Feathers, feather, feathers.  I love feathers.  I honestly think I have an unhealthy fascination with them.  The best things about feathers while designing for Maine weddings is that they’re not affected by the weather.  It can be the middle of the arctic Maine winter and you can get feathers just as easily and at with the same cost as you can get them in the middle of the perfect Maine summer.   They are a wonderful accessory for a Maine wedding planner.

Yesterday I designed a wedding photo shoot based around a vintage antique white dress adorned by feathers, designed by Sash Couture.  I, of course, had to include feathers in my design.  Don’t have those photos yet, but I decided to share some other feathered ideas.

A winter wedding in Maine would be the perfect setting for this beautiful white feathered dress.  Adorned with either a short  fur bolero, or even a long fur lined cape this dress would be perfection in the snow!

Let’s talk peacock…a peacock feather has a fabulous color palate for spring, summer, and fall.  Don’t get me wrong you can certainly incorporate the colors into any season, but the gold, green, and blue just seem to bring out the warmth of these particular times of year.  As a Maine wedding planner my eye is drawn to the gold and green in this feather which just says autumn to me.

Last…a bit dramatic, but breathtaking to me is the feathered centerpiece.  This can of course be whatever color you want, but using this centerpiece to make a statement means really having either colors that pop or bling  that catches the eye.

Feathers are not for every0ne, but if you love them like I do they are very versatile and can be used in so many different ways.

Although I do enjoy a bit of their fragrance I tend to find their appearance a little common and dare I say “cheap.”

Truthfully carnations are not cheap, and although for some reason they have gotten a bad rap in the last few years they can be very good flowers to fill spaces and make for some original and beautiful décor.

Here are a few examples of what you can do with carnations that steps away from overdone traditional and into original, but still affordable!

Centerpieces

Carnation Wedding Cake

Carnation Ceremony Decor

The title of “Day of Coordinator” is a mixed bag.   First,  many designers and planners think that being a DOC is beneath them.  They view it as the McDonalds in the gourmet world of event design and management.  Second, so many event hosts or brides believe they do not need a DOC, they  want to save money and in order to do so they enlist their  family members, their friends, or their bridal party to handle all the necessary duties to pull off their special occasion.

As a Designer/Planner I take great pride in helping a client have the perfect event, even if it is not my design.  Nothing can highlight a planner’s immense talent for her craft more than seamlessly managing an event that he/she did not plan from the beginning.  Although the dream job “is” creating the picture from the blank canvas, taking someone else’s building blocks and orchestrating the perfect party can be much more challenging.  A true event designer and coordinator does not turn their nose up at these jobs, but attacks them head on with the same amount of gusto as a Full Event Design job.

Planners…Day of Coordination is not beneath you.  It is a challenge.

Hosts and Brides, doing it yourself can cause you to miss all those special moments.  Splurge a little so that you can enjoy and bask in the spotlight of your party with all of your loved ones sharing the stage!

Click here and ask us about the excellent options we offer for Day of Coordination.  We would be proud to be a part of your special occasion!

A little more romance for HEARTS day!  Here are a few creative gift ideas!

Say “I love you”  on each page with each letter of the alphabet…or how or why you love them!

OOH…a candy card expresses it in a cute and scrumptulicious (yes I made up the word) way!

So excited about helping couples artistically and creatively express their love when they say “I DO.” Check out our Valentine Proposal Ideas too!

P.S.  Why wait for Valentine’s Day to give gifts that say “I love you.”

I love proposals…and of course weddings.

As a planner…I think proposals are very important, and a well executed one can be just the influence you need to start the perfect life together.

Never underestimate the power of a perfectly planned proposal.

I’m always looking for what’s trending in events and weddings.  For the past several years vintage and/or retro has been a  popular design concept.  However, as a very literal designer I wanted to know what the difference was so that I can accurately deconstruct what my clients are really looking for and present them with ideas that fit their ultimate visions.

Retro is defined by Wikipedia as a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall postmodern past, that has since that time becomefunctionally or superficially the norm once again.   In short…something that was fabulous in the past, disappeared for a while and then reappeared and is fabulous again.

Vintage is defined by Dictionary.com as representing the high quality of a past time: vintage cars;vintage movies.

Ask how Events by Mackie can help you achieve your vintage and/or retro visions for your wedding!

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Showing my originality as wedding designer is always my goal.  I know that I am not a traditionalist, and although my clients are sometimes very “traditional” I strive everyday to  represent ALL of my clients with something different.  I don’t just want to be out of the box…I want my events to be out of this world.  I want to represent those people who want to make a big statement with the fabulousness they deserve and the event that is unlike any other.

Every event has elements that are almost required, and if nothing else…very much expected.  One of these elements is the “Centerpiece.”

The centerpiece is a dilemma that faces many brides.  Traditionally it was big, leafy, full of baby’s breathe, roses, and more recently curly willow.  As an artist I don’t believe in tradition.  I believe in showing your spirit…making a statement.

There are hundreds of elements that can be used and re-used in different ways to make your wedding centerpiece unique.  Below are just a few.

Candles

Lighted Orbs
Bonsia Trees

Wheat Grass

These are just a few examples of traditional elements that can be used and manipulated in different ways to create beautiful, original, and creative centerpieces.  Thus, meeting the traditional need of the “centerpiece” while still remaining true to your idea of originality.   Ask your wedding designer for other ideas.

Photo Courtesy of Heather Parker Photography

Happy Holidays!

As we stare down the end of 2011, it is evident for all of you 2012 brides that it is time to start really cracking the whip with your planning.

Many of you, I am sure have been flipping through magazines, oohing and aahhing over designs, and trying to find your look when it comes to your wedding.

As a designer I now how hard it can be to quote, find your muse, unquote.

Here are three questions you can ask yourself so that your wedding is beautiful, unforgettable, and completely yours:

1.  What is it about you that makes you different?  Don’t let this question scare you.  We are all unique.  There is something about all of us that makes us stand out.  Whether it be your obsession with 80’s brat pack movies, your love of lizards, or your interest in the styles of the 1920’s (just to name a few of mine), no one is exactly like you.

2. Is tradition important to me and my fiancée?  Tradition is fantastic.  You should know when you start planning how much tradition is going to play a part in your wedding.  Everything from the design of the ceremony site, to the timeline of your reception, to the vows can be affected by tradition.  Make sure to discuss this with you other half and make sure you are on the same page with regards to this.  However, tradition does not mean boring and repetitive.  Remember tradition can always be included in new and interesting ways.  Staring your own tradition by revamping or refurbishing old traditions can make for an exciting and unique wedding!

3. If I could have one dream element in my wedding (no matter what the cost) what would that thing be?  I ask this question because usually some secret dream always comes out.  Although we may not be able to have the Blue Angels do a fly by, or Michael Buble sing you down the aisle.  If we know your dream we can reach for those stars and get as close as possible.  Knowing your perfection helps us create those moments. 

Remember…you can take details from many different sources, but your wedding should be all about you.  Don’t follow the trends, follow your heart and you can and will have the wedding of your dreams!

Happy Veterans Day everyone!  

On this day as I think about both of my Granddaddys who served in the military and risked their lives everyday through two or three different wars I look for ways I can give back and know that I am making them proud. One amazing way to honor our service members and support them through the wedding industry is Brides Across America!

Brides Across America was born on a realization that our country needs to do more to support our troops and their families. Bringing bridal and military together is a marriage made in heaven!  Bridal salons are uniting across America to donate and give away wedding gowns to qualified military brides.

To find a participating location near you or to donate check go to Brides Across America.

Happy Veterans Day everyone!!  Remember our troops today and keep them in your prayers!

My newest Vendor Billboard is Calligraphy by Jennifer.  With many different styles and ink colors Jennifer spares nothing in her attention to detail. Her professionalism and artistry is top-notch.   So…take your invites to the next level.  Contact Calligraphy by Jennifer.  Remember, besides your save-the-dates this is the first “piece” of your wedding that you guests will see.  Set the tone, get them ready for your special day with a flair.  You can’t go wrong…delight yourself and your guests from the minute they are invited!!!