YOUR FOREVER BEGINS HERE

I am so excited to share this contest with you today!!  Constellation Culinary Group and Curtis Atrium have announced a most special contest.  The History of Us is a wonderful way for you to share your love story and enter to win a dream wedding.  The Curtis Atrium is an historic landmark and inspiring venue for your Happily Ever After.  And, Constellation Culinary Group is among the finest in the city.  Its a perfect combination for your big day. 

So, lets talk about the contest.  The History of Us, the story of your love and what makes you and your partner unique. That is what Constellation Culinary wants to know.  And, this is how you enter.  Create a Pinterest board with memories, favorite moments, songs, events, all of your adventures.  Then send your board to Constellation.  Share your board with Instagram using the hashtag- #hitchedweddingcontest.  Don't be shy!!  Share as much as you like.  The more interesting and unique your board, the better.  This will be so much fun.  Sharing your love story, remembering all of the things that make you, YOU!  

The contest runs through January 15, 2020.  The winner will be announced on the Curtis Atrium Facebook and Instagram pages.  Winning couple gets a beautiful wedding at the Curtis Atrium with delicious and artistically presented food by Constellation.  This is how to enter- 

1. Show the history of you and your fiancé using Pinterest. Create a new board and title it “The History of Us.” Then upload your favorite memories (places, songs, stories, etc.) Paint a digital picture of the history of your love. Make sure the link is set to public.
2. Email the link to your board to historyofUS@constellationculinary.com
3. Along with your email, be sure to include:
   a. First and last names of both of you
   b. When you got engaged
   c. What city/ town you live in
4. (Optional) Share a post about your board on your Instagram page using the hashtag #hitchedcontest, and tagging @byconstellation and @thecurtisatrium
5. Leave your board up through the end of the contest on January 15th. One lucky couple will win an expense paid wedding at The Curtis Atrium, which includes:
   • Venue Rental
   • Constellation Food and Beverage Package (Maximum value of $50,000/ Minimum 100 guests, Maximum 200 guests)

Here is the link to the rules.

Consider visting Curtis Atrium and meet with Contellation.  Because, even if you don't win, you will want to say your I Do's in this beautiful setting. Have Fun and Good Luck!!!

FOR THE LOVE OF CARNATIONS

Carnations are best associated with those $6 bouquets that you pick up at the grocery store.  But, carnations are, actually, a rich man's flower and their beginnings are rooted in delicate stems, muted and beautiful colors and the loving care of  millionare growers in New York, New Jersey and the midwest who grew them as prize winning gems.  And, yes, there is a TRUE greeen carnation- not those dyed ones you see in March.  

My experience with these magnificent beauties began when I was working for a florist.  I was immediately drawn to them, because of their antique charm.  Creating bouquets with them became an obsession, of sorts.  Whether a bridal bouquet or just something for a Friday night surprise for a lucky wife, they were always a winner.  I was so drawn to the colors that look like a time gone by- well, they are.  

So, when you are looking to create a vintage look to your wedding, or just something unique to pop up between the roses, the ranunculus, the anemone or the dahlias- try antique carnations.  You will be surprised by the reaction.  Aren't these just gorgeous!!  Not supermarket flowers, for sure!

STRESSED OUT- NOT!

Wedding planning can be very stressful.  There are so many decisions to be made, budgets to stick to, personalities to juggle and keeping it all straight and up to date.  How are you going to handle it all?  Here are some tips for staying sane and not becoming a bridezilla.

Its very easy to get caught up in the excitement of being engaged. The first thing you need to do is enjoy being engaged.  Take some time after you say YES and just enjoy the moment.  Let it sink in that you have found your life partner and you are beginning a new chapter in the Book of Us.  Don't dive into wedding planning without a PLAN.

When you are ready, sit down together and talk about what you want your wedding to be.  Talk about budgets, about visions, about dates.  Come to an agreement together, write it all down and formulate a plan of action.  Then, if parents are helping pay for the wedding, schedule a time to sit down and discuss your plan.  Remember, its your wedding, but you need to respect the generosity of your parents and their part in the celebration.  Get a binder and keep everything in there.  Keep a calendar with a checklist.  This is your wedding bible.  Use it for everything.  It will keep you focused, on track and will keep everyone in the loop.  No stress- its all in black and white.

Now, you are prepared to start planning.  Venue is the first thing you should book.  If you have your heart set on a particular venue, get your date booked as soon as possible.  And, if your date isn't available, try to be flexible on date or venue.  Maybe you can move your wedding back or forward a week, maybe you can find a similar venue that is available.  Don't stress.  There are so many options.  

Of course, you are going to want to go dress shopping.  What bride hasn't dreamed of trying on dresses for her wedding?  But, are you indecisive?  Do you have trouble shopping, even for the simplest things and feel anxious about such a huge purchase?  Have you never imagined yourself in a wedding dress?  Do you have a body image struggle?  Well, just relax!  This does not have to be stressful.  Maybe you can go get your hair and nails and make up done right before your appointment.  Make yourself feel pretty.  Don't put your hair in a messy bun and wear your oldest pair of sweats.  Make this an occasion- because it is!!  And, don't take your whole bridal party or every female relative with you- especially the first time.  Go alone or with your mom or a trusted friend.  This is an overwhelming experience on its own.  Don't complicate it with too many opinions.  There is plenty of time to share The Dress with everyone.  Its your wedding, your dress- only your opinion matters!!  And, finally, make an appointment.  If you go into a bridal salon without one, you might feel like you aren't welcome or that they don't have time for you.  An appointment makes this a special time- just for you.

Ok- you have the venue and you found the dress.  The rest of the wedding hinges on these two things.  Are you basing your wedding around a theme, a color or something special that you share as a couple?   Pick one thing and build on it.  Don't try to put too many ideas into it or your wedding will get overwhelming.  Pinterest is a great resource, but keep your feet planted on the ground and don't just go crazy with all the pretty pictures.  Keep your budget in focus.  Keep your theme in focus.  Only glean what works from the internet.  This will keep you from getting confused, overwhelmed and over budget!!

 THIS IS IMPORTANT- just because a venue has an exclusive caterer or a PREFERRED VENDOR LIST doesn't mean they are great or right for you.  Many vendor lists are paid for, just like featured vendors on wedding websites.  Don't assume, just because there is a star next to a vendor, or a vendor is "preferred" by a venue, that they are the best.  Interview vendors, make a connection.  Connecting with your vendors is SO important.  DON'T BUY THE HYPE!

Here we are, the big stuff is done.  Take a break.  Get back to enjoying the engagement.  Plan an engagement party.  Celebrate with friends.  Celebrate each other.  Don't let wedding planning consume you.  Plan a couple's weekend.  Spend a day at a spa or just pamper each other a little.  Life goes on and you don't want to lose yourself in this process.

Remember these things-

1. Weddings are not perfect.  But, no one will know that something didn't get done, because only you know you wanted it.  Don't stress over things that you can't make happen.  And, don't stress over little mistakes.  Your guests are there to celebrate you, not to critique the event.

2. Take time for yourself, away from planning.   If you spend every waking hour obsessing over your wedding, by the time the day arrives, you will be too exhausted to enjoy it.

3. Ask for help.  Your bridal party can help you address envelopes, run errands, keep you from falling apart and glue the bling on your DIY projects.  Don't try to do it alone.  That is what bridesmaids are for.  

4. Take a deep breath and enjoy the day!!!!   This is your wedding day- but, it is just that A DAY!!  Enjoy the fact that your new life is begining and that your family and friends are there to celebrate with you.  If it didn't get done- leave it alone!!!!!   Nobody will care.  There is no wedding disaster bigger than your love of each other.  BE THE BRIDE!!

5. Hire a planner.  It doesn't matter if you have a 10K budget or a $100K budget.  A planner is your advocate, your right hand, the glue that holds the day together.  If anything does go wrong, your planner will fix it.  But, one word of caution- hire a professional, someone who knows the business, can jump into any hat and understands you and your vision.  Day of planning is great.  But, don't hire someone cheap who is only going to show up at your wedding or the week of.  Nobody has that kind of talent.  You can't do a job if you know nothing about the wedding.  Hire someone who takes the time to get to know you, your vendors and your vision.  That person will be able to navigate your day while you just enjoy it.  In the end, you can relax, enjoy the day and know that someone has your back.

Now, meditate, take a yoga class, have a girl's weekend, read a good book, go to the beach.  Just keep your feet on the ground, keep your expectations in check and remember- you are joining lives with this person.  That should be the focus.  Like my bride at the beginning of this article- plop on the floor in your gown and find your center.   JUST ENJOY!!!  

INTEGRITY

Today, I veer away from the usual nicities to talk about something that is SO, SO important to me- INTEGRITY. 

 When I started my business 16 years ago, I came to it with a skill set that prepared me for whatever might happen.  I had worked in the restaurant business for over 20 years and had run some of the best restaurants in the city of Philadelphia.  In those years, I entertained celebrities, politicians, local business owners and even tourists.  There were weddings, political gatherings, private dinners for stars who were working in the theaters.  Every customer that came in the door I treated as if they were coming to dinner at my house.  And, I treated my staff with respect and decency- from dishwashers to chefs.  We were a team and our goal was to make sure the guests had a wonderful time and a great meal.   INTEGRITY in my work- that's what was most important.  Being respectful, honest and doing the best job every day.

After too many years of working 7 days a week and never being home for a holiday, I switched gears.  On a whim, I answered an ad for a bridal salon manager.   This began a new chapter in my work life and a spark that I didn't even know was there.   Working with a bride on this journey, deciding what she was going to wear for such an important day in her life was exhiliarating.  I learned about fabrics, construction of a gown, how to alter a dress, how to dye a veil to match a dress and how to dye shoes- among other things,  And, again, my staff was important to me, my brides were important to me and my INTEGRITY was important to me.  I would never tell a bride she could have something that she could not.  I went out of my way to ensure that every bride felt important, listened to and that every sales associate felt like I had their best interests at heart.  

Along the way I did some other things that prepared me for the leap into wedding planning.  I worked for an events company writing brochures, creating party themes and acquiring props.  I nannied two little girls, which taught me patience and tolerance.  I worked in a theater- handling all the costumes, making lodging arrangements for the stars who worked there and entertaining them at night for dinner.  INTEGRITY- being respectful of their needs and their privacy, while ensuring that their stay was pleasant and that their costumes and accommodations were always in order.  Let me tell you a story.  Most of you won't remember Ronnie Claire Edwards.  She played Ike Godsey's wife on The Waltons.  She was cast as Miss Daisy in the play Driving Miss Daisy- which is very different from the movie.  This is a 3 person play and she is on stage for most of it.  Her changes were very quick and she was a nervous wreck.  When she arrived for rehearsals- she was a very eccentric lady, she explained to me that I was not going to be able to get her changed in time because I didn't know her or how quick the changes were.  Rather than argue with her and try to make myself feel better, I just did my job.  Every outfit was lined up according to scene, including hats, gloves, shoes, jewelry.  And, after the first rehearsal, I had her eating out of my hand.  At the end of the run, she refused to leave without me and I had to travel with her to two other theaters to dress her.  INTEGRITY!  Honesty, hard work and diligence.  I earned her respect.  

When I started my business, it was because, in my personal life, I also had INTEGRITY.  My mother was ill and needed to be cared for.  And, my grandmother was in her 90's and needed weekly help.  As the oldest of four and the only girl, I learned early on about service to others.  I raised my three brothers, took care of my grandparents, became a single mom after a bad divorce and weathered all kinds of storms that prepared me for ANY "what if".  Believe me, there have been MANY "what if's"  in my life.  Anyway, I needed a job that was more flexible so that my mother would not be alone all day, every day.  At the time, wedding planning wasn't the "IN" thing to do.  But, it was a VERY valued service that brides took seriously because is was a huge help to their stress levels and the success of their wedding.  So, I took my skill set and I plunged into the world of event planning.  My first ever bride was a 40 year old, first time bride and a TV producer.  She had already alienated all of her vendors and brought me on to do everything.  She and I got along great, because I respected her vision, her personality and her needs.  I didn't take over, I just did my job.  Her wedding was quite the To Do, including walking her dress from Vera Wang's studio to the hotel- up 5th Avenue, and making sure that 150 people boarded buses in the city to travel up Riverside Drive to the venue- with lemonade!!  Needless to say, it was a great success and she emailed me from the beach in Hawaii to thank me.  INTEGRITY!!  Being respectful, honest and doing my best.

Here I am 16 years later, and I am wondering- what happened to the value of INTEGRITY?  I have treated all of my brides with it, have done a supurb job of making them happy.  It didn't matter if it was a DIY bride with a $10k budget or an executive with a $100K budget- they all get the same treatment.  I won't spoil my integrity with bashing anyone or decrying another's ability or success.  But, I AM WORTH IT!!!  My commitment is worth it.  My ability is worth it.  My creativity and my hard work ethic is worth it.  I know what I am doing.  TALK TO ME.  ASK ME.  ASK MY BRIDES.  And, then- HIRE ME.   I promise you won't be disappointed.  I work incredibly hard- I have all my life, not just in this business.  I am 100% here for you- its your day!   And, I have INTEGRITY!!!  No matter what you see, what you read, what you think because I don't have a fancy web site.  My worth speaks for itself in my track record.  So, give me a chance to be what I LOVE being.  Every bride needs a planner- let it be me.  Thank you for reading.  Someone told me that I needed to speak my worth.  So, here it is.  I hope to talk to you soon.

ROMANTIC AND ELEGANT HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans is one of the most romantic and haunted places to be married.  This is a city I would do weddings in all the time, there are so many amazing venues.  The history, the ghost stories, the voodoo.  So, in honor of Halloween tomorrow, I created a Halloween wedding at Race and Religious- my personal favorite and the most romantic venue in the city.

Steeped in history and original artifacts, this is a huge venue, made up of three buildings.  Its charming enough for an elegant wedding and just spooky enough to make it perfect for this day.  And, it is equipped with every modern amenity, while keeping with the original history, painstakingly renovated by its owner.  If you are planning a spectacular destination wedding, want to marry in a place that congers the spirits or just want your guests to have something to talk about for years to come, lets plan your Race and Religious wedding now!!   I would be so excited to help you plan your wedding here!  And, planners are a MUST here.   

A HEAD THING

Your bridal look is more than just the dress.  All of the accessories, the shoes, the veil, your hair... its all part of that finished look.  Today, I want to talk about your head.  Veil or no veil, hair up or hair down.  What kind of veil.  These are all questions you will ask yourself as you put together your wedding day look.

To me, every bride should wear a veil of some sort.  It doesn't have to be a cathedral length cloud of netting.  A bird cage, a short veil at the back of your head, but some way to say- I am the bride and this is a special day.  That being said, the type of veil you wear depends on the dress.  But, here are some things I have observed over the years, some of the mistakes I have seen and some sound advice on choosing how your head will look when you walk down the aisle.

First, let's talk about hair.  Up or down?  Unless you have perfect hair that stays put and keeps its shape, wearing your hair down in your face is probably not the best decision.  Its a long day and you want to look and feel fresh for all of it.  If your curls are bedraggled by cocktail hour, that isn't a good thing.  Consider pulling the front back into a braid or a crystal hair comb and then if your hair doesn't hold up,. at least it won't look like you forgot to comb it.  My advice about bridal hair is to do something that looks like you, but better.  Try a braid, a low bun at the nape of your neck, something that makes you feel special.  Because- YOU ARE!


Veils come in all kinds of lengths and styles.  They can be plain or adorned with crystals or lace.  Mantillas, Juliet caps, just a billow of tulle down the back of your dress- and more.  When you choose your veil, make sure it fits the feel of the dress and doesn't fight with the beading or the applique on your dress.  However, if your dress is simple, perhaps you want to choose something that has embroidered flowers or a lace applique.  Try different styles until you feel like the best YOU.  

Once you have decided on a veil, your hair has to fit the style.  So, if you have a specific style in mind before you purchase a veil, make sure that style compliments the veil.  There is nothing attractive about an unembellished comb stuck in the back of your head.  If you wear your hair down and want to just wear a veil with no ornamentation, try a mantilla.  It sits flat on your head and looks finished.  Another thing that I see is a veil that is placed too close to the face.  Position your veil far enough back that is doesn't hide your pretty smile.  And, again, if you don't want to have anything on the veil, choose a hairstyle that you can tuck the comb of the veil into so it doesn't look like an afterthought.

Finally, a note about blushers.  A blusher is a totally unadorned layer of veil, usually detachable, that should come to about your bust.  It is not the top layer of a multitiered veil and it should not have any lace or other decoration.  It is also not a shroud.  This is a very beautiful ethereal look, but how practical is it?   

Discuss all of these things with the bridal salon when you are shopping.  They will know what looks right.  One last piece of advice- its much easier to choose a veil when you choose your dress, or at your first fitting, provided the veil is something that comes in quickly.  Its very hard to get an idea on the whole picture in your jeans and a tee shirt.  

Have more questions about your veil or your hair or- anything?  Feel free to contact me.  I am never too busy to answer a question.  Happy Planning! 

XTRAORDINARY EVENTS

When Vito Russo enters the equation, you can be sure the result will be Xtraordinary!!   Vito is a presence in the special events industry.  And, his new venture, along with partner Ken Sharples, is just that- XTRAORDINARY!



When you set out to impress your guests at a luxury wedding, a lavish gala or a corporate event, you want to hire the best.  Xtraordinary Events lights the room, creates the floral and overall design of the event and handles the flawless set up with attention to every detail.  The final picture is stunning- every time.   Hands down, this team has the expertise, the creativity and the resources to make your special occasion one that will be talked about for a long time.  Contact Vito and Ken today and begin to create your one of a kind dream come true.
 










Click here to see where you can meet the team of  Xtraordinary Events 

THE EARTH LAUGHS IN FLOWERS

So says Ralph Waldo Emerson- and Kim Bakke.  Sometimes I am just mesmerized by someone's work and I can't stop looking at it.  If, like me, you love English gardens, incredible colors and unique florals, you are going to LOVE- The Cottage Gardener!   Kim is an artist, a gardener and one of the most romantic floral designers in the area.  her work is spectacular.  I just have to tell you about her.  

Kim started loving flowers as a child in her mother's garden.  She took that love into adulthood and, in her words, began to "understand the deeper truths about the language and enduring wonder of flowers.  Kim is a story teller and a romantic.  Every wedding is a personal testament to each and every couple.  

No matter the season, Kim uses brilliant colors and lush pastels to create the most beautiful bouquets and tablescapes.  Just look at these exquisite bouquets!  No springtime wedding should be without such lush and lovely flowers.  Kim is on top of all the trends, like lots of lights and hanging greenery.   This summer wedding is just gorgeous.  Perfect for a rustic wedding, an outdoor wedding or a winery wedding.   And, a winter wedding with vibrant reds and soft greens really captures the frosty outdoors combined with the love of warmth of the celebration inside.  There are so many amazing floral designers out there.  But, if your vision is pure romance- contact A Cottage Gardener.  Tell your love story through flowers!

BRIDAL MARKET

Its almost October and that means its time for bridal market.  What's trending for 2020, you ask?  Taking a queue from Meghan Markle, the clean, minimalist long sleeve is definitely at the top of the list.  And, for the bride who doesn't want the traditional gown- jumpsuits, pants and a blouse and satin cargo pants will be donning the runways.  Everything is lighter, from crinolines to corsets to embroidery, as brides don't want to be weighted by their bridal attire.  Feathers, whimsical bustles, headbands instead of veils and the decline of the "naked dress" giving way to a more covered up look, without being too modest are all en vouge.  Other trends include big, sheer sleeves, two piece dresses and the little white dress for your party.  With all these choices, it will be easy for every bride to find her style.  
Now that you know what to shop for, lets talk about where to shop in the Philadelphia area for some of the top designers.  I have chosen four salons, two on the Main Line and two in Center City. Plus I am going to tell you about a concept store in the city that may be right up your alley. Lets start with shopping on the Main Line of Philadelphia, for the more traditional, upscale bride.  There are other shops, I have been to them all with my clients over the years.  However, for the ultimate shopping experience and the most choices, these two fit the bill.

Elizabeth Johns is in Ardmore, in the Shops at Suburban Square.  When you walk into the bright and beautiful surroundings of this salon, you will be instantly greeted for your appointment.  The selection here includes dresses for the bride, bridesmaids, moms and flower girls.  Some of the top designers are featured here.  For the bride, I have chosen six designers, but there are more.  These designers are timeless, enduring and always beautiful. From top left and clockwise- Reem Acra, Inbal Dror, Anne Barge, Amsale, Mira Zwillinger and Carolina Herrara.  

Bridesmaids selections include, Elizabeth Johns exclusives, Dessy and Amsale.  The newest trends and a rainbow of colors will make shopping for your maids a piece of cake.  Evening attire, perfect for the moms includes Frascara, John Paul Ataker,Wayne Clark Janique and Teresa Ripoli.  I have seen, first hand how attentive they are and how beautiful and plentiful their selection is.  so, make your appointment today.
Elizabeth Johns
46 St James Place
Ardmore, Pa 19003
610-649-8100 
  
                                                                                  Travel down Lancaster Avenue into Chester County and you will find Van Cleve Wedding Pavilion.  Think PINK when you walk into this salon.  Its a girly dream come true.  From the pink paint, to the crystal chandeliers to the flower wall, not to mention all the gorgeous dresses.  The bridal team here is top notch and very savvy.  And, Deborah, the owner is a fixture on the Main Line.  Some of the bridal designers featured here, From top left clockwise-  are Hayley Paige, Ysa Makino, Sareh Nouri, Pronovias, Stephen Yearick and Romona Keveza.  Bridesmaids include Hayley Paige, Watters and Jenny Yoo.  And, for those special moms selections include Rina di Montella, Rene Ruiz and Alex Teih.  While you are here, you can also shop for veils, jewelry and the perfect dress for the littlest of your wedding party.  I just know this will be a wonderful bridal experience for you.  So, make your appointment soon.  
Wedding Pavilion
1604 E. Lancaster Avenue
Paoli, Pa 19301
610-647-5055


If you are a city girl, these next two salons are perfect!  The Philadelphia Bridal Company is a tiny boutique in Center City.  If you are interested in Tara Keely or Atelier Pronovias, this is the place for you.  Ashley keeps things very limited, so that she can provide the best service to a specific bride. You are modern, think outside the box and have a flair for fashion.  There are no traditional gowns here.  You must have at least a $2000 budget to make an appointment.  Once there, you will have a very personal experience.  You can even feel free to bring some white wine or champagne to celebrate!  Ashley and her team are so much fun.  It will be like buying your gown in your own living room.   This salon is by appointment only. So, make yours today.                                                        

Philadelphia Bridal Company
1218 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19107
267-239-5443

The Wedding Factor is in the funky, fun part of the city.  Located on south Street in Head House Square, this upscale salon caters to the modern bride.  If you are looking for couture bridal, this is the place.  Designers here include Elizabeth Fillmore, Yolancris, Justin Alexander, and the exclusive carrier of Berta Bridal.  They also carry Stella York and Stella York Plus Size.  Just look at these gowns!  On the cutting edge of bridal.  Make your appointment here.

The Wedding Factor
125 South Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19147
267-861-0409

I told you at the beginning of this that I was going to tell you about another concept salon.  Lovely Bride is a new idea in bridal.  For the bride who has vision, or at least an idea of what she wants, this salon is perfect.  The concept for this idea started with the idea that bridal shopping could be "cool".  This "chain" of salons across the country has a unique process for selecting your gown.  Go on the web site and select the type of dresses you like and want to try on.  Add them to your wishlist.  Then, make an appointment to go try on.  The staff will be ready for you with your choices and others that may fit your style.  How cool is that!  There is nothing stuffy or judgmental here.  Just fun and a relaxed atmosphere.  The designers- Watters, Jenny Yoo and more from BHLDN.  I love this idea.   You will love the experience.  
Lovely Bride
237 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19106
215-627-1800


Now, before I go, here are some general tips for wedding gown shopping.  

1. Make and appointment.  Most salons require it and you will get much more personal service.

2. Wear the proper undergarments.  Please wear panties and not a thong.   If you have a strapless bra- great.  And, no flashy colors or crazy prints.

3. Do your hair and make up.  You want to get a picture of what you will look like and going shopping looking a mess won't help.

4. DO NOT take a lot of people.  Most salons are not equipped for large groups and too many opinions are confusing.  Most salons do not allow anyone to pull gowns without the help of a salesperson.  So, the bigger the group, the harder it is for the staff to manage the crowd.

5. Remember whose wedding this is!!!  Everyone has a style- but, this is YOUR DAY.  Don't listen to anyone who says they don't like the dress.  If you feel like a bride- ITS YOUR DAY!!!  

Finally, don't buy a wedding on line.  Gowns that are advertised on line from anonymous sites for crazy low prices are not for real.  You will be sorry.  Go to a reputable salon where you can see the dress and have all the services of a salon experience.  HAPPY SHOPPING!! 

DESTINATION ATLANTA

Beyond these tall modern buildings lies some of the richest history of the south.  We are going to explore some of that history today, while we check out some of the best places to get married.  

An imposing blue door is the center of Swan House.  The gardens are beautiful and surround the 1928 home of the Inman family.  Your ceremony happens in the gardens or at the bottom of the stone steps that lead up to the house.  Then, its a short walk over the bridge to the Grand Ballroom.  This impressive bit of history has many possibilities for your wedding celebration.  

The Foundry at Puritan Mill is a versatile venue.  Once the home of the Puritan Chemical Company, making and storing soap and cleaning products, this space has been transformed into a dramatic place to host your wedding.  With its pine beams, skylights and concrete floors, your vision of a modern, chic wedding in a historical setting can be realized.  

How about a wedding on a farm?!  The 1840's  Smith Family Farm survived the Civil War, and remains the oldest in Atlanta.  Once a Pig farm, this historical farm is now open to host your wedding.  A rustic feel, beautiful trees and gardens all come together at this charming destination.  Your guests can explore the house and gardens.  Dine in the garden, under the trees.  The space holds up to 200 guests and is a perfect spot for a wedding.  

I promised you a plantation and here it is.  Flint Hill is the perfect antebellum mansion for an elegant affair.  Original floors and mantles, lush gardens, a gazebo and the ballroom, encased in glass, overlooking the courtyard.  Perfect for spring or summer weddings.  

While we are on the subject of stately, elegant venues, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about The Biltmore Ballroom.  Built in 1924, the Biltmore Hotel was a hub for business and social occasions.  Today, after a massive renovation, it has been transformed into a premier event space for your big day.  Two ballrooms, The Georgian and the Imperial, have been restored with original handcrafted ceilings, marble floors, Palladian windows and crystal chandeliers.  You will feel like royalty in this opulent setting.


Of course, there are plenty of modern, industrial raw spaces to be had in this city.  The Cotton Gin is one not to be missed.  This early 1900's cotton gin boasts cedar walls, crystal chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and two centuries old water wheels.  There are two ceremony spots, both indoor and outdoor.  The groom and his men will enjoy a great "man cave" experience while getting ready and the bride and her maids will relax in the beautiful bridal suite.  This is really a wonderful choice for the modern couple looking for a bit of old world charm and great amenities.

The Engine Room is another funky and fun industrial place to hold your wedding.  It once held the engines that ran the cotton mills in this 1895 building.  Original wood flooring, weathered paint, pine columns, exposed brick and iron bars on the windows make this vintage beauty one to see.  There is an outdoor patio and plenty of photo ops.  Its a great place for a larger wedding, as it can hold 400 guests for a seated meal.  

Last stop on this tour is a real gem.  The Cloister Garden is like a magical place out of a fairy tale.  From the tiny moss covered chapel with stained glass windows and pine pews, to the garden with its magnificent canopy of grand oaks and the ballroom with its decorative ceiling and ornate chandeliers, you will feel like a fairy tale princess on your wedding day.  Located on Sea Island, on the southeastern shore, its not Atlanta, but its worth the ride.  There is something for every couple in this history drenched city and beyond.  So, happy hunting for your piece of history.

GREENVELOPE

The last thing couples in the midst of wedding planning need is uncertainty. Yet, that’s precisely what paper invitations can introduce to the planning process. 

For example, Has my invitation even reached the recipient? is a question you don’t want to be asking yourself as the RSVP date closes in. Beyond the uncertainty, there’s the issue of cost. Even if you 

went the “affordable” route, paper invitations and the postage required to send them can be expensive.   

If despite the risks you feel certain about opting for the paper invitation route, it’s best to set your budget beforehand. You’ll also likely need to cast a wide net in order to find the perfect design at the right price. 

But, there’s an option that you may not have considered yet -- an option that sacrifices nothing when it comes to elegance, but saves you time and money while keeping you up to date on who receives your wedding invitation, when, and what they do with it. 

The option I’m describing is online wedding invitations. And the company that best takes care of planning couples is Greenvelope. 

Greenvelope’s RSVP tracking tools are unmatched. Seriously. Upload your contact list and send an invite, and you’ll see that Greenvelope breaks things down in such a simple way: you can see at any 

time how many invites were sent, to whom, and who has or hasn’t opened it. Someone has opened it but has not RSVP'd?  Easy- using your Greenvelope account, you can start a conversation with them.  I really can't stress this enough: the whole thing is so easy to use.  If you ever run into trouble, though,  Greenvelope's customer service team is amazingly kind and responsive.  You actually get to talk to a human!

The icing on the cake for me when it comes to Greenvelope, though, is how gorgeous their invitation designs are.  For instance, they just released a new collection of designs inspired by the bright, energetic and eclectic floral arrangements or Manu Torres. 

You have to see how vibrant these designs are!  There are ten designs in all and each one is so expressive and unique.

I especially love how Greenvelope’s designers decided to use colors throughout the arrangements, and that there are multiple options for each design so that, if you’re looking for a palette that’s more 

muted, you can still get exactly what you want. 

Click this link to check out the amazing Manu Torres Collection.