Little White Book for Every Bride

YUMM-O, YOLO!!!!

2011-01-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

So, how much do I LOVE my job!!! Today, I started my morning over coffee with the sweetest, most sincere magazine editor ever, then onto one of my adorable clients, and finally, alas, a little "research" at Yolo Dessert Bar! (all while my tiniest sidekick, mollie caroline, trooped along with me!)

Yolo, I must say is, at first glance, just another cutesy DIY yogurt shop. But boy, is it so much more!

Among the multitudes of offerings, like yogurt, gelato, small plated desserts, candies and truffles, and more, are THE most fabulous and inventive flavored cupcakes! I thought it was only fair that I try them out for my clients who could possibly give these yummies as welcome gifts or favors to their guests!

So, after MANY questions, (thank you girls for entertaining my 100 questions!), I began selecting for my "board members" who love it when I bounce my ideas off them! For my husband, the "jack and coke" - a coca cola cake infused with actual jack daniels in the icing (and the cake, I think!). For my two year old, a classic and her favorite, Strawberry, it was melt in your mouth delish. Then onto Pancake with Maple and Bacon - so good, (which I could totally see this for a downhome Southern Bash Groom's table), Strawberry Coconut, a perfect blend of both, and then Chocolate Mocha, divine RICH chocolate (and made with an infusion of coffee grounds).

Then, there 'she' was, out of every Legally Blonde loving, Bride to Be, girl'y girl's dream - the Pink Champagne cupcake! I HEAR they may even soon offer a dessert wine and champagne menu! hmmm....SO.....who wants to have a Pink Champagne Cocktail Party, Shower, or intimate Engagement Party???

Contact Kerri Kelley Weddings, I'd love to make this dream a reality!!!

Unveiled

2010-09-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe some men were tricked into marrying by simple use of a veil? If it were only that easy! In addition to trickery, veils also have religious value and as traditional as wearing white, are also a tradition dating back to 13th century BC.

With so many choices - birdcage, blusher, chapel, cathedral, and other seemingly endless possibilities, brides pay careful attention to choosing the veil which best compliments her wedding gown. Imagine a couture modern wedding gown with an ill chosen veil with ill chosen accessories and veil, it could ruin the entire look. Making veils a part of the styling process is vital to your fantastical entrance on your wedding day.

Feathers, crystals, pearls, and fine fabrics, what's your fancy? A couture hat, french lace, perhaps? It's all at your fingertips (well, not literally!). Here are a few stunning examples of headpieces, veils and accessories that will wow you. With an abundance of DIY'ers, you can find styles from $90 - $9000 for such items.

I call this one The Town & Country veil; $1700 by Kamellia Gallery

Love how this one floats in the wind, a truly romantic veil; $850 by I Do Wedding Veils

Birdcage chic, who could resist; $315 by Angeline Jordan

Just three beautiful options in a sea of many....good luck on your search for the perfect veil!

The Diva's in the Details - My interview with Martie Duncan, "Martie knows Parties"

2010-09-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

While designing weddings, I often help brides (and grooms!) create fun, personality filled ideas for "ETC" parties. Definition: ETC. parties are those surrounding the wedding, such as engagement parties, welcome receptions for out of town guests, rehearsal dinners, bridesmaids luncheons, groomsmen outings, and other fun gatherings to celebrate upcoming nuptials! In order to gain inspiration, I am constantly on the lookout for savvy ideas to make your party a hit. Hosting soirees are so much fun and don't you just love it when guests rave about your parties - the food, the centerpiece, the effortless look! Well, I do! One of my favorite peeps to Follow on Facebook is Martie Duncan of Martie Knows Parties

I had the opportunity to interview her majesty, "Martie Knows Parties" and here's what she had to say. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

KKW: So, let's kick this off right...what's your all time favorite party idea? Can you pick just one idea or one genre..i.e. - a fav food, fab libation, or type of celebration?

MD: Casual. Relaxed. Fun. Tailgating would probably be my fav… parked on the side of the field somewhere, hanging out with friends! Now, sometimes I go to extremes with my tailgating; but I think that’s simply a Southern thing. I might show up with a sofa and a recliner along with my cooler and grill. You never know!

KKW: What prompted you to become martie knows parties?

MD: I’ve always been “Martie with the party” to my friends… but the genesis of it becoming a business entity was really one of those weird things that just happen. I didn’t plan it. In 2007, I was in Seattle, in meetings with Microsoft on content development for MSN. I was pushing a wedding oriented agenda, since that’s been my business for 20+ years. But Microsoft wanted a broader view of celebrations and entertaining in general and asked if that was possible. Since I’ve always been the party maker in my circle, I replied, “Well, my friends don’t call me Martie with the Party for nothing”…and the brand was born. We launched in partnership with Microsoft in early 2008 with prime placement on MSN Lifestyle… can you imagine, my picture right between legendary chefs Jose Andres and Jacque Pepin! Our how-to party videos and slideshows are now exclusively seen on MyRecipes.com… the best recipe resource for anyone who likes to entertain.

KKW: What question do you get asked the most from DIY party planners and how do you answer it?

MD: The #1 question I get is for help getting started. People just want a place to jump off and get things going. I simply generate the inspiration. Whether it is help with food, drinks or a menu to decorations or an overall theme—they usually tell me what they are working with and then I give them some ideas to get them going. I get hundreds of emails every month from people wanting help or advice planning a major celebration. Even if it’s for a small crowd, that doesn’t mean it’s not significant. Parties make memories that will last a lifetime. People just want to get it right. Or at least do the best they can with the resources they have.

KKW: On behalf of my lovely brides, is there a trend right now in bridesmaid lunch/brunch or welcome receptions for out of towners that you are loving?

MD: Wow, I get a lot of my own inspiration from them! Brides today are so creative. I love that they appreciate tradition, but are not bound by it, incorporating their style, their personality, or their heritage into their party themes. I love it! One trend I really like is the idea of using funky, unique venues for a celebration and build the party theme around it. I just attended a rehearsal dinner that was hosted at a farm. The menu was all “farm to table” and grown on the property, served on picnic tables. Farms, barns, rooftops, racetracks, ballparks, etc… I love it when brides and grooms share their interests with family and friends. I like the idea of a Top Chef party or a Pickling Party where you pickle and put up fresh veggies instead of a traditional kitchen shower for that foodie in your life.

KKW: Let's talk about styling food...how important is presentation?

MD: Wow-it’s everything! People eat with their eyes first. You know how excited you get when you see food that looks gorgeous…you can’t wait to try it! So, the secret is to make the food look delicious before the first bite. I learn from every chef, caterer and wedding stylist out there and then translate their gorgeous work into presentation ideas that are easy to do at home. People think I am nuts because I take photos of every dish I order when dining out. My iPhone is full of them. And don’t forget the garnish! A pretty garnish makes dishes and drinks look “finished”...garnish is very important.

KKW: What about budget, can you REALLY be cost savvy and host an amazing party? give us the tips...

MD: Sure you can. I can throw a great party for very little--- BUT that depends on what I am serving, how many people, and what the situation is. What I typically do NOT do is to spend a lot of money on matching tableware, accessories, or party store items. That can really add up! I borrow, use things in a new way, and really plan so I don’t spend unnecessarily. You’d be so surprised at what you can find in your basement or cabinets. Take a look around and be creative… not crafty. I don’t have time to make things and I’m not crafty. I just use things in a creative way. For example, I found a beautiful aqua blue drop cloth that I used for a tablecloth… it was the perfect color for our party theme and was only $9. You can’t beat that. I use pretty water bottles for vases. I use my yard for leaves and flowers. One large leaf can be all you need for a striking arrangement. And use your food and beverages as decorations. That’s what the caterers do to cut down on actual decorations!

KKW: Curious, do you host at home soirees much yourself for your own friends and family or do you get your fix helping others entertain?

MD: I used to, but over the past two years or so, it’s been mostly work. Our photo shoots are like mini parties since I work with a lot of people I consider good friends… and the live shows are big parties; we have so much fun! These days, it seems as if we have a party wherever we go!

KKW: If you do enjoy entertaining, is there one thing you do in preparation for your party that everyone should do when hosting an at home shindig?

MD: I love an impromptu party, those are the best kind! Just call people up and tell them to come over for some good food and good times. But if I am planning a wedding, or a big event, the most important thing is a good plan. That keeps me on track with what I have to do and it keeps me from overspending, too. For a wedding, I always make up a story board with photos and swatches of what I plan to use. That way, I can visualize everything. Then I make a shopping list, a timeline, and before you know it, it’s all done. I always “stage” my tables beforehand and take photos so anyone helping me can see my vision. Then, I label all of the serving pieces and the decorations so I know what goes where. That keeps me from scrambling, looking for one more platter as guests are arriving. Oh, and ice!! Have plenty of ice. You never have enough.

KKW: Lastly, who or what is your go-to for inspiration and party ideas?

MD: I get inspiration from places I’ve been and things I’ve been lucky enough to do. I just attended the most amazing birthday party in London and I can assure you, I’ll be using some ideas from that one… I probably won’t hire the London Philharmonic like they did, but I got some great ideas nonetheless. While I create a lot of my own recipes these days, I also watch a lot of Food Network for food and menu inspiration. Bobby Flay, Ina Garden, and Giada De Laurentiis are some of my favorites. And of course, I am always inspired and in awe of the weekend warriors—those wedding caterers, floral designers, and stylists who make wedding magic and dreams come true every weekend.

Ivory and White Bridal Boutique is HOT!

2010-07-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

At Ivory and White, one of my absolute fav bridal boutiques, things are really heating up this summer!

AUGUST 6th & 7th - MONIQUE LHUILLIER TRUNK SHOW
Attending brides will register to win a $100 gift card to Brombergs and engagement session with Arden Photography.

NEW DESIGNER TO IVORY AND WHITE, LUSAN MANDONGAS, will debut any day now! Call for appointment to view this new line! Amazing dresses for $2500 to $3500! They are really gorgeous!

IVORY AND WHITE NOW OFFERS MELISSA SWEET!!! TRUNK SHOW, AUGUST 27th and 28th!

Boring Cakes, Balloons at a Wedding, and design in White..oh my!

2010-07-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Summer weddings...busy, busy BUT I'm back to the blog for a moment.

I had a bride say to me "Wedding cakes can be so boring"! Okay, I thought. Fair enough. It's my job to help her and others think of creative ways to incorporate their wishlist into a dream wedding without being "boring"in any element!

So, I challenged myself to think of fun ways to incorporate the age old tradition of the wedding cake!

I, personally, absolutely love pastry art or more simply put, cake style! There are so many new designs, ways to use color and geometrics to make your wedding cake one of kind and anything but boring.

I found some inspiration and thought you may want to take a peek too! I'm loving the pic on the right. The smaller cake, mixed with white and yellow treats on the table is a cool, non traditional way to go! Also, I'm really drawn to clean and brillant white right now with subtle pops of color. In this photo, I particularly like the use of the balloons. This type of balloon is showing up in many weddings and has that a real impact when accenting just right design - think modern mixed with vintage hints and a shabby chic type style! I think the "table number" tags from balloons looks really neat too. I think this would be a great rehearsal dinner idea!

A little of this, little of that!

2010-03-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

Local 20 something NC transplant is new'ish to our area but not to the wedding biz. Kelley Cummings is Spindle Photography. In addition, this super stylish gal (judging by her awesome "bridal and life" blog) has started Dash, Pinch, Smidgen . I wanted to give her kudos, because, among many things, her blog is FUN! I love fun, girly, inspiring, and honesty about the trends (sometimes brutal). I love getting lost in blogs, which I so often do...oh the dreaming. So, definitely check out her site and by the way, I got this straight from her blog....

DID YOU KNOW??? Urban Outfitters is launching a line of heirloom bridal attire. To clarify, the gowns will be sold under the Anthropologie label (owner by UO) and range from 1K-5K. Ah, that lovely VINTAGE feel! Can't wait! You all know how I feel about Vintage...I should've been a 1950's housewife!

Pictureshow Dress, $298, Anthropologie

Baby its Cold Outside (but these suits are HOT!)

2010-01-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

So, I ran across these suits on one of my favorite weekly bridal blog reads by Darcy Miller! While its freezing cold around these parts, we have to fantasize that our brides are getting kissed by the sun on tropical islands around the globe. These too cute suits are the perfect suitcase stuffer for the much anticipated honeymoon. While we're here by the fire, we hope you light up your new hubby's face wearing this, poolside!

anthropologie $148

D&G $135 (originally $272) mywardrobe.com

Hershey's Chocolate Ganache, Yes, Please!

2009-12-05T06:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the privilege to "meet" Mrs. Evelyn Criswell of Criswell Catering and Cakes. I just loved her energy and zest for speaking about her passion for cakes! I want all you brides to know that choosing a pastry professional is an important part of the planning process! The cake is a focal point for your wedding and the taste of your cake IS really important to your guests. We ALWAYS hear guests critiquing the cake and trust me, they are pretty strong critics!

Criswell's (who also has treats available retail at Piggly Wiggly and Western in Birmingham) has a fine selection of cake flavors and icing. White Truffle Poundcake is just one! YUM!

So, if you're not working with Kerri Kelley Weddings to ensure you get the BEST vendors around, I'm offering you a secret to the trade, BOOK CRISWELL'S for your cake!

With over 30 years experience (Mrs. Evelyn told me she just booked a client who was a daughter of her former bride!), she is knowledgeable, kind and offers DELICIOUS and beautiful cakes. Take pictures for inspiration on your design, the sky is the limit!

Visit Criswell's online for contact info and let her know we sent ya! OR give me a call to setup a consultation for you and walk you through the process of planning and designing your wedding!

Starting in January, we'll offer in house Floral Design!

2009-12-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

We've learned from the best, like Flowerstems and Kathy G Designs and will loyally continue to send some business to our wonderful floral vendors, but as we expand we've naturally come to the conclusion that Florals are our next big thing! Since Kerri Kelley Weddings typically designs EVERY concept of your wedding, including style, type, arrangement and setup of florals...we have been testing the waters and being hands on in the creation for over a year now. ITS TIME TO STEP IT UP A NOTCH! Get ready for amazing floral design by Kerri Kelley Weddings in 2010! BOOK NOW and beat the rush of "engagement season"!

xoxo,

kerri

you know I love to be inspired, so take a peek at these looks!

High Fashion Invitations

2009-11-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

Most of you know, I'm a paper FANatic! I am really diggin' wedding invitations that bring out the style of the couple and in some cases direct guests as to what they are in store for in the way of venue or formality! I like to think the invitation is sort of a source of excitement for your guests. One of my couples, B & D, could so pull off a high style design. They choose a ultra chic Save the Date design from of my fave designers, Raspberry Creations . Here are a few wedding invitation pulls I've made to stamp as KKW approved!

Thank You!

2009-10-26T08:17:00.001-07:00

Just want to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone involved in Nicole and Bram's wedding weekend!

Everyone did a fabulous job! I started this vision with the Nicole + Bram (and Jan!) back in January but the results on Saturday were amazing because of YOU! All of you are top notch professionals and much appreciated and admired!

What made the event possible?

Well, Miss Katie Wilson, her excellent service & kind smile no matter what. She managed a very complex event and managed to still motivate and direct a very friendly staff!

Brynne MacCann's direction of her team and her willingness to help WHEREVER needed the ENTIRE day and night, such a sweetheart!

Vince Gray's gorgeous floral design and hard work in setup (and Crystal - love her timelines and dedication!).

Jerrod Brown, who is one of THE absolute best and most humble photographers I know. He's always so nice to give me that little pat on the back that I need from time to time, and WOW what a team he brought along for capturing the event's special moments! So impressed with you all!

Andy Tolar and his team for creating the beautiful ambiance!

Ross Kinder of Music Garden for not only helping me set up the musicians for ceremony and reception but performing as well for cocktails in lobby, you guys were awesome and all the girls crushed on you!

Bonnie Furuto on ceremony strings along with Sergei and Alice! Thank you for learning the special selection! Meant alot to Nic!

Tony Cooper for being a flexible manager of the fab Heather Hayes Band! Your guys were super nice!

Olexas...I think Diane's cakes were beautiful (though I didn't get to taste one morsel..urgh!).

Aztec's crew were so kind and helpful as well!

OH..and how could I forget Susie Perelman owner of Mosaic Linens - she is my right hand lady, always helping sharpen my vision for those linens! Thank you Susie for always going the extra mile!

And the all important, last but most certainly not least...my adorable and wonderful husband Ashley, seeing him across the room during stressful moments make all the difference to me! Finally, my "could not do it without her" assistant Lauren Rhoton, she reels me in when I get a little too TYPE A - "okay, focus!"

Had a great time! Thank you all once more!

Can't wait to see most of you for the Hammonds Wedding weekend November 20 & 21st!

Modern Press: Just Married!

2009-10-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

Just as first impressions are famously important, a fabulous departure at your wedding can leave your guests in awe (and...maybe leave them a little envious too!). What better way to say goodbye! And there are so many cool ways to use these post wedding.IDEA: Have your guests sign in on a simple artboard covered in your chosen fabric, (for this concept maybe linen or burlap) then add these tiles to the mix and frame them up as a keepsake!

These wooden "scrabble" like tiles byMODERNPRESS say Just Married in total style. MODERNPRESS is a NY company who really hits the mark with unexpected twist on wedding stationery. In addition to using wood, like this, they also have a fantastic selection of paper products, menus, placecards, save the dates and invitations for your wedding.

OH..and, I have to throw this in too, see the cool "poms" below as well. so chic! Ask me how to incorporate these items into your wedding! I think your photographer will thank you for adding these elements, what an awesome photo opp!

Raspberry Creations: Invites, Notes, and other Juicy Creations

2009-10-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

While at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear enjoying a quick getaway last weekend, the Hubs and I ran into friends from Nashville, they were attending...a wedding, Of course!

Sidenote: By the way, check out my featured wedding on KerriKelley.com to see pics of a wedding at The Grand, beautiful! Anyway, I digress....

Rachael (the lovely wife of a of one of my hubby's college pals) and I struck up a conversation about this and that. We were having a Grand old time (pun totally intended) when we realized we were in the same industry, well...sort of.

Rachael is a designer, in advertising, so she is a graphic artist. I also discovered that Rachael moonlights in the paper world. We LOVE paper here at KKW, so that was exciting news! She whipped out her iphone or blackberry (or something that was more advanced than what I can keep up with anymore!) and showed me pics of her designs. I was very IMPRESSED!

Since I'm all about pairing up great talent with my lovely couples and always like to offer something fresh and new to EACH couple, I already had in mind a fit for Rachaels design...Brandie and Dylan, my April 3rd 2010 wedding! They are a super cool couple, as are Rachael Schendel's designs (RaspberryCreations.com)! I was right on, Brandie loved the card I chose for her and Rachael turnaround a proof at lightening speed. I think the order was 24 hours from scratch to accepted proof! Go team, Go!

Guess List: A How to on Inviting

2009-01-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

One of the most common questions engaged couples ask me is how to tackle the guest list. Should we make the list or choose the venue first? Who has the say on making cuts? How should we handle inviting guests of our guests? Children, no children?

And these what if questions could go on forever.

Many will tell you to consider budget or venue before making a guest list, but I disagree. I’ve seen many a couple through this most important occasion and one thing I can confidently say is that a large majority of the couples are making a grand investment to enjoy a moment with friends and family. And the place, however, beautiful is nothing more unless surrounded by those who love them and want to see them through the many years of happiness, staring with that day!

My point? Well, make the list FIRST! Here’s a method to the madness…

1) Make a Wish “LIST”, Separately.

This should be easy, add anyone and everyone you may want at your wedding! Enlist the help of your parents if they are paying. Even if they are not not, they can remind you to add Great Aunt Sallie, who incidentally may end up getting cut. Either way, enlisting parents will make everyone feel part of the joyous occasion.

2) Combine your Wishlists, eliminating the duplicates.

You will likely have far more than you expected on this wishlist. Now, carefully consider budget. Generally speaking, the reception venue and catering is about 50-60% and average per head cost is about $50 (space and catering included). So multiply your guest number by $50, then double that number. There’s a rough estimate of your average total with your “wishlist” guest list.

3) Set a Goal Number.

Now that you’ve seen that figure, you may be a little more inclined to cross off some of those long lost pals you haven’t spoken to in years and consider an ideal budget giving you a goal number of guests to invite!

4) Make Logical Cuts, Together.

There are logical cuts. Go through the list, and do a quick YES, NO and MAYBE. You’ll be surprised what the two of you give up in the first round but don’t sweat it if you don’t agree, just move fast through the list with the agreed cuts. Now, you have a little more palatable list to work with! How many more cuts do you need to make? Take that number, and equally divide it to come up with how many guests you EACH have to cut.

5) Make final cuts, INDIVIDUALLY!

Doing so will likely save you from conflict. He won’t be over your shoulder jesting that you cut Mary, your childhood friend that you played wedding day dress up with. Some past friends hold memories that your “other half” doesn’t quite understand. Hence, making cuts separately makes sense!

After RE-combining the edited lists, you should both feel happy with the outcome. If either of you have made a cut that you regret, go ahead and voice that now. Explain why that person is important to you, chances are you guys can endure one more guest. HOWEVER, I warn not to recap all the cuts, you’ll end up with a headache and likely with a little heartache from then bickering. Just go with the process and move on to bigger and better – LIKE CAKE TASTINGS!

Happy Planning,

New Year, New HUE: Yellow for Reception Aesthetics

2009-01-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

The results are in. Among the Pantone 2009 SPRING Fashion Color Report Top 10, PANTONE 14-0754 Super Lemon, made the grade. What does that mean? Well, Pantone is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. You’ll see these colors showing up on runways, magazines, showrooms everywhere. Ever wonder, who decides what’s IN and what’s OUT, well, this is the foundation of that judgment.

SO, weddings in Yellow! Sound scary? It can be if not implemented carefully. I’m here to help you take Super Lemon, the bright yellow hue and create a fabulous design for your event!

A look I am a huge fan of is monochromatic! To me, it just screams classy chic and it would be perfect in yellow! Take it from a church whisper to an all out statement of celebration when you move through this happy hue in subtle transition. Here’s what I mean…Your gown, most likely in white or ivory, (I envision slightly off white chantilly lace) will provide the start point color. Input a pinch of yellow in the bridal bouquet with beautiful white peonies, cream French roses, accented by a whisper of yellow hyacinth and yellow tinted hydrangea (fiftyflowers.com) makes a beautiful addition. Onto the wedding party, bridesmaids in golden yellow, still keeping it bright. The style, according to location and time of day, could be very Jackie O, clean line, simple, I see boat neck raw silk fitted bodice with full knee length bottom. Their bouquets, hand tied French yellow tulips and daisies. Into the reception, go with fun but classic, use glass centerpieces with lemons and beautiful lush florals pouring out mimicking the flowers used in the ceremony.

Word to the wise - skip the funky for this monochromatic style; it will appear overdone and inconsistent! If you do wish to go funky with this bright and beautiful tone, do so, and do it in style - choose a contrasting shade of bright pink to complete the palette!

Happy Planning!