Wedding Eye Candy

Simply stated, I love photography. I always encourage my clients that if they are going to splurge anywhere {within reason}, that they do so on photography. During my downtime from work, I often browse through other photographer's websites and blogs. Within my search I have found some amazing photographers throughout the country. Today, I wanted to feature one of these photographers. Our first photographer in what will become a new blog series is Jennifer Farris based out of Kernersville, NC. After spending just a few minutes looking through her online galleries, I was impressed! William + Karla's wedding {featured above} was one of Jennifer's favorite to shoot...the simplicity of the black & white details is what makes this wedding stand out. Sometimes the saying less is more, really rings true!

To see more of Jennifer's work, check out her website and blog.

Real Weddings 2009 :: Chelsea & Brad 05.23.09

Chelsea and Brad tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony at the beautiful Hartwood Acres Mansion. Immediately following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour on the terrace of the Mansion, then headed over to Mt. Troy Ballroom for a Vintage Hollywood Glam reception. Chelsea and Brad were an absolute blast to work with! Brad was very active in the planning and attended all of our pre-wedding meetings (props to him for being a good groom!). Chelsea was one of the most creative brides I've worked with...all of the details that were incorporated into her day were well thought-out and absolutely stunning! From the adorable pink-themed candy buffet to the stunning floral arrangements, this is one wedding and amazing couple I will never forget! Congratulations Chelsea & Brad!

The Wedding Team

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings {Wedding Day Coordination Services}
Ceremony Hartwood Acres Mansion
Reception Mt. Troy Ballroom
Photographer Paul Meyer Photography
Florist Mocha Rose Floral Designs
DJ Booch-X Entertainment
Bakery Signature Desserts
Transportation Celebrity Limousines

Photos courtesy of Paul Meyer Photography.

Coffee + Dessert Reception

It's no secret these days that couples are trying to cut back on their wedding budgets and are paying closer attention to the money that is being spent on their wedding day. With the average dinner reception eating up 50% or more of a couple's wedding budget, it's quite fitting that there be an alternative choice to the typical sit down dinner reception. My personal favorite alternative is the coffee + dessert reception. You can still have the fabulous wedding cake that you've always dreamed of, and in addition, you can add some of your favorite desserts to the mix as well. Donuts, cupcakes, cookies, candy, ice cream...the possibilities are nearly endless! If you're looking to cut the high price tag of alcohol out of the budget as well, then forgo the alcoholic beverages and serve a variety of specialty coffee & dessert drinks instead. Not only is this a great cost-cutting measure, it's also something unique that your wedding guests probably haven't seen before! Enjoy!






{Photo credits}
Photo # 1 - Dessert Bar
Photo # 2 & 3 - Mini Donut Coffee Drinks & Donut Stand
Photo # 4 - Cupcakes
Photo # 5 & 6 - Cookies & Milk & Milkshake Shooters

Southern Charm :: Mason Jars

I love all things Southern. I spent nearly 10 years living in North Carolina as a teen/young adult and learned to appreciate what the South has to offer. One of my favorite ways to incorporate the 'southern charm' factor into a wedding design is through the use of mason jars. Mason jars are relatively inexpensive, and contrary to popular belief, they are not just for preserving food! They can serve as glasses for cocktails, vases for your centerpieces, favors for your guests, and even as outdoor lanterns. Below is some inspiration...enjoy!





{Photo credits}
Photo # 1 - Mason Jar Drink Dispensers
Photo # 2 - Mason Jar Mojitos
Photo # 3 - Mason Jar Centerpiece
Photo # 4 - Coffee Bean Filled Mason Jar
Photo # 5 - Mason Jar Candle Lantern

Design Your Own Shoes

Incase you haven't heard, Ninashoes.com has recently launched a 'Design Your Own Shoe' collection in addition to their already fabulous Wedding Collection. Nina's Design Your Own collection allows you to design your perfect shoe in just 3 easy steps:

1. Choose Your Style {all under $200!}
2. Select Heel Height
3. Pick Your Colors {16 colors available to choose from}

The Design Your Own collection is available exclusively online and shoes are shipped to you within 4 weeks of placing your order.

Nina also offers a swatch book that is available for $9.95 to ensure that you get the perfect match! {We highly recommend purchasing this before your order your shoes.}

Happy shopping!

Small Gestures for Your Guests

We've all seen the typical guest favor boxes and other trinkets that are commonly used as guest favors, and most of you have probably seen the 'Out of Town Gift Bag' ideas as well. So today I wanted to talk about other small gestures that you can do for your guests to make their event experience a little more comfortable. Everything from flip flops to sunscreen to blankets. These simple and fairly inexpensive gestures are the perfect way to say thank you to your guests!




{Photo Credits}
Photo # 1 - Flip Flops
Photo # 2 - Personalized Water Bottles
Photo # 3 - Pink Grapefruit Soda
Photo # 4 - Blankets & Sunscreen Bucket

Fashion Forward Boutonnieres

This blog primarily focuses on brides and their bridesmaids; however, today we wanted to show a little love to all of the wonderful grooms out there! If you and your groom are looking for something a little different than the average rose boutonniere, then you will definitely want to check out these fashion forward boutonnieres for a little inspiration. Don't be afraid to throw some color into your groom's boutonniere; after all, it's his day too and he should stand out from the rest!








Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.