The Return of the Bow Tie

The bow tie, a must-have of every Southern man's wardrobe, has certainly made a comeback within the past few years. A symbol of classic sophistication, the bow tie is making its appearance known with companies such as Southern Proper and Vineyard Vines.

Whether you are sticking with the standard black, or mixing it up with vibrant colors and patterns, your groomsmen are sure to look sharp in this charming fashion accessory.

Photo by Southern Proper

iPod Your Wedding?

Thinking of ditching your DJ ideas to save some money? Considering your iPod instead? Let's discuss the costs and the benefits of using an iPod as your "DJ" and actually using a professional DJ.

Okay, so using your iPod might save you some dollars on your reception costs, but it may just cost you more than you think. Numerous scenarios can happen when opting to use an iPod at your wedding.

 #1- You've made this "great playlist" of songs but apparently it's not what your guests want to hear! The result...no one is dancing! What a disaster!

 #2-You've got your computer (iTunes) hooked up and ready to go...but it dies halfway through the wedding! What's your back up? Do you even have one?

#3- You want someone to help organize when the first dances are (mother with groom, father with bride etc.), so you ask a friend?
 

Deciding to use your own computer/iPod for your wedding looks great in a budget, but it will cost you something more than money could be worth sometimes....the overall effect of your wedding and how happy your guests will be. 

~On the brighter side! DJ's can be a world of a difference! And here's why! = )

 #1- DJ's have an almost infinite source of music for every occasion and for every mood. They're good at switching up the playlist to match the guests' mood and get them on their feet!

 #2- A good DJ is a GREAT MC! And this is probably a key component in any smooth running wedding. The DJ can instruct the flow of the event through music and also through his/her ability to coordinate important moments like the father/daughter dance or a special toast!

 #3- Another important detail...DJ's (good DJ's anyway) should also provide a backup if for some reason their equipment malfunctions during your wedding. You always have to think about the "what ifs", and more often than not, there will be some electrical malfunction or technical difficulties. Having a back up and being overly prepared is what the event professionals are for.

 DJ's are fun! They help make your wedding a seamless, flawless event that's memorable for everyone! They engage your guests in the nights events and make for a truly unforgettable wedding.

 **Tell me what you think? Are you planning to ditch the DJ at your wedding and iPod it? 

            Love,

                   The Emily Weddings Team

Capture the Beauty of Your Day...on Film!

A bride spends months, if not years, visualizing and planning her wedding day. She will pick out her dress, the flowers and the venue, but give little thought to how the day will be documented. Photographers and Videographers are wonderfully talented people who can capture the beauty and uniqueness of your wedding day from another perspective. In all honesty, photographs and videos are what remain after the bouquets have wilted and the dress has been packed away. Couples don't always give priority to these particular vendors when budgeting, but in the end they'll be glad they did.

Talented videographers can capture the same beauty and special moments that a photographer can, as well as the laughter and emotion. Maybe you whispered to your groom during your first dance as man and wife, or Grandpa made a touching toast before dinner. Filming your big day allows you to relive those special moments and remember those close to you who were a part of the most important day of your life.

The art of documenting such special days is feeling the effects of the digital age that we currently live in. Now more than ever, videographers can capture unbelievable video and still images and produce short films that will truly take your breath away. Thanks to K2 Productions, we are so excited so share a highlight from one of our past weddings. Emily and Curt are such a wonderful couple and we were thrilled to be a part of their special day!

Love,
The Emily Weddings Team






Emily + Curt from K2 Productions on Vimeo.

Four-Legged Friends

Planning on having man’s best friend as the best man on your wedding day? You’re not the only one! More and more couples are choosing to have their pets play a star role in their weddings, from a bridesmaid to the ring bearer. The Emily Weddings Team is here to make sure that your furry friends go down the aisle in style, but there are some steps that you will want to take before the big day.

Photo by Eclectic Images Photography

First, you will want to get permission from your venue. While churches rarely allow pets, outdoor venues may be more accommodating. You will also want to take your guests into consideration, making sure that no one is allergic to your pet.

If you think that your dog can handle the wedding, don’t forget to bring along some food and water, as well as designating someone to take the dog for a stroll before the ceremony.

Also be sure to make post-ceremony arrangements for your pet. While they may have behaved during your vows, they might not be able to party all night long with the rest of the guests.

Photo by Brian Phillips photography

As for attire, there are many options from formal tuxedos to simple collars in your wedding colors. Lines from Bella Lucca and Pawsh Boutique are a great place to start, or head over to Smathers and Branson to design a custom needlepoint collar with a preppy touch.

Or, talk to your florist about making something special for your dog. What ever option you choose, guests will certainly smile over a four-legged friend sharing your spotlight.

Photo by Julie Mikos

Bad Luck to See the Bride?

www.jaredwilsonphotography.com

We've all heard the wedding day superstition that it's bad luck to see the bride before she walks down the aisle. Did you ever wonder where the superstition came from? Years ago, marriages were often arranged and the bride and groom had never met. The bride was still considered to be her father's "property", hence the "giving away" aspect of the wedding. Many grooms would leave at the first sight of the bride! Because of this, both bride and groom were separated until the ceremony.  The sheer and delicate veil that modern brides wear today was a heavier, yellow material that neither the groom or even the bride could see through. The bride's face wouldn't be revealed until she was already at the altar and the nuptials were complete. 

Today, couples have adopted a spin on the age old tradition. The "First Look" as photographers call it, is a private moment for the Bride and Groom before the ceremony. This time together helps relieve pre-wedding jitters but remains an exciting and anticipated moment for the couple. Despite traditional beliefs about it's bad luck, opting to see each other before the ceremony is ultimately a magical and very emotional moment. One that should be captured on film or in photographs. Photographers favor the idea of the "First Look" because it allows them to capture the essence of the day and the majority of the couples' portraits. 

www.linandjirsablog.com

Some might ask if the dramatic entrance of the bride at the ceremony will be compromised, considering the groom has already seen the bride. Absolutely not! If anything it is enhanced and swells with emotion. Nothing can take away from a bride's climatic entrance into a chapel, father on one arm, proceeding down the aisle to the man she will spend the rest of her life with. The processional is always a special time for the groom especially. I find that every wedding I attend I catch myself doing the same thing repeatedly. The doors open and everyone stands to gaze at the beautiful bride coming down the aisle. I, however, turn to glance at the groom. It's his face that will show the most expression and I give credit to any photographer who remembers to snap that photograph at a wedding. 

 

**Are you considering a "First Look" for your wedding day? Tell us about it!

           Love,

               The Emily Weddings Team

Savvy Save-the-Dates

Photo by Martha Stewart Weddings

These days, a savvy save-the-date can have as much impact as the wedding invitation itself. So why not make a statement? From notepads to cocktail napkins, brides are letting their creativity shine through. Guests will go gaga over some of these "out of the ordinary" options.

Photo by Martha Stewart Weddings

One save-the-date that we could not get over were these vintage handkerchiefs by BenignObjects. Made by Rachel Wiles from Rochester, Minnesota, these custom pieces are absolutely breathtaking, and can be found on Etsy. What a wonderful way to put that personal touch on your wedding right from the beginning.

Photo by BenignObjects

How are you putting your creativity and personal touch into your save-the-dates? We would love to hear about it!

Love,
The Emily Weddings Team

Custom Bridal Hangers

It's safe to say to no wedding would be complete without a touch of personalization to reflect the Bride and Groom. These details are what set each wedding apart from the next and harness the beauty of the wedding industry. With that being said, a Bride's wedding dress is truly a staple of the day and they spend months if not years trying to find it. Photographers love to feature the dress and it's embellishments in their photographs. Let's be honest, you'll be glad they did as the dress gets packed away and all that remain at hand are those photos.

Photo by Tak Photography on Photobucket.com

Recently, I've noticed a new found love for custom bridal hangers and frankly, I love them too! Etsy.com offers a variety of different hangers with options for customizing or simply put "I Do" or "Bride". These wooden hangers serve as great keepsakes and can also be given to your bridesmaids as gifts too!

Image from Megan W Photography via LilaFrances on Etsy

Photographers will swoon over your custom hanger and your dress will look fabulous hanging from it! What's not to love about this customizable detail?

Love,
  The Emily Weddings Team