The Bride and her Beauties

Brides, do you know how important it is to have a makeup artist and stylist do your makeup and hair for your wedding day?! First of all, us girls always love an excuse to be pampered...and why not on your special day?? Second, your photos will turn out 100 times better-- I promise! Makeup artists know how to apply makeup especially for photographing and stylists know how to make your hair stay picture perfect all day long! You will be thankful, I promise.

If you follow the blog, you have already seen some images from Kari and Aaron's beautiful September wedding, but I wanted to share a few more from Amber Ford Photography. They truly capture the beauty and love surrounding everyone involved that day.

Also, BIG "Thank You" to Birmingham Glam for beautify-ing these lovely ladies!!

Lauren + Drew....Engagement

I am so excited about our upcoming December wedding! I have only been planning with Lauren since May (I LOVE short engagements), but we have been working hard and their Huntsville wedding is going to be absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I can't wait to work with InBloom, again, and Narvelle's Catering, Liss Sterling Photography, and Andy Tolar with Design Productions. Their reception is going to be held at the Roundhouse and we are turning it into something fabulous!

Here are a few of their engagement session with Liss Sterling:

1 month away!!!!

MY Parties!

I'm excited because I'm finally getting to have MY OWN parties at my new house!! My mom and I have been working on my draperies and such and I had to set a deadline so that we would actually get them done...haha. So, today's the day! YAY! It feels good.

Tomorrow night I'm hosting a little get together for a Willow House party, given by Brittany Allen. If you didn't read my previous post on Willow House, check it out below... Can't wait for all my friends to see the improvements we've made since moving in. I will post pictures to facebook later so check them out!

Then next week, I get to host Supper Club (consists of my best high school friends and their husbands and babies, about 16 of us usually)! I will be cooking the main dish....I'm thinking turkey and dressing to get in the holiday spirit....but we'll see. Then every one else brings the sides, etc.

Obviously, I'm the party person, so getting everything perfect for these two occasions is work in itself! But its what I love to do, so its fun to me =)

Now, gotta get cooking!

Meet and Greet @ Engaged!

Hey Brides to be!

Please join

at

Engaged Wedding Library

1807 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209

on Saturday, November 6, 2010

12-2 pm

Drop by anytime, to meet me and ask me your toughest wedding questions!

We will have tasty treats for everyone- Can't wait to see you there!

Please let Katie, at Engaged, know if you are coming- 205.637.0735 or Katie.Calhan@pwg.com

Frustration

Ok, so I usually don't blog about personal feelings or things that happen, mostly because I haven't had time. But I guess the past few days I have had time to think and reflect on some things and I really feel like I need to talk about it-- maybe its self therapy, maybe its the rain, I don't know, but I'm putting it out there... who knows, it might happen more often!

I have recently been faced with several instances where I have had brides (that did not hire me) tell ME how disappointed they were with their wedding vendors they hired for their big day. Other wedding planners, caterers, venues, florists, etc.

The wedding industry is in Birmingham is its own world. Everybody knows each other and everybody knows things about each other that they may or may not know. As a wedding planner, we get to work with A LOT of different vendors- some by our choice, because we know and trust them, and sometimes we are faced meeting new people because the bride has already chosen them as her vendor and we have to work with them. In any case, our number one goal should be to make the bride happy. That is our JOB, that is why she is paying US. We should all check ourselves every once in a while and make sure we are fulfilling OUR end of the contract--doing what we have PROMISED and what they are paying us to do! I know that there are several months where we are all stretched to the gills with weddings every weekend and having to do the normal every day in the midst of that. But that is just part of the job, that is what we signed up for.

It just hurts my heart to hear brides talk about their wedding day and how it was a disaster or how all these things went wrong because someone didn't do the job they were paid to do. It's these precious girls ONE DAY to feel special and beautiful and not have to worry about a thing. We all know that weddings can be a production- but if the bride hired a planner, then it is that planners job to make sure it is exactly the way she wants it and to fulfill their end of the contract.

Now, I am not saying that I have never made a mistake, I am new at this, BUT it is my ultimate goal to make the bride happy, and at the end of the day, that is the most important thing. I have become very good friends with some of my past brides because of the relationship we form during the planning process. I feel that helps a lot. To really get to know the bride and know what makes her happy and what doesn't, that way when things come at you, pre-wedding or wedding day, you know how to handle it in the correct fashion.

It frustrates me that however much I try to do this for my brides, I can't do it for everyone and some brides end up with a less than satisfactory wedding day experience due to the lack of responsibility on the vendors part. I am challenging all you vendors, and myself, to check up on yourself every now and then and make sure you are really focusing on the bride and going above and beyond for her. She knows she isn't your only bride, but she needs to feel like it.

Continued Recap...

10/1/10

Brooke Fleming and Matt Hogue

Aldridge Gardens and Pavilion

"A Swanky Celebration"

Brooke and Matt enjoyed a beautiful, quaint celebration beside the lake at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, AL. Family and friends gathered to enjoy the festivities-- delicious food by Kathy G & Co. and entertainment by Feel the Beat. All the guests had a great time dancing and socializing. Brooke's brother was quite the star on the dance floor! I loved working with Brooke and her mom while planning- we had some fun times!

Thanks to vendors: Hinterland Photo, Mary with Kathy G & Co Catering, Andy with Kathy G Designs floral, Publix- Cakes, Feel the Beat Entertainment.

10/6/10

Laura Green and Marcus Matyas

Seagrove Beach, FL

"A Swanky Celebration"

Laura and Marcus's beach side wedding was absolutely perfect. Just what the couple wanted to begin their wedding celebrations. Small and simple- Dad "married" them, and just immediate family was in attendance. Because Laura and her family are from Gadsden and Marcus's family is from Buffalo, NY, they all decided to make a vacation out of the celebrations and stay for a week! The wedding took place on Wednesday afternoon on the beach, then afterwards they enjoyed a reception dinner at Bud & Alleys. Sadly, I wasn't able to join them because I had to head back to Birmingham to get ready for the next wedding on Friday and Saturday in Huntsville (see below)....

Then on Sunday, 10/10/10, I met the Bride and Groom and families at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, for their "at home" reception. I decorated the tables to coordinate with the "beach-themed" wedding...the same lanterns used at the ceremony and I filled the hurricanes with sand and seashells right off the beach! It was a wonderful afternoon visiting with friends. They enjoyed lunch by the lodge and even an ice cream sundae bar!

Thanks to vendors: White Sands Photos, Winn Dixie Floral- Carillon Beach, Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge.

10/9/10

Jessica Pugh and Zach Bingham

Jackson Way Baptist Church, Ceremony

Monte Sano State Park Lodge, Reception

Jessica and Zach's wedding weekend was nothing but Fabulous! Southern tradition at its best. A celebration with their closest friends and family--turned out to be a big PARTY! With 12 bridesmaids and groomsmen each, the wedding party was a "party" in itself! I had fun getting to know everyone a little better- Geri Martha, a bridesmaid, is one of my best friends- so I had met several of these girls before!

Everything was beautiful, thanks to InBloom Floral Design! They helped turn a rustic lodge into a gorgeous, elegant reception. AND THE FOOD! So delicious-- Thank you Bubba's Catering. Lots of special, personal touches were made to make everyone feel at home and loved by the Pugh's.

Just a couple sneak peek photos:

Kids table and food! What a special treat for the little ones...

I will give FULL recap's of each wedding when I get the professional photos--I just couldn't wait to show yall everything!!

Thanks to vendors: T2 Photography, Bubba's Catering, InBloom Floral Design, Steven Padilla Band, Nikki's Cakes, Monte Sano Mountain Lodge.

September/ October Wedding Recap

Well, I think I have finally recovered from my whirlwind month of October where I had 6 events in 4 weeks. I had an absolute blast, but am thankful that I have had some time to recover! I actually got to go to AUBURN this past weekend to see Cam Newton woop up on LSU....and bring the team to the #1 ranking! It truly was an experience I won't forget. And I am so thankful

I was able to be there!

While I do like to stay really busy, I also like to enjoy NOT being busy- relaxing and doing things you love with the people that you love!

So, here goes the Sept/Oct recap.... I will definitely do a separate one for each wedding once I get professional photos...I just couldn't wait!!

9/18/10

Lisa Burke and Chris Ritchie

Carraway Davie House

"A Swanky Day"

Lisa was such a beautiful and stress-free bride! I loved working with her and her husband, Chris. They were very organized already, which made my life so much easier. She chose beautiful shades of lavender, pinks, and ivories. The guests enjoyed an outdoor ceremony on the lawn, with PERFECT weather- music by Cahaba River Strings. After the ceremony, everyone joined the Bride and Groom in the house for Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Then, everyone enjoyed a sit-down dinner and dancing at the conference center.

Thanks to vendors: Marsha Perry Photography, The White Room, Cahaba River Strings, Coretti Catering, MusicGarden Entertainment and Vintage Auto.

9/25/10

Kari Nesbitt and Aaron Hudson

Carraway Davie House

"A Swanky Angel"

I loved being a part of Kari and Aaron's wedding celebration! We had such a great time throughout the planning with all the fun details. The decor was 'cherry blossom' themed...from the ceremony programs, to the cake, to the fortune cookie favors. The pink table linens and silver chivari chairs really made a statement. The ceremony took place poolside, and right as they kissed as husband and wife, a few rain drops cooled everyone off! We then went right inside to the conference center for a buffet dinner and dancing. Groove Factor entertained and the bride was front and center on the dance floor the whole time! Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the party so much, they wanted to continue it elsewhere...so the whole bridal party went to ABOVE at the Redmont Hotel! Kari and Aaron, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day!

Thanks to vendors: Amber Ford Photography, The White Room, Cahaba River Strings, Birmingham Glam, Coretti Catering, MusicGarden Entertainment, Vintage Auto.

I will continue the rest in another post.....

Willow House:: Simply Good Design

Some of you may have already heard the good news but there is a new at-home shopping company called Willow House! They have so much to offer through hosting a party, doing a catalog order, housewarming party, and even BRIDAL REGISTRY! (hence, my association with this post...)

Several of my friends have become Willow House Design Consultants under Heather St. Clair, who is a Senior Design Consultant. You can work with her and have a party at your house, OR start a BRIDAL REGISTRY with her!!

AND--What a great idea for a shower!!! Have a Willow House shower-- invite all your friends and Heather will bring items that you have requested on your registry to show everyone and they can purchase what they like for you and your new home with your husband. There are so many great things from dining, to entertaining, to decorating, to organizing!

Here are some of my favorites:

What a great Chip and dip!!

I love this dish- a great serving size for a party- cheese, crackers, fruit- anything!

This is a great dish for entertaining at holidays!

I love this copper hammered tray-- and its only $21.96 on sale!

Willow House has GREAT prices-- items comparable to Pottery Barn- but MUCH cheaper!

Another great thing is that Heather can order things to use as decor for your wedding...If you see any items that you think would fit your theme and idea for decor- she can order bulk and get a discount! Anything for a discount on a wedding budget, right??!

These are great to add a personal touch to your wedding! You can describe the menus, drinks, or just write a sweet note to your guests and display on the gift table.

Please contact Heather St. Clair if you are interested in having a party in your home, starting a bridal registry, or even becoming a sales consultant yourself!!

Her information is:

Name: Heather St. Clair

Title: Senior Design Consultant

Company: Willow House

Website: www.heatherstclair.WillowHouse.com

E-mail: st.clair_heather@yahoo.com

Phone: 256-490-6973

Busy Month Ahead!!

I know, I know... I really have fallen behind with my blogging...BUT I'M BACK-- and from now on, I have set a goal to blog AT LEAST once a week.

The reason I have been MIA is because I have been super busy getting ready for these next 6 weddings!!

I have been all over the place meeting with these brides... Huntsville, Seagrove Beach, Gadsden, Guntersville... (I really like to travel..)

The next 2 weekends I will be back at The Carraway-Davie House for Lisa and Kari's weddings. Of course they will both be beautiful because of the awesome location, and we are expecting great weather!

Lisa will be wearing a gown from The White Room and Marsha Perry will be shooting her ceremony and reception. I'm looking forward to this event because I have a personal tie to the couple....the groom's mother works at my eye doctor, Dr. Brown, and I have known her for about 10 years (yes, I'm blind and have been wearing contacts for like 15 years!). So all my buddies from Dr. Brown's office, including him, will be there!

Kari will also be wearing a FABULOUS dress from The White Room as well--I went with her to pick it out!! Looking forward to the 'cherry blossom' theme and all the PINK! Her ceremony is going to be poolside...I know the pictures will be amazing-- by Amber Ford.

Starting off October with a bang, we will be at Aldridge Gardens for Brooke's wedding. Kathy G will be there with food and flowers and Feel The Beat will keep us entertained, of course! It will be my first event there, since I went to my besties' weddings there (Elaine and Meg).

(Ceremony Here) (reception here)

Six days later I will be in Seagrove beach for my first beach-side wedding! Laura and Marcus are truly having the ultimate "Intimate Destination Wedding". Just the two immediate families will be there for a special service performed by the Bride's father. I am creating an arbor with sheer fabric and flowers for the backdrop and using lanterns to line the aisle.

Something similar to this. I'm really excited! Then the Sunday after they get back from there "honeymoon" at the beach, we are having a Reception at The Lodge at Lake Guntersville. It is going to be beach-themed with lanterns, candles with seashells used as the centerpieces.

(the Lodge)

In BETWEEN the beach and Lake Guntersville, we will be in Huntsville for Jessica's wedding!(engagement pictures here). This reception is going to be GORGEOUS atop Monte Sano Mountain over looking the valley.

(the front view of the Lodge)

(one of the rooms inside...Don't you just love the rustic feel of the exposed beams and stone walls!?)

Hopefully the leaves will be starting to turn and it will truly feel like a "rustic, but elegant" PARTY! Thanks so much to my best friend, Geri Martha, who is a bridesmaid, for hooking us up with this awesome event. I can't wait to work with Bubba's catering, In Bloom, and T2 Photography. There are so many awesome details going into this big event. Be on the lookout for great photos afterwards!

THEN we have another Birmingham wedding in November, and another Huntsville wedding in December that I'm super excited about. My friend Lauren, is marrying Drew, and they are having a huge, fun, fancy, PARTY!! Purple and Platinum is the theme...its going to be awesome, just wait!!!

So on Monday, October 11, 2010 I will be either sleeping, sleeping, or sleeping some more.... =)

Perfect Engagment Photos

Jessica + Zach--- October 9, 2010-- Huntsville, AL

I can't wait for this wedding and reception at Monte Sano Mountain Lodge in Huntsville!! Its going to be absolutely gorgeous. Thank you to T2 Photography for sharing their images. Looking forward to it guys!

Wedding Recaps....

So, you all know its been a while since I've blogged... business has been really good lately!! Not only is it the middle of wedding season, I have been blessed to have booked 3 more clients for 2010 weddings! That is keeping me busy...not to mention, we are beginning plans for 2011 weddings as well.

This week, I'm getting ready for a 60th Birthday Party on Saturday. I can't wait! It's going to be a blast.

Here are recaps of the past few weddings....

Angeleque + Hunter 5.1.10

Angeleque and Hunter had a beautiful wedding on May 1, 2010 at the Carraway-Davie House. Catering and Floral provided by Carraway-Davie House- Photography by Arden Photography-Videography by Paul Bryant of Kinora Films- Hair and Makeup provided by Birmingham Glam-Cake by Olexa's- Entertainment by Jeremy Schrader and The Quintessentials- Rolls Royce by Vintage Auto- and of course, Wedding Coordinating by Swanky Socials!

You can check out the whole album on My Website, under the Angeleque + Hunter gallery!

Sara + Lance 5.22.10

This is a before picture....i'll post a video soon of the AFTER! It was gorgeous. Shane at the Carraway-Davie House did a fabulous job with the decor.

Catering and Floral by Carraway-Davie House- Photography by Auburn Heritage Photography- Videography by Gary Rush of Rush Videos- Entertainment provided by JAMM Entertainment- Wedding Coordinating by Swanky Socials!

Michelle + Barrett 6.19.10

What a sweet, sweet day we had last Saturday at the Historic Rucker Place. Michelle and Barrett were so happy that the rain didn't interrupt their plans for an outside reception in the garden at the Rucker Place. Everything was PERFECT. Thank you so much to Gail and Jeanene, at Rucker Place, for helping me out!

Catering by Historic Rucker Place- Floral by LSL Event Design- Design and Decor by Swanky Socials- Photography by Jonathan Hoffner Photography- Cakes by Highland Bakery (Atlanta,GA)- Entertainment by Moondance- Lighting by Design Productions- Wedding Coordinating by Swanky Socials!

More pictures to come soon!!! Or check out my album on Facebook.