Weddings by Michelle

Brooch Bouquets are the next big thing in wedding trends, and we know what you’re thinking… Really no flowers for the bride?

We thought the very same thing at first until we saw this amazing, glam brooch bouquet by Lionsgate Designs on Wedzu for $500. And as you can see, it was love at first site!

We swooned just as much, over a felt bouquet with buttons and a touch of sparkle details for considerably less at $70 by Miss Jennifer Rae.

Either way, you can do no wrong- and you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests!

Meredith and Daryl smile ear to ear, and catch a private moment after tying the knot.

Photography by Jan Casper Photography

There is surely plenty on your wedding planning to do list and we would like tot ake one thing off of your mind- looking fabulous for your wedding rehearsal! And we think since you are the bride you should show it by wearing white. We found three super-stylish crochet inspired dresses, at several different price levels.

ALICE by TEMPERLEY will run you $522.50 with a simple white slip and a sheer crochet overlay with a sweet detail of flowers.

BHLDN at Anthropology is an ode to the past and has a bit of 70’s flare, with long sleeves and an adjustable bow tie, with a price right in the middle at $320.

Our most affordable option is from the always-classy Anne Taylor Loft, with a lace sweet A-line silhouette with scalloped edges and lace at only $98. Ding, Ding, Ding, we have a winner!

Today we’re taking time out of the busy wedding season to sit down with Jennifer Herzog, Catering Sales Manager, with the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel.  Jennifer has seen quite a bit overseeing weddings at this great property, and we’re glad she could share of her expertise with us today.

Take it away, Jennifer-

How did you get your start in Weddings?

I actually started out in the Hospitality Business when I was 17 and worked in Operations at a the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers and the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront.  In 2008, I decided that I wanted to be in Hotel Sales instead of Operations and I essentially drove the Regional Sales Director for Crestline Hotels and Resorts (then THR) crazy for about 6 months until she finally gave me a chance.  I started out with the company as a Sales Manager but within about a month and a half they decided that I needed to interview for the Catering Sales Manager Position at the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront.   I had no idea what a Catering Manager did and surely did not know anything about weddings but I interviewed anyways and here we are today, three years later and I love it!  I have had amazing people around me who have taught me the ins and outs and I love them for it! 

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?

Relax and enjoy the day!  If you don’t you will waste it.  Treasure moments … soak them in and have fun!

What are some of your personal wedding dos and don’ts for brides as they plan their wedding?

My biggest DO for a bride is to relax and trust your professionals, we do it all of time and we see what does and does not work.  We have the luxury of trial and error, while most brides, only do this once.  My biggest DON’T is in regards to hiring or appointing friends or family to do any part of your event.  Yes, they may have done it before but unless they are a professional, it can really through a wrench in things.  Anyways they are your friends and family and they should also be able to enjoy the day with you.

What is your most favorite Wedding memory?

I have some many wonderful memories and I am at a loss for a favorite but I will say that the most shocking and exciting Wedding moment I had was when one I my brides during her first dance, did the worm!  It was amazing!  And they were amazing, full of love and laughter, which is what you need to get through the years.  J

What advice can you give brides to ensure they enjoy their Big Day?

First, before hand in the weeks and months leading up to the Big Day, run the day through your mind, and start a list of all of the things you will have to do and what you will need to do each of those things.  Keep that list nearby and you will find that you will be adding to it regularly of items that you forgot.  Doing this far enough in advance gives you time to work out the hinks in your mind.  Then, if possible, take everything to the venue or the coordinator a day or two before hand, that way if you forget something you have time to remember that you forgot.  And then finally when it gets to the Big Day, roll with the punches.  If you forgot something, it is okay, see if there is a simple way to fix it and if not then move forward and stay calm.  Getting stressed out on your Big Day is a sure way to not enjoy it.  Enjoy it, relish in it and ALWAYS remember to smile! 

Thanks Jennifer for stopping by!

Photo credit:
Expressions Photography

Gorgeous desserts are a must for a fabulous wedding, and this one was no exception. The coordinating color combination with the décor makes for a sweet treat departure from the traditional wedding cake.

Photography by Catie’s Photography

Today on our vendor spotlight, we’d like to share with you the fabulous husband and wife team of Jeff Greenough Photographers, who have been capturing memories for over a decade.

Jeff is a seasoned photographer, who has traveled throughout the United States for comissioned assignments while Jane works one and one with the clients to ensure they know how special they are to them.

The Greenoughs take tremendous pride in their supreme customer service, as well as love the opportunity to get to know each and every client.

We were thrilled to share our FIRST wedding feature in a national publication with Jeff….
It was for Jason and Jessica in 2008 in the Premiere issue of Southern Weddings!

For more information, visit their web site at www.jeffgreenough.com.

This little sweetheart is being patient waiting for her little moment in the spotlight to walk down the aisle and toss flowers to prepare for Janice to walk down the aisle.

Photography by Sam Hughes Photography