Halloween Wedding Part I

Wedding Spotlight: Amanda Collins + John Norton

10.31.09

PART I

Location: Museum of Appalachia

Vendors

Food: Simply Southern Catering
Photography: Arlin Yeager

Carriage: Gilliland Farms

Ceremony Music: Al Colombo Violinist

Reception Music: Gary Loe Productions

See News Coverage on WBIR Channel 10 and WVLT channel 8

The Theme: Halloween

The bride and groom were excited to have a Halloween wedding since it's their favorite holiday. They wanted to do something different and fun that their guests would remember. When Amanda first mentioned the theme to me I wasn't quite sure where to start! It was different than what we normally do! I said, "OK, when Halloween gets closer we can go shopping for the decor." But, there was no need to wait, she had everything we needed in her outdoor shed! Her family loved to decorate the house (in and out) for Halloween. Most of the items had been in her family since she was a child so they were dear to her.

Favors: Candy Buffet

Trick or treat bags with ties were provided for guests to graze the candy buffet. Amanda's vintage Halloween containers were a perfect fit for the sweet buffet. Each figure was a bowl (they had a hole in the top of their heads). The guests got to do their own trick or treating and then take home the bags for their favors. Treats included candy corn pumpkins, suckers, tootsie rolls, eye ball jawbreakers, etc.

Decor

Amanda's favorite Halloween items were placed all over the reception area: witches, ghosts, and skeletons oh my!

The Wizard of Oz

The couple and wedding party were in formal attire for the ceremony. They changed into costume for the reception. The bride (Dorothy), groom (scarecrow), bride's son (lion), and groom's son (tin man) celebrated their new family Wizard of Oz style!

The new family!

Who knew Dorothy would marry the scarecrow?

Costumes
Guests were expected to dress in costume for the ceremony and reception. They did not disappoint! Several folks showed up: the terminator, a nun, some Eskimos, little bo peep, a chicken, and the list goes on!

A table of masks and props was provided for those that did not arrive in costume, but wished they had once they arrived! A face painter was available to get children and adults alike into the dress up spirit!

Stay tuned for part II of our blog on Thursday. It will feature more pictures and decor from the wedding!

Trick or Treat!

Planner Girl:)

Making it Legal

Getting the Marriage License does not have to be a burden if you know the facts!

In the state of Tennessee your marriage license will cost $107.50. You can deduct $60 off of this with premarital counseling. You can get counseling from your minister or local churches often offer it. You must have a signed affidavit to prove your completion of the counseling. For 60 bucks it's worth it! Some ministers/churches will complete the counseling in one session while others have a series that you can take. Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville has a four hour interactive class that meets on the second Saturday of every month. Classes are often fun to take with your future spouse! They can help you learn more about marriage and each other!


FYI:
- You can pay by Credit Card if you want (a convenience fee may apply)
- You can fill out the form online to save time at the county clerk’s office. Just don't sign it until you are in the office with a witness.
- You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Tennessee to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide. If both the bride and groom are out of state the fee is $47.50.
- You can get your license in any Tennessee county and be married in any county.
- Blood tests and physical exams are not required in Tennessee.
- You will receive the license immediately and can be married anytime after that.
- Your license will expire 30 days from the date it is issued. You will get a larger one to frame and a smaller one to use as proof for changing the bride’s name.

What to bring to get your license:
- Your Social Security Number (SS card, Pay stub, Tax records, etc.)
- A picture ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Birth Certificate, or Passport, etc.)
- Each other: Both the Bride and Groom must be present!
- Your signed affidavit for the marriage counseling
- The online form pre-filled out

Check out the Knox County Clerk's website for more information!

Nowadays everything is just a click away! You can even get help changing your name! MissNowMrs inputs all of your information into the forms and all you have to do is print. The above link goes to our website. Click into the website and click the MissNowMrs icon at the bottom of our contents page!

Get legal easy!
Planner Girl:)

Travel Tips

Here are some Travel Tips to help you navigate packing and the airport!

What to bring: passport, travel tickets, cash, credit card, driver’s license, sunscreen, sunglasses, ipod and charger, camera and charger, be sure to clean pictures from your camera so you can take as many as you want. Cell phone and charger, 2 swim suits, 2 beach towels, toiletries, etc. Search online for an extensive packing list!

What to wear- take a good look at what you're wearing! Good shoes are a must! They should be easy to take on and off at security, easy to walk in long airports, and easy to stand in line! Don’t wear jewelry or items on your clothing that will cause the metal detector to stop you! It’s very embarrassing to have metal on your pants or shirt and for them to have you strip down or wand search you several times.

Don't be this guy! If you don't really need it- check it!

Get a lanyard with a good pouch attached! It sounds cheesy but it really saves you time and frustration! I have a lanyard with a blue Velcro pouch that holds my passport, boarding tickets, flight information, health card, and even has a place for my pen. The pen is handy to fill out custom’s forms or write down flight changes. I put the lanyard around my neck from the check in desk until I board the plane. You will need the information for all security points (sometimes several points), tickets at the gate, and sometimes at the plane entrance.

Carry your camera in your carry on luggage. The larger machines for the checked luggage have been known to erase camera memory! Check out the TSAs list of prohibited and acceptable travel items.

Bonus tip: Once you get to your room: Beware of putting your room key near your credit card. The magnetic strip can deactivate your room key!

Travel smart!

Planner Girl:)

Happy Anniversary Davina + Kevin!

Happy Anniversary Davina + Kevin
10.05.07, Historic Bleak House
Photos provided by Waldorf Photographic Art

Davina and Kevin decided to have their first look prior to the ceremony. This is where couples decide to see each other before the ceremony so they can finish photos and get to the reception faster! The first look can take place at the ceremony spot or at another beautiful setting. Sometimes the bride walks straight to the groom as he looks at her. Other times, the bride walks to the groom as his back it turned. Then she taps on his shoulder for him to turn around.

This is a great way to talk to each other before the ceremony and calm nerves. It’s a good opportunity to have a private moment, which you would not get after coming down the aisle for the ceremony. Some brides are still traditional and refuse to let the groom even get a peak before the ceremony! The first look is easy on the photographer, the guests, and the wedding party and couple. But, ultimately it is your decision; don’t let anyone talk you into it unless you want to!

The centerpieces were river rock, moss, gold fish, and greenery. They were gorgeous!

Sparklers have become a popular departure item! Just be sure to spread the aisle wide. Have your coordinator hand them out and show guests where to stand. Your coordinator should give the cue to light up the sparklers when you are ready. This ensures that they are all lit at the same time and do not burn out before you get through the line. Be sure to get the right sparklers. They are the wedding sparklers that last longer. They burn gold! The 20” sparklers are a good length. The 36” sparklers are too long! Regular sparklers will often smoke up the photograph!

A magical night!

Congratulations Davina and Kevin!

Planner Girl:)

Sandals Bahamas

Back from Sandals!I’m back from the Sandals trip! Sandals is the best way to visit the islands. They are safe, clean, and the service is impeccable. You can choose to explore the island with a Sandals recommended tour guide or you can just sit back and relax!

Here are a few reasons why we LOVE Sandals:
LUXURY: From the accommodations to the staff, every aspect makes you feel like royalty!

AFFORDABILITY Prices fit various budget sizes with all inclusive meals and activities. For example, the cost of 7 nights in Hawaii’s Marriott verses 7 nights at Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica is the same. The difference is that Sandals includes the meals, activities, and drinks for free!

ROMANCE: Sandals are designed for couples only. It's the most romantic place in the world! They also have resorts for families, singles, and girlfriend get a ways!

FANTASY: Sandals all inclusive resorts allow you to sit back and enjoy your time together, without having to worry about the cost of transportation from the airport, restaurant bills, drinks at the bar, or activities... it's all included! Just relax and enjoy! The views are phenomenal! Where else can you eat 5 star meals and then get up to leave the table without pulling out your wallet.

It's like living for 7 days where money is no object! The food, activities, drinks, fun, and romance are all included.

Sandals has additional services if you want. Like their famous Red Lane Spa. Have a couples massage or have your massage table moved into the ocean under a private hut! The possibilities are endless!

You can also have a romantic dinner for two. These tables are spaced apart on the beach awaiting a sunset private dinner for two!

Many water sport activities are included in the trip: golf, tennis, fitness center, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, glass bottom boat, canoes, sailboats, etc. Each resort has different amenities. But, think about how much each of these would be if you paid for them separately!

Sandals also does destination weddings. This is great for the couple that wants to keep it small! Grab a few friends and family and head to the islands for a romantic getaway for everyone. You may want to throw a fabulous party when you return to share with friends and family that were not able to go!

Book through us to receive all of the latest Sandals deals and get our free gift!

Go Sandals,

Planner Girl:)

Sandals Bahamas here we come!

As you may know, Ever After is a representative and major fan of Sandals vacations and honeymoons! It's the most romantic place in the world because it is designed for couples! Everything is included: fabulous meals, luxury suites, activities, etc! I can't say how impressed I am with Sandals! The service, the value, the views- Wow!

Today (~6:45 am), I am off to Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort! This is the fourth time I've been to the Bahamas, but the first time I've been to a Sandal's property there! I can't wait to see the difference. I have been to both Freeport and Nassau, Bahama.

The first two times I went we stayed in hotels on the island. They were a run down and not ideal by most standards. I liked the local markets, the crystal blue waters, the culture... but I was not impressed with the resorts. The third time I visited via cruise- that was fun! We stayed in port overnight and were able to explore a little. We went shopping, visited Atlantis, went scuba diving! It was great-but one day does not give you enough time to relax or explore the island!

I expect this trip to be very different than any before! This one will be filled with relaxing beaches, yummy food, fire dancing, and luxurious rooms!

Go Sandals!

Planner Girl:)

Telethon with Guy Fieri

Last Night's telethon was a success! The telethon was broadcast on all 3 television networks to show that we can unite as a community for the United Way! The telethon was held at the Bijou theatre and hosted by Hallerin Hilton Hill and Guy Fieri of Food Network.


Guy is the host of Diners, Drive ins and Dives. He spoke about the episode where he highlighted Knoxville's own Pizza Palace on Magnolia. Although he did not mention it on air, Guy revealed earlier that day that it's one of his 2 favorite places to get pizza. The other place is in South Chicago!


The Telethon's goal was to unite the community and raise $250,000 for the United Way of Greater Knoxville!


KingBilly performed on stage as the telethon continued. Their style is best described as country, rock, and blue grass!

Guy and Hallerin talked about the United Way Auction that kicked off last night. Ever After is a proud sponsor of United Way. Look at the auction for a bridal shower and rehearsal dinner package from us! You can also bid on signed UT items, books, guitars, etc.


The telethon was just a kick off! We raised over $254,000 to exceed our first goal. Now we are looking to the online auction, spare change drive, and Pilot pumpers events to make up the total that is needed to serve Knoxville's less fortunate!

Get bidding!
Planner Girl:)