Elegant Gold & White wedding

Andrea and Ethan had a stunning white & gold wedding.  They started with a ceremony at the church where Andrea grew up including important elements and traditions. 

bride and groom after the ceremony
coin pouch for wedding ceremony
brides wedding jewelry
groom and groomsmen in black tuxes
bride and bridesmaids flowergirl

Look at the bride's beautiful mantilla!

bride with long veil mantilla
bride holding white bouquet
groom kissing brides shoulder
black and white bride and groom hugging
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After the ceremony, the celebration moved to Loveless Cafe.   String lights and candles, white roses, and gold linens and decor set a romantic mood. 

mercury gold votive candle holders reception
escort table with candles and white flowers

A beautiful dessert display greeted guests.  

amazing dessert display table gold and candles
dessert table doughnuts
dessert table cake pops candles
dessert parfait wedding reception
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The evening was filled with large amounts of dancing and celebrating.  

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Vendors

Ceremony: St. Matthew Catholic Church
Reception: Loveless Cafe
Photography: Freestone Photography
Dessert: Sweet Little Mother
Lighting: Southern Sky
DJ: Paul Canas
 

real lifeElaine Roberts
Kickstart your Wedding Planning like a Pro
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You're Engaged?  Congrats!

Now let's get started planning your wedding.  These 9 steps will get you started like a pro. 

Step 1: Crunch Those Numbers

Before signing any contracts or hiring any vendors, your first step is to know your numbers.  

Guest Count - You need to have a good idea of your guest count in order to make early decisions.   Break your potential guest lists into groups to help you decide who you will invite and who you think will attend.  Every guest who attends adds to the final budget. The best way to keep the budget low is to keep the guest count small. 

Budget -  This one is a tough one!  You want to balance all those beautiful images you see on Pinterest with your need to pay your electric bill.   A quick estimate to get you started is that every guest will cost you $150 - $350 each.   You need to decide who will pay for what and what aspects are most important to you.  Don't forget to include service fees, taxes and tips into your final budget.  

Every couple is unique and how they choose to spend their money varies according to their wedding vision.   Some couple choose to spend more in one category while saving money in another.  Ask yourself if the things you are wanting to buy will add memories or value.  If it doesn't, then it is just ..... stuff.  The most important things are your wedding don't cost money....laughter, joy, hugs and the smiles of friends and family.

Step 2: Hire a Planner

If you are thinking about hiring a planner, now is the step to do it.  It is much easier for a planner to help you find the right venue and choose the best vendors before any contracts have been signed.  A good planner will recommend vendors that match your style and budget.  They can advise you on where to spend money and where to save money as well as ways to maximize your budget.  

Step 3: Choose some Dates

Create a list of your ideal dates.  Narrow it down to season and your favorite 2 or 3 dates.  Don't forget to look at national holidays, important family dates and events, and large local events going on the at the same time. 

Step 4: Think about your Wedding Style

When talking about your wedding vision, it helps to mention your wedding style.  What is style?  Style is the overall look and feel that guides the design.  It makes the day feel coherent.

So you do you determine your wedding style.  Think about what kind of party you want to have and the photos that most appeal to you.  Some common styles are: 

  • Romantic/ Muted

  • Fun/ Party

  • Modern/Minimal

  • Retro/ Vintage

  • Old Fashioned/ Homespun

  • Glamorous/ Elegant

  • Artisan/Boho

  • Asian/ Zen

  • Rustic/ Casual

  • Floral/ Garden

  • Outdoor/ Natural

Step 5: Look at Venues

Think about the style of wedding you want and make a list of venues that fit.  (Read more about wedding styles) Knowing your budget, guest count, and possible dates, you can narrow down your potential list.  Each venue has their own requirements for catering, rentals, lighting, bartending, etc.  

Step 6: Think about your Bridal Party

Start thinking about who you would like to invite to be a part of your bridal party.  It could be your sister, childhood best friend, or college roommate.  It is fine to be non-traditional and include your friends on either the bride or grooms side. 

Step 7:  Book your Photographer

Booking a photographer is a personal decision.  You want to find the best combination of budget, photography style, and personality.  If you know what photographer you want, book them quickly.  While every bride has a budget, photography is the one area where you should always splurge.  In 20 years, the flowers and cake will be gone, but the photographs will last.

Step 8: Book your Caterer

Along with all of the fun and dancing, comes eating and drinking.  Food can range from full meals to appetizers to light snacks.  Having food that everyone enjoys and remembers is a high priority for many brides.  Depending on the time of day and the style of your wedding, food can be served in different ways.

• Seated - guests remain at the table and food is brought to each guest
• Family style - guests remain at the table and food is brought on large platter which are passed around the table
• Buffet - guests select their food from a selection of food at long tables
• Food station - a twist on buffet with different selections of food strategically placed around the room
• Passed - Waiters offer food on trays to standing guests

Step 9: Stay Sane

The most important key to successful wedding planning is staying sane.   

Take a deep breath and relax.  It is useful to remember this during the entire process. Working on wedding details and logistics can be stressful, and if it isn't, dealing with family usually is. 
• Take time away from wedding planning.  Go away for the weekend or just out to the movies.
• Take a "me" day and get your nails done or a massage.
• Don't add to the stress by adding a lot of stuff because someone else thinks it should be that way.   Your wedding, your way.
• There are always things that go wrong or are outside of your control.  What will be, will be.
• Keep everything in perspective.  No matter what, at the end of the day, you and the person you love will be happily married.
 

Need more help?  Schedule a time for a phone chat to see if we can help.

Pantone 2018 Colors

Pantone has released their color of the year and the top 12 colors. 

The color of the year is Ultra Violet.  Inspired by the dark, night sky, this color makes us think of limitless possibilities, artistic expression and new creativity.   Purple is both mystical and intriguing. 

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The top 12 colors from Pantone are fun, fresh, and uplifting.  Most of the colors are bold. 

Meadowlark -  This color is bright and uplifting.   It is perfect for spring. 

Pink Lavender - This calm shade is romantic and warm. 

Arcadia - Fun and vintage,  this cool shade inspires fun. 

Blooming Dahlia - This shade brings to mind soft, summer blooms.

Cherry Tomato - Bold and hot, this color is spicy and energetic. 

Emperador -  Warm and foundational, this color is perfect to add complement.

Little Boy Blue - Bringing to mind clear summer skies, this shade is endless and inspiring

Spring Crocus -  This shade is charming and uplifting

Ultra Violet - The color of the year in magical and distinctive

Almost Mauve -  Soft and delicate, this shade is almost ethereal

Lime Punch -  Bold and vibrant, this color reminds us of summer

Chili Oil - This warm and earthy shade adds balance and depth

 

colorsElaine Roberts
6 Charming Honeymoon Destinations every Couple should Consider
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Charleston, SC

This coastal town is filled with southern charm.  With Spanish moss draped trees, antebellum mansion, and picturesque churches, there is no shortage of romance.  Take in the harbor, grab some fantastic cuisine, or just relax.   Go shopping on King Street or at City Market or just ride a bicycle around town. 

Quebec City

From the cobblestone streets to the charming old buildings, this destination is sure to give plenty of opportunities for romantic dinners at the many restaurants and cafes. You can stroll through the historic streets,  visit museums, or just relax at one of the boutique hotels.  

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Château Frontenac Quebec - eventsbyelaine.jpg

Taos, NM

This magical destination is surrounded by mountains.  Local artists, boutiques, and cafes make this town memorable.  With hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, biking and skiing, there is no shortage of outdoor activities.  Finish each evening by watching the sunset at this year round destination. 

Kenmare, Ireland

This charming village is the perfect place for a honeymoon.  You can explore the Ring of Kerry or Killarney National Park with high mountains, historic features and beaches.  With superb food, historic landmarks, and gorgeous scenery, this tranquil town nestled next to the bay is sure to be a favorite. 

East Tennessee

Nestled near the Smoky mountains, are small towns and destinations.  You can tour museums and battlefields, hike the National Park, or stay at a bed and breakfast.  For a truly unique vacation, consider stay on the farm.  The farmstead at Blackberry Farm allows you the perfect combination of a luxury resort with a working vacation.  You can gather eggs, pick wildflowers, or watch artisans create soap and cheese. 

Bergen, Norway

With stunning fjords surrounded by mountains and colorful wooden houses, Norway can feel like a fairy tale.   Bergen, founded in 1070, offers many activities for newlyweds from hiking to glaciers, touring a fjord, enjoying the historic culture, riding the Flam railway or sampling some of the amazing cuisine. 

destinationElaine Roberts
Tablescape: Holiday Table Inspiration

The holidays bring cheer and joy.  They also bring lots of parties, decorating, and gatherings to host.   Here are four simple tablescapes that you can create, recreate, or re-purpose with collected decor pieces. 

Tablescape 1 - Lush and Colorful

With lots of greenery to create a lush centerpiece, the flowers add color and fun.  You can change the feel by swapping these lighter colors with dark moody reds, bright oranges, classic whites, or soft yellows.

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centerpiece dahlia roses eucalyptus.jpg

 

Tablescape 2 - Fall Inspired

White pumpkins are both classic fall while also being modern.  Combined with magnolia leaves and wood details, this feels welcoming and homey.  Handwritten names on the leaves makes a thoughtful touch for guests. 

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handwritten leaf Estelle.jpg
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Tablescape 3 - Simple and Minimal

If you like your table to be minimal, then the combination of lanterns and greenery create a clean but not stark atmosphere.  A simple rose tucked into each place setting elevates the setting. 

lantern magnolia leaves rose tablescape.jpg
rose place setting.jpg

Tablescape 4 - Classic

A centerpiece of blush and pink roses is festive.  Using monochromatic or similar shades of flowers, keeps the arrangement classic and traditional.   White roses would be elegant; red flowers are dramatic and very appropriate for the holidays.

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Kate + Cam's destination Nashville wedding

Kate and Cam had a beautiful, destination wedding in Nashville.  Their late summer gathering was filled with charming details and a fun, relaxed feel.  

bride and groom standing in front of a pasture with cows. wildflower bouquet
lilac farms at arrington vineyards wedding photography ©2015abigailbobophotography-2.jpg
lilac farms at arrington vineyards wedding photography ©2015abigailbobophotography-1.jpg
stationery suite pink watercolor and silk ribbon

Kate was a stunning bride and her bouquet was wild and relaxed. 

lilac farms at arrington vineyards wedding photography ©2015abigailbobophotography-11.jpg
bride at lilac farms at arrington vineyards wedding planning
beautiful bride with stunning bouquet

The stone cottage at Arrington Vineyard was the perfect setting for a charming cocktail hour.

arrington vineyard stone cottage
stone cottage wood rocking chairs

The couple held their ceremony under a beautiful tree surrounded by family and friends. 

lilac farms at arrington vineyards wedding photography ©2015abigailbobophotography-31.jpg
bride and groom wedding ceremony
bride and groom exchanging rings during ceremony
beautiful bride and groom
bride and groom kissing in a vineyard
lilac farms at arrington vineyards wedding photography ©2015abigailbobophotography-48 (1).jpg
lilac farms at arrington vineyards wedding couple

Guests enjoyed dinner under the stars in front of the large barn.   Everyone was seated at farm tables with lace runners and simple wildflower flowers. 

red barn with string lights
cocktails on a silver tray
dinner seating chart
farm tabale with lace runner and wildflowers
family style farm tables
guests seated at long tables
bride and groom
large red barn with string lights
dessert display with crates and pies
romantic wedding dinner reception under the stars outside night
bride and groom dancing in a barn loft
bride and groom walking through a field hand in hand

Vendors:

Photography - Abigal Bobo
Venue - Arrington Vineyard
Rentals - Southern Events
Flowers - Basil & Bergamot
Catering - Edley's BBQ
Cocktails & Bartending - J. Jackson Mixologist
Hair & Makeup - Unruli
Band - Craig Duncan Music

real lifeElaine Roberts
Fall Weddings - Color Schemes
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When you picture a fall wedding, do you immediately imagine fall leaves and orange pumpkins?  There are so many other beautiful color combinations.  As the weather turns cooler, instead of the orange and red, consider these color palettes. 

Jewel  Tones

Expand the color palette with rich colors like plum, eggplant or navy. Instead of the usual orange pumpkins consider using plums, pomegranates, grapes, or apples.  This color scheme can be paired with darker blacks and grays for a moody fall feel. 

Beautiful Jewel tones for fall wedding (Gina Bilyeau photography, Hannah Elaine photography)

Beautiful Jewel tones for fall wedding (Gina Bilyeau photography, Hannah Elaine photography)

White and Neutrals

While blush has been the popular wedding colors for the last year, fall weddings lend themselves well to neutrals when paired with metallics.  Silver, gold, or copper pair well with white and neutrals for a romantic, elegant look. 

White paired with metals and neutrals makes a beautiful fall wedding palette (Rachel Moore photography, Jennifer Cody photography)

White paired with metals and neutrals makes a beautiful fall wedding palette (Rachel Moore photography, Jennifer Cody photography)

Muted Colors

Instead of the brighter nature inspired shades of fall, choose a more muted or muddy tone and subtle shades. Slate, moss, gray, taupe, cream and a pink-brown shade create a modern, unexpected feel.  

Creams, slate, moss, gray, and taupe are muted and soft for your wedding (Gavin Nutt Photography, Madi Flourney Photography, Justin Wright Photography)

Creams, slate, moss, gray, and taupe are muted and soft for your wedding (Gavin Nutt Photography, Madi Flourney Photography, Justin Wright Photography)

colors, inspirationElaine Roberts
3 Recipes for National Lemonade Day

What is a summer gathering without a great glass of lemonade?  

In honor of National Lemonade Day, here are 3 great recipes to try for your next event.  

Classic Lemonade

  • 1 cup lemon juice

  • 6 1/2 cups water

  • 1 cup sugar

Mix together and serve over ice

 

Mint Tea Lemonade

  • 3 pints of water

  • 1 handful of mint leaves

  • 3oz frozen lemonade

  • sugar

Bring water to a boil.  Add a handful of mint tea. Simmer for 5 minutes.  Strain.  Add the frozen lemonade and sugar to taste.

 

Lavender Lemonade

  • 6 cups water

  • 1 cup honey

  • 2 Tbsp dried lavender

  • 1 cup lemon juice

Bring 1/2 water and honey to a boil.  Remove from heat.  Add lavender and steep for 30 minutes.  Strain. Add lemon juice and remaining water. 

partiesElaine Roberts
Charming Summer Wedding
Wedding Cake costs & What you get

When I am talking with brides about their budget, I am frequently asked "how much does a wedding cake cost" or "what is the average wedding cake"?  When it comes to the wedding cake, pricing depends on a lot of factors such as if you want a simple wedding cake that is a two tier wedding cake versus an elaborate five tier cake.  

I wanted to talk more about the difference sources for each cake and what you get for the money.  Because it doesn't save money if you get a bad looking cake or worse, no cake at all.  

There are options for any budget from bare bones budget to budget conscious to luxury.  

Cakes for a bare bones budget

Enlist a friend or ask around for someone who does cakes on the side.  Be sure to ask lots of questions and to see photos of previous work.

Pros: Can get a nice cake for a low price

Cons:  Reliability, responsiveness and quality may be a factor.  May not have many choices in flavor (Always have a taste testing.)  May not be able to get an intricate style or design. May not have a business license or approved kitchen. Your wedding cake could end up on CakeWrecks

Tip - Instead of one large cake, have friends each bring a small single tier cakes.  They can all be the same flavor or different.  

Cakes for Limited funds

Look at the wedding cakes at Walmart, Kroger, Ingles, etc.  Many large grocery stores offer wedding cakes in the bakery.

Pros: You can get a traditional wedding cake for 100 guess for less than $200 (depending on location. prices vary)

Cons:  Not many options in flavors, icing or styles.  White buttercream is the standard.  You will be required to pick up and assemble the cake yourself. 

Tip - Have the cake iced in all white.  Then decorate with flowers to create a custom wedding cake.    

Cake display with 5 cakes.  A 3 tier wedding cake with pink flowers and 4 naked cakes with fruit.

Cake display with 5 cakes.  A 3 tier wedding cake with pink flowers and 4 naked cakes with fruit.

Cake that looks Elegant

Go to Publix and talk with the bakery. You can preview some of their styles on their website, but will need to talk to someone in the bakery to order.  A 3 tier wedding cake starts around $450 depending on the size, flavors and icing that you choose. 

Pros: Options in flavors, icing, styles and shapes compared to cheaper options

Cons: The flavors for their large cakes may be limited compared to their smaller round cakes. The professionalism and design quality of the cake can vary from one store to the next depending on the staff. 

Tip - Get a small two tier cake from the bakery.  Then also order multiple sheet cakes in different flavors. The sheet cakes can be pre-cut and served.

Wedding Cake from a Bakery

This is the option that most brides choose and the one I recommend.  Boutique bakeries can create beautiful cakes in a variety of styles, flavors, and shapes.  They maintain licenses, insurance and inspections.  The quality of the cakes are consistent from tasting to the day of your wedding.  Plus you get new and unique flavors and design techniques.  Cakes start at $5 a slice at the lowest and go up to around $7-$10 a slice depending on the the baker you choose, the type of icing, the number of layers, and the complexity of the design.   

Talk to me to learn more about the bakeries that I recommend based on first hand experience. 

White 3 tier cakes with roses and greenery (Hannah Elaine Photography)

White 3 tier cakes with roses and greenery (Hannah Elaine Photography)

4 tier white wedding cake with intricate icing. 

4 tier white wedding cake with intricate icing. 

Note: This post has been updated for 2017.

dessertElaine Roberts