Wedding Programs

I saw this blog written and posted by The Overwhelmed Bride and thought it was such a cute idea, so I wanted to share it with all of you!!

She writes . . . . .

We were so excited when we discovered THE MOST ADORABLE wedding programs from Pomp Creative. So of course, we just had to feature them on our Bridal Boutique! If you're looking for a program that your guests will actually want to look at and take home with them (because we all know that most programs get tossed), then look no further! You've got to check them out :)





Photos courtesy of Bleudog Fotography.

Thank you to The Overwhelmed Bride for sharing this information!

Please be in touch if you have any wedding or event planning questions!

Have a great day!
Lexi
410-978-2048

Simple & Elegant Ways to add Details to your Wedding (or Event)

This blog was written by a wedding professional I follow -- thought you all would enjoy it, too!

Simple and Elegant Ways to Add Details to Your Wedding (or Event)

Get ready for some great ideas and inspiration!!

One major way to make your wedding simple, elegant, and fabulous is to have detailed surprises throughout your wedding and wedding-related events to dazzle your guests! I’ve included a few ideas for you to use some beautiful details in your wedding plans.

1. Your Wedding Brand:

You can hire a graphic designer, find beautiful creations on Etsy or choose from a vast number of other businesses to create an incredible design for your wedding. This can be a variety of fantastic designs. For example,  a funky pineapple (hospitality), peach or cotton (southern or Georgia wedding), or it can be as simple as incorporating your initial or monogram in a creative way. If you want something very traditional, monograms are always an excellent choice and many stationers offer a beautiful selection so that you do not have to fork out the expense of a graphic designer, if that’s not in the budget.

You can use your wedding brand in so many wonderful ways: Stationery, save-the- dates, invitations, thank-you notes, welcome notes, weekend itineraries, napkins, favors, menus, place cards, your guest book (or other guest sign in), send-off signage, animated lighting (on your dance floor, side of a building, tent), and cake “jewelry.”

Or if your look is like this wedding, you don’t have to have a specific brand. Just stay in keeping with the tone or theme you want to have underlying all events of the big day … or weekend!

2. Stationery:

Making your wedding as personalized and informative as possible can be much easier than you may imagine. Just get organized from the beginning when you have made your selections. All of your stationery should include your theme (color, tone and formality), starting with the very first printed mailing your guests receive (save-the-date or invitation) if you want to have a look that’s polished, pulled together and full of lovely details.

It’s also a nice touch to include a wedding invitation that contains all events of the weekend (if everyone is invited to all events, or specify the packet to only those invited to particular events). This way, your invitation tells more of a story of the weekend. Your guests will be delighted!

 3. Welcome Baskets and Bags:

There’s no nicer way to greet your guests as they arrive from travel than to present them with a beautiful basket or bag filled with treats. Also, make sure to include a personalized note and weekend itinerary and/or suggested shops, restaurants, sites and activities to enjoy.

4. Menu, Number Cards and Place Cards:

If you’re hosting a seated dinner or buffet with assigned seats, it’s always a nice touch to include personalized menu cards that also serve as a place card. This way they not only know where to be seated, but also what they’re about to enjoy for dinner festivities.

5. Thank-you Notes:

Always tie your thank-you notes into your overall wedding theme to make sure that the last thing a guest receives from your wedding (usually after the occasion) reminds them of how extraordinary and fabulous it was.

6. Well wishes:

Guests love writing you beautiful notes of wishes or congratulations, so why not offer cards (even slivers of left-over paper from other printings) for your guests to write you personal messages and include in your wedding album or scrapbook later. It will be fun for all involved!

7. Signage:

If your venue has specified parking areas, multiple ballrooms or can be difficult to locate, make sure to provide ample signage that is not only tied into the whole theme (use your brand or even as simple as the same font or wedding colors), but also very useful!

I hope this helps you in your planning process! 

Lexi

410-978-2048

lexi@eventsbylexi.com

Athens, Georgia Event Planner & Designer Natalie Bradley publishes the “Soirée Secrets” blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://NatalieBradley.com. Soirée by Natalie Bradley Events is an event planning and design company based in Athens, serving Athens, Georgia, Lake Oconee, Northeast Georgia mountains, Central Georgia and select wedding and event destinations.

Thinking about doing a Boudoir photo shoot?!

One of my brides did take the plunge and had boudoir pictures taken of herself for her fiance.  See below for thoughts from the bride and from the photographer who took the lovely pictures!


From Bride Alex:
I got the idea to do the boudoir photo shoot after going to a bridal expo, and my married friend told me she did them, and showed me her photos. I contacted Angie to see if she did them, since I had worked with her for the engagement shoot, and would be working with her soon for the wedding. She did them, so she set up the time and place. She set up getting a hair and make-up person, and the hotel where we did the photos.  

Leading up to doing the shoot, not going to lie, I was really nervous. I am not the most confident person, but I figured it didn't matter what I looked like really, it was more about capturing this time in mine and Brian's life because when would I be this age getting married to him ever again?!  Brian picked out the lingerie for the shoot. I figured that was a good way to give him some input, and build the anticipation. I brought quite a few options to the shoot; lingerie, a sheer robe, Brian's shirt, a skirt, stockings, a bathing suit, my veil, black heels, shoes for the wedding, and a corset from the renaissance festival that he loves. 

The day of the shoot getting my hair and make-up done, and the mimosa beforehand definitely helped give me some courage and helped me to have fun. We did some more 'bridal' photos, in a white robe, white lingerie, and some with my veil. Then we did some others mixing and matching some of the other pieces I brought. Some of the photos and outfits were more for me, while some were more for him. And I think that is really important if you do boudoir photos. They are just as much for you, as they are for your man (or woman for that matter). You will be able to look back on those photos are remember when you had the courage to have that much fun and be that free. I had so much fun doing the shoot, and loved how the photos turned out. I really loved the variety of photos that there turned out to be. Angie let me pick the photos for the album, and I gave it to Brian before the wedding, since I had gotten my gift from him beforehand. He loved them, and said the ones where I looked happy he loved the most. I would tell anyone who is thinking about doing boudoir photos, and is hesitant to just do them. You will have a blast, and you will always be able to look back on how amazing you looked (because no matter what, you will look amazing :) ).

From Angie, the photographer:

What if someone told you that modeling in a boudoir photo shoot would be one of the most empowering experiences you could ever do for yourself… Would you believe them?  The majority of women would probably laugh at the idea or say something like “My body is NOT ready for something like this!” or “I want to lose weight and work out first.” or just simply “I am not happy with my body.”  Yes there are some women who wouldn’t think twice and are all for it.  I’ve seen both types of women.  

I am a photographer who specializes in engagements and weddings.  I often have my brides request a boudoir session as a gift for their future groom.  This is a great way to incorporate elements such as your veil, your wedding shoes and your bridal lingerie.   When my brides express this interest I tell them that scheduling it around their hair and make up trial is a great idea.  This way they will see what their wedding look will look like in pictures, and you get to make good use of the trial. 

So how do you prepare for a photo shoot that puts you in a vulnerable state?

First off, any insecurities you have about your body share them with your photographer.  I used to tell people not to worry, that they were beautiful despite their insecurities.  While I believe this statement, I also feel like it’s important to know what your client is uncomfortable with before you ask them to bare it all.  It’s just as equally important is to ask them what they LOVE about their body.  This way you can focus on their strengths and be aware of their insecurities.  Think about this and talk it over with your photographer prior to your shoot. 

Then comes the question of what to wear!  It’s actually simpler than you’d imagine.  I usually suggest 2-4 outfits.  Think about comfort.  If you are in a relationship, grab one of your guys’ button ups or t-shirt or tie.   One of my favorite looks is an oversized sweater falling off of one shoulder.  It’s simple yet sexy.  You don’t need to go spend hundreds of dollars on new lingerie…unless of course that’s what you want to do.  A matching bra and panty set is always a hit and if you want to step outside the box think about a corset.  Statement jewelry is always a good idea to include as well as heels or boots.  I suggest going through things you already own and getting creative with it.  You can make just about anything sexy!

When your photo shoot begins always start with the outfit you are most comfortable in.  This will help loosen you up and ease into the session.   If you pick a good photographer, they will tell you exactly what to do.  I guide my clients and also read their natural movements.  By the time you are ready for your outfit change you will be ready to really work it.

My biggest piece of advice as a photographer is to have fun with it.  This is your time to show your sexy and sultry side.  These don’t have to be for a man, they can be for you! I’d say about 1/2 of my boudoir clients do it because they just want to feel beautiful.  And let me tell you, I am always hearing things like, “I felt amazing, it was such an empowering experience!”, “I can’t believe how comfortable I felt!”, “Thank you for helping me feel sexy.”

So what are you waiting for?! There’s no excuse, because everyone is beautiful. 

Be your own kind of beautiful.

“Beauty to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.  

That or a kick-ass red lipstick!”- Gwyneth Paltrow

Thank you Alex and Angie for sharing!!!

Photographer, Angie of  Frozen in Time Photography

Papering the House -- with Liquid Cardboard!

In the March/April 2015 issue of Special Events, there was an article about "Liquid Cardboard", very eco-conscious!  Here is that article -- is this something you would look into getting for your next event?

* * * * * * * * * *

Event planners who want to stress eco-consciousness at their events might want to consult the board -- the cardboard, that is.

The company, Liquid Cardboard, offers a range of products -- from decor pieces to hats to vases -- made from 100% recycled/recyclable honeycomb cardboard.

Each piece is created by gently twisting a section of the flexible cardboard into various shapes.  The vases are created by inserting any watertight vessel, such as a simple empty glass jar, into the twisted cardboard.

The newest product in the company's line is the "wish board" -- a honeycomb cardboard structure into which guests can insert slips of paper bearing their wishes and affirmations.  These wishes can be collected and read aloud or printed out and sent to event participants letting everyone know of the event's goals,successes and achievements.  The wish boards can be hung on a wall or set up as a freestanding unit.

This would also be a great idea for a guest book!  Your guests can write their well-wishes to you on slips of paper and insert them into the board!

At a recent gala honoring superstar architect, Frank Gehry, who uses cardboard in his designs, event planner David Monn used Liquid Cardboard products including table settings and decor items.

All items in the line are available in the natural cardboard color or colorized.  They are artisanally made using vegetable-based dyes and adhesives.

For more information and pricing, visit their website at www.liquidcardboard.com.

What do you think of this product?!  Share you thoughts below in comments!

Have a great day!
Lexi

Event Sitters -- What do they do?

Many couples go back and forth on whether or not to have children at their wedding and if children are included, is there an option for keeping them entertained so the parents can enjoy the reception?  To answer that, for this post, I’d like to welcome Chris Popple, owner of ‘Treehouse Event Sitters’.  See below for more about their services!  

Who are Treehouse Event Sitters and what do you do?

•

In a nutshell, Treehouse Event Sitters is a relatively new company that specializes in taking care of the smallest guests at any event from weddings to the largest corporate function.  We hire highly qualified staff and bring in all the crafts, games and toys to make sure that we create the best party possible within the party.

What a great idea!  How did this come about?

•

That’s a funny story, my wife Melissa and I own Candlelight Floral Designs and we specialize in weddings and event floral design – through that business, we meet with hundreds of engaged couples and event planners each year.  At Candlelight, we are very personal in our approach to helping them plan their wedding or event and we started to hear the same question multiple times.  We were being asked frequently what the etiquette was around inviting some (but not all) the children to the wedding.  We are finding that more and more wedding guests are coming in from out of town, state and even out of the country and leaving those children at home may not be an option.  The ability to bring their children to the wedding is a make-or-break for their own attendance.  It was after one of these consultations where the subject came up as an issue again that we started to discuss the opportunity for a company to provide a childcare service at weddings and events.  

I would imagine the ‘Treehouse’ is a really fun place to be but can you tell us a little more about the kind of activities that you run?

•

Absolutely, we hire childcare professionals from the local area – and at every Treehouse we have at least one fully-qualified elementary or middle school teacher.  Our team absolutely loves working with children and finds that an evening working for Treehouse is more fun than it is work.  We bring in all the craft supplies, toys, games and books that they will need to make for a memorable and fun time.  Treehouse attendees can paint birdhouses, t-shirts and pictures if they want to, but if they prefer, we create a reading nook, a movie corner or they can just hang out on the toy carpet.  We also provide other pre-arranged activities such as face painting, magicians, and puppeteers if the event planner or bride and groom would like us to.

So as a Bride, why should I hire a sitter for my wedding?

•

Children are an important part of every family and no one wants to exclude them from their wedding.  That said, every parent wants to be able to relax and have fun at the wedding of a close family or friend and it can be quite hard to do that while monitoring one or more children.  Our sitters have an enormous amount of experience in childcare and we adapt the activities at each event based on what the children want to do.  This concept allows the parents to attend the wedding, relax, have fun and makes for a much more memorable event for all.

 Where do you work?

•

There’s nowhere we won’t go, but our most frequent destinations are in Frederick County, MD. We have worked at Walkers Overlook, Ceresville Mansion and Thorpewood but we will travel further afield if needed!

How would I go about booking the service?

•

Simply call us on 240-440-4101 or email us on treehouseeventsitters@mail.com  

•

We also have a website at www.treehouseeventsitters.com

Treehouse Event Sitters provide on-site childcare services for all private and corporate events.  Based in Historic Downtown Middletown, MD since 2013, Treehouse have employed highly qualified elementary and middle school teachers to create a party within a party for the youngest guests.  Treehouse have a focus on arts and crafts based entertainment for ages 0-12 years old.

Thank you, Chris &  Melissa, for providing this service!!

Readers, have any of you been to a wedding that used childcare services?  If so, what was it like?

Have a great week!

Lexi

A Moment with Monte Durham!!

In March, I was fortunate enough to attend the WeddingWire World 2015 Conference at National Harbor, near Washington, DC.  Over 1,300 wedding professionals attended this fabulous 2-day conference with presentations by great speakers, networking opportunities, and meeting a few celebrities! Taking this time to focus on how we run our business will ultimately result in better service for you, our brides and grooms!

Bill Rancic, the winner of NBC's The Apprentice in season one gave an amazingly inspirational talk at the conference.  His engaging manner encouraged us to continue to grow professionally and personally!

Dana Herbert, of "Desserts by Dana" who won "Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker, Season One" shared his cake decorating skills with his over lunchtime. Then we got to enjoy one of his delicious cakes!

"Something Old, Something New; Modern Twists on Classic Traditions" was the topic for this presentation by Monte Durham from "Say Yes to the Dress, Atlanta".  He was a wonderful, entertaining speaker!

Monte also led one of the break-out sessions on "Small Tips for the Big Day" encouraging us as wedding professionals to be mindful of the smaller things that can make your wedding day even better than you envisioned!

After the break-out session, Monte was gracious enough to pose for pictures with attendees!  

Thank you WeddingWire for this great experience!  

Looking forward to WWWorld 2016!

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