Bad Vendors :(

I have to do an honest blog today because we really know there is an issue among wedding planners and vendors that brides need to be aware of. I'm about to break the silence...so here goes!

A lot of brides get a wedding planner after booking vendors which can be a huge mistake. Here's a typical conversation between a planner and bride/MOB:

The Bride/MOB- "I've booked this person and this person, what do you think?"

The Planner-usually two options-

"Oh I LOVE them. It's who I'd recommend anyways" OR...

"Have you paid deposits and confirmed everything?"

The first response is the good answer, but the latter usually means you probably shouldn't have booked them. We are in a tough position because we know the budget cannot stand to loose deposits, or even hurt a relationship with a vendor. Let me elaborate on the relationship again- we just know that by the time the bride has interviewed vendors, selected someone, paid deposits, confirmed things...they are very set that they made the right decision. To break that bond can be difficult. What we've learned is, the brides are just wanting us to confirm their choice and not really question it at all.

As planners, we know the ins-and-outs of all vendors, but are sometimes bound by relationships and already paid deposits...so to break those bonds- book a planner first.

Sometimes a bride will book a "day of" or "month of" package, but know there are a lot of risks with this package. Our hands are tied even more in those packages unfortunately. First because the bride is not using the expertise of the planners experience with vendor selections, but also because they have been cultivating this relationship with vendors for usually over a year. When it comes time to have planners take over the communications that last month, it can be very tricky for both the vendors and MOB's to let go. We've even had vendors continue to pester the MOB even after being told by both parties to only speak to the planner...sad but true.

So- here's the truth: book a planner first and do it early! Happy wedding!

Ribbons!!

Ribbon, Ribbon, and More Ribbon

I love the look of ribbon right now! It's so versatile... it can be a backdrop for a cake, tied behind chairs, hanging from the trees...anywhere really. It also works for any celebration from a baby shower, to engagement party, to a wedding reception! Be careful though...because you'll need a lot! Whenever you think you have enough, triple that and then you may have barely enough. Keep that in mind when thinking that this is a budget saving decor option. Ribbon can get pricey and the labor to hang can be exhausting or expensive, so keep that in mind.

Here it is on the backs of chairs...perfect for a wedding shower luncheon!

Also makes a great photo op!!

Hanging from the light strands, so looks great during daylight and even as great at night!

Ahoy Matey!!

I know when you hear Signature Occasions, you think weddings...but we do so many events too. From both adult and children's birthday parties to anniversary and fundraising events. We actually have a children's party that will be featured in VIP magazine soon...so excited!! It can be so tough to plan an adorable boy birthday though, but even a pirate birthday can be exceptional. Below are some tips:

To start the party with a bang: have goody bags lined up at the door to dress each guest as a pirate! This could include items like an eye patch, bandanna, sword, and or course a loot bag.

Need activities:

1. Have the kids "walk the plank" by setting up a wooden board on blocks and having them walk across the shark-infested waters!

2. Serve oranges to help fight scurvy! I always try and incorporate fruit and this is a fun way.

3. Do an obstacle course that can include swabbing the deck (push a ball with a mop into a bucket), then hopping on a pegleg (hopping on one foot), to the last station where they have to dig for treasure (put sand in a large bucket and they have to find a treasure or golden coin).

4. or for older kids: break into groups and have a treasure hunt (you can use a picture treasure map to make it easier for younger children too)

5. Pin the eye patch on the pirate

6. Have boat races by taking a rain gutter, closing the ends, adding water and have them blow their boats to the end while being timed...the fastest boat wins!

Decorations? Use a lot of black, red, and burlap. For example a red cloth with a black and white stripe topper...and of course decorate with traditional pirate ships, gold coins and all the kids favorites!

I just had to show these posts from thecelebrationshoppe, erinandaaron, bystephanielynn, and dazzledesign.blogspot.

http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com/crispy-pirate-pops-how-to/

http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2009/12/ahoy-matey-its-pirate-birthday-party.html

What are Pomettes?

My new favorite thing??? Paper Pomettes

I love pom poms...but I also love Pomettes! They are the perfect accessory to any anthropologie/bohemian wedding. I also love them for bridal and baby showers, children's parties...everything!

You can use them in combination with paper lanterns, pennants, bulb lights...anything really. They come in any color and can really make a "wow" for a very small amount.

Be watching...we have them coming up in some weddings :)

picture:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cache.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/gallery/ibb/erineverafter/ibb-1301061121.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/03/25/hawaii-destination-wedding-by-sarah-rhoads-photographers/&usg=__1kNifAZ0K7vEE3ueOX8FNJPKHX4=&h=908&w=600&sz=154&hl=en&start=147&zoom=1&tbnid=mBeZP-GZriBPkM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=83&ei=EkcnTovFEsXc0QGYhrGzCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dlarge%2Bpaper%2Bpomettes%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D709%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=539&page=6&ndsp=29&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:147&tx=23&ty=81&biw=1280&bih=709

AND

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://soletthemeatcake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/anthropologie-wedding4.jpg%3Fw%3D640%26h%3D426&imgrefurl=http://soletthemeatcake.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/anticipating-anthropologie/&usg=__8_m7oSTkZRV0gipYigxDZTd1zEY=&h=426&w=640&sz=39&hl=en&start=162&zoom=1&tbnid=f0Apq1J5opynDM:&tbnh=160&tbnw=213&ei=1UcnTsmGEeTN0AHL5LzbCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Danthropologie%2Bbohemian%2Bwedding%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D666%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=361&vpy=281&dur=370&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=191&ty=97&page=10&ndsp=17&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:162&biw=1280&bih=666

AND

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/78117/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=78117&STOPREDIRECTING=TRUE&Style=Vintage&Wedding%20Details=Reception%20Decor&pageindex=3

Tips on planning a Bridal Shower

Kitchen Shower-

Fiesta Shower

Traditional Bridal Shower Brunch

I know it can be a struggle planning a bridal shower...so here's some tips:

1. Decide a budget- get a guest list from the bride, number of hosts and amount you'd like to spend per person. This is crucial! Having 11 hosts and each giving $100 really makes a great party budget, but if there are only 4 hosts: you'll either need to keep the guest list small or pay a lot per host. This will determine whether it is catered or everybody brings a dish; or if it is at a pricey restaurant or at a hostess' home...etc.

2. Get a distinct style first- A theme really helps the planning process. It lets all the hosts know what to expect, the kind of menu needed, attire...everything. You can come up with a style that represents the couple, or use a similar style to the wedding to coordinate..need some help? Here are some examples:

traditional springtime brunch

couples BBQ

intimate luncheon at a favorite restaurant

Want out-of-the-box? You could do:

a mexican fiesta- margaritas and a taco bar really say fun and relaxing. This would be a great couple's shower or a fun girls night too

spa day -mimosas and manicures for example or even massages if you are feeling luxury! This can be done at a personal home or at a favorite salon

a cooking class with a chef- he'll provide the food and cooking tips and you can shower the bride-to-be with kitchen essentials

a wine tasting- you could have a local wine connoisseur explain different wines- you could provide dips and shower the couple with all their bar needs

a recipe shower- have all the hosts make a favorite item and have all the guests bring kitchen necessities and attach their favorite recipe card...at the end of the night: collect them all to make a keepsake recipe book

3. Make an impact with paper- You can coordinate all the paper products (including invitations, buffet labels, water bottle labels...everything). To keep cost down: check out etsy.com and search "printable party packages" and you'll come up with plenty of options and well within any budget

4. Provide a favor...if you can- For a kitchen shower, for example, you could give all the guests a group of measuring cups with a tag attaching thanking them for celebrating with the bride. You could buy them at the dollar store and make an amazing impression with under $20!

Happy Planning!

Pics from:

Signature Occasions

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJnaxbdeibeAtPjxMmq8pbOpRQKsGjzfHiuscbqAd2zHFdvgQE5yGWLX_NAB8CbZZOEXPAOoGVnRr4QUcWi2NBqIO37BVtbd-uWS-I47_julbD-pXbDMGEjDw0AESUtz0DXXyo0aYdazT/s1600/image_845_500_340.jpg&imgrefurl=http://azinaugust.blogspot.com/2010/05/bridal-shower-kitchen-edition.html&usg=__pQL4W32HVKOvTyT7a_zlCKiJ8a4=&h=340&w=496&sz=45&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=jyj-UvdOwX1GSM:&tbnh=138&tbnw=192&ei=BtglToLWHsLZ0QGogoniCg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dkitchen%2Bbridal%2Bshower%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D666%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=396&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&tx=89&ty=64&biw=1280&bih=666

and

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/21913996_qfJcJknn_c.jpg&imgrefurl=http://pinterest.com/pin/21980288/&usg=__8xWxsrjfoeR8AA2Nv_H75XadK2Q=&h=814&w=553&sz=168&hl=en&start=82&zoom=1&tbnid=TUnzsm0AIV_zpM:&tbnh=158&tbnw=107&ei=S9glTtz5K8j10gGSo8H6Cg&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfiesta%2Bbridal%2Bshower%2Bpics%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D666%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=652&page=6&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:82&tx=72&ty=34&biw=1280&bih=666

Rustic vs. Vintage Game

Instead of the traditional blog today...we are going to make a game out of it :)

We have so many brides wanting "vintage" and "rustic", but there are so many different versions. We thought we'd take this Friday to describe the different versions on vintage. A wedding can be a combination, but take a look at the pictures and see if you can see the differences in the styles:

Rustic- old wooden furniture, chalkboards, antique coke crates, rusted lanterns, wooden signs, burlap, twine, not as feminine as the others

Southern- means touches of cotton, mason jars, folding fans (can be in additional to the other styles)

Vintage-antique china, old scales, and vignettes, can be in combination with shabby chic

Shabby Chic- distressed white wooden furniture pieces, "garden"-like, faded floral prints, usually whites or pale colors

Anthropologie- Bohemian, mix of funky/modern and vintage, floral prints, and some "modern" aspects like a modern white frame of a vintage floral print fabric or a very traditional scroll mirrored that was painted a bright white

Game Time!! Here's some pics....can you tell the specific style?

Answers: anthropologie, rustic, rustic, vintage, traditional southern, shabby chic, southern rustic, anthropologie

I hope that helps!!

A typical planners timeline....

We love helping our brides and know some people struggle with understanding “what does a wedding planner do?” So….we took notes at one of recent weddings to show the list of tasks a planner does in a day.

Wednesday-

Pack the car with any last minute items: extra vases, emergency kit, tool kit, etc.

Thursday-

8am- leave for the site

Arrive at site to review and make any final adjustments to floorplan before delivery

Give rental company directions to venue

2^nd pick-up of rentals before actual delivery

Rental company arrives for setup

Oversee whole rental setup (make sure tent is set in right spot, ceremony chairs are in correct area, tables are in proper locations, custom lights are hung in proper spots)

6:30pm- arrive back at the hotel to get dinner and early to bed :)

Friday-

8am- Finalize welcome bags, add name tags to each bag, deliver to the front desk

Get flower delivery for rehearsal dinner and view florals for Saturday

Assemble flowers for rehearsal dinner

Deliver flowers and table assignments to rehearsal dinner; setup- to help the bride and groom's families

Drive back to hotel, get ready and head to the rehearsal

Do the rehearsal (greet and instruct musicians, review with minister, and organize wedding party)

Drive back to hotel

Assemble programs: fold, cut ribbon, make holes in each one, tie ribbons on each program

End at 9:30pm

Saturday-

9:30am- Leave the hotel for the reception site

Meet helpers to organize their to-do list – start them on setting up ceremony chairs

Start setting up alter/chuppah area (add draping, flowers)

Start putting out furniture to certain areas (also get other décor items)

Eat a quick lunch!

Organize helpers to start hanging lanterns, and finalize flowers

Finalize vignette areas, setup cocktail tables, cake tables, cakes arrive

Call catering company and give directions and get ETA for catering/bar

Put out beer, help fluff food tables, put out table arrangements, put on tablecloths

Photographer arrives, give him instructions and start putting on bouts

Bring the bride her bouquet and check on her status of being ready

Couple's first look- assist in handing off gifts for each other and getting them set

Caterers arrive – get beverages from bar on ice first thing

Assist photographer in some pics

help organize family and wedding party for pictures

Move cakes from inside to out and finalize cake tables

Finalize every last décor item, light candles, etc.

Make sure guest book and pens are out

Give ushers/groomsmen last minute explanation of duties (remind to hand out programs)

Start seating guests; instruct guests to take their seats

Get grandmother/mothers organized

Start seating grandmothers, followed by mothers, wedding party (cue the musicians the whole time)

Bride walks down the aisle

Take additional décor shots myself during ceremony to get all the shots before guests get to reception

Alert caterer that ceremony has begun

Direct wedding party away from reception area

Assist guests in reception area

Help photographer organize additional shots

Assist in signing the marriage license

Get the bride’s dress bustled

Cue the back they are about to be introduced

Lead the couple back to the reception for introductions

Open the buffet, insure all guests are being cared for, buffet is full

Get a plate for the couple to have a bite

Put the bouquets on the cake table

Get photographers, family and couple ready to cut the cake; cue the caterer to be ready to cut the cakes

Cut the cakes

Cue the band about to do dances (remind them songs, names, etc.)

Get the couple, family and photographers ready

First dances (wanted them at sunset)

Start gathering cake toppers, flutes, etc. to get safely back to the couple

Get photographers to take certain shots the couple requested

Hand out all checks to vendors

Make sure all the votives are lit

Assemble leave items (take wrappers off and assemble candles, sparklers have to be removed from boxes and individual wrapping)

Make sure the caterer has to-go food for the couple

Make sure their suitcases are in the leave vehicle

Make sure all food is out and full, guests are happy, cake is being replenished

Get additional shots of the couple and assist photographer in getting décor shots at night

Tell the bride and groom about to do garter/bouquet

Cue the band, get a chair for the garter

Do the garter and bouquet

Start gathering the “leave” items and lighter, tell the photographers

Make sure the leave vehicle is working, there and ready

Tell the band last song and then leave announcement

Announce Last song

Line up guests to leave, instruct them light their candles (leave item)

Pick up the remaining candles

Assist in caterers cleanup

Have leftover plates for the band (they decided not to break during the reception as planned)

Make sure rented items get returned

Put bride’s bouquet in water

Get all bouquet vases and vases that need to be returned to florist

Load up all items to be returned to the office

Give final instructions to the bride’s family where every item is

11:30pm- Get back in the car and head home….arrive home the next day J

Think it’s exhausting seeing it…it is as exhausting doing it. We do love it, but it sure is a lot of work. We do it because it is a passion and a gift…that makes our job less of a job and more joy!

How much does that extra wedding guest cost me?

A bride will get the ring, book a venue, and start picking vendors. After the initial decisions are made..they start to finalize that guest list and realize it's a lot more than they thought! It can happen so fast! Between the future in-laws, the couple's friends, lost relatives, co-workers...it adds up fast! Ever wonder how much those extra guests actually cost though?...Here's a look:

table $12 ($1.20 per each person)

tablecloth $22 ($2.20 per each person)

chairs $3 each

centerpiece $38 ($3.80 per person)

Food $22 + tip/service charge ($26.40 per person)

Alcohol - sodas $10 per person

Wedding cake $2.40 a slice

$49, but with tax...

$52.43 per person OR $104.86 per couple!!

(This is even a very inexpensive menu too...and doesn't include wedding attire, room rental, bouquets, band, photographer, rings, etc.)

It sure does make a bride re-think inviting those long-distance relatives or extra co-workers.

A bride shouldn't need to be introduced to guests...Wouldn't you want to only be surrounded by your closest family and friends that support you as a couple anyways?

The easiest way to cut a budget is to cut the guest list....keep that in mind :)

Happy Wedding!

Tissue paper poms!

Need some extra color or hanging items to a wedding or party, but short on budget...tissue paper poms are the perfect option!

Want to hang over a dance floor? Just rent poles and metal bases from a rental company and have then hang string from the different poles. Then just hang the poms.... viola- instant decor over the dance area

You could make smaller ones for decorative accents or hang from a chandelier.

You could even make them out of fabric to a very special touch! With a huge trend towards "homemade" and original items...these are perfect!

You could also use for a birthday party or wedding shower too!

You can order from etsy.com or even make yourself. Want to know how...check out the links below!:

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/tissue-paper-pom-poms-diy-wedding-decor/

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias

even a youtube video to show an actual step-by-step:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDAgjtScFpU

Vignettes

Instead of traditional centerpieces or one main table arrangement…there is a huge change to doing “vignettes”. It can be a great way for a photographer to shoot an extra special shot, it is the use of more furniture and household items, and it can be a great way to get amazing decor shots. It makes the wedding have more of a photo shoot element. Notice all the amazing pics on these fabulous blogs and websites? These vignettes allow each wedding to look as amazing as the published features!

Every notice that most featured weddings showcase not only vignettes, but decor shots?! It is a MUST that your photographer capture those. You may give them a list of certain family photos to take (don't miss Aunty Mary, or Granmommy, etc.) But be sure to express the importance of decor shots. Every bride works hard on the details and they should be showcased. Whether you ordered collegiate pom poms, monogrammed chocolates, taffy favors, or a custom lit monogram...make sure they are all captured in the photos afterwards.

Don’t know what a vignette is? Take a look below to see examples of amazing vignettes:

pic sources: greenweddingshoes.com, ohdarlingwedding.blospot.com, nineseventeeneleven.blogspot.com, ribbonsandrust.wordpress.com, celebrationsathomeblog.com

Mason Jars

One thing about most southern brides…we love the south! The south has it’s own way of doing everything. We let college football and hunting season determine wedding dates. We consider sweet tea and diet coke standard drinks. We also have a very distinct southern drawl, that seems to add a innocent touch to every sentence said. Mostly though, we also have a unique way of doing weddings.

What’s more southern than mason jars?!?!

They are so useful and we can’t wait to show you the different ways to use them. You can hang them from a large tree with candles inside, use them for mint juleps or a lemonade, favors, or even clustered together for floral centerpieces. They add the perfect southern touch to any affair!

Happy Viewing!

Source of pics: Intimateweddings.com, Thriftyfun.com, Boards.weddingbee.com, Flikr.com, and Kathrynleachhome.com

Telegram...

So many wedding are going vintage/rustic right now! We just blogged about the handkerchief invitation...can't wait to show the finished product!

If you can't make that happen, we have another great idea... The Telegram! We are doing the handkerchief invitation, but also a directional card enclosed that looks like a telegram. You could also use it for a Save-the-Date, RSVP, or as tags on the hotel welcome bags! While it's printing, I thought I'd show where we got the inspiration:

http://dave-douglass.com/?p=173

from greetdesign.com

http://www.petite-fete.com/gallery.html#prev

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58921177/telegram-wedding-invitation-letterpress

Thanks for viewing!

Why do You Need an Independent Wedding Planner?

A lot of brides and even some "all-inclusive" vendors are starting to think they don't need a wedding planner. The problem is, many truly want to "design" and not really plan. There is a huge difference!

So what is the difference between "planning" and "designing"?

People who design: don't want to be bothered with the wording of an invitation, the special guest book you want to find, specifics on registering, wedding directing etiquette, etc. They also really don't want to be the ones to be there from 7am until midnight that Saturday. They will forget things that a professional planner knows. For example, a bar needs a "bar back" table to hold the drinks, you don't just need cloths for the guest tables but all the tables (bar, food, guest book, coffee station...etc!), the delivery and setup you paid the rental company does not mean that they put on the tablecloths or tie on cushions...they are delivered in a clear trash bag and that is where they will stay if you haven't planned ahead.

They are always extra helpful in choosing tablecloths, styling centerpieces, and the layout...but you need to realize that is not wedding planning. We offer so much more and think of every detail!

For the bride that thinks she wants to do it herself...you can, but most planners offer a service where you can plan the whole time and then hand over the torch to a professional to execute your vision. You do not want to answer the continuous phone calls on your wedding day! You don't want to give directions to the band while you get your hair done, or handle the fact that the shrimp or bar has run out.

I recently had a mother-of-a-bride who had decided to plan it herself...she told me she'd be hiring someone for the second daughter...no questions asked. She said she was pulled aways from her daughter/husband/guests so many times that she couldn't even have one full conversation. She was also so busy for the following months tracking down and returning items (finding the extra programs, returning a friend's punch bowl, returning the grandmother's cake knives, etc.) that she said the process was never-ending!

Let me tell some reasons why a planner is so crucial.

We have handled every aspect...so we have vendor discounts for almost anything and we pass those along to our brides! There is a misconception that we are an added expense and increase the budget. A great planner can actually save you money! We know the ways to make the most bang for your buck. We had a bride on a tight tight budget and wanted to spend money on custom M&M's...we said "STOP!" There is no need to waste $400 on candy that nobody will notice. We put it towards centerpieces and made a much bigger impact!

We also know specifics on etiquette, how to get unusual items (like fan programs, white chocolate favors, custom collegiate garters...), and even lists of what to bring that day, timelines and budgets.

Here is a link from wedalert.com: http://www.wedalert.com/content/articles/why_hire_coordinator.asp

"Not long ago, a wedding coordinator was thought of as a luxury, only used by the wealthy. Now a coordinator is essential to the well planned affair. It is no longer "trendy" to engage a coordinator. Being experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, the coordinator saves valuable time and money. The coordinator can take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality.

The average wedding can take more than two hundred fifty hours just to plan. With today's hectic lifestyles, you may not have time to compare all the options, making sure you get the best deal, and make sure all the details are in place.

Wedding coordinators are not here to make decisions for you, but to guide and assist you in making informed decisions. Their training, knowledge, and experience will turn your dreams and expectations into reality. They want you to host a beautiful and distinctive event which you can enjoy.

A wedding coordinator will save you time and enable you to get the most for your money! A wedding coordinator can serve in many other capacities. They can act as the family counselor for apprehensive brides and the mothers, a wedding coordinator can become as close as your best friend.

I know it's a lot of information...but it was time to pop some myths and let brides realize: wedding planning can be a true blessing to a bride!

Vintage invitations

To go with the vintage wedding themes...I had to share this idea of printing wedding invitations on vintage handkerchiefs:

Here is one by Bird and Banner http://www.birdandbanner.com/

Here's another one by Lucky Luxe Couture http://www.lucky-luxe.com/HOME.html

I could not LOVE them more! I just love a bride who is willing to think outside the box and make a cohesive wedding style, from the save-the-date, to the favor at the end! Happy Wedding!

Vintage

Vintage and Rustic All the way!

Brides are having a huge trend towards vintage and rustic weddings right now.

Mason jars for drinks, an old sewing table for a registry table, wooden boxes as vases, pitchers, lace, loose floral arrangements...it is beautiful and lends itself to a very casual elegance. The vintage flair adds the elegance, but the rustic elements keep it casual and not looking too much like Grandma's attic!

I had a bride recently say, "I want guests to open the doors and think that is always how we have the house look." We are using ladders to hold vintage photos, wooden signs, chalkboards, handkerchiefs to tie around bouquets, mason jars with a logo for lemonade/tea, and burlap tablecloths....so much fun!

The fun thing is the colors can change, but the style stays the same. You can go: wildflowers of various colors (yellows, blues...anything and everything), stay with all white (baby's breath, hydragea, or even use the vases to add color of old wine bottles, blue mason jars, etc.) , or have soft colors (pinks, champagne, creams....and keep it light). Everything will bounce off the woods with such beauty!

We can't wait to start posting the pictures of the weddings we are working on after they are completed :)

Happy Wedding!

It's A Match

It's A Match

We recently did a New Year's Eve wedding where the bride's aunt offered some amazing matches as favors for the guests. I wanted to let brides know about her...Liz Boland Patterson has a company called "It's A Match". You can find them on facebook I know! She does great custom matchbooks too (collegiate ones, engagement parties, and specialty unusual ones!) I wanted to share some of the great matchbooks she did...take a look!