Posts tagged wedding planning tips
How To Elevate Your Wedding Cocktail Hou
illustration of two hands holding a glass of boba tea and a glass of champagne

Cocktail hour plays such an important role in a wedding day. It is the transition between the ceremony and the reception when guests can greet each other and relax. It’s the period when guests need to settle in so they can fully enjoy the party! So, why is it often overlooked? As a live wedding illustrator, I’ve seen many weddings with phenomenal receptions and ceremonies but bland, boring cocktail hours. Many couples don’t put a lot of time or effort into their cocktail hour simply because they won’t be there. If you’re planning on taking a lot of family photos or portraits during this time, it’s understandable that you would choose to prioritize the reception or ceremony. However, if you’re planning an elevated wedding, you need to step up your cocktail hour to match. If you’re looking for some tips and tricks to elevate your wedding cocktail hour, here are some of our favorite ideas. 

Cocktail Hour Music 

When guests step into your cocktail hour, one of the first things they notice is the music. This first impression can make or break the vibe. I love it when couples opt for an elevated choice like a string quartet or jazz trio for cocktail hour. Live musicians are such a classy detail, and they really change the energy in a space. Plus, if you’re incorporating your culture or heritage throughout your day, you can opt for musicians that reflect that. 

Food & Drink

Of course, food and drink are the most important part of cocktail hour. While everyone loves passed hors d'oeuvres, there are so many fun ways you can elevate this experience! Here in the DMV/northeast coast, a great addition is an oyster bar! There’s nothing that shouts “Chesapeake Bay” more than someone shucking raw oysters for your guests. Or if seafood isn’t your thing, you can add a grazing table to your cocktail hour. Everyone loves fancy meat and cheese! In the northeast, I’ve seen a lot of fun coffee bars. These are an especially great option if you have lots of guests who don’t drink alcohol or are having a brunch wedding. Tea is another great option – I’d love to work a wedding with a Boba bar! 

Cocktail Hour Seating

If you ask guests what their least favorite part of cocktail hour is, many will talk about the lack of seating. Often, we see cocktail hours without any seating at all! When planning your cocktail hour, consider adding some luxury seating options in addition to your standard high-top tables. We personally love the trend of adding a lounge space with plush armchairs and couches for guests to relax on. 

Interactive Experiences 

The best way to liven up your wedding cocktail hour is with interactive experiences for your guests! This gives them something to do in addition to sipping and snacking. A photo booth is a classic choice, but there are many other great options. There are living champagne walls, interactive seating charts, and more! A personal favorite of mine is Beer Burros in Texas – live donkeys that come around and pass out beer to your guests! And, of course, I can’t forget live wedding illustrations.  A live wedding illustrator will draw or paint your wedding guests so they have a sweet favor and piece of art to take home. 

Wedding Cocktail Hour with SamiaLynn Design 

I love illustrating wedding guests during cocktail hour. The music is softer, the guests are excited to celebrate, and everyone is still looking fresh. Cocktail hour is such an underrated part of a wedding day, and I’m its biggest fan. If you’re looking for live illustrations or even custom pre-drawn illustrations for your wedding day, reach out to see if your date is available.

Wedding Band vs DJ: Which Is Right For You?
illustration of a wedding band singer and guitar player with a drum set in the background

Wedding music sets the tone of your wedding day, especially the reception. Whether you opt for oldies, the latest hits, or everything in between – music is a critical part of your wedding day. So, who do you entrust with this important task? As a live wedding illustrator, I’ve attended dozens of weddings with both bands and DJs and have seen the pros and cons of both. Music is incredibly personal, so it’s important to sit down with your partner and figure out your top priorities. While you can’t go wrong with either vendor, here are a few tips to keep in mind while making your decision. 

Live Wedding Bands 

Having a live band at your wedding is a super fun luxury experience. If you love concerts, what better way to bring that vibe to your wedding day than with live music? Live bands are great at bringing upbeat energy to a wedding reception. However, with so many musicians involved, bands are a much more expensive entertainment choice than a DJ. In addition to paying all of the musicians for their time, you may also need to rent a stage and will have more vendor meals to pay for. Live bands cost, on average, around $2,400 more than a DJ, and that price can significantly vary based on region and experience. Overall, if you have the budget and want to prioritize a high-energy, interactive experience, a band is a great option. 

Wedding DJs

DJs are a classic wedding entertainment choice and for a good reason! A DJ has an endless library of music right at their fingertips. Good DJs are also trained to read a room, so they can adjust the music based on what you and your guests are enjoying most. Most DJs will double as emcees, making any necessary announcements during the reception, like parent dances and cake cutting. Since DJs usually work alone, they tend to be quite affordable. If you love dancing to the latest hits or simply just want to listen to the original versions of your favorite songs, a DJ might be the right choice for you. 

Wedding Music Playlist 

In the age of Spotify and Apple Music, couples have been questioning: Do I really need to hire someone to play music at my wedding? The answer is yes! While to an outsider, it may seem like you could just make a playlist and hit play, there is so much more that goes into your wedding day music and sound engineering. First, your music vendor provides all their own equipment that you would then need to rent, including microphones and speakers. You’d need to know how to properly set them up, have time to soundcheck, and have someone on hand who could step in to fix it if there were any issues. You’d also need someone to serve as an emcee.

While you may think that a friend or family member could handle this job, unless they are very used to speaking publicly, it’s better to leave this to the professionals. And finally, I don’t recommend using a playlist on your wedding day because you need someone there who can think on their feet. Any wedding vendor will tell you that weddings rarely go 100% according to plan. So when cocktail hour runs a little long, or your parent dances get moved up in the day, you will need someone there who can adjust the music accordingly. Just like any other wedding vendor, band members and DJs are trained professionals who will make your wedding day run smoother without you even knowing. 

East Coast Wedding Music 

As a live wedding illustrator, I’m fortunate enough to experience weddings up and down the East Coast with a variety of wedding music vendors. In Washington, DC, I always look forward to working with DJ Chris Laich or getting to experience live music by SoundConnection. When I’m up in Boston, DJ Matt Toto and DJ Valentina are my absolute favorites! It’s always a joy to illustrate wedding guests to the sound of their music. If you’re planning an East Coast wedding with an incredible music team and you want some gorgeous illustrations to go with it, reach out to see if your wedding date is available! 

How To Bring The Outside Garden Into Your Wedding Reception

Who doesn’t love a lush English garden with blooming flowers and colorful hues? Garden-themed weddings are romantic and timeless and are becoming a popular design choice. But if you live somewhere with weather that isn’t favorable for outdoor weddings most of the year, how can you incorporate your love of this outdoor space? Today, we are sharing how to bring the garden indoors for your dream wedding reception!

Incorporate Plants and Flowers into your Decor, Food, and Drinks

One of the best ways to bring the garden feel into your wedding reception space is by including flowers and greenery throughout the space. In addition to the usual centerpieces, consider a big statement piece like artificial trees, flower walls, or a ceremony arch covered with greenery and flowers. If your venue allows ceiling installations, greenery draping or floral chandeliers are incredible ways to transform the space. And don’t forget the smaller details as well – adding fresh rosemary or mint to your cocktails and edible flowers to your desserts will show just how thoughtful you were in executing your vision. 

Use Floral Patterned or Embroidered Fabrics

Most people stick to solid-color fabrics on their wedding day, but patterned or embroidered fabrics can really add to the maximalist garden feel. Opt for patterned tablecloths or napkins to add another layer of floral motif to your tablescape. I also love the recent popularity of patterned bridesmaid dresses or fun patterned ties! Having your friends wear floral will make for some incredible wedding party pictures. And if you really want to make a statement, you can even opt for a veil or gown with vine or floral embroidery! We love to design and create one-of-a-kind veils that bring your wedding day look together.

Offer Garden-Inspired Guest Experiences

I always recommend that couples add some interactive guest experiences on their wedding day to engage their guests and leave a big impact on their overall experience. You can easily incorporate your garden theme into these activities, too! I love seeing flower bars during cocktail hour, where clients can create their own small bouquets to take home. Or, opt for live illustrations of your guests, with a floral or greenery border, as a nod to your garden motif. Our live illustrations come with an optional border that we custom-design to fit your wedding theme.

Make Your Day Eco-Friendly

A great way to show your love of the outdoors is by caring for it! Having an eco-friendly wedding is a great compliment to a garden theme and will make you feel great, too. Anything from compostable wedding invitations (with a floral envelope liner, of course!) to plants or seeds as your wedding favors will have a huge impact on your day and show a deeper level of care. 

Garden Weddings with Samia Lynn Illustrations

Whether your wedding is held indoors because of heat, rain, or simply choice of venue, nothing should stop you from having your dream garden wedding. There are so many ways we can bring the garden indoors and transform your reception space to be everything you’ve ever imagined. If you’re looking for live illustration, signage, or even a custom embroidered veil, SamiaLynn Illustrations can help make that dream come true. Reach out to chat about your dream day! 

How to Bring Your FUN Wedding Theme to Life!
 
 
 

While endlessly scrolling through social one day (as we all do), I started coming across more and more videos (@lynea.daprix on TikTok) of how to turn movies or tv shows into wedding themes. And every time the video starts with something along the lines of “Spongebob wedding theme” and I think to myself “There is NO WAY she can curate wedding details related to Spongebob that won’t turn out cheesy and tacky”.

I’m here to tell you that I was so wrong. Every time. Because, ya’ll, no matter what the theme was, these details ended up looking ELEGANT and SOPHISTICATED and BEAUTIFUL. I knew I had to do a blog post on how they do this because it’s one of the most fun things I’ve seen in a while.

So, today’s blog is by Taylor Hana, and she’s on the team over at The Wedding Talk; the genius planning company who is responsible for these amazing videos. Taylor is going to walk us through the steps of how to incorporate these fun and nostalgic themes (read: TASTEFUL) into your big day:


Step 1: pick your theme

What is a movie, tv show, character, or even toy that you LOVE or that brings back memories of joy for you and your partner? For example, perhaps you both grew up reading all the Harry Potter books and it is something that you bonded over. Perhaps you LOVE Christmas and want to lean into your favorite Christmas movie Elf. 


Step 2: Write down and brainstorm your favorite parts of the theme

What makes you think of that theme? For example if we are leaning towards an ELF themed wedding we may write down (knowing that you will not use them all but rather lean into a few of them when brainstorming). Here are a few examples:

  • Snowball fight

  • Spaghetti

  • Maple syrup

  • Hot Chocolate

  • Christmas Carols

  • Ice skating

  • Toy store and paper garlands

  • North pole

  • Snow

  • Santa


Step 3: Hard theme, Soft theme, or hybrid?

Next up you will want to decide if you are wanting to subtly nod to theme, or pull a few harder theme elements. A few examples below:

A hard theme could include more obvious Buddy the Elf decor and colors, such as these cupcakes with a buddy the elf hat, and a literal candy cane forest.

 

Photo inspo is from Sweetwood Creative Co.

 

A softer theme would include these elements in a more subtle way. For example you could lean into the winter wonderland theme (using the blues and silvers, and sneaking the narwhal from the movie). A note when it comes to wedding colors- Start by determining the key colors of the show/movie/ character/ theme. You do not have to use them all but jot them down. From there you can lean softer or harder into the theme (see the example below) using the colors: Yellow, Green, whites, blues and reds.

Although we love both versions (whatever the couple likes the most!), one challenge we see a lot of couples who WANT a soft theme but struggle to bring it to life is being TOO literal with the colors. 


Step 4: venue and Outfits

Take into consideration your theme when selecting your venue and wedding outfits, however it is also important to note not everything has to be strictly “on theme” for it to work. For example, if theres a great community centre available for your date and on budget it is still a GREAT option for your wedding even if it is not directly related to your theme. 

In addition, when trying on gowns or tuxes, feel free to expand beyond what you feel is “on theme” to also try on other styles to find what you are most comfortable in. For most couples, this might be the most expensive thing you ever wear so you need to love it on its own!

For our Elf theme we may select:

Venue: An outdoor park with a view of a quaint outdoor skating rink (for the ceremony ft. heaters and blankets) followed by an old train station for the reception.

Gown: An A-line silhouette with details at the neck line (similar to Jovies dress when working at the toy store):

 
 


Step 5: turn your favorite parts into details

Brainstorm various ideas that go along with your favorite parts (knowing you do not have to incorporate it all, sometimes less is more).

Example 1: Buddy the Elf loves to add maple syrup to everything. Consider using mini maple syrups as a favor! (Especially if you’re in an area that has maple trees, win/win).

Example 2: To lean into Buddy’s love of spaghetti, you could opt for a pasta bar, spaghetti as an appetizer OR spaghetti pancakes (pancakes shaped like spaghetti) 

Example 3: Hot chocolate as a welcome drink during the ceremony or even spiked hot chocolate as your signature cocktail that could be called– WORLDS BEST hot chocolate (a nod to the “WORLDS BEST Coffee” sign that sucked Buddy in). Even more direct: have a coffee bar at the end of the night!

Example 4: Buddy LOVES Santa, therefore including Santa’s Naughty or Nice list as a guest book or escort wall, could help highlight that in a more subtle way:

 
 

Example 5: Engagement photos, grand exit, or first dance can include SNOW (or at least fake snow; there is biodegradable rice paper confetti that could be a great option). 

It’s important to remember that just because you might have a vision of your wedding being “timeless” doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with a theme that’s meaningful to you both. Subtle nods go a long way and bringing in something quirky will make your big day that much more memorable. So whether you’re Potterheads, anime fans, or Disney lovers, let it shine! No matter how many years pass, the day will always be more special when you put your personal touch on it.

Director of The Wedding Talk, Lynea, has created literally HUNDREDS of videos on social to help with themes and planning advice so be sure to follow her @lynea.daprix on Instagram and TikTok and if you’re looking for planning or wedding photography, check out the website www.theweddingtalk.com.

Happy planning!

 
 

Taylor Hanna, Author

10 weddings and DIY-ing her own wedding later, Taylor has first-hand knowledge of executing a lavish event and has a knack for seamlessly bringing your vision to life. Taylor is based in Canada with her husband, dog, and (coming soon!) daughter.

 
 
Curating the Perfect Wedding Weekend
 
 
 

Hello! Samantha here 👋🏻

No, not the illustrator, I’m Samantha Curtis, the owner/lead planner/designer of Sarue Event Design! My event company is based in the US northeast coast and I adore the challenge of visually capturing clients' unique stories through exquisite design. Each event should be tailored to the couple and their guests and that starts with the wedding weekend.

Planning a wedding weekend requires a thoughtful, personal touch and meticulous attention to detail; it's a balancing act where you're coordinating many moving parts. The beauty of it, however, is in its experiential value - the memories, the stories, and the fun that linger even after the celebrations are over.

Immersive wedding weekends create the opportunity for not just a celebration, but a shared experience. Your wedding becomes a mini-vacation filled, love with laughter, and a lot of unforgettable memories. But, where do you start?! To successfully achieve this, here are some key components to consider:

  1. location

Choosing the right venue is crucial. It should be large enough to accommodate all guests and activities, but also offer a sense of intimacy. The venue should also align with the couples’ vision for their wedding, whether that's a rustic barn, a chic city museum or a beachfront resort. All the while taking into consideration transportation and nearby hotels/accommodations for the appropriate number of guests.

2. Interactive Activities

Speaking from experience, the first key to an immersive wedding weekend is curating a series of events that feel personal and unique to both of you. Consider elements that reflect your personalities, shared interests, or even the story of your love. Are you both big foodies? Maybe a gourmet cooking class for your guests or a wine tasting adventure could kick things off. Or perhaps you are outdoor enthusiasts, a guided nature hike or a beach day with all of your loved ones is the perfect way to set the tone for the events to come.

3. timeline

Next, the schedule of events is crucial. The weekend should be well-structured but not overly packed. It's essential to balance group activities, such as welcome dinners or group tours, with free time for guests to relax and explore on their own. The wedding ceremony and reception are the highlights, but other events should also create memorable experiences.

4. Personalization

Personalization is another key element. This could include customized welcome bags, personalized itineraries, or unique gifts that reflect the couple's story. The goal is to make each guest feel special and involved in the wedding celebration.

5. Design

Lastly, consider the overall atmosphere and aesthetic. The decor, lighting, and music should all contribute to a cohesive theme. Whether it's modern elegance, beachy relaxation, or vintage glamour, the aesthetic should be consistent throughout the weekend to fully immerse guests in the experience.

Remember, the bottom line is to create an event that paints a beautiful picture of you two as a couple. A wedding is so much more than a ceremony—it's a celebration of your love story, shared with your closest friends and family. So why not make a weekend of it?

If you’re looking for a planner or just want to follow along for gorgeous wedding inspo, be sure to come say hi over on Instagram and TikTok @sarueeventdesign or feel free to reach out and learn more about Sarue’s services at www.sarueeventdesign.com.

Happy planning!

 
 

Samantha Curtis, Author

Samantha was first inspired by her grandmother, who was a wedding dress designer and seamstress. Her attention to detail and craftsmanship means each of her couples gets a tailored wedding unique to them.

 
 
How to Find (and Hire) Out of Town Vendors
 
 
 

Hey there, lovely couples-to-be!

I'm Latham Stevens, owner of Latham Stevens Events. As a destination wedding planner, I'm no stranger to the thrill (and occasional overwhelm) of orchestrating celebrations in new and exciting locations. One of my favorite parts of the journey? Navigating the maze of out-of-town vendor research.

Whether you’re from a town with limited options or have a specific vision in mind, finding the perfect out-of-town vendors for your wedding can be an adventure, but fear not! With the magic of technology and a little research, you'll be well on your way to assembling your dream team.

  1. Get social

Dive into Instagram and TikTok to get a feel for vendors' styles and vibes. While their feeds showcase their best work, peeking into tagged posts gives you a glimpse of their collaborations and connections.

2. Explore Tagged Posts

Start with photographers—they're like the hub of the vendor wheel, tagging everyone involved in their events. Notice any recurring names? Those are the ones to check out. Browse through planners, venues, florists, videographers, and rentals to see who resonates with your vision.

3. Check Websites and Reviews

This might sound obvious, but take a virtual stroll through vendors' websites to learn more about what they offer and see if it aligns with your vision. And don't forget to read reviews! They're like little love notes from past couples, giving you insight into what it's like to work with them.

4. reach out!

After exploring their online presence, don't be shy—send a friendly message expressing your interest and explaining your out-of-town status. Most vendors are thrilled to chat and offer guidance. Let them know you're open to hopping on a call to chat further.

5. Schedule Calls

Set up phone or video calls with your top picks. It's like a first date but for vendors! This is your chance to see if your personalities click, if they truly get your vision (the most important!), and how their process works to have them come to your location.

6. Show Gratitude and Decide

After your chats, be sure to thank each vendor for their time and insights. And when you've made your decision (regardless of whether or not you’re hiring them), let them know—transparency is key!

By following these steps with a sprinkle of warmth and openness, you'll not only find the perfect out-of-town vendors but also make some new friends along the way. The wedding world is small, but the traveling vendor crowd is even tighter so you’re always in good circle for referrals. Be sure to follow me on social @lathamstevensevents and say hi!

Happy planning!

 
 

Latham Stevens, Author

Latham runs Latham Stevens Events with her amazing sister, Alex. She’s a Memphis native, but currently living in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids, and loves meeting couples wherever they’re at in the world!

 
 
How to Plan an Elopement
 
 
 

Want to know a trend that’s been gaining traction for quite a few years now?

Eloping.

It used to be viewed as “defiant”, done on a whim, or for those that don’t care about a big party. Well, that last one might be true for some couples, but if the pandemic taught us anything about weddings; it’s that some couples actually got to live out their intimate wedding or elopement dreams without being judged (FINALLY).

What is NOT true about all elopements, is that it doesn’t take planning. Some actually want to plan out their special day like any other couple: booking a photographer, scouting locations, and ordering your dream outfit months in advance. But, where do you start?

I thought the perfect person to ask would be Carrie Rogers of Carrie Rogers Photography, an incredible photographer who specializes in elopements and loves to travel with her couples wherever they want to be married. So here are some things you and your fiance should go over while planning:

let’s start with the legalities

Remember, legally binding yourself to another human is a requirement to being actually married. The “wedding” is the fun part. So, like any marriage, you need a license. These requirements vary by city, state, and country so be sure to check into this thoroughly and complete proper paperwork before the day of. Aside from any documents that might be required, you’ll also probably need:

  • An officiant to conduct the ceremony

  • A witness (or two) to sign the license

    Another option is to get legally married at a courthouse before jetting off to your elopement location. This is a much easier option for those that want to get married internationally. Even couples that have big weddings do this as well just for the convenience.

    Carrie says, “Even if your ceremony isn’t on the same day that you sign your license, it doesn’t mean your elopement is any less special or real. Your wedding day is more about committing yourselves to each other than signing a piece of paper!”

you need a budget

Or maybe you’re one of those lucky people that don’t and I love that for you. However, for the other 99%, do your research into the things & experiences you want and the places you’d like to go, how much they cost, and carve out a rough budget based on your priorities and what’s feasible for you both. Don’t rule something out just because you think it will be out of reach, get quotes first! Here are the major money points to consider:

  • Flights, rental car / gas

  • Accommodations

  • Attire + Rings

  • Location permits and fees

  • Marriage license

  • Vendors (Photographer, Videographer, Florist, Hair, Makeup, etc.)

  • Food / Drinks

  • Activities and Excursions

    Carrie says, “You’ll be surprised at just how amazing your day can be, while still spending less money than you would on planning a bigger, more traditional wedding. This is your WEDDING DAY. It deserves to be everything you want.”

imagine your dream day

When it comes down to it, you want your wedding day to be special and the whole point of an elopement is for it to be an intimate moment between the two of you (and possibly a few close loved ones), so why not make it exactly how you dreamed. Where do you feel your best and your happiest? What do you and your fiance like to do together or go together? Do what feels right for YOU.

Note: Want more tips on how to include your family/friends in your elopement? Carrie has a blog post on that right here.

Carrie says, “One of the biggest steps to planning your elopement is having a vision for the day that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Take this vision with you as you finalize all the details of the day.”

Choosing your location

Since elopement is all about NOT having the pomp and circumstance of a big wedding (which, TBH, is centered around guest experience), location and experience are the main parts of your big day. Do you want to go back to a place that is special or sentimental to you and your partner? Do you want to discover somewhere new together? Wherever you decide, make sure it’s your happy place. Here’s what to consider:

  • Scenery: where are you? At the beach? On a snowy mountaintop? Hiking through fall foliage or red rocks?

  • Accessibility: How strenuous do you want your wedding day to be? i.e. hiking up a mountain in a tight mermaid dress. If you’re inviting guests who might have mobility issues or are older, take into consideration when researching locations

  • Privacy: if you’re outdoors and in a public space (hiking trails, parks, landmarks, etc), your intimate moments might be surrounded by strangers. This can be distracting and chip away at the romantic idea you had in your head. Carrie recommends choosing a weekday or sunrise time to avoid crowds and allow yourselves to have a more private ceremony.

  • Weather and time of year: regardless of where your location is, seasons should always be a consideration. Even warm weather places have rainy or stormy seasons. Example: desert places are best during the spring and fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Definitely be a little flexible on the date so you can get your most ideal weather scenario out of the location you pick.

Carrie says, “Your wedding day will feel like a “full circle” moment as you add a significant milestone to all the other special memories of that place. On the other hand, choosing a location you’ve never been to before means your wedding day memories will forever include experiencing that place together for the first time. This adds a new element of excitement to planning that really can’t be beat!”

picking a date

Speaking of weather, this is a major factor when picking your elopement date (see case in point above). If you’d rather get married on a date that has more significance to you, pick your location around that instead! But if you want your wedding on February 14th and you hate the cold, I would not suggest picking the Northeast of the US as your wedding location.

Carrie says, “Make sure you consider all the other factors that go into your day when making your final decisions.”

the big one: vendors

Obviously, this will look different for everyone depending on how you want your day, but here are a few vendors that most couples will need to hire:

  • A photographer: just as with any other niche market, picking someone who specializes in elopements is ideal. Ultimately, you want someone that you get along with, who makes you feel comfortable, and that you love their editing style. The whole point in hiring a professional photographer is to get your most special moments captured while you look and feel your best, so make sure they’re the right one for you. Remember, they’ll be with you ALL day (or more).

  • An officiant: We discussed this in the “legalities” section at the beginning, but if you want to get legally married on your wedding day you need to hire an officiant. Otherwise, you’ll need to get legally married prior and then whoever you’d like can conduct the ceremony. Fun fact: Carrie is ordained and has officiated her couples weddings before!

  • Hair and make up artist(s): It’s your special day, why not look your absolute best? You deserve it. We have a whole blog post on hiring for hair and make up, click here to read.

  • Florist: Again, this will depend on what kind of day you’re planning, but having a bouquet is always lovely!

Carrie says, “I encourage you to think first about what your DREAM elopement day looks like, estimate the costs of that (reach out to vendors for quotes), and THEN compare that to your financial situation. If you need to adjust your priorities, that’s okay!”

Elopement attire

This one’s quick, but still wanted to emphasize that you should always pick your dream outfit! Just because you’re not getting married in front of 200 people or have a traditional venue, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to get married in something special. This is your wedding, wear what makes you feel your best and brings out your most confident self. It’s also important to note that you should consider location and weather when packing for before and after the ceremony: proper hiking boots, rain jacket, extra clothes, etc.

Carrie says, “These little details are pretty easy to take care of towards the end of your planning, but don’t forget about them.”

As we always say on this blog, you do you, boo. Your day is exactly that…YOUR DAY. I think one of the reasons I was so excited to do a blog post about Carrie is because of how much she encourages couples to do what’s best for them and makes them shine in the most authentic way. She says, “This is the day you and your partner commit yourselves to each other and you’ll look back on it for the rest of your lives! There are no rules here, so have fun with your planning and make your day exactly what you want it to be.”

Carrie is originally from a small town in Missouri, but is now based in Southern California where she lives with her partner and two adorable kitties. She frequently travels all over CA, as well as the Western USA and internationally, to capture those special and intimate moments for her clients. I highly suggest you follow her on Instagram @carrierogersphotography and grace your feed with all her gorgeous photos. If you’re looking to learn more or book her for a session, check out her website, www.carrierogersphotography.com.

 
 

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

 
 
Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding
 
destination wedding planning
 

I’m probably one of the few people who look forward to destination weddings. I love to travel and usually just see it as an opportunity to go somewhere new and appreciate that I have friends who think the same way.

For the couple though, planning a wedding IN town can already be overwhelming so many don’t even want to consider elsewhere. Well, friends, it doesn’t have to be that way as long as you’re organized. First of all, you should be hiring a planner (we talked about that in a previous post) but I’ve also recruited destination planner Gabby Pinkerton from ‘Cause We Can Events to give ya’ll a few things to consider when you’re starting to plan your destination wedding:

  1. Marriage licenses

Getting a marriage license in another country can be really hard! I always recommend having a legal ceremony back home and doing a fun ceremony abroad. If you don't want to tell your friends and family that it's not actually the "real ceremony" have your officiant bring their own made up marriage certificate. No one needs to know!

2. Plan for wrinkled clothing

I like to bring a portable steamer to help steam the wrinkles out of your dress, tux, jumpsuit, you name it!

3. Tipping protocol

Not every country tips (and some even consider it an insult)! Read up on local and cultural best practices when it comes to tipping your vendors. This also applies in the general sense that your country of choice should match your personal preferences

4. Sim cards and cell phone plans

Your current cell phone plan may not work abroad. Be sure to call your provider before leaving to choose a plan that works best for you for contacting your vendors and keeping guests in the loop. I also like to download WhatsApp so that I can "text" vendors over wifi instead of through my phone provider. It's free!

Gabby and her team are based in Nashville and are a full service wedding planning company. But they’re more than that, they’re here to make your adventurous wedding dreams come true. They keep it personal and unique to you and your S.O. (there’s a reason I like them so much!) so check them out at www.causewecanevents.com and view all the gorgeous photos on Instagram @causewecanevents.

Happy Planning!

 
 
feathered arrow events

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

 
 
Ideas for Wedding Entertainment
 
wedding entertainment
 

When it comes to wedding entertainment the first thing that comes to mind is usually the decision between a DJ or a band, but what else could you include in your wedding that would keep guests guessing about what else you might have up your sleeve on your big day? Right now one of the biggest trends in weddings is the idea of going against tradition. If you have some extra room in your budget (maybe because you decided to have a fabulous micro wedding rather than a 200 person event), you should consider throwing something a little different into your reception to spicy things up. We promise not to tell anyone if you take an idea or two from us and make it your own 😉


1. Dance instructor

If you know that your group is always down for a spin on the dance floor, why not surprise everyone with a professional dance instructor to clean up their moves just a bit? This could be salsa dancing, maybe a traditional dance to promote your culture, or go crazy with a hip hop lesson. Everyone could learn something new and have fun while doing it!

2. Professional artist

Pick your medium of choice and then hire a professional for a few hours to come and live sketch, paint, or draw your reception or guests. You would leave with a lasting memory of the evening that is separate from the photographer and/or videographer and each of your guests could have a personal memory of themselves.

Interested in live illustration?  Check out my services here!

3. Mini Golf

This isn’t your sibling’s corn hole set (still a favorite yard game). Step it up a notch and take over any open green space with strategically placed mini golf courses! Multiple holes also means a few groups of people can play at once and clean up is simple. Golf competition anyone?

4. Bouncy House

This option certainly isn’t for everyone, but for those of us that are still a kid at heart (or need a break from dancing), having a beautiful white bouncy house is so much fun! Bonus: it’s great for any actual children that might be at your reception.

5. Snacks!

Ok this might not seem like your typical entertainment source, but can you tell me the last time someone brought out snacks and everyone in the room didn’t get excited?! One of our favorite ways to end a long night of dancing is with a late night snack, so why not just incorporate that into the timeline? About an hour before the DJ plays his final song, have munchies passed around. This could be French fries, milk and cookies, popcorn, or literally anything that you would want when you left after a long (but fun) night. 

Now, we aren’t trying to plan your wedding for you, but we are saying that any or all of these ideas could be mixed and matched to create the perfect wedding reception! And if you decide to include them just know that we would like to be included in the guest count because it sounds like you sure know how to have a fun time! 

Are you planning any fun surprises for your guests that we haven’t thought of yet??

 
 
feathered arrow events

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn