Alt image
St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings | Blog
10923
blog,paged,paged-16,edgt-core-1.3,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,hudson-ver-3.3, vertical_menu_with_scroll,smooth_scroll,blog_installed,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-7.0,vc_responsive

Real Wedding Advice: “Stop Being Cheap”

…I said to myself.

Here’s a little background:  I have ceramic tile floors throughout my entire house.  With three kids, a dog and a cat, the floor cleaning is an every day job.  Cue my ecstatic elation over purchasing a Mint Floor Cleaner.  This is similar to the Roomba, only instead of vacuuming floors, it sweeps and mops on its own.  It has replaced the broom and Swiffer for me (unless I want to double team the house and have the Mint do one room and I do another at the same time).  What makes the Mint awesome is that in addition to using the microfiber cloths that come with the cleaner, you can also use the Swiffer disposable dry and wet cloth refills…

…which brings us to our real wedding advice lesson for the day.

I bought a generic, cheaper brand of disposable refills for my Mint.  BIG mistake. These things did a better job of moving and repelling the dust rather than capturing it in the cloth to clean the floor.  I remembered that I had a box of the actual Swiffer brand of cloths and went to replace the travesty I was using previously. The difference was startling and immediately noticeable in the texture, quality, and performance.

So what does this have to do with your wedding?

Do not make your final decision solely on price.  You cannot assume because two people are in the same service category that you are comparing apples to apples.  You really need to look at why Wedding Coordinator A’s fees are $1800 and Wedding Coordinator B’s are $400.  The same thing goes for photographers, caterers, DJs and other wedding vendors.   While you may think a DJ is a DJ or a caterer is a caterer,  the differences and qualities of their services could shock you.  Make the best decision on service first, then price.  There’s no need in going for something cheaper, if you have to go behind a professional and do the job all over again or fill-in gaps.  You not only pay with your wallet, but also your time, which is far more precious.  For example, I’ve seen some brides who will go with a rental company because they offer less expensive rentals, but opt not to get the setup.   What is the purpose of getting a deal on the rentals if you are stuck setting everything up yourself on your wedding day and breaking everything down afterwards?

Just remember the great words of Sasha Souza:

“While you can find something cheaper, it won’t be the wedding you want, it will only be the price you like.”

It’s your wedding. Plan responsibly, my friends.

Fashion Monday: E!’s Live from the Red Carpet Shoe Line

If you love watching the Red Carpet Shows to get your dose of glamour, fashion and face beatings (translation: gorgeous makeup), you will be overjoyed to know that the E! Network has teamed with Anavel Caparros to create the E! Live From the Red Carpet Shoe Collection.  The stylish line of high heels is now available at Macy’s, Lord + Taylor, LordandTaylor.com, and will debut at Von Maur on May 8th.

After the stunning success of Adrianna Papell E! Live from the Red Carpet  evening gown collection, as well as the Stila E! Live from the Red Carpet cosmetics line, the shoe industry is now taking everyone by storm and no prisoners.  This new addition to the E! Live from the Red Carpet brand will provide fashionistas the perfect accessory to complete their own red carpet looks.

To view more from this delicious collection, visit the Red Carpet section of E!’s website.

Bring Coachella to Your Next Event

So you’re tired of the same old dinner party, the same routine wedding festivities, the humdrum of birthday parties, right?  There is no need to get down– take some inspiration from this year’s Coachella Festival.  If you haven’t heard about Coachella ( how could you escape it this year when they basically “resurrected” Tupac for a “live” hologram concert performance), we’ll give you the skinny:  it’s a three day long annual music and arts festival in the Coachella Valley.  It’s frequented by some of the biggest names in the entertainment and fashion industry with performances, exhibits and parties throughout the sprawling desert backdrop.

Each year, it seems Coachella gets better and better (cue another mention of the amazing Tupac performance).  All of the artists, performers and brands really bring it for this weekend.  There were some great ideas that could translate nicely for your next event.  Take a look:

Armani TMobile at Coachella

Several people enjoyed the Armani Exchange and TMobile Carnival Party.  We’ve posted before about getting your Coney Island on with your event— be it with food and drink or decor and details.  The most important thing with having a theme is to remain authentic  to the details and your personality.  Basically, “skip the cheese, go for the meat“.  Don’t go for the ultra cheesy details, but be authentic as possible.

Uplighting at Coachella

Lighting is ridiculously awesome.  It can transform any space into something dramatic and exciting.  The key to incorporating good lighting is your base– look at your area’s walls, floors, etc.   Make sure your lighting has something to reflect off of to create striking pillars or soft washes of colors.

Pool Parties at Coachella

If you’ve got a pool at your next party, don’t neglect it! Incorporate it in your party.  The open air atmosphere can add so much to your event.  Create custom cabanas by having personalized pillows with your pictures, monograms, colors or wedding logo. This gives your guests a great place to find respite or catch up on conversation.  Your pool can be a well designed focal point as we shared with The Braxton Premiere Party.

What would you inspires you from Coachella?

 

Fashion Monday: Elyria Jewels

Adoring, adoring, adoring the naturally beautiful jewels in the Rumi collection from Elyria Jewels!   Created to inspire beauty and love in all, the Rumi collection is perfect for the modern bride. The line features a sophisticated choker of Chinese freshwater pearls and a center topaz crystal, and dazzling earrings made of raw sliced diamonds, blue moonstones and dramatic faceted quartz.

The ocean inspired Cat Street offer a rugged, yet feminine look that can embellish any look– from casual to formal.  All of the pieces are perfect for the modern woman who wants a little edge, but still wants to remain feminine.

Balancing industrial chic with a luxurious, bohemian aesthetic, Browsh incorporates her beloved pearls and a wide variety of precious stones into sophisticated silver and gold jewelry. Her work is inspired by influences as diverse as street art and Cartier haute joaillerie.  These gorgeous pieces have been featured in O Magazine, Luxury, and Bride.

We Likey: CBTL Espresso Machine

 

There are a few things I need in life to start my day off right:

Smiles and hugs from kids.

A thankful prayer to the Lord for seeing another day.

A kiss from the love of my life.

And coffee.

Please note, all of these are non-negotiables!

 

After running the kids to school, I could typically cajole myself in to believing how much I deserved that caramel macchiato or a vanilla latte to start my day with busy details, interviews, meetings, sketches and more.  I’d get that 2:30 feeling that they rave about on the 5 Hour Energy commercials and say, “Go on to Starbucks”.  I’m the mayor of my Starbucks on Foursquare. It’s that serious.

I was then introduced to the CBTL machine, The Coffee Bean + Tea Life machine and my life has been glorious ever since.  Less cost intensive than other one-cup machines with a compact and sleek design, the gorgeous Americano rests sweetly on my counter waiting for me to pop in an one of the delicious flavor espresso or tea cups into its holder and LIFE BEGINS!

This is the perfect item to add to your registry or even give as a gift to your honey.  Simple to use, compact, and a myriad of flavors to suit your tastes of the day.  They find  highest quality coffee and tea from around the world, use a freshness seal on their single serve capsules to lock in exquisite taste and aroma. What I also love are the powder and sauce sachets which give me that coffeehouse decadence in the comfort of my own home.  My kids even love it because it makes hot chocolate! This is a definite must have in your home.

We Likey: IdoJour

I Do Jour Luxury Wedding Shop

I am so in love with IdoJour!

 

IdoJour is an online wedding boutique of curated finds for the glamour loving bride in mind.  Full of stylish accents, apparel and more handpicked from co-founders and sisters, Rosanna Casper and Vanessa Maffia.  Their choices are amazing– ranging from jewelry, clothing and other great accessories for your events during your wedding weekend.  The items are so reminiscent of Old Hollywood and add a touch of timeless glamour.

Here are our favorites:

Shrugs

wedding shrugs for fall and winter weddings

Hair accessories

bridal hair accessories for weddings

 

Bridal purses and clutches

bridal purses and clutches

 

Also, be sure to check out their IdoJour Explore— a blog of great ideas and details and take a minute to enter their “Show Us Your RingsGiveaway!

The Best Weddings on the Big and Small Screens in 2011

There were some OUTSTANDING weddings that showed up this year on the little and silver screens. Some were completely over the top and others were subdued, but they all had impact!  We hope to see some aspects of these famous nuptials play on in 2012!

 

The Royal Wedding

What we loved:  Being the most anticipated wedding of the year, there was so much to be excited about!  The pomp and circumstance, tradition, new designers and trends– Kate managed to bring forth her own personality in a very public wedding that was laden with time honored traditions.  Her gown was absolutely amazing.  It breathed new life into the wedding gown industry, being a bridal throwback of the beautiful Grace Kelly’s wedding dress.  The long sleeves and beautiful lines were gorgeous and flattering.  Not to be outdone, her sister Pippa’s dress was equally divine– also appearing as a throwback to sleek bias cut Old Hollywood gowns in white!   Everything about the wedding was beautiful and brought forth the return of glamour.

What we want to see in 2012: More glamour, please! Having been quite through with the overdone with the rustic, vintage trend, I am SO happy to see more classic, ornate details in 2012.

Bella and Edward :: Twilight

What we love: The ethereal, garden feel of this wedding was amazing! As a wedding planner, I sat in the movie theater absolutely giddy for all the wrong reasons.  While most of the tweens, teens and their moms were swooning over Edward Cullen in a tuxedo, I was losing my mind over the ferns, petal aisle and curtains and guests sitting on logs!  Even Bella’s victorian-esque gown was divine with its detailed lace scrollwork on the back and wrists.

What we want to see in 2012:  More florals and non-traditional decor for outdoor weddings!  It adds to the experience and  if it is the same place as your reception can always be repurposed.  Even if it is at a local park, garden, or residence– make the space your own.

Kim Kardashian Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids Dresses

Kim Kardashian Wedding Menu

The Kim Kardashian Wedding

What we loved: This is probably the most notorious wedding of the decade– from its (un)predictable demise to its over the top price tag, Kim Kardashian definitely made headlines with her wedding.  Nevertheless, it was absolutely beautiful.  Taking a cue from Kate, Kim had the ultimate “all white party” her sisters and mother adorned in white gowns, who also carried white bouquets down the aisle.

What we want to see in 2012:

The Hangover 2

What we loved: First, this movie was just absolutely hilarious.  But the wedding scene!? Ah-mazing. From the gorgeous outdoor ceremony by the water with gorgeous florals EVERYWHERE to the open air receptions with live music to the beautiful lantern send off– there were so many great wedding inspirations here.

What we want to see in 2012:  More open air weddings! Love the feel of the ceremony and reception being out in the open– be it surrounded by twinkling lights, tiki torches or uplighting, it is absolutely divine!

Once Upon A time wedding scene

chunky necklace once upon a time snow whiteOnce Upon A Time

What we loved:  This is one of the few times I’ve seen elements of “bringing the outside in” and actually liked it.  I also loved the the chuppah being in the middle of the room with guests standing around to join in.  We’ve done standing only ceremonies and they were just as intimate, if not more, than traditional ceremonies.

What we want to see in 2012:  One of the things I love about this show (and yes, I am a huge fan), is the opulence and detail in the clothing and jewelry.  I am hoping we see more of this in fashion this year.  Feathers, layers, ruffles, jewels– all of it! Give me more!

What have been some of your favorites?  What would you like to see in 2012?

Fashion Monday: Anne Hathaway’s Wedding Dress Through the Eyes of Top Designers

anne hathaway gold ball gown

When America’s sweetheart, Anne Hathaway, announced that she was engaged, everyone became enthralled with what she would wear as she went down the aisle.  Once again, we’ have some of the best of the best bridal houses came up with some delicious ideas as to what they think she would choose for her wedding dress:

Claire Pettibone:
Claire Pettibone specializes in ethereal dresses with a playful, vintage look; truly for a bohemian girl who wants to stand apart from the crowd. Claire’s romantic and ultra feminine line incorporates jeweled eyelet lace, silk floral appliqués and detailed European trimmings.

The Claire Pettibone 2012 “Beau Monde” collection is inspired by a languid summer in the French countryside. This juxtaposition of gilded refinement and relaxed country living adds a touch of Parisian luxury with a modern sensibility. Lots of lace, elegant sleeves, illusion necklines, and as always, Pettibone’s signature stunning back details are found in this homage to the decadence of 18th century France…ooh la la!

 


basque gown sketch for anne hathaway by claire pettibone

Designer Kelly Dooley’s sketch for Anne Hathaway:

Mermaid gown sketch for anne hathaway

 

Angel Rivera:
Angel Rivera is known for intricately detailed gowns that are accentuated with the richest silks, delicate lace and intricate beading. Through studying at Parsons and working with brides-to-be at Kleinfelds, Angel acquired a keen eye for fit and proportion. His couture creations exude sophistication by dramatic sweeping silhouettes while flattering the female figure. Angel Rivera’s opulent designs perfectly combine fashion forward notions with traditional timeless beauty.

 

Junko Yoshioka:
Inspired by the cultural movement of the renaissance, Junko Yoshioka bridges the past and present with her fabrics, construction & detailing; masterfully utilizing dimensional laser cut silks, antiqued ombre matelasses and embroidered laces to create a collection of modern grace and timeless beauty.

 

 

Junko Yoshioka wedding dress sketch for Anne Hathaway

Christina Makowsky:

With a design degree from FIT, and 28 years dressing the most elegant VIP women (as the owner of successful luxury boutique chain, Georgina)  Christina Makowsky became inspired to design her OWN luxury brand. The Christina Makowsky LUXURY brand mantra encompasses integrity and exclusivity, therefore garments are never mass produced and are created and marketed in limited quantities. In addition to designing her own luxury collection,

Christina Makowsky is known for her timeless fashion pieces. She provides the highest quality pieces, made from the finest fabrics, with enduring workmanship and with impeccable attention to every detail.

christina makowsky wedding dress sketch for anne hathaway
Ines Di Santo:
The INES DI SANTO Collection is known for marrying a sculpted, polished bodices with sumptuously layered skirts and romantic detailing. The effect has garnered the brand an eager client base of discerning and celebrity brides. Her well-recognized designs are carried at luxury retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

With each gown as unique as the personalities they were inspired by, Ines’ latest collection ranges from modern glamour to classic elegance. Applying today’s trends along with her signature touches, Ines adds embellishment to luxurious fabrics and delicate treatments like pleating and ruching to dramatic silhouettes. Using unique textured fabrics and sexy slits befitting the red carpet, runway or aisle, Ines’ Spring/Summer 2012 collection is award-worthy.
Ines Di Santo gown wedding dress sketch for anne hathaway

I also love this sweet empire waist gown that is ultra ingenue and feminine from TeKay designs:

Tekay wedding dress sketch for anne hathaway

 

Which is your favorite?  What would you wear down the aisle?

New Year, New Look!

wedding planners and coordinators in st simons island jekyll island and sea island

If you haven’t visited us in a while, you’ll see we have a brand new look!  We decided to ditch the our cookie cutter look and get something completely custom.  We told our fabulous designer, Sunil we only wanted three things: modern, feminine and something to get our future clients excited about their wedding process.  Needless to say, we feel like he knocked it out of the park.

St. Simons Jekyll Island Wedding Planner

We felt like this was the perfect look to kick off 2012, as we engage with new clients who are looking  for a one of a kind wedding experience here in St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and the surrounding areas.  That being said we didn’t stop there– we did a revamp of our service collections, company wide correspondence and forms.  Additionally, what’s new this year– you can schedule your phone or video consultations with us online, guaranteeing priority and reservation.

Wedding Services Look Book for Cocktails and Details

We love our new look and hope you do, too!