Vendor Spotlight - Vince Gray & Flowerstems

Gorgeous centerpieces, distinctive bouquets, and wildly unique touches...you name it and Vince Gray can bring your dream wedding to life.  I love talking to Vince and hearing him describe how he sees a wedding or event come to life.  I'm not exactly sure where he gets his amazingly creative ideas, but there is one thing we're certain about - when to comes to floral design, Vince and his team at Flower Stems will come up with a slew of fun and classy ideas to make your big day completely one of a kind.

Why did you choose to work in weddings/events? How did you get started?

I have always had a creative side and have enjoyed the arts my entire life. I started in the floral business over 17 years ago by opening Homewood Florist on the recommendation of a friend, who believed it would be a good creative outlet for me to explore. It turns out they were right! I opened a second florist in Helena years later when I had a home in the area. I moved back home to Homewood, sold the Helena business, outgrew the Homewood store and settled into the Loft at Flower Stems downtown, which we have been in for 4 years. We have over 10,000 sq. ft. of space, which works out great because we are able to work out of the downstairs portion and rent out the upstairs loft for weddings, rehearsal dinners, receptions and events/parties. Although many of our events are outside of the loft, we do enjoy holding parties here. We have a true NYC loft atmosphere with a large crystal chandelier, modular white Italian leather furniture and a very open floor plan. Brides love the character provided by the space. We also are very accommodating, allowing clients to use any outside vendors of choice and the freedom of bringing in their own alcoholic beverages. I personally meet with each bride and design each wedding that Flower Stems coordinates. I have a passion for my business and enjoy being ethical in helping brides with their individual budgets. I am always striving to put a different creative element into every wedding and do not like to be repetitive in my designs. 

How would you describe your style/product?
Our inventive living works of art utilize seasonal and regional elements in a modern way. Here at Flower Stems, we set the trends and do not follow or copy works from other events. Each wedding should be a reflection of the individual bride's style, vision and taste. If it is a free choice, we have a highly unique, modern and elegant style that is always elegant with a twist.

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors?
Just as each couple has a different story and each bride is distinctively special, we never design the same event twice. We are a full service event design company and coordinate/design everything from wedding flowers, linens, lighting, rentals, centerpieces, and other detailed elements of décor. Our staff is extremely skilled in working with design elements such as color, texture, shapes, furnishings, food, lighting, and even music to create individual and unique experiences. By setting the tone and mood, we can ensure your wedding will be both memorable and breathtaking. First, a consultation appointment is scheduled in which we will get to know your individual couple personality-the dreams, ideas, passions, styles and visions you both share for this special day. We are skilled listeners, and we will stop at nothing to bring your vision to life. We have an unsurpassed passion for our profession and value our unique creativity and ability to work within any budget. I personally designs each event for our clients and has been in business for over 17 years.

What would you be doing if you didn't work in weddings?
If I was not involved in the wedding business, I would probably be involved in some full time line of missionary work with my church, The Church of The Highlands. I am very passionate about helping the less fortunate and spreading the good news of my savior, Jesus Christ. As a new Christian myself, it is very important to me to show love to others and reach out to those who are unable to help themselves. I am not necessarily adamant about being a "pushy" religious individual, but simply care to love on those who have not ever felt wanted or needed. I try to live my life in a daily way which puts others first and acknowledges there is no problem too large or small to bring to God. We never know what another person is going through during their daily struggles and I strive not to judge others or become quick to anger. I am involved with The Dream Center ministry and would more than likely embark on some full time outreach service. However, through my business I am blessed with the opportunity to bring flowers each Thursday to the people we outreach to and the appreciation and gratitude for that small act of kindness is truly a blessing for me to receive.

Favorite TV show and why?
I really don't have much time for television and probably am the only person who has yet to invest in TiVo or a DVR system. I enjoy spending time with my 4 yr. old son Walker any free time I have. He LOVES to come to Flower Stems to help work and is already becoming such a wonderful little man in so many ways! We go to the park, the zoo, ijump, but mostly just enjoy playing at home and jumping on the trampoline with the neighbors, making art, and wrestling with each other. He has just started soccer and karate. He is the love of my life and is so creative and brilliant! But, the television channels I frequently watch in my alone down time are the Discovery Channel, the History Channel and Nat-Geo.

What advice would you give to brides in choosing a florist?
Just as each couple has a different story and each bride is distinctively special, we never design the same event twice. Our design team will create a cohesive style that translates throughout your entire wedding. Each bride needs to find a florist who can translate and design their style and vision for their specific day. Although many florists have signature styles, we recommend a bride find a florist who can go beyond the scope of their own style and really reach the understanding and vision of the couple. Also, personality compatibility is a key aspect of the decision process.

What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Put together a team of trusted vendors which you enjoy, can relate to and always maintain a line of communication to greatly reduce your stress level. This is a guarantee to staying organized and on task. The wedding planner is the much needed "head coach," of your vendor "playlist" and will ensure no little detail is overlooked on your special day!

Whether you're going for something totally traditional, uber modern, country chic, beach babe, or some fabulous twist in between, you can count on Vince Gray to design an unforgettable look for your soiree. Call Flower Stems today at 205.835.2003 to schedule your appointment.  You can also go visit their beautiful Loft at 213 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard South in downtown Birmingham.

Full Wedding Recap: Marquita & Marcus!

Marquita and Marcus were one of my favorite couples to work with!  They were so relaxed and open to ideas and just wanted a beautiful wedding and for their 160 guests to enjoy some good food and good times.  And that they did!  Marquita and Marcus were married on March 20 at the Northview Christian Church in Montgomery, AL with a reception following at the Alabama Activity Center.  Jessica Messer photographed this wonderful day and did a fantastic job capturing so many little moments!

Rosemont Gardens did a beautiful job creating various centerpieces for the guest tables.  As for the personal flowers, each bridesmaid carried a single calla lilly.  Marquita carried a beautiful bouquet of ivory roses.

Montgomery Catering provided a delicious buffet of chicken fingers, fried and boiled shrimp, meatballs (a favorite of the groom!), carved beef tenderloin, and a mashed potato bar (are you hungry yet?).

The bride's cake was a vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream by McKinney Cakes.  It was a simple three tiered round cake, topped with the couple's initials.  The groom's cake was a delicious chocolate cake with layers of peanut butter icing.  Chocolate-covered strawberries adorned the cake.

Special Event Lighting did a wonderful job adding lights to the stage and dance floor.  DJ David Wiseman kept guests on the dance floor for hours.

Congratulations Marquita and Marcus!  I wish you all the best!

Barb's Cakes to be on TLC's Ultimate Cake Off TONIGHT

Birmingham's own Barbara Sullivan, owner of Barb's Cakes, will be competing tonight on TLC's popular competitive cooking show, Ultimate Cake Off.  Barb has been decorating cakes for over 20 years and has numerous awards to show for it.

Alabaster's Barb Sullivan explains a detail of her cake project to Ultimate Cake Off host George Duran, left, and a client judge. (TLC)

Don't miss Barb tonight at 8 p.m. Central!  Click here to read an article on her experience and how she landed a spot on this highly competitive show!

Wedding Recap - Mandy & Brandon Part 1

Mandy and Brandon tied the knot on Saturday, March 27 at The Sonnet House, and you would not believe the perfect weather we had.  With a cold and rainy week leading up to the wedding day, we had been watching the weather all week hoping that just maybe the cold front would snap just in time for Saturday.  Mandy stayed calm and decided to proceed with the outdoor ceremony and reception since the doppler forecast didn't look too dismal.  We set up the ceremony and reception outside and hoped for the best!  Saturday morning, we woke up to strong gusts of wind...but with beautiful blue skies and 70-degree weather.  Thank you, Lord!  A huge thanks to Kathy Miller and her team at Kathy Miller Flowers who did an amazing job setting up despite the ever-challenging wind.

David Shirk with Unplugged Photography, sent over a few "teaser" photos from Mandy and Brandon's special day.  I will have a full re-cap as soon as I get some additional photos.

This just goes to show that just because inclement weather is predicted for the day of your wedding, you still might be able to pull off a beautiful ceremony or reception.  Keep your eye on the doppler and weigh all the pros and cons of doing an outdoor set-up and check with all your vendors to be sure that no one minds getting wet.  Fortunately, we had wonderful vendors who were all very cooperative and willing to do whatever it took to pull off Mandy's dream wedding!  Mandy and Brandon - hope you guys had a fantastic time in Jamaica on your honeymoon!

Vendor Spotlight - Andy Hopper, AIFD

The florals that you choose...from your bridal bouquet, to ceremony arrangements, to reception decor truly speak about your style and can transform a space.  Having a great and creative florist is worth every penny in my opinion.  One of my favorites in Birmingham is Andy Hopper, Head Designer at Kathy G Designs.  Get to know who he is and see some of his gorgeous work!

Why did you choose to work in weddings/events?  How did you get started?

I really believe that wedding design, floral and events chose me. When I was four years old I was creating tablescapes in my grandmother's back yard and eventually I produced my first wedding at the age of eighteen. I've always had a fascination for art and anything beautiful so you could almost consider it a natural instinct that blossomed at a young age and was honed over time. I guess the adage is true, “You do what you love and love what you do.” Design definitely chose me.

How would you describe your style/product?

As far as style, I love a beautiful, clean line and take a classic approach to design. But my aesthetics can change for each individual because it is the bride or the client's style that I try to home in on. As a designer I really listen to my client and understand what his or her needs are. I give them artistic guidance through the process until I make their vision a reality so that their event is everything they dreamed it would be and more.

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors?

My attention to not only detail and design, but the client as well separates me from every vendor in Birmingham. I personally hand my bride her bouquet the day of her wedding and if she notices, which they all do, I have planned my own outfit to match the look of her wedding to a T. I try to foster a friendship from day one with my bride. I want her to feel at ease and relaxed knowing that not just a professional, but a friend is taking care of her on the most important day of her life.

What would you be doing if you didn't work in weddings?

I'd likely be a fashion consultant to celebrities, giving Rachel Zoe a good run for her money. I take great pride in the detail of everyday dress. In Steel Magnolias, the great Dolly Parton says “I haven't left the house without Lycra on these thighs since I was 14,” which are words to live by except for me it's a Tiffany ring on my finger instead of Lycra.

Favorite TV show and why?

TV??? What is that? I really don't watch that much TV. I'd much rather be at an art opening, runway show, shopping or traveling. I've really never been drawn to television; I guess it was the way I was raised. My parents fostered creativity and hobbies over watching TV, which was a huge factor getting me to where I am today. If I ever do sit down to watch something on television, it's usually a new movie.

What advice would you give to brides in choosing a florist?

When choosing someone to design your floral there are many aspects a bride must take into consideration. The bride must first rely on someone that's going to create something just for her, listening to her ideas to create something beautiful and original. The second and the most important detail is finding someone she or he can relate to and feel comfortable with. It's extremely important that the bride and the designer be able to communicate to each other honestly and openly just as they would with any other personal relationship in their lives, making relatability key. Lastly, check their background. See what events they have done, what they're currently designing and what they've got coming up. I like to personally invite my brides to drop by events that I am producing so they can see the transformation of venues and the quality of my designs for themselves.

What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?

First and foremost, find a fabulous planner that can help you with every detail of your wedding. The wedding planner is one of the most important vendors a bride needs to make her day what she dreamed it always could be. Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life. Never assume that you can do everything on your own. You need help with the stress and details that come along with planning a wedding.

Check out the Kathy G website for more pictures of his fabulous work.   You can also follow him on twitter @andyhopper!

Stay tuned for many more great vendor spotlights to come!  If you or someone you know would like to be in our Wednesday Spotlight, send me an email to meghan@melizabethevents.com or if you've got any other great questions you'd like vendors to answer in the future spotlights, leave a comment!

Bromberg's Diamond Dash

A $15,000 diamond ring has been hidden in downtown Birmingham and it is YOUR mission to find (and keep) it!

Bromberg's Diamond Dash is a city-wide treasure hunt brought to you by Bromberg's Jewelers! In this high-tech treasure hunt, all of the clues and riddles will be delivered via text message right to your cell phone. Any cell phone, any model, on any carrier can play. And playing is totally FREE!

The 1st Annual Bromberg’s Diamond Dash will kickoff at Linn Park at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 10 and teams will run, bike and scooter (no motors of any kind allowed) around downtown Birmingham answering clues about historical landmarks.  An after party will be held at Rogue Tavern (2 p.m.), where some lucky dynamic duo will be celebrating with a Ritani diamond ring valued at $15,000! 

So you must be thinking how can I win a spot to compete for a $15,000 diamond ring?  Good question! Everyone has to sign up to play at www.brombergsdiamonddash.com, and submit their story of why they should win one of the limited spots in the contest.  But hurry! Time is running out!  Space is limited and the last day to enter is Thursday, April 8.

Good Luck and we hope to see you there!

Ask Meghan: Cost Conscious

Dear Meghan,

What would be the best way to make your client feel he/she has maximized their funds correctly?

-Cost Conscious

Dear Cost Conscious,

I generally take 3 steps toward making sure my clients are at ease and confident that their funds will be maximized. The truth is their decision to hire and work with a planner/consultant already puts them 10 steps ahead of the game and the rest depends on proper research/education, realistic estimation and risk identification/management. My process usually includes the following:
 

1. Research/Education - After a couple has decided on a budget, it's very important to take it a step further and research exactly what wedding costs are in their area. Depending on what style or type event is to be planned each spending category can vary widely. For instance with food, a couple looking to hold a small gathering could find an upscale restaurant offering a family-style dinner with open bar and a wedding cake for $50 per person while a couple looking to host their guests at a historic country club and first-class service could expect a $85 per person price tag.

2. Realistic Estimation - One should never assume that it's impossible to host a large guest list without an equally large budget. There are many ways to keep costs down, but careful planning is crucial. I develop estimates of all wedding costs for my clients so there are clear benchmarks set to work toward. Managing priorities will be very important as well. For instance, if photography is an important aspect of the event, for preservation reasons, and the couple also insists that the food be an area of "splurge" then it will be important to know that up front to scale other services accordingly.  Working with a wedding planner will REALLY come in handly here, as we are equipped to offer clever and creative ideas for achieving grandeur on a smaller budget.

3. Risk Identification/Management - After a budget has been set, developing and maintaining it is key. I work together with my clients to scrupulously update and organize their budget.  It's imperative that the planner and client are always aware of what has been spent, what balances exist and what the areas of risk could be. During the last month/weeks before a wedding there are usually huge sums due to vendors and venues, so if a couple is not prepared this could cause lots of unnecessary stress. Proper management alleviates most surprises and surprise debt.

Happy Planning, Cost Conscious

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."