Vendors We Seriously Love

Flowers from the Cellar rocked our world in Charlotte this week. Designer Pam Bailey has a shop we'd like to spend a few days just poking around in if we could! From her latest loves, like the moss-covered treatments for everything from glass vases to large initials foam forms to use as a statement piece for a wedding or other event, the organic materials in this cellar extend beyond the flowers. Texture takes over and whether Pam is using copper wiring in a centerpiece or creating a perfectly posh bouquet with peacock feathers,you'll love her craftsmanship and appreciate her guidance for your next wedding or event!

Visit http://flowersfromthecellar.com/.

Before You Take THE Plunge..

Call it the big leap, the plunge or whatever you'd like but guys, don't miss this site: theplunge.com!

SC State Ports Authority's Community Day

Don't miss The Freeloaders at the SC State Ports Authority's Community Day on Saturday, June 19th from 11am-2pm. It's free and open to the public!

Jennie and Garrett

Even wedding planners like a day off! I had such a great time in Nashville for Jennie and Garrett's May wedding. Music City never disappoints even after the disastrous flooding recently. The weekend started out with a lovely rehearsal dinner at Brentwood's charming bakery and restaurant, The Puffy Muffin. Trust us, order the eggplant parmesan and sneak a peak inside the bakery fridge behind the counter if you go: http://www.puffymuffin.com. The wedding and reception location at the W.O Music School was just right for this crowd of nearly 100 guests. The bride was gorgeous in a strapless number that led her groom to say, "Aren't I lucky? I'm marrying a Barbie!" The wedding party was lovely in pink dresses from J.Crew. Oh and the guitar glasses? A perfect rock star touch for this wedding!

The Bridal Garden

Love this! The Bridal Garden is located in NYC and sells couture wedding gowns and accessories for up to 75% off retail prices. Seriously! This fabulous store carries Angel Sanchez, Marisa, Mon Cheri and more. The gowns are donated by designers and brides. The best part? All proceeds benefit education efforts for New York City children. Make sure to call for an appointment first.

Visit: http://www.bridalgarden.org/index.html

One Hot Color Combo!

Navy and Fuchsia pop together! We're loving this design board featuring a strong navy with a flirty fuchsia because it is fresh and new. Found this inspiration or design board on bridalbuds.com and you can make your own at weddingwire.com.

Bridal Shows

Ever wondered about those bridal shows you see advertised on billboards? Should you go? Is it worth your time and money? Should you drag the fiance? Will he hate it?

Allow us to guide you through the bridal show mania! We like bridal shows for a few reasons:
-Brides and grooms get a chance to check it all out in person. No matter how many books and magazines you read, nothing compares to seeing the wedding day components like cakes and flowers in person.
-The down side is listening to the sales pitches from prospective vendors. The folks who staff these events are sometimes just a bit persistent, but we find that a simple "We're just getting ideas, thanks for your time," helps steer a couple on to the next booth.
-There are contests to enter. Some bridal websites even suggest bringing pre-printed address labels so that you can enter all the drawings at these shows. Just beware, you're also signing up to be on a mailing list by entering the contests.
-Take a big purse and make sure you have a pen for any notes about vendors you'd like to make for yourself. Bridal shows usually have plastic bags for you to put all the catalogs and vendor brochures in, but be eco-friendly and keep up with them yourself.
-Go for the food! Often you can make a meal out of the samples from catering companies and save room for cake samples.
-Don't miss the fashion show. Check the program from the show you are attending, most list the time for that day's fashion show and seats fill up rather quickly.