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Saint Simons and Jekyll Island Wedding Pros on Twitter

If you are a member of Twitter, you have probably become addicted like most—but did you know some of Saint Simons and Jekyll Island’s wedding professionals are on Twitter, too?  That’s right—now you can keep up with your favorite wedding photographers, wedding cake bakers, florists, and wedding ceremony and reception venues.  Get to know them, learn about great tips for your wedding or happenings in the area. Being between such beautiful and unique cities like Savannah and Jacksonville, I’ve included some great wedding professionals that are in that area, too!

Follow Chris Moncus of Chris Moncus Photography

Follow Scott Seckinger of Serendipity Bakery

Follow Griffin Bufkin of Southern Soul Barbecue

Follow Dan and Sheila Zynda of Mobile Music

Follow Donna Von Bruening of Donna Von Bruening Photography

Follow The Beachview Club of The Beachview Club

Follow Caroline Carter of Events by Caroline

Follow Beachview Tent Rentals of Beachview Tent Rentals

Follow Morgan Gallo of Morgan Gallo Events

Follow Bradford and Melanie Watson of La Dolce Vita Studio

Follow Cassandra Cherneski of Flaire Weddings

Follow Teresa Earnest of Memories N’ More

Follow Scarlett Lillian of Scarlett Lillian

Follow Tricia Huddas of Tricia  Huddas & Co.

Follow Christina LeMarr of Sentimental Visions

Follow Trevor Jenkins of 98 Productions

Follow Kara Pennington of Kara Pennington Photography

Follow Heather Burge of Bleu Belle Bridal Salon

Follow Agnes Lopez of Agnes Lopez Photography

Follow Jekyll Island of Jekyll Island

Follow Anna and Spencer of Anna and Spencer Photography

And of course, don’t forget about us!  Follow Terrica from Cocktails + Details  on Twitter.

More Lies: “Ssshhhh….Don’t Tell Them It’s A Wedding!”

Somebody’s going to be mad.

I’ve heard it all at this point.  There are a lot of “arrognorant” (the lethal mix of arrogance and ignorance plaguing the world) advice going around now that it is wedding season.  Once again, I feel it is prevalent because of the horrible economic tides we are trying to tame as well as the overall lack of public trust in any practically any business (Thanks, AIG, Freddie, Fannie, Madoff and countless others!  You’re a swell bunch).

What’s (the lie) going around now is that it’s smarter to tell your vendors that you are planning a “big party!”  rather than a wedding, because everyone knows that entertainment/event vendors are out to rip everyone off the minute they say “The W word”.  So to combat that, and to make sure you protect what’s left of your 401K, you decide to lie to everyone.

It’s like going to the doctor, tell the staff that you have a terrible stomach ache.  Once you’ve been whisked back into the doctor’s examining room, you reveal “Just kidding. I’m really pregnant and in labor right now. I know when you guys hear the word ‘maternity’,  the prices double”.

Great way to start a relationship. (That was sarcasm)

Trust is a two way street.   Your wedding vendors are trusting that you will pay them on time.  So that, in turn, they can pay their staff, mortgages and gas and electric bills on time. They are also trusting that you will keep your date and follow-through with an actual event.  More likely than not,they have turned down other events so that they could show you exemplary client service and attention.  When you lie to them from the beginning (because they will find out that it’s an actual wedding, and not some “big party”), they have no incentive to trust you, let alone like you.  It will make your vendor feel as if you questioned their integrity without communicating any concerns, and decided to deceive them for your own benefit (a little pot calling the kettle black, eh?).

In case this piece of info isn’t printed in anyone’s wedding magazine or allowed to run rampant on a wedding message board, I’ll say it here:  wedding vendors are a tight community. If you feel the need to try to get over on any of your wedding vendors with lies and deception, you had better believe that other wedding vendors will hear about it, too.  It could  make it a lot harder for you to find other vendors that will want to work with you once they have heard about your antics.   A wedding is not just a big party.  It’s your wedding. Don’t take anything away from that by calling it something that it isn’t. If it were really just “one big party”, then why not go to the courthouse and rock out at Chuck E. Cheese?  There very well may be some unscrupulous vendors out there who mark their prices up because it’s a wedding, and some may feel warranted in doing so due to the expectations and other details they will have to deal with.   For the rest of us that run our businesses honestly, we have set our prices for the amount of work we do.  As a wedding planner, it is my job to make sure that brides and grooms get what they are looking for and that any wedding day related charges are services are legitimate.  If you run into several mark ups with venues or vendors that you have dreamt of using, it may be time to find vendors you can actually afford to use. If you find someone who is less than honest about their fees—do not book them!

But remember, a stomach ache is not the same thing as being in labor 😉

I’m sure my other wedding planner and vendor friends will be able to offer so much more insight, so let’s keep the conversation going.

:: Photo ~ Bjorn de Leeuw ::

Overheard at Your Wedding: “I’m Starving”

So not cool.

 

 

Not sure if you know this or not—or read it one of the three thousand wedding glossies you’ve bought, but I’m your girl. You know I’ll tell you.

 

People come to weddings to eat.

 

They get your invitation, skip right to the RSVP and begin salivating at all of the wonderful things they will taste and experience at your wedding (and expense). Don’t worry, they’re excited about seeing you, too.  Who wouldn’t be? The perk is definitely the succulent food you will grace them with during your reception.

 

So, imagine their surprise when they arrive at 6 p.m. to your cocktail hour to be greeted with a cheese and cracker tray and ornate display of strawberries resting in a well-carved watermelon.  No worries, they think—you are just cleansing the palate before the true feast begins.  Lo and behold, they arrive to “dinner” which is either stations of hors d’oeuvres for six year olds or a plated meal with such scant portions that only a butterfly could be satisfied with.

 

They start to get antsy.  They start to get bored.  They start to drink more.  Dinner started at 7 p.m.  At 7:03 they are ready to go.

 

Now, don’t get mad at me.  If that is all you can afford, then that’s okay.  What is not okay is not planning accordingly or letting your guests know ahead of time so that they can make adequate arrangements for food prior to the wedding.  Here are some helpful tips to spearhead the thundering stampede of guests leaving during your cake cutting to graze on the lawn of the reception venue:

  • If you have limited funds, as always—consider lowering your guest count.  You can do more for less, than vice versa.
  • If you choose to keep your large number of guests, consider having a brunch or tea reception with a limited menu.  Of course, you could also have a late evening wedding, with your ceremony beginning at 7:00 or 8:00 in the evening and an even later reception.  At this late hour, your guests won’t be expecting a heavy meal.  In this instance, you could get away with a heavy hors d’oeuvres menu.
  • Be sure to spread the news on your wedding website, and if necessary and/or appropriate on your reception cards. You can never give your guests too much information.  Far better to let them know in advance than to hear them (and their stomachs) grumbling about how they wished they had known about the food.
  • Another reason why a lot of guests walk away hungry is that they feel the menu is too exotic or something they just won’t eat.  While at your tasting, remember, you are accommodating a large guest list, not just you and your future spouse.  Uncle Bob may love foie gras all day long, but Aunt Millie would refuse to eat it.  Try to find a common ground.  The same thing can be said for wedding cake; choose a basic failsafe flavor options that will ensure you don’t have an entire cake left behind.

 

 

Photo :: Source

10 Tips from 10 Wedding Planners

tips

One of the benefits of reading wedding blogs is that you get so much insight from fellow planners and brides.  I decided to ask some of the planners I think are outstanding to share a few of their favorite tips with Fabuluxe™ readers. Be sure to check them out, too!

“Hire vendors you trust, then let them do their jobs.”  Sara Bauleke • Bella Notte
“Start work on your seating assignments early as this becomes a MAJOR task as you get closer to the wedding…. when you make your guest list, purchase plain white, cheap paper plates and a pack of sticky notes…..write each guests name on a sticky note and arrange them in groups by family, friends or co workers around the paper plate about 8-10 on a plate ( as most 60” round banquet tables seat 8-10).”

Mark Kingsdorf • Queen of Hearts Weddings | BLOG

“Do you dread negotiating with vendors on their prices?  Wedding vendors need to support their lives too so most aren’t willing to drop their fees just because you ask.  The best way to get a good deal is to tell the vendor what amount you’re able to spend.  Then see how they can customize their services to fit your budget.  Perhaps the photographer will knock out the parent album that you don’t need anyway.  Maybe the DJ will leave the spinning club lights at home.  Or perhaps the caterer will suggest that you skip the mini dessert buffet and only serve wedding cake.  You may be surprised at how customized your vendors will make their packages in order to earn your business.” Laura Auer • Wish Special Events | BLOG
“Don’t get caught up in a particular shade of “pink” or “blue” when choosing your colors!  Different hues of a color will give your decor and overall wedding style that “designer” look.  Gone are the days of everything matching as well.  Bridesmaids dresses in gradient shades is a HAUTE look!”
Wendy Robinson • Sacred Moment Weddings | BLOG
“If you really want a unique wedding, stop looking for inspiration in wedding magazines.” Monica Gill •   The White Box | BLOG
“If having an outdoor ceremony, be considerate of your bridesmaids who may be wearing heals.  Consider purchasing them Solemates It keeps them from sinking into the grass.”  Latrice Cushenberry •  Bridal Opulence Weddings and Events | BLOG
“Keep all wedding related information in one place. Don’t have piles all over the house, and one at work, and one in the car, and don’t forget about the one that you have in the bathroom.  If you keep all of your wedding contracts, correspondence, emails, pages you’ve pulled out of magazines in one place, you will feel more organized. And if you need something, you will know exactly where it is. If your wedding consultant asks to see a copy of the contract, you know where it is – if you need to check the floral order, you know where it is.”

Melissa DiStefano •  MasterPiece Weddings | BLOG

“Consider a brunch reception if you are planning your wedding on a shoestring.”  Shanika Butts • SJB Weddings and Events | BLOG
“Add a line item to your budget for vendors that need to receive gratuities such as limo drivers, beauticians, etc. This can add up and it is so important to account for it at the beginning.”  Saundra Hadley • Planning…ForeverBLOG
“Make the timeline realistic and plan for all the activities you want. For instance, if you want to take pictures before the ceremony, please don’t ask the bridal party to show up only 2 hours before the ceremony, then say “If they’re late, then they won’t be in the pictures.”In reality you are going to WAIT for them because those are your friends or MOTHER,  and you really want them to be in the photos.  Plan accordingly to avoid any tardiness, tantrums and hurt feelings.”

Katasha Butler •  K.Sherrie + Co. | BLOG

Thank you to all of the planners that were so gracious with their time to participate. You all offered some wonderful tips and I know you will create more fabulous events in 2009.  Stay tuned for more tips from other wedding pros.

Fabuluxe and Delicious: Sorbet Trios

 

 

As much as I am a fan of any creme brulee, my next favorite is sorbet.  While Yum Sugar says she tires of sorbet trios, I for one, cannot get enough.  Texture and flavor, as well as temperature make sorbet the fabulousness that it is.  Sorbet trios would make great welcoming treats at a cocktail hour or wonderful way to cool down after hot evening wedding.  As you can see above in the picture from Cannelle et Vanille , the colors are exquisite—all reflective of the hot colors of the season. 

 

Incorporating the delicious flavors of your trios into your menu can be a wonderful way to enhance other flavors.  Think about expanding beyond the typical berry flavors—mix, garnish, add, and create frozen perfection of your own.  Here are some ideas to get your tastebuds going:

 

Cannelle et Vanille’s Blood Orange, Key Lime and Kumquat trios

Mr. Lou’s Lemon Mint, Tangerine Basil and Pineapple Raspberry trios courtesy of Emeril Live

Banana, Apricot and Kiwi with Raspberry Coulis courtesy of Epicurious

 

Think of different ways you can serve your trios:  all in the same cup or separately, as seen above.  Will you garnish with mint, edible flowers or sliced fruit?  The possibilities are not only endless, but also extremely delicious!

 

 

:: Source ::

Event Vision 101: Personality

eventvision101

 

Finding your event’s personality is crucial.  I no longer like to say the term “theme” because it’s a bit antiquated and can be a bit stifling.  However, just like a theme, having more than one at your event can be confusing and distracting.  No good ever came out of anything with multiple personalities—this includes your wedding.  Your  event’s personality could be inspired by color, a location, a jewel, an era, or even food!  How does it make you feel when you think of it?  What does it make you want to do the second the thought of it enters your mind?  In other words, if your event were a person, who would it be?  How would it smell?  What would it look like?  How would it feel? 

Starting off with very basic questions in the beginning of your planning process can be helpful to get you to discover facets of your design that you hadn’t originally considered. Also, asking them halfway through your planning allows you to make sure you are staying on track and can steer away from an event vision exorcism. 

Ask yourself—if your long lost friend had missed your wedding, how would you describe it to them?  What would you create that would be the most memorable for you, as well as your guests?  Could you sum up your event vision in just five words?  What words or feelings would then stem from that? 

 

You will find that your event’s personality is born right before your eyes.

Screen Printing Workshop at DIY Bride

 

 

Khris of DIY Bride is hosting a Screen Printing workshop and it is a genius idea!  Think of all the wonderful things you could create for your wedding, new home, or gifts. 

from the DIY Bride blog:

This printing technique is perfect for all sorts of surfaces such as paper, fabric, glass, wood, and even metal. With so many possibilities it’s a great skill to learn for making nifty wedding items. Think invitations, t-shirts, aisle runners, bridesmaid bags… or get ultra creative and come up with your own implementation.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Introduction to art – Learn what images will work and what won’t.
  • How to create screens
  • All about ink
  • Basic equipment 101
  • How to make a print

Each video lesson is divided into short, doable tasks that will have you up and running with screen printing in no time. Because this is a self-paced workshop, you can stop, rewind, and restart the videos as many times as needed.

Registration opens on April 16, so be sure to stay tuned for your list of supplies and more information over at the DIY Bride blog

Four ‘Secrets’ You Shouldn’t Keep From Your Planner

The secret

 

If you want a successful and productive relationship with your event team, keeping secrets are a “no-no”—yes, even accidentally on purpose. It is similar to the relationship with your doctor or lawyer; if you want us to really help you, we do need to know everything.  I typically tell my clients what my Contract Law professor told me:  “Clients should tell you everything, and you can decide what’s not important”.  This is very true, and rings true in our profession.  We represent you to your caterer, florist, venue—practically everyone you come in contact with.  Therefore, it is imperative that we always stay on the same page.  Lack of communication and embarrassment can and has been the downfall of what could have been beautiful weddings.

 

1. The budget changes  If for any reason your budget increases or decreases, you need to let your planner know as soon as possible.  Your planner bases his/her recommendations based on the event’s personality, the dynamic between you and the vendor providing a service, but also on your budget.   Any changes in your budget may put you in a different price bracket—either allowing you to choose between a higher caliber vendor or cause you find a more economical resource.  Fear not, your planner can help you by creating a new set of priority shifts to meet your new budget to ensure you get what you want and need.

 

2.  The family dynamic is off  Some families have issues—others have subscriptions.  And that is okay.  If your parents are divorced and your mother would like to literally rip the face off of your stepmother or if the groom’s brother is the undependable black sheep of the family, your planner needs to know.  To avoid any gaffes at the rehearsal or planning of the day, be sure to let her know of any rough edges either family may have.  If you feel more comfortable discussing these potential pitfalls with your planner one-on-one, definitely take the time to do so.  Your planner does this often enough to be able to foresee any mishaps and help you avoid them.

 

3.  Critical vendor changes  We want you to be proactive with all of your vendors, just be sure to keep us in the loop.  If you ordered 20 burgundy bichon table linens, but then change it to 25 merlot lamours, your planner definitely needs to know.  If you fire a vendor or change their service, it’s best to let your planner know as soon as possible.  Do not assume that a change is too small to notify your planner; one simple change can cause a logistical nightmare.  Since s/he will be responsible for confirming services and executing your day, having the latest, correct information is not optional.

 

4.  You are not happy with his/her service  Do not suffer in silence.  Your planner is there to assist and guide you, not to be a hindrance to you enjoying your planning and special day.  If your expectations are not being met, please bring them to your planner’s attention.  Ask your planner if you could have an outline as to when you should expect certain things to be done.  I am quite sure that your planner will welcome the opportunity to better assist you.

 

Remember: open lines of communication…always.

Your Name in Lights

Now who doesn’t love that!?

Cruising around the blogosphere, I found these wonderful lights from Perch on the decor8 blog.  They start at $110 each, but can be customized to form words up to six letters or less (you can also make two to put more words together if necessary).  These are awesome for weddings with a modern chic twist and looking to do something different from the monogram.  Of course, you’ll have to discuss this with your venue, but the perk is that you can always take it with you for your new home!

 

:: photos from perch ::

Me, You and Your Cocktail Hour: Romance Style

With today being Valentine’s Day, you may be looking to take the romantic atmosphere to your cocktail hour.  If you want your wedding to be reflective of your love, passion and adoration for one another, don’t just incorporate it into your design…share some with your signature drink and hors d’oeuvres.  With the sensual flavors of chocolate and champagne, these are sure to be a hit!

 

Hors d’ouevres:

  Grilled Shrimp with Cocoa-Nib Romesco Sauce

With rich chocolate and nutty flavors, partnered with the fusion of roasted pepper are a succulent mix of flavors to seduce the palate.

 

Full Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Drink:

image Passionate Kiss

 

2 oz. Intrigue (a mixture of vodka, XO Cognac and passionfruit juice)
2 oz. Champagne
Serve in champagne flute