With the popularity of Downton Abbey and the upcoming release of The Great Gatsby in May, the 20′s are definitely roaring back! Many are choosing this theme for their weddings and I couldn’t be happier. This bygone era exudes lavishness and fun~what better inspiration for a wedding?
Dropped waist gowns, beading in art deco patterns, long strands of pearls, what’s not to love? Ivories were much more popular in the 1920′s than stark white and I find them more complimentary to everyone’s skin tone. Don’t even get me started on the head wear! Cloche hats, soft veils that “capped” the head, beaded bands in the hair, feathers~swoon! Fashions really came of age during the 20′s and many of our designs these days are still heavily influenced by them. 
The 1920′s bride did not leave for the church without her accessories! (I so could have enjoyed living back then!) High heels, trend setting handbags, gloves and lots of pearls were a must! Pumps from that era were not all that different from ours today (minus the platform). Most were very feminine featuring lace detail and ribbon accents. Handbags sparkled and glistened with beading and sequins. Elaborate embroidery, fringe and tassels were all popular design elements as well.
Let’s not forget about a little something for the groom! The 1920′s was a time when men truly dressed like men in my opinion. Suits and ties, overcoats with hats and 
gloves~it’s like lingerie for women! 
Morning suits and tailcoats were the standard attire for grooms. Top hats and gloves rounded out the groom’s accessories on wedding day.
If you are looking for a fun and trendy theme for your wedding day, the 1920′s is definitely one that will get your guests involved and having fun. Don’t forget the mustaches. feather boas and long cigarette holders for photo booth props!
Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!
Celine and Chris were married in a touching ceremony at the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta. Afterwards they shared in a fun, intimate reception with close friends and family. Best wishes on a long and happy marriage!
Photos Courtesy of A Day in the Life Photography
Olivia and Joe were one of the sweetest couples I have worked with! Olivia, a soft spoken, compassionate nurse and Joe a true southern gentleman serving his country in the military turned prince and princess for the day in a beautiful ceremony followed by a candle lit reception.
Details were definitely on hand with custom table numbers, photos of the bride and groom through the years, candles galore and personalized favors to name a few!
The bride and groom were center stage from their arrival down the spiral staircase of the South Atrium at Atlanta Financial Center, their romantic first dance, cutting the beautiful cake supplied by Sweet Stuff, LLC until their sparkler lit departure! While all eyes were on them, they only had eyes for one another!
Olivia and Joe truly are, as their favors said "The Perfect Blend"!
Photos Courtesy of Jeffrey Franks Photography
I was honored to be a part of the wonderful team that helped Lindsay and Kurt have the wedding of their dreams! From the beautiful gown the bride wore to the monogrammed cocktail napkins, no detail was left unattended!
The bridal party began their day (in matching outfits) with hair, make up and mimosas! Meanwhile, the guys were getting "cleaned up" and looking rather handsome. A fun photo shoot with Paperlily Photography followed and culminated in the romantic "first look" shared by the bride and groom just before the ceremony.
As soon as the I Do's were said, it was one short trolley ride to the Biltmore Ballrooms to party with friends and family! The ballroom was breath taking thanks to Holland Muscio of Balloonacy and Floral by Holland. Peonies, hydrangea and crystals were plentiful and expertly arranged. But the eye candy didn't stop there…..the bride's ribbon wrapped four tiered cake featured cascading peonies and was gorgeous! And speaking of cake, the groom's cake was a nod to both the bride and groom's alma mater, the University of Alabama. Roll Tide!
There was most definitely not a shortage of entertainment with Photobooth Phun and the band Super T in the house! The guests danced and sang along, left great messages and photos to cherish in the scrapbook created right on site for the bride and groom.
Enjoy the photos and gain some inspiration for your own wedding celebration! Happy Planning!!
Photos Courtesy of Paperlily Photography
I have been asked many times by couples how to choose a caterer. These tips will help guide you through the process as smoothly as possible.
All caterers aren't created equal. These days, it is all about standing out in a crowded industry and making name for yourself so that your business will grow. Some caterers are known for fancy fare, some for "down home" comfort foods and some may serve ethnic foods from their country of origin. It is crucial that you like the foods being served at your reception. Many will not offer a tasting until you have booked with them while others are learning that can be a turn off because you don't want to be locked into a contract and then find the food isn't to your liking so they offer a tasting upon your first meeting. Ask about tastings when you first begin speaking with a company, don't be rudely surprised down the road when it is too late.
Ask what comes standard in the contract. All caterers do not bring china, glasses and flatware unless specified in the contract and most charge a fee for this service. Ask if they have linens, not only for stations they may be setting up for you but for your guest tables as well. If linens are not part of the package, find a reputable linen company in your area and remember you are not only dressing your guest tables but the cake table, gift table, and sign in table to name a few.
Cutting costs in catering is always a concern with brides and grooms. A recent article I read made a very good point and said to focus on your cocktail hour food. This is the first thing your guests will taste and passed minis make an impact. Opt for cheaper cuts of meat and plenty of vegetables when planning your main meal. Be careful to say away from foods that you know many in your circle of family and friends do not care for and time consuming dishes as well. While we are on the subject of family and friends, if there is a dish you have loved all your life, maybe a recipe of mom's, don't be afraid to ask the caterer to add it to the menu…it is your day after all, enjoy it!
A couple of fun trends to ask your caterer about right now are mini everything and food trucks! Slider burgers and a small paper cone of fries as a midnight snack are always a hit with the younger crowd. Food trucks delivering everything from tacos to doughnuts can be found in most areas.
Remember to ask lots of questions and keep good notes when speaking to catering companies. Ask for sample menus, about substitutions, and staffing. Be sure there will be some staff left at the end of the event to help bartenders clean up abandoned drinks and remove the garbage. Your mother and your wedding planner do not qualify as catering staff! :)
The New Year is supposed to be a time where you look back and reflect on the past year, but we thought what better way to end 2011 with a glance into the Jenny Yoo future! Below is what is to come in 2012. These styles will be gracing the showroom floors in February and we can’t wait. Enjoy!
Weddings are a formal event, even when being held under a tree outside a barn! Celebrate your special day with the most special drink reserved for just such occasions…champagne! In lieu of expensive centerpieces, try a champagne tower surrounded by candles. The light reflecting off of beautiful crystal flutes and all of those "tiny bubbles" will make an elegant impression on your guests. And just think, drinks at hand so guests don't have to get up and wait staff are never late bringing that refill!
You might also incorporate champagne into the day by serving a palate cleansing sorbet between dinner and that decadent dessert, the wedding cake! There are many different flavors that can be made to complement your wedding cake. Ask your caterer to come up with a few delicious samples for your tasting and enjoy!
"Great Love Affairs Start with Champagne"
-Honore De Balzac
Right after the excitement of the engagement wears off, comes the fear of the wedding cost. Many brides have been lead to believe they can only save money by doing things themselves (DIY WEDDINGS). I am here to tell you that is not true! When you add up the cost of materials and the time you and your bridesmaids put into these tasks (if you can get them to participate) you usually come out the same if not end up spending more. Hire professionals and stick to your budget guns and you can have a beautiful wedding!
Hiring a wedding planner is an expense many brides have tried to do away with in today's economy. Did you know that your wedding planner may end up saving you more money than it cost to hire them in the first place? It's true! Wedding planners have contacts with other vendors in the wedding industry and develop great working relationships over time. Your wedding planner may frequently take brides to "Florist A" and in doing so has helped "Florist A" to develop a thriving business. "Florist A" is no doubt grateful and passes along a discount to the wedding planners client as a professional courtesy. Just think if this is the case with your wedding planner and they have wonderful relationships with not only florist, but caterers and bakers alike! The savings can really start to pile up and before long you have paid the wedding planner and gotten everything you wanted all while having someone else make all of your appointments and take care of the fine print!!
Your wedding planner should pass along a few helpful tips to save you money in your wedding budget. Tips like offering a signature drink instead of a full bar, comparison shop for your cake (get a pretty faux from the bakers displays and have sheet cakes hidden in the kitchen for serving!), select in season blooms for your bouquet and centerpieces and while you are at it, make those alter arrangements do double duty and place them on the buffet tables, use what you have…vases, boxes, cans..borrow vessels from friends and family. Celebrate your ceremony and reception on an "off day". Fridays and Sundays are almost always more economical solutions. Using these tips, setting your priorities and hiring a professional planner will no doubt save you money on your wedding budget! Happy Planning!!
Many young ladies became engaged over the holiday season and are sporting a little bling bling on their left hands these days. Remember to keep your ring safe and looking beautiful with these wonderful tips found on Martha Stewart Weddings.