Today’s Internet Roundup post is centered around all things reception-related. Here’s what I’m loving lately:
1. 8 Foods NOT to Serve at Your Wedding
I have a treat for y’all today…my very own wedding photos! Truth be told, I’ve had them back for over a month now, but just hadn’t gotten around to posting them yet. There’s something very personal and intimate about sharing your own wedding day with the whole world, you know? At any rate – Emily March Photography did an amazing job, if I do say so myself, and it was absolutely the most perfect day for me and Wes. I will just go ahead and unabashedly tell you that I am about to share far more photos than I should, but it’s way too hard to cut photos from your very own wedding. Hope you enjoy….
I always get lots of compliments on and questions about my engagement ring. The center stone is an aquamarine,. My mother, father, and late grandmother picked it out for me on a family vacation when I was about 6 years old. Wes had the diamond halo setting designed for it. It is so special to me – my most prized material possession.
Hats off to my mom and sister, who sewed all of those bow ties onto the white ribbon for the getaway car decoration!
Y’all, I just love that picture of my ladies as they wait for their turn down the aisle.
Yes sir/ma’am, those bridesmaid dresses are seersucker! I am SO happy with the way they turned out.
My sweet sister designed all of the reception signage herself…isn’t she talented??
One of my favorite parts of the night was when Wes and I led the pre-buffet blessing. We said a childhood favorite of Wes’s (the Moravian blessing), and many of our guests joined hands and chimed in. So special!!
Our first dance song was “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show. As usual, Wes swept me off my feet!
While getting ready earlier that day, Wes and his fellas received this gift from me…a painted cooler complete with lyrics from our first dance, snippets of our vows, and little mini versions of me and Wes. And it was full of their favorite beers of course (and water – it was a hot day!). The cooler joined us at the reception.
Our band, Flashback, was absolutely incredible and kept the dance floor packed all night long! We have so many great photos of our guests dancing.
All I can say is that it was the sweetest, sweetest day. (And I did a good job not sharing all 800+ photos, am I right??)
Please feel free to comment below or contact me privately if you have any questions about where we got things, how we selected our vendors, what our experience was like with our vendors, etc….I love hearing from y’all!!
xoxo Laura
The Most Comprehensive Vendor Credits Ever (seriously, look how much goes into a wedding when you’re planning yourself!):
Photography: Emily March Photography
Invitations: David’s Bridal (Seriously!! And they were thermography!)
Invitation addressing: Bride and groom’s family and so many friends
Invitation ribbon: Ben Franklin Crafts
Programs: Designed by the bride, printed by Allegra, ribbon from Michael’s
Bow tie car decoration: Created by bride’s family
Groom’s ring: Kay Jewelers
Bride’s rings: Duncan Design in Raleigh, NC
Ceremony venue: Jones Chapel
Officiant: Matt LeRoy of Love Chapel Hill
Organist: Bride’s uncle
Ceremony coordinator: Marc Dabagian from The Garden on Millbrook
Floral design: Fresh Affairs
Bride’s dress: Mori Lee, purchased at Hope’s Bridal Boutique, alterations by Hope’s Bridal Boutique and Olga’s Bridal and Formal Couture
Bride’s veil and shoes: Hope’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid dresses: Custom made by Kimberly Glass
Hair and makeup: Ginger Mullins
Groom/groomsmen suits: Jos. A Bank
Groom/groomsmen bow ties: Macy’s
Reception venue, catering, rentals: The Garden on Millbrook
Reception signage: Sister of the bride
“Bride” and “Groom” signs: Michael’s
Signature drink swizzle sticks: sticks from Amazon, ribbon from Ben Franklin Crafts, several hours of tying done by bride’s patient family.
Cakes: The Cupcake Bar
Cake stands: Handmade by bride’s father (talk about talent!)
Cornhole boards: Cornhole Express
Band: Flashback
Custom-painted cooler: PrintsFromAPrep
Sparklers: Wedding Sparklers Direct
Not pictured vendors:
Videographer: Good Earth Films
Bride/Bridesmaid getting ready robes: MaySilk
Mother handkerchiefs: Wedding Chicks
Reception pianist: David Omer
Favors: Made With Love Bakery
Photo book guest book: Shutterfly
“Just Married” car magnets: eBay for the win.
Hotel block: Hyatt Place North Raleigh/Midtown
Welcome cupcakes: Gigi’s Cupcakes
Rehearsal dinner venue and catering: Carolina Country Club
Save the dates: Design by Wedding Chicks, printing by Vistaprint
It is no secret to those who know me that fall is my least favorite season. Yep, I said it. All of you scarf-wearing, cool weather-loving, pumpkin spice latte-drinking belles and beaus can just go ahead and be horrified. I recently began thinking about why it is exactly that I feel grudgingly toward fall, and I’ve decided that it’s because fall signals the end of my favorite season (summer) and also brings the promise of colder weather to come (I live for 85 degree days). BUT, these bouquets might just make me change my outlook a little on the season du jour. The stunning shades of oranges and reds and browns and deep purples and all of that texture makes me feel warm and happy and cozy inside. Without further ado, here are eight fall wedding bouquets that I just adore:
1. This orange and yellow bouquet made of ranunculus, celosia, pom-pom dahlias, Vendella roses, gilded eucalyptus leaves, and ruscus foliage.
I’m loving so much on the interwebs lately! Without further ado:
1. How to Look Amazing in Your Wedding Photos: This is an oldie but goodie that I bookmarked awhile ago and came back to revisit this week.
As you all know, I’m all about saving money when it comes to planning your big day. As one of our smart featured brides put it, “it’s just one day, so there’s no need to break the bank.” I recently stumbled across these three money-saving websites and can’t wait to share:
1. Bravo Bride: Looking to recoup some of the money you spent on 200 navy crinkle linen napkins that you’ll never, ever use again? Or perhaps you’re interested in purchasing a worn-once designer wedding gown to get more bang for your buck? Look no further–Bravo Bride provides a space for past and prospective brides (and grooms!) to buy and sell wedding attire and decorations. I love the feature that shows how much of a discount you’re getting based on the original list price!
Y’all, I’ve found another wedding-related deal. I should become a professional deal finder (is that a thing? Because I totally would do it.). LivingSocial is currently running a 33% off deal for tickets to the Southern Winter Bridal Show in Raleigh, NC. The Show will take place November 9th (next weekend!) at the NC State Fairgrounds from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to find and meet local vendors, including caterers, photographers, florists, and jewelers!
Y’all, I started daydreaming about this wedding earlier in the week and couldn’t get it out of my head. I’ve never considered myself a creative person–quite the opposite, actually–but I do have these moments when the wheels start turning. And then I steal a bunch of other people’s ideas and mash them all together. At any rate, if you love Halloween, or if your high school goth phase never did totally disappear, this wedding is for you. Here in the South, we love old-fashioned elegance; this wedding takes a classic black and white color palette and elegant estate backdrop and adds just a touch of quirky (can you say black wedding dress and vampire fangs?). Without further ado, good friends, let’s kick this wedding off with classic black and white invites and a sneak peak of our bridal party getting ready:
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done an Internet roundup, and I do have some fun/informative links to share. Without further ado, here’s what I’m loving on the Internet lately:
1. 5 Things Mothers of the Bride Can Take Off Their Daughter’s Plate – yes yes yes yes yes
Since sharing the cutest wedding gift idea from Jane last week, I’ve been keeping an eye on my emails for other deals that might help out budget-conscious couples as they try not to break the bank while they plan their big day. And of course, I’ve already stumbled across another! Plum District (a Groupon-style website that offers deals specifically targeted toward women who have children) is offering a 50% off deal to Peach Blossom. Peach Blossom sells tons of fun wedding favors, place cards, bridal party gifts, and even programs. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite finds from their website:
Belles and beaus, I have a stunning real wedding to share with you today courtesy of Realities Photography. Brittney and William knew they wanted to get married in Brittney’s hometown and selected Kenmure Country Club because they loved the antebellum-style clubhouse and beautiful outdoor ceremony location. I am absolutely head over heels for Brittney’s elegant Winnie Couture gown and the varying shades of purple in her bouquet and on the cake. Gorgeousness all around!
