March « 2010 « Baltimore Wedding Planners Affairs With Elegance Blog

A Wedding Planner Not A Florist

Friday, March 26, 2010

As a wedding planner I’ve attended several floral meetings with my clients over the years. However it wasn’t until I took a floral arrangement class Sunday that I had a whole new appreciation for their skill and time. While I understood their talent to come up with the perfect arrangement for a couple’s wedding vision, I didn’t realize just how long it takes to create an actual arrangement.

During the class I created ONE arrangement which included hydrangea, roses, spray roses, peonies, ranunculus and orchids. I think I did a prettty good job for a first timer but once I was done I just couldn’t wrap my mind around having to do 19 more (a total of 20 for a 200 guest wedding). That doesn’t even include bouquets, boutonnières or ceremony and cocktail hour arrangements. And don’t forget about the time it takes to clean, strip and prep the flowers for use. Now of course it would take an experienced florist way less time than it took me but I’m sure it is still very time consuming. And if that wasn’t enough, most florist have more than one wedding in a day and/or weekend.

My work station…I was eager to get started

We started with the basics…a glass container and oasis (also known as floral foam)

Making progress…

Me (and my finished arrangement) with Shawn Nocher (owner and our instructor)

I couldn’t wait to get home and show off my handy work to my husband. I proudly placed it on our dining room table

Although I only took the class for a better understanding of the process I just want to say to all the florist we work with…I doubt you’ll ever have to worry about us adding flowers to our list of services. A big thank you to The Floral Studio for opening their doors and my eyes to the floral design process.

If you’re interested in taking one of their classes, you’re in luck. Another one is being offered on April 18^th.

Wedding Pro To Know - JLowe Photos

Monday, March 22, 2010

This is a new series we’ve started to introduce you to great wedding vendors in the Baltimore/DC area. Our first vendor spotlight features one of my favorite photographers. I first met Jen Lowe when our clients Maritza & Richard contracted her for their 2007 wedding. Since then we’ve worked together on several weddings and for good reason. Besides being a GREAT photographer, Jen is one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve met since entering the wedding industry. Her personality is so upbeat and fun which is great for putting couples at ease during engagement sessions and on their wedding day. So without further ado, I introduce to some and present to others…

Jen Lowe
Owner, JLowe Photos
web: www.jlowephotos.com
blog: www.jlowephotos.com/blog
Established: 2007 (although she’s been a professional photographer since 2004)

If you weren’t a photographer what else would you want to be and why?

I have always been drawn to the creative arts – in my previous life I was a graphic designer, which I would probably be drawn to again if I wasn’t so in love with my photography business. And the two other things that I feel that I would be drawn to would be teaching elementary school art, hand crafting paper products (invites, cards, etc.). Do you see the pattern – anything creative is right up my alley!

What is your favorite thing about weddings or the wedding business?

Just one?? That is so hard! I seriously LOVE weddings! The first thing that comes to mind is details. I LOVE beautiful details (again – tied to the creative thing!). I also LOVE emotion – weddings are SO full of wonderful, happy emotion and I LOVE to be able to capture that!

What is your #1 tip for bride & grooms?

Be realistic about your timeline. The biggest mistake I see my couples make is not allowing enough time to do photos and rushing to the reception. When the day is over, the only thing you have left is your photos, so make sure you allow enough time!

What is it like working a wedding without a wedding planner/coordinator?

Although I’ve seen plenty of weddings that run smoothly without a wedding coordinator things are always SO MUCH more organized and smooth with the help of a wedding coordinator. A great wedding coordinator will relieve you of all possible stress factors so that you can FULLY enjoy your wedding day and make your day the best possible day that you could ask for.

What would you like your clients to walk away saying about you or your work after their wedding?

“We felt like we were with a friend all day long!” , ”We didn’t even see you! HOW did you catch that shot!”, “We can’t wait to find another excuse to use you!“ and of course “We LOVE our wedding photos!”

What five words would you use to sum up your personality or style?

FUN! Personal. Professional. Committed. Flexible. Original. Kind.

What one item can’t you live without besides your camera of course?

My 85mm 1.2 lens – I LOVE THAT LENS!!!

How do you spend a non-working Saturday or weekend?

What’s that? Just kidding (kind of)! Weekends off during spring, summer and fall are far and few between, but when I DO have weekends off I love nothing more than to spend with my dear hubby and my two sweet girls doing fun activities indoors and out!

I hope you’ve enjoyed meeting JLowe Photos. Jen, thank you so much for being our first!

Uncorked Event Part2

Friday, March 19, 2010

I had the pleasure of attending the Uncorked Event earlier this week (click here to read part1). After viewing the table designs it was time to take our seats for our 3 course meal prepared by some of the finest chefs in Baltimore.

First Course: Baby lettuce bundle with Pear, Grapes and Orange Caviar garnish

Second Course: Crispy salmon roll

Third Course: Strawberry Basil Salad, Braised Asian Short Ribs, Rhubarb & Sweet Potato Pave

After dinner we moved to the Barn for dessert and the after party. Dessert included various types of cupcakes, chocolate truffles and these music inspired cookies.

The After Party featured a talented live band. Don’t let the photo below fool you. Within minutes the floor was packed.

It was great to see so many of my wedding industry friends “let their hair down”. A fun night was had by all. Hope you enjoyed my recap of a wonderful evening.

Uncorked Event Part1

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I love any reason to get dressed up. Monday night I attended the Uncorked event hosted by the Baltimore Chapter of NACE. Uncorked is an annual wine dinner, table top competition and silent auction held at the American Visionary Arts Museum. This years’ theme was Unplugged – Music is the food of love.

The evening started with a cocktail party on the first floor of the museum complete with hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks, lounge furniture and music.

Later we moved upstairs for dinner. That’s also where the table designs were revealed. Some of Baltimore’s best showed off their design skills. See for yourself. Below are a few of my favorites.

Candy Girl by The Archies

Whip It by Devo

Umbrella by Rhianna

Tip Toe Through The Tulips

Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles

{I see a red door and I want to} Paint It Black by Rolling Stones

Love Shack by B-52′s

Can you see why this is such a popular event? Come back later this week for a recap of the food and after party.

Seeing Each Other Before or During the Ceremony

Thursday, March 4, 2010

I have to start this post off with a confession. I have always been of the mindset that the first time a couple should see each other is when the bride is walking down the aisle. I feel it adds an element of anticipation and grandeur. I think one of the best wedding photos is of the groom’s reaction as the doors open and reveal his bride. I did it for my own wedding and find that most of my clients want the same for their wedding (without any prodding or coaching from me by the way). However, I’ve had a few clients who decided to buck tradition and see each other BEFORE the ceremony.

I must say that my view of seeing each other before hand changed thanks to Stephanie & Walter. They were our first couple to decide to see each other prior to their wedding ceremony. One reason for my “change of heart” is that you can take all of your wedding photos ahead of time. That means you’re not taking them while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour. You can actually join your guests right after the ceremony. Or you can head to another location to take additional photos. Stephanie & Walter took their wedding party photos in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood near the church but headed to Federal Hill for photos of just the two of them while everyone else went to the reception venue.

Positive Images by Rettberg

Positive Images by Rettberg

But the biggest thing that changed my mind is the fact that you can share an intimate moment together that you just don’t have at the altar. We’ve all been to weddings and watched brides and grooms mouthing words or chatting with each other at the altar at the beginning of their ceremony. Most of the time they are telling each other how nice the other looks. And no matter how much you may want to hug and/or kiss your spouse-to-be you usually have to wait until you’re pronounced husband and wife before you can do that. But if you do what’s often referred to as a “First Look” you can have a private moment for just the two of you…like the couple below.

We want to hear your thoughts on the subject. If you’re engaged tell us if you plan to see each other before or during the ceremony. Married folks let us know what you did for your wedding.

 {photos: Positive Images by Rettberg and Jasmine Star}

A Wedding Planner Not A Florist

Wedding Pro To Know - JLowe Photos

Uncorked Event Part2

Uncorked Event Part1

Seeing Each Other Before or During the Ceremony

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