Real Raven J. Event: "40 in the City" Birthday Celebration

Hi everyone!  I'm very excited to share detail pictures from a recent 40th birthday party that I planned and coordinated for a client.  She was an absolute joy to work, the perfect client to be exact.  When she contacted me she explained that she wanted a simple but elegant affair and that is exactly what I produced.  Take a look below.

As you can see above, the venue has lots of natural beauty and personality, with the exposed brick walls, chandeliers and awesome lighting and wall fixtures.  We chose to use white table linens and gold chiavari chairs for a clean look and feel.  I used gold sequin table runners with lots of candles for just the right touch of elegance.

If you are celebrating a milestone birthday soon, email me at raven@ravenj.com to get the party started!

Happy Planning!

Raven J. 

Event Planning and Design: Raven J. Events

Venue: Roswell Historic Cottage

Photography: 1080fotography

Table Runners: I Do Linens

Catering: Originals Cakes and Catering

Band: Philipia 

Gwinnett Wedding Venue Tour (Part 2)

Hi guys!  I hope you were inspired by the venues I featured in Part 1 of the Gwinnett County venue tour.  Check out Part 2 of the tour below.

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center

I really like this venue for the variety of rental spaces that it offers.  There is the option to have a ceremony/reception outside under the bridge (not pictured), at the barn, the Chesser-Williams House and of course inside the center.  The Bridge and the Blue Planet theater spaces would be my favorites!

Buford Community Center

Don't let the name fool you!  This venue is far from your average community center.  With it's regal ballrooms and winding staircase it is sure to make a great impression on you and your guests.

  

Ashton Gardens

Perfect for the traditional bride, this venue features a lovely chapel and a separate space for the reception.

                           

                             

 

I have to give special thanks to Maurice (pictured above with me) of the Gwinnett County Convention and Visitors Bureau for organizing this WONDERFUL tour, and gifting us with the cutest gift bags.  Last but not least, thank you to Jerry of Georgia Trolley Services for transporting us for the day.

I hope you guys enjoyed your virtual tour of only a few of Gwinnett County's best wedding venues.  Email me at raven@ravenj.com if you have questions.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

  

Gwinnett Wedding Venue Tour (Part 1)

Hi everyone!  I'm too excited about today's blog post.  I was recently invited to tour some of Gwinnett County's best wedding venues.  The tour was exclusive to event planners and sponsored by the Gwinnett County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  We toured a total of 7 venues, and I have great pictures and information to share with you below.

 Hudgens Center for the Arts 

Located on Sugarloaf Parkway, this venue is truly a hidden gem.  There is an outdoor and  indoor space for wedding ceremonies and receptions. My favorite part of the venue is the beautiful sculpture garden.

Payne-Corley House

The Payne Corley House was simply breathtaking.  It's definitely for the bride who craves elegance in an  intimate setting.  In addition to ceremony and reception space, Park Cafe restaurant is onsite and can be rented for smaller ceremonies or bridal showers and rehearsal dinners.  

550 Trackside

The next venue, 550 Trackside, is a historic building that has been fully restored and now serves as a rental venue.  It's filled with lots of intricate details and designs imported from various cities around the world.  I loved the warm colors and airy ambience.

Sugarloaf Country Club

For our next stop we were whisked away to the beautiful grounds of the Sugarloaf Country Club.  The ceremony space is perfect for the bride who wants to marry near water with a picturesque view!  In addition to a tour, we enjoyed lunch in the grand ballroom.  The butternut squash soup with caramelized apples was delish!

 So, did you enjoy this virtual tour of venues?  See any that you would like to check out?  Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for part 2 of the tour.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Wedding Dress Trends for 2015

Now that New York Bridal Market has ended, I want to share some of my favorite 2015 wedding dress trends that hit the runway.  You can bet your dollars that you will see these gowns worn down an aisle near you.

Colored Dresses
Blush wedding gowns move over.  There are new colors in town!  From blue to gold, colored gowns are all the rage.  Would you dare?

Tulle Skirts

I am so in love with the tulle skirt trend.  It's so feminine and fancy at the same time.  This is my kind of style for sure!

Capes and Collars

If you enjoy detailing around the neckline, dresses with capes or collars may be the style for you.

  

So what do you think?  Do any of these trends fit your personal style?  Let me know below.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.