FAVOR Events

Say Yes To The Dress: Bridesmaids

2011-07-29T23:36:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to share that one of our March clients weddings was just featured on Say Yes To The Dress: Bridesmaids on TLC! After weeks of watching every Friday night, we finally made it into the Season Finale! Not to worry, however, the show was renewed by the network and other Atlanta area brides & bridesmaids are currently being filmed for a great new season!

FAVOR Events clients, Sineat & Joe Vilichay were married on March 13, 2011 at Atlanta's historic Trolley Barn in Inman Park. The weather was wonderfully warm for March and it was such a beautiful day!

If you'd like to take a look at the episode, follow the link to TLC above. Our episode was #6 of Season 1. The title is: Groomzilla. (No, that isn't titled after my client!)

And here's a sneak peek from the wonderful Thu Tran of 2TPhoto. I'll post more images soon!

UPDATE - FAVOR Events Availability for 2011

2011-07-26T18:28:00.000-04:00

I am so pleased to announce that FAVOR Events is fully booked for 2011 with the exception of two remaining dates: October 15 or October 22 are still available for our "Month Of" Package Offering only. These are Saturday wedding dates, but we are available on either the Friday or Sunday of these weekends.

Per our policy, we do require a five week minimum involvement for our Month of Package. The two available dates would need to be booked as follows:

Wedding Date of October 15 - services contracted by: September 10, 2011.

Wedding Date of October 22 - services contracted by: September 17, 2011.

These dates will only be available on a first come, first serve basis. Unfortunately, we do not work back to back events, so if one of these dates goes under contract, the other date will become unavailable as well.

Also, I am very excited that the 2012 inquiries are rolling in! As of this time, we have an open calendar for 2012, but remember that we only book two weddings per month, so please contact us today for your initial consultation!

Warmly,

Jeannine Kennedy

Owner, FAVOR Events

Wedding Planners Save You Money!

2011-06-23T12:39:00.000-04:00

I've been saying this for years. I honestly hate being in a position to have to explain why a couple needs a wedding planner. Recently, I just decided to let it go. I won't debate with anyone anymore. If someone cannot see the value of the service that we provide for themselves, then chances are they won't hire me, and I am wasting my breath trying to explain why they need me.

Then again, I have provided proposals for people who chose to get started with planning on their own, and three months later they call me desperate for help. I recently monitored a twitter feed from brides discussing their wedding regrets. The top thing that was mentioned over and over was that brides would have hired a planner so they would be less stressed, and that they would not have imposed on family and friends so that they could have enjoyed the wedding day as well. Amen, twitterverse, Amen.

Anyway, it is very nice when others appreciate our efforts enough to write about it. I wanted to share this article from a great wedding website I enjoy reading: One Wed article: 5 ways a wedding planner can help save you money

I would like to add a few thoughts of my own:

Negotiations: It just so happens that I am a former paralegal. Add that to my wedding planning experience and I can tear apart a contract like nobody's business. All of our full service clients receive complimentary contract reviews for everyone of their vendors. Sidenote: I almost always ask for a change - sometimes minor issues, sometimes MAJOR issues. This is a great benefit we provide to our clients.

Discounts: I receive a standard 10% discount from my preferred rental companies, and typically, I receive up to 25% on lighting contracts. Some bands even discount my clients up to 10% because they know that I take good care of them and listen to their input. I definitely have my favorite vendors that throw in extras and go the extra mile because we have formed a relationship over several years. Guess what? Every penny that is discounted is passed along to my clients - I do not accept kickbacks.

Budget Help: By far the most difficult aspect of planning is working with clients on their budgets. I prefer to have a face to face meeting when we discuss this. People are always surprised at how much things cost, and I have seen brides cry when they think they have a good size budget to work with and they begin to realize they may need to change some things. I like being there with them in the moment to offer suggestions on other ways we can achieve their vision. Believe me, I am married to a Dave Ramsey wannabe, so I understand budgets. I think we do a fantastic job of honoring our clients budgets and talking them through choices that will still give them a beautiful wedding that their family and friends will enjoy.

The highest level of service: If anything is repeated over and over from our clients, it is our organization, our calm demeanor on the wedding day, and our willingness to help. FAVOR Events views the entire family as our client, regardless of who signs the contract. Would you like return calls and emails within 24 hours? Check. First to arrive at your wedding venue? That would be FAVOR Events. Last to leave your wedding venue? Yep, us again. If the caterer forgets to take our the trash - we do it. All in a days work, and it is truly our pleasure to serve our clients on this momentous occasion.

Are you thinking you will tackle your wedding planning yourself? Or maybe you will have dear Aunt Edna helping you? We would love to sit down for a complementary consultation with you and Edna to talk about how we can help you. At a minimum, you should check out our Month-Of Coordination Offering. We look forward to speaking with you!

FAVOR Events Availability - 2011 & 2012

2011-06-22T17:43:00.000-04:00

I am so pleased to announce that FAVOR Events is fully booked for 2011 with the exception of two remaining dates: October 15 or October 22 are still available and per our policy, we do not book weddings two weekends in a row. These dates will only be available on a first come, first serve basis, and at this point in time, we could only offer partial planning services for either date.

Also, I am very excited that the 2012 inquiries are rolling in! We currently have an open calendar for 2012 and look forward to meeting you for your initial consultation!

Warmly,

Jeannine Kennedy
Owner, FAVOR Events

TOMS Shoes at Weddings

2010-11-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

Two years ago at my church, our Pastor shared a video from a guy named Tom who was making a difference in third world countries by selling shoes. Yes, shoes.

As the story goes, while on a mission trip, Tom realized that a very basic need was not being met on the mission field. Many children did not have shoes to wear and went barefoot in freezing temperatures, flood season and when traveling over rough terrain. He started a campaign and a company. For every pair of shoes that are purchased, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Fast forward, and you'll find me spending a Sunday afternoon on my sofa, catching up on my wedding blog reading. I came across an article in which the bride and groom gifted all their wedding party members a pair of TOMS shoes. Then I came across another blog post - same idea. Wow, it's a trend, a wonderful, pure, unselfish, unique trend and I love it!

Check out this image and post from my sweet friend and talented photographer, Jeremy Gilliam from Dallas, Texas:

Or how about this great post from The Wedding Chicks ?

I love this trend - I hope it is here to stay! One for One - TOMS shoes.

The (Free) Honeymooners

2010-06-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

So, I'm back from the beach but still don't have the vacation bug out of my system. Unfortunately, my budget can allow only so much wining, dining and lazy beach days. As soon as I got back to the day job, I received a call from my uncle, needing my help (and my discount) picking out a wedding gift.

Looking through the registry got me thinking about people (me) who already have too many bar accoutrements (don't judge), have already decorated their bathrooms or just bought a great set of everyday china on sale. And what about others (me, again) who want a honeymoon full of wining, dining and lazy beach days but are on a strict wedding budget. What are their registry options?

Then, I found the Marriot Honeymoon Registry, a service that allows couples to register for accommodations, spa services, meals and golf outings... even hotel bathrobes are available! A quick Google search confirms that honeymoon registries aren't hard to come by - Disney, Carnival Cruises, even the Aruba Travel Authority has one. Alternative registries like these are a great way to provide guests with the opportunity to help you and your groom create memories, not just more household clutter.

To start your registry, think first about what kind of honeymoon you want. Is an all-inclusive resort your style, or are you more of a road-trippy hippie? Want a luxe stay full of pampering or an adventure trip filled with excursions? Then, pinpoint a honeymoon service like HoneyLuna or Honeymoon Wishes and scan the sample registries. Compare these with registries from hotels and resorts to determine which is most suited to your needs while also being diversified enough in price to fit your guests wallets.

My dream registry? One filled with pampering and a healthy dose of fashion - like this one to Fiji from Honeymoon Wishes.

Sara

Notes on a beach wedding

2010-06-07T09:00:00.001-04:00

Right now I'm drinking a cup of coffee, looking out my window at this:

And I couldn't help but think, "What a perfect venue for a simple, chic beach wedding."

I've been at Amelia Island Plantation for a few days now, sunning and drinking a margarita or three while my poor beau sits through boring conference classes. The time alone to explore the beach, the resort and the surrounding island has further confirmed that this would be the perfect venue for a wedding, or even a low-key bachelor or bachelorette party.

As with most beach resorts, the Plantation has an array of wedding and event services, but I wanted to get down to the nitty gritty, so I broke away from my beach chair and took a moment to chat with a Katherine Bean, one of the resort's wedding coordinators. (Katherine was chock full of great info, so I've paraphrased her answers below.)

Sara: So, really, how much does a wedding at the Plantation run?
Katherine: Weddings can be as big or small as needed. We have packages ranging from the intimate "Just the Two of Us" to much larger gatherings. One great option for the more budget conscious bride is to coordinate from our A La Carte wedding options. This way, the bride can choose a venue, menu and coordination services individually to fit her price range.

Sara: Can you use your own coordinator? Say, like Favor Events of Atlanta?
Katherine: Of course! In fact, we have several outside event planning and decor companies listed among our preferred vendors. When using your own planner, we suggest you book through the A La Carte services. This will keep your costs down and allow for more personalization from your planner. Keep in mind, however, that both set up and clean up are the responsibility of the outside planner. But, our friendly bell staff is always available with a helping hand. (Ed. note: Not only is the bell staff friendly, but very cute as well!)

Sara: How about decor? How much is too much for a beach wedding?
Katherine: I usually suggest one focal point for any beach ceremony. The natural beauty of Amelia Island, along with one sturdy canopy or arch is really all that's needed. A few tips when planning beach wedding decor at Amelia Island:
- No rose petal aisle! The petals are costly and usually blow away before the ceremony begins.
- No silk florals are allowed at Plantation beach weddings.
- Make sure canopies/arches are sturdy as the Atlantic winds are sometimes unforgiving.
- Finally, remember that because we are on the Atlantic, there is no such thing as a sunset beach wedding! The sun sets on the other side of the island, and is framed by the beautiful intercoastal waterways. If you are interested in a sunset wedding, Walker's Landing would be a beautiful venue.

Sara: Beside the beach, what's the most popular venue for a wedding at the Plantation?
Katherine: Our Oceanview Room and Terrace, an elegant ballroom and terrace overlooking the ocean, is one of the most popular spots. The other, Walker's Landing, is a completely different, but equally as beautiful, lodge-like venue with gorgeous intercoastal waterway views. For the bride that can't decide which venue she prefers, we suggest a rehearsal celebration at Walker's Landing and the ceremony and reception in our Oceanview Room and Terrace.

Sara: In my opinion, a couple rowdy guests are a must at any good wedding. Are there any hopping after-party spots, on the resort or the island? Do you offer a tram or taxi service?
Katherine: I suggest that the bride and groom encourage guests to stay at the resort unless the rehearsal dinner is held in town (Fernandina Beach). However, coordinators here can suggest travel options for guests should you desire. My suggestion is to buy out our local nightspot, The Falcon's Nest, for the evening and provide it as an option for fun and dancing after the rehearsal and/or reception. The buyout only costs $4000 (food and beverage minimum) and is a safe and fun alternative to heading into town.

Sara: How does a bride learn more about your services?
Katherine: She can feel free to visit our website or contact me at bean.katherine@aipfl.com.

Okay, so who wants to have their wedding at the Plantation so I can go back again as soon as possible!?

Sara

Going Off Rack: Bridesmaid Dresses

2010-05-29T08:00:00.005-04:00

Being a bridesmaid these days is tough business - hosting his and hers showers, creating fun memories during bachelorette weekends in Vegas, plucking, spray tanning, highlighting, and manicuring to prepare for the big day - and she isnʼt even the bride!

One way to make your maid happier (besides more champagne) is offering a dress she can really wear again. Buying off the rack or online is one easy, and more affordable, way to do just that.

Allowing your maids to pick a dress within your color scheme and accessorize with her own shoes and jewelry is a great way to keep her costs down and provide a look she can wear to her next wedding or event. Iʼm loving all the pretty spring frocks from Nordstrom. For example, this flirty floral eyelet Adrianna Papell silk shantung number, paired with simple metallic sandals and dainty pearls make it the perfect look for a preppy outdoor shindig. Add navy and green ties for the groomsman and youʼre done! And, at under $150, the price is right.

For a more formal fete, try a full length matte jersey. Universally flattering, this fabric can be found at most department stores in a myriad of colors and styles. Nordstrom offers several styles from JS Boutique, including this sleek and sophisticated t-back gown. Your maid can easily use a dress like this for a charity function or formal wedding in the future. Additionally, fabrics like matte jersey are easy to alter, making it simple to change into a cocktail length.

While styles found in high end department stores and online are often more fashion forward and re-wearable than those found at bridal salons, there are some challenges when buying off the rack.

Before heading out, make sure to note these items:

- Gather your maidsʼ sizes before shopping. Often, when you buy off the rack, the sizes on the sales floor are the only ones available. Knowing sizes allows you to purchase when the dress is available or the sale is best. Simple alterations can often be done onsite.

- Provide guidelines. If you allow your maids to shop for themselves, give them swatches or pictures of preferred styles. This way, they arenʼt overwhelmed by choices and are able to purchase something they like that is also in line with your event aesthetic.

- Utilize wedding services. Many department stores and ready to wear lines offer wedding party looks in store on on their site. (Look at Nordstrom Weddings, Bloomingdaleʼs Wedding Boutique, and JCrew Weddings for ideas.) Most store associates are happy to help you locate an online item, and free shipping is usually available.

- Have fun! Remember that your bridesmaids are women close to your heart - enjoy the time shopping together!

Sara

A Quickie: Chic and Cheap Invites

2010-05-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

I HAD to let you all know about a great opportunity for finding inexpensive, chic invitations. Swoozie’s, a key stop for cute hostess gifts, personalized stationery and invites of all kinds, is unfortunately going out of business.

The future absence of the chain will ultimately be a loss party-throwers everywhere, but is currently a gain for maids, MOBs and BTBs planning upcoming celebrations. All of its inventory is on sale, including wedding and shower invitations. Imagine my horror (which quickly turned to excitement) when I found the precious lingerie shower invites I bought for $30 at an unnamed store for less than $15 at Swoozie’s just this week! Now, I’m stocking up for the future showers. (A note to my friends: I purchased both wedding and baby themed invites. The choice is yours as to which I use first!)

Printable invites abound, perfect for those maids on a budget. Crane stationery, a must for the traditional bride (and hardly ever on sale), is currently at 20 percent off with further price slashes to come. While printing services are no longer available, the low prices of the paper are enough to offset the cost of finding another printer.

I, of course, went a little overboard on the Lilly Pulitzer paper products and had to stop myself from buying the whole lot of cute coffee cups, notepads, file folders, stickers and stationery.

For the location nearest you, click here.

Sara

Dessy vs. Etsy: Room for two?

2010-05-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

Who needs another set of faux pearl earrings or a free pair of dyed-to-match satin sandals? Not your maids, that’s for sure. Yet, many wedding wear companies continue to offer the same old bridal party accessories.

But, you aren’t the same old bride. DIY, personalization and thoughtful details are your M.O., but with limited options from traditional outlets, you have to get creative.

One way to do just that is to use the matchy-matchy accessories sites to your advantage. Dessy Bridal offers chic, sophisticated wedding party looks and a full range of color matched accessories. Instead of buying exact match satin slippers or wraps for your party, try fun color combos or a different shade for each maid. I love a beautiful silvery-grey pashmina paired with a bright yellow maid dress - it’s an unexpected combination that can make pictures really pop. A coordinating flip flop color for the maid to change into at the reception is also a great way to utilize color matching services. In fact, Dessy has a great inspiration board app that allows you to customize accessory options and determine the best looks for your party.

Then, search for handmade jewelry or headbands on Etsy and pick out a different style for each maid according to her own personal aesthetic. Your maids will appreciate having an accessory she can use for her next event and you’ll have a unique, yet put together, wedding party for your fun and unique day!

Check out my yellow and grey inspiration board below - complete with Dessy matching accessories and a plethora of Esty finds!

Sara

We're Back! (For Real!)

2010-05-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Imagine if you will, being a busy mom, a creative small business owner and someone with very curly hair to straighten regularly. You wouldn’t have a ton of time on your hands, would you? And though you love event planning, consulting, and design, you find yourself stretched for time when it comes to writing regularly on one of your company blogs. Jeannine Kennedy of Favor Events and The Stylish Planner is this person. Passionate about weddings, creative and highly motivated, but currently needing just a little assistance when it comes to the Favor Events blog.

That’s where I come in...

I’m Sara, and a few months ago, Jeannine sat down with me to provide insight on her company, the planning industry and how she juggles it all. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed. So, when she mentioned needing just a tidbit of help with the Favor Events blog I jumped at the opportunity. That means a you’ll see my name and the kind of things I like (pink, football, American Idol) included here from time to time.

But fret not, we’ll still be posting on how to make your day fun, beautiful and unique. Join the conversation! Let me know what you’d like to read about and I’ll do my best to provide the most up to date information.

I’m looking forward to posting and I hope you’ll each look forward to reading!

Sara

{Fireside Chats} Featured by Eventology 2010 Conference

2010-04-15T21:48:00.002-04:00

Today, I received the distinct honor of being featured on the Eventology Blog. Eventology is a wonderful conference for wedding and event professionals in Indianapolis, Indiana. I attended last year, and will attend again next week. This year, I'll be promoting the blog I write called The Stylish Planner™ as well as The Style Plan™ Complete Image Workshop for wedding and event professionals that I will be conducting in Denver, Nashville and Atlanta over the next couple of months. I am incredibly excited about seeing friends from around the country that I made last year, as well as making new ones.

When I read the intro from my friend, Eliana, I was literally brought to tears. To see such kind words from someone I so respect was very humbling. This was a fun interview. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed answering the questions!

...............................................................................................................................

What is your favorite time of day for a wedding?
Sunset
Where is your favorite place for a destination wedding?
Cumberland Island off the coast of South Georgia. My husband and I were married there at the Dungeness ruins almost 13 years ago. Cumberland is a barrier island protected against development by the National Park Service. In addition to the ruins, you can see Plum Orchard Plantation, undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, salt marshes and freshwater swamps. Wild horses roam free all over the island. It is incredibly beautiful, you feel as though you are in another country. And of course, all planners are familiar with the iconic wedding photo of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Caroline Bissett- Kennedy at the First African Baptist Church, which is on the north end of the island.
What is the smartest piece of business advice you were ever given?
“Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” My Daddy used to say that and I think of it all the time in life and business.
What advice would you offer to new comers of the industry?
Don’t jump into a new business launch. Research as much as possible. Read as many books and blogs as you can and write a business plan. Make 2 sets of goals, your dream goals and your reasonably achievable goals – you’ll probably fall somewhere in the middle of the two. I researched and planned for almost a full year before opening my business.
What was the one class that helped you the most in your career?
Contract law.
What advice would you give to newlyweds for a happy marriage?
Strike a balance between individual and common interests. Nothing makes me appreciate my husband more than being away for a while, but nothing bonds us like doing things together that we both enjoy. If you spend every waking moment together what is there to talk about?
What was or would be your first dance song at your wedding? God Blessed The Broken Road by Rascal Flatts – it really is our story put to music.
What trends do you expect to see in weddings?
I really like the emphasis of sustainable and heirloom items being used in weddings – I hope this trend is here to stay. I think we will continue to see smaller guest counts so that couples can have the reception that they want. Indie weddings are huge, so we will continue to see lots of personal touches from the bride and groom, resulting in lots of d-i-y projects. I also think there is an increased interest in outdoor weddings at unique venues.
Who in your life is your role model and why?
My husband is really amazing. He is patient, quiet, slow to anger, completely loyal, and incredibly intelligent – all wrapped up in this handsome, good old southern boy package. I often wish I were more like him.
What is your favorite industry book or magazine?
Book: Tara Guerard’s Southern Weddings – New Looks from the Old South. Magazine: Martha Stewart Weddings
What are your favorite color schemes?
I really like the unexpected combination of navy and pink (masculine + feminine) and classic black and white with a bold accent color such as fuchsia, lime green or canary yellow.
Do you have a favorite venue for weddings and receptions and if so what are they? That is a difficult question to answer! There are so many beautiful historic churches and chapels in Atlanta to choose from – I’m partial to The Shrine of The Immaculate Conception downtown due to its wonderful history. Callanwolde is a great location for both ceremony and reception. (Instead of an aisle, the bride processes down a beautiful, ornate staircase – it is wonderfully dramatic!) My favorite reception venue was the Academy of Medicine before Georgia Tech purchased it. Now I’d have to say either the Atlanta History Center or Biltmore Ballrooms – the staff at both these locations are wonderful to work with. I also have a special place in my heart for The Trolley Barn.
Describe the perfect wedding cake in your opinion.
A simple, tiered key lime cake with buttercream frosting.
How do you feel about the smashing of cake in the face at receptions?
I have mixed feelings about that. It can be fun, but the aftermath is such an ordeal. I usually ask my couples what they plan to do so I can have proper supplies stored right under the cake table if they are going to create a mess.
How did you know this is what you wanted to do in life?
The feeling of accomplishment I felt after the very first wedding I coordinated sealed the deal for me. I’ve never worked this hard in my life, but I’ve also never been this passionate about what I do.
What brings you the most joy in life?
My son’s laughter – especially one of his uncontrollable belly laughs. When I hear that, all is right with the world.

Thanks so much Jeannine for stopping by. Can't wait to hang with you in Indiana.

Follow Jeannine here on Twitter
Follow Eventology on Twitter
Follow Katasha on Twitter

Oh and your Eventology 2010 correspondent - Eliana on twitter

We are BUSTED!!

2010-03-24T17:07:00.000-04:00

Ok - you caught us in a bit of a mess! If you're visiting this blog, I'm a bit embarrassed. Sort of like when a visitor drops in and your house is messy. {*blushing*}

Confession: Our website is in the process of being updated and we haven't blogged since last September. I promise we're still here, we just got a bit preoccupied with a few other (exciting!) projects.

Check back with us in a week or so to see the updates to the website, and stay on the look out for new blog posts such as:

The Atlanta Private Estate Wedding of Brooke & Jonathan - May 2009
The Atlanta Biltmore Ballroom Wedding of Tiffany & Michael - May 2009
The North Carolina Mountain Wedding of Jill & Tanner - June, 2009
The Old Decatur Courthouse Wedding of Gail & Andrew - October, 2009
The Southern Weddings Magazine Cover Photo Shoot - September, 2009 (we were so blessed to be a part of this!)
The Southern Weddings Magazine Fall Issue Launch Party - November, 2009
Charleston, SC Wedding Site Visit Tours (we had so much fun and took LOTS of photos!)
Spotlight features on many new vendor friends - some insanely talented people
Our feature in the March issue of Brides Magazine
Our feature in the January issue of Atlanta Occasions Magazine

Exciting things are happening at FAVOR Events - thank you for waiting patiently for our updates.

In the meantime, it is business as usual and we do a few available dates for month of consulting services for May and June and we are booking limited Fall dates as well.

Thank you for visiting our site - please come back again once we've had a chance to spruce the place up a bit!

Jeannine

What I did this summer: Part 4

2009-09-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Part 4: The Plan and Lessons Learned

This 4-part blog series was really quite a lengthy way to tell you what I did this summer. I think I should summarize:

I reconnected, played and had crazy fun with my son and my husband.
I researched the incredibly intimidating topic of children’s learning disabilities, prayed and came to terms with what we are facing and what we may need to do to ensure my son’s future success.
I played with a forgotten interest of mine – fashion/style. I scoured blogs and magazines and thought about how fashion and style factor into the life of a wedding planner.
I ~~listened to~~ devoured music – a LOT of music. Everything from Hall & Oates to Christina Aguilera to Harry Connick, Jr. to Johnny Cash to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Pink, to name just a few.
I allowed myself to dream – and dream big!
I began to create a plan to chase those dreams.

Today is my birthday. We won’t speak about how many years I’ve been on this earth, but I can say with certainty that I’m not too old to learn something new. The lessons I learned this summer were humbling.

Lessons Learned:

I learned that if I’m not careful, I lose myself in work and miss important things in my family that are going on right under my nose.
I learned more than I care to know about learning disabilities in children.
I learned that forgotten interests can create a spark of creativity when they are revisited.
I learned that there is always time for music in my day.
I learned that dreaming should not be reserved for the “less busy” times in life.
I learned that it is imperative to share your dreams with others. Ask for honest feedback.

The possibility of failure is paralyzing to me at times. I face bouts of indecision on the smallest of details. My friend says, “Feel the fear and do it anyway”, so I am. I may be getting older, but I’m not too old to chase dreams. I just need a plan.

The Plan:

Stay connected to family, block out days on the calendar and make time for crazy fun!
Carefully monitor Gabe’s progress in school. Parent/teacher conferences are October 19-23!
Start a fashion/style blog for wedding planners. Thanks to help from my friend and brilliant wedding luxury market consultant, Lara Casey, the blog is in the design process.
I made a conscious decision to incorporate music into my daily routine. (Today is a Bonnie Raitt kind of day – it’s been raining in Atlanta.) J
I will take time to dream. Maybe not daily, but a quiet time to consider the future sounds like a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Cooler weather will be here soon – maybe I’ll build a fire and get lost in my daydreams while staring into the flames.
Share my dreams with friends. This blog post was a great opportunity to do that. Plus, now that I’ve put it out there, you’ll ask me how things are going and hold me accountable to make things happen!

Thanks to everyone who took an interest in this blog post. Life’s a journey – thanks for keeping me company for this somewhat rocky stretch along the way. J

Question #1: What did you do over the summer? Learn any lessons?

Question #2: What are your crazy dreams? What’s your plan to see them come true?

I’d love to hear from you!

Jeannine

FAVORite Find: Bespoke Boutonnieres

2009-06-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

All Photos: Rosenow Floral

We love to see a bit of personality and whimsy injected into weddings and we love to see our clients incorporate unique elements into their design plans. These boutonnieres from the brilliant Fritts Rosenow do the trick. By thinking outside the box, Rosenow has created a line of bespoke boutonnieres that go beyond roses. Available through his website and on Etsy, the boutonnieres are an affordable way to allow your groom to let his personality shine.

We love our job!

2009-06-11T09:03:00.009-04:00

Last weekend the FAVOR Events team headed to Lake Toxaway, NC for a multi-event wedding. The couple was adorable, the family was beyond gracious, the vendors were talented and the setting was beautiful. We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such great people in such amazing locations. Here are a few stock pictures. Wedding pictures coming soon!

Photo Credit: http://www.laketoxaway.com/

Photo Credit: http://www.laketoxawayumc.org/

New Look for Once Wed

2009-06-02T21:09:00.004-04:00

One of favorite bridal blogs, Once Wed, has launched a new site this week. We have always loved the site for so many reasons - its brilliant DIY tips, gorgeous eal weddings and fabulous pre-owned wedding dresses. Now it has a new look and we just can't get enough. Check it out here.

FAVORite Find: Clay Flowers

2009-05-15T11:00:00.001-04:00

We are always on the lookout for unique wedding ideas here at FAVOR Events. We love design elements that set our brides apart from the rest of the crowd. We were thrilled when we found these clay floral arrangements and bouquets on a recent browse through Etsy. Made entirely from clay, the arrangements are crafted with careful precision. The artists use a product called ClayCraft by DECO to create these arrangements that look stunningly realistic. Always a fan of repurposing, we love that the flowers can be displayed in the bride's home for years after the big day.

Photo Credit: dkdesignshawaii via etsy

Photo Credit: ccbycherrie via etsy

Wheatgrass

2009-05-13T18:06:00.008-04:00

We have used a lot of wheatgrass in our wedding designs recently. This grass is very versatile - it can look modern and chic when placed in square trays, whimsical and fun when paired with polka dot place cards, casual when placed in metal tubs, or earthy and outdoorsy when combined with river stones on the reception table. Wheatgrass can be grown from seeds at home or purchased from a local supplier and is quite budget-friendly. What is your favorite way to use it? Comment and share your ideas!

Photo Credit: Mariages Chic

Photo Credit: Carla Ten Eyck Photography

Photo Credit: DIY Wed Central

Photo Credit: Design Sponge

Composite Bouquets

2009-05-11T17:42:00.003-04:00

We love the look of the composite bouquet. It is made by arranging and wiring rose petals around a single bloom so that the bouquet looks like one big rose. The effect is modern and stunning.

Source: Tres Chic Event Planning

FAVORite Find: Inexpensive Wedding Shoes

2009-05-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

Not the type of bride who wants to drain your 401K to buy a pair of shoes for your wedding day? Check out Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose, the new line of special occasion shoes from Payless. Lela Rose, the super-hip designer of both ready-to-wear and wedding collections, provides a fashion-forward alternative to the "budget-friendly" shoes of years-past. Gone are the chunky, out-dated heels and garish adornments. Instead, say hello to D'Orsay peep-toe pumps with flower embellishments, fun flats and chic T-strap pumps. Many shoes are dyeable, so you are sure to find the perfect pumps for your wedding day ensemble. And since the line offers collections for accessories and girls, your whole wedding party can look chic for less.

So Inspired: An Eco-Friendly Tennessee Wedding

2009-04-28T08:00:00.002-04:00

When we opened the Winter 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings several months ago we gushed over the wedding of Liesl Menning and Kevin Haynie. In the months since that issue hit our mailboxes, conversations in the FAVOR Events offices have referenced that wedding many times. From the maple veneer lanterns and garland and the cotton-paper escort cards to the biodegradable seed paper flowers that the flower girls carried, the wedding was filled with eco-friendly details. We love the casual elegance. Find more details about this stunning wedding here.

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings

So Inspired: Matthew Christopher

2009-04-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

Matthew Christopher's new print campaign is pure brilliance. It is so refreshing to see a fresh spin put on the traditional bridal-gown photo spread we see so often in magazines. Love the pops of background color with the soft ivory gowns. Love the retro-modern influence. Love the chic pillbox hats and birdcage veils with those stunning gowns. Fabulous.

Photo Credits: Matthew Christopher

FAVORite Find: The Perfect Pumps

2009-04-17T11:44:00.005-04:00

When I saw these pumps on my daydreaming trip to Saks.com this morning I nearly wept with joy. How perfect these pumps? Made by the fabulous Christian Louboutin, these stunners are the most beautiul pair of wedding-day shoes I have seen in ages. The heel-height and peep toe add a bit classic sophistication to your wedding-day look while Christian Lou's signature red soles give a bit of sass...and look great in pictures. My favorite part though? The hint of blue found in the insole in the contrast of the bow. How's that for your something blue? Pure genius.

Christian Louboutin
Carnaval Nodo Satin d'Orsay Pumps

Breathtaking...

2009-04-14T16:59:00.003-04:00

As wedding planners we have the privilege of seeing beautiful wedding images on a daily basis. But sometimes we see images that literally take our breath away. Several weeks ago we were browsing through blogs and came across an image that did just that. This image, shot by one of our favorite photography teams, 6 of Four Creations, is magical. From the regal posture of the bride to the stunning gown to the beautiful architecture of the Biltmore Ballrooms, we think that this shot tops the list of amazing images. To see more of this beautiful wedding and more work by the brilliant Chris and Katie Torres of 6 of Four, check out their blog.

Gown Shopping for a Cause

2009-04-13T09:39:00.003-04:00

AtlantaBridal.com is sponsoring the Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale this weekend. at the Defoor Center in Atlanta. The sale will benefit Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, which grants last wished for men and women suffering from Stage 4 breast cancer. Gowns in sizes 2 - 44 will be offered at 40% to 75% off retail prices. Veils, crinolines and other accessories will over be offered at the sale. If you haven't purchased your gown yet, head out to this great event this weekend. The sneak preview begins Thursday evening and is open only to brides with reservations while the public sale begins Friday morning and runs through Saturday. Click here for all the details!

Brilliant Bridal Blogs

2009-04-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

It is our job as wedding planners to stay on top of trends in the industry. In order to best serve our clients we should educate ourselves on the newest and best wedding-related ideas in the country. One of the easiest ways to research these days is by reading blogs. We read the blogs of photographers, florists, musicians, magazines, fellow planners, and brides. We have many favorites - ones that we return to again and again for inspiration. Today we would like to share a few of our favorite blogs written by brides. These ladies have devoted time in their busy wedding planning process to share their thoughts and showcase their ideas. We couldn't be more thrilled. Below are links to a few of our favorites. Sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy. You won't want to stop reading!

Cupcake Towers

2009-04-08T12:44:00.003-04:00

The cupcake tower is a trend with staying power. They came on the scene a few years ago and have become increasingly popular with many modern brides. The cupcakes are often served in lieu of a regular wedding cake while a small cake is used for the traditional cake-cutting by the bride and groom. A cupcake tower is usually less expensive than a traditional wedding cake and is also quite versatile. Since there are so many little cakes, you can offer your guests a variety of flavors and colors. The tower itself can be dressed up to match your wedding decor. Below is an example of how one of our clients interpreted the tower for her wedding. It was a hit!

Photo Credit: Our Labor of Love

Eco-Chic: Succulents

2009-04-07T17:28:00.004-04:00

We absolutely adore succulents. Used as centerpieces they can lend an earthy, natural feel to your wedding. Given as favors, they can make for a long-lasting keepsake for your guests since they can be replanted after your wedding. They are versatile, come in a variety of colors and textures and are eco-friendly. Fabulous.

Photo Credits from Top: The Green Head, Martha Stewart, Ellen Silverman, Joy Thigpen via OnceWed

It's Wedding Season! Shape-Up Tips from Fitness Pros

2009-04-06T14:57:00.007-04:00

We found this great article on The Critical Bride blog and thought we would share it. With wedding (and swimsuit) season upon us, now is the time to get in shape. Do you have any fitness tips to share? We'd love to hear them!

Photo Credit: Get Real Fitness

Looking to drop a dress size (or two)? We talked to a couple of our favorite health and fitness pros and got some of their best tips on how to get slim and strong for your wedding day. No more excuses!

Be Realistic What’s healthy weight loss? About one to two pounds per week, for a total of four to eight pounds per month. “Not every bride must be a size 2 on her wedding day,” Cynthia Conde, celebrity trainer and creator of Bridal Bootcamp tells us. “You need to realistically evaluate what your ideal weight should be.”

Set a Deadline With a healthy level of weight loss, all it takes is some grade school math to figure out how much time you’ll need to do it. Need to lose 30 pounds? Get the lead out at least six months before your wedding. For 5, you’ll need three months, and so on. Still, Doug Rice, one of the nation’s leading bridal fitness experts and creator of FitToBeWedLIVE.com, recommends you leave yourself a little air on either end. “We all can lose focus at times and might have a bad few days — or weeks,” he says. “Also, once you lose the weight, you want to have time to really tone up and sculpt your physique to look absolutely fabulous in that dress!” So set a firm deadline, just don’t make it your wedding day.

Know What it Takes Rice recommends a minimum of three to four 30-minute sessions of cardio per week and the same amount of strength training, though the amount should vary depending on your goals. For example, he says, “If you have more than 5 pounds to lose, you will need to really kick up your cardio to five or six times per week.” What’s a truly fitness-phobic bride to do? Rice says taking three or four brisk walks around your neighborhood per week and spending at least 20 minutes doing some basic exercises (like push-ups and crunches) can’t hurt. “Just try to stay active, and cut down on at least the worst of your high-calorie eating habits,” he says. “Remember, if you continue to do what you’ve always done, you’ll continue to get the results you’ve always gotten.” Want to make more progress? Then you’ll need to push yourself a little harder.

Up the Ante To stick with the program, Conde recommends increasing the intensity of your cardio and strength-training programs every week. “Brides should not be afraid of increasing the weight load. This is required to challenge your body and take it past a plateau,” she says. “And no, increased strength training does not necessarily equal a masculine physique.”

FAVORite Find: Sole Mates

2009-04-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

The ladies at FAVOR Events are all fans of heels. From slingbacks to stilettos and everything in between, we can't get enough of our favorite type of footwear. During wedding season our job often leads us outdoors, where we have to tread carefully to keep from sinking into soft grass or tripping over cracks in city sidewalks. But what's a girl to do?

The genius minds at Sole Mates have found a solution. They have created small plastic caps that fit easily over most heels to keep them from falling prey to the hazards of the great outdoors. The caps slip on and off easily and are discreet enough to go largely unnoticed. A steal at $11.95, they can be purchased on the Sole Mates website.

Photo Credit: Sole Mates

Oh What Fun!

2009-04-02T09:47:00.010-04:00

We stumbled across this carnival-themed wedding the other day and just had to share it. With its brilliant use of color and whimsy this has topped our list of fun and original weddings! Love the colors and the vintage graphics. Check out the rest of the pictures on Victor Sizemore's blog.

Photo Credits: Victor Sizemore

BetsyWhite

2009-04-01T13:11:00.008-04:00

There aren't enough words in my vocabulary to express my love for the stationery boutique BetsyWhite. With a keen eye for design and color, the designers of BetsyWhite's stationery collection have combined innovative and modern elements with classic designs. The result? Fun, colorful, and oh-so-pretty invitations.

Barbados native Gia Graham, the company's founder, is a guest blogger at Southern Weddings and is also the author of Flights of Fancy, the blog for BetsyWhite stationery boutique. The inspiration boards and color palettes she creates for both sites are pure genius. Check them out!

Centerpiece Idea: Flowers and Tweed

2009-03-31T14:48:00.003-04:00

In researching some centerpiece ideas for a June bride who is tying the knot in the mountains of North Carolina, I came across this adorable tablescape from Martha Stewart Weddings. I bookmarked this page a couple of months ago with the intent of blogging about it. I love that this grouping combines cozy tweeds with cheerful groups of monochromatic flowers. It is lends modernity to a tablescape while retaining softness. So fresh.

Here are the DIY Instruction from the Martha Stewart Weddings site:

Fashionable tweeds and monochromatic flowers form a fresh, friendly centerpiece. Just wrap fabric around inexpensive glass or plastic cylinders (rectangular vases look nice, too). Mix different tweeds in coordinating colors. The flowers play off the texture of the material. A pink-and-orange table setting is contemporary and cheery; it works equally well for a shower or Summer wedding. Skinny tweed bands are wrapped around the napkins (cut fabric along the grain using a rotary cutter; pull away a few loose strands for fringed edges); computer-made place cards have a border that looks like stitching. The flowers are chosen for their texture and color: carnations, spiky gerbera daisies, tulips, and dahlias.

So Inspired: Once Wed

2009-03-30T10:35:00.002-04:00

We see many great wedding-related blogs in our line of work but have recently fallen in love with Once Wed. A site that combines traditional blog elements such as real weddings, DIY tips and design ideas with a wedding dress listing service, Once Wed has it all. The dress listing service is extensive and offers everything from high-end Monique Lhullier and Vera Wang gowns to less expensive dresses for the bride on a budget. The blog portion feautures well-written posts about various topics related to weddings. The photography is amazing, the style is fresh and the site is brilliant. Need we say more? Check it out here.

Short Stories: Wedding Gowns

2009-03-23T11:14:00.006-04:00

Short wedding gowns are one of the hottest trends in bridal fashions right now. Shorter gowns have graced many runways recently and are showing up in weddings across the country. Some brides are breaking the long gown tradition altogether and donning a short dress for their entire wedding day while others are slipping into the short dresses just before the reception. From frocks that are informal and casual to dresses with full-on frills, there a short gowns out there to meet every budget. Here a few of our favorites:

Marchesa

Jenny Yoo Collection

Amsale

Oscar De La Renta

J Crew

FAVORite Find: Twigs and Honey

2009-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

We love the modern look of these gorgeous hair accessories from Twigs and Honey. From birdcage veils to flower clips to feather headbands, this site has it all. Perfect for your wedding day and beyond. So chic.

Press Release - StudioWed Luxury Wedding Giveaway!

2009-03-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

“StudioWed Luxury Wedding Giveaway”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA (March 17, 2009) – StudioWed Atlanta, along with CBS Atlanta and AtlantaOccasions.com, have come together to produce the wedding of a lifetime for one deserving couple. Couples will submit in 500 words or less why they deserve to win a free wedding along with a photo. The winning couple will receive a wedding valued at over $70,000 to include the venue, catering, photography, and more. The wedding will take place at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the couple’s choice of either Sunday, January 10th or Sunday, January 24th, 2010. Deadline to enter the contest is Friday, April 1, 2009.

For contest details and to register please visit: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/weddinggiveaway/
For further information visit www.studiowed.net/atlanta and http://atlantaoccasions.com/

FAVOR Events is thrilled to be an exclusive vendor of StudioWed and equally excited to be a participating vendor in The StudioWed Luxury Wedding Giveaway. We will be donating our time and talents to the lucky couple to assist in planning and coordinating their rehearsal dinner at Anthony's Restaurant in Buckhead.

Bells of Ireland

2009-03-17T08:03:00.007-04:00

Looking for a subtle way to incorporate your Irish heritage into your wedding day? Bells of Ireland might do the trick. These light green flowers are very versatile. They become casual and laid back when grouped loosely with other flowers and become modern and sophisticated when tightly grouped on their own. Love them. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Photo Credits (from top): Redenvelope.com, floralenviornments.org, bridescafe.com, bridescafe.com

So Inspired: Amy Atlas

2009-03-16T11:36:00.007-04:00

Dessert bars and candy buffets are all the rage these days. They make for a beautiful presentation and lend a hip feel to weddings. The perfect favor idea, they allow guests to choose from a multitude of sweet treats to enjoy in the days after a wedding. Many of our brides have chosen to include candy buffets at their receptions and we could not be more thrilled. When called upon to help brides design their buffets one of the first places we turn to for inspiration is the website of Amy Atlas Events.

A former lawyer, Amy Atlas began her New York-based event planning company as an effort to fuel her passion for creativity and event planning. She creates some of the most elegant and artful dessert bars in the industry. From the mod and edgy to whimsical and old-fashioned, her displays are truly an inspiration to us. Here are a few of our favorites. See more at AmyAtlas.com.

Photo Credits: AmyAtlas.com

FAVORite Find: DiorShow Iconic Mascara

2009-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Looking for a smudge-proof mascara for your wedding day? What about a mascara that separates and fans out your lashes without clumping? Need something that curls your lashes? Look no further. This amazing masara does all of that without flaking or smudging. Its unique brush allows you to coat each lash one-by-one, creating long, separated lashes. It is by far the most hard-working item in my make-up bag. Find yours at Sephora or department stores.

Photo Credit: Sephora

Beyond Basic Bridesmaid Shoes

2009-03-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Want to avoid that carbon-copy bridesmaid look? Try switching up their shoes! We love the bit of pizazz that shoes can add to your girls' ensembles. From playful polka-dots to bright jewel tones the shoes below show just how fun the basic black dress can be.

Photo Credits (from top): The Knot, Elizabeth Anne Designs

Wedding Gown Trend: Crumb-Catchers

2009-03-10T13:00:00.009-04:00

The crumb-catcher gown trend is huge right now. The gown with a beautiful silhouette and the silly name has turned up on runways and reception dance floors across the country and we love what we see. Designers like Amsale, Kenneth Pool and Alvina Valenta have taken traditional gown shapes and added pleats, beadwork, ribbon or other embellishments near the bustline to give their gowns a modern, stylish twist. Length and shapes of the gowns vary from mini to floor- length, mermaid to ballgown, giving brides hundreds of options to try. From a simple beachside wedding to an over-the-top formal affair there is a dress out there to suit every style. We love them all.

Anne Barge

Kenneth Pool

Legends by Romona Keveza

Oscar de la Renta

Priscilla of Boston

Alvina Valenta

Photo Credit (all above photos): InStyle Weddings

So Inspired: Snippet and Ink

2009-03-09T10:43:00.005-04:00

We love our jobs here at FAVOR Events. We do many things on a day to day basis that fill us with joy. One of our favorite aspects of our job is design.We get to help brides design the look and feel of their dream day and in doing so we spend hours searching books and the web for inspiration. We look everywhere for inspiration but have recently fallen in love with Snippet and Ink. Filled with real weddings and inspiration boards created around various themes or color schemes, the site is a treasure trove of everything that is fabulous. We're in love.

FAVORite Find: Shipshape Sandals

2009-03-06T08:17:00.005-05:00

Spring is almost here and we couldn't be more thrilled. We love warm weather here in the South and can't get enough cute clothes and accessories to wear when the mercury rises. These Kate Spade sandals are the most adorable we've seen in awhile. With their navy stripes and deep red heels they add a sense of natutical whimsy to an outfit. Pair them with jeans and a cardigan, a flirty summer dress or even a chic navy pantsuit for work. Find them at Kate Spade.com. Enjoy!

Birdcage Veils

2009-03-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

We love the look of birdcage veils here at FAVOR Events. Made of net and usually attached to a flower or group of feathers (or both) we think they lend a bit of old-Hollywood sophistication to the modern day bride. They are chic, hip and versatile - many birdcage veils can be detached so that the bride may wear just the flower or group of feathers in her hair for the reception. Who doesn't love versatility? Below are some of our favorites.

Photo Credit (both of the shots above): Stephanie Williams Photography

Photo Credit: Brides.com

Photo Credit: USABride.com

Photo Credit: Unveiled Bridal Designs

Photo Credit: Birdcage Veils.com

Wedding Trends for 2010

2009-03-04T13:03:00.003-05:00

The great minds over at Get Married.com posted a great and timely topic today. So great, in fact, that I just had to share. I love the shift of emphasis onto the heirloom items of the wedding day. Enjoy!
.........................

Engaged over Valentine’s Day and getting ready to set your date? As you begin to plan you 2010 nuptials keep in mind these top trends you’ll see next spring. Buttercream, organic green, backyard weddings – all great ideas to help get you down the aisle.

1. Back to Basics
Events will focus on the attention to the details, the foundation of the event, not the drama or grandeur of the evening. Consider spending more on the lasting memories than the showmanship of the event. Spend a bit more than the average budget allotment on photography mediums rather than abundant floral. Or consider a bit of a longer stay on your honeymoon and a little less of a party at the reception and you’ll be grateful for your decision in the end.

2. Home Weddings Hit Home
Intimate and personal affairs in the backyard are bigger than ever. Going home incorporates the continued trend of personalizing the wedding day experience. Smaller size guest lists, more intimate settings, grass roots weddings, elegant and detail driven, but in no way small on what counts.

3. Buttercream on the Big Day
Fondant is falling behind, buttercream corners the market. Tools and techniques now allow for buttercream to look as smooth as fondant when applied by a skilled artist. You have the option of better flavor, more natural ingredients, and less costly cakes that no longer suffer or lack in design.

4. Favor Comeback
Personalized appreciation is back. The effect that an event has on the guests is more noticeable than ever before so the importance of a favor is felt more than ever. Be sure to appreciate to those in attendance - it’s not just an afterthought, omission, or generic item. Think local artisans, locally grown products, personal mementos, and on-the-spot print outs.

5. Nearby Destinations
Nearby destination weddings are taking flight over the exotic and far off locales. The ever popular destination wedding will remain but guests will get out of town by car (within driving distance) so couples can create a weekend, guests get an escape, but no one breaks the bank. Enjoying the US destination locations, spend within your own local economies, create a greener effect, experience undiscovered backyards, and stay sensible about cost while you’re at away.

6. Colors
Monochromatic palettes - this doesn’t mean muted colors, just single color bunches. Vibrant Colors: Orange, green, yellow, and pink. Metal Colors: Gold, silver, copper, and pewter. And black is definitely the new black. Break the rules and show off the darker side of your event.

7. Greener Conscience
Immerging will be the newest phase of eco-conscience: A better understanding of the gray shades of green. You will see more emphasis on the smaller changes that are less recognizable to the guest (i.e. cleaning green, composting, solar and LED lighting, no more oasis in floral arrangements, less catering waste). It’s no longer about making the event appear “organic” – it’s about understanding how things are made, disposed of, and where/when events take place. Learning to make better choices that are unseen by the guest are just as important as those tree-free invitations everyone is talking about.

8. Video Integration into Events
We’ve all seen the photo montages of your childhoods during dinner but the next phase in video at your event comes in several different forms. Video DJ’s are immerging, allowing your dance party to dance to the visuals of the music videos; ceremonies are being broadcast on screens for better viewing from the back; and time lapse photography is being shot and integrated into video for current day montages of you and your fiancé. Love to party? Set up crane camera and project the event as it unfolds on screens around the dance floor (budget permitting of course).

9. HD Video
Videographers have already gone hi-def. But next year all or most will make such a transition, making HD and even Blu Ray the norm in wedding videography. Upgrade now and appreciate the quality later. This also means smaller cameras on site and less intrusion into your event, all around a better (though more costly) option on the big day.

10. Combination of Photography & Videography
Professional grade still photo cameras are being released with high quality video capabilities included. Find a photographer that can capture your event on video through the same lens and create a look you haven’t quite seen before (limiting the number of vendors in your event at the same time). You’ll begin to see an emergence of two-in-one companies and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality.

J.Crew Weddings

2009-03-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

We're big fans of J Crew here at FAVOR Events. We love their cashmere sweaters, their graphic tees under a cardigan, their colorful accessories, and their fun flats. The designers consistently put a fresh spin on traditional wardrobe pieces. By reinventing the classic prep school blazer in electric orange or designing a pair of pumps with bright polka dots they never disappoint us with their modern take on the classics.

Their wedding collection is no different. The pieces are fun, fresh, and always elegant. Here are a few of our favorite pieces from their spring collection. Enjoy!

For the Bride:

The flower on this gown reminds us of one of our style icons, Sarah Jessica Parker. Paired with the bracelet at top we can't help but envision a very Carrie wedding moment. Isn't it fun?

For the Bridesmaid:

We love that this aqua bridesmaid dress is just the right shade...not too bright. Paired with the bracelet at top and the sweetest bouquet of yellow flowers we think that this ensemble just begs to be worn in a springtime wedding.

So Inspired: Southern Weddings

2009-03-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

It seems fitting that our first So Inspired post is dedicated to one of our favorite blogsites and magazines, Southern Weddings. We cannot say enough about our love for the site, the magazine and the group of professionals who run it.

The site and the magazine are filled with more inspiration than we could have ever imagined. It is safe to say that the site is one of the first things we read each morning in the FAVOR Events office and that the magazine sits front and center on our office table. They showcase real weddings, complete with brilliant photographs and details about the featured couples. In addition to all of the fabulous weddings both the site and the magazine treat readers to amazing articles from wedding professionals across the country.

We have had the privilege of getting to know much of the staff at Southern Weddings and think that they are some of the most awesome women in the industry. Under the helm of the fabulous Lara Casey, the entire staff of Southern Weddings emanate professionalism, vision and grace. Thank you ladies for being such a great inspiration to all of us at FAVOR Events.

FAVORite Find: Gala Clutch

2009-02-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Looking for just the right bag to stash your lip gloss in on your big day? What about this beauty from J. Crew? The Gala Clutch is made from silk satin and is finished with the sweetest bow. It comes in ivory, black, rose, aqua, and a deep yellow so you can find the perfect color to match your wedding theme. We love that it can be used for multiple occasions - perfect for not only your wedding night but also dinner dates with your sweetie. Think jeans, heels and a cardigan. So chic.

Fashion Comes to the Table

2009-02-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Dinnertime has become a lot more stylish in recent years. We are thrilled to see two of our great loves, fashion and tableware, come together in some dazzling ways. Many top fashion designers, including Versace, Monique Lhullier, Kate Spade, Valentino, Vera Wang, Blumarine, Armani and Missoni have lent their unique touch to the world of china and crystal and have made it easier than ever to have a well-dressed table. Here are a few of our many favorites.

Versace's Russian Dream by Rosenthal

Vera Wang's Gilded Leaf by Wedgwood

Kate Spade's Corona Grove Aqua by Lenox

FAVOR Events to be part of StudioWed Atlanta!

2009-02-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

FAVOR Events is pleased to announce that the company will be a part of the new StudioWed Atlanta! StudioWed has a full slate of vendors and promises to be a bride’s dream come true. With over 23 vendors in 13 categories, including attire, beauty, caterers, DJ’s, favors, Floral Designers, Linen and Event Rentals, Officiates, Photographers, Stationery, Wedding Cakes & Baked Goods, Wedding Planners and Wedding Sitters, there is unlimited wedding industry talent and knowledge to choose from – all under one roof!

Opening to the public on Monday, March 2, 2009, StudioWed is a warm inviting, stylish space full of resources for every bride from the do-it yourself type to the bride who desires the highest level of service. Located in Midtown Atlanta, StudioWed is conveniently located off of the Howell Mill Road Exit of Interstate 75 at the intersection of Howell Mill and Marietta Street. The studio address is 1000 Marietta Street, Suite 124, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.

FAVOR Events owner, Jeannine Kennedy is excited to have a central location to entertain clients and vendors. Jeannine currently plans to be in the studio every Wednesday and will also be available by advance notice for appointments.

Do you have more questions about StudioWed? Please feel free to visit the website at www.studiowed.net for more information. You may also contact FAVOR Events at 770-693-0806 or contact Jeannine directly via e-mail at jeannine@favoratlanta.com.

Award-Winning Gowns

2009-02-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

Oscar Night has to be one of my favorite nights of the year. I love to make great food and sit back on the couch to watch the events unfold. While I am somewhat concerned with who walks away with awards on Oscar night I am even more concerned with what people are wearing. I love watching the ladies walk down the red carpet in the beautiful gowns and glamorous jewels. I was impressed with the variety of styles and colors on the red carpet this year, from Amy Adam's bright red Carolina Herrera to Natalie Portman's bubble-gum pink Rodarte.

But as a wedding planner, several of the lighter-colored dresses really struck me. I could not help but think about how stunning these dresses would be translated into wedding gowns. Aren't they dreamy?

Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive'

Marisa Tomei in Atlelier Versace

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Couture

Taraji P. Henson in Roberto Cavalli

Penelope Cruz in Vintage Pierre Balmain

All Photos: www.watoday.com.au

So Inspired

2009-02-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are inspired by many things here at FAVOR Events. From books to magazines to blogs we never fail to be impressed by the images we see and the stories we read. We have the pleasure of cultivating and maintaining relationships with some of the finest wedding professionals in the country. We are astounded by the knowledge, the creativity and the professionalism of so many people in the wedding industry. Because we are moved by so many things in our profession we have decided to devote a weekly blog post to the things and the people in this industry that inspire us. The So Inspired segment will run every Monday and will be followed by posts throughout the week covering many topics related to the world of weddings. Follow us as we share our enthusiasm and excitement for this fabulous industry.

The future of FAVOR Events

2009-02-17T18:22:00.006-05:00

We are very family oriented here at FAVOR Events. All of our staff are familiar with my husband and son, and I make no apologies for their presence in the office which also happens to be our home. They are a part of me and a very integral part of the company and I think it is important to have a nice blend of work and family life. I really enjoy the rare times when we are able to meet the staff's family members and spend a little time with them.

On Friday of last week, I was really in a bind to prepare an inspiration board for a Monday morning meeting with a a client. In her typical style, one of our great staff members, Jeni DuBard came to the rescue. Fridays are usually a work at home day so she trekked out to my place along with her very lovely 3 year old daughter, Emma in tow.

Emma is what every woman dreams of when she imagines herself being a mother to a little girl. She has these amazing blonde curls and the biggest eyes you've ever seen - always full of wonder about the world around her. See for yourself:

Emma is very interested in weddings. Due to the recent wedding of a family member who wore a Very Wang gown, Emma believes that most things related to weddings were created by Vera Wang. She pulled my son's child size chair right up beside my office chair at my computer and proceeded to draw and "work" to help Jeni and I with the task at hand. Her mind was made up to do her very best for our client, and she insisted to her mom on the importance of what she was working on. Nothing could have impressed or amused me more on an otherwise uneventful Friday in the office.

So, I just had to share with you the highlight of my day last Friday. A very impromptu "Bring your Daughter to work day" at FAVOR Events. This great time with Emma only reinforced what wonderful staff we are blessed with. Jeni - you are doing one amazing job both in our company and with raising Emma.

I felt a little lighter on Friday, knowing that the future of FAVOR Events could some day be in GREAT hands with one very serious Emma DuBard at the healm.

Sleep well tonight, little miss Emma. I hope you dream of weddings and Vera Wang.

Love, your friend,

Ms. Jeannine

Valentine's Inspired Centerpieces

2009-02-12T11:54:00.010-05:00

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and we are falling in love...with flowers. We just love the variety of textures and colors in the centerpieces below. Aren't they precious?

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

Photo Credit: The Knot

2009 FAVOR Events Team

2009-02-01T15:33:00.007-05:00

Today is Superbowl Sunday. As most people have headed out for an evening of football fun, I sit here alone at home recovering from a tonsillectomy. To be honest, I've spent most of the day feeling sorry for myself, nursing a little bit of cabin fever, and wishing I at least felt well enough to work on a few blog posts.

So I started working on this one, thinking I would just create a short post to highlight these great staff photos we recently had done. As I imported the images into the board, I began to look at each face, thinking about the team that has been assembled for FAVOR Events and I found myself feeling very grateful.

I think it is obvious in the photos that we are all comfortable around one another, and that we are having a pretty good time. We really have a great team assembled as we forge into 2009 and without question, I am grateful for each member, the talent they bring to the table, and what they mean to me personally.

In uncertain times, these wonderful people have chosen to be in THIS place at THIS time. On this journey with me. Of all the things they could each be doing, they have chosen to use their talents here at FAVOR Events. They each have a desire to further the company and to be a part of its future. They each subscribe to the company mission of over-the-top client service. For their committment, I am completely humbled and grateful. Here's to 2009, my friends!

Update - Atlanta Bride Wars Dinner & A Movie Contest!

2009-01-12T08:00:00.009-05:00

Update: 1/29/2008

We had a great time at our Bride Wars Dinner & A Movie Contest Event last week! Thank you so much to our contest entrants, The Grape at Phipps Plaza and to Phipps Plaza AMC Theatre for their participation!

Thank you especially to the fabulous photographer, Marta Noé for hanging out with us and answering our many questions about wedding photography!

We were so busy talking we completely forgot to take any photos, but we did snap this one on our way out:

From left to right: Marta Noé, Brooke Bryant and me. You can't really tell, but we specifically chose to stand in front of Jimmy Choo! What a great night! I get to work with the best ladies in the world - pinch me!

.....................................................................................................

Congratulations, you’re engaged!

It’s time to start eating, sleeping and breathing wedding plans. Why not start things out on a high note by winning our free contest giveaway?

We think you’ll love our new ‘Atlanta Brides Wars Dinner and a Movie Contest’!

By entering our contest, you can win a ticket to the movie Bride Wars , starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson, and dinner on us! We’ll meet for dinner at 6:00 p.m. at The Grape at Phipps Plaza, then walk over to AMC Theatres at Phipps Plaza for a 7:40 p.m. showing of the movie.

Our contest event will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009. So, if you’re planning an Atlanta wedding and you’re available, FAVOR Events would love to treat you to dinner and a movie and hear more about your wedding plans!

Contest entry details:

Just send an e-mail to brooke@favoratlanta.com with the following info: 1) first and last name, 2) phone number, and 3) your wedding date (month, date and year). We’ll choose 10 - 15 brides from all the entries to join us.*

Good Luck!

* NOTE: In order to be eligible, entrants should be for brides only who are getting married between May 1st and December 31, 2009 in the metro Atlanta area.

20 questions with a wedding planner...

2009-01-11T12:10:00.002-05:00

Contest: 20 Questions with an Atlanta Wedding Planner!

Working as a wedding planner is by far the most interesting thing I have done professionally in my lifetime. Depending on the audience, I either cringe or get really excited when folks ask what I do for a living. Men especially, have an interesting reaction to my job – they usually have the best questions! Women usually are in awe and have a million stories to share. Usually, I get the same questions over and over, but every once and a while, I get a great question that really makes me smile. It’s a blessing to do something that so many people are interested in hearing about.

Here are just a few examples of the questions I get:

“Have you ever had any bridezillas?”
“Is that all you do? (This one usually comes from men!)”
“Do you love what you do?”
“Do you know so-and-so? They are a wedding…” (planner, photographer, videographer, etc. – folks assume that you know everyone in the industry!)
“Can you believe what people spend their money on?”
“Where have you planned weddings at?”
“What is the largest wedding you’ve ever planned?” (Sometimes they mean budget, sometimes they mean number of guests.)
“Have you ever planned a wedding for a celebrity?”

So, in honor of our new blog, I thought I’d start a dialogue for all your questions. Questions can come from anyone, a personal friend, a bride to be, mother or father of a bride or bride to be, an industry colleague, etc. Ask me anything! We will moderate all questions, compile a list of the twenty best and publish these questions (and answers!) as a future post. Questions should be out of the ordinary, funny, even embarrassing is fine! Its o.k. – I know there are things you are dying to ask! (We do ask that you consider the privacy of our clients – we will not directly address any questions that would give away an identity of a past or current client.) Questions will be fielded for 5 weeks starting January 29, 2009 through February 26th, 2009.

If your question is one of the twenty questions chosen, we will mail you a $5 Starbuck’s gift card! It’s our way of saying thanks for asking the wedding planning questions that are on everyone’s mind!

You can post your question on a comment below, (we will moderate) or e-mail your question to FAVOR Events owner, Jeannine Kennedy at jeannine@favoratlanta.com. In the subject line, type “20 questions”.

Thank you and Good luck!

Southern Weddings Magazine features a FAVOR Events wedding...

2009-01-10T09:26:00.001-05:00

We're So Excited!

The Southern Weddings Blog Site is an amazing resource for all things wedding and has long been our daily obsession here in the FAVOR Events offices. We especially enjoy looking at their weekly feature “Southern Wedding of the Week”. Late last summer, we were honored to have had the wedding of Katrina and Matt, chosen as one of the weddings of the week!

Now we are completely pumped that we get to gush over all of the fabulous wedding photos and ideas in print! Yes, Southern Weddings Magazine is on newsstands now!

To our surprise, Lara Casey and the ladies at SW chose to feature our clients, Katrina & Matt again in the premier issue of the magazine! (Special thanks to photographers, Our Labor of Love for the great images that initially drew everyone’s attention to this stylish wedding!)

FAVOR Events is currently listed as a wedding resource for Georgia on the Southern Weddings blog site. We are humbled to be aligned with such an amazing wedding media resource. Showcasing the best in wedding design and ideas, Southern Weddings blog site and Southern Weddings Magazine are both fantastic reads and a treasure trove of inspiration for every bride.

The Premiere Party for Southern Weddings Magazine is January 18 here in Atlanta at our favorite Atlanta restaurant, Dogwood! For details, visit the Southern Weddings Blog Site. Of course, FAVOR Events will be there in our cocktail finest, and we’ll be among the first to report on the fun!

Changes in the New Year!

2009-01-06T19:27:00.002-05:00

Changes in the New Year - Welcome 2009!

After a successful year and a half in business, FAVOR Events has recently undergone a detailed rebranding process. We have kicked it up a notch, determined our target markets and plowed ahead. We have a new logo, new "tagline", new marketing materials, new advertising and new staff bringing lots of fresh talent to our company. We have many recent weddings to post on the website gallery and many blogs to publish about the wonderful wedding couples and fantastic vendors we get to work with. Our greatest challenge so far has been the balancing act of servicing our existing clients and cultivating new ones. No worries - this is a good problem to have! Many updates to our site and blog are still needed, and we will approach this on an ongoing basis.

To put things into perspective regarding our growth, I wanted to share our percentage of revenue increase from 2007 to 2008. I couldn't believe it myself and had to double check with our accountant to make sure the figures were accurate. We have experienced a 1500% increase in revenue from 2007 to 2008. To phrase it another way, we did 15 times the amount of business in 2008 than what we did in 2007. WOW, I still can't believe it!

Perhaps the most telling number however, is this one: 100% of our 2008 business came from referrals - friends, vendors or clients. This is a humbling statement to me, and it carries great accountability. As of this writing, three of our 2009 weddings are also referrals.

So in closing, if you follow our lives, our site and our blog and you find that we haven't updated in a while, rest assured we are working with the best clients and the finest vendors on the most amazing weddings happening in the Atlanta area. When we get a moment to come up for air, those updates will be yours to enjoy and ours to relive.

All our best in 2009:

Jeannine Kennedy
& the staff of FAVOR Events