Flowers and your Wedding

Most brides feel that the right florals make her wedding stand out. Because florals are such an important element it is important to find the right florist or floral designer. The floral designer will work with you to ensure that the florals compliment the style of your wedding, your dress, and that you love them.


Research the floral designer that you are interested in having create your wedding florals by viewing their website and/or blog and see what they have created for their previous clients. This will help give you an idea of their style. Feel free to check out bridal magazines for floral ideas too. Take the pictures that you love with you when you meet with the floral designer so that they can get an idea of your style and taste.

Florals are approximately 10% of your wedding budget and include all the florals for the bridal party, the parents, the ceremony, and reception centerpieces. Knowing how much you have to spend on florals will assist the floral designer in helping you choose the best flowers that fit your budget.

We asked Eddie Wingrat from Flowers and Fancies what sets them apart from other florists. Eddie indicated that “Flowers & Fancies has been assisting brides in central Maryland for 40 years. We are confident that our experience gives us the knowledge and the resources to interpret any brides expectations, and convert those desires into distinctive florals in any desired budget. Our worldwide resources include growers from all over the world. Our designers are all up on the latest in designs. We are here, ready to listen and ready to help. Our ideal client is any bride that is interested in having the highest quality with creative flair. “ Eddie suggests that brides have an understanding of their overall look and an approximate budget for every ingredient of their wedding. If you have dress, bring a swatch to the consult in addition to the colors/swatches of the reception linen. “Flowers are not only style driven, but color driven. We start with color, and then we can create..whether it’s a tropical, traditional or contemporary theme. We need the colors first !”

Flowers and Fancies
http://www.flowersandfancies.com/

Happy Planning
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Hey Mr. DJ put a record on I want to dance with my baby!!

One of the most memorable events at a wedding, after the wedding ceremony, is the entertainment at the reception. Entertainment can be in the form a DJ or a band, depending on your music preference or the theme of the wedding. It is important to meet with the DJ or band that you are interested in hiring to be sure that their personality and style in is in synch with your needs and style. Some things to consider when making a decision are amount of time needed for reception, space requirements, repertoire, and costs.

It is important to decide whether the DJ or band will play for both the cocktail hour and the wedding reception or just the reception. Also, it is important to know how much time is needed for the DJ or band to set-up and break down as this must be taken into consideration for schedule planning. Make sure that you know how much space the DJ or band will need as this imperative when planning your floor diagram for your reception. Make a list of music that should not be played during your reception and stress to the DJ or band leader the importance of respecting your request. And last but not, cost is important. Remember you get what you pay for so just because the price is low it does not mean you are getting a bargain especially if you are disappointed at your reception.

While speaking with the Vice President and Director of Operations, John Paul “JP” Berry of Absolute Entertainment I asked what he thought made Absolute Entertainment different from other entertainment companies. “I think the one "physical" thing that sets us apart from the competition is that we offer the option of an in-house "live" music demonstration in our sound studio with one of our salespersons/dj's ... and in this way we can work with the client "creating" the event that the client desires. The competition will more than likely meet you in a coffee shop or book store ... which, in our eye, is really not a comforting way to meet a performer and see their skills. Our ideal client is one that loves and has a passion for music as we would. We believe that the events we create are indicative of the clients "soul" ... and while we are injecting our professional expertise, the event is NOT about us. The music does the talking. Overall, the performer you select is the individual that will be entrusted with running your event. It's imperative that you meet the performer and see what they can do if you are shopping from scratch.” We love working with Absolute Entertainment and believe you will too.

Deciding on right entertainment for your reception can be a difficult task but hopefully the above tips will help make the decision an easier one.

Absolute Entertainment
http://www.absoluteentertainment.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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A different kind of venue - La Banque de Fleuve

I had an opportunity this week to check out a new venue in Havre de Grace that would be ideal for a gathering for 125 guests and was wowed and amazed by La Banque de Fleuve. This quaint but soo totally interesting venue is perfect for a small wedding, business meeting, cocktail hour, holiday gathering, and more.

La Banque de Fleuve is Harford County's newest event facility overlooking the Susquehanna River featuring beautiful marble and woodwork. This one of a kind historic building was originally constructed for First National Bank in 1904. My favorite thing about the venue is the bank vault that is still on premise and serving as a wine bar. The owners have preserved many of the original features to maintain the historic feel but have updated others for a more modern appeal. If you are a looking for a unique venue that will keep your talking, check out La Banque de Fleuve.

La Banque de Fleuve
http://www.labanquedefleuve.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Hair and Make-up for YOUR special day!

All brides want to look radiant on their wedding day. Most would agree that eating right and exercise are the best ways to prepare but having a great hair stylist and make-up artist to pull it all together is a must. Even if you have skills in hair styling and make-up application, it is YOUR day so you should be relaxing and enjoying getting pampered – so hire professionals!

I strongly suggest that you make an appointment with the stylist that you are interested in so that you can get an idea of what your wedding hair and makeup will look like. This is an opportunity for the artist to try different hair and make-up styles. You do not want any surprises on your wedding day. It is important to be honest with the stylist. If you don’t like something, say it! Any professional would want you to be happy on YOUR special day so they will work with you to find the hair style and make-up look that you love.


I absolutely love my hair stylist and makeup artist, Carla Williams of So Serene Salon. I recommend her to all of my clients. Carla has been in the industry for many years and has done work for celebrities, political officials, and athletes, working in print, television, and film.

When asked what sets her part from other hair and make-up artist, Carla says "I sincerely and genuinely care about my client’s outer beauty as well as their inner beauty. When that person sits in my chair to have their hair or makeup service, I ask a lot of questions about their beauty goals, their lifestyle, their nutrition & diet, even their medical history. This allows me to truly understand who they are and ultimately design a look that is best suited for them, not necessarily the latest fad. Their time is exclusively their time. My goal for each client is to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually uplifted upon the completion of their service. God has blessed me with the gift of service and the talent to use my creative mind and hands to bring out the beauty in others. He gave me the vision for So Serene Salon, a place where beauty meets serenity."


Carla says she has two types of clients - In-salon and Outside of salon.


“My in-salon client is anyone who appreciates quality hair care & makeup services in a cozy classy serene atmosphere where the conversations are of substance. My ideal client is someone who does not mind being pampered, educated, and loves the sound of a gently flowing water fountain accompanied by soul soothing music.  They are the stay-at-home moms, account executives, event planners, teachers, students, brides, paramedics, doctors, attorneys, waitresses, correctional officers, first ladies, engineers, retirees, business owners, models,..anyone!


My ideal outside client varies. Any event with a wedding party, production company, photographer, television studio, beauty pageant, or cosmetic company that allows me to showcase my makeup and hair skills and talent is bliss!”


Carla offers some helpful hints for dealing with the winter and the effects it has on the hair and skin - “Brrrrrr! It’s that time of year when the temperature is going down and coat collars are being turned up. With that being said, a lot of people begin to experience hair breakage and dryness in the nape area. Wool coat collars, knit hats, and textured scarves can cause hair breakage, so here are a few things we do and advise at So Serene Salon to help “winterize” your hair:



1. At So Serene Salon, we specialize in “Winterizing” our clients’ hair by providing additional treatments like the Brazilian Keratin Treatment for strength and protection, or the Hot Oil and Hydration Treatment for added moisture.


2. Using a silk or satin scarf to cover your coat collars and under hats your hair will prevent unwanted friction and trauma to your hair. You can go to the fabric store to find a variety of silk or satin fabrics.

Our skin also needs to be pampered and protected during these cold days. I recommend moisture, moisture, and more moisture. I carry a line of skincare products by Soul Purpose. They are infused with wild-crafted shea butter, acai berry, aloe vera, Vitamin D, and oils such as jojoba and grapeseed to name a few. These can be used from head to toe. I love using them in my clients’ hair for moisture, shine, and a wonderful scent."

I highly recommend Carla and So Serene Salon for all your hair and make-up needs!


So Serene Salon
1330-A Reisterstown Road
(Located in the Alley Shops)
Pikesville, Maryland 21208
(443) 919-2800
http://www.soserenesalon.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Butterfly Release for your wedding

Butterflies have many symbolic meanings. In Japan the butterfly represents long life and is thought to represent marital bliss. The butterfly stands for wisdom and everlasting knowledge in ancient mythology but mostly commonly butterflies are known to represent change. What better way to depict the change from two hearts to beating as one then a butter release?


Butterfly releases are unique in expression and lasting in impression and are a great alternative to bird seed, doves, or balloons. It is important to work with a reputable butterfly farmer in ordering your butterflies. Also, having a person certified in releasing butterflies is helpful.

http://hatice6.bloguez.com/hatice6/647715

There are many butterfly farmers that can assist you with securing butterflies for your release; however, we work with Jodi Hopper at Wish A Upon a Butterfly for her commitment to her customers. Jodi is always available to answer any questions or walk customers through any problems. Her goal is to make sure your release is flawless. Jodi sees every client as ideal, “I have yet to meet someone who wasn’t.” Jodi suggests ordering your butterflies at least four to six weeks in advance. Explaining your vision for your butterfly release will allow your butterfly farmer to better instruct you on how to create your vision and they can let you know what will and will not work. Most importantly, Jodi suggests having guests take pictures of the release in case there are angles the photographer(s) cannot get.

To learn more about butterfly releases:

Wish Upon a Butterfly
http://www.wishuponabutterfly.com/
(724) 667-7101

Happy Planning!

http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Finding a Wedding Officiant

If you belong and regularly attend services at a church, synagogue, or other religious house of worship, then your search for an officiant is complete. But if you don’t fall into that category finding the right officiant for your celebration of love takes some research.


All states have laws that govern who is authorized to officiate a wedding ceremony so be sure to check your state laws before proceeding. You want to work with an officiant that has experience officiate a variety of ceremonies, that makes you feel comfortable, and who is willing to work with you to create the ceremony that you desire. Each officiant has different services that they offer so you must be confident that the officiant that you choose has what you are looking for.

When looking for a wedding officiant, talk with your wedding planner. Wedding planners have relationships with officiants so discuss your need early on in your planning. Second, take to friends and family members. And last but not least check wedding blogs, websites, etc to find the names of officiants in your area. When interviewing officiants, ask whether pre-marital counseling is required, if so, find out how many sessions are necessary and find out of the officiant will attend the rehearsal, if so, inquire if there is an additional cost for this service.

One officiant that we work with is Wedding by Sandy. What sets Wedding by Sandy apart from other officiants is that she and her associates are officiants with a back-up plan. If one of them is not available, there are seven others ready to assist you. They can cover the needs of almost any couple no matter the size of the weddings. Sandy’s ideal client is someone who contacts her early and is not stuck on tradition. Weddings by Sandy prides themselves on being flexible and creative. It is so much fun to help the creative bride! A couple of tips that Weddings by Sandy offers are not to wait until the last minute to contact them and always have a wedding rehearsal.

You can reach Weddings by Sandy at info@weddingsbysandy.com or (410) 340-3224.

Happy Planning!

http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Signature Drinks for your wedding

Creation of signature drinks for wedding receptions continues to be popular. Many couples create a signature drink as an extension of their wedding celebration style. There are several things to consider prior to deciding on a signature drink:

• • The signature drink could be the couples favorite drink with a twist on the name
• • It is not uncommon for the drink to represent a color that is part of the
• • If the wedding is designed around a theme this can be used to decide on a drink

Having a few signature drinks served only during the cocktail hour and beer and wine during the actual reception can help save the cost associated with the wedding celebration. In addition, most signature drinks can be mixed prior to the cocktail hour or reception making them an easy solution for the bartenders.

Happy Planning!

http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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