Real Life Bride: Week 4

We had our first in-person meeting with Beth at the beginning of the week. It was fun going through all of the details, but also exhausting - there's so much to do! Venue, logistics, florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, music, drinks, dancing, lighting, decor, hotels, beauty, dress, timeline...it's overwhelming and this is just the beginning - yikes! Things are difficult, too, with Ryan being away (one week down, four more to go). I miss him a lot in general, and now especially. I've decided to try to wait on whatever we can wait to do for the wedding until he gets back. Luckily we have plenty of time to spread things out - I think/hope. Laura got the engagement party invitations designed and off to the printer, so it's nice to have something concrete happening.

On another note, my dad finally woke up this week and joined the party! All of a sudden, he started asking to see pictures of the venue and asking about who would be marrying us. I guess it took a few weeks to accept that his youngest daughter is actually getting married. So far his input has been mixed. The first thing he pointed out was another wedding my sister worked on that he thought was really pretty. The best feature? That the dance floor wasn't the center of the room, so it wasn't the prominent focus. Well, Dad, just because the dance floor is there doesn't mean we will make you dance on it!

Being "on holiday" back at my parents' place, I've had a little time to kill, and I must admit that I think I watched almost 10 episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC. It of course got me thinking about my own dress (which we will start shopping for next weekend) and my lack of seeing anything that I like. My guess would be that out of every 5 or more bridal magazines I usually like maybe one dress - let's hope my luck in the stores is much much better! One dress I do love? This gorgeous lace gown by Jim Helm!
Planning status:
Still nothing officially booked!! (Venue, Photog, Caterer all on hold)
2 dress shopping appointments scheduled
Meeting with a potential florist

Earlier this year, one of my bride's walked down the aisle to this song. It was such a lovely moment...

Winter Wedding Cocktails

I'm admittedly not a huge drinker, BUT, I do enjoy a cocktail or two in the holiday season. There's something so nostalgic about hot buttered rum or a creamy cup of eggnog. Here are few of my favorite cold weather drinks, any of which would be perfect for both your own holiday parties or as a welcome drink to your winter wedding. Cheers!











From Top to Bottom: Emeril's Hot Buttered Rum, Candy Cane Cocktail via The Food Network, Super creamy Nuts 'N Berries Cocktail, Traditional Irish Coffee, Warm Kitten's Hot Toddy, Hot Chocolate (add Peppermint Schnapps) from Cannelle et Vanille, Vin Chaud otherwise known as Warm Spiced Wine, Eggnog courtesy of Rachael Ray, Bailey's & Coffee, Spiced Apple Cider, Gingerbread Martini

Do you need to have "ushers" helping people find their tables at the reception?


You do need SOMEONE to assist guests in finding their escort cards and finding their tables at dinner, especially if you have more than 50 people. Whether that be your planner and their team or one of your friends, do assign someone to get to know the floorplan and stand at the entry of your reception to point guests in the right direction. This will ensure guests find their seats quickly and keep the reception flowing right on time!

Giving Heartfelt Thanks

As your guests leave your fabulous parties, don’t forget to give thanks. My favorite thing to do when I’m feeling especially grateful for is to take the time to write a meaningful thank you letter to each guest. Not the, “thanks for being part of the day,” typical stuff you see everyday, but a letter that really tells guests what they mean to your life including lessons each person has taught you and favorite memories you share. Something really from the heart.



Once you put your truest feelings on paper, find a beautiful way to package the letter. Again, something that says, “this is more than your standard thank you note,” but instead screams, “there is something very special inside and it’s just for you.” A beautiful jewelry pouch, decorative box or even just a scroll tied with a luxurious ribbon, all work perfectly. In the end, you will be surprised how meaningful it will be to the recipient that they have been given something so thoughtful and unexpected.

Susie & Curtis get hitched!

Today, I'm excited to share some images from Susie & Curtis' wedding, which coincidentally was also featured on Style Me Pretty last week! If you missed the feature including details about the couple and our approach to the wedding, please click here. If you are hoping for more beautiful images from B&G Photography, well, then keep scrolling down!

The design vendors for this event included my all time favorites:
Florals: Holly Flora
Calligraphy: Laura Hooper
Linens: La Tavola Linens