So You've Got The Ring! Now What?

According to the Association of Wedding Ministers, the average wedding engagement is seven to 12 months. If you were one of the lucky ladies who got engaged on Christmas Day or will be getting your ring on New Year's Eve, odds are you will share wedding vows during the months of July to December. This makes sense seeing as the most popular wedding month in Atlanta is October. There’s a lot to do between now and October!

So what do you do first?

My very first recommendation is to find a venue. A couple of questions to ask yourself before trekking all across the Metro Atlanta area:

1. What will my wedding date be?
   This is a question that you might not be able to dictate. Especially if you are looking at a September or October wedding, venues may have a limited number of Saturday’s available. That’s when you might consider a Friday or Sunday celebration. Many venues will discount their food and beverage minimum or site rental fee on those “off” days.
   
2. What is my general style?
   Do I enjoy the historic feel of one of Roswell’s Antebellum mansions? Or is it more important to me that the guests can just take the elevator to their room after the reception?
   
3. Where do I want to have my wedding? One of the biggest trends is to have a mini-destination wedding. Choose a venue that is about an hour and a half from your home – someplace like Serenbe or a winery in North Georgia. Having your celebration there cuts down on the number of guests – generally just getting rid of the ones who are just coming for free food.

Your second task is for you and your fiancé to ask your maid of honor and best man to share your special day with them. Make this proposal memorable by taking them out for a really nice dinner and popping the question over their favorite meal. They will remember it forever.

Thirdly, discuss with your fiancé what each of your Most Important elements of your wedding will be. Do you have your heart set on a band instead of a dj; is his most important element the food? By bringing him into this conversation early on, both of you will enjoy the planning process more because each of you knows what’s a key ingredient for your partner.

Above all, remember, you are not planning a wedding. You are planning the first day of your married lives together. The two of you are planning a marriage celebration. That’s what is Most Important.

Byline: Erica Prewett is a wedding expert and owns A Big To Do Event, planning weddings all over the country. You may contact Erica at 404.547.5712 or Erica@ABigToDoEvent.com.

People We Love- Volume 4- Lofty Pearls

Meet and Greet with Lofty Pearls

By: Danielle Wasserman

Holy Bananas! Have you been to Lofty Pearls yet? Saturday December 12^th I was introduced to the Lofty Pearls Fine Linens & Gifts shop. Joyce, the owner was a pleasure to meet with: extremely down to earth and very knowledgeable of the gifts she sells. When I first learned of Loft Pearls, I didn’t realize the full meaning of the title of her store; it stands for “stretching to reach something ordinary and beautiful.” Her beautiful items are picked with care from Europe. She was emphasizing the quality of European items versus your traditional items from stores like Bed Bath & Beyond.

The bridal gift which stood out the most was the Fiesole by Ginori dinnerware, these were to die for. This beautiful tableware is trimmed with 14 karat gold with the option of embedding the bride’s family crest, their home, or anything that resembles their family tradition.

Some other amazing gifts available are Italian linens and beautiful Halo Flutes, which are trimmed with a 18 karat gold design and tastefully packaged in a rich wooden case.



If you are on a smaller budget, Joyce hand monograms beautiful handkerchiefs, bath linens, and robes. Joyce really goes the extra mile to personalize client’s gifts. Based on the bride’s personality, this will determine what font and design she will choose for the monogram.

Lofty Pearls is the store you want to bring your mother or mother-in-law to when creating your registry. Trust me Joyce’s items are more than your typical cookie cutter items; these souvenirs are heirloom quality that your mother would totally appreciate.

So say you need a gift for a friend getting married. Your first thought is that you don’t want to go to the same “Box Store” that every other bride is registered at because you think she deserves better. Well, you’re in luck because Joyce agrees. She never wants a bride to have the same gift as another bride. To make this happen, Joyce investigates the bride’s registry from other stores to get inspiration of the bride’s taste of merchandise. When you are shopping from your friend’s registry here you’ll leave knowing that your friend will be receiving an original beautiful gift that cannot be replicated.

The process for a bride to get registered at Lofty Pearls is quite simple. The whole registration process can be done online at www.LoftyPearls.com. The first step is to register as a New Member to Lofty Pearls. This step will create a customized profile for Lofty Pearls to get to know the bride’s wants and needs. The site is very user friendly and Joyce is only a phone call away to answer any questions and or concerns. I know everyone these days is into the convenience of hopping on your computer and getting what your need with one click. But, don’t sell yourself short by not visiting the store in person to touch and feel at will.

Fine Linens & Gifts- Lofty Pearls

10475 Medlock Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097

(770) 476-4090

www.loftypearls.com

Habersham Gardens Workshop

Company's Coming!

"How to Entertain Like Emily Post without a Donald Trump Budget"
Workshop at Habersham Gardens

This past December, I had the opportunity to teach women in the Buckhead area How to Entertain Like Emily Post Without a Donald Trump Budget.


Tip #1 for Entertaining Like Emily Post Without a Donald Trump Budget: LOOK AROUND YOUR HOUSE UPSIDE DOWN! You'll be amazed what you can find that, if it's used in a diferent way, can be a key decor piece.

For example, the runners down the center of this table are meant to be garland for a Christmas tree. The lighting really picks up the sparkle of the glass in this piece.




Another way to look at your home upside down is to look to the outside for inspiration. This topiary was built by the fabulous people at Habersham Gardens. It was potted in a large bowl that can be used as a bread bowl next year when that topiary needs to be re-potted.



For many of us, our mantle is the focal point of our homes. That's where the home decorations for the holidays starts. So here's a play-by-play of mantle decor.

First, start with fresh garland. (Yes, you can get this at Habersham Gardens!)



Next, add a pine cone garland, and some decorations you already have around your home - you'll find the best ones in the guest bedroom, I'm sure!




Now add some candlesticks in a non-traditional holiday color. I LOVE this aqua/turquoise blue!




Then add a large vase with some colorful, seasonal berries/foilage to give extra height.


Ta Da!




For more information on decorating your mantle or home holiday decor, call Laura Taylor with The Perfect Stem at 404-477-1435.

Check out this dress!

Check out this Dress!!

One of my favorite wedding bloggers, Saundra Hadley with Planning...Forever just blogged about the importance of a sexy dress (http://planningforever.com/blog/2009/12/10/bringing-sexy-back/). And low-and-behold, one of our brides came across this dress at David's Bridal in Kennesaw, GA.

I couldn't agree with Saundra more. As a bride, you will always remember how you felt as you walk down the aisle and as you saw your partner look at you for the first time. You want to feel sexy (classy) and you want to feel confident. It is as if you are presenting yourself to your partner for the first time. This dress will knock your partner's socks off!!

LOVE this idea for brides

Having trouble finding that "Something Blue" before walking down the aisle? Try this:

How adorable is this?

Get them here:

https://www.mindyweiss.com/store/p213/i_do_rhinestone_shoe_applique___now_available/

Lauren and Glenn

Lauren and Glenn's Wedding

October 17, 2009

One of my favorite places to coordinate weddings is in the Bride's back yard. What better way to make your guests feel at home and comfortable than to literally invite them into your home? That's what Lauren and her parents did. They invited 200 of their closest friends to celebrate Lauren and Glenn's

BIG DAY at their home. And celebrate they did!

Besides the Bride and Groom, the star of the show was Lola. Lola has been Lauren's dog almost all of Lauren's life. I don't think I've ever seen a cuter ring bearer!

I totally love how the entire theme of the wedding was Fall Inspired. Pimento, Orange, Brown, Green... It's so great when the Bride embraces the season. Lauren embraced the season even to the point of her favors: popcorn balls, caramel apples and candied apples!

All of the tables were themed in the chocolate brown and pimento color scheme. These are real gourds and real pumpkins (hollowed out to make candle holders). The centerpieces were mason jars.

How beautiful is this cake??? Bonus: it tasted divine!! (Thank you Ramona with Unforgettable Wedding Cakes!)

This wedding would not have been so great without amazing vendors. Here's who made it happen:

Randy Wilson -- Randy Wilson Photography

Lauren Badgley -- Unlimited Party and Event Rental

Scott Hayes -- Haynes Wedding Video

Terri Holifield -- European Gardens Florals

Lynne McCannon and Loyce McKnight-- Moments in Time Catering

Erica Prewett -- A Big To Do Event

Holiday Party Planning Workshop for Find A Way Home Non Profit

This past Friday, Paul Brummer and I donated our time to the Find A Way Home charity for their Holiday fundraiser. We taught forty women how to entertain using items they already had in their homes (hint: walk around your home upside down. What can you use differently if you just turned it upside down?) , how to make the biggest entertaining impact with minimal cost (Hint: Invitations are the first impression - make it irresistable.), and what to do with all of the white table linens that have accumulated over the years (Hint: donate them and get a couple of sage green linens.)

This is the color of sage green Paul recommends. Believe it or not, purple goes perfectly with this color and it brings out the color of the flowers better than the traditional white linen.

Ok, ready for some inspiration?

Here you go!

This is Paul Brummer's tablescape. How gorgeous is this? Hint: the centerpiece floral is a wreath!

Use the ornaments as the place cards (just attach the names on a ribbon and attach the ribbon to the hook of the ornament. Makes a great place card).

This tablescape is compliments of Anik Keuller. She's placed orchids in rose vases and covered the pot the orchid lives in with ribbon. How easy is that??

This centerpiece is compliments of Flowers From Us. A great representation of traditional and elegant florals and presentation.


This tablescape is compliments of Brette Start. This is a great example of recycling. Beneath the moss is two wheels and and axle! How cleaver!

This is a centerpiece design from Summerfields Florals. I love that it's made out of an upside down large martini glass!!

This event wouldn't have been as great without the help of our community friends such as Toni with HoneyBaked Ham. They provided a delicious spread!

And Mocha My Day provided the barista service. They have an impressive menu of cappuccinos, lattes, and they also make a mean Hot Chocolate!

And finally, this event would not have been possible without the help and donation of space from The Rental Place. Liz and John Hurst have been anchors in the event world in Atlanta for 20 years. Thank you for allowing us to use your beautiful tent and supplies.

Thank you Mocha My Day, HoneyBaked Ham, and The Rental Place!

Holiday Party Planning Workshop

Lauren and Glenn's Wedding

Lauren and Glenn's Wedding

Part 1

Lauren & Glen Teaser Trailer from Scott Hayes on Vimeo.

Whatcha think?

Pictures soon to follow!

In service,
Erica

Ilana and Greg's Wedding

Ilana and Greg's Wedding

September 6, 2009

We are lucky to work with amazing couples, each with their own story and personality. We feel honored to be part of each couple's special day. This special day belonged to Ilana and Greg.

Greg and Ilana enjoyed their Wedding Weekend Celebration at the Westin Buckhead. I really like this property. They were able to accommodate the several different rooms we needed for each portion of the ceremony needs. The entire family and all of the witnesses were able to comfortably fit into the room to watch the couple sign the Ketubah.

This is one of my favorite moments of all weddings. The time when Daddy and Daughter share that special "Thank You" and "I Love You." Precious.

This wedding would not have been as fun (nor as perfect) without these fabulous vendors:

Denise and Frank with Let's Celebrate! provided the stunning personal flowers, centerpieces, and chuppah.

Laura with Vosamo Photography captured the entire day with her artistic images.

Opher Moses with Point Of View Video captured the day on video.

Damian Cartier led the celebration via his band.

Lisa with Simone's Bakery provided the delish cake.

And, of course, Your's Truly, Erica with A Big To Do Event, directed the Wedding Day.

Thank you!

Pictures: Nicole and Jim's Wedding

Nicole and Jim's Wedding

What a gorgeous couple!

Nicole and Jim were married at the Piedmont Tent of Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. The ceremony was in the grassy area to the back of the Tent with the reception under the tent. The weather could not have been better.

It was very important to Nicole and Jim that both of their families and customs were incorporated so we hired two bands. The traditional Arabic Band (SamerSound) and The Neons kept everyone on the dance floor the entire time!

Foxgloves & Ivy created the florals (superb!) and Cindy Lowe photographed the evening.

What do YOU think?