Happy Autumn - Aisle Style

Happy Autumn! Over the weekend, we officially left summer behind.  I surely wish someone had given the great state of Texas that information because we were still experiencing summer like temperatures here.

Despite that, the weather is breaking and I know that soon we'll have the chilled air that makes Autumn such a spectacular time of year.

Today I want to share some Autumn Aisle inpiration with you.  These beautiful aisles are true to the season while still hitting the mark on decor.

1. This is a brilliant use of tree stumps, mason jars, and sunflowers all in the same arrangement.  Nothing says Autumn like wild flowers and rustic elements.

2. While much of the country enjoys outdoor weddings in the spring and summer, here in Dallas we have to enjoy them in the Spring and Autumn.  How gorg is this.  The deep red reminds us of the transitional nature of Autumn, but the held on to a bit of the summer with the bright green elements.  Oh, and that aisle path of roses...love it!

3. This is my absolute favorite Autumn Aisle.  From the wood elements in the roof, to the changing trees, to the minimally lined aisle runner...everything about this makes me swoon.  I really hope the bride's dress added to the decor in a dramatic way. Even more, I love that they brought the outside indoors.

4. Muted tones of orange and green make me happy for more reasons than being my College Colors.  This palette screams fun in the fall.

5.  You know I had to throw in something super crafty.  The use of real pumpkins filled with small scale bouquets is sophisticated and fun.  It's so DIY without the DIY look. 

Well, I hope this Autumn Aisle Style inspired you on this Monday morning!  Enjoy the season!

Aretha



Lighted Beauty

I’ve always loved using unique lighting in décor, whether it be at home or for events.  With all the costs associated with weddings, the use of certain lighting, especially candles can offer a fabulous alternative to more expensive décor elements.

Here are some different areas in which candles and other types of lighting can be incorporated to add the perfect, yet affordable, ambience to your special day!

1.       Pathways – During weddings, many people typically focus their décor budget on the ceremony and reception spaces, but it’s a mistake to forget about the pathways that connect those spaces.  This photo shows a unique way to keep your guests wowed as they move about during your event. For all my DIY-ers this concept is easily replicated by having the base of old wine bottles removed. Then place them over a candle of  your choice and mix and match sizes and styles…presto…you have a fabulous wine inspired décor theme.

2.       The great outdoors – please, please, please don’t forget about the use of candle lighting outside. This picture reminds me of beautiful teardrops, joyful ones of course, perfect for hanging from a tree over the dance floor for the couple’s first dance.  This use of lighting simply exudes romance.  Oddly enough this can be easily and affordably replicated with water balloons and lighting sticks.

3.       Outdoors In – Just as hanging lights from the trees outdoors, it is just as beautiful to bring a tree inside and hang votive lights from it.  Here is a phenomenal example.  A simple manzanita tree with some hanging votives will get you on your way to this look.

4.       Candles Only – Most brides immediately begin to consider the flowers they’ll incorporate into their centerpieces.  Well, I’m here to tell you not to box yourself in just yet.  The image below shows how sophisticated and sleek bouquets of candles can look.  To top it off, try using the same color in slightly varying shades; it will give a wow factor that will leave you and your guests impressed.

5.       Aisle Style – A lighted aisle in my mind is an absolute must. I don’t care what time of the day or night it is...a bride’s path should be lit for her journey to her groom.  Typically, that lighted path moves down the floor, but what’s stopping you from lighting from above. Here is an example of doing it in rustic style.  Here in Texas, rustic  weddings are all the rage.  These mason jars connected by a string of lights look as if they are being lit by a school of fireflies.  It’s rustic, whimsy, and romantic…a great combination.

So, brides to be, whatever you do, don't discount the impact of beautiful lighting. Step outside of the box and add some Originality to your day!

Aretha

Escort Your Guests With Originality

There are a plethora of beautiful escort card ideas circulating in craft stores and wedding magazines, but what about some originality.  This is an area where you can show your guests that you really paid attention to the details and wanted to make your wedding stand out.  I’ve compiled five ways to make your guests say wow as they seek their table number.

 

1.       Food – Guests typically find their escort cards at the end of cocktail hour prior to entering the reception.  By giving them a palette cleansing sorbet to enjoy prior to your reception, you’ll ensure they get the most enjoyment out of dinner.  You or your planner will have no trouble finding miniature spoons to place in the sorbet upon which to adorn the name and table assignment for each guest.

 

2.     The gift that gives (double duty) – A great  cost saving idea is to allow your escort card   to double as a wedding favor. What better favor than one that you can actually use time after time – a plant.  Your guests will be able to take a real memory from your wedding  and watch it grow over the years as your marriage does.  And, if you get something   like a spice or herb, they can enjoy it even more.

 

 

3.     Scent – The gift of smell goods will make any guest happy.  And, this is a triple duty item.  One, it is your escort card; Two, guests can take it home as a favor; Three, they will take  it into the reception space and create a bountiful fragrance sure to make everyone’s nose happy.  Make sure to get a complimentary scent that doesn’t compete with your flower arrangements.

 

 

4.       Sound – The first time you see your guests after being pronounced husband and wife will be at your grand entrance into the reception.  That is a moment deserving of much applause and fanfare.  So, give your guests some noisemakers to make your entrance spectacular.  Yep, another double duty item!

 

 

  

 

5.     Drink – Since I started with food, I’ll end in that similar category.  Provide your guests with escort card drinks as    the final round of your cocktail hour.  They’ll be able to take these into the reception, so they’ll have something to drink before dinner drinks are served.  This one of my favorite examples of an Original escort card idea.

 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to making your special day unique.  Make sure your planner knows your personality and finds something that makes you and your husband stand out. And, leaves your guests happy.

~ Ciao

Tablescape Construction



I love a fabulous tablescape. Call me crazy, but I think the more fabulous the table décor, the more fabulous the food tastes.  And, who doesn’t want great tasting food?

As Autumn rushes in, so do all the reasons to host dinner parties. I want to help ensure that when your friends and family sit down at the table they are mesmerized even before the food makes an appearance.  Here is a quick guide on how to build a fabulous tablescape.  I’ve even thrown in some of my favorite Autumn inspired designs.  Enjoy and Happy Hosting!

1.       Color Scheme – Before you get started you must figure out your color direction.  For some reason when it comes to Autumn dinner parties, many hosts stick to typical colors associated with fall – the reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to do that. If you want a monochromatic scheme of gray hues, go for it.  If you want your Autumn party to be purple inspired, go for that too.  There is no color limit that one should place on themselves because of the season. 

2.       The Canvas – This is by far one of my most favorite elements of a tablescape.  I mean, come on…it’s the foundation upon which your brainchild design will be perched.  Typically I’m all about linens…textured and patterned linens add dimensions and depth to a tablescape that, I think, just makes everything pop.  However, I sing a different tune in Autumn. Because this particular season makes me feel rustic and natural, I’m open to a no linen tablescape during this time of the year.  I especially love when the canvas is a solid, distressed wood surface.  It makes me feel like the outdoors has come inside. 

3.     Floral or Non Floral Décor – I’m going to try and remain objective here, but I’m a flowers girl.  Thanks to technology and overnight shipping, you can get just about any flower you want in any season you want it.  So, I ask, why not use flowers on your tablescape?? And, flowers aren’t always as expensive as you think.  I typically wouldn’t recommend this, but it’s a secret of mine for holiday dinners – grocery store flowers.  Yep, you read it right. I go to the grocery store to decorate my holiday tablescapes. First of all, they are affordable and always in abundance. Many stores will sell a bouquet of the same variety so you can design your own arrangements.  If you don’t want to use flowers, try different gords that will go with your theme, or better yet...mix and match flowers with non floral decor.

4.      Lighting – Even if you want an intimate feel…you’ll need the proper lighting to pull it off. Candles are your friend. And, make them fun. Mix and match candle holders between colors, styles, and sizes.  If you decide to go LED, make sure to test at the proper time prior to your event to make sure the lighting isn’t too harsh or ineffective. 

5.     Dinnerware – Once you’ve gotten the color scheme, linen or no linen, décor elements, and lighting questions answered, you’ll be ready to pick out the dinnerware that will pull it all together.  Please, please, please…whatever you do, don’t go cheap on the dinnerware. You’ve put a lot of time and attention into building this fabulous tablescape, so why stop now.  If you don’t have the budget to purchase a new china set, no fear, you can contact wedding rental companies as an affordable alternative.  While you’re at it don’t forget to order Plate chargers. They really help to highlight table settings. 

6.       Food – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your food by making sure it too contributes to the décor.

 

Well, there you have it!  I hope you have a fabulous time building your Autumn table scape.  Make sure to take pictures before your guests start arriving. You’ll be so proud of yourself that you’ll want to look at your work again and again.

Check out these wonderful Autumn Inspired designs:

 

(photo source: courtneyoutloud.wordpress.com)

The simple purple table linen goes wondeful with the purple rimmed dinner plates. It's understated, but totally changes the typical color scheme of an Autumn dinner.

 

 

(photo source: pepperdesignblogs.com)

Who says you can't have pops of bright yellow on your autumn tablescape?  The layer of burplap on the table, provides the autumn canvas which balances out the more spring like flowers. It still feels like nature has come inside to join you for dinner.

 

 

 

(Photo Source: Pinterest.com)

I really have to start using tree trunks more often. I love this look. It's that perfect tablescape when Autumn is on it's way to greet the winter. I would have used taller candles and a tad bit more color to add flair, but overall this look is perfect for Autumn dinner!

 

 

 

~ Ciao

Altar Preview

Hi there, and Happy Weekend!  I wanted to give you all a little something to drool over this weekend.  Check out this breathtaking Alter.  I'm working on a post with more of these goodies, so this is just a preview...stay tuned!

 

 

~ Ciao

Refresh!

We have a new logo and the website has a new look.  Make sure you give us a visit to learn more about our services, and to schedule your complimentary consultation.  Every now and then it's good to refresh!

www.AnAdamsOriginal.com

~ Ciao

Bridal Luncheons Are Made For Fun

A Bridal Luncheon is a great way for you and the girls in your wedding to spend some quality time without the hectic discussions of wedding planning. It’s a time for you all to relax, have fun, and in many cases reconnect on a friendship level because it’s likely for the last few months your discussions have all been centered on the big day and everything associated with it.

What better way to reconnect with your girls than in the midst of fabulous décor…check out some Bridal Luncheon (or Shower) inspiration.  Make sure to share with your Maid of Honor or Coordinator as they begin to plan your event.

Cute twist on the Veggie Tray - There's plenty of opportunity to eat cake, but how about making sure you and the girls keep a healthy, yet decor friendly, option within reach! You can add various dipping sauces and even add some color without comprising taste for an even better integration with decor.

Now this is a Bridal Luncheon centerpiece that will surely add to the decor of an organic/natural tablescape.  You'd be surprised by how afforadable and easy this idea is to duplicate. 

Ok, remember when I said there would be plenty of time for cake? Well, here it is. Cake pops are all the rage these days, and thank goodness because I was starting to have cupcake overload, haha. These wonderous inventions can be decorated in an array of schemes and the best part is that it helps with portion control. A couple of these will be satisfying without threatening your next dress fitting.

Place Card Holders aren't just for weddings.  I love this original idea used at a recent bridal shower. If the pink dresses or circled cards aren't your thing, don't  worry, these can be completed customized to fit your style and tast.  Simply gorg!

The Tablescape. Ooh La La this fresh and airy outdoor tablescape is perfect for a bridal luncheon.  Whatever scheme you decide to deploy, make sure your coordinator designs a tablescape that will keep your girls talking for weeks. Note: You'll want to stay in scheme with your wedding. Not to worry if your luncheon and wedding are in different seasons. An experienced coordinator will know exactly how to tie the two together.

No matter what you decide by way of decor or food, just remember that this is a time for you and the important ladies in your life to have fun and simply enjoy each other. So, don't stress...just have ejoy!

~ Ciao

Shoes To The Rescue

We don’t want you to suffer like those poor saps from the Movie “Office Space” by dealing with a case of the Mondays. Instead, here’s a fabulous pick me up for you to drool over…Shoes. In case you haven’t selected the shoes you’ll be wearing on your big day, check out some of these styles….

1. Funky - These shoes can serve a double purpose - they can act as your something Blue and your something funky.  The drama of the suede and the funky heel elements will give a glorious shoe shot!  Perfect for the girl that has several inches between her and her groom to be!

2. Flat - Not every bride is into the uber high heels or any heel for that matter.  We got you covered. With the trend of flats in full effect over the past several years, there is  huge selection of gorgeous options to choose from.  We found these over on etsy.com.  You find your perfect flat, and they'll add the flare.  Perfect way to customize for a reasonable price.

3. Strappy - You know what I love most about strappy shoes?? They make me feel so feminine and dainty. And, there is such a huge variety to choose from.

 

4. Bling - I don't know about you, but I like shiny things.  I'm more of a shiny understatement, so when I came across these, I felt they were the perfect explanation to what I mean.  The bling is subtle enough to still be elegant, but significant enough to make a statement.  And, how cute is that bow??   

5. Feathers - O.M. Gosh! If only my wedding colors had been orange and blue.  I love the very classic and modest pump style of the shoe, but the punch of excitement in the orange feather. I just designed an entire wedding around this shoe inspiration alone.  I'm thinking a wedding right on the cusp of Autumn, but still with the feel of summer fun! Oh so fab!

 

Whew, all this talk of shoes is going to make me schedule a stop at DSW sometime during the day.  My case of the Mondays are definitely gone bye bye.

~ Ciao

Wedding Expo Tips

So, you just got engaged and all things wedding are floating around in your mind. What better way to get information on every aspect of your wedding than to attend a Wedding Expo, also called a Bridal Show?  It’s a great event for you to meet an array of local vendors for all of your wedding planning needs.  While fun, expos can also become overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect and how to prepare.  Here are some tips to make the most out of these exciting and informational events:

1.      Wear comfortable shoes – Likely the expos you choose to attend will have hundreds of  vendors, all who will have interesting information for you, so be prepared to do lots of walking, standing, and talking. 

2.      Print information labels – Just about every vendor will request your information, and you’ll want to give it to them. After all, you’re attending the expo to meet vendors and decide with whom you want to connect with later.  By creating information labels you’ll save a ton of time by not having to fill out a form at every booth.  Your labels should include: Name, Wedding Date, location, address, and email. 

3.      Create a Wedding Only email – This is a great way to keep your normal every day emails separate from the advertisements and information you’ll be getting regarding your wedding.  You can use any email service such as gmail, yahoo, or ymail. 

4.      Research and prepare – Check out the exhibitors section of the wedding expo website to find out what vendors will be in attendance and determine those with whom you definitely want to meet. You should also craft a few key questions to ask your chosen vendors such as, availability on your wedding date, pricing, and consulation pricing (if applicable).

5.      Bring your calendar – During an expo you will have an opportunity to set up follow-up consultations with vendors that you are most interested in.  You will also be informed of other upcoming open houses and information sessions by specific vendors, so make sure your calendar is accurate and ready for additional appointments. 

6.      Be open minded – Prior to attending an expo you’ve likely thought about what you would like to have at your wedding, but once at the expo you may find better alternatives or that what you thought you wanted isn’t easily available on your date.  Not to worry, there is never just one option during the wedding planning process, so stay calm and stress free! 

7.      Once you get home, you’ll have a bag full of goodies and more information than you know what to do with.  Unfortunately you’ll want to look at everything and separate information you want to follow-up with, and the stuff you’re not interested in.  Make sure to contact your preferred vendors immediately to get additional information and book dates.

 

Additional Tip: If you have already decided on a wedding planner, make sure you have him or her attend with you so they can have a first-hand account of what interests you most. 

Lastly, have fun and enjoy the expo!

~ Ciao