Wedding Recap - Rachel & Bobby Part 1

I am excited to finally share a Birmingham wedding recap from Rachel & Bobby's beautiful February wedding!  We had a gorgeous day in the low 60 degrees (a little odd for February but we'll take it!) and couldn't have asked for a better backdrop than Independent Presbyterian Church and Soho's Rosewood Hall.  This was my first time working with the amazing Mary Margaret Chambliss, and we had a blast!  The photos turned out awesome as you will soon see and both Rachel & Bobby were a lot of fun throughout the day.  Kathy Miller and her team created all the stunning floral bouquets  and arrangements to go along with the black, green, pink, and lavender color palate.

The bridesmaid's bouquets were comprised of cool water roses, charming unique roses, garnet calla lilies, silver spray roses, green hydrangeas and lily grass.  The bridesmaid's bouquets were adorned with beautiful green Midori ribbon.  Rachel's stunning bouquet consisted of white mini calla lilies, vandella and eskimo roses, white hydrangea, and freesia.  To match the bridesmaid's, her bouquet was adorned with ivory Midori ribbon.

Stay tuned for Part 2 including details from the stunning reception!

Vendor Spotlight - Mary Margaret Chambliss Photography

I'm super excited about this next vendor, she pretty much rocks, and it just so happens that she will be mentioned in tomorrow's blog post as well!  Who is she?  Why the lovely Mary Margaret Chambliss of course!  She not only does seriously amazing photography, but she's also just so much F-U-N!  We worked together on a wedding last month and she was incredible.  Just read her interview below and you'll see what I mean!  And her photos are breathtaking, so vibrant, full of life and emotion.  Love her work...lots!  Read on for her interview and a look at her photography.

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

I got into the wedding/events business about seven years ago when I was assisting another photographer.   I was a travel photographer at Southern Living Magazine, and one of my co-workers introduced me to the fun of shooting weddings as a side gig.  I stayed with the magazine for about 7 years and have since decided to go out on my own shooting Weddings and Children, as well as Corporate headshots, Advertising work, and the occasional Rockstar I come across.  I've been photographing my whole life, my mother is a photographer, so I fell into the family biz.

How would you describe your style/product?

My style is upscale, but very relaxed and natural.  I am part photojournalistic, but also have a lot of respect for traditional photographs the grandmother expects to see(formal, by the alter).  I like to see the day's beauty unfold, and really lead the bride and groom into great photographing situations.  I like for my products to be as pretty as the day itself-I enjoy making brides cry when they see my work.....in a good way of course...

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors?

For one, I am a girl-of marrying age, so.....I kind of know what I would want in a wedding photographer.   Another thing is I have traveled all over the South looking for the good in people while photographing for the magazine-I have been in most every situation with my subjects, equipment ect.  I know how to think things through in regards to a shoot, and what to expect in most situations.  A lot of people are getting into the Wedding photography business because of how easy digital cameras are to operate, and really the money you can make doing it.  There is so much more to wedding photography than that.  I am trained to see things most amateurs do not see- there is an honor of photographing a wedding for someone, and I don't take that lightly.  I get compliments at most every wedding I shoot from the groomsmen saying something along the lines of, "That wasn't so bad-you are kind of cool."  This is like winning a gold in the olympics of photography to me..If I can make the couple people who are not stoked about being at the church 3 hours before the ceremony have a decent time..I win!

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

I shoot weddings, but I also shoot many other aspects also...so probably one of those..I would love to shoot life on the road, whether it was a political campaign or a big music act's tour.  Something about having a team traveling together with their own little working city intrigues me.    If I wasn't a photographer all together, I think I would go back to school to get my MFA in painting.

Favorite TV show and why?

Actually....I am such a nerd...but I have no cable....totally rock the rabbit ears and everything.  I moved into my house in the middle of my travel job, and spending 4-5 days on the road seemed silly to spend money on cable.  I have since loved it, the fact I only have 8 channels to choose from....That said...I love some Sunday night TV(desperate housewives, Brothers and sisters).  I come from a family with 4 kids in it, so the chaos and noseyness of Bros and Sisters strikes pretty close to home.

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

Have fun!  Don't sweat the small stuff.  This is a time to celebrate you and the decision to be with someone for the rest of your life..thats a big deal, but remember key word is to celebrate.  Everyone one is there to support you, because you have made an impact on their lives....THAT IS REALLY COOL IF YOU STOP TO THINK ABOUT IT....I mean...doesn't matter if 2 people are in the room, or 4200, you have made an impact so much so that people want to get dressed up-on a Saturday no less, and stand when you walk down the aisle.  Thats awesome!  I once had a bride who's band didn't show up....Best attitude ever, she just looked at everyone after dancing to a Kenny Chesney cd someone had in their car, and said, "guess we will have to drink more since we aren't paying for a band!"  That was cool to see that attitude....Im not sure I would have had the same reaction.  

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

Keeping Control of Your Planning From the VERY Beginning...

CELEBRATE! After you are engaged, it's time to celebrate!  Don't run out to a dress shop OR find the perfect reception location.  Enjoy your time and take a moment to enjoy the engagement.  If you just can't stand it, change your status on FACEBOOK and go out and buy every bridal magazine available.

GET EVERYONE INVOLVED.  Set a budget and stick to it.  Once the budget has been established, now is a good time to go out and hire a wedding planner (we can recommend a good one!) and searching for the perfect ceremony/reception venue.  But STOP, first have all financial participants (mom, dad, groom, bride, etc.) attend those very "must have" meetings.  Wedding Planner, Catering Venue, Photographer, Videographer: appointments are a must!

BE ORGANIZED.  Once you start signing contracts, take a moment and get organized.  At M. Elizabeth Weddings & Events, we give each of our clients a lovely 3-ring notebook in order to keep contracts and other financial documents organized.  Carry it with you everywhere you go.  Set up a separate checking account just for wedding expenses.  Set up an easy to understand excel spreadsheet for everyone to use throughout the payment process.  

GET CREATIVE.  This is your time to shine with your creative ideas.  If you're NOT creative, find someone who is: your favorite aunt, your mom, your best friend, or anyone who has a Martha hand.  Get them on board, and ask them to help you create those fun, fancy menu cards, favor boxes, and other fun items to make your wedding memorable.  Ask your bridesmaids over for an invitation STUFFING PARTY and buy all the junk food you can stand.  Stuff yourselves silly.  Get them involved too!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.