Aces & Eights Fundraiser

Hey everyone,
Check out the Aces & Eights fundraiser in Destin on February 27th. I am on the event committee and this is going to be THE Destin event to attend. We'll have a poker tournament with the grand prize valued at $5000, plus a silent auction, blackjack tables, red carpet arrival, go go dancers, live entertainment and much more! Tickets are $100 for poker players, $50 for everyone else and that price includes food and beverages. It is going to be a great time so visit the link at
http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Aces-Eights-February-27th/233578556137?ref=ts
See you there............

Pure 7 Studios

What great shots Ryan & his crew got at my Oct 31st wedding at Eden Gardens State Park! They are definitely talented photograpers. Check them out at their website at

www.pure7studios.com and give them a call for a free consultation!! They rock!

10/31/09

I had such a blast planning this event! The couple could not have been any cuter and their big day fell on one of my favorite holidays.......Halloween! Eden Gardens was an amazing backdrop for this super fun event complete with carved pumpkins for centerpieces, masquerade masks , and trick or treat bags for favors. Congrats Kristen and Jamey Gwaltney.......................

Grooms cake out.......Dessert table in!

Dessert tables are all the new rage! Out with the old traditional grooms cake (that nobody ever eats anyway) and in with a dessert table featuring various assorted goodies. Lately some of my dessert tables have included creme brulee spoons, mini chocolate souffles, banana pudding bites, assorted cheesecake shooters, smores, fruit tarts, chocolate covered key lime cheesecake lollipops, beignet filled parchment cones, root beer float shooters, mini ice cream sandwiches and grilled Ghiradelli sandwiches! Your guests will love the options and when they are all served "mini" everyone can sample lots of different treats!

Florals by the Sea

Quick shout out to my girls at Florals by the Sea.....Great job on Jocelyn's stuff on October 16th at Eden Gardens. Loved everything!!

Reception Shots

I am loving this new bar trend! If you are looking for something more than just a signature drink or martini bar for your next event, consider passed shots during the HD hour. Have mini versions of your favorite drinks passed on trays, served at the bar or for a real surprise.....have them served for the toast!

Rosemary Beach Wedding

Last weekend I had the pleasure of planning an amazing event out in Rosemary Beach with one of the funnest couples! Check out these preview photos:

Saying "i do" to a wedding planner

With the economy in a slump I'm noticing alot of brides are opting to plan their own wedding in lieu of a planner. I have a personal friend who just phoned me the other day explaining that she always wanted to put her wedding together herself and wondered if I thought she was crazy. Saying "i do" to a wedding planner is a wise investment! A planner can help pull your vision together. They're able to meet with and hire vendors, deal with all contract negotiations, and they'll see to everything else from the Save the Dates to the end of the night party favors. If you can fit it in your budget it will be worth cutting something else out, especially for a destination wedding! Try to think about what you want to be doing on your wedding day.......setting up tables and confirming vendor arrivals OR drinking champagne and getting your hair done???? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Sweet Bay Prints "Twice As Nice" Special

Sweet Bay Prints is having an amazing Fall special right now that you need to know about. The owner, Sheri Scruggs, has labeled it the "Twice As Nice" special. Any order over 25 will automatically be doubled at no charge on bookmarks, bag tags, enclosures and note cards. As always, their quality is outstanding and they have they best selections around so check them out at http://www.sweetbayprints.com/.

A Perfectly Paced Party

Wondering how to start a timeline for your event? How much time should you allow for everything? Here's your guide to a perfectly paced party:
5:30 Ceremony Start Time
6:00 - 7:00 HD's/Cocktail Hour
7:00 Bride & Groom introduced
7:05 Bride & Groom first dance
7:15 Dinner announced
7:20 Salad Course
7:30 Salad cleared as toasts begin (typically MOH and Best Man)
7:40 Dinner is served
8:00 Bride & father dance
8:05 Groom & mother dance
8:10 Open dancing
8:45 Cake Cutting
9:15 Optional passed desserts begin
9:20 Bridal Bouquet Toss
9:30 Garter Toss
10:00 Last Dance announced
10:10 Bride & Groom Exit
10:30 Guests have all departed

This is a sample timeline, but should give all you DIYers a basic outline for your reception. The most important thing you should keep in mind that isn't necessarily on your timeline, take a few minutes at some point to make out with your husband (who says you have to wait until you leave......boring!)

Facebook Page

OK, OK, Ok ....so I know I'm a little behind with the whole Facebook craziness, but I finally set up a business page! Better late than never. Check it out, join the page (The Eventful Planner) & check back often for new pictures and promotions.

Destin Magazine Feature

Check out our featured wedding including a "behind the scenes" look at area vendors....which, of course, includes yours truly! Enjoy............
http://www.destinmagazine-digital.com/papillon/destinmag2009autumn/?u1=texterity
Pages 64 - 67

Friends who don't make the cut!

I always get asked this question from my clients......How do I tell my friends they are not invited? It can be a sticky situation and you can be put on the spot when friends start to inquire about your wedding. Here's a couple ways to break the bad news in a very PC way when you are faced with the question, "Can I come?"
~If you are having a small wedding, then that's an easy one. Just explain that you really wish you could include all your friends, but the venue is very space restricted so it's turning out to be more of an intimate, family affair. Blaming your venue is a "no brainer".
~Play the economy card: Explain that since you and your fiance are covering the costs of the wedding yourselves, you've had to scale way back on the size of the guest list. Your friends will understand that you still have to pay your mortgage during the wedding planning.
~If you're parents are footing the bill, blame them: This one never fails. Simply explain that since youre parents are paying the tab, you have to stick within their budget and head count; therefore, you won't be able to invite everyone you want to. Blaming your parents for stuff never grows old:)
Ultimately there is never an easy way to let friends know they aren't invited! If they are your real friends then they'll suck it up and throw you a fabulous party when you get home....hint hint!

The Bar Bill

Every bride wants to know how to save on her bar bill. The answer definitely isn't to skip the bar all together (unless your religion frowns upon it or the B&G are both in AA)! Here's some hints to help save you a couple bucks on your bar:
~Skip the full bar
Providing only beer, wine and a couple of signature cocktails will cut your bill in half.
~BYOB
No, I'm not talking about asking your guests to bring their own booze......gasp! I'm talking about choosing a site that allows you to bring in your own alcohol. Most event planners will even help you make a shopping list.
~Tray service
Have the catering staff serve champagne & wine from trays. This way will allow you to buy less expensive brands without worrying who's reading labels.
~Work with the catering staff
Ask that the servers only clear empty glasses. Most times guests put down their drink for a minute to dance or go to the restroom only to have it snatched by a waiter clearing the tables.
~Open bottles as you need them
Ask the bartender to only open bottles as they use them. This will allow you to return bottles that you don't use.
~Time it Right
AVOID overtime if you are locked into a resort bar. This can create a very large bar bill that you didn't already have budgeted.

CHEERS!

Save The Dates

I always get asked about sending out Save the Date Cards.... so here's a few basic hints!
~Who should send them?
Every couple marrying on a holiday weekend or having a destination wedding should have them. For others, they aren't mandatory, but can be alot of fun.
~What's the point?
The point is to give your guests time to plan their trip and schedule accordingly.
~When should you send them?
Mail them out atleast six months ahead, but never more than one year. Be careful of sending them around the holidays too since they may get lost in the Christmas card shuffle. Oh, and obviously everyone who gets a save the date should also get an invitation.
~What info should be included?
Every save the date should include the bride & grooms name, date, city where the ceremony is taking place, "invitation to follow" and your website address for more information (Yes, a website is mandatory for EVERY destination bride and groom!)

There are so many great options out now for Save the Date cards so shop around and find one that suits your budget and most importantly reflects the style of your wedding & your personality!

Honeymoon Wishes

I just have to share this new website I came across for gift registry. The site is http://www.honeymoonwishes.com/. You can register for all kinds of great things in lieu of dishware, glassware or any other kitchen gadget you don't really need......do ya?
You can register for honeymoon stuff, from massages, breakfast in bed, zipline tours, snorkeling adventures and much more. It's super easy to sign up and to get started. This site is a fool proof way to have an amazing honeymoon that you'll never forget!!

Preserving the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake

Sharing a piece of cake on your anniversary is a wonderful idea.....as long as you can't taste the fact that the piece of cake is one year old! Here's some tips on how to keep your top layer as fresh as possible:
~First, don't forget to ask your baker or caterer to set the top tier aside so it doesn't get accidentally served at the reception
~Chill or flash freeze the cake to harden the icing prior to wrapping. Always wrap in plastic wrap since foil will leave your cake with freezer burn.
~Once you get home, seal the cake in an airtight bag, place it in the freezer & label it appropriately (you don't want to mistake it for last weeks leftovers and thaw it out too early).
~Thaw your cake in the fridge the day prior to your anniversary

Another fun option is cutting your top tier into 12 slices and having one each month on a monthly anniversary cycle.......just don't forget to mix in one part cake and one part cardio!!

Pulling Off An Appropriate First Kiss

The best thing about the ceremony.......the kiss!! How do you pull off an appropriate ceremony kiss without coming across as a total makeout session? Here's a couple of hints:
~Make eye contact with EACH other only (even a glimpse out of the corner of your eye towards your friends can change the dynamic of the moment)
~Lean in for contact
~Try not to let your guests know exactly how much tongue is involved (obviously!)
~Don't make the kiss so short your guests might wonder if you're really attracted to each other, but don't make it so long guests have the opportunity to skip out on you without you noticing (studies show roughly 4 seconds is the average)
~Slowly pull apart
~Smile & keep your eyes fixated on each other while you are announced to the crowd as Mr & Mrs.
~Turn toward your audience
~Strut all the way to the reception!

White House Well Wishes

I just read an article about inviting the president to your wedding! Even though he's probably too busy to actually attend, you will receive a congratulatory note (kinda cool to add that to your wedding memorabilia). Send your invite to:
The Honarable Barack Obama & Mrs. Obama
The White House Greetings Office, Room 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Sign In table options

Forget the traditional sign in book.....blah! Here are some fresh new ideas to think about to spice up an old tradition!

Polaroid station ~ Take an old polaroid camera and alot of film (you can still find it at most Wal Marts or online), string a clothesline and let your guests have some fun! Take all the photos afterwards and make your own super fun scrapbook.

Photo Booth~ Just last weekend I did a wedding where we used a photo booth in lieu of a sign in table and the guests had a blast with it. The company is called Snaps Photo Booth, they are reasonably priced and the best part is all your guests leave with fun photos. Check out their website at http://www.snapsrental.com/.

Canvas Painting~ Start with a blank canvas, add fun bright colored strokes from all your guests and end up with a masterpiece for your house. The options are endless and you can pick paints that already match your decor.

Wish Tree~ Have your florist (or DIY) make a tree out of curly willow branches and place small pieces of decorative paper for guests to write a wish on for the happy couple. Hang the wishes on the tree and VOILA, you have a fabulous conversational piece! A couple that I did this for took all the small paper wishes and had them framed into a large glass frame that now acts as their headboard in their bedroom.

Eco Friendly Wedding Tips

It seems like I'm getting more & more requests for eco friendly wedding tips. I think it's absolutely fabulous everyone is getting into the "green" spirit. Here's a few of my favs:

Print your invitations on recycled paper
Wedding invitations consume thousands of tons of paper each year. Using recycled paper for the invitations and envelopes reduces paper and tree consumption. If you're planning a "save the date" reminder, you might also consider creating an email presentation in lieu of another mailing. Recycled paper can be purchased at most organic supermarkets and some bookstores, as well as at copy shops and printers. There are some really great options out there!

Serve organic food
In its simplest definition, organic food is prepared without the use of environmentally harmful pesticides and chemical additives. Free range meat and chicken, prepared without chemical growth hormones, are also a staple of the organic menu. You can also request that the produce come from local farmers.

Recycle the bar empties
Empty glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans can quickly pile up during larger receptions.

Send leftovers to charity
Many cities now host "food rescue" operations that bring clean, fresh, but unwanted food to local charities. Giving your wedding feast leftovers to such organizations ensures the food will reach an appreciative audience and not generate waste.

Seagrove Beach Wedding

Check out this photos from Amanda & Blake's wedding in April in Seagrove Beach. They were the sweetest couple and the photographers, Meg & Charles Baisden, really captured the beauty of the event!
http://www.megphoto.com/slideshow/amanda_blake/

Michelle Lovell & Cody Helmer's wedding

Michelle & Cody were married on Sunday at Eden Gardens out in Walton County. The park is so beautiful and an amazing backdrop for a super Southern wedding. Fortunately for us on Sunday the rain stopped just an hour before our ceremony began under the "wedding tree". We used old wooden benches for seating, mason jar filled wildflowers for markers & had a bluegrass trio for music.

The guests were greeted to the reception with sweet tea with fresh mint & oranges, fresh berry lemonade & cucumber water filled pitchers. Dinner started with a fruit and cheese bar complete with fresh breads, dipping oils, artichoke tapenade and assorted cheese and crackers.

We set up a lounge area in the middle of the tent with vintage oil lamps, photos of the happy couple and super cute pillows made by the brides mother to match our colors of apple green and chocolate. Passed Hors D'oeuvres consisted of collard green wontons, hushpuppy catfish nuggets in parchment cones & baby burgers with fried green tomatoes. The Waco Ramblers, a wildly popular local bluegrass band kept the crowd entertained. They are so great. Check them out www.wacoramblers.com for more information.

The centerpieces were oversized antique mason jars filled with blue, white and green wildflowers. White linens covered the tables with an apple green runner. Dinner consisted of pecan crusted chicken, ham & biscuits and a bbq sundae station with all the trimmings. The entire event was a Southern affair to remember. As the bride & groom made their exit they were definitely doing a "happy" dance all the way to their car.................another satisfied bride!

I just met with Charles Baisden who is a wonderful photographer out of Pensacola. He & his wife, Meg (who is his professional partner) do wonderful photos. You can check them out at
http://www.megphoto.com/. They also have a new company called Fusion Media that is so awesome you just have to check it out. They are bringing a whole new concept of videography to this area............Cinematography. Their work is amazing so check it out at
http://www.fusionphotovideo.com/.

The Eventful Planner is a full service event design & catering company located in the heart of the amazing white sands & emerald waters of Destin, FL.
Please check back for upcoming blogs on all our fabulous events!