Bridal Portraits

There are several good reasons to have bridal portraits in advance of the wedding.

It gives you a chance to try on your dress and move around in it. It lets you get to know your photographer better. This will show in your pictures with more natural expressions! Also, it will give you more time on your wedding day for other photos.

Things to consider about the shoot.
The location- some photographers have studios and favorite spots. Think about shooting in an opposite style of venue than you'll have on your wedding day. It will give you greater variety in your pictures!

Veil- remember to bring the veil. Get pictures with and without it.

Accessories- decide whether or not you want to wear all of your accessories- jewelry, the shoes, etc.

Bouquet- ask your florist for a bouquet trial run. It's OK if it is a smaller version of your wedding day bouquet. You can also go with an opposite style. If your wedding day bouquet is all white, you may want to select a  bouquet with bright brilliant colors for the shoot. Depending on quality, silk flowers can be used.

The above photos are from Jennifer's bridal shoot, provided by A Captured Photo!

Be sure to take someone with you that knows how to bustle the dress. This person can also help hold the train when changing locations.

If you're going to be in grass or 'dirty' areas, you can bring some clear plastic or a white sheet to lay under the dress during the shoot. But, be warned, you may still need to have the dress cleaned. Give enough time between the shoot and your big day, just in case a cleaning is needed.



Relax and enjoy the shoot!
Planner Girl:)

Children and weddings

Should you invite children to the wedding?

If you decide not to invite children, be careful how you word the wedding invitations. Instead of saying “No Children,” say “Adults Only Please.”

There are many reasons to exclude children from the guest list. The location and atmosphere may not be kid friendly.

If you decide to invite children to the wedding, make provisions for them. Have a children’s buffet, provide activities, or provide a baby sitter.

Knoxville has a service called Babysitter Express. They offer complete services including activities and supervision. They are top notch and worth the fee!

If children's parents are in the wedding party, be sure to have someone assigned to help get them dressed and supervise them during pictures.

Children can make it more fun!
We vote to invite the children!
Planner Girl:)

Happy Anniversary Julie + Chris

Happy Anniversary
Julie and Chris Thompson
November 15, 2008

Julie and Chris were married at their church. They rode with their wedding party in the trolley to the reception!

Since it was November, the temperature was cool outside. Dinner was served outside with acoustic guitar for music. Following dinner, guests were invited inside for the cutting of the cake. The patio was the setting for the special dances and the band’s performance.

Julie’s dad had the opportunity to jam with Dishwater Blonde. They are a funk, rock, R & B band. The guests loved it! They always put on a great performance!

Vendors
Abby Elizabeth Photography
Lisa Foster Design
Dishwater Blonde
Anderson Rental

A candy buffet is always a crowd pleaser!

Have a happily Ever After!
Planner Girl:)

Eco Friendly Weddings

Have you thought about making your wedding a little more eco friendly?

Here are some ways to diminish your impact on the environment.

Katherine Heigl and Katie Holmes are among several brides that have had eco friendly weddings.

Here are just a few of the ways you can make your special day friendly to the environment:

Have the ceremony and reception at the same location
Consider the distance for your guests by flight and by car
Butter cream is more eco friendly than fondant

Use organic health and beauty products
Rather than having a menu card for every place setting, have the menu framed at the reception entrance.
Use potted plants instead of cut flowers
Give away seeds or plants as your favor
Use recycled paper for your programs, invites, thank you cards, etc.
Use candles rather than electricity to light the room
Have a day wedding that uses less electricity than an evening wedding
Use a caterer that provides organic foods
Preserve your gown with a shop that uses carbon-neutral methods
Recycle your flowers. Random Acts of Flowers will reuse your flowers to brighten the day of hospital patients and nursing homes!

 
 
To calculate the carbon footprint of your wedding check out Carbon Fund
Another green resource is Green Weddings.
 
Go Green when you can!
Planner Girl:)

Score some great gifts at the UW Auction!

Need to pick up some gifts for Christmas? We'll you're in luck!
Next week is the United Way's one-week only Auction!

Some category and item highlights include:

- University of Tennessee Collectibles like a Peyton Manning autographed #16 jersey and autographed football, Pat Summitt autographed basketball, Bruce Pearl autographed basketball, Derek Dooley autographed football, autographed Todd Helton photo, Dane Bradshaw autographed t-shirt and skirt from SKIRT! magazine photo shoot, and “Basketball Century of Champions” autographed poster featuring the All-Century Basketball team.

Music – Autographed guitars from Kenny Chesney and Rodney Atkins, and Clay Aiken tickets

Food – Breakfast with Robin Wilhoit (WBIR), Dinner with Lori Tucker and Gene Patterson (WATE), Copper Cellar gift card, dinner for four at the Crown and Goose, gourmet cooking class for 10 by the Knoxville Convention Center and dinner and a movie combo packs

Spa & Beauty- Certificates for Salon Visage and Modern Salon for haircuts, manicures and massages.

Sports –tickets to the Titans/Redskins game on Nov. 21, tickets in the new Tennessee Terrace for the Kentucky football game, a pair of Lady Volunteers season tickets, and a round of golf Gettysvue Country Club.

Business services – corporate identity package by Bluegill Creative, custom designed website and career counseling.

Event services – DJ services, wedding planning and ball room dance lessons

Host a sports talk radio show for a day with Wes Rucker on ESPN 1180 AM

Two night cabin rental in Pigeon Forge with four tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium

Behind the scenes experience at WBIR-TV including sitting in on editorial meeting and creating a video of you doing the weather and reading the news.

Behind the scenes tour for 20 of McGhee Tyson Airport.

An evening at Greystone (WATE) with Lori Tucker and Gene Patterson – sit in on an evening newscast and have dinner with Lori and Gene after.

Roll as an extra in a Jupiter Entertainment production.

Grab a piece of UT Football History. The 8’ letters ‘VOLS’ that used to hang over the stadium’s jumbotron are yours for the taking! The remodeling project left them in the cold. Do you know someone who could give them a good home?

Bid to enjoy a pre-game meal with the Lady Vols Basketball team and check out the locker room. Sit just behind the bench- it’s the best seat in the house!



Don’t forget to check out the Ever After Package!

Wow your family and friends at Christmas- BID!
Planner Girl:)

Vendor Spotlight: Your Reflections Photography

Tonya Ailshie is the owner of Your Reflections Photography

Tonya has been shooting weddings since 2007. The photos on her website show her cutting edge style. She provides quality photography that fits any budget!

Mark your Calendars:
Bridal Event at Twin Cedar Farms

Sunday, January 16, 2011
2:00 pm -5:00 pm

Come check out the farm and meet vendors to help you plan your special day! Brides should RSVP with Your Reflections!

Enjoy the pix!
Planner Girl:)

Happy Anniversary Danielle + Andy

Happy Anniversary
Danielle and Andy Shockley
November 1, 2008

Leaves turning yellow from a tree on the property provided a picture perfect setting for group shots. Danielle's colors were purple and yellow!

Danielle was raised by her grandparents, what a special bond they share!

They were determined to have a good time! Isn't that how it should be?!

Vendors

Rex Bradford Jones Catering
Hope Photography
Lisa Foster Design
Anderson Rental

Wishing you a happily Ever After!
Planner Girl:)