WINTER WEDDINGS IN WONDERLAND

Winter Weddings, Unlimited Designs & Decor

Are you planning a winter wedding? Well, you guessed it. A winter wedding can be the least expensive time of the year to tie the knot. The temperature is cold which makes it a magical time with the weather to add to your decor. Think about the sparkle in the snowflakes, beautiful white snow and the joyous emotion that the holiday brings.

Can you think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season than a winter themed wedding? Seek the help of your wedding planner to put into action all your well thought out ideas; to keep it elegant. Any couple can easily go overboard with all the ideas and too many details. And besides, just because it is a winter theme, you don't want to fall into being so predictable or cliche. The aim is to impress but leave your guests wishing that they were the originator of this idea.

Do you need a little inspiration? Think cold temperature, lots of sparkle and of course, the hue of white compliments anything and everything. 

Stop by and talk to event planners for a few ideas or themes for your next event. We have just the ideas and decor to get your planning started.

BRIDES.... DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!

Tips for a Unique Ceremony

The traditional wedding ceremony is not set in stone; dare to be different and unique. The truth of the topic is that wedding traditions are always changing. Sometimes those changes are relatively subtle, while at other times they can be fairly dramatic. Either way, the trends in the wedding world is constant and continual.

In today's world, it's acceptable for couples not to have to feel hesitant when it comes to creating a unique wedding ceremony that reflects their own singular styles and tastes. If you find the ‘traditional’ wedding service just a little too staid and conservative for your tastes, consider the following tips for adding a unique touch to your wedding ceremony.

Tip #1 – Seating Arrangements

Traditionally, seating arrangements during the wedding service have been highly regimented. The groom’s friends and family are seated on the right, while the bride’s friends and family are seated on the left. In order to better reflect the joining of two families, why not allow your guests to seat themselves. It makes for a more festive, and less regimented, service, and allows your friends and family to meet on equal footing.

Tip #2 – The Bridal Bouquet
The bridal bouquet has a long history, and is one of the longest standing wedding traditions. The bride’s floral bouquet represents new life, while the tossing of the bouquet is meant to mark the next in line for wedded bliss. These are fairly old fashioned concepts, and could use an update. Instead of the traditional floral bouquet, why not have a fabric bouquet created especially for your wedding. A fabric bouquet will never wilt, and makes a great wedding memento. It can still be used in as a traditional bouquet toss, or it can be preserved and presented to the mother of the bride as a keepsake.

Tip #3 – The Bridesmaid Bouquet
During a traditional wedding service, the bridesmaids typically carry their own smaller wedding bouquets. But even here you can change things up a bit. Instead of the traditional floral bouquet, give your bridesmaids something unique to carry. If you are planning an evening wedding, they could carry lighted lanterns to cast a subdued yet festive light on the proceedings. You might also consider presenting each of your bridesmaids with a small clutch purse filled with wedding favors. This not only makes a nice change from the traditional floral bouquet, but gives your bridesmaids a wedding gift that they will use and cherish for years to come.

Tip #4 – A Different Kind of Unity Ceremony
Unity ceremonies have taken many different forms over the years, and the exchanging of rings is only the latest in a long line of ceremonial traditions. Many modern couples have revived the candle lighting unity ceremony, but there are many others that you might consider. For a southern themed wedding, you might include a playful jumping of the broomstick to symbolize long life and a happy home. If you are planning a nautical themed wedding, your unity ceremony might consist of tying a fisherman’s knot, symbolizing your unbreakable bond.

Tip #5 – The Bride’s Entrance
We have gotten used to certain musical selections being played as the bride makes her entrance, and as she is escorted down the aisle. But there is no rule that says you have to play Wagner’s Bridal Chorus" or Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”.

Let your own tastes dictate the music you choose for your wedding ceremony, and don’t be afraid to think out of the box. If classical music is not to your taste, feel free to pick a favorite pop song or jazz tune to accompany your walk down the aisle. Choosing your own music for both the wedding processional and wedding recessional is a great way to put your own personal stamp on the ceremony.

The truth of the matter is that wedding traditions come and go, and new ones are being created every day by couples who want to put their own unique stamp on their big day. Your wedding ceremony should reflect your personality, and you should feel free to depart from tradition at any time. Let your own imagination be your guide, and design a wedding service that is uniquely yours. And as you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, your guests will say “Now that’s the happy couple we know and love.”

ASHLEY + ANDREW:: MARRIED: CHARLOTTE, NC

Dillard Vanderberry Wedding

Everything about this wedding was stunning. Ashley was breathtaking, the Charlotte skyline overlooking uptown was amazing, and the detail categorized through the venue from flowers, attire, and food was just unbelievable. 

We were excited and waited eagerly to see this day unfold. The wedding was everything that you would see in a movie. The Foundation of the Carolinas was the perfect venue for this exquisite day. We were delighted to share this time with such gracious friends and family of the bride and groom. 

Here are some classic moments from the warm September day:

A beautiful day, for a beautiful couple. We wish them all the happiness life can bring!


Venue: Foundation of the Carolinas

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Vera Wang
Photographer: Lauren Friday Photography

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: WToo by Watters

Bride’s Jewelry: PearlsOnly
Coordinator: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Cake: Hatley on Main

Caterrer: Best Impressions Caters

DJ: AAA Entertainment

Hair & Make Up: Sweet Southern Glam

KIRSTEN + MIKE:: MARRIED: DURHAM, NC

Scheer Hammock Wedding

OMG! There is a first for everything, and let me expound on the word first! There will be no other wedding celebration like Kristen and Mike's. In one word: CREATIVE!

Kristen and Mike are two of the most creative people we have ever worked with and truly the pleasure was all ours to be able to experience such a unique celebration. This wedding was indescribable. From the proposal, through the planning process and to execution on the day. All we can do is share their day through snapshots; it's all creativity. It stapled a new level of imagination to our experience! Not to mention the way the Courtney Potter Photography was able to capture each moment on film. 

The focus for their day in their words was simply "we wanted a wedding that was not traditional, so we just did what we thought would sound fun and meaningful to us. We loved the idea of playing games with our friends and families and spending as much time with them that we could. Other weddings we had gone to, we barely spent any time with the bride and groom and we really wanted everyone to feel like their treck to come see us get married meant that we really got to spend quality time together. Having a potluck style dinner allowed us to share the food we love with our families and made people feel like they were really a part of our wedding day."

"When we were planning this, a lot of our ideas came way ahead of our realization that we actually had to execute things - so as the wedding got closer we realized that having a day-of wedding planner would be essential so that we could enjoy and relax and not stress about how it was all going to come together."

It was an unforgettable day and we got the opportunity to work with great vendors! 

Venue: Spruce Pine Lodge

Cake: Miel Bons Bons

Coordinator: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Photographer: Courtney Potter Weddings

Florals: Wild Scallions Farms

SIZZLING STYLES FOR OUR THE ENTIRE BRIDAL PARTY

New Collections Added to Our Spring Edition by Alexia Designs

Spring is on the way and so are new spring styles! We all know that brides love to look stunning on their wedding. But who's to think that bridesmaids don't have that same thought? Without upstaging the bride of course.

Our intimate boutique offers a wide selection of bridesmaid dresses that offer elegance, value and fashion. We are delighted to offer our signature collection by Alexia Designs. Their designs have received much recognition, attention and awards. We were excited to release to you our fall collections. We are even more estactic to share new styles added to the spring edition!

Alexia Designs defines attractive, luxurious, elegance, extraordinary, irresistible and affordable. Shop the different collections of Alexia Designs. Every wedding should have its unique touch! That's why our intimate boutique only offers the best.

See Our Sneak Peak Below and Schedule your bridal party appointment today!

New Engagement? Ready for 5 Important Tips

5 Very Relevant Tips for Newly Engaged Couples

Getting engaged is undoubtedly a blissful time and memory for couples, but many couples can get overwhelmed by the wedding checklists and all of the decisions that they have to make in the months to come. We wanted to highlight a few tips from our experience working with other couples and from having the pleasure of walking the aisle. Not to mention, we have learned in working with other brides to be; in a short note, they to felt challenged by the planning process. You're not alone. 

For our planning team, helping brides organize their memorable occasion by providing not only gorgeous real wedding photos, but professional vendor recommendations that we have had the pleasure of working along side, and resourceful online wedding portals. Her are a few pointers to help make the engagement period as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:

Photo Credit: JT Photography

Tip #1. Embrace the moment!

So many couples rush into planning mode right away without taking the time to jut enjoy the engagement. Regardless of whether you are planning a 12-week or a 12-month engagement, you have time, and you only get to experience this once. So breathe.

Tip #2. Set the boundaries.

When you do start the planning process, it is important that you have a sit-down with all parties involved and go over the big picture that you have in mind; from everyone's responsibility to budget. Note: Communication and Organization are essential. Not only does this help everyone get on the same page, but it also avoids future conflicts.

Tip #3. It’s all about the two of you. And that's okay! 

Too many couples that I speak with say they lose sight of this and get wrapped up in trying to make everyone else happy but themselves. Remember this is your wedding. As harsh as it may sound, you have to come to terms with the fact that you are not going to please everyone. But that's okay because you have set the boundaries.

Tip #4. Prioritize.

Budget or no budget; make your checklist and prioritize it with whats most important to you.

Tip #5. Photographs are memories to last a lifetime.

Choose a photographer that is able to capture your day. Hire a professional not a friend. You'll find it very helpful to take engagement photos before the big day so that the photographer gets a sense of you as a couple. 

We're getting Married! OMG! What's Comes Next?

There are so many steps in the process of planning a wedding that is fun and smooth for you and your guests. Although, planning can be overwhelming at times; it can be fun too. Brides may experience everyone giving their advice, tips, desires and wishes from others, but ultimately, it is your day. 

You ask what comes next after the proposal? 

You got it! Set the date.

Once you have set the date; it is time to hire your wedding planner. No excuses, make sure you make this a part of the budget. After, you hire your planner, you'r Wedding To Do List can fall right in line with what comes next. There's no perfect time to hire your planner other than sooner than later. Most couples think you have to wait until 6-9 months; which is truly a misconception. There further in advance you hire; the more time you will have to pay for the consulting fees. Also, it will give your planner additional planning time and to ensure you are able to reserve top notch vendors. generally, couples can hire a wedding planner/ coordinator from 2 years or up to 2 months prior to the event. 

Here are some tips as to why organized planning helps the engagement time less stressful for you and the groom: 

1. Your Wedding Planner/ Coordinator - They book up fast. You may have to look at an alternate date because the date you selected is not available. Give yourself some flexibility by reserving your date as soon as you have decided as a couple. 

2. Booking the Venue/ Church - Venues and Ceremony locations book fast too. When booking your church banquet hall, or venue, the date you have chosen an already reserved date. Having an alternate date will help you and your planner in booking the venue you want. This notion does apply to other vendors, as well.

After you have booked your venue for the ceremony and reception; your wedding planner/ coordinator can ensure your to do list falls right in line with your wedding day.

 There's still much to be done, like hiring the:

3. Photographer 

4. Caterer

5. Videographer

6. Florist

7. Band or DJ Service

8. Cake

9. Transportation

10. Invitations 

11. Save-The-Date Announcements 

12. Wedding Dress 

13. Bridesmaids Dresses 

14. Decoration Rentals 

Your wedding planner/ coordinator is designer to take much of the stress of wedding preparations, so that you and your fiance can enjoy every bit of the wedding day.

Wonderful Winter Wedding Ideas

Wedding in the Winter Wonderland

Are you planning a winter wedding? Well, you guessed it. A winter wedding can be the least expensive time of the year to tie the knot. The temperature is cold which makes it a magical time with the weather to add to your decor. Think about the sparkle in the snowflakes, beautiful white snow and the joyous emotion that the holiday brings.

Can you think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season than a winter themed wedding? Seek the help of your wedding planner to put into action all your well thought out ideas; to keep it elegant. Any couple can easily go overboard with all the ideas and too many details. And besides, just because it is a winter theme, you don't want to fall into being so predictable or cliche. The aim is to impress but leave your guests wishing that they were the originator of this idea.

Do you need a little inspiration? Think cold temperature, lots of sparkle and of course, the hue of white compliments anything and everything. Visit us to browse a few ideas of our designs and decor to get your planning started.