The Knot Georgia

The new Fall/Winter issue of The Knot Georgia magazine just hit stands last week. I was honored that Your Champagne Wishes Events was able to be a part of the popular publication. You can find me on page 46 in the Expert Advice Section. My feature is called Catching up with a Planner.

I was able to give brides tips on everything from making and keeping their budget, figuring out their wedding style, design details that are normally forgotten, to adding local flavor on their wedding day. Readers also got to see some colorful flower choices that I used in a bride's bouquet, centerpiece, and to decorate a cake that would be perfect accents to a fall or winter wedding celebration. 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Cake Trends

I'll admit that when I first saw the naked wedding cake, I didn't like it. I thought, where is the butter cream...where is the fondant? Are they just going to leave it like that? LOL. However, I have changed my mind. Naked cakes are pretty cool. You get to see the perfectly shaped layers of cake and get to guess the filling flavors. I love the way this cake was beautifully adorned with flowers.

Unlike the naked cake, I fell in love with the marble cake the very first time that I saw one. Who can resist looking at the smooth texture and the swirls of color? It makes me want to cut a huge piece for myself.
If you love the look of traditional wedding cakes that's great. If you want something unique then the naked cake or the marble cake are two delicious options for you.

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2013 Pantone Color of the Year

One of the things I look forward to every December is when Pantone announced the color of the year. Yesterday, Pantone unveiled that 2013's color of the year is Emerald. As a designer, I'm drawn to vibrant colors. Emerald green definitely fits the bill.

This year everyone had fun with Tangerine Tango, 2012's color of the year. I'm sure that next year won't be any different. Rest assured that you will be seeing Emerald everywhere in fashion, decor, and weddings in 2013 and I look forward to it! Photo

Congratulations Joanna and Hunter!

Joanna and Hunter were married at Oakhurst Baptist Church in July. Then they celebrated their wedding reception with their families and friends at the lovely Cator Woolford Gardens.

It wasn't just the bridal party that jumped for joy, everyone was so happy for the newlyweds.

Cator Woolford Gardens was the perfect place for guests to enjoy lawn games all evening.

Photo booths are a hit at parties. Our couple's reception was no exception. The couple and their guests had a great time with the props at this booth.

Another current wedding trend that the couple couldn't wait to enjoy were delicious cupcakes. Congratulations Joanna and Hunter! A great time was had by all.

Lawn games at your wedding

We love sharing popular wedding trends on this blog. This year, brides and grooms are being creative and giving guests more options to have fun at wedding receptions other than just dancing. One option is lawn games.

Your guests will have so much fun playing games like croquet or tossing bean bags in corn holes boards. Come to think of it, so will you!

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Wedding Decor Trends That We Love (Part 2)!

We wanted to share with you more trends being used in weddings. Chevrons are stripes of inverted V's. They were traditionally used on military uniforms to show the length of service. Today, they are being used in all areas of wedding design including invitations, cakes, linens, etc. Ombre means the gradual shading from light to dark. It is being used on fabrics, cakes, flowers, etc. Here is a great example on these bridesmaids dresses. Photo Photo

New Wedding Apps

Technology is helping couples with their wedding planning needs by using tools right at their fingertips. When you are out and about doing your day to day activities and you see a great idea that you love for your wedding, simply take a picture of it. My Collection Wedding by Colin Cowie is a free mobile app that allows you to organize and share all of your pictures with friends and family.

Another great new app is Appy Couple. Appy Couple is an app for guest to find out all of your wedding information like they would on a wedding website. You can choice a design and customize your own app with a matching website. Your guest can stay updated on your wedding events, find out who is in the wedding, where you are registered, and keep up with the countdown to your big day.

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Wedding Decor Trends That We Love

We are seeing a lot of great trends in wedding decor that we absolutely love! Ribbon adds a fun creative touch to your wedding day. Seen here it is used as a focal point backdrop.

Traditionally, baby's breath was used as a filler for other flowers like roses. Have you seen the way baby's breath is being used to stand alone now? It can be very romantic.

We saved the best for last. Sequins add all the sparkle you could ever ask for to your big day. Colors like black or gray can be very elegant.

Have fun deciding on what decor style that fits your style. Happy planning! Photo Photo Photo

Are you pinning?

Are you looking for inspiration for your wedding day? Have you joined the millions are other people that are pinning? I'm talking about Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that you can collect all of the pictures that you want to organize. It's so much better than carrying around a heavy binder with clippings of photos from everywhere. Be sure to visit our page on Pinterest. Feel free to start following us!

2012 Color of the Year

Every year we anxiously wait to see what color Pantone, the authority on color, will announce as the color of the year. Last year it was Honeysuckle for 2011.



Yesterday, Pantone announced that Tangerine Tango is the "it" color for 2012. I'm sure we will see this color in plenty of upcoming weddings.



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Wish Lanterns

I am all about making wishes come true. So I just love wish lanterns. They are a unique touch to add to your wedding reception celebration. Your guests will love wishing you two a great new life together. This is a wonderful send off at the end of the night.
Don't worry. These paper lanterns are biodegradable and easy to use. So...make a wish and light up the sky!

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Brooch bouquet

I've written about crystal bouquets and feather bouquets as alternatives to traditional flower bouquets. Another option is a brooch bouquet. Brides are loving this current trend because some of them don't like flowers or they have floral allergies. Another great reason to do brooch bouquets is to show off family heirlooms.

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Atlanta Food Trucks are Here!

Food trucks have been popular in other cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles for years. I am happy that they have recently come to Atlanta. I am a big fan of creativity, so I am delighted that some couples are incorporating them in their wedding celebration.



Your guest will be delighted to eat simply delicious food. Some great items that Atlanta food trucks serve are sliders, tacos, hot dogs, burritos, fries, cupcakes, cookies, and Popsicles.

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Turn up the lights in here....I want you to see this!

A recent Association of Bridal Consultants Atlanta meeting is my inspiration for this post. I enjoy being an active member of this organization so much so that I assist in planning our regular meetings. This particular meeting was about transforming a room with lighting.



You have several options to choose from such as break up patterns, pin spotting centerpieces or washing the walls with color. Here are some beautiful pictures I found where lighting did just that at wedding receptions.



Remember to include lighting in your wedding planning budget.
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Art Vows

Your wedding vows + beautiful art = a new creative way for couples to turn their personal vows into a piece of art that lasts a lifetime. Introducing Art Vows. You choose whatever text, color, and art that you like to get the look that you want on paper or canvas that lasts a lifetime.



Here are just two of the styles that I love. If you love Art Vows and want to include your parents and wedding party you can. They also have matching parents gifts and wedding party gifts.

The Royal Wedding

Last Friday, I was on of the countless viewers watching Prince William marry Kate Middleton. The 1,900 invited guests began arriving at Westminster Abbey more than two hours before the ceremony began. One of the first things I noticed was all of the beautiful and creative fascinators and hats the ladies wore.



We only got a quick glimpse of the bride as she came out of the Goring Hotel. So everyone anxiously waited for Kate to step out of her car to get a better look at her. She wore a gorgeous white laced long sleeve gown by Sarah Burton. Everyone was all the buzz about her unexpected posy bouquet of myrtle, lily of the valley, sweet William, and hyacinth. Another unexpected topic of discussion was the bride's sister Pippa's white dress which was also designed by Sarah Burton, because bridesmaids do not normally wear white.



After the hour long catholic ceremony full of choir songs and readings in the church decorated with trees, the bride and groom rode in style in their horse drawn carriage to Buckingham Palace. Prince William looked very handsome in his red military uniform.



Everything was perfectly timed for the day right down to the time when everyone anxiously waited for the newly titled Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William to go out on the balcony and have their first public kiss. The newlyweds seemed a little shy about the kiss. Then all of a sudden they delighted the crowd with a second kiss.



I will admit that I was impressed with the celebration, but the entire time I was waiting for one of the many children that were the bridesmaids and pages to get restless and act up. To my surprise, they were very well behaved. Even when 3 year old Grace van Cutsem frowned and covered her ears, she was adorable.
It will be interesting to see what trends will emerged because of the things that we saw at the royal wedding. Will more brides wear long sleeved lace gowns and carry smaller bouquets? Will more guests wear hats to the ceremony? Will bridesmaids wear white? Will more couples depart in horse carriages? Will we see more trees as decor? What do you think?
Happy planning!

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Fusion Wedding "Wish List"

A fusion wedding is when you combine two cultures or two religion into one. With a lot of brides and grooms from different nationalities getting married to each other, their wedding day is a wonderful time to pay tribute to each of their distinct cultures and heritages.



Clothing is one way to show off your cultural pride.



The same holds true for couples of different religions getting married. Incorporating little touches of both religions will please family member on both sides.



Having communion together is a wonderful way to share your first meal.



Follow your wishes!

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Macaroons

They are called macaroons. Whether you want to describe them as a cake, biscuit or a cookie, they are delicious! Originally from Italy, but made famous by the French, this light dessert is a wonderful alternative to cakes or cupcakes at your wedding reception.
As you can see from the picture, they come in a variety of colors and flavors making it easy to tie them in with your special day. It's also a great choice as a favor for your guests to take home. Edible wedding favors are always a big hit.

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Cotton Bouquet

I love a lot of things about what I do, but the one thing that excites me the most is working with a bride and groom who aren't afraid to think outside the box and be creative. Here is a great example of a creative couple. I simply adore this cotton bouquet and boutonniere.
Now I will say that it isn't for everyone, but if you want your wedding to be memorable, sometimes you just have to go for it!




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A Southern Wedding "Wish List"

When I think about wedding in the south, I think about the charm of an outdoor garden, winery, or farm wedding.


The ladies are using hand fans or under the shade of parasols to get a little relief from the sun. The ceremony and reception sites are full of beautiful flowers such as magnolias and hydrangeas.


You are sure to see a mason jar either as part of the decor or as a glass for some sweet tea or lemonade. Guest enjoy a big dose of southern hospitality as they eat comfort food or listen to great music.


What southern wedding would be complete without a groom's cake?


All of these things and so much more....are why I love southern weddings! Are any of these things on your "wish list"?

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