Okay, I am just gonna come out and say it, red rarely looks ah-mazing on a bridesmaid dress, especially when you throw on a black or even worse champagne sash. The popular fall/winter scheme of red and black is just juvenile! I mean, think about how dated white, red, and black is. It reminds me of my grandparents basement, for reals!! No bueno. There has been quite a few red bridesmaid dresses on the cat walk lately and I am really digging the look. I want to show you a few of my favorite gowns and to tell you how I would style it to feel fresh and unique.

The Dresses. All Left to Right.

Page 1. Amsale, Amsale, ABS by Allen Schwartz.

Page 2. Jenny Yoo, Lazaro, Jim Hjelm.

Page 3. Taylor, Trina Turk.

Page 4. Halston Heritage, Cut25, JCrew.

Page 5. All Melissa Sweet!

Now here’s the thing, when picking shoes stay far away from black or beige or forest green or navy or white. Make it a sophisticated palette with sexy shimmer metallics. Think goldy, champagney, pewtery colors.  BUT NO CHAMPAGNE SASH. No sashes at all if you can help it. You want the shoes to be pretty and interesting, but at the same time very simple.

When it comes to colors to pair with it, I think keeping things warm is the best bet. Lots of oranges and yellows. I also dig a pale pink thrown in the mix. It’s all about finding colors that seem easy. Nothing too contrasting or bold. I think people assume because black goes with everything you should use it to accent your red wedding and that really isn’t the case. I mean these are all my own personal opinions which doesn’t mean that it’s the end-all be-all of wedding fashion... pretty close, but... there’s always an exception to every rule. Even my fashion rules. Shocking, I know.

Until we meet again, stay bridal and avoid anything that evokes a Christmas card circa 1994.

Lauren

Some things to ask a photographer and consider

We asked one of our local favorite photographers to share some images, some insight as to what the most important questions to ask when interviewing a photographer and tell us a little more about them! Here is what Scott Hopkins Photography said:

1) Make sure you ask to see some slideshows or albums that showcase a clients wedding day.  Also, ask to see a complete wedding from a client or two.  It is easy to show 20-40 nice images on a website, but what about the rest of the day?  Is the work on the website representative of the full set of images you can expect?

2) Are you getting two photographers or one?  If two, is the second an assistant or will they be photographing for the entire day?  Are the styles of both photographers similar?

3) Make sure you "click" with the photographer.  They will be with you most, if not all, of your wedding day and you will be working with them after the wedding too.  You should enjoy having the photographer around and not feel like they are intruding.

4) What are you actually getting in a package?  You cannot compare photographers in a spreadsheet.  Comparing photographers is really apples and oranges when it comes to style, vision, personality, and products.

About Scott and Scott Hopkins Photography

Melissa joined me right after we got married in 2008.  I started the wedding business in 2004, but had been doing nature photography since 1 995. Even as a kid I loved photography.  I remember confiscating my mom's point and shoot camera while in grade school and the first time I saw an Ansel Adams print.  It wasn't until college that I made the switch to become a professional photographer.  It was the first thing I ever really had a passion for.  For the first couple of years, I read everything on photography that I could get my hands on.  Capturing a moment in time and the emotional connection to that specific moment still amazes me.  I can look at a landscape or wildlife photo of mine from twelve years and recall almost everything about the moment, the weather, who I was with, what I was feeling, the smell of the land and air, I am transported to that moment.

Favorite Moments as a Photographer

“We have lots favorite moments of the wedding day, these are just a couple of them.  The few minutes at the start of the ceremony when the bride and her father are alone and waiting to walk down the aisle.  There is often amazing emotion as dad thinks about his little girl being all grown up.  Another is the first dance.  The big introduction of the newly wed couple leads them to the dance floor and all eyes are on them.  Emotion fills the room, mom, dad, grandparents are all watching, the couple is lost in the moment, it can be really beautiful.” –Scott Hopkins

All images by Scott Hopkins Photography

Last October 24, 2009 Kate and Jamey were married in beautiful Savannah, Georgia! We wanted to wish you a very happy anniversary and here is to many many MANY more!

 

Question: Hi Morgan, I am trying to figure out how to give my caterer the final counts to get my final bill from the bartender, caterer and rental company, but don't know how to classify my guests. Some are too young to drink but too old for kid’s meals, some are too young to eat at all but need a booster, and some adults that are old enough to drink, don't drink----HELP. Thanks! Angela

Answer: Hi Angela! I know that giving final counts can be confusing but that is why you have a wedding planner right! It is super important that you get your RSVP’s back in time to get all of these handled yourself and updated contracts if you don’t have a wedding planner. If you do, they should take care of all of it! We always tell our clients the following:

Caterer:

0-3 Kids-Parents usually will bring something with them or feed off their plates. No need to include them in this count.

4-12 Kids Meals-Chicken Tenders, Pizza, etc. Your wedding planner and caterer should go over the options with you and remind you that they are much cheaper than your adult meals.

13 and Up- Adult Meal unless the younger kids as for a kids meal specifically

For the bar:

21 and over guests-Drinking

Guests that don't drink or are pregnant, your bar vendor will classify these guests as 21 and under (sodas, juice, non-alcoholic)

Rentals:

You will need to check with parents about what their kid’s seating requirements are. Normally if they can sit up at a table you might need a highchair or a booster chair. They do not need a full place setting though. So you can take them out of the glass, charger, silverware, and china count.  You should still leave room for them at a table though. There needs to be room for a stroller if need be.

I hope this helps!

Jenna Newitt & Lucas Amaral

Date Engaged:

July 2, 2010

Where did you meet?

We met in college at Florida State.  A friend asked me to go with her to a fraternity rush party and I, reluctantly, went.  After being at the check-in table for rushees a cute guy walked by and brought us some pizza.  I remember thinking to myself that he was quite attractive.  Later that night he ended up driving us to the after party at a local bar and we talked all night.  We've been together ever since.

How did he propose?

He took me on a trip to Block Island, RI, where he worked a few summers in college.  I'd always heard such fun stories and he wanted to take me for the 4th of July.  The first day we got there (Friday) we went to lunch at a place he recommended for great fish and chips.  After we went on a long walk to find this "spot" he had in mind.  After about half an hour of walking I started saying that we should head back.  He then mentioned that we should go check out the Salt Lake in the middle of the island.  As we got there he told me to take some pictures because we always forget when we take vacations.  Next thing I know, I'm turning around and he has a ring in his hand and is on bended knee.  I was so surprised I just grabbed the ring and put it on and said, "Of course!"

When is your wedding date?

June 25, 2011

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

I've always been in love with the Savannah parks.  The true Southern-ness of it all.  I have always said I was going to get married there, since I was young.  Also, the first time we said, "I love you" to each other was in Savannah!

Where do you reside now?

Washington, DC/Northern VA area

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

We're probably going to have an ice cream bar instead of cake for dessert.  Possibly including my dog Deuce (after some obedience!).

 

You two are sooo cute! We cannot wait for the big day!

Oh jewels, How I love thee!? I’m liking a freaking child, wave something shiny in front of me and forget it... distracted for hours. I actually worked at Tiffany and Co... can you imagine!? I pretty much just wanted to try stuff on all day. Good thing that was seasonal. Moving on, jewelry is a big part of your wedding day, but it really doesn’t have to cost a million bucks. I mean lets get real, who can actually afford “real” pieces unless they are hand-me-downs or daddy owns a hotel chain. So unless you’ve recently come into money, let’s assume that you are looking for some bargain jewelry... Everything I am picturing today is under 100 dollars!!! Holy heck yeah!!!

Okay. When it comes to jewelry I have two go-to spots that always have beautiful and well priced products. Good ole’ Banana Republic and J.Crew. At both places you get a quality product at reasonable prices. Can you ask for any more?! Both stores understand the current trends, but also capture a timeless chic that I really just love. I know what you are thinking... J.Crew!?! It’s as far from a bargain as you can possibly get. Whoa there. Hold your horses. It’s true J.Crew is absurd when it comes to their clothes. Don’t get me wrong, they are super cute, but they are also super expensive. The two deals that you can find there are the reasonably priced wedding dresses and the jewelry. Now these baubles aren’t cheap, but they are really well made and compared to the real deal they are crazy inexpensive. So do me a favor and check our Banana and J.Crew for some ah-mazing deals. Banana’s sale bin in the store will blow your mind, the downside is, of course, you don’t know what you are gonna get at your local, but you can find brilliant deals. So what’s the harm!? Definitely check that out before making a purchase.

Now, another favorite of mine is Piperlime.com! This online retailer will fill your heart with joy. They have an ah-mazing selection of shoes, bags, apparel, and wait for it... JEWELRY! Yay!! This store rocks my socks. I am in love. And with fun and affordable designers like, Hive and Honey, Sequin, and Tinely Road, you are guaranteed to find pieces that you love. They also carry big brands like, House of Harlow, Juicy Couture, and Marc by Marc Jacobs. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shop. It’s wonderful because it also offers free shipping and returns. Ahhhhh, hassle free, my favorite.

Until we meet again, stay bridal and stay baller.

Lauren

 

I know how I feel on this subject, but I thought I would reach out to my facebook compadres to see if the general public felt the same. So perhaps I surround myself with friends like me, but it seems that most rule in favor of “not” covering up. I know it can be a touchy subject. Perhaps it’s mom or dad who is requiring the cover up or maybe it’s something you don’t want to share with the in-laws just yet. Surprise!

   My personal take is do exactly what YOU want because you are the one looking at the photos for the rest of time.  I love my tattoos and nothing in the world would’ve made me cover them up. I have more now then I did then, but I wouldn’t cover them either! My facebook buddies mostly all agreed saying, “Why would you have them in the first place if you’re just gonna cover them?” and “Personally I’m letting aaallll mine show...well the ones I can show anyway.” One friend, who I wouldn’t expect this from, said she is going to get a tattoo on her beack before she’s married saying, “if I have to change my awesome last name(King), I get a crown on my back to keep a part of it.” It’s going to be her last single act! I love it.

I only had one buddy chime up in favor of covering. Saying that while she loved her tattoos her vision of a bride is “simple, pure, classic kind of look... and tattoos aren’t really in the picture for me.” I once had a friend tell me that she would cover up at any formal event where all eyes were on her because her tattoos weren’t for other people, they were for her only. I dig it. And I can totally understand covering a tat that you hate or plan to remove. Brands like Dermablend make ah-mazing coverups for tats. But the best advice I can give is to pay someone to airbrush them away. It may be expensive and time consuming, but it will look the most natural and it will stay put ALL day!

Another friend sent me a like to the Offbeat Bride site. It’s a great site for anyone who is looking to do anything a bit different at your wedding. It’s full of spunky brides and rad ideas.

Until we meet again, stay bridal and let your body art shine!!!

Lauren

Sonia Curtis & Matthew Dismukes

Date Engaged:

July 29, 1010

Where did you meet?

Hilton Head Island while we were both on vacation!

How did he propose?

We go to Hilton Head once a year with our families We took a walk on the beach with our families the last night we were there this year. On our way down to the beach that night I joked about how beautiful the stars were that night and I couldn't believe Matthew didn't bring a ring to propose! (little did i know) I  decided i was going to try to look for crabs..As I was looking for them with my flashlight Matthew pointed and said "There's one!" I looked over (excited to see a crab!) and Matthew had my ring on his finger pointing at the imaginary crab ! It was perfect..and his parents caught it on the camera!

When is your wedding date?

March 31, 2012

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

We both went to school at Georgia Southern University and now call the Savannah Area home. I also love the oak trees all over Savannah!

Where do you reside now?

Statesboro, Georgia

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

I would love for our little Chihuahua, Bruiser, to be a part of the wedding by being our ring bearer!

 

We love you guys and cannot wait to get started planning the wedding of your dreams! Here is to a great year and a half together!

How to do a Retro Makeup look.
Okay, so this look doesn’t have to be difficult or dated. Here is my take on fun and easy retro wedding makeup. Red lipstick required ;)

part 1

part 2


What I used:
Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer & Tinted Moisturizer
Almay liquid liner - black
Bobbi Brown eye shadow - basics palette
Covergirl Lash Blast - the yellow bottle
Bobbi Brown blush - pale pink
Bare Minerals powder foundation
Mac lipstick - Russian Red
Mac lipliner - red enriched

Please comment if you need any advice or have more questions.

Until we meet again, stay bridal and don’t be afraid of red lipstick. it looks good on just about everyone.

Lauren

After the ceremony, guests were trollied to the Harper Fowlkes House for an evening of amazing food, fun dancing, and the remainder of the  wedding festivities. Heather changed her sash on her wedding dress to a celadon green for the beginning part of the night and at the end of the night, into a shorter flirtier white dress to dance without restraint! A donation to the Alzheimer fountain were the guest favors. A past bride of mine did the same thing and was so gracious to send the un-used purple bracelets to Heather for her to give her guests. I LOVE MY BRIDES! The table centerpieces were lanterns that were enveloped by a floral wreath in the green and orange colors and featured a menu card and the tables were named after Savannah Squares. Guests lined up to send the happy couple on their way under an arch of sparklers to a pedi-cab.Best wishes to Heather and Dale and here is to a lifetime of love and happiness! thank you for allowing us to share in your day.

     

    

Heather and Dale married on June 5th with a beautiful Savannah Wedding in one of my favorite chapels! These two were just so easy going and so very much in love! Plus they did one of my favorite things ever…”THE FIRST LOOK” before the ceremony. I just love the boys khaki suits and the bold green colors of the bridesmaid dresses. Peach and shades of orange with green and ivory were the main colors. Kiwifleur did an amazing job with the flowers and I just adore the stationary suite we came up with Jennifer Borkowski Designs. Take a look at the cute programs! Thank you to Nicole Williams of Memories for Keepsake for documenting the day and sharing the images with us!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the Portraits!