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."

Vendor Spotlight - HotHouse Design Studio

I first met Mandy Majerik of HotHouse Design Studio several months ago and instantly fell in love with her fun and upbeat personality.  Since then, she has been one of my go-to florists and I had the pleasure of working with her on our booth for PWG Bridal Market.  Read below to get to know Mandy and to see pictures of some of her work!

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

My grandmother owned a florist and after growing up in the business, I decided to focus on wedding and event floral. I love designing and creating everything from the bouquet to the largest of centerpieces.

How would you describe your style/product?

A very unique and modern approach to today’s wedding floral. I listen to the bride and the dreams she has of her day and see it as my focus to design floral to complement her desire and look of her special day – everything from traditional to radically unique.

What separates you from other Birmingham area vendors?

I am very educated in the floral field. I spend my time working with brides from all over Alabama and spend the other time attending wedding and event symposiums across the country keeping abreast with the latest trends in my industry. I continue to educate myself with all of the new material in the market and I am willing to take on a challenge! I love what I do and it makes me appreciate every day I have working with beautiful brides and blooms!

What would you be doing if you did not work in weddings?

I think I would be working at Anthropologie as a visual design director. I love visual merchandising and have a college degree in it! I love taking unusual objects, displaying them in mass and thinking “outside of the box.”

Favorite TV show and why?

I usually spend most of my time flipping through magazines or reading books, so rarely do I catch myself watching much television.  If I have a bit of background noise (which usually leads to a major distraction) I would have to say that I watch HGTV and BRAVO shows.

Funniest moment you've ever witnessed at a wedding?

I have done a Greek wedding where they broke plates on the floor during dancing. It was quite the exciting climax and everyone enjoyed participating!

What advice would you give to brides on choosing a photographer?

Look for a photographer that takes images that reflect the style you would like to portray. Most importantly make sure that you feel comfortable with your photographer – afterall, they will spend all day with you and capture you in all your emotion.

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

Select your vendors wisely. Make sure to interview each one and ask questions about their background, education in their field and day of expectations. Once you have selected your team of vendors, give them direction to your likes and dislikes, but also remember they are the professionals and can offer wonderful suggestions to make your wedding a magazine caliber event! Trust them.

If you're in need of a florist for your wedding or event, definitely check out Mandy's website and get in touch with her!  I have loved working with her in the past and am looking forward to working with her on several upcoming weddings!

Wedding Catering - Costs & Budgeting

I’ve been posting quite a bit about budgets and wedding costs lately and that’s simply because with the large amount of newly engaged couples starting the wedding planning process, creating a budget is a very necessary beginning step. And it’s often one of the toughest. And what is typically the largest wedding expenditure? That’s right…FOOD! So many people freak out when they see the average cost of a wedding but a large chunk of that money goes to feeding your guests (in addition to the venue they’ll be eating, the chairs they’ll be sitting on, the tables they’ll be sitting at, and the plates and utensils they’ll need to eat with). Now you don’t have to go all out with a five course elaborate meal, the food you serve can be a simple buffet, a light brunch, or a variety of tasty desserts or hors d’oeuvres (I can never spell that term on the first try, even after writing it hundreds of times). But you do need to serve your guests SOMETHING, and it should correspond to the style and time of day of the wedding.

Here’s some background on why wedding receptions are customary to begin with. Prior to the 19th century, wedding ceremonies were followed by feasts typically at the bride’s residence for family, friends, and other members of the community. The ceremony itself was often held in the morning so the meal that followed was usually breakfast or lunch. As weddings became larger and more elaborate, couples starting hosting balls in the evening to celebrate the marriage. Since these feasts or dinners were hosted by the bride and her family, and the wedding couple would “receive” the guests at the door, they became known as “receptions”.

Click below to read more

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!