If you’ve never been to our area—you are truly in for a treat with our islands, Saint Simons, Jekyll Island, Sea Island and Little Saint Simons Island.  Tucked away off of the Georgia Coast, is the perfect getaway without “actually” going away.  These islands are perfect for those who love the concept of a destination wedding, but want to make sure that their guests are able to attend their wedding without spending a lot of money for travel.  Each island offers something for everyone—Jekyll Island is a quiet, natural island full of beauty and history. It is the home to the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the al fresco Beachview Club, as well as the quaint Villas by the Sea with Straton Hall, and the large beachside Jekyll Island Convention Center.  Saint Simons Island is a true vacation island—home to the historic seaside dance club turned uber resort King and Prince, luxurious Ocean Lodge, other sprawling estates like Villa de Suenos and several boutiques and restaurants.  Sea Island  is home to the ultra exclusive Cloister that is an experience all its own. 

With all these options, I’ll share some tips on planning your destination wedding here in Coastal Georgia:

• Enlist the help of a planner.  A planner will be able to steer you to the perfect vendors according to your budget, event vision and style.  It’s great for you to have what we call “boots on the ground” to work as a liaison for you and your vendors—share your likes , dislikes and event vision.  Your planner will most likely work with many of the local vendors as well as have a list of those that travel to the area.

• Get to know your vendors ahead of time.  With the help of the internet, you can research your vendors before you come to the area.  This means checking out their rating on sites like Wedding Wire or Project Wedding  from previous couples.  We’ve listed some local wedding pros that use Twitter and it might be helpful for you to read their blogs or Facebook business pages. This gives you the opportunity to get to know them before you meet you visit the area.
• Make a planning trip to the area. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with the area. If you haven’t narrowed down your choices on a venue, plan to spend one day on one island and the next on the other. Be prepared to take some time off—with our area being a destination wedding area, most of your event pros are working on Fridays and Saturdays, and their offices close on Sundays and Monday.
• Experience the area.  Take as many pictures as possible and visit some of the sights— like the St. Simons Lighthouse, Downtown Brunswick and sandy beaches of Jekyll Island.  Your guests will rely on this information during their stay, so it will be helpful for you to have information about what’s nearby, the must-sees and dos, as well as some places to catch some rays, enjoy some southern cooking or a martini and good music.

These tips should get you started with your upcoming wedding Saint Simons, Jekyll Island or Sea Island.  We hope to work with you soon!

Absolutely loving the designs of Cheree Berry!  The colorful minimalistic designs are perfect for bridal couples who wish to make an impact with their wedding invitation—after all, it does set the tone for the entire event.  The designs have plenty of personality and detail which make the vibrant colors stand out even more.  Paired with striking envelopes and response cards, you have the the perfect wedding invitation suites!

When I saw Shaliz + Robert’s engagement photos on Chris + Lynn’s website, I literally sighed. They are such a beautiful couple and the colors of Cabo San Lucas made the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos and wedding.  You can feel how comfortable they are with their photographers and most importantly, with each other.  With the way he holds her, you can see how Robert adores Shaliz and the warmth in her smiles says so much about the man she will spend the rest of her life with.  See more:

I had so many favorites!  Thank you Chris + Lynn for allowing me to share your work. If you are looking for wedding photographer for your destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, please check them out! 

If there was one word I could think of when I see the gowns of Winnie Couture it would be “romantic”.  With rich textures and designs of soft rosettes, flounces, bubble skirts and ruffles, there is a gown for the bride who wants to look and feel ultra feminine on her wedding day.  Everything from overly fashionable and chic to demure to destination gowns, these wedding dresses, Winnie Couture does not disappoint.

Visit the Winnie Couture website for more information on buying your Winnie Couture wedding dress, additional designs (including those for bridesmaids) as well as real weddings featuring Winnie Couture gowns!

When I saw this adorable Savannah engagement shoot shot by Brooke Roberts, I felt so at ease and carefree. I know that Jessica + Scott must have, too.  I love being completely focused on them while in the midst of one of Savannah’s most beautiful landmarks, Forsyth Park.  They were so relaxed with each other, you feel like that they were the only ones in this beautiful city.

A lot of things can go wrong on the big day. This is especially true when it comes to one of the most important parts of a bride’s day: her dress.

For 25 years, Braza has been providing support for brides where they need it most by anticipating fashion emergencies before they arise. Instead of fretting about pulling her dress up or worrying about a potential rip or tear, she will feel comfort and confidence knowing she has Braza products at her disposal.

The following products from Braza (available at David’s Bridal stores) are ideal for brides:

• Braza Bra: The first backless, strapless adhesive bra, Braza Bra has been shown to be the most effective method of support without a conventional bra and works flawlessly and seamlessly under a wedding dress
• Magic Cups: Perfect for backless dresses, Magic Cups provide shaping and support similar to a traditional strapless bra without the need of a back band
• Silcone Add A Size: For brides looking to add a little oomph on the big day, these fit comfortably in most bras and add an extra cup size
• Flash Tape: The single most important problem-solver in any woman’s arsenal, flash tape can hold the dress in place or repair a hem or tear in case anyone accidentally steps on the dress
• Upsie Daisies: For strapless styles, Upsie Daises hold everything on the side firmly in place, so she won’t be tugging up her dress all night

Braza also offers a Diva Bridesmaid Kit, the perfect gift for a bride to give her bridesmaids to make their day a little easier as well.

Wedding magazines and books always have these atrocious questions that they feel brides should ask their vendors. This has always perplexed me, as it’s coming from an unaffiliated third party.  I cannot tell you how we cringe at the questions we hear, and the looks on the faces of the poor couples that ask them—as they feel they are truly legitimate.

Wrong:  What were you doing before you became a wedding planner? (This may not be any of your business, and if your planner feels uncomfortable or offended, it’s not a good way to start your consultation).

Right:  What from your past experiences makes you a better planner?

Wrong:  Which was your favorite wedding? (That’s like asking a mother which is her favorite child)

Right:  What is your favorite part of the wedding day or what is your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Wrong:  What was your most difficult wedding?  (You’re asking family secrets and are not yet part of the family.)

Right:  What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced during the wedding planning process or on the wedding day?

Wrong:  Give me five adjectives that describe yourself.  (This is not the Miss USA pageant. It is a business interview)

Right:  Tell us about your approach to the wedding day management or wedding planning process?

Wrong: What kind of discounts will you get us?

Right:  There is no right way to ask this.  Magazines and books leave you under the impression that your wedding planner or coordinator is a walking, talking Entertainment book—full of good info and discounts.  While most planners are always happy to extend any professional courtesies from other vendors to their clients, these courtesies are never guaranteed and are given at the discretion of the vendor.

Wrong:  Who is the best {insert vendor category here} or Who are your preferred vendors? (No good will ever come of this…)

Right: Which {vendor category} do you think is best suited to our style and budget? (Be prepared to get a general answer—if your planner offers vendor selection as a service, s/he may not divulge specific names without getting to know more about your wedding style…or being paid.)

Wrong:  Why  should we hire you over {your competitor}? (Again, no good will come of this.)

Right: Not really a right way to ask this.  (It is up to you to make decision who is best for you. It is the planner’s job to stand out with her charisma and experience and stand up for her business and her professionalism—not compete or compare herself to someone else so that you can bargain shop.)

There are other questions that are, for lack of a better word “questionable”, too.  The answers you think you want to hear may not have much stock:

Questionable Question:  How many weddings do you have you done?

Why It’s Questionable:  Just hearing a solid number will not help you make your decision because those numbers could be misleading.  For example, let’s say Planner A’s answer is 200.  Planner B’s answer is 25.  Does that make Planner A better than Planner B?  In your mind, does it determine that Planner A is more experienced?  What if I told you that Planner A, did indeed work 200 weddings; however, half were elopements, the others were coordinations, and a few full service planning.  What if you found out that Planner B’s 25 weddings were million dollar full service planning weddings full of details.  A better question would be to ask the scale of the weddings the planner has in her repertoire:  amount of guests, budgets, details, locations, etc.

Questionable Question:  What associations do you belong to?

Why It’s Questionable:  Believe it or not, the wedding planning industry is not a regulated one.  Any Barbie, Skipper or Ken can open up a wedding planning company provided they meet the guidelines of their state with operating a business.  Associations and trade groups have different bylaws, rules and education requirements, which makes it a bit inconsistent.  Depending on your location, local chapters of said organizations may be non-existent.  A far better question is to ask your planner about their continuing education and networking.

It will be very important for you to draw from what has been said, but also what has not been said.  Pick up on your planner’s tone, warmth, humor and /professionalism.  Do they put you at ease?  Do you feel like you are handing your wedding off to a professional who not only cares about your event, but your well being, too.  Have a conversation with your planner about your event—allow them to ask questions, offer insight and answer your inquiries. 

Brides—How did you know your planner was for you?

Planners—What do you feel are some great/awful questions?

We’ve talked before about red signature drinks and now we can visit the delectable creations that come in the shade of green.

If you are looking to coordinate your signature drink with your color scheme, you will enjoy these green libations!

Apple Mojito

2 oz Bacardi® Big Apple rum
6 oz club soda
3 lime wedges
2 tsp sugar
3 fresh mint sprigs

Add the lime, sugar and mint sprigs to a highball glass and muddle with a muddler. Add several ice cubes and pour in the Bacardi apple rum. Top with club soda (adjust to taste), and stir. Garnish with an apple slice and a lime wedge, and serve.

Green Flash Cocktail Recipe

1 oz vodka
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
1/2 oz Blue Curacao
3 oz orange juice
3 0z sprite
ice

Mix ingredients together, serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry
(Courtesy of White on Rice Couple)

Green Gimlet

1.0 oz Sour Apple Liqueur Apple Schnapps
2.0 oz Gin
1.0 wedge for garnish Lime
0.25 oz Rose’s Lime Juice, preferred Lime juice
0.5 oz Melon liqueur

Combine ingredients in a shaker glass filled with ice.  Shake to blend. Strain and serve in a stem gimlet glass with lime garnish.

Grasshopper

3/4 oz green creme de menthe
3/4 oz white creme de cacao
3/4 oz vodka

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

Pineapple Caipirinha – quantities are for 1 drink

To make infused cachaca, you need:
1 bottle of cachaca
1 whole pineapple, peeled* and sliced
Ingredients:
2 oz pineapple infused cachaca or vodka
1/2 lime, cut in small chunks
2 tbs freshly crushed pineapple
1 tbs sugar
Crushed iced

Preparation:

1. To make the pineapple infused cachaca place the pineapple slices in a large container, pour the cachaca over the pineapple slices, close tightly and let it rest in a dark cool place for a few days – but no longer than a week.
2. Use a muddler to crush and mix the limes and sugar in a cocktail shaker.
3. Add the cachaca, crushed pineapple and ice, mix well and serve immediately.

Titanic Uplift

2 oz melon liqueur
1 oz gin
4 oz orange juice
Squeeze of lime juice
Lime to Garnish
Ice
Directions:
Shake and strain into a large martini glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime slice.

Enjoy!

When I saw Landon + Jordan’s engagement pictures in Orlando shot by La Dolce Vita, I could see SO much of their personalities.  The shoot was so classic,  but very modern, too.  The way the sun reflected from her hair was extraordinary.  And I just love how the car worked as a backdrop and melted with the way that they look t each other.  Check out the interesting story and inspiration behind their engagement shoot location of these high school sweethearts! 

This week, I was able to talk to Landon and Jordan… I asked them to fill in the blanks of some random questions inspired by them; you will love them:

{Landon} Complete this sentence:  When Jordan kisses my FOREHEAD, I feel BUTTERFLIES. 
{Jordan} If you could take Landon away right now, where would you go? GREEK ISLANDS
{Jordan}     When BRAD PAISLEY’S "THEN" comes on the radio, I think always think of Landon.
{Landon} What’s your favorite clothing item on Jordan? I HAVE TO SAY HIS WHITE POLO BOXER BRIEFS

Bari Jay has been the creator of some of the most sleek and feminine designs in bridal fashion.  The wedding dresses invite brides to embrace everything glamorous and beautiful on their wedding day.  Additionally, the gowns capture the romance of different eras, spawns inspiration for various locales, all the while infusing chic style.

Grecian/Goddess Inspired Wedding Gowns:

Love these sleek Old Hollywood wedding dresses:

Bari Jay doesn’t leave the bridesmaids out in the cold, either.    These creatively styled dresses will have your bridesmaids looking amazing. When your bridesmaids come down the aisle the guests will be “WOWED”– a great preview to the “big premier” of the bride.

These bridesmaid dresses are definitely for brides who think “outside the box”, and who are creative and want to make a statement on their big day. Not only is the attention on the bride but also their bridal party.  According to Bari Jay “their goal is to create elegant, affordable, and versatile styles to complement and flatter the female silhouette.” Hats off to Bari Jay and mission accomplished.