A Perfect Day!

Suite (Wedding) Dreams: Enjoyable Elegance

2011-09-19T16:35:00.000-04:00

Suite (Wedding) Dreams: Enjoyable Elegance: Who says that you can't have fun at a formal or elegant wedding? Incorporating small whimsical or off-beat items into your wedding ceremony...

A Naturalist View Of Going Green... And Blue!

2011-09-10T11:37:00.008-04:00

When brides choose the color green for their wedding, they typically choose an accent color like yellow or pink, or they stick to classic white. I say dare to be different and choose blue! As long as your shades are more complimentary than competitive, it will work. If you pick a lighter green with an icier blue, the combination will be both dramatic and classic.

If you are a bride who is looking for a more natural style for your wedding, opt for pine cones and faux birds' nests instead of candles and flowers. For the bouquets and boutonnieres, choose a light blue flower that is closer to white than to cerulean. Place settings can be more rustic to fit the natural decor, but white porcelain will provide a stylistic contrast that is both surprising and pleasing to the eye. For the cake, try to avoid putting sticks in it and calling it "natural". Instead, go with a white cake with a very small amount of either blue or green for accents.

So there you have it, a trendy wedding with a beautiful color combination that very few brides give the time of day. Take a chance and get creative with your shades of color. After all, it's your big day!

An Orange & White Tie Affair

2011-08-31T14:49:00.004-04:00

It's football time in Tennessee! So, naturally, all Tennessee Volunteers are decked out in orange. What better way to show off your love for the team than to incorporate their colors in your wedding?! Now, I'm not talking about the little paper napkin jerseys and mini helmets all over the place. Rather, opt for An Orange & White Tie Affair. With the bride in her traditional white and the bridesmaids in good ol' Tennessee orange, there's no need to have orange linens or orange suits for the groomsmen. Instead, have the groomsmen wear orange vests and ties (or bowties) with their tuxedos and choose black table linens with orange and white accents. Throw a small amount of orange somewhere on your gorgeous, white cake and there you have it: a classy wedding that any Vol would be proud of.

Who Should Pay for Your Wedding?

2011-03-24T02:48:00.001-04:00

Anna Post, Great-great granddaughter of etiquette maven, Emily Post

The custom of parents paying for their daughter's wedding is rooted in the days when the bride's father paid a dowry to the groom for taking his daughter off his hands. In today's society & economy, the practice no longer makes sense (and quite frankly, is more than a little insulting.)

Anna Post is the spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute. Read on for her tips on how to deal with the touchy subject of dividing wedding expenses.

Cute Save the Date Idea

2011-02-07T13:49:00.000-05:00

Wanting to send Save the Dates,but haven't ordered anything yet and quickly running out of time? Set aside an evening this week and send some fun valentines to your friends and family. If you have time to spare, grab a red Sharpie and write our wedding info on the back.

If you're running out of time, print your info on labels and slap them on the back. These Save the Dates are casual and fun, so you don't have to follow the same rules as formal invitations.

Save the Date Primer

Include your name, wedding date and city/state.
Include the line "Formal invitation to follow", "Details to follow," etc.
Make sure your invitation list is final before sending Save the Dates. You don't want them to save the date, then decide you can't afford for them to be there. Ouch.
Remember that Save the Dates don't have to be sent to everyone on your guest list - just the ones you really want to be there. Just make sure you play fair and treat everyone in the same circle of friends in the same way.

A final word to the wise: You can certainly put the valentines in the envelopes that come with them, but you need to insert them in a standard size envelope for mailing.

Happy Planning,

Sonya

Vintage Style for a Modern Day Wedding

2010-10-02T19:03:00.000-04:00

A big trend with brides today is to look into the past for all things antique and vintage. Brides are choosing vintage and making it look new again all at the same time. The following are ways to so this:
Brides love all things vintage including birdcage veils. These are veils that drape just over the forehead to the lash line and are adorned with feathers, beads and buttons. This is a great accessory to go with if you are going with a lace gown. Speaking of a lace gown, using the lace of a dress say from your grandmother is a great antique staple. It will also be special to her that you are wearing something that she once did on her big day.
Grooms are also embracing the old feel on vintage. In his attire, instead of renting a tux, wearing a suit is very vintage. Grey is a very popular color right now in men's wear. A tailor made suit in tan or brown is also a great alternative to the black tux.
There are certain flowers that are very vintage. Choosing to use calla lilies, hydrangeas, peonies and English garden roses are a very vinatge feel. Adding crystals and wrapping the stems of bouqets in lace add a nice touch.
Color is a great way to convery a vintage themed wedding. For example, try using tea stained lace overlays on lilac toned linen and soft tones such as peach and creme flowers. Those lighter colors are going to really bring the old look together. Silver and gold candlesticks dispersed throughout the reception add to the old world theme as well.
A vintage wedding is something that all of your guests young or old can enjoy. It is so fun and the differnent accents that you incorporate are things that they might have never seen before, and it will make your day more memorable to them as well. You will be the talk of the town from here on out!

Fun and Practical Wedding Favors

2010-09-26T23:56:00.000-04:00

A wedding favor for your guests is a nice way to thank them for coming to your wedding, whether they have come from far away or traveled a short distance. A bride should choose a favor that is practical, while still representing who they are. There are many choices to choose from. I remember going to a wedding recently where the bride was an avid baker, and she gave each guest a set of measuring spoons. They were heart shaped and so cute. I still use my set!
Edible gifts are wonderful as well. At Greek weddings, the bride's family usually gives a treat of Jordan almonds. You can present them in a simple net bag, or if you have set aside more of your budget for this category you could do a silver box that is good to keep things in afterwards. Tables and bars set up with candy where your guests can fill up a bag of their favorite sweet is a great idea. Having a mix of salty and sweet will accommodate everyone.
With the trendy brides, I have seen a lot coozies with the names of the bride and groom on it. You can even put your favorite saying as a couple on it This is fun if you have a more casual wedding outdoors and the guests can put their beverages of choice in them. Very practical!
Other favors that I have seen have been soaps, small picture frames, key chains, candles, wine stoppers, playing cards, luggage tags and salt and peper shakers. If you can think of anything for your guests that is practical and they can use it everyday, then it is perfect!

Wedding Music

2010-09-24T15:22:00.000-04:00

Having trouble trying to decide what music to have at your wedding? Many brides are shying away from the traditional music of the past and going for a little bit of a modern flare. How can you do this and still keep the music appropriate for your wedding venue while at the same time expressing who you are? Here is the answer!
The music should first be respectful of the place in which the ceremony is held whether it be a church, temple or syngogue Then, it should reflect the personality of you and your husband to be. For example, if you are having a fairly traditional wedding but you and your husband like country music, a good idea to get that flare in there is to recess down the aisle to your favorite song. It can even be an instrumental played by the musicians you have hired for your wedding. This will set the tone for the reception to come. I reccommend to follow the rule of making your music at your wedding beautiful and respectful while at the same time making it you.
One way to spice up those traditional songs is jazz music. This makes an entrance or exit more upbeat and still appropriate with a more traditonal venue. Songs such as "Unforgettable" and "It Had To Be You" are excellent.
When deciding if you want to go more traditonal or non-traditional in your music, the first question that a bride must ask herself is have I always wanted to come down the aisle to "Here Comes The Bride"? More and more brides are choosing to go with something a little more eclectic and more specific to them. However, traditional music is timeless and creates a classic atmosphere. Your must decide because after all you will be looking back on it for years to come, and it is going to set the theme for your wedding.

Carrie Underwood's Wedding - What I Did & Didn't Love

2010-09-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

Finally - I can slow down from my own weddings long enough to share my thoughts about Carrie Underwood's decidedly beautiful wedding. While I'm sure her floral budget was well beyond the typical bride's total wedding budget, brides can channel Carrie's design elements as inspiration for a more affordable options.

For starters, note that Carrie's wedding took place under a pole tent, rather than a frame tent. Pole tents have the disadvantage of poles (note the wedding guests with an obstructed view of the ceremony), but they have the advantage of providing a lovely blank slate for lighting or other decor.

Photo by Waldorf Photographic Art

While the gigantic floral ball hanging overhead is quite impressive, it could also blow the wedding budget. Consider smaller floral balls topping vases or columns and kissing balls hanging from church pews or shepherd hooks. Always in Bloom designed these pink creations for the wedding of Lauren Clabough and Ryan Childress.

Photo by Waldorf Photographic Art

Carrie opted for cupcakes, in lieu of a wedding cake. Even though they are cute, trendy and less messy than a traditional wedding cake, I'm not a huge fan. Don't get me wrong - I love to eat them, but I believe wedding cakes should make a statement.

If you're very traditional and can't imagine not cutting a cake, consider a small wedding cake to cut for tradition's sake, along with cupcakes for your guests. Katie Hutcheson Larsen did that and her cake and cupcake display by First Fruits were a major hit with guests.

Photo by Watson-Studios

I can't say I love the hockey puck escort cards, but hockey is a part of their story, so they do fit in. Since they are all glammed up with gold, I'll let them slide.

Don't love the dog. See my previous post on Pets in Weddings. If you're going to have your pet in your wedding, please opt for a pretty collar or leash and not a pink satin tux.

Don't love the groom's beard. Yes, it's stylish and sexy, but in a few years it will be out of style and his children will say, "Daddy, did you forget to shave?"

I'm not a fan of changing into short dresses for the reception. Wedding gowns cost a fortune and a girl doesn't get to be a princess everyday, so I say spend the money on one great dress and wear it all night long. However, Carrie is loaded and she gets to dress up like a princess on a regular basis, so I'll give her another bye. Besides, her party dress appears to be inspired by her wedding gown, and I actually like it better.

Emily Brady & Patrick Darragh - April 24, 2010

2010-08-30T09:00:00.010-04:00

Emily Brady called us several months prior to her wedding. She was handling all the planning details from Chicago and her church was providing ceremony directors, but she needed someone to coordinate her Knoxville Museum of Art reception. I was planning to be out of town on her wedding weekend, but I offered up associate coordinator Jaime Hart, who always does a wonderful job. We didn't design this wedding, but we wanted to feature it because Emily and her team of fabulous vendors (who just so happened to be some of my favorite) did such a great job. They were the symphony and Jaime was the conductor who made sure they were all in tune and on the same page on Emily and Patrick's wedding day.

I'm a color person myself, but I love the crisp and classy look of the the black and white anemones with Emily's white dress and Patrick's black and white tux. The contrast was captured perfectly by Erin Browne Photography and she even managed to work in the rest of the wedding color scheme in the background.

No bride wants rain on her wedding day, but the right umbrella just makes the photos that much more interesting. Again, I love the contrast of the white wedding gown with the bright red trolley.

Something about this photo just says "Old Hollywood" to me. I love the way the photo captures the fun Emily and Patrick are having at that moment. Are they applauding the fabulous plated dinner prepared by Rex Bradford Jones of Abner's Attic Catering?

This composite photo sums up many of the decorative elements of the reception. Damask linens, black napkins, pink organza chair ties and silver chargers from White Table teamed with black chivari chairs from All Occasions Party Rentals.

Rosa's created this gorgeous black and white cake, inspired by the table linens. Love it!

Samuel Franklin designed the gorgeous wedding flowers and DWD Lighting provided a color wash, up and down lights and a custom monogram on the dance floor. Mike White of Sound Revue kept the party going strong all night long.

Emily was a dear and voluntarily gave us a great review on Wedding Wire. Love her ending comments! Thanks, Emily!

Chelsea's Wedding

2010-08-01T07:27:00.006-04:00

OK, I'll admit it. I'm a presidential bride junkie. I still have the scrapbook I made of Tricia Nixon's wedding when I was a little girl! When I woke up Sunday morning, one of the first things I did was go to the Internet to search for Chelsea's wedding picture. I can't wait to see and hear more, but I'm definitely not disappointed by what I saw.

Chelsea was glamorous in her Vera Wang gown. The full tulle skirt, the draped bodice, the bling, the long, full veil, the white bouquet - oh my! Everything I love in a wedding day ensemble and much more traditional than I expected. Can't wait to hear the other details.

Whitehouse

2010-07-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

Sandals Whitehouse is billed as "The Jamaica that Time Forgot." Enjoy the unspoiled beauty in the photos below.

The End

Butler Benefits

2010-07-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Daily art displays on the bed, including grass, fresh flowers, petals, towels and notes

Afternoon hors d' oeuvres and romantic towel art

Surprise afternoon champagne hibiscus bubble bath

And our personal favorite, reserving the best chairs while we linger on the balcony

Did I mention reserving the best chairs? These luxurious beach beds were hard to come by, but we had the same one every day. We could even leave it and take our stuff throughout the day and it was still reserved.

Tropical Storm Alex Pays a Visit

2010-07-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

On day three of our vacation, we woke up to Tropical Storm Alex. Wind and rain whipped through the trees.

The clouds were ominous as I began to contemplate what life in an emergency shelter in a third world country might be like.

I don't know the back story on this boat, but it was floating before the storm and sunken afterwards.

Shortly after lunch, the dark clouds and storm blew over, providing just enough drama to create some excitement and good photos for the blog.

Our Typical Day at Sandals

2010-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

We started each day with a butler delivered breakfast on our balcony, while wearing our Sandals robes. I can't explain why they are so wonderful. You just have to experience it for yourself.

Once we made our way down to the beach, we did this for the rest of the morning. (BTW, these are Charlie's feet, not mine!)

Once the morning breezes stilled, we would move to one of the pools to catch the afternoon breezes and party games

We enjoyed many beautiful sunsets while enjoying butler delivered hors d' oeuvres on our balcony

Welcome to Jamaica

2010-07-06T09:40:00.001-04:00

My husband, Charlie and I just recently returned from a wonderful last minute vacation at Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica. Let's just say I had a lot of incentive to go there this summer, but I was actually not looking forward to leaving the oppressive heat and humidity in the foothills of the Smokies to go to an even hotter and humid climate.

Much to our delight, from the time we landed in Jamaica throughout our week there, the temperature was about ten degrees cooler and the humidity about 100% lower than in Knoxville.

Even more to our delight, we found out upon arrival that we had been upgraded to a butler suite!

Our butler welcome

The first of our many butler benefits

View from the front of our balcony

Breathtaking view from the side of our balcony

Katie and Johan - Take Two

2010-06-25T10:12:00.003-04:00

Katie and Johan's mountain top wedding on Style Me Pretty blog yesterday. Gorgeous photos by Watson-Studio + sweet story.

Jelly Belly Soda - Just Adorable

2010-06-15T11:03:00.001-04:00

I just discovered the world's most adorable bottled drink at Walgreen's. I can't really explain what attracts me, but I'm thinking it' s a combination of the bright colors and the whimsical label. Cute, cute, cute! They are perfect for showers, parties and even wedding receptions.

I could hardly wait to get home and blog about the colorful bottles, but was disappointed to find that pictures are almost non-existent on the Internet. After a long search, I finally found the green apple photo on the bottler's website and the lemon drop photo on another blog site.

As of now, the drinks aren't available on the Jelly Belly website (at least not where I could find them,) but Walgreen's does offer individual 6.3 oz bottles for $1 each. Current flavors include Sour Cherry, Lemon Drop,Crushed Pineapple, Blueberry, Green Apple, Tangerine, Juicy Pear, Strawberry and Very Cherry.

Amy Hall and Kevin McMahon - April 17, 2010

2010-06-13T14:34:00.023-04:00

I chose two photos of Amy & Kevin for this blog, and it was only after uploading them that I realized that Amy has her arms thrown wide in both of them. The first picture is when they were pronounced husband and wife and the second was just after they exited the sanctuary & had their first moment alone. The special moments were captured by Waldorf Photographic Art and they embody the joy and excitement of the day.

Amy knew she wanted chivari chairs, luxury linens and beautiful flowers, and we found a way to make it happen, without blowing her budget. Always in Bloom designed the flowers and All Occasions Party Rentals provided the rentals.

As the wedding party finished up photos at the church, guests hurried over to Crowne Plaza, where they were treated to hors d' oeuvres and blue margaritas during the cocktail hour.

Amy found an unusual ice carving online and Crowne Plaza was able to replicate it for the buffet. It was lots of fun and added some unexpected bling to the shrimp display!

Amy found her cake baker through one of her bridesmaids, and I discovered a new wedding vendor. The Cake Lady created this beautiful and tasty creation.

Groom's cakes are always fun, but this one was a real show stopper. Kevin was looking forward to a little gambling on their Sandals Antigua honeymoon, and his cake gave a little "taste" of what he was anticipating. The green and brown playing table was the only inedible part of the cake. Even the chips were made of fondant.

Prior to her wedding, Amy said she didn't dance. DJ, Jim Ogle, of Ogle Entertainment, can get anyone on the dance floor, and Amy was no exception. She danced the night away and she and Kevin even stayed longer than they had planned.

Katie Hutcheson & Johan Larsen - May 8, 2010

2010-05-26T11:29:00.000-04:00

Katie & Johan's wedding proved that a wedding doesn't have to be large and grandiose in order to be beautiful. There were married at a private home high atop a mountain in Gatlinburg, with a spectacular view of the Smokies. I love the photo above, because the well lit tent gives the (correct) impression that a great party is inside!

The same breeze which lifted teased Katie's veil so playfully during the ceremony, became more temperamental once the sun went down. As a result, the reception tent had to be enclosed, partially obscuring the incredible view. Katie & Johan took it in stride & the fun loving crowd didn't dwell on the disappointment.

Tony McClanahan, of First Fruits Catering, provided a delicious buffet dinner & Pat Felts, of Clay Pots, designed beautiful table arrangements. Ceremony music was provided by Celebration Strings.

Following the traditions of Johan's native Denmark, guests were seated at long banquet tables, dinner was followed by many toasts & guests danced well into the morning hours. Natalie & Dan Watson, of Watson-Studios, captured the beautiful images in a slide show.

Morgan & Jordan

2010-05-13T09:51:00.004-04:00

Check out this fun trailer to Morgan and Jordan's fabulous May wedding. Can't wait to see the entire movie by Sweet T.E.A. Productions.

http://www.vimeo.com/11588011

Mango Cakes

2010-04-17T10:01:00.000-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca Rysewyk, owner of Mango Cakes, as well as the pleasure of tasting her wonderful creations. Take it from me - they taste as great as they look. I asked her to bring me a sample to taste, and these two cuties were among the creations she brought me. I love the sunflower. It looked a tad worse for wear after riding home in my car with me, but you get the idea.

I love black and white polka dots, so this fondant creation was right up my alley! Details make all the difference and I just love the little black bow.

Perfect Bridesmaid Gifts

2010-03-11T23:09:00.004-05:00

So what on earth do you get your bridesmaid who has been such a supportive friend throughout your engagement? I have done the research and found the top gifts to give. These are gifts that they are sure to appreciate and use at the same time.

Jewlery is a great gift your bridesmaid can enjoy the day of the wedding. A fun, unique piece to choose that she can get more wear out of is something like a cocktail ring or a chunky bracelet. They can wear this more often than say a necklace, and they will think of you everytime they do.

A beaded clutch is also something fun they can carry around on your big day. Choose something in a silver, gold, or black that compliments their dress, while also being an accessory that is perfect for another big night out.

Something a little less traditonal is silk pajamas. If you are having a big sleepover the night before the wedding they are a perfect gift! Everyone will look so cute in your pictures!

The last very practical gift is personalized stationary. You can choose cards that coordinate with the colors of your wedding. Then, have their initials monogrammed on them. They are sure to appreciate you the next time they are sending a quick note!

Headpiece Heaven

2010-02-24T17:58:00.000-05:00

Headpieces on your wedding day are a fun way to make your style unique and your own. Some styles are new while others are a twist on classic favorites. Flowers are an affordable and versatile way to add something to your look. You can use either fresh or silk flowers. For a destination wedding, tropical flowers are a great way to go. You can pick whatever is growing around the island! This is also great for the more bohemian bride to give your flowing curls a romantic addition. Wear your hair loose and wavy with this style.Feathers are the new hit this season! For the bride looking for something more eclectic, you can choose a colored feather such as black, peacock, or any of your wedding colors. For the glamour bride, there are lots of options that have crystals and rhinestones. The more traditonal bride can choose an ivory or white feather with a simple French twist. This trend is not going anywhere girls!If you dont want a tiara that sits high up on your head but still want some sparkle then the headband is a great alternative! Choose beading on the headband that will complement your gown. Headbands come in all different stones including pearls, diamonds, crystals, and basic silks. This is a style that you could choose whether you are wearing your hair in a sleek updo or down and loose.A retro style that has made a comeback is the birdcage veil. This is also a style that can incorporate all of the trends above. You can attach them to either flowers, feathers, or hats. This is something that can stand as your "something borrowed" or "something old." Many times a mother, grandmother, or aunt wore this style when they got married, so this is something fun that you can share.If your heart is still set on wearing a traditional veil for the ceremony, one of these styles could be a fun and stylish change for your reception.

Are Your Future In-Laws Last Minute Planners?

2010-02-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

If your future in-laws have more money than time and you're getting married in March, Fleming's Steak House is offering an awesome opportunity. Hold a private event for 10 or more people before March 31, 2010 and serve filet and lobster dinner for $49.95 per person.

Castleton Farms Open House

2010-02-18T09:57:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do this Saturday, February 20th? Visit the open house at Castleton Farms from 2PM-6PM. You'll have the opportunity to meet their preferred vendors, taste some terrific cuisine and marvel at the area's most magnificent wedding venue.

Wedding Gown Fabrics

2010-02-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

Top 5 Wedding Gown Fabrics:
· Silk
· Taffeta
· Satin
· Chiffon
· Lace

No matter what season you are getting married in, there is a fabric for you. Silk is an elegant, light fabric that is great for year-round. The lightness is great for warmer weather, but it also has a rich look to it which is great for colder weather as well.

Silk can be a bit pricey, so if you are not willing to make the splurge, taffeta is a good alternative. Try an iridescent taffeta that will give your gown that light papery look, while also having a pretty sheen.

Satin is a heavier fabric better suited for the winter. Something about wearing an eighty pound dress all day just seems more manageable in the colder weather. It is, however, a regal fabric that is gorgeous in a full ball gown style, so do some weight lifting, and you will be ready!

If lighter fabrics are more your thing, try a chiffon. This is a flowing fabric that is very whimsical, and it is great for destination weddings on the beach. You will look like a goddess on your big day, and your groom will be stunned!

Fabric number five is lace. Now, if you are thinking your mother’s 80’s wedding dress, think again! Lace has really made a comeback, but in a whole new way. With styles ranging from top-to-bottom lace A-line gowns to form fitting mermaids with just a little lace appliqué, there is always a gown with just the right amount of lace for you. It’s also exquisite in an ivory color which makes it look more vintage.

2010 Color of the Year

2009-12-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

Pantone, the world's color authority and source of color inspiration for the design industry, recently announced Turquoise as the 2010 color of the year. Inspired by water and sky, the color evokes thoughts of tranquil waters and a peaceful escape from day to day stress.

Turquoise has both warm and cool undertones, which means it pairs well with most any other color in the spectrum. It adds a color splash to browns and neutrals (look how nice those brown chairs look against the turquoise water), complements reds and pinks and evokes an ocean feel when paired with navy. It also works well with most any shade of green.

Turquoise is one of the many Pantone colors available in bridesmaids dresses from Dessy. If you want to carry the tranquility of turquoise over into your honeymoon, check out the awesome discounts currently offered by Sandals luxury included resorts.

Invite the Obamas to Your Wedding!

2009-12-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

Wanting to spice up your guest list, but watching every penny? Try inviting President and Mrs. Obama. They aren't likely to attend and take up a coveted guest spot, and you just might get a special souvenir to tuck away with your wedding memorabilia.

Knoxville Photo Booth Company

2009-12-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

Looking for a fun addition to your wedding reception? Look no further than Knoxville Photo Booth Company. Dawn and Patrick will deliver a vintage photo booth with lots of over the top props, destined to have your guests hamming it up all evening long.

Here I am mugging for the camera at our local Association of Bridal Consultants Christmas party, hosted by All Occasions Party Rentals. I'm normally pretty reserved, but give me a pair of leopard rimmed glasses and a hot pink boa, and even I become a party girl!

Affordable Centerpieces

2009-12-22T21:53:00.005-05:00

Dreaming of a beautiful tablescape for your reception, but just don't have the budget for a roomful of gorgeous flowers? You're probably familiar with the common practice of mixing some WOW! centerpieces, along with more affordable arrangements.

Here is a very affordable clever idea for stretching the floral budget. Place a small container of flowers in the center of the table, surrounded by three balloon style red wine glasses, each one floating one or two flowers in water. You'll save money on flowers, labor and container rental.

This was actually a centerpiece at a luncheon I attended. My photography skills don't do it justice, but it was quite a hit with the wedding planners at the table.

Club LeConte

2009-12-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

Due to an incredibly busy schedule, I didn't have the time to make the rounds to many holiday parties this season, but but I did make it to Club LeConte's thank you party for committee members. I have the pleasure of serving on the club's private events committee with Alexandra Tucker, private events director, so I was invited to celebrate with food, drink and a spirited Dirty Santa gift exchange. I came home with a singing Christmas tree and Alexandra ended up with this fashionable hat.

Alexandra isn't really naughty. She is actually an excellent event director, making Club LeConte an excellent wedding and party venue for both members and nonmembers. Give Alexandra a call at 865-523-0405 to discuss your special celebration.

Gamecock Cruise on the Volunteer Princess

2009-12-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

What happened to November? It seems like only a few days since I joined fellow University of South Carolina fans for a cruise on the eve of our Halloween encounter with UT. Since then I've been busy traveling, being sick, taking care of sick family and playing catch up from all of the above. So.... here I am with a Halloween themed blog in the middle of the Christmas season.

I may live at the epicenter of Vol Fever, but I'm a South Carolina girl through and through. I was realistic but hopeful as I joined my fellow fans in playing Pin the Tail on Lane Kiffen. His likeness was mounted on a black cat, in keeping with the Halloween weekend.

We sat on the deck of the Volunteer Princess and enjoyed the unseasonable warmth of the late October night, shagged to beach music, and enjoyed a delicious replica of the Gamecock stadium created by Magpies. I had the honor of cutting the first slice, while my friend Julie Werner looked on.

My career seems glamorous to many, since I have the honor of attending so many celebrations in so many cool places. However, as much as I love my job, I'm usually working and seeing the celebrations behind the scenes, so it was a rare treat to be a guest and enjoy the attentive service of the Volunteer Princess crew.

Create Your Own Bridal Canvas

2009-11-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Bridal Canvas is another fun site which allows you to create a template & upload your magazine idea photos to create your online inspiration board. You can browse through the gallery of completed canvases and get ideas, or you can post your own there to inspire other brides.

If you haven't already chosen your colors, make sure you read my previous blog about 2010 color trends and then have fun experimenting with color schemes.

Random Acts of Flowers

2009-11-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Have you given any thought to what you are going to do with your flowers after your wedding? Brides typically spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on wedding flowers, which often turn into jsut one more issue to deal with at the end of the evening.

Giving them to friends and family is always an option, but that presents a problem if guests are traveling or if the container has to be returned to the florist. All too often, I've seen beautiful flowers tossed in the trash because there was no way to carry them home or the couple's families were too tired to deal with them after the celebration.

Random Acts of Flowers is a charity which takes recycling to a whole new level by reusing flowers from weddings, special occasions and even memorial services. If contacted in advance, volunteers will pick up flowers at the end of the evening, then arrange & deliver bouquets to area hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.

The charity also accepts donations for their work and when bulbs are purchased online through their website, 50% of every order benefits the charity!

Lights, Camera, Action!

2009-11-05T13:00:00.001-05:00

What's the newest, fun reception activity in town? Knoxville Photo Booth Company is a sure way to keep your guests entertained throughout the evening, and owner, Dawn Nichol, couldn't be nicer.

Dig those glasses on Morgan Long and her mother! Can you see why I love working with them? Can't wait until Morgan and Jordon's May 1 wedding. And yes, there will be a photo booth.

Advice from Anne Barge (and Me)

2009-11-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

Anne Barge designs for the bride who wants to look as lovely and stylish on her mother's mantel in 30 years as she does on her wedding day. Her advice for wedding gown shopping is to buy the best gown you can afford. When choosing gowns to try on, if there is anything you like about a gown and it is within your budget, go ahead and try it. You might be surprised and find that you love it.

I have to say I agreed with her. Once upon a time, when I was shopping for a gown, I took my mother back to the store to see a ballgown I had tried on. Being a mother, she went straight for the clearance rack and pulled out a half price A-line gown. It wan't the style or fabric I was looking for, but I liked the lace bodice & sleeves, so I reluctantly agreed to try it on. Before it was even zipped, I knew I had found the perfect gown.

To summarize combined tips from Anne Barge and Yours Truly:

Buy the best dress you can afford
If you like anything about a dress, try it on
Don't be afraid to look on the clearance rack
Your mother isn't always wrong

Spring 2010 Color Forecast

2009-10-28T11:28:00.000-04:00

Trying to decide on a color scheme for your spring or summer wedding? Pantone, the color experts have predicted a beautiful and vibrant palette for spring 2010, ranging from Tomato Puree to Pink Champagne.

Use complementary colors (Turquoise & Tomato Puree) for a dramatic color scheme, or neutrals (Tuscany & Pink Champagne) for a soft and romantic look.

Create Your Own Wedding Logo

2009-10-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

Marry Monograms creates the ultimate wedding accessory no bride & groom should be without: a personalized monogram to use on their wedding day and throughout their married life. Choose from hundreds of designs in formal, casual, classic and contemporary styles.

Marry Monograms start at only $49.95 and an be used on menu cards, favors, dance floor spotlights and anything else you can dream up. Keep in mind that if you are following correct etiquette, monograms should not be used on invitations. Technically, they shouldn't appear until the reception, but if a couple can refrain from using it on the invitation, I'll give my 21st century blessings to it being on the ceremony program.

David Tutera

2009-10-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

David Tutera is best known as Disney's celebrity wedding designer, former host of Get Married on Lifetime TV, current host of My Fair Wedding on WE & refusing to work with Joan Rivers on Celebrity Apprentice. He is genuine, accessible and down to earth. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at the Association of Bridal Consultant' annual Conference a couple of years ago, and attending one of his fabulous Disney receptions at the Contemporary Resort Hotel. on that same trip.

He didn't fail to disappoint at the Birmingham Style in the Sky event. His most helpful tip was that infusing the room with one bold color was the best way to decorate on a budget. For example, use red linens, vases of red colored water on the table and scatter around some votives. There is basically nothing of value on the tables, but the effect is dramatic, people won't notice.

Wedding Cake Martini

2009-10-20T13:00:00.000-04:00

I wish I had taken this really cool picture, but I have to give credit to my friend, Suzanne Dement, of Sasha Souza Events. This wedding cake martini signature drink looks tranquil, but tornado sirens were going off around us as we somewhat calmly dined in the Summit Club, high atop the Summit Building in downtown Birmingham.

There are a number of recipes for wedding cake martinis, just as there are many flavors of cake. Some are flavored with amaretto or coconut rum, but the most common recipe is included below.

Wedding Cake Martini
2 parts vanilla vodka
1 part pineapple juice
1 part cranberry juice

Sylvia Weinstock

2009-10-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

Sylvia Weinstock is widely recognized as the Leonardo Da Vinci of cakes. Based in New York, she is widely featured in bridal magazines and on TV. Her cakes are gorgeous, and I was astounded to learn that she doesn't work in fondant. All of her cakes have buttercream frosting, but all those flowers are created by hand. Everything on every cake is completely edible.

Surprisingly, Sylvia advises brides to not wait until too late in the reception to cut the cake. Since most of the cakes she bakes are served as seated dinner receptions, she suggests cutting it before the meal, then serving it as dessert. I don't know, Sylvia. If my cake cost as much as my diamond ring, I might have to postpone cutting it so that I could enjoy it for awhile!

I didn't have the opportunity to taste one of her cakes, but I hope to be able to do that when I see her again at the Association of Bridal Consultants annual conference in just a few weeks!

Create Your Own Inspiration Board

2009-10-13T17:57:00.000-04:00

Here's a fun resource from The Dessy Group. You can create an inspiration board for your wedding, using your favorite colors, styles & accessories. You can even upload your own inspiration photos & email it to friends for their input. Have fun, and send me your creations!

Great Idea for Parties & Girls Night Out

2009-09-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

Looking for a bachelorette party which will treat you like the star you are? Try Famous For a Day, Knoxville's newest super cool business. For a sum of money which breaks down to an affordable price per head, you and your girls can go out for a night on the town, complete with limo, bodyguards, adoring fans, paparazzi, food and beverage.

Creative Way to Display Wedding Invitations

2009-09-14T13:00:00.000-04:00

I found this clever idea for preserving the memory of your wedding invitation in the July 2009 Southern Living. I searched their website endlessly looking for online instructions, but to no avail. I'll do my best to share the gist of it.

A trip to a craft store for stock frames, mat board, a deckled edge ruler with a stop off at the copy shop are all you will need.

Step 1: Use a copier to enlarge sections of your invitation. Choose portions that have the date, names, or location. Use inexpensive copier paper until you have it just right. For the final version, switch to a heavier paper. The pictured project uses 12"x12" frames with 12" squares of mat board. A 4"x5" invitation was enlarged 400% to get the perfect size.

Step 2: Using a deckled-edge ruler, tear around the desired section of the enlarged copy to make a decorative torn edging. Irregularities make it more interesting.

Step 3: Mount the section on top of the mat board with a glue stick, which won't cause bubbling.

Step 4: Pop the mounted art into the frame and repeat with the remaining sections.

Mark and Mary Encore

2009-09-11T13:00:00.000-04:00

Several weeks back, I blogged about Mary & Mark McCannon's beautiful May wedding. Much to the delight of everyone, it was recently featured on the Southern Weddings blog, so check it out for more great photos!

Free Chocolate!!!

2009-09-10T13:44:00.000-04:00

Have you ever imagined an evening of nibbling on decadent chocolates and dipping fresh fruits in a flowing chocolate fountain while sipping champagne from a chocolate coated glass? Well, Thursday, September 17th is your big chance at Schakolad Chocolate Factory third annual Schakolad Day!

The small little storefront near Bath and Bodyworks in Turkey Creek belies the treasures within. From bite size truffles for wedding favors to elaborate chocolate ensembles for corporate gifts, they have your chocolate needs covered.

Drop by for your chocolate fix on the 17th. You just might catch me stopping by for mine!

Style in the Sky

2009-08-06T08:16:00.000-04:00

OK, I'm way behind in blogging on this great event I attended, but seeing as it happened on the front end of the spring wedding season, I've had a lot on my plate since then. Style in the Sky was a great educational and social event for brides and wedding professionals. It included dinner with Sylvia Weinstock ( of the great big glasses and amazing wedding cakes fame,) breakfast with David Tutera (of My Fair Wedding fame,) and gowns by Anne Barge, Tricia Fix and Heidi Elnora.

The kick off event was a cocktail party on the rooftop of the Redmont Hotel. I'm smiling because the event logo projected onto the street, the red carpet, Hollywood lights & red roping had me highly anticipating an exciting event. We walked inside to amazing up lit flower arrangements, pulsating music and edgy brides suspended from the ceiling on swings. It looked like quite a party.

Of course, since was later in the evening, we immediately started looking for the food. We were told that it was upstairs, so we waited in line for the one elevator that was headed toward the rooftop. When we got there, we were told that food was on the second floor, which could only be reached by waiting in line for the same elevator, taking it down to the first floor and climbing the stairs to the second floor.

Once we got there, the pickings were slim. We put a few meager portions on our plate, with the intention of making a second trip when the food was replenished. Imagine our frustration when we returned a few minutes later to find the food being taken away. Have you ever noticed how grumpy hungry people can be?

The moral of the story is, it doesn't matter how much excitement you create about your wedding, how beautiful your flowers and decor are or where you have your wedding. If you don't budget enough money for food, you will have grumpy and unhappy guests, who are likely to resent your expensive venue and decor, rather then be impressed by it. They'll also leave the party early in search of more food.

As for me, I ended up in a hotel room full of wedding planners, ordering out pizza and watching Bride Wars. All in all, not a bad way to spend the evening.

Groom's Cakes You Don't Want to See at Your Wedding

2009-07-30T12:40:00.000-04:00

One of my husband's co-workers recently sent the following photos to me with the caption, "Why Men Shouldn't Choose the Wedding Cake." The camo icing and deer heads as cake toppers are already well beyond my comfort zone, but the deer hooves as table decor definitely cross the line.

The funny thing is, I can almost see the tree stump for the outdoorsy groom with an accommodating bride, but the plastic insects (and probably the shotgun shells) have got to go.

Groom's cakes traditionally represent the groom's hobbies or interests, so they rarely add to the elegant feel of a wedding. For that reason, I suggest that the couple consider serving the groom's cake as dessert at the rehearsal dinner, rather than displaying it at the reception.

Celebrity Wedding Trivia

2009-07-28T20:16:00.000-04:00

Test your knowledge of celebrity wedding trivia. Hope you do better than I did. I had the knowledge, but my reflexes weren't quick enough to beat the clock.

Give it a go, and post your score!

Mary Chamberlin and Mark McCannon - May 23, 2009

2009-07-23T14:51:00.000-04:00

Mary Chamberlin married Mark McCannon in a beautiful ceremony at Ridge Valley Farms. Their red and aqua color scheme, along with Mary's penchant for clean straight lines, created a crisp, contemporary feel to the ceremony and reception. Tara Kneiser of Dixie Pixel captured the beauty, energy and emotion of the day.

Mary created many of the details, including her beautiful programs. Holly and Shelley Roach of Love Letters and Leah McCall of Whimsical Gatherings carried out Mary's design scheme with drama, flair and sophistication.

This red and aqua color scheme isn't for everyone, but the contrast was stunning.

Since the wedding was at 2 PM, Mary wanted a dessert reception, and a typical dessert reception just wouldn't do. Rex Bradford Jones prepared contemporary dessert bar which was as delicious as it was beautiful. I can't believe I didn't get one of those brownie shooters!

Party Perfection designed a strikingly simple red velvet cake in keeping with the color scheme and DJ, Gary Loe, kept the party going throughout the afternoon.

Mary's sister, Aubrey and Holly fought it out for her bouquet, but older sister Aubrey was beaten out by recent high school graduate Holly.

Beth & Harrison, May 16

2009-06-16T20:29:00.000-04:00

Beth Hutcheson and Harrison Slatery were married on at Cokesbury UMC, with a reception at Fox Den Country Club. Pat Felts of Clay Pots provided stunning floral designs at the church and reception. Designer linens and chivari chairs added to the ambience of the evening, and Peace and Love provided and evening of live entertainment to keep the crowd on the dance floor.

Ashley Hoskins, of Blackbird Photography, captured the images and emotions of the day, with a beautiful slide show.

Hot Designer Shoes at Cool Discount Prices

2009-06-02T14:38:00.000-04:00

I really don't have a foot fetish, but with three shoe related blogs in a row, it's starting to look that way! I just can't pass up the opportunity to share my latest discovery - designer shoes (not just wedding shoes) at discount prices. Marti & Liz Shoes is located at 8079 Kingston Pike, near TJ Maxx.

The shoes here range from Kate Spade to Jimmy Choo, but they are priced at 50-90% of department store prices. How do they manage that? The inventory consists of overstocks, returns, clearance merchandise and runway shoes. Because of this, the style you love may not be available in your size.

The store receives a shipment each Tuesday, but new merchandise is put out as inventory sells and shelf space opens up. Run on over and try them out (or on). Marti & Liz Shoes is open Monday-Saturday, 9AM-8PM.

Pay Less for Stylish Wedding Shoes

2009-05-31T13:13:00.000-04:00

Are you dreaming of designer wedding shoes for you and your bridesmaids, but you know it just isn't practical, with all of your other wedding expenses? Enter Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose, a New York based high-end designer.

You can pick out the shoe, your bridesmaids can visit a Payless store in their hometown to try on a sample and determine a comfortable size, and you can order them dyed in one of 64 colors, all for around $45! Notice I say that "you" can order them. Having them dyed together will help ensure that the shoes arrive in the same shade of each color.

Since the shoes will all be unified by being the same color, you might even consider letting each bridesmaid pick out the style which feels best on her. Happy feet make for happy bridesmaids!

Sole Mates - Why Didn't I Think of This?

2009-04-23T16:24:00.000-04:00

At almost every wedding, I see brides and bridesmaids put on their beautifully dyed to match shoes, just before heading outside for some fun, pre-ceremony photos. A short time later, they return back inside with grass or dirt stains all over their heels. As well stocked as my emergency kit is, I have yet to find a cleaning product which can return the heels to their pristine state.

Voila! Enter Sole Mates, a clear vinyl cover which fits over most any heel. In addition to protecting the bottom of the heel from grass, dirt and mud, the flat service prevents heels from sinking into the dirt, or cracks on decking or grates. At $10 a pair, this product is a must for every bridesmaids gift bag. We will soon be carrying Sole Mates, so give us a call at 865-207-5232 to place your order.

St Lucia

2009-04-20T16:03:00.000-04:00

St Lucia is a beautiful Caribbean island, with the best of both worlds - mountains and beaches. No matter where you are on a beach, you can see mountains in the distance. Above, is a view of Marigot Bay, where the original Dr. Doolittle movie was filmed. I haven't seen that movie since elementary school, but now I'm inclined to get my hands on a copy!

The signature landmark in St Lucia is (are?) The Pitons, two mountains rising out of the ocean. Living in the Smoky Mountains, I couldn't quite understand what all the fuss was about, but now I get it. It's one thing to see mountains rising out of the earth, but seeing them rise straight up out of the ocean is quite another!

Sandals Grande St Lucian

2009-04-16T15:38:00.000-04:00

St Lucia is a great island for beauty and lush vegetation, but it doesn't have the best beaches in the Caribbean. Of the three Sandals resorts on the island, The Grande is the best pick for beach lovers. It is lined with palm trees and chikee huts, and just down the beach past that palm tree is a great outdoor beach restaurant, where you can have a romantic seafood dinner right on the sand.

The Grande has the grandaddy of swim up lagoon rooms. Here I am standing on the patio of one of the lagoon rooms. Couples staying in this room can just wade into the water, and swim away for a day of fun in the sun.

I took this photo of the zero entry main pool from the concierge lounge. Only concierge level guests have access to the lounge for this spectacular view.

Sandals Halcyon

2009-04-13T14:51:00.000-04:00

Charlie and I spent a couple of nights at Sandals Halcyon, which is the smallest and oldest of the three Sandals resorts on St Lucia. While we expected it to be the low point of our trip, it turned out to be the high point. We immediately relaxed in the quaint, lush surroundings, and fell in love with the resort, our room and the friendly staff.

While Halcyon does have a lot going for it, we didn't find it to have much night life. On the flip side, it is right in between The Regency and The Grande, so guests staying here, can easily access night life and restaurants at either of those resorts.

The original rooms are small and plain, but bit by bit, they are being remodeled. They are also being enlarged by several feet. The original patios and balconies are being closed in as part of the room, and attractive, updated additions are being built in their place.

The lower category rooms are being remodeled first, so if you are willing to give up an ocean view for a garden or pool view, you can get a much nicer room for less money. Our room appears to be a neutral color in this photo, but it was actually a beautiful shade of beach glass green. The iron scroll work over the bed was missing because our room had just been painted.

We loved everything about our room, including the plasma TV, the stained wood trim, the matelassee coverlet, and the window which actually opened to the patio and garden.

Sandals Regency La Toc

2009-03-10T23:44:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed watching ships sail into and out of port each day.

Romeo and Juliet Suite at Sandals Regency La Toc

Ocean view from our Romeo and Juliet suite balcony

Main pool at Sandals Regency La Toc

Entrance to Regency La Toc

After our fam trip, my husband, Charlie flew to St. Lucia and we enjoyed another week on the island. As luck would have it, all resorts were sold out, and we had to split our stay between resorts. We weren't happy about it at first, but when all was said and done, we felt like we had the best of both worlds - two completely different experiences in one vacation.

On this leg of our stay at the Regency, we were technically assigned to a lower category than I had on the fam trip, but we actually liked the room and view better. The view was incredible, and every morning Charlie would get up early and watch cruise ships sail in. I preferred to sleep in and watch them sail out in the evening.

The Regency has the largest fresh water pool in the Eastern Caribbean, but Charlie and I preferred the smaller bluff pool, so that we could enjoy a bird's eye view of the ocean. We made our way down to the large pool for a while each day to get in on the action, but we were definitely bluff people!

Sandals Regency La Toc

2009-03-06T23:19:00.000-05:00

Beachside Butler Service

Butler Artwork

Butler Drawn Bubble Bath

During our Sandals fam trip, we stayed in one of the beautiful bluff suites at Regency La Toc. All of the bluff suites at Regency have butler service, as well as spectacular ocean views. We actually had a two story suite with a private plunge pool, but since my fam trip roommate was a fellow wedding planner, and not my husband, we opted not to use the plunge pool. However, we did have our butler bring us breakfast and serve us poolside on our private patio, as we gazed out at the ocean. It was wonderful!

Even though Calandra and I are just buds, our butlers showed off several of their special romantic touches, including towel animals and a flower petal bubble bath. My personal favorite was calling the butler on our resort cell phone when we were having free time on the beach, and ordering a bucket of champagne. Does it get any better than that?

St. Lucia "Business" Trip

2009-02-16T20:15:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't fuchsia dresses be gorgeous at a beach wedding?

Preston Bailey's Water Lily Collection

Uh-oh! My webmaster, Sandy, has finally gone live with my blog, so I'm going to have to do a better job of keeping it up! If I could just figure out how to manipulate and label the photos, it would be easier to get motivated. No matter what or where I click, they like to be on top.

I just returned from 12 days in beautiful St. Lucia, where I first participated in a fam(iliarization) trip to Sandals resorts, then extended the trip with a stay at the resorts with my husband, Charlie. We had the pleasure of visiting three great resorts, all distinctly different. In the coming days, I'll be posting photos and highlights of each resort.

The hot pink tables above are from the Preston Bailey Water Lilly collection, which is one of Sandals' wedding package upgrade options. http://www.sandals.com/weddingmoons/weddings/collections/prestonbailey/index.cfm.

Romance in the City

2009-01-20T11:25:00.000-05:00

Join us at Club LeConte this Saturday evening, January 24, for Club LeConte's bridal showcase. It is a small and intimate bridal show featuring a few of Knoxville's wedding professionals, delicious food and drink, and an unbeatable view of the city.

Unlike traditional bridal shows, rooms and tables will be elegantly dressed with specialty linens and beautiful centerpieces, providing you with many ideas to help you create the perfect wedding day, bridesmaid luncheon or rehearsal dinner.

The showcase is complimentary to you, your fiance, your mother and your bridesmaids, but you must RSVP to get your name on the guest list. Contact Lindsay or Alexandra in the Private Events department for details at 865-523-0405.

Your Own Wedding Song

2009-01-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

I was contacted a few days ago by James Carrington, who writes wedding songs for couples. At first glance, I my intention was to give him a polite "no thanks," but I read along far enough to realize that he was a legitimate song writer and music. I clicked through to http://www.myspace.com/jamescarrington, and watched clips of from ER and Smallville, featuring his song, "Ache."

Intrigued, I corresponded with him and received the following info. The cost of having him write your personal song, complete with a CD and a souvenir copy of your lyrics is about the same as a DJ. That would be a budget buster for some couples, but other couples might be willing to spurge on it. If you have a really big budget, he'll even come sing it for you. However, he lives in England, so you really would need a big budget for that!

You can listen to James and learn more about getting your own personal wedding song at http://www.songsforweddings.net/.

Bridal Show Buzz

2009-01-13T20:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who visited our booth at the Premier Bride Show this past Sunday. I'm not sure if it was due to our beautiful booth design or the great honeymoon gift basket that Stacy, our design coordinator, put together, but we were swamped with visitors all day long. If we didn't have a chance to speak with you adequately, please e-mail or give us a call to schedule a complimentary meeting.

We had a lot of fun pulling our booth together. Stacy came across an inexpensive metal crown which inspired a royal theme, complete with jewel tones and castle inspired table cards.

Many thanks to our contributing vendors who helped us carry our theme throughout:

All Occasions Party Rentals - Tables & Chairs
Always in Bloom - Centerpiece & Cake Flowers
Belk West Town - China
Ironic - Arbor
Rosa's Catering Service - Cake
The White Table - Linens

Pets in Weddings

2008-07-01T09:49:00.000-04:00

I appeared on WBIR-TV's Style: A Show for You, yesterday, to talk about the new trend of incorporating pets into weddings. This was a topic I was asked to do, and not necessarily something I would suggest doing. As the old show business adage goes, "Never work with children or animals." They are unpredictable, and they just might upstage you!

However, some couples consider their pets to be family members, and want them included in the festivities. If you fall into that category, here are some suggestions for including your pet:

Serve as a Wedding Party Member - The roles of ring bearer or flower girl are the best bets, since these roles already provide comic relief.

Be Seated as an Honored Guest - The animals can be walked or carried down the aisle by an usher or accompany an honored guest or family member. Consider a floral collar for a larger dog or a pillow or basket for a smaller pet.
Be Included in Wedding Photos - This is an option that even Grandma can swallow. Just make sure the pet is clean, and that someone wipes it's paws off just before the photos.
Visit the Reception - You will be busy, and the pet can be excited or stressed by the the strange faces and commotion. Even the best trained pet might leave unplanned wedding favors. It's best to put someone else in charge, and consider a short visit (after dinner) to see and be seen. If you choose this option, I would suggest hiring a pet sitter who can be responsible for your pet, without being distracted by the social aspects of the reception.

If considering including your pet in your wedding plans, keep the following in mind:

Clear ceremony participation with your officiant.
Get permission form your venue coordinator.
Remember that some guests are allergic or afraid of certain animals- your might want to spread the word and mention your plans on your wedding website.
Think about how it will affect you if your pet drops more than petals as it precedes you down the aisle!

Laura and Josh

2008-06-17T16:29:00.000-04:00

Laura's mother Rose, called me last summer. Laura was anticipating a busy year as an ROTC cadet at UT, and Rose was concerned about how she would be able to help Laura plan all the way from the DC area. After reading some of the quotes from Mothers of the Bride on my website, Rose decided that hiring a planner was the only way she would be able to preserve her sanity while helping Laura plan her wedding and stay within her budget.

As Laura described the type of venue she wanted for her wedding, I had a feeling that Magnolia Manor would be perfect for her. It was the first and last venue she visited. Rose checked it out online, and agreed that it was perfect.

We did experience a few glitches along the way, when Magnolia Manor changed ownership. Dartha, the original owner, had been contracted to do Laura's catering at a very reasonable cost. Even though Jenky and Mollie, the new owners, bent over backward to honor the original agreement, we had to scramble for a new caterer. Phillip Nussbaumer of Rosa's Catering stepped up to work with Laura and Rose, so they could stay near their original budget.

Laura's dress was a copy of my favorite wedding gown of all time. It was a gorgeous silk material with a ruched bodice and gathered skirt. The horizontal lines of the bodice and the vertical lines of the skirt added lots of interest, and her tiny frame really carried off the full skirt. Josh looked pretty dapper himself in his dress Army uniform.

Laura and Josh drove to Nashville to spend the night before catching their honeymoon flight. As if Laura hadn't been beautiful enough all night, she changed into a sophisticated white sheath for her getaway. Guests bade a sparkling farewell to Lieutenant and Lieutenant Peeples as they departed on their journey of married life, and service to our country.

Jamie Weiss, of Jamie Weiss Photography captured the day beautifully, but my limited blogging and photo manipulation skills limited me to these few. I'll get better with time, Jamie!

Stephanie and Rob

2008-06-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

I have put off starting a blog for a couple of years, because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to keep it up. How prophetic of me! After one posting, I thought I was addicted, but life (and weddings) quickly got in the way, and I've managed to let a month go by.

As a matter of fact, Stephanie and Rob got married the same day as Jenna Bush, who I blogged about in my first entry. Oh well, better late than never!

I assisted Stephanie in planning her wedding for well over a year. It was a memorable journey because:

Stephanie knew exactly what she wanted
It sometimes required a good bit of research to find exactly what she wanted
We had to find a new venue just four months before her wedding (long story)
I loved Stephanie's dry sense of humor! (Rob was fun too)

The wedding day was one of the smoothest I have ever coordinated, due in large part to my great assistants, Alyson & Jaime, as well as the great vendors Stephanie hired. Alyson helped me prior to the ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral, while Jaime assisted Lindsay Morgan, private events director at Club LeConte. A number of professional vendors helped create the sights and sounds captured by Hope Photography. I love this picture of Stephanie anticipating her first bite of cake!

Jenna's Wedding

2008-05-16T20:49:00.000-04:00

Like much of the country, I was disappointed that Jenna Bush didn't have a White House wedding, televised for the world to see. I mean, talk about a venue that none of your friends have been married in! However, I have to admit that her private wedding was apparently a charming and fun affair.

Here are my thoughts on her wedding:

Ceremony - Most brides today put most of their emphasis on the reception, with the ceremony being almost an afterthought. Sure, centerpieces and linens are more fun to spend time with than readings and vows, but aren't the vows are the whole reason behind the party? Jenna put emphasis on her ceremony by building an alter, rather than just standing in front of the lake. Of course, your rented venue almost surely has a policy against alter building (and it would certainly break the budget if you could), but think of other ways you can pay extra attention to your ceremony and personalize it - either verbally or visually.

Attire - Love, love, love the dress! It will still be beautiful in 20, 40 or 60 years. Every bride who got married in the eighties envies her. I do wish she had worn a veil, and I think she will probably regret it at some point. I have noticed a trend in brides who don't want to wear a veil, and I hope it doesn't gain momentum now that Jenna chose not to wear one. Nothing says bride like a veil, and without it, the bride is just a girl in a white dress.

Reception - Man, I would have loved to have been at that party! I know it was a blast, because her band played at one of my weddings a couple of years ago. The Tyrone Smith Revue played at the wedding of Jessica Dew and Kasey Thompson in 2006, and they are a great party band. I'll put money on the fact that both the bride and the President were dancing on stage before the night was over!