Zion Weddings: Trouble Makers

Having a Zion wedding is so gorgeous. You have a naturally beautiful background. In the summer however, there are a few things you need to account for if you're getting married in the park. Like the fact you can't drive into the park to the ceremony location in some areas. You get to ride the bus. :)

But Jealin and I are rebels and took our permit to the ceremony location. Just to make sure it was perfect before it began.

But we got caught! And got pulled over.

Luckily, with a little eye batting and some smooth talking, he gave us an additional permit to drive into the park making it so after the ceremony the couple and their kids got to drive straight down to their private dinner instead of waiting for the bus to come back. 

Thank goodness we got pulled over. It made the event even more custom and special, because weddings don't get to drive into the park at busy season. :)

Thank you park ranger!

Elan Woman Photoshoot: Part #2

The wedding expo was such a blast to be apart of this past January. If you went to it, you might remember this tablescape from our expo booth. I was lucky enough to be able to take that set up for an amazing photoshoot for Elan Woman Magazine with Nick Adams Photography and Bloomers Floral and Decor the next day.

It's amazing how talented photographers, lighting and a garden setting can take a tablescape to the next level.

(Some of my favorite decor pieces I've put in my office are those artichokes. :)

The floral arrangement was amazing. The quality of flowers Bloomers uses in ther arrangement is always the best.

Details, details, details.

(Part #3 to come soon.)

-xo jewls

Smitten over these adorable banners

I just wanted to take a minute and brag about how AMAZING Middle Aisle brides are. :)

Stephanie is getting married this August and has amazing style & vision. I've been so lucky to know Steph since college and couldn't be more excited for her upcoming wedding to a great guy and seeing their unique style come together.

Steph saw some banners on Etsy and took them to the next level!

She has hand-made these adorable goodies in her wedding colors and personalized them.

They look amazing!!

 I can't wait to see them in action this August. :)

-xo jewls

Real Weddings: Bridal Session w/ Scott & Tess

These two are so fun & cute. And it was a blast getting to tag along with the Alisha with One Memory at a Time and help out where I could. Thanks everyone for humoring my crazy picture ideas. It was a blast. I can't wait to see the pictures from the wedding.

This one is one of my favorites!

Photography by: One Memory at a Time

-xo jewls

The ugly side of weddings

When the night is over, the guests have gone home

and the bride and groom are happily on their way.

The night of work has just begun!!

Good thing I even love the clean up side of weddings!

Even the linen laundry.

Happy Planning

-xo jewls

Combating your Bridezilla

I hate this term. Bridezilla. But unfortunatley, they are out there.

(I remember being a little one myself when I was married years ago. Sorry mom!) If you're worried this might be you, take a look at how you can combat becoming one.

As seen in the Neighborhood section of The Spectrum.

If you have ever experienced a bride who asks her bridesmaids to go on a diet for her wedding, asks for cash gifts from her guests or demands multiple parties for herself, you have probably been in contact with a bridezilla.

Neorelationship

The term bridezilla is often used to describe part bride and part monster who emerges when the stress and pressure from planning her wedding becomes too much. These brides are given this name for being unpleasant, selfish and perfectionists.

Fortunately for brides, there are ways to combat this monster so that they do not become a bridezilla.

One important way to not become a bridezilla is to always say thank you to family, friends and vendors. By showing gratitude, brides will begin to recognize how much time others have put into their wedding. Remembering to always be appreciative will help brides keep friendships intact.

Bridal Party Tees

If a bride knows that she is a perfectionist, it is important to hire professional perfectionists from the beginning of the planning process. Professionals help brides know if what they want is reasonable and if they can accomplish the brides vision or not.

By the bride recognizing if she is a perfectionist will help with any disappointments and bad feelings toward loved ones who have volunteered to help with the wedding.

The conversation never goes well and bad feelings can arise when a friend who volunteered to do the wedding cake shows up with a disaster falling off the cake stand instead of the cake the bride had imagined.

Another way to not become a bridezilla is for a bride to set clear expectations for friends and family members she would like to be included in the wedding and how involved she would like them to be. This should never be a demand, but a sincere request to be a part of the wedding because she wants them to share in her big day.

When all else fails remember simply to treat others like you would like to be treated if the roles were someday reversed, because one day they just might.

Do you have a bridezilla experience? Let's hear it!

Now Offering a New Linen Line

Middle Aisle is excited to annouce they will now be offering Wild Flower Designer Linen.

They specialize in gorgeous designer table linen and chair covers that can be rented. They are completely unique and so much fun. I fell in love the moment I saw their collection and had to get set up right away.

Take a look at some of their linen inspiration for an amazing wedding!

I especially love their chair covers.

Give me a call for rental information.

Venue News: Dixie College Alumni House

The Stephen and Marcia Wade Alumni House at Dixie State College has recently rearranged their prices.

To rent the venue for 6 hours including your tables, chairs and the garden area is only $475.

This is a great place to have an event at an amazing price!

Plus, they are great to work with.

To get more information contact:

(435) 879-4400 or (435) 652-7535 larson@dixie.edu.

or contact me at Middle Aisle and we can get you started on a great celebration there.

Please, let them know you saw them at Middle Aisle.

Aisle Style File: Blue, Brown and Tan Wedding

Vintage Blue, Brown and Tan Wedding

Currently in my file is a great wedding happening this spring for an amazing bride and groom in St. George. This inspiration board is a mix of what the bride has liked with a little mix of vintage to give it a fresh and new look. I am looking forward to this outdoor celebration!

Photo Credits: Blue Mason jar, Vintage Book Stack, Blue Hydrangea centerpiece, Bouquet, Orchid centerpiece

Aisle Walking 101: This One is For the Boys

I love how the Men's Warehouse commercial says:
"While everyone is looking at her, she will be looking at you."
As the bride is walking down the aisle looking towards her future husband.

This is why it is important that the groom looks smokin' too! It is a well known fact that the majority of guys just look better all cleaned up and what better time to do then for their special day for that special someone.

 Suit by J.Crew

Traditionally,  a black tuxedo has been the norm. But this isn't the case anymore. 

Suit's by J.Crew

Grooms can be found in all colors and styles these days. Wearing a suit is a great way to dress up without looking as formal as a tux. Grays and khaki are two of my ultimate favorites right now as an alternative to black. They still look great, but add a lot of personal style.

 

 Photo from HauteMIMI

And if the groom is really feeling adventurous, brightly colored suits look great too! 

(As long as it is in their personality.)

Photo at Martha Stewart 

I love to see a groom mix it up!

Thanks for the question!

Aisle Walking 101: Picking a planner

Not all wedding planners are a good fit for you.

You heard me right. I am a planner myself letting you know that we are all not created equal. We all are so different. Hopefully this article will help you recognize the best planner for you.

Picture courtesy of One Memory At a Time.

Article seen in The Spectrum Neighorhoods section.

Once you get engaged it can be hard to know where to begin planning your wedding. This is where your wedding planner and designer steps in to take your vision and create it so you can relax and know a professional is handling everything.

Choosing which planner to use is a big decision since they will be the one executing your wedding, keeping you on budget, referring other professional vendors and negotiating contracts for you.

Personality is one of the most important things to consider when picking out a wedding planner and designer. You will be spending a lot of time with this individual going over contracts, information and ideas. If you do not feel completely comfortable talking with the planner, this is not a good match for you.

Talking to someone about budgets or family interactions will make the experience uncomfortable and stressful if you feel like you have to withhold information because you do not have a good rapport with your planner.

Make sure the planner you are talking with is accessible. The planner needs to be prompt at answering your phone calls or messages. Making sure they are easy to get a hold of will put your mind at ease if an emergency occurred and you needed to talk with them immediately.

A wedding planner's style will also let you know if this is a good fit. Their style of work can be seen in their portfolio pictures, their office and how they present themselves. Their style will help you know if your wedding will visually turn out the way you want.

Wedding planners will charge either a flat fee for their services or a percentage of the total budget ranging from 15 to 20 percent. Usually a percentage is charged if the overall wedding budget is larger than average.

Read through the planner's contracts to know exactly what you will be getting and what is included in your planner's services for the price you have been quoted. Always sign a written contract to ensure you have a binding agreement of what services you will be getting.

Referrals are another great way to know if you will be working with someone reliable and dependable. You can always ask a planner for references, but know in advance they will usually all be positive because they were given to you by them.

Another way to find references is word of mouth. Start asking around about that planner. Ask friends, family or even other wedding professionals you trust to know if they will be a good fit for you.

Finally, make sure the company you are using is registered, licensed and an insured business. This separates a professional with a person who plans and designs as a hobby.

Sneak Peak: For anyone who missed the Wedding Showcase in St. George

Ok, so lets be serious. These pictures were taken on my digital camera. So please forgive the quality! I wish I could carry around a professional photographer in my pocket to call on in important times, but unfortunately they do not come that small. :) So my digital sneak peak will have to do for now until I can find somone with better pictures.

I had such a great time meeting all the "Brides-to-be,"

picking out their wedding colors,

and hopefully will be seeing many of you again soon!

The expo was so much fun and we can't wait to get started on all the amazing weddings this upcoming year! Congrats to all the engaged couples.

Stay tuned in later posts for (hopefully) some more awesome expo pictures! hehe.

Bests,

Jewls

AISLE WALKING 101

Use Color!

Photography by Jules Bianchi

Color is beautiful! Don't be afraid to use it. If you love blue use it! If you like orange and bright yellows, use them. Just because it is a wedding doesn't mean it has to be in all white. Liven up your wedding by using vibrant  colors in appropriate combinations to give a fun and unique feel.