word of the week: gobo
Gobo means “goes before optics,” which is a really technical definition for something that is very much like a stencil. A plate is cut with a design (your monogram, wedding logo, date) and is placed over a light. The image is projected on your dance floor or a large open space (a wall, ceiling, paved entranceway).
first image photographed by Patricia Lyons for Lyndsay and Rob; second image photographed by Katie Stoops via Southern Living
summer vacay
Hey friends! Sorry for the silence. I’ve been doing a lot of lounging and vacationing over the past week. And, now I’m playing a game of catch up! I’ll be back here next Monday refreshed and rejuvenated with a week full of posts! Thanks for indulging my need for a few days of respite from blogging : ) Hope each of you had a happy holiday weekend!
image from anthropologie’s 2011 swimwear look book via coco+kelley
word of the week: seating chart
If you’re having a seated dinner you will have both a floor plan diagram and a seating chart. Your planner, venue or caterer will likely draw your floor plan. Here’s one we drew recently for an event on the lawn at Maymont:
Corresponding to the diagram is a seating chart, which details who is sitting where, tells us what meal they have ordered (if you’re offering choices), if they have meal restrictions, if they are children and any other important details servers should know (i.e. this person is the mother of the bride!).
We like to code seating charts in the “coding” column. Here green stands for allergy and orange stands for a child’s meal. But, if we were offering meal choices at this event, we would code guests (either by color or symbol) to signify entree choice. In that case, the coding on this sheet would match the coding on your guests’ place cards.
pretty color palettes #11
We’re having a girl!
I’m not sure if I’ve told you, but we’re having a girl! Planning the nursery and baby shower couldn’t be more fun! Here is a sneak peek of some of the inspiration I’ve been collecting.
images: nursery designed by Erika at Small Shop; sorbet made & photographed by Cannelle et Vanille; ribbon via Ribbons Galore; the bar at Monday Morning Mimosas via Delphine Studio’s flickr; straws; pillow; macarons; letterpress cards by Seesaw Press; cake from Handmade Weddings via Design*Sponge; cocktails via Ritzy Bee, originally from Martha Stewart Weddings
happy first day of summer!
images: chance; dress via patterson maker; flair via matchbook magazine’s tumblr; sperry tent via kate parker weddings; lobster festival invitation designed by Peter West; just married flag photographed by justin & mary photography via style me pretty
word of the week: first look
First look photographs happen before the ceremony. They’re called “first look” because it is the first time you will see each other as bride and groom in your gown and suit. First look photographs are wonderful if you’re tight on time following the ceremony, or if you’d rather spend your time cocktailing rather than photographing. But, they’re nearly crucial during fall or winter months when the sun sets earlier. First look photos allow you to take advantage of natural light outdoors, rather than having to rely on artificial lighting to light your portraits indoors.
above: Ashley and Paul seeing each other for the first time at The Jefferson before their ceremony at University of Richmond. Photography by Don Mears.
Inviting your best friend to your wedding
The best way to incorporate your pup at your wedding is to hire a trainer or a handler. That way Fido can make a cameo (when you’re taking pictures or during your vows) and he can also have someone who is dedicated to his needs so you don’t have to be during your event. In Richmond, we love Sarah Sits and Stays.
images: 1 + 2 – Patrica Lyons at Lyndsay and Rob’s wedding; 3 – Erica Loeks Photography via Style Me Pretty
word of the week: sidewalls
If you’re planning an outdoor event, one of the first things you’ll probably do is secure your tent. You will likely hear a lot of words that are new to you when you’re selecting a tent. One of them might be sidewalls.
In case of bad weather, sidewalls are your friend. They protect you from wind and rain. If you look at the picture above, you’ll see clear walls surrounding the tent. Those are sidewalls. They’re versatile in that you can remove panels or add panels, so you’re not surrounded by walls all night long unless you need to be. Sidewalls come in many different materials. Clear walls are shown above, but you might have the option to order solid white, white with windows, mesh, etc.
In addition to sidewalls, you may want to consider other rain plan options for your tent: fans in case of hot weather or if you’re using sidewalls to keep air circulating, a cocktail hour tent (or more square footage in your dining tent as a rain plan), a ceremony tent, on-site event service from your tent company (a dedicated person from the tent company who can assist with sidewalls, etc.), flooring, and a marquee (a covered walkway) from your catering tent to your dining tent.
image courtesy skyline tent company
Sasha Souza book giveaway winner
The winner of the Sasha Souza book from Richmond Bride Magazine, as selected using random.org, is Nina, who said, “I LOVE yellow – so fun and cheery! It’s a tough color for a March wedding, so I’m hoping to incorporate little touches mixed with navy.” Congratulations Nina!
