We have been featured on the Plans and Presents Wedding Blog!!

Hi Everyone! We are back! After so long of a pause due to the Pandemic, we are so happy to be producing events and articles again! Today, we are sharing a sweet summer styled wedding photo shoot that is so groovy and delicious in all of its color and details! We have been blessed to have our Strawberry Fields Forever styled shoot featured on the Plans and Presents wedding blog! Please Enjoy!

https://www.mrspandp.com/styled-shoots/strawberry-fields-forever-a-fruity-70s-inspired-wedding-styled-shoot/

Strawberry Fields Forever ~ A fruity 70s inspired wedding styled shoot

MAY 7, 2021 STYLED SHOOTS

Today I am excited to share Strawberry Fields Forever, a fruity 70s inspired wedding styled shoot with striking red, baby pink, and apple green details.

Images were captured by Tayana B Photography with styling by Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance with the collaboration of a fabulous creative team…

Kimberly says of the shoot…

Strawberry Fields Forever is such a groovy theme for a summer wedding! Not only was it a popular song by the Beatles, it reminds us of a simpler time.

I might be a bit biased, as my parents were married in 1971 and I was born in 1973 but I love looking through wedding photos from the 1970’s, and bohemian type decor.

This era is very on-trend right now as inspiration for weddings and events so I wanted to incorporate the free spirited vibes of the decade, along with a delicious colour palette for this styled photo shoot.

I chose strawberry red, baby pink, and apple green, along with a whimsical red checkered pattern as the colours for this awesome shoot.

There was several sweet details featured in the shoot.

First, we had a live wedding painter, Studio Em Treasures, who created a beautiful custom piece of artwork of the ceremony setting.

We also had darling ribbon wands with our colors of pink, green, and white, created by Plume and Paper.

They also created the custom stationery suite for this groovy celebration of love.

Finally, we included our vintage record player, and original 45-rpm record of the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever”.

The album also made a cute setting for the wedding rings.

Our wedding couple, Dan and Fox Kaye, were a joy to work with, and to style. Dan’s personal style certainly looked like he stepped right out of the 1970’s.

He wore a classic black suit and white button down shirt, accented with a vintage 1970’s black velvet bow tie, strawberry printed dress socks, and strawberry shaped cuff links.

Fox Kaye wore a vintage 1970’s wedding gown, made of fluid crepe fabric.

The ivory gown featured a high neck and long sleeves, embellished with Battenburg lace, and a sheer teardrop shaped insert just below the neckline.

The vintage gown featured a unique Watteau train, which lay like a cape from the shoulder line in the back, and fell to a chapel train length.

To accessorise she also wore a very delicate gold necklace, with a tiny strawberry charm.

Fox Kayes hair was styled in long simple waves, with a small birdcage veil pinned at the crown.

The veil was accented by a vintage hair comb, decorated with a strawberry and small white flowers. Her complete vintage look was utterly charming.

The florals for the shoot were spectacular.

Bouquet Studio created two amazing freestanding pieces for our ceremony area, triangular in shape, with a little curve towards the top.

They just met the bottom fringes of the large macrame hanging we used as our ceremony focal point, provided by Lavender and Lace Event Rentals.

Our dining table centerpiece was lush and full, in a lovely vintage, white milk glass compote vase.

Dan’s boutonniere was comprised of a strawberry red zinnia and small pink bridal protea.

Fox Kaye’s hand-tied bouquet was a beautiful mix of dahlias, ranunculus, small bridal protea, anemones, daisies, and roses.

We added pink carnations and small white daisies to the three tiered wedding cake, to complement the theme of the shoot. In both the centerpiece and the ceremony arrangements, several types of flowers and greenery were used.

Those pieces included white O’Hara garden roses, zinnias, dahlias, scabiosa, bridal protea, anemone, pokeberry, ranunculus, stock, daisies, carnations, parvofolia eucalyptus, silver dollar eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, seeded eucalyptus, boxwood, and raspberry leaves.

This groovy shoot had two beautiful tablescapes.

Our dining table was set for six special guests. The table was covered in a floor length strawberry red linen, and the table runner was a bright white, featuring diagonal rows of contrasting trims.

The vintage chairs were an eclectic mix of styles, adorned with contrasting tied chair sashes in solid strawberry red and red gingham.

Our place settings were a gorgeous mix of vintage pink, green and clear glassware, rose gold charger plates, and vintage china with hand painted strawberries and flowers.

The vintage silverware pieces were crafted with a delicate floral pattern. For a final pop pf colour, we rolled alternating cloth napkins in baby pink, apple green, and red gingham.

The napkins were wrapped with vintage ceramic strawberry napkin rings.

The laser cut place cards were created by Plume and Paper, and were secured in darling little white ceramic holders.

They also created the unique acrylic table number. Our dining table centerpiece was lush and full, in a lovely vintage, white milk glass compote vase.

Our second display featured our yummy desserts.

On a large white vintage baking rack, we draped a vintage white tablecloth with an embroidered strawberry design.

On the first shelf, we placed our vintage beverage dispenser filled with freshly made pink lemonade, and our darling three tier wedding cake.

On the second shelf, we displayed a larger “love” sign that matched the cake topper, and a gold mirrored tray filled with yummy frosted cut out cookies that matched our theme.

On the top shelf of the rack, vintage pink glassware completed our sweet dessert display.

The baking rack was flanked by two vintage white wicker chairs with red and white gingham pillows, and a classic picnic basket with a checkered cloth.

To complete the styling of the Strawberry Fields Forever shoot was the magnificent cake and cookies.

Our cake was a delightful, airy, three tiered confection, perfect for a summer wedding.

Created by Eat Cake 216, the bottom layer was covered in white buttercream rosettes. The middle tier was frosted in the palest shade of mint green, and dusted with sugar crystals.

The top tier was simply covered in smooth white frosting.  Hand crafted strawberries were placed on each tier for a cascading effect.

We added pink carnations and small white daisies as well for a sweet complement to the strawberries. Our gold painted “love” cake topper was created in a font and style often seen in the 1970’s.

The cake looked amazing on the vintage baker’s rack, next to a refreshing container of fresh-squeezed lemonade, and gorgeous decorated cut-out cookies.

The cookies were created by Anchor and Bows bakery, and decorated with hearts, daisies, strawberries and peace signs.

Shoot Vendors

Venue – Beck Farms

Photography – Tayana B Photography  

Event Planning / Linens / Tableware / Decor – Love Laughter & Elegance

Dress & Headpiece – Love Laughter & Elegance

Veil – Over The Moon Bridal 

Wedding Ring / Jewellery/Accessories – Love Laughter & Elegance 

Grooms Bow Tie / Cufflinks / Socks – Love Laughter & Elegance http://www.lovelaughterelegance.wordpress.com

Floral – Bouquet Studio

Stationery / Place Cards / Table Numbers & Holders/ Handmade Items / Ribbon Wands – Plume and Paper 

Wedding Cake – Eat Cake 216 

Cookies – Anchor & Bows Bakery 

Rentals  – Lavender & Lace Rentals

Makeup – The Emma Kat Make Up Artistry and Esthetics

Painter – Studio Em Treasures

Groom Model – Daniel McKinnon  / Bride Model – Fox Kaye

Model – Sammy Kay Smith / Charli Veronica / Cate McNeal / Paige Lamp

Save70s inspired wedding shootPhotography – Tayana B Photographyretro weddingStrawberry Fields Forever

• BY ALISON TINLIN

We were featured in Bridal Guide!!

Recently, we submitted one of the amazing photo galleries from our 1950’s Vintage Romance styled wedding photo shoot to Bridal Guide.  I am happy to say that one of our photos were selected as part of a feature titled “25 Stellar Summer Centerpieces”.  

Photo credit:  Spurrell Photography

Location:  Arrowhead Golf and Event Center

Floral Centerpiece:  Liz Nidy Floral Design

Stationery Suite:  Bellus Designs

Table Design:  Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning

https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/the-details/wedding-decor-flowers/stellar-summer-centerpieces#189756

If you would like to check out another fantastic gallery from our 1950’s Vintage Romance styled wedding photo shoot, with a complete list of vendors, please visit On the Go Bride.  Enjoy!!

We have been added to Catch My Party!!

We have been blessed to have our Galentine’s Day styled photo shoot added to the Catch My Party website!  This was a fun afternoon, sharing Awesome Ladies, Friends and Fun! Please check out all of the gorgeous photos in the gallery on the website.  Enjoy!

https://www.catchmyparty.com/parties/galentines-day

https://jennamccartyphotography.pixieset.com/galentinesshoot/

Galentine’s Day

 BY KIMBERLY L  IN VALENTINE’S DAY

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party recap

The holiday celebration of “Galentine’s Day” was made popular a few years ago by the TV show “Parks and Recreation”. I loved the idea of a day dedicated to sharing love and friendship with your best gal pals. I decided to design a styled photo shoot with some awesome ladies, sharing treats and an afternoon full of fun. The venue is really unique, The Cross-Eyed Moose Event Center, in Homeworth, Ohio. The venue was formerly a Methodist church, that had been remodeled into a wonderfully charming, rustic, event center. We used a mix of patterns in reds, pinks, and whites, to create a colorful and cozy setting for our celebration. The results were utterly adorable!

• THEME

  Galentine’s Day – Celebrating Ladies, Friends, and Love

• GUESTS

  3

• LOCATION

  The Cross-Eyed Moose Event Center in Homeworth, Ohio.

party highlights

• WHAT PEOPLE ATE

  We had two cakes to grace our dessert table. The first is a chocolate heart shaped ice cream cake, decorated on the upper left side with a vanilla icing drizzle and hand molded chocolate pieces. The base of the cake was layered in chocolate shavings. It was so yummy! Our second cake definitely resonated with our theme of love and friendship. A darling two tier confection, the first tier was covered in pink fondant icing, white piping and dots. Small black chocolate tiles surrounded the base of the cake, each featuring a heart shape in the middle. The top tier of the cake was covered in white fondant icing, with pink piping and dots. Around this tier, there were pink chocolate tiles with black hearts and flourishes. The cake was topped with a handmade cookie, where on one side read “I Love You”, and the other read “BFFs”. It tasted as amazing as it looked!

• WHAT PEOPLE DRANK

  We had two tables for our Galentine’s Day celebration, one for dining, and one laden with all kinds of sweets. On our dessert table, we placed a black and red buffalo check cloth over a white linen. We created a fun centerpiece for the table with a container that read “Happy Heart Day”, with pink and red tissue, a bouquet of wrapped chocolate roses, and a stuffed heart with sequins. Both of the delicious cakes were placed on the table, along with several varieties of candies. Rounding out our holiday brunch menu, we added glazed honey buns, chocolate brownie bites, blueberry and chocolate chip waffles, and individual bottles of sparkling beverages. To finish our design, we added a sign that featured waffles and “Galentine’s Day”, a couple of small white lanterns, and LOVE letters.

  Our guest table was set at one of the venue’s unique custom made wooden tables, along with rustic high backed chairs. We used a white jacquard linen, and placed a custom made table runner that was covered with hearts in different patterns. We added gold charger plates, and delicate pink floral china plates. The napkins were a mix of pink hearts on a red background, and a playful pink plaid. In the center of each place setting we laid a conversation starter card, so the ladies could have a fun, lighthearted chat over dinner. In vintage champagne glasses, we poured a lovely and sweet adult beverage. We had a lovely centerpiece on our dining table, in a tall red glass vase. We used shades of pink in the dahlias, peonies, and garden roses. At the very top of the arrangement was a single deep red rose. We added a few sprigs of greenery to balance the overall design. A pair of rose colored taper candles in silver heart shaped candlestick holders completed our table, fit for our beautiful queens.

• ACTIVITIES / GAMES

  We had a few cute handmade details featured in our styled shoot, including the tags tied with pink chevron straws on the mini bottles of sparkling beverages. The venue also features several intimate seating areas. We chose one of the handmade wooden benches and added colorful blankets and pillows to create a cozy setting for our lovely ladies to snuggle up, keep warm and sip hot cocoa.. Above the bench there was a large mirror, to which we added handmade paper pinwheels, a puffy tulle banner, and letters that read “BFFs, Gals, and Pals”.

party helpers

• THE CROSS-EYED MOOSE EVENT CENTER

  Venue

  www.crosseyedmooseeventcenter.com

• JENNA MCCARTY PHOTOGRAPHY

  Photographer

  www.jennamccartyphotography.com

• EAT CAKE 216

  Bakery

  www.facebook.com/eatcake216/

• COLD STONE CREAMERY

  Bakery

  https://www.facebook.com/ColdStoneCreamery1924NilesCortlandWarren/

• OLD NEW & SOMETHING BLUE

  Decorations, Florals, Resale

  www.oldnewsomethingblue.com

• MELISSA WALKER

  Paper Pinwheel Artist

  Melissa created the folded paper decorations above the mirror where the ladies are seated with their cozy blankets and mugs of hot chocolate.

• SAMMY KAY SMITH

  Model

• BETH ANN STARRETT

  Model

• OLGA NAGDASEVA

  Model

• LOVE, LAUGHTER & ELEGANCE: WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING

  Wedding & Event Planner

  We planned this styled shoot, and provided linens, tableware, desserts, and other decor.

We have been mentioned in Martha Stewart Weddings!!

We have been blessed, again, to have been mentioned in an article on Martha Stewart Weddings!  Thank you, Jenn Sinrich!!

https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/650598/reasons-to-not-stress-about-wedding-weather?fbclid=IwAR3pVPiN1eV0dNospDx-BFuMYL9jjlf8r924ZeDGdJlO-If1XKYxfRZPmRk

JANUARY 16, 2019

4 Reasons Why It’s Not Worth Stressing About the Weather Ahead of Your Wedding

Let those worries go.

By Jenn Sinrich of Martha Stewart Weddings

Contributing Writer

Photography by: Landon Jacob Photography

When it comes to the most special and important day of your life, it’s hard to not get at least a little worked up over the little details. However, it’s important to realize which factors are in—and out of—your control. One that you can’t predict or change, no matter how hard you try, is the weather. “While it can be a hassle if you are caught in a sudden downpour on the way to your ceremony, or if a freak snowstorm blows in the weekend of your wedding, it doesn’t have to ruin your wedding,” says Kimberly Lehman, wedding and event planner at Love, Laughter & Elegance.

 

She does recommend, however, that all couples have a backup plan in place for your wedding, especially if any part of your celebration will take place outdoors. To help you cope with the unpredictability that comes along with wedding weather, here are some key reasons why it’s not worth stressing over.

 

RELATED: WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE TO RESCHEDULE OR CANCEL YOUR WEDDING DUE TO THE WEATHER?

 

You can’t control it.

To really enjoy the wedding day to the fullest, Leah Weinberg, wedding planner, owner, and executive planner at Color Pop Events, urges brides and grooms to accept that certain things will happen that day that are outside of their control. “When those things happen, you’ve just gotta roll with it,” she says. “Embrace whatever happens and make the best of it—that advice goes for things other than weather, too.”

 

Stress might kill the mood.

Not only is stress bad for your own health, but it can impact the moods of those around you. “If you find yourself snapping at others due to the weather, it could potentially cause more permanent damage,” says Sabrina Zeile of Weddings By Sabrina. “Even though it’s your special day, it’s important to be considerate of others.” If the weather is poor, she suggests shifting your focus to another aspect of the wedding like dancing.

 

Inclement weather might enhance your photos.

Believe it or not, but rain can make for incredibly romantic photos with ideal lighting, so embrace it! “I’ve seen some stellar photos taken on rainy days, so if you’re bummed about the rain, just flip your mindset and think of all of the cool images that are going to come out of it,” says Weinberg.

 

Your wedding day will fly by.

What’s the use in spending the majority of it worried and stressed? It’s important to remember that this day will happen rain or shine, and it will fly by. Instead of spending this precious time stressed out, which can cause negative effects such as headaches, fatigue, upset stomach, and muscle pain, Zeile suggests relaxing and re-focusing so you can enjoy the moments you do have while they’re happening.

We have been featured in Nanny Magazine!!

We have been blessed to have an article featured in the October 2018 issue of Nanny Magazine!

Found on pages 22-23, we penned an article about planning a Spook-tacular Halloween Party.  Thank you for allowing us to share with your readers!  Pick up a copy today!

We have been featured in an article on Zeel.com!!

We have been blessed to have been featured in an article on Zeel.com!!  Thank you, Jenn Sinrich!!

 

How to Organize a Wellness-Themed Bridal Shower

by Jenn Sinrich

JUN 19, 2018

LIFESTYLE

If there’s anyone who could use a little extra self-care, it’s undoubtedly a woman planning her wedding. While this is an incredibly exciting time in her life, it’s also one of the most stressful times. Planning your big day, whether or not you’re lucky enough to have the help of a wedding planner, involves a great deal of time, money and dedication, all of which can suck the energy out of you. This is just one reason why wellness-themed bridal showers are becoming increasingly popular. Another is because of the accessibility of massages and therapeutic treatments.

To help inspire you to plan the relaxing, self-care-centered bridal shower of your dreams, we talked to top wedding planners for their best tips on where to start.

Massage therapy

With Zeel, you can have several massage therapists arrive at your venue for hours of chair massage sessions for all your guests. Chair massage is a fully-clothed back and neck massage that lasts between 10-20 minutes — long enough to relax, short enough to not miss on any bridal fun. Don’t worry about equipment or logistics, all you have to do is request the number of massage therapists you need and put the location and time. The rest will be taken care of.

Once you’ve taken care of the guests’ massage, don’t forget to set aside downtime for the most important person, the bride! Get the full treatment by booking a full-body massage before or after the bridal shower. You can pick between a 60, 75 or 90-minute massage but our advice is to go all out — you’d be surprised how rejuvenating 90 minutes can be! Similarly to the chair massage, the therapist will come to your doorsteps and bring all the necessary equipment.

Read more: The Benefits of a Full Body Massage

Select your venue

Hosting your bridal shower at your home, or a friend or family member’s, has is a feasible option—especially if you’re planning a wellness-themed bridal shower. Who needs all the extra noise and chaos that comes along with hosting at a public destination?

Instead, invite all of your closest friends and relatives to a quiet spot and book massage therapists to arrive at your desired time. As Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance in Massillon, Ohio, attests, “this is a great idea for budget-savvy brides who are looking to save as much as possible in preparation for the lifetime of marriage ahead of them.”

Decide on food and drink

No matter your bridal shower theme, food and drink options are always the heroes of the day. For a wellness-oriented shindig, Lindsey Sachs, a wedding planner and owner of COLLECTIVE/by Sachs in Boulder, Colorado, and Minneapolis, suggests planning a health-focused menu with good eats that not only look great but taste delicious.

“We’re not talking boring celery sticks or foods lacking flavor, but rather nutrient-rich options such as turkey meatball gyros with fresh dill and cucumber, greek yogurt tzatziki sauce, a make-your-own toast bar with avocado, sprouts and seeds or a chilled gazpacho soup with grilled shrimp,” she says. “Turn to your local health food market or local caterer to discuss catered options and, if possible, make all recipes available for guests to take home.”

Create activity stations

Of course, the main activity will be pampering but, since it’s a bridal shower, your guests will expect the mandatory bridal games. “This helps guests interact more intimately with one another in smaller groups,” says Sachs, and you can do it without straying away from the wellness focus.

In addition to massage stations, she recommends a salad jar creation station. “With most showers hosted on weekends, this is the perfect time to meal prep!” she says. “Guests can build their own salads in a convenient take-home mason jar and feel ready to take on the week with a healthy salad in tow.”

Another great idea in a gratefulness activity station. “This activity station gives guests time to pen a sweet message to their honey (or someone else in their life who inspires them) and let them know how much they’re grateful for their presence in their life,” she adds. “Supply guests with a variety of cute cards, pens, and postage stamps and watch the smiles grow as they think about their loved one receiving the letter.”

Pick your music

While creating a playlist for your wellness-themed bridal shower, might not be top-of-mind, Sachs urgest brides not to forget it. “It’s important that you choose the right music to accentuate the celebratory vibe of your wellness-themed bridal shower,” she says. “This doesn’t’ need to be slow, soothing spa music that’s going to put everyone to sleep, but it can be feel-good tunes that make you feel alive!”

Match your party favors to the theme

There are countless party favor options for a wellness-themed wedding shower. One great choice is aromatherapy, which is becoming more and more popular.

“Aromatherapy favors are perfect for a bridal shower, especially when you can combine different oils to make your own personal blends, for relaxation, for sleep aid, etc.,” says Lehman.

Another option is a goodie bag of wellness treats, like homemade muesli, granola or protein balls. “Everyone loves surprise gifts, so this gesture will go a long way and remind guests to keep their own self-care in check,” adds Sachs.

TAGS: bridal party, bridal shower, chair massage, home massage, summer massage

We have been featured in an article on Martha Stewart Weddings!!

We have been blessed, again, to have been featured in an article on Martha Stewart Weddings!!  Thank you, Jenn Sinrich!!

 

MAY 29, 2018

Everything You Need to Know About the Groom’s Cake

This wedding tradition is still alive and well.

By Jenn Sinrich

Contributing Writer

Photography by: Sugar Geek Show

If you’re like most people, you might only be familiar with one wedding cake—that is, the one the bride and groom cut into on their wedding night and feed to each other as a significance of their shared love. But wedding traditions from other cultures incorporate more than just one cake. The groom’s cake, which originated in Victorian England, is one such example. “As tradition has it, there were typically three cakes served during a Victorian wedding,” says Kimberly Lehman, wedding and event planner at Love, Laughter & Elegance. “There was the wedding cake that was served to the guests, the bride’s cake, which was served to the bridesmaids, and the groom’s cake, served to the groomsmen.” Eventually, Southern brides and grooms in the United States adopted this tradition, making it their own. (Who could forget the armadillo-shaped groom’s cake in Steel Magnolias?)

 

While the tradition has changed over time, the groom’s cake is still alive and well. In fact, it may be becoming more popular than ever. Couples across the United States and abroad—even Prince William had one at his wedding to Kate Middleton!—are serving a second confection tailored to the groom’s specific tastes. Thinking adding another cake to your party in honor of new husband? Here are some interesting facts to know about the groom’s cake.

 

RELATED: UNIQUE IDEAS FOR THE GROOM’S CAKE

 

The earliest groom’s cakes were actually fruitcakes.

Fruitcakes are a dark, rich cake filled with candied fruits and nuts that tend to keep well, especially with all of the liqueur used in their creation, explains Lehman. This is also why they are so popular to give as gifts during the holiday season! “Today, groom’s cakes are usually made with dark chocolate and may be filled with fruits and liqueurs, however, the groom’s favorite cake flavors and fillings should definitely take priority in this luscious dessert,” she says.

 

The groom’s cake is not always served at the wedding reception.

These days, especially for the less traditional couples, the groom’s cake is served at the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. “This is always a nice touch because it spreads the fun across your wedding weekend,” says Catherine George, owner of Catherine George Cakes in Washington, D.C. She suggests leaving the cake out on display for a while before it’s served.

 

Although designated for the groom, couples are designing the groom’s cake together.

Though the cake design you select for your wedding reception will likely be fairly traditional in terms of color and decoration, the groom’s cake can be a bit more lighthearted and fun. Choose the look together as a fun detail you can both have some say in. If you like a classic look, though, feel free to go for it. The groom’s cake doesn’t have to show off his hobbies or interests. “As couples are veering away from a traditional cake (in the last few months we have seen a cookie truck, donuts, cobbler or pie, and ice cream for dessert instead) the need for a groom cake as an expression of the groom’s personality is becoming unnecessary,” says Isadora Martin-Dye, a wedding planner and owner of owner of Rixey Manor.

 

In terms of flavor and design, there really are no limits.

“Although the Southern tradition is to make a red velvet cake, I don’t believe wedding cakes in general need to have limits on flavors,” says Liz Berman, Boston-based baker and owner of The Sleepy Baker in Natick, Massachusetts. The same goes for its overall look. “I had a groom joke around about how he wanted a wedding cake that was a pegasus with him riding on the back. The bride refused to allow that and ordered a traditional tiered cake, but then secretly hired me to make a groom’s cake. The wedding cake was displayed next to a sculpted pegasus cake with an image of the groom riding on the back!”

We were mentioned in an article on Martha Stewart Weddings!

We have been blessed, again, to have been mentioned in an article on Martha Stewart Weddings.com!  Thank you, Jenn Sinrich!!

 

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

What to Do If You (or One of Your Wedding VIPs) Are Sick the Week of the Wedding

Don’t let illness ruin the fun.

By Jenn Sinrich

Contributing Writer

Photography by: Westend61

Ever become overwhelmed with worry when you think about all of the big and little things about your wedding day that you need to go right? It’s totally normal to freak out—you’re planning a huge event and a day that will hold immense meaning for you, your fiancé and your families. Of course, like anything in life, nothing is perfect and your wedding won’t be either. But that’s okay! Even illness is inevitable, especially during cold and flu season, so it’s smart to be prepared for anything and have more than one person that you can go to for support.

 

What happens if you, the bride or groom, or one of your wedding VIPS becomes ill during the week of your nuptials? It’s a tough dilemma that can totally happen. Of course, if your symptoms are treatable you can get on medications, but what happens if you get sick the day of the wedding? Kimberly Lehman, wedding and event planner at Love, Laughter & Elegance tries to be prepared for any situation—even the bride and groom turning green on their big day. “I have an emergency kit that contains over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, antacid tablets, various topical creams, a small first aid kit and personal products,” she says. “Being trained in general first aid, CPR and how to use an AED is a good idea for all event professionals.”

 

If you’re worried about getting sick—or someone important getting sick—before or at your wedding, here are some doable lines of defense.

 

RELATED: HEALTHY TRICKS TO GET YOU WEDDING READY

 

Hire a wedding planner at the beginning of your planning journey.

“A planner will be able to step in and take care of any last-minute crisis, whether it’s a few weeks before or on the ‘day of’ to ensure you have a special and memorable day you feeling like your day was ruined,” says Deborah L. Erb, owner and event planner at Simply Events Inc. “Planners also carry emergency kits with them in case someone needs pain reliever, something for an upset stomach or first aid kit.” They can also run out to get you anything else you need from a local pharmacy to help you and your loved ones get through the day!

 

Take care of yourself in the best way possible.

Planning a wedding is a stressful time—not only for the bride and groom, but also for those participating in the planning process, such as your parents, siblings, and wedding party. A month or so before the wedding, email or call as many of those important people as you can and remind them to take preventative steps to stay healthy in the weeks leading up to your wedding. “Eat well, stay hydrated, get your rest (eight hours each night!) and allow yourself some time to relax,” says Erb.

 

Recognize symptoms.

“Heading into wedding week, your body and mind will feel so many emotions—excitement, anxiety, stress, and nervousness,” says Lindsey Sachs, a wedding planner and owner of COLLECTIVE/by Sachs in Boulder, Colorado, and Minneapolis. “Take a moment early in the week to do a self-health check to monitor possible symptoms that could grow into sickness.” Remember: The sooner you can recognize these symptoms, the sooner you can begin to treat them.

 

Get checked out by your doctor.

Even if you’re feeling slightly under the weather, it’s important to listen to what your body is trying to tell you and seek out medical assistance. “Explain that you have a big day coming up and you need to be able to get through it and hopefully feeling well,” says Erb.

 

RELATED: 3 TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU BE HEALTHIER IN THE MONTHS LEADING UP TO YOUR WEDDING

 

Keep your family and friends informed on your progress.

If you are not feeling well—or a wedding VIP is not feeling well—let the other important members of the wedding party know. “Everyone will pitch in to assist as much as possible, to make sure the wedding day goes smoothly or to rearrange and reschedule plans as needed,” says Lehman. “Delegate duties and errands to your wedding party and family members.” If you’ve hired a wedding planner or coordinator, they can also assist in contacting vendors, wedding party members and guests and updating important information regarding the wedding. “We are here to help you,” Lehman adds.

 

Stay positive.

Sachs urges not to let your mind focus on the negative outcomes of being sick the week of the wedding. “The sickness of a wedding VIP can create unnecessary focus and attention away from the wedding as a result,” she says. “The marriage is what you want to remember and not who was sick.” Use the power of positive thinking to your benefit and breathe, think optimistically and hope for the best!

 

Have a “plan B” in place.

If a parent is sick, think of other people in advance that could step in for them last-minute if necessary, suggests Erb. Otherwise, come up with options to make it easier for them to “carry out their duties,” and rest in between or always have a chair to sit on. “Seek out someone that you trust to care for the one who is ill, so everyone can get through the day,” Erb says.

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We have been blessed again, to have been mentioned in an article on WeddingWire.com!  Thank you, Jenn Sinrich!!

 

PLANNING

5 Steps to Postponing a Wedding Because of Bad Weather

Written by Jenn Sinrich • Photo: Sam Stroud Photography

Any wedding planner or person who’s walked down the aisle can attest to the fact that there’s no such thing as a wedding going perfectly as planned. There will be bumps in the road to planning and executing your big day. And, while many of the obstacles that may arise can be overcome, others may be completely out of your control, for example postponing a wedding due to weather.

Most winter brides, especially those located in northern regions, are aware that their designated wedding date comes with the chance of snow, but those getting married during the three other seasons usually don’t have the slightest concern over anything more than rain preventing their wedding bells from ringing.

As we’ve come to realize, however, especially in recent years, natural disasters are happening more and more frequently. For this reason, it’s important for brides and grooms, as well as their families and friends, to be prepared for the unimaginable—and uncontrollable.

“It’s important to have a backup plan year round,” says Emily Sullivan of Emily Sullivan Events in New Orleans, Louisiana. “You could be contending with any kind of weather on your big day—it really varies depending on the region and situation, so it’s wise to have these conversations about the possibility of postponing a wedding with your wedding planner or coordinator prior to your wedding date.”

While having a plan B, C and even D early on is helpful, not all brides and grooms will—or can—be completely prepared. So if you get to the point in your wedding where postponing your wedding is imminent, here are expert strategies for how to handle the situation.

Step One: Ask for help

Even the most precise, organized and by-the-book wedding has its share of missing components. This means you likely won’t be able to handle all the tiny to-dos yourself. And this is especially true when dealing with something as catastrophic as a natural disaster. “If you are also personally affected with the crisis of a weather-related scenario (like we had here in Texas recently where bride’s home and her wedding venues were under water), you’ll need to enlist supportive help,” explains Cheryl Bailey of Yellow Umbrella Events in Austin, Texas. “Ideally, get the help of someone who’s not in the same situation as you, like your wedding planner or a friend or family member outside of the affected area, who can help you make decisions and start emailing and making calls.”

Photo: Earthmuse Photography

Step Two: Contact your venue immediately

“The sooner a couple gets in touch with their venue, the more options they will have surrounding the cancellation and hopefully not lose out on their deposits,” says Wendy Collins of Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. Remember that your venue is at the very center of your big day, as it will virtually house all of the rest of your vendors, like your DJ or band, florist, officiant, etc. Bailey suggests working out a plan with your venue in regards to how you should move forward when it comes to postponing your wedding. For example, moving your wedding to the night before or the next day. If this option isn’t available to you, Bailey recommends choosing an entirely new wedding date and time. “It’s important to try and secure this new date immediately, as other weddings will likely be in the same situation as you and the next available dates may fill up quickly.”

Step Three: Contact the rest of your vendors

Once you’ve established a plan of attack, and have a new wedding date secured, email all of your vendors and make them aware of the situation. “It’s easiest to email the entire group of vendors at once with a blanket statement about what is happening and then all vendors can be in the loop,” says Bailey. “Most vendors are very understanding when it comes to a weather-related situation that’s out of your control and will be very accommodating if you need to reschedule, as long as they have your new date available.” Do remember, however, that some of them may be booked on your new date, so you may lose your security deposit. “If you should need to book new vendors, such as a DJ or a photographer, your wedding planner can help you find the right ones quickly through their extensive network,” adds Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance in Massillon, Ohio.

Photo: Elevate Photography

Step Four: Reach out to your guests

This one will likely be the most time-consuming, since you’ll likely have to reach out to certain friends or relatives via telephone as opposed to easier methods like email or social media. Bailey suggests starting by including as many guests as you have emails for on one email with information regarding the cancellation of your wedding and including information for a contact person they can reach out to in case they need further assistance.” Don’t hesitate to use your social media network, too. “Social media is your friend when postponing a wedding” she says. “You can always post on Facebook to let guests know what’s happening, or even start a private Facebook group where you add all of your guests, and even vendors, with the details of the cancellation and the reschedule date and details.” And be sure to update your wedding websitewith any updated information.

Step Five: Take a deep breath

By this point, overwhelmed doesn’t come close to describe how you and your partner are feeling. But, Bailey points out that the most important thing is that you and your guests are safe and out of harm’s way. “Stop, breathe deeply and calmly and focus on yourself and your partner and the fact that you are both together and able to handle this situation as a couple,” she says. Hold hands, hug, cry, laugh, pray—whatever you need to do to get by until you finally get to say say “I do!”

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We have been blessed once again, to have been mentioned in an article on Martha Stewart Weddings!!  Thank you, Jenn Sinrich!

https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/619928/social-media-changing-wedding-planning

SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

6 Ways Social Media Is Changing Wedding Planning

Planners dish on what’s different in the age of Instagram.

By Jenn Sinrich

Contributing Writer

Photography by: Getty Images

There’s no arguing that social media and its many platforms and pretenses has forever changed the world of weddings. In fact, it’s even difficult for some to imagine a time when the only people who caught a glimpse of the bride and groom on their wedding day were the hundred or so attendees themselves—and maybe a lucky handful who spent some time on the newlyweds’ couch flipping through their glossy album. Nowadays, anyone in the world has immediate access to the attire, décor, location, and events that occurred at any given celebration. Even going into work once your wedding weekend or honeymoon has concluded isn’t the same—everyone has specific questions about “that view” or “those stunning flowers—what were they?” To dig deeper into the many ways weddings have changed thanks to social media, we talked to wedding planners who’ve seen it all.

 

CAN SOCIAL MEDIA HURT YOUR MARRIAGE?

 

Brides have exposure to a variety of different weddings.

The image of the modern wedding is no longer limited to what one sees in a magazine or on a television program, Kimberly Lehman, wedding and event planner at Love, Laughter & Elegance points out. Now, the images are everywhere: on mobile phones, tablets, laptop computers. Think about how little you would know about weddings if you had to subscribe to a number of wedding magazines and wait every month to get your hands on the latest copy? Now, with consumer demand, countless wedding websites (like this one!) deliver instant information at your fingertips.

 

Expectations are set so high and can be unrealistic.

“The hard part that we’ve all found is that social media allows for brides and grooms to see other weddings and love what they are seeing without realizing the time and money it actually took to create the look,” explains Brandi Hamerstone, a wedding planner at All Events Planned. “Unfortunately, there are so many unrealistic expectations that people now have for their day that they might not be able to afford, or won’t have the time to create if it’s DIY.” This isn’t to say you shouldn’t browse the web to storm up ideas for your big day, but it’s important to keep in mind your own limitations—which are totally okay to have.

 

Couples connect more with friends and family.

Chances are, not all of your friends and family will be able to make your big day. The good news is that social media allows them to feel like they were a part of the event even if they weren’t physically present. “Unique apps can transmit important information about your wedding to those who weren’t able to be there,” says Candice Dowling Coppola, owner and creative director at A Jubilee Event. “The one downside we’ve noticed, however, is that some couples crave a sense of privacy that social media makes it hard for them to have.” In her experience, she’s had to ask several guests and hired creatives to refrain from posting pictures of a couple’s wedding unless they’ve given consent. “Some couples prefer to have control over how their wedding day is shared with others,” she adds.

 

27 WEDDING PLANNERS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

 

The bevvy of information and inspiration is limitless.

If you’re a bride-to-be who hasn’t scoured Pinterest yet, log on! It’s become the go-to resource for gathering ideas for planning a wedding. “Users can create virtual bulletin boards of their favorite flowers, dresses, cakes, poses for pictures, decorations, and more, as well as share pictures with others, and follow boards that have the same vibe as their own,” says Lehman. YouTube is another hot spot with thousands of videos of everything from wedding hair and makeup tutorials to heartwarming wedding films. “You can watch amazing choreographed wedding party dances, adorable flower girls and ring bearers as they attempt to walk down the aisle, and memorable wedding speeches,” says Lehman.

 

Virtual meetings avoid unnecessary travel.

Any bride- or groom-to-be knows that time is precious when you’re planning a wedding—especially when it comes to managing all of the various meetings you’ll have with vendors. This is when live streaming can seriously come in handy. Instead of commuting two hours in rush-hour traffic, or across the state or country if your wedding location isn’t nearby, you can set up a Google Hangout, Skype call, or any other live-streaming service to chat wedding details with as close to an in-person charm as possible.

 

Couples now “brand” their wedding.

Who knew hashtags would allow you to collect all of the photos and videos from your wedding so easily? “When friends and family upload their pictures to a social media site, they will add the special hashtag so everyone has access to all of the posts in one spot,” Lehman explains. Companies and vendors are also catching onto the trend. “If a couple is looking for a photographer in their hometown, they may use a hashtag such as ‘#ChicagoWeddingPhotographer,’ and the search will deliver listings for wedding photographers in that area.” Can’t come up with a clever hashtag idea for your big day? Try one of the many wedding hashtag generators available online! There’s social media doing its thing once again!