The updated versions of a guest book

Can you believe the old school guest books? They were almost as boring as the old 3 ring binder photo albums. Here's a few ways to update this tradition to make it your own:

1.River rocks~Have your guests sign rocks and display them in large glass jars.

2.Photo booth~Have a photo booth set up to take pictures for the HD hour and then let guests assemble them in a book and sign them.

3.Typewriter~Have a vintage typewriter with a long scroll of paper inserted and let guests type a sentiment.

4.Wish tree~Tall glass vase filled with tree branches that guests can tie their wish to...love this one!

5.Polaroid~ Set up a polaroid table and assign someone to take guests photos.......clincher is to have all the guests holding a chalkboard that they wrote a message on for the couple.

6.Blankie~Have the guests sign quilting squares that will later be made into a blanket or stitched for a wall hanging.

The possibilities are endless so get creative and make your "sign in" your own!!

Destination Wedding Rehearsal Dinners

~Who pays? Traditionally, the grooms parents pay, but I've seen aunts, cousins, even the wedding couple foot the bill.
~Do we invite everyone that came in town to the dinner? Yes, you should invite everyone to a "welcome" party. If it's not the actual rehearsal dinner then you should have some sort of event after or before to include everyone! It's a great time to meet n greet with all your guests that have driven a long distance, taken off from work, that you haven't seen in a long time, etc... You have so much going on all weekend that it's a great time to speak to everyone that is attending so you aren't too overwhelmed at the reception.
~Where should it be held? I am a huge fan of not using the same venue for both events! Save the "wow" of the location for the wedding. With that being said, there's always dinner cruises, restaurants, state parks......the list goes on, but always make sure it's an easy trip from where all your guests are staying.
~Should my planner, officiant, musician, etc....that were at the actual rehearsal be invited? It's a way of thanking them for being part of such a memorable and special occasion. It's not necessary, but it a really nice gesture.

Lesley Foley Photography

Quick shout out to my friend Lesley Foley, a great photographer here in the Destin area. I attended a bridal expo last weekend in FWB and she was the first vendor booth I passed and she did such a fab job on it that I had to post a pic! Check out her work at www.foleyphotography.com!

Curing a hangover

Ok let's face it, most brides, grooms and their bridal party do tend to overindulge at the rehearsal dinner. Here's a few tricks to lessen the pain for the day after:
~Hydrate. Force down as many fluids as you can, water and gatorade are always the best. Avoid caffeine which will only dehydrate you more.
~Sleep. Rest is one of the best ways for your body to recover so sleep in as much as possible the next day!
~Eat Sensibly. Of course you'll be craving greasy foods the next morning but it's so much better to refuel with complex carbs like a bagel, lean protein or fruit.
~Last but not least, "hair of the dog". No I'm not talking about the last shot of whiskey in the bottle next to your bed! Bloody mary's.....while your body is dealing with the new alcohol the tomato juice and celery are full of vitamins.

CHEERS!

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.......................