The Bride's Blog

2011-11-08T12:20:00.001-08:00

Calling all brides-to-be! Escape for a weekend of wedding planning bliss for you and a guest to the Wedding Show of the NC Mountains, November 18 - 20, 2011 at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Enjoy three days of pampering, parties and planning where the wedding possibilities are limitless! Tickets include five meals, a spa treatment, signature cocktails, live music, fashion shows and all the trimmings of an actual wedding! www.WeddingShowOfTheNCMtns.com / 800.GoRomance. Respond to our post with your name, phone number and email address to be included in the drawing! Winner to be announced November 15th.

2011-09-21T10:36:00.001-07:00

Rainy -overcast - day in Asheville... So many clients to visit... If I miss you today, I'll see you at the show!

Coming up in the Winter issue of the Bride's Book

2011-08-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about our Winter issue! With a revamp of the magazine and a big focus on regional spotlights the Winter issue available January 2012 will feature Blowing Rock, NC, Chapel Hill, NC and Asheville, NC. Complete with a pullout map of featured venues and notable places close to those venues. The perfect planning piece for your wedding! Be sure to sign up online to get a copy as soon as it is available! go to http://raleigh.thebridesbook.com/maillist.php?link=subscribe and guess what?! You will also be signed up for various contests and additional info!

The Wedding Photographer

2011-07-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Carolyn Scott Photography

Robin Lin Photography

Rumor has it that the wedding photographer is the most overpaid wedding vendor out there, so they say. I mean the camera's expensive but everything is digital so where is the expense? Okay so you do have to buy those fancy photo albums to slip your photos in but what else? Why do photographers cost soooo much? Couldn't Cousin Billy Bob take some pretty good photos and we could save that money for something else, right?! You know what I think? I think "they" are wrong. A successful photographer doesn't just point and shoot. They spend time getting to know their surroundings and framing the photo. The more they do it the faster they are at putting it all together and capturing the gorgeous photo that makes you FEEL what the couple is feeling at that very moment in time. Its part gift, part talent and part experience and it's a big part of what you pay for when you hire your photographer. But what else? Why is it that Billy Bob even with a good camera has a tough time capturing these moments that you want to relive day after day?

Beth Gillikin Photography

No matter how hard Billy Bob tries he will rarely think of the composition. He doesn't walk into the room or location and begin envisioning the art that he will be creating. Billy Bob (or Sally Mae for that matter) walks in and starts chatting with his buddy or distant relative and talking about old times and "how's your mama? It's been so long..." well you get the point. When you ask your _____(fill in the blank)____ cousin/buddy/aunt to photograph your wedding they have more on their mind than their new job. So they become distracted and the opportunity to breathe in the environment and plan the photos is lost.

Bella Rose Photography

And that is just the beginning of the process. What happens when the party gets started? The music is kicking and everyone is out on the dance floor laughing and having a wonderful time. You know Billy Bob is a guest too, I mean he has a job but he wants to have a good time too and you want that as well, right? So who could blame him when he puts the camera down to shake a leg for a few songs? Well unfortunately he missed this shot. Even if he decided to pick up the camera at the right time his position would be on the floor looking straight on or maybe up and the feeling would be lost.

The professional has spent the entire time since he stepped out of his (or her) car planning what shots to take and where. He may have even photographed a wedding at this particular location and knows where and how to get the best shots. But while your buddy is doing his thing the professional is capturing every piece of your wedding. The stationery, the entrance, the bouquets, the table settings all the little details that make your wedding yours. You don’t know this now but the day after your wedding or maybe a few weeks later you’ll find yourself wondering hmmm, what did the little flowers I so painstakingly chose, end up looking like? Those detail shots the pro will take will be priceless later on.

Vesic Photography

So now we know some of the downfalls of hiring a friend or relative to take your photos to help document the best day of your life. But what else separates the professional from the amateur photographer?

The amateur when completed will then upload the images at shutterfly, picasa or some like location so when you want you can order your photos. He, or she, is done. They did their job. Ta Da!!! The professional on the other hand will go back to their studio and spend hours and hours editing the images. Perfecting colors, removing flaws, all sorts of things that make them the wonderful pieces of art that we see here. And those couples that bite the bullet and spend the money on a talented photographer are rewarded each and every time they look at the art created by a professional.

The Wedding Planner

2011-02-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

J. Lo did a great job in the movie, “The Wedding Planner”. She’s one of those actresses that we love to watch on the big screen. But she did nothing to describe what a wedding planner really does. Most people think of a Wedding Planner as an accessory to the rich and famous and that regular folks handle all the details and what they can’t handle they ask a relative or friend to handle. That works great for some folks. Some folks have planned their wedding since they were 10 years old. Most of us however, are new to this wedding thing and plan on doing it only once. So for that reason alone you should investigate what a wedding planner can do for you and how much she costs. What’s the worst thing that could happen? That’s right, you end up making a well thought out educated decision and that’s the best decision and approach you should take when you plan anything!

Bella Rose Photography

So let’s go over the pros of hiring a wedding planner. First, she is well educated on the reputation of the wedding professionals out there and well versed in what is a fair price to charge and who she can negotiate with in order to keep things within your budget. Second, this isn’t the only wedding she’s planned nor it be the last that he or she plans so no doubt she is full of ideas based upon your budget of how to create your vision at a variety of locations. Third , remember the last time you hosted a dinner party? You cooked the food, you cleaned the house, you sent the invitations (or made the calls), you shopped, you set the table, you answered the phone and door bell when it rang, you chose the music, you played the music , you thought up the ice breaker oh and you had about 5 minutes to get cleaned up and dressed before everyone arrived. THEN, you mingled, you thought of about half a dozen things that you should have done, some you tried to do while your guests were there as discreetly as possible. By the end of the night you had about 25 conversations interrupted and never completed, you barely had a chance to eat your dinner and enjoy your guests before it was time to serve dessert and then after your guests left it was time to clean up. That was a dinner party for only 4 or 5 couples! Imagine an event at a separate location or multiple locations with a guest list of about 125 or more?! Sure Mom can help but remember this is the only wedding her daughter will have…she should enjoy it just as much as you without all of the stress.

Diane McKinney Photography

So, now you are thinking…maybe it isn’t such a bad idea but I just don’t think I could afford it…Really?! In most cases you can. Remember you set your budget. If your budget is $5000 or $155,000 that is your budget. A wedding planner knows that her fees must ALSO come from this budget. Many (not all )are willing to negotiate their fees if possible in order to stay within your budget , assuming they want the job. They may also be able to tailor fit their services to accommodate you so that it makes it more affordable. They are organizational gurus, and depending on how many services they render as well as their popularity, they can cost a few hundred dollars or several thousand. In the Southeast for a full service wedding planner he or she will generally charge about $2600 while nationwide the average is about $3200.

Now you have the tools to decide if a wedding planner is for you..go out and begin meeting and interviewing and talking price to find the one that works best for you. Not sure where to start? Go to www.TheBridesBook.com and choose your city. Then check out our Marketplace where we list all the best local wedding pros in your city.

www.bellarosephoto.com

Destination Wedding Spotlight: Kure Beach, NC

2010-10-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

Destination weddings have been the craze for many years now and the Carolinas are no stranger to this concept. Historic, brick laden districts, river towns, sandy beaches and rolling mountains place both North and South Carolina in the destination wedding cataory with locations such as Jamaca, Mexico and the Adorondacks. Born and raised in coastal North Carolina, I have a special place in my heart for couples that choose to hold their big day in "my neck of the woods". As a wedding planner by trade but a life planner by nature, it is a great joy to offer more than just wedding services to my brides. As a native of the Carolina lifestyle I enjoy letting couples in on the secrets of where to get the best shrimp and grits, which area boasts the most stunning sunsets, where to get the "poshest" service, etc, etc... The Carolinas hold hundreds of perfect destination wedding locations and over the next few weeks we will spend time getting to know some of the areas that are perfect for the occasion. We begin our tour with the small, friendly, relaxing beach town of Kure Beach, NC...

Situated just 20 minutes south of Wilmington, NC, Kure Beach is one of several beach towns located on Pleasure Island. It is also seated just before the historic and picturesque area of Fort Fisher. Bathed in rustic and homey southern charm, Kure Beach is a gem burried in the sand. Known to fishermen worldwide for its pier and fishing, Kure Beach is also well equipped to handle small to medium sized weddings on the sand, at a lovely and colorful ocean front home or at many other locations. Dinning choices range from the seafood cafe, to the steak and seafood house to the option of having your event catered with elegant cuisine. Atlantic Avenue boasts the beach's best views with its wooden walkways and gentle breezes. Couples have the ultimate setting with the golden sand, froathly ocean waves and green sea grasses. Ceremony decore can range from the simple arbor to the even more simple but powerful statement of letting nature speak for itself and be the main decore.

Locals enjoy the opportunity to share their piece of paradise so when visiting be sure to inquire about the area's offerings in terms of food, lodging and activities. In nearby Fort Fisher, the NC Aquariuam at Fort Fisher is a beautiful option for the reception or rehearsal dinner. Dine in front of the shark tank and relax as twinkle lights glow from the railings above. Palm laiden outdoor spaces are available as well as elegant indoor areas. Sting rays, turtles, jelly fish and other aquatic life add to the party as they glide effortlessly in tanks around the Aqarium. The sea horse tank is a special treat and the perfect place for a gift station. Events coordinator Terry Bryant and assistant coordinator Emily Bullock are available Mon-Fri to help plan the wedding of your dreams. Rent the Aquarium's crystal fish for an amazing centerpiece or utilize a local florist to tie in your theme. Visit their website at http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher to learn more about this stunning venue.

Be sure to take advantage of the unique grove trees that grow along the Fort Fisher shore; the shady groves are perfecy for memorable pictures and romantic strolls. Sitting between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River gives Fort Fisher water views from almost every angle and affords the history buff a plethora of sites to see and information to gather. Families and couples alike can rent a small beach cottage of stay at on of the inns located on the island. For more information on this quaint beach town, visit the Pleasure Island Chamber of commerce at http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/ and be sure to check the section dedicated to wedding regulations and rules.
Photo left & center courtesy of Gary & NC Aquarium at Ft Fisher

Wedding Cake Inspiration from the Southern Mountains

2010-09-20T02:27:00.000-07:00

Photo from MarthaStewart.com

It's no secret. I love me some mountains. I've lived in them all of my life and studied mountain tourism at the graduate level. They're in my soul. So when I see wedding trends related to mountain traditions I want to leap for joy and do cartwheels in the living room. Woohoo! Lately I've noticed rustic brides and foodies alike opting for a stack cake look for wedding cakes, including cake-buffet cakes.

Stack cakes are a tradition in the southern mountains, and are generally made of six (or so) thin layers of apple spice cake stacked up like a big plate of pancakes. Dried apples are tucked between each layer, and some variations include using apple butter in between layers.

Image from Clayton Austin via Ruffled Blog

There are two stories I've seen floating around regarding the origins of the Appalachian stack cake. One is a play on impoverished hillbilly stereotypes. The story goes that Appalachian people were too poor to afford an entire wedding cake and each guest bring a single layer. Another is that the James Harrod brought the cake back from Kentucky via the Wilderness Road in 1774.

Whatever it's origins, modern brides and bakers are offering their own twist on this Appalachian classic, and I've loving every bit of it.

Enjoy!
~Hindsight Bride

Image from The Kitchn

Left Image from OnceWed; Right Image from Catherine O'Brien via Love and Lavender

Image from The Kitchn

Image from Smitten Kitchen

Image from Project Wedding

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Image from The Kitchn

Wiggles,Giggles,Crys & Laughs:A Guide to Children & Your Big Day

2010-09-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

Organizing a wedding party can sometimes be like organizing a heard of cattle! Jobs, family responsibilities, travel and simply life’s little bumps can all affect the schedules of the people in your party which, in turn, can ultimately affect the outcome of your rehearsal and even ceremony. Along with the wedding party, wedding guests are up against a myriad of challenges which can cause them to miss your Big Day or be forced to only attend the ceremony and not the reception or vice versa. Often times, a conflict which exists before the wedding, such as childcare issues, does not simply disappear before the Big Day. Perhaps your maid of honor just had a beautiful baby girl or your piano player has two rambunctious boys that must accompany her to your event. Children can be a welcome source of entertainment in any situation but can also be an unwelcome distraction in more serious moments. That beautiful baby girl just may decide it is time to eat during your vows and those boys will certainly not make it through all of Ava Maria in the church pew. Also, do not forget that your may have a precious flower girl or ring bearer of your own that may make it down the aisle but need something to look forward to at the reception. Let’s take a look at a few ways to accommodate both wedding party members and guests with children…

First, understand that children are a natural part of life! Although you may not have any of your own yet, remember that your family and friends may have been handling situations with their children for a while. Even though they may be accustomed to making arrangements for them during special events, nothing would make life easier than having a plan supplied for their family’s needs.

Have childcare on standby. Local drop-in childcare facilities, nanny organizations and even churches typically have plans in place for special event childcare. Arrange a special rate with the manager of a local center and be sure to mention it in an insert in your invitation, on your wedding website and by word of mouth. Parents can enjoy the event while knowing their children are safe and happy while paying a reduced rate.

Be prepared with a “quiet room” at your ceremony. Even the best behaved child can have an off day! Hiring a babysitter to be available at your ceremony can save you and parents from loads of stress. List the option in your ceremony program in such a way that parents feel this is a benefit to them (rather than a forced option) and be sure choose your sitter wisely so that parents and children feel secure.

Have fun options for children at your event. Why should only the adults have a great time? Choose an area of your reception and dub it the “Kid Zone” complete with smaller tables and chairs, coloring projects and a few toys. To make the area more cohesive with your event, color coordinate the children’s choices with your colors and theme. Just because the area is dedicated to children does not mean primary colors are a must! If there is available outdoor space consider renting a bounce house or a small petting zoo; white rabbits would be a wonderful addition to the scene and a fun distraction for the kids. Use your imagination to create options that are both fun for the little ones and appropriate for your event.

Have “child friendly” food available. Although your boss’ wife may swoon at the idea of Oysters Rockefeller, a child will more than like squish up their face and say, “Ew!” Ask your caterer to provide a few options for children such as chicken of some kind, fruit and cheese. One sure fire way to keep a child happy is to keep their bellies full so make preparations ahead of time to make this a non issue.

I have often said that having a wedding is really your opportunity to play the ultimate party host or hostess! Having options for guests of all ages is a great way to help insure a happy time for everyone. Remember, however, that even your best laid plans my not “go as planned” when it comes down to the wire. Babies may cry, little boys may wiggle and parents may not choose to utilize the options you have put in place. In those instances just take a deep breath, walk down that aisle and say to yourself, “Well, at least MY children will never act that way!”

The Delayed or Post Reception

2010-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Post wedding receptions are becoming more and more common in our busy hectic world. There are many good reasons why a couple may want to get married now and celebrate later. From deployment, financial worries, illness, weather or simply a spontaneous elopement. Whatever the reason, the wording on your invitation is important in order to inform your guests that they will NOT be attending the actual ceremony and that can sometimes be tricky!

What you’re really doing here is announcing that you’re already married and you are now hosting a party. The first task, introduce yourselves as a married couple, then add the details of your celebration. To make it more personal you may want to incorporate your own verses. If you would like to hav eyour guests witness your vows consider a reaffirmation of your vows. You can do that at any time after your wedding. There is no need to hire a magistrate or clergy to do this as you are already officially married. Anyone can read your vows for you.

As far as timing, it is best to have your party or reception as soon after your wedding vows as possible but if for some reason it is long delayed you may want to consider hosting a 1st anniversary party. Such a party may be slightly more casual but could still include your reaffirmation as well.

Below are some examples we have compiled to get you thinking about how to compose your invitation. To get even more ideas talk to the stationer who will create your invitation. If you have an event planner assisting you he or she will no doubt also have lots of ideas on how to word your invitation and add creative elements to make it all your own!

THE BASIC I:

We’ve Tied the Knot!

Scott Casey and Angie Lawrence were married

Saturday, December 9, 2009.

Please join us as we celebrate on Friday, February 2nd 2010

At The Lake Delta Inn, 123 Karlen Rd

Anytown, Anywhere

At five o’clock in the evening

THE BASIC II:

On Dec 9th at University Presbytarian Church

Scott and Angie became one heart.

Their love filled the house of worship like no others could.

Please join in celebrating their new start
By attending a dinner in their honor

At The Lake Delta Inn,

123 Karlen Rd Anytown, Anywhere

At five o’clock in the evening

THE REAFFIRMATION:

Through the love that is in our hearts we,

Angie and Scott

will restate our wedding vows

Saturday, the 2nd of February

two-thousand and ten

at five-thirty in the afternoon

at the Lake Delta Inn

123 Karlen Rd

Anytown, Anywhere

THE DESTINATION WEDDING:

They got their feet wet and played in the sand

And oh yes, they joined their hands!

Scott and Angie were wed Dec 9th on St.John’s Island.

In celebration of their marriage

On February 2nd at noon

Please attend a backyard barbeque at

The Lake Delta Inn, 123 Karlen Rd Anywtown, Anywhere

THE ELOPEMENT WEDDING:

With a turn of the key and flip of their hair,

Angie and Scott threw caution in the air!

Join them in celebrating their December 9th elopement

By attending a brunch in their honor on

February 2nd at 10:00 in the morning

At The Lake Delta Inn, 123 Karlen Rd Anywtown, Anywhere

1st ANNIVERSARY PARTY:

You are cordially invited to

the 1st anniversary celebration

honoring

Angie and Scott Casey February 2nd at 10:00 in the morning

At The Lake Delta Inn, 123 Karlen Rd Anywtown, Anywhere

If you’ve decided NOT to have a reception or party to celebrate your new beginning a simple "At Home" card will do, which simply announces that the two of you are married and, as the name suggests, that you're home. If you choose to send an “At Home” card, don’t forget to include your new names and address. Some couples also choose to add a personal note explaining why they eloped.

There is no reason why a delayed or post reception should be any different from a reception that immediately follows a wedding ceremony. The purpose is the same, to celebrate the union of a couple and the beginning of their new life together. Do you need the 3 + tiered cake or the big formal gown and tuxedo? No. As a matter of fact we would recommend general party attire and a less formal cake but it’s your party and your decision, the etiquette police will not come and take you way!

Finally, as far as who pays for what, it again, is no different than a traditional reception immediately following a ceremony. Today’s wedding receptions are hosted by the bride and groom themselves, their parents or any combination. It can be as small or as grand, as traditional or contemporary as the couple themselves. Embrace the moment that is yours with your closest friends and family and the new road ahead whatever it may bring.

2010-08-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

My little sister is engaged! Of course we all knew it was going to happen, but still, here we are. The date is set for 11/11/11 and my mother is already buried in a flurry of wedding magazines and ideas. You would think that although she has already gone through the marriage of one daughter-one daughter who, by the way, actually does this for a living she would feel calm and ready but no… She actually said to me, “Oh, I don’t know if those colors will work.” Amazing, mothers were defiantly created to encourage you and never let your head get too big all at the same time. Bravissimo mom, but I digress...

Having a big sister that is a wedding designer is rather convenient, but even I, older sister and professional cannot dictate some of the choices that must be made. Casual or formal? Indoors or out? Large or small? Grandiose or simple? These are the questions that each new bride is faced with and often times they have barley had the opportunity to let the engagement sink in before the race of finding a venue begins. For my sister Kate, and many other brides, some decisions are made simply based on personality or taste and practicality. For instance, by nature my sister is a “push the limits of fashion” kind of woman. (She glued glitter to her pocketbooks and wore heavy eyeliner before those fads were ever even thought of in Paris or Milan!) For her, certain venues are simply not workable due to their very structure. She is looking for a fashion forward, peacock feather laden type of event in which not one single rose will be found. To look at a garden venue would not only be a waste of time for her, but also for the ever hopeful venue manager. For some brides, budgetary concerns may dictate venue choice and many other aspects of their Big Day. From the get-go, my suggestion to brides is to be practical. Yes, this is your special day, but be careful not to set your sights too high, least you fall, and remember your theme. When faced with many different venue options, color schemes, flower choices and cake flavors, a couple can become overwhelmed and start making decisions just to get items ticked off the list. Push your personal limits a bit if you must but never go so far outside your comfort zone that you, a person who loathes the color orange, finds yourself surrounded by bridesmaids clad in the bright color because you watched one too many episodes of Million Dollar Wedding. To quote the Genie in Aladdin, “BEEEEEE yourself!” Remember who you and your fiancé are and created a happy “marriage” of the two styles to achieve a look you both will love.

Along these same lines, be sure to heed the advice of well meaning loved ones, but never forget this is Your day. I often comment to brides that for every opinion they have about their wedding, someone else has three more. A person (to remain nameless) actually suggested that my sister wear my wedding dress simply because we still have it and she is having a time finding the dress. Now, although beautiful, my A-line, champagne colored frock would look as ridiculous on her as I would in a leopard print mini skirt. My dress says nothing about my sister and only holds memories of my Big Day, which in truth was really not long ago enough for us to even consider using the same gown. Although well meaning, this suggestion was ridiculous and incensed my sister to no end. I reminded her that everyone feels differently about weddings the same way everyone feels different about pizza toppings or political parties or American Idol singers. This is life and with it comes an abundance of opinions but all-in-all it should be her and her fiancé that must feel comfortable with the outcome.

During the journey to the aisle a bride may change her mind many times and feel overwhelmed at the possibilities and choices before them. In fact, I have seen a bride change her entire theme 3 months before the wedding after reading an article and deciding she was on the wrong track-this is not a practice I would recommend. My own sister has been engaged for four months and has over a year to go and has changed her venue three times; however she has yet to place a deposit one one. Confusion of this nature is to be expected and, as long as the changes are not causing the loss of much money or delaying the course of events, are good ways to decide what you truly want. Now, having said that, it is best to get these changes out of the way early in the game to avoid the loss of deposits or the annoyance of every wedding professional in town. Do your homework and make informed decisions. If you have never felt any particular feelings towards sand dollars but suddenly want to stick them in every bouquet, boutonnière and centerpiece then take a step back and breathe. Is this real? Do you suddenly have a real affection for the dried fruits of the sea or is it simply a fad that will pass? Talk your whims over with your planner and use them as a sounding board for possible changes and ideas. You are paying them to not only keep you on track but to also remind you of your original ideas of the perfect wedding, you know the ideas you had before you knew that handing tying 1,000 ribbons to the branches of a historic Oak tree was even a possibility…

Brittany is the owner of Orchid Island Events, a wedding design and coordination company based out of Carolina Beach, NC. Orchid Island specializes in wedding planning for areas such as Wilmington, Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure Beaches, NC. She enjoys turning moments into memories on the Carolina Coast and invites you to gain ideas for your Big Day by visiting the Orchid Island website at http://www.orchidislandevents.com/

History Lesson: The Bouquet Toss, A Bachelor Dinner and a Flying Garter

2010-08-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

Weddings are history in the making. The beginning of one family and the continuation of others, a wedding is a celebration of traditions old and new and are a platform for couples to showcase who they are.

While acting as planner for a wedding this past May, I noticed that the bride seemed to have a strong resistance to anything that even slightly resembled tradition. Strict instructions were given to my team: no bouquet toss, no garter throwing and absolutely, positively no special cake cutting. As a planner it is my job to make sure that the couple’s wishes (whenever not hideously ridiculous or outside the confines of the Law) are met. Even I agree that the garter toss recipient and the bouquet toss recipient should not be forced to dance together and when a groom smashes caked into a bride's perfectly painted mouth I want to faint. It was this super modern couple that got my wheels turning concerning age old wedding habits. Where did these activities come from and why, for goodness sake, do they often require people to chunk lovely items in mid air and hope that someone catches them? So, armed with a piqued sense of curiosity and a hot apricot tea (in my Minnie Mouse gets Married mug of course) I set out on a research journey. You just may be surprised at what this wedding planner’s fast typing fingers discovered…

· The Bouquet Toss…This tradition actually dates back to the fourteenth century when brides were considered to be covered in luck on their wedding day. Single women would vie for a piece of the bride’s gown hoping to take home a piece of her luck. This often times ended in a tattered and torn gown not to mention a bruised up bride! Brides began to rebel against the destruction of their dresses and began throwing stockings or garters at the crowd until they could exit unaccosted. Eventually the custom became the flowering tossing event know today. I recommend having your florist make a “toss bouquet” for this activity so that your precious bundle can be saved and not ripped to bits by all those single ladies gunning for your luck!
· The Garter Toss: An offshoot of the bouquet toss, the tossing of the garter was used to feign off the advances of luck hungry women and smooch hungry men! Once again considered lucky, men would fight to snatch a kiss from the new bride, a habit that new groom did not think much of. Men began removing the garter from the leg of his bride to show ownership and throwing it to his ravenous cohorts to save his new wife from Lord knows what. The tradition continues today and often follows the tossing of the bridal bouquet.
· The Bachelor Party: Originally known as the bachelor dinner or stag party, the bachelor party goes back to the early days of Sparta and the Spartans love of any reason to party. An engaged Spartan man would be treated to an evening of feasting and drinking as his friends (and often fellow military men) would toast to his new life. Although now known to often involve risque behavior, the bachelor dinner was originally created to allow the groom an opportunity to release pre-wedding jitters. Eventually women decided they needed to shake off some jitters too and thus produced the birth of the bachelorette party.

Of course there are many more traditions that need to be explained. But, if I spilled all the beans here, you would not have a reason to return and read more! Stay tuned to The Bride’s Book Blog for our next history lesson which will include the odd history behind the bridal party, the reason flowers became a vital part of the event and how the wedding cake evolved from a loaf of bread to the artistic creations we have today. Class dismissed!

My Wedding Day!

2010-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my big day with the readers of The Bride’s Book. I don’t think I can put into words the way I felt that day. I was excited, anxious, emotional, and tired. It took a year and four months to plan our wedding and it felt like it flew by in 20 minutes. The night was a blur. I look back now at our photographs and think “Was that really us?” It is all surreal. I have a feeling once we get our video back that is when reality will hit that it was us and that it was real.

We were so fortunate to have a warm sunny day. Our ceremony was outside on the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Our reception was inside at Mississippi Dunes Golf Course. Twenty minutes before the ceremony began my youngest sister drew blood by ripping open her leg on a broken couch! I was getting ready to pack up our stuff to head to the hospital for stitches when my extremely brave and tough sister Macy requested super glue to close the wound! If anyone knows Macy, this is typical. Oh the stories, this one being one we laugh about now. Especially since the bridesmaid dresses were above the knee and in some pictures the wound is quite showy!

I didn’t trip coming up the aisle in grass! However, I was waiting on a golfer yelling “FOUR” and someone getting hit by a ball. Our ceremony site was right next to a par 3 green! I want to apologize to our guests for the ceremony starting about 10 minutes late. The unwarranted construction caused some guests to arrive late. Including my Uncle, who met me just feet before the aisle and he wanted to stop and talk. Excuse me Uncle, Go and SIT DOWN. Again, love and laughs.

I’m a detailed person, so details at the reception were my favorite. I’m so in love with any Damask print. That was shown in my wedding and now has carried over to my house! We showed our excitement for cupcakes in our cupcake tower! The Candy Bar was a huge hit with the guests and made for a fun favor. In my opinion, my florist, Saba Flowers, could not have captured my idea of a centerpiece more accurately. And Brides, I believe any florist can do such a better, stress-free job when you pick flowers that are IN season. I did just that and the flowers were luscious and gorgeous and lasted for days! If anyone read my last blog post, I talked about the 350 lemons. They did a great job at the wedding! And afterwards, quenched much of my family’s thirst freshly squeezed!

Keith and I chose “When you got a Good Thing” off of Lady Antebellum’s second CD. This may have been my favorite moment of the evening. It was really the first chance Keith and I got to spend a second or two alone and take in the meaning of that day. I wish I could have frozen time in that moment. Eventually I got teased for having a weak throw in my bouquet toss. One special dance we had was the Anniversary Dance. I had seen this at weddings before, but every married couple is on the dance floor and the DJ plays a slow song and dismisses couples by years of marriage. Finally the last couple standing was my grandparents married for 50 years!

At the end of the evening I was so happy, but exhausted. It took me 30 minutes to take the bobby pins out of my head! Now in the weeks after the wedding, my favorite thing to do is look back at the photos my photographer, Kate Botwinski was able to show me. I can’t get enough of them! Brides, cherish your photos. These are pieces of art that you will have forever! I am completely in love with mine.

Thank you Bride’s Book for letting me share my big day with you! We love to hear about our reader’s weddings and see their pictures! Please share with us on our facebook page!

-Mia Mauer - Acct Executive with The Bride's Book

Two Days Out!

2010-07-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

To all of our beautiful brides, “I understand.” I understand the drama, the excitement, the stress, the happiness, and most of all the utmost craziness of planning a wedding. I am two days out from my big day and it makes me think the last year and four months have been a big whirlwind. I take a lot of pride in being organized and getting a lot of planning done in advance. Well I hit reality hard. It doesn’t matter how much you do in advance or how organized you are, when planning a wedding there is just so much you have to do in your last two weeks! When it comes to head counts, food choices, and seating arrangements you are at the mercy of your guests. You can’t get any of that nailed down until you hear from you guests or track them down! Stressful.

But then you get to enjoy the other side of planning. The laughing and the nonsense. I have been very fortunate to have wonderful vendors, just like the North Carolina vendors I get to work with every day. They have made planning the wedding very simple. Online resources have been a key to my planning success. How convenient it was to sit at home and enjoy dinner while planning a big Minnesota event that was 6 months away! My colors are black, white and yellow. Of course I’ve searched for all things yellow! I had to have lemons in my arrangements and my florist happily agreed as long as a got them and brought them. Here is a picture of my mom and our purchase of 329 lemons! Thank goodness for flatbed carts!
I am so anxious to see every detail come together. I believe every piece is gorgeous, but I can’t fathom everything all together. Our ceremony is outdoors, so I have been checking the weather ever since the internet can post a 10 day forecast. Accurate or not, 10% rain has sent me to tears on day 9! But I took a deep breath and 0% appeared the next day. Have faith.

My biggest piece of advice to future brides is to enjoy. Enjoy the fun moments and have faith in your closest supporters to get you through the “not-so-fun” moments. Bottom-line, this is going to be the most memorable day for your life and your fiancé will be stunned. Have full confidence that you are the most gorgeous bride to walk this earth and show your guests one heck of a time.

Ps: If you ever need to vent, I completely understand! Throw it at me!

With Love,

Mia

The Bride's Book

Account Executive Western Carolina and Triad Area

Creative Bridal and Wedding Portraits

2010-07-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

Image from Kiss the Groom

I saw this wedding on Kiss the Groom a couple of weeks back and threw a handful of images into an inspiration folder on my computer. While going back through them looking for inspiration, it struck me. This gal isn't doing a day after shoot. She was on that horse during ON her wedding day! Note the ceremony arch and guests in the background. That's freaking awesome!

Image from Kiss the Groom

So it got me thinking. Why is it that brides put so much time and energy into customizing their wedding celebration only to default to safe, standard bridal portraits? Especially with such mad wedding photography talent available. Wedding photography has come a long way and you can find plenty that look a stunning as editorial shoots in a magazine.

Image from Style Me Pretty

Image from Two Ring Studios

OK, let me take a step back here and say that traditional, classic portraiture will stand the test of time and won't look dated in 10, 20, or 30 years. And classic portraiture is wonderful in is own way. But why not also embrace your own personality and tap into your photographer's creativity? To truly capture your wedding story, I suggest you consider doing both.

Image from Kiss the Groom

Image from Style Me Pretty

I'm not talking about a Trash the Dress (TTD) session. I'm talking about rocking the dress and highlighting your style and personality, while taking full advantage of your photographer's talents.

Image from Two Ring Studios

So how creative would you be willing to get with your pictures on your wedding day? What would best express your personal style and creativity?

MWAH!
~The Hindsight Bride

The Unexpected…A Classic Look at a Rustic Venue

2010-06-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

This week's featured company is Engaging Events in Mount Pleasant, SC. A returning advertiser for the Bride's Book Magazine & www.thebridesbook.com.

Engaging Events is a wedding planning service offering consultation, coordination and design services. Lead by Consultant Cindy Zingerella, Engaging Events guides couples through the wedding planning process, creating a wedding and reception that reflects their distinct personality and sense of Style. Our expertise with design and décor enables us to add creative elements to each affair resulting in a unique event for each of our clients.

Here's a sample of their work from a wedding done this past March at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, SC

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heather and Antony were married at beautiful Boone Hall Plantation . The backdrop being the breathtaking avenue of Oaks was…

…Such a romantic setting for a romantic couple!

Their ceremony location was not one of the typical locations clients choose at Boone Hall but since they were hosting such an intimate affair, the lawn area near the historic slave homes was the perfect spot. Here, they could capture all the beauty of the Avenue of Oaks.

The Unexpected….

The design and decor was a bit of the unexpected at the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.

Heather and Antony loved the crisp clean look of a white wedding- so we added a bit of platinum to set it off.

However, the crystal chandeliers, and cafe lighting mixed with the white fabric draping was a bit different from what you would typically

see at that location…but it worked sooooo well! This was definitely one of our favorites!

Our florist, Judy, fashioned several styles of centerpieces to keep each table unique and interesting.

Here you see a moss covered tray with white dendrobium orchids at varying heights.

We would like to thank Lowcountry Photojournalism for the great photography, Snyder Party Rentals for the Tables, Chairs & linens, Duvall Catering for the Fabulous food and of course…

Heather & Antony for letting us be a part of such a special time in their lives!

All the fabric draping, chandeliers, and gorgeous flowers are Engaging Events creations- thanks Team!

www.engagingeventscharleston.com

Brides in Boots

2010-06-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Image from Para Ti Nova Blog

In addition to being a Hindsight Bride, I am a consummate mountain girl. I've lived in the mountains most of my life, so I've spend a fair about of time in boots. Not cowboy boots necessarily, but snow boots, hiking boots, ski boots, rain boots, rock climbing booties.

Image from 100 Layer Cake

When I was considering shoes for our wedding, I noticed an old pair of my mother-in-law's hiking boots in the entryway. I had worn them before when I had forgotten my own boots on visits. We are a hiking family. When the mood strikes, we are apt to go for an impromptu hike at any time. More than a few time I ended up hiking in her boots.

Photo from the Hindsight Bride

They're fairly retro looking, and by retro I mean cool. I asked how old the boots were, thinking it might be fun to represent my new family by walking down the aisle in my mother-in-law's hiking boots. When she told me that she got the boots in the 80's and they were the very first gift she had received from her husband when they were dating, the deal was sealed. I wore my mother-in-laws hiking boots down the aisle (see above). So, today's post is a tribute to all the brides in boots out there.

Image from WNC Photographer Portrait of You Photography

Cowboy boots are an obvious choice for many mountain and country brides. I can totally see an old pair of cowboy boots having great sentimental value. Perhaps you were wearing your cowboy boots when you met, or perhaps you can wear your mother's or mother-in-law's boots.

Image from Style Me Pretty

Living close to Asheville, I am reminded that cowboy boots don't have to be all country and horsey. Here Two Ring Studios captures an urban cowboy vibe for this Brides Book photo shoot.

Image courtesy WNC Photographer Two Ring Studios via The Brides Book

Of course there are many options beyond cowboy boots out there. Little white lace Victorian booties are a lovely detail for a vintage wedding, and high leather riding boots add English country charm to an country estate inspired wedding. I like to remind people that western North Carolina is not always about horse farms and rustic barns. The Biltmore and The Grove Park Inn both offer grand, nineteenth century elegance for the vintage bride or classic European country charm the old world country bride.

Image courtesy WNC Photographer Blend Photography

Image from Green Wedding Shoes

Boots can also express parts of your personality. Maybe your a desert bohemian bride, industrial chic bride, or practical chic bride who lives in her Uggs--rain or shine. The point is to find a style that suits you.

Image from Style Me Pretty

Image from Elizabeth Anne Designs

Image from Perfect Bound

And of course, boots are at their core infinitely practical. Snowy weather, rainy weather and the call of the ski slopes all call for a different boot. My advice is to not be afraid to wear a functional boot with your wedding gown.

Image from Charlotte Geary Photography

Image from My Kate Parker Wedding

Image from Catherine Hall Photography

Unique Ways to Wear your Mother's Dress

2010-06-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Will You Wear your Mother's Dress?

Image from Elly B Events

This bride did! And oh how absolutely gorgeous! No? But not every bride can fit into her mother's dress. Or sometimes the mother's dress does not fully survive the passage of time. Or, not every bride wants to wear her mother's gown; she wants her own.

Remember when Khloe Kardashian married Lamar Odum after a whirlwind three week engagement. Remember how excited her mother was to help her plan? Remember when her mother pulled out her own wedding gown, carefully preserved and offered it to Khloe. Remember when Khloe laughed at it, making her mother cry? And remember when sister Kim tried on the gown and showed their mother, trying to lighten the mood and appease their mother?

Image from MyStyle.com

When I saw that episode, my heart went out to the mom. She had carefully and lovingly preserved her gown with the thought that, one day, one of them would want to wear it. On the other hand, I'm not sure *I'd* be terribly excited about donning that big poufy frock either. It's sooooo 80s, and not necessarily in a good way...at least not yet. (We might have to give it another 10 years or so before that kind of 80s retro comes back into vogue.)

Nonetheless, many brides like the idea of somehow incorporating their mother's dress into their wedding. So what's a bride and her mother to do if it just that simple? A few ideas have surfaced across the wedding blogosphere. Check out how these real brides got creative with their moms' wedding gowns.

From The Brides Cafe

"Jennifer had a seamstress take the lace from her mother's wedding gown to make a cover for the bible used at the ceremony!"

From WeddingBee Pro:

"Jenny's lovely gown was custom-made at L'ezu Atelier in Beverly Hills. The rosette on the neckline and lace along the back of the dress were salvaged from her mother's wedding gown."

From Perfect Bound :

"The bride, although smitten with her Vera Wang gown, also chose to wear her mother's wedding gown for the latter part of the reception. The vintage lace tea length dress was handmade by her mother's grandmother in 1962."

And the Mother of them all! From the Southwestern Bride:

"The Bride had a Lazaro Gown and had a seamstress in Beaumont create several heirloom pieces from her mother’s wedding gown. Her veil was custom made with the appliqué’s that were on her mother’s veil, and the lace that trimmed the train on her gown lined the entire outside edge of my veil..."

"...The Bride [also] shortened the length of her mother’s wedding gown and wore it when they left their reception."

"Handkerchiefs for the Brides sister and godsister, mother, mother-in-law and herself were made out of extra lace from her mothers gown."

So if you or your mother have long envisioned that you walking down the aisle in her dress, but it's just not feasible, think outside the box, and consider incorporating her dress in other ways.

Wearing White is a Choice, So is Wearing Color!

2010-06-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I wrote a post on Hindsight Bride about wedding trends I was loving. The very first trend I was lovin' was colorful dresses. By and large, I found most of those images on more offbeat and indy sites. But oh how things have changed in a few short months !

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Case in point. The mainstream maven of beauty and elegance, Martha Stewart, has this month featured a sweet, colorful, NYC, Carnival-themed wedding in her print magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings. In typical Martha fashion, it was beautiful, with every detail meticulously and creatively attended to. However, what was atypical was the brides dress. A gorgeous peach-colored, couture gown. Let me say that again, a peach-colored...ok, that's it, nuff said.

Color is everywhere! And not just on the runway, but also in the blogoshphere, donned by real brides. Some real brides are wearing just a blush of pale color. Pale pinks, champagnes, and dusty blues overlayed with white lace all make elegant and romantic gowns.

Image from the RecycledBride.com

Image from WeddingWindow.com

Image From Elizabeth Ann Designs

Other real brides are going for a stronger pop of color:

Image from 100 Layer Cake

And still others go for a classic, little black dress look:

Image from A Mountain Bride

Now that's not to say the runway isn't popping withcolro! Vera's Spring 2010 collection was full of color:

Above Image block from Vera Wang Weddings

And her fall collection continues to add interest to the classically white gown by incorporating bold black accents. I just love the black gloves!

Above Three Images from Vera Wang Weddings

So if you're the type of bride that has trouble wearing white--which, let's face it, is a hard color for many of us to wear--or if you just want to add interest to your gown, consider wearing a gown with some color. Whether soft pale romantic colors, or big bold modern colors, it is no longer so difficult to find a wedding gown in a color other than white.

DIY...Bridal Survival Kit: A Must Have for the Big Day

2010-06-09T00:48:00.000-07:00

The big day has finally arrived! Surrounded by your best girls you feel on top of the world. You know that your cake will arrive at the reception site promptly at 5 p.m., your future husband is, at this very moment, being coaxed away from the golf course by your perfect wedding planner, and your all-too-wonderful maid of honor has supplied you with everything you could possibly need in the event of a stain, a minor injury, a broken heel, a rip and possibly even a small earthquake. Yes, your trusty right hand woman has created the ultimate Bridal Survival Kit and left no stone unturned while packing it!

The Bridal Survival Kit is a wedding day must-have that can be accomplished by some beforehand planning and a little creativity. When creating a kit for yourself or a friend, remember to attack the task in stages using a little acronym I like to call F.B.D.O or Face, Body, Dress, Others…

Face: A bride’s face should be shining and bright as she walks down the aisle. “Day of” tasks such as running around and hair and make-up paired with a possible lack of sleep can spell disaster for a gal on her Big Day. Include the following items to help ensure a bright eyed bride (or at least a one that looks that way!)
Under eye cream
Concealer (be sure to get a neutral shade)
Blotting papers
Q-Tips
Cotton balls or swabs
Lip gloss
Touchup makeup- If having makeup professionally applied, ask the artist for samples, waterproof mascara

Body: The body of a bride has a lot to handle including a new dress and new shoes. Be sure to include the items below to assist the bride in a worry free day.
Band Aids/ Small first aid kit
Ibuprophen
Hand sanitizer
Eye drops
Tampons/pads
Shoe cushions
Slippers
Small protein snacks such as nuts or protein bars
Deodorant
Toothbrush/paste/floss/gum/mints
Antacids, Pepto-Bismol, etc
Clear nail polish/small mani/pedi set w/ file and clippers
Bobby pins, brush, hairspray

Dress: Ah, the dress. Such a beautiful item; such an accident waiting to happen! Include this list to fix those little "oopses" that seem to appear 10 minutes before showtime.
Double sided fashion tape
White chalk to disguise any stains if the gown is white
Mini sewing kit w/ scissors
CLEAR Packing tape…yes, it fixes everything from headpieces to trains
Lint roller
Safety pins
Super glue

Other(s): Even when you think you have it all covered a random accident can occur. Often times the emergency may not even be with the bride but with a member of the bridal party. Use these “other” items to help save the day for those other people in the wedding...You know, the ones that aren't wearing white...
Febreeze/odor remover spray
Static Guard
Baby wipes-they literally will clean up ANYTHING
Tide stain remover pen-DO NOT use on anything white
Eyelash curler
Small bottled water
Contact lens solution
Small flashlight
Straight pins
1 set of AAA batteries

Most all items can be purchased in a travel size for convent packing. Consider personalizing a cloth tote for the Bridal Survival Kit that can be used later or purchase a small, hard-plastic case to store the materials until needed. Most wedding planners will provide kits (I consider it a “must-have” for my brides), but if you DIY, be sure to give the kit to the planner beforehand.

With these tips a bride is sure to come out looking, smelling, and feeling great on her day. Be sure to include items for the groom as well such as a spare pair of socks and handkerchief; he is, after all, getting married too!

Brittany Koontz is the Owner of Orchid Island Events in Wilmington, NC and specializes in destination weddings to Coastal North Carolina. Bridal survival kits are even more important when away from home! (http://www.orchidislandevents.com/)

Top Left picture: www.simplybags.com/bridal-bags

Middle Right picture: Blue/green vertical dot shoe bag from www.thirtyone.com

Fun Guest Entertainment at Indoor Weddings

2010-06-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Image from Two Ring Studios Blog

Last week I wrote about yard games at outdoor weddings. And that was pretty much the end of the story for me. Games equal outdoor weddings, full stop. That was until this little wedding came into my Google Reader. Then my notion of games at weddings expanded completely!

Image from Two Ring Studios Blog

It seems so obvious after you see it. Of course you can offer games at an indoor wedding, and the possibilities are endless. Pick your favorite games, or games that have significance in your families' traditions. My favorites: Uno, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Jenga, chess, checkers, Parcheesi, and spades with plain old playing cards.

Image from Two Ring Studios Blog

You could even turn your games into a bit of a wedding theme. Label each table according to the game you put on it. Your escort cards would read: Maggie and Max Marshall, The Scrabble Table; Joanne Harvey and Andy Simms; The Uno Table...

Have Fun!!!

Celebrating 5 Years!

2010-06-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

In January 2005, we launched our website, www.TheBridesBook.com now reaching approximately 120,000 visitors online monthly. In May 2005 we launched the first edition of The Bride's Book in the Raleigh, NC area. Since then we have expanded to cover all of North and South Carolina with 13 issues of The Bride's Book magazine under our belt, won 2 awards (Hermes Creative Gold Award and an A.P.E.X. award in the category of Best New Publications), Increased our distribution through retail distribution (Hall major Grocery stores, Barnes & noble, Borders Bookstores and Walden Books) and complimentary distribution at over 500 Carolina locations.

In 2007 we launched www.TheBridesMarket.com offering our readers easy avenue to full service wedding planning by putting everything at their fingertips, no more searching from website to website! In 2009, we launched the only full service regional wedding E-zine giving more readers better access to great information about local wedding planning services in their area. To date we have subscribers and visitors planning their Carolina wedding from as far away as China. In 2010 we will launch a new publication, The Bride's Book of Lists putting advertisers directly at the fingertips of Carolina brides and giving them the unique opportunity to access the bridal buyer in a low competitive fashion with only 5 businesses listed per category per city.

We are excited to also share that we are a leader online in the viral world reaching over 50,000 unique people via our Blog, Facebook Accounts and pages and Twitter accounts every time we communicate through one of our many social networks.

It's been a very exciting adventure! We are proud of our success and want to thank all of the many businesses and bride's who have supported us over the years! To celebrate we would like to offer you the opportunity for a limited time to try us out at 50% off* our published rates! If interested please contact us:

Mia Mauer (Asheville & the Triad) mia@thebridesbook.com or 828.273.8877
Molly Ryback (South Carolina) molly@thebridesbook.com or 843.718.4145
Susan Reda (Triangle NC area) susan@thebridesbook.com or 919.942.2704
Lenore Ball (All other areas) lball@thebridesbook.com or 919.593.1472

* 50% off market rate. Current advertisers can also take advantage by extending their contracts at the same discounted rate! Valid thru June 15th. All contracts must be signed and returned by June 15th. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion.

Fun Guest Entertainment at Outdoor weddings

2010-05-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hi! Hindsight Bride here again. I have to admit something to you: I sometimes find the standard wedding entertainment formula a bit boring. Don't you? You know, the cocktail hour followed by the reception, followed by some dinner, a little dancing, cake cutting and more dancing. OK, OK, it's true, the dancing *is* fun. But when you're going to wedding after wedding, and they all follow the same formula, they begin to feel like...well...like they're all the same. Sorry.

But what is really, really fun...especially for outdoor weddings...is when the guests have something else to do besides sit at their tables or dance. Something to bond over. Something to help break the ice among strangers. Something like--I'll come to my point here--yard games.

Image from 100 Layer Cake

Speaking in hindsight, yard games were a smashing hit at our outdoor wedding in Cashiers, NC. We practically planned an outdoor wedding just for the bocce factor. And guess what, the guests loved it. The kids were entertained, the men bonded, and I had visible evidence that everyone was having fun.

Image from Anna Kuperberg via the Wedding Photo Journalist Association

There are all sorts of yard games you can incorporate. Bocce and croquette are obvious and easy choices, but what about an old-fashioned Nerf football? We *are* in the South after all! Consider incorporating special games you and your fiancee played as children, or bring back an old-fashioned game that your parents or grandparents played. I know badminton was popular in my household and Californians, like the Hindsight Groom, love their volleyball.

Image from Once Wed

If you're not especially fond of outdoor games, look around your venue for other features to play up. Is there a swing around? Animals? An beautifully landscaped outdoor garden, or a museum exhibit? For example, the Hindsight Groom and I arranged for two historic house tours at the Zachary-Tolbert House, where we held our wedding.

Image from Style Me Pretty

The point is this: I am a firm believer in making every effort to ensure that your guests are comfortable and having a good time. That could mean making sure their are not too hot or cold; that they remain dry; that they have enough to eat and drink; that the band or DJ is awesome. Of course it could mean a number of things depending on the type of wedding you're going for.

Image from Two Ring Studio via Flickr

But if you're an outdoorsy bride going for a fun, laid back feel. Consider incorporating games into you entertainment options.

The Father Daughter Dance...A Dance that Lasts a Lifetime

2010-05-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes. ~Gloria Naylor

Growing up I specifically remember thinking that my father could do anything. He could fix anything, answer any question, move heavy objects, and, most importantly on my list as a child, he had an uncanny ability to predict when the traffic light would turn green! As the years went on and I came to know my father as not just a Herculean god but also a human being, we grew apart and back together again many times. Through tumultuous teenage years we ebbed and flowed like the tide just trying to get the job done. As I become more of an adult myself, however, I began to see him in a much different light and realized that I could learn much from both he and my mother. Married at just 17 and 21 my parents have been the ultimate example of a “good marriage”. The night I came home with a ring on my hand I remember wanting to see his face first. My fiancé (now husband) told me he had lunch with my dad weeks before and showed him the ring, but I wanted to actually see what he thought. Overcome with the joy that poured from both of my sisters and mom I did not have a chance that night to really hone in on my dad. However, when the excited had slowed a bit a few days later, he sitting in his chair having his customary after dinner Pop-Tart, said simply, “It will be great.” Those four words partnered by the fact that we were the only people in the room gave me just what I needed from him. Of course I did not need him to tell me I could get married; it was just the basic recognition that he not only knew about it, but was confident in the choices I had made.

Cultures all over the world celebrate family ties and the role of a father figure in a woman’s life. A close friend of mine would often make comments growing up about her grandfather (who raised her) being the most intelligent person she knew. He passed away before she walked down the aisle but in her heart he was there and was just as proud as the day she first rode her bike without training wheels. Traditionally, the “daddy-daughter” dance at wedding receptions is one filled with tears and smiles as the little girl, now a grown woman, once again takes her place in the arms of the first man that held her. Memories of a child with pig tails, first dates and the occasional curfew breakage flash in the minds of those closest to them as the couple dance. As a planner, I am constantly reminded of the strength of this bond. Recently, needing to tie up a few loose ends on a quickly approaching ceremony, I called a bride to ask a few questions. The bride, who lives a few hours away from her hometown, was in town until the Big Day and I knew we could hammer away at some business as she is an all business type of woman. To my surprise, the mother of this fiercely independent and corporately successful bride answered the phone and informed me that her daughter was taking her last walk as a single woman on the beach with her daddy and she would call me back as soon as she could. Smiling, I hung up the phone and had a mini reflection session on the relationship that seems to transcend all personality types, income levels, education status and more. When I got married I remember seeing all my bridesmaids boohoo during my dance with my dad. In March, as a bridesmaid, I sniffed away tears as my best friend’s father gave her a locket engraved with the words, “Still my little girl”. What often sticks out most in my mind, however, was the reversal of roles that took place in yet another friend’s wedding about four years ago. As a child my friend and her father were not close. In fact, I would dare say that she and I both were a bit afraid of him. Ever the traditionalist she decided to stick to the plan of the father daughter dance for appearances and stuck to the world’s most appropriate song for any occasion, “What a Wonderful World”. We all smiled as the croaky voice of Louis Armstrong filled the air. Then suddenly something went terribly wrong; just past the ever so sweet words of “I see babies crying…” the father stopped dancing, clutched his daughter and began to weep-loudly. Completely unaccustomed to seeing this man show any type of emotion I was actually alarmed. Had she stepped on his foot? Was he having a heart attack? Had he been stung by a bee? Still confused any worried I rushed over after the dance and searched for signs of an injury. Dazed, but beaming my friend shrugged and said, “Well, he does love me after all!”

Marriage for a woman is a time of planning and fun for a daughter and mother. For a father it is a different scenario entirely. While he may highly approve of the match and while a mother will still miss her daughter when she is gone, I believe a father sees the ghost of the woman he married and all the newlywed mistakes that he knows his new son-in-law will bestow upon his bride. Ever practical, a father foresees financial hardships, arguments over the right way to load a dishwasher, and a little girl who is not so little anymore. So, while you are walking down the aisle remember these things about the man who escorts you. This is a fairytale for you but a bit of reality for him. He loves you and only wants the best for you as any good father would. Tread lightly for a few days; he will come around and you will be amazed at the man your father has become and you will continue to dance together for all his years to come.

“Hi Britt, I know you don’t have a signal in Mexico since you are on your honeymoon and all, but I just wanted to call. I am so happy for you and Travis; it will be great. I guess I just realized today that you are really married. Silly, huh? Mom says that I am a mushy man, but that’s what happens when you have three daughters, a wife and all female pets for 25 years. I hope you are having fun; I’m sure you are. I should take your mom some place soon; she would like that-….”

“Hi Britt, sorry, I ran out of message time. I have never done that before! I guess you still don’t have a signal. Well anyway, I love you. Tell Travis to watch out when you go out at night. Robbers can spot a tourist a mile away you know. Ok, I love you. Bye.”

-Messages from my dad three days after my wedding

Vintage Wedding Place card/Tea Light Holder

2010-05-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

"Love Songs" Birdcage Tea Light/Place Card Holder
Reminiscent of an enchanting Victorian birdcage, "Love Songs" Birdcage Tea Light/Place Card Holder brings classic elegance to any event. This fabulous favor is superbly crafted from wire, just like the beautiful homes of songbirds in a bygone era. The birdcage also serves as a place card holder and, with candles aglow, these tea lights become beautiful table decor only $4 each when you order 48 or more at http://www.thebridesmarket.com/ with FREE shipping on order sof $50 or more.

Features and facts:

•Finely detailed, hexagonal, black-metal birdcage with pop-open door and "perch" for place card

•Place card with delicate bird design included

•Tea light candle included

•Birdcage measures 4 ¼ " h x 2 ¾ " in diameter

Unique WNC Places for Every Bride

2010-05-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Image from The Bride's Book via Two Ring Studios

Hi! Hindsight Bride here. I’m so excited to start writing for the Bride's Book Blog. By way of an introduction, let me tell you a bit about my neck of the woods, western North Carolina (WNC).

Image from Two Ring Studios

Western North Carolina is a different kind of place, and it's primary city, Asheville, is a different kind of city. I don't just mean the funky, urban, bohemian style that Asheville is famous for. And I’m not simply referring to some of the eco-friendly, green values that are popular in the area. Nor am I strictly speaking of the rustic charm of the surrounding mountains. I'm talking about all of it! You can basically find anything here. WNC is one of the most varied rural areas I've lived in. For engaged couples and their families, that adds up to a lot of fabulous wedding options.

Image from Derek Olson Photography

Perhaps that's what makes it so popular as a destination wedding spot. We have something for just about everyone. Modern urban vibe? Check. Grand hotels and estates? Check. Stunning outdoor scenery, complete with two National Parks? Check. You'll fit right in whether you're a city girl, country girl, outdoorsy girl, or strictly-ballroom kinda girl.

Image from Two Ring Studios

So here's my own personal deal. I am constantly thinking about weddings in hindsight. I imagine what type of wedding I'd have if I were to do it over again, and all sorts of themes and ideas run through my head most of the time. So in hindsight, if I were a:

Elegant and Romantic Bride I'd have a grand, formal, spring wedding at the Biltmore Estate. I love spring in the southern mountains. There are tons of spring flowers that heighten the of air romance. I would wear a vintage lace gown and offer my guests mini historical postcard books detailing the history of the area.

Image fromMichael Oppenheim Photography via Style Me Pretty

Modern, Urban, or Funky Bride I'd totally get married downtown. Asheville has fantastic Art Deco architecture, fun street scenes, and funky little nooks and alleys that are perfect for bridal shoots and wedding portraits. I think I'd have the reception at one of the great restaurants that serve delicious, locally grown food.

Image from Angela Stott Photography

Rustic Bride The southern mountains aren't anything if they aren't rustic. There are more farms, pieces of antique barn wood, and mason jars here than you can shake a stick at! I imagine a sweet outdoor wedding, perhaps by a lake. Guests would play bocce and croquet on the lawn, and take canoe rides on the water. Mason jars with candles hang elegantly from trees, sparkling with the fireflies.

Images from Our Labor of Love via Style Me Pretty

Eco-Chic Bride The University of North Carolina began offering couples it's Asheville Arboretum in as a wedding venue in fall, 2009. I very much wanted to get married there, but our wedding was about six months too early. In my do-over Arboretum wedding, guests would enjoy strolling through the gardens. The best part: it's already decorated. Choosing fabulously pretty venues like this helps you save on decor.

Image from Two Ring Studios

What kind of WNC bride are you? What are your plans? Your ideas? Your Inspirations? Your venues?