Are Diamonds Your Best Friend? - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

Will you be dripping in Jewels...

 

 

 

Borrowing an heirloom...

 

 

 

Making a simple statement with studs....

 

 

Or do I hear costume jewelery??

 

 

 

 

What will you adorn yourself in on your big day?

 

 

Avalon



 

Nails, Nails, Valentine Nails!

Happy Valentine's Day week!  If you don't know, let me tell you...I love Valentine's Day and everything that goes along with it. Yes, that includes consuming ungodly amounts of chocolate; cheesy hallmark cards; oversized, heart-shaped helium balloons; dinners for two (or a group of girlfriends when I was single); and "suprise" bouquets of red roses. Yep, I'm that girl. The girl who loves love and loves to celebrate it the most on Love Day, aka Valentine's Day.

If you aren't quite as excited about this week as I am( first of all shame on you, lol), I have just the thing to  transition you into the mood by Thursday.  Start with your nails! There is nothing like looking down at your hands and seeing a neatly manicured fingerscape...yes, I made up that word, but you can use it, too.

Here are some cool Valentine's Day nail art ideas. If these are too bold for you, simply get your nails painted a fire engine red, but reserve your ring finger on both hands for a soft, school girl pink.  Oooh, now that screams (in a subtle whisper type way, lol) Happy Valentine's day!

 

 

Stay tuned for the rest of the week, we have Valentine's Day and Love Themed inspirations for tons of occasions.  Oh, and we can't wait to show this weekend's Meet Me At the Altar style.  I'm already swooning.

 

 

Aretha



Meet Me At The Altar Saturdays - Fabrics

 

 

I absolutely adore the use of fabric in outdoor ceremonies. For instance this smaller ceremony is made to feel intimate by allowing the fabric panels to close in the ceremony space. Also by leaving the panels slightly open a sense of depth is created from the light shining through amidst the stairs in the background.

What do you think about the use of fabric in this ceremony?

Is there a way you could incorporate fabric in your altar?

 

Avalon

Family Affair - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

As much as the wedding day is about the holy union of marriage you’re entering into, don’t forget to involve those you’ve been in union with for years.

 

If you have never experienced a very close friend or family member go from single to married, it’s quite a transition. Those closest to you are, in a sense, losing  a part of you. Your life will never be the same as you’ll enter into a covenant becoming one with another who will be the most important person in your life. I say that to say if you haven’t already thought about it, make a little room throughout the wedding process to connect with those dearest to you. Stop discussing checklists for a moment and share how you are feeling whether excited, nervous, anxious, etc. Or better yet, ask them how they are doing, unrelated to the wedding activities.  They will love you even more for it.

Invite them on your journey, so they can go through the process of saying good bye and prepare to greet the new married woman in their lives.

 

Avalon

Meet Our Spring/Summer 2013 Intern - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

An Adams Original is very happy to welcome our newest intern, Kara Browne.

Kara is a freshman at Concordia University Wisconsin where she is studying entertainment management. She is almost 19 years old and very eager to learn all that she can about the event planning business. She lived in St Louis, Missouri until the age of 8 with her big family of 7. And, although she goes to school in Wisconsin, she resides in Texas the rest of the time.

Being the youngest of 5 children, as well as having a very large extended family, she has seen her fill of weddings, and big events that need a lot of planning.

She loves to sing, and is even in a choir at her school.  When she happens to have free time, she can be found singing, watching movies with her friends, reading (usually romance), or writing out her thoughts.

Over the next six months Kara will play a big role in our social media marketing while also gaining hands on experience during events and behind the scenes planning elements.

We are very excited to have her join us!

Aretha

I Do! Good-bye! - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

 

 

From childhood, many people imagine their big day, but am I the only one who thinks about the fabulous trip thereafter? Maybe it’s just my traveler heart, but what’s more romantic than embarking on a glorious journey to a beautiful land with the one you’ve just pledged your life too??

 

There are so many places one can go and so many various activities to do. So where to?

In the spirit of spring time weddings here are three honeymoon spots that do not disappoint in spring: 

U.S. Virgin Islands

Two of the best things about this location is that there is need for a passport and you’ll still have normal cell phone service. Great for those who just want to sit on the beach and work on their post wedding tan. There are carnivals that happen in the spring as well for the more active couple wanting to experience the local culture.

 Paris

Are you a romantic, foodie, shopaholic or history buff? All four will be fulfilled in Paris. The city is resurrected from it’s winter slumber and begins to bloom around April. Markets, writers, cafes and painters begin to fill the streets once again. Make plans to tour the monuments you’ve always desired to see, setup museum tours, visit world renown restaurants and find treasures to bring home from chic French boutiques. Mix and match great places to go for the couple who loves to explore. 

Charleston

On a budget or just wanting to stay a bit closer to home? Well, South Carolina is quite splendid in the spring! Have you ever seen a magnolia tree in full bloom let alone smelled the sweet aroma? Well you’re in for a treat! For the couple that just desires to spend their honeymoon in one another’s arms check in at a cute hotel or B&B . Wake up late, take walks down the historic streets, and partake of wonderful southern comfort foods. 

Wherever you decide to honeymoon, have a blast!

 

 

Avalon

Meet Me At The Altar Saturdays - The Backyard

I don’t know about you, but this is pleasantly different. Usually in this kind of back yard wedding scenario, the ceremony is set up in the opposite direction with the back of the house behind guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like the simple backdrop and structure that the house provides for the altar. There is a very clean, fresh and casual feeling. What do you think about doing a reversed backyard wedding set up?

Avalon

Vow To Be Creative - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

One of my favorite parts of a wedding ceremony are the vows; I love it when the couple puts extra thought and effort into them. Besides hearing those words on that day and cherishing them in your heart forever, what about some creative ways to display them??


"Our Story" Book

Get creative and make your own story book from the details of how you met to when he decided to propose, all the way through to your wedding day.  If you're crafty, you could do it scrap book style or go a more sleek route and type it up nicely with pictures and have it nicely bound at your local print shop. Whatever option you decide, it is nice to have something printed that will last throughout the years.

                                                                                   "Frame It"       

Whether you have calligraphy skills yourself or employ someone else's help.  You can get someone to write out your vows and stylize it in a way that would reflect your spouse and you.  Place those sacred words in a beautiful frame and find a sweet spot to place it. Preferably somewhere easy to stop and read over it.

          "Solid As A Rock"

Ascribe your vows separately on plates and actually use them for one another. You could even etch your vows on stepping stones and lay them within your walk way or throughout your backyard.

                                                                                       "Make a Statement"

For the truly adventurous and artistic ones, you can take some canvases and paint on your vows.  Use as many canvases as you want - paint across them and separate into a linear fashion, and hang it someplace prominent in your home.

These are just a few creative ways to keep the vows that you said to one another alive and fresh in your heart, and your home.

Are you planning to do, or have you already done, anything creative to display your vows?!

Avalon

An Adams Original Couple Alert: Antoinette and CJ's Engagement Session

It has been a pure joy working with Antoinette over the past few months on her upcoming August 2013 wedding.  She is one of the sweetest and most laid back brides-to-be I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Once I met CJ, I saw an even more amazing side to her. The two of them together remind me of all things pure and sweet. 

Take a look at their beautiful engagment session from Havi Frost of Havi Frost Photography as she captured their love through her lens.

Aretha

To Cinderella Or Not To Cinderella? - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

Have you ever heard the line: “When else are you going to be able to where a ball gown”?

I have heard that line from the mouths of many women.

What’s your reaction to that?

Mine use to be one of fear. I know that may sound funny, but seriously hearing that question always made my heart speed up a bit and my hands become a little clammy. The little girl in me would cry out,  “this is our one chance to look like a fairytale princess” while the woman in me would chime in saying,” I have a beautiful, curvy body to show off.”

Well, you’ll be happy to know that I have overcome that fear.  How did I do it? Simple – I remembered that there is a long future ahead of me, likely filled with an array of different events. Events that will allow me to dress up in many different styles.  So, I say to you brides-to-be, don’t make the dress decision based off of the rest of your life. 

If you want to forgo it for your wedding, but experience it later in life:

Here are some “typical” wedding dress styles that people mistakenly believe cannot be worn outside of your wedding day.

Ball gown - Vacation in Venice and attend a Venetian ball.  Find and attend a Renaissance Fair.  Have a fairytale ball themed birthday party (women are never too old to be princesses)

Sheath -  This style can be worn to just about any upscale soiree. Plan an amazing dinner at an over the top ritzy restaurant with that new husband of yours.

Mermaid - Attend an upscale gala. Host a fancy New Year or Holiday party.

These are the dress silhouettes most people think they’ll never have a chance to ever where again, but it simply isn’t true. Create your chance to wear your dress!

The next time someone asks, “When will you ever be able to wear this style of dress again?” Just answer, “Whenever I seize or CREATE the opportunity to do so!”

Avalõn

Winter Tips on this Dallas Snow Day - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

Happy Snow Day, Dallas!

In honor of the lovely blankets of snow that have invaded the Metroplex this morning, we wanted to give you a bit of Winter Wedding Inspiration and tips today.


1.The Vision

You've set the date for a winter weekend. You've always loved something about the crisp air and jack frost nipping at your nose. Well, what better way to exploit your Winter wedding date than with a Winter wedding theme.  Don't worry, there is so much more to winter than green and red Christmas colors.



2. The Decor

Now that you have the Winter theme, it's time to determine decor.  As much as you enjoy Winter, your friends and family may not.  Not to worry, make sure your decor convinces them that this is, in fact, one of the greatest seasons in Texas - even when it's snowing. Start with your colors and work from there.  This is a great time to incorporate fluffy whites, dark or icy blues, silver tones, even creams and golds.  Also, don't forget that Emerald is the 2013 color, and it can so wonderfully be incorporated for Winter along with a splash of crimson. Continue with the Winter decor by incorporating ice crystals, snowflakes, and don't forget, this is your time to go glitter crazy (in the most sophisticated way, of course).  From the aisle to the centerpieces to the cake, incorporate a streamlined Winter decor theme throughout. Your guests will be wowed.


3.The Food

I'm not even sure Winter food needs explaining.  It is the epitome of comfort, and tell me, who doesn't like comfort food every now and then.  Take this opportunity to warm your friends and family up from the inside out. Instead of an overload on cake (though it can look Winter fabulous, too), try yummy bread puddings, and cinnamon spiced treats.  Don't forget that drinks fall under this category.  Of course, you'll have your champagne toast, but why not warm up guests during cocktail hour with a delicious mulled wine or better yet, an Eggnog Martini of sorts!


4. The Accessories

Forgive me for putting this last. The ever important DRESS must fabulously tie into your Winter wedding theme. And, let me tell you, there are so many accessories that will do just that.  Can anyone say Fur???  In order to keep PETA protestors away, there are tons of fabulous faux furs out there that will look amazing.

We hope you've been inspired on this Winter White day!

Aretha

Don't Be Afraid To Let Go - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planner

“Letting go” has been on my mind since a conversation yesterday with a maid-of-honor about her sister’s upcoming wedding. The family is of Indian descent and the children are first generation Americans, yet they are not having a traditional Indian wedding. However, the wedding will have slight nods of appreciation to their Indian heritage within decor and some clothing.

As beautiful and rich as I believe tradition to be, I think there must be freedom to let it all go. I have never been one to  follow the status quo “just because”.

When it comes to weddings, I always encourage my couples to make their day truly about them and the love they have for one another. Indeed you are inviting in loved ones to celebrate this day with you and in doing so you want to be courteous as well as respectful of their attendance. However, the day should reflect the couple and if that means letting go of some traditions then so be it!

If you think you may have bought a ticket on the train of tradition or have been forced to do so, do a quick check:

Sit down with your fiance and discuss what elements of a wedding are truly important to you. Don't feel shame or regret for the things that don't make the cut. In fact, embrace what the two of you discover during this conversation because it will ensure that your day is true to your personality instead of feeling as though you’re simply going through the motions and checking off what you “must do” in the name of tradition.

Again, tradition is a beautiful thing, but just make sure it means something to you before incorporating it in the biggest day of your life.

Avalõn

Meet Me At The Altar Saturdays - Stage Drama

Talk about different, unique, fabulous, Original...this is perfect for the right couple.  Between the recycled wood and bold fabric strips this stage altar is sure to get tons of ooohs and ahhhs from your guests.  If you have a builder or handy man with a hammer, you could totally replicate this look or something similar.  We hope this generates some cool altar style for you.

Aretha

Introducing Our Website Revamp - An Adams Original: Dallas Wedding Planners

I wish I could say it's a lovely day in Dallas today, but really it's just rainy and gray.  Not to worry...we have a lovely ray of sunshine to spread on this gloomy day.

We are debuting our newly revamped website!  We continuously keep our brides (and grooms) in mind in each and every endeavor we approach.  Our goal is to make their experience with us pleasant, memorable, and organized, and that includes our web interactions.

Our favorite change to the site is an addition of our new Client Portal.  This will allow our clients to access all of their wedding planning information in one place, anytime they want.  It's the perfect way for both the client and us to stay up to date on the things each of us are doing toward the success of their big event.

Other changes:

We have a great newly designed Inspiration Gallery for our clients to generate some superb ideas.

Our blog is now linked to the site, so you can visit it there.

We've decided to highlight some of our affiliations, namely The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Thursday Therapy.

All these changes finally going live has certainly brightened our day. We look forward to hearing the wonderful feedback from our current and future clients!

Aretha

The Year of Emerald - Pantone's Pick!

You may have heard by now that Pantone released the 2013 color of the year.  If not, let me introduce you - you meet emerald, emerald meet you!

I get so excited to see the winner every year, and this year was no exception.

That emerald green screams elegance and sophistication.  I absolutely love everything about it!

The great thing is not only does emerald green look fantastic on most skin tones, making a wardrobe addition easy peasy, but the color is a fantastice addition to any event from baby showers to engagement parties, to a wedding!  Here are just a few ways we love seeing emerald:

Add a dash of plum and talk about making emerald really pop.  The two colors together almost make feel a hint of British Royalty...and love them or hate, we all have some affection for our distant British relatives.

You know what sticks out most to me in this picture?? That green eyeshadow.  Let's just say someone is heading to Sephora in the near future to find my perfect match of Emerald Eye candy.  Don't even get me started on that vintage inspired emerald dress and handbag.  I'm drooling.

What's your favorite emerald colored goodie?

Aretha

Meet Avalon - An Adams Original Brings On An Additional Planner

An Adams Original has had a breakout year since we officially opened our event design and planning firm in 2012.  In order to continue providing the unparalleled level of customer service our brides-to-be deserve, we are bringing on a second Planner!

I know Avalon very well as she is my younger sister and also an event planning extraordinaire!  Her work has always amazed me and I'm overjoyed that she has decided to join me at An Adams Original.  

Avalon is dually artistic and business minded.  She grew up in Tallahassee, FL which provided her with much of her event planning experiences as she planned and coordinated birthday parties, evening soirees, baby showers, wedding showers, bridal showers, corporate functions, and of course, weddings.

Avalon is the epitome of an Artistic soul.  She planned, designed, and coordinated her first wedding at the tender age of 18 and has blossomed more and more with each event.  In her spare time she loves to paint, draw, read wedding magazines, stalk wedding sites, and style the most eccentric and fabulous outfits to match her personality.

Avalon graduated with her AA in 2010 and then chose to move out to California where she completed Ministry school.  While in California, she has continued to coordinate small scale functions.

Now that she is relocating to Dallas, we finally get the opportunity to combine our genius and make the event dreams of our clients a fabulous and flawlessly executed reality! 


Aretha

Meet Me At The Altar Saturdays - Circle of Love

This week's edition of Meet Me At the Altar Saturdays is the circle.

What I love most about this altar is not the simple draped structure, but rather the way they invite their guests onto the altar with them.  Everyone has a front row seat to the nuptial exchange.  What better altar than one created by the presence of those you love most?!

Aretha

An Adams Original Couple Alert: Rosa & Tim's Engagement Session

Over the past couple of months, I have had an absolute blast working with Rosa and Tim on their Summer 2013 wedding.  Rosa is ever the beautiful belle and Tim is quite the gentleman. The two of them together exude the love they share for life and each other.  Check out their engagement session from the oh so talented Havi Frost of Havi Frost Photography. 

Aretha