August 31st, 2011

Rainy Day Weddings | an Educational Series

image by Claris Photography

So many people wish for their weddings to happen outside.  That might mean having your ceremony overlooking the ocean, or  enjoying cocktails in the middle of a field.  Regardless, with an outdoor wedding comes the chance of bad weather.  Rain will cause any couple to worry, but if you plan ahead, you can relax and enjoy your wedding day knowing that everything has been accounted for.  This Rainy Day Weddings series is going to walk you through the many aspects of your wedding that can be affected by bad weather, and how to prepare yourself for a wonderful rain plan.  Let’s start today with your wedding photos:

image by Ned Jackson Photography

Props. Just because the sky is gray doesn’t mean you can’t bring color to your images.  Find a coordinating umbrella for you and your wedding party to spice up your photos.  Bring a pair of special wellies – those are rain boots- that you can showcase in your images.  A classic yellow rain jacket can make an adorable statement as well.  Be sure to check out expert advice from Jessica of Alden Blair Events on rainy wedding day props and guest enhancements.

Timing. You might want to rethink the schedule of your photos, especially if you know in advance that it’s going to be raining.  Work with the weather, not against it.  If there’s a few hours of sun before your ceremony, have a first look moment with your fiance and get your formal photos done then.  If you need to spend less time with your formals, create a pared down, must-have list for your photographer.  That will ensure you get the images you absolutely need, and if the weather cooperates, you can get the rest in as well.

image by Studio 1923

Be Brave. It’s rain, not acid.  You’re not going to melt.  If you have fun with the situation, with your props and attitude, your photos will look amazing and you’ll relax and enjoy the experience.  Nothing in this world is going to be perfect, and there are always things we can’t control.  Isn’t rain a sign of good luck, right?

Be Creative. If you have to scrap some of your photos because of the weather, why not schedule a shoot for the next day with your new spouse?  If you can find a time to get together when the sun is shining, make sure you get your formal photos with your families and wedding party completed at your wedding and then work with your photographer to schedule a post-wedding session with just the two of you.

Find Alternatives. So it’s raining cats and dogs and there’s no way you can go outside for your photos.  Work with your photographer ahead of time and find some unique and beautiful locations at your wedding ceremony/reception site.  If you can’t find any there, maybe scout a location you can go to for your photos.  This will affect your schedule a bit with traveling and such, so be prepared to have these photos taken before your ceremony (first look) or to elongate your cocktail hour.

*previously posted on 11.18.10

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    Posted by PTW Media at 9:00 am 2 Comments
    Labels: Advice

    June 8th, 2011

    The After Party | Alden Blair Events

    Who doesn’t want their wedding night to end?  It’s the party of your lifetime so why not make it count!  Massachusetts wedding planner, Jessica Harris of Alden Blair Events shares some great tips should you be planning to extend your wedding festivities.

    image above by Jasmine Star Photography

    It’s inevitable – after the last dance the younger crowd will be looking for an after party, so planning a post-reception event provides more than just another round of drinks, it’s a way to keep your friends together for another few hours of shenanigans. The mild-mannered kind, of course.

    An after party is also the first chance couples have to informally unwind with guests. When all of the wedding obligations are over, this is the perfect chance to relax with a glass of wine without being the center of attention. This just may be the perfect end to a perfect day.

    Partying the Night Away

    * Is an After Party for You?
    An after party is extra time for you to mingle with your guests. Each after party has a life and feeling of its own – depending on your interest it can be a late-night club or a small house party. The decision on an after party should come to the desire (or not) to spend additional time with your guests – no one will fault you for choosing a few hours sleep over grabbing extra drinks at the bar.

    * Selecting the Right Location
    The keys to a great after party are knowing your guests and scouting venues. Clubs, busy bars, and music venues are best suited for high-energy groups. More intimate spaces like lounges, private homes, or hotel bars are best for the subdued crowds. Our advice: select a venue that appeals to your guests’ typical weekend night out. This is not the best time to expand their horizons – a familiar atmosphere will attract more guests.

    * Continue the Party Atmosphere
    Music and ambiance will keep your friends entertained until it is time for an early breakfast and a bloody mary. Ensure that your location will have the music, seating, and dance space that your guests will be looking for. Plan a visit to your final destination prior to your wedding to get a feel for the typical crowd. If you choose to host a house party, preparing the atmosphere will require a bit more leg work of acquiring subdued lighting, comfortable seating, an iPod with a great playlist, and beverages in coolers.

    For more tips on planning your after party, like are there any invitation rules or hosting obligations, check out Jessica’s full expert advice article.

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      Posted by PTW Media at 2:00 pm 0 Comments
      Labels: Advice, Wedding Budgets 25-50k, my Kate Parker Wedding

      February 17th, 2011

      Upcoming Event | Boston

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        Labels: my Kate Parker Wedding

        January 13th, 2011

        Inspired by Navy

        After more than a foot of snow, I finally made it out of my igloo to return to the real world!  So what was I working on for today?  Well, something warm of course!  While I certainly love the snow and cannot wait touch my skis to a downward slope, I know there are many of you waiting for a warm up!  So Jessica Harris of  Alden Blair Events is certainly the spark behind this week’s nautical inspiration.  Personally, I LOVE navy and coral together. And Jessica certainly reminded me of something I wanted to order for my trip to St. John’s in March — coral Sperry’s!!!

        And featured in the 2011 issue of Seacoast Bride is a nautical-themed dessert bar by Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott.  She’s so creative.  Really, just wait until we show you more from her dessert display!  But for now, I can just vouch for her brownie pops (with ganache) — yummy!!!

        buoys:  Drinkwater Flowers and Design (photo by emilie inc.) | cake and dessert buffet:  Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott (photo by Aphrodite Wedding Photography) | flowers:  Apotheca (image by Roxanne Ashey Photography) | whale tote:  Etsy | invitations:  Alden Blair Events (photo by Brett Alison)| bridemaid dress:  Etsy | wedding dress:  Modern Trousseau | dessert:  Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott | boats: Alden Blair Events (photo by Brett Alison)

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          Posted by PTW Media at 10:32 am 0 Comments
          Labels: Inspirations, Wedding Budgets 25-50k, Wedding Budgets 50-80k, Wedding Budgets Above 80k, Wedding Budgets Up To 25k

          November 16th, 2010

          Dog is {Groom’s} Bestman | Expert Wedding Advice from Alden Blair Events

          Massachusetts wedding planner, Alden Blair Events featured this great advice about integrating a groom (or bride’s!)  furry best friend into your wedding day. She touches on some different aspects that may come into play when deciding whether to include a family pet in your wedding day.

          Jessica: Weddings are family affairs, so why not involve your favorite family member – your pet. Chances are that Max was around when you said “YES!”, has comforted you when the planning became stressful, and even threatened the mail man when your favors didn’t arrive on time. So it is only fitting that he is present at the wedding.

          At the onset, consider whether or not your pet is ready to play a role in the wedding.Pets with friendly or calm temperaments and who are well behaved are welcomed bridal party additions. Dogs are a wonderful example – if your dog is well socialized, obedient, and friendly then he will be a hit at the wedding. If you are worried about your pet stealing food, becoming overwhelmed with a large crowd, or if the pet doesn’t like children, then it would be best to send your pet to a weekend retreat.

          For pets that make the cut, determine what their roles will be. Dogs are wonderful ring bearers with or without someone walking them down the aisle. They also are great greeters at cocktail hour or the host for any outdoor activities (think lawn games or beach bonfires). Cats are better suited as special guests at the family photo session, as they are less likely to perform positively  when under pressure. Either way, if you would like your pet at the wedding, take the time to practice in the weeks and months before the event.

          Pet Planning

          Pet Attendant
          Plan to ask someone special to accompany your pet as long as the pet is at the wedding. This person is best suited to attend to your pets needs, provide any and all walks, treats, or a quick exit if necessary. A pet attendant is taking on extra responsibilities, just like your ushers, and should be acknowledged for the extra work.

          A Quiet Retreat
          Identify a place for your pet to go once his/her responsibilities have been completed. A room away from all of the activity is best – once your pet is ready this will give them a place to relax without being over stimulated. It is also the best place for pets during the reception, so guests are not tempted to feed them table scraps.

          … jump over to the full expert advice article to see some other great tips for including your pet in your wedding day!

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            Posted by PTW Media at 10:40 am 0 Comments
            Labels: Advice, Wedding Budgets 25-50k, Wedding Budgets 50-80k, my Kate Parker Wedding

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