FEATURED WEDDING | Alice & Matt

How did he propose?

On New Year’s Day 2012! We threw a NYE party the evening before. He said he wanted to take me to dinner on new years day to bring in the new year. When I was getting ready he stayed downstairs to watch TV. I came downstairs and the lights were down, candles were lit, and I had no clue what was about to happen. He was so nervous it was so sweet. He came over, got down on one knee, said that I make him so happy and he’d like to spend the rest of his life with me. He proposed I said YES! He had made dinner reservations at the restaurant we went to on our first date.

What was the theme for your wedding?

Finding the perfect theme that reflected Matt and I as a couple took awhile. I wanted something that encompassed us as individuals and a couple, unique, yet classy. I perused countless online blogs and Pinterest boards – I remember staying up late at night just searching around. During my search, I found many Barn and Vintage-styled weddings – they seemed to be trending a lot. We actually did visit a site that had a barn; however, it was a little too country for us. The vintage-style weddings were a little too eclectic. It wasn’t until I saw one specific element in a California mountain-side wedding that I knew exactly what the theme was. That element was a centerpiece in a wooden flower box with peach, ivory and sage-colored flowers. I remember thinking it was beautiful and exactly what Matt and I are! Matt is casual, laid back, outdoorsy guy, while I enjoy clean, classic, traditional elements, which is when I coined the term “casual elegance” for our wedding.

What wedding venue did you choose?

Brittland Manor Estates. The venue was probably one of the most important elements for us. We wanted something that reflected us as a couple while capturing the vision for the wedding. Once the theme “casual elegance” was set, the next step was to find the venue that would capture the look. It took us about 3 months of searching to find the perfect venue. During that time, we visited about 10 sites all around the DC metro area, from the vineyards of the Virginia Shenandoah region to the waterfront properties at Eastern Shore Maryland and everything in between. I stumbled upon Brittland Manor Estate one day on a blog, and I absolutely fell in love with the pictures of the site. We booked an appointment right away. I know this sounds cliche, but we knew it was “the place” as soon as we drove onto the property. It encompassed everything that was Matt and I, and I knew it would be the perfect vessel to bring my vision to fruition. The historic waterfront is secluded on 530 acres of riverside property with breathtaking views of the Chester River and appropriately manicured lawns and gardens that created a very organic outdoor setting. It reflects a vintage luxury feel both in the exterior and interior. The venue also offered a beautiful and romantic backdrop with its architecture and traditional design. An additional bonus was the 11 bedrooms inside the Manor that worked perfectly for us, and our family to relax and really get to know each other.

What are your top 3 tips for future brides?

1. For your theme, think about what best reflects you as a couple and individuals and incorporate those elements throughout the wedding. Your guests will enjoy all the personable elements!

2. Don’t be afraid of mixing elements! There are many beautiful weddings that have one type of flower or one type of linen and tables throughout the wedding. Don’t be afraid to mix and match those elements to give your wedding a unique feel to it!

3. Strongly consider hiring a day-of coordinator for the Wedding. It’s well worth the money to have someone there who will help you execute the vision and manage the timeline, making the day completely stress-free for you and your husband.

This featured wedding took place at Brittland Estates. The photography was done by Rodney Bailey and the flowers & decorations done by Intrigue Design & Decor. An Extraordinar Limousine provided the transportation.

FEATURED WEDDING | Colleen & Mike

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It was September of 2010, and they were both stationed in Mayport, Florida. Colleen was assigned to USS HUE CITY (CG-66), and Mike was assigned to USS FARRGAGUT (DDG-99). Mike’s best friend onboard FARRAGUT, Jason, was attending a Navy training course and Colleen happened to be in his class. One day after class Jason said “Mikey, you have to meet this girl in my class… you guys would really hit it off.”

At this point Mike was a little skeptical of meeting this girl, but from what Jason told him, it sounded like they could at least have some fun together. The following day Mike made up an excuse to go visit the school house so Jason could introduce him to Colleen. They chatted for a little bit, and then went to breakfast with a group of about 8 others. Mike sat next to Colleen and she spent the next 40 plus minutes grilling him on everything from his background to his political views… it might as well have been the Spanish Inquisition. Although her questioning made Mike feel slightly uncomfortable, he gutted it out because Colleen was very witty, funny, engaging, and she had the prettiest smile and the most beautiful green eyes.

After breakfast Mike asked Colleen if she played golf. She said, “YEP, my clubs are in my trunk!” Mike was smitten with her response… he thought she was joking because she said it with a smirk and a little twinkle in her eye. So Mike asked, “Well… how about you skip the rest of your training this afternoon and we play golf instead?” Colleen’s response was an immediate “yes!” They played golf that afternoon and had an awkward first kiss on the 18th hole. Mike drove the cart a little crazy in hopes Colleen would hold onto him, but all he got from his crazy golf cart driving were a couple brushings of their shoulders and knees, and more than a few critical looks and raised eye brows from Colleen.

Mike flew in from San Diego to see Colleen and cooked her an amazing lamb dinner. After dinner they went for a walk on the beach where Mike got down on one knee and proposed to which Colleen once again said “Yes!”

This featured wedding took place at Brittland Estates. Eastern Shore Tents & Events supplied their rentals.

Pick The Right Dress Style

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We’re all different and it’s important to find a dress style that flatter your body. Emphasize the positive aspects and minimize your less-than-ideal areas that we all have. These are suggestions, and are NOT set in stone. The bottom line: try on many different styles-you’ll know the right one when you see it.

Petite/Short Sheath, A-line, or Mermaid are all flattering styles on a petite figure. To add height, combine a short sleeve or sleeveless dress with long gloves. Also consider a dress with a high neckline and empire waist to elongate your figure. Big ball gowns and veils that are longer than the floor can overwhelm a petite frame. Pouf veils and up-do’s will add to your overall height.

Full Figured Ball gown or A-line styles are especially flattering on fuller figures. The fitted waist
and full skirt of a ball gown emphasizes your beautiful curves, and hides any figure “issues” below the waist. An A-Line silhouette will flatter practically any figure. Consider a neckline with beading and other details to help draw the eye upward, and balance your silhouette.

 

Large Bust. The following necklines work well with a large bust: keyhole, high, v-neck or
illusion yoke. You may also want to consider finding a gown style that allows you to wear a bra with straps, for the best support. It’s all about proportion and balance, so consider a dress
with beading, lace and other details around the hemline and the bottom half of the dress vs the bodice.

 

Full Hips. A-line, ball gown, flared skirt, or cinched waist styles are all very flattering to this body
type. A broader neckline such as off-the-shoulder, Portrait, Bateau or Sabrina can help balance your overall silhouette nicely.

 

Small Bust. While many styles can be flattering, consider styles that include extra details– layering, beadwork, ruching, lacework, etc – around the bust line for fullness and balance. Have cups sewn into your gown’s bodice so you can eliminate the need for a bra – one less thing to worry about!

Hourglass. This “curves-in-all-the right-places” body looks great in simple, classic styles such as sheaths, mermaid, or a fitted princess gown. Consider a v-neck, off-the shoulder or scoop neck
– these necklines provide nice balance and proportion to an hourglass shape.

Inverted Triangle. Full skirts or full trains are a great way to balance out your overall silhouette, when you’re fuller on top and through the shoulders. Also consider dresses with bustles, bows, and other adornments on the bottom half of the gown.

 

Triange/Pear-Shaped. Consider full sleeve treatments, padded or pouf sleeve to balance out your fuller bottom half. Also consider a textured bodice with heavy beading, and flattering neckline that will draw focus upward.

 

Tall. A drop-waisted dress with a lower neckline or any off-the-shoulder style looks great on
taller figures. If you’re also slender, a sheath or mermaid style will really show off your
slim frame. Sometimes when you’re thin, your shoulders and collar bone can look “bony” – and if so, you may want a dress style that covers those areas more. Something else to consider: pouf veils and up-do’s will add to your overall height.

 

 

Thick Waist or Rectangle-Shaped. An Empire silhouette looks especially flattering on those body types that are fuller through the waist. Consider using strong detail on the upper or lower body, but not both, to give the illusion of curves.

 

Again, what is most important is that you LOVE your dress. Anyone of our bridal salons can assist you in choosing the perfect dress.

www.Betsyrobinsonsbridal.com

www.carrollcountybride.com

www.tlcboutique.com

www.curvaceouscouture.com

www.kandbbridalsandeventplanning.com

www.mariecrawfordsbridal.com

www.ddbridal.com

www.bridalimages.com

www.julietsbridals.com

www.bridalsbyelena.com

www.labellecezanne.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choosing a Venue

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Okay, so last week he popped the question….this week you are frantically searching for a venue for your wedding day. Take a deep breath, relax and know that you are going to find the perfect venue for your wedding day. There are many factors to consider when choosing a venue. First and most likely, time of year will play a very important part of the selection process. Venues with beautiful gardens for your ceremony are going to book fast. Whereas venues that do not have outdoor spaces for your ceremony usually are available a bit longer. Are you considering a winter wedding? Make sure that there is a backup plan for inclement weather. Will the venue post pone? Charge you more? These and more are all questions you need ask? Here is the short list of things to look for in a venue:

-Character, does the venue have the character you are seeking to work with your theme and color scheme?

-Does the venue offer catering or rental only?

-If the venue is a rental only, must you use their approved caterers? or can you bring your own?

-Does the venue include tables, chairs, china, silverware, glassware etc?

-If the venue offers catering, will you get a complimentary tasting prior to the wedding date?

-Is the venue handicapped accessible for your grandparents or others that may need it?

-Is there sufficient parking?

-Are there hotels nearby that can accommodate your out of town guests?

-Is the venue too big? If you are having a wedding for 75 guests you really don’t want to be in a room that holds 300. Same goes for a wedding for 300, make sure you have plenty of room to dance the night away.

-Are the restrooms tastefully done?

-How many hours are you booking the event for? Is there an overtime charge?

-Are there picture perfect settings?

-What is the payment policy?

-Are candles or open flames allowed?

-Are you the only event of the day? This is really important if you are planning a huge set up. Your decorator will need the time!

-Is there a place for you and your new husband to relax a few moments before your entry into the ballroom?

Use your intuition. Choosing a wedding venue is an exciting journey and one that you want to enjoy and remember for years to come!

-Guy Wedding Planner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picking A Wedding Date

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Starting today I will be blogging once a week on wedding etiquette for today’s bride. By no means do I consider myself an expert in the field, rather, someone who has had the opportunity many times to assist one plan a wedding. Hopefully you will find my blogs to be helpful as you plan your dream wedding day.

 

Topic One

Picking a Wedding Date: What To Do!

Okay, your groom has been down on bended knee, opened the little black box (or tiffany blue) and placed a gorgeous amount of bling on your finger! You IMMEDIATLY start to think about a wedding date. Oh My, will I have time to plan! Will his long distance cousins attend? Is the venue I so want available? Should it be Summer or Spring, Winter or Fall or how about a wedding either on or near a major holiday! My answer has always been the same. Venue shop first! You don’t want your heart broken if the date is not available at the venue of your dreams. Also consider the following:

-Do you want lush spring flowers like tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, lily of the valley or Peonies you better get married in April or May or you may go broke purchasing these in the fall or they may not be available at all!

-If you are considering a Sunday wedding-Is is Super Bowl Sunday (I have had this happen 2 times in my career)!

-Is the minister or church you would like to get married in available?

-Should it be on on Holiday like New Years Eve? (I say why not, it is a wonderful party)

-Are there any graduations for family members scheduled for that May - June date you would like?

-Is the venue of your dreams available (some book 2 years out)

-Is someone on either side expecting a baby

-Will your date conflict with school schedules (kids at the wedding)

-Can you get the best deal for your dream honeymoon to Bora Bora?

-Will I get a discount if I choose a date a certain venue may have?

-Are you Jewish and want a Saturday wedding? Many Rabbi’s will not marry you until sunset which could mean you are having a 9:00PM ceremony in the long summer months

These and more are considerations when choosing a wedding date. No matter what date you choose, don’t stress out! Bottom line, at the end of the day you will have married your prince and walked into the sunset to begin your new life together. Also, try our advance venue search, it is wonderful!

http://www.premierbridemaryland.com/reception_search.php

-Guy Wedding Planner

 

Premier Bride Showcase Seminar

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Premier Bride Maryland, DC, NOVA & Delmarva is proud to announce that we will be hosting a Showcase Seminar September 15, 2011 at the new and fabulous Love Point at Kent Island. Limited to one vendor from each Bridal Category will give you the opportunity to meet one on one with some of the area’s premier vendors. Everything from Caterer to Candlestick maker will be present. With over 20 years experience and 100’s of weddings under his belt, Guy Wedding Planner, Keith Jagdhuber, will present “Getting You Down The Aisle In One Piece” 10 Crucial steps in choosing Premier vendors for your special day. Check back often for updates and detailed information.

Light House Sound Bridal Show Recap

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Premier Bride had the pleasure of attending the Rox Weddings & Events Bridal Show last Sunday at Lighthouse Sound in Bishopville, Maryland. (http://www.roxenterprises.com/) What a gorgeous venue and oh the view! Sean and company did an amazing job producing the show with their good old fashion eastern shore hospitality. Sponsored by our friends, Amy & Olya of Lighthouse Sound, We joined forces with Ink and Annie Calligraphy, Court Yard Marriott & Captains Table, Dance Moves & Manners, Desserts by Rita-just to name a few. For a full listing of vendors, please visit http://www.oceancitybridalshow.com/ Amy and her smartly attired crew did a wonderful job passing hors d’oeuvres. I must also add that the staff was very helpful and pleasant! They actually seemed happy to be working! (http://www.lighthousesound.com/) Amber Nicols Bridal did a wonderful job of showing the latest styles and fashions of the upcoming season. Special thanks to Pam from Forever Flowers for donating the lovely arrangement for our door prise. It truly was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday Afternoon. Also, special congrats to Olya who had a beautiful baby girl last Thursday! Best wishes to Mom and Baby!

-Guy Wedding Planner