Fall in Love...

As we head to Serenbe this weekend, I am so excited for the Fall wedding of Christi and Andy. I adore this board as it reminds me of Christi and Andy's aesthetic and Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Now if it would just stay cool.... This beautiful board courtesy of Snippet and Ink

Speaking of Fall... Join Ann Roth Shoes and Olive at the Paisley Umbrella for a "Fall Fashion Fix" on Thursday October 9 from 5-8pm. Meet designers Katriesa Raines and Ann Roth and custom-design your very own fabulous Fall look {or rehearsal dinner or honeymoon looks}! Register for exciting prizes and receive special discounts. Call 404.274.5432 to RSVP today!

A wedding necessity: The GroomStudio

I recently had the pleasure of finally meeting Rik Ducar, the Founder and Principle of the GroomStudio- a style-minded groom-consultancy based right here in Atlanta with space at our home- the Paisley Umbrella. Known for a tasteful approach to dressing the groom, an appreciation for the special occasion, and keen understanding of all wedding styles, GroomStudio’s laid-back approach and demeanor help to create a special one-of-a-kind groom experience. The GroomStudio philosophy is to make each groom client the perfect “stylistic complement” to his lovely bride. But wait- there's more! GroomStudio's team of experts has their own unique talent that contributes to the overall groom experience - from assistance selecting the engagement ring to planning the perfect rehearsal dinner and honeymoon. This depth of support has made GroomStudio one of the hottest new wedding services companies in the United States.

Rik has provided stylist services for the high-profile TV projects ABC’s The Bachelor and Extreme Makeover as well as numerous celebrities. His work will also be featured on the new show "Wedding Day" which will premiere on TNT in January. {He knows his stuff}

So listen up, kids-- Here are Rik's picks for 5 great wedding day looks:

Classic and sophisticated- the "James Bond look"

"The tux featured in the latest Bond classic Casino Royale is a one-button peak lapel formal piece. The tux shirt is a white point-spread collar, fly-front (covered placket). The tie is a black silk shantung (satin) bow tie. "

Sleek & Urban: For the hip and modern groom"Theory is a great slim fitting brand that still looks masculine and sophisticated. Pick up the mod looking Deauville Tux Coat and the Marco P white dress shirt for the wedding"

Casual and Classy for a Destination Wedding "An island destination wedding can still be an elegant affair. Soft and lightweight fabrics are the key."

Incorporating heritage into your look"Research appropriate wedding styles for your heritage."

Vintage wedding style: the Retro tuxedo"Consider a vintage tux look for your wedding: be on the look out for black tailcoat, paired back with a white waistcoat and tie."

Contact Rik today to start the GroomStudio experience with your Groom!

Jen & Joe

Jennifer and Joe were married and had their reception at Fernbank on July 26th. It was all in the details for this couple! The vibrant yellow, white and green color palette was dressed up with elegant touches of black. The florals were stunning and Jen made them extra special with details like attaching her Grandmother's brooch to her bouquet and putting a playful spider mum at each place setting. Jen and Joe also incorporated the "D" from their new last name in various places, including the custom aisle runner used for the beautiful ceremony in the lobby of the museum. And I just love that face when Joe sees Jen for the first time coming down the aisle! After the ceremony, it was onto the party! Guests enjoyed two specialty cocktails- the "Jen:" a martini twist on a classic margarita- and the "Joe:"- a spiked Cucumber Lemonade from one of their favorite restaurants. Jen and Joe's friends and family noshed on a delicious dinner, cake and even a "Marble Slab Creamery" where they could create their own ice cream treats. After Jen changed into a cute, short "getaway dress," the night ended with customized M&M favors in adorable packages, a sparkler exit and a suprise for the groom! Joe is a Tech grad so Jen arranged to have the Ramblin' Wreck for their exit car at the end of the night. I think Joe was suprised... and loved it! Thank you to Jenn and Will of The Decisive Moment for these great images!

My Inspiration Right Now...

Amy and Marco are using a simliar color palette for their wedding in the Spring and I just love it and have been obsessing over it as of late- especially the use of gray/slate/platinum in weddings in general. The yellow is also reminding me of the bright pops of yellow used at Jen and Joe's summer wedding which we will be featuring later this week. Stay tuned! Inspiration Board courtesy of Snippet and Ink

Check one....

While so many girls love the idea of their significant other following the tradition of popping the question down on one knee, I think this little note {from a little sussy} is just adorable!

Meet Amanda Gray!

Many of you may- or may not- know we have a Virginia branch of Ashley Baber Weddings. Amanda Gray is the brains behind our Northern operation that services Lynchburg, Roanoke, Blacksburg and the surrounding areas. I thought it was high time she had a proper introduction as she may guest blog from time to time... Here is a little more info about Amanda!

How did you get started in the wedding planning business? I have enjoyed planning weddings since I planned my own almost 4 years ago. I love the little details that go into making each wedding unique for the bride and groom. I have planned many weddings for friends, family and now clients over the years, forming realtionships with vendors in the area and all over Virginia.

What are some of your favorite moments of a client's special day? The best part is knowing that my client's are truly enjoying their day. I also love the planning process with each client- seeing the excitement and anticipation on the couple's faces the first time we meet, sending the bride down the aisle, and the smiles that come the rest of the day from the happy couple and their guests as everyone sees the bride and groom's vision come to fruition.

What is one trend in weddings that you absolutely love? I absolutely love using colors. No more 'blush and bashful!' The combinations of aqua and red, lavender and brown, fushia and navy- the possibilites go on and on! I think these modern combinations can appear trendy, but can also be used in classic ways for the wedding style you are hoping to achieve.

Besides weddings, what are some of your favorite pastimes? I really enjoy exploring Virginia. Don't get me wrong, trips to New York, Florida and Atlanta every so often are nice, but Virginia is where my heart is! Whether its Hokie Football in the Fall, canoeing on the James River in the Spring, or visiting nearby wineries, there's never a dull moment!

Color Palette photos courtesy of the knot

Mmmmm... Candy!

So, my laptop has crashed and I am in need of a pick-me-up... Sweets! We had a candy bar at our wedding this weekend and it never ceases to amaze me how much guests love candy and sweets and the end of the night. I thought these dessert bars {from Oh How Charming! and Amy Atlas via Style me Pretty} were pretty inspiring! Check out the post for lots of beautiful images of the bars and tips on how to make your very own. I am warning you- it will make you hungry! Yum--Enjoy!

Sneak Peak: "I Will to I Do"

What a lovely day! We had such a wonderful time working with all of the amazing vendors and the Atlantan Brides team to create the beautiful "Afternoon of Bridal Luxury" yesterday at King Plow. We are looking forward to getting pictures from 6 of 4 Creations who shot the event, but are excited to give you a sneak peak from Shawna Herring. Thank you to all of our current {and potential!} brides who attended- it was great to see you! And a huge thank you to Melanie at Lucky Paperie for her help with all of our stationary for the event. She quickly! and graciously printed the tags for our little champagne favors, our Gift Certificate for the giveaway and our informational handouts- thank you!!

PUG pics with Drew Newman Photography

I rarely stray from blogging just about weddings, but this was so fun, I had to share! My husband and I had the recent pleasure of having our photos taken by one of my favorite wedding photographers, Drew Newman. Drew has an effortless approach and makes his clients feel so comfortable while capturing and creating pure art with his photographs. He primarily shoots weddings, but I have really wanted to get some pictures with our "babies"- our pug dogs Bailey, Spencer and Ozzy- for quite some time now and he was kind enough to "shoot us." We have a special bond with our pugs- 2 of them are rescues. We adopted Ozzy- our little one-eyed pirate- through Southeast Pug Rescue. Thank you so much, Drew- we thoroughly enjoyed our time together and you captured our puggies perfectly!

The Atlantan Brides "I Will to I Do" Afternoon of Bridal Luxury is this Sunday!

Reminder: The Atlantan Brides "I Will to I Do" Event is this Sunday! Meet some of Atlanta's top bridal experts, enjoy exciting and unique cuisine and get inspiring design and fashion ideas for your wedding this Sunday at King Plow Arts Center beginning at 1 pm. RSVP today!