When having an event you always want to make sure you are implementing an element that most of your guests have never seen before. This is what makes an event memorable. When your guests are oooh’ing and aw’ing, it is usually because you took it  a step further by adding something that was personal, unique and/or one of a kind.

We just love these candle sleeves that are made my Kaarskoker. They come in many different designs such as polka dot, peacock, army or just blog colors. Think about jazzing up your candelabras and making them different then what they may have seen at another wedding. By incorporating your color theme or pattern.

I also always encourage my clients to take all of their hard work that they have done on planning their big day and incorporate some of those brilliant thoughts into their new home together. These candle sleeves are a perfect example of how they can be done tastefully.

We are so giddy to receive the engagement pictures of Carol and Kesha from the talented photographer Amy Aragon. We are so excited for their spring commitment ceremony here in Atlanta at the Greystone.

I affectionately name all of my brides. I always pick a name that  sticks with me throughout the planning process and will remind me the things they cherish most. It is a name that we share that shows exactly who they are as individuals and how they will be on their wedding day. Carol and Kesha are my Serenity Brides. When I entered their home, there was such a calming and peaceful presence that was throughout the air that we will be replicating on their big day.  There will be heavy use of candles and other romantic elements for their guests to experience.

Here is some imagery from their spring engagement shoot

It may be the city living kid in me but I just love when couples use graffiti walls as their backdrop! Way to b unique and chic!

We just wanted to thank everyone that came out and supported the NotWedding. This year was a smashing success and it was all due to the vendors and brides that came out to soak up the inspiration. The vendors were able to create 30×30 environments so not only were you able to get a tablescape for inspiration, but also experience the entire space from ceremony to reception. There were also couples for each environment.

Here are some teaser images from the amazing Hollie Lytle.

Melanie Carter from Stella and Dot sent over this fab invite with the following information:

Stella & Dot is a surprisingly affordable line of jewelry adored by celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Heidi Klum, Rachel Ray, Debra Messing and the newest Bachelorette, Jillian! You may have seen Stella & Dot in recent publications of In Style, Redbook, Lucky or on the View!

As the lucky hostess with the mostess, you invite some girlfriends, pop open some sparkly drinks, share style tips and try on as much jewelry as you like. The ultimate personal shopping experience. Best of all, you’re rewarded with $100’s in free jewelry plus more shopping at 50% off.

I look forward to seeing you soon and showing you this chic jewelry line and enjoying some much needed girl time!

To view the Spring 2010 line click HERE 

We hope you had a chance to view the first set of pictures from this amazing event. If not please click HERE. There were many great reasons to work with Stacie Francombe and the Get Married crew but the top one has to be that they gave us full creative control. Stacie knew she wanted Get Married brand’s represented throughout the event. The amazing team of vendors MADE IT HAPPEN!

All images below is from the talented David Murray Weddings. David and his wife Linda was a pleasure to work with once again!

The event took place at Opera Event Center in midtown Atlanta.  Opera is as you may have guessed it, an old Opera house.  With their opulent chandeliers and The venue is HUGE with tons of space that can be broken up to create the true experience. Since the event was for Get Married, we wanted to present decor ideas for the attendees in a wedding setting. The Opera also provided all of the lighting for the event.

We had three different cake designs displayed throughout the space. The below design was done by Perfect Wedding Cake.  

I just love the simple cocktail centerpiece reflected off of the perfect linens provided by Connie Duglin Linens.  Steve Bales from Bold American did all of the fabulous design you have seen in both set of pictures. Each space had its own element and feel. My favorite are the glass ball votive holders infused with drips of bling.

Here is our ceremony look! The stage draping was done by Event Drapery with additional decor elements from Bold American. The decor served as a backdrop for our entertainer Lethal Rhythms.  Lauren from ten23 Designs did the perfect final touch with her amazing decals of the Get Married logo.  We used them through out the space on glass panels and on the dance floor.

I just had to show this image of the decor from the cabana at the Opera. It is a whole different world in this part of the venue.

The Opera also created an action station which they affectionately call the Bento Box. Guests are able to customize their food choices in place in their own personal bento box.

We used tons of great rental solutions from Event Rentals Unlimited. They are an absolute dream to work with.

I really have to thank many other vendors that helped with making this event such a huge success:

A Divine Event

Javon Longieliere Photography

Sweet Sensations 

Baker’s Man

Majestic Photobooth

Three Ring Media

Atlantic Limousine

Spectrum Entertainment

We are so excited about this event! Along with Bridal Bar Atlanta, we present to you the Engagement Party.  This weekend long event will be dedicated to newly engaged Atlantans to enjoy a weekend of pampering, fun and mix and mingle with the best vendors in Atlanta.  Here is a full synopsis and schedule:

Who: Atlanta’s recently engaged couples

What: A weekend long wedding planning experience unlike any other.  A chance for couples to enjoy the celebratory process along with friends and family as they taste, touch, see, and explore all the best that Atlanta bridal has to offer.  (Please see schedule attached)

When: Friday, March 19 – Sunday, March 21, 2010

Where: The W Hotel Midtown, Ventanas,103 West, STATS, The Ritz-Carlton Downtown

Why: Make planning your BIG day a celebratory experience that you can share with one another and your friends and family. The Engagement Party is a weekend full of events highlighting many unique event professionals who can help make your wedding planning process seamless and fun while engaging with your closest friends and family and meeting a few new ones along the way. Exclusive weekend incentives will be offered from each participating event professional at the completion of the weekend for couples.

Schedule of events:

Friday: At your leisure throughout the afternoon/evening check in to The W Hotel, Midtown location where you will be welcomed with a swag bag full of surprises and spend the weekend reconnecting as a couple and/or indulging with your best of friends. Kick off private party to welcome guests with runway show at the Princess Diana exhibit with one of the hottest bridal designers in the business!

Saturday: Morning: Power breakfast followed by Pure Energy bridal workout with Dolvett Quince, celebrity trainer and owner of Body Sculptor, Inc. Designed for guys and gals, Pure Energy is a FUN full packed hour of form fitting, pound dropping, and inch losing intensity with a live DJ spinning high power dance music!

Lunch: For the ladies, a bridal luncheon at 103 West including a panel discussion with the best of the best in event planning, décor and floral design, photography, food, budget, etc.

And for groom’s, lunch at STATS including big screens and information on honeymoon planning, tuxedo’s and bachelor party 101.

Afternoon opt-in sessions to include: Boudoir shoot with Risqué Boudoir Photography; couples massage with Atlanta Mobile Massage; custom gown design with Heidi Elnora &Chaviano Couture; cake tastings; dance lessons and so much more.

Evening: Cocktail party at Ventana’s, Atlanta’s newest reception hot spot, showcasing event professionals in every field of expertise, combining their efforts to throw you The Engagement Party of the year!

Sunday: Indulgent brunch and closing ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton Downtown.

Amazing give-aways will be awarded at each event throughout the weekend including: A Smilebooth, jewels, custom tuxedo, Braves suite, bachelor party, weekend Stay at The W Hotel, helicopter ride over Atlanta, and custom cocktail dress and of course, the BIG engagement party and honeymoon give-aways!

Ticket Costs:

(EACH TICKET IS ALL INCLUSIVE: FOOD, BEVERAGE, TRAVEL, ETC.)

$289/per couple for entire weekend activities, including hotel stay with an amazing swag bag full of surprises!

     *Eligible for 2 entries to all give-aways with participation*

$149/per couple for entire weekend activities, excluding hotel stay

     *Eligible for 1 entry to all give-aways with participation*

$89/per couple for The Engagement Party only

     *Eligible for 1 entry to the engagement party give-away only*

**tickets for each event will be available for purchase by friends/family accompanying a couple’s registration**

The top three photos will be chosen March 10th and posted to our facebook page for you to vote on!

Be sure to visit the website to keep up to date with all the fun activities HERE.  We have been planning away to ensure that you will have the time of your life. Think of it as an opportunity for a short getaway that is not too far from home. Oh and we will be running a contest for the attendee with the cutest cocktail dress. Stay tuned!

As you may know earlier this month I assisted Project Runway alum Heidi Elnora exhibit her 2010 collection here in Atlanta. Ladies and Gents it was to DIE for!

Heidi decided to forego the traditional runway show for her preview and decided to pair a piece of art, gown and floral arrangement/vignette to showcase the new line. Also all fees collected that night went to the Make a Wish foundation for children. Heidi is the true definition of a southern belle.

Set in a modern art gallery, attendees were encouraged to move through the space, absorb the art and watch as live models showcases the new wedding dress designs. I am so excited Lindsay Mast from Sublime Photography has shared these images with us.

Here is the list of all the wonderful vendors included in the event:

SPONSORS:

bill lowe gallery http://www.lowegallery.com/

get marred TV http://www.getmarried.com/

shopSCAD http://shopscadonline.com/

swoozies http://www.swoozies.com/

the atlantan brides http://www.modernluxurybrides.com/atlanta

the bridal bar http://www.bridalbar.com/

Atlanta Occasions www.atlantaoccasions.com

Ashley Baber Weddings www.ashleybaberweddings.com

HOSTS:

amy osaba http://www.amyosaba.com/

andy beach http://www.andybeach.com/

blossoms atlanta event and floral designs http://www.blossomsatlanta.com/

bold american events and catering http://www.boldamerican.com/

carter-barnes hair artisans http://www.carterbarnes.com/?cnn=yes

darryl wiseman flowers http://www.darrylwisemanflowers.com/

devine beaute http://devinebeaute.com/devinebeaute.com/Welcome.html

dj swa ga http://www.facebook.com/djsixfive

dragonfly salon http://www.dragonflythesalon.com/

edge design http://www.edgedesignatlanta.com/

endive http://www.endiveatlanta.com/newsite/

epting events and floral design http://www.eptingevents.com/

foxgloves and ivy floral design studio http://www.foxgloves.biz/

gene kansas developments http://www.genekansas.com/

gloriosa event design http://gloriosa-atlanta.com/

helmet http://www.helmethairworx.com/

joli kobe http://www.jolikobe.com/

joy thigpen environments http://www.joythigpen.com/

junko hair studio http://www.junkohair.com/

la pietra cucina http://www.lapietracucina.com/

le bonne fleur http://www.lebonnefleur.com/

mary jane starke inc. http://www.maryjanestarke.com/

raney o’keefe http://raneyokeefe.com/home.html

the moore agency http://www.themooreagency.net/

the savage garden http://www.thesavagegarden.net/index2.php#/home/

soiree catering and events http://www.soireeatlanta.com/

steve hightower hair http://www.stevehightower.com/

sun in my belly http://www.suninmybelly.com/

sweet sensations http://www.sweet-sensations.com/

twelve boutique and flowers http://www.twelveatlanta.net/

van michael salon http://www.vanmichael.com/

zenora’s beauty lounge http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/ZENORAS-BEAUTY-LOUNGE/31391077586

Cannot wait to see what Heidi will do next. Lindsay thanks so much for sharing!

I am just loving these vintage modern bridal jewelry pieces from Nina Renee Designs. What I love most about these pieces is that you can either keep them as an heirloom or add them to your everyday wear. I would totally wear one of these pieces with an understated look to an evening social event or just a night out on the town.

I still have my own bridal jewelry sitting on my night stand. I am always searching for an opportunity to wear them out on a night on the town. Beautiful pieces never get old!

What will you do with your bridal jewelry after the big day? Are you going to wear it again or keep it as an heirloom to pass on to your children?

I am truly honored to be the President of Wish Upon a Wedding here in Atlanta. So many vendors have reached out in anticipation for our local launch, but we still need more people! If you are interested please contact me ASAP!

Since Sasha Souza has gracefully summed up what this organization is about on her blog, I will post a few of her excerpts:

Wish Upon A Wedding was founded in San Francisco, CA, in January of 2010, by a group of wedding and business entrepreneurs and is America’s FIRST nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, producing weddings and civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing terminal illness, regardless of sexual orientation.

Chapters:

We now boast twenty chapters nationwide, headed by some of the industry’s most renowned leaders with plans to expand to over 40 chapters worldwide.

Presidents:

Sasha Souza, National President & SF Bay Area President

Kevin Covey, LA/Orange County

Stella Inserra, New York

Ivy Robinson, The Carolinas

Eliana Baucicault, Atlanta THAT’S ME!!!!!!!!!!

Mary Alice Sublett, Tennessee

Mark Kingsdorf, Philadelphia

Saundra Hadley, Indianapolis

Heather Hamilton Sims, Houston

Shelby Tuck Horton, DC

Elisa Delgardio, Orlando

Ali Phillips, Chicago

Daniela Isabella Ferdico Fagét, Seattle

Forming Additional Chapters:

Other chapters opening soon include Boston, Colorado, Arizona, Portland, Miami, St. Louis, Ohio and Nevada.  We are also planning to open to chapters in other areas depending on need including international chapters. If you wish to start a chapter, please fill out the online form for consideration.

Who Is Behind Wish Upon A Wedding?

We also have many influential people in the industry who are beginning to endorse Wish Upon A Wedding, you can find those endorsements on our website. We also have amazing people sitting on our Boards and Advisory Panel throughout the US such as Dana Larue Stiebel “Broke-Ass Bride” {LA Chapter PR Chair}, Leila Khalil {National PR Advisor}, Beth Helmstetter {National Outreach Director} just to name a few of our amazing friends and advisors. We would love to have you join us as well either as a board member or wish granter!

How We Grant Wishes:

To qualify for Wishes, applicants must be unmarried legal citizens of the United States, over the age of 18, who have been diagnosed with less than three years to live. Couples can be granted wishes either in the chapter where they live or in a chapter of their choosing as long as they are able to make the trip.

Couples can simply apply online to request one of three wedding types:

URGENT (Up to 10 guests, in hospital or at bedside);

BOUTIQUE (up to 25 guests, in home town of applicant);

ROMANTIC (Up to 50 guests, at any WUW destination)

How Can You Grant Wishes?

As we are building our organization, Wish Granters are needed in all locations. Please apply online today to start helping us make Wedding Wishes come true. In two weeks, Wish Upon A Wedding will be granting the very first wish. To read more about that wish and the couple please visit the website.

Personal Request from Sasha:

In order to build awareness for this very important organization, I would like to personally ask you to blog the attachment and use the information above during the course of this week…if you have the time and the room on your blog this week.  Please also retweet Download Wish Upon A Wedding for Bloggers

It will help us build our network of very important people in this industry whose main goal is to help these very deserving couples. After all, if you are in the business of creating lifetime memories, we are now asking you to help us create memories for those who are left behind because these couples do not have a lifetime together.

We are still seeking board members here in Atlanta and of course wish granters. Don’t forget to get yourself on the list!

This is my first attempt at blogging from my iPhone. Now if this works the blogging world will be in trouble since that means we will be blogging from any and everywhere.

Since it is pretty easy to take pics with my phone I kinda use it as a photo album for ideas and store finds. The other day while in Hobby Lobby I found these awesome vases that can be used everywhere. Whether in your home, birthday party or decor during your cocktail hour with your new last intial. This will show your guests that you have thought about all the little details.