Wedding and Event Planner, Event Styling and Design, Savannah Weddings

Real Tybee Wedding: Lindsey and Paul Part 2- Reception

2012-02-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

Since Lindsey and Paul wanted to use this fabulous venue for both the ceremony and reception (and wouldn’t you?) we quickly turned over the chapel while the guests were enjoying their cocktails outside. The dancing was endless, the smiles were contagious and when it was time to leave, they exited on a pedicab to start their life as the new Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey and Paul, it was such an honor and pleasure to share in your day. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it!

The MGE Team

Real Tybee Wedding: Lindsey and Paul Part 1-Ceremony and Portraits

2012-02-13T10:32:00.000-05:00

Lindsey and Paul were such a breath of fresh air! These two love birds were married on Tybee Island last fall (though you wouldn't know it from the weather—it was beautiful!) at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel. You have to love the the first look in the chapel…how cute are they?

Celebrity Inspiration: Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney

2012-02-03T10:26:00.000-05:00

Dress, Calvin Klein; Shoes, Steve Madden; Clutch, Alexander McQueen; Ring, soo lhn Kim.

I swear G.Palts is ageless. I seriously measure all fashionistas to her. She’s a genius. She knows fashion, she knows food... her polenta with fresh corn recipe is insane!!! Love it. And I love this look, not just because she’s fabulous, but because it’s elongating properties. This style will make even the tiniest of petite look supermodel tall!! I love the simplicity of the CK gown with the super easy satin pumps. It’s just timeless. Add a funky chunky ring and a rad clutch and you are golden... And I know that I went a little overboard with the two thousand dollar Alexander McQueen clutch, but I mean, come on!!! It’s perfect for this look and I’m sorta obsessed with it... and I would graciously accept it as a gift.

Lauren

Real Savannah Wedding: Andrea and Matthew Part 3-Reception

2012-02-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

Here is Andrea and Matthew’s vintage Ships of the Sea reception with wine themed details. (LOVE the wine barrel whiskey bar, wine bottle numbers, and cork place cards.) The dessert table was a collaborative effort from family members who made some of the couples’ favorite goodies! More importantly, these two were surrounded by their many friends and family on the dance floor all night! There was no shortage of tears, laughter and memories this night and were honored to be a part of it! Here is to many more years of marital bliss! Thank you again to Jade and Matthew Take Pictures for these incredible images.

Real Savannah Wedding: Andrea and Matthew Part 2- Portraits

2012-02-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

Real Vintage Savannah Wedding: Andrea and Matthew Part 1-Ceremony

2012-01-31T16:11:00.001-05:00

Andrea and Matthew got married in October in one of our favorite squares. (Its so private and full of the famous Savannah Oak Trees dripping with moss) The feel we were going for was a classic vintage with a monochromatic look when it comes to flowers/details. Her lace dress is one of our favorites to date! Another favorite of ours: Her mismatch bridesmaid dresses in nude and natural tan colors. Lots of great pictures of those in the next post (Part 2-Portraits) A most memorable moment had to be the group guest toast to Matthew and Andrea post ceremony in the square. Thanks to the artistic eye of Jade and Matthew Take Pictures, this shot speaks WONDERS! Well, I should say they ALL speak wonders! Enjoy--

Celebrity Inspiration: Michelle Williams in Christian Dior

2012-01-20T12:53:00.000-05:00

Dress, Catherine Deane; Sash, BHLDN; Veil, BHLDN; Shoes, RSVP.

Hello Fairy Princess. This look is so exciting. It’s simple, easy, and absolutely breathtaking. Michelle Williams really knows how to dress to impress and this gown is no different. I love how it shows off her neck and décolletage. The belt empathizes that tiny waist while the pattern of the dress has an amazing slimming effect. Bottom heavy girls, this is a dress for you. The skirt is so flattering as it just floats away from the hips and bottom giving the illusion of a super slim bottom half. I adore this look and even more so, I love that she is only wearing one cocktail ring! With this dress, a wonderful cage veil would be the only accessories that I would suggest. Keep ears, neck, and wrists naked. Trust me, you won’t need any adornments with a gown like this. Rock this Catherine Deane awesome gown with a black sash or if you really want that same flat look of Michelle’s belt purchase a half inch velvet ribbon and have a skilled seamstress sew it in so that it lays flay and then you don’t have to fuss up the back of the gown with a bow.

Lauren

Real Savannah Wedding: Ally and Troy Part 3-Reception

2012-01-18T10:41:00.000-05:00

Now all the goodies for Ally and Troy’s wedding. You are going to love the romantic feel with some fall details thrown in! The fingerprint guest book and the postcard mailbox for guests to leave the couple a note were adorable! This is a prime example of a “less is more” kind of wedding. The real shocker (not really if you knew them) is the amazing Florida Gators cake! The ambiance was breath-taking with all the candles, roses and moss. They had such a great time with their guests and truly enjoyed every minute of their wedding…and we loved that we were able to share it with them! All our best Ally and Troy—here is to many MANY more amazing memories as Mr. and Mrs. xooxxoxo

Real Savannah Wedding: Ally and Troy Part 2- Portraits

2012-01-17T12:47:00.000-05:00

Real Savannah Wedding: Ally and Troy Part 1- Ceremony

2012-01-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

Ally and Troy—the most deserving and precious couple you will get to hear about. Their wedding was originally planned for November 2010 but due to a number of unfortunate tragedies (and when I say a number it was like the bad luck book hit them and wouldn’t let up), they had to reschedule their wedding a month before it was to happy for this past November! But that didn’t phase them or damper their excitement and eagerness to celebrate with their loved ones. Needless to say, this was a first for us and we were going to do all we could to ensure this day was as perfect as it needed to be for Ally and Troy. Memories N’ More did a great job capturing the day and Ally planned a beautiful event! We were honored to be a part of it with them. Now I invite you to fall in love with a romantic fall Savannah Wedding at its finest! The colors, the use of pumpkins, the intimate set up and a Southern twist or two……

Best Wedding Photo Contest

2012-01-14T13:39:00.000-05:00

Coastalmommies.com is hosting a great contest for best wedding photo. The prize? A gift certificate for 2 to a downtown restaurant! You can enter their contest here. They want to see it all: Flowergirls, couples, brides, cakes, etc. The deadline is February 6th. Good luck!

Celebrity Inspiration: Keira Knightley in Elie Saab

2012-01-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

Dress, BHLDN; Shoes, Steve Madden.

Now if you are anything like my hubs than you looooove Keira Knightley and with good reason. She’s insanely talented, she’s super hot, and she’s got brilliant style. That brilliant style is was brings us together today. This Elie Saab dress is such a stunning piece of art. I love that the lace comes across fashion instead of grandma. I think this look would suit any English rose with a bit of a boho princess hiding inside. The monster satin platforms definitely add a funky look. Take a cue from Miss Knightley and keep accessories to a minimum... in fact don’t wear any at all. Keep hair and makeup simple and easy. The more modern the better. This really is a great look and perfect for a someone who wants to mix vintage and now.

Lauren

Real Savannah Wedding: Kristine and Kent Part 3-Reception

2012-01-12T10:26:00.000-05:00

And what you all have been waiting for…the reception images of Kristine and Kent’s Savannah Wedding! (Thank you W. Scott Chester Photography) Where do we start? Guests went into the home for cocktail hour while we turned over the backyard. They then found their seats from the listing of tables in the lemon crates and the corresponding DIY book numbers that the bride’s father made! SUPER CUTE! The feel they were going for was a laid back, backyard feel. We achieved this with burlap runners, long communal tables, rolled silverware, gave height to the vases by placing them on fabric covered books, and the centerpieces were of various shades of green and blue that blended with the garden landscape making the space one cohesive unit. Kristine and Kent loved unusual and unique items and their details were no exception. For their guestbook, they found this wooden slab on etsy that was personalized for their wedding, that guests signed. Their favors were cd’s of their favorite music, they had adorable wooden people cake toppers that resembled them and their attire (also from etsy) and they had a photostring display of their fondest memories from their lives thus far. There was no shortage of laughter, tears or dancing. This couple truly celebrated what a marriage is meant to be and despite some none to desirable weather on and off...they never missed a beat! All the best to Kristine and Kent! We loved every minute we got to spend with you two and your loved ones.

The MGE Team

Real Savannah Wedding: Kristine and Kent Part 2-Portraits

2012-01-10T11:49:00.000-05:00

Real Savannah Wedding: Kristine and Kent Part 1-First Look and Ceremony

2012-01-09T11:34:00.000-05:00

While I am really behind on getting weddings up on the blog, you might have seen this one on the website or on Style Me Pretty because of its amazing details, super photography by W. Scott Chester Photography and great background story from the couple! Oh Kristine and Kent…one of my favorite weddings of 2011! These two were on a mission to have a wedding that looked like a DIY wedding with a backyard feeling of comfort for their guests. They wanted fun and unforgettable details unique to them as a couple and their relationship. We spent about a year creating their dream wedding and they were anything but traditional! LOVE LOVE LOVE how it turned out, their first look done on a Savannah Trolley, the hanging bottles from the trees and how in love Kristine and Kent look in EACH and EVERY picture!

From the bottom of our hearts---Thank YOU to our 2011 couples!

2012-01-05T11:35:00.001-05:00

We wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for you all! From the bottom of our hearts, we loved every minute we were able to spend with you all planning and executing your weddings. All the best for a new year—may this one be the best yet as you celebrate your 1 year anniversaries as husband and wife!

Love, THE MGE Team

Real Savannah Forsyth Mansion Wedding: Courtney and Scott Part 3-Reception

2011-12-30T10:58:00.000-05:00

Thank you Geoff Johnson for the great photos and to Courtney and Scott for allowing us to share in their special day! Best of luck and here is to MANY more years of marital bliss!

xoxoxo

The MGE Team

Real Savannah Forsyth Mansion Wedding: Courtney and Scott Part 2- Portraits

2011-12-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

Real Savannah Forsyth Mansion Wedding: Courtney and Scott Part 1-Ceremony

2011-12-28T08:06:00.000-05:00

The Best Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

2011-12-27T08:52:00.000-05:00

Look closely at the ladies pictured here and find the one that most closely fits your own shape. Or take this quiz located at http://face-shape.com/ This post is meant to be a loose guideline... The “rules” are never set in stone, so just remember to go with what you love!! But here are a few basic rules of thumb when it comes to picking the perfect wedding hair for your face shape.

Oval. I hate to gloat, but we oval shaped faces can pretty much pull off anything. Slicked back buns, messy braids, elegant french twists... You can usually part your hair anyway and bangs or no bangs you are still very proportioned... Lucky dogs.

Heart. For the ladies with the lovely heart shaped face remember that your style should be all about minimizing your forehead to better balance your thinner chin. Some sort of bang is generally going to be your friend. You want to avoid any tight slicked back look which can draw a lot of attention to the forehead. Creating volume in the updo is also really important, also having a few pieces framing the face also helps bring focus to your eyes.

Square. The square kids are going to want to stay far- far away from tightly pulled back looks. Think thin wispy bangs or even a rad side swept bang. Adding height to your do will also take away from the boxiness of your face... Also curly looks generally work best, you don’t ever want your hair flat on your face. Lots of body!

Round. 3 words for my round girls. SIDE. SWEPT. BANGS. These, my darlings, are your bestest best friends. The side swept bang takes the emphasis off the roundness of your face and help elongate your visage. Adding height to your updos will also make your face seem longer. Long hair is good for this shape and stay away from looks that create too much volume around the sides of your face making it look... well, more round.

Face Shape Quick Tips

*oval = just about anything

*heart = light wispy bangs and volume

*square = volume and curls

*round = all about the side swept bang

Lauren

Celebrity Inspiration: Jessica Biel in Valentino

2011-12-26T07:37:00.001-05:00

Dress, Helmut Lang; Coat, JCrew; Shoes, Barney’s CO-OP;
This look is soooo classy on miss not-timberlake, I gotta admit, I’m still torn up over that. This would be such a perfect look to rock for a bridal luncheon or a brunch. The pale lavender dress with the mint shoe is just all that is pretty and sweet. I just adore how sophisticated this is and with just a touch of fun as to not come across too matronly. To keep the youth follow Jessica’s lead and keep hair down in loose beach waves and keep makeup fresh and minimal.
Lauren

The Perfect Dress for Your Body Type

2011-12-23T10:34:00.000-05:00

Most woman fall into one of four categories when determining body type. When it comes to things like this, I generally say forget the rules and go with what you love... In the case of finding your wedding gown, you want to wear the most perfect shape for your body... most likely these “ideal” gowns will be close to the shape you should be looking for in your own gown. I mean, if you have Kristen Stewart’s straight boy or rectangle shape you aren’t going to fill out the same styles as Scarlett Johansson and her super curvy hourglass figure. Each shape has it’s advantages and disadvantages, but it’s all about feeling and looking your best. Here are my ideal gowns for your body type.

Apple. (or inverted triangle) For bust/shoulder heavy girls we want to do our best to elongate the top of you and help balance out your smaller bottom half. Think inch wide straps that fall into a v-neck. This shape elongates your torso and will also de-emphasize your shoulders. Stay away from halters/strapless which can both draw attention to your broadness. To balance the bottom steer clear of slim skirts and opt for something with at least an A-line shape. And as I will say for every body type any detail to show off your natural waist is a must. It’s the universal truth for all body types. Show off your smallest part. (Gown shown is Reem Acra)

Pear. (or triangle) For girls with a booty(that’s me) we are basically doing the exact opposite of the apple shaped ladies. We are looking to take the emphasis off of the big hips and balance the smaller bust and narrow shoulders. Adding a nice off of the shoulder strap gives the illusion of broader shoulders, while the detailing around the bust helps the ladies look more full. The skirt should also be at least an A-line if not fuller... Now this is not necessary if you are a fan of showing off your... assets then you can do a slimmer skirt, just remember to balance the top with a detailed neckline or a sleeve of sorts. Now this also works if you are a fan of strapless wearing a fuller skirt will hide your badonkadonk while showing off your slim upper body. And once again, draw attention to that waist!!! It’s is ALWAYS going to be the most flattering detail for any body type. (Dress shown is BHLDN)

Boy. (or rectangle) Boo hoo. You’re super model shaped. Darn you Cameron Diaz. The biggest thing to remember about boy shapes is to ADD VOLUME. We want to give you the curves the good Lord did not. So frilly details, ruching, etc near the bust line is a must! And since we are creating curves emphasizing your little waist is absolutely the most important thing, if you want to fake an hour glass you must have some detail showing off your natural waist. A sash is a great way to do that... if you are really bold, doing it in a dark color... say an olive green or navy velvet will really help cinch your waist. Now, I debated on what type of skirt I would do... the safe bet is to use a skirt with volume, but with boy types the right fabric will take you a long way. A nice thick silk faille will help outline your shape without clinging to you. (Dress shown is Reverie)

Hourglass. Once again, I don’t feel sorry for woman with giant boobs, a tiny waist, and perfectly proportioned hips... there is a word that I am thinking of... definitely not appropriate for this classy wedding blog. These ladies can pretty much wear any shapes... you have to be careful when you have an ample bosom because there are some necklines that can end up looking trashy on a fuller bust. So full coverage is definitely a good thing. But I am all about showing off that bombshell figure. So I love a fit -n- flare for this shape. A strapless gown with delicate ruching details will help slim and balance your bottom and de-emphasize your large ladies while the sparkly detailed belt shows off your lil’ waist. The detailing at the bottom gives a touch of fun.

(Dress shown is Rivini)

The 411

*apple. full skirt to balance and deep v necklines to elongate

*pear. full skirt is a must and off the shoulder sleeves will add balance.

*boy. add curves, volume at the bust and in the skirt.

*hourglass. use details like ruching to de-emphasize bust while smoothing shape.

*for ALL. cinching your waist is a must for ALL body types. JUST DO IT.

Lauren

Who says the Bridesmaids have to match!?!

2011-12-22T10:32:00.000-05:00

Well, it has to be said that I have always had quite a problem with authority... I don’t really like to be told what to do. I instantly want to do the opposite of what I am told... I’m sure this stems to some repressed elementary school trauma. Nonetheless my apprehension to the rules is, I think, what makes me so good at fashion and decorating... Because the unexpected is exciting and fun!!! Let your bridesmaids be FUN!! I swear, take it from me, mixing bridesmaids gowns comes across confident and sophisticated. Using 3 stores you can get all your girls outfitted with “different, but the same” dresses sure to be the hit of wedding!!! I mean, besides you... *Sidenote. You will always be the most important, that’s a given, so don’t be afraid to do fun and interesting things with your wedding for fear they will overshadow you. NOT POSSIBLE* Okay, moving on...

Shopbop. Okay. Shopbop is seriously the most wonderfully edited “designer” site. I am obsessed with every designer they sell. Omg. I would love to win a shopping spree... Can anyone make that happen?!!? Let me know ;) With Shopbop I decided to do a more daytime look, this would be great during Spring, but honestly will still work for Winter. Just have your girls rock structured blazers or rad leather jackets with the look for colder weather. OOOOooooooOOOo. So chic. This color palette is one of my favorites! The shades of silvery gray are just stunning and universally flattering and the tawny pink shades are so beautiful and such a girly mix. This look is more about varying fabrics and colors, none of them match perfectly, but they create a genius collection that totally works together. Think about putting your maid and matron of honor in the pink whilst the rest of your ladies do the gray. Obsessed with this.

BHLDN. Favorite store ever. So I decided to do a blue/navy/black theme. I love this for an evening affair. The colors are brilliant and read super chic. I think this combo really works. You can decide if you want it more blue heavy or black heavy, but I like it nice and balanced. The colors do NOT need to match perfectly. Do you hear me!?!? DO NOT need to match. It’s all about getting colors that go. This is what will create the brilliant look of non-matching-matching. Use different textures of fabrics. Mix stripes, solids, ruffles and bows. This look is beyond sophisticated.

JCrew. Who doesn’t love fuschia!? I mean this collection is not for color challenged. This is for the girl that loves vibrant, exciting color and isn’t afraid to have it in her wedding. I love the rose pinks mixed with the more muted purply tones. This collection also heavily relies on varying color and texture. I love the richness of this grouping. The patterned gown should definitely go on your maid of honor for a little something special for her. I think these girls should be carrying a lovely bouquet of white, peach, and pale pink peonies. Are you feeling me!?!? Who’s excited!?!? My Lordy I want to get married again so badly!!!

Okay, so the rules.

*it only needs to “go” no matchy-matchy here.

*look for varying patterns, fabrics, and shades.

give your maid and matron’s of honor the special dress.
don’t be afraid of color.
remember it’s impossible for you not to be the star of the show, so don’t be afraid to take risks with designing your wedding look. You are never going to be overshadowed.

Lauren

Real Savannah Wedding: Jenna and Lucas Part 2-Portraits and Reception

2011-12-20T19:39:00.001-05:00

Jenna and Lucas, we wish you the best we appreciate you allowing us to share in your wedding day!

The MGE Team

Thanks again to Alexis Sweet Photography---YOU ROCK!

Real Savannah Wedding: Jenna and Lucas Part 1-Prep, Ceremony, First Look

2011-12-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

Jenna and Lucas were married in June under the majestic Savannah Oak trees and we were honored to be a part of this incredible day with these two love birds! Some of our favorite things were at the forefront of their wedding: Simplicity, elegance, first look and out of the box style! (SO LOVE THE SHOES and the AAAMMAZing feather brooch for her dress!) The bridesmaids didn't carry flowers…they carried clutches, the bride---a single calla lily. They were a delight and we love that we could share this with you.

Tune in tomorrow for the portraits and reception! Thanks to Alexis Sweet Photography for providing the beautiful images.

Lalalalove Leopard.

2011-12-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

You can go ahead and call me crazy. Yes. I am writing about leopard print on a wedding blog... I know, I know I’m a crazy person. Hear me out. This is not for safe bride, but any lady that wants a little spice in her bridal party could absolutely use some of the sophisticated muted leopard prints that are so en vogue right now. If you are afraid of having a sea of leopard in your photos then try only your maid of honor in leopard and the rest of your girls wearing a solid dress that goes with your MOH gown. Look at all of these ah-mazing celebs rocking leopard print and gasp! not looking trashy. Are you on my page yet? Still think I crazy? Well, what if for a pop of fun your girls wear leopard print pumps!?!? They are the perfect accessory to a black, gray, brown, camel, or even red dress. Plus, these are actually shoes that your girls would want to wear again. They are a staple in a classic wardrobe.

Warning. Too much of a good thing can be so supremely tacky. If your girls are rocking leopard print gowns, everything else should be soooooo simple. Plain shoes, virtually no accessories, and decor shouldn’t have a stitch of the print in it. If you are trying to do this chic it’s best if your reception space doesn’t look like a jungle. Remember there is no rule that says your bridesmaids must match your decor.

Dresses. Left to Right. Mara Hoffman, Rebecca Tayloe, Thayer, & Lucy in Disguise.

Shoes. Clockwise from the Top left. Ivanka Trump, Michael by Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Vince Camuto, Madison Harding, & Enzo Angiolini.

Lauren

In Love with Lace.

2011-12-05T09:57:00.000-05:00

So it seems that lace is mucho popular with the wedding crowd, which I suppose shouldn’t be much of a shock. Lace these days doesn’t equal matronly and old fashioned as it used to! It really is a stellar accent on today’s modern gowns. Lace is also not just for the gown. I think lace cover ups and bridesmaids dresses are definitely the way to go. There is a certain elegance that only lace can give. Here are a few of my favorite gowns and whatnot.

Gowns.

Clockwise starting with the top middle photo: Nightcap Clothing, Badgley Mischka Bride, Vera Wang, Lazaro. I love any gown that has a surprising elegance all it’s own... and by adding an unexpected touch of lace or using lace in a different less traditional shape is so exciting!!! The gown doesn’t have to be head-to-toe lace! A gorgeous bodice with a funky silk satin skirt or a sheath style that comes across more bohemian than borderline granny will be just enough.

Coverups.

All of the coverups I’m showing are from BHLDN. As you know, BHLDN is my absolute favorite new wedding site. It’s brought to us by the good people at Anthropologie and it’s just the most ah-mazing place to find anything boho-vintage-chic. All of these coverups are delicate and sophisticated... definitely a piece to be remembered! I see this being a great heirloom. Styles of gowns will come and go, but a brilliant lace jacket will be timeless... and it’s nice because it can be taken off easily... so a bride of any era can get photos with it on. J’ADORE.

What did we learn today?!

*use lace in unexpected dress shapes and styles to keep it modern

*avoid head to toe lace for fear of it looking old school

*lace on your BM is fun and will provide great visual interest in photos.

*a lace jacket/bolero is a wonderful item to pass down to family. so think of it as an investment.

Lauren

If the shoe fits...

2011-12-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

I was thinking the other day about how shoes completely make or break an outfit. A great look with an awful shoe... well, let’s face it it’s an awful look. I think the same goes for wedding attire. I think that certain styles call for a specific type of shoe. Now if you notice kitten heels and flats do not make my list... That’s because they are NOT appropriate wedding shoes. Unless you are 5’10” then do not argue with me. Gowns can very easily swallow you whole and they really do call for a heel to elongate your frame... So again, unless you are supermodel tall then put on a heel and a kitten heel doesn’t count. ew. ew. ew. ew. ew. The ugliest shoe in the world. Just don’t do it.

Shoe. BHLDN. Dress. Bliss by Monique Lhuillier.

I love the ease of a slingback with a mermaid/fit-n-flair gown. Since these gowns usually have a seem near your hips they can cut you off and make your legs appear really short. So, I prefer some type of platform and a slingback can give you that height without looking heavy like a pump.

Shoe. BHLDN. Dress. Christos.

I think a pump does it’s best work with a ball gown. Since the gown is full it can perfectly balance a covered toe pump. I think that pumps can look very heavy with less formal gowns. It is also historically accurate, think about it, do you think Marie Antoinette was rocking a sandal with her giant gowns!?!? Don’t think so. It’s just a very classic pairing.

Shoe. BHLDN. Marchesa.

I love a good peep toe with a super short mini. If you have super fabulous legs this is the combo for you. Peep toes are great at elongating your leg and these are perfect for creating that long line that would look brilliant with a short gown. Excellent for partying down at your reception.

Shoe. Ivanka Trump. Dress. JCrew.

I love this whole look for a beach or outdoor wedding. A wedge is perfect for soft grass and sand, no sinking! Plus, they are usually really comfortable. Wedges will work with a slim or full silhouette, but the importance of this shoe is fabric. It must be light. The gown should in no way feel heavy. Think organza, chiffon, cotton/silk toile. Just about anything that JCrew sells.

Shoe. Max Studio. Dress. JCrew.

The sandal and the wedge work very similarly, depending on the weight of the fabric. I would do a sandal with a slimmer silhouette, no ball gowns or a-lines. Now you can do something light and casual like I’ve shown here with light fabric, or you can choose to wear a fancier sandal, something metallic, with a heavier fabric like satin.

Shoe. BHLDN. Dress. Dolly Couture.

When I think D’Orsay, I think retro. So a brilliant tea length gown with old school flare is just what the doctor ordered. I couldn’t think of a better cliche to use... hmmm, sorry about that. I love anything with a vintage flair and these shoes definitely give that feeling. D’Orsay’s could also work in any situation that a sandal would be appropriate.

Don’t forget this is only a guideline. In no way are these the end all, be all of shoe rules. Fashion is such a subjective topic. There is never a total fashion no-no, except for maybe wearing flats or kitten heels with your wedding dress... please don’t do it!!!!

Lauren

Out of the box cake toppers from Etsy!

2011-12-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

If you are a pet lover like me (and we have a number of our fabulous brides incorporating their pets) then you are going to love this! We recently had a couple that cherished their fur babies and wanted to make sure they were ever-present in the wedding day festivities, so they contacted a seller on Etsy, sent pictures of their pets, and she then created these. What an amazing job she did…see for yourself! While they didn't go on top of their cake, these two furry friends sat on their sweetheart table during the reception. These are actually made of clay. If you want to explore other options, just search “Clay Wedding Cake Toppers” on Etsy. The possibilities are endless.

Celebrity Inspiration: Michelle Williams in Christian Dior

2011-11-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Dress, Catherine Deane; Sash, BHLDN; Veil, BHLDN; Shoes, RSVP.

Lauren

Real Savannah Wedding: Melissa and Tyson—A Fall Savannah Wedding

2011-11-29T09:37:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Melissa and Tyson…we were honored to share in your day!

The MGE Team

Very Pinteresting...

2011-11-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

Maybe you’ve heard of Pinterest or maybe you haven’t, but I know you’ve heard of Facebook and Twitter... Well, Pinterest is better than both of them. Okay, now you must be saying, “great, but what the devil does a social media website have to do with weddings!?!?” My answer, everything. Unlike other sites, you are connecting to friends and random strangers with ah-mazing pictures. It’s basically the most giant collection of brilliant and inspiring photos ranging from fashion, decor, food, funny/inspiring quote, fun diy projects, and yes, weddings... oh-so-many-weddings.

Basically you create folders for yourself and any photo you like from any website can be posted to Pinterest you can mention friends and leave comments. For example, I have a fashion folder labeled Fashionably Late and wedding folder aptly named For My Next Wedding and oh, so many more. There is no limit to your folder options. I also love this site because I no longer have to fill my computer with photos, I have a nice and tidy place online to go and view all of my favorite photos without using up much needed computer space. And you can repin from friends and other Pinterest buddies and the pictures usually have links to the websites where they are from, so if you love a cake or dress 90% of the time when you click the photo you will be taken to the website where it’s from!!!!! BRILLIANT.

You do need a invite to join the site, but trust me if you put out the word on Facebook someone will hook you up! You will be shocked how many people you already know who are on it!!!

Happy Pinning!!!

Lauren

What to Wear to a Wedding this Weekend.

2011-11-11T13:36:00.000-05:00

Fall is upon us people. Praise the Lord. The weather is still a bit unpredictable, so you best be prepared when attending a fall wedding. It can be warm, then cool and vice-versa. This is seriously the best because do you know what that means!?!?!? That’s right! LAYERING!!! Layering is sophisticated, fun, and is the mark of a fashion pro. Here are a few perfect fall looks.

Look 1: Jewel tones are all the rage for Fall, so this sapphire blue is perfect. I love the fun cut of the skirt, it’s sexy without being skanky. Give a modern twist with a blazer with a leather trim, just in case it gets chilly. Add a great pair of chandelier earrings, a giant cocktail ring, and some stunning shoes and you are ready to party!!!

Dress, Thayer; Jacket, BBDakota; Shoes, Kate Spade; Earrings, Max&Chloe; Ring, Sorrelli.

Look 2: This might be my favorite. I adore the neckline and the velvet trim on the hem, so freaking adorable. I would rock this with a pair of nice opaque black tights. I am in love with this military inspired jacket and the color just adds such a brilliant punch of color. And I love that the shoes are a shade of red but more burgundy, as to not look matchy-matchy. The green earrings are just the perfect finishing touch.

Dress, BHLDN; Jacket, Jack by BBDakota; Shoes, bcbgeneration; Earrings, Lulu Frost for JCrew.

Look 3: This look is for the fancy-shmancy wedding. I love the simple shape, color, and neckline of this gown. So flowly and easy, but the faux fur cover up adds the perfect sophisticated touch for when you get a touch chilly. A pair of simple nude peep toes and an arm full of costume bracelets are all you need to look like a million bucks.

Dress, Raoul; Caplet, BHLDN; Shoes, Ivanka Trump; Forever21 for all bracelets.

Hope this helps you prepare for your next fall wedding... even if it’s this weekend.

Lauren

Future Savannah Wedding: Marquita and Jaime

2011-11-08T11:42:00.000-05:00

Marquita Mays and Jaime Wright

Date Engaged: Saturday, August 6, 2011

Where did you meet?

Met in New Orleans, La after her good friend introduced us.

How did he propose?

He proposed after skydiving 14,000 ft for his birthday.

When is your wedding date?

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Why did you pick the area you are getting married in?
Marquita visited in January 2011 for her birthday. She wanted a destination wedding and Savannah had the southern charm feel. We also enjoy the compact, clean & distinct feel of the Historic District.

Where do you reside now?

Groom resides in New Orleans, La. Bride resides in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Anything interesting or out of the ordinary you are including in your
wedding day?

Wedding is held on Mother’s Day 2012. We will do a special dedication to mother’s at the ceremony.

Anything else you would like to add?

Looking forward to being in the same city one day!

LOVE the way you proposed Jaime! SOOO CUTE…but more importantly, we are looking forward to your big day! ---The MGE Team

Supermodel Bride: Molly Sims

2011-11-07T13:17:00.000-05:00

I don’t know, maybe I watch too much Las Vegas and The Rachel Zoe Project, but I LOOOOVE Molly Sims. She is like the most down to earth supermodel ever... She is in the same category as Heidi Klum and Rebecca Romijn. She’s hot, she’s friendly, she’s okay with bathroom humor. You can’t NOT love her. Just a few weekends ago this beautiful blonde wed Scott Stuber at a stunning winery in Calistoga, CA. I am beyond obsessed with her entire wedding look and don’t get me started on the wedding party!!! Holy wonderful Batman!! I’m in love.

The Bride. Molly rocked a beautiful Marchesa gown. It is just beyond elegant. The sleeve is so stunning, I adore how it just floats on her body. This is a great sleeve for anyone wanting to hide their upper arms. The all over lace is very bohemian and carefree because of the cut and weight. It’s light and airy. This is the perfect boho princess wedding dress. I also love that her hair and makeup are still very classic, it’s a great look head to toe.

The Maids. O-M-G. Perfection. I am in love. Lalalalove. This is the most spectacular bridal party in the history of bridesmaids. The mixture of beige, taupe, champagne, brown, and black are insane. I mean, it love how some of the gowns are solid, some have a black sash, some are two tone, one has a pattern. It’s bridesmaids bliss. Now don’t be scared, whether you are a fashion virgin or a full blown fashionista this just takes a tiny bit of planning and color matching. This is such a high-impact look that you would never regret!!! It would make for insanely beautiful photos.

Tips from Molly Sims wedding.

*wear lace in modern silhouettes

*rock fluttery lace sleeves to cover arms and add a boho quality

*mix a modern shaped gown and traditional hair & makeup for a complete look

*put your girls in monochromatic colors, mixing patterns and shapes for an elegant bridal party

So remember, you don’t have to be a supermodel to have a beautiful wedding day.

Lauren

Lace: The other wedding fabric.

2011-10-14T12:52:00.000-04:00

When it comes to wedding gown fabrics I think that lace is far underutilized. I mean you always see the Melissa Sweet gown, Hallie, that is beyond overused, but we want something new and fresh. Beware that the wrong silhouette of lace can be super matronly, so just look for modern shapes. So I am here to tell you that lace can be an amazingly sexy, sophisticated, and chic when done right.

The 2 most common types of lace for wedding gowns are Chantilly and Alencon. Chantilly lace is “a form of bobbin lace. It was originally made in the town of Chantilly, France. It was very popular during the 17^th century. It is characterized by fine a net ground and delicate flowers, scrolls and branches. The pattern is commonly outlined with heavy silk thread. Alencon has “a fine net ground and a raised outer edge (cordonnet). The majority of this type of lace is made by machine today.” Thanks Fabrics.net for those titillating descriptions.

Here are my favorite lace gowns.

Left to right: First Row, Rivini, Vineyard Collection, Melissa Sweet. Second Row: Vera Wang, Juno by Augusta Jones.

Large Photo: Monique Lhuillier. Clockwise from the top left: Jenny Lee, Priscilla of Boston, Pronovias, Jim Hjelm.

Large Photo: Judd Waddell. Top to bottom: Sunshine by Adele Wechsler, Eden Bridals, Jewel.

So tell me!? Do you dig lace? or could you do without!? why!? Who makes your favorite lace gowns!? Tell me, Tell me.

Lauren

Celebrity Inspiration: Diane Kruger

2011-10-07T13:43:00.000-04:00

Get the look: dress, Lindsey Thornburg; belt, Banana Republic; shoes, Cole Haan; & bracelet, Banana Republic.

Calling all insanely stylish brides!!! This look screams fashion elite. Kruger’s brilliant Alessandra Rich gown is just insane with the touch of green and orange... out of this world. When I saw this Lindsey Thornburg peachy gown with it’s floaty sleeves and defined waist I thought it perfectly captured the feel of Kruger’s gown. I would pair it with the same unexpected orange pop with the a belt from Banana Republic. A pair of chic nude sandals and a dainty bracelet are all of the accessories that you need. This is on of my favorites! Just do it!!

Don’t be afraid to rock celebrity style on your big day!!!

Lauren

Don’t leave me standing in the cold...

2011-10-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

I just moved to San Diego and in my mind I was moving to sunny California, wrong. Dude, Cali is COLD!!! I am absolutely shocked. That got me thinking, what about those SOCAL brides who are freezing their tail’s off in the middle of summer!?!? They need something chic to cover up with just like the winter brides. So here are some great options for both summer and winter cover ups.

Summer. clockwise from the top middle: Alex Bridal on Etsy, Elizabeth and James, Elizabeth and James, Haute Hippie.

When looking for a summer coverup, make sure to pay close attention to the weight of the fabric. You want something lightweight that will keep you warm without overheating you. Look for laces and other breathable fabrics. Be bold and even throw on a metallic blazer!! Why not!?!? It’s your wedding you can do whatever the heck you want to!!! I think the key is actually to get something that it will be possible to re-wear otherwise it’s sorta a waste.

Winter. Clockwise from the top middle: MaryandAngelika on Etsy, Halston Heritage, Alex Bridal on Etsy, Calvin Klein.

Now let's not forget the actual freezing cold winter, you can go crazy with a winter coverup, anything from a thick silk dupioni to a fur shawl. When it’s stupid cold out a gorgeous winter white wool coat will do the job nicely, plus, you can actually wear it again. Just make sure that whatever you choose to cover up with that the shape works for your gown.

Lauren

Real Savannah Wedding: Scott and Sally Part 3-Reception

2011-10-05T13:41:00.001-04:00

Since the ceremony took place right outside the reception venue, guests were able to quickly walk over and begin their cocktail hour while they tour the museum. As Scott so eloquently put it, "In a nod to or current home city, we treated our guests to Britain’s favorite summer cocktail – Pimm’s –", as they found their names on the most adorable die-cut flowers, butterflies, birds, and bees. Taking their seats at beautifully decorated table featuring elegant yet modern white vases that allowed the grouped flowers to “pop” against the white walls and tablecloth, the happy couple had their first dance. "As the evening came, the the white walls where washed in hues of fuchsia adding to the drama (and making for killer photos)"says Scott and we couldn't agree more! Scott wanted to surprise his bride with something she wanted the entire planning process but decided to forego it to add other things. Knowing how much she wanted it, he came to me and asked that we plan a candy bar to surprise her on the wedding day. What do you think? LOVEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott and Sally, sharing in the planning and your amazing day was truly an honor. I learned a lot about myself and was really able to enjoy the entire process with you both every step of the way. May this be the first of MANY years to come. –Love, Mo Thank you again to Scott Hopkins Photography for the images.

Real Savannah Wedding: Scott and Sally Part 2-Portraits

2011-09-28T14:30:00.000-04:00

Real Savannah Wedding: Scott and Sally Part 1-Ceremony

2011-09-27T11:59:00.000-04:00

I do not even know where to begin with these two love birds. I guess I could go on and on about how much I adore Scott and Sally by telling you that they are the most interesting, travelled, loving and caring couple I have had the privilege to get to know and am happy to call them friends now…but you want to see and hear about their wedding, right? Well here it is! We had 18 FUN and exciting months of planning, emailing and facebook-ing because these two reside overseas! When I “met” them they were living in France and now currently reside in England. They were able to make a trip back to the states for some meetings though and you might think planning a wedding like this would be difficult or impossible, but not at all. Scott and Sally instilled a lot of trust in our ability to plan, design and suggest some of the best vendors for the job. Between the three of us, we created the wedding they had always hoped for but not without a few hiccups. These two were such troopers when we found out that their original venue had gone under and was no longer allowed to do any events because they had not been able to get the building up to code. (This was after we had a number of plans set in motion and months into planning.) So with their heads held high and a good outlook on “everything happens for a reason,” we switched things up dramatically and in the end we gave them a wedding that reflected Scott and Sally’s true sense of style. After their first look (my favorite thing as you know) with Scott Hopkins Photography, the wedding festivities began! With beautiful bright colors, close friends and family, and a perfect sunny day,their wedding ceremony took place in Telfair Square. Tomorrow is part 2-Portraits!

Celebrity Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez in Brose

2011-09-26T13:31:00.000-04:00

Dress, BHLDN; earrings, BHLDN; shoes, Nine West

So, if you want to change into a fun and flirty dress for your reception this is the way to go. I lalalalove J.Lo’s mini dress. This BHLDN dress gives the same flirty, almost 70’s vibe. I love the detailing down the front. it’s very sliming!!! While Miss Lopez’s gown is figure hugging my choice is more universally flattering. Love the nude shoes, but really who doesn’t!?!? If you haven’t noticed they are the “in” thing to do. They are not only pretty shoes, they go flawlessly with just about anything you can wear annnnnd they make your legs seem a mile long... and who doesn’t want that. Just look for a nude that is close to your own skin tone and you will never want to take them off. To finish this look a pretty and simple drop earring and you are good to go and dance your big night away!!!

Lauren

Future Ford Plantation Wedding: Ashleigh and Dennis

2011-09-20T14:12:00.000-04:00

Ashleigh Blaylock & Dennis McKillen

Date Engaged:

February 26, 2011

Where did you meet?

We met on my birthday in NYC through our mutual friend (and my BM) Christina Manthei - Dennis was visiting Christina in NYC and she brought him to my birthday dinner (where I, of course, was on a date with another guy). Dennis proceeded to make me laugh all night - mostly by making a little fun of me - and I already liked him by the time we all left dinner that night. When he came back to visit 4 months later, the other guy was long gone and Dennis and spent nearly the entire weekend together. he got my number from Christina a couple of days later and the rest, as they say, is history.

How did he propose?

He planned a surprise trip to the Greenbrier, WV and had gotten us a private cottage with a fire place and arranged massages and made dinner reservations. We got back from dinner and were getting ready to build a fire and relax and he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Before I said yes, I asked "are you sure?" and then quickly said yes! before he could change his mind ;-).

When is your wedding date?

April 21, 2012

Why did you pick the area you are getting married in? We got engaged at the Greenbrier and both love southern culture, architecture, food, ambiance and romance so Savannah with its spanish moss and historic feel felt right. We knew we wanted a plantation type feel and when we found the Ford, we knew that was meant for our wedding. We also wanted a great location for all of our friends and family to visit since most would be traveling for our wedding regardless of where we held it.

Where do you reside now?

In northern Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. And we just bought a new house and cannot wait to move in!

Anything interesting or out of the ordinary you are including in your wedding day?

Nothing truly out of the ordinary but we are excited to have our close friends and family join us to celebrate and are honored by those who have agreed to stand up on our day beside us. We are also very excited to have Liam who is the son of my Maid of Honor as our ring bearer and Olivia who is the daughter of Dennis's Best Man and one of my bridesmaids as our flower girl.

Anything else you would like to add?

We really are looking forward to an amazing weekend and have thus far completely enjoyed working with Morgan and Alysse! We couldn’t ask for better or more and feel so far along in our planning already and are so excited about what we have lined up that we only wish it were sooner!

AWEEEE!!! Thank you for letting us be a part of this with you! W love you guys and have thoroughly enjoyed planning with you thus far and cannot wait to see it all come together. Here is to many more fun months of planning and the start to a beautiful relationship!

–The MG Events Team

Celebrity Inspiration: Clemence Poesy in Chanel

2011-09-19T13:29:00.000-04:00

Dress, Notte by Marchesa; belt, Shopbop; rings, Anthropologie; Shoes, Steven by Steve Madden

J’adore Clemence Poesy and her sick style. This white and black combo is so much fun and I think perfect for a fancy night wedding reception dress. The hints of black are incredibly modern looking. The ruffles on the gown are so forgiving and will look good on just about everyone... ladies with really big busts beware the ruffles may give the illusion of you being big all over, but that should be solved easily with the sparkly black belt!!! Place the belt at the smallest part of your waist and boom!!! instant hourglass!!! This looks only needs some fun stacky rings... worn all on the same finger or split up on a few. The shoes are a funky platform that just adds to the edge of this look. It really is brilliant... It screams high fashion. LOVE.

Lauren

An idiots guide to bouquets...

2011-09-15T13:24:00.000-04:00

I am not a florist. I know very little about flowers, plants... I am a known indoor plant murderer. Dexter has got nothing on me, I couldn’t even keep basil alive. Yeah, it’s bad. I am a highly fashionable person and I do love looking at flowers... I’d like to think that I have an eye for color and texture and that sort of hullabaloo. So here is just a fun little blog to show you my favorite dress/flower color combos and just a few of my favorite flowers...

Your bridesmaids are wearing black.

*Dress shown is JCrew

Michael Jackson said it best, black and white... They are a genius combo, it’s bold and it stands out. I love white flowers against a black dress. It gives off such a formal feel and it gives you the opportunity to add a pop of color with the ribbon. I love accent colors. I think a sexy deep red, chartreuse, and any shade of pink look great. Peonies are my absolute favorite flower and look great with roses and mini cala lilies.

Your bridesmaids are wearing pink.

*Dress shown is Rachel Pally

Okay, so this is one of my all time favorite pairings. If your girls are in hot pink give them a stunning peach and pink bouquet. It should look like a pastel wonderland. I love the different variety of flowers and tones of pink and peach. Roses that are more orange on the tips add a great pop! Once again, peonies are perfect for this because they come in the most insanely beautiful pale pink and add some peach roses... yes ma’am!!!!!

Your bridesmaids are wearing gray.

*Dress shown is JCrew

Okay because gray can be... well gray, I think the perfect answer is some rad hot pink!!! I think it gives the gray a real vibrance. My second fave flower would have to be ranunculus and they come in an ah-mazing pink. I think ranunculus make beautiful bouquets on their own, but add some hot pink peonies(of course) or roses for some change in texture and it’s super fabulous.

Your bridesmaids are wearing navy.

*Dress shown is BHLDN

I adore navy bridesmaids dresses and when I think navy I think sweet wild flowers with all kinds of pretty textures and colors. I found this bouquet courtesy of The Flower Lab and it’s filled with limonium, stock, waxflower, alstroemeria, astilbe, veronica, and monte casino aster... I don’t know what a single one of those are!!! But it’s so beautiful and contrasts so beautifully with the navy gown. Perfect boho chic.

*Note. If you are doing super formal navy, see black, same rules apply.

So there you have it folks my very simple, but affective flower guide. I don’t like flowers that look too fussy and don’t even start me on cascade bouquets... I may vomit in my mouth... But hopefully that will help a little in your quest for wedding glory!!!

Lauren

My Big Fat Kardashian Wedding.

2011-09-14T13:22:00.000-04:00

So first off, I should let you know that I feel a bit hypocritical writing about the phenomenon known as “the Kardashians.” I truly have no idea why they are famous, nor do I particularly care for them. Buuuuuuut I do have to admit, they are all beautiful with great hair... and while I don’t think their personal style is very inventive, I do dig that they like luxury and pair things together well. You would be crazy or living under a rock if you hadn’t been bombarded by this wedding nonsense. Let me tell you, this wedding has NOTHING on the royal wedding and that comparison is just obnoxious. See how angry I get, ugh reality stars... unless you are a real housewife of anywhere or Rachel Zoe... I do not care.

The Dresses.

Mrs. Humphries donned 3 separate dresses throughout the wedding and none of them spoke to me. Her actual wedding gown was beautiful albeit nothing like what I was expecting. The fitted bodice and the ball gown skirt were stunningly done in Chantilly lace, buuuuut where I get confused is this weirdo headpiece that I am sure costs more than what you or I or a whole boatload more people make in a year. It would be one thing if she was wearing a very Kate Moss-y flowy hippie gown with her hair down in her usual do... the style would fit much better, but this most definitely does NOT work for me. The second and third gowns fit more with what I was expecting from the bootylicious Kim. First off, they are tight and we all know a Kardashian loves nothing more than to look like a stuffed sausage. My favorite is the second gown, I think it shows off her curves perfectly while still remaining classy. I also loooove the ruffles at the bottom. The third gown is very retro bombshell which totally fits her personality, it just seems a little generic for such a fussed over wedding.

The Bridal Party.

I am a huge fan of bridesmaids in white. I think it can look brilliant and super sophisticated, I think that all of the sisters look beautiful. The dresses are a little cotton candy for my personal taste but I think the girls all look stunning. The tailoring is impeccable! Kris Jenner’s gown is super yuck to me... Remember that Prada gown that Jessica Biel wore a few years back... No? Well it looked like she left the table with her napkin still tucked into her dress... I get the same thing from Mommy Kardashian’s weird bow gown. At least she has 3 more weddings to get it right.

The Guests:

I love that the couple requested that their guests rock either white or black. I think unifying the colors makes for a beautiful cohesive look. I bet their pictures are going to be stunning. I think it is perfectly acceptable to politely request that your guest wear a certain color... as long as you don’t get too ridiculous. KK’s guest list was filled with some super famous and super random people. Mario Lopez, his dancer girlfriend, George Lopez, Eva Longoria, Demi Levato(a disney star, in case, like me, you had no idea who she was), Scary Spice, the Hilton’s, Ryan Seacrest, and Lala from MTV... Trust me there were a ton of people. Even Lindsay Lohan scored and invite... Shocking! Right!?!? I didn’t think anyone invited her places anymore! Even more shocking was the fact that she showed up in the very same gown the beloved Pippa Middleton wore to the royal wedding... Cracked out LaLohan is never going to win “who wore it best” against the worlds sweetheart Pippa. She probably should’ve kept looking... Just saying.

I think their are definitely some fashion do’s and don’ts in this wedding. Hopefully I wasn’t too angry... But I mean they’re reality stars... They never seem to go away no matter how much we all wish they would :) What do you think? Do you love/hate her gowns? What about the bridesmaids? Would you ever let your girls or guests wear white!?!?

Photos are courtesy of People, PopSugar, and E!

Lauren

Celebrity Inspiration: Olivia Wilde in Reem Acra

2011-09-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

Dress, Reem Acra; ring, juliet & company; earrings, BHLDN; shoes, Badgley Mischka

So this is more a celebrity copy. The glorious thing about red carpet designers is that many of them were wedding dress designers first. Take one Reem Acra, she is an amazing wedding dress designer known for her brilliant fabric gathering who also dresses stars like Olivia Wilde, Rumor Willis, and Eva Longoria. I love this look and you can actually purchase the exact same dress in white. Hooray! To complete her look add a giant sparkly ring, a rad pair of delicate earrings, and some simple strappy metallic heels. I love the way Wilde was styled with very loose waves pulled into a messy up do and a very fresh pinky toned face. This look is perfect for a modern bride who craves old world romantic. You love it don’t you!?!? I do!!!

Lauren

Chic Nails.

2011-09-02T16:32:00.000-04:00

So, this might seem outrageous, but I think that nail polish should express your personality and mood... And on your wedding day you should take advantage of the opportunity to throw in a little bit of you. I mean, nothing against a french manicure... oh yeah, I actually hate them... Sorry, but it’s true... I just don’t get it. It’s so formal and 1993... So here are some super modern pairings for you to rock on your wedding day!!!

Essie in Turquoise and Caicos & Butter London in Snog

Sally Hansen Malt & Piggy Polish in Coral Reef

Deborah Lippman Today was a Fairytale & Butter London in The Old Bill

Essie in Marshmallow & Deborah Lippman in Supermodel

Essie in Ballet Slippers & Chanel in Morning Rose

Revlon in Silver Screen & Essie in Lollipop

Deborah Lippman in Yellow Brick Road & Essie in Chinchilly

Have a colorful day!!!

Lauren

Inspired by your bookshelf.

2011-08-31T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

gowns shown. clockwise from the top right. Atelier Aimee Pret A Porter, Pronovias, Badgley Mischka, Claire Pettibone.

The roaring 20’s were an exciting time in America... the rich were very rich and that, of course, is the back drop to the classic novel. It’s got love, betrayal, murder... all of the usual shenanigans. The fashion in the 20’s was very exciting. Lots of layers and a very modern silhouette is created. The boxy “flapper” dress is en vogue, gowns are made in very light silks and don’t hug the body in the least. Beading and embellishments add fun to very simple shape. The dropped waist is huge!!! Which is a very comfortable and chill compared to the natural and empire waists that came before it. I love this time for fashion, people were finally pushing the boundaries a bit... and you know how I adore breaking rules.

When emulating a era in fashion for you wedding, you have to be very careful not to “copy” the look directly... It can look like a costume very quickly and your wedding is no time for a costume party. So look for similar shapes and ideas that have modern sensibilities. Look for dropped waists, straight/column skirts, and fun sparkly embellishments. And you can definitely rock a pin curl too, but take a cue from these fabulous ladies and make sure it’s got a super 2011 feel to it. You do NOT need to be dressing up as Clara Bow... Now I realize that many of you have no idea who she is, but she was fabulous. Trust me.

Don’t be afraid to find inspiration everywhere... even your bookshelf.

Lauren

An Amazingly Chic Budget Wedding Look

2011-08-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

What if I told you that it was absolutely possible to rock a stunning look on your big day for a bit more than 500 bucks!? Would you believe me? Well, believe it. I’m a huge fan of David’s Bridal in the past 5 years they have done a major revamp and added tons of stylish and chic gowns and accessories to their lineup. Their specialty lines like Galina go way above “budget” gown shopping. And I know Forever21 evokes thoughts of super cheap trendy clothing, but I’ve found that their jewelry is perfect for a lady shopping on a budget, including a bride. Sparkle is sparkle.

Gown: Galina for David’s Bridal $450

Earrings: Forever21 $2.80

Bracelets: Forever21 $5.80, $8.80, $6.80

Hairclips: Forever21 $3.00

Shoes: Caparros $41.00

Grand Total - $518.20

In this look, no one would suspect that you were on a budget. If you are looking to spend a wee bit more, White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal starts around 600, up to 1400 dollars. These gowns are insanely chic and evoke the feel of Wang’s couture collections on a budget. I can’t wait to blog about them ;)

Lauren

Future Savannah Wedding: Laura and Nic

2011-08-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

Laura Rogers & Nic Sievers

Date Engaged:

March 24, 2011

Where did you meet?

We kept meeting at various parties and bar gatherings because we shared mutual friends from college. I had just moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles and went out as much as possible to meet new people. I met Nic in my first few weeks in LA and remember telling a friend that "I wanted to date that guy"!

How did he propose?

I can't tell this story without telling the story of how he didn't propose! There was a full moon approaching (the super moon if you remember from March) and Nic took me to a nice dinner at one of my favorite hotels (The Viceroy in Santa Monica). He planned to take me to the beach afterwards and I knew something was up. We went home to change for the beach and Nic went outside apparently looking for the moon. He came back in after several minutes and said that the moon wasn't out so we should call it a night. I was upset. I thought I was losing my mind and he wasn't really going to propose. A couple days later he came home from guitar class and told me that he splurged and bought a new guitar. I went into the living room to see it and he opened the guitar case. Inside was a dozen roses and he got down on one knee - ring in hand. I burst into tears (happy ones!) Poor guy had planned this whole romantic evening and the moon did not cooperate so he came up with a plan B. I don't mind that it didn't go as planned and we got a great story out of it!

When is your wedding date?

May 5th, 2012

Why did you pick the area you are getting married in?

Nic and I both went to the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated the same year (we met in LA after graduation). Our families have since moved away from our home towns and Savannah is such a beautiful city that it was a natural choice.

Where do you reside now?

Santa Monica, California

Anything interesting or out of the ordinary you are including in your
wedding day?

Nic and I went to art school so we're naturally into the artistic details of wedding planning. You'll see handmade touches everywhere.

Anything else you would like to add?

We are so thrilled to be getting married in Savannah and also to have fellow SCAD alumni as some of our vendors (Alysse of MGE and Nate Henderson of Open Light Studio). Savannah and SCAD will always be special to us.

Designer Spotlight: Jenny Yoo

2011-08-19T12:35:00.000-04:00

It’s no big secret, if you read this blog, that I am not a fan of traditional bridesmaids gowns. I mean it’s basically a department store dress that is more expensive, requires more work, and always needs alterations. Nothing about that is appealing to either me or your poor bridesmaids. The whole “they can wear it again” sentiment is, in my opinion HIGHLY overused. I think the best bet is to go to a department store or order online from a “normal store” if you want your girls to actually have a chance to wear there dress again. But when it comes to really awesome bridesmaids dresses one of my favorite designers in Jenny Yoo. I adore the modern shapes of her gowns. She also has brilliant colors and really makes a fashionable bridesmaids dress!! Hip Hip HOORAY!!! Her prices are moderate to high, but I think the color selection and great shapes make them well worth the cost.

Lauren

Future Savannah Wedding: Courtney and Scott

2011-08-17T11:28:00.000-04:00

Courtney Hub and Scott Saunders

Date Engaged

March 11, 2011

Where did you meet?

We met at the office. He was working in Atlanta, GA at the time, and I was in Raleigh, NC. We were co-workers first, then friends, and ultimately something much more.

How did he propose?

He tied the ring around our French Bulldog, Gizmo's, neck. I was getting ready to go out to dinner, and stopped for a moment to pet the dog, and there it was. I started crying, it scared the dog and he ran under the bed...with the ring. We were both on our hands and knees trying to get him out, and once we did, I stood up and Scott stayed on his knee and asked me to marry him.

When is your wedding date?

October 1, 2011

Why did you pick the area you are getting married in?

Scott and I have spent a lot of time in Savannah, and fell in love with the city. We visited The Mansion on Forsyth Park three years ago and thought it would be a wonderful place for a wedding. When we got engaged, it was first location that came to mind. The venue was not available when we first inquired, but when we visited the property there had been a cancellation for October 1! We chose Chatham Square for the ceremony because of it's beauty, quiet quaintness, and proximity to our reception venue.

Where do you reside now?

Roswell, GA. We purchased our home from the architect that developed our neighborhood, and who, coincidentally enough was one of the architects that designed the Mansion on Forsyth Park!

Anything interesting or out of the ordinary you are including in your
wedding day?

Scott and I both come from large families, and thus will have three little ones -- two flower girls and a ring bearer -- in the wedding. Needless to say, Gizmo our French Bulldog will also be walking down the aisle and standing up next to Scott on our big day.

Anything else you would like to add?

Wedding planning has been a breeze...everything from the stroke of luck with the venue availability, to finding our first choice and perfect vendors with only six months to plan, to the link between our home and reception location....it's all feeling very, truly, meant to be.

We love the proposal story!!! Here is to you and Scott and your wedding day. We cannot wait to help you make it all that more special. –The MG Events Team

Real Savannah Wedding: Ashley and Jonathan Part 2-Reception

2011-08-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks again to Gregg Willett Photography for providing us the images of Ashley and Jonathan’s big day!

Real Savannah Wedding: Ashley and Jonathan Part 1-Prep and Ceremony

2011-08-15T11:25:00.000-04:00

Ashley and Jonathan were married June 11th at beautiful Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. Take a look at their big day thanks to the ever so talented Gregg Willett Photography. Tune in tomorrow for Part 2-Reception.

Celebrity Inspiration: Minka Kelly

2011-08-12T11:08:00.000-04:00

This makeup look is for the all american girl next door. It’s natural with a bit of sass. Your skin is simple and fresh, so I love Bare Minerals foundation. It goes on very light, but it’s got great coverage. Plus, it feels like you aren’t wearing anything. I would do a swipe of bronzer in a 3 from the forehead to the cheek bone to the chin, then a light swipe on the nose, followed by a peachy-pink blush like Orgasm by NARS. For bronzer, I love Hoola by Benefit, but whatever bronzer you use make sure it’s brown and not orange. You know how that will work out. The lips are all natural, so I would line with Macs Spice lip pencil and use Mac lip color in Faux. That perfect nude/pink lip. For the eyes a swipe of Bare Minerals Frost eye color along the lead to the crease then finish with a volumizing mascara, my favorite is Cover Girl Lashblast in the purple tube. This look is perfect for any bride who wants to look dolled up, but like herself. It’s no fuss, but still elegant.

Don’t be afraid to rock celebrity style on your big day!!!

Lauren

Future Savannah Wedding: Sarah and Les

2011-08-09T16:19:00.000-04:00

Sarah Rowland and Les Canady

Date Engaged

September 4, 2010

Where did you meet?

Our meeting was a completely happy accident. I flew to Savannah to visit family and attend my cousin's wedding on May 16, 2009. I met Les at the rehearsal dinner and we had so much fun together. We had several opportunities to hang out over the course of weekend, and eventually made plans to see each other again for the fourth of July. After that we made plans to visit again in August, and then September, October, November, and December =). For the first year of our relationship we traveled around the US (and the Bahamas and Jamaica) so that we would see each other even though we were living so far apart (I was in Idaho and he was in Savannah). We have been so lucky to have made it work despite the distance, and are now together and happy in South Eastern Idaho.

How did he propose?

Les proposed while we were hiking in Jackson Hole WY. I almost ruined the surprise because I was feeling tired and grouchy and didn't really feel like hiking, and I couldn't understand why Les was being so persistent =) Eventually we stopped to take a break and Les was acting really strange. He asked me to take a picture of us (see picture attached) and when I looked at it I turned around and asked what was wrong with him. He got down on one knee and proposed right there. I guess you know it's true love if he still proposes after listening to you be a big baby all day long =)

When is your wedding date?

May 26, 2012 - Around the three year anniversary of the day that we first met!

Why did you pick the area you are getting married in?

We wanted to get married in Savannah because it is where we first met, and a city that we have returned to over the last several years to visit one another. We chose the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel because it is has a classic, yet elegant feel and when we saw it we knew that it would be the perfect setting for a summer wedding.

Where do you reside now?

We live in South Eastern Idaho about two hours from Salt Lake City - and we can't wait until our lives bring us closer to Georgia! It's beautiful here, but we are ready to be closer to our families and to the ocean

Anything interesting or out of the ordinary you are including in your wedding day?

We haven't planned anything unusual yet. But, the most crazy and exciting part of our wedding will be that all of our friends and family members will be traveling to share our special day with us. We have friends from Alaska, Canada, and Washington State traveling all the way to southern Georgia to join us! That will make it unusual for sure.

We are counting down the days and cannot wait to be a part of this special occasion with you both! –The MG Events Team

Celebrity Inspiration: Diane Kruger

2011-08-08T11:11:00.000-04:00

Get the look: dress, Lindsey Thornburg; belt, Banana Republic; shoes, Cole Haan; & bracelet, Banana Republic.

Don’t be afraid to rock celebrity style on your big day!!!

Lauren

Celebrity Makeup Inspiration: Emma Stone

2011-08-05T11:32:00.000-04:00

So, when I saw this makeup job I HAD to share it with you and show you how easy it is to get this romantic super fierce makeup. The skin is healthy, but coverage is on the heavier side... no dewy shine here. To get this look I am gonna suggest a ton of Bobbi Brown makeup, she is the queen of healthy skin. I would use her stick foundation, which is light and creamy, but a great matte coverage. For this look we aren’t allowed any tired eyes, so Laura Mercier’s secret camouflage concealer is in order, this stuff is genius!!!! I mean it erases any sign of sleep deprivation. And what bride wants to look tired. For the cheeks a swipe of Bobbi Brown’s classic blush in peony. The eyes are suuuuuper easy. A swipe of Brown’s cream eyeshadow in bone over the entire lid, then with a liner brush give yourself a thin, but prominent cat eye with just a tiny flick at the corner of the lid. Finish with a lengthening mascara, my favorite is CoverGirl Lash Blast in the yellow tube and Revlon’s color burst lipstick in fuschia. It is a super flattering pink on most skin tones. I think this look would be perfect for a night time, black tie event. It’s romantic and simple, but still has some fun and whimsy to it.

Don’t be afraid to rock celebrity style on your big day!!!

Lauren

I’ve got your “something blue” right here...

2011-08-01T11:06:00.000-04:00

So, I am BEYOND obsessed with Anthropologie’s new wedding site BHLDN. I mean, come on, absolutely everything on the site is beautiful... everything. I want to get married all over again and I want to get everything from this site. True Story. Now, I am shocked how almost reasonably priced the site is, considering that Anthro is out-of-this-world-expensive. But I was thinking about fun ways to wear blue and this site has some many ah-mazing choices, I had to feature it. So here are some quirky and character filled ways to wear your something blue.

Shoes.

Jewelry.

Lingerie.

Head Pieces & Accessories.

Lauren

Wear your hair down, really, just do it...

2011-07-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

So, there is nothing more terrible than a bad prom updo on a bride... it’s just sad and even when an updo is done correctly sometimes it ends up looking too stiff and serious. I think wearing hair down for your wedding should be done more often, it’s romantic and carefree. I understand that sometimes there are situations where it may be necessary to wear your hair up, terrible humidity, etc. But for the most part I think a woman wearing her hair down and unadorned is absolutely beautiful. The key is to embrace what you’ve got, you know your hair... don’t try to flat iron your hair bone straight in 70 percent humidity when you have crazy corkscrew curls. The same goes for any hair type. Stick to your natural texture. Also, you can’t deny the power of products. When your hair is damp you need to apply some kind of thickening spray to add body, I also like texturizing products which really help hold your style. When it comes to hairspray, it’s all about finding something that holds without creating helmet hair. L’Oreal’s famous Elnett hairspray is lovely, it holds well and brushes out like a champ. So no matter what length or style your hair is, it’s absolutely possible to wear it down and natural!!

Lauren

Something Fun for the Hubby-to-be

2011-07-28T15:51:00.000-04:00

Imagine it. It’s your big day. There’s a knock on the door. It’s a beautiful sparkly gift from your very soon to be husband. You, in turn, hand the messenger a gift for your betrothed... What is it? A watch? Cufflinks? A tie!?!??! How about some naughty pictures of you in your wedding veil and nothing else!? WHAT!? I don’t want to get myself in trouble, but I think that sexy boudoir photos are the perfect pre-wedding gift. Why not take sassy photos while everything is still mostly in the place it’s supposed to be!?! And can you imagine your dudes face when he sees them!!! I think it’s priceless. And these photos don’t have to be dirty or inappropriate, but tasteful and sexy. This is a gift for your husband, not anyone else!!! And if it eases your mind, most of these photos are all camera angles, so you aren’t running around nude... unless you want to ;)

You can find great photographers in any area. Sitting fees can be anywhere from $150 dollars and up. Your wedding photographer would probably be more than willing to offer you a great deal on boudoir photo shoot.

I highly suggest this as a great gift for the hubs and a fun & empowering experience for you. Just remember if you are confident, it will come across in the photos.

Lauren

Future Savannah Wedding: Jamie and Jonah

2011-07-26T15:49:00.000-04:00

Jamie Peisel and Jonah Ansell

Date Engaged

December 2009

Where did you meet?

He was in a business suit.

She was in a bathing suit.

It was attraction at first sight.

As soon as they said hello — it became much more than attraction.

“Are you interested in buying life insurance?” he asked.

“Excuse me?” she replied, confused as to who had let this alleged salesman into the rooftop pool party.
“We have a number of great policies,” he continued — trying to not look too out of place amidst the sea of bikinis and board shorts.

“Should I take this schmuck seriously?” she asked herself.

He labored on, maintaining a straight face, offering up buy-in options at $50k intervals — for flood, fire, tornado. Whatever foes she faced — he claimed to offer the remedy.

And just seconds before she rejected him – “Hi. I’m Jonah.”

He extended his hand. Their handshake turned into a game of arcade basketball. The game of basketball turned into a pitcher of sangria. The pitcher of sangria turned into her buying a little black dress. The little black dress led them across the streets of Chicago. To a dive bar. To a second dive bar. To a night full of friends.

How did he propose?

In late 2010, Jamie and Jonah were prepping for a big cross country move (Chicago to LA).

She was starting grad school out at USC. He was returning to the land of 74-degree sunshine, where he would eventually go on to launch his own marketing and production company. He decided that he would ask her to marry him along the way.

As Jonah recalls:

Before we began our cross-country road trip, I told Jamie we were staying at a bunch of budget motels to save money. Like… she knew we were going to Vegas, but I convinced her we were staying about 40 miles off the strip. I even had her do a big Costco trip to stock up on things in bulk so we wouldn’t have to pay top dollar at gas stations along the way. Expectations were set very low. And they were reinforced by a counterfeit itinerary that led her to believe this was a very low-stakes, functional journey. After dinner with some good family friends in Omaha, we spent the first night in the Nebraskan boonies. We spent our second night in Denver — and enjoyed our one “splurge” — a night out at the Nuggets game. She fought hard to keep me from spending our next night in Western Colorado, after she learned that we’d be driving through a blizzard just to stay at a $28/night Super 8 smoking room. Luckily, she had gotten the flu along the way and was a little bit fuzzy and out of it. Before we embarked for Western Colorado, I told her that she should take a couple of Tylenol PMs to make the drive go easy. She passed the F out. I rerouted the GPS and headed straight to Aspen. She woke up to pure darkness and blizzard, asking where we were. I told her that due to the blizzard, I’d had to take a detour. The weather was really bad. Some cars had literally driven off the road, so she bought it. I then told her that I thought that I’d made a mistake, and needed to ask for directions. She was pissed at me by this point. Angry at me for planning this whole road trip by myself, not asking for her input or letting her help. Saying that I’m a know-it-all, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, etc. So, I said, stop, I don’t want to fight, let’s just stop and get a cup of coffee and try to figure out a place to stay around here for the night.

We parked at the side of the icy road and walked through the blizzard into this hotel which I “happened” to see. I asked a guy at the hotel desk (little does she know, the nicest hotel in Aspen) if they have a place where we can get a cup of coffee. He points us to this little 1920s bar, that is completely empty, except for a lone bartender and a dude playing Lay Lady Lay (our song) on an acoustic guitar. Before Jamie can figure out what’s going on, I got down on a knee, pulled out a tennis ball (which I’ve carved a hole in and hid the ring inside) and asked her to marry me. She says no, it gets extremely awkward. No, all was good, we checked into the hotel and had a sweet room overlooking the mountains. I’d worked with the head of concierge at the hotel to make the room a little vignette of our relationship (read: I’m a total tool) with memorabilia and stuff strewn about. I’d also made a last minute switch from champagne to chicken noodle soup, hot chocolate, and tea, due to Jamie being sick. The rest of the trip was a blast — we celebrated w/ her dad in New Mexico, spent two nights in a penthouse in Vegas, spent a few days here in LA getting settled before we went to NY for Christmas w/ her family.

It’s been a wonderful journey — and we have, to our chagrin, found a way to truly and proudly call L.A. our home.

When is your wedding date?

October 15th, 2011

Why did you pick the area you are getting married in?

Jamie grew up in Savannah, it's a highly desirable place for our guests to visit, and we can't imagine a more beautiful/romantic place to get married.

Where do you reside now?

Los Angeles, CA

Anything interesting or out of the ordinary you are including in your
wedding day?

We made a Save-the-Date video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC-g1DR4KsI that by the way, we can also make for you. We'll be implementing some of the themes of the video and song into our wedding - who knows maybe Jamie will jump rope down the aisle.

Celebrity Inspiration: Emma Roberts

2011-07-25T13:03:00.000-04:00

Get the look: Dress, BHLDN; shoes, Charles by Charles David; ring, JCrew; & earrings, Forever21.

How adorable is this girl!?!? I absolutely love Emma Roberts. Not only is she super cute and talented, this chick has a fabulous sense of style. I adore this Alice+Olivia gown on her and think that this is the perfect vintage charm for a chic boho wedding. I found this brilliant dress on BHLDN, Anthropologie’s newest bridal store. The key when searching this look is to find a champagne/antiqued hue with fitted bodice and a perfectly a-line skirt. You want the length to fall right about mid-calf, if you are petite, you want the skirt to hit more at the knee. The super high nude platform shoes make this look wearable for just about any height/body type. Those shoes are champion for making your legs look insanely long, which in turn makes you look supermodel tall!! Yes please. Fun black enameled floral jewels really give the look a fun twist.

Don’t be afraid to rock celebrity style on your big day!!!

Lauren

Don’t leave me standing in the cold...

2011-07-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

Summer. clockwise from the top middle: Alex Bridal on Etsy, Elizabeth and James, Elizabeth and James, Haute Hippie.

Winter. Clockwise from the top middle: MaryandAngelika on Etsy, Halston Heritage, Alex Bridal on Etsy, Calvin Klein.

Lauren

Let’s not be Tacky...

2011-07-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

As most of you know I don’t care much for wedding etiquette... I think most of it is antiquated and plain old silly, but there is something that I am a firm believer in... and that’s NOT blabbering constantly about where you are registered... And even furthermore, putting anything in your invitation that suggests where you are registered is just beyond tacky!!!! I think that sometimes people do it thinking they are making life easier for their guests, but I think it can easily be misconstrued as only being concerned with gifts and that is just so not-fabulous. When doing research on the post I found that most people agree with me... but just in case you don’t believe me...

The Knot.com’s Q&A states, “ ...gift information should be included with your wedding invitations. Tell your wedding party, parents, and close friends where you are registered, and let them fill guests in. Guests know that they are supposed to ask your mom, your maid of honor, or even you where you're registered. Putting it in the invite is still considered bad form because it suggests that the gift is more important than the potential guest.”

Peggy Post, an expert on etiquette says, “Gift registry information should never be included in a wedding invitation. Tradition still holds that the practice of including lists of gift registries with wedding invitations is considered tacky and inappropriate. Why? It puts more emphasis on the gift and less on the request that the recipient join you on your special day. Gift registries are wonderful tools. But get the word out the old-fashioned way: word of mouth (and don't email gift registry information, even if you're listed on a registry Web site). For shower invitations, however, it's okay to include wedding gift registry information -- a list of stores, mail-order catalogs, or Internet addresses -- on the invitation if the hostess prefers.”

Kristen Klett over at WeddingAces.com is also on my side saying, “While we like to consider ourselves modern gals, there are some new trends that we just can’t get behind. The practice of including registry or other gift preferences on one’s wedding invitation is still a big ‘no-no’ in our book.“Now come on!” you might say. “Everyone knows that you’re supposed to give gifts at a wedding and aren’t we making things easier on our guests by providing them with our registry information?”Nope. No way. Even on occasions where gifts are appreciated, or even expected, in our opinion it’s just plain tacky to imply that you require a guest to bring a gift as “admission” to your celebration. Weddings are an excellent example of “expected” gift-giving occasions. And while we certainly appreciate and take advantage of the convenience of gift registries, etiquette dictates that references to our gift preferences must be carefully chosen and discreet.

So, yes. I hate to break it to you... I’m right. If you are having a shower, those in charge of throwing in are more than welcome to list the stores you are registered at to get the word out. If you have a wedding website, make a page devoted to pointing your friends and family to your registered stores... Just avoid putting that information in your invitations... I know how old school wedding etiquette has become, but this is just one rule I like to see followed.

Lauren

Future Savannah Wedding: Chantel and Matthew

2011-07-19T12:23:00.000-04:00

Chantel Marie Maxwell and Matthew Michael Love

Date Engaged

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Where did you meet?

To start off as you all probably know, Matthew and I actually grew up together. Our parents were good friends growing up. I remember when I was younger going over to his parents' house for fourth of July or his family coming to our house for pool parties and always playing with his older sister Ashley. Matthew always wanted to tag along, but we didn't want him to! Ha Ha...As we grew older we saw less and less of each other because both families' lives got very busy. Ashley then started working for my mom in 2003, and she and I became really good friends again. I was always seeing Matthew around then. About two years later during his senior year Ashley was supposed to attend his senior prom with him but ended up not being able to since she was going to London for hair school. Ashley came to me and asked if I would go with him and of course I said yes! At the time I was dating someone, and I looked at him like a good friend and confided in him about things. Then our lives started going in different directions again. Ashley opened her own salon and we saw less and less of each other once again.

About two and a half years ago, his grandfather (Beep Beep) passed away, and my mother and I attended his viewing to pay our respects. I was so happy to see Matthew. We talked for a little while, catching up, and he asked if I wanted to go fishing with him and a friend of his that weekend, so I said yes! They ended up not going, but he called to see if I wanted to hangout, and I was SUPER excited. There was always something about Matthew. It's like I had always had a little crush on him and knew he always had one on me. We started hanging out a lot and going on dates. We went to Ashley's house one night with another couple because Matthew was house sitting. We shared our first kiss that night on the dock. We’ve been inseparable from that point on. His Beep Beep always asked Matthew when he was going to get a girlfriend and because of Beep Beep I will marry my best friend on November 5, 2011.

Most people say that they're marrying their best friend, but I truly am marrying my best friend and soulmate.

How did he propose?

Well, let's just start off by saying, I always told Matthew that my nails better be done and I better look nice for some pictures to be taken after we got engaged. With that being said, now for the proposal...

Last year around July, my mom and dad were talking about the four of us taking a short cruise to the Bahamas in September or November. I was super excited!! Thinking a proposal was coming, I automatically envisioned being proposed to on a beautiful beach there. The plans faded away as things came up. He had said one time before - we will be engaged before this coming Christmas. Thanksgiving came around, and if any of you know how Matthew works, you know right now he works every holiday. I was thinking - since my family is always in town for Thanksgiving, and we always have Thanksgiving lunch and dinner at my mom and dad's, that he would get off the boat and maybe surprise me then and do it that way...Christmas got closer and closer.

I didn't know there was anything going on. The giveaway should have been that my dad actually came into Savannah the Friday before, which he NEVER does, and he and Matthew ate at my favorite place, Outback, without inviting me!!

We went to his sister, Ashley's, salon Christmas party the night before it happened. I took my friend Allison who I hadn't seen in a while so needless to say, I had a blast that night, and Matthew was the responsible adult watching us. No one knew he was proposing the next day and that's why he wasn't letting loose and having fun because he was so nervous, or at least that's what I think! Well, the next day we went out to my parents house, and I wasn't feeling too hot. Matthew and my mom kept trying to get me to get off the couch and go do something. As you know it was right before Christmas and chilly outside. My dad just got a heater for his golf cart and Matthew and dad kept bugging me, "Let's go try it out!" I was thinking, I don't feel well, and what is the big deal, it's a freaking heater!! My mom came up too me and said, "Chantel, why don't you just go with them for a minute. It might make you feel better if you get up and move around." I got up and went in the garage where Matthew and dad were and told them I was ready to go.

Well, at this point they are trying to think of a reason to tell me dad's not going with us. If you know my dad, he always has to go if someone is going on a golf cart "adventure". About this time Mr. Billy pulls up. Boy did they get lucky!! Dad said he would just let us go and stay there and talk to Mr. Billy. On the way down there, Matthew said he wanted to give me an early Christmas present. I was thinking nothing of it. At this point I was thinking he was going to try and throw me off and propose after Christmas. We went down to the dock, walked out on it, and just sat there and talked for a little bit. Then he said he was going to give me something he had been working on, on the tugboat for a while as an early Christmas present. He pulled out a few folded pieces of notebook paper. He started reading this beautiful poem he had written me. I am still thinking nothing about a proposal, then at the end of the poem I thought he said, "And I hope one day she will be my wife". At this point he is on one knee, and I am speechless and fighting away tears as he is pulling a beautiful wooden box out of his coat. He opened it and asked me if I would marry him. With a quick response, of course I said yes! So now looking back, the ending of the poem said, "And I hope she will be my wife". He caught me completely off guard and something you didn't know - our first kiss was on his sister's dock, so there was a theme there. I should have known!! I wouldn't change a thing that happened with my proposal. Yeah, I may not have looked my best or even had my nails done, but the point is Matthew loves me just as I am, and that's all that matters.

When is your wedding date?

November 5, 2011

Why did you pick the area you are getting married in?

We picked Savannah Georgia to be our wedding location because it is where we both grew up and most of our families are in the area.

Where do you reside now?

We both reside in Savannah Georgia

Anything interesting or out of the ordinary you are including in your wedding day?

Nothing to out of the ordinary the day of our wedding besides a huge Rock N Roll marathon bringing in about 18,000 people. Ha Ha. We will be having a little fun with that and maybe putting on some tennis shoes for some photos to always remember our Rock N Roll wedding day! All of our sites are historical and our rehearsal dinner is being held at the Pirates House!

Anything else you would like to add?

We will have a photo booth, which I am SUPER excited about. The bridesmaids have vibrant purple shoes and the groomsman will be wearing burnt orange socks (not that they know it yet) ;) Those are just a couple of little fun details. I would love to have our baby girl Piper (our weimaraner) included some how, even if it's just for a few pictures, but I am still trying to figure that out at the moment.

Congrats Chantel and Matthew—we are so honored that you chose us to be a part of your day. –The MGE Team

Celebrity Inspiration: Kim Kardashian

2011-07-18T12:13:00.000-04:00

Bootylicious. Indeed. How fabulous is this halter gown!? What we should admire about this look... The neck line is fabulous and for any lady who loves her shoulders and arms this is a must wear. The bow detail in the front is adorable, but also show’s off her tiny waist. The slim fit through the skirt is close, but not super tight so it shows off her shape without being skanky. Oh and congrats are in order for Kimmy, as she is recently engaged to... someone. I can’t wait to see her wedding, watch their show, then ultimately their divorce. What? I only speak the truth.

Get the look: Both gowns, JCrew; Earrings, Forever21; & Shoes, Cole Haan.

Don’t be afraid to rock celebrity style on your big day!!!

Lauren

Celebrity Inspiration: Cameron Diaz

2011-07-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Geez Cameron, have longer legs!?! Ugh. I think this is the perfect look for a summer rehearsal dinner. So chic and so comfortable. A cute white romper accented with a pop of bright red. The nude sandals just make her legs look even longer. I am obsessed with this look. And note, all shapes and sizes can wear rompers, the key is fit and length. Sometimes, if you have a booty when you try on a romper it will fit everywhere but your rear end, the result is a strange fit that rides up at the crotch and butt. NO GOOD. That doesn’t mean you can wear them. Get a larger size that gives you the appropriate length and fits your butt, then take it to a tailor to nip and tuck the top. Tailors are the key to looking super hot in your clothes, so find a good one ;)

Get the Look: Romper, JCrew; Blazer, Torn by Ronny Kobo; Belt, JCrew; Shoes, Dolce Vita; &Necklaces, Forever21.

Don’t be afraid to rock celebrity style on your big day!!!

Lauren

Real Hilton Head Wedding: Jackie and Keith Part 3-Reception

2011-07-14T13:13:00.000-04:00

While the couple was finishing up their photos with family and friends, guests were invited to enjoy some fun lawn games and a signature drink served out of mason jars. The chalkboard theme carried throughout from the signs for the lawn games, the guestbook, dessert table, table numbers and Mr. and Mrs. signs for the bride and groom’s chairs. The dessert table was YUMMO…and featured a number of the couples pies instead of the traditional wedding cake.. Shades of white flowers with hints of green from the buds, stems and leaves provided a perfect accent to the white table linens keeping the look simple and clean. Thanks again to Shannon Christopher for the images. Thank you Jackie and Keith for allowing MG Events to be a part of your day! It was truly an honor and we wish you all the best for years to come. xoxoox

Real Hilton Head Wedding: Jackie and Keith Part 1-Ceremony

2011-07-13T11:13:00.000-04:00

Jackie and Keith picked beautiful Hilton Head, SC to get married this spring. We love Jackie’s style…from her classic lace dress with the feather flower adornment, to her fabulous shoes and the clean whites and neutrals for the decor. These two wanted to start off the festivities with a “first look” and thanks to Shannon Christopher and his amazing photography skills, we are able to share in this very special emotional moment with them. Don’t you just love the banner boys?! So adorable and what a cute idea in loo of the traditional ring bearer. Tune in tomorrow for Part 2-Portraits

Real Hilton Head Wedding: Jackie and Keith Part 2-Portraits

2011-07-12T11:54:00.000-04:00