your day of fairy tales

Wedding Recap: The First Look Part 2

2011-10-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

When we left off, James and I had finished getting ready and were ready to begin our pictures with Mark and Noelle. We decided on taking all our pictures beforehand because as a planner, I realize how important it is to not keep your guests waiting. Some of my more traditional family had a problem with this in the beginning, but looking back at our wedding day, I am very thankful that we did take all of our portraits beforehand. I must also add, brides: Make sure you have a shot list for your photographers before your wedding. This is one thing that I regret everyday because the pictures of my mom and I and my dad and I are limited. I blame myself for not being more proactive and doing this, but rather trusting myself that I would remember all of these on the wedding day.

Wedding Vendors:

Photography: McCoy Made

Flowers: Patricia Capes

Videography: 2Duce2 Videography

Rentals:Classic Party Rentals

Lighting: Nashville Audio Visual

WEDDING RECAP- Getting Ready

2011-06-08T22:32:00.000-05:00

FINALLY!! I am finding the time to get to our wedding recaps! I have been trying to find a good way to present these to you and I am so excited that I have finally done so!
Our wedding was an absolute gorgeous day and we have many people to thank for that. The first, is our ever so talented photographers, Mark and Noelle McCoy of McCoy Made. As you will see below, they are stunning at what they do and we are so thankful they took on our wedding. Also, 2duce2Video for our wedding video, which I am going to try and get our teaser on here soon!

At this point on the wedding day, I had been running around like a mad woman trying to tie up loose ends with my Bridesmaid, Aspen. After finishing our details, we decided it was time for us to get serious and get me ready for my first look with James. On our video, you can hear constant laughter from us throughout the entire day!

Look for our next recap where we look at our first look!

I knew for a while I wanted some colored shoes under my dress, but due to my unusual shoe size, I actually had to order special shoes and have them dyed.

(My hair dresser pictured above, Jenny, told me when I went in for my trial a few weeks before, that if I did not bleed in my scalp on my wedding day, she had not done her job. Needless to say, she did!)

Real Nashville Wedding: Jennifer and Drew- Mt. Juliet, TN

2011-01-30T21:35:00.000-06:00

Yes!I am alive and kicking over here in Weddingland! I am so excited to FINALLY be able to be blogging some of our weddings from the fall!

First on the list in Jennifer and Drew's Gorgeous October 9 wedding at Cedar Creek Yacht Club in Mt. Juliet, TN. Jennifer is the Wedding Designer for Scott Graham Florals out of Lebanon, so you can bet there were LOTS of details!

Jennifer and Drew: It was an absolute joy to work with you on making your dream day run smoothly.

Vendors:

Month of Coordinator: Your Day of Fairy Tales
Photographer: Chris and Adrienne Scott
Flowers: Scott Graham Flowers
Dress: Faccio Bridal
Venue, Catering and Linens: Cedar Creek Yacht Club
Cake: Signature Cakes by Vicki
Paper: Designs in Paper

Jennifer and Drew worked on the road 9 months out of the year while they were planning and they were able to find this jewel of a guest book while out on the road.

Coming up next: Mia and Rafael's spiritual vow renewal!

Have a great week!

Fridays with Hillary

2010-11-19T08:00:00.004-06:00

Sit back, grab yourself a cold Dr. Pepper, put your flip flops on and enjoy Friday's with Hillary! Starting this week, I am going to be video blogging every Friday and letting you know what is up with Your Day of Fairy Tales and Life in General. I will be presenting planning tips and other wedding related tips! Enjoy!

*Photos Courtesy of McCoy Made and Jennifer Herniak

It's Almost here! How to stay calm during this hectic last few days!

2010-10-05T23:36:00.000-05:00

I really cannot believe that it's almost here!

We have 10 Days until our wedding!

Source

It seems like just yesterday that we got engaged, but in reality it's been 2 years! My family will start arriving Monday and to be honest, I am ready for it just to be over! The last few weeks have been extremely crazy and hectic and yes, I will admit, there was a point in which last week, I was ready to call it off! But the last week or so, people can't get over how calm, cool and collected I appear!

Here is how I have stayed calm the last few weeks:

1. Breathing

(source)

Every time I start to get anxious or nervous, I close my eyes and start breathing big deep breaths! I probably look absolutely ridiculous doing it, but hey! It has helped me through some difficult ones the last week (ie, my mom's veil not matching my dress, my shoes not being ordered when I ordered them a month ago, etc)

2. AC DC

Ahhh.. My favorite band of all times! These guys can help ease the stress by rolling down the window's and blasting it as loud as your radio can take it!

3. And last...

Ice cream from Sonic with this guy! This is my 95lb lab Rudy! Isn't he the cutest! Best of all, he doesn't talk back about any of my ridiculous ideas and actually thinks they are great as long as he gets his Ice cream and you pet him! :)

Have a Great Week!!

Real Wedding: Engagement Pictures

2010-09-15T08:00:00.003-05:00

I would be lying to you if I said these last 3 months have been easy. In fact, they have been BUSY VERY busy! I have had several weddings, as well as focusing full steam on our wedding which is happening in 31 days! 31 DAYS! When we started this Journey 2 years ago, I had 500+ days to plan our dream wedding. I am down to 4 weeks, 1 month! Hard to believe that in just a short time, I will be someone's wife!

I wanted to take time and share a few of our engagement photos from the ever so talented Mark + Noelle McCoy of McCoy Made out of Franklin. We <3 these two and CAN'T wait to have them capture our wedding day!

So without further ado.. Our engagement pictures.

Like I said, We are really excited to have them be a part of our special day and if you are looking for a WONDERFUL photographer duo, Check out Mark + Noelle!

Hillary
Your Day of Fairy Tales
Nashville Wedding and Special Event Planner

Changing wedding plans

2010-07-29T14:46:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had an uneasy feeling about something and knew it wouldn't work? Have you wanted to prove yourself right that it would be the way you thought it would be! I have been that bride this week.

When we first made our wedding guest list, I thought we MIGHT be doing good to have 100 people show up. Now let me tell you, this is before my mom and grandma got wind of my plans for a semi small wedding. Out guest list currently stands at 160 invites. Yes you read that correct. We are send out 160 invites. So let's do the math.

160 invites x at minimum 2 people per invite= a whopping 320 people!!!

Now the rule is to account for approximately 75-80% of your guests. The percentage goes down if a good majority is from out of town. Well from talking to family, that percentage ain't gonna go down! CRAP! When i figured on a decreased 60% i still come up with a 192 guest list!! So what do I do? I am already freaking out about the size of our venue and now we are talking possibly adding another 100 people! ( side note: the cutting of the guest list just isn't gonna cut it because most of them are unfortunately people James and I forgot to add in the first place.)

So what is my plan b? Our original plan A.

Our church is a little white church in the middle of some fields with cows grazing around. When we first were planning, we decided to just go the tent route and have it right there together. Well... The July heat won and we eventually moved the wedding to October. We found a place we loved in town that was relativley inexpensive compared to the pricey tent I had been quoted. But as I previously stated, it only holds 100 people and our guest list is 175.

So here we are two months before the wedding, two weeks before invites need to go out, and I am dealing with a reception venue change. It will all be worth it to have peace of mind October 16 that all our guests will have a place to enjoy their meal.

Have you had to change anything major when you got down to the wedding wire??

Hillary
Nashville Wedding and Event Planner

The most important part of your wedding day: The ceremony

2010-06-26T00:33:00.000-05:00

The flowers. The cake. The uplighting. Weddings have gotten away from what really matters and moved more towards the superficial of what is "expected at weddings."

Source

I'll be the first to admit to you, that I am (or was) the same kind of bride. I work in the wedding industry. I research wedding trends A LOT and I read A LOT of blogs. But today, I had a revelation. It's not just about the whole wedding. It's about those 10-15 minutes that most people just want to get through so they can get to the party.

      Brides! This is the most important 10-15 minutes of your life and you are trying to rush it! Savor this moment with your one true love. Does it matter if the aisle runner is really straight or if the flower girl makes a fuss? No, what matters at the end of those 10-15 minutes is that you and your now husband are married. savor the moment. Look in each other's eyes. You will never have a wedding day with each other.

   I had every intention of turning this into a planning your wedding ceremony post, but after reading a blog post from Lara Casey, I am going to go transparent and just put it all out there. I met with one of my brides today and I have to tell you, she truly is a blessing sent from above. I rarely put my spirituality out in the open, just because as a planner and maybe a future educator, I want to appear transparent and open to all religions and types of ceremonies. I am still that same planner.
    My faith is strong. Always has been always will be. In the last year since I graduated college, my faith has definitely been tested. I never in all my dreams imagined that I would not have a "9-5" job after a year. Never imagined that God would truly bless me with some of the best clients and some clients who would test me as a coordinator and planner. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT.

My bride today asked if we could have prayer before we left. Okay. Fine. Great! Man. Talk about an unexpected 10 minute prayer making such an important impact on you. I have been thinking about who I am as a planner, who my target bride is and what it is I want out of life since I left Mt. Juliet today. I want to be the type of planner who serves brides that care more about the ceremony than they do getting drunk and wanting the most important 15 minutes of their live to fly by so they can hit the bar. I want to be a servant to my clients and serve them, but not be taken advantage of. I want to grow relationships with my clients and form friendships that last well beyond their wedding planning days. I am tired of the craigslist bride who takes advantage of you for your Month of Coordination or a bride who tries to wheasel every service out of you for full planning of $2000. I want to make a difference and I want to put God first in everything I do, even my wedding planning business. "I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

A sermon that the pastor who is marrying us preached a few years ago sticks with me every day. The scripture comes from James 4:13-16.

¹³ Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” ¹⁴ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. ¹⁵ What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil."

We don't know where our lives will be a year from now, let alone tomorrow. Make the most out of what you have now and make things happen while you have the time! I am ready to make things happen!

Engaged since 2008, but why 2010 to get married?- 4 months to go.

2010-06-14T22:26:00.001-05:00

To give you a little background, James and I got engaged on December 12, 2008. I was still in college and attempting to finish in 3 years. To view our entire engagement story visit here...Clarksville Brides: Hillary and James

But why 2010 to get married when I could have easily planned our wedding in a year? Here is why. 2010 has been an exceptionally busy, but exciting year in the Capes household. In April, we celebrated my grandparent's 50th anniversary. This event was truly special and celebrated what I consider to be the essence of making a marriage last and true love.

(Circa 1960)

Here are some pictures from their event:

Our family is super talented so everything was completed by us for the event! My sister, Courtney, took the photos, my grandmother made her own cake and catered the event and my mom and aunt, Sonja, did the flowers!

Yesterday, we celebrated my mom and dad's 25th anniversary. A wonderful surprise celebration was held at my mom's office suite here in Charlotte!

(Circa 1985)

Today is their real anniversary and also the anniversary of the day we moved to Tennessee 15 years ago from Illinois on their 10th wedding anniversary!

So why 2010? We believe that with having these VERY special events in 2010 resulting in long lasting marriage is an omen that ours will be a long lasting wedding as well!

Why did you pick your wedding date?

Real Wedding Inspiration: Pink!

2010-06-07T23:42:00.000-05:00

I don't know about every other woman or girl, but when I was a little girl, I LOVED Barbie dolls! In fact, I still get a new Holiday Barbie EVERY Christmas! But what I loved infact was the pinkness of the dolls! Everything was pink and all her accessories were pink. Now what I love is a Bride who utilizes every shade of pink and pulls it off fantastically!

Photos by: Erin Thacker Photography

Flowers by: Flowers By Trish and your day of fairy tales

Look at the variety in these flowers!

The Bride wanted a beautiful floating gerbera daisy arch to be married under!

Beautiful Favor Table Display incorporating varying shades of pink

Beautiful Cocktail table arrangement. Notice the fushia uplighting provided by Nashville Audio Visual

Check us out next week for some more wedding inspiration!

Real Nashville Wedding Recap: Rebecca + Joey- March 20, 2010

2010-05-26T23:02:00.000-05:00

Wow. It has been a while since I have posted a blog and to my readers: I apologize. Things certainly have been crazy around here and for that we have many blogs and inspirations to show you!

The first Real Wedding we are pleased to feature for this year is the wonderful Spring time wedding of Rebecca and Joey! Rebecca contacted me in Mid- January and contracted me for Month of Service. From the moment we met, I knew that their wedding was going to be fun filled and full of love by the way she talked about Joey!

Rebecca and Joey: Here is to a life time of happiness and many more years to come!

Rebecca is a zookeeper at the Nashville Zoo and works with the Birds! Several elements of her wedding included birds or bird feathers!

Rebecca choose a color palette of dark blue, apple green and white to represent the bird she most closely works with at the zoo.

The beautiful Edgefield Baptist

All the Wonderful Vendors who this day could not have happened without:

Photography: Tiffany Zajas
Reception Venue: Holiday Inn-Opryland
Ceremony Venue: Edgefield Baptist Church
Cake: The French Confection
Flowers: Hermitage Florist
DJ: Nashville Party Authority
Officiant: Ralph Griggs

Inspiration Tuesday: Clementine and Pewter

2010-05-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

Having been looking for inspiration for a bride that is getting married in September, I stumbled upon this Pantone wedding inspiration board. I absolutely LOVEEEE Pewter mixed with a bright pop of color. This color combo and think it would be perfect for a fall wedding or even a bright cheery summer outdoor wedding.

Happy Planning!

And The Winner is... and History of the Garter

2010-02-22T20:08:00.000-06:00

Miss Kriss!!

Congrats! In March, we will be doing an even better give away to make up for our missed February!

In the mean time, Here is a little History of the Garter.

"Tossing the wedding garter is an old time held tradition. It is said that in the days gone past, the bride and groom had to show proof of their wedding consummation. In order for it to be proven, it was common tradition to have people like family and friends come into the room with the couple. The "witnesses" would obtain the garter as "proof" of the consummation. Also having any article of the under garments was considered to be good luck so sometimes things would get out of hand in the newly wed's bedroom as crazed onlookers snatched at clothing to get for good luck. This was not appreciated much by the bride nor many grooms, hence the groom started tossing the garter out so that no one would need to obtain it themselves.
( How barbaric this sounds! glad things have changed since then)

Source

Because of modesty, this tradition has been modified and moved from the bedroom to the reception. Now today we have the traditional garter toss, which is meant to bring good luck to the man who catches it. He is said to be the next one to marry. In some cultures the men stand and wait for the garter to be tossed. Other cultures they actually compete for it. The men may compete for the garter in a foot race or by horse (this is a medieval practice). At least it is better than having the men chase the bride and put her upside down to get the garter off... This is what used to happen! In yet other places, they even auction the garter off. As strange as these twists on the wedding garter tradition may sound, it's all just a tradition. Take it or leave it.
or should I say "Take it or Toss it! "

Source

Are you participating in this tradition? Why or Why not? What was your deciding factor?

Give A Day- Get a Day: GREAT HONEYMOON MONEY SAVER

2010-02-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you have all seen the Muppet commercials where they are building a house with Jamie Denton from Desperate Housewives. Well these commercials have ignited a spark so I went to the website to see what it was all about. When I got there, I quickly realized there were 200+ volunteer opportunities in the Middle Tennessee area. WOW! As I begin looking through them one particular stands out to me. Project Linus is a nationwide charity that provides blankets to children in times of dismay. Some of the most noteworthy that PLN provides to are:

Monroe Caroll Jr Children's Hospital
Vandy NICU
TN Dept. Of Children's Services
Ronald McDonald House
Wilson County Fire and Rescue
and many more.

Now you're probably thinking what does this have to do with wedding planning.. WELL IT DOES!

You see James has never been to Disney World nor Florida and that is where we are honeymooning. Being a Budget bride myself, this is a GREAT way to not only give back to your community, but also get a FREE TICKET TO DISNEY which saves $45 each! That is $100 we can put towards something else!

So, what do I want other blogger brides to do with this information? I want you to check out the website, and find a way that you can volunteer.

2010 is the year to pay it forward and do something for others!

Happy Planning!

Countdown to the Wedding Contest- 8 months to go

2010-01-27T21:30:00.001-06:00

So it has been very busy the last 2 weeks here at Your Day of Fairy Tales and we completely forgot our Countdown to the wedding contest!

With 8 months to go til the wedding, I can guarantee that things are going to get even more hectic! So this month's contest is for ........

An ITunes Gift Card or app Store gift card worth $25. James and I both LOVEEEEEEEEeee our iPhone's and infact we both spent $10 this week on downloading the newest Lady Antebellum album (Which if you haven't done so yet, you need to because it is A-H-M-A-ZING!)

So.. How do you enter?

Comment on this blog and tell us what album or apps you would download with an iTunes or App Store gift card.

(** Entries MUST be posted by 11:59 cst Sunday January 30, 2010 to be eligible. Engaged couples only please. Previous Winners not eligible**)

Happy Planning!

Packages

2010-01-18T19:00:00.003-06:00

Here are our 2010 wedding packages

Month of Planning

This is our alternative to day of coordination. Coming in just on the weekend of your wedding makes it difficult to know exactly what is going on and we don’t want to cause more stress. This package is for the bride who has planned everything herself and just wants someone to be there to make sure the photographer shows up when they are suppose to. Prices start at $500

Prior to Wedding:

- Unlimited phone and e-mail communication

- 3 consultations

- Review of contracts to ensure client’s best interest

- Wedding timeline down to the minute

- Ensure all necessary items are in place to be transported on wedding day to ceremony and reception location. (guestbook, favors, place cards, etc.)

- Confirm all vendors for the wedding weekend

Wedding Weekend

- Conduct wedding rehearsal in a professional manner

- Coordinate and direct the wedding day ceremony and reception

- Assist and oversee setup of ceremony and reception décor

- Ensure bridal party is in the correct place at the right time

- Distribute personal flowers to bridal party and family members

- Coordinate the setup/cleanup of decorations on guest tables, cake table, etc.

- Make sure that the rings get to the altar

- Assist disc jockey with toasts, cake cutting, first dance, bouquet and garter toss

- Pack any cake leftover for transport

- Assist with the loading of gifts

- Keep guests away from photography area

- Deliver and arrange favors on tables

- Fluff your train and be prepared with tissues and lip gloss so that you look your best on your wedding day!

Partial Wedding Planning

You’ve done most of the work yourself, but want a professional to help where it matters. Maybe you are about to go over budget and still have several vendors to hire. If this sounds like you, then this is the package for you! Prices start at $1250

- Attend up to 4 Vendor consultations

- Unlimited phone and e-mail communication

- 5 face to face consultations

- Recommend wedding vendors in client’s price point

- One final walk through of ceremony and reception location

- Review of contracts to ensure client’s best interest

- Wedding timeline down to the minute

- Ensure all necessary items are in place to be transported on wedding day to ceremony and reception location. (guestbook, favors, place cards, etc.)

- Confirm all vendors for the wedding weekend

Wedding Weekend

- Conduct wedding rehearsal in a professional manner

- Coordinate and direct the wedding day ceremony and reception

- Assist and oversee setup of ceremony and reception décor

- Ensure bridal party is in the correct place at the right time

- Distribute personal flowers to bridal party and family members

- Coordinate the setup/cleanup of decorations on guest tables, cake table, etc.

- Make sure that the rings get to the altar

- Assist disc jockey with toasts, cake cutting, first dance, bouquet and garter toss

- Pack any cake leftover for transport

- Assist with the loading of gifts

- Keep guests away from photography area

- Deliver and arrange favors on tables

- Fluff your train and be prepared with tissues and lip gloss so that you look your best on your wedding day!

Full Wedding Planning

This package is perfect for that busy bee of a bride who is too busy to do all the little things for the wedding. We take care of those so that you can enjoy being engaged and spending time with your fiancé. Prices start at $2000

Prior to Wedding:

-Comprehensive Wedding Consulting, Designing, and Planning

-Overall Design of wedding

- Assist in invitation and paper selection for wedding

- Help secure venue for ceremony and reception location

- Work with couple to establish food and beverage menu for reception

- Help establish a workable budget and checklist of items to be accomplished

- Help envision the décor, theme, and colors tailored to the couple

- Coordinate wedding day transportation for bride and groom and/or any out of town guests

- Go to onsite visits with couple to visit florist, cake, DJ, catering, etc.

- Give guidance on wedding etiquette and the latest trends

- Make hair and nail appointments for the bride and wedding party

- Help secure rental of tuxes for wedding party and groom

- Prior to wedding day, contact all vendors to ensure time of delivery and itinerary

- Finalize wedding day itinerary

- Follow up RSVP’s

- Review and negotiate all contracts

- Help with the selection of favors, gifts, and/or out of town baskets

- Make arrangements for wedding day hotel room block for bride and groom and/or any out of town guests

- Recommend vendors for florist, hair/nail salon, cake, DJ, catering, etc.

- Unlimited Contact via Email and Phone

- Unlimited Face to Face Consultations

- Assistant “Wedding Day Coordinator” included

- One final walk through of ceremony and reception location

Wedding Weekend

- Conduct wedding rehearsal in a professional manner

- Coordinate and direct the wedding day ceremony and reception

- Assist and oversee setup of ceremony and reception décor

- Ensure bridal party is in the correct place at the right time

- Distribute personal flowers to bridal party and family members

- Coordinate the setup/cleanup of decorations on guest tables, cake table, etc.

- Make sure that the rings get to the altar

- Assist disc jockey with toasts, cake cutting, first dance, bouquet and garter toss

- Pack any cake leftover for transport

- Assist with the loading of gifts

- Keep guests away from photography area

- Deliver and arrange favors on tables

- Fluff your train and be prepared with tissues and lip gloss so that you look your best on your wedding day!

Real Wedding Planning Tips: The Kids in Your Wedding

2010-01-14T20:16:00.000-06:00

Now a day's brides and grooms are struggling with the concept of including (and even inviting) children to their wedding. When we were figuring out our wedding party we had no question whether or not we would include children in our wedding party. This is why:

Meet Kenny who is our ring bearer

and Jessie, our flower girl.

(How could you not want these cute kids in your wedding?)

Attire for the children is just as important as the groomsmen and bridesmaids. For Jessie, we are considering a very flowwy pretty party dress that she can have fun in. Kind of something like this:

I am going to DIY this flower girl basket that I found online. I don't like the birds though so those will definitely stay off! I think adorned with some beautiful blossoms it will make for a very rustic but elegant flower girl basket, which is definitely what we are going for.

Now for Kenny, I really do not want him to match the groomsmen, but want him to be his typical cute self.(This little boy yells Amen in church at the most appropriate times and the whole church dies laughing)

This Eton Suit is adorable and at a price of only $35.00 who can beat that. Kenny will not carry your traditional ring bearers pillow. I was looking for a way to incorporate more green into the wedding and found this beauty online. Another DIY project but unfortunately this can not be completed until the day before. Isn't it cute? I will adorn it with a pretty pink ribbon and voila!

Now, how are you outfitting the kids for your wedding? I would love to hear your ideas!

Keep on Planning,

Hillary

Wed Tip #1

2010-01-05T21:36:00.000-06:00

(projectwedding.com)

Wed Tip #1: For dramatic effect in your wedding, use specialty lighting. Local companies charge between 300 and 600 for basic lighting!

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T13:27:00.000-06:00

Well to quote a Celine Dion song "Another Year Has Gone By" and we made it through. 2010 holds so much for us here at Your Day of Fairy Tales. Here is a look at what to expect:

1. More Blog Posts featuring Vendors, fun filled wedding facts, more DIY projects!

2. The biggest wedding Your Day of Fairy Tales has ever planned

3. Working on our first ever Destination wedding with an amazing couple

4. This little thing I like to call our wedding!

2010 is going to be a great year. What are each of you looking forward to in 2010?

Happy Planning!

Hillary

And the

2009-12-23T23:31:00.000-06:00

NATOSHA!!!

Contact me so I can get you your gift card!

Merry Christmas

Hillary

Nashville Wedding and Event Planner

count down til we are married contest

2009-12-17T11:35:00.000-06:00

That's right folks, it's time for yet ANOTHER count down contest! We are at 10 months from today until we get married! So excited!

Last month's winner Cassandra won a fabulous dinner and a movie package to Regal Movie Theatres and the Melting Pot! Congratulations Cassandra!

So what is this month's you might ask? Well, another thing that James and I enjoy doing is going to good ol Wal-Mart or Target and Acting like total goofballs!

With that being said, this month's contest if for a $25 gift card from either Wal-Mart or Target.

To enter: Leave us a comment telling us what you and FI would do with your gift certificate and how it would strengthen your relationship. We will randomly select one winner using a randomized method.

(** Entries MUST be posted by 11:59 cst Sunday December 20, 2009 to be eligible. Engaged couples only please.**)

In the mean time, What do you think about this bouquet for a springy outdoor wedding?

Until Next Time,

Hillary

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T10:00:00.000-06:00

When you are reading this, I will be in Illinois for some much needed family time. Today kicks off what is going to be the busiest month for Your Day of Fairy Tales since opening in 2008. But before the hustle and bustle begins, I would like to thank a few moments to give thanks to those who inspire, support, or are some way involved in the being of Your Day of Fairy Tales.

1. I praise God everyday that I have been given the ability and talent to plan weddings for such wonderful couples. Without him nothing would be possible. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."- Philippians 4:13

2. The wonderful Kristin Kaplan of Simply Stunning Events. She has been an inspiration to me since I started and I had the honor of meeting her this past year and she is going to be helping us out with our wedding next year. :)

3. The fabulous Heather and Eugene of 2duce2 videography. Our 2 hour dinner meeting inspired me beyond belief and proved to me that I am going to be a success!

4. My family. They are the ones who have been supportive throughout all times of my life and I am forever thankful!

5. My Fiance. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to be marrying such a supportive man :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and Leave us a comment telling us what your thankful for!

Penny Pinching Bride- Finding the Perfect Budget Engagement Ring

2009-11-25T14:45:00.000-06:00

While the holiday season is rapidly approaching us, the engagement season is as well. “Silver Bells” and “Merry Christmas” are familiar phrases of the holiday season, but “Will You Marry Me” is a very popular phrase for couples.

This holiday season will be a penny pinching one for many, requiring many people to get creative in their search for affordable engagement rings. But, there are ways to get a quality ring without breaking the bank. Take into consideration these 5 easy pointers to save money on your soon to be fiance’s engagement ring!

1. Be educated! - You hear everyone talking about the 4 C’s (Clarity, Cut, Color and Carat) engagement ring shopping. If you don’t know what those are, stop reading right here and visit Shane and Co.’s website (shaneco.com) for jewelry education. This website will teach you everything you need to get the best bang for your buck when engagement ring shopping. Going in uneducated on the ins and outs of ring shopping could land you with a bad buy for your money. Know what kind of ring your fiancé wants and what color most of her jewelry is. If she has a right hand ring that is yellow gold, buying a white gold engagement ring could end up costing you more money than you anticipated. Talk to your fiancé’s family and friends about what type of engagement ring she would like as well.

2. Choose a smaller stone to propose with- There is no shame in buying your future fiancé a starter ring and updating the ring on an anniversary to come, such as 1 year or even 5 year. Shane Co. offers this service and also a free lifetime warranty.

3. Don’t be afraid of higher end department stores. Some higher end department stores such as JcPenney, Macy’s, Belk, and Dillard’s offer quality rings at a fraction of the price. When we got engaged last December, James told me that it was a temporary ring and that he wanted to get me a different ring eventually. We were out shopping one Sunday at JcPenney and found a great 1/3 of a carat nearly colorless, small inclusion ring for $300! That was too For example this Blue Nile (www.bluenile.com) ring sells for $1600.

www.bluenile.com

Did you know that you can find similar rings for around $500 or $600. This ring below can be found at Wal-Mart (Don’t cringe, read below) for $398!

Walmart.com

4. Don’t Settle for a Ring that is not “the Ring”- Too many men regret that they did not take longer in searching for the perfect ring for their fiancé. If you don’t find the ring by when you wanted to propose, don’t worry about it. She will still love you if you propose at a least expecting time. Be 100% sure before you buy.

(Bravo Bride.com)

5. Scout eBay, Craigslist or pre-owned bridal sites, like Bravo Bride - Many recent divorcees sell their engagement rings and wedding bands on these websites for sometimes as much as 75% off. Just be on the look out and make sure everything is legitimate before purchasing.

6. Remember- No matter what amount you spend on an engagement ring, it is the love and thought that you put behind it and how happy you will be when you are husband and wife.

Happy Planning!

And the Winner is.....

2009-11-21T12:39:00.001-06:00

THE WINNER IS CASSANDRA!

Cassandra is getting married in 2011 and is blogging her way to the alter on her blog http://sassybridesmission.blogspot.com/

CONGRATULATIONS CASSANDRA! I will be e-mailing you for information on how to get your prize to you! :)

Coming up this week..

-Part 1 of Penny Pinching Bride (As featured on Ashley's Bride Guide)
-Wedding Inspiration for winter weddings.
-Vendor feature from Blair at Nashville Party Authority!

Nashville Wedding Planner: Vendor Feature: McCoy Made Photography

2009-11-19T18:14:00.000-06:00

I have had the pleasure over the last 3 months to really get to know Mark and Noelle McCoy of McCoy Made (http://www.mccoymade.com). You might remember them from their previous name of McCoy Studio. Their new name and website are very user friendly and I just love their video blog series "Mondays with the McCoy's." In fact, here is the Monday with the McCoy's that we were featured on!

Here are some questions I asked the McCoy's in our interview!

1. Who are you and what do you do?

We are Mark and Noelle McCoy, of MCCOY MADE. We are a husband and wife photography team who travel the globe doing what they love to do, capturing couples uniting themselves in marriage.

What budgets do you work with?

We will try and work with anyone! But, we do have a base starting point that we believe is geared towards the bride who is recession savvy but still wants fabulous imagery. We take on a limited number of weddings per year, therefore ensuring that we work with brides who love our work and who like our personalities!

How many weddings have you been involved in?

So far for 2009 we have shot 25 weddings and we will 5 more this year!

What is one of your strengths in the industry?

Being a husband/wife team, we like to take pride in the fact that we pay just as much attention to the groom as we do the bride! There will always be two perspectives of the same moments, and we can be in two places at once. We have started several new polices for 20

10 here in our studio, one of our favorites is that we will be scheduling your GALLERY PREMIERE within two weeks of your wedding date! So, everything will be completely edited and ready to go shortly after you return from your honeymoon.

What makes you different from other vendors in your category and why should a bride and groom hire you?

The most important difference MCCOY MADE has that no one else has, is us. We take our jobs very seriously, but we love to laugh at ourselves as well. We strive to serve people with our hearts, and keep communication lines open.

Our style is simple but we believe that our images speak volumes. We always take time to get to know our clients so that their gallery can be a personal reflection of who they are. While we cover weddings in a journalistic way, we don’t like to limit ourselves by a “genre” of photography. We are hands off and unobtrusive in our coverage, but we do believe that there is a time for gorgeous casually posed images of the bride and groom and bridal party. We understand that family images are heirlooms that record your family in one of the most important events of your life.

What areas of Middle Tennessee do you service?

We serve all of Middle Tennessee, and beyond! We have captured a bride and groom in Italy, and at the latter part of the year will travel to Guatemala to cover a wedding!

Describe your favorite wedding or special event you have worked with?

This one is hard. I don’t think we’ve worked with a bride and groom that we didn’t fall in love with! Our favorite part of any wedding, is the people. But, if we had to pick just one, it would be a wedding we shot this past summer on a horse farm. The farm was theirs, and the horse drawn buggy the bride arrived to the outdoor ceremony in, was theirs. They all wore cowboy boots, and the groom wore a Stenson hat. All theirs. They were so true to who they are, not a single detail was a forced replica out of the latest magazine. That it made the entire event special (and more fun to be a part of and capture)!

Do you have any money saving tips to offer couples planning a wedding?

Do your homework. Hire a coordinator. One option that we offer, is that a bride can register with us! People can buy gift certificates to be put towards helping the bride and groom purchase their pictures or album after the wedding!

One more last piece of wisdom for the couple…

Always interview people. For photography, knowing that you “click” is important (no pun intended!). You want to get along, and feel comfortable, with your photographer, as they will be with you all day long. Always ask to look at sample wedding albums so you can get a feel for what you’re signing up for.

Thanks Guys! If you are looking for a photographer, definitely give Mark and Noelle a call! They are wonderful and funny people and even better photographers!

Dinner on us!

2009-11-18T21:37:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things to do as a couple with James is go out to dinner and go to a movie! We LOOOOVE O' Charley's and going to Opry Mill's to see a movie ( I love the girly ones, he likes the Transformers style ones). So every 16th of every month leading up to our wedding next October, Your Day of Fairy Tales is giving one lucky couple the chance to have a date night!

So here is how it will work,
Comment on this blog, telling us where your favorite date restaurant is and what your all time favorite date movie is and we will randomly select one entry to win on Friday!

(** Entries MUST be posted by 11:59 cst Friday November 20, 2009 to be eligible. Engaged couples only please.**)

Oh, Here is an inspiration post to get you thinking on your toes!

Nashville Wedding Planner: Vendor Feature: 2duce2 Videography

2009-11-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting for supper the fabulous Heather and Eugene of 2duce2 videography this week! Now, if when you think wedding videography, you think of an unsteady, handed camcorder from Wal-Mart, think again! Heather and Eugene have a UNIQUE and fascinating approach to something that was once boring and unattractive.

If you think that you can't afford a videographer, think again. Heather and Eugene's prices are reasonable and are very budget friendly compared to other videographers in the area. Plus, their videos are the best I have seen, so why wouldn't you hire them?

Here is a teaser from a wedding they recently videographed. I love how they captured everything from the beginning of the day til the end of the day when you are exiting.

Check out their website at www.2duce2.com

Ways to Destress with your groom!

2009-10-28T17:12:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks have been very stressful for both James and I. I have been meeting with clients and having vendor meetings. James has been working about 45 hours a week for the last few weeks. So destressing has been on my mind most definitely.

Here are a few ways you can destress with your fiance:

1. Only talk about wedding planning one or two nights a week. Guys get overwhelmed by all the color and vendor talk easily and let's face it, but their brain's can't handle as much information overload as a female's does. By only wedding planning with him two nights a week, you are limiting the wedding information overload.

2. Plan a date night every week. Find something you both enjoy doing or a new adventure and go and do it ever week. I was looking at the fab- Gray Photography blog this week and they had a great tip! (http://www.grayphotograph.com/blog/) They had a craft night for one of their date nights! GREAT IDEA!

3. Plan a weekend getaway. Escaping to the beautiful Florida panhandle, or going to enjoy the picturesque mountains of a fall Gatlinburg Day, is a fun and adventurous way to escape the stress from work and wedding planning. Hotels run specials during the week and there is likely to be less people during those times.

And just because every blog is better with some kind of inspiration post.. Here is my favorite inspiration board of the week.

30 Expert Tips and Tricks

2009-09-16T12:19:00.001-05:00

30 Expert Tips & Tricks

When planning your wedding, there are things that are nice to know, like that trumpet skirts are all the rage or nosegays are making a comeback. Then, there are things you need to know -- advice so essential that any bride who's lucky enough to hear it thinks, "I'm so glad someone told me that!" If you're wondering whether there's something you may have missed (or even if you've got everything under control), check out our indispensable planning secrets.

1. Guests Come First

Get a grip on the approximate number of guests you'll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there's ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it's not if you count the space you'll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band, and the dance floor.

> Start your wedding guest list here.

2. Investigate Wedding Blackout Dates

Know ahead of time if your wedding date falls on the same day as a trade conference, charity walk, or other local event that could affect traffic and hotel room availability.

> Click here for wedding dates to avoid.

3. Listen to Mother Nature

Heed the weather and other potential annoyances. Guests have been known to skip out early from hotter-than-hot summer tent weddings and improperly heated winter loft receptions. Bugs (gnats, deerflies, and no-see-ums) also swarm in certain areas during certain seasons. Consider renting pest control tanks to alleviate the problem or including bug repellent in guests' gift bags. And if you want a sunset ceremony, make sure you know when to say your vows by checking SunriseSunset.com.

4. Check Your Credit

Take advantage of the high cost of weddings and sign up for a credit card with a rewards program. Whether it gives you airline miles or great shopping deals, consolidating all wedding-related purchases to this card will help you accumulate thousands of rewards points (which could be used for your honeymoon).

5. Pay It Forward

Let one vendor lead you to another. Your wedding photographer can tell you which florist's blooms really pop, and your reception manager should know which band packs the dance floor.

Let one vendor lead you to another. Your photographer can tell you which florist's blooms really pop, and your reception manager should know which band packs the dance floor.

6. Lighten Your List

The easiest way to trim your wedding budget? Cut your guest list. Remember, half of your wedding expenses go to wining and dining your guests. If it's costing you $100 per person, eliminating one table of 10 can save you $1,000.

7. Ask and You Might Receive

Request an extra hour for cocktails or for your band to throw in that Frank Sinatra sound-alike before you sign on the dotted line. Most vendors would rather secure the reservation than nickel-and-dime you early on and turn you off. Later on, though, they may have less of a motive to meet you halfway.

8. Make a Meal Plan

Another unforeseen expense? Feeding your wedding day crew. Before you sign the contracts, make sure you're not required to serve the same meal to your vendors that guests will receive. Otherwise, you could be paying for 20 additional lobster tails. Choose a less expensive (but equally hearty) meal for them instead. You will have to let your wedding catererknow a couple of days before the wedding exactly how many vendors you need to feed (don't forget photography assistants and band roadies) and what you want them to serve.

9. Get Organizationally Focused

In a three-ring binder, compile all your correspondences with vendors, notes you make during meetings, and photos or tear sheets from magazines you want vendors to see. Set up a special email address dedicated to your wedding, and store important vendor numbers in your cell phone.

10. Tend to Your Bar

Typically, you need one bartender per 50 guests to keep the line at a minimum. But if you're serving a signature cocktail that cannot be made ahead of time (or in large quantities), consider adding an extra server designated to this task.

11. Leave Some Room in Your Wallet

Your wedding budget should follow this formula: 48 to 50 percent of total budget to reception; 8 to 10 percent for flowers; 8 to 10 percent for attire; 8 to 10 percent for entertainment/music; 10 to 12 percent for photo/video; 2 to 3 percent for invites; 2 to 3 percent for gifts; and 8 percent for miscellaneous items like a wedding coordinator. It's essential to allocate an extra 5 to 10 percent of your money for surprise expenses like printing extra invites because of mistakes, additional tailoring needs, umbrellas for a rainy day, and ribbons for the wedding programs. Go to TheKnot.com/budgeter for an interactive budget allows you to add your own items.

12. Don't Be Afraid to Beg

With vendors, almost everything is negotiable. And it doesn't even sound insulting. Just say, "I would love to have you, but my budget doesn't allow for this. Is there any way we can make this work?"

13. Wait for a Date

Sometimes, last-minute planning can work in your favor. The closer your date, the more bargaining power you have. Since most people book their wedding sites at least six months in advance, calling for open dates two months prior to your desired time can save you up to 25 percent. And, Friday and Sunday weddings should cost about 30 percent less than Saturday weddings.

14. Manage the Mail

Of course you want the perfect stamps for your wedding invitations. But not all stamps are widely available at every post office, especially in large quantities. Save yourself scouting time by ordering them online at USPS.com. And be sure to weigh your invitation and all the additional paper products before you send them out so you can attach the right amount of postage. Ask your stationer about the need for additional postage for odd-shaped envelopes.

15. Prepare for Rejection

Know that as a rule, about 30 percent of the people you invite won't attend. Naturally, this depends on the location of your wedding (destination weddings are harder to attend), how many out-of-towners are on your list, and the timing of the event (some guests may have annual holiday or summer plans). On the other hand, everyone could accept -- knowing your wedding will be the can't-miss party of the year!

16. Make a Uniform Kids Policy

You have four choices: You can welcome children with open arms; you can decide to have an "adults only" wedding; you can include immediate family only; or, you can hire a child care service to provide day care either at the reception space, in a hotel room, or in a family member's home. To prevent hurt feelings, it's wise to avoid allowing some families to bring children while excluding others (unless, of course, the children are in your bridal party).

17. Prioritize Your People

Pare down your guest list with the "tiers of priority" trick. Place immediate family, the bridal party, and best friends on top of the list; follow with aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends you couldn't imagine not being there. Under that, list your parents' friends, neighbors, coworkers, and so on. If you need to make some cuts, start from the bottom until you reach your ideal number.

18. Take It One Step at a Time

Put together a wedding planning schedule and do things one by one, in a logical order, so you don't take on too much too fast and end up with everything snowballing around you. Don't hire any vendors before you've confirmed your date; don't design your cake before you've envisioned your flowers; and don't book a band before you've settled on a space.

19. No Ring, No Bring

If your guest list is bursting at the seams, assess the plus-one scenario. Do a faux seating chart in your mind, and imagine whom your single pal would sit with. If it's a table of singles that she knows pretty well, then you're all set. If it's a table of couples (making her the odd one out) or if it's a table of singles where she won't know anyone, consider bending the rules. If asked why you're not allowing single friends to bring guests, size constraints or your parents' never-ending guest list are always good fallback white lies.

20. Release Rooms

As soon as you have picked a date, start to look for hotels in a wide variety of price points. Many hotels allow you to reserve rooms for guests under a special wedding block and a reduced rate. You can then release any unbooked rooms a month prior to your wedding. If the hotels you contact insist upon contracts with cancellation penalties, just say no -- you don't want to be responsible for rooms you can't fill.

21. Provide Accurate Driving Directions

Make sure guests know where they're going. As easy as online map programs are to use, sometimes the directions are wrong -- or there's a quicker, less traffic-prone route to take. Ask your ceremony and reception sites for printouts of recommended driving directions, which they often keep in stock for weddings and will give to you for free, and test out the routes yourself.

22. Keep a Paper Trail

Get any nonstandard changes to your agreements in writing or send the vendor a confirmation email saying, "Hello, just confirming that you'll keep the venue open until 2 a.m. versus midnight." Don't take anyone on his word -- by the time the big day rolls around, your contact may no longer be working there to vouch for you.

23. Schedule the Setup

You must make sure there's ample time for setup. If you're renting a venue and bringing in outside help, ask, "What time can people come in to set things up?" Preston Bailey, author of Preston Bailey's Fantasy Weddings, recommends seeing if they can do it the day before, or at the very least the entire wedding day, before the event starts.

24. Learn About Marriage Licenses

You can check your state's license requirements online, but confirm with a call to the county clerk's office to see when they're open. Even if it's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they may issue marriage licenses only during slower times like, say, Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Give a copy of your marriage license to your mom or your maid of honor (just in case you lose yours during the final days before your wedding).

25. Go Over Ground Rules

Be prepared! Ask the manager of the house of worship or site where you'll be married for the list of restrictions (if any). For instance, is flash photography or bare shoulders prohibited? Or, if you're exchanging vows outdoors, are you allowed to plant tent stakes in the lawn (which is often a no-no)?

26. Classify Your Cash

Wedding budgets are all about balance. Start your budget planning by making a list of the crucial details, like the music, your wedding gown, the invitations, the flowers, and the photographer, and assign a number to each -- one being the most important and three being the least. Invest your money in all your number ones and cut corners on your number threes. (But everything can't fall into the number one category!) For example, if a designer gown and fabulous food are what really matter, you may have to choose simple invitations and smaller floral arrangements.

27. Help Guests Pay Attention

Make sure your guests can see -- and hear. If people are seated farther than 15 rows back from your ceremony altar or podium, consider renting a mic and a riser. This could range anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the equipment used. You'll need to coordinate the delivery and setup with your ceremony space, so put your wedding planner or best man in charge of this task.

28. Write Down Your Digits

Carry an emergency contact sheet on your wedding day. Keep the paper with names and phone numbers of all your vendors in your purse -- it may come in handy in case your limo driver gets lost or you decide you'd like your photographer to take some behind-the-scenes shots.

29. Call the Fashion Police

Don't go dress shopping on your own -- all the gowns will start to look the same after a while and it will be harder to recall which style you really loved. But be careful about who you do bring. If your mom or sibling can't make the trip, ask a friend who is truly honest. This is the time when you really need to know which dress looks best.

30. Be Realistic With Your Time

When it comes down to the last month of your planning (and when you're particularly harried) look at your mile long to-do list and cut three things. Yes, cut three things. Not crucial things that you just don't feel like doing, such as picking a processional song or confirming final details with all of your vendors. Eliminate only the over-the-top tasks like hand-painting "Just Married" signs, or baking cookies for all of the welcome bags. Make a pledge to not think about them ever again.

-- The Knot

Mix up your Wedding Party

2009-09-16T00:23:00.001-05:00

I included this as my favorite trend right now in my Ashley's Bride Guide Vendor Spotlight. Figured since I found this blog, I would share it with you.

The latest trends in weddings are changing with the times. Not long ago it was unheard of to have a male as your maid of honor, but today it's more common then you think. Another common trend that is catching on is dressing your bridesmaids in different dresses given each bridesmaid a different look.

I think these trends are making weddings unique and memorable to not only to the bride and groom but also to their guest. Let's be honest, I know I would never forget a wedding where the best man was a women.

Check out some other ways to spice up your wedding party!

Information from : wedzilla

DIY Cupcake Boxes

2009-09-16T00:19:00.000-05:00

"I was getting lost in the blog-o-sphere when I came across the cutest tutorial! Since I heavily contemplated cupcakes for my wedding favors (I'm doing cookies instead), I thought I might share this cute idea. I found it over at my new favorite blog ISLY. That's where all the below photos are from - these are totally not my DIY photos!

You can download the template and how-to here, or just read below.

You'll need:

12x12 stiff scrapbook paper (the thicker, the better)
Pencil
Scoring tool
Scissors
Straight edge
Double-sided sticky tape

Do this:

Print out the template paper on regular printer paper.
Carefully cut out the shape and tape the straight sides together.
Trace the outline onto the scrapbook paper.
Score along the dotted lines with a bone folder or scoring tool.
Glue or tape tabs.
Fold top petals counter-clockwise and tuck the last tab under the first tab.

This may seem like a lot of work, but if you can buy scrapbook paper that coordinates with your wedding colors with Michael's or JoAnn's coupons, you can make these for pretty cheap. The cheapest cupcake boxes I found were about $.89 a piece, but they were super generic (read: fugly). If I had decided to go the cupcake route, I'd be all over this like white on rice. Heck, I think I might buy up some Christmas scrapbook paper and make some yummy treats for the holidays!"

Information taken from Wedzilla

Country Inspired Wedding: Sparklers and Lemonade

2009-09-16T00:14:00.000-05:00

What a great board! This inspiration board was found at Elizabeth Anne Designs. I think sparklers are a great idea for the couple to go under and makes for a great picture! Hanging place cards are another wonderful idea! I know we've all had trouble finding our names, but with them hanging I believe it could be easier to find names and prettier, too!

Information and image taken from Elizabeth Anne Designs; Wedzilla

All Things Veil

2009-09-16T00:09:00.001-05:00

What is the difference between a blusher and a fly away veil? How long should a chapel length veil be as oppose to a cathedral length veil? Hopefully these nifty little diagrams can answer those questions for you, and maybe give you some inspiration to boot.

Source: Veil Trends; Wedzilla

Do's and Don't's of Toasts

2009-09-16T00:07:00.000-05:00

A best man once said…”I've heard that a best man speech should be as long as it takes for the groom to make love...so thanks everyone, enjoy the night”

Why is a best man speech usually so much funnier than a maid of honor speech?

And now that rehearsal dinners are the mandatory pre-game event, there are entire nights dedicated to men trumping women. With rehearsal dinners popping up as often as Internet photos of that Jon and Kate couple, we thought it was important to inform women why their speeches are lacking the male pizazz. As women, we are bummed to make this sweeping generalization, but it is the truth.

The problem with many speeches by bridesmaids is that they are filled with cheesy quotes, off-beat rhymes or inside jokes. Cheesy quotes and poems were cute while you were making your Senior year collage, they were adorable for your sorority rush skit and are even still fitting for your parents anniversary gift.

However, listening to 6 girls alternating rhyming lines is even less enjoyable than that new Parks and Recreations show. Because a poem is made up of fragmented sentences, listening to it sounds like the teacher in Charlie Brown (wah wah wah). If we actually do hear what you are saying, we can bet it goes something like “we have been friends for so many years, through the laughter and through the tears.” By the time you get to sentence 4, everyone in the room has already stopped listening and asked for 2 more shots to numb the pain.

If you think you are a good poem-writer, and you can have someone other than your mom verify this, then you might be an exception to this “please don’t torture us with a poem” rule. We consider ourselves exceptions to the “no poem” rule, but only because we practiced for many years at camp, writing multiple alma maters/cheers and receiving compliments for our writing. So if you can write a good poem, please stand up there alone and recite it, use some witty humor and speak very slowly.

If you aren’t funny, which, 60% of you probably aren’t, we suggest you just be sweet and nice. Being sweet and complementary goes a lot farther than corny. Tell one nice story about your friendship with the bride and say what a lovely couple she makes with the groom. Complement them and hand the microphone to someone funnier.

For everyone, funny or not, tell stories that everyone can relate to. Be general and do not tell inside jokes. If you want to tell the bride/groom inside jokes, save it for the wedding card – or any other time when you aren’t in front of 50 people. Don’t be too inappropriate, its awkward for the grandmas.

Lastly, a big no-no - do not make the speech a personal attack on the bride/groom if you happen to not be their biggest fan and do not bring up unpleasant situations from the couple’s past. Wedding Crashers was totally on point - “ the whole funny-because-it's-true bit only works if the truth is a *small* thing like "everyone knows Jennifer likes to shop, ha ha ha".
Before deciding to have a rehearsal dinner, you should really evaluate your bridal party’s speech-giving capabilities. It might be the difference between a great night and a snoozefest.

Information from Wedzilla

Pinks and Oranges and Corlas, oh my!

2009-09-16T00:04:00.000-05:00

I found this inspiration board at Wedding Rumors and let's just say, this is one of my favorite boards I've seen in awhile! The drinks look so yummy, I wish I had one right now! The menus it looks like, are all different shades of the flowers, oranges, corals, and pinks! It's so fun and creative! What do you think of this board?

Image and information taken from Wedding Rumors; Wedzilla

Halloween and your wedding

2009-09-16T00:03:00.000-05:00

This is one of cutest, creative inspiration boards I've ever seen! What a neat idea to celebrate Halloween and your wedding at the same time! I love, love, love the orange bridesmaids dresses! This inspiration board is from Bride Tide Blog. To see more inspiration boards, check out Bride Tide Blog.

Information and image taken Bride Tide Blog; Wedzilla

Choose your wedding flowers carefully:

2009-09-15T23:56:00.000-05:00

Character Flowers

Agapanthus............Love letters
Anemone...........Farewell to the past
Antherinium.......No secrets from you
Asparagus fern.......Sincerity
Birch..................Longevity
Carnation..........Pure and ardent love
Chyrsanthemum......Truth and wealth
Cornflower........Admiration, hope
Cotton Balls......Nature
Daisy......................Loyal love
Daffodil..............You are the only one
Delphinium........An open heart
Eucalyptus..............Spirituality
Freesia...............Innocence and trust
Geranium..........Thoughts of youth
Gerbera..................Loyal love
Gypsophila.........Innocence
Hollyhock.........Devotion
Iris.........................Faith and wisdom
Lilac..................Beauty
Lily...................Majesty, honour, beauty
Lily of the Valley....Renewed happiness
Magnolia...........Nobility, love of nature
Maidenhead fern.....Discretion
Miniature Rose......Always remember
Moss................Eternal affection
Narcissus...............Stay sweet
Orange Blossom....Eternal love
Orchid..............Love, refinement
Peony....................Captivation
Poppy...................Pleasure, imagination
Protea...............Magic and enchantment
Rhododendron........Fascination
Rose (coral)..........Desire, passion
Rose (lavendar).......Enchantment
Rose (orange).........Fascination
Rose (peach)........Modesty, purity
Rose (pink).............Grace
Rose (red)...............Love
Rose (white)..........Innocence
Rose (yellow)..........Friendship
Rosebuds................Youth & beauty
Spray carnation......Fascination
Stargazer lilly...........Wealth
Snapdragon.............Graciousness
Stock....................Bonds of affection
Sunflower................Splendid beauty
Sweet pea...............Delicate pleasure
Tuberose...............Dangerous pleasure
Tulip.......................My perfect lover
Twisted willow........Remembrance

Taken from wedzilla.com

That's alot of weddings..

2009-09-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Did you know last year (2008) in Tennessee there were 65,861 weddings?
-The average cost for a wedding photographer was $1,455 and $618 for engagement pictures
-The average amount spent on flowers was $1,235
-Couples spent $1,005 on stationary
- $11,140 was spent on the Reception
- They spent $455 on their cake

(photo courtesy of John Dunahoo Photography)

Discouraged by these numbers? Economy got you down and don't think you can spend this kind of money. Don't let it! Many brides are opting for smaller more intimate weddings and cutting back on many things. Make your day your own and it will fit into budget! And most importantly, Hire a wedding planner. They can make vendor recommendations that fit your budget and make sure you don't get in over your head and most importantly, keep you calm, cool and collected on your wedding day!

Be Inspired,

Real Weddings Planning Tips Monday Part 1: Creating the Budget

2009-08-31T22:33:00.000-05:00

This starts a weekly series of wedding planning tips from the views of a professional as a bride to be.

When James (my fiance) and I first started planning our wedding, we knew that we wouldn't have a lot of money for the budget because I was going to be working on my Master's degree and James is working on his bachelor's degree. We knew my parents would contribute some, but it would not be a lot. The first thing we did was sit and talk about what kind of wedding we dreamed about and what we could realistically afford. We choose a modest budget, but one we knew would provide us with the wedding of our dreams.
Create a chart of the things about your wedding that are most important to you and your fiance. For our wedding, our list looked something like this:

1. Photographer
2. Flowers
3. Decorations
4. Catering
5. Venue
6. Attire
7. Videography
8. Transportation
9. Rentals

So I divided up a portion of our budget to go towards each category and if I did my calculations right it should come out on budget! :)
Another way to be creative and still maintain a sense of budget, is making the wedding your own! Who says your brides maids have to carry flowers or that you have to have cake! It's your day so make it your own!

A modest budget doesn't mean that you can't have a fabulous wedding! One thing that really is hot right now is DIYing a great deal of your wedding things!

(source: The knot.com)

From invitations to favors, there are numerous things that can be DIYed for a wedding. Let your creative juices flow and most importantly have fun with your wedding!

Be Creative!

New Wedding Inventory :)

2009-06-28T01:33:00.000-05:00

To better serve our clients, Your Day of Fairy Tales has come up with a new way of getting to know our brides better! Call today to schedule your meeting and we can help plan your "Fairy Tale" Day

Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner!

2009-03-15T00:39:00.001-05:00

I found this on Youtube tonight and could not resist sharing! ENJOY!

NEW NEW NEW!

2009-01-16T13:03:00.000-06:00

Be on the look out for an all new Your Day of Fairy Tales Website! It should be up and running around the 30th of this month!

Keep on Planning,

Hillary

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T21:24:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone of you that stumble upon this blog had a blessed and Merry Christmas and that you will have an even better 2009!

This is going to be a great year for the wedding industry no matter what the economy says! Couples are not letting the state of the economy come between their love and that is an amazing thing!

For those of you who don't know, or haven't visited the myspace site, I am now engaged as of December 12. James is a wonderful man and I can't wait until I can say he is my husband!

With that being said, I have done a lot of searching for items that are unique that we can include to make our day our own! One thing I saw while watching WE last night was very unique table numbers! For every table number, you use a picture of you and your fiance at that age!
This is a thrown together example, but you get the idea! These would be a great way to incorporate pictures of you and deceased family members too and that can pay tribute to them as well!
I think several of the same trends are going to stay popular this year! The photo booth is a favorite of mine that will continue to grow more popularity, as well as specialty drinks for each wedding instead of a full bar!
Well That's it for this Blog! Tomorrow starts my last "full" semester of college! It is going to be a busy one with wedding planning, working, and classes, but it will all be worth it in the end! As always, contact me if you or anyone you know needs help with their wedding!! :)

Shana and Daniel Nolan

2008-10-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege today of coordinating the wedding for this beautiful couple. The wedding was gorgeous and showcased the love that these two have. Patricia Capes did an absolute gorgeous job on the flowers for the ceremony and reception, and Mary Davidson Photography took what will be some gorgeous photos. Everyone loved all the extra touches that tied everything together. As soon as the pictures are finished, I will upload some! :) As always, feel free to call or e-mail if you need assistance with your wedding!

Kroger Bridal Fair

2008-09-27T23:43:00.000-05:00

Today was the 1st annual Kroger Bridal Fair in Independence Square in Franklin. I have to say I was a little skeptical about participating in a grocery store. It was a very intimate show with only a few "non" store vendors. I met Beth Anne from Beautiful Weddings by Beth Anne and she gave me a lot of great ideas on how to reach brides in other markets. I am going to be reaching out to college students who are getting married before they graduate simply because that is where I am located 5 days of the week right now! A special THANK YOU!! to Classic Party Rental out of LaVergne for loaning me pretty much everything I needed to set up my table. Also Thanks to my parents for putting up with my OMG we only have 10 mins to set up attitude and to mom for doing the flower arrangement for today!
If you came to the blog first before visiting the site, I want to say you really need to go look! I have spent about 5 hours today after the show trying to get quite a few images from the weddings I have done on here. It is still a work in progress and in between school, internship, job and having a wedding with Mom this weekend, I will try and finish sometime. FYI for anyone who doesn't know, I have 10 months til graduation! I can smell freedom!

I made a great contact with a vendor this week. Angie Gambill (www.gambillphotography.com) does some amazing work. I have an internship this semester in the entertainment production field , and Angie's sister Nina is a lady in the office with me and Nina helps Angie shoot some weddings from time to time. Angie's work is absolutely amazing and I can't wait to work on a wedding with her!