When most couples come to us with their wedding dates, they usually range from March to late October which are great months to get married. However, another beautiful time of year to get married is during the winter. Not only are most venues discounted during those months, the color scheme and decor options are endless.
Let's face it, planning a wedding is exciting, emotional and yes, delicious! Sitting down to do a cake tasting is definitely something most brides and grooms look forward to doing. There are a few things to consider before the fun begins. Selecting a bakery of course is one of the first steps. Consider having a tasting at 2-3 bakeries before making your selection. There are hundreds of bakeries around the state, so make sure to get recommendations from past brides, check out online reviews as well as personal experience with the bakery can help with narrowing down your choices.
Once you have selected the bakeries you would like to schedule a tasting with, have a discussion with each other on the flavor of the cake, filling and icing as well as the colors and style each of you would like to have. The options are endless and I've included this chart below with some wonderful ideas:
Also discuss if there will be groom's cake, if so, is there a theme that you would prefer? Some men choose a favorite sports team or a favorite hobby. Make sure to decide on flavors you would like for this cake as well.
The next step is to schedule your tasting. Make sure to do this several months in advance of your wedding date. When speaking with them, relay the flavors and combinations you would like to try during your tasting. This will save the bakery time from making something that neither one of you like and can focus on your top choices. Bringing picture of decorated cakes that you both like can also help with making the final decisions.
Once you have selected the bakery as well as your style, make sure to have a signed contract which includes those details as well as your wedding date and time of delivery to the venue.
Darlene didn't have to be a fly on the wall when JaMarr went shopping
for a ring because she saw the beginning of it on video, right before
he got on one knee. Even though Darlene and JaMarr lived in the same
apartment complex, the two never met until a friend of a co-worker
brought them together. Dating led to a beautiful son, a sweet proposal
the day before Valentine's Day, and an exciting summer wedding just
months after the engagement.
Wedding Date: August 8, 2015 Wedding Location: The Westin in Annapolis, Maryland First Dance Song: “The Point of it All” by Anthony Hamilton Favorite Item on the Menu: The cake!
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal! JaMarr was at work when one of his
coworkers, Andrea got a phone call from her friend, Tami. Tami told
Andrea that she had a friend she would like to introduce to JaMarr.
JaMarr spoke to Tami who sent a picture of me to him. The next day,
JaMarr sent a text message to me, introducing himself and asking for a
good time to call. As it turned out, we lived in the same apartment
complex for the past two years! We lived less than 50 yards away. Two
nights later, on a Saturday night in the summer of 2006, we met and went
on our first date. We both knew that summer night that there was
something special. On February 13, 2015, JaMarr and I
went on a date to Ruth Chris Steak House. There was a bit of excitement
in the air because going out alone is a rare event ever since the birth
of our son two years ago. At the end of the night, JaMarr said he had a
video to show me. It was a video of JaMarr sitting at a counter at the
mall. He said that I thought he had come to the mall to buy some new
shoes, but instead he was there to get that "special ring". Confused, I
asked him to play it again. While watching it a second time, JaMarr got
down on one knee, when I looked over there he was down with the ring box
in his hand and he asked me to marry him.
Wedding Style I asked some of my closest
girlfriends to join me on my trip to the bridal shop two weeks after the
proposal. I chose a small boutique named Juliet's Bridal in Towson, MD.
They closed the store so me and my four girlfriends could have a
private shopping experience. I went in with a picture and completely
sure of the look I wanted. We tried on a few dresses, but then one of
the two women working with us said there was a dress that just came in
and was still in the packaging. Even though it was against what I was
asking for, she thought I might like it. I put on the Christina Wu
dress, pinned up my hair and knew instantly this would be the dress I
would get married in. I watched as my girlfriends teared up and we
called my mom on Skype so she could be a part of the moment.
Culture Both of my parents were born and
raised in the Caribbean, my dad was born and raised in St. Vincent and
my mother was born in Aruba and raised in St. Vincent. I grew up
listening to the music, eating the food and experiencing the Caribbean
culture. Prior to the wedding, I asked the DJ to include some soca and
calypso music. To my great enjoyment, after the father/daughter dance to
Charlie Wilson's “I Wish,” the DJ began playing some soca. My extended
family joined us on the dance floor and me and my father began to dance
to the music he had grown up to. The best part was after the dress
change. JaMarr and I were reintroduced to our family and friends in our
second outfits with the "Palance" (Soca music) playing and everyone
waving a dinner napkin while jumping and dancing! I turned around and
even JaMarr's family who are American born and raised were waving their
dinner napkins. Priceless!
Memories JaMarr sent me a long, wonderful,
heartfelt text message the morning of our wedding. Simply put, he
couldn't wait to be my husband and for me to be his wife. In my wedding suite were my hair
stylist, makeup artist, bridesmaids, Maid of Honor, Matrons of Honor,
mother, my nana on Skype from the Caribbean, flower girls and my brother
and his girlfriend who were helping with the music for the church. We
were laughing and joking and I never felt nervous or uneasy. Everywhere I
turned, I saw people who loved me and were there to celebrate the day I
had been waiting for. My dad walked me down the aisle to
John Stoddart's song, "Angel." JaMarr was holding our son, Jace and I
saw how emotional he was. I nodded to him and smiled. At the moment,
even with over 100 people in the church, it was just him and I. At one point, at the end of the
night, I stood in the back of the reception hall and watched as family
and friends from both sides became one and were dancing and laughing
with one another. It truly was an awesome sight!
Help a bride-to-be out! We planned this wedding in six
months. I never thought of myself as a Type A personality but I knew I
wanted things how I wanted it and when I wanted it. My stress was
related to everything from the color scheme to transportation for the
guests. At times, I know JaMarr thought I had gone crazy. He was so
grateful when I got a planner. Remember this is one day. It goes by just
as fast as everyone says it does. I made it a point to slow down and
take everything in. Also remember, you are marrying the person whom you
love. That is really what matters. Take a break every now and then, use
the help friends and family are offering and just enjoy time with your
fiance without talking about the wedding.
The holidays can be the cause of tension in some relationships but this article from LOVERLY.COM, explains how to get through it with ease!
The Newlywed's Guide to Negotiating the Holidays
by
Kimberly Watson
The holidays are finally here and you and your partner are likely
looking forward to spending time with family and friends. The only
trouble is, whose side makes the cut? Whether you're recently engaged or
newlyweds, you both probably have a different ideas about your plan for
how the holiday season is going to play out. Here are a few helpful
tips to help keep things merry and bright.
1. Get on the same page as your partner...STAT. First things first:
COMMUNICATE. Don't just expect that your partner can read your mind.
Talk about priorities, traditions, and preferences as early as possible.
If Thanksgiving is the most important event for your family, make that
known and be willing to concede on another major holiday. Figure out
where it's possible to give a little...'tis the season, after all.
2. Keep your families in the know.
Your friends and family are eager to hear your plans for the holidays
because they're looking forward to seeing you, but they also need to
figure out their own schedules. Be sure to communicate with anyone
extending an invitation as soon as possible. Waiting to RSVP because you
can't reach a decision is a surefire way to land on their naughty list.
Be open and honest!
3. Don't play the blame-game.
Once you have made the decision about where to spend the holidays,
remember that you've come up with the plan of action TOGETHER. Sure you
may not have gotten your way, but it's not fair to put the entire decision on your partner. Don't set him or her up as the bad guy.
4. Make your partner feel included.
If you decide to spend the holiday with your family and can feel that
your partner is a little bummed, sweeten the deal by incorporating some
of his or her family's customs. Ask your in-laws for a special recipe
you can prepare or get the scoop on another family tradition that'll
help your partner feel right at home.
5. Put your best foot forward.
On the other hand, if you're the one giving a little this year,
remember to put on a smile and enjoy the holiday. This isn't a
punishment! Take a deep breath and plunge forward into your new life
(and new family) together. It's something to celebrate, not complain
about.
6. Have a go at hosting.
Can't seem to find a compromise? Offer to host the holiday yourselves,
bringing together both families and the long-loved traditions that come
with them! Plus, it's a great time to kick-off some new customs that you
can carry through the years as you build your own family.
7. Stay true to yourself.
If your partner is being stubborn about holiday plans and not leaving
room for your preferences, it's okay to put your foot down, even if that
means you end up spending the actual holiday apart. If your families
live close by, consider splitting your time in the days leading up to
the holiday. And, if that's not in the cards, schedule time to see both
families in the New Year!
8. Remember your priorities.
Negotiating the holidays requires patience and careful consideration
each and every year. The two of you have created a new family and will
need to come together to figure out what works best (in spite of
everyone else's opinions and preferences). Stand by your choices, and
stand by each other.
Congratulations on your engagement! No doubt, this will be the most exciting time of your lives as a couple so far. It can also be overwhelming when you start getting into the planning process and that's where we as wedding planners come in. One question that we often get is, what is the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator. When is comes to a wedding planner and a venue coordinator, the titles are similar, but in reality, they are immensely different. Simply put, a wedding planner's services are endless while a venue coordinator has boundaries. To better understand, we have highlighted the main differences below.
The Venue Coordinator
When you contact a venue to schedule a walk through, a venue coordinator will usually be the one who you will speak to as well as show you around during your appointment.
They are partially a salesperson, as well as a spokesperson for the venue and point of contact between the couple and the on site operations team.
Coordinators are responsible for all things related to the venue, such as venue contract and payment, menu tastings if their is an onsite caterer, making sure the venue is set up correctly and that vendors follow all rules set by the venue.
Many times when asking a venue coordinator for recommendations for vendors, they will more than liking suggest someone from their recommended list and you may not get an honest referral based on someone's experience or merit.
They will not meet with you during your consultations with your potential vendors.
Once your wedding day is confirmed, you more than likely will not hear from the venue coordinator until a month or two prior to your wedding day.
The Wedding Planner
You will have a team of professional wedding planners and coordinators at your service from the beginning of the planning process or month of coordination where we will help you with the final details and pull of the pieces together.
You will be assisted with creating a budget, as well as recommended venues and vendors within your budget.
Review and negotiate contracts. (Selected Packages)
Scheduling and attending menu tastings, cake tastings, walk throughs and consultations with you.
Customized personal design reflecting the vision of the couple while developing an ideal floor plan.
Personalized timelines and wedding day overviews for vendors, bridal parties, family members and venue.
Organize and lead/assist the wedding rehearsal with or without your Officiant.
Communicate a detailed timeline with your wedding team of professionals days/week before the wedding and follow up with any questions they may have.
Over see time management for processional, recessional, cocktail hour, entrances, speeches, dancing, etc.
Ensure quality control as well as troubleshoot any issue that may arise without interrupting your special day.
Pack all personal items and gifts after the reception and ensure they are delivered to your room or designated person.
Allow your family and friends to enjoy every moment of your wedding day with you!
One of the first questions most newly engaged couples get is "did you set a date?". In all honesty, if you are planning on getting married within a year of your engagement, that is one answer you should have ASAP. There are many factors to consider when selecting your venue and one should be the time of day you would like to get married. A unique, and cost effective option is a brunch wedding and reception. You are also more likely to get the date you both want. The most popular months of the year to get married are May-October, so venues and vendors tend to book up fast for those times. However, if you choose to get married during the morning to early afternoon, you may have a better chance of not only booking the venue you want but vendors as well. Here a a few more reasons to consider a Brunch Wedding.
As I mentioned above, the most popular months to get married are May-October and the most popular times and days are Friday and Saturday evenings. The venue you like may be booked in the evening but maybe available mid morning to early afternoon. Another option is having it on a Sunday. These alternate options may even be a more cost effective as well.
From pancakes, sausage, eggs and biscuits to light sandwiches and finger foods, the food selection possibilities are endless. Don't forget Mimosas!
A brunch wedding is a great idea for smaller weddings. The setting is more intimate and allows for more interaction with family and friends.
If you want to make it a weekend event, you can get married on a Saturday morning and celebrate the rest of the weekend!
Let's be honest, there is nothing more fun and beautiful than Fall! The changing colors of the leaves, comfy sweaters and warm drinks in our hands just to name a few. It's also a great time to plan a romantic date with your special someone. Here are some ideas, so get out there and enjoy!
Have a picnic and don't forget a warm blanket
Got to a college or high school football game
Make caramel apples
cozy up to a fire
Visit a harvest festival, pumpkin farm or wine festival
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and time consuming, that is why it is so important to take time away from planning, and relax. What better way then to spend that time with your mother, mother in law or a special person in your life and let them know how much you appreciate them. This is a big day for them as well! Here are a few ideas:
Spend the weekend away
At the beach, in a cabin or a favorite town
Have a Sleep Over
Wear your favorite PJ's, look at old pictures, watch movies and reminisce
Korenne, a digital marketing manager and Eric Smith, a contract administrator loved planning their wedding together. Korenne had so many positive things to say about the incredible journey that is wedding planning. “For us, our wedding was the first time we truly felt like partners and we approached everything like a team.” What a phenomenal team they are. The two had an absolutely divine Maryland mansion wedding, the moments captured by Memories of Bliss Photography.
Wedding Date: May 3, 2015 Wedding Location: Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD First Dance Song: “Giving You the Best That I've Got” by Anita Baker Favorite Items on the Menu: The bacon wrapped scallops and lollipop lamb chops during cocktail hour and the prime rib during the main course.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
We met at Ozios Lounge in Washington, DC in September of 2012. I was there for a friend's birthday party. Eric happened to be nearby our table. We struck up a conversation, although Eric was very shy! I asked him to buy me a drink - which he refused to do since we had plenty of free drinks in our section. He challenged me and I knew there was something special about him. So, when he asked for my number at the end of the night, we went out on our first date the very next day!
We got engaged on September 15, 2013. We had just moved in together. It was the day after I had thrown Eric a birthday party in our new apartment. As we were preparing to go to a wine festival, Eric went into our bedroom to get me an accessory for my outfit. He said, "My outfit was missing something." I didn't think that was strange because he always helps me get dressed! When Eric returned, he got down on one knee and proposed. I was very, very surprised! Little did I know, the weekend before, he asked my dad for my hand in marriage. My entire family was waiting for our phone call to get the official announcement. I was so surprised that they kept the secret from me for a whole week!
After the proposal, we went to the Vintage Virginia Wine Festival and enjoyed our first day as an engaged couple. Trump Winery even gave us a free bottle of Blanc de Blanc while at the event to help us celebrate.
My wedding dress is a fitted trumpet-style gown from Oleg Cassini. It is ivory lace with subtle pink applique flowers and a sweep train.
My wedding dress was the first wedding detail I finalized. I went to David's Bridal with my mother, grandmother, Eric's grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. I tried on what seemed like a million dresses. The sales consultant suggested my wedding dress, but I was skeptical about the pink flowers. But as soon as I tried it on, I loved it immediately. And, by the reaction of everyone else when I exited the dressing room, I knew it was the one! As a surprise, my mother purchased the wedding dress for me.
As for bridal party gifts, the groomsmen received Gold bowties and the bridesmaid received vintage floral studs.
We chose to jump the broom. We wanted a simple ceremony with traditional elements. We used the same broom my brother and sister in law had jumped for their wedding two years before. I loved that we were able to use it for our wedding.
My favorite memory was walking back down the aisle with my husband, Eric by my side. Stevie Wonder's "As" was playing and everyone was cheering as we exited the atrium. It was such a great moment knowing we had the support of family, friends, and God in our union and I was truly overcome with joy. I cried the entire way, but I swear they were happy tears.
We recommend that engaged couples take the time to truly plan their event together. We took an entire year to plan. Brainstorm ideas together. Budget together. Go to the appointments together. We delegated responsibilities to each other and then discussed our findings in the evenings after work. Sometimes, we didn’t always agree. But we communicated constantly about what each of our priorities were and tried to meet those needs. When the wedding arrived, we could relax knowing we both were on the same page.
