2012 Spring Issue - Now Available

READ NOW or DOWNLOAD for later!

Our newest issue is now available only on our blog! Remember The Bride's Book magazine is available on your smartphone, tablet or computer! You can reda it now or download it to read later either online or off. If you like something and want to share it look for the download/share button so you can share a page or the entire magazine with a friend or a wedding professional. This issue is full of links and video so be sure to look on the page for more info than just a picture! In this issue we have articles on Helping your man to get involved in the wedding planning without being a nag! This issue is full of wedding IDEAS. Check out our Inspiration pages by Rachel Hamm of Bliss by Sam photographed by f8 photography. We also have gorgeous destination weddings in tropical paradises such as Cancun, Hawaii and Puerto Rico as well as Blowing Rock and Emerald Isle. This issue begins an expansive series feature on Getting Married in beautiful Asheville NC. In the next issue due out in July we will focus on Wilmington, Blowing Rock, Chapel Hill & Durham NC. If you are considering one of these destinations you will definitely want to check out our July issue! We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you!

Calling all brides to be.... the Onslow Bridal Gala!
Feb 26 from noon until 4pm, at the Marston Pavillion, located on Seth Williams Blvd, Bldg 730, in Jacksonville, NC.
You will not want to miss it!
Advanced ticket can be purchased at http://ping.fm/7hPym or just stop by! We'll see you there!

Calling all brides-to-be! Escape for a weekend of wedding planning bliss for you and a guest to the Wedding Show of the NC Mountains, November 18 - 20, 2011 at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Enjoy three days of pampering, parties and planning where the wedding possibilities are limitless! Tickets include five meals, a spa treatment, signature cocktails, live music, fashion shows and all the trimmings of an actual wedding! www.WeddingShowOfTheNCMtns.com / 800.GoRomance. Respond to our post with your name, phone number and email address to be included in the drawing! Winner to be announced November 15th.

Rainy -overcast - day in Asheville... So many clients to visit... If I miss you today, I'll see you at the show!

Coming up in the Spring 2012 issue of the Bride's Book

We are so excited about our Spring issue! With a revamp of the magazine and a big focus on regional spotlights the Spring issue available March 2012 will feature Asheville, NC Complete with things to do, places to go, accommodations, and more! The perfect planning piece for your wedding! Be sure to sign up online to get a copy as soon as it is available! go to http://raleigh.thebridesbook.com/maillist.php?link=subscribe and guess what?! You will also be signed up for various contests and additional info!

The Wedding Photographer

Carolyn Scott Photography

Robin Lin Photography

Rumor has it that the wedding photographer is the most overpaid wedding vendor out there, so they say. I mean the camera's expensive but everything is digital so where is the expense? Okay so you do have to buy those fancy photo albums to slip your photos in but what else? Why do photographers cost soooo much? Couldn't Cousin Billy Bob take some pretty good photos and we could save that money for something else, right?! You know what I think? I think "they" are wrong. A successful photographer doesn't just point and shoot. They spend time getting to know their surroundings and framing the photo. The more they do it the faster they are at putting it all together and capturing the gorgeous photo that makes you FEEL what the couple is feeling at that very moment in time. Its part gift, part talent and part experience and it's a big part of what you pay for when you hire your photographer. But what else? Why is it that Billy Bob even with a good camera has a tough time capturing these moments that you want to relive day after day?

Beth Gillikin Photography

No matter how hard Billy Bob tries he will rarely think of the composition. He doesn't walk into the room or location and begin envisioning the art that he will be creating. Billy Bob (or Sally Mae for that matter) walks in and starts chatting with his buddy or distant relative and talking about old times and "how's your mama? It's been so long..." well you get the point. When you ask your _____(fill in the blank)____ cousin/buddy/aunt to photograph your wedding they have more on their mind than their new job. So they become distracted and the opportunity to breathe in the environment and plan the photos is lost.

Bella Rose Photography

And that is just the beginning of the process. What happens when the party gets started? The music is kicking and everyone is out on the dance floor laughing and having a wonderful time. You know Billy Bob is a guest too, I mean he has a job but he wants to have a good time too and you want that as well, right? So who could blame him when he puts the camera down to shake a leg for a few songs? Well unfortunately he missed this shot. Even if he decided to pick up the camera at the right time his position would be on the floor looking straight on or maybe up and the feeling would be lost.

The professional has spent the entire time since he stepped out of his (or her) car planning what shots to take and where. He may have even photographed a wedding at this particular location and knows where and how to get the best shots. But while your buddy is doing his thing the professional is capturing every piece of your wedding. The stationery, the entrance, the bouquets, the table settings all the little details that make your wedding yours. You don’t know this now but the day after your wedding or maybe a few weeks later you’ll find yourself wondering hmmm, what did the little flowers I so painstakingly chose, end up looking like?  Those detail shots the pro will take will be priceless later on.

Vesic Photography

So now we know some of the downfalls of hiring a friend or relative to take your photos to help document the best day of your life. But what else separates the professional from the amateur photographer?

The amateur when completed will then upload the images at shutterfly, picasa or some like location so when you want you can order your photos. He, or she, is done. They did their job. Ta Da!!! The professional on the other hand will go back to their studio and spend hours and hours editing the images. Perfecting colors, removing flaws, all sorts of things that make them the wonderful pieces of art that we see here. And those couples that bite the bullet and spend the money on a talented photographer are rewarded each and every time they look at the art created by a professional. 

The Wedding Planner

J. Lo did a great job in the movie, “The Wedding Planner”. She’s one of those actresses that we love to watch on the big screen. But she did nothing to describe what a wedding planner really does. Most people think of a Wedding Planner as an accessory to the rich and famous and that regular folks handle all the details and what they can’t handle they ask a relative or friend to handle. That works great for some folks. Some folks have planned their wedding since they were 10 years old. Most of us however, are new to this wedding thing and plan on doing it only once. So for that reason alone you should investigate what a wedding planner can do for you and how much she costs. What’s the worst thing that could happen? That’s right, you end up making a well thought out educated decision and that’s the best decision and approach you should take when you plan anything!

Bella Rose Photography

So let’s go over the pros of hiring a wedding planner. First, she is well educated on the reputation of the wedding professionals out there and well versed in what is a fair price to charge and who she can negotiate with in order to keep things within your budget. Second, this isn’t the only wedding she’s planned nor it be the last that he or she plans so no doubt she is full of ideas based upon your budget of how to create your vision at a variety of locations. Third , remember the last time you hosted a dinner party? You cooked the food, you cleaned the house, you sent the invitations (or made the calls), you shopped, you set the table, you answered the phone and door bell when it rang, you chose the music, you played the music , you thought up the ice breaker oh and you had about 5 minutes to get cleaned up and dressed before everyone arrived. THEN, you mingled, you thought of about half a dozen things that you should have done, some you tried to do while your guests were there as discreetly as possible. By the end of the night you had about 25 conversations interrupted and never completed, you barely had a chance to eat your dinner and enjoy your guests before it was time to serve dessert and then after your guests left it was time to clean up. That was a dinner party for only 4 or 5 couples! Imagine an event at a separate location or multiple locations with a guest list of about 125 or more?! Sure Mom can help but remember this is the only wedding her daughter will have…she should enjoy it just as much as you without all of the stress.

Diane McKinney Photography

So, now you are thinking…maybe it isn’t such a bad idea but I just don’t think I could afford it…Really?! In most cases you can. Remember you set your budget. If your budget is $5000 or $155,000 that is your budget. A wedding planner knows that her fees must ALSO come from this budget. Many (not all )are willing to negotiate their fees if possible in order to stay within your budget , assuming they want the job. They may also be able to tailor fit their services to accommodate you so that it makes it more affordable. They are organizational gurus, and depending on how many services they render as well as their popularity, they can cost a few hundred dollars or several thousand. In the Southeast for a full service wedding planner he or she will generally charge about $2600 while nationwide the average is about $3200.

Now you have the tools to decide if a wedding planner is for you..go out and begin meeting and interviewing and talking price to find the one that works best for you. Not sure where to start? Go to www.TheBridesBook.com and choose your city. Then check out our Marketplace where we list all the best local wedding pros in your city.

www.bellarosephoto.com

Destination Wedding Spotlight: Kure Beach, NC

Destination weddings have been the craze for many years now and the Carolinas are no stranger to this concept. Historic, brick laden districts, river towns, sandy beaches and rolling mountains place both North and South Carolina in the destination wedding cataory with locations such as Jamaca, Mexico and the Adorondacks. Born and raised in coastal North Carolina, I have a special place in my heart for couples that choose to hold their big day in "my neck of the woods". As a wedding planner by trade but a life planner by nature, it is a great joy to offer more than just wedding services to my brides. As a native of the Carolina lifestyle I enjoy letting couples in on the secrets of where to get the best shrimp and grits, which area boasts the most stunning sunsets, where to get the "poshest" service, etc, etc... The Carolinas hold hundreds of perfect destination wedding locations and over the next few weeks we will spend time getting to know some of the areas that are perfect for the occasion. We begin our tour with the small, friendly, relaxing beach town of Kure Beach, NC...

Situated just 20 minutes south of Wilmington, NC, Kure Beach is one of several beach towns located on Pleasure Island. It is also seated just before the historic and picturesque area of Fort Fisher. Bathed in rustic and homey southern charm, Kure Beach is a gem burried in the sand. Known to fishermen worldwide for its pier and fishing, Kure Beach is also well equipped to handle small to medium sized weddings on the sand, at a lovely and colorful ocean front home or at many other locations. Dinning choices range from the seafood cafe, to the steak and seafood house to the option of having your event catered with elegant cuisine. Atlantic Avenue boasts the beach's best views with its wooden walkways and gentle breezes. Couples have the ultimate setting with the golden sand, froathly ocean waves and green sea grasses. Ceremony decore can range from the simple arbor to the even more simple but powerful statement of letting nature speak for itself and be the main decore.


Locals enjoy the opportunity to share their piece of paradise so when visiting be sure to inquire about the area's offerings in terms of food, lodging and activities. In nearby Fort Fisher, the NC Aquariuam at Fort Fisher is a beautiful option for the reception or rehearsal dinner. Dine in front of the shark tank and relax as twinkle lights glow from the railings above. Palm laiden outdoor spaces are available as well as elegant indoor areas. Sting rays, turtles, jelly fish and other aquatic life add to the party as they glide effortlessly in tanks around the Aqarium. The sea horse tank is a special treat and the perfect place for a gift station. Events coordinator Terry Bryant and assistant coordinator Emily Bullock are available Mon-Fri to help plan the wedding of your dreams. Rent the Aquarium's crystal fish for an amazing centerpiece or utilize a local florist to tie in your theme. Visit their website at http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher to learn more about this stunning venue.


Be sure to take advantage of the unique grove trees that grow along the Fort Fisher shore; the shady groves are perfecy for memorable pictures and romantic strolls. Sitting between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River gives Fort Fisher water views from almost every angle and affords the history buff a plethora of sites to see and information to gather. Families and couples alike can rent a small beach cottage of stay at on of the inns located on the island. For more information on this quaint beach town, visit the Pleasure Island Chamber of commerce at http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/ and be sure to check the section dedicated to wedding regulations and rules.
Photo left & center courtesy of Gary & NC Aquarium at Ft Fisher

Wedding Cake Inspiration from the Southern Mountains

Photo from MarthaStewart.com

It's no secret. I love me some mountains. I've lived in them all of my life and studied mountain tourism at the graduate level. They're in my soul. So when I see wedding trends related to mountain traditions I want to leap for joy and do cartwheels in the living room. Woohoo! Lately I've noticed rustic brides and foodies alike opting for a stack cake look for wedding cakes, including cake-buffet cakes.

Stack cakes are a tradition in the southern mountains, and are generally made of six (or so) thin layers of apple spice cake stacked up like a big plate of pancakes. Dried apples are tucked between each layer, and some variations include using apple butter in between layers.

 Image from Clayton Austin via Ruffled Blog

There are two stories I've seen floating around regarding the origins of the Appalachian stack cake. One is a play on impoverished hillbilly stereotypes. The story goes that Appalachian people were too poor to afford an entire wedding cake and each guest bring a single layer. Another is that the James Harrod brought the cake back from Kentucky via the Wilderness Road in 1774.

Whatever it's origins, modern brides and bakers are offering their own twist on this Appalachian classic, and I've loving every bit of it.

Enjoy! 
~Hindsight Bride

Image from The Kitchn 

 Left Image from OnceWed; Right Image from Catherine O'Brien via Love and Lavender 

 

Image from The Kitchn

 

Image from Smitten Kitchen

Image from Project Wedding

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Image from The Kitchn

Wiggles,Giggles,Crys & Laughs:A Guide to Children & Your Big Day

Organizing a wedding party can sometimes be like organizing a heard of cattle! Jobs, family responsibilities, travel and simply life’s little bumps can all affect the schedules of the people in your party which, in turn, can ultimately affect the outcome of your rehearsal and even ceremony. Along with the wedding party, wedding guests are up against a myriad of challenges which can cause them to miss your Big Day or be forced to only attend the ceremony and not the reception or vice versa. Often times, a conflict which exists before the wedding, such as childcare issues, does not simply disappear before the Big Day. Perhaps your maid of honor just had a beautiful baby girl or your piano player has two rambunctious boys that must accompany her to your event. Children can be a welcome source of entertainment in any situation but can also be an unwelcome distraction in more serious moments. That beautiful baby girl just may decide it is time to eat during your vows and those boys will certainly not make it through all of Ava Maria in the church pew. Also, do not forget that your may have a precious flower girl or ring bearer of your own that may make it down the aisle but need something to look forward to at the reception. Let’s take a look at a few ways to accommodate both wedding party members and guests with children…

First, understand that children are a natural part of life! Although you may not have any of your own yet, remember that your family and friends may have been handling situations with their children for a while. Even though they may be accustomed to making arrangements for them during special events, nothing would make life easier than having a plan supplied for their family’s needs.

Have childcare on standby. Local drop-in childcare facilities, nanny organizations and even churches typically have plans in place for special event childcare. Arrange a special rate with the manager of a local center and be sure to mention it in an insert in your invitation, on your wedding website and by word of mouth. Parents can enjoy the event while knowing their children are safe and happy while paying a reduced rate.

Be prepared with a “quiet room” at your ceremony. Even the best behaved child can have an off day! Hiring a babysitter to be available at your ceremony can save you and parents from loads of stress. List the option in your ceremony program in such a way that parents feel this is a benefit to them (rather than a forced option) and be sure choose your sitter wisely so that parents and children feel secure.

Have fun options for children at your event. Why should only the adults have a great time? Choose an area of your reception and dub it the “Kid Zone” complete with smaller tables and chairs, coloring projects and a few toys. To make the area more cohesive with your event, color coordinate the children’s choices with your colors and theme. Just because the area is dedicated to children does not mean primary colors are a must! If there is available outdoor space consider renting a bounce house or a small petting zoo; white rabbits would be a wonderful addition to the scene and a fun distraction for the kids. Use your imagination to create options that are both fun for the little ones and appropriate for your event.

Have “child friendly” food available. Although your boss’ wife may swoon at the idea of Oysters Rockefeller, a child will more than like squish up their face and say, “Ew!” Ask your caterer to provide a few options for children such as chicken of some kind, fruit and cheese. One sure fire way to keep a child happy is to keep their bellies full so make preparations ahead of time to make this a non issue.


I have often said that having a wedding is really your opportunity to play the ultimate party host or hostess! Having options for guests of all ages is a great way to help insure a happy time for everyone. Remember, however, that even your best laid plans my not “go as planned” when it comes down to the wire. Babies may cry, little boys may wiggle and parents may not choose to utilize the options you have put in place. In those instances just take a deep breath, walk down that aisle and say to yourself, “Well, at least MY children will never act that way!”