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."

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.