DO have fun with your pre-wedding photos
DO see each other before your ceremony for pictures. OK- I realize this isn't right for everyone, but definitely consider your ceremony and reception venues' photography options as well as lighting/sunset times after your ceremony and make an educated decision. Maybe the hotel you are gettting ready in has a gorgeous Lobby that would be a perfect backdrop for your photos rather than the standard photos at the altar after the ceremony.... We often hear that everyone feels more relaxed if the Bride and Groom have seen each other before the ceremony. You will have more time for great photo ops before the ceremony and more time to socialize with your guests and/or get a drink and bite to eat after the ceremony.
DO something different with your florals. Sarah and Todd chose a classic color palette of green, white and black, but added a major pop of color with unique pink florals from
Foxgloves and Ivy. I thought Sarah's bouquet {made of Esperance roses, Topaz roses, Garnet Glow miniature callas, shell pink spray roses, pink ranunculus, Dutch tulips and Nerines} was a show stopper! And I love that Todd's boutonniere was a Nerine- very unique!
DO incorporate great personal touches. Sarah and Todd had pictures of each of their parents on their wedding day on the mantles.
DO use your engagement photos wisely. Sarah and Todd made their guest book with photos from their engagement photo shoot {"e-session"}, which allowed them to have a wonderful keepsake that includes these photos
and lets guests get a peek at these images as well.
DO consider your venue when choosing your florals. The ballroom at the Wimbish Mansion has very high ceilings, so it was aesthetically pleasing and impactful to have high and low arrangements to give the space depth.
DO include stationery touches that tie in your color palette and provide your guests with relevant information.
DO eat. We always, always, always ensure that our Bride and Groom have an opportunity to eat. You will undoubtedly have a drink or two and will need something on your stomach. You will also need to keep your energy up for lots of dancing! Also,
DO reuse your florals when possible. We used Sarah's bouquet as the centerpiece on the Sweetheart table.
DO you. Sarah's cake was gorgeous and coordinated perfectly with the weddings details. Instead of a standard groom's cake with a sports theme, etc., the couple opted for Todd's favorite cake- caramel cake from
A Piece of Cake.
And MOST IMPORTANTLY DO savor every moment of your day. Leave the details to the pros.
I am skipping ahead on this, but I am so excited that I already have images from one of our weddings this weekend, I just had to share. You first heard about Kristi and Adam here. They were married this weekend at Houston Mill House. Their eco-friendly soiree included lots of navy as well as white and green florals and details. Guests enjoyed a photo backdrop to take photos in front of during cocktail hour. After dinner, guests danced and enjoyed cake {sitting atop a tree stump stand!} and mini cinnamon and sugar doughnut holes with the coffee station. And in true eco-chic style, guests were given a tree to plant as their favor. Best Wishes for the future, Kristi and Adam! Thank you Christine Gallagher for getting these beautiful images to us so quickly!
