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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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)

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)

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)

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. 

Brittany and Chris were one of the sweetest couples I had the pleasure of working with.  Their wedding was filled with southern, rustic charm and a fantastic celebration.   

Every couple should have a bridal party as carefree and happy.  Everyone was so excited to celebrate with these two. 

Guests were treated to a wonderful dessert display filled with an assortment of cake, cookies, brownies and candy.  Love is sweet. 

Vendors

Venue: Southern Trace Farm
Photographer: Megan McGee
Cake: Baked by Ash
Catering: Chef Penelope
Florals: Belles Fleurs
Ceremony Music: College Grove Strings
Reception Music: High Tone Entertainment
Rentals: Southern Events

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 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)

4 tier white wedding cake with intricate icing. 

Note: This post has been updated for 2017.

While the guys are typically less concerned about the flowers, a boutonniere is a small statement piece.  They can be a miniature reflection of the brides bouquet or a unique and whimsical way to express your personality.  

Classic Boutonnieres

These boutonnieres are perfect for an elegant, timeless affair. 

(Lane Photography)

(Sarah Gilliam Photography)

(Bethany Ann Photography)

(Megan McGee Photography)

(Josie Kay)

(Justin Wright Photography)

Themed Boutonnieres

Match the theme of the wedding by putting small touches from the wedding florals and decor into your boutonniere with a vintage piece, velvet ribbon, or the colors that match the wedding.  

(Erika Chambers Photography)

(Nashville Wedding Collection)

(Rory White)

(Alan Hudson)

(Alex Bee Photo)

(Stephanie Reeder)

(Gavin Nutt Photography)

Whimsical Boutonnieres

Add a touch of personality through your boutonniere.  Share your hobby by adding a small fishing fly or a pin from your favorite destination.  You and your groomsmen can each reflect their favorite super hero with a comic strip paper boutonniere. 

(Jenna Winstead)

(Rachel Moore Photography)

(Gavin Nutt PHotography)

(Gavin Nutt Photography)

A beautiful color palette can make a wedding cohesive, stylish, and memorable.   Here are 6 color combinations to create your vision. 

Artisan - Karry, Malta, Soft Amber.  This combination creates a soft, relaxed atmosphere with the warmth of the soft pink and the neutral browns.  

Summer - Watermelon, Fog, Apricot. The heat of summer, ripe fruit and soft skies are elements of this color scheme.  Your guests will love the bright and happy colors. 

Modern - Cloud, Greenery, Rock Blue.  Clean and contrasting, this palette feels fresh and modern.  The shades cool undertones make is crisp and organic. 

Beachy - Thistle, Spray, Sandal.  The sound of waves and the feel of the sand.  Fun and breezy, this palette is casual and relaxed.  

Boho - Moss, Sangria, Carmine.  For the bride who wants bold and bohemian, this rich color palette is perfect for a free-spirited, woodland gathering. 

Classic - Madison, Fringy Flower, Splash.  Traditional and classic, these colors are still charming and inviting.  The dark blue paired with the lighter shade keeps the palette from feeling too formal. 

FaTasha and Brandon wanted an elegant wedding surrounded by friends and family.   We spent months working on details and picking vendors who could bring their vision to life. The result was a colorful and fun wedding.

FaTasha was such a happy bride; she was glowing on her wedding day!

The day started with a lovely outdoor ceremony at Cheekwood gardens.  

Afterward, everyone gathered at Hutton Hotel for an the reception.  Dark navy linens were complemented by tall vases of white orchids.

We placed the amazing 5 tier wedding cake in the center of the dance floor when guests entered the ballroom. The icing details looked like lace and white roses.

The florals were lots of lush flowers with stunning pops of red roses and protea.

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Look at these fantastic favors that the guests were given when they left - customized mini bottles of champagne and shot glasses.  How awesome!

Vendors

Ceremony: Cheekwood
Reception: Hutton Hotel
Photographer: Scoobie's Photo
Videographer: Chris Wheeler Films
DJ: Bryan Snyder Entertainment
Florist: Belles Fleurs
Cake: Frosted Affair
Stationery: J Amber Creative