10 Days of Summer...

Many people often believe that the summer is the most popular time to have a wedding, and by the looks of my calendar I would have to say that it is true! (But, did you know that September and October are just as busy as May & June in the wedding world?)

All of my summer weddings this year have been gorgeous and have made me fall in love with summer weddings all over again! There are just certain charms about a summer wedding...which leads me to my 10 Days of Summer!

Beginning Monday, June 30th I will post my favorite 10 things about summer weddings, along with some creative ideas for your very own. And for all of you new brides-to-be, hopefully this can inspire you as you begin planning for next year. I will post 1 item a day through July 11th, so check back daily!

Until then, I am busy gearing up for yet another fabulous summer soiree this weekend, when my high school friends Staci & Zach officially become 'The Ledfords!' And, I can't WAIT for their guests to see what they have in store!

Talk to you all on Monday! Have a sunny, fun weekend!

Destinations...

Hi everyone!

I am officially back from my wonderful vacation in the Bahamas, much more tan and still waking back up from a relaxing week. Thank you to everyone for the week away and putting things on hold for me to relax and enjoy my sweet hubby, my family, and my favorite place in the world.

Suzanne & Ben had a gorgeous June 14 wedding at the Inn at Carnall Hall in Fayetteville. It was a wonderful day, and I will share more soon! Keep coming back...

As we traveled around in the Bahamas I was hoping to see a wedding ceremony, meet a bride, or anything that I could snap a pic of! The closest I got was a girl on our flight out wearing a cute "Bride" bling tank top. But, since it was her first honeymoon day I did not bother her, as she looked exhausted. Mark and I estimated 5 couples on our plane that were honeymoon-bound, but then we also realized people might have thought that about us!

Needless to say, it all got me thinking about destination weddings. One of my very favorite elements about a wedding away is the opportunity you have to do some FABULOUS invitations, and other paper products. One element you must have for a destination wedding is a map for all of those out of town guests, whether it is out of the country or just a place that many of your guests are unfamiliar with. I suggest a map, or at least a directions card, for all of my clients. As I was buzzing around online, I came across the cutest maps! The website is Laura Hooper's calligraphy site, but she also creates fun maps for her clients as well. Click around on the site, but be sure to click the tab on the right that says "Maps, Monograms, and Logos." This is where the fun is! Here is an example of a San Diego map...



Another great product she has on her site are her custom tote bags with the map on them! These would be great welcome bags for your guests, loaded with goodies, local items, and suggestions for their weekend in town. With the map on the bag, they'll never get lost! I love it!

A Funny Dream...

After a recent trip to Barnes & Noble, I cozied up with some of the new editions of my favorite bridal magazines. I came across a really fun section where brides have shared funny wedding nightmares they have had just before their big day. Here is my favorite (I think because my dad would do the same thing!):

"I had a dream...that my dad was about to walk me down the aisle and I realized that I didn't have a groom waiting for me at the altar! I begged my dad not to make me embarass myself in front of the guests, but he said he paid for this day and maybe I should have thought of that before-hand."

Here's a couple of shots of dads & daughters...their big moment together! From what I hear, it's a father's most anticipated and dreaded moment...

Lauren & "Doc"
Photo from Hudson Photos.

Josey & Dad

Photo from Family Photography.

Lauren & Dad

Photo from Benfield Photography.

The most famous FOTB...


And, now for my dad, the best Father of the Bride ever...love ya!


Photos from Stephen Thetford.

Be My Rock

I recently came across a great new resource through Modern Bride. While we all hope and pray that every couple's engagement process is a fun, smooth time, there are many who face unexpected challenges along the way. Because of illness, either of the bride or groom, a family member, or close friend, some couples can have to face some tough decisions about their wedding. Do we postpone or rush the wedding? Do we even proceed with the planning?

Be My Rock is a great resource for couples facing these kinds of decisions. It is an online community with articles, Q&A, and links to helpful organizations. It discusses some of the things you may not think of if you are going through planning a wedding, and dealing with an illness at the same time.

What a great thing Modern Bride is doing! Check it out at bemyrock.org!

Where have we been?

So, yes, I realize it has been about 4 long weeks since my last blog post. I have been a very busy girl. Between continuing to plan with my wonderful clients, meeting new beautiful brides, and having 2 great events...I haven't had much extra time. So here goes...

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working with the new Abby & Chris Goins. Abby & Chris are a Dallas couple, and Abby is originally from Rogers. They brought me on board early in 2008 when they were engaged and we've been planning quickly ever since. Regena, the mother of the beautiful bride, and I had a great time pulling this unique indoor garden wedding together.

Here are some wonderful photos from the always incredible Dale Benfield, who worked together with Mo Sadjapour on photography. Mo is a Dallas photographer and great friend of the couple.

The reception was held at the Fayetteville Town Center. We accomplished our spring garden look by utilizing market umbrellas, accented with hanging lanterns that held candles.


A great idea for using more florals around the room is having your bridesmaids' bouquets displayed. We had empty bubble vases ready at the reception around the room. When the girls arrived, they placed their bouquets in them and...TA DA! More flowers at the reception! Thanks to Shirley's Flowers for the beautiful arrangements.











Catering Unlimited catered the event and was FANTASTIC! Here are some guests indulging in the chocolate river dipping station. We had several chocolates, along with skewers to hold strawberries, marshmallows, graham crackers...and just about anything that tastes good dipped in chocolate!


Our martini glasses were not used for what you would think. They were used as the "bowl" for the mashed potato bar. This is always a hit at any event!


Here I am at the end of the night with the bride & groom!


A very heartfelt Thank You goes out to the Shelby's for allowing me to assist them in their wedding planning. The day I met you all at Panera I knew I was in for a treat! You all are the kind of people I hope to surround myself with on a daily basis, and this shined through in your wedding day. Abby & Chris, you are a truly unique and blessed couple. I know that your life together is going to be an influential one, and a really really fun one, too! And to Regena, thank you for letting me be by your side in this great process.


For more photos, please check out Dale's blog!

And, the week before this beautiful event I was honored to assist in planning the United Way LIVE UNITED Fashion Show with Mason's. Again, Dale was the photographer (can you tell we like to work together?) and the photos are awesome! Check it out...

Mr. and Mrs. Mayhall!!!!!!!!

Well, I finally got my nap in this afternoon after a weekend of a lot of work, but even more fun! Lauren & Dusty are officially Mr. and Mrs. and it couldn't have been a better day. I am so thankful for the gorgeous weather, the great people we had to work with, and for a precious, hillarious, and excited couple. I mean, when the bride is laughing because the limo broke down, you know you've got a good one! (Who knew the axel was going to fall out?)

I had a blast working side by side with my friends Dale & Meredith from Benfield Photography. Also, Kristen, my assistant was amazing! I know that we all learned a lot and took home a few valuable tidbits for future events. (Ask us about candles + ribbon!) I just thought I would share a few of the awesome details and some fun photos that Dale and Meredith snapped throughout the day.

The perfect bride! This is a shot from her bridal portrait shoot with Dale.



Kristen finishing up the 'M' monograms for the chapel doors...



Fruit filled vases are a great decor idea, especially when you are transporting flowers from your ceremony to the reception.


One of the beautiful centerpieces by Shirley's Flowers in Rogers...


Lauren chose a candy bar for favors for her guests. The custom stickers were a part of Lauren's custom ensemble designed by Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours.





Custom door coverings designed by yours truly added a personal, unique touch all the while giving Cedaridge Event Center a dressy element.


We chose a really fun wishing tree for an interactive element for guests. They left some really great advice, sweet notes, and even some funny ones. It was displayed with engagement photos and also shared a table with Dusty's groom's cake.




For the "guest book" at the reception, we displayed an engagement photo that guests could write messages on as well. This is a great wedding keepsake for your home. You can find these types of photo mats at your local Hobby Lobby store. Make sure they are acid free so they won't fade.


Lauren and I have become good friends throughout her planning process. I miss her already! I want to say thank you to Lauren & Dusty for letting me be a part of their wedding and their engagement. I had a valuable experience that I wouldn't trade for a thing. Your families were so much fun, just like each of you, and your friends were a blast! I wish you the very happiest life together, and I know that the Lord is going to bless your marriage, and through that bless others as well. I am SO INCREDIBLY happy for you! And Lauren, never forget that your hubby is your homeboy!

Accessories worth the Splurge!

Brides today are shying away from the typical tiara of weddings past. Yes, it is your day to be a princess, so you certainly want to sparkle with the best of 'em! Here are some gorgeous alternatives to the typical tiara ....and from $68 up to the $500's these are all worth the splurge! Plus, you are more likely to be seen sporting these fabulous looks again rather than your bridal crown. To order, visit Jennifer Behr's great site!