Weddings in the South...

South Carolina that is! Most of you probably don't know, but I'm taking a very much needed vacation in just over two weeks, and once I fly into Richmond, VA I'm meeting up with a good friend to drive down to Charleston, South Carolina. I am a much traveled girl, but somehow I've never been to South Carolina before and I am TOTALLY excited to see as much as I can in a few days there.

So today I took my inspiration from a South Carolina wedding, held at Magnolia Plantation, somewhere I will actually be touring on my trip. I've yet to find great pics from a wedding held on Chimney Rock in NC lol (somewhere I'm hoping to visit that also boasts as a wedding venue), but I will keep searching.

Now that you've seen a few photos of the wedding from Leigh Webber's blog (the photographer), check out the detailed post on this wedding at Southern Weddings Magazine blog here.

Oh and I have a pretty detailed itinerary I'm working on, but if you're from the NC/SC area and have somewhere I shouldn't miss that maybe isn't a typical tourist attraction, email me at triedandtrueweddings@gmail.com and tell me all about it!

PS: I absolutely love that shoe idea. I've thought about doing that for awhile, and if you're not planning on wearing those shoes after the wedding, it's a great keepsake.

My Favorite Things

Not sure if I've posted this picture before, but I really really like it for some reason. Barn weddings have seemed to become really popular lately, and as always brides are looking for ways to outdo the last one. I think that in the right setting, having these homemade couches (from hay bales) would be the perfect addition to your cocktail hour. Layer them all in comfy blankets (the thicker the better), add a few throw pillows, and guests will be dying to sit down in these unique pieces of furniture, if for no other reason than to take a photo. Using other bales as tables makes for an even better place for guests to set their drinks. Pile a few on top of each other for use as a cocktail table that guests can gather around to mingle. Just make sure it's all secure!

Prior to the wedding, I would use these couches as the perfect setting for some bridal party photos. Squish all of the bridesmaids or the groosmen on one for a few photos, then get the whole bridal party including the bride and groom on there. Have people climb up on the back, have others sitting in the center, some on the arms, and if your party is really big, then just have others around it. I swear it'll turn out way cool!

I'm posting two today, because I slacked yesterday. If you get lucky, I might try for a third before I leave the office.
Enjoy!

~A

My Favorite Things

Can I just say A-MAZING?! While I worry that this is most likely a huge fire hazard you just can't beat the look of this unique altar. It's just a basic 4-post chuppah structure (I've seen people actually make these themselves using things even as basic as pvc pipe) covered in layer upon layer of paper--all different sizes and colors and textures and shapes. The heavy layering and variety of sizes is what gives it its appeal. It looks like they've run extra beams across the top to allow for the billowing effect with the paper. You could try this with fabric and ribbon if you didn't want to play with the paper. If someone actually recreates this, please send me a pic and tell me how it went!

Also, my favorite part is the candles...the huge myriad of white candles. A large gathering of candles (in a variety of sizes) always looks fabulous and once they start melting, even better. I often find that couples do this in the backdrop of their ceremony site or on top of a mantle, etc. and it always turns out great. The only downside is that most of your venues are never going to allow you to do this. However, if you get a bunch of clear cylinder vases, you can stick the candles in there and it will give the same look without the risk.

I also love the votive candles that line the aisleway, but you better make sure your aisle is wider than this so that your dress doesn't catch fire as you walk past one. I don't think that's the kind of memorable moment you'll be looking for on your wedding day. Also, this probably isn't worth your time if you're not getting married at night. Candles in the daytime just don't give the same effect..unless you're turning the lights down on your ceremony.

But it's a great innovation and definitely something to use as a piece of inspiration for your own nuptials. Thank you Once Wed for featuring this photo.

My Favorite Things

Because I really have been so swamped with work, I've been slacking on this blog (which I think I'm always more stressed about than you are), but I decided that until I can get my VP to start helping me out vs making my life ten times more stressful, I should do a post each day of something or multiple things that inspire me! I'm always running across something I love and it may not always make it into one of my inspiration boards for you to look at or a post so you can read about it. So I figured why not share some of those things with you...although I will admit there is one idea I came across that I'm not sharing with anyone, because I'd kind of want to be the first one around here to do it...it is so me! Anyway, I hope that these smaller posts give you some sort of inspiration in your own wedding and event planning!

What Can You Do With Trees?!

Hang things from them! Not many people would think to hang vintage birdcages from trees (along with candles and flowers) but there's something very natural about it, since birds do belong in trees (haha) and it gives the space/tree such a unique and vintage yet romantic look. Talk about creating a focal point for your guests! If you have a giant tree like this in your backyard, think about getting married under it, and save money on flowers by decorating it as your altar. I guarantee you won't regret how your photos turn out either!

Thank you to the Ruffled Blog for showcasing this wedding.

Jenna and Evan's Wedding

I told you that I would have a great wedding to feature soon and I'm making time in my hectic work day to make sure that you finally get to see it because I've held onto it for too long!

I found out about Jenna and Evan's wedding through Facebook of all places because less than a week after their wedding the photos were already up via a slideshow, thanks to their photographers Blaine & Bethany of Blaine & Bethany Photography. Blaine and Bethany are a married couple who met in photography school down in Santa Barbara (with Melody Lewis, the last photographer I highlighted...crazy small world) and who are based out of beautiful Hood River, Oregon (note: they do travel for weddings as well!). I contacted them to send me some photos and I had so many to choose from! I have chosen some of my favorites but honestly these photographers are amazing and it would be hard not to love them all.

The bridal party got ready at my favorite hotel in downtown Portland...The Nines, a former Meier & Frank, now renovated into a hotel in the heart of downtown. It has amazing decor, elegant/modern rooms, and a great bar on top of the hotel with a fabulous view of the city. Note they do have a gorgeous ballroom for receptions as well.

Then they held the ceremony and reception at the World Forestry Center, also in Portland. Depending on which room you choose, you can seat up to 400 people and there are at least 5 to choose from. Parking is also free for your wedding guests and you're right across the lot from the zoo...talk about what could end up as some fun photos afterward!

Well I hope you loved this wedding as much as I did! I must say that these photos really capture the emotions of the day so well! If you are interested in these amazing photographers, please visit their website! Thanks also to Jenna and Evan for putting on such a great event. I wish you many years of happiness together.

~A

PS: Jenna I love and totally want your necklace! And Evan your rocked the aviators!