Wedding Planning Television™ Volume I: 4 Steps to Begin Your Wedding Planning Journey
So you're engaged! Now what!? Ashley takes you through the first 4 steps to start the wedding planning process.
Atlanta Finds
Happy Friday! I have stumbled upon some great finds in Atlanta and wanted to share.
I have long been fascinated with macarones- their multi-colored, bite-sized, Frenchy-ness, but I am not sure I had ever eaten one until last night. Huge. Mistake. Now I am in love. In particular, I am in love with the macarones from Crumb {a bakery}. The chocolate was to die for, but I love that the owner Sabrina had a lot of unique flavors such as lavender, pistachio and vanilla hazelnut. I adore these for weddings as favors for guests or as part of a dessert display... or just to eat any day of the week.
I discovered these macarones at a party for Ann Roth Shoes- a custom shoe boutique here in Atlanta. I love that you can customize bridal shoes for yourself (how sassy are the metallic heels below!?) or your whole bridal party in a multitude of colors, fabrics and embellishments. I think it would be so fun to have a bridesmaids tea or luncheon at Ann's new space at the Paisley Umbrella and have the girls customize their own espadrilles {that they would actually wear again} for a spring or summer wedding.
I am also digging on Aviary {an organic beauty collective}, Amy Leavell Bransford’s eco-conscious spa and salon, for organic pre-wedding (and every day) skin and hair care and pampering. The earthy “health and beauty collective” of aestheticians, stylists, and massage therapists is located at Studioplex in the Old Fourth Ward.
I have long been fascinated with macarones- their multi-colored, bite-sized, Frenchy-ness, but I am not sure I had ever eaten one until last night. Huge. Mistake. Now I am in love. In particular, I am in love with the macarones from Crumb {a bakery}. The chocolate was to die for, but I love that the owner Sabrina had a lot of unique flavors such as lavender, pistachio and vanilla hazelnut. I adore these for weddings as favors for guests or as part of a dessert display... or just to eat any day of the week.
I discovered these macarones at a party for Ann Roth Shoes- a custom shoe boutique here in Atlanta. I love that you can customize bridal shoes for yourself (how sassy are the metallic heels below!?) or your whole bridal party in a multitude of colors, fabrics and embellishments. I think it would be so fun to have a bridesmaids tea or luncheon at Ann's new space at the Paisley Umbrella and have the girls customize their own espadrilles {that they would actually wear again} for a spring or summer wedding.
I am also digging on Aviary {an organic beauty collective}, Amy Leavell Bransford’s eco-conscious spa and salon, for organic pre-wedding (and every day) skin and hair care and pampering. The earthy “health and beauty collective” of aestheticians, stylists, and massage therapists is located at Studioplex in the Old Fourth Ward.
Canary + Sky
Loving this color combo! Creature Comforts posted this great board from Snippet and Ink...
And then created super cute print-your-own table numbers based on this Martha Stewart tablescape.
Get the templates for the table numbers here.
And then created super cute print-your-own table numbers based on this Martha Stewart tablescape.
Get the templates for the table numbers here.
Fabulous Frock Friday
We are excited for the return of Fabulous Frock Friday today! I love this vintage inspired photo shoot from Brides Magazine. Here are a couple of our favorite photos and gowns from the shoot.
(L) Ivory silk jersey cowl–neck gown by Amsale, amsale.com (R) Ivory silk georgette and crystal–beaded empire–waist gown by Naeem Khan, naeemkahn.com.
(L) Ivory silk jersey cowl–neck gown by Amsale, amsale.com (R) Ivory silk georgette and crystal–beaded empire–waist gown by Naeem Khan, naeemkahn.com.
Ashley Baber Weddings on the Weddings Unveiled Blog Today!
We are honored to be featured on the Weddings Unveiled Magazine blog Completely Unveiled today. See our interview here and read more below.
Ashley Baber Weddings is based in Atlanta, GA and Virginia. To contact Ashley Baber Weddings, visit the company website by clicking here or call 678.591.4858 for Atlanta and 434.509.9092 for Virginia.
Weddings Unveiled: How did you become an event designer?
Ashley Baber: "What a long strange trip it's been" would probably best sum up my route to becoming a wedding planner. A lot of people don't know that I have a science degree. I attended the University of Colorado with the intention of going to medical or PT school and got a degree in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology with a minor in Philosophy. After graduating, I quickly realized I wasn't in love with the sciences after all. I had just gotten married... I enjoyed the planning process and was looking for a creative outlet. I started selling wedding gowns part time at one of the largest bridal salons in the country and was eventually asked to be a manager. I enjoyed learning about bridal fashion and meeting many of the top bridal designers in the country. That knowledge and passion for bridal fashion still influences me today. I loved being part of the gown selection process with brides, but I felt unfulfilled. I wanted to be with the bride throughout the whole planning process and see the wedding of her dreams comes to fruition. After helping plan many weddings for friends, friends-of-friends and family members, I knew I wanted to pursue wedding planning as a career. I briefly shadowed an Atlanta area planner and realized there was still a vast amount of knowledge that I had yet to acquire. So, I started working in a Catering and Sales position at a local venue for about a year and then left that job to pursue Ashley Baber Weddings full-time about three years ago. We opened our Virginia branch of the company 2 years ago. Literally it has been such a whirlwind and the rest... as they say... is history.
WU:Tell us how you work with engaged couples, whether as a team or individually.
AB: It varies. All of our clients work with me in some capacity throughout the planning process and some of our clients also get to work with our wonderful team members.
WU: Describe your wedding style.
AB: We obviously find beauty in designing, planning and coordinating weddings of all styles, however, my personal taste has me loving all things pretty, vintage, Southern- and lots of details!
WU: What inspires you?
AB: Literally... everything. Travel, magazines, books, people, history, fashion, flea markets, antique stores...
WU: How do you keep your ideas fresh?
AB: By constantly seeking out new things that inspire me and learning from what has and hasn't worked- logistically or design elements- in the past.
WU: What was your favorite wedding and why?
AB: This is virtually impossible for me to answer as I have loved being involved in all our clients weddings for various reasons- whether it be the couple's story or the gorgeous, well thought-out design. I suppose if I had to pick just one, it would be Ginny and Ed's 1920's inspired wedding at Serenbe in Palmetto, GA last year. Besides all of the amazing DIY details, the couple met in the 8th grade. The love and emotion was palpable and the decor made it feel like such a magical place in time.
WU: What makes Ashley Baber Weddings different from other wedding and event designers?
AB: There are so many terms for wedding planners these days- "consultant" "coordinator" "planner" "designer." I love the design elements of weddings, however we do not handle florals or rentals in-house, so I have a hard time calling myself solely a "designer." I would say that while we absolutely adore being involved in the conceptualization, design and decor process with each of our clients and collaborating with the talented vendors who pull it all together, I truly feel like we are great wedding planners- focused on impeccable logistics and execution.
WU: What would be your ideal wedding assignment or dream wedding to design?
AB: Ooooh - another hard question! I have so many "ideal" scenarios in my mind... maybe a vintage Parisian wedding?
WU: Tell us three things you can't live without.
AB: Professionally: my laptop/e-mail, my emergency kits (I carry 2) and the wonderful people around me (my team and supportive colleagues). Personally: quality time with my hubs, pugs, family and friends, regular manis/pedis and coffee. OK- and great red wine.
WU: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
AB: I am fortunate to know some of the "best of the best" in the wedding industry and I have made a point to listen to their stories and advice closely, hoping to emulate some of their success and avoid some of their admitted pitfalls. One of the most consistent pieces of advice they all share is to just be/do you. You're being hired and people like you because of YOU- whether it is your specific knowledge, design aesthetic or personality- YOU is something your competitors don't have. Also, I was once told by a makeup artist to "never wear cheap shoes," which has actually proven to be very smart advice.
WU: What is the best advice you can give to an engaged couple?
AB: I tell each of our clients these simple rules for a happy wedding planning process: Don't let the idea of the "big picture" overwhelm you. Instead, follow a timeline segmented into 3 month intervals so you can focus on the tasks at hand. This process should be FUN. And make the wedding about the two of you. The more details you can incorporate about each of you, your favorite things (music, food, etc.), how you met, so on and so forth, the more memorable your wedding will be.
Ashley Baber Weddings ~ Atlanta, GA
We've known the fabulous Ashley Baber for a while now and we couldn't wait to tell you more about this lovely, talented lady from Atlanta! Her company, Ashley Baber Weddings has been creating gorgeous, inspired events throughout the southeast for a number of years, with a fresh, modern approach to designing, planning and coordinating weddings. Read on to learn more about Ashley and why she's your perfect wedding day companion.Ashley Baber Weddings is based in Atlanta, GA and Virginia. To contact Ashley Baber Weddings, visit the company website by clicking here or call 678.591.4858 for Atlanta and 434.509.9092 for Virginia.
Weddings Unveiled: How did you become an event designer?
Ashley Baber: "What a long strange trip it's been" would probably best sum up my route to becoming a wedding planner. A lot of people don't know that I have a science degree. I attended the University of Colorado with the intention of going to medical or PT school and got a degree in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology with a minor in Philosophy. After graduating, I quickly realized I wasn't in love with the sciences after all. I had just gotten married... I enjoyed the planning process and was looking for a creative outlet. I started selling wedding gowns part time at one of the largest bridal salons in the country and was eventually asked to be a manager. I enjoyed learning about bridal fashion and meeting many of the top bridal designers in the country. That knowledge and passion for bridal fashion still influences me today. I loved being part of the gown selection process with brides, but I felt unfulfilled. I wanted to be with the bride throughout the whole planning process and see the wedding of her dreams comes to fruition. After helping plan many weddings for friends, friends-of-friends and family members, I knew I wanted to pursue wedding planning as a career. I briefly shadowed an Atlanta area planner and realized there was still a vast amount of knowledge that I had yet to acquire. So, I started working in a Catering and Sales position at a local venue for about a year and then left that job to pursue Ashley Baber Weddings full-time about three years ago. We opened our Virginia branch of the company 2 years ago. Literally it has been such a whirlwind and the rest... as they say... is history.
WU:Tell us how you work with engaged couples, whether as a team or individually.
AB: It varies. All of our clients work with me in some capacity throughout the planning process and some of our clients also get to work with our wonderful team members.
WU: Describe your wedding style.
AB: We obviously find beauty in designing, planning and coordinating weddings of all styles, however, my personal taste has me loving all things pretty, vintage, Southern- and lots of details!
WU: What inspires you?
AB: Literally... everything. Travel, magazines, books, people, history, fashion, flea markets, antique stores...
WU: How do you keep your ideas fresh?
AB: By constantly seeking out new things that inspire me and learning from what has and hasn't worked- logistically or design elements- in the past.
WU: What was your favorite wedding and why?
AB: This is virtually impossible for me to answer as I have loved being involved in all our clients weddings for various reasons- whether it be the couple's story or the gorgeous, well thought-out design. I suppose if I had to pick just one, it would be Ginny and Ed's 1920's inspired wedding at Serenbe in Palmetto, GA last year. Besides all of the amazing DIY details, the couple met in the 8th grade. The love and emotion was palpable and the decor made it feel like such a magical place in time.
WU: What makes Ashley Baber Weddings different from other wedding and event designers?
AB: There are so many terms for wedding planners these days- "consultant" "coordinator" "planner" "designer." I love the design elements of weddings, however we do not handle florals or rentals in-house, so I have a hard time calling myself solely a "designer." I would say that while we absolutely adore being involved in the conceptualization, design and decor process with each of our clients and collaborating with the talented vendors who pull it all together, I truly feel like we are great wedding planners- focused on impeccable logistics and execution.
WU: What would be your ideal wedding assignment or dream wedding to design?
AB: Ooooh - another hard question! I have so many "ideal" scenarios in my mind... maybe a vintage Parisian wedding?
WU: Tell us three things you can't live without.
AB: Professionally: my laptop/e-mail, my emergency kits (I carry 2) and the wonderful people around me (my team and supportive colleagues). Personally: quality time with my hubs, pugs, family and friends, regular manis/pedis and coffee. OK- and great red wine.
WU: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
AB: I am fortunate to know some of the "best of the best" in the wedding industry and I have made a point to listen to their stories and advice closely, hoping to emulate some of their success and avoid some of their admitted pitfalls. One of the most consistent pieces of advice they all share is to just be/do you. You're being hired and people like you because of YOU- whether it is your specific knowledge, design aesthetic or personality- YOU is something your competitors don't have. Also, I was once told by a makeup artist to "never wear cheap shoes," which has actually proven to be very smart advice.
WU: What is the best advice you can give to an engaged couple?
AB: I tell each of our clients these simple rules for a happy wedding planning process: Don't let the idea of the "big picture" overwhelm you. Instead, follow a timeline segmented into 3 month intervals so you can focus on the tasks at hand. This process should be FUN. And make the wedding about the two of you. The more details you can incorporate about each of you, your favorite things (music, food, etc.), how you met, so on and so forth, the more memorable your wedding will be.
Karuna & Daniel: Part III
Karuna and Daniel's third day of wedding celebrations took place back at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. The Indian wedding ceremony was so special and I just loved the gorgeous, ornate Mandap. The reception was a blast complete with a DJ and a comedian who had the crowd laughing hysterically. Some of my favorite details were the orchids and crystals that adorned the tables and the cake table, which was so modern and unique all lit up.
A huge thank you to Drew Newman for sharing all of these gorgeous images. Karuna and Daniel- it was such a pleasure to work with you on this fabulous wedding weekend. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your special day.
A huge thank you to Drew Newman for sharing all of these gorgeous images. Karuna and Daniel- it was such a pleasure to work with you on this fabulous wedding weekend. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your special day.
Karuna & Daniel: Part II
Day two of Karuna and Daniel's wedding weekend took place at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and included a Jewish wedding ceremony and a pretty purple color palette.
Daniel had a special R&B entertainer flown in from Jamaica that kept the guests dancing late into the night.
I love this video from Evolution Video...
Thank you Drew Newman for these photos. Up next... the final day of Karuna and Daniel's wedding weekend.
Daniel had a special R&B entertainer flown in from Jamaica that kept the guests dancing late into the night.
I love this video from Evolution Video...
Thank you Drew Newman for these photos. Up next... the final day of Karuna and Daniel's wedding weekend.
Karuna & Daniel: Part I
Karuna and Daniel had what we have affectionately come to refer to as a "Wedding Weekend Extravaganza." A three day celebration that began at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead on August 22nd. The weekend began with a party for all of the ladies where they had mehndi applied to their hands, arms and feet.
Karuna and Daniel had an opportunity to see one another for some photos in Buckhead before the Sangeet party.
Karuna decided she would like the Sangeet decor to be inspired by the sea- lots of blues, whites and even shell details.
All of the women in attendance had the opportunity to partake in mehndi and all of the guests enjoyed listening to the amazing band flown in from Bombay.
Thank you Drew Newman for these photos. Up next... Day two of the celebrations- the couple's Jewish wedding ceremony at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Karuna and Daniel had an opportunity to see one another for some photos in Buckhead before the Sangeet party.
Karuna decided she would like the Sangeet decor to be inspired by the sea- lots of blues, whites and even shell details.
All of the women in attendance had the opportunity to partake in mehndi and all of the guests enjoyed listening to the amazing band flown in from Bombay.
Thank you Drew Newman for these photos. Up next... Day two of the celebrations- the couple's Jewish wedding ceremony at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Ashley & Daniel's E-Session
We are excited for Ashley and Daniel's Spring wedding and loved seeing their fun e-session over on W. Scott Chester's blog. Here are a few of our favorite images...
Giveaway! Upcoming Atlanta Events
It has been a while since we have done a fab giveaway. Well, today we are going to make it up to you by offering THREE great prizes to three lucky brides-to-be. Enter for your chance to win tickets to one of the following events by e-mailing me: ashley {at} ashleybaberweddings {dot} com with GIVEAWAY in the subject line. Feel free to specify if there is one event in particular that you would like to attend. The first bride to respond for each event will be chosen as the winner.
The second Annual A Bride for All Seasons at the luxurious Four Seasons Atlanta will be held on Sunday, January 24th from two to five o'clock in the evening. Brides and Grooms will enjoy and afternoon of fine dining drinks and pampering in addition to picking up some fabulous ideas for their big day. This event is sponsored by The Atlantan Brides magazine. Find more information and purchase tickets to the event here.
And a fabulous NEW event has come to town! The Art of Weddings will be held Friday, February 19th from 7-11 pm at the Bill Lowe Gallery. The event will showcase some serious Atlanta talent including a runway show featuring Project Runway alum Heidi Elnora's 2010 bridal gowns. ALL of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I am giving away a VIP ticket to this event which includes a pre-show preview, swag bag, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Purchase tickets and learn more about this event here.
The NotWedding is near and dear to my heart after planning the event last year. I am excited it is back and headed up by the Atlanta Occasions team. The NotWedding 2010 will be held on February 28th at Puritan Mill. Learn more about The NotWedding and purchase tickets here.
The second Annual A Bride for All Seasons at the luxurious Four Seasons Atlanta will be held on Sunday, January 24th from two to five o'clock in the evening. Brides and Grooms will enjoy and afternoon of fine dining drinks and pampering in addition to picking up some fabulous ideas for their big day. This event is sponsored by The Atlantan Brides magazine. Find more information and purchase tickets to the event here.
And a fabulous NEW event has come to town! The Art of Weddings will be held Friday, February 19th from 7-11 pm at the Bill Lowe Gallery. The event will showcase some serious Atlanta talent including a runway show featuring Project Runway alum Heidi Elnora's 2010 bridal gowns. ALL of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I am giving away a VIP ticket to this event which includes a pre-show preview, swag bag, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Purchase tickets and learn more about this event here.
The NotWedding is near and dear to my heart after planning the event last year. I am excited it is back and headed up by the Atlanta Occasions team. The NotWedding 2010 will be held on February 28th at Puritan Mill. Learn more about The NotWedding and purchase tickets here.DIY Redux
I know the vintage tea tins can be a little tricky to find. Equally as adorable are these vintage coffee tins from Coffee City USA. I especially love them for a brunch wedding and if you prefer not to use them in the decor, they would make sweet favors.
Megan & Sean
Megan and Sean were married at Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, Georgia on September 6th. Megan was meticulous in creating fabulous DIY details for the wedding.
We love everything about this wedding, but these are a few of our favorite things. The bridesmaids dresses from etsy...
...and the Groom and Groomsmen's monogrammed Chuck Taylors.
Megan and Sean arranged to have lawn games for their guests to enjoy {and they managed to enjoy the games themselves a bit, as well}.
This pie truck was too cute. Instead of cake, Megan and Sean ordered a variety of fruit pies for dessert. We arranged them in the back of this vintage truck.
The vintage truck was later re-used for the couple's exit along with the DIY "Just Married" sign.
Congratulations, Megan and Sean! It was such a pleasure working with you. Thank you to Alan Friedman for sharing these beautiful pictures with us!
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