From Start to Finish a Georgia Wedding

Looking for that perfect destination fairy tale wedding, but wanting something different than everyone else? What about setting the date in the beautiful location of Savannah, Georgia? Here is Alli & Jeff and their dream wedding. Photography by Christine Hall. 

How did the two of you meet?  Tell us your story.  My best friend, Laura, and I were meeting with a friend at the mall. As luck would have it, our friend was good friends with Jeff, and we were meeting him at Radio Shack where he worked. Once we got there our friend was gone and we got to meet Jeff. His eyes were so blue and I instantly developed a crush. We waited for him to get off of work so we could hang out with him longer. Well, during his break we decided to ride the carousel. We chose to ride in the teacup because that was Laura and Is favorite ride. You can spin so fast and because Jeff was so tall we had to cram into the tiny teacup. As we’re riding Laura begins to say, “Your hurting me, you hurting me!” while pushing my legs until, BAM! I go flying out of the teacup, slamming my ankle on a tiger. They stopped the entire ride and I was humiliated, but apparently I made quite the impression! 

Describe the proposal. On December 3, 2007 we were taking our dogs out for a walk and he insisted we stand by the fountain because it just looks so beautiful at night. It was freezing out so we were standing there holding one another and I notice (through my earmuffs!) that his heart is racing. Next thing I know he is on his knee asking me to marry him! And of course the answer was YES!

                                                                       Three adjectives that describe the day are:  Beautiful, Magical, Extraordinary


Our favorite detail of the wedding was: It was everything! The location, our families, favors, flowers, the food...everything and every vendor made my day/details spectacular!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress: It took me one trip to Priscilla of Boston to find my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. The moment I put on my Melissa Sweet gown I knew. Once I found my shoes the process was almost complete...I went to an antique shop, bought some beautiful earrings to give my plain shoes some SPARKLE!

Describe your wedding flowers: For my wedding flowers I wanted something simple. I was on a budget and flowers were the least of my worries because Savannah is so beautiful I didn’t need many. To keep from going over budget I chose the hydrangea. Since they’re such a full flower I didn’t need to buy more than one stem, saving me money to spend in other areas!  


Describe your wedding cake: We wanted our cake to taste delicious. And to save money we chose to go to Publix for our cake. Not only was it beautiful and delicious but it was affordable!

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Honestly, I did all the planning myself including making the wedding favors and I enjoyed it so much that now I am working to be a wedding planner!


What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? 

I have two moments that I will never forget! My photographer had my dad sit outside waiting for me while I got dressed. She had him face away from me as I approached him. The moment he turned around we both cried and I will never forget the way he looked at me. I’m a Daddy’s girl, can you tell? And of course the moment my husband and I said our vows.

What’s next for you as a couple?  What are you looking forward to in the future?  We’re moving to Virginia! We are looking forward to buying a house and starting a family!

 Who were your vendors? 

Photography: Christine Hall

Rehearsal Dinner: Cha Bella

Ceremony: Forsyth Park (Fountain)

Reception: Vic's on the River

Forist: Garden on the Square

DJ: First City Events (DJ Jeff)

Hair & Makeup: Robs at Drayton Towers

Wedding Favor: shop.alli

Bridal Gown: Melissa Sweet (Priscilla of Boston)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Melissa Sweet (Priscilla of Boston)

Tuxes: Men's Warehouse

Earrings: Anna Bellagio

By: Alli Geary-Weisenhorn

Wedding Coordinator 

Green Lily Events

Capturing Your Day in Creative Ways

Wedding days are filled with emotion, ranging from uncertainty and nervousness to pure joy and ecstasy. The creative photographer can find ways to capture each of these moments beautifully. Creative photos convey emotion and cause the viewer to smile, laugh, or even shed a tear as they recall these special moments.

Creativity also shows the level of commitment of a photographer to his or her craft and to your wedding. Creative photographers are engaged in their art and go far beyond the point-and-shoot approach. Creativity requires a photographer to get out of his or her comfort zone and do something different when the opportunity presents itself.

How can you assess whether a photographer is creative? Take a look at these areas:

• How do they manipulate light?

• How do they compose images?

• How do they photograph details?

• How well do they capture emotions?
• Is everything staged?

There is so much going on at a wedding emotionally, and this translates into a powerful story. The photographer must be alert and trained to anticipate these stories and capture them. Combining artful images creates a visual story of the wedding, and photos will allow a couple to endlessly revisit their wedding day.

Although couples should also consider the ethics, credibility, accolades, and integrity of a photographer, choosing one who creates beautiful, unique, and creative images will leave a bride and groom with photos they will be proud to display.

Photos courtesy of Owen Woghiren, Jr.
http://www.owenjunior.com/

The Place To Meet

Crowne Plaza Houston

(Near Reliant Park/Medical Center)

As you prepare for one of life’s biggest commitments, we offer a commitment of our own: our dedication to making your wedding celebration a truly memorable occasion. Planning a wedding is something you do only once, but at the Crowne Plaza, we have skilled wedding planners that orchestrate these events frequently. We will offer innovative, unique ideas at every step, and anticipate needs you may not have yet considered. Let us prepare beautiful settings for all your events – the rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid’s luncheon, gala reception, and even the ceremony itself. Each affair will be distinguished by superb catering and attentive service that is both warm and efficient. We can offer special room rates for all your family and friends, as well as lovely honeymoon suites for you on your wedding night. Your wedding is not just any special event; the Crowne Plaza regards your wedding as a once in a lifetime occasion! Let our experienced staff pamper and delight you as you make this journey towards your most special day.

The Crowne Plaza offers twenty-five meeting rooms with nearly 60,000 square feet of user-friendly space, including a 17,400 square foot ballroom with 20’ ceilings and dual stages. In addition, we offer on-site audio visual technicians, electricians, and security for your convenience.

Spring is Here!

     

It might be a bit chilly compared to normal March temperatures, but spring is here! The sun breaks through the clouds and brightens the hearts of couples anticipating their wedding. New life is created all around us! Hatchlings and bunnies are born and flowers blossom. Most significantly, vibrant colors fill our surroundings once again. If you are entering wedded bliss in spring, then your color palette is of great importance. It should be light-hearted, carefree, and beautiful. You can mix colors like lavender, teal, and pink to go for a soft and unique color combination or stick with a bold color combination like deep purple and yellow! Whatever colors you choose for your spring wedding keep with the feel of the season; enjoy emerging beauty and the new life ahead of you!

Sarah Chesley

Wedding Coordinator

Photos courtesy of Morris Malakoff
http://www.morrismalakoff.com/

A day that is grand with Ijorere invitations

Get noticed from the very start with these gorgeous invitations. Once your guest see your invitations they'll know what a grand wedding it will be. Their collections are fantastic with an array of possibilities and each one is stunning. Not to mention they're green! They were also voted Brides Choice Awards of 2010 and have been featured in Chicago Social Brides Modern Luxury and much more. And if you're having trouble pronouncing their name don't worry its easy and fun to say! E-jaw-ray-ray! So, if you're looking for that extra special something to start off your wedding go to Ijorere The Invitation.

By: Allison Geary-Weisenhorn
Wedding Coordinator
Green Lily Events

Casa de Novia Bridal Couture

I recently visited Casa De Novia to view their Spring 2010 Collection. Carmen Rideau greeted me as soon as I entered the inviting boutique. The flow of the salon was open and relaxing unlike some salons that are divided into many separate sections. It was apparent from the moment I walked in that the employees at Casa de Novia would do anything to make a bride-to-be’s dream come true. Casa de Novia has a wide selection of designer gowns, ranging from Junko Yoshioka to Monique Lhuillier. There were three dresses in Casa de Novia’s selection that especially caught my eye.

This artsy bridal gown from Monique Lhullier’s Platinum Collection is ideal for the bride who wants to stand out when she walks down the aisle while maintaining a feminine aura. “Sunday Rose” is perfect for the woman who wants her dress to say it all! She is fierce, fashion-forward and has an impeccable flair for style.  It is an ivory silk satin organza gown priced at $9500.

The picture of this elegant Oscar de la Renta gown does not do it justice. This silk taffeta and tulle v-neck dress is embroidered with sequins that really make it shine. With every hint of movement this gown flickers so subtly and would look exquisite at a candlelit ceremony and reception. I cannot stress enough that this dress must be seen in person to really get the full effect of its beauty. The bride who wears this gown loves a little sparkle in her life and wants to feel like royalty on her wedding day. The gown is runway look #22 in Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2010 Collection (Style # 12E02).

This organza Palazzo gown, Tess, was my favorite gown in the whole boutique, and they received it a few hours before I got there! I am glad I went when I did because this dress is just perfect in every way.  This gown is for the bride who wants to showcase her true beauty rather than the dress attracting all of the attention. At first glance it is simple but it has the exact amount of detail in the back to be extraordinary. This delicate dress is meant for a woman who wants a truly romantic evening without being over the top. It costs $4200.

Casa de Novia Information:

3331 D’Amico

Houston, TX 77019

713.523.9090

www.casadenoviabridal.com

Owned by: Luvi Wheelock

Upcoming Trunk Dates: (view website for more dates)
Junko Yoshioka will make a personal appearance February 25^th-27^th. Brides will receive 10% off the regular price if they purchase a dress at the trunk show!

Experience Elizabeth Fillmore’s 2010 collection Saturday March 13^th. Elizabeth’s exquisite avante garde taste & chic silhouettes are one-of-a-kind and a must see! 

Sarah Chesley 

Wedding Coordinator

Summer Wedding with a Watermelon Twist!

An outdoor summer wedding should be laid back, a ton of fun, and beautifully reflective of the season. A typical bride in this economy desires the wedding of her dreams without spending a lot of money. A backyard picnic-themed wedding set in the enjoyable summer season is just the answer!

What is a backyard picnic without watermelon? Not only is watermelon a refreshing treat to serve to your guests to beat the summer heat, it also provides the perfect color palette for your wedding. You can serve a fruity pink cocktail with a watermelon garnish or you can serve the champagne for your toast from a watermelon keg.

For the centerpieces, place your favorite pink and white, in-season flowers in vintage watering cans. Spend a relaxing day with your fiancé bargain hunting for watering cans at local antique shops. Be green and save money by reusing glass jars to use as candle holders. Pair the country-style bouquet centerpieces with the candle jars to complete the finishing decorative touch to your rustic tables. To create a truly magical wedding look, use reused glass jars as lanterns by placing candles inside the jars, tying wire around the tops, and hanging them from surrounding trees. 

Cut costs by having a simple meal like sandwiches, potato salad, and fruit catered by a local deli or prepared by someone close to you. Place all of the meals in picnic baskets with silverware and napkins, tie with ribbon, and let the guests keep the baskets as wedding favors. 

Personalize your wedding to your budget, your wants, and your needs. Don't become overly stressed about your wedding; it should be enjoyable and the beginning of a wonderful new chapter of your life. Whatever you are considering for your wedding, remember that it is your day and anything that you want is within reach. You might just need to get a little creative!

Sarah Chesley

Wedding Coordinator