1. Nina Heels  2. Dahlias  3. Straws  4. Cake  5. Table Cards  6. Cake Topper  7. Earrings  8. Hair Clip  9. Ties  10. Soda  11. Stationary

A huge thanks to Graphic Designer  Daidra Briel for contributing this post! View her amazing work at ByDaidra.com

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1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your company.

My name is Thia Harvey, working in the event planning industry for approximately 15 years. Weddings have always been the most exciting to me! It’s one of the most important days’ in a couple’s life and they should be able to focus on and enjoy each other. Being able to make their moments come alive while they are able to enjoy the experience is very satisfying to me. I have worked with weddings for the last 5 years. I’ve worked within a resort setting as well as at an event planning, décor and production company which always entailed only an aspect of weddings, but I knew I wanted to be more involved in the planning of their entire wedding experience. I wanted to offer additional services to enhance these moments for the couple and their guests. Special Moments Caribbean is a newly opened Destination Wedding Planning business located in Saint Lucia. We aim to offer customized experiences for each of our couples. We will work with our clients on providing a full range of services including accommodation suggestions, airport transfers, tours and detailed planning, design, coordination and set up of their wedding events.

2. Can you tell us about St. Lucia, and why a bride might choose to have her destination wedding there?

Saint Lucia is one of the most, if not the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. Known for sun, sand, sea, romance and adventure, Saint Lucia has been awarded the best Honeymoon destination by World Travel Awards eight times! (2002-2004, 2006-2010) Saint Lucia offers many beaches with white sand in the north of the island and both black and white sand beaches in the south of the island. There are many adventure activities to take part in whether they are having an elopement or having guests accompanying them. Some of these activities include zip lining, off-roading, waterfall and rivers tours and many others to choose from. There is a wide selection of restaurants with several types of cuisine. Saint Lucia also offers Duty Free Shopping for guests to the island.

Throughout Saint Lucia there are many romantic getaways for accommodation and setting up of events. A few of these activities and accommodations were featured in the 14th series of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” So why not start the wedding experience from saying “I Do! In Saint Lucia”

3. What is the average cost for a destination wedding in St. Lucia?

All Special Moments Caribbean packages include all legalities, wedding officiant, witnesses, and basic décor set up for the ceremony. We offer an Elope Package for two people which incorporates the entire ceremony with a Champagne toast. This package sells at $2615.00. We also offer two themed packages – Creole Theme for a more Saint Lucian set up starting from $2,375.00 and Sun Sea & Sand Theme for a more Caribbean set up starting from $1,920.00. Special Moments also offers a fully customized package. There are various upgrades and additions available with florals, entertainment and photography. Accommodations are not included in any packages but we work with a few hotels that are able to provide room rates. Special Moments Caribbean will make recommendations on accommodations dependant on the client budget.

4. What services do you provide for couples from the US planning their wedding in St. Lucia?

Special Moments Caribbean works with various vendors throughout the US and Canada who are able to offer other wedding services such as printing (invitations, save the dates, etc), bridal accessories, wedding favors and photography, we offer Special Moments rates with Shannon Confair Photography. We will work with the couple and their wedding party on hotel accommodations, airport transfers or car rentals. We also offer various tours and will design, coordinate and set up the wedding ceremony and reception as well as any other bridal events which our clients may require. We also provide similar services for wedding renewals and anniversaries.

5. Can you give us your top three tips for planning a destination wedding?

Planner! Planner! Planner! Start researching the destination and local planners who are available to help our clients plan this special day. Local planners have a better idea of what the destination and the venue can provide. They will also be able to coordinate with various vendors on your behalf which in itself is one of the most time consuming parts of planning a wedding.

Timing – Ensure that guests are give enough notice so they are able to plan financially as well as applying for time off from work and making travel/ accommodation arrangements. Also ensure that dates do not coincide with major holidays or weekends as friends and family may have plans already as well. SMC suggest sending out Save the Date’s four to six months prior to the wedding event.

Take advantage of being in a foreign country; why not experience the local dishes and set up with ambience reflective of the destination. Having a destination wedding is likely to be a once in a lifetime experience. Enquire about local flowers and any traditions which can be incorporated into the wedding. It may also work out to be cheaper for the couple.

You can find Thia on facebook and on the web right here.

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Top 5 Wedding Day Makeup Tips for the Bride Using a Makeup Artist

1.  Schedule a trial- Practice makes perfect so why not take the time to meet your artist, see her work on you, and perfect the look you are going for before your special day.  If you feel like the result isn’t quite what you were expecting, schedule another trial to achieve the perfect wedding day look for you.

2.  Pictures- Bring pictures to help your artist understand the look you are going for.  Make sure to have pictures of looks you like, don’t like, and even one of yourself in your everyday makeup to show the exact look what you want to achieve compared to your everyday look.

3.  Research- Make sure your artist is a good and reputable one.  Ask to see a portfolio, what makeup lines they use, and if they don’t have some type of reviews to read, ask for a reference.  You want to make sure the person you hire is going to show up and most importantly, make you look and feel beautiful on your special day.

4.  Personal Products- Don’t be afraid to ask your artist to use some of your favorite home products.  If you have a lip color, foundation or mascara you absolutely love, why not incorporate it in your special day?

5.  Emergency Kit-  It’s always best to be prepared rather than be in a pinch on your wedding day.  Here is what I like to tell my brides to have:  Lipstick/liner/gloss(whichever you are going with), powder, mascara, and if you tend to get oily, some type of rice papers or blotting cloths to absorb the excess oil.  The other necessity is “tissue footballs”.  I know it sounds crazy, but take a tissue or two and fold them up like you used to playing paper football in school.  They are the perfect size to hide in the top of your dress, a small purse or just about anywhere (these are great for teary bridesmaids too).  Also, don’t forget to dab and blot not wipe.

Top 5 Wedding Day Tips for the Bride Doing her Own Makeup

1.  Practice & Pictures- Even though your everyday makeup looks fab, practice some different looks and techniques to help find the perfect combination for your big day.  Don’t forget to take pictures!  There is nothing worse than having a very reflective foundation or powder that makes you glow in your pictures(and not in a good way).  Take pictures to see how it photographs and to make sure your foundation is the perfect match.

2.  Waterproof- Everyone knows your wedding day is a very special and emotional time, so make sure to use waterproof mascara and liner(if liquid) to ensure you have to no black tears streaming down your face on your special day.

3.  Be Selective with Colors-  You want to look incredible your wedding day, but not like a clown.  Keep the colors you work with neutral but with a good amount of pigment to them to enhance your features but not take away from them with some wild colors.  If you wants your eyes to be more bold, go with a softer lip and vice versa.  Highlight one feature so you don’t have a competition going on within your makeup.

4.  Blend, Blend, Blend- There is nothing worse than seeing the makeup line on a woman’s jaw(especially on her wedding day).  Make sure you blend your makeup from your face to your chest until you don’t see a line anywhere.  Don’t be afraid to powder your chest and neck to help it stay put too.

5.  Emergency Kit-  Same as the kit mentioned above, but a MUST HAVE.

If you live in Central PA and are looking for a makeup artist, be sure to give Chelsea a call. Not only is she a talented artist, but amazing to work with as well! You can view her website at : www.makeupbychelsea.com

or call her at 717-343-3177.

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1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your involvement in the wedding industry.

I guess you could say I was born and raised in the wedding industry, being a daughter of a chef that owns restaurants and does catering. I pretty much grew up in the business. I went to college for Marketing. In October 2008, I got married and soon after started Pure Luxe Bridal Consultants, a local event planning and day-of coordination firm in Pennsylvania. In August 2009, I moved to Charleston, SC for a job as a Catering Director for Newton Farms Catering. I currently head up all of the marketing efforts, sales and event management for the company. In other words I eat, sleep & breathe weddings on a daily basis.

2. What should a bride be looking for when choosing a caterer?

The more things a caterer can handle for you, the better. Choose a caterer that in addition to food, will handle any rental items if needed, bar service and provide their own service staff. You don’t want temps that aren’t familiar with the company or it’s food to be working your event.

3. Can you give us some cost saving tips for catering?

For starters, brides that think they are saving money by having a “heavy hors d’oeuvres” reception are actually choosing the most expensive set up! Heavy hors d’oeuvres are small bites that are incredibly time consuming to make which is why the cost is so much higher. Just because they are small in size doesn’t mean they are small in price. Another cost saving tip would be to have a beer and wine bar instead of a full open bar at your reception. By having beer and wine guests aren’t likely to over-indulge like they would with a full bar. Lastly, if you have an outdoor venue choose to have plastic at your bar instead of glassware if there is an upcharge. This can save you literally hundreds.

4. Are there any common mistakes brides make when choosing a caterer?

I wouldn’t say brides make mistakes when choosing a caterer, they just need to make sure they ask the right questions and give as much information as possible. When requesting information from a caterer make sure you give the following information: wedding date, approximate guest count, food style {hors d’oeuvres, stations, buffet or plated}, type of bar service requested and if any rental items are needed. The more information the better. It’s always most difficult when you get an e-mail from a bride asking for a proposal for 100 guests but gives no additional information.

5. Any closing advice/comments you’d like to give.

I can’t say this enough, hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator! This will help you and your family keep calm on the wedding day. They will handle logistics and oversee floorplans, not to mention make sure every vendor is in place. Catering companies have an on-site person to make sure everything runs smoothly for the food, rentals and bar, but that’s the extent of their duties.

Our website is www.newtonfarmscatering.com we cover Charleston, SC and surrounding areas. Newton Farms Catering Offers:- Flexibility- have an event next week? We can handle your last minute catering needs!
- Customized menus to suit your personal preferences and style.
- Knowledgable & hospitable service.
-A guaranteed phone or e-mail response within 24 hours of contact during normal office hours.
- Our connections- our library of go-to vendors for other services can help make your event stress free!
- Creativity & fresh, local ingredients in every dish, making sure your event exceeds all expectations.

A huge thanks to Francesca for offering her expert advice on choosing a caterer for your wedding! If you have any comments or questions please leave them below. And here are a few images from a Rock the Dress shoot I did with Francesca:

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Color Inspired by Nature

If you’re planning your wedding you probably know that honeysuckle is the color of the year. Color is beautiful, color is easy and everyone has a favorite. Personally, I believe the color of your wedding is not the most important choice. I think it’s more about your style; your personality and the feeling that you want to evoke. When you figure out your theme the colors will fall into place.

To prove that color is really secondary I am going to show you how honeysuckle can be incorporated into many different themes based on personality and taste.

So have fun, use your favorite color but realize you can mix and match colors to compliment your own style. Remember there is no rule that says you have to limit yourself to one or two colors, so why would you? If your groom doesn’t want a pink vest and you’re set on the shade come up with secondary colors that compliment and show him how it works. It’s all about compromise. Draw inspiration from nature, typography, architecture and photography. Mix it up and have fun!

Bold and Classic- Designer David Meister www.neimanmarcuss.com ; Romantic- Designer Dessy group  www.edressme.com ; Feminine- Designer Kay Unger Ruffle Front Chiffon Dress

I am loving the classic & chic and feminine & flirty colors. A huge thanks to Daidra for sharing her expert advice! As always, if you have any comments or questions leave them below. And if you like what you see, I’d love it if you’d share with your friends by simply choosing one of the icons below. Thanks!

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1. Hi Anya! Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you got started in your business?

I was inspired a couple of years ago when helping a friend plan her wedding. She and I were frustrated with the wedding cake options that we found. There were two types of wedding cakes available: elegant confections that would make Martha Stewart proud but were very expensive. Or the more affordable but somewhat unfortunate wedding cakes festooned with whip cream swirls and lined with little plastic groomsmen and bridesmaids that looked like that belonged in a wedding from 1982.

My friend didn’t want to spend too much on the wedding cake because she’d been to so many weddings where the cake was wasted because the guests were too full or too merry to eat anymore by the time the cake was served. After a lot of searching, we found out about ‘fake cakes’. They were the perfect solution! Having a lot of cake decorating experience, I made a lovely, fake wedding cake for her at my apartment a week before the wedding. On the big day I drove the display cake five hours to the wedding reception. At first, driving the faux cake made me nervous, but fake cakes are much sturdier than real wedding cakes and the long drive didn’t hurt the cake at all! That was the event that inspired me to start my business, Cakes Confidential.

Can you tell us a little bit about how your cakes are made?

We make our cakes by covering Styrofoam forms with fondant, and then decorate them as if they were a real wedding cake. There’s even a special compartment for real cake so the newly weds can perform the cake cutting ceremony before the cake is taken back to the kitchen and the sheet cake is served.

Do you have any tips for brides who are considering a fake cake?

• Tell your venue that you’ll be having a fake cake and how you want them to handle it (when to take the fake cakes back to the kitchen, when to serve the sheet cake, etc…)
• Order sheet cakes with frosting that matches the fondant of your fake cake.
• Add the real cake to the special compartment on your fake cake the day before the wedding. On the morning of your wedding there will be so much going on that you won’t want to worry about slipping away to deal with your cake.
• Any wedding cake will look small on a huge table. Ask your venue if they have a smaller table you can use for your cake display.
• Display your cake on a great cake stand. There are a lot of unique cake stands you can buy or make- get creative!

Anya created this video so you can get a better idea of what a fake cake is.

Thank you Anya for sharing some helpful advice! Take the time to visit Anya’s website at www.cakesconfidential.com. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

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Day of Coordinator: What It Is and Why You Need One

by Amy Brink

The DJ has been booked, deposits made, and dress chosen. If you’re a bride (or  groom) undoubtedly you’ve put forth much blood, sweat, and tears in the planning department. But there may be something you have not thought of. How are you going to ensure you’re able to enjoy every last minute and detail of your wedding day?

That’s where I come in. As a wedding coordinator with Pure Luxe Bridal Consultants, I’m guest blogging to give you a glimpse of the benefits of hiring a day of coordinator (DOC).  Because once all of the plans are made and the big day arrives, the bride should be carrying around a bouquet of beautiful flowers and not a clipboard.

Obviously  it’s easy (and yes, self-serving) for me to defend hiring help for your wedding day. More often than not, a coordinator can be seen as an extravagant and unnecessary expense, something that only brides with platinum budgets  can afford. I’m here to tell you, this isn’t the case.  No matter the overall budget or size or venue, a DOC is someone who caters exclusively to the bride and groom, acts as the point person for the day, creates and oversees the  timeline, performs crowd control, and is immediately on hand to put out any fires quietly without anyone the wiser.

Instead of worrying if the florist remembered to deliver the toss petals or if the mother of the bride has enough tissues in hand, a DOC covers these little details and so much more.  More importantly, a DOC relieves the pressure off friends and family from feeling like they’re working your wedding instead of celebrating.  You and your loved ones can kick back and rest assured that any possible mishap, snafu, and hiccup will be taken care of (e.g. the groomsmen are late, the flower girl is bordering on the verge of an epic tantrum, or you’ve run out of champagne).  Aunt Susie may be great at details, but she should be out on the dance floor doing “The Twist” and not running around loading up the decor and cardbox.  It may be hard to do, but allowing parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents to sit around responsibility-free is a gift!

More importantly, having someone at your side who has done this countless times before allows nothing to fall through the cracks.  All of those little things that you never would have thought of? Well, we’ve seen them time and time again, so we know exactly what to look for.

But let me clue you in on another myth about DOCs. There is actually no such thing as a “day of” anything.  Any reputable coordinator will tell you that she starts coordinating the final details of your wedding at least a month out.  There are vendors to contact, coordination of deliveries, set-up, break down, and going over every little detail with a fine toothed comb to ensure nothing has been overlooked (and believe me when I say it happens…quite frequently!). Scheduling all the “major players,” letting everyone know where to be and at what time, and gathering contact names, cell numbers, and emergency backup contacts can’t be gathered on the  “day of.”  It all takes time and logistical know-how.

And what if your venue already has an event coordinator? Though valuable to the reception site, the venue’s coordinator will not be smoothing your train as you head down the aisle, will not cue toasts and special dances, and will not make sure grandpa knows to get in a picture. A venue coordinator’s job is to make sure their building and staff are under control, though they work great in combination with your DOC.

We are equipped with all the information so all the questions on the wedding day go to us instead of distracting the wedding’s VIPs.  Not only does a  coordinator help the bride and groom by taking care of all the little details for them, a DOC is there to help all other wedding professionals, first by providing them with a wedding day itinerary and then by being the person to make sure the events run on time, pointing out details that are important to the couple (especially to the photographer) and answering any questions on the fly.

Knowing that we DOCs can make someone’s wedding day stress-free and relaxed  is an immensely rewarding experience. There’s nothing better than witnessing a first look, seeing the face of the groom as the bride walks toward him,  and taking in the proud, happy smiles of the guests spinning on the dance floor. And while our work is often long and grueling, I firmly believe the majority of us cannot think of anything else we’d rather be doing.

Check out Amy and all her hotness from a Rock the Dress shoot I did for her!

You can reach Amy through their website at Pure Luxe Bridal Consultants or e-mail her directly at amypureluxe@gmail.com

Do you have any comments or questions?? Leave them below. Thanks for reading!

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1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business

First of all, thank you for this opportunity to be ‘featured’ on your blog!  I am a wedding planner/consultant, and the the name of my business is Weddings with Tara.  I have been planning weddings for 12 years, and I have had my own business since 2006.  I absolutely ADORE what I do, and one of the favorite aspects of my job is that I get to meet so many different types of people and share in such an important part of their lives.  I love getting to know each and every person, and seeing their ‘vision’ come to life. I am married to a wonderful and Godly man, Jonathan, and I have a beautiful one-year old girl named Pherson.  I attribute everything I have and all that I do to my relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. I think most brides are overwhelmed at the thought of planning a wedding. What is the first step she should take once she’s engaged?

I think the first step after getting engaged, is to actually enjoy being engaged!  :)  So many couples jump so quickly in to the ‘panic’ of planning that it immediately feels overwhelming.  Next, I would recommend getting a good grip on the number of guests you are wanting to have and the time of year you as these will help you narrow down a location. Of course, the next step is finding a location, as it is very difficult to start booking vendors without having a location or exact date settled.

3. Can you give brides three (or however many you’d like) tips to help with the wedding planning process?

1.  Enjoy it!  I do recommend hiring a wedding planner, especially for a destination wedding, just so you can truly relax knowing someone is there to help.  AND, I am not just saying this because I am a wedding planner!  :)

2.  Every once in a while, take a moment to remember why you are doing all this planning…to marry the one you love!  Put everything back into perspective.

3.  Once you have your location and date, it is best to book the vendors that will only do one wedding in one day…this typically would be your wedding planner (if this isn’t already booked), photographer and musicians.

4. What are some of the problems brides may run into when planning a wedding, and how can they be avoided?

Many brides tend to run into budget problems.  They start out with a vision without having any perspective on what things cost.  My advice is for the bride and groom is to prioritize the things that are important to them.  Many of the budget helpers you see online are very general, which is fine, but you need to put your money into the things that are going to make a difference to you.  Every couple is unique!  Also, chip away at the cost of the wedding as often as you can.  Most vendors and venues will let you pay them at anytime, so if you have extra money one month, use this to pay some of the cost.

What a beautiful family! Image created by Jeremy Russell. (www.jeremyrussellphotography.com)

Thank you Tara for sharing your insights with us today! If you’re looking to plan a destination wedding, or a wedding in NC head on over to her website and get in touch!

www.weddingswithtara.com

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