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Friday, March 12, 2010

Cool Finds - Signs By Diane



Anyone that knows me, knows that I love adding a personal, unique touch to the wedding day.   Signs by Diane will help you do just that!  Featuring elegant and fun shabby custom personalized signs for weddings, businesses, or even family homes, each sign is handcrafted by her husband and herself.  They cover several styles from beach cottage to vintage.  Most of the signs have been heavily distressed and chipped for an authentic vintage feel using a multiple-step process. 

Diane also specializes in various custom wedding signs - a few of which you see above.  As you can imagine, most of the signs are custom, with the couple's names, wedding dates, etc., but if you are thinking of including a vintage inspired signs in your wedding design, check out Diane's selection.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Birmingham Vendor Spotlight - Sonia Davis Designs


While I am working on launching a new blog, I've decided to go with a more formal blog schedule...if I can manage it.  I am aiming to do three blog posts a week from now on with helpful tips and advice on Mondays, Birmingham related wedding info on Wednesdays, whether it be vendor reviews, recaps of M. Elizabeth's events, or other Birmingham happenings, and cool finds on Friday.

Therefore, since it's Wednesday, our first vendor review is featuring Sonia Davis Designs.  On Sunday, February 28, M. Elizabeth Weddings & Events participated in the PWG Bridal Market at The Wynfrey.  We asked some of our favorite vendors to help make our display absolutely fabulous.  As part of our tablescape, we asked Sonia Davis to create some unique menu cards for us.  Each design that Sonia creates is custom, so she can really style it to suit your own personalities.


Why did you choose to work in weddings/events? 
Graphic Design was where it all started. After graduating, I worked in the corporate world doing design for a national bank. It was great for 4 years. Then when my sister got engaged in 2006, she asked me to design her wedding invitations. From then on, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I started doing more weddings and eventually bought a stationery store in Homewood, Inflations and Invitations, where I am today. I love all things paper, so naturally I couldn't say no to the opportunity.

How would you describe your style/product?
I would describe my style as classic with a twist of whimsy. I love mixing styles to create a fresh look. Most importantly, when it comes to wedding stationery, I think invitations should really express the couples personality, style, and wedding day. This is the first glimpse your guests will get of what your wedding day will be like.

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors
What separates me from other wedding vendors is that I do custom design. In other words, it all starts with a blank canvas and I work with couple to determine what look or style they are going for. So for me, its a real creative process rather than just picking your font and paper.

What would you be doing if you did not work in weddings?
I know I would still be doing graphic design because I love it, but maybe in a different form. In another life, maybe a chef.

Favorite TV show and why? 
I am a sucker for reality TV. So its tough choosing, but Say Yes to the Dress is one of my favorite shows. I love watching them try them all on and occasionally watching some drama :)

Funniest moment you've ever witnessed at a wedding?
At my cousin's wedding, as they were both kneeling down during a prayer, he had "HELP ME" written on the underneath of his shoes. Don't know till this day who pulled of that prank.

What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Decide what is really important to you and spend your energy and budget on those things. Just enjoy the moment and people, it goes by so fast!


If you are still looking for wedding stationary, definitely get in touch with Sonia through her website.  Thank you for reading our first Birmingham vendor spotlight!  If you or someone you know would like to be "spotlit", just shoot me an email or leave a comment!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Where to Start with Planning a Wedding

I love this time of year in the wedding world because there are so many newly engaged couples beginning their wedding planning journey.  I've had the good fortune to meet with many new brides and grooms over the last few weeks and hear such cute stories of how they met, where and how they got engaged, and why they just can't wait to get started on their wedding plans.

First and foremost, relax!  As long as you're not considering getting married in the next few months, you've got plenty of time to plan a wedding!  Is it overwhelming?  Of course it is!  There's a gazillion things to do. but the good news is you don't have to do them all RIGHT NOW.  You've got time, so take it step by step.

Decide on a season and some possible dates.  Don't pick just one date that you absolutely must get married on because you never know if it will be available at the venues you are considering, or if your friend from high school is due to have a baby that day, or if all the hotels in Birmingham are booked for a random conference.  Just start with a general time of year and some possible dates.

Click below to read more!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Cool Shots Photo Booth


Are you looking for something swanky, elegant, and cool for your wedding?  Are you looking for something that guests will remember?  We have great news!  The Cool Shots Photo Booth is just what you need!  This open air photo booth is designed to get as many people as you want in your custom photo.  You can even add extra elements like a prop box (think boas, clown glasses, gladiator hats) to get your guests even more involved in the party.  The price of the photo booth includes delivery, setup, and a photo attendant.  You also get a keepsake album for no additional charge!


After the party, Danny Brewer and his team at Feel the Beat Entertainment will upload the full-size images to their website so you can share them with all your friends and family.  For example, here is a silly full-size photo of myself with dear friend, and design extraodinaire Christopher Confero at an event at The Wynfrey.

Call Feel the Beat Entertainment at 205.678.0845 today to reserve the Cool Shots Photo Booth for your wedding!  I guarantee your guests will absolutely love it!





Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Marquita + Marcus Engagement

Marquita and Marcus are getting married on March 20 in Montgomery, Alabama.  Auburn photographer, Jamie Burnett, captured these beautiful pictures of this sweet, fun-loving couple in locations around Auburn and Opelika.  Unfortunately Jamie was booked on their wedding day, but Marcus and Marquita have booked Jessica Messer to capture their special day.  Check back with us in a few weeks for a complete recap of their beautiful wedding!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Selecting Wedding Vendors

A big step in the planning process is locating amazing florists and invitation designers who will work with you to bring your wedding vision to life.  Here are some of our top tips for helping you to interview and select those artists:

1.  Ask all the right questions - how many weddings/events does the vendor work on at each time?  Most vendors know their talent and work load ability and won't take on too much as they don't want to compromise their reputation.  However, it is always best to ask.  Ask about experience, but get to know the artist on a more personal level.  Inquire about where they get inspiration from, how they like to work, and what makes them tick.  Relating on a personal level is great for a mutual relationship.

2.  Show the artist photos of your vision to help relay your thoughts.  Make sure to stay true to your vision, but be sure to give your wedding artists some creative freedom.  Most invitation or floral designers don't want their clients to simply copy a wedding from a photo or something they found online.  After all, they are the experts so let them show you what they can do.

3.  Work with them to get the creative juices flowing.  Meet over coffee or in their studio and work on sketches together, create vision boards, and let them whip up some color inspiration.  You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

4.  Talk budget up front.  We work with our clients to determine how to best allocate their wedding budget.  Most artists are willing (to some extent) to offer up great suggestions or alternatives to help bring your vision to life if your original budget doesn't allow for certain flowers or invitation styles you might want.

Happy Planning!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Birmingham Wedding Scoop

There are some really great bridal events this weekend that you should try to attend.  They're a great way to meet local wedding pros, find lovely bridal finds and save on everything from designer gowns to invitations.

The White Wedding - Saturday, February 27

Please join Project Runway star and Birmingham native, Heidi Elnora, and over 50 of Birmingham's top vendors as we work together to raise funds for Camp Smile-A-Mile.  Join us Saturday, February 27 at Old Car Heaven from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m. for VIP Admission ($100) and 7:00 p.m. for General Admission ($15 in advance, $25 at the door).  Your ticket cost includes the Runway Show and hor d'oeuvres.  This is one wedding you do NOT want to miss.  Click HERE for tickets!



Brunch With Bromberg's featuring Melissa Rycroft - Sunday, February 28

Come see celebrity bride, Melissa Rycroft, and hear her speak of her fairy tale wedding and give celebrity bridal advice.  Melissa is known for her appearance on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor, and Entertainment Tonight.  Join us on Sunday, February 28th at 11 a.m. at The Wynfrey Hotel.  The event cost ($50) includes a gourmet brunch, a ticket to the Bridal Market by Perfect Wedding Guide, and an "Engaged" shopping tote!  Advance reservations are required.  Call 205.637.0735 to purchase tickets or for further inquiries!

The Bridal Market by Perfect Wedding Guide - Sunday, February 28

Don't miss the Wedding Event of the year!  Come stroll through rows and rows of fabulous wedding professionals (including yours truly!).  There will be thousands of dollars in giveaways, fashion show entertainment, and wonderful wedding planning seminars (again, by yours truly!).  All pre-registered brides will receive an "Engaged" tote.  Join us on Sunday, February 28th from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at The Wynfrey Hotel.  Come by our booth and say hello...I can guarantee you that you do not want to miss this!  Click HERE to register.


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Personalized Wedding Websites

WeddingChannel.com just launched brand-new wedding websites, including exclusive website designed from Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, and Lela Rose.  I know that you love personalizing your wedding, so this is another way a Vera- or Monique-clad bride can actually have a wedding website that ties in with her wedding gown designer.  (Oh, and these sites are FREE!)


Here are some of the WeddingChannel.com Free Wedding Website Features

Hundred of Personalization Options:  Select your own wedding website URL and then personalize it by choosing more than 100 different design variations, customization pages, and multiple font styles and colors.  Plus, add bonus wedding website pages to use any way you like!

Click below to read more free wedding website features!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Talk of Alabama

This morning, M. Elizabeth Weddings & Events was featured on ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama.  If you missed us, you can check us out here!  Don't forget to come see us at The Bridal Market, sponsored by Perfect Wedding Guide, on Sunday, February 28 at The Wynfrey Hotel from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.  We have lots of surprises and can't wait to see all you newly engaged brides.  We will also be conducting two wedding planning seminars, Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, that you definitely do not want to miss!



Thursday, February 18, 2010

Bedazzley Goodness




This morning I got a box from Bedazzle My Bonbons.  I'm sourcing the product for a wedding and they sent me a box of samples.  They're so good.  All chocolate.  I ate until I got sick.  Unfortunately, they won't work for the event I'm planning.  In part, because my feast left me covered in bedazzle (glitter) from hair to toes.