13 minute read
66 Abbi Marks & Joshua Mazur Abbi Marks & Joshua Mazur
Abbi Marks & Joshua Mazur
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PHOTOGRAPHER · ZACH DALIN PHOTOGRAPHER
Ceremony & Reception · Chandler Hills Vineyards, Planner · Saving Grace Occasions, Cake · Sweet Tooth Confections, Florals · Snapdragon Studios, Bridal Gown and Bridesmaid Dresses · Clarice’s Bridal, Formalwear · Men’s Warehouse, Caterer · Chandler Hills Vineyards, DJ · Joey Gerchen
Locally owned and operated for 35 years! All the latest styles are in stock and in store including slim fit!Locally owned and operated for over 30 years! Huge selection of colors to choose from! All the latest styles are in stock and in store! Groom’s free tuxedo promotion! Huge selection of colors to choose from! Groom’s free tuxedo promotion!
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Windsor Square Knoxville, Tn. 37922 865.531.9998 Windsor Square Knoxville, Tn. 37922 865.531.9998 Knoxville Center Knoxville, Tn. 37924 865.544.1515 Knoxville Center Knoxville, Tn. 37924 865.544.1515 Danielle Ambry Photography
E: ECLECTIC VENUES As weddings are becoming ever more unique, so are the venues they are hosted at! From fairy gardens to urban-chic city rooftops, there is a venue to fit every couple’s style. If you aren’t in love with traditional venues, going with something more eclectic may just be the perfect fit for you. The wow factor of the built-in decor at an art gallery, museum, and zoo just can’t be beat!
F: FOODIE FEELINGS If you and your fiance are self-declared foodies with plans of bringing in catering from your favorite gastro pub or several of your favorite food trucks to give your guests a unique dining experience, make sure to ask your venue if this can be done before you book. If you fall in love with a venue that requires you use their inhouse catering, never fear. Some chef’s will prepare recipes you provide so your wedding can still have the decadent dining experience of your dreams.
G: GETTING READY When searching for your dream wedding venue, it is important to check out the bridal and groom suite. It may be easy to think of this space as insignificant, but you will be spending the bulk of your wedding day getting ready and hanging out in your suites with your wedding party. Make sure the suite is a place you can see yourself comfortably getting ready for your big day!
H: HOLD OFF ON CHOOSING A THEME While it may be tempting to pick out a theme for your big day right away, try to hold off until you have your venue locked down. Fitting a theme to your venue will be much easier than fitting a venue to your theme. It is also important to remember that with the right planner any space can be transformed. Who says your bohemian wedding dreams can’t come to life in eclectic ballroom?
I: INSIDER INSIGHTS There are so many venues to choose from! If you don’t know where to start, ask people you know if they have any recommendations. You can also search popular wedding professional sites for a lengthy list of reviews. Getting a wide range of reviews will help you get a better idea of what your wedding day will really be like.
J: JUST IN CASE IT RAINS Even if you have crossed your fingers for nothing but clear skies and sunshine, mother nature may not corporate. It is important to talk with your venue coordinator about a contingency plan in the unlikely event that it rains. Something as simple as a tent rental on standby or another indoor location on site can save you lots of stress later on.
K: KEEP YOUR GUEST COUNT IN MIND Make sure you have a realistic estimate of your guest count before starting your venue search. Evey venue has occupant limitations and you don’t want to fall in love with something that can’t fit all of your guests.
L: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Location can play a key role in finding your dream wedding venue. Consider whether you will be providing your guests with transportation. If you are having your ceremony and reception at separate locations, how far will your guests have to travel? Will you be having a large number of out of town guests? If so, you will want to make sure your venue is in close proximity to hotel accommodations. Transportation can become a large wedding budget item if you are shuttling your guests a significant distance.
Ceremony Location · WindRiver Photographer · Zamana Lifestyles Photography
M: MANAGE EXPECTATIONS It is important to know exactly what you can and cannot afford before you schedule any venue tours. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a venue you can’t have. Being flexible is key! Try researching what the going rate in your area. This way, you will know exactly what to expect from your potential venues.
N: NEGOTIATION BEST PRACTICES It is natural to want to feel like you are getting a good deal when booking your wedding venue. There is always room for negotiation, however, be careful not to insult the venue representative. Remember that venues put a lot of time and money into bringing your perfect wedding day to life. If you are looking for some wiggle room at an allinclusive venue, try suggesting substitutions rather than asking for price cuts to the bottom line.
O: OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES If natures natural beauty inspires you, an outdoor venue may be perfect for your wedding. From beaches to gardens, the options are endless when it comes to getting married at an outdoor venue. Dress up an already lovely garden for a formal wedding or let nature take center stage as your decor for a more casual ceremony on the beach. Either way, your day is sure to be breathtaking at an outdoor venue.
P: PICKING YOUR DATE The more flexible you are willing to be, the more likely your dream wedding venue will be available. If you are attached to a specific date, be aware that you may have to compromise on the location of your wedding. Q: QUOTES AND CONTRACTS Read the fine print before you sign on the dotted line! Finding your dream wedding venue is an exciting time, but it is important to know and understand all of the nitty gritty details before you sign your contract. Make yourself aware of the “scope of services” and any additional charges that could be added to your original quote so there are no surprises.
R: RESTRICTIONS It is very important to fully understand any restrictions your venue may have. Some venues have restrictions on the amount of DIY decor you can bring, while others may not serve alcohol. Having a clear understanding of what you can and cannot do at your venue will help ensure smooth sailing through the rest of your wedding planning process.
S: STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE Your wedding should and will be uniquely you. Remember to look at venues that are both aesthetically pleasing and and make you feel comfortable. The venue you choose, like all aspects of your wedding, should be a reflection of your style. If you consider yourselves to be modern, try looking at some art galleries and museums. On the other hand, if you consider yourselves to be classic and traditional, a ballroom or country club may just be the perfect fit.
T: THINK ABOUT FLOW This may seem like a no brainer, but remember to envision your space in sections. There should be spaces for your guests to dance, eat, and mingle. If you cannot envision all of these areas in your space, your reception may feel cramped. Columns and nonremovable decor are also things to take note of. Could any of these hinder your guests’ view, or do they enhance the space by providing a clear division of the space?
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Echelon Florist & Gifts
Emerald + Ivy Photo
865.690.7427 13001 Gary Player Dr, St. Louis, MO EchelonFlorist.com (636) 349-3100 | TapawingoGolf.com
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U: UNDERSTANDING ONSITE COORDINATORS Many venues provide onsite coordinators. It is important to understand that this is not a full-fledged wedding planner. Venue coordinators are available to help you coordinate different aspects of your wedding that will happen on the property. If you are looking for someone to help you with picking out your other wedding professionals and bring your wedding vision to life, you may need to hire a full service wedding planner.
V: VIEWS It is all about the view! When searching for your wedding venue, think about what you want your guests to see. Are you searching for the perfect grand staircase for your elegant reception entrance? A big picture window to provide the backdrop for your first dance? Or maybe you want to be outside with an unobstructed view of the sunset. Create a list of which views are important to you and your fiance while conducting your wedding venue research.
W: WALKTHROUGHS ARE A MUST We cannot stress enough the importance of walkthroughs. It is never a good idea to book a venue site unseen. While we love ogling over picturesque images of different venues, it is tough to get a full conception of a space without physically walking through it. If you are planning on getting married in an area you cannot visit, have your wedding planner facetime you from the potential venue as she does a walk through. A virtual tour is better than site unseen.
X: XTRAS Donut walls, giant lawn games, alpaca special appearances, and food trucks are all unique extras couples can choose from to personalize their wedding day experience. If you have your heart set on any unconventional extras, make sure your venue allows for them.
Y: YES, YOUR VENUE IS IMPORTANT Your venue is one of the most important aspects of your wedding. For the least amount of stress, we recommend booking your venue twelve months prior to your wedding. It may seem like a long time, but venues, especially popular ones, can be booked out over a year in advance. If you are using a house of worship for your ceremony, make sure they are available before booking your reception venue.
Z: ZZZ SLEEP ON IT After you have toured all of your potential wedding venues, sleep on it. Don’t feel rushed to make your decision right after your tour. Sit down with your fiance and make a pros and cons list to make sure you are both happy.
INSPIRED WEDDINGS IN 2021
by Ashleigh Haney
The hit Netflix series, “Bridgerton”, has made its way in the real life wedding world. Haven’t seen the show? Log into Netflix now and get up to speed on this popular romance. Soon-to-be brides have been inspired by this series and are planning their weddings around a 19th century British ball theme. There are many elements couples can choose to incorporate in their big day to bring their “Bridgerton” inspired vision to fruition.
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THE VENUE
Brides wanting the overall “Bridgerton” look may be on the hunt for a ballroom type setting. Locations with a garden feel may also do the trick. Royalty and elegance will fill the room with floral arrangements and chandeliers.
THE DRESS
The costumes of the “Bridgerton” cast is what most viewers are falling in love with. The dresses give off a sense of innocence and femininity. The wedding market has already picked up on this new craze as Regency-era inspired gowns are already on the racks. Plan to see square necklines, empire waistlines, puff sleeves and even some corset detailing. Complete your look with some long, white gloves and eye catching jewelry like Daphne Bridgerton herself. If you’re feeling bold, add a tiara to truly emulate this era.
FLORALS
White roses are repetitively seen throughout the first “Bridgerton” season and will make the perfect wedding bouquet. This flower represents innocence and purity and will simply add to the overall beauty of the day.
MUSIC
Your choice of music has the chance to really set the scene. Choose some modern day songs of the show’s soundtrack like Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” or take it to the next level by hiring a string quartet. This will definitely be the cherry on top of this unforgettable night.
SOMETHING BLUE
The Bridgertons have you covered with this one! Wedgewood blue dominated the scene of the final ball with all the florals, decor, and costumes. Here’s your chance to take the monochromatic route and fill your venue with the most prominent shades of blue. Recreate the soft and elegant night of the Duke and Duchess’ ball.
