'll be nearly impossible for me to pick.
The next appointment was the cake tasting, and Todd could not have been happier for this one. Strategically placed at the end of the day, just a hint to all future brides who are going to be putting their fiance's through this sort of rigorous schedule. We went to this delicious bakery in New Orleans East. That's right, I went to New Orleans East for this bakery; it is THAT good. They let us pick 4 cakes and 4 icings and they made them all fresh for us. We tried a little more than 4 because that was a decision we couldn't figure out either. I'm not going to say what flavors I picked or what bakery I am using because I want it to be a surprise! All I can say is don't fill up on all the delicious food because this cake is the BEST I've ever had.

You'd like think wedding would be done right? And I can just kick back with a bag of wine and wait for June 9, 2012. Wrong! Next on the to-do list:

Finalize guest list
Save the Dates
Invitations
Finalize favors
Programs for church
Wedding singer
Finalize wedding music
Ask readers and gift bears for mass
Ask junior bridesmaids and groomsmen
Ask ushers for church
Welcome bags for out of town guests
Bridesmaids gifts
Bridesmaids accessories
My veil
My shoes
My jewelry
Dress fittings
Groomsmen attire
Todd's attire
Get a marriage license
Talk with the priest
Register
Bridal portraits
Take engagement photos
Select first dance song
Book honeymoon
Pack for the wedding weekend and honeymoon

Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, let's not forget:
Buy wedding rings

Now I'm looking at this thinking, "eloping sounds prrrreeeeeetty good right about now!" It's crazy how fast time goes, right? Time does fly, so for now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the ride to the chapel.

Lace, oh lovely lace!

2011-08-24T19:03:00.001-04:00

Lace, oh lovely lace! How sweet are you?? A huge trend emerging from spring and summer weddings is the use of lace and lace details. This sweet decor adds a pinch of feminine romance and gives off an old world European vibe . Lace has always been a popular fabric choice of brides, so it was only a matter of time before lace made its debut in other wedding areas such as bridesmaids dresses, decor, and even cake designs. A touch of lace is great for a bride who wants that romantic atmosphere, and is willing to try something different. It's light, fresh and gives a room a more personal, intimate feeling. For the DIY bride, lace accents wrapped around candles or bouquets are great ways highlight your craftiness. For brides without artistic abilities, pick up that sweet detail in your cake design or in invitations. Another great thing about lace is that it's affordable! It's easy to find, easy to make (if you can crochet and want to take on that task), and you can find it at fabric stores or outlets on the cheap.

I love how these event planners (and brides!) used lace to decorate these weddings and photo shoots. The possibilities for lace are truly endless! Enjoy :)

Nicole Chan Photography

Shelby Leigh Photography

William Kim Photography

SMS Photography

Elyse Hall Elyse Hall

Elyse Hall

Sweet Little Photographs Ace Photography

Sweet Little Photographs

Ace Photography

The oh so talented Jose Villa

Why Georgia Why?

2011-08-01T20:26:00.000-04:00

Oh Georgia, how I love everything about you! Your charm, your beauty, your weddings -- oh, the weddings -- they are absolutely a-mazing!! I stumbled upon a beautiful, simplistic wedding at the Jekyll Island club on Jekyll Island, Ga. The ceremony took place in the Crane Garden with a reception following just next door at the Crane Cottage & Courtyard. And, what an unbelievable location this is -- Absolutely beaming with sophistication, beauty and intimacy! For the bride, the old world feeling of the hotel and Crane Cottage was one of her favorite aspects of the wedding. To spend the evening under the stars with such gorgeous weather in the Courtyard only added to the romantic and warm atmosphere of Jekyll Island. Following the recent trend to focus on a feeling rather than stick to a restricting color palette, this couple wanted a warm and inviting atmosphere for their wedding weekend. They focused on making it a weekend where everyone can take part and have a great time. The couple lives in near by Charleston, SC, so this was technically a destination wedding. And, a destination wedding is a great way to accomplish that fun, intimate feeling. These beautiful photos from Agnes Lopez will probably keep you occupied for quite sometime! And that gown... oh-my-God!! This bride will definitely take your breath away! You were warned... a gorgeous wedding lies ahead!

I love it when couples put together welcome bags for out of town guests! It's a great personal touch your guests will really appreciate. Fill with goodies like chocolates, bottled water, a "must see" guide, or any other personal touches to make your guests feel right at home.

Traditional invitation with a modern twist.. LOVE

She's absolutely gorgeous, right?? I LOVE her hair!

To be fair, I warned you of the A-MAZING-NESS that is this wedding!

Love these silk taffeta JCrew dresses!

Pretty, Bright and Everything Nice

2011-07-21T19:11:00.000-04:00

Ah, summer. How sweet are you? Taking the blistering heat out of the equation, summer is my favorite time of year. In my opinion the fashions are better, parties are too good to be true, and fun is never ending. This Sonoma wedding pretty much proves my point. I am LOVING how brides are not sticking to a traditional color palette and instead are embracing move vibrant colors. This event space, Quarryhill, is brand new for Sonoma brides & grooms. BLR Life Photography & Cinema noted how they "wanted to design a wedding that was attainable for brides and that would inspire them[.]" It is such a versatile property and is absolutely stunning! It's a beautiful, romantic, perfect place for a wedding. Being that Quarryhill is a botanical garden BLR wanted to incorporate that in the overall theme. The grounds has a vineyard, residential component, breathtaking gardens, a lake and a stunning waterfall. Seriously, how can one venue have ALL of that?! It's like they read a brides wish list. Using in season flowers like ranunculus, peonies, sweet peas, roses, parrot tulips, snapdragons, and viburnum, Nancy Liu Chin designed arrangements that would give the space lots of color and texture. And I must say, job well done, Nancy! The florals are unbelievable!! This wedding is romantic, vibrant, whimsical, and modern all at once. From the gorgeous iron ceremony chairs with colorful pillows to the oversized metal lanterns and from the huge desert display to the long romantic table setting, this wedding has it all. The motto of this wedding? "Eat dessert first". And I couldn't agree more!! I think I'll start adopting that motto tonight...

As the bride requests, let's begin with the deserts!

Seriously... How adorable are these kids?! Ah!

Lovely Louisville, KY Wedding

2011-07-20T19:16:00.001-04:00

A dear high school friend of mine, Lisa, recently got hitched in her native Louisville, KY to a wonderful guy, Andrew. I was so excited to attend Lisa's wedding and honored to sing "Ave Maria" at their ceremony. Lisa is the first of our friends to get married, and being that I am getting married next, I hung on her every word throughout her wedding process. And, you just wait until you see this absolutely stunning wedding planned by Lisa's mom, Mrs. Diane and Lisa. I don't know how Lisa had time to sleep during this past year! She was in school full time completing her nursing degree, helping her family sell their house in Louisiana, taking care of her adorable 2 year old son Gavin, and oh yeah, planning a wedding! Lisa is such an amazing person, and a wonderful friend. I admire her so much for all she's accomplished so far - Lord knows she's only getting started!
The wedding was absolute perfection down to every last detail. The ceremony was at St. Agnes Church where Andrew attended middle school with cocktails and reception at the iconic The Brown Hotel. Lisa's dress was amazing!! She wore a classic A-line silhouette with gorgeous lace and beading detail. Her bridemaids wore peach cocktail dresses that was the perfect summer color. The groomsmen were in black tuxedos with matching peach bow-ties and vests. The wedding was SO MUCH FUN! Everyone had a blast dancing all night long. For the couple's send off, all the siblings arranged for a surprise horse and carriage ride. It was so incredibly sweet and a great way to end the night. I'm so happy to be able to show everyone my friends gorgeous June wedding and highlight all the lovely details!

Lisa's ADORABLE son, Gavin! He totally stole the show!

Church: St. Agnes/ Cocktail hour & Reception: The Brown Hotel/ Photographer: Fusion Photography and a few of my own :)

The Rachelle Friedman Story

2011-07-19T22:54:00.001-04:00

"Playful push into pool leaves bride-to-be paralyzed"

This sort of headline gets you intrigued right? A few months ago I came across a story of a young couple living in Raleigh engaged to be married. Rachelle was from Virgina and met her fiance, Chris Chapman of North Carolina, at Eastern Carolina University. They are such an adorable couple! Rachelle and Chris were anxiously awaiting their wedding date, June 27, but one night drastically changed their plans. On May 23, Rachelle was back in her native Virginia Beach for a bachelorette party. After a night of fun, the girls came home to go for a late night swim when they were playing around having innocent fun like they always did. However, when one of the bridesmaids pushed Rachelle into the pool she fell in away that caused her to break her C6 spinal vertebra, leaving her quadriplegic. It was a complete freak accident and Rachelle has never blamed the friend that caused the accident. "People look at it like this is something that happened to me, but it happened to both of us," Friedman said of her friend, whom she has never publicly blamed. Rachelle continues to protected her friends identity and the friend will be invited to her wedding. Unfortunately, the section of the pool her friend pushed her in was only 3 and a half feet deep, and Rachelle plunged headfirst. A complete freak accident that was completely innocent and not malicious. Rachelle Friedman immediately knew something was wrong. "As soon as I hit the water, I felt my body kind of stiffen up. I went numb and I heard a crack in my neck," she said.

For a young, active girl only 25 years old, the injury was devastating. "I wish we had danced together more because I love dancing so much, and we didn't do it enough," she says of her soon-to-be husband, Chris. "Looking back, I would have done it every night." In a quote from Rachelle's website, "Most people in Rachelle's position would plummet into despair. However, she has maintained a level of confidence and hope that is remarkable and inspiring. Her fortitude in the face of such adversity has become an inspiration to many." So, what about her fiance? Chris has been a source of constant support and love for Rachelle. He has been by her side every step of the way and can't wait for the day they can marry.

I've seen this story covered in countless newspapers and television news shows, and I admire everything about Rachelle and Chris. To have Rachelle's positive attitude given this horrible accident is amazing and inspiring. And we can't forget about Chris! This situation is also difficult on him and he has been faithfully by her side every step of the way. Every time I see something on this couple I just can't help but feel so emotional! I cannot imagine what this couple and their families are going through during this difficult time transitioning into a new lift after the accident.

Naturally wedding plans for the college sweethearts were put on hold immediately following the accident. As soon as she was able, Rachelle began physical therapy to "relearn how to use her arms and hands, albeit with limited range of motion," according to John Springer from msnbc.com. "Every day's a fight. There are so many things I am unable to do right now. You have to fight if you're going to get there," she [Rachelle] said. "There is no use in being down in the dumps and depressed. It's not going to get you anywhere."

Well, great news! The couple is getting married this weekend! Complications with medicaid is one of the reasons the wedding had been put off. "I'll be happy and relieved to see her coming down the aisle," Chapman says. "It's something we've been working on for quite a while." Now that the big day is set for July 22, and Rachelle keeps followers updated on her progress and wedding plans via social media. The bride is wearing her original wedding dress, which has been altered to fit her wheelchair needs and smaller frame. They will be taking a honeymoon to Fiji, where I'm sure they'll enjoy some much needed R&R!

In a recent Today Show follow up interview, the couple discussed some future goals. Number 1 on the list is to keep Rachelle active. She's learning wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, and recently surprised Chris with a handcycle so they can ride bikes together. They couple is also working hard to save enough money to send Rachelle to a three-week physical therapy treatment in California that cost about $15,000. Although Rachelle just finished a round of therapy, she will need more advanced therapy come September. A foundation based in Beverly Hills, Calif. called Walking with Anthony will pay for Friedman and her mother to attend the three-week session at Project Walk. Founder Micki Purcell, whose son, Anthony, suffered a similar injury after diving in the ocean, says Friedman will get time to recover from that intensive treatment before the foundation pays for another session. "It costs a lot of money to get out of a wheelchair," Purcell said Monday, adding that she believes Friedman is a perfect candidate to walk again. People have walked out the clinic with Rachelle's exact injury. Rachelle says she's anxious to try it out, and hopes it works out for her.

It's almost impossible to read anything about Rachelle and Chris and not be motivated to jump up and help. From the moment I saw this story I felt such a strong pull to Rachelle and Chris. I want to help them get their dream wedding, and help Rachelle accomplish her recovery goals. Many people have reached out in their time of need to help with financial burdens. To help this couple, go to 1800Registry to see all their wedding details and how you can help contribute to their dream day. There are a few different ways to donate money to this couple, who truly deserve the best life has to offer. Be sure to visit Rachelle's website where she keeps a blog and you can find contact information for donations: http://www.rachellefriedman.com/.

I wish Rachelle and Chris all the luck in the world, and the happiest of weddings. I hope your days are filled with joy and laughter, and you continue to lean on each other for support. Rachelle- I hope you achieve great success in therapy and reach all your goals in life.

Garden Glam Wedding

2011-07-16T10:32:00.000-04:00

I must first of all apologize for my absence lately. I've been so busy with a new job, and preparing for my Fiance's new transfer. I promise I'll be back in full force after this weekend.

However, when I stumbled upon this A-MAZING garden wedding in Hudson Valley I needed to share. The bride was of the philosophy that her wedding should be colorful and chose to focus on lush greenery and light. The bride and groom are completely adorable -- like the random couple in the wedding frame adorable! Tory Williams captured this June 18, 2011 event, and I must say her work is unbelievable. The bride had the theme 'rustic elegance' in mind while planning. I would say this is a garden party crossed with a glamorous Hollywood party... aka garden glam. I'm in love with the patterned china; what a unique, unexpected feature at a wedding! The wedding held on that its intimate, garden party feel through the gorgeous floral arrangements. I love that the couple chose small yet striking arrangements as centerpieces rather than tall vases, and used a bunch of tea-lights. To keep a free flowing party atmosphere, the bride chose to do progressive cocktails, which allowed guests to dance, enjoy the scenery or eat the delicious food whenever they pleased. The couple chose a menu inspired by their favorite meals and restaurants. I can see this progressive cocktail format becoming a big trend! It's obvious the couple had their guests in mind when planning for their big day, which makes the event that much more fun and memorable.

Welcome to the glamour garden!

Mason Jar Mania

2011-07-06T20:01:00.002-04:00

Unless you've been living under a rock, then you know one of the biggest trends in wedding decor is the good ole mason jar. Southern traditional weddings, outdoor weddings, hippie weddings.... the mason jar fits almost any theme and any venue.

The uses for a mason jar are endless. Use them as a tea light candle holder, vase for wild flowers, or bind them together using twine to create your own unique center piece. They can even be the container for your signature drink! Mason jars come in all sizes, colors, and a few different shapes, if you're good at searching. The good thing about mason jars is they are really easy to come by. You can buy them in bulk at Wal-Mart, go visit a yard sale or a flea market. Wedding planners love to use mason jars because they are inexpensive and can be used for multiple purposes, and couples like to use them because the mason jar is unique. There are a million and one ways to use these jars! I love finding different inspirations for mason jars, so I'll stop typing and let you feast over these gorgeous photos...

Inspirations from Cypress Plantation (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Photographer Allison Reisz captured this gorgeous wedding inspired photoshoot designed by Embellished Events. Check out her blog for more gorgeous pictures.

Wonderful Wisconsin Wedding, Oh yah!

Photographer Anna Page shot this beautiful Wisconsin wedding.

Tying the Nautical Knot

Corey Hendrickson was the photographer for the nautical nuptials featured.

Mason Jar alla Americano

Photography by La Vida Creations.

Deep South Mason Jars

They used burlap to wrap the mason jar, and then added an additional layer of lace.

Photograher Johnathn Ivy captured this Texas wedding.

Backyard Tennessee Mason Jars, ya'll

Take a 4x4 piece of wood, slap on a stain to give it a whole new look, and add assorted vases with wildflowers, and a few mason jars with twine wrapped around the neck to complete this center piece.

Grab some chalk paint from your local hardware store and paint on this cool feature!

Photography by Austin Gros.

Amazing Wedding from Wilmington, NC

2011-06-28T20:27:00.002-04:00

Everyone makes up their own personal rules, right? Well, one of my rules is the right I gave myself to be 110% obsessed with stunning weddings. You're probably not surprised by that rule given the fact that I blog about weddings... for the fun of it! And, it's not so much a rule as it is a way of life. I love sharing this passion with others. Although I have a full time job, somehow I still have time for my wedding obsession. A part of my daily routine is now looking through photographer blogs, inspiration sites, and wedding planner blogs in search of tips, ideas and diy projects.

OK, lets get back on track. Of course I tend to gravitate towards Southern weddings (maybe I'm biased) but really any jaw dropping wedding will suffice. So when I found this gem of a wedding from Scott Piner Photography, I just had to share it. I've been drooling over this one for a while and taking note of a few inspirations I can't pass up.

Meet Jimmie and Jeanie from Wilmington, NC. Their gorgeous wedding is the result of Courtney Arnold, owner of Stellar Events. The little details make this wedding spectacular. I love the color palette: Gray, pink and champagne. The bridal party looks incredible in light gray and dark gray! Gray is a great summer neutral, and looks so romantic and soft next to Jeanie's wedding gown. Speaking of that gorgeous gown....Jeanie's wedding dress is from a Charlotte boutique called Hayden Olivia. The reception was at the Coastline Convention Center, and it was a great place for a gorgeous reception. Seriously, this is the most gorgeous couple, with the most beautiful wedding decor, and amazing photographs to prove it. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

You have to have a good wedding shoe shot! Love these pumps!

Such a beautiful bouquet!

I'm in love with the greenery for the ceremony! These trees are an amazing addition to an otherwise plain room. It really elevates the decor to a level of pure fantasy and romance.

What a good lookin' bunch!

I love this cake! It is so original and fun!

The champagne table cloths look amazing with the gold chivari chairs and beautiful pink flowers.

The centerpieces are gorgeous and compliment the room nicely. I love the scattered rose petals among the tea lights. Look at this attention to detail! It's amazing!!

Gotta love a good sparkler grand exit :)

What to do {AFTER} you say yes to the dress

2011-06-27T20:28:00.001-04:00

Stop what you're doing! Alert the press! Pop open a bottle of Andre! It is official!

After more than 3 months of searching I have found THE perfect wedding dress for me. On Saturday, June 25, 2012 I finally got to say YES! It was such a relief to find the dress that I want to marry my best friend in, and an even bigger relief now that it has been purchased. Since I live in a different state from my mom, I did some of the initial research before asking her to fly up to see THE dress in person. I went to a fabulous bridal salon in Charlotte, NC called Nitsa's Apparel. They were so amazing throughout my entire dress search; They really understood my vision and gave me great feedback. During an Amsale trunk show in May I found THE one... it was fate! The dress I had been drooling over for as long as I can remember was finally in my reach. Every bride needs to go to Amsale for their wedding dress! This designer knows how to dress a girl for her wedding day. She creates nothing but modern, unique gowns that are truly timeless. I must have tried on over 75 gowns (not kidding) but the moment I put on this gown my heart sank... finally a dress that made me feel special, beautiful, and one of a kind.

OK OK, I'll stop gushing about my wedding gown and my feelings.. blah, blah, blah. I want to discuss the next step in the process... what do you do AFTER you purchase your gown. Everyone talks about finding the gown, but what do you do AFTER you find the gown? There is so much to do, so where should you begin? So many questions, right? Well fear not... here are your answers:

1. Bridesmaids Dresses
Good news! Your dress search is not over. Now that you've found YOUR dress, you need to pick out your bridesmaid dresses. The brides gown really dictates the look and feel for your bridal party. If you have a formal dress, look for formal fabrics and/or luxurious colors. You don't have to mimic your dress completely, but try to match fabrics or design details so that the bridal party (and wedding photos) look pulled together.

2. Decide on your "Something Blue"
Did you know that 84% of Brides still participate in the age-old tradition: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue"? So what will your something blue be? Many brides pin a blue ribbon to the side of their dress, or use blue thread to stitch their wedding date into their dress. Or maybe you want to wear blue shoes or accessorize under garments with blue gems. No matter what you choose, don't let this bridal lucky charm become a source of stress.
P.S. For all you royal wedding fans, Princess Kate Middleton went with a small blue ribbon pinned inside her gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown.

3. Pick out your wedding shoe
One of the most important things you need to focus on is which pair of shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. You'll need to wear your shoes to all your fittings so the hem will be the appropriate length. Remember the wedding day is looooooooong! So if you are dying to wear pumps, make sure they're comfortable and wear them in beforehand.

4. The veil
Now that you know the style of your dress, you can start to pick out your wedding accessories. Either before or during your first fitting, you'll need select your veil and/or head piece. Some bridal salons can hand-make your veil, so check with your consultant. There are many different veil lengths, so try on different styles to decide which is most comfortable for you.

5. Wedding jewels
After you've purchased your dress, start to look at jewelry to compliment your gown. Bring any pieces along to fittings to try out the whole look. Be sure to keep the tags and receipts so you can return or exchange anything that doesn't go as you expected. You have some time to figure out the perfect jewels, but don't wait too long.

6. The Undergarments
Whether you want to go commando or spanx it up on your big day, decide on your undergarments before the fitting process. If you decide to change push up bras at the last minute it could change the entire fit of your dress.

7. Start shedding for the wedding
You've bought the dress... now you need to look hot! All eyes will be on you and your wedding dress, so kick up your exercise routine to ensure you'll look fabulous. Set a weight loss goal or tone up your arms and back. This is a great time reach your fitness goals before a memorable time in your life. Remember, your guy obviously loves you just the way you are, but a wedding is a great motivational tool. Take advantage of local bridal bootcamps, or grab a girlfriend and hit the gym. Don't worry... the seamstress will work with you to fit the dress to your shrinking body.

8. Find a tailor
If your bridal salon doesn't offer alterations, then be sure to find a skilled bridal tailor. Don't wait til your gown arrives to find a great tailor. Go to recently married friends and the bridal boutique where you purchased your gown for great suggestions. Alterations is a very very important part of the process, so be sure you find an experienced tailor to handle your dress.

9. Wedding rings
Next, you and your guy should talk about wedding rings. Figure out what style ring you each would like and begin your search. Make sure you have found and ordered the rings with plenty of time to spare. Wedding pros suggest having the rings at least 2 months prior to the exchange date.

10. Pick out a top notch hiding spot
Found your dress? Done with fittings? Now you need to figure out where you'll store the dress before the big day. Some bridal salons will hold the dress a few days prior to the wedding. If your salon doesn't offer that service, be sure to pick a safe place where a nosey groom can't steal a peek beforehand.

For more wedding planning tips and steps go to The Knot.

Real Wedding: Erica & Christopher

2011-06-15T22:34:00.000-04:00

Picture the most adorable couple. Combine that image with a gorgeous modern wedding. What do you get? The amazing wedding of Erica and Christopher! (Not much of an intro, I know.. but seriously, I am in love with this couple!) This was my first wedding with The Graceful Host of Charlotte, NC. Heather, the lead planner and owner, worked with the couple to give them a truly amazing wedding. Both Erica and Chris are transplants in Charlotte (who isn't?!), originally from Pittsburg. They wanted to have a wedding in Charlotte to embrace their new home. The theme was all about clean lines and no fuss. The bride chose shades of white, gray and green, which looked stunning in the venue location. The couple had a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Gabriel's Church off Providence Rd with a reception at the Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte. If you've ever been to the Mint, you know that it is a great location; It truly is a blank canvas that can compliment any event. The caterer was La-Tea-Da's Catering. One word... YUM! The cake was just as delicious as it looks from WOW Factor Cakes. And, of course who can forget the gorgeous centerpieces by Melanie of New Creations Floral.
This couple was so much fun to work with; Heather and I had an absolute blast!

Credits:

Photography: the amazing Emily Renee

Venue: The Mint Museum

Coordination: the talented Heather Gear at The Graceful Host

DJ: Split Second Sound

Cake: WOW Factor Cakes

Florist: New Creations Floral

Catering: La-Tea-Da's

Makeup/Hair: Who's The Fairest

Destination Wedding: New Orleans

2011-06-09T13:02:00.000-04:00

It's official! In one year from today (actually 366 days, since 2012 is a leap year... but who's counting?!), Todd and I will be getting married! To celebrate the fact that we are finally a year away from our big date, I want to share this adorable New Orleans destination wedding. The church, Holy Name of Jesus on St. Charles Ave., is the same one Todd and I will be married in. The venue used by this couple is the New Orleans Board of Trade. It is a gorgeous venue in the french quarter with a little courtyard and fountain area, in addition to a ballroom like space that makes up the main venue. And, good news for future New Orleans brides -- its been renovated recently! Now, I will not be using the board of trade because I wanted to have a reception in Audubon Park, across from the Church.

The couple, Yvonne and Dan, were engaged in New Orleans. Since their families are spread out between California and New York they wanted to meet half way. The yankee couple, so to speak, opted to follow a number of New Orleans traditions: 3 hour buffet style reception, big band, and a second line celebration during the reception. Due to the short nature, they cut out a number of traditional wedding activities, such as cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet or garter, etc. They did however take swing dance lessons and performed a first dance to kick off the celebration. Being that every single guest was from out of town, having a fun-filled New Orleans style wedding was important. Yvonne and Dan chose to have a small guest list of close friends and family from all over the US and other countries.

Without further ado, I'd like to share this sweet couple with you all. Oh, and also....

ONE MORE YEAR TIL MY WEDDING!!

Okay, thats the last time.... until I have the need to shout it out again.

The most gorgeous church you've ever seen, right??

Photography Credit: Ooti Billeaud Photography

Purple: The New Wedding Neutral?

2011-06-08T19:43:00.000-04:00

Every wedding has a base color. Navy, black, pink... and now there has been a surge of purple over the past few years. Since each wedding is unique, the main color will change depending on the overall theme. Like the other wedding neutrals, purple is a color that can translate into several different scenarios. A deep purple can convey luxury in a formal ballroom setting, just like light purple is perfect for a romantic backyard ceremony. Purple also goes well with other colors like nude, blush, blue, and moss green. With so many options for this versatile color, do you think purple will dominate the 2011 wedding scene?

Viva Las Vegas

2011-06-07T12:43:00.000-04:00

The family took a trip last weekend to Las Vegas. It was so amazing to see all the beautiful hotels and experience Las Vegas first hand. Plus, I walked away with $250 after playing Roulette for the first time... winning! So, in the spirit of Sin City I present this stunning wedding from White Haute Photography.

Photos were taken on the grounds of the neon boneyard and Caesars Palace. The groom, Javier literally came home from Afghanistan a week prior to the wedding and returned to duty afterwards. White Haute Photography truly captured the spirit of Diandra and Javier's love. The bride asked family and friends for broaches which she fashioned into her unique, glitzy bouquet. Perfect for a Vegas wedding! She received dozens and was able to create a gorgeous work of art.

Enjoy :)

Why are June Weddings so Popular?

2011-06-01T12:28:00.001-04:00

You've heard the phrase "June Bride" but do you know why June is so popular for weddings? Since today is June 1, and we are entering the peek of wedding season, I had to stop and wonder why June is such a popular wedding month? After I got engaged I knew I wanted to get married in June in New Orleans- as silly as that sounds, I stuck with my guns!

To find the meaning of this tradition we once again look to the Romans. And, as it turns out being a June bride isn't as romantic as we June brides would have hoped. Leave it to the Romans to strip this tradition of any romance and have only practical meaning left in its wake.

Turns out Romans favored the month of June for weddings because that was the month dedicated to the observance of June, the Roman goddess of marriage. You may be thinking, "Yeah, okay that makes sense. So what's the big deal?" Well, the Romans didn't stop there with their practical traditions. June was also the ideal month for women to conceive a child. If the woman conceived in June that would mean she could still help with the harvest. A June conception would also mean she could deliver the baby and be back in shape just in time for the next harvest. That is of course as long as a second bundle of joy doesn't come along in the mean time. So for all you future brides: when considering your upcoming wedding plans and how romantic a June wedding may seem, bear in mind the real concern at the center of this tradition is getting the most out of you before you become pregnant and out of commission for a while! Now that's romance, right?

It was just the Roman who were concerned about the harvest; Cultures all over the world take harvest into consideration when planning a wedding. All over the world wedding are still heaviest during the Summer months rather than the Fall. Although the tradition for wedding season has stood the test of time within our culture, one tradition that has fallen by the way side is appearance of a full moon. Both ancient Greeks and Romans believed the moon controlled future fertility and getting married under a full moon would favorably position the couple in baby making endeavors. In the American wedding industry the idea of getting married under a full moon doesn't hold much weight, however the idea of letting the moon guide your future destiny is still practiced in other countries like Germany and Scotland.

Other traditions such as the day of the week or year to marry have also faded moving forward in the history of weddings. Weddings today usually take place on Saturdays, but for most of Christian history Saturday was actually considered a bad sign. An old Italian superstition says that a marriage performed on a Monday was "a sure route to having feeble offspring." (I had to quote that - It was too perfect a phrase to pass up!) Friday used to be the traditional date for a wedding, however Saturday is more convenient for weddings now-a-days. Another superstition surrounding wedding dates is for a Christmas wedding. If you wanted to get married around Christmas, make sure it takes place close to Christmas Day; if you peer back into European history you will find few weddings that took place on December 28. This date was considered a very unlucky day for a wedding because it was believed to be the day that Herod had all the children of Judea slaughtered in an attempt to ward off the arrival of Jesus Christ.

The next most popular wedding month you may ask? August. When I heard that I was shocked; Clearly this data does not come from Louisiana brides! Consider that your wedding history lesson for the day.

A Slice of Texas Heaven

2011-05-31T18:16:00.002-04:00

{Question:} What do you get when you combine the designer of TOMS wedding shoe collection and a Texas wedding?
{Answer:} A traditional Southern wedding that is truly a work of unique work of art.

Photographer Sara Donaldson captured this March 5th wedding in Fort Worth, Texas at TCU's Robert Carr chapel. The bride, whose brother is TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie, designed the new TOMS wedding shoe line and her wedding served as their public debut. But the wedding wasn't just about TOMS. The real focus was on the brides Alma Mater, Texas Christian University. In addition to the ceremony location, purple details were selected by the Bride to honor her school spirit. But, it didn't end there! At the reception, the TCU Horned Frog made a surprise visit and presented the bride with a rose (TCU won the Rose Bowl Championship!) and partied with guests.

This Texas wedding is full of Southern charm, sophistication and school spirit... what more can you ask for?!

How adorable?!

Want more from TOMS Wedding Collection: Click Here!

Gorgeous bouquets, perfect for a spring wedding!

Wouldn't be a Texas wedding without cowboy boot, right?

The bride looks stunning in every photo from this wedding!

A gorgeous reception at The Ashton Depot! The clean lines of this design allows the natural beauty and warmth of this room come to life.

Amazing center pieces right?

A story book ending to a perfect Texas wedding!

Photo Credit: Sara Donaldson

Event Coordination: Lagniappe Weddings

Bridal Party Shoes: TOMS Wedding Collection

Here Comes the... Groom

2011-05-25T12:53:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true -- the wedding revolves around the bride. But, the groom does play a rather large role in the wedding events. All the magazines and advertisements for weddings, for the most part, target the bride. So whats a groom to do? Most men could careless over what they wear for the ceremony, and the bride in some cases picks out groomsmen gifts on behalf of her guy. Usually, the only real big thing the groom speaks up about is the bachelor party. But, there are some men who have an invested interest in what they wear they day they marry the love of their life. So lets talk grooms attire! A suit is a suit is a suit, however, that suit is the most important one they will ever wear, so you have to make it special. Many grooms will wear a traditional tuxedo, or a black suit either with a bow tie or traditional tie. Although some grooms will opt for non-traditional, casual attire such as khaki slacks, a plain button up with suspenders and a tie to top it off. Options is the name of the game when it comes to mens fashion; Whether your grooms style is pretty, traditional, or country casual.

Here are some inspirations from real grooms:

Sweet Caroline Photography

Stefano Choi

JOS Photography

Nicole Catham Photography

Efeunodos Photography

Ashley Rose Photography

Binary Flips Photography

From Estsy's Xoelle

4 easy ways grooms can stand out (in a good way):

1. Wear an alternative tux

Wearing a slightly different jacket from your groomsmen is a surefire way to stand out -- in a good way.

2. A fancier flower

A unique boutonniere is the easiest way for guest to distinguish the groom from the other groomsmen. This is a great way for your groom to stand out without having the attire differ from the rest of the groomsmen.

3. The Telltale Tie

To really stand out, wear a different colored tie from the rest of the boys. Don't be afraid of color!

4. Variety in the Vest

Some men choose to forego the vest, while others embrace it. This is a great element of the tux where grooms can experiment. Your groom can chose a different color, or pattern vest from the rest of the gang.

Grooms can rent different options from big retailers like JoS. A Bank, Mens Wearhouse, or sometimes local suit retailers have rental availabilities.

Part ii, Bridesmaids: The Fashion Trends

2011-05-19T18:30:00.000-04:00

As much as I love to talk etiquette, fashion is really what interest me. Bridesmaids fashion is always a topic of conversation at weddings; And usually the conversation goes one of two ways: Yay or Nay.

Like bridal fashion, bridesmaids apparel is always changing and evolving. Years ago it was taboo for brides to choose black dresses for her wedding party, and now its seems as though 9 out of 10 weddings features black bridesmaids dresses. Of course trends are constantly changing. If you went to a wedding during 2009 or 2010, you probably saw a lot of navy blue bridesmaids dresses. Navy has become a huge wedding staple in most weddings. It's a nice neutral alternative to a stark black or brown, especially for a spring or summer wedding. As American brides started to simplify their weddings for economic reasons, which influenced trends in bridesmaids dresses. Brides started to stray from tradition and let their bridesmaids choose their own unique style of dress, so they'd be more comfortable and flattering. (Also, the $200 plus investment wouldn't hurt so bad.) One dress may be taffeta and one shouldered and the bridesmaid next to her maybe in a strapless silk organza. Stores like J. Crew and Ann Taylor make this vision for effortless bridesmaid apparel easy as can be. Block colors and patterns on dresses started becoming a trend, as well which complimented outside wedding ceremonies by giving them more color. Another changing fashion trend, which is one of my favorites, is a varying the color scheme of bridesmaids dresses. Lets say you the bride give the guideline for green dresses, and then let each girl pick out a shade that fits their skin tone. You can have a great color scheme of green: jewel toned emerald, lime green, kelly green, etc.

Mainstream retailers like Ann Taylor and J.Crew are leading the way in affordable bridal fashion. These are some of the most popular choices for brides and bridesmaids. Now Anthropologie with their BHLDN line is getting into the mix. And I couldn't be more thrilled! In addition to mainstream retailers, fashion labels like Amsale and Jim Hjelm are great resources for bridesmaid fashions. They offer the same resources as a J.Crew found at bridal salons. Department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom also have bridal departments that carry great fashion lines, sure to please the bridal party. But don't forget about other labels like Lilly Pulitzer, who also has amazing bridesmaid fashion available... and, we'll look into that a few scrolls down!

Now I love to look at photos.... they're so pretty and a great way to draw inspiration. So, hows about some {real wedding} inspirations:

Paige Eden Photography

Brian Dorsey Studio

Anges Lopez Photography

Classic Stories

Danielle Capito Photography

Matt Lien Photography

Patricia Kantzos Photography

Eric Limon Photography

Melissa Jill Photography

Photo: Mark Shale

Red Ribbon Studios

Mike Larson, Inc

Jake Holt Photography

Paige Eden Photography

Angie Garfield

Eric Limon Photography

Docuvitae Photography

Todd Pellowe Photography

Simply Bloom Photography

Red Loft Studios

Virgil Buano Photography

Now, J.Crew and Ann Taylor are wonderful collections, but you've seen it before, right? Lets branch! To those of you who have not yet seen the wonderful world of Lilly Pulitzer bridesmaids dresses, let me be the first to show you heaven in the form of a dress. Now as a Southern girl, I have a special place in my heart for all things Lilly. That being said, big prints are not really my thing. But I love love love Lilly clothes! So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon their bridesmaids collection and found tons and tons of fabulous dresses-- some without big prints! For those of you who yearn for the big flower patterns, fear not, they are included in the collection as well. So without further adieu....

A-mazing, right??

Part i, Bridesmaids: The Do's and Don't's

2011-05-18T14:37:00.000-04:00

In honor of last weeks big hit, Bridesmaids, I'd like to do a post or two about Bridesmaids. Now, I haven't seen this movie --yet!!, and believe me I am dying to go see it! I started thinking about bridesmaids more in depth this weekend when I was wedding dress shopping. Side note: Although I've been engaged for over a year, I haven't asked a single friend yet. I want to wait until I'm at the very most within a year of the wedding. There are so many things a bride is looking for in a bridesmaid besides someone who is a good friend, or even a best friend. Unfortunately I don't have any sisters, so this whole bridesmaids/maid of honor thing for me is carries so much pressure because I have so many wonderful friends! But I will be holding out asking until I get closer to the date. Okay, so back to my original train of thought about the role of a bridesmaid. It really is an important part of the wedding that carries a lot of weight. The maid of honor, especially, really has to act like a second brian and second set of hands for the bride. Since wedding planning can be stressful for majority of brides, many friends slip in and out of the role of therapist. Not to mention the monetary commitments you have to make to be a part of your best friends special day. Many friends-turned-bridesmaids are unsure of their 'duties'. They are so happy to be a part of the day and to support their friend, but do they really know what their role is in the wedding? Whether this is your first time to the circus, or you're the Ringleader of bridesmaids, everyone can benefit from a simple To Do list:

Bridesmaid 101:

1.) Offer to help with prewedding tasks. Try to be specific when you volunteer. For example, say, "Would you like me to help you shop for bridesmaid dresses/stuff invitations/pack for the honeymoon?" instead of just, "What can I do?"

2.) If your bride asks, scout out bridesmaid dresses, shoes, jewelry, and other wedding accessories. Pay for the entire ensemble. (Don't forget to break in your shoes before the wedding day -- that will minimize slipping, blisters, and aching tootsies.)

3.) Help to plan, cohost, and pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party with other bridesmaids.

4.) If the maid/matron of honor isn't already handling this task, keep a record of all the gifts received at various parties and bridal showers (so that the bride/couple can write thank-you notes); maintain RSVP lists.

5.) Attend the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. (Keep abreast of all prewedding parties, and go to as many as possible.)

6.) Run last-minute errands. On the day of the wedding, be on hand to confirm flower delivery times, meet and greet the ceremony officiant, or satisfy junk food cravings.

7.) Serve as auxiliary hostess at the reception by introducing guests, making sure they know where the bar is located, and inviting them to sign the guest book.

8.) Hit the dance floor when the music kicks in. Dance with groomsmen during the formal first-dance sequence. Also, be on the lookout for toe-tapping guests who might need encouragement and/or a dance partner.

9.) Give the matron/maid of honor a break by helping to carry the bride's wedding gown train whenever necessary. Bustle the train before dancing begins, and be ready to help fix it if it comes unhooked. Accompany the bride on visits to the restroom, if asked.

10.) Purchase a wedding present perhaps with one or several of the other bridesmaids. This provides more buying power, and two heads are better than one when it comes to wedding gift ideas. Sometimes the entire bridesmaid troupe pitches in for one knock-her-socks-off wedding gift.

11.) Be a trooper, no matter how stressful the ordeal becomes. Try not to complain about the bridesmaid dress -- even if the color is horrendous. Be gracious and tactful.

12.) Provide plenty of emotional support during the planning and on the wedding day.

So the Maid of Honor- it's an honor alright! This title comes more than just a walk down the aisle by yourself; there are additional duties to the bridesmaids tasks above that the Maid of Honor usually attends to.

Maid of Honor 101:

1.) Lead the bridesmaid troupe! It's the MOH job to direct the other maids through their duties. Make sure everyone gets their bridesmaid dresses, go to dress fittings, and find the right jewelry. Also, you provide them with the 411 on all prewedding parties.

2.) Help shop for dresses (the bride's and the bridesmaids').

3.) Offer to help the bride with prewedding tasks, from addressing invites to choosing the wedding colors, and of course nodding enthusiastically when she waxes poetic about wedding cake.

4.) If the couple isn't using a wedding website, help spread the news about where the bride and groom are registered to inquiring guests.

5.) If the couple is leaving immediate for their honeymoon, offer to help the bride change for her honeymoon and take charge of her gown after the ceremony. Arrange for storage in a safe place until she returns.

6.) Lend an ear. Whether it's about the planning, the marriage, or the registry china patterns, the MOH should assure the bride that she has someone with whom she can share her thoughts. Even if she seems to dwell on the same subjects repeatedly, the MOH keeps listening.

7.) Host or cohost a bridal shower for the bride. Also, attend all prewedding parties.

8.) Plan the bachelorette party with the bridesmaids.

9.) Hold the groom's ring during the ceremony. Safest place to put it? On your thumb.

10.) Arrange the bride's train and veil before the ceremony begins and just after she arrives at the altar. The MOH might also need to help her bustle the train for easy dancing at the reception.

11.) Hold the bride's bouquet while the couple exchanges vows.

12.) Sign the marriage license as a witness, along with the best man.

13.) Make sure the bride takes a moment to eat something -- refresh her drink, get her a plate of food from the buffet table, or instruct the wait staff to keep her entree warm.

14.) Dance with the best man during the formal first-dance sequence and possibly be announced with him at the beginning of the party. Also dance with other groomsmen, the groom, and others.

15.) Troubleshoot emotional crises. In most cases, this will require lots of tissues, hugging, and hair-smoothing. The MOH continues to be a trusted friend, a good listener, and a smart advisor. And, remember to keep the bride laughing. For the stressed-out bride, laughter can be as effective as venting.

For Tomorrow: Bridesmaids fashion- it's much more fashionable! From Lilly Pulitzer to Anthropologie, everyone's getting into bridesmaid fashion to revamp this genre of choices. Say goodbye to the puffy sleeves and crinoline skirts... and hello style!

Newly{Maid} Bridesmaid's

2011-05-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

When I hear the words "bridesmaid dress" my first thought is Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses. So many dresses! You always hear brides saying, "The best part about this dress is that you can wear it again!" We all know that is not the truth. How many formal events do you attend a year where you need a floor length dress? Or even cocktail dress? Lets face it- it's an expense and one that you probably won't get more than 1 use out of. Well as Debbie downer depressing as that sounded, I have some good news past and future bridesmaids. For all you ladies who spent $200 plus on a gown you'll never wear again, fear not, Dessy's got your back. They’ve just put the finishing touches on their new project, Newlymaid, where all of your maids can exchange their bridesmaids dresses for…wait for it… a little black dress! So all of those “oh-you-can-SO-wear-it-again” nightmares that are hanging in your closet can actually get a fresh new look in the form of a perfect black cocktail dress! How amazing it that!?

So are you ready to get rid of a few cherished memories you have taking up valuable space your closet? Here’s how it works... It’s SO easy, it’s a total no brainer. First, choose a dress you’re never going to wear again. Then, set up an account at Newlymaid and request a pre-paid mailer. Pop that sucker in the mail and if accepted, log on to your account to see the special pricing and choose the perfect little black dress. That’s it! Easy as pie, right? The dress styles, which sell between $150 to $250 at full price, range from a sophisticated office look to flirty looks fit for a night on the town. Click here to see a full breakdown as to how the program works.

In m opinion, this is beyond smart. By jumping on the Newlymaid train, you’ll be putting money right into your pockets (with that awesome discount), you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint (Newlymaid will work with UNIFI, a global textile company, to recycle qualifying dresses that are 100% polyester) and you’ll be bringing a little sparkle to those that don’t have a row of cocktail dresses in their closet. This is one of those ideas, like Spanx or those ugly Crocs, that I wish I thought of this first!

Classic New England Affair

2011-05-12T12:45:00.000-04:00

I may be Southern, but I have a soft spot for my yankee friends. And, an even bigger soft spot for gorgeous New England weddings, with Southern inspirations. Now that I've said my piece on that, the next thing I have to say is, "All you Lilly Pulitzer loving, Jack Rodger wearing, classic brides need to check out this iconic New England wedding that will have you make a B-line to the Cape." This wedding has so many inspirations, I can barely keep up! I love the classic J Crew-esque color palette and the grand location of this wedding. Any summer bride can draw inspiration from this seaside affair!
So here's a little background on this couple: Alex and Andrew met while attending Vanderbilt University. The ceremony and reception was at the Castle Hill at Crane Estate in Ipswich, Mass. The bride and groom used a fun color palette of navy, hot pink, and celery green in their table settings. Although the wedding was in Massachusetts, the couple added southern elements in their reception, including a signature cocktail of sweet tea vodka and lemonade. The couple also chose a nautical Kate Spade invitation and created pin wheels (my favorite!) for place cards. Personal touches were visible throughout this wedding, from incorporating the couples dog in photos on each table to pinning the couples sorority and fraternity pins on the brides bouquet.
I know you will just fall in love and gather tons of inspiration from this classic New England wedding... I know I did!

The navy blue and white letterpress invitations were made locally in Massachusetts by Blush Design Studio, and the rehearsal invite on the right with the lobster is from Kate Spade.

Alexa placed a blue A & A on the bottom of her shoes for her "something blue."

Alexa wore a Watters and Watters San Miguel wedding gown.

Rather than a traditional guest book, the couple asked guests to write words of wisdom
and well wishes for married life.

Adorable hand made pinwheel name cards... so easy to do and looks so unique!

The couple used photo's of their dog for table numbers.

The pinwheel theme continues on this gorgeous cake. I love this!

Signature, Southern cocktail for this New England wedding: Sweet tea Vodka and Lemonade... YUM!

Love the bow-tie napkin detail at the place setting!

The couple made over 1,000 cookies for their cookie buffet!

Another southern tradition- Cornhole- present at this South meets North wedding

No, No, No.. Thank you Alex and Andrew for a gorgeous wedding!!

Photo Credit: Heather Parker/ For more go check out GetMarried.com

Letterpress Invitation Give Away

2011-05-10T12:06:00.000-04:00

Stationary is a definite guilty pleasure of mine, so that makes this give away even more juicy! The Aerialist Press is having an amazing give away, sure to tickle the fancy of any bride to be!

Here's what Alexandra of The Aerialist Press has to say about the give away…

“… for a giveaway I was thinking an entire letterpress suite from our house collection: invites in two color, response cards, insert card, envelopes and envelope return address printing for both the invite and rsvp envelopes. Any quantity. What do you think? We are super excited.”

Unbelievable right?! Just look at these amazing invitations!

Oceana Letterpress Suite

Stella Letterpress Suite

Citronella Letterpress Suite

And all of these drool worthy designs:

Amazing right? I'm obsessed! This giveaway will remain open until Monday, May 16th @ 9AM, PST. Go to The Knotty Bride's website to check out the entry details by clicking here. Check our more from The Aerialist Press.

Happy Contest Winning!