Unique Photo Designs to Enhance Your Wedding Ceremony

My friend Anne Barnby creates the most amazing photo designs you can imagine. As stated in my last post, I adore pictures. Anne's creations are simply amazing and will only improve the decor at any wedding, no matter what you're envisioning. All brides these days are looking for something unique that will make their wedding stand out in their guests' minds. If you are looking for an exclusive design for your guest book, a layout for your engagement photos, the decorations for your tables, then the Go2Girl is where you need to shop next. Don't just take my word for it, visit Anne's site yourself and check out her book designs. I've also got some pictures of her photo cubes below.

Anne Barnby is also now my decorator for Wonderfully Wed. If you need assistance in creating the perfect reception, Anne will take your dreams and vision and make them a reality.

Anne and I with our beautiful booth (which she decorated) at the Spring Bridal Show.

Erin Joyner, Wedding Planner, Bryan College Station, TX

Tools to help in the Search for the Perfect Dress

The expedition to find your wedding dress can be frustrating and time consuming. Not every bride's budget will allow her to fly to New York, London or elsewhere to find the best and most stylish dresses available. I found a resource to assist brides in their search for the attire that will make her groom's jaw drop. It is called Dimitra Designs, and is a dress shop based out of South Carolina. However, they also have a webpage which is uniquely categorized to help you decide on that perfect dress. It also advises you in bridesmaid dress selection, jewelry choice, mothers' dresses, accessories and more. They have developed a blog which gives great tips for all sorts of occasions; a successful destination wedding, fabulous photos, choosing flower girl dresses and much more. So check out Dimitra Designs when you are exploring dress selection. Let them aid you in making that method easier, less time consuming, and more affordable.

Erin Joyner, Wedding Planner, Bryan/College Station, TX

2012's Trendy Wedding Color

Trendy colors are interesting to me because I love color. One of my favorite aspects of weddings is the colors the bride and groom choose. There are so many hue combinations to choose from in flowers, decor and linens.

According to Pantone's, the 2012 Color of the Year is Tangerine Tango. This color pallete will give you some ideas for colors that will blend and accent this color of the year. It would be perfect for a spring, summer or fall wedding!

Erin Joyner, Wedding Coordinator/Planner, College Station/Bryan, TX

More Weddings!

Last weekend, I had the privilege of participating in the wedding of a girl (uh hem) woman I've known since she was about 6 years old. Bethany has always been a beautiful person on the inside and out and was one of those children you just knew was destined for something truly special.

Bethany is now a professional dancer, and met her husband in the Netherlands while she was participating in a mission based dance program. Bethany is an amazing dancer and when she dances, she is communing with the Lord. So, we viewed numerous dance performances (including one that Bethany had filmed beforehand for her awaiting husband-to-be just before she walked down the aisle) All the performances were truly amazing and beautiful. We worshiped, we cried, we laughed. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever witnessed.

The photographer was Michelle B Photgraphee. I was searching through her blog right now and her pictures from the wedding are spectacular. The cakes were incredible creations by Fabulous Fare. As always, they were simply fabulous! The ceremony was held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the reception taking place at the S.O.S Ministries facility. The amazing food was provided by Casa Rodriguez. It was delicious. Words cannot describe the beauty of this very special day.

With such a tremendous beginning, I have no doubt this couple will sustain the marriage that the Lord intended for them to have. I wish you many blessings and wonderful years together, Patrick and Bethany!

Erin Joyner, Wedding Coordinator, College Station, Bryan, TX

Keeping Wedding Guests Cool in Triple Digit Temperatures

I recently asked some of my friends who own outdoor venues what they recommend to brides to help them keep their guests cool in this excruciating hot Texas weather.

Darlynne Beard from The Greenbranch said:

...Inform your guests.

In your printed invitation, state that you are having an "outdoor garden wedding". This is very important especially for older family members and guests. Overheating could pose a health risk to them.

...Adjust your wedding time.

In the movies outdoor weddings do look so beautiful, but remember they are filmed in cool California! During our Texas summers, 6:00 in the evening can be the hottest time of the day. Think about having your wedding either early or late. If your wedding venue has a shaded morning site, a 10:00 am wedding followed by a brunch could be a hit. When planning a summer evening wedding, adjust your time to as late as possible. Your guests will thank you and the bride will have a beautiful sunset glow.

...Keep family and guests cool.

Encourage your ushers to have family and guests wait inside the air conditioned spaces of your venue and reception area. When the wedding party is ready to lineup for the ceremony, have the ushers dismiss

the guests to seat themselves because the wedding is about to begin.

...Provide cool water.

Printed labels on water bottles with name/date on them can be iced and ready for the wedding ceremony. Try color coordinating several large plastic tubs; these will look great to hold your water bottles.

...A wedding favor that everyone will like.

Instead of using the old-fashioned paper fan with your wedding ceremony information printed on it, invest in a real fan! The paper ones really are just no help at all when it is hot. Go online and research and you will find grass woven fans from the islands or even wooden or cloth fans. This will be a gift they will use and keep.

If the budget won't allow this , then buy then, get them back from your guests, and then sell them on e-bay!

Kelley Shelton from Mesina Hoff:

We suggest Fans as programs; White Sun Umbrellas as a favor to the guests given at the Outdoor Ceremony Site; or Personalized Bottle Water. We also have set-up Lemonade Stands at the Ceremony.

Jerry Wagnon from Rock Lake Ranch states:

At Rock Lake Ranch, our best defense against the heat is the siting and design of our Waterfront Pavilion and ceremony site. We ensure that there is shading from large oak trees over the ceremony site and we keep sunscreens as well as regular canvas panels down on the west side of the Pavilion to shield the floors, tables and chairs from the sun during the day. We raise the panels in the evening, since we have a nice breeze off the pond from the south to make the area quite pleasant. We have an air conditioned service building with restrooms as well as a super-chilled room for the cake and hors d’oeuvre. Finally, we provide a place to set up a lemonade station as guests arrive.

Applying these tips from the experts will ensure that your guests remembering your wedding and NOT the hot temperature!

Erin Joyner, Wedding Planner, Bryan/College Station, TX

Changing Wedding Dresses

I was flipping through news this morning and came across an article that sparked my brain as a topic for this blog entry. Kate Moss married rocker Jamie Hince today in England. I don't really follow celebrity gossip very often, (except while standing in line at the grocery store) but this particular article was interesting to me because Kate changed dresses four times throughout the celebration. (Also the groom wore a pale blue tuxedo)

This is not the first time I've heard of this trend. It seems to be becoming more popular among the rich and famous. However, for many modern brides, following these types of trends is extremely important and they desire to be like to stars that they adore. The interesting aspect of trends is that they tend to cycle around. (powder blue tuxedos were extremely popular in the 1970's) I began to think of how brides used to change before they left their reception for their honeymoon. The going away outfit was just as important as the wedding dress. Some brides still opt for changing wardrobes, while others feel as though this is the only day they will wear their wedding dress, so they want to keep it on for as long as possible. I personally feel that changing dresses four times is a bit elaborate, but if you have the money to do it, there is some logic to it. If you like to dance, you may be more comfortable in a shorter dress. Likewise, you could opt for a wedding dress with a removable train and remove your veil to make yourself more comfortable. If you plan a cocktail hour after the ceremony and before the reception, a nice cocktail dress would be spectacular. Also, if you have a long ride to the airport or hotel in which you are staying, changing before you leave the reception is a fabulous idea.

Overall, your wedding and reception should be a reflection of who you are everyday. So, if you are a follower of celebrity gossip, then planning on several dresses is the way to go.

Erin Joyner, Wedding Coordinator College Station/Bryan, TX

Choosing a Bridesmaid dress

I was thinking about one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies last night. From 27 Dresses... Bride: "Aren't these dresses great? And the best thing about them, is you can shorten them and wear them again!" Jane: "That is definitely so true!" As I'm watching this (for the 20th time. The opening scene has me in stitches every time I watch it) I'm thinking, "There is no way she will ever wear that again. Just like my bridesmaids probably never wore theirs again, nor did I ever wear my bridesmaids dresses again." And, we come to find out later, Jane's 27 bridesmaids dresses sit tucked away in her closet of her studio apartment, never worn again.

I have been married almost 14 years, and the trend of allowing your bridesmaids to pick their own dresses within certain color and style boundaries was just beginning when I got married. My mom tried to talk me into choosing that option, but I really wanted all my bridesmaids to wear the same dress. Why? I guess because it's tradition. Now that I'm older, my practical side is much stronger, and I actually prefer the look that so many brides are turning to which is allowing their wedding party to chose their own style of dress. When I was choosing my dress style, I DID chose a style that I knew would look fabulous on all my friends. My party consisted of women with several different heights and body types and I didn't want anyone to feel self conscience. But let's face it, bigger busted women don't look good or feel comfortable in strapless dresses, shorter girls look better in shorter skirts, skinny minis look good in just about every style, red heads look terrible in white, and there is a good chance that you will have a wide range of all body types, heights and color wheels in your wedding party.

So, I enjoy the trend of allowing your wedding party to wear a black dress, or a pink dress or whatever your color scheme may be. That way, your bridesmaids can choose a style they will love and feel confident about wearing. It also allows them to spend the amount of money they desire. Some are on tight budgets and are incredible bargain shoppers who could find a fabulous dress for much less money than the bridal shops will charge. There are some bridal lines that are catching on to this idea as well. They create a line of dresses that are the exact same color but

there are several different styles from which to chose. That way, each of your friends can choose the style they feel will look best with their body type and will feel the most comfortable. However, if you go with this option, try not to choose a color like lime green or lemon yellow. Certain skin tones look terribly washed out in these colors. Try to chose a universal color for your bridesmaids that will match your color scheme for your wedding. Or maybe chose a different shade of salmon, which is another color that not very many people can pull off and look great.

Remember, your friends are here for your big day and they want to please you. However, they, too, will be standing up in front of hundreds of people while you and your fiance say your "I do's". They will also appear in hundreds of pictures. You want them to look fabulous and feel comfortable in what they are wearing. Do you really want them to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress that is going to hang in their closet and never be worn again? Chances are, if they have some say in at least the style, they will not only wear it again, they will be grateful to you for your flexibility and generosity. And remember, someday you may be standing with them on their big day just like all the 27 brides lined up for Jane's big day. Hopefully, if you are considerate of them, they will remember that when choosing the bridesmaid dress you will wear while standing in front of hundreds of their friends and relatives....

Below, two of my favorite quotes from 27 Dresses concerning the bridesmaid dresses.

"What color is that? Vomit?"

"What was the wedding theme? Humiliation?" Kevin (Malcolm) Doyl

Erin Joyner, Wedding Coordinator, Bryan College Station, TX

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings are incredibly beautiful! Marrying the love of your life encased in the backdrop of God's amazing creation can produce a memorable day for everyone. However, outdoor weddings can be complete disasters as well. Here are some tips for creating a spectacular outdoor wedding based on my experience.

1. Have a back up plan for poor weather. Many outdoor venues have options for holding the ceremony indoors in case nature does not cooperate. However, if yours does not have this, then consider renting a tent or having an alternative location for your site. I have a friend who told me she wished she had known me when she was planning her wedding. She had an outdoor ceremony arranged with no back-up plan in mind. It poured down rain all day on her wedding day. At the last minute, they had to move everything to a church and although it worked out(and they are still married!), she would have preferred to plan for rain instead of frantically relocating at the last minute.

2. If it is summertime, plan an early morning wedding or later evening ceremony. My friends, Jim and Darlynne Beard, own an outdoor venue, The Greenbranch, and they will not allow their clients to have their ceremonies before 7:00 pm because of their past experience with the heat and sun. One of my brides asked me to coordinate for weekend of services only. The date and time had already been set before they hired me, so I had no input for the time. It was a July wedding which began at 4:00 in the afternoon in Texas. If you've never been to Texas in July, then let me tell you. It was in the upper 90's that day. Gratefully, the venue in which this ceremony was held, 7-F Lodge, has an indoor area, so was I able to allow guests to stay in the air conditioning until right before the ceremony began. Also, the ceremony was short (another aspect to consider if you chose to get married outside) so the guests were not too uncomfortable for a long period of time. However, if would have much more comfortable for everyone had the ceremony been held several hours later when it was not so hot.

On the flip side, if you are having a fall or winter wedding, rent some heaters to keep guests comfortable.

3. If you get married in the summer, consider what heat does to your cake, flowers, hair, make-up and other aspects of your special day. I would highly recommend that you hire professionals to take care of these areas of your ceremony, because they are trained to keep everything looking fresh in the heat. See this previous post I wrote about what the heat can do to a store bought cake.

4. Have a plan for keeping away insects. Some brides and grooms place insect repellent at each table for guests to spray and keep the mosquitoes away. You can also utilize citronella candles for a more romantic atmosphere as well as the Tiki torches for a more tropical feel. No matter what you choose, it is something that is necessary so that your guests greatest memory of your wedding WON'T be getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.

5. If there is no indoor or enclosed area (such as a pavilion or covered patio) at your venue, rent a tent for your cake and food. The wind can blow all sorts of critters and dirt and ruin your meal and cake. Having this extra protection can guarantee that your food does not get contaminated by the natural elements.

6. You will most likely need a sound system so you can mic your officiant. It's more difficult to hear him/her in an outside location.

7. Consider your decorations for your event. There are so many beautiful aspects of being outside that too many decorations can take away from the natural beauty of a location. Ask your florist to show you pictures of decor they have used at your particular venue before making decisions on enhancements you will use for your wedding.

8. Keep your guests hydrated. Whether the conditions are hot or cold, have plenty of liquids to keep your guests comfortable. If it is sweltering, then keep iced water and tea on hand. Alcohol dehydrates, so make sure you have plenty of other liquids to balance out this effect. If it is chilly, then serve hot chocolate and coffee to keep your guests toasty. Water is also a great asset in the wintertime. You want your wedding to be everything you dreamed it would be, but you also need to strongly consider your guests comfort level in all aspects of your ceremony.

9. Have a website for guests to view in order for them to know if the wedding has been moved if the weather is not cooperating. Websites are the newest way brides and grooms utilize technology to keep their guests informed of wedding plans and for RSVP's. Beware, though, older generations don't always embrace this type of communication and may or may not remember to RSVP!

10. Hire a wedding coordinator. He/she can help you think through aspects of hosting an outdoor wedding that you may not consider. He/she can also lead you to the very best venues in your area for having an outdoor ceremony. Plus, on your big day, you can relax, get your nails, hair and make-up done while he/she takes care of all the details for you!

Honeymoon Getaways

Next to your wedding plans, deciding on the honeymoon is definitely the most important decision you will make regarding your big day. My husband and I decided to keep ours simple. We had a wonderful time at some locations in Texas which are now very special to our hearts since we spent there the first several days as husband and wife.

I was curious about beaches, and found this Top 10 list. These venues are exotic and remote, but seem wonderfully romantic. You will have to travel far from home if you are a U.S. native, but to many, the trip would be well worth the time.

For those of you who would prefer to stay stateside, there are amazing beaches in California, Florida and Michigan. If you prefer the mountains, my personal favorites are the Rockies where there are many opportunities for white water rafting, skiing, hiking, or just sight-seeing in the mountains. There's always the entertainment locations like Las Vegas, Disneyland/World or New York. Sonoma, Arizona is breathtakingly beautiful as well as the Grand Canyon. Another hot spot is the New England area (for history buffs) and I hear the fall colors are awe-inspiring.

Whatever you fancy, make sure you plan well and set out to enjoy one another. Your first moments together as husband and wife are ones you will treasure for the rest of your lives!

Erin Joyner, Wedding Coordinator, Bryan/College Station, TX

Kate's Dress Spurs on New Wedding Gown Trends

It's ironic; I was thinking about my wedding dress just yesterday and wondering what I will ever do with it. I, like so many other women, had my dress specially cleaned and boxed to save for my future daughter in hopes that she would be honored to wear her mother's wedding dress.

Almost fourteen years later, I have four sons, and no candidate to wear my wedding gown, unless one of my future daughters-in-law might possibly want to wear it. It makes me sad, because my gown is absolutely beautiful, and I probably could have sold it 14 years ago. However, with today's trends in strapless dresses, mine is clearly outdated with beautiful, lacy, long sleeves. Then a thought occurred to me; my dress is a similar style to the new Duchess of Cambridge and I wondered if Kate's style of dress would start a new trend. While looking at facebook today, I found my answer in this blog.

Just because trends are moving back to more traditional with lace sleeves doesn't mean I'll be able to sell my wedding dress, I realize. I'm not even sure I would be able to part with it. However, since that is the style I chose, it's still my favorite, so I will enjoy watching my brides trend toward lacy sleeves and long trains again. Thank you so much, Kate!

Erin Joyner, Wedding Coordinator, Bryan/College Station, TX