Ask an Expert
December 3rd, 2010
Michelle Turner, one of our photographers based out of Mexico and Maine, encouraged us to check out Amber Small, event designer and wedding planner of Sweetest Thing Weddings, and I am so glad that she did! Sweetest Thing Weddings is based out of Bangor, Maine, the state in which Amber proudly was born and raised. After learning a little more about Amber, I discovered that she has also worked with Cake & Pictures photographers, Stacey Kane and David Murray.
Not only did she work with three of our photographers—Amber worked with all three of our photographers together for one wedding! Along withthe talented Audra of Audra Photography, as the wedding event’s head-shooter, the photographers captured Aron & Gita‘s beautiful wedding. Aron & Gita were winners of a free Maine wedding giveaway, which brought together top Maine wedding professionals and vendors for one event. Check out Real Weddings Maine for all of the wedding details. As coordinator of such an extraordinary event, I had to ask Amber about her vision and drive as a wedding planner and her experience in the wedding planning industry.
When/How did you realize you wanted to become a wedding planner?
Well, I have loved design all my life. I used to rearrange my bedroom once a week to see how it would look best. I think the designer blood was always in me. However, it wasn’t until college that I saw my “quirkiness” being my future. I worked in catering working weddings when I saw my future in planning.
What separates Sweetest Thing Weddings from other planners?
We are a full design studio, we do planning, floral design, lighting, luxury out of town bags…We create unique design for each individual couple, not cookie cutter events. My goal as a designer is that guests as well as the couple will feel that the event was totally “them.”
What’s special about Maine weddings that every bride should know about?
Maine is the perfect destination for a wedding. Our State is known as Vacationland…we know how to treat and service our guests. Our seacoast and mountains are amazing. We have rocky coast lands as well as sandy, we have mountains, cities. Whatever you are looking for my State has it.
How was working with our Cake & Picture photographers?
I love Cake & Picture photographers. They have great professional standards, they get me images for my blogs and publications quickly. They take amazing photos. Cake & Pictures photographers make my job easier, they are always on time, prepared and generous with all the vendors.
Do you have a favorite wedding moment?
I have two. I try my best to let the bride see the reception area before the guests, I want them to see what their guests see. My design are ALWAYS about the bride, I want her to take in all the details and see her that her vision has come alive. My second would be after the bride and groom come down the aisle together married. It is a precious moment, when they are alone and enjoy their “we did it” moment.
Do any new trends stand out to you?
I am so excited to see bride’s taking risks with colors….canary yellow, oranges, and reds are becoming more popular. Riskier palettes such as jewel tones, grey & canary yellow, turquoise & red. It is a great way to express your individuality as a couple—with great color!
What is your best bride advice?
Trust your instincts with who you think would be the best vendor for you, personalities should match, and once you hire them, trust your vendors. We know our craft, whether it be photography, catering, or design. If you let us do our job, we will make your day amazing.
What’s an interesting fact about you that would surprise people?
I am the mother of four young children: Emma-8, Izze-6, Parker-5, and Thomas-3. Izze & Parker are irish twins. They are 51 weeks apart. So, for one week every year they are the same age.
What our photographers had to say:
ON WORKING WITH AMBER:
Amber is a creative soul after my own heart—she appreciates color and diversity in her designs. I love that she isn’t afraid to scour antique stores to find something unique for her clients and she doesn’t shy away from breathtaking color. In a world of muted, cookie cutter designs, her work stands out like a breath of fresh air. — Michelle Turner
I LOVE working with Amber! Not only is she a very talented designer with a vision that shines through in everything she does, she is a very caring professional. She truly loves her clients and wants to help make their day perfect. Those attributes alone should be enough reasons for a client to hire Amber. From a vendor’s perspective, there is another very important reason that I adore working with Amber. She recommends the professionals that she trusts and then she does something that, in my opinion, only the very best coordinators do…she lets us do our job! She provides us with the information we need and then allows us to do what we do best. —
Stacey Kane
ON WORKING TOGETHER FOR ARON & GITA’S WEDDING:
The three photographers are great friends and colleagues and it is a wonderful model for why great relationships with other photographers are so important in the business! One part of Aron and Gita’s wedding that was especially meaningful for David and me is that in addition to being co-owner of David Murray Weddings, I am a documentary filmmaker and director-producer of The Breast Cancer Diaries a feature length documentary about David’s youngest sister. David too worked on the filming and did all the still photography for the film. So when we had a chance to contribute by documenting a fellow documentary filmmakers wedding we just knew we had to do it–especially working with great vendors like Amber and the other photographers. — Linda Murray of
David Murray Weddings
Great collaboration everyone! To see more of Amber’s amazing work, check out her
blog!
–Heather
November 24th, 2010
This afternoon’s blog features the exquisite collaboration of New Zealand-based photographer Kate MacPherson and the planning and design skills of Charlotte Wood of Charlotte Wood Events. Charlotte can help you plan your wedding from invitations all the way to guest tables. She invites her couples to explore their imagination while planning their wedding and can helps style their wedding by choosing a feeling, theme, colour, a smell or taste, a favourite piece of fabric, or even a favourite drink and bringing it to life. I got a chance to talk with Charlotte about her planning technique and experience working with Kate. Here’s what she had to say:
CHARLOTTE WOOD, HEAD PLANNER AND DESIGNER OF CHARLOTTE WOOD EVENTS
If you had to describe Charlotte Wood Events in only three words, which would you choose?
Fresh, attentive, and personal.
What was your motivation behind starting Charlotte Wood Events—Did you always know you wanted to be an event planner?
I started working in the event industry when I was pursuing my first degree, then I trained as a primary school teacher. I taught for seven years before returning to event planning. When I left work to have my first child, I wanted something to do to keep my mind active and started the business thinking it would be very part-time—it is now very much full-time, especially with two children!
Why do you feel a wedding planner shouldn’t be considered a luxury as much as essential element to the planning process?
…because the amount of money people spend on their wedding. The “investment” in using a wedding planner means that as a couple you get to enjoy and get the most out of every moment—as well as your immediate family and friends who may otherwise have to pitch in on the day, or the lead up to the day to help get things ready. It is one of the few times in your life when you have your most favorite and precious people around you. Why wouldn’t you want to make the most of every minute and ensure that everyone has the best, most relaxed, enjoyable, and memorable time ever?
How does hiring an independent planner often differ from working with a planner linked to a venue or vendor?
An independent planner works for YOU as the couple and makes decisions and recommendations based on what is important to you and your day, not what suits the venue best. Also, a good planner works totally transparently so that as a couple you pay for their services, but you can see that there are no kick backs or incentives to any contractors they may be recommending.
What is unique about Charlotte Wood Events that distinguishes you and your team from the rest?
We really and truly do care about the couple and what is important to them. We take the time to genuinely get to know the couple, spend time with them at their house, if possible, to see what sort of things surround them. All of our weddings are unique to each couple and we take the time to plan them to show off that uniqueness.
What’s the most important thing for a bride to consider when choosing a photographer?
…that they like the style of their photos! Every photographer is different. It’s also important that you feel comfortable with them. They are going to be very involved in your big day, so if they rub you the wrong way before your wedding it’s likely this will happen 10 fold on the day!
What is your favorite wedding memory?
I was lucky enough to plan for a couple that won on the TV show Dancing With the Stars. Their first dance was pretty amazing and they were married where they met—on the TV set! I also have a favorite weekend that I planned this year. On the Friday I did a pretty, feminine wedding with lots of soft yellows and white roses. The meal was at a gorgeous restaurant and the family had written a song for the couple and performed it, and the event ended by 10:00pm. The next day, on Saturday, I did a wedding at night that was all leopard print and blood red roses. The bride wore a stunning red dress, arrived in a blue Caddilac, most of the party was adorned in tattoos, and the party didn’t start until 1:00 am! Both amazing couples—but both gorgeous weddings were so very very different!
Do you have a favorite moment at a wedding?
…when the couple is announced husband and wife. Also, the first dance… couples on their wedding day get very little time alone and these two moments are just for them.
What is your best bride advice?
Hire a planner!
When asked to describe what it was like collaborating with Charlotte, Kate explained:
Charlotte is just great to work with as a photographer. She always lets me know what’s going on and never seems stressed. She also always seems to sort any issues out without anyone even realizing there was an issue. Plus, I think she has great taste—pretty important in a wedding planner!
Gorgeous collaboration Kate & Charlotte! Can’t wait to see more.
– Heather
November 22nd, 2010
Eco-consciousness is important to many brides when planning a wedding. From the dress to the favors, there are lots of ways to be green without having to sacrifice the vision of your dream wedding. I sat down with Adrienne and Elizabeth, co-owners of Gracie Lou Events, and was given 5 great tips on how to be an eco-friendly bride.
To accompany Adrienne and Elizabeth’s great ideas are photos from eco-friendly weddings photographed by New Haven-based photographer Jacklyn Greenberg of JAG Studios.
- Buy a second hand wedding gown. There are a lot of man-hours that go into making the perfect gown and it’s a shame to only let it be worn once. You can find lightly used wedding dresses online at websites like Once Wed and EBay.
- Have your reception and ceremony at the same venue. You’ll cut down on traveling.
- Limit yourself to using only the most essential paper goods. Stick to the basics, when using paper goods. For example, when creating invitations use recycled paper. Not only will you be saving the planet, you’ll be saving money.
- Buy local. Support your local businesses by using local bakeries, florists and caterers. Again, this cuts down on the travel time and energy used to transport items to and from your venue. It doesn’t hurt to ask what they use to stay green too. For example, they may use organic foods or wrap your desserts in biodegradable cellophane.
- Instead of asking for material things, have your guests donate money to your charity of choice. Do you really need another crock-pot? Why not give that money to someone who really needs it.
Gracie Lou Events has been serving the greater New England area for 10 years. They stay green by using recycled paper, eco-friendly cleaners, a local printer and by communicating via e-mail and conference call.
To see more of Gracie Lou Events’ green work, visit their blog. More of JAG Studio’s photography is found on Jacklyn’s blog.
–Kim
October 8th, 2010
Today’s venue slideshow features The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, with photography by Salt Lake City-based photographers Britt & Peter Chudleigh and the wonderful event planning and design skills of Mara Marian-Harwood of LMG Events. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mara and learning about the incredible story behind the featured wedding, as well as her insight into the wedding industry.
THE WEDDING BACKGROUND STORY
Julia and Gray almost didn’t have a wedding, due to an oil spill that destroyed their original reception venue. Like many brides who had their hearts (and wedding dates) set on celebrating in Salt Lake City’s Garden Park, Julia had to act fast. Chevron, which was aiding those affected by the spill, covered the costs associated with relocation. They also covered the cost of a planner, which is how Julia met Mara at LMG Events. Mara was already helping frantic brides; with numerous late night phone calls and a string of emails, Julia and Mara were able to make a potentially horrible situation into a night they’ll remember forever.
Julia and Gray’s wedding reception was held in the Garden Courtyard of the Grand America Hotel. They had a subtle western theme with a warm color palette, cowboy boots, and boleros. Along with their three-tiered wedding cake, the couple chose to include an ice-cream bar and a dessert buffet.
THE GRAND AMERICA HOTEL
The Grand America Hotel is located in downtown Salt Lake City. It opened its exquisite doors in 2001, in preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Framed by the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain Ranges, The Grand offers European refinement with unforgettable mountain views. The hotel was designed by Frank Nicholson, known for his designs with the Ritz-Carlton. With onsight wedding professionals and catering, the hotel is wonderful for hosting wedding events. It also features the signature Garden Cafe, a fitness center, spa, beauty salon, and luxury rooms and suites. Art fanatics, check out the artsy antiques! Ranging from 18th Century tapestries to Moscatelli chandeliers (the largest bronze crystal chandeliers ever made), the art collection at The Grand America Hotel is sure to impress and inspire.
MARA MARIAN-HARWOOD, HEAD PLANNER AND DESIGNER OF LMG EVENTS
Mara describes herself as a born hostess, with a love for patterned china and coordinated place settings. Heavily influenced by her Romanian heritage, Mara used the acronym LMG for her business. LMG stands for “La Mireasa cu Gust” which translates, “For the Bride with Good Taste.” Britt Chudleigh described Mara as the “definition of organization and style.” After speaking with Mara, I couldn’t agree more, especially considering the “grand” circumstances surrounding this wedding.
What separates LMG Events from other planners?
I focus on personal and unique event design. For me, it’s about the couple—what represents them? I think many brides spend a lot of time online on blogs and looking through magazines and sometimes they get fixated on “this wedding” or “that wedding” and they lose sight of what is personal and meaningful to them. It’s my job to help them incorporate themselves into their inspiration from other weddings they love.
Does your Romanian background influence your work?
Absolutely, every day. European people in general are all about entertaining and making people comfortable in their home. An event for me is sort of like my home, it is always my goal to make sure guests are comfortable and having a wonderful time. Events are all about an experience.
Do you have a favorite (or least favorite) wedding trend?
Of course… I have many of both. I would have to say my favorite wedding trend right now is two gowns for brides—one long and traditional for the ceremony and one short and fun for the reception. I have found that brides who do the two gown thing are always relieved to “take a load off” when it’s time to dance and mingle. My least favorite trend (or “tradition” I suppose in this case) is when couples smash cake in one another’s faces. It makes me cringe, every time. The bride’s hair and makeup are beautiful, her gown is amazing and now she’s got cake everywhere. Sometimes it’s the bride who starts it, so who am I to judge?
What’s your favorite wedding moment?
Well, there are many… sometimes it’s the groom’s face when he first sees his bride, sometimes it’s the exchanging of vows and often times it’s my couple’s face when I reveal their reception room to them for the first time. I love seeing how much they love it.
Do you recommend photographers to your brides? If so, do your brides usually choose one of the photographers you recommended?
I always recommend a photographer, ALWAYS. My brides hire me because they trust my opinion. If a photographer has not yet been booked, I can guarantee my clients will select a photographer from a list I have recommended to them. I recommend different photographers based on my client’s needs, style and budget requirements. It’s not the same list for every bride.
Do you have any advice for brides when it comes to hiring photographers?
I always stress to my brides that the wedding day will go by SO FAST! All the hard work, the amazing moments and the many details will be forgotten if not captured for the couple to remember forever. Your wedding will last five hours or so, your professional photos will last forever. It’s so important to hire a photographer that understands your vision and whom you trust to capture your day the way you would want to remember it. You need to pick the photographer you feel can relate to you, and who has similar tastes. Be sure to do your research and don’t let price be your deciding factor. Look at their portfolio, is that your style? Is that how you would like your photos to look?
When it comes to budget, how much do you recommend should be allocated towards photography?
Well, that’s tough…because all markets are different and all photographers are priced differently, there is no percentage or dollar amount I could apply here. It’s important to consider a budget for engagement photos, bridals, as well as your ceremony and reception photos. Some clients opt to skip bridals and/or engagements, but I think that’s a mistake. This is such an important and monumental part of your life and the beginning of your lives as a couple, why not capture those moments to remember forever? Have fun with it!
What has your experience been like working with Britt & Peter Chudleigh?
Julia & Gray’s wedding was my first experience working with Chudliegh Photography. As you can imagine, under the circumstances of the last minute reception move I wanted to be sure all the vendors involved (some like myself at the last minute) were on the ball. It was so important to me that we all work together to really wow and impress Julia and Gray. They had just been through so much. Planning a wedding brings enough stress even without the added oil spill disaster. From the moment I met Britt and Peter in person, I knew I didn’t have to worry about them. I had been a fan of their work for some time as I followed their recent shoots online, and was amazed every time at the ability to make a simple setting so spectacular. No crazy angles or special effects editing, just beautiful photos. Chudleigh Photography did an incredible job with this event, just as I expected—see for yourself, what a gorgeous perspective! They captured every moment beautifully and didn’t miss a shot!
What makes Utah an amazing destination weddings for any bride?
Utah offers four seasons and a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Brides looking for a winter wedding complete with fresh snowfall find Utah to be ideal, as well as brides looking for gorgeous summer weather in a mountain resort setting. Our mountains really can’t be beat. Every mountain resort has it’s own breathtaking, charming, and unique aspects.
What was it like planning a wedding at The Grand America Hotel?
I have worked with The Grand on a number of occasions for many clients’ weddings. Lexi Casalino, the Grand America Wedding Specialist, is truly incredible. Lexi’s professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm while maintaining a sense of urgency is amazing. The entire Grand America team works together to make each bride’s experience truly memorable. Nothing is impossible and every detail is accounted for.
– Heather
