SARA + DIEGO:: MARRIED: CHARLOTTE, NC

Palacios Nunez Wedding

We have never been so emotional about a couple. From the food, to the family, to the bond, to the atmosphere, and to the tradition; simply amazing! We still get a little teary eyed looking at the photos. Everything about this day was beautiful and so welcoming. This was truly a joyous celebration of two families coming together. We were just in awe. One word... Wow!

Here a a few pics to highlight the day we share with this couple:

We will miss working with this couple and were truly blessed to be a part of their day! We thank you!

Ceremony: St Marys Chapel

Reception: Maggiano's Little Italy at South Park

Coordinator: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Photographer: Cindy Bonilla

Offficiant: Linda Silver with Iris Newton

DJ: Sotos Entertainment

SUE + ANDREW:: MARRIED: CORNELIUS, NC

Paris Dornbusch Wedding

A beautiful day on the lake to marry in the mist of friends and family. This wedding was very intimate and was posed with such style and grace for this DIY bride. We were glad to share the day with Sue and Andrew.

This destination wedding for this couple was an unforgettable celebration. We wish this couple many years of happiness and endless love. They have blended a beautiful family!

Venue: Jetton Park - Waterford Hall

Photographer: JT Photography

Musician: Stephen Savastano (Guitar Soloist)

Hair & Make Up: Sweet Southern Glam

Officiant: Reverend Victoria Hutchins

Caterer: Catering by Tara

Coordinator: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Florals: Braswell Interiors & Florals

ARE YOU TRYING TO RUIN YOUR WEDDING DAY?

Being a Bridezilla Can Destroy Your Whole Wedding Experience

Yes, believe it or not there are some brides that just decide to take it to Bridezilla mode on the wedding day. Let us assure you, not only will it not work in your favor but it will ruin your day. Apparently, Sandy with Weddings in Vieques has experienced the same:

"Just a little bit of sugar goes a long way in wedding planning. Now I know I've written before about getting the most bang-for-your-buck with your wedding planner, and how to work with your photographer, and how to get the most out of your DJ, and in all of these blogs I've explained that being nice will get you just about anything if you're a bride and groom about to be married. So if I've explained this all over and over again, what is it that these Bridezillas and Groomzillas are missing?

I am dead freaking serious here. And it's not just me. I've been talking with colleagues in the industry and we're all wondering the same thing -- has seeing brides and grooms misbehaving on reality television given everybody the idea that it's okay to behave as though you were raised in a barn just because you are the clients? The answer is no. Being a bride does not give you a license to be rude.

Here are some tips for things that brides and grooms can do to make their wedding planning experience fun and enjoyable for everybody. A wedding planner who adores you will move heaven and earth to help you undo something that she's not even responsible for, while somebody you've been abusing via email for the past six months will likely not have any nail polish to lend you in the shade you're requesting... even if you see it on her toes. A little bit of honey goes a long way...

- Do your homework. 

The planner will give you lists of things that ONLY YOU can complete. She will give you deadlines. Adhere to them. She's answering to vendors on the other end who want to know where your ceremony plan, DJ playlist and dinner orders are.

- Follow instructions. 

Your planner will send you forms to complete. Fill them out as instructed. Don't create your own ginormous spreadsheet of everybody invited, attending, dinner orders, accommodations, etc. We need you to provide the specific information requested in the format it was requested in. On the actual forms we sent you.

- Read and return contracts in a timely manner. 

When you get a contract from your planner, for them or for another vendor, review it and respond with questions within 24-48 hours. Or respond with a completed contract and payment within 72 hours. The vendors are holding a date/time slot for you based on your wedding planner's word. We prefer that you aren't irresponsible about responding with contracts and deposits.

- Keep on top of your budget. 

Your planner will be keeping a spreadsheet of some form for you (I hope) and you can ask for an update at any point. With that said, you are the one who is signing all the contracts and you have all the numbers in front of you. Don't play stupid. Plus, shopping like a madwoman at home and buying two wedding gowns and ending up with 25 more guests than you'd initially budgeted for are not the wedding planner's problem. Taking it out on her might make you feel better (after you've already fought with your fiancé and parents about it), but really, is that the best way to handle things?

- Use the words "please" and "thank you." 

Not just to your wedding planners, but to every vendor, waitress, and staff member you encounter through your wedding weekend. Don't you think that if you take a second to compliment the bartender at your wedding, he's going to take extra special care of you? Don't you think it's a great idea to be polite to the photographers who are going to be shadowing you all evening? Trust me, you don't have to be super friendly to anybody. But common courtesy is expected. Unfortunately, it doesn't always happen.

- Pay your bills on time. 

Unless you've got a reason to question the invoice or the contract, pay your balances as soon as possible when you get your final invoice from the planner. Even if the invoice is late on the planner's end, it's your obligation to get the payments returned quickly. Sometimes those delays are unavoidable and your planner is holding all your vendors or her word -- and sometimes her credit card.

Now I want to make something perfectly clear - the wedding planner is NOT always right, and brides and grooms, as clients, should absolutely question anything they feel is appropriate to question - lack of responsiveness, a problem on a contract, etc. It's the way that you go about doing it that will yield you so much more success.

If your goal is to fire your wedding planner or another vendor, go ahead and call her names and tear her up and CC everybody in creation if it makes you feel better. But it's not going to make life pleasant as she's transferring over all your wedding planning information to you. You will get exactly what is owed to you and not one iota more. And I'm not even speaking from experience on this one. I just know what happens.

Send a respectful email listing your problems and concerns and ask what's going on in a manner that gives the vendor an opportunity to fix the problem with their response email. Fight the urge to get nasty unless you get a nasty reply back. Most vendors say "OMG" when they get a well-written complaint email from a client, and do everything possible to fix the situation to make the bride or groom happy. But if you attack the person -- especially if there's the slightest chance it's not their mistake -- you're not going to get the end result that you desire.

Don't you want to have fun planning your wedding? Don't you want a long-term friendly relationship with your wedding planner? I'm not going to lie and say I've never had a pissed-off client -- but I will boast that the vast majority of our clients have stayed in touch and share baby pictures and good news on a regular basis. That's the kind of relationship we want with our clients. And trust me, you want your wedding planners to anticipate your arrival with enthusiasm, not joke about it with dread for a month before your wedding."

Through experience, we couldn't agree more. Thank you Sandy; very well stated and appreciated from one professional to another. 

Wedding Planner & Your Wedding Budget

Kiss Your Budget Goodbye Without the Help of a Wedding Coordinator

A common question among many brides: "Should I hire a wedding planner?" And the answer is yes! 

Whether you're planning a month or months in advance; you only benefit on the day of your wedding. Who wouldn't want a wedding professional on their side to handle all the logistics. Many see hiring a planner as an added expense, but the reality is that its a savings in every aspect of your wedding day!  

The reality remains: timing is everything! Parents and couples may hire a wedding planner based upon all the details involved for a successful wedding day. Hiring a wedding planner provides another opportunity to the family to enjoy their day that much more. Above all, hiring a wedding coordinator saves! It saves money, saves energy and equally important; it saves time.

Wedding coordinators are working to assist with every detail from your initial meeting up to the departure for the honeymoon. They will assist you with your budget, vendor referrals, negotiating contracts, and focus on the theme you have encrypted as your special day.

We all know planning a wedding is an enormous task and undoubtedly stressful. It's important that you are able to place emphasis on the positive highlights and why this day is important. Enjoy the moments that lead up to the wedding.

Your next question may be: How do I find the right wedding planner?
Key factors: Don’t hire the first person you meet who says she once planned a wedding for her brother, sister, cousin, or aunt. Ask friends or family members that have recently married, search various associations or through online resources. Just remember, a wedding planner should be professional and trained. A true wedding planner does not plan weddings on the side. It's their career. You want to make sure you feel comfortable and this individual is working for you. Many brides have felt as if they were working along side their new best friend. It should be a great experience.

There are independent event coordinators who work alone, and there are those who have turned it into a larger business. Some coordinator businesses include a full service event, wedding coordinating and might even have a store associated which may have everything from wedding invitations to wedding accessories.

I urge all brides to utilize a wedding planner, so that at the end of the day, you can be among those that say, "I don't know how I could have gotten through the day without you!"

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

JOLENE + CHRIS:: MARRIED: CHARLOTTE, NC

Hrinda Taylor Wedding

Words can't describe the marriage celebration on this day in May. There were tears of joy, contagious smiles, and lots of laughter. Unforgettable moments... Not to mention the flower girl not making it down the aisle. All was well, the bride made it down! And was absolutely gorgeous. 

Jolene and Chris were surrounded by friends and family with the love and support to last a lifetime. This couple was definitely meant to be together. Anyone could feel the love they share for another. It was genuine, it was unique and is just enough to surpass the test of time. 

We wish them all the happiness for the years to come! 

Officiant: Andrea Smith

Florals: Braswell Interiors

Wedding Coordination: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Reception: Maggiano's Southpark

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. 

MICHELLE + AARON:: MARRIED: POLKTON, NC

Wilson Altenkirch Wedding

What a venue! 

It's definitely is a slightly different nursery located just outside Shelby, North Carolina. For miles and miles one can get lost in admiring the beauty of all the different types of flowers, trees, shrubs and more. It is truly a National Display Garden and a wonderful find for our bride and groom. We extend a sincere thanks in allowing us to spend the day with you. The day was so welcoming with all the friends and family that embraced their happiness and first steps in spending a new live together as husband and wife. We are wishing you many years of happiness and we hope that your wedding day provides you with many memories to last a lifetime. 

Venue: A Slighlty Different Nursery

Wedding Coordination: It's a Bridal Thing Too!

Wedding Officaiant: Unique Ceremonies by Nuptials

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.

CARLI + KYLE:: MARRIED: GREENSBORO, NC

Nelson Odell Wedding 

Thanks for sharing such an important day with Nuptials. A unique venue for an amazing wedding. We wish you many years of happiness. We hope your honeymoon will have the same lasting memories as the ceremony and reception. Carli, one word for the bride: breathtaking!

Venue: Greene Street Club 

Ceremony Music: Greyson Clifton

Accomodatons: Proximity Hotel

Photography: Glessner Photography

Wedding Coordinations: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Table Talk - Centerpieces that Wow!

It's okay to be unique, original and have your own flare when it comes to decor for your wedding. One thing's for sure, you shouldn't be skeptical to step outside the box when it comes to the décor! 

Our advice is to make a statement that echoes the theme for you wedding. Brides, be bold and choose something different as opposed to the traditional floral centerpieces. When you add a little personality to your decor, and tying in the perfect elements to accent your theme; your centerpieces can then easily make a statement about you as a couple.

We have incorporated a few ideas for inspiration for the perfect reception decor. We selected a few ideas that will have your guests in awe when the enter the venue. You can take you approach from rustic, to simple modern, or branches to shabby chic.

 With any choice - go for eye catching. Decorate your area with unique elegance that is sure to bring attention to your reception!

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

Fun Ideas for Our Brides and Grooms for Spring

COUNTDOWN OUR TOP 5

From color palettes to centerpieces to cakes, get tons of inspiration for a springtime wedding.

For Our Brides

A tea length wedding dress is a charming choice for the season.

Bridesmaids' Dresses

Pale Pink can be a classic, preppy choice, but we love the softer shades used for this bridal party.

The Bridal Bouquet

A springtime arrangement filled with vibrant roses, hydrangeas and and fresh greenery.

The Small Details

Spring to some is the representation of birds and butterflies soaring through blue skies. This

beautiful card holder is a reflection of natural warm tones with a complimentary

soft silk ribbon that speaks a spring season. 

Wedding Cakes

One of the most beautiful parts of spring is when the various types of florals begin to bloom which can be the perfect touch to your wedding cake; whether the real or sugar version for decor. 

We have worked with many of industry professional. Ask one of our team members about the vendor referrals in your area for cakes, catering, photographers, Djs, and more.