Autumn Winery Wedding

When bride and groom, Alex & Brian, contacted me and met with me about 15 months prior to their November 7, 2014, wedding, I knew after our meeting that this would be a fun wedding of which to be a part.  Alex, a self-proclaimed, Type A personality, was very organized and knew what she and Brian wanted.  They just knew they would need assistance in getting things done as they both have very busy professional lives! Among other tasks, I created a customized checklist for us to follow as we planned, which was a huge asset for this bride to have access to!

It all started with their engagement photo session on a snowy day in January 2014 -- the pictures, taken by Frozen in Time Photography were beautiful!  Contact Angie for access to these lovely winter engagement shots, as well as the beautiful wedding pictures!

Alex & Brian chose Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy, MD, as their venue for the wedding. The wedding colors of blue, cream and brown were perfect for her vision of their rustic elegance-style wedding in this space. Fine Cuisine Catering did a "delicious" job with the the meal and were able to easily work with this gluten-free bride and her mother.  Wines and beer from Linganore were very nice and added a festive touch to a fall wedding and reception!

Alex getting ready to put on her wedding dress!

Yes, it was a very windy day -- but the sun was shining, making it a gorgeous day!

The bridal party posed in the barrel room! 

The morning of the wedding, Alex and her attendants and mom enjoyed a time of pampering at Rose Brooke Studio as they relaxed and got their hair and makeup done.

Alex's uncle performed the ceremony for them and did a lovely job interspersing personal elements important to Alex and Brian in among the vows, ring exchange and the more traditional parts of the ceremony.

Alex's proud father giving her one last kiss before he gave her hand to Brian!

In order to have a dedicated space for the ceremony, Alex asked Fabrication Events to create a beautiful backdrop of ivory harmony drape with twinkle lights.  This then was moved to become the backdrop behind the sweetheart table.  Also, fun cafe lighting and some Christmas lights were strung above the dance floor, illuminating that space beautifully.

Blossom and Basket Boutique provided the flowers for the wedding and reception, which included beautiful bouquets and lovely tall centerpieces, which were perfect with the tall ceilings in the winery's ballroom.

Gorgeous floral centerpieces!!

DJ Scott Albin, of Great Scott Productions, had guests on the dance floor all night -- even grandma enjoyed a dance with her family!

Yummy cupcakes, provided by Piece O'Cake, were enjoyed by all -- guests could choose from Lemon cupcakes with buttercream frosting, Cocoa Cinnamon Dulce cupcakes ,and Chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing!

Later in the evening, guests enjoyed both a popcorn and a candy bar buffet!  Alex created the layout for these treats, and snapped a picture so it was set up just as she wanted, with the popcorn and the candy, in separate containers, and interspersed with each other.

Guests LOVED this candy bar and popcorn buffet!

Thank you to Alex & Brian for asking me to be a part of your wedding planning, 

from beginning to end!  I enjoyed it and you!

Professionals involved in this wedding were;

Linganore Winecellars
Fine Cuisine Catering
Great Scott Productionsns
Frozen in Time Photography
Piece O'Cake
Blossom & Basket Boutique
Fabrication Events, Inc.
Rose Brooke Studio
Men's Warehouse (tuxedos)
Hampton Inn , Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD
A Touch of Class Limousine
Champagne Ballroom (candy bar provider)


Have a great day!

Lexi
Events by Lexi

Do We Need Wedding Insurance?!

This article is from Susan Southerland, a wedding expert who is so widely recognized that she was even given the prestigious recognition as one of only 30 wedding planners worldwide as an “A-List Planner” by Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Magazine.

The topic of this post, Wedding Insurance, is something that all couples getting married should look into.  While the article focuses specifically on wedding insurance, I encourage anyone planning ANY event, corporate or social, to look into event insurance.

Smart Start with Susan Southerland: 

Should I Buy Wedding Insurance?

FEBRUARY 24, 2014 BY BLOGMASTER LEAVE A COMMENT

Getting engaged is such an exciting time. However, the exhilaration of saying “I will” can quickly be replaced by the overwhelming concerns surrounding planning a wedding.

I designed my Smart Start series to take the worry out of planning your wedding. Smart Start will be delivered to your inbox every week filled with tips on the business and the art sides of planning a wedding. It will break up your tasks into easy-to-accomplish segments so you can enjoy the planning process.

If you have questions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to email me at susan.southerland@pwg.com. You may also find back issues of the Smart Start series by clicking here.

Should you Buy Wedding Insurance?

This question is difficult to answer with a simple yes or a no, so consider the following: if your gown salon goes out of business and you lose your deposit, would you be able to afford to purchase another gown? If your photographer doesn’t show up on the wedding day, would you be able to afford to hire one on the spot? In the unlikely event that something catastrophic (hurricane, blizzard, death in the family) happens before your wedding day, would you be able to afford to pay for a wedding all over again?

You should also keep in mind that many wedding vendors are happy to assist you in extraordinary circumstances. When Central Florida was plagued by three hurricanes within a month, all of the vendors we worked with helped couples reschedule their weddings by waiving penalties and carrying over payments. Ask the vendors you interview what they would do if a natural disaster or a death in your immediate family does occur.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cost? Basic policies can be found for as little as $125.00.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cover? Wedding insurance will cover you for many things, including needing to reschedule your wedding due to circumstances beyond your control, businesses that go bankrupt or don’t show up, damage to attire, and loss of gifts. Some will even cover change of heart!

What Doesn’t Wedding Insurance Cover? If it rains, you will not be covered. If there is a hurricane, you might be covered. Your engagement ring and other jewelry will not be covered, but your wedding ring might be. If you or your groom decide not to go through with the wedding, most policies will not cover you.

When Should You Get It? If you decide to get wedding insurance, you should get it as soon as possible. Many policies will allow you to purchase insurance even after you have paid deposits and signed contracts, so don’t worry if you have already contracted with some of your service providers.

How Much Should You Get? If possible, purchase enough coverage so that if the worst happens, you will be able to reschedule and pay for a new wedding.

Do I Need Liability Insurance? Some wedding venues will require you to carry liability insurance. If you are hosting your wedding at home, you should check with your homeowner’s insurer to see if you should get additional coverage for your wedding.

Where Can You Find Wedding Insurance? Many insurance companies offer wedding insurance, so start with one of your carriers. An online search will also yield you lots of options for you to investigate.

If you think you might want to purchase wedding insurance, make sure to keep all of your contracts and receipts. You will need them if you make a claim.

This is a brief primer as to what wedding insurance covers. It’s really important to shop around for best price, best deductible and best coverage.

So, take some time when forming your budget to look into wedding/event insurance.  In this day and age, one never knows what could happen and it's best to have something in place . . . just in case!  In the long run, it may be the best decision you make regarding your wedding (except, of course, the decision to marry your soon-to-be spouse!).

Please share your thoughts in the comments below and forward this information to someone you know who may be planning a wedding or event in the near future!

Until next time, have a great day!

Lexi

Eventsbylexi.com

410-978-2048

The Painted Word

This post is written by a lovely artist who I have met, Heather Shreve, who can capture your wedding in a beautiful piece of art that will last a lifetime and beyond!

"The Painted Word"

The most special of days -- your wedding day!  And all these amazing plans have been made, everything has been orchestrated -- even down to the vows.  The colors have set the mood in a place that is incredibly special to you, no doubt.  Photos will be taken.  Gifts will be exchanged.  The first dance will be danced and the toasts will be toasted . . . and we will will try to capture all on film and in our mind's eye.

But, what if it rained, or Aunt Bessie forgot to take her dreadlocks out, or the ring got dropped in the sand, or the officiant blacked out?!  Stuff happens.

As an artist, I always see things differently anyway, but in this case particularly.  A piece of art from your wedding can truly be worth a thousand words, maybe more.  It can capture the mood, the colors, the place . . . and everything else, including all the things that weren't quite as you saw it unfolding in your mind's eye.  AND, it is a fabulous thing to hand down to your children and grandchildren whch they will literally arm wrestle their siblings over to keep as a family treasure!

When you look at it, years and decades down the road, you will smell all the smells, see all the colors, feel all the feelings, and remember all the people, including your spouse, who meant the most. I'm just sayin' . . . . .

Contact Heather for more information about her work!

410-374-2246

Life . . . Just Picture It!

Life . . . Just Picture It!  is the tagline for a wonderful photographer with whom I have worked.  Kelly of Kelly Hahn Photography does a fabulous job capturing all of the elements of your wedding day or photo session. She really gets to know those she is photographing and showcases them beautifully in her pictures!

What follows is an interview with Kelly (so you can get to know her) conducted by my intern Kelsey . . . hope you enjoy it! 

1.      What inspired/led you to your profession?

I had studied photo journalism during my college years and was extremely passionate about these studies. I felt as though I could make a difference through photography by telling a story about my clients and the most important day of their lives thus far.

2.      How long have you been working in the field?

Hard to believe, but it all adds up to about 24 years!!

 3. Did you always know you wanted to be in that profession? Or did it just happen?

Yes, going to college led me to a degree in communications with a minor in photography. In the early years of this interest, I kept taking family photos with my family and realized I really did have some skill and loved taking pictures!  So, I decided to pursue it as a career. My first job was with a newspaper taking pictures for the stories.   

 4. Was anyone from your family involved in a similar field?

I have a sister who does videography and a brother who creates animal exhibits, so I would say that we are all in a “creative” career field, but through different industries and expressions!   

 5. What are the best aspects of your job? The worst?

I love the variety in every day -- every client and situation is different. I get to be a part of weddings and babies, and share in that life experience with them.  All the times are happy times. With weddings, I can capture the most intense beautiful and happy emotions all in one afternoon. I’d have to say that photography is never boring and I get to meet lots of fabulous people. I really am always happy when taking photographs!

 6. What is your most memorable past event? Was it good or bad?

When I was a photojournalist for the newspaper, I felt like my mission was to take images that made a difference, elicit not only thought, but action from the viewers. So, I was excited to have the chance to be assigned to follow a church group to Nicaragua where they would be building a clinic and providing medical assistance to small village near the capital.  Perhaps, by documenting the efforts of the church group, others would be inspired to action and the lives of these Nicaraguans, who had endured such poverty and sickness, could change.

Coming close to the end of the trip, a few of us were invited to a villager’s home for tea. Walking inside of what was really a shack, I viewed a room in which there were many people, little furniture and only one decorative item, a pair of brightly painted paper mache birds on a high shelf. Struggling to say something complimentary to the family in my very bad Spanish, I mentioned what beautiful birds they had and how lovely they looked in the room. Immediately, the mother of the family, reached up, took the birds from the shelf and handed them to me with a smile. I shook my head, no. There was no way I was going to take the one beautiful thing they had in that simple shack.  Embracing me and pushing the bird into my hand, she smiled again and shook her head yes. It was amazing to me, that someone with so little, wouldn't hesitate to give it to stranger. With tears in my eyes, I accepted

The story and photo essay ran in the newspaper over three days. The clinic was finished, over time, after several other groups contributed their time, money or talents to complete it after learning of the villager's plight. So, yes, I felt like I had some part in creating change for that village of Nicaraguans, but the biggest change ended up being in me, through a kind, selfless gift, given to me with joy. No matter how little they had, they were still willing to share, showing me that things are not nearly as important as people and the relationships, no matter how brief, we share.... what a life lesson to emulate. 

 7. What characteristics of a person best fit with your profession?

Hardworking, people person, has to enjoy people. Introverts can be good photographers.  Be prepared for lots of weekends and nights and lots of behind-the-scenes work. Know a lot of technical skills to be the best you can, and be sure to understand all photography equipment. Be an expert in your field! 

 8. What is your favorite vacation spot?

I loved to travel and have been fortunate to be able to travel around the world. Anywhere I can go is a favorite place!

9. If you could go somewhere you’ve never gone before, where would it be? Why?

I do my travels with a friend and we are going to Peru next year. There really isn’t anywhere I wouldn’t go!

 10.  Any advice for someone interested in entering your field of work?

Make sure that you get as much education as you can -- online courses and free opportunities to do job well. Offer to catalog a piece of someone’s life. Work on creating family heirloom and treasures. This job is more important than people think. It’s an honor to do it. If you want to do this as your main source of income, be prepared to work hard.

Thank you, Kelly, for the photography work you do!

To find out more about Kelly and her work, please visit her website at Kelly Hahn Photography.

A Beautiful, Rustic Chic Barn Wedding!

Over the summer, I coordinated my first wedding at Mathwig Barn in Thurmont, MD, and it is a beautiful setting! Bride Lisa (who lives in Philadelphia) and her mom (who lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland) were looking for a specific type of barn setting for this rustic and vintage-inspired wedding, found the website for Mathwig, trekked across many miles to see it and LOVED it!  About 18 months later, Lisa & Groom Perry celebrated with friends and family as they exchanged their wedding vows and started their married life!

The reception was set up inside the barn.

Bride Lisa and her mother share a moment before the wedding!

Lisa designed her gorgeous dress, which was then made by a dear friend of hers.

A bright and sunny day for this June wedding!!

The bridesmaids wore lovely peach dresses with the 2 maids of honor in a slightly different and darker shade.

The new Mr. & Mrs. Perry Karen!

Note the amazing design of the front of her dress.

Everyone LOVED the food truck they had as part of the cocktail hour!

First dance surrounded by friends and family!

Sunset picture!

All who attended this wedding had a marvelous time.

Wedding Pros who were a part of this wedding:

Venue -- Mathwig Estate Event Barn

Officiant -- Seth Fineblum, friend of the couple

Photographer -- Justin Mein of  C&I Studios

Videographer -- Michael James Murray, friend of the couple

Cake & Desserts -- Naomi of Piece O'Cake

Caterer -- Eriksson & John of  WOLO

Alcohol -- Ye Old Spirit Shop

Florist -- Candlelight Floral Designs

Rentals -- Premier Event Rentals

Transportation -- On the Town Limousines

Photobooth -- Pixelated Photobooth

Ceremony & Reception Music -- Midnight Social
Wedding Coordinator -- Events by Lexi

We were so happy with how everything went on Lisa and Perry's wedding day. Thank you again for everything. ~ Diane, Mother of the Bride

Fabulous DJ!

I have had the pleasure of working with Scott Albin from "Great Scott Productions" on a couple of weddings over the last year or so, and I very much enjoy partnering with him to make sure the wedding couple and their family and friends have a great time during the reception!  We have actually known each other since our younger children (who are now 13) were in preschool together!

Kelsey Chinskey, my intern for this summer and fall, interviewed Scott and we wanted to share this with all of you!

What inspired/led you to your profession?
I have always had an interest in entertainment; believe it or not, I started out working as a magician!  I quickly realized that that was not the route I wanted to take, but I knew I wanted to continue to entertain others.  I have always had an interest in music, so thought perhaps I should pursue that instead!

How long have you been working in this field?
My interest in music really started in college.

Did you always know you wanted to be in this profession?  Or did it just happen?
I did know I always wanted to entertain and this interest was the driving force behind most career decisions I made.

Was anyone from your family involved in a similar field?
No, just me!

What are the best aspects of your job?
I really think that the best aspect is definitely getting to meet and communicate with so many different people. I think there are four big days in a person's life -- graduation, getting married, buying a house and having a baby.  The face that I get to be a part of a day so important to these people is really what makes the job worth it.

What is your most memorable past event?  What it good or bad?
I can't think of a specific event that has stuck; however, there have been a few events where fights have broken out (and, let's be honest, that is never good!).  For the most part, however, everyone is genuinely happy!

What characteristics of a person best fit with your profession?
An individual, in this profession must, most definitely, be a "people person" and out-going.  You must genuinely like people, just to be around them and want to please them.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Favorite vacation spot has to be DISNEY!!  I am a self-proclaimed huge Disney geek .  If I could, I would work there, but for now being a DJ is what I love.  Perhaps, when I retire, I will move down to sunny Florida, but for now, it's just a happy place we go to to relax and have fun!

Thank you, Scott, for sharing your DJ abilities and other services with us!

Great Scott Productions also offers event lighting and a photo booth!

Photography by Frozen in Time Photography by Angie.

Sweet Texas Wedding!

This summer, we had the opportunity to travel to Texas for the wedding of our Godson, Eddie, to his bride, Laura.  They were married in a lovely church in Temple, Texas, surrounded by friends and family.  The reception was held at the Family Life Center adjacent to the church.  It was a lovely wedding full of laughter, tears of joy, fun and food!

 Laura & Eddie's engagement photo from late fall of last year!

The church had a lovely loft from which Laura walked to meet her groom!

 Eddie was excitedly watching his bride make her way across the loft and down the aisle!

 I love this picture of Eddie's sister, Elyse, 

watching both Eddie & Laura, as she welcomes her new, soon-to-be sister in law!

 Bridesmaids looked lovely in navy blue -- perfect dress for a hot summer day in Texas!

Handsome groomsmen!

Lovely service conducted by their Pastor.

Laura & Eddie then distributed communion to their guests.  

A wonderful way to show how much it meant to them to have all present for this day!

 The new Mr. & Mrs. Edward P. Kahler, III!

Enjoying their first dance as husband and wife!

After the wedding, they departed through the sea of glow sticks!

Their wedding was beautiful and so "them"!  

We were delighted to be a part of the wedding festivities and wish them well. 

(After the wedding weekend, we traveled to San Antonio, Houston & Dallas for our summer vacation!) 

After a honeymoon to the Outer Banks, Laura & Eddie are now residing in North Carolina, 

where Eddie is pursuing his Masters of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School.