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!

The Unexpected…A Classic Look at a Rustic Venue

This week's featured company is Engaging Events in Mount Pleasant, SC. A returning advertiser for the Bride's Book Magazine & www.thebridesbook.com.

Engaging Events is a wedding planning service offering consultation, coordination and design services. Lead by Consultant Cindy Zingerella, Engaging Events guides couples through the wedding planning process, creating a wedding and reception that reflects their distinct personality and sense of Style. Our expertise with design and décor enables us to add creative elements to each affair resulting in a unique event for each of our clients.

Here's a sample of their work from a wedding done this past March at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, SC

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Heather and Antony were married at beautiful Boone Hall Plantation . The backdrop being the breathtaking avenue of Oaks was…

…Such a romantic setting for a romantic couple!

Their ceremony location was not one of the typical locations clients choose at Boone Hall but since they were hosting such an intimate affair, the lawn area near the historic slave homes was the perfect spot. Here, they could capture all the beauty of the Avenue of Oaks.

The Unexpected….

The design and decor was a bit of the unexpected at the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation.

Heather and Antony loved the crisp clean look of a white wedding- so we added a bit of platinum to set it off.

However, the crystal chandeliers, and cafe lighting mixed with the white fabric draping was a bit different from what you would typically

see at that location…but it worked sooooo well! This was definitely one of our favorites!

Our florist, Judy, fashioned several styles of centerpieces to keep each table unique and interesting.

Here you see a moss covered tray with white dendrobium orchids at varying heights.

We would like to thank Lowcountry Photojournalism for the great photography, Snyder Party Rentals for the Tables, Chairs & linens, Duvall Catering for the Fabulous food and of course…

Heather & Antony for letting us be a part of such a special time in their lives!

All the fabric draping, chandeliers, and gorgeous flowers are Engaging Events creations- thanks Team!

www.engagingeventscharleston.com

Hot Pink Cake Stand...A Taste of the Exotic Just Down the Street

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

- Albert Schweitzer

If ever there was a quote to live by, this would be it and local business owner Jody Carmichael is following Mr. Schweitzer’s words to a “T”. Newly opened in January, Hot Pink Cake Stand is a labor of love for Jody and a rather brightly colored one at that. Draped in hot pink, black and white, the brick walled bakery sits comfortably in Wilmington NC’s historic downtown district on Front Street. Sweet smells cover the waterfront as Jody and her team bake from scratch each morning. The enticing aromas encourage visitors and locals to sample the shop’s fare. It was my pleasure to spend a few minutes with Jody (in between baking cupcakes and mixing chocolate frosting) to find out what this new hot spot is all about and of course, to inquire about the major usage of hot pink.

“Hot pink is my thing, “Jody explains, “not pink pink, HOT pink. After a while people began to notice and started showering me with hot pink gifts. So, I knew hot pink would be a major factor in the name of the shop. Also, I did not want to be locked into making just one type of item-I enjoy baking in all its forms. We do not just do cakes or just bagels; you can put any baked good on a cake stand so…Hot Pink Cake Stand was born!”

With local photographer Keith Ketchum (http://www.keithketchum.com/) in tow, I was treated to a shop filled with fresh tulips, exposed duct work and the trademark of downtown Wilmington: exposed brick walls. Shelves filled with goods from local businesses such as the Old Wilmington Tea Co and Carolina Coffee create a comfortable feel and a chalkboard out front displays the daily flavor letting you know that good things are happening inside.

“I like to push the envelope when it comes to flavors; I am not much on limiting requests,” the owner adds, “...it is not really my place to say we cannot do that!”

The shop exudes all the charm of a NYC bakery without all the fuss and it a welcome addition to the already bustling Front Street area. Although you can still acquire traditional flavors such as lemon, chocolate, vanilla and carrot, this is a bakery that is willing to go the distance for brides. No buttercream swags here; however, you will find impeccably sculpted fondant decorations and an owner that literally adores what she does. “In three years if I am having as much fun as I am right now, then I will consider this a huge success!”

Hot Pink Cake stand is located at 114 N Front St. Wilmington, NC. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 7-6 and is available for private parties as well. Brides can give Jody a call at 910-343-HPCS (4727) to set up a consult and perhaps enjoy cake pop while discussing their cake options. Be sure to ask about their unique flavors such as Tiramisu, mango, passion fruit, and rosewater pistachio. In addition to their repertoire of flavors, HPCS feature gluten free and vegan choices as well.

Article by: Brittany Koontz, Owner of Orchid Island Events and Wedding Design in Wilmington, NC (http://www.orchidislandevents.com/)

Photos courtesy of: Keith Ketchum Photography (http://www.keithketchum.com/)

vintage wedding style

Whether you are a bride on a budget or a budgetless bride here is a cool idea that you can use! Vintage is in. It's bigger than big. So if you are planning a vintage wedding start your decor with vintage table design. Mismatched pretty tea cups make beautiful votive holders day or night. For pennies you can aquire these at local flea markets, garage sales, or vintage retail stores or maybe even grandma's house! Add a tin pitcher from an art supply store and some seasonal wildflowers that look like they were freshly picked from the garden and you've got the start of a beautiful shabby chic wedding that your guests will be sharing and duplicating for seasons to come. You can paint the pitcher and stencil a pretty floral design. Go to a local fabric store and pick up "vintage" print design fabrics to cover the tables. If you aren't a seamstress or short on time fabric glue and an iron work wonders for a single event. Have other great ideas? We would love to hear them!