5 Things to Do After You Get Engaged

Happy Holidays everyone!  If you didn't know, along with the Holidays comes a bevy of engagements! From Thanksgiving to Christmas, to New Year's to Valentine's Day, you can expect to hear of lots of couples getting engaged. If you happen to be one of those lucky people, read about my tips on what to do after your get engaged. 

1.    Call the VIPs
Yep, make the announcement to your closest family and friends. You definitely want them to get the news from YOU and not anyone else. While you're at it, call up your bridal party too. The earlier you ask your friends to be a part of your wedding the better.

2.    Think About Your Wedding Style
If you're like most brides you may already have an idea of the style of wedding you want. If not, start thinking about you and your fiance's individual and collective style, so that your wedding will be a reflection of both of you. For instance, consider if your style is more traditional, modern, or maybe glamorous. If you choose traditional, maybe you would like to marry in a church. If you consider yourself to be modern, maybe you would consider marrying in a park, museum or hotel ballroom, just to name a few.

3.    Money, Money, Moneeeey
You and your fiance should have a talk about your wedding budget BEFORE you make any wedding plans. Be sure to bring in all contributors: parents, grandparents and anyone else who is paying for your wedding. Set a figure that is realistic, within your means, and agreed upon by all parties.

 4.    Consider a Planner
If you are considering hiring a wedding planner, be sure to engage him/her at the BEGINNING of the planning process. This can save you so much time and money, I promise :-). We know the right people and places to connect you to and since we have planned more weddings than you, we can educate you on how to do things the right way! And remember, most planners offer different levels of service, so at the very least hire a planner for day of coordination, so that you can relax on your wedding weekend and not worry about anything going wrong.

5.    Hire the Pros
This will include selecting a ceremony and reception venue, photographer, entertainment, caterer and more. If you choose to work with a wedding planner, he or she will be able to refer you to reputable vendors in each of the categories above, that fit your style and budget. If not, just remember that wedding professionals can get booked very quickly, so contact them as soon as possible.
                                                                          

                           Happy Planning!
                                                            Raven J.                                   

Real Raven J. Wedding: Latoya and Albert

I'm so excited to share some of the pictures from a recent wedding I coordinated.  When I met with the bride, she expressed that she wanted a classic, elegant affair.  I must say, I think we captured that beautifully. Enjoy!

 

   

 

See more pictures from this wedding and other events at www.ravenj.com .

 

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Atlanta Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Hi everyone!  A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of touring and enjoying dinner at the Mandarin Oriental in Buckhead.  The Mandarin Oriental is a luxury boutique hotel.  It boasts several event spaces, suitable for weddings, parties, and meetings too.  The hotel carries a residential vibe throughout, which makes for a more personable and intimate gathering.  Check out a few of my snaps below.

 

The Oriental Ballroom

The English Garden

 



                                    Foyer                                   

 

Taipan Lounge

 



Dining Area

 



Foyer

 



I had to get a picture of this beautiful chandelier.

 



Guest Room

Guest Room

 

 

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Wedding Welcome Bags

A great way to welcome your out of town wedding guests is with a welcome bag full of goodies.  This will not only make them feel special, but it's a great way to share some of your favorite things.  Check out a few of our suggestions below.

For a destination wedding, a beach inspired bag will be a hit with your guests.  Sunscreen, bottled water, and a beach towel are a few items to include.

 

 

Martha Stewart Weddings

 

 

A wine and spa themed bag will be sure to delight.

 

 

Wine Lover Baskets

 

 

Tea and cookies are always appreciated.

 

 

Tea Lover Gift Baskets

 



 

Scented candles would make a great addition.

 



 

 

Northernlights Candles

 

 



Don't forget to add a few of your favorite snacks to conquer the late night munchies!

 



 

So what do you think?  Will you be using welcome bags for your wedding?  Let us know what other items you would add to your bags.

 

Happy Planning!

Raven J. 











The Power of Networking

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to hear a local VP of Marketing present on the topic of "The Power of Networking".  I'll admit that I thought I had heard all there is to know about networking.  But the speaker made me look at networking from a different perspective.  After the presentation, I was excited to try some of his tried and true tips for myself.  After all, he didn't make it to "VP" status on his looks alone :-).  I want to share a few of the highlights below.  Whether you network for business or play, maybe you can employ some of his teachings too.

1.  Networking is the new normal.  Network or no work.  Pretty self-explanatory I think.

2.  Be confident.  People can't believe in you if you don't believe in yourself.

3. View networking as personal relationship management. 

4. You have to make deposits into your relationships.  Remember to give before you look to receive.

5.  When you meet someone new, try to find positive points of alignment
    ( things you have in common) .

6.  Perfect the ability to follow-up.

7.  Serve your network.  Initiate the give.

As for me, I will definitely be working on # 7, serving the network.  It's so easy to meet new people and move on with our daily activities.  But as the speaker emphasized we have to work, serve and maintain the network. 

What do you think?  Do you agree with anything listed above or have any tips of your own?  Let us know in the comments section.

 

Raven J.   

   

Atlanta Venue: The Roswell Historic Cottage

While outside the Perimeter I had the opportunity the visit the Roswell Historic Cottage, near the Roswell Square.  The venue is very unassuming from the outside but quite stunning on the inside.  It features 2 levels, loft style ceilings and stylish brick walls.  It's the perfect setting for a modern wedding reception or party of any kind.  See a few of my snaps below.

 



 

 

 

 

Happy Planning!

Raven J.



 

 

Raven J. Event: 50 Shades of Pink Bridal Shower

I had the pleasure of planning a bridal shower for one of my SWEETEST friends and sorority sisters. Since pink was her primary wedding color, we chose to design the shower using the same color scheme. To coincide with the theme, "50 Shades of Pink", the guests dressed in their favorite shade of pink. To match the brides trendy personality, I chose to line the tables in a fun fuschia and white chevron print table runner, accented with hot pink roses, individually boxed cupcakes and paper fans for favors which her a HUGE hit with the guests. We played fun games and celebrated the bride for the wonderful person that she is. See the pictures below and be inspired!

To view more photos visit our Facebook page. Be sure to like the page while you're there. Thank you for visiting and happy planning!

Atlanta Venue: The Millenium Gate Museum at Atlantic Station

Hey everyone!  I toured another great venue recently and I want to share my sights with you.  I'm speaking of the Millennium Gate Museum in the beautiful Atlantic Station area.  Atlantic Station is one of my favorite parts of town so I was stoked to tour this venue.  The Millennium Gate Museum is perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony, or a social affair of any kind.  There's the option to host your event outside on the lawn, upstairs overlooking the water, or inside of the museum.  I love a venue with flexibility!  See a few of my pics below and tell me what you think.   

 

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

The Inventor's Loft Welcomes ISES

Happy Thursday everyone!  On yesterday I had the opportunity to visit and tour the Inventor's Loft, one of Atlanta's newest event venues.  The Inventor's Loft played host to the June ISES Atlanta chapter meeting, and I enjoyed every bit of it.  See a few of my snaps below.      

Take in the stunning garden view with the Atlanta skyline in the backdrop.  Perfect for a cocktail party of any kind!

Happy Planning!

Raven J.