We would love for you to share with us your photos of flower girls & ring bearers, email us at info@nwglam.com and your photo could be featured on our Facebook page!

]]> http://www.newportweddingglam.com/things-we-love/things-we-love-flower-girls-ring-bearers/feed/ 0 http://www.newportweddingglam.com/nwglam-connect/newport-wedding-planner-vendor-qa-planned-to-perfection/ http://www.newportweddingglam.com/nwglam-connect/newport-wedding-planner-vendor-qa-planned-to-perfection/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:02 +0000 Newport Wedding Glam http://www.newportweddingglam.com/?p=5289 We hate to burst any bride-to-be’s bubble, but in truth, planning a wedding is one of the hardest, most stressful, most time consuming undertakings imaginable. Don’t get us wrong, the pay-off is so worth the effort, but why not consider lightening your load a little (or a lot) with the help of an experienced event planner?

These professionals have the contacts, the knowledge, the know-how, the inside scoop and most importantly the TIME to assist with pretty much every aspect of the wedding planning process.

Planned to Perfection, LLC, is just one of those companies that specialize in making your hectic life a little easier by smacking your wedding “to-do” list around a little and showing it who’s boss. We just love this Newport, RI-based business headed by the talented Christine Ellingwood. Christine received her training from the Association of Bridal Consultants and has completed an educational program through the ABC and is the only bridal consultant in Rhode Island who has earned the designation of Accredited Bridal Consultant.

Christine took a few minutes out of her super busy schedule to answer some pressing planning questions for us:

NWG: What are some of your favorite trends you are seeing in 2012 weddings?

PTP: I think lots of attention to detail and personalization this year, and lots of bling. The sparklier, the better. 

NWG: What screams quintessential New England wedding to you?

PTP: Seafood and a nautical theme. 

NWG: What color trends are you finding popular this year?

PTP: I think softer colors are coming back, pale pinks, baby blues, and whites.  

NWG: What are some general tips or advice you often give to your clients to help them in their planning?

PTP: Be realistic about your budget and know exactly where the money is coming from.  When you start to feel overwhelmed, call me, we will figure out why and solve the issue.

NWG: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride?

PTP: Please do not pick up your gown without trying it on, one last time. 

NWG: What do you find special about weddings in Newport and the New England area?

PTP: I find that with most couples there is some connection with the area and I love learning what it is between them or their families that makes the area so special to them. Whether it was a family vacation, or a college they attended, something was so special about the area that they had to come back for their wedding. 

NWG: What are some of your favorite Newport & New England venues?

PTP: Glen Manor in Portstmouth, The Chanler, Oceancliff, Rosecliff, Providence Biltmore, The State Room in Boston

NWG: What should everyone know about Planned to Perfection?

PTP: We have the only Accredited Bridal Consultant in Rhode Island through the Association of Bridal Consultants. That means every year I have to attend education sessions to maintain it and it took education and experience to obtain it. 

NWG: What DIY projects do you suggest for your clients and brides out there?

PTP: Creating a wedding website. This is a great way for their friends and family to plan ahead of time where they will stay and what they can do when they come to the wedding. 

NWG: What are your favorite aspects of event planning?

PTP: I love when you are looking for a venue with a couple and you watch their face light up when they have found the one.   I also, enjoy day of, watching everything you worked so hard to put together come to life is a great feeling.

NWG: What do you feel are the most important vendors to spend the wedding budget on when it comes to allocating wedding funds and why?

PTP: I think that varies for every couple. I always ask, it is the end of your wedding night and your guests are leaving, what do you want them to say about your wedding was the best thing and why.  I would say the top funds are usually allocated towards catering (food and beverage) and music.  Of course I would recommend a planner, because we can save them money!

NWG: How has the role of the wedding planner changed in the past few years?

PTP: With so many reality wedding shows, I think the role of the planner is more understood and more and more people find it to be a must have at their wedding because it is a value.

Feel free to comment with any additional questions for Planned to Perfection, LLC and we will try our best to get back to you asap!

Cake pops are super yummy and super popular right now. They’re easy to eat, cheap to make (you can even make them yourself) and fun to look at. We even found a simple and fun way to make your own cake pops!  Utilize your colors or even creative patterns. Go ahead and take some inspiration from the pictures below and enjoy!

We LOVE comments, be sure to share with us your favorite cake pop ideas!

]]> http://www.newportweddingglam.com/things-we-love/things-we-love-cake-pops/feed/ 0 http://www.newportweddingglam.com/real-engagements/real-newport-engagement-jessica-shawn/ http://www.newportweddingglam.com/real-engagements/real-newport-engagement-jessica-shawn/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Newport Wedding Glam http://www.newportweddingglam.com/?p=5236 Have we ever mentioned how obsessed we are with Blueflash Photography? Yes? Well, here’s another post devoted to their skillz.

The pictures they take are just so real and so beautiful. The way they use light and love and color…it truly inspires us and we hope it inspires you too to seek a photographer that will capture the essence of what makes you and your loved one a unique paring.

Is it a landscape you both fell in love with? Is it a song? A color? A feeling? Without fail, Blueflash Photography seems to to always capture that je ne said quoi. So, without further ado, we want to show you Jessica and Shawn’s swoon-worthy engagement shoot captured by none other than Blueflash Photography. Enjoy!

click here to view the full, glamorous gallery of images!

A few words of wisdom from the wonderful Matt of Blueflash Photography:

“I always encourage couples to opt-in for an engagement shoot. It’s the best way for the photographer to get to know the couple before the wedding and it’s great for helping the future bride and groom to get comfortable in front of the camera.”

“Engagement shoots are great because you’ve got unlimited choice of location, with none of the time restrictions you may have on the actual wedding day. We would have never been able to trek into the deep woods after the ceremony and make it back by the end of cocktail hour.”

“When trying to choose a location for an engagement shoot, you might want to think opposite of what your wedding will be like. For example: If you’re having a rustic, barn-type wedding, you might want to hit the city for your engagement shoot to get some urban photos. This will give you variety in the pictures you end up with when the wedding is over.”

And now a quote from the lovely bride to be:

“We’re getting married this Fall at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, CT. Our reception will be held at the Pavilion within the park. It’s a unique building that looks like a stone fort and offers a view of the curving coastline. I love that we’ll be able to visit and enjoy the park for the rest of our lives.

For our engagement session we went back to the scene of our engagement, The Lime Rock Preserve in Lincoln, RI. We have shared many walks through this beautiful preserve over the course of our relationship and it seemed natural that this is where we took Matt to capture some special moments.  It doesn’t take much for my brain to connect to my love of food and as I was thinking of the saying “love is sweet,” I decided to bake cookies for our engagement session. These treats served multiple purposes as a photo prop, a snack and a gift to our wonderful photographer, Matt Celeste.

I crafted colorful little signs for the cookies to add a whimsical and handmade touch to our photos. Shawn and I are enjoying this time of planning and anticipation as we move closer to our wedding day, it’ll be here before we know it!”

Convertible Gowns

It is no longer uncommon for a bride to purchase more than one gown. A dress for her rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, reception, and sometimes even a morning-after brunch. This practice can get pretty pricey, so brides are turning to designers like Chaviano Couture to find a classic, long gown that can be turned into a sassy cocktail dress for the reception.

Eco-Friendly Gowns

Eco-friendly doesn’t just mean drinking out of reusable bottles anymore. Brides are becoming much more conscious about the impact their wedding has on the environment. Lindee Daniel, one of the most sought-after eco-designers has proven that we can have our eco-conscious dress and wear it, too. Her gowns are created with organic cottons and peace silks all taken from sustainable sources, and they are as luxurious as can be. We’ve already had a couple of brides fall in love with her gush-worthy gowns. (LEFT PHOTO BELOW)

Pockets

There is nothing more precious than a stunning wedding gown…with pockets! Every girl loves pockets, whether they’re in her favorite pair of jeans or her wedding gown. The best part is that you have the perfect place to stow away your last minute something borrowed or your wedding day lipstick shade. (RIGHT PHOTO BELOW)

Old Hollywood Glamour

When it comes down to it, this isn’t just a trend for 2012. Old Hollywood glamour will always be in style, especially in the wedding world. While a lot of designers are gearing more toward the vintage look this year, the talented independent designer, Ariel Taub, stays true to those classic silhouettes and beading that we have all come to love. (LEFT PHOTO BELOW)

Bold Accessories

With so many brides on a budget this season, a great alternative to an extravagant gown is going simple with the dress and all out with the accessories. The best part about this trend is that it is the perfect way to create multiple wedding day looks. (RIGHT PHOTO BELOW)

Texture, texture, texture

Textured fabric is an undeniable trend this season. Ariel Taub’s Rose dress is a stunner and has become an instant favorite among our brides.

Belts and Sashes

Sashes have made their way into virtually every bridal shop. They are a very versatile way to enhance a wedding day look. Some brides opt to go sans-sash for the ceremony and throw on some bling for the reception. The best part about a belt is that it is a very feminine and flattering way to bring in a bride right at the natural waist.

Tea-Length Dresses

These cute little numbers aren’t just for courthouse weddings anymore. Tea-length gowns are perfect for the summer Newport wedding. Whitney Deal is the sweetest designer with the most precious tea-length gowns for the dainty bride.

Feathers

Feathers have certainly made their way into the wedding world, and with good reason. They give any gown or accessory a very feminine and whimsical feel…the perfect addition to any outdoor garden wedding.

Non-traditional Veils

There will always be a place for the traditional veil, but a lot of brides are turning to smaller, more edgy versions. With their editorial feel, birdcage and mask veils make for truly unique wedding photos.

All of the gowns, accessories, and designers in this post are available at the bridal shop Andria Bird Bride located at 225 Spring Street in Newport, Rhode Island. Comment and tell us your favorite wedding dress trend!

How adorable and not to mention, super affordable, are these cake pom tops found on Etsy at the Potter & Butler shop!?

We would LOVE for you to share with us your cake toppers! Feel free to share on our Facebook page!

NWG: What are some of your favorite trends you are seeing in 2012 weddings?

FP: We love that today’s brides and grooms aren’t settling for what’s always been done.  Weddings offer them an opportunity to throw an once-in-a-lifetime event, and they’re having fun with it.  Personal details are at the forefront, and we love that too.  We are also big fans of the trend toward interactive food and beverages.  We see a movement beyond traditional food and wine pairings to serving foods with complimentary beers or infused liquors.  Charcuterie with local ale, for example.  Couples are also putting a spin on the popular signature cocktail trend by incorporating champagne and vodka bars into their events.  Guests are encouraged to choose their favorite mix of fruit, liquor and champagne.  St. Germain, champagne and fresh raspberries anyone?   

NWG: What color trends are you finding popular this year?

FP: Across the board, we are seeing the use of neutral colors that come across as sleek and modern, like shades of taupe and grey.  From there, we are seeing two different styles emerge.  Some brides are choosing fun pops of unapologetically vibrant colors (coral and navy is a popular combination that fits well with Newport and a modern nautical inspired affair).  Others are opting for pastels to bring a softer romantic elegance to their affair.   As both trends continue to evolve, we love how comfortable today’s brides are working with less expected tertiary shades and the use of color blocking techniques like ombre. 

NWG: Often couples feel they can plan their wedding on their own or do not want to spend part of their wedding budget on an event planner, what would you say to those couples out there?

FP: The number one reason to hire a wedding planner is to ensure that you (and your families) can relax and soak in what will be a joyous milestone occasion in your life.  This is true if you choose to hire a coordinator to manage day of logistics or enlist a planner to ensure that you enjoy the entire journey of planning from start to finish.  Of course, there are numerous other advantages to having a planner on board.  Great planners are on the leading edge of event trends and a huge creative resource.  They have managed hundreds of weddings and can help you achieve your vision within your budget.  They bring a depth of knowledge and industry relationships to the table that will actually save you time and money!  And they alleviate stress and will guide you away from common mistakes.   If you elect to hire a wedding planner, you will have a trusted confident with an eye on the big picture.  Think of the wedding planner as the maestro that brings the strengths of all the other vendors (and sometimes even your family members) together to create one beautiful and seamless event.  

NWG: What do you find special about weddings in Newport and the New England area?

FP: Newport is a destination, which adds to the merriment of any affair.  Even if you are from Rhode Island, crossing the Newport Bridge can make you feel like you are going on vacation!  So, it’s no surprise that the coastal beauty of Newport and New England make our area especially alluring for weddings.  There is something almost mystical about watching couples getting married by the sea.  And we haven’t even mentioned yet that Newport and New England are steeped with colonial history and an amazing array of delicious locally sourced foods!

NWG: What are some of your favorite Newport & New England venues?

FP: First, we feel the need to say that we know we are spoiled to have such a remarkable range of amazing venues to choose from!  Three that consistently stand out for us are Castle Hill Inn, Rosecliff Mansion and Saltwater Farm Vineyard (in Stonington, CT). 

NWG: What screams quintessential New England wedding to you?

FP: One of the wonderful trends with today’s weddings is that couples are making it a weekend affair with a myriad of different activities for their guests.  This approach allows them to incorporate a broader range of experiences than what may make sense for their wedding reception.    Our two favorites that scream quintessential New England are a clambake on the beach and a twilight cocktail hour sail.  

NWG: What do you feel are the most important vendors to spend the wedding budget on when it comes to allocating wedding funds and why? 

FP: Everyone is different and we ask that our couples take time to consider what elements are most important to them.  We find and typically suggest that the bulk of wedding funds go toward the venue, food & beverage and entertainment.  We also put together a budget estimate that outlines every possible wedding line item so that brides and grooms are looking at the whole picture.  We don’t want important items, like décor lighting, to fall through the cracks because a couple has not budgeted for it from the beginning.  Regardless of the budget, we also prioritize helping couples afford the unique touches that will make guests feel special and ensure a memorable night.

NWG: What are your favorite aspects of event planning?

FP: The trend toward truly custom weddings taps into everything that we love about event planning.  It is so rewarding to build a relationship with a couple and to help them find imaginative ways to express their unique personalities through their wedding celebration.  We love seeing all of the elements of the wedding day come together, and knowing that we created an experience that they and their families will treasure.

NWG: What are some general tips or advice you often give to your clients to help them in their planning?

FP: First, set a realistic budget as early as possible in your planning process.    The wedding budget will play a critical role in guiding you on the size of your guest list, the venues you might consider, etc.  What you do not want to do is start making decisions without a clear sense of your total spending threshold.   Second, RELAX.  It is easy to become overwhelmed by all that goes into a wedding celebration.  We create custom planning timelines for our clients so they can tackle a few things at a time and find wedding planning more fun and stress free.  If you don’t have a planner, there are plenty of online resources to keep you on track.  While we all love the creative details like escort cards and favors, the truth is that these items can wait until you have determined your budget, finalized your invite list and secured key vendors.  You do not have to do everything at once.

NWG: What DIY projects do you suggest for your clients and brides out there?

FP: DIY projects offer a fun and inexpensive way to infuse your wedding with personal touches.  We are happy to see brides leverage the creative talents of their family and friends for some elements of their weddings when that is a possibility.  SOME is the operative word!  Keep in mind it is best to select DIY projects that can be done well in advance, like non-floral décor elements, favors or an alternative guest book concept.   The weeks leading up to your wedding should be relaxed and enjoyable.  The last thing the bride, groom or their families need are sleepless nights creating escort cards or baking home-made desserts.  

NWG: How has the role of the wedding planner changed in the past few years?

FP: Wedding planners are playing a role in more of today’s weddings, and seem to be playing a greater role once they are involved. The number of couples choosing to hire a planner is growing every year (theweddingreport.com).  What was once common only among the wealthy elite now appeals to a much wider audience.    It also seems that more couples are looking to planners for a full range of services versus simply wedding day coordination.  We see a few key reasons for this from working with our own clients.  As the trend continues toward people waiting longer to get married, both the bride and groom are often in the midst of managing challenging careers when they get engaged.  They don’t have the bandwidth to manage all the planning and logistics for their big day! Second, there is growing emphasis on weddings that include unique personal details and lavish guest experiences.  The more intricate the event, the more appealing it is to have a planner involved.   And finally, Newport and its surrounding areas frequently serve as the location for destination weddings.  Having a local planner on board can be essential to couples managing their wedding from afar.    

NWG: What should everyone know about Fancy Pants Event Planning?

FP: We are a boutique event planning company.  We are dedicated to creating unique and stylish weddings.  We love what we do. We love exceeding the expectations of our clients.  We are sisters. We love working together.  We love a great party!

NWG: What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride?

FP: Start with an honest assessment of what is most important to you about the wedding and how these desires fit within your budget.  Then try to let go of the rest.  The little details can send you in a swirl if you let them.  You don’t want to overdo things to a point where your overall experience will be diminished.  If there are wedding traditions that do not hold special meaning to you, consider doing away with them altogether.  Look for other ways to make your day uniquely yours.   Above all else, you want to let yourself enjoy this special time.  And remember, even if things start to seem stressful, the only thing that really matters is that you picked the right groom! 

Feel free to comment with any other questions you may have for Fancy Pants Event Planning and we will do our best to get you an answer!

Specifically, this video is coming at you from the amaze-a-talented videographer, Mike Picard, who beautifully captured Stacy and Andrew’s wedding at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, RI. Mike also shared with us a few words of wisdom regarding how to choose the right videographer:

“I would say look for a person to film your day that has the look and feel you love. There is no doubt if you see one of our wedding films you can tell its ours and that’s what our couples love about our style the most. I also advise to get your wedding day filmed, trust me after the fact its too late to wish you did.”

And now to highlight some of the still photos from the wedding by Metzger Studios…