I was so lucky to work on a series of three stylized photoshoots with the amazing Top 5 HotList vendors. The first look-book comes out this Friday and I absolutely cannot wait to see it! In the meantime, here is an awesome behind the scenes of the Rustic Romance shoot!
our TOP5 Professionals Behind the Scenes of "RUSTIC ROMANCE" a SoCal Style Shoot from our TOP5 hotlist on Vimeo.
After cocktail hour it is time for dinner and to listen to some toasts. As many people know public speaking is the number one fear people have, yes, even above death! Martha Stewart Weddings gives a great article for a guide to toasting!
Who Speaks?
At your reception, only the VIPs should stand up to speck. The time for your sorority sisters to all speak about the many memories they have with you from college is at the rehearsal dinner- that's your open-mic night. Because the reception is larger, and the company is more diverse, the longer, more personal speeches should be kept for the evening before.
The host (i.e. the bride's father or parents) is first up. This is to welcome to groom's family into theirs and thoughtfully acknowledge any guests who had to travel. Also, this address is to say a few touching words to the newlyweds.
Next comes the best man and the maid of honor to speak, in that order. Their words can be funnier, more nostalgic, and light-hearted.
After that one or two other people can approach the mic. If you have siblings or non-hosting stepparents who want to say something this is the time.
When to Speak?
There are limited opportunities to get guests' attention without interrupting the fun. Even though you might be drinking Champagne at the start of the cocktail hour, thats not the best time to make toasts. Its hard to ask people to be quiet when they just came from a quiet ceremony. They want to catch up with friends and you want to get the energy going so its important to match your timing to the style of your meal.
For Seated Dinner
The father of the bride should welcome everyone and give a brief toast as guest first sit down to dinner. According to Martha Stewart the rest of the speeches can come at the tail end of the main course, when everyone is almost finished eating, although I like to do the maid of honor and best men speeches after the guests receive their first course so the couple can visit tables during the entree! The groom and/or bride should step up after the cake cutting.
For a Buffet
The transition between cocktail hour and dinner is the ideal window for the host's welcome. Have others speak after the first dance and save the bride and groom for dessert time.
For a Cocktail Reception
There are no rules, so to speak, at this setup. A good strategy? Ask the host to say a few words at the very beginning, have the rest of the toasts follow his lead, and then get the party started.
How to Make It Memorable
Whether you decide to talk or not, use-or pass along- these helpful hints!
Don't Wing It
Its important to map out what you're going to say- the beginning, middle, nd end. If you have a plan you won't ramble, which will make you feel more confident.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Tell them to aim for three to five minuts tops. Any longer and guest get antsy.
Limit the Storytelling
Remember: Most of the room didn't go to high school with you or the groom. Only tell stories that will resonate and entertain everyone.
Talk About the Couple
For other speakers, it's fine to start with, "I've known Carrie since third grade," but make sure you weave in the groom, too. The day is about both of them.
How to Avoid Trouble
Emotions, alcohol, and a microphone can make an already nerve-racking speech go all kinds of wrong. Here's what to do if...
A Tipsy Toaster Is on the Verge of Sharing Too Much
First, encourage your speakers not to hit the bar until after their moment in the spotlight is over. If it's too late for that, have your coordinator or next toaster on the agenda inch closer to the speaker and reach for the mic. It's not seamless but it works.
Your Maid of Honor Is Absolutely Terrified to Talk
See if she might be more comfortable reading a pre-written poem! Or if the stage fright is too much for her, give something to say. She's your friend and when it comes down to it, no one will know the difference. If sentiment is what you're hoping for, you can always ask her to write you a letter.
I absolutely loved working with Ali and Greg for their November wedding at The Mission Basilica and Marbella Country Club because not did Ali and go to LMU together but we were also in Alpha Phi together! I absolutely adore this highlight video that NR3 Video Productions put together so I am so exited to share it.... Enjoy!
I cannot believe 2011 is over and 2012 is here!! It was such an amazing year and I was so lucky to work with so many wonderful people. Now that we are on 2012, let's look back some of the trends from 2011!
The "It" Hors D'oeuvres
Can I just say I love love love Carina Lindgren and her Flawless Faces team? They are honestly everything you could ever want in a hair and make up team. In addition to doing "Flawless" wedding hair and make up, Carina has a studio where she can do facials and other treatments since she is a licensed esthetician. Check out their website for a full list of services they offer. Not to mention, Carina and two of her girls have done my hair and make up twice and I honestly have never felt so confident....cheesy I know. But seriously, please check them out!
No matter what your budget is for your wedding, there are always ways to lower how much you spend on your big day. This article from Bridal Guide gives some clear cut ways to save some money for other things like your honeymoon!
1. The Guest List
Keeping your guest list trim is so important. But if you;re worried that you;ll offend people by not inviting them, stop now. Of course you wouldn't ;eave out your nearest and dearest family and friends , so just think of all those people who would probably be flattered to be invited but not bothered if they aren't. Your best bet is to make some rules. That is, first cousins, but not second, Spouses and live-in or serious partners, but not dates. Your boss, but not your whole office. These are some great ways to make sure your wedding stays a good size.
2. The Dessert Table
Unless you're having a dessert reception, don't go overboard on sweets. Wedding cake is so spectacular that offering a dessert buffet, a crepes suzette station and mini ice cream cones is just excessive.
3. The Flowers
The first time you gazed upon your reception site you saw veritable fields of flowers, right? It's no surprise though that piles and piles of blooms can ratchet up your costs quickly. You don't need to fill every corner of your venue with flowers for your wedding to be pretty. Work with your florist to use the freshest, most in-season blooms to their advantage, then fill the rest with budget-friendly candles or greenery. The look will still be beautiful! If you adore flowers, check out botanical gardens in your area and you'll have a bounteous backdrop of blooms at your disposal.
It was so great to finally work at the beautiful Rancho Las Lomas. I was also lucky enough to work with some of my favorite vendors like photographer Scott Nelson and the always amazing caterers, 24 Carrots. Enjoy some of my favorite pictures from the special day below!
The Team: {Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings} - {Location: Rancho Las Lomas} - {Photography: Scott Nelson} - {Florist: The Twisted Fig Fine Florals} - {Caterer: 24 Carrots} - {Ceremony Music: Denny White} - {DJ: Peter Gutierrez} - {Bakery: Great Dane Bakery} - {Makeup: Makeup by Berit}
At most weddings there are relatives and friends who travel from around the country and sometimes the world to see their loved ones get married. I think it is so important to make them feel welcome and a little extra special for making the effort to come out and see you get married! Here's some tips from The Bridal Guide on how to give your guests from far away a warm welcome to your wedding.
Start Early
I cannot stress this enough! Procrastination is the worst possibly thing for a wedding. Of course you have to send save-the-date cards. You can be super creative with these and its best to make them a little special because it will make guests excited for your big day! These cards is the best way to let guest know they'll need to plan ahead. It's most considerate to send these out six to eight months before the big day. Keep the information you provide simple. Include your names, the wedding date and place, and a wedding website URL, if you have one, and hotel information.
Your invitations are one of the first things guests will see of your wedding! So you want them to look the best you can. Jen Simpson and her husband Luke of Jen Simpson Design create the most beautiful invites ever! Luke is the printer and maker of the invitations while she designs them and takes care of the customer contracts. Their invitations are so unique and every single one is special.
It's every mom's dream to see their son or daughter marry their soul mate. Generally, mothers play a big role in the wedding planning and they out their heart and soul into the special occasion. Here are some ways to say thank you to the woman who dedicated her life to you.
1. Have her join you and Dad for your walk down the aisle.
2. Present her with a photo album of snapshots of the two of you-with a placeholder for a wedding-day picture.
3. Have a piece of lace from her wedding sewn into your gown.
4. Hit her up for "something borrowed," like a piece of her jewelry.
5. Display her wedding portrait on the escort-card table (place it with photos of other family brides).
6. Ask her to light a candle or to give a reading at the ceremony.
7. Have breakfast with her on the big day. You'll sneak in a few moments of calm before the craziness begins.
8. Treat her to a pre-wedding hair-and-makeup session with you and your girls.
9. Order er a monogrammed handkerchief especially for the wedding (She's going to need it!).
10. Tuck her fave bloom into your bouquet; give it to her when you reach the altar.
11. Have your guy make a toast in her honor.
12. Spend your wedding eve watching rom-coms with her at her house.
13. Mail her a letter telling her how much you appreciate her; time it to arrive while you're on your honeymoon.
14. Having a destination bash? Surprise her with a massage at the spa or with a hotel upgrade to a luxe suite.
15. Start a new tradition; the mother daughter dance.
There is nothing more frustrating than when a guest sends back a RSVP card without their name on it! And believe me this happens. Here is a great idea to ensure you know who is sending and RSVP even when they forget to write their name and all you need is a blacklight ink and pen.
What you do is write your guest's initials or name on the RSVP card in blacklight pen o when a un-named card comes back to you, you just whip out your blacklight pen and identify! And you can give them a hard time for forgetting :)
And these pens are super inexpensive! Go here to buy this handy tool.
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Most often, Bow Ties will come pre-tied from the tux shop. However, if you want to take your look to the next step, we dare you to go for the real thing! Of course, a tutorial on the process of bow-tying may be needed...and looking at these instructions, it looks like you may need a bit of practice! Take a look at the following steps and you'll be well on your way!
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| www.lenoeupapillion.com |
I had such a great time working with Kelly and Matt! My friend Constance, another fellow planner (www.constancecurtis.com) is friends with Matt and referred them to me because I am on the Hilton's preferred list. I was so glad she connected us because both Kelly and Matt along with there bridal party and family were just as nice as can be! Then throw in Sarah and Derek from Frenzel Photographers and KC Campbell from VOC DJs and you've got a party! I hope you enjoy some of the gorgeous pictures Sarah and Derek captured below....I cannot wait to work with them again!
The Team: {Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings} - {Location- Waterfront Hilton} - {Photography: Frenzel Photography} - {Florist: Commerce Flowers} - {Videography: Keepsake Videographer} - {Entertainment: VOX DJs} - {Bakery: Rossmoor Pastries} - {Photobooth: Fab Photo} - {Beauty: Bella Blush}
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| simplysavannahevents.blogspot.com |
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| stephiebstyle.blogspot.com |
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