Why Hire a Wedding Planner

Recently, while reading the Spring 2010 issue of Gulf Coast Bride, I came across a fantastic article about the importance of hiring a wedding planner. In the article "What you need to know...Why You Should Hire a Wedding Coordinator" by Joanna Banks-Morgan, Hannah Bryant-Brown of HBB photography, shared a story about a couple who tried to do everything on their own without hiring a coordinator:

"...we were hired to photograph a wedding held at a private condo in Destin, FL. We arrived two hours before the ceremony in order to capture the "getting ready" shots and the bridal portraits. In our pre-wedding meetings, these were the photos the bride loved the most because of the photojournalistic-style we had. When we got there, the bride was in her curlers down on the beach trying to get the chairs and altar set. In the meantime, her bridesmaids were doing their hair and the groomsmen were watching a football game. Because our bride was lugging chairs around on the beach, there wasn't much to photograph. The ceremony started 45 minutes late. On top of this, the minister had to officiate another wedding and was running late, so by the time we got to the family portraits, the sun had set. Not only did she miss her favorite "getting ready" shots, but also, because of the tardiness, she missed her sunset portraits".

As stated by Gwyne Owens of Gwyne Mark photography in the article, "the biggest reason we think couples need a coordinator is for the TIMELINE." Not only do wedding coordinators develop a timeline for your event, but they make sure that you stick to that timeline. Overtime charges can quickly add up and before you know it, you are spending the money you had saved for your honeymoon. A wedding coordinator should be considered as an investment, an investment that ensures your special once in a lifetime moment goes just as you envisioned.

Wedding Proposal

Recently, we had the pleasure of assisting a young man by the name of Curtis wanting to propose to his girlfriend. He was really nervous and excited to do the proposal, and we were honored when he sought out our help.

He started the day, by leaving his girlfriend, Zakia, with a special note telling her how much he loved her and that he had hired a hair and make-up artist, Lena G, to come to their home to do her hair and make-up to prepare her for their special date later that evening. Our Groom-to-Be told his love that he would be back that afternoon to pick her up for their date... Instead, a chauffeured car arrived to take her to the Big Date. The driver greeted Zakia with a dozen roses and drove her to Circa Restaurant in Winter Park, Florida.

At the restaurant we reserved the famous "Sexy Booth" for the couple and decorated it with purple flowers and floating candles, a favorite of the Soon-to-be-Bride, since purple is the color chosen for her and Curtis' first child.

Curtis was so nervous, but Carlos, our server, and the owner of the restaurant were there to give him a "little man to man pep talk"... It was so cute and so romantic! Our awesome Carlos presented the first gift to our soon Bride to Be, which was a beautiful picture frame that encased a copy of Curt and Zakia's ultrasound of their baby girl. After finishing with their entree, Curtis excused himself from the table. Carlos presented Zakia with a card from Curtis and told her that he needed to move the table out of the way. Curt reappeared with a bouquet of flowers and a diamond ring. He got on one knee and asked his beloved to marry him.

She said YES!!!

Best of wishes to Curt and Zakia, you're a beautiful couple!!!

Carribean Peacock

During a trip to Jamaica last year, I saw a lot of peacocks and was inspired by these beautiful birds. I vowed that at some point in 2010, I would design an event around the peacock. Low and behold the the Pantone color for this year ended up being Turquoise and Brides are in love with this color. As a result there have been a lot of requests for Peacock feathers to be incorporated into wedding designs. YEY!!!! Our November Bride loved the colors of the peacock feather, so we designed this inspiration board for her. The jeweled tones are gorgeous and set the tone for her grand affair!

Carribean Peacock by DesignsbyCornelia

Enjoy!!!

It's All In The Details

When deciding what is most important for décor at your reception, remember that the table is the main star in the room. First begin with your linens. A textured linen with color is visually inviting and automatically adds character to your table.

The Special Event Show 2010

Resource One, Inc.

Second are your chairs. Whatever you do, do not us e the traditional banquet chairs without chair covers . You will be amazed at the difference a chair cover, wooden folded chairs, or chiavari chairs can make to the overall look of your reception. Currently our favorite chair design are the Chameleon Chairs which we blogged about in a previous post. The Third most important element of your overall design scheme is lighting. Brides are usually apprehensive about this cost, but one they see the difference lighting makes to their event they are amazed and have to have it. Surprisingly, this is a very affordable option to add extra character to your fantasy affair. This includes uplighting, gobo designs, pin spotting and candle light. I personally love candles and believe that candle light is quintessential in creating a romantic ambiance, something I try to incorporate in all my designs.

Fourth, and don't be mad floral designers, but flowers are not the most important element of a tabletop design. I have noticed that many of my Brides are not as interested in floral centerpieces as they once were, but are now more interested in centerpieces that tell a story or relate to the theme of their wedding. Floating candles in tinted water are also very popular.

Designs by Cornelia, LLC

The fifth element to tabletop design are your chargers and glassware. Your napkins and/or menu cards really pop against the chargers and can make quite a difference in the look of your table. It fills space and when we're talking about a 60"-72" tabletop, there is a lot of space to fill.

Special Event Show 2010 Resource One, Inc.

Last but not least, are your accessories: menu cards, favors, napkin rings, and anything related to your theme.

Special Event Show 2010 Sasha Souza Table Top Design

Happy Planning!!!

The Must Have Chair

This year at the 2010 Special Event Show in New Orleans, I had the pleasure of being present when Chameleon Chair Collection and Wildflower Linens revealed some of their newest chair designs and chair linens.

The Chameleon chairs are metal backed and can either be used as originally designed or you may choose from a variety of chair covers available through Wildflower Linen.

It may not be within the budget to dress every chair at your wedding reception with these luxurious linens, but why not use a pair of the dressed chairs for the sweetheart table for just the Bride and the Groom.

These chairs add the perfect touch of elegance for the Modern Bride and at Designs by Cornelia, LLC, we know these chairs will be a big hit!!!

Wedding Day Hair

Just as important as your wedding gown is your Wedding Day Hair style. Hair that is pulled back and or loosely pulled up with soft curls adds a touch of sophistication to your Wedding Day look.

Headbands with a simple flower or floral hairpins adds that bit of something extra to complete your look. Your flower can be complimentary to your wedding colors like Carrie from Sex and the City The Movie where she wears the ‘infamous bird” in her hair ;-).

Your Wedding Day Hair style should be very natural and aim to highlight your natural beauty while keeping with your unique style. Below are some looks I absolutely adore. Enjoy!!!

Your Wedding TV Bridal Show

On Sunday, January 10th, Designs by Cornelia, LLC participated in the Your Wedding TV Bridal Show at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. The cold weather did not keep any of the 700 Brides who attended home. The turnout was AMAZING and the show was tons of fun!

At the Designs by Cornelia, LLC booth we showcased our services in event planning and design as well as the additional services we offer such as custom menu cards, place cards, and candy buffets. The booth was called "Pink Glam" and featured lots of feathers and what we ladies love best...BLING!!!

Thank you to each of our wonderful vendors who assisted us in executing our design: Savoir Faire Media Panache Party Rentals Absolute Love Photography Cloth Connection

Thank you!!!