Our Labor of Love

The First Look was created to give the bride and groom an opportunity to see each other before the ceremony in an intimate location while their photographer captures the emotional moment on camera. Despite earlier beliefs that it’s considered bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony, many engaged couples today find the idea of having a “First Look” appealing for many reasons:

1. The number one reason why couples choose to do a First Look is so that they can get photos out of the way before the ceremony, thus allowing them more time to spend at cocktail hour! This also allows you to begin making your rounds to talk with your guests and thank them for sharing in this special day with you.
2. A First Look allows you to talk to each other, give hugs, kisses and share your thoughts. If you wait to see each other until the ceremony, you really can’t do anything except look and smile at each other. I’m sure you’re wondering what the other is thinking so wouldn’t it be nice to hear right away rather than wait until after the ceremony? It also allows you to enjoy this special moment in a private location rather than in front of your wedding guests.
3. The First Looks allows you to go ahead and have photos taken with your wedding party  before the ceremony too!
4. You’ll have time to travel around to various locations for photos without feeling rushed. Hilton Head, Bluffton and Savannah offer a wide variety of breathtaking backdrops for photos so why not hop around to the ones you love most? If you wait to do photos until after the ceremony, you’re limiting yourself to whatever you can fit into that hour time slot.
5. If you’re super emotional like me, you’ll be thankful to have time to touch up your makeup after an emotional First Look.
6. Your wedding day is highly emotional, not only for you, but also for your family and bridal party. You’re bound to become overwhelmed by everyone else’s stress. At a time like this, there is nothing more comforting and calming than knowing you get to break away to see the person you’re about to marry and be embraced in their arms.

Here is one of my favorite First Look moments of Lindsey and Chris, captured beautifully by Greg Ceo Photography in Savannah, GA at The Mansion on Forsyth Park:

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Many couples worry that if they see each other before the ceremony, the emotional will be lost when the the bride comes down the aisle; however, this is not the case at all. I have witnessed hundreds of weddings and no matter if the bride and groom have seen each other prior to the ceremony or not, the moment is just as emotional. Think about it – you’re about to get married!! Nothing can subside the excitement, anxiousness and happiness you feel when you lock eyes on the aisle. Goosebumps!

Here are a few things to consider for your timeline if you’re planning to do a First Look:

• Transportation – if you’ll be traveling to different locations that are not close to one another, you’ll want to hire a chauffeur to tote you around in a comfortable vehicle. Consider the size vehicle you reserve too. If your wedding party needs is coming along too, you’ll want to consider something a little larger such as a trolley, shuttle bus or limousine.
• Start hair/makeup earlier – Since you’re going to need to be dressed and ready way before the ceremony starts, make sure you plan for your hair and makeup team to start earlier. I always start with the ceremony time and work backwards.
• Be sure to inform your Catering Manager if your photos are being taken on property where other groups or events could potentially interfere.

Lastly, be sure to discuss the timeline in detail with your photographer and planner first, followed by your videographer,  transportation company and the Catering/Venue Manager.

*Cover photo courtesy of Suggs Photography

Embellished Events
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Hilton Head Island, SC Wedding Planner
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Wedding flowers play such an important and beautiful role in your overall design. They’ll grace all of your photos and enchant your guests from the moment they arrive to your special day. There is something to be said about fresh flowers. From the fragrant aroma to the colorful bounty, they will completely transform any room or table.

Photo by Tim Will Photography

Florals can make up anywhere from 10% to 15% of your wedding budget, depending on how important they are to you. Every bride, no matter how large her budget, wants to get the most out of their floral budget and there are several things you can do to ensure you’re accomplishing just that. Here are my top ten tips for getting the most out of your floral budget:

1. Hire the pros! – Trust me, you do not want to be dealing with ordering, storing, cleaning, arranging, transporting and setting up flower. With all of the DIY tips out there, it may sound like a fun and fairly simple idea until you’re in over your head. Unfortunately, taking this route will cost you more in the long run than if you had hired a professional from the start. The pros know flowers like the back of their hand and can help you get the most from your budget while also saving you the unnecessary stress. Flower arranging is a fun hobby, but I suggest saving it for events other than your wedding.
2. Go green – I just love the clean, crisp look of an oversized clear glass bubble vessel overflowing with tall, bright green leaves. Whether displayed as a single stem or clustered together in an arrangement,  you can create height and make an impact on the room without breaking your budget. Monstera, elephant ears and sable palm leaves are a beautiful choice for this type of arrangement.
3. Think abstractly – Search “abstract flower arrangements” and you’ll see some beautiful works of art that were created using a small amount of florals in an unusual way. Abstract floral arrangements are perfect for the modern bride. If sharp lines and asymmetry are your forte, share these ideas in your floral meeting.Your floral designer will have fun challenging their artistic talents too!
   
4. Single blooms can really pack a punch! – Anemones for example are so beautiful by themselves that they could be displayed as a single bloom in a bud vase and really pack a punch lining the center of a family style table. Other blooms I love to see displayed solo are peonies and dahlias!
5. Use non-floral accents – Try using lanterns, lucite risers, cylinders of varying heights with metallic floating candles or even a tiered stand of food to be served family style!
6. Choose flowers that are in season – Basic economics shows that a high supply means the price will be less. If you have your heart set on peonies for your October wedding, you can expect to pay big $$ per stem.
7. Choose larger blooms – In addition to choosing blooms that are in season, also consider the size of the buds when fully opened. One single peony, mum or hydrangea bloom will take up more space in an arrangement than say, stock or delphinium.
8. You can never have too many candles – There is a lot to be said about the soft flickering light that beams off of illuminating candles. Displayed inside a clear glass holder, they can make a statement by themselves. If you need to dress up a ledge, window sill, bathroom or  bar, use candles in place of or in addition to flowers.
9. Repurpose, repurpose, repurpose! – Have your florist design your ceremony florals so they can be easily moved to the reception to adorn your cocktail tables, bathroom vanities, bar…you name it! Bridesmaid’s bouquets can be displayed among candles along the head table or incorporated into a piece of driftwood with mercury glass votives to complete the look on other guest tables.
10. Let go of control – If you’re not the type-A bride, you might want to consider letting your florist have the freedom to design your florals based on your budget, favorite flowers and what you know you do not like. Giving them the opportunity to exercise their talents shows that you trust them and appreciate their creative talents for floral design.

Example of non-floral centerpiece accents | Tim Will Photography

Abstract look created by taking varying heights of monochromatic yellow ranunculus and displaying them in glass cylinder vases along a simple wall | Home Design

Beautiful example of a palm arrangement | Elizabeth Anne Designs

These bouquets will beautifully grace the crisp white linens of the dinner tables | Suggs Photography

Single peony blooms make a statement when displayed properly, as they are here | Concept A Photography

Single anemones displayed in glass bud vases lined the family style dinner tables | Greg Ceo Photography

Embellished Events
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Hilton Head Island, SC Wedding Planner
Savannah, GA Wedding Planner
Beaufort, SC Wedding Planner
Charleston, SC Wedding Planner

Florals play a very important role in your wedding day and the person you choose to create them should be done with careful consideration. Fresh florals can easily transform any space, taking it from DRAB to FAB in no time! Florals make a huge impact in your photos as well, adding the perfect pop of color to every frame.

Photo courtesy of Belle The Magazine

Fresh flowers make up about 10% or more of your wedding budget so you want to make sure you’re getting the best for the money you spend.  A lot goes into the floral design process and it’s important that the person you hire be able to provide you with the very best. From  brainstorming to the final product, planning your flowers takes a lot of time, creativity and flexibility.

Here are some of my top tips for brides to keep in mind when choosing the florist for your wedding day:

1. When searching for your floral designer, look for someone who is AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) certified. The requirements to become AIFD are steep and the process to is rigorous. Only the best in the industry achieve this certification and the proof is in their work.
2. This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure to choose a florist that specializes in weddings. Doing this will ensure they keep certain things in mind that any other florist would not think of (i.e. creating bouquets and boutonnieres, selecting centerpieces that will not obstruct anyone’s views, when to use battery operated candles vs. regular candles, etc.).
3. Look through their portfolio to get an idea of their design style. Ensure their taste is in line with your vision. Look for variety in their designs!
4. Setup a consultation prior to sending in a deposit. The consultation does not have to be that in-depth. Discuss some ideas, look through some albums, peek inside their coolers to see how well their flowers are kept and look at the various vases and vessels they have in inventory.
5. Ask how many people they have on staff and how many weddings they will take on each weekend.
6. Be sure to ask what their policies are if you’re getting married near Valentine’s Day or on Mother’s Day weekend.
7. When in doubt, trust your wedding planner. She can speak from experience and know whether they will align with your style and vision.

Cover image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.

xoxo
Jen

Embellished Events
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Hilton Head Island, SC Wedding Planner
Savannah, GA Wedding Planner
Beaufort, SC Wedding Planner
Charleston, SC Wedding Planner