Real Wedding: Kenyatta and Garrett

On Sunday, September 6th, the DE Team had the honor of directing a wedding for Garrett and his gorgeous princess bride, Kenyatta.  The ceremony and reception took place at Eaglewood Resort and Spa on the hottest day in September.  The temp was 96 degrees for this outdoor wedding and indoor tented reception, but their 150+ guests didn't complain.

Take a look at the this beautiful wedding in the Pantone Colors of the Year - Serenity and Rose Quart:

The bride wore Christian Louboutin's! Love them!!!

Her princess gown was Olga Cassini via David's Bridal

Kenyatta was stunning holding her bouquet created by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Stunning custom wedding invitations and day-of stationery created by DBY Invitations and Events

The bride exited the Cinderella carriage provided by Jim & Becky's and walked down the aisle with her son

Mr. & Mrs.

Kenyatta and Garrett's sweetheart table with charges from DBY Invitations

Love the details

Look at the details in this cake provided by Delish Cakes

LOVE!!!

Crystal candle holder and candelabra centerpieces by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Gorgeous room shot in the all white draped tent

Bridesmaids bouquets

Custom white dance floor, monogram and uplighting by Elegant Event Lighting

Gorgeous details!!!

Congratulations Kenyatta and Garrett!!! xo

Until next time...WEDologize!


Photography by Rush Productions

Uncooperative Wedding Day Weather (Day #4)

We have no control of the weather when planning a wedding.  I'd like to think as a wedding planner that when we are speaking about your outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, that the sun is going to shine on your union all day.  But I learned this year, in particular, that it can rain or be too cold to subject your guests to the elements.

So that is why it's extremely important to have a Plan B when planning any part of your wedding day outside.  The two biggest concerns should be: (1) Where on site can you host the ceremony and reception should you need to move indoors and (2) how much of advance notice does the venue need to have outdoor ceremony and/or reception moved to an indoor location?  Once you learn of this details, THEN consider your outdoor wedding.

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!


(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com)

Planning For An Outdoor Ceremony

I have planned numerous outdoor ceremonies and receptions during my career, and for 2014 the DE Team is spending a lot of time outdoors with our couples.  When considering an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, their are some major things to take into consideration...outside of having a Plan B.  Check out the list below:

• How many people can the outdoor ceremony and/or reception accommodate?
• What time of day will the ceremony be held?  The reception?  Asking these questions will determine if you need specialty lighting.
• What kind of foods will be held at the reception and how will they be served? Buffet-style?  Plated?
• What types of flowers and decor will enhance the "space".  Many flowers can't hold up well in direct sunlight, so select hardy flowers.
• Make sure your photographer knows the ceremony and/or reception will be outdoors.  He or she may need specific equipment to make sure the photographs come out correctly.
• What is the venues back-up plan in the event of rain?
• Will the lawn be treated for pesky bugs and mosquitoes?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.vsphoto.com | repost from 7/30/12)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday

Now you talk about adding a monogram to your wedding!  Go BIG or go home is the idea behind these gorgeous trimmed shrubs symbolizing this couples union.  What a unique...heck AWESOME idea!  WOW Factor indeed!

 
Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Martha Stewart Weddings)

Not Your Standard Ceremony Aisle

When marrying in the church, typically you have a center aisle in which the entire wedding party will walk down in addition to all of your wedding guests.  But should you decide to host your ceremony in a non-traditional location, take a peek at some of the fabulous ways to create the aisle for your grand entrance:

The ceremony aisle in the round so that there isn't a bad seat in the house!

Use patterned lighting to create an aisle "runner".

Use a thick layer of rose petals to create a carpet down the center aisle.

Omit the traditional seating and create a curved wedding aisle.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  In the round -  Landlock Bride | http://www.jaclynmariephoto.com; Lighting - Fantasy Sound; Petal carpet - Style Me Pretty; Curved aisle - Wedding Obsession)

Protecting Your Outdoor Wedding

You can pray, check the almanac and even do some type of ritual, but Mother Nature is ultimately in control of the weather on wedding day.  So when planning an outdoor ceremony and reception you must prepare for inclement weather.  In addition to Plan B...a location to hold the wedding indoors...there are some ways to prevent bad weather from ruining your wedding day. 

If it's HOT:

• Use a paddle fan, made from thick card stock, as your wedding program
• Have a beverage station of ice tea, lemonade and bottled water for guests to grab as they arrive to the ceremony and/or reception and take their seats
• Mini battery-operated fans on a hot day make the BEST guest favors and are greatly appreciated

If it's COLD:

• Have shawl's in a basket near the ceremony and/or reception site for guests to ward off the breeze
• Keep warm beverages like coffee, hot tea, hit cider and cocoa nearby for guests to partake should they become chilly
• Rent a few heaters to keep your guests warm

If it RAINS:

• Encourage guests (via your wedding invitation) to bring umbrellas if you are marrying during the rainy season
• Purchase you the ladies in your wedding party, and you too, heel protectors so that your shoe heels do not sink into the moist soil

But as a courtesy, make sure your invited guests know that the ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors.  You can include this note within your invitation suite or on your wedding website.  It's also a must to let your hired vendors know so that they can plan accordingly.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Photography & Videography)

CSW: Planning An Outdoor Wedding

When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception, there are some important things to consider.  Chicago Style Weddings invited me to give some advice on hosting an outdoor.  Take a look:

"You want to think about your guests and their comfort, " advises wedding coordinator Desiree Moore Dent of Dejanae Events.  If you're doing a summer wedding, hand out fans or parasols as a keepsake so people can cool off a bit. Sunglasses and small bottles of sunscreen are another nice idea.  If you're getting married in July or August when the temps really soar, Dent says, take it a step further: have an air conditioned area accessible where guests, particularly the elderly, can "go inside and take a breather." Depending on your venue, you may need to ward off bugs, mosquitoes, and flies. Survey the space ahead of time, and if necessary, find an eco-friendly bug zapping product to treat the area "so your guests aren't swinging and fly-swatting during your ceremony," Dent says.  "Brides love outdoor weddings," she adds, "but it can take a toll on your guests."

You can view the entire article and others in Chicago Style Weddings eMagazine at http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/emagazine.aspx.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Real Wedding Feature: Hareder and Michael

I'm so excited to share the pages of our first Real Wedding feature in Pretty Pear Bride, the world's only magazine for plus size women!  I met Hareder and Mike in June of 2011 and immediately started working with them to plan their amazing wedding ceremony and reception that was held at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort on July 20, 2012.

A brief synopsis of their fabulous nuptials include: 12 bridesmaids, 12 groomsmen, 2 flower girls and the couple's beloved dog, Tater, as the ring bearer in his custom tuxedo; the groom entered the ceremony with his best men in a Porshe; the wedding party entered the ceremony in 2 limos, one for the ladies and the other for the men; the arrived in an horse drawn carriage and was escorted down the aisle by her father and grandfather. Cocktail hour was on the Pavilion Deck overlooking a beautiful fountain and the reception was held in the Pavilion all white tent. The tablescapes not only featured ivory linens with gold overlays, but gold vases of pink Gladiolas which is the bride's favorite flowers. The couple, bridal party and their mother's made a spoof of The Hangover, created  by Rush Photography and Videography, and it was played for all the guests during dinner.  All 200 guests partied and enjoyed the photo booth until almost midnight and then departed to the hotel lobby bar for the after-party that lasted past 2:00am.

Thanks again to Shafonne, Owner and Editor of Pretty Pear Bride, for featuring our beautiful couple in their "Birthday" issue!  And thanks to Mr. and Mrs. McDowell for allowing the Dejanae Events team to be apart of their awesome wedding!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photographer of Hareder and Mike's wedding - Concept One Studio)

Decorating Your Wedding Ceremony

Upon planning the wedding ceremony, there are certain florals to consider when adding the finishing touches to the wedding party and making the decor complete. When selecting your color palette, you will consider a wide array of floral designs to bring forth your vision.

When selecting for the wedding party, the following florals should be considered:

Bridal bouquet

Maid and/or Matron of Honor bouquet

Bridesmaids bouquets

Flower Girl basket arrangement, petals or pomander

Mothers and Grandmothers corsages (pin or wrist)

Hostesses corsages (pin or wrist)

Groom's boutonniere

Best Man and Groomsmen boutonniere

Ring Bearer boutonniere

Fathers and ushers boutonniere

Officiant boutonniere (or corsage), if the minister is not wearing a robe

Presentation flowers for mothers (or special women in the couple's life)

Memorial bouquet or arrangement

When selecting the ceremony decor, the following should be considered:

Altar, Arch or Chuppa floral decor

Chair or Pew decorations
Decorations for the unity candle or sand ceremony

Aisle runner
Aisle petals

Guest Book floral piece

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Dejanae Events)

A Wedding Ceremony WITH Ushers

I get asked by many of my clients after they have selected their wedding party...do I need to have ushers?  Well below are the "duties" of a wedding usher.  That way, you can decide if you need to have one or two (or three) on site during the wedding ceremony.

• Greet guests as they arrive.
• Escort the single woman and elder to their seats.
• Know the seating for the special guests.
• Make sure the wedding programs, if there are any, are passed out prior to the start of the ceremony.
• Light altar candles.
• Escort the grandmothers and mothers down the aisle during the ceremony.
• Pull the aisle runner down the aisle before the flower girls enter.
• Assist with rounding up the wedding party for photographs.
• Gather any items that may be left behind after the ceremony.
• Direct guests to the wedding reception.

And just as I ask the wedding party members to arrive to the ceremony location at least one-hour before the start of the ceremony, the same is asked of the ushers.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.ourweddingusher.com; www.i-do.com.au)

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Seating

I think a lot of banquet venues purchase ugly chairs just so the client will rent a chair cover and sash, which could easily start $4.50 per chair (I'll touch on that in another blog).  But for those with a more flexible budget, consider renting chairs with a corresponding cushion for your guest tables.  Although a bit more expensive, they can add a more elegant touch to the ceremony and reception environment.  Take a look at some of the "statement-making" chairs below:

Versailles "Chiavari" Chair

Opera Chair

Contempo Chair

Chameleon Chair

Mirage Chair a.k.a. Ghost Chair

Wooden Padded Folding Chair

And consider these cost-saving ideas should you want to rent chairs:

• Use and reuse.  Use them for your ceremony.  Then have them moved during cocktails and positioned as guest chairs for the reception tables.  It's cheaper to higher additional staff than double the chairs.
• If you cannot afford rented chairs for all tables, think about having them at the sweetheart table, head table or during cocktail hour.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(all photo credits - www.hallsrental.com and www.chameleonchair.com/)

Take a Stand on Wedding Day

2012 for Dejanae Events had to be the year of outdoor wedding ceremonies!  I'm thankful for the GREAT weather we had each and every wedding we coordinated.  But the biggest challenge for most wasn't the weather...but the shoes sinking into the soft soil and running the bride and/or bridesmaids shoe heels.  So ask me the question, "how can this be avoided?"

I love this idea I found on Pinterest awhile back.  The bridesmaids are standing on "flat" stones just as poised as ever!  Oh and if there is any confusion as to wear to stand...follow the stones.

Or consider purchasing what I find to be the most fabulous product on the planet... Sole Mates!!!  These fabulous little gems cover the bottom portion of the heel.  So now you can stand firm and safely in grass, on uneven pavement, gravel...practically anywhere and they cost as little as $10.  Check them out at The SoleMates.

Until...Pin it and WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.danielledaigle.com)

Wedding Paper Cone Infatuation

The scrapbooker is coming out in this blog because I love a paper cone!  I'm actually seeing them everywhere for ceremonies, receptions and events.  And what I love most is it's a D.I.Y. project that you can't really mess up :)  Plus, if you need an unique, yet inexpensive idea for decor or to display food items, you can't go wrong with a paper cone.  Check out some of the fun ideas below:

Lovely idea for an outdoor wedding or event!
Paper cones + fresh flowers = make GREAT tree decorations

Create decor idea using paper cones and hydrangea
on the ends of the chairs or pews

Have your guests toss rose petals as you walk down the aisle as husband and wife

Make paper cones from the music sheets of your favorite songs...then add popcorn

Late night snack? Serve the French fries in these cute holders.

Should you like the ideas above and want to try and make some paper cones yourself, I've added a very simple template below.  All you need are scissors, glue, and some fun card stock or paper.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credits: hydrangea cones; rose petal cones; french fries; birch cones; popcorn cones)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Imagine this.  Your guests arrive to the ceremony location, are greeted by a smiling hostess and usher who lead you down a walkway to the actual ceremony site.  But wait...the journey to the ceremony site is so breathtaking that you have to stop and take it all in.  The columns are stunning and reek elegance!  Can you imagine what the actual wedding ceremony looked like?!?! WOW FACTOR!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: WedLuxe)

Plan Smart for Outdoor Weddings

I have planned a few outdoor ceremonies and receptions during my career, and for 2012 the DE Team is spending a lot of time outdoors with our couples.  When considering an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, their are some major things to take into consideration...outside of having a Plan B.  Check out the list below:

• How many people can the outdoor ceremony and/or reception accommodate?
• What time of day will the ceremony be held?  The reception?  Asking these questions will determine if you need specialty lighting.
• What kind of foods will be held at the reception and how will they be served? Buffet-style?  Plated?
• What types of flowers and decor will enhance the "space".  Many flowers can't hold up well in direct sunlight, so select hardy flowers.
• Make sure your photographer knows the ceremony and/or reception will be outdoors.  He or she may need specific equipment to make sure the photographs come out correctly.
• What is the venues back-up plan in the event of rain?
• Will the lawn be treated for pesky bugs and mosquitoes?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit:  ceremony - The Knot; Reception - Elizabeth Anne Designs)