Trend Forecast: Layer It On!

Whether it's the material on the dress or how you're accessorizing, think layer, think VOLUME.  Designers are layering gowns with folds, drapes, swirls, and tiers of tulle and organza skirts to create maximum volume.  Don't be afraid to apply this rule to your veil or accessories either.  Tiered veils are adding dimension and multiple peices of jewelry lend the perfect excuse to wear all of your favorite accessories at once, while adding even more sparkle to your look.

Still looking for "the one?"  Check out some of our favorite boutiques in Birmingham and tell them we sent you!

Bella Couture

104 Croft Street

Birmingham, AL 35242

(205) 995.3444

Ivory & White 

55 Church Street

Birmingham, AL 35213

(205) 871.2888

Second Elegance

105-A South Main Street

Columbiana, AL 35051

(205) 669.0469

The White Room

3161 Cahaba Heights Road

Birmingham, AL 35243

(205) 970.6767

Vendor Spotlight - Arden Photography

I've been in love with Arden's work for awhile now, and I finally got the chance to meet her a little over a month ago, even though we have numerous mutual family friends.  Let me tell you, she is absolutely wonderful.  She is very adept at capturing moments and emotions throughout a wedding day and does some amazing detail shots (We wedding planners love detail and decor photos).  Read more about her and check out her wedding photography.


Why did you choose to work in weddings/events? 
I was in school for landscape photography.  Someone approached me about shooting a wedding, which is something that I had never done before.  I shot the wedding and fell in love with it!  I loved having the privilege of being a historian on such a special day in someone’s life.  I never shot landscapes again and rest is history.

How did you get started?
When I was 14, I found an old camera in my grandmother’s attic.  I was fascinated by taking images of all the ballerina’s in my mother’s ballet class.  This started my deep rooted passion for capturing organic and beautiful images.  

How would you describe your style/product?
Organic, natural and an extreme focus on being in the moment and all about the experience itself.  

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors?
We believe in the importance of creating a unique relationship with our clients.  We often find ourselves creating new friendships with so many of our clients and we treasure this opportunity.  We strive to be flexible and accommodating with our client’s requests.   We realize that not every client is the same and that each individual is going to have a different approach & expectation about their wedding day.  We love that we can offer a customized and tailored experience to each one of our clients.

We also have a unique combination of styles in that we offer very organic images but with a fashion forward twist.  I take a lot of pride in my personal sense of style and love for that to translate to my images.

What would you be doing if you didn't work in weddings?
I couldn’t imagine doing anything but weddings!!!!  But, if someone told me tomorrow that I had to quit wedding photography, I would start shooting travel photography.  I adore traveling and seeing new places.

Favorite TV show and why?
I don’t have time to watch TV, but I love a good movie!  I also love music videos that are visually and artistically stylish and unique.  

What advice would you give to brides in choosing a photographer?
Not only should your photographer have an amazing and thorough portfolio, but it’s so important that you feel comfortable with your photographer’s personality and demeanor.  Your photographer will be with you on one of the most important days in your life, and she/he will be privileged to be a part of some very private moments on that day.  It’s vital that you and your photographer’s personalities mesh well and that you trust them.  

What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Make a priority list of what elements about your wedding are most important to you and don’t compromise or skimp on those when it comes to hiring your vendors. 

To learn more about Arden's work, you can visit her website or read her journal.

10 Tips for Thank You Notes

1. Divvy Up the Writing.  Use a divide-and-conquer strategy:  Each of you should plan to pen your own notes to your respective relatives and close friends.

2. Don't Wait.  Prompt equals polite.  Gifts received before the wedding should be acknowledged within two weeks; for those that come after, send notes within one month.

3. Got Cash?  Keep It Classy.  Thank the sender for her "generous gift," and mention your plans for it. ("We're putting it toward a car.")  Never, ever mention the amount.

4. Otherwise, Be Specific.  As with cash, explain how you plan to use a present.  ("We can't wait to serve Rob's famous melon cosmos in our new martini glasses.")

5. Never Say A Gift Arrived Broken.  If an item arrives damaged, notify the store immediately; it can probably be replaced without involving the giver.

6. Stick to Stationary.  None of the following should replace a mailed paper note: a phone call, e-mail, text, IM shout-out, Facebook status update, or tweet.

7. Get personal.  Tell the giver your excited to see her at the wedding, or, if it happened already, that you enjoyed spending time with her on your big day.

8. Give Groups Their Due.  Did your gang pitch in to buy a couch?  Write each person her own note, acknowledging how lucky you are to have such fab friends.

9. Skip the Photos.  Cards with wedding pics are cute, but the images can really hold up the process.  Send notes (that match your theme, perhaps) now; send photos later.

10. Don't Sign Jointly.  Whoever writes the note should sign the note, but feel free to use language like "Jonathon and I adore the mixer."