Designer Sale Benefiting Charity

SALE ALERT!!!

If you are a bride to be, bridesmaid or attending a wedding this year and want to look fabulous, this is the sale for you!!

This is an awesome opportunity to score high end designer clothes and shoes for all those showers, parties, and weddings!!

Stay tuned for an exclusive designer wedding dress sale benefiting Lighthouse International in late September!!

Ask A Bride Pt II: Danielle's Wedding on Lake Lanier

 Hello SASsy Friends and welcome back for part 2 of our Ask A Bride series!  Danielle was married in the fall of last year in a beautiful wedding on Lake Lanier in Atlanta, GA.  Danielle followed one of the latest bridal trends and wore two very different wedding gowns. She shares with us how she created and pulled off the spectacular wedding of her dreams!

 SASsy: Danielle, you recently had a beautiful wedding on a lake in Atlanta, what key features did you consider when choosing your wedding venue?

My husband and I both wanted to have a wedding that was very laid back, yet beautiful. My maid of honor Brandee told me about the recent remodeling of Lake Lanier Islands Resort, so we decided to go check it out. When I saw the beautiful wedding venues they had to offer I immediately knew it was where I wanted to say “I do”.

    SASsy: What was your biggest challenge when planning your wedding?

One of the biggest challenges for us was creating the guest list. My husband has a very large family, so it was a challenge to decide who we would invite. 

I felt like a complete stalker trying to get everyone to RSVP by the deadline! And despite my best efforts, we still had a few guests show up who weren’t invited, as well as guests who did not show up even though they RSVP’d saying they’d be in attendance.

SASy: I loved your pink and damask color scheme, what was the inspiration behind it?

My favorite color is pink and I wanted to use a bold shade, so I decided on fuchsia. As I was looking at wedding reception designs online I came across a red and damask color scheme reception, and I decided the damask pattern would look fabulous with fuchsia!

 SASsy:What did you find to be the most helpful resource when choosing your vendor and planning the details of your wedding?

I relied heavily on reviews from past customers. My mother-in-law had worked with Christine from Perfect Petals for her daughter’s wedding, so we decided to use them as our florist.

I had planned on using my photographer, Jessica Horwitz, ever since I saw the gorgeous wedding photos she did for my friend’s wedding. I kind of just came across my other vendors, but I did make sure to look at their reviews before signing a contract with them.

SASsy: Wedding planning can be very stressful and all brides need a good support system. Who did you rely on the most for support during the planning process?

When I wasn’t bugging my husband about the planning process, I leaned heavily on my bridesmaid, Brittanie. Anytime I was stressed out or just needed advice I would call Brittanie and she was always willing to listen!

 

    SASsy:I remember you tweeting that all of your bridesmaids actually agreed on the dress! Please tell me how you achieved this?

When I went to look for wedding gowns, I also looked at bridesmaids gowns. I knew I wanted a dress that would look good on all my bridesmaids, so I decided to go with something that flowed. 

I found one designer in particular whose dresses I liked, so I sent my bridesmaids an email asking them to pick their favorite three dresses from that designer’s website. Once I had all their choices, I narrowed it down to the top 3 (several of their selections were the same), and then we chose the dress they liked the best.

    SASsy:You wore two dresses that were very different, but both equally as gorgeous. Were you planning on wearing two dresses initially?  Did you find yourself torn between in two different styles of dresses so you decided to go with both? (Personally, I am torn between 2 very different styles so this advice will help me too!)

Originally I had no intention of buying two wedding gowns. When I went to try on dresses I found two that I loved. One was a full gown, the other mermaid style. Both of the dresses were reasonably priced, so I decided to buy them both, one for the ceremony, one for the reception. 

 

I ended switching my reception dress later on, but I’m definitely happy I got both. The ceremony dress made me feel like a princess, the reception dress made me feel sexy!

    SASsy: The pictures of your bachelorette party looked like you guys had a great time.  What did you do and where did you go?

My bachelorette party was awesome! I had a bridal shower at a restaurant earlier in the day. Then I met up with my friends and bridesmaids at the Twelve Hotel. From there, we rode in a stretch Range Rover to a club and had a fun night of dancing! Some of the girls stayed at the Twelve Hotel that night for a sleepover!

SASsy: What was/were the most special moment(s) from your wedding for both you and your husband?

The most special moment from our wedding would definitely be the reception as a whole. Everyone had such a blast dancing and mingling! It was exactly the way we wanted it to be…a big party!

    SASsy: Were there any funny or unplanned moments that made the wedding even more memorable?

My sister Denechia was one of my bridesmaids and she definitely made the night memorable. She’s the type to have fun no matter where she’s at. Another funny moment was the dance-off between Denechia, my brother Chris and my husband’s friend Chris. It was super entertaining!

    SASsy: If you could do anything differently, what would it be why?

It sounds cliché, but there is actually nothing I would change. The wedding was everything I imagined and more!

    SASsy: What’s the best piece of advice you were offered as a bride that you would like to share with other brides to be?

It’s your big day, so do whatever you want to do (within reason)! Don’t let anyone else’s opinions interfere with what you want. If there’s a time to be selfish, this is it! LOL!

I would like to thank Danielle for contributing to this week's SASsy Report.  Do you have bridal questions or a product that you would like to see featured in The SASsy Report? If so, leave comments and I will be sure to follow up with you! 

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SASsy & Sophisticated Bridals Vol. 3: Vendor Feature The Blessed Bride LLC

Hello SASsy friends, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week thus far.  Planning to get married is one of the most magical times in a woman's life.  She's been blessed with the man of her dreams and having parties thrown in her honor as she prepares to embark on her next journey in life becoming a wife.

Our guest this week is Angela Reed founder of The Blessed Bride LLC (TBB) wedding and event planning company based in Atlanta, Georgia.  Angela shares with us the inspiration behind the creation of her business and gives us a sneak peak into her southern belle bridal shower.

SASsy:   Angela what was your inspiration behind creating The Blessed Bride LLC? 

TBB: The inspiration behind The Blessed Bride© (TBB) came to me during my own engagement season.  I coined the phrase for myself during that time!  I truly feel that the Lord led me into this venture. 

Regarding my background, for many years prior to my engagement, I have planned events, small and large; from weddings and showers to reunions and concerts.  I would also have to take into account my years of being in the wedding industry as a flower girl, junior bridesmaid, and bridesmaid!  I’m certain that I have Katherine Heigl’s character beat in “27 Dresses!”

Angela Reed of The Blessed Bride LLC.

SASsy:  Can you describe the services offered by The Blessed Bride?

TBB:  TBB offers full-service wedding planning and coordination services.  In addition, we specialize in proposal planning, engagement events, as well as anniversary celebrations. 

We value building relationships with our clients. From the moment a gentleman is ready to propose through the couple’s first anniversary; we want to make those moments special and tailored specifically to the couple! 

 I am truly blessed to have my husband, Patrick, serve as the director for The Gentleman Groom©.  The Gentleman Groom© division of TBB offers advice and preparation to guys planning to propose.

Angela and her husband Patrick

SASsy:    How should brides decide on a theme for their wedding?

TBB: Prior to discussing themes, I always suggest that brides make a list with her fiancé about their mutual interests; things that they absolutely love…and things that they can absolutely do without! 

From that point, the bride can move forward with deciding what elements will best reflect their style.  Consider colors and how they will appear in contrast with the selected venue.  Think about incorporating elements that are truly specific to your tastes.  

Purple and Gray Color Inspiration Board from theknot.com

SASsy:  When looking for a wedding venue, what are the most important things for a bride to consider?

TBB: A bride should definitely feel a connection with the venue of choice, thus I strongly suggest visiting venues in person prior to making a deposit! 

While touring the venue, you should be able to visualize your wedding from start to finish.  Many times, budgets become an issue when brides are looking to select the perfect venue.  Consider what the venue has to offer that is included in the cost.  

Chateau Elan  Atlanta, GA

SASsy:  What advice can you give brides to help them choose the right vendors?

TBB: Building relationships can go a long way when selecting vendors.  During our wedding season, the photographer that my husband and I selected has grown to become a wonderful family friend! 

Reviews and referrals are key in deciding upon vendors.  Browse images of weddings from family members, friends, and co-workers and ask if they would refer their vendors to you.  Quite often, many vendors will honor a referral credit towards your wedding, thus saving you more money! 

I strongly discourage going with a vendor because they may be the least expensive.  Quality work comes from quality vendors.  Consider that piece of advice also when selecting wedding vendors.

SASsy: As a wedding planner, what are the most common challenges and questions from brides?

TBB: One of the most common challenges I’ve encountered has been when brides are trying to meet everyone’s needs but their own.  Yes, everyone wants a beautiful wedding, but if that means you are busting your budget to suit others, that’s not the way to go. 

 I have also come across brides who have carried the weight of the wedding party on their shoulders!  Trust in your planner that they will see that everyone is taken care of, informed of their duties, and ready to roll on your wedding day. 

SASsy: With so many options available for brides, which resources do you recommend for brides to get ideas for their wedding?

TBB:   With the introduction of Pinterest, Twitter and other social media forms, it is now easier than ever to gather ideas for your wedding.  I suggest using those options, in addition to good ol’ magazines! 

Check out bridal magazines from your hometown

Sometimes, vendors and manufacturers will offer details and images that cannot be found online within bridal/wedding magazines.  Wedding reality television shows are booming!  Although they do provide entertainment beyond measure, I suggest that brides stick with visuals from the web and printed materials.

SASsy:  How can brides achieve the wedding of their dreams and still stay within their budget?

TBB: A key point to maintaining a wedding budget is to know how to get the most ‘bang for your buck!’  If you are a fan of flowers and greenery, look for venues with those elements that already exist (i.e. botanical gardens).  This will save your floral budget a tremendous amount of cash!  

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Brooklyn, NY

If you prefer more architectural elements, visit museums and historic centers.  This can also add an attraction to your wedding that gives guests something to do during the transition from ceremony to reception.  Beautiful churches are always a wonderful venue staple for brides who prefer an indoor wedding setting.

SASsy:  Your own bridal shower was a very classy Southern style event with big hats and all. How did you come up with that idea?

TBB:   I am a true southern Georgia gal!  My mother has one of the largest hat collections I’ve seen!  Her love for hats has definitely passed onto me.  Hats instantly add a touch of classic, southern sophistication to a shower or social event.  The southern themed shower truly captured a part of my personality.  I also hosted a hat-themed birthday brunch a few years prior, so anytime I can add a hat, I’ll do it!

Angela's big hat southern bridal shower

SASsy: In your own experience as a bride, what was your favorite part(s) of your wedding?

TBB:   Where do I begin?!  I really enjoyed planning with my then-fiance’, Patrick.  He brought a different point-of-view to things, which incorporated some of the more memorable moments from our wedding weekend.  We really enjoyed hosting our rehearsal dinner aboard the Savannah River Queen Riverboat.  What a fun way to kick off our wedding weekend!  Guests were able to celebrate with us, and enjoy themselves while cruising down the Savannah River. 

Patrick and I also enjoyed incorporating our wedding party into our first dance!  This opened the floor for the guests to start the party after dinner.  During the ceremony, we took communion and received a special marriage blessing from my parents, which was a very special and intimate moment for us to share before the Lord with our family and friends as witness.  And, of course, we had the best wedding party ever!  Our family and friends created memories that will last a lifetime!

SASsy:    What is your favorite piece of advice to give to other soon to be brides?

TBB:  Stay centered and focus on your marriage, not the wedding!  Many of the couples whom I have consulted with have also begun their premarital counseling process.  I encourage them to pray about the union in which they are about to enter, in addition to simply enjoying their engagement season! 

Another valuable piece of advice:  Communicate with your fiancé every step of the way.  Many times, guys are pushed out of the wedding planning process due to a brides’ excitement about “her day.”  On the contrary, the guy proposes, thus he starts the wedding planning process!  Even if you have a “keep that wedding magazine away from me” type of fiancé, at the least, keep him up-to-date and informed of obligations designated to him and his groomsmen on wedding day.

I would like to thank Angela for contributing to this week's blog.  If you would like more information on The Blessed Bride LLC please check out her website www.theblessedbride.com or follow her on twitter @theblessedbride.

Next week will begin our "Ask a bride" series featuring Ashley who threw a beautiful Memphis wedding with the perfect favors!

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