Elizabeth and Trent – A Truly Beautiful Spring Garden Wedding

There isn’t much more you can say about Elizabeth and Trent’s May wedding other than PERFECT.  Although there was a bit of rain that came thru right before the ceremony the skies cleared up and made for a great setting for a morning May wedding. We had the pleasure to handle the planning, the flowers and the decor. Elizabeth picked great colors, a great dress, and great locations.

On to the pictures courtesy of Ramblin Rose Photography, hope you enjoy and happy planning!

Angela Dacus, Memphis Wedding Planner                                                                                                                                               Southern Event Planners

A little spring bling!

Lauren and her Mom came to us about 2 months ago and they were looking for a little something different. She had everything done but the decor and flowers. Her colors and location were inspiration enough for us. Below is what we came up with for her spring wedding. We are so glad Lauren and her family decided to share her special day with us.

 

Enjoy and Happy Planning,

Angela

Amy and Chris’ Spring Brunch Wedding

I know I haven’t been posting much this month, but hey what can I say, if you didn’t already know…IT IS WEDDING SEASON. What a way to swing into the season than with a spring brunch wedding. This past weekend, I had the pleasure of spending my Saturday morning with a great couple, Amy and Chris. Although the morning started off overcast and rainy, the sun quickly came out and kissed the day for them. Annabella with Asian Bees Photography took some amazing pictures and made the most of the misty morning.

Amy and Chris wanted a beautiful, laid back, intimate, yet elegant brunch reception. Without a wedding party, Amy was open to colors and flowers. She pretty much let me take the lead in suggesting room layout and decor. Their one big huge thing that was hands down from the start mega important…FOOD. After interviewing just 3 caterers I knew we had a winner when during the tasting Amy told me it was “lights out good”. That is exactly what I needed to hear. With that we reserved Wade and Company and worked with them to create a menu that provided the guests with many choices to fill their bellies.

Almost as important as the food was the fashion. Amy had impeccable taste and it showed not just in her dress but particularly with her sassy bronze Jimmy Choo’s to her custom made bronze leather and pearl wrap bracelet and smoky quartz earrings.  She also choose the fabric for the suit and tie Chris had made. Hands down one of the most dashing dressed couples ever.

Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed the wedding.

Special Offer – Lounge Furniture Discount!

Looking for something to add that “WOW” factor to your next event? Let Southern Event Planners help supply you with that little something extra. For a limited time only, we’re offering 30% off of the rental of our fabulous lounge furniture!

If you’re planning an event during April 19, 2009 and July 31, 2009, keep reading!

 

Our lounge furniture pieces are 3′X3′ and can be arranged to fit any space. They are available in natural or black.

 

Pricing Options and Quantities:

 

4 Corner Pieces

     Regular Price: $80 each

     Discount Price: $56 each!

 

14 Chair Pieces

     Regular Price: $65 each

     Discount Price: $45.50 each!

 

10 Ottoman Pieces

     Regular Price: $50 each

     Discount Price: $35 each!

 

Other Rental Items Available to Accessorize:

 

5 Acrylic 20″ Square Cubes

     Price: $50 each

 

5 Ivory 5′X7′ Shag Rugs

     Price: $50 each

 

1 Black Leather 8′X12′ Shag Rug

     Price: $100

 

1 Apple Green 6′X9′ Fur Rug

     Price: $125

 

The Fine Print:

In order to receive the 30% discount on the lounge furniture, your event and rental of the furniture must be between April 19, 2009 and July 31, 2009. This offer is subject to availability. Furniture pieces are reserved on a first come, first served basis. A non-refundable 25% deposit will ensure your rental. Once a deposit is made, an order cannot be decreased or canceled; however, it may be increased if quantities are available. Offer not available for furniture rentals already booked. Offer does not include delivery and setup fees.

Call us at (901) 757-9339 to reserve your furniture from Unique Event Rentals or stop by our office located in Chickasaw Oaks Village, 3092 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111. See you soon!

Adorable Cupcake Wrappers

We were searching online and we came across one of the cutest ideas ever from Estilo Weddings:

Cupcake Wrappers.

Not just any cupcake wrappers…take a look:

These would be adorable for bridal showers and wedding receptions. They also have several different colors and designs.

How cute are these?! We thought so too.

New Mother/Son Song – My Little Boy

Nashville songwriters Jan Linville and Dave Tough wrote a wonderful song that can be played during the Mother/Son dance at your wedding. It’s called My Little Boy.

They sent us an .mp3 of the song to pass along to those who are interested. Contact us at weddings@southerneventplanners.com if you would like a copy of the song.

Here are the lyrics:

My Little Boy                   © 2008

Tough/Linville

 

The moment he was born

I held him in my arms

And fell in love when he looked up at me

Barely three years old

He’d crawl into my bed

And I’d dry his tears from a scary dream    

 

Lunch box in hand, he climbed up on that bus

Heading off to first grade, looking so grown up

The day had finally come 

To send him on his way

Tears of sadness – tears of joy

No words can describe

The way I felt inside

He’ll always be

My little boy

 

In sixth grade he got glasses

And braces on his teeth

Saved up for his first guitar and pitched for little league

He passed driver’s ed

And when he turned 16 

Worked hard at his first job and aced his ACTs

 

When I took him to college, he hugged me ‘goodbye’

I saw the last eighteen years, flash before my eyes

 

The day had finally come 

To send him on his way

Tears of sadness – tears of joy

No words can describe

The way I felt inside

He’ll always be

My little boy

 

Dressed in black ‘n white

A tall and handsome man

Our family and our friends are gathered ’round

He kisses the bride

They cut the cake, we throw the rice

Their lives have just begun

I’m so proud that he’s my son

 

The day has finally come

To send him on his way

Tears of sadness – tears of joy

No words can describe

The way I feel inside

He’ll always be

My little boy

New Wedding Trend – Laser Cut

As you may know, I live my life with eyes wide open: always looking for my next inspiration. Well little did I know I would find it in my own store. A laser cut candelabra:
 

Then I found this amazing laser cut wedding dress the other day and loved the way it looked like a jagged version of lace.

laser-cut-dress-Andreas Kock

 I started searching around and actually found quiet a bit of laser cut items that would be great for a wedding.

 Then this cake picture is incredible!

Laser Cut Icecake Tord Boontje

Let me know what you think about it. Could this be the new wedding trend for the modern bride who wants to keep it romantic with an edge???

Enjoy!

Angela

Anyone wanna go to Bali???

As I am doing my evening web purusing  I came across the most amazing chapel to host a wedding. It is called the Infinity Chapel at the Conrad Hotel Bali.

The Infinity was designed by architecture firm Pt. Divi Tunggal Mandiri, Jakarta Indonesia. The building is described as “the building’s simple off set triangle shape represents a romantic angle towards the heavens, while its physical attributes of marble, glass and steel are each metaphors for the male and female bodies and their interactions with each other as a couple. The remarkable steel framed glass wall that makes up the north side of the triangle embodies the delicate and nurturing characteristics of the bride as she supports the equally impressive marble south side, the stoic groom”.  I don’t think I have ever read a more beautiful description that has such relevant meaning.  Now I want to get married in that building!!

So I dug a little deeper and found out that the guest rooms are really very reasonable, $200-$500 a night. Considering you pay that for a night at the Peabody Hotel, a lagoon side king size room in Bali sounds great! 

 We even checked out airfair from Memphis to Bali on NWA and the flight was $1700. Sounds like alot, but I have been quoted almost that for Paris and Italy.

So whether you are thinking of eloping or looking for a romantic exotic honeymoon I think this might be a place to consider.  And if you are thinking about a destination wedding – don’t forget about us. We wanna go!!!!

Angela

Inspiration Contest

Just wanted to remind you that the inspiration contest is about to close.  You have until midnight (CST) January 15, 2009 to send us your ideas, pictures and how you are making them your own .  After that we will post our three favorite ideas and then let our readers vote. The winner will be chosen on January 31, 2009 and win their own copy of :

Make sure you send us your email, full name, wedding date and phone number so we can contact you – strictly for winning purposes.

We have gotten some great responses and can’t wait to see what your loves are! Send them on: weddings@southerneventplanners.com

Angela

Samantha and John’s Fall Wedding

Fall is my very favorite time of the year! I love the colors in nature, the crisp air and the thought that the holidays are just around the corner.

When Samantha and her Mom, Cathy, came to me and said they were having a hard time finding the perfect location for the wedding I knew I could help. She wanted to get married out in the woods but the weather in November is pretty wet and cold, so having an outdoor wedding in the midst of trees without a tent or heat was going to be tricky to pull off. Pinecrest immediately came to mind.

After visiting Pinecrest, Samantha called to say that she loved it and it was exactly what she had in mind. The venue is made out of a knotty pine and has soaring ceilings with glass all around. With it being nestled in the woods you really feel like you are in the middle of the it all, but without the elements.

Samantha and Cathy were really into the little details to help make a difference from other weddings that they had seen.  As the guests arrived they followed the hand made wood signs directing them “this way”, “goin to the chapel of love” and “we’re goin to get hitched”. The approach of the building was decorated with hay bales, mums, signs and a walkway of shepard’s hooks with hanging lanterns, flowers and raffia.

The ceremony took place under a burlap and grapevine covered ceremony canopy in front of candle lined windows.

The cocktail time was on the side patio complete with adnirondack chairs and swings, hanging lights and we even designed a bar made out of hay bales stacked up with wood across the top. Guests were treated to a great meal of Thanksgiving type of food – turkey, dressing, greens, sweet potato casserole and cranberries.

For the reception the wedding cake was moved under the ceremony canopy and the guests were seated all around at olive colored draped tables with several variations of centerpieces. 

 

It was a great wedding that celebrated the season and the couple in great fall style.

Happy Planning,

Angela

The All Black Party – Video

We posted an entry about an event we did last month, and a video was made about the All Black Party. Since our photos weren’t that fantastic, you couldn’t really see the amazing decorations. This video portrays the decor better than pictures ever could. It features our creations and rentals during the first minute, so check it out!

All you need to go is go here: http://www.cgientertainment.com/main.html. On the right is a link to view the video. Click on that and watch away!

Let us know what you think!

Warm Fig, Apple and Gorgonzola Flatbread

I must really be into fruit this year. Seems like every recipe I come across it has fruit in it. But the combinations can’t be beat. This time of year makes  you want that sweet and savory flavor more than ever.

Warm Fig, Apple and Gorgonzola Flatbread Recipe

Recipe and Photo Courtesy Steamy Kitchen

What You Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 8-inch round flatbreads
• 4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese
• 1 apple, cored and sliced very thinly
• 8 ripe figs, cut into 6 wedges each
• 2 ounces Parmegiano-Reggiano, shaved with vegetable peeler
• 2 tablespoons honey

What You Do:

Preheat your grill, half direct heat. Brush olive oil on top of each flatbread, especially the edges. Assemble flatbreads with gorgonzola, apples and figs.

Grill flatbreads over direct heat for 3 minutes, until the bottoms are toasted and browned. Then move to indirect heat and close cover for 3 minutes to finish melting the cheese and warming the fruit.

If broiling, set your rack to upper 1/3 position. Grill flatbreads without the toppings for 2 minutes to just get them nice and toasty. Then layer on the olive oil, gorgonzola, apples and figs and return to oven for 4 to 6 minutes until cheese has melted and fruit is warmed through.

Sprinkle shaved Parmegiano-Reggiano and drizzle honey on top.
Serves 4 to 6 as appetizer or dessert.

Decorating your Holiday Table on a Budget

We have all been affected by the economy. With Christmas a week away your pocketbook is screaming “I’m empty – there is nothing left” so trying to decorate your Christmas table may feel like a daunting task.

Check out these creative solutions. Many can be done with clippings from your yard or that poinsetta plant your next door neighbor gave you. This is a simple idea. Take some colored glass bottles (think left over wine bottles) or you may have glass vases you love even martini or margarita glasses would be great to use. Then clip poinsettas and insert the blooms into the water. You will need to sear the stem to seal it up before you put it into water.

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

Look around your house (inside and out) for items that you can use for a different purpose. For instance, for a glitzy table you may have a shawl or scarf that can be used as a table runner. Then take a colorful mixing bowl and fill with ornaments from your tree and place in the center of your table. Add some candles and wahhhla you have a creative display for nada.

Photo courtesy of Glenna Morton

If you would love to bring the outdoors in then this look is for you.

While this look is really done up using 100’s of roses that spells much moolah we recommend pulling from this and adding your own twist. One way to do that is to take branches from your back yard and wiring clusters of red ornaments onto them. Make sure you have sturdy branches that wont be weighed down by the ornaments. Then place the branches into a weathered garden urn. Fill base with Christmas greens and holly clippings (almost everyone has holly around). Carry that same look down onto the table covering the table top with greens and holly, mix in some ornaments, pinecones and candles. I would even take firewood and lay flat side down and use for trivets for your casserole dishes and platters. Red stemware would really setoff this look.

Hope this brought you some great ideas that inspire you to create a gorgeous table for the holidays.

Enjoy!!

Angela

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Entertaining Recipes

As the holidays quickly approach the shopping list gets checked off, the house decorating is done and the time to start attending parties is upon us. That means deciding what you will serve/bring.  The holiday time is my favorite time to try out different recipes. My family loves it. They never know what I am going to come up with. If you are like most you’ll wait until that last second to figure out what you are going to bring to the next gathering. 

 Well look no more! Here are some great ideas to help with holiday entertaining! We found the following dishes and thought it would be the perfect “pearing” to your next dinner.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!

Modern: Warm Caramelized Pears with Clove Zabaglione

This dish is courtesy of Cooking Light.

 

Instead of poaching, these pears are baked with wine, honey, and warm winter spices, leaving them similarly tender but with complex, multifaceted flavor. They’re then topped with a creamy sauce that adds another layer of texture and taste. Where Simple Poached Pears were all about purity of flavor, this dish is all about harmony.

Yield
8 servings

What You Need:

• 1  teaspoon  sugar
• 1/4  teaspoon  ground cloves
• 1/4  teaspoon  allspice
• 1/4  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
• 1/8  teaspoon  ground nutmeg
• 1/2  cup  Marsala
• 3  tablespoons  honey
• 1  tablespoon  butter
• 2  pieces lemon rind (about 1 x 3-inches long)
• 4  large Bosc pears, halved and cored (about 2 pounds)
• Cooking spray
• 6  tablespoons  Marsala
• 1/4  cup  sugar
• 2  tablespoons  water
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt
• 4  large egg yolks
• 1  teaspoon  butter
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Ground nutmeg (optional)

What You Do:

1. Preheat an oven to 350°.

2. Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.

3. Combine 1/2 cup Marsala, honey, 1 tablespoon butter, rind, and 1 teaspoon spice mixture in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted.

4. Place pear halves, cut sides up, in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour Marsala mixture over pears. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until pears are tender, basting occasionally. Remove from oven; keep warm.

5. Combine 6 tablespoons Marsala, 1/4 cup sugar, water, salt, and egg yolks in a medium, heavy saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is thick (about 5 minutes). Stir in remaining spice mixture and 1 teaspoon butter until blended. Place 1 pear half in each individual bowl. Spoon 1/4 cup sauce over each pear half. Garnish with lemon zest and nutmeg, if desired. Serve immediately.

Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Pear

This recipe is courtesy of Southern Living.

Prep: 15 min., Bake: 10 min., Stand: 10 min.

Yield
Makes 6 servings

What You Need:

• 12  thin slices pancetta (about 1/3 lb.)
• 1  Bartlett pear
• 1/2  (4-oz.) package goat cheese, crumbled
• Freshly cracked pepper 0A
• Honey
• Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

What You Do:

1. Arrange pancetta slices in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

2. Bake at 450° for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack using a spatula. Let stand 10 minutes or until crisp.

3. Core pear with an apple corer. Cut pear crosswise into 12 thin rings. Arrange on a serving platter. Top evenly with pancetta and goat cheese; sprinkle with pepper. Drizzle with honey just before serving. Garnish, if desired.

It’s Snowing at Southern Event Planners!!!

We got SNOW!!!!

Southern Event Planners recently experienced a snow storm! Ok, maybe not a literal snow storm, but we have “snow to go” in the store. 

What is more fun than snow?!  Insta-Snow To Go is!  No going outside in the cold, wet, winter weather to have fun and play.  With “snow to go” you and all of your family and friends can experience the fun of snow in the comfort of your own home, without it melting all over the place.

It is also great to use for decorating your holiday table. We are using it for our winter weddings for the toss as the bride and groom leaves. The guests will be throwing the snow, how fun is that???

Actually, we have so much fun with this product, and we always have a sample of it out for our guests to touch and play with.  It is cold, wet and never melts. It comes in a powder form and all you need to do is add a little water – that’s it! In an instant, you have created snow! 

The snow will stay for an endless amount of time, with minimal upkeep.  All you need to do is spray with a small amount of water every few days and fluff.

Stop by soon and play with our snow. We have it for sale in a small bag or a jar. Have fun this holiday season by sending snow to your loved ones. They will be so envious that you have SNOW in Memphis for your very own white Christmas!

Free Glitter Graphics, Snow Globes Glitter Graphics