I Do! Spring/Summer 2014

Spring/ Summer 2014

Hearts Ablaze on Bearwallow Mountain

I Do! Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide

What's Your

Bouquet Personality?

A Magical Ceremony

in the Clouds

Wedding Trends for 2014

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Dedicated to Surpassing Every Couple’s Dreams

Complete

WEDDING PACKAGES • Enclosed Event Center • Indoor/Outdoor Ceremony Location • Year Round Climate Controlled Facility • Wedding Coordinator • Photography • Disc Jockey • Flowers/Cake • On site Lodging • And More!

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I Do!

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Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide PUBLISHER

Vincent Grassia MANAGING Editor

JeanAnn Taylor ASSISTANT EDITOR

Debi Manfre Production manager

Lisa Gallagher Creative Services Specialist

Adalee Elkins Contributor

Carrie Harder Proofing Diva

Karen Shepard director of advertising

Patricia Martin Betts Advertising Consultants

Crystal Pressley Jennifer LeBlanc LuAnne Sheffield Meg Hale Brunton Michael Smith Rick Jenkins Distribution manager

Mark Graham To advertise in the 2014 Fall/Winter edition of I Do!, Please call 828.210.0340 or e-mail editor@sophiemagazine.com.

Sophie Magazine 22 Garfield Street, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28813 828.210.0340 I Do!, a publication of Sophie Magazine, has accepted contributions which may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of I Do! may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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I Do!

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Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide

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Deciding which flowers to choose can be a daunting task.

Vintage Country Chic

It’s hard to believe this is our 7th issue of I Do! The success of this magazine attests to how thrilled we are to share our wedding day with everyone. From the tiniest details to the broadest of decisions, every wedding is an expression of personality, individuality, and love.

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Stylish touches blend with classic vintage flair.

Just Married: Christine & Alex Wedding Trends for 2014

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Romantic and more traditional ways.

24 What Is Your Photography Style? 28 Just Married: Jessica & Nathan

Within these pages you’ll find five very special and unique weddings. Holding a basket of eggs and riding in a fire truck are two extraordinarily creative ways two of our brides used to express Photo by Audrey Goforth themselves! A dreamy fog and an elegant setting also provided a romantic atmosphere.

When you combine elements of delicate lace, beautiful flowers, sparkling diamonds and sweet sugar, you have the perfect formula for happily ever after.

I hope you enjoy this issue and if you would like to submit your wedding for the Fall/Winter I Do!, please send an email to me at editor@sophiemagazine.com.

XOXO ~ JeanAnn Taylor Editor, Sophie and I Do! Magazines

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In This Issue Bouquet Personality

Classic, traditional, photojournalistic or photographic artist.

30 Just Married: Erin & Charles 34 Wediquette 38 Just Married: Sarah & Sean

Answers to a host of etiquette questions.

Board-Walk

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Design boards bring reality to your vision.

Just Married: Ashleigh & Jonathan Obsessed With The Dress

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Shopping for the perfect dress.

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On the cover

See Jessica and Nathan's wedding, starting on p. 24 Cover photo by Tanya Kolodich, Blue Parachute Photography

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Bouquet Personality You’ve found the perfect gown, chosen the ideal venue, and have narrowed down your wedding style/theme... Now it is time to decide on your bouquet. Deciding which flowers to choose can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available.

Just like humans, flowers have personality too. Which “bouquet personality” will you choose?

Romantic

Setting: mansion, hotel ballroom, victorian inn, cathedral Theme: traditional, old world, classic Flower choices: roses, peonies, calla lilies, lily of the valley A classic bouquet perfect for a romantic themed wedding may include a collection of blooms in similar shades of pink or red.

Peonies create a lovely “poufy” bouquet and look wonderful massed together. You may also use one kind of flower in many different hues, creating a color spectrum of soft romantic tones.

Modern

Floral Design by Stephanie Moore with Bella Blooms Photo by Gabrielle Von Heyking Photographie

Setting: large open space, museum, art gallery, loft Theme: clean lines, modern decor, bold color Flower choices: dahlias, orchids, cockscomb, seasonal fruit or pods A modern bouquet may include brightly colored flowers like dahlias or orchids. Flowers with non-traditional shapes and textures are key to creating the bold look and feel of a modern bouquet.

Wow your guests with the surprise of using “non-flower” elements like seasonal fruit or interesting seed pods in your arrangements.

Think bold color with a heavy contrasting element to create an eyecatching look.

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Chic

Setting: restaurant, outdoor venue, barn, inn Theme: understated sophistication, simple but well put-together Flower choices: calla lilies, hydrangea, lilacs, zinnias, wild flowers A chic bouquet will be slightly looser than the traditional style, using longer stemmed flowers. A more natural look is desired that is both sophisticated and effortless. Simple, small gatherings of one variety of flowers look lovely and chic. Skip the bright colors and use flowers that create subtle color in a bouquet.

Artsy

Setting: restaurant, cafe, art gallery, courtyard Theme: funky, mixed textures and patterns, non-traditional Flower choices: daisies, ranunculus, paper, fabric An artsy bouquet is a statement piece, using mixed textures and colors. Create a fun and artistic way to wrap the bouquet by using satin streamers tied in creative ways. To make an alternative bouquet, you can use paper or fabric to create the flowers. Buttons add a fun and unique touch as well.

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Vintage zCountry Chicz Stylish touches blend with classic vintage in an idyllic country setting.

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Pops of pink and mint carry throughout this country chic celebration – from the food to the glasses, cakestand, linens, flowers...even the groom's shoes!

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MINGLE EVENTS & VINTAGE RENTALS: PHOTO SHOOT SET CONCEPT, DESIGN, STAGING AND VINTAGE RENTALS VENUE: THE FARM-A GATHERING PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY: GABRIELLE VON HEYKING PHOTOGRAPHIE DESSERT AND SWEET TREATS: KAREN NEAL AT BLACK MOUNTAIN CAKES FLORAL DESIGN: STEPHANIE MOORE WITH BELLA BLOOMS CUSTOM INVITATION AND REPLY CARD: LIZZIE BRITTON WITH TO & FROM WITH LOVE HAIR: JESSICA VAN ARSDALE AND LAIKEN CAPPS MAKEUP: MELISSA ALAMO FROM POP OF COLOR MAKEUP BY MELISSA MODELS: BRIDE- REILLY CARTER • GROOM- CORBIN FAWLEY BRIDESMAID- MANNING LUCAS VINTAGE FINE CHINA, PLACE SETTINGS AND SEATING: MINGLE EVENTS & VINTAGE RENTALS VINTAGE TRANSPORTATION: MINGLE EVENTS & VINTAGE RENTALS GROOMS ATTIRE, HIS/HER NAPKINS AND FLATWARE, JEWELERY, FLORAL HEADPIECE AND GLOVES: HITCHED HANDMADE

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Christine and Alex 18 | I Do! Spring/Summer 2014

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always knew I wanted a destination wedding and North Carolina was the perfect place.

My parents have a home in Sapphire, North Carolina and I have been traveling there since I was a young girl. There is such a romantic and calm feeling that the mountains bring, that I knew this would be the perfect destination. I wanted the changing of the leaves to be present at my wedding and the Biltmore Estate has breathtaking views where you can see all the colors of the season, along with multiple activities for our guests.

When planning the wedding, I was so lucky to find Ms. Mary Bell, who helped me put together a wedding that looked like it took a year to plan in less than 3 months, all so I would not miss the changing of the leaves.

Everything about the wedding was perfect, I wanted a very rustic yet elegant look, mixing earthy elements with very elegant touches. In the end, I got exactly what I wanted. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day and the best part was I was able to marry the man of my dreams at the wedding of my dreams.

After we were pronounced man and wife all the guests threw rose petals.

The room was breathtaking in the wine cellar at the Biltmore Estate. The mixture of candle light, floral arrangements and ambiance was amazing.

Me and my father, Frank Crawley, walking down the isle.

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My dress was Marchesa, one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen.

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Taken during our first look, the views of the Biltmore Estate were beautiful. It was October 25, so it was cold and all the leaves were in shades of yellow, orange and red.

Bride: Christina Brooke Crawley Groom: Alex Jimenez Ceremony Venue: BUTTERFLY GARDEN, BILTMORE ESTATE Reception Venue: CHAMPAGNE CELLAR, BILTMORE ESTATE Bride’s Dress: MARCHESA Flowers: Flower Gallery of Asheville Photography: Woodward & Rick Videography: Four Seasons Films Catering: THE BISTRO RESTAURANT, BILTMORE ESTATE Planning: Mary Bell Events Officiate: Fred Werhan Harp: Donna Germano

Our first dance.

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"Year of true romance..."

Wedding Trends for 2014 This year is set to be a swoon-worthy one, with trends going in the romantic and more traditional way. Predicted as the ‘year of true romance’, brides will be wearing gowns in nude and blush tones, with the focus on beautiful dramatic backs. Lace is making waves in the form of coverings and capelets, as well as a top choice for bridesmaids' dresses. Dramatic veils and whimsical hair embellishments will create ethereal beauty reminiscent of childhood fairy tales.

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Jessica and Nathan

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ur Love started off in the halls of our high school, as what most would call high school sweethearts.

That love turned into a partnership of lifelong soul mates and best friends. We always knew we would be married, we just wanted to make sure we waited for our perfect time. When the day came that Nathan proposed, I was still surprised and in shock of the effort he put into it even after all of the years together.

The engagement day will live in my memory as one of the most amazing days I have lived. Once the shock of the proposal went away, I knew I wanted our wedding to be in the fall, because the fall season is my favorite time of year. The planning for our big day was a year and a half in the making. The wedding was full of handmade touches created by myself and my loyal band of best friends and bridesmaids. Our wedding was on a brisk fall day on the top of the beautiful Bear Wallow Mountain.

We said "I Do" in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by our loved ones and those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Our wedding party will go down in history as the most loyal and amazing wedding party of all time. They helped set up every detail of our wedding, down to rolling the napkins for dinner. I was so happy to have so many people

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we loved able to share in our special day. It was important to me to make sure our wedding was not only something special for me but that I put effort into making it especially memorable for Nathan as well. Surprising Nathan with a Fire Truck from his home department of Asheville definitely gave him a smile from ear to ear. The wedding guests and wedding party danced the night away, it was so much fun. I don’t think there was a span of time longer than 10 minutes where Nathan and I were not on the dance floor shaking our tail feathers with our awesome guests. We will never forget how special each guest made us feel on our beautiful wedding day!

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Jessica and Nathan’s Top 5 Memories:

1 Walking down the aisle as Man & Wife 2 S urprising Nathan with a fire truck to pick us up after the wedding.

3 P utting on our boogie shoes and dancing with all of our guests.

4 Our maid of honor & best man speeches.

5 Getting ready with our groomsmen & bridesmaids.

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Bride: JESSICA warren • Groom: NATHAN MILLER Venue: Grand Highlands on Bear Wallow Mountain Flowers: Full Sun Flower Farm Bridal Photography: Glitter & Lace Wedding Photography Wedding Photography: Tonya Kolodich, Blue Parachute Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Moe’s BBQ Wedding Catering: Corner Kitchen

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What Is Your Photography Style?

When planning your wedding, there are many styles of photography to choose from. As each photographer has their own distinct style, looking through portfolios of past events will help you decide which style is best for your big day. Photography styles are often broken into five different categories; traditional, classical, photojournalistic or reportive, and photographic artist.

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Classical:

Photo by Woodward & Rick

Classical photography style captures well-lit and expertly composed portraits. Photographers shooting in this style tend to be less obtrusive while finding the “magical moments.”

Photojournalistic or Reportive:

Photo by Corey Cagel

A photographer who shoots in this style is more intent on capturing moments, rather than posed images. This photographer will capture the emotions behind events and pay close attention to capturing action and more candid shots.

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Traditional:

Photo by Blue Bend Photography

A traditional photographer will generally treat every image as a “posed portrait”, with very little spontaneous action shots.

This style of photography will often capture very beautiful, well composed shots of the wedding party and event.

Photographic Artist:

Photo by Keith Carson at Red Apple Tree

Much like a photojournalistic photographer, a photographic artist will take more candid shots and less posed images. However, they will try to capture more artistic shots using interesting angles and cropping.

It is our pleasure... to accommodate group numbers 10 to 320.

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828-274-1377 991 Sweeten Creek Rd. • Asheville, NC 28803 4227081

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Sarah and Sean

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ean and I found The Old Sherrill’s Inn a few weeks following our Christmas Eve engagement. It was in the depths of winter, however the home and the grounds surrounding were incredible in their beauty and encompassed in Western Carolina history. John and Annie Ager, the owners of the home, told us story after story of every nook and cranny of the home. They had us at “in ground trampoline” (which entertained every single wedding guest), but after seeing the ceremony site, apple orchard, and spring house that holds the eggs sold for Hickory Nut Gap Farm, we were in! The only available Saturday in June was the 15th. The date was perfect.

We were stoked. The day arrived following incredible help from our Asheville community. My best friend, Ruth, works for Events

By Kiersa and she made the wedding day run like a well-oiled machine, keeping me calm and everything else in order. My girls arranged wild flowers in vases and decorated the wedding tables with trinkets, lace and pictures from our home. Ruth made 1500 feet of bunting with our wedding colors, Coral, Turquoise and Yellow which she then strung all over the venue. The ceremony began at 5 pm and I will never forget standing with my dad as Will played and sang ‘Wildflowers’ for my ladies to walk down the aisle. Sean and I chose to see each other for the first time at the ceremony. I was so excited to see him and during the ceremony, had moments when it felt like we were the only two people there. Phil led a ceremony custom for us; it was perfectly funny and sweet, which is exactly what we wanted. Sean looked as handsome as the day we met, answering Phil, our Officiant, with “absolutely” when asked if he would have me as his wife. We sealed it with a kiss and the party began. We danced to “Islands in the Stream”; Sean holding me tight as I was recovering from

a broken foot. Then the food and drinks started flowing. Sean is a local musician and many friends he plays music with came together as The Overflow Jug Band, entertaining our crowd of around 200. My grandmother was able to come from Alabama and she had a blast dancing with Sean. We then moved into Karaoke, which was a huge hit. Friends set up tents for camping in the Apple Orchard and we partied into the night, even taking a break from the music for “The Dating Game” hosted by Josh and Suzanna from the band. The wedding day was better than Sean and I ever dreamed. We are still excited about that day, almost a year later.

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Our Top 5 Moments 1 Getting ready. My amazing friend,

Carolyn, came down from NYC to help with my hair and make-up. She is so generous and talented; she ended up doing most of the girls’ make-up. Mom helped me get dressed and was with me during all the photos. My awesome ladies decorated, arranged, calmed and laughed with me the entire day.

2 Just before the ceremony. My mom, dad, brother, and I were the only ones left in the house. All the guests, bridesmaids, and groom were outside waiting for the ceremony to begin. We stopped and had a short moment, just us, taking it all in. It was surreal.

3 The ceremony. Phil’s words were

both funny and deeply moving. Sean and I were emotional but totally in the moment. Our vows were beautiful and the ceremony ended by Phil saying, “You may now…..update your Facebook profile”. It was perfect!

4 My brother’s (Man of Honor) toast

to us was unforgettable. My only regret is not having it recorded. He entertained the crowd with props and hilarious stories of our childhood, then finally blessing the marriage with some awesome ‘spoken word’. He killed it!

5 Our impromptu performance of ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’, Karaoke.

There was no planning. The music started to play, I grabbed Sean and we sang our hearts out! It was awesome and hopefully somewhat entertaining.

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Bride: sarah HENRY • Groom: sean donnelly wedding dress: David's Bridal • hair: Ananda Venue: The Old Sherrill’s Inn at Hickory Nut Gap Farm Wedding Coordinator: Ruth Ingram with Events By Kiersa Photography: spotted dog photography Flowers: Sarah Clinkscales Officiant: Philip Lingle Ceremony Music: Will Straughan Reception music: Overflow Jug Band Reception meats: Hog-Gone BBQ Reception side dishes: 12 Bones Catering Delicious Wedding Cupcakes: Peggie Seay

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Erin and Charles

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e got married August 17th, 2013. Though we live in Atlanta now, it was important to us to get married in our hometown and the place where our relationship initially began. We just really lucked out on the fact that Waynesville is such a beautiful place, so we were excited to have our guests get the chance to enjoy the area. The Swag, where we had the ceremony, has always been a special spot to us, so it was at the top of our list when we started thinking about venues. I also had always dreamed of getting married on top of a mountain, so it was the perfect location. We knew we wanted to incorporate the views of the mountains, as well as have as much of the day as we could outdoors which is why we chose Laurel Ridge for our reception. Their pavilion area worked great for us, providing a roof, but also the openings on the side for fresh air.

With our ceremony being outside, our goal was to still keep the style classy, but relaxed. Someone called our wedding "relaxed elegance" once, which I think is about as close to a style as you could get. The word we continued to share with all of our vendors was natural. We just wanted nature and the beauty of the ceremony and reception locations to speak for themselves. Whatever style we were going for, we achieved it and absolutely loved it!

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Erin and Charles’ Most Memorable Moments: v Our First Look - People go back and forth on whether to do a first look, but for us we knew it was what we wanted. We wanted the first time we saw each other to be just the two of us. And it was so special to have that time together! Seeing each other before the wedding took nothing away from how wonderful the walk down the aisle was. I just don't think you can go wrong with whenever you decide to see your groom. Regardless of when it is, it will be so special and something you remember forever. v The Weather - We got married on top of a mountain, so we dreamed of how beautiful it was going to be for months leading up to the wedding.

Even though we got married in August, the temperatures that weekend leaned on the side of spring or fall, and not summer. We were so thankful for the cool weather! On Friday, during rehearsal the weather was gorgeous! We couldn't have asked for more, you could see mountain ranges for miles.

Then on Saturday, the clouds started rolling in as we started taking pictures and before we knew it the whole mountain was engulfed with clouds. You would have never known there was supposed to be a beautiful scenery behind us. But we didn't miss a beat. Honestly, looking back I'm not even sure I really realized how crazy the weather was, I was just so excited we were about to be married! We could have let that affect the whole day, but it wasn't even a discussion until after the wedding. Sure, we would have given anything to have that view of the mountains like we dreamed of. But there was something about the cloud surrounding us that made the day really special. It could have easily made the list of "things that went wrong", but we love that we got married in a cloud. v Right After the Ceremony - For some reason, this moment sticks out so much when I think back to our wedding. Right after the ceremony Charlie and I went to a "hideaway" on top of the mountain and got to spend a few minutes together, just us. There was champagne waiting for us and we got to toast to our new life together. That first moment together with my husband as we shared our excitement will be something I will always remember. v Pre-Ceremony Cocktail Hour - Since we were having our guests make their way up to 5,000 ft elevation, we wanted to be sure they enjoyed it so we had a 'pre-ceremony cocktail hour'. Even though the wedding party didn't get to attend, I just loved that our guests had a chance to mingle and have a drink and hors d'oeuvres before the ceremony. One of our favorite summer treats is oysters, so we had an oyster bar set up where chefs were shucking oysters for everyone. We also had Silas Durocher there playing acoustic guitar. In my mind it was just such a wonderful time. I hope our guests thought so too!

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Bride: erin ledford • Groom: charlie henson Wedding Planner: Angie Leatherwood Hair: Jerica Pate of Rosemary Lane Salon Photographer: Blue Bend Photography, Nick and Maddy Gillespie Flowers: Cliff & Donna Hannah Cake: Cathy Berlin Ceremony Location: The Swag Country Inn Ceremony Officiant: Rev. Dr. Dan Matthews Reception Location: Laurel Ridge Country Club Cocktail Hour Catering: The Swag Country Inn Reception Catering: Laurel Ridge Country Club Ceremony Music: Silas Durocher Reception Music: Java Band Videographer: Earthswell

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Wediquette Written by Carrie Harder

PROBLEM: We are planning an outdoor spring wedding and I’m worried about the weather. We do have a back up plan, but I’m not sure how to handle this on the invitations. Do I list the back up location?

SOLUTION: You should definitely make mention of your back up plan with the invitation to eliminate any confusion closer to the actual date. Simply include a line letting your guests know the alternate location in case of inclement weather.

PROBLEM: My parents divorced when I was quite young and while I have always had a loving relationship with my biological father, my stepdad is great and has played a major role in my life too. My question is, which one do I dance with for the fatherdaughter dance? I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings!

SOLUTION: You are lucky to have two loving and supportive father figures in your life and you should dance with both of them. Maybe dance with your biological father first and then have a dance with your stepdad, or if you think that will be too long, switch halfway through.

PROBLEM: Some of our guests have RSVP’ed with a written in “plus one” even though we did not address the invitation that way. Is it okay to contact them and tell them the invitation was just for them?

SOLUTION: While it’s common to allow guests to bring dates, there are many weddings that do not include plus ones. Give your guest a call or email explaining that limits on your budget have prevented you from allowing guests to bring dates but you are really looking forward to seeing them there. Keeping it short and sweet will hopefully get your point across without creating an uncomfortable situation.

PROBLEM: Is it necessary to send out formal invitations to the rehearsal dinner or can the invites be made by word of mouth? I’m hoping this is one area where I can cut costs.

SOLUTION: If your rehearsal dinner is going to be large, you might want to send out invitations so you know that your guests will have the info on hand. This is especially helpful for out of town guests who might not be familiar with the location, and should spare you from getting bombarded with last minute phone calls.

You might consider sending an evite if the dinner is not going to be especially formal. If it’s a small dinner with mostly family and close friends, word of mouth is completely acceptable.

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PROBLEM: I’ve noticed a lot of cell phone activity at the last few weddings I’ve been to and I would rather not have that problem at my wedding this Spring. What can I do?

SOLUTION: While banning cell phones altogether is not practical, there are several ways you can nicely request that guests limit their usage during your ceremony. Include a note in the program asking guests to turn off their ringers and please refrain from taking photos as you have professional photographers on hand. Another option is to have your officiant make an announcement – “The bride and groom have asked me to ask you to put your phones and cameras away. Sit back and enjoy the ceremony!” You also may want to have the DJ make an announcement at the reception to avoid having a bunch of people holding phones or cameras in the background of your “big moment” photos (cake cutting, first dance, etc). A humorous announcement will keep the mood light and the celebration going – “Ladies and gentlemen, please put down your cell phones and join the bride and groom for the cake cutting. Let’s leave the photos to the professionals! Also, Facebook will still be there when you get back!” You could also place a sign on tables asking for selfies or photos of the table, but requesting that they refrain from posting photos of the bride and groom on social media.

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Board–Walk

Design boards bring reality to your vision

T

he engagement is on! Now comes the time to plan the wedding. The number of stylistic decisions and range of options can be overwhelming even for the most seasoned event planner. Creating a wedding design board or inspiration board allows a bride-to-be to see the big picture. From colors and flowers to picturesque details, a design board allows you to see opportunities for adding depth and meaning to your special day.

You may have years of “wedding ideas” stored in the storybook vault, and there may in fact be some gems in there, but be careful to check in with yourself to see if those old ideas still feel inspiring.

Aim for a true expression of you and your groom.

An easy way to start your searches is online with Pinterest (pinterest.com). You can view pictures and boards from other planners and you can pin images to your board from within Pinterest as well as from other sites. Some artists, and photographers do not want their images pinned, but most are happy to share. The courteous way to pin is to credit the creators and speak kindly of their work. Websites such as theknot.com and stylemepretty.com can give also give you many ideas and inspirations.

Show your wedding design board to your wedding planner, baker, seamstress or anyone who could benefit from knowing your plan.

Authenticity is not scripted, but planning allows you to walk away from the details and authentically enjoy the reason for the day. Spectacular weddings are a magical blend of planning and organization. If your level of preparation matches your level of expectation, it is easier to enlist and focus on being the bride that you want to be…and the one you want to see in pictures.

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P Ashleigh and Jonathan

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lanning a wedding from 2,000 miles away and not being able to meet any vendors in person before your big day is full of uncertainty. What will my venue really look like.....How will the food actually taste…..a bride could go on and on, but I have to thank the “wedding Gods” for bringing Mary Bell, our bridal consultant and wedding planner, in to my life!

My wedding day began with ordering a room service breakfast at the Biltmore Inn. It smelled and looked so delicious, but I think I only ate a strawberry before my nerves kicked in. Once my hair and make-up were complete and my dress was on (which had a full button up back that was painstakingly buttoned one by one by my sister) I was lead to the lawn of the Biltmore Inn by our photographer, Corey Cagle, to have our first look as soon to be husband and wife. After taking our first look photos overlooking Antler Hill Village, we were taken to the grounds of the beautiful Biltmore House where we took more photos before the ceremony.

While waiting to walk down the hallway into the Biltmore Champagne Cellar for our ceremony, my heart was pounding. Once I saw the Cellar and the beautiful details of the ceremony decor it took my breath away! Our ceremony was officiated by the wonderful Tim Lolley, who worked with us on completely personalizing the vows for our intimate ceremony. After saying “I Do” my husband and I, along with our guests, were led on a tour of the wine cellar so that the Flower Gallery and Mary Bell could transform our ceremony space into our reception space.

Walking into our reception I was in awe. No words could describe the feeling that we felt and no pictures could fully capture how beautiful the venue was. I was speechless then just as I am speechless now. Through the reception we were waited on by the pleasing staff and ate a delicious 5 course dinner that was prepared by the Biltmore, we took in a heartfelt toast from my brother (who shed a few tears) and simply enjoyed the family that surrounded us during the celebration of our wedding.

Every moment of our big day would not have been possible without our wedding planner, Mary Bell. Mary Bell, Corey Cagle, the Biltmore Estate and every vendor turned our wedding into my fairy tale!!

Our Top 5 Moments 1 Having my brother walk me down the aisle. It meant everything to me to have my brother by my side and hand me off to my husband on my wedding day.

2 Saying “I Do� to the man of my dreams and my best

friend while surrounded by our family in an intimate and stunning venue.

3 Our first look photographs and the preceding

photographs taken around the grounds in front of the Biltmore Estate taken by our photographer, Corey Cagle.

She captured moments and memories that we will cherish forever!

4 Walking in and seeing the Champagne Cellar

beautifully decorated by the Flower Gallery of Asheville for our ceremony and then seeing the transformation for our reception. Words cannot fully express how breathtaking it was!

5 The delicious food that was prepared by the Biltmore

for our reception and the beautiful cake that not only looked picture-perfect, but was the best wedding cake I have ever had!

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Bride: ASHLEIGH REEVES • Groom: JONATHAN DAVIS wedding dress: Alfred Angelo Groom's tux: Men’s Wearhouse hair: Rebecca Biggers (of Lola Salon & Gallery) make-up: Melissa Deboer (Pop of Color) Venue: Biltmore Estate Champagne Cellar Bridal Consultant & Wedding Planner: Mary Bell Photography: Corey Cagle Flowers: Flower Gallery of Asheville Officiant: Tim Lolley Musicians: Braidstream

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Obsessed With The Dress Written by JeanAnn Taylor

W

hen a newly engaged lady begins to plan her wedding, one of the first, if not the first, things she considers is her dress. She knows her wedding will be one of the best opportunities she’ll ever have to express her unique sense of style and personality. And she wants her dress to be perfect.

So the mental dialogue begins. At night when she closes her eyes, she visualizes walking down the aisle in her wedding gown.

Maybe it’s a sparkly princess ball gown, a sexy bias cut slip dress or a sophisticated satin sheath. With so many styles and fabrics to choose from, where does she begin? Most brides start by looking at the plethora of photos in bridal magazines, and on Pinterest.

She may even create a journal of her favorite designs to take to the bridal shop with her. If you are that bride, follow these tips for stress-free bridal gown shopping.

Start Early. It may take several months to find, order and get your dress. Even after it arrives, alterations may be necessary, so give yourself plenty of time.

Make an appointment with the bridal shop. Even if they accept walk-ins, you’re more likely going to get personal service if you have already contacted the shop to let them know you’re coming.

Choose one or two people to take with you. Remember, the more people, the more opinions. You want someone you can trust, and whose opinions you value, but this is your dress, you don’t need the approval of the whole family.

It’s fine to take a photo with your cell phone if you want to remember the details of the dress after you make your decision.

This can help in deciding on flowers, cake, décor, etc.

If you already know you want to wear a specific style of shoes, belt, or jewelry, bring them with you so you can get the total effect.

Be patient with yourself. Brides typically try on an average of 90 dresses! If you don’t find your perfect dress the first time you go shopping, take a breath, and make another appointment. This is one dress that deserves time and consideration.

Enjoy yourself! You’re the bride! You’ll be the center of attention so you want to feel beautiful and comfortable. Enjoy the moment in the dress of your dreams.

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Share Your Wedding in

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Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide

For details, call 828.210.0340 or email editor@sophiemagazine.com Spring/Summer 2014 I Do! | 49

Sealed With A Kiss EMMA & KEATON WRIGHT photo by AUDREY GOFORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

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