Introducing our new blog!

We have moved!  Please continue to visit us at our newly updated website and blog...http://www.melizabethevents.com/blog.

Hope to see you there!

Fabulous Find: Wedding Dress Paintings

I am an avid follower of Manolo for the Brides and their wonderful ideas.  That is where I found today's gem:  wedding dress paintings.

Everyone has different advice on what to do with your wedding dress after the BIG DAY.  It is often the most expensive piece of clothing you will ever own, particularly for one that you will never wear again.  Save it. Keep it for your children. Sell it. Donate it.  What should you do?

Now, there's a new, gorgeous option!  For $250 - $350, artist Jessica Mandela will create a beautiful painting of your dress and even your bridesmaid's dresses!  You can even spring for a stunning oil painting!

This is a unique way to make sure your gorgeous dress lives on forever.  If you ask me, I'd get one even if I kept my dress!

Wedding Planning: Meghan's Top 5 Tips

1. Create a "Look"
One of the best ways to create a "look" is to focus on the season of your event. You don't have to go overboard here, but it is an excellent way to tie everything together from menu to décor to personal style. It's also a great way to stay on top of the budget. Using items that are in season are often more cost effective. 

2. Specialize the Menu
Meghan has extensive experience with menu development. We will talk with your caterer to create the perfect menu for your special event. We always recommend finding a few ways to incorporate some personal favorites into the menu. For example, if you got engaged in Italy it would be fun to serve an Italian inspired course with dinner or some fun Italian mini sweets.

3. Just Try It On!
My biggest suggestion with fashion is to try on everything! Many brides end up selecting a gown they never thought would look good on them or be their style. Have an open mind. Another great idea, take some time to be alone with the dress on. It is very easy to allow yourself to get swayed by your friend's/mother's opinion. Make sure YOU love the dress.

4.  Personalize that Style
If you stay true to your personal style, your event will be a huge success. Your guests have attended many weddings and events over the years and personal style is the best way for guests to remember your wedding. The goal is for your guests to walk into your reception and instantly think of the two of you!  You want every single detail to reflect you as a couple.

5. Have Fun!
This is a party after all. Meghan and her team will help you feel comfortable with every single aspect of the event, and leave you to enjoy yourself. If you find yourself trying to micro-manage the little stuff, take a deep breath and remember M. Elizabeth Events has it covered.

Amanda + David Engagement

Amanda and David are getting married on July 10.  Amanda and David met while they were both students at Samford University, so it was only fitting to schedule their ceremony at beautiful Reid Chapel on Samford's campus.  Their reception will be held under the stars high atop Red Mountain at the historical Vulcan Park and Museum.  Photographer Jim Little captured these pictures of Amanda and David on Morris Avenue in late April.  Check back with us this summer for a complete recap and more pictures from Jim Little Photography.

Fabulous Find: Vintage Car Decorating Kit

Do you have a sweet getaway car booked for your wedding day?  Do you think toilet paper and aluminum cans are one of those traditions that should have died in your parents' generation?  Are you fond of crafts?  If you answered "yes" to any of those questions (or if you just like precious details!), check out these fabulous car decorating kits from A Bride's Ride.

Choose your flower color garland and a banner, and CUTE white cans with belly bands are included!  Custom requests are welcome, too!  Check out some of their samples below!

They're a steal for only $47!  We just ordered them for an upcoming wedding and are anxiously awaiting their arrival!  Go ahead...do something different!

Happy Friday and Happy Planning!

Kim + Andrew Engagement

Kim and Andrew are getting married on May 22 in Gadsden, Alabama.  Kim and Andrew had originally planned on getting married at the beach, but instead decided on something a little closer to home.  Kim and Andrew will be getting married surrounded by water, on one of the beautiful greens at Silver Lakes Golf Course in Gadsden, Alabama.  Following the sunset ceremony, guests will head over to Gadsden Country Club to begin what will be an unforgettable evening.  Pensacola based photographer, Meg Baisden, took these engagement photos of the couple.  Check back with us in a few weeks for more pictures and a full recap!

Wedding Recap: Mary Ann + Hamilton

Mary Ann and Hamilton were married on February 6, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  Husband and wife team, Philip and Nancy Dupree with Philip Dupree Photography did an excellent job capturing a truly lovely day.  Not only are their images bright and crisp, but they are incredibly fun to work with.  All the flowers and decor were done by Carol Sullivan at Lagniappe Designs in Crestline. 

 

Immediately following the ceremony, Rare Transportation picked up the entire bridal party in a white, 25 passenger bus and whisked them away to Old Overton Country Club, where they were able to enjoy a quiet dinner before guests arrived.

The beautiful (and quite delicious) cakes were made by Julie Hendricks at Sweet Magnolia.  Personal touches were tucked in throughout the evening.  The silver candelabra on the bride's table was a prize she won while competing in the Junior Miss Scholarship Program.  The groom, an avid fisherman, even had a chocolate reel on the top of his cake.

After dancing for hours, guests were surprised with a specialty cocktail, the "Velvet Hammer". The Velvet Hammer has special meaning to the bride's family as it is often served in their home.  It had also been served at the bride's older sister's weddings. 

The bride and groom left the reception in a stunning black limousine provided by The Wynfrey Hotel.  After a wonderful honeymoon at the Excellence Playa Mujeres in Mexico, the bride and groom returned to their new home in Atlanta.  Congratulations Mary Ann and Hamilton!

Wedding Planning: First Things First

Congratulations! You're engaged and now you need to begin this glorious adventure called wedding planning.  Let the good times roll!  So, what should you do now?  Where should you begin?  First, enjoy this glorious moment.  Take some time to relish in the spectacular feeling of knowing that you are cherished by the love of your life.  Relive those precious (or funny) words that made you say "Yes".  You're engaged!!  When you are ready to begin, I recommend that you start with First Things First.

Step One:  Share the good news!  It's fine to keep things private for a little while, but eventually you will want to spread the word on your upcoming nuptials.  Always tell your parents and immediate family first.  Then, you can let your friends, neighbors, even the local cashier in on the big news.  Phone calls and emails are appropriate for those first few days.  But you can find some fun and creative or more formal ways to announce your engagement to the masses.  Send a letter, print an engagement announcement, or even throw a party. We'll explore the in's and out's of engagement parties later this week.  So check back in a few days!

Step Two: Set the Date.  This is very important and will influence just about every other decision you make in your planning.  For some, the selection of a date is quick and painless.  For others, it can be a little more complicated and may take some time.  You'll probably be plagued with family and friends wanting to know when the big day will happen.  It's o.k. to deliberate on this one.  You can simply say "We're looking at the calendar and will let you know soon."  Just know that you need to have a wedding date before you can begin booking the venue and vendors.  You will save a lot of time by screening vendors based on availability and you can't do that without a firm wedding date.  Also, your wedding date will determine the pace of your planning.  Obviously, you need to work faster if you are saying "I Do" in six months versus 12 months.

Step Three:  Start Dreaming.  Even if you have been dreaming of your wedding day since you were a little girl, you should take some time to be inspired.  Consider all of the style options that are out there today.  You may even come up with a blend of styles that is completely unique to you and your fiance.  Stock up on some beautiful wedding magazines, peruse the hundreds of wedding websites that are available and even spend a day at your local bridal show.  Remember, there are literally hundreds of options out there. Don't be overwhelmed by the possibilities, just see what stands out and take your cues from those things that you think are simply amazing.

Finally, hire a planner.  (Did you really think I was going to skip over this one?)  Talk to other new brides and you'll hear one of the following: "I couldn't have done it without my planner," or "I should have hired  a planner, at least for day-of coordinating".  I know that for many, the topic of budget and how much a planner costs is a big influence in this decision.  Here's the simple truth.  A planner is worth every penny.  And, a good planner will help you come up with a scope of services that will fit your budget and meet your needs.  Your planner deserves her fee, because she will put in an average of 70-90 hours on your wedding alone.  And, her expertise will save you from making poor decisions, save you time on researching vendors, and will put a finishing touch on all your details that will make your day truly shine.  All of this means greater peace of mind for you.  I could go on and on, so we'll visit this topic again soon.  For now, I recommend that you keep an open mind and at least meet with a few planners to see what they have to offer.  The earlier you do this in your planning process, the better.

I'll be sharing more insight on your planning journey over the next couple of weeks.  There are some major milestones in this process and we'll give each one it's proper consideration in upcoming posts.  For now, enjoy yourself!  And remember, take it one step at a time.  Happy planning!

Wedding Recap: Mandy + Brandon

Mandy and Brandon were married on March 27, 2010, and I had a blast working with this Baltimore couple.  The fact that they lived 1000 miles away from Birmingham proved to be a bit challenging at times, but it all came together on wedding day!  The outdoor ceremony and reception took place at The Sonnet House.  David Shirk with Unplugged Photography did a beautiful job with the photography.  I am always totally impressed with his work.  Main Street Productions was on site the entire day to capture every detail and expression.  If you missed Mandy and Brandon's video clip, scroll down a few posts or go to Main Street's blog to watch!

Mandy chose a bright and fun spring palette.  The florals were by Kathy Miller with Kathy Miller Floral Design.  The bouquets included orange and pink gerber daises.  The food was absolutely delicious!  Cela and her staff at Imperial Catering did a wonderful job with the menu and services.  

The two cakes were done by the fantastic Barbara Sullivan of Barb's Cakes.  The groom's cake was unbelievably cool.  Brandon is a University of Georgia fan and Barb was able to tie in his passion for Bulldog football into the cake.

DJ and lighting services were provided by Carlos Olatera of Total Entertainment and he kept the party rocking until the very end!  As guests were leaving, they each grabbed some delicious pralines, made by the bride's mother.

Congratulations Mandy and Brandon!

Never Get Your Heels Stuck in Grass Again!

My solution to walking in the grass with heels has always been to walk on your tip toes until I came across SoleMates. This might be the best invention ever! It is a MIRACLE for all those ladies who want to show off their trendy heels.

Discreet and easy to use, the SoleMates High Heeler™ attaches easily to most stiletto and kitten heels. By increasing the surface area on the base of the heel, it reduces the pressure on this area and prevents the heel from sinking into grass or falling into cracks!

The patented design of the SoleMates High Heeler™ is mechanically engineered to fit snugly on most heels and yet the flexible material grips securely without damaging the heel or compromising the aesthetics of the shoe.