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.

3 Ways to Wow at Your Holiday Party

Fall is here and that can only mean one thing.  The holidays and holiday parties are right around the corner!  If you're hosting a holiday party this year, don't fret.  Try one of my tips below to add spice to your festivities.

1.  Custom Paper Invitations.  The invite sets the tone for your party and lets your guests know what type atmosphere to expect.  Just as we mail invites for weddings, I suggest doing the same for your holiday party.

2.   Sequin Linens.  Very popular right now, the sequin linen is an easy way to add shimmer.  They come in a variety of colors (gold is my fave!) and are sure to make an impression on your guests.

3.  Hot Chocolate Bar. Yes you heard me right, a hot coco bar! It's totally unexpected, but will be warmly welcomed during the cold winter months.  What's great is that your guests get to fix their own hot chocolate drink with toppings and flavorings of their choice.

So will you be trying any of these ideas at your party?  If not tell me what do you do to wow your party guests?

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

How To Use Lounge Seating At Your Next Event

Hi everyone!  So I'm planning a 40th birthday party and my client asks to include lounge seating.  I was so excited because lounge seating is such a fresh take on the traditional seating of tables and chairs, and it adds just the right touch of sophistication.  Another great advantage of using lounge furniture is that it encourages your guests to relax and really take in the evening.  I've put together some examples of how to wow your guests with lounge seating at your next event.

So what do you think? Will you try lounge seating at your next event?  Let me know below!

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Hiring Wedding and Event Vendors

Hi everyone! Today I want to share a few tips to help you when choosing your wedding or event vendors.  I'm sure this can be rather overwhelming since there are so many great wedding and event professionals to choose from.

1.  Style-Consider if the vendor's style matches the style of your wedding or event.  For instance, does the photographer shoot the type of photos that you are interested in, or does the caterer provide the style of food you desire at your event.

2.  Contracts-Without a doubt, a professional wedding or event vendor should provide you with a contract for services.  

3.  Personality- This may not be important for each type of vendor,  but for the vendors that you will spend an ample amount of time with, such as the photographer and event planner, make sure that this is someone that you actually like and will enjoy being around.

4.  Trust and Respect- Once you've hired your vendors please trust them and listen to the feedback that they provide.  We only want what's best for you, your guests and everyone working to make your dream day a success!  

Have you considered either of these tips when choosing your vendors?  Let me know in the comments section below.

                                                                      Happy Planning!
                                                                            Raven J.

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.