“We didn’t have a theme.  We didn’t style our photos for a blog-worthy post.  We didn’t have bunting or wear fake moustaches.  It was simply a wedding celebration, surrounded by our nearest and dearest, in a beautiful space that was enhanced ...]]> “It is very very strange to me that people are styling their weddings into scenes solely for publishing.”
Marcy Blum via Twitter

“We didn’t have a theme.  We didn’t style our photos for a blog-worthy post.  We didn’t have bunting or wear fake moustaches.  It was simply a wedding celebration, surrounded by our nearest and dearest, in a beautiful space that was enhanced with gorgeous seasonal flowers and tasty food.”
Amy of ABCD Design

“It’s my hope that 2010 will mark a return to the classic and timeless… a shift from the right-now to the lasts-forever, a continued focus on the personal details that make weddings special, and a fascination with all things lovely and unique.”
Quote by me, from my post on top wedding trends for 2010

When speaking with brides or vendors, I’m often asked for my opinion on current wedding trends, qualities that make a wedding special, or what makes something “blog-worthy”.  Our industry is putting an increasing emphasis on showcasing styled photo shoots, amazing tablescapes, and unbelievable inspiration.  Gorgeous eye-candy to be sure (and heaven for a blog editor!), but how attainable and realistic are those results for those of you planning your weddings?  And what does “blog-worthy” mean, anyway?

I don’t believe that there is a magic formula for weddings and I am not a lover of all things trendy.  But I can tell you that when I review submissions, I am looking for weddings that have three things in common…

#1: Fabulous Photography

No matter what you bring to the table for your wedding, the end result should be captured by someone who will do it justice.  There are so many talented photographers in the wedding world these days (you can find a few thousand of them here) and their talent and skill are what brings a wedding to life for an editor – and the photos from your wedding are what you will cherish for a lifetime to come.

{Catherine and Payton’s wedding, photographed by A Bryan Photo}

{Carly and Dan’s wedding, photographed by Marie Labbancz}

{Holly and Matt’s wedding, photographed by Paul Johnson}

#2: Personal Touches

Your wedding is about you and your partner, and about your guests.  You are celebrating the love that you share with your partner, surrounded by the people you love the most in the world.  Your wedding should be authentically “you”.

{Emily in her mother’s gown, photo by Tracy Turpen}

{our family at my 10th anniversary vow renewal, photo by Jessica Claire}

{Rachel wore a shrug hand-knit by a friend, photo by Terra Tabbytosavit}

{Lori and Jonathan with their pups, photo by Eclectic Images}

{Jennifer in her cowboy boots, photo by Open Air Photography}

#3: Unique Elements

Eschew the trendy in favor of something thoughtful, imaginative, and unique.

{paper bag wedding programs from Holly and Billy’s wedding, photo by Max Wanger}

{clustered wine bottle and candle centerpieces, photo by Tom Mannion for Elle Decoration December 2009 via This is Glamorous}

{Kristen and Matt’s Mexican Fiesta wedding, photo by Daisy Varley}

{or maybe the wedding has a unique color palette, like this gray and brown one from the archives}

When I choose what to feature here on EAD, I try to bring content that is beautiful and unique, but also approachable and attainable.  Your budget can be big or small, but your imagination is boundless… just like your love for each other.  And funny, isn’t that what weddings are all about?

So tell me – what do you think we as blog editors should be bringing you more of?  What types of weddings or features give you the most inspiration for your event?

© Elizabeth Anne Designs: The Wedding Blog, 2010 · Permalink · 37 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: expert advice, inspiration

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Our first Library ...]]> We’re starting a fun new series on EAD – Library Vendor Spotlights.  The goal is to give you a glimpse into the minds of our fantastic Library vendors and let you get to know some amazing people from the wedding industry just a little bit better (and hopefully of course to give you some inspiration along the way!).

Our first Library vendor spotlight is the utterly adorable Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events.  Her blog is called The Planner Pages and she’s based out of Memphis, TN but serves all of Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.  You can find her on Twitter too!

EAD: What is the single best piece of advice you can give to brides and grooms as they begin to plan their event?
AL: Slow.Down. My biggest frustration for (not with) brides/couples is that as soon as they become engaged they run out and start visiting every, single, little venue they’ve ever passed on the street. They begin having appointments with florists and caterers who either are not their style or who are way out of their price range. Then, when they become overwhelmed and frustrated they call a wedding planner. I hear SO often, “Oh, why didn’t I hire you from the beginning?!”

Even if a couple is not hiring a wedding planner, I want them to know that it is most important to slow down and do some research and be flexible in your dates and wants. It is also important to know that the word ‘perfect’ does not exist in the world of weddings. Your wedding will be great! But, it won’t be perfect. And that’s okay.

If budget is limited and there was one item that you advise splurging on, what would that be?
The splurge item will vary from couple to couple. I’ve had brides who couldn’t care less about a single flower. I’ve also had brides who spend months developing their menu. Whatever that one thing is that will cause you regret if you don’t do it, that is your splurge item.

Tell us a little about the creative process of working with a bride and groom from your perspective.
After meeting with new clients for their first detail meeting (which usually takes about three hours), I take two weeks and begin their creative process. Be it researching and visiting venues, developing and designing their theme or what have you. Each couple’s needs vary but I always spend quality time developing a solid plan before we do anything.

Do you have any inside tips for cost cutting?
I’m not a fan of finding cost cutting. Let me explain. For a 300 person wedding, it’s going to cost what it is going to cost. My job is to bring that realization to the table and make the best use of my client’s dollars. I try to make sure they get the most from their dollar by utilizing my vendor relationships. I’m pretty good at getting an extra or two thrown in for my clients.

You’ve clearly been exposed to a lot of weddings – what details do you tend to remember?
The music and the food. Plain and simple.

Are there any recent trends that you love? Any that you wish would have never become a trend?
I rather wish tulle had never been invented.

Show us some of your fabulous work!
These images are from my couple’s July 2009 wedding. The reception venue sits just under the bridge that connects Tennessee to Arkansas and hovers over the Mississippi River. I designed the reception to include a lounge area on the deck below the bridge. This was a par-tay!

Photo Credits: Studio Aesthetic

Andria, thank you so much for stopping by EAD to chat today!  I love your great attitude and down to earth nature – you’d be a joy to work with for any bride and groom!

Do you want to be featured in our Library Vendor Spotlight series?  If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll see me ask for volunteers! 

xo,
E.

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Posted in: expert advice, the planning process, vendor guide

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I can understand how stressful this can be to brides.  It is not only a big financial commitment but usually one of your first wedding related commitments.  For people that are pretty indecisive (like me) this can be quite a big deal.

As I mentioned before, I’m a ...]]> The time has finally come to sign the contract to secure our wedding venue!

I can understand how stressful this can be to brides.  It is not only a big financial commitment but usually one of your first wedding related commitments.  For people that are pretty indecisive (like me) this can be quite a big deal.

As I mentioned before, I’m a Wedding Specialist at a Boston Hotel and used to being on the other side of things.  I am constantly putting contracts together for Brides and Grooms and because of this, I feel extra prepared and a little less hesitant about signing my own.

There are a few things that you should really look out for in your contract.  Every venue is different so this may vary but here are some tips.

via Real Simple {source}

1.) Make sure you know what you are signing for.  Speak with the Wedding Specialist to see what you are responsible for,  IE: food & beverage minimum, package minimum, deposit, etc.

2.) If you are going with a venue that has packages, ask to see if you are able to put the package you want in the contract so the price does not increase.  Usually if you are having your wedding a year out, you can confirm the current years pricing.

3.) Confirm that you have the correct date, time, venue location on the contract.  You don’t want to find out down the line that you have secured the wrong date.

3.) Talk about all of the “what ifs.”  For example, say you need to cancel the wedding, change the date, etc.  There will be a cancellation policy in the contract that will usually have a  time line of costs associated with each.

4) Make sure you understand the deposit schedule.  Sometimes there will be specific times when you need to pay and other times you are able to wait until right before the wedding.

5.) Read EVERYTHING.  Wedding Venues are not out to get you or take advantage of you.  Most of the clauses in the contract are there to protect you and your venue in case something were to happen.  Also look for the outside food policy.  Most hotels will not allow outside food so please consult the contract or ask your Wedding Specialist before buying lots of food or beverage that you will not be able to use at your event.

There is so much more I could write about but I hope this gave you a little insight!

Always remember that your wedding contact is there to help you and is happy to answer all of your questions.  It is a big commitment so it’s best to ask as many questions it takes for you to feel comfortable.

What advice do you have for brides as they review their venue contracts?

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Posted in: expert advice, venues

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I’m splicing this post with pictures from one of my biggest inspiration sources: Amy Atlas. A designer known mainly for how fabulous she is at creating decadent dessert tables. As you can see from the pictures: beyond words gorgeous. If you haven’t visited her site, DO IT! You won’t regret it! GO NOW!

Step 3: Going for it!

What’s the best way ...]]>

I’m splicing this post with pictures from one of my biggest inspiration sources: Amy Atlas. A designer known mainly for how fabulous she is at creating decadent dessert tables. As you can see from the pictures: beyond words gorgeous. If you haven’t visited her site, DO IT! You won’t regret it! GO NOW!

Step 3: Going for it!

What’s the best way to learn something? Trial. By. Fire. There’s no real better way to get used to something then to just jump in with two feet [and one heart] and swim to the deep end! Best thing you can do to immerse yourself [and overwhelm yourself]: put up a website. There are plenty of resources out there, and plenty of people willing to be hired and help you get out there [craiglist, much??]. BUT- take your time building it up. Start a splash page and a blog. Post everything. Link to everyone that inspires you. Do NOT put up pictures that aren’t your own on your site- no matter how much you love them. That’s the first way to strip all credibility from you. You’ll get enough under your belt to make your site look schmancy fancy soon enough. Until then- wait it out.

My Story:

My blog launched my business. Before my site. Before anything official. I had a myspace, and I started blogging pictures of my clients. I worked for really cheap- which booked me a lot. I loved it. I can’t tell you this is the way to do it. I can’t even tell you it’s the BEST way. It’s my story- and there isn’t a minute of it that I’d take back. It developed my heart, my mind, my soul… all of them, perfectly, for this job. I booked every client I met with up until last year- that’s when I started to realize that it wasn’t my price that truly made a difference. That’s when I knew it was the personality click that was most important. And here’s the inside scoop on A. Auer: she is not outgoing. She doesn’t feel particularly “personable” on a broad level. She hardly ever feels like she “deserves” the clients/jobs she gets. Could be a strength or weakness, I guess. But it does mean that the MAIN reason I have this job is because of how much I truly, 100% LOVE love. Up until last November, my business was 100% word of mouth. NO advertising. NO mentions, NO anything. Just me and my clients. It got so unbelievably wonderful that I took on assistants, who became capable enough to take their own weddings- and that brings me to today. We’re a growing, budding family of love lovers. A community of ladies that prioritize service, quality, and care above all else. And THAT is something I’m proud to be a part of. Something I’m humbled to have built. Something I’m baffled to have ownership in.

It’s an honor and a privilege. And I cannot imagine doing anything else with my knowledge than being an open book, paying it forward, and being accessible to any budding pro that may need me there. So… if that’s you… just ask.

Hope you’re taking the time today to soak it all in… life is enormous!

xoxo,

A. Auer

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In my journey through this career that I’m immersed in, I’ve learned quite a bit about what NOT to do. Almost as much as what TO do. Funny enough, ...]]> Some monograms I’ve produced for past clients will be the eye candy featured here today. Wish I had more handy! Monograms are my WEAKNESS! The best way to tie everything together! :)

In my journey through this career that I’m immersed in, I’ve learned quite a bit about what NOT to do. Almost as much as what TO do. Funny enough, the nights spent with tear-filled eyes are the most growingly painful, and the most character building. How do you work in an industry full of love and emotion, yet have a thick-skin to potential clients rejecting you on a weekly basis? Or being displeased with your services in any capacity? Or trying to talk down your price even though you KNOW you charge under what the going rate should be?

There are a million questions that go along with how to start a business. But… weddings as a business?? Now, THAT is intense. Bringing love into the picture creates a whole new ball game. I just want to show you mine- what players I’m using, who my “biggest hitter” is, and my score board so far. Hopefully it’s inspiring to someone. That’s why I’m writing… for that someone!

Step 2: The Experience.

Get an internship. Intern, intern, intern. There are plenty of coordinators/planners out there. You need to decide, right away, what style you’re looking for. What is your personality, really? Are you more analytic and geared toward the event production side of it [timeline, organization, spreadsheets]? Or perhaps you’re whimsical, creative, flighty…. like me! Is your passion for event design, or for planning the perfect event? Don’t be mistaken- they are so different. My advice would be to find a professional in your area known for their professionalism in the niche you’re looking to break into. Ask to intern. FOR FREE. Seriously. Who doesn’t need a helping hand around? You may need to ask a few. You may need to be patient. Seeking out industry organizations and their members will help, too. Places like the Association of Bridal Consultants, Wedding Industry Professionals Association, International Special Event Society…. they all have chapters in most areas. Try to find someone who can give you experience beyond just being an extra body on the day-of. Though, most likely, this is where you’ll start out. And to be quite frank: if you hate that [assisting], you’ll hate this [career]. It’s not glamorous. It’s a bunch of hours of hard work that, when all put together, amount to an amazing[ly stressful] day full of beauty and emotion and then it’s gone in the blink of an eye. The goal with an internship is to not only teach you what you’re in for, but to find a place for you to then settle down into being an assistant. Experience will only allow you to become more familiar with the industry. The longer you work [even part time] in this industry, the more familiar you’ll get with local vendors, big names [national, international, area-specific...], and the job itself! If you intern for free, you’ll likely find a place somewhere with that coordinator/planner/designer. If not with them, with one of their contacts. If you’re a great employee when working for free, they won’t want to let you go!

My Story:

I have the most incredible mentor a girl could ask for. My mom knew her before I was born, through a local community church. They lost touch about 30 years ago but still my mom remembered that she was a wedding planner. I hesitated. I wasn’t sure, I felt strange. I am NOT outgoing. As a person, that is. Then, when my husband [through his job at the time] ran into that SAME person and they exchanged cards as she told him “have your wife call me!” in regards to wedding planning… I knew it was undeniable. She was supposed to be in my life. That lady is Melody Walker. I’m not sure how I can put into words what I learned with Melody. She, most obviously, taught me how to run the Day-Of. She got me acclimated to the industry. She took me to industry events. But more than that… she cared for me. She oozes love and affection. She creates a wedding day experience that is unparalleled. She encourages and loves just like any mother- and she is the mother of your event. She’s seen it through, from beginning to end. She’s bright, peppy, excited. She’s everything I want to be and more. I came on as an intern for her boutique planning company and worked for 6 months without ever asking for a dime. I wanted to KNOW my industry. She promptly hired me to assist her as I carved my own way into the industry. I stayed with her a year as I slowly took my own weddings, step by step, towards the end. After branching out on my own, I still had a lot- and I mean a lot- to learn. My biggest challenge was finding out who I was as a planner/coordinator/designer. I knew from the beginning that my [as referenced above] whimsical, creative, flighty personality is best fit for event design. But having not interned or apprenticed with a designer, I truly had no idea how to get into it. Truth be told, I’m still figuring it out! Piece by piece. But at least now I know my voice. I know my niche. I know who I am. And that is invaluable.

And two for specific clients and colors, last year. A beachside soiree, and a wine-country feel pink toned party:

“Do something today that makes you remember you’re alive”.

xoxo,

A. Auer

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I was asked by one of my clients the other day how I’ll know when I’ve “made it” as an event designer. I replied immediately “when I see myself being published all OVER the place- print, web, everywhere!”. And I still think that’s true! To be “someone” in ...]]> Splicing my post with some sweet sources of inspiration for your big day!

I was asked by one of my clients the other day how I’ll know when I’ve “made it” as an event designer. I replied immediately “when I see myself being published all OVER the place- print, web, everywhere!”. And I still think that’s true! To be “someone” in this industry, you need to be accessible to anyone, and you really need to keep up with the times and trends. Something I tend to do lurking from my own quiet corner of the world.

But really, the more thought I put into it, the more I knew that I already have made it. At least, for myself. My heart is in 100% of what I do. How I work, who I am, and what I love all become totally intertwined into this dream job that I’m living each day. And THAT makes me a success. Don’t you think? My next short series will be a play by play about how I got to be where I am, and maybe even a post on where I’d like to go. Not sure how many of you readers are interested in planning, or in my story, but here it goes anyway… as real and candid as it gets. And please, feel free to comment with questions! I’ll answer ‘em, promise you! It may not be the answer you’ll want or need, but it’ll be real!

Step 1: The Inspiration.

Yep. You must, MUST be inspired to work in this industry. And I’m not talking about a whim. You have to be gut-wrenchingly in love with love. With work. With weddings. Because it is a lot of work. It’s a lifestyle more than anything and to give up the way you currently live your life, a cozy [but seemingly mundane] 9am to 5pm job that allows you weekends off and time with your man… well, you have to see the sacrafices be worth it. My husband and I FIGHT together against this exhausting lifestyle so that we can stay happily connected. In tune. In love. Because that makes me a better event coordinator. My love affects the way I view love, how motivated I am to help people get married, and my attitude towards the entire engagement experience. In a few words: LOVE what you do. Do it well. Do it daily.

My story:

I didn’t jump into this industry with both feet full in right away. I took my time. I’ll be honest when I say that I am completely jaded to “newly-weds” wanting to be planners. Most of the time, these ladies are just on a euphoric high from planning their own nuptials and really don’t know what goes into the “job” of it, the “process” of it, or the HEART of it. I didn’t want to be one of those girls. I didn’t want to re-live my own wedding time and time again… I had to think about this whole thing. I had to really THINK on if I was in it to win it. And that took time. The best thing you can do is really search yourself, and give it time. Finding your “dream” career can be a huge decision and it’s always well worth the wait!

The honest-to-gosh-reality of these pictures: 99% of them were supplied by the one and only Martha Stewart herself. It’s amazing what you can find when you google “Martha Stewart Wedding Cake” [and the last picture was the one I actually set out to find!]!! The other two [between the inspiration piece and my story] are compliments of the amazingness that IS My Sweet and Saucy. Melody is amazing and so so SO talented. These are just an itty bitty chunk. You won’t regret checking her out, too!

Hope your day is filled with deliciously sweet affections!

xoxo,

A. Auer

© Elizabeth Anne Designs: The Wedding Blog, 2009 · Permalink · 2 comments · StumbleUpon It!
Posted in: cakes and catering, expert advice, the planning process

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Here are some shots my sister took this weekend when we went to see the venue…this is the reception hall when you first walk in.  Pictures just don’t do it justice-it’s amazing!

This is the dance floor area…and the two steps lead up to the tables for the ...]]> So you know all the details of our ceremony now…lets get to the party!!

Here are some shots my sister took this weekend when we went to see the venue…this is the reception hall when you first walk in.  Pictures just don’t do it justice-it’s amazing!

This is the dance floor area…and the two steps lead up to the tables for the wedding party…

Ah, I just can’t get over how beautiful it is up there.  I didn’t want to leave-and I cannot wait until our wedding!

Our venue is run by one woman, Suzy.  She is a Godsend to brides-as she has thought of EVERYTHING and takes care of every detail.  Here is how our timeline is going to be: After the ceremony-our guests will walk to the reception hall while we go take a few pictures.  When they arrive in the hall, they will be served beer or wine.  There will also be a soup station serving Pumpkin Soup (which is out of this world delicious).  The music will be playing, and guests will use this time to get acclimated to the venue.  Once we arrive, we will do our first dance (TBA)-but we’re only doing a minute’s worth of the song.  Our slow song will break into a dance song and we will run out and grab guests to dance with us.  I can’t wait for this-because it’s going to be so much fun to get everyone on the dance floor-and I think it will set the mood for the rest of the evening: FUN!

I have told Suzy that I want to leave everything up to her as far as timeline for the reception.  I don’t want her to ask me if we’re ready for dinner to be served, or ready for the cake cutting.  This is one of the best pieces of advice I give to brides: TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS, and hire a wedding coordinator.  I have been to so many weddings where the bride tried to do everything herself, and it breaks my heart to see a bride stressed out on her wedding day because she is still coordinating and telling everyone what she wants.  You work so hard to plan a wedding-you shouldn’t have to work on the wedding day!  I’m so thankful we won’t have to worry about anything and we can just enjoy our day and our guests.

Have you girls been lucky enough to have a great coordinator to work with?  What are your thoughts on hiring (at least) a day-of-coordinator?

Up next…reception details: pashminas, flip flops, ring bowls…oh my!!

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Posted in: ceremony and reception, expert advice, venues

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