Best Weddings of 2009

Two days before what is set to be another massive year in the wedding industry, here's a countdown of just a few of the most memorable celebrity weddings of 2009.


1. Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom

Khloe Kardashian wed Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom on September 27 at the Los Angeles mansion of music mogul Irving Azoff.  Kardashian wore a customized Vera Wang gown.

Click below to read more of the fabulous 2009 celebrity weddings.

Get Married

Get Married is gearing up for its 3rd season with some amazing challenges and one of a kind brides.  Don't miss their debut on WE tv Saturday, January 2nd at 9:30 ET/PT.

Click here to check out the new promo for Get Married's season 3!

Get Married's television show is all about the bride, focusing on identiyfing and matching a bride's personality with her unique bridal style.  With the guidance of show host Stacie Francombe, Get Married's CEO and founder, real brides will discover their unique bridal style as they experience an array of inspiring challenges with wedding professionals and key wedding experts.

White Christmas

If you're like me and didn't wake up to a white Christmas this past Friday morning, then undoubtedly you were disappointed.  However, here is a simple Christmas cocktail to keep you warm as you sit by the fire with your family this holiday season.

White Christmas Cocktail

~Makes 1 cocktail~

Ingredients:

1/2 oz White Creme de Cacao

1 oz Southern Comfort

4 oz Egg Nog

Chocolate shavings for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker about half way with ice.  Add all ingredients except the chocolate shavings.  Shake until mixed and strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with the chocolate shavings.


Cheers!

Save The Date!

The holidays are upon us and wedding planning is coming to a slow crawl.  However, I am reminding all my 2010 Brides to make sure they send out their Save the Dates in January 2010.  After all of the Christmas mail has ceased and the last drop of egg nog has been drunk, everyone can get back on track.  Make sure you get your Save the Dates in the mail so guests can start booking airplane tickets and hotel rooms. 

Not A Creature Was Stirring...Not Even a Bartending Mouse!

I absolutely love a girly, bright colored cocktail, so it's no wonder that I truly enjoy helping clients pick a signature drink for their special event.  

I recently came across Stirrings, and instantly fell in love.  I knew that I finally found a place to dump my entertainment budget!  Bragging that it can turn anyone into a "seasoned mixologist, Stirrings offers such flavors as Blood Orange, Pina Colada, Watermelon, Pomegranate, and Lemon Drop.  Traditionalists, have no fear!  Stirrings has even perfected some of the classics such as Peach Bellini, Apple Martini, Mojito, and the traditional Martini.


What will really knock your socks off are the Rimmers Cocktail Garnishes.  Now you can turn your boring drinks into designer cocktails by adding these colorful and tasteful garnishes.  These too come in delectable flavors such as Margarita, Bloody Mary, and Cosmopolitan.  Those are only the tip of the iceberg!


If you are allowed to bring your own alcohol in and are looking for some pizzazz without deflating your wallet completely, go to Stirrings!  They even have a portion of their website devoted to weddings and developing your signature cocktail.  Just get your favorite liquor, mix, garnish, and serve!  VOILA - you have a fabulous signature cocktail!  Take a step further and rent trendy glasses to dress up your cocktails and serve with fresh fruit or flowers.

Holiday Etiquette featuring M. Elizabeth!

I'd like to give a big "Thank You" to Ashlyn Stallings, Contributing Writer for MyScoop, for including M. Elizabeth Weddings & Events in her newest article, Mind Your Ps and Qs or Santa Might Get You!  We are extremely honored to have been apart of this wonderful article. More importantly, we hope our helpful hints will help you leave a positive, lasting impression with your hosts at this year's Christmas parties!  Merry Christmas...and enjoy!

"During sixth grade cotillion, of few of us flirts were busy batting eyelashes Mr. Popular's direction. And sometimes, the family Southern Belle expert extrodinaire, (in my case, Great Aunt Joy) is tied up on the "oh-tha liiine." During the holidays, a million etiquette questions are dancing like sugar plums in our heads. Meghan Cease, etiquette expert of M. Elizabeth Weddings and Events, tackles our every inquiry..."

Click here to read the entire article on MyScoop.

How to Be A Gracious Holiday Guest

It's that time! Holiday party season is here and we wanted to share some tips on how to be a gracious holiday party guest!

• Bring a hostess gift that's easy to open or use at the party.  While flowers are always sweet, don't present them to your host/hostess unless they are already in a vase.  While flowers are such a nice gesture, the last thing your host wants is to have to scramble to find a vase amidst a bustling party. This Christmas, a poinsettia that is already potted is a wonderful idea.

• Bottles of wine or champagne are always a great gift.  You can always opt for less expensive sparkling beverages such as cava (from Spain) or prosecco (from Italy).  You can find these items in your local grocery store for about $10 a bottle, and they are delicious!  Of course, cookies and other party food are also great items to bring to a party, because the host can display the goods immediately.

• Most hosts and hostesses know that you are making a stop in between other holiday parties, but don't rush out the door!  Stay and mingle, visit with the hosts, and enjoy the food and drink they put so much effort into.  After all, the holidays are about good company, friends, and family.

Planning Ahead

"Whether you're mailing printed invitations or inviting guests by phone, timing is key.  Send an invitation too late and the gust may already be booked; send it too early and it may be misplaced or forgotten." ~ Peggy Post

This guideline will give you an idea of how to time invitations for different kinds of parties.

Alfred Angelo Store Opening

It's finally here!  The Alfred Angelo boutique has finally opened in Birmingham!  Located in the Cahaba Village Plaza on Highway 280, this wonderful designer, is not only affordable, but has beautiful designer gowns and bridal dresses for your big day!  They also have dresses to suit your bridesmaids, flower girls, and mother of the bride.  

Click below to read more about all that this new Birmingham boutique has to offer!

Our Beautiful Christmas Cards

Want to sneak a peak at our 2009 Christmas cards?  The fantastic Shannon Darnell at Fun Stuff created the design, and she did a beautiful job! I spent quite a few hours last week addressing and stuffing all 150 of them, but I am super excited that I got them finished and mailed in plenty of time for the holidays.  So, without further ado...this year's Christmas card!

If you still haven't ordered your Christmas cards yet and want something unique, contact Sheri Darnell or her daughter Shannon at Fun Stuff today!  I have known this sweet family since before their Vestavia Hills boutique opened over 10 years ago, and I highly recommend them!  Need something quick?  No problem...most of their invitation and card designs can be back to you the next day!  

Fun Stuff

3370 Morgan Drive

Birmingham, Alabama 35216

205.823.3688

Ooo La La!

The J. Crew Wedding Lookbook for Spring 2010 is finally here!  They have really outdone themselves this time with some beautiful bridal gowns and bridesmaid's dresses.  None of the dresses pictured are available, but they can be pre-ordered by calling one of J. Crew's Wedding Specialists.

Wedding Day Makeup "Must Haves"

One thing that can be really easy to forget is to put together a makeup kit for your wedding day.  When you are getting ready for the big day, chances are you will be putting makeup on about an hour and a half to two hours before your wedding.  This is especially true if you are taking photos before the ceremony or getting ready at home or in a hotel room and your ceremony is in a different location.

Click below to read more about what Louise Bodine Robertson, Sisley Line Advisor at Saks Fifth Avenue, says are the must have products brides should be using on their wedding day!

Everything Bridal

If I could express one thing that all brides-to-be must attend, it would be the upcoming "Everything Bridal" event at The Veranda on Highlands.  Call Virgina Au TODAY to reserve your spot at this fabulous event!

The Veranda on Highland

The Veranda on Highland will turn your next pre-wedding celebration - engagement party, bridesmaid's luncheon, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner - into an experience you will always remember.

To read more about my lunch at The Veranda with their Events Coordinator, Virgina Au, and to hear about the exciting things happening at The Veranda on Highland, click below.

So.Worth.The.Wait.

It might take 5 visits to 5 different newsstands, but I personally guarantee you it's worth it the hassle.

The second issue of Southern Weddings magazine...wow! After the last issue being an innovation in the wedding magazine world, I knew the next would be phenomenal.


What I find fantastic about Southern Weddings is that it is quite honestly just about weddings and how amazing they are.  When I read it, I felt like each and every page was a celebration that was all completely realistic.  How thrilled was I that I didn't have to look at yet another 5 page spread of gorgeous wedding dresses on a model with an actual birds nest in her hair?  Instantly thrilled.  Sounds corny, I know, but when you live in the wedding world (temporarily as a bride-to-be or permanently as a professional)...real is what you ache for: gorgeous pictures, plenty of advice and tips, great shopping and resources, and candid comments.


I've already read through mine at least 6 times...is it too early to ask for the third issue?

Brides Against Breast Cancer

Chances are that someone you know and love has been or will be affected by breast cancer.  This disease has reached near-epidemic proportions with over 2.8 million (one in seven) women in America being diagnosed.  While research continues to ramp up in the search for a cure, that goal has unfortunately not yet been reached.

For more information on this wonderful organization and how buying designer wedding dresses can help find a cure for breast cancer, click below.

DIY Project: S'mores

There is just something about cold weather and a fireplace that scream S'mores!  This is the perfect DIY project for your fall or winter wedding to serve as gifts for your out-of-town guests or even favors for your wedding!  Besides, who doesn't love graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate?  


Simply use clear acetate boxes to wrap up all the necessities for homemade S'mores and finish it off with your favorite ribbon or wraffia for the perfect pulled together look.

Beautiful Calligraphy

For your wedding invitations you may wish to consider the timeless elegance and chic sophisticated look of handwritten invitations.  The word calligraphy literally means beautiful writing.  Who do you turn to in this region for beautiful, hand written invitations?  My suggestion is Deb Warnat.

SnappyMap

You have selected your invitations with care...the look, the feel, the message, the paper, the font.  Why send your guests a photocopied internet map?  You wouldn't dare wear tennis shoes with your wedding gown.  A custom drawn wedding map tells your guests you pay attention to every detail.

Whether you want fun, elegant, or contemporary, Shawn Ashbaugh and his team at Snappymap will design something to fit your style.  Though they are based in Austin, Texas, the ordering process couldn't be easier.

Simply go to the SnappyMap website, select a map style, complete an oline order form, and someone will then contact you for a one-on-one consultation.

I know you're thinking...what a wonderful idea, but how much does it cost?  Ordering 150 of the Standard Map + Printing, will only cost you $225. If you want to save a few dollars, order a small amount, as these maps would be perfect for your out-of-town gift baskets for guests staying at area hotels.

The White Room has a new home!

After spending almost 5 years in Helena, the White Room Bridal Salon has moved into their fabulous new location behind the Summit and next to Satterfield's Restaurant in Cahaba Heights.  Go see my dear friend, Carolyn Kelly, and her daughter Cathy today!

The White Room

3161 Cahaba Heights Road

Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242

205.970.6767

Church Bells or a Blackberry?

Let's face it.  We are all addicted to our Blackberry or Iphone, and there is definitely no cure in sight.  Cell phones have become a necessary part of our lives.  These precious little devices, which we live and breathe by, can alert us to their presence at the wrong time.  Here are a few suggestions on how to avoid a cell phone mishap during your ceremony.


Print a matching reminder card and attach it to the outside of your ceremony program.


Post a pretty calligraphy sign on an easel at the church entrance reminding guests to turn off their phones.


Appoint on of your ushers to make an announcement to the waiting guests: "Guests of the bride and groom, the ceremony is about to begin.  We ask that you kindly turn off your cell phones at this time."


The biggest offenders may be your family and wedding party, who in the hustle and bustle of last minute hysteria will not be reading the sign or the ceremony easel.  Have them check their phones with the wedding planner to avoid a disastrous interruption as you are about to say "I do".

Sherry & Kyle Engagement

Sherry and Kyle are getting married May 22, 2010 at Lake Guntersville.  Jaclyn and Bill Robinson of Robinson Studio and Design captured these intimate pictures at Bridgestreet Town Center in Huntsville.  Check back with us soon for more pictures from this sweet couple!

Happy Thanksgiving!

MaryAnn and Hamilton Engagement

This sweet, sweet couple, MaryAnn and Hamilton, are getting married February 6, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with their reception being held at Old Overton Club.  Check back with us soon for pictures from their fabulous wedding by photographer Philip Dupree.

Icing on the Cookie

I have a new obsession and you must go check them out!  Icing on the Cookie is a fabulous new bakery in Homewood, specializing in delicious customized cookies perfect for any occasion!  I recently ordered some of their cookies for a Baby Shower and they were a hit!  Katie Adams, and her husband Shelby, are true artists and have hundreds of designs to choose from.  

Brides, these cookies also make wonderful party favors for your guests.  Icing on the Cookie will individually wrap each cookie in a clear bag and tie with ribbon to match your colors.  Look at this beautiful cookie that Katie personally made me to show off to my brides!

Also, with the Iron Bowl coming up on Friday, keep them in mind for your tailgate and football parties!

Icing on the Cookie

2907 Central Avenue, Suite 101

Homewood, AL 35209

Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

205.871.9852

Entertaining vs. Hospitality

As you are preparing for your Thanksgiving celebration, whether you are Host or Guest, keep the stress at bay by remembering this:If the turkey isn’t done on time (or over-done!), if no one likes the cauliflower dish you slaved over, if you accidentally break a wine glass….it is OK.  When someone is offering hospitality to others, they are offering to serve them, to open their heart and home to them.  While the table setting, decorative elements and recipes ARE wonderful elements, they are not the sole focus of the gathering.  Entertaining others can often lend itself to focusing on how beautiful everything looks, how “impressive” everything is.  Entertaining can often feel….stressful.   Hospitality just feels good.


When we are gathering with friends and family in the name of hospitality, no one cares whether there’s dust on the baseboards or if the dishes all match.  No one notices the paper napkins instead of the pressed linen ones.  Everyone feels welcome and comfortable.  We tuck ourselves into bed with full tummies and warm hearts, thankful for the blessing of loved ones and happy memories.


This blog, like many others, spends a lot of time on creative details for parties and events.  We are always looking for fun ideas to spruce up a gathering and help with your entertaining needs.  Not everyone has the gift of entertaining.  That’s OK.  Don’t let that be the cause of undeserved worry or tension because we all have the capacity for hospitality.  Don’t spend Thanksgiving Day apologizing that the turkey isn’t moist enough, that some guests have to sit on folding chairs or that you didn’t make enough gravy.  No apologies for opening your home and pantry to others!  Just enjoy the day and the chance to be a blessing to others. 


Have a safe, happy and YUMMY Thanksgiving.  I am so thankful for YOU.

Leigh and DJ Engagement

Leigh and DJ are getting married December 19, 2009 at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church with their reception being held at Greystone Country Club.  Christmas weddings are my favorite, so check back in a few weeks for pictures from this wonderful wedding by photographer Emily Kicklighter!

Kimberly and Daniel Engagement

Kimberly and Daniel are getting married next August at Canterbury United Methodist Church and having their reception at LINC point.  Stephen DeVries captured these stunning polaroid photos of the beautiful couple at Jemison Park on a lovely fall day.  Stay tuned for their wedding next year!

Sam's Club Selling Disney Wedding Packages

If you have $200K for your wedding, why not give it to Disney and Sam's Club - two of the richest companies in the world?

Beginning November 18, 2009, Sam's Club has a very special package deal that they are offering brides and grooms:  For $198,000 couples can purchase a fairy tale wedding on sale from the store.


The wedding package includes:
- A 2 day planning session with a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Wedding Planner
- 4 night accomodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for the bride and groom
- 4 day Royal Treatment with a Disney Special Activity Host 8 hours per day
- Transportation for the bride and groom on the day of the Wedding
- Photography and videography package for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception from Disney Fine Art Photography
- Save-the-Date wedding invitations
- Custom ceremony as well as dinner and dessert reception for 50 guests, including floral, decor, entertainment and menus


The wedding ceremony is held in front of Disney’s Cinderella Castle and the reception is held in a secret location, surrounded by Disney magic.

The bridal party will also receive an exclusive private viewing of Wishes Nighttime Spectacular as well as get the chance to ride on a float!

For more information you can visit www.disneyweddings.com.

The Market presented by The Junior League of Birmingham

The Junior League of Birmingham presents The Market 2009.  This 3 day shopping extravaganza will be Thursday, November 19 through Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.  Every ticket purchased the JLB's mission to support the community by improving the lives of women and children.  Over 50 women have been working tirelessly to make this an event you won't want to miss.  Feel great about the gifts you share this holiday season knowing that a portion of that gift is making a difference in the life of someone in the Birmingham community.  

My Favorite Things Party at Gus Mayer Recap!

Wow! Thank you so much to all of you that attended My Favorite Things at Gus Mayer last night!  Through the silent auction, we were able to raise a great amount of money for Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center.  Thank you to MyScoop for this wonderful evening, as well as Kathy G for the beautiful catering, Sol Y Luna and Firefly for the fabulous drinks, and to JAMM Entertainment for capturing the entire event in pictures.