First Look or First Touch

If you're planning a wedding, you've probably heard of the "First Look" that has been all the buzz the past few years.  If not, the "First Look" is when the bride and groom decide to meet before the ceremony and see each other for the first time.  There are several advantages to doing a "First Look".  Not only does this moment make for beautiful pictures, but it gives the couple the opportunity to embrace each other and allow their emotions to calm before walking down the aisle.  Also, since the wedding day will move so swiftly, this is a good time for the couple to have some alone time before things get busy.

As an alternative, couples are now engaging in the "First Touch", which allows them to spend time together without actually seeing each other.  The bride and groom will typically meet at a corner with their backs to each other and hold hands.  Some couples will choose to pray together, or read hand written letters to each other.  The "First Touch" allows the groom to spend time with his bride, but he can still look forward to being surprised by her when she comes down the aisle.  

I'm a fan of either option.  As a planner I look forward to seeing the look on the groom's face when he sees his bride for the first time.  It's one of the many joys of my job.  So what say you?  "First Look" or "First Touch"?  Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Real Raven J. Event: Sydney's Sip and See

Hi everyone!  Things have been pretty busy around here, but I am excited to share pics from a recent event I planned.  You're probably wondering, what exactly is a Sip and See?  A Sip and See is a southern tradition where parents welcome friends and family into their home to meet their new baby.  Similar to a shower, except the Sip and See takes place after the baby is born.  For my client's Sip and See, we chose a pink and gold color scheme.  There were several "Sips" for the guests to enjoy including pink lemonade, sherbet punch and my favorite, a bubbly bar featuring mango, orange and cranberry mimosas.  The guests nibbled on heavy hors d'oeuvres and spent the rest of the day doting on baby Sydney!  It was such a joy to help this couple plan their first baby's sip and see.  I hope you enjoy some of the detail pictures below.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

      

Bridal Show Inspiration

Hi everyone! It's bridal show season and I have some great pictures to share that I captured recently.  Bridal shows are not only good for meeting reputable wedding vendors, but they are also great for getting inspiration for your wedding day design.  Take a look below and be inspired!

From modern, to elegant, to shabby chic, the style options are endless.  Which look is your fave?

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Pantone Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

Recently, the Pantone Color Institute announced "Radiant Orchid" as the 2014 color of the year.  The color purple has actually been popular in weddings for quite some time now, but I'm sure we will see an increase in the use of this color. Below I've listed a few ways to incorporate purple in your wedding with an added twist.

Floral Arrangements



Chair Covers

Cocktails

Accessories

Dessert

Image Source: Google

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

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.