Entertaining Tips: Vegetarian Options

New Rule

For your next party, don't forget to always include a vegetarian option.  Make it something super yummy that everyone will enjoy, like stuffed mushrooms or a baked brie.  So delicious, you won't even miss the meat!

Links: {mushrooms}{brie}

Lavender Wedding Bouquet

We had a client that wanted something whimsical and beautiful for her bridesmaids bouquets. So we came up with Lavender... so pretty and smelled just lovely!

Lavender is not just for  your underwear drawer anymore!

Photo was taken by me...that's why it sort of stinks.

Plan B

There has been so much talk around the interweb about Jason and Molly's TV wedding, and how the rain really affected their day.

There should have been a Plan B - a rain plan.

Really.

How do you plan for a Plan B... well first there needs to be a drop dead time to implement the Plan B... so let's say, by noon. So by noon you'll need to decide inside or outside. Even if the weather looks iffy... go for the Plan B. You never know.

And have a Plan B... know that you'll need to have your reception under a tent, or in the banquet hall, or in the house... where ever it is.. go over with your Wedding Planner, the in's and out's of what you thinking. You don't want to be surprised or disappointed.

And plus, it makes for some pretty amazing pictures!

Photo: Luster Studios

Dress Week: Red Dress!

Whether you are doing a red Christmas themed wedding, or it is just your favorite color, a red dress can really bring some flair into your wedding.  It is a unique way to bring out your personality, the modern woman today is beginning to steer away from the traditional wedding dress.

Links: {red dress}{red and white dress}

Dress Week: Pink Dress!

Lindsay's pink dress could not have been more perfect for her!  How fun is this couple? 

Photography by: Verve Studio

Dress Week: Teal Dress!

Brides have the ability now to wear whatever dress they want.  Want to wear a teal dress on your wedding day? Go for it!  Look at how well this dress brings out this bride's personality! We think she is awesome-tastic!

Photography by: Munoz Photography

Dress Week: Short Black Dress!

A black wedding dress is certainly not for everyone.  But this slimming and classic look would be perfect for a cocktail party style wedding. 

Monique Lhullier

Pnina Tornai

Dress Week: The Little White Dress!

This week we are going to focus on all of the new trends in wedding dresses!  Today is the "Little White Dress".  Short wedding dresses are huge right now, and we are totally loving this trend.  This vintage inspired look is fun and sassy, and brings a unique style to your wedding day.  What do you think?

Photography by: Rae Leytham Photography

Jill and Josh's Engagement Photos

Jill and Josh are one of those couples that you can tell are just perfect for each other!  Jimmy Ho did a fantastic job capturing their fun loving spirit in their engagement session.  We can't wait to see their wedding photos!

Photographs by: Jimmy Ho Photography

Unique Boutonnieres

There are so many fun, unique ideas out there for boutonnieres!  You really could turn anything into a boutonniere!  Guys are choosing boutonnieres that reflect their style and who they are.  You could use feathers, felt flowers, shells for a beach wedding, or something completely different like a mini guitar!  We are loving all of the creative boutonnieres people are coming up with!

What is your favorite style of boutonniere?

Links:{feather}{shell}{guitar}

Entertaining Tips: Help

New Rule

If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it! Have a friend/boyfriend/girlfriend/sister/brother help you. It's okay. Especially if it's your first party. Some things to consider:

• Make sure music is on, it sets the mood
• Make sure Food is out
• Drinks are out
• If food needs forks, they are out
• Napkins - out for guests
• Take a deep breath!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

With St. Patrick's Day coming up tomorrow, Courtney in our office was inspired with a black, white, and kelly green inspiration board that we just love! The green just pops against the black and white, and the details come together for a elegant and fun atmosphere!

Links: {bridal party}{escort card}{place setting}{cake}{wine}{champagne}{bouquet}{candy canes}{bridesmaid}{invitation}{flower girl and ring bearer}

Save the Date: Alli and Tim!

Alli and Tim have the most awesome-tastical Save the Dates ever!!  Verve Studio read our minds and took pictures of them to post!  Their save the date included a magnet along with a booklet with a save the date section (when and where the wedding will be), a save the room section (hotels for guests to choose from), and a save the weekend section (listing different activities available for that weekend)!  Loves it!

Don't be Cheap

I read a post by The City Bride and I thought it was exactly what I wast thinking! In this economy, even if you have a bazillion dollars to spend on your wedding, most of our clients are opting not to. Who wants to spend that much to show off for their friends.

So when I read this post, I thought it was out of my own head, so I won't take the credit, although I am pretty sure, she snuck into my head and stole my thoughts.

Photo by: Gina Leigh Photography

Japanese Laterns - Oh My!

I've always loved the way Japanese Laterns look at a wedding. The simple romantic glow is just gorgeous light!

But this, I lovvvvve this!

What do you think?

Photography by: Rae Leytham Photography

Entertaining Tips: Service

New Rule

When hosting a dinner party at your house, do everyhing in your power to use glass plates or at least real wine glasses. Those Red Solo Cups... only festive at Frat Parties.

You can always buy cheap wine glasses at those Dollar Stores!

Officially Official

So, first off when you have a baby you expect to be overwhelmed with all of the new. New baby, new bed times (or lack there of), new routine, new priorities, new, new new...

But, what I totally didn't expect was the generosity of our friends. I honestly feel like I'll never ever be able to pay our friends back for their generosity.

One of those is Erin from Lucky Designs. If you don't know Erin, or haven't been to her blog, you are totally missing out.

But, before I Uoooo and Ahhh over how amazing she is. Her work is incredible, too! She designs incredible Invitations and announcements and look what she did for us and our new addition! Seriously, perfect!!! And so, so, so, so sweet of her!

I cannot thank her enough!!!

Plllleeeassssse!

I found this Video on one of my local videographers blogs, and I NEED one of my clients to do this!

Ahem, Kristy!!!


Wedding Video Crazy in Love Lip Dub from Jonathan Watters on Vimeo.

How to Choose a Date!

Everyone is busy, everyone has a crazy life, a crazy calendar, so as if picking your wedding date isn't hard enough -- you have events to schedule around.

Football Schedules
Art Festivals
Large Conferences
Family Events
And More....

Some things to consider, especially when planning a wedding in Gainesville in the fall is Football Season. There are very few away games and bye weeks. But there are also Graduations and Art Festivals.

All of those events will affect hotel rooms and banquet halls.

BUT, it can also affect the availability and price of hotel rooms. All of these things need to be considered when planning your wedding or party.


Photo Source

Cup Cakes from Heaven!

For an ultra modern wedding or party, how fantastic is this suspended cupcake tower! I found this on Hostess with the Mostess and think it's so fun and just a great way to display cupcakes!

What do you think?

Entertaining Tips: Planning

Rule:

Only YOU know if something is going wrong, your guest never had the outline, so relax!

If you burn something and it doesn't get served, that's okay! If you don't have guests show up, it's totally okay... no one knows!

The Sweet Life!

If you are hungry for cake and are having a wedding in Gainesville or North Florida, you must attend The Sweet Life brought to you by Posh Pastry! It's a cake tasting at The Hippodrome - how fun and delicious!!

For more information check it out here.

See you there!

Sarah and Aaron's Inspiration Board

Sarah and Aaron's backyard wedding is going to be romantic and natural with hints of old Hollywood glamour. The flowers inspired by the colors of a sunset are going to really pop against the neutral color palette. We are so excited about all the fantabulous details in this wedding, and can't wait to see it all come together!

Links: {band}{bouquet}{drinks}{sign}{bridesmaids}{champagne}{car}