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)

Children and Wedding Planning

  Many couples are blending families and the adjustment for the child can sometimes be difficult. With all the wedding planning, the children could feel left out and it's very important to make them feel included during the planning process and on wedding day.  You do not want children to move forward into the marriage feeling resentful of their parent's new partner.

I've listed some suggestions below that just might help alleviate the "sad face".  Consider including a few, if not all, during your wedding planning.

• Allow the child to be involved in a few of the planning meetings and give their opinion and make sure to take them on appointments with you.
• Give the children perimeters, but allow them to select their attire for wedding day. 
• During the unity candle lighting or sand ceremony, have the child join you both at the altar and make them apart of this important ceremony. 
• Ask the children to come the altar before the pronouncement of husband and wife, and ask the minister to pronounce you as "Husband, Wife and Family". 
• During the ceremony, present the children with a loving token like a necklace or bracelet to show them they play an important role in the new family. 
• Include the children in the engagement photo session and display not only couple photos during the reception, but photos showcasing the "new" family. 
• Have a kids table with goody bags and treats during the reception.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.intimateweddings.com)