Chelsie + Jerrett

This is a fun story! Once upon a time my best friend Danielle called me up and said “Hey, my friend Chelsie is getting married next week, only she’s been really sick and in the hospital, hasn’t finished her DIY wedding projects, and needs someone to coordinate everything and make it happen. You want to play?” What do you think I said? Of course, yes! Danielle and I spent a weekend brainstorming, shopping for supplies, and crafting some decor details to round out Chelsie’s very creative, hand-made design vision for her wedding. Then – never having met the bride or groom, eek! – I showed up at the rehearsal to take organizational matters in hand. What a lovely bunch of people I got to play with! Chelsie & Jerrett’s friends and family, especially their wedding party, are totally hip and utterly cool. I wanted to be friends with each and everyone of them. You could tell what special people Chelsie & Jerrett are by the love that was showered on them during the ceremony and reception. A live folk trio kept everyone on the dance floor, and Hat Creek Burgers served up delicious meat on buns from a hipster food truck. What a fluke I got to be a part of this wedding, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. Cheers to you two!

Design Notes:
My only wish was that Chelsie and I had gotten to work hand-in-hand throughout her entire wedding planning process, rather than just the last 48 hours! This girl brings such a sense of fun to everything she does, and despite the “emergency” situation she was the most relaxed bride I’ve ever met. Ever. Chelsie put the reigns in Danielle’s hands, telling her what items she was missing for her wedding decor, and then requesting that she use her own judgement and make it happen! Together, Danielle and I stalked Chelsie’s wedding Pinterest boards and settled on making a bright yellow backdrop for the ceremony with mixed strips of fabrics. We purchased bunches of wheat to deck out the ceremony seating. Mason jars were used for drinking glasses, with customizable name tags striped straws. Chelsie requested a “Polaroid” Photo Booth backdrop, so we got some poster-board and made her wish come true! The flowers were arranged by Chelsie’s aunts and mom, and the boys boutonnières were paper flowers make of comic book pages. The gals all did their own hair and makeup, and Chelsie made her mark as the cutest cardigan-sporting bride you ever did see!

From the Bride:
I had never really pictured what my wedding would look like until my guy popped the question! Almost immediately the wheels started turning, and the adventure of matching our quirky personalities with the biggest event of our lives began. We knew that we wanted to get married during fall in the Texas hill country, outside and under the tree tops, but we didn’t really know too much more than that. I started searching magazines and Pinterest for inspiration and I was most assuredly inspired: Mason jars, wood slices, dance hall, ribbon banner etc… I made list after list of all the things that I needed to achieve my ideal wedding. I was managing to get it all done at a wonderful pace until I had an unexpected health issue arise and I found myself at the doctor’s office rather than piecing together my wedding. At that point I began to panic- what in the world was I going to do? Enter Laurel: Laurel came into the picture only a few days before the wedding, she and I spoke extensively about my vision for the ceremony and reception. She brought up a ton of other details that I hadn’t even thought of and somehow managed to delicately arranged every detail in time for my wedding day to be exactly like I wanted it to be. Her greatest talent, in my opinion, is really being able to see your vision clearly and make it into a reality.

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Photographer: Pass the Sugar Photography
Venue: Fischer Hall, Fischer, TX
Catering: Hat Creek Burgers
Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery

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Susanna + Nathan

Oh, these two. Where do I begin? These crazy cats were together 6+ years before they finally tied the knot, and all so they could move across the ocean! Susanna and Nathan decided last minute to be married in a teeny tiny ceremony under the gazebo at the center of New Braunfels, Texas. In preparation for attending film school in Edinburgh, Scotland, they realized that the move, applying for visas, and obtaining housing through the school, would all be much simpler if they shared the same last name. So the day after Christmas, Susanna donned her vintage lace dress – an etsy find – and Nathan slipped into his grandfather’s corduroy suit, and with their dog Zissou, and a few family members, they headed downtown. After saying short and sweet I Do’s, to the strains of Alvin & the Chipmunks (piped into the square), they had a family dinner at a local restaurant, cut a cake adorned with succulents and little owls, and headed to the Phoenix Saloon for brews! With a sixpence in her shoe for good luck, and a “first dance” from the jukebox, these two had a perfectly simple, hipster elopement.

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Photographs by Greenleaf Images

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Chelsea + Jimmy

Words cannot describe how special this wedding was to me. What’s so wonderful about my job is that I often get to develop new friendships, but it doesn’t happen quite this easily every time. It was so much fun to work with Chelsea on her wedding plans, mostly because it never felt like work. We’d have planning meetings that lingered over lunch, stay behind after vendor consults to chat, talk about our personal lives (and our dogs!). I came to know her as one of the most generous and gracious young women I have ever met, but also as having a sassy sense of humor that would always catch you off guard. And there never was a truer gentleman, or one more deserving of his fine bride, than Jimmy. They make the sweetest couple and have impacted so many lives, so when it came time to send this lovely lady down the aisle, it was no surprise that I was joined by the entire congregation in feeling a little teary. Fortunately, we had Maggie of Greenleaf Images there to capture it all.

Design Notes:
Chelsea wanted a beautiful outdoor wedding in many hues of blue. The couple’s aim was to throw a classy, non-stuffy Sunday Brunch reception, and we were inspired by intimate English Garden Parties when bringing their vision to life. The venue’s patio by the riverside was the perfect location. Working with the stellar Fresh Urban Flowers, we brought in lots of blooming florals in antique cobalt bottle vases, to strike an elegant, vintage tone. Elaborate hanging baskets and large iron lanterns filled with blooms helped to create the garden setting. Chelsea also wanted to incorporate the couple’s love of nature, so the florals were set on rustic wood slices with one acting as their guest “log”-in. They served brunch menu items with breakfast themed cocktail beverages. Mini-cupcakes in a variety of flavors were served as a light dessert.  As guests were leaving, they could take potted succulents home as favors.  As the couple exited to tossed birdseed, and the strains of “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles, the bride tossed her bouquet from the barge. Then they and their wedding party sailed off down the river to the after party!

From the Bride:
When Jimmy and I first got engaged, I knew that I wanted to incorporate our love for sunny days and all things nature into our special day, so a brunch wedding on a patio overlooking the San Antonio River was the perfect setting for us. It was really important to us to keep it laid back, where we felt comfortable to truly celebrate with our friends and family. Throw in some mimosas, and we did just that!

I am a lover of all things unique and beautiful, so it was difficult for me to picture how I was going to incorporate everything, while making it seem somewhat cohesive at the same time. This is where Laurel, my wedding designer/planner, came into the picture. She was able to help me really decide what best represented us as a couple, and truly made it come to life.

My advice for other brides would be to never go back on what you want, and what you feel truly represents you as a couple. There are lots of opinions and ideas, but you have to hold true to yourself! Also, get a wedding coordinator! I am an event planner myself, and never thought I would need help planning my wedding. I was wrong. It was so nice to completely enjoy the day of the wedding, knowing that everything was in good hands.

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Photography: Greenleaf Images
Flowers: Fresh Urban Flowers
Ceremony/Reception Location: Club Giraud in San Antonio, TX
Invitations: Paper Therapy Shop
Cupcakes: Kate’s Frosting
Dress & Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstroms

The post Wedding | Chelsea & Jimmy appeared first on Laurel White Design.

This wedding was held at the private residence the groom’s parents, near New Braunfels, TX.  The bride’s colors and theme were based off of peacock feathers, and she incorporated it into almost all of the decorations.  All of the little details were handmade or put together by the Bride, Pamela, and her mother.  The bride and groom honored her Mexican heritage by having Mariachis play as they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, and serving fajitas for dinner.  The Groom had a “man-cake” made out of meats and cheeses.  They danced the night away under a big lit up oak tree with their friends and family before heading off to Vegas for a honeymoon!

All images are courtesy Maggie Green Carrillo of Greenleaf Images.

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Greenleaf Images 

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Eight Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

An etiquette and protocol expert explains why hiring a wedding planner will help you avoid some dreadful mishaps…

Article [EXCERPT] by Luxurious Wedding Etiquette & Protocol Expert, Claudia Lutman

If you are having more than 25 guests, the idea of working with a wedding planner should appeal to you. As the creative director for the most important day of your life, your wedding planner will help you avoid some dreadful mishaps that could ruin your day.

Reason # 1: A Theme is More Than a Hodgepodge of Great Ideas
Your ideas are fabulous. But they are only the foundation of your theme. Remember: They are only ideas and pictures ripped out of magazines. Brides have ended up blowing their budget on one item to the detriment of the whole wedding. This is where your wedding planner becomes your magician. Knowing all the tricks and resources, your wedding planner can create a theme that runs through the whole event. They see the whole picture. If budget is a constraint, they will advise you how to economize and still achieve a similar look.

Reason #2: Is your Budget a Guideline or a Blueprint for Bankruptcy? 
A budget is an essential part of your wedding planning. Even a million-dollar wedding has a budget. A budget will give you perspective and it will center you. It will be a great comfort to you when you want to know where you stand financially. Expenses tend to mount up quickly, and your budget will always give your a realistic assessment. I have witnessed brides being so out of control that they end up randomly buying items that have no rhyme or reason. That money could have been spent elsewhere to make the wedding a better experience for the guests. Being realistic about your budget is essential. Don’t fool yourself with a figure knowing you can go over it. You will only be hurting your chances of selecting the best possible vendors. Your wedding planner is your accountant and will believe the budget you give them. They honestly try to work within your parameters. Therefore, decide on a realistic figure so your wedding planner can recommend the vendors who will deliver the best work within your budget.

Reason #3: The Venue Event Manager
When the event manager from your venue tells you she can do your wedding planning, she is not lying. She will do everything under the sun to oversee everything she is responsible for; however, she is not responsible for 90 percent of the details that go into your wedding. Some brides are shocked when things go wrong. They thought their venue person would be on top of things. Not necessarily. If they have several events that day, they can’t be held responsible for letting you know your flowers haven’t arrived or your best man is held up in traffic. Imagine walking into a bald room instead of the floral intensive ballroom you paid for. Your wedding planner is your overseer. Her job is to make sure everything arrives on time and complete. If you have 15 tables, 13 centerpieces just won’t do. She will get the florist to fix it. If the videographer does not show up, she should be able to find a replacement for you. Things happen, but it is your wedding planner’s job to see that things are fixed and end up perfect. Your wedding planner is your fairy godmother.

Reason #4: Timelines and Other Annoying Details
Checklists. Do we know anyone who likes them? And timelines. “Who has time to think of these boring things? I’m getting married!” I recall one bride saying. Actually, you might not be getting married after all if the minister does not show up. Timelines are critical. Timelines are necessary. And timelines keep your wedding planner sane. She thrives on them. You, however, should never be subjected to them. These are the things a bubbling bride should be kept far away from. They will certainly kill the excitement.

Reason #5: Synergy Applies to Vendors, Too
There are vendors who work so well together you almost get double your money’s worth. Having a vendor with an attitude can affect everyone. Your wedding planner knows these things and will steer you in the right direction. By involving your wedding planner in the selection of vendors from the invitations on, you will be guided down the path of success. After all, synergy is what we are striving for!
 
Reason #6: What are the Rules?
Brides need a go-to person for etiquette, wedding-related questions, and to keep the planning timeline moving forward. All brides need a liaison to help keep emotions and relationships from straining during planning. Your wedding planner is a combination of Martha Stewart and Emily Post. Do you really have the time and inclination to research, answer, and solve the problem yourself?

Reason #7: Overtime Charges Accrue Faster Than Champagne Pours
One hour of overtime with a location site or photographer can cost you plenty! Everyone is on the clock, and so is your wedding planner. The difference is your wedding planner is on your clock. She keeps everything in motion so extra costs are avoided. In the end, your wedding planner is the most cost-effective choice you can make.

Reason #8: Frazzled is not Fabulous
Wedding planning and the events that lead up to your day will be stressful. You should have one job only. Keeping yourself relaxed and living in the moment. You need time to take in and enjoy this special day. Be with your loved ones. Be happy. Be kind. And mostly, be assured that your wedding is going to be the most fabulous day of your life.

Yes, all weddings have glitches. And yours will, too. But your wedding planner will make sure you never have to deal with or see them. You may never even know anything out of the ordinary happened. And that is the sign that you are a genius at wedding planning. You started out with great ideas, hired a wedding planner to bring them to life, and sat back like a pampered princess on your wedding day accepting all the accolades that you deserve.

I have been a guest at weddings that seemed disorganized, and it made me uncomfortable for the bride and groom. The vendors I know personally have many times complained to me about working weddings where there is no coordinator and they don’t know who is their point of contact for scheduling and problems. And then there’s the simple fact that when you get married, usually you’ve never been through that process before, so how WOULD you know or be able to anticipate all of the problems that could arise?

Earlier this summer I coordinated a wedding for a friend’s son. She is one of the most organized and creative individuals I know, but wanted to be able to also enjoy herself on her son’s wedding day. She could easily have done every thing I did for her, but by having me there, she was able to visit with guests, sit through the ceremony without making sure the food was staying warm, not worry about busing tables, or refilling the margarita machine. She wasn’t having to tell her son and new daughter-in-law when it was time to have their first dance, or to toss the bouquet and cut the cake. She didn’t have to pack them a meal and gather up all the gifts. She didn’t have to worry about paying the service providers or making sure they arrived to set up on time.

In this era of budget weddings, the first thing that gets cut is the planner. Brides think they can do it on their own or will enlist a friend. And sure, some can… especially those who have really great friends, or one friend in particular who is going to sacrifice their presence as a “guest” and be there only as “the planner.” So just make sure that if you ask a friend or a family member to coordinate your wedding, they are really up for the job. There is no down time. There is no pause. They can’t also be a guest. And make sure they are really OKAY with you robbing them of the delight of being a guest at your wedding, and sticking them with all the millions of details… because a lot of people don’t realize that’s what it means, and that’s the sacrifice they will need to make.

Plus you just don’t want a disaster like this . . .

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Well, it was like Christmas morning today as the post about our White Wedding went live on Style Me Pretty Blog.  For those of you who don’t constantly live in the world of weddings, they are probably “the ultimate” wedding blog.  That is, in fact, what they call themselves.  The creator started blogging on weddings in 2006 and is now a multimillionaire.  If you’re interested follow this link to watch a (tangent!) video on blogging as a career, with an interview with Abby Larson (creator of SMP).

When I first started visiting their page regularly they were posting 5 weddings a day.  That was a year ago in May.  Now they post 10 weddings a day and that’s only on their “main blog.”  They have grown so quickly and receive so many submissions (400 a week) that in only one year they have also added “local blogs” for each state and now categorize by major cities as well.  We were featured on the Style Me Pretty: Texas Weddings local blog, categorized by Austin (my choice), and while they only shared a snippet of what I spent hours writing…. well, there it is in all its glory!

DIY Woodsy Wonderland Wedding by Laurel White Design

I’m very proud. Of everyone! Our wedding was created by so many people. Credit is due all around. Tomorrow brings new and wonderful things for the wedding business!  I’m meeting with a new client who is having a November wedding at a beautiful location in San Antonio.  Can’t wait to see what we scheme up together, but I’m thrilled and excited to get started.

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