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WHY you should have an engagement session with your Photographer!

August 19, 2020 By Erin Bacon

Engagement photos!

I’ve answered this question a few times with my brides and why I encourage them to schedule an engagement session with their photographer. Instead of answering it on the blog as your planner, I want to tell you about our experience and why it meant so much to me as a bride!

For our wedding, we were planning the event living outside of Philadelphia but to take place in my hometown, Williamsburg, VA later that year. One thing I knew right off the bat is I wanted one of my right-hand girls to be our photographer, Olivia Rae Photography! Luckily, she lived in our area so we were not limited by traveling over state lines to take our photos, only by the weather!

Olivia was not just a friend though, she is a trusted professional so I knew our wedding photos would be in great hands right off the bat! Having that trust in your photographer is SO important, and hiring a professional is equally if not more so important!

I also knew she would be great at what I pictured my fiance and my’s dynamic to be. I was excited and bubbly and couldn’t wait to have our photos taken! My fiance at the time was LESS than excited for a photo shoot. I hear this from my brides as one of the main reasons they don’t want to do the engagement shoot – their fiance really doesn’t want to, nor does he see the point. He is not alone in that, and that is OK! Or if you as the bride feel that way, it’s OK!

But. Your photographer needs that time and chance to get to know you both, behind the camera. You all will learn how to best communicate, your endurance for photos (trust me that’s a thing), plus you end up laughing through the whole session as you learn fun facts and jokes about one another creating authentic smiles! 

Your engagement session turns out to be a little practice session for your wedding photos. On your wedding day, your photographer will be just as close and personal with you along your day as we will be as your planner (I’m talking zipping up your dress personal! ;)) 

You want to know them, trust them, feel comfortable, and not think twice about anything else with them – only focus on saying “I do!” 

To sum it up, as my girl Olivia says:

“I love engagement sessions! They give me a chance to get to know my couples and my couples to get to know me. I am able to teach them some core poses and as a result, it gets them comfortable in front of the camera. It truly is a practice round for the wedding day. I tell my couples that an engagement session is pretty much a one-hour cuddle session 🙂 I mean, who doesn’t want that?!”

Now that you’ve scheduled your engagement shoot, its time to go shopping!

We have seen some great outfits and inspiration for engagement sessions. In fact, we created a whole board on Pinterest here!

But, my advice: error on the side of chic but still comfortable. Don’t be afraid to dress up a little! We love a good Maxi, or skirt that twirls (should out to our November Bride!). And if you want to have two looks, your second can be a little more casual like jeans and a flowy sweater. Whatever you wear, make sure you are comfortable in it. Feel beautiful in what you have on and the rest will take care of itself!

Tip: be sure to let your photographer know if any vendors help contribute to your engagement shoot! It’s fun to tag the boutique your dress came from, or your hair and make-up help!

Still wondering about an engagement session? Check out this blog post by Renee Nicolo Photography on what the experience might look like so you can know what to expect!

Still wondering what to wear for an engagement session? Check out this blog post by Olivia Rae Photography (OUR photographer!) who breaks it down for you with links, and seasonal inspiration!

Oh, and if you want to see the end result from OUR engagement session now knowing our dynamic, here you go 🙂

Filed Under: Marketing, Personal, Photography, Wedding Planner

Coffee Chat Q&A: Ask a Bridal Shop!

July 22, 2020 By Erin Bacon

Coffee Chat Q&A with the one and only, La Bella Moda!

First question, tell us about YOU! How did you get into the wedding industry, and La Bella Moda/all things wedding dresses?!

My grandmother is an immigrant from Italy who came over at the age of 18 with a dream to open her own dress shop!  Her dream came true April 1, 1981 when she opened La Bella Moda!  She has been celebrating brides saying YES to their dress for over 39 years now!  I always remember growing up at the shop, I would come and try on the gowns and watch all of the brides look so beautiful and I knew I wanted to get into the wedding industry!  I am not even kidding, I signed the papers to take over the business the week before we were ruled a Pandemic!  What great luck!  I used my time to completely renovate the store!  It has looked the same for the last 20 years!  I felt like Joanna Gaines!

What is your #1 TIP for Brides shopping for a wedding dress?

I think a lot of my brides do not fully know the actual timeline of ordering a wedding gown!  A wedding gown is custom made for you, the bride!  We send in your measurements and depending on the designer, any other customizations you would like to make as well.  My biggest tip is do NOT wait too long before you start looking for a wedding gown and show up to your bridal appointment prepared, and open! 

I also tell everyone, do not start dress shopping until you are ready to say YES to your dream dress!  It can get overwhelming and it can seem fun trying on dresses, but I have brides all the time who get confused because they have tried on too many!

Timing! When is best for a Bride to shop/order/plan for alterations? (In a world without COVID, the normal timeline you would suggest!)

A wedding gown can take about 6-8 months to come in, with everything going on with COVID, it can be slightly delayed!  We start your alterations, two months before the wedding, so you want to allow enough time for that as well as finding all of your accessories too.  Coming prepared to your appointment helps you as the bride and your bridal consultant! 

Any other advice or tips for brides shopping and trying to decide on their wedding dress?!

Come in with an open mind!  I cannot tell you how many times brides come in saying they want a ball gown or a fitted dress and they know they do not want the other, and I make them try on the gown they do not want, just to be sure that they have ruled it out!  I have so many brides who say they do not want a ball gown and fall in love with it when I put them in a ball gown!  Be open, but stick to what you want!  It is your day and some people in your entourage may want you to get something else.  I feel like a therapist, part photographer, part mediator, and part gal pal during my brides’ appointments!  I like to make sure I can be there for YOU in any way I can!

Last question: what is your coffee drink & favorite coffee shop of choice??

I LOVE coffee houses!  Fun fact, my sister and I have always talked about when we retire, we would love to open a café!  I am also such a coffee fiene, I could literally drink anything!  I would say right now, I never underestimate a regular latte with Oat Milk and a dash of cinnamon!  But you know I am SO ready for the Pumpkin Spice Lattes to come back 🙂

La Bella Moda is a one stop shop for all things bridal! 

We have all of your favorite styles by all of your favorite designers, we also have bridesmaid dresses, flower girls, mothers, and other evening gowns!  We even have all of the bridal accessories!

Be sure to reach out to La Bella Moda for any questions and ALL of your Bridal Gown shopping! Be sure to give them a follow @la.bella.moda!

Photography: the amazing Morgan Taylor Artistry!

Filed Under: Bridal Shops, Vendor Spotlight, Wedding Planner Tagged With: Bridal Shop, Bride, Wedding, Wedding Dress

Coffee Chat Series: Ask The Groomsman Suit!

July 15, 2020 By Erin Bacon

Today is a special blog post, just for the men we love in our lives! For those of you who don’t know this company yet, you are in for a HUGE treat! For those of you who do, read on, and get to know them better in today’s blog post talking ALL the things for your groom & groomsmen. We turned to the experts at The Groomsman Suit to chat all things men: fit, function, and flair! Grab your coffee and enjoy this Q&A with Katy from TGS!

Tell us about you & the company! Where are you located and when/how did you all get started?

The idea for TGS was born from our cofounder Jeanne’s personal experience planning her 2013 New Year’s Eve wedding. She and her husband had the groomsmen rent tuxedos only to be disappointed by the logistics, poor fit, and price.

Using her fashion industry experience, Jeanne set out to create a new solution for black tie attire: a sharp-looking tuxedo that could be purchased for less than the cost of a traditional rental. Diana, her longtime childhood friend, joined her efforts and together they launched The Groomsman Suit in February 2016. While we started out as an online business, we now have two showroom locations in Chicago and Philadelphia and have had the honor of being a part of countless weddings helping thousands of men look sharp!

Annie Randall Photo

Where do I start with my groom’s suit purchase? How do I measure his size?

We recommend that couples start with a free home trial. You are able to add swatches, a suit, and accessories to your cart and check them out at home for free for 7 days. This is a great way to check out the fit and material before making a purchasing decision. For size, the best part is that measurements aren’t required. We have a fit finder on our website with almost 90% accuracy in recommending a size. Our suits are great because they are available in two different fit types (slim & modern), 4 different lengths and are available in sizes from 34-60. We know how hard it is to find suits that will cover all different body types and sizes that make up a wedding party so we sell our jacket and pants as separates so that guys can mix and match until they find an as close to custom fit.

Ed & Aileen Photography

What about our groomsmen, how do they purchase their suits?

If you decide to have your groomsmen order from us, we will help coordinate orders for all of your guys so you and your fiancé/e don’t have to chase anyone down to make sure they are ready for your big day through our Wedding Party Coordinator. You can enter everyone’s names and emails, individualize them by groom, groomsmen, fathers, ring bearers, etc, and what they are required to buy and which items are optional. You will send the initial introductory email which takes them to a single page ordering form and we will take care of all reminders. 

Twelve Lines Studio

What is the most popular/favorite suit you have trending right now?!

Definitely our Brilliant Blue Suit. It’s great paired with tan shoes and suspenders for more casual or rustic weddings or black shoes and bow ties for an upscale affair. 

Tim Will Photography

Lastly, favorite coffee drink AND coffee shop of choice?

Cappuccino from La Colombe 😋

And there you have it! I found The Groomsman Suit when actually planning and shopping suits for MY wedding – the quality, flexibility, communication, and overall process was second to none. Purchasing the suit was not just worth it for our wedding, but my husband has worn it time and time again because as he says, it fits the best! Thanks for reading, be sure to give them a follow, and definitely take a look at their suits next time you’re shopping!

Olivia Rae Photography

The Groomsman Suit offers affordable suiting to purchase for men, women, and kids for the same or less than the cost of a typical rental. Not only is TGS a one-stop-shop for grooms, they will manage your wedding group for you and are always available for style tips and suggestions. Order online and have your suit a week later with free shipping and free exchanges. Happy planning!

Filed Under: Men's Rentals, Vendor Spotlight

Coffee Chat Series: Ask a Florist!

July 1, 2020 By Erin Bacon

Who doesn’t love flowers?!

This time of year, everywhere you look we are seeing Summer in FULL bloom so I am super excited to share this week’s #weddingwednesday Coffee Chat Blog is a Q&A with Kristin of Pickell’s & Posies! I got to know Kristin this Spring and she is a gem. Grab a cup of coffee & enjoy this chat – it will inspire and remind you of all the good things in life that flowers bring, and especially what they bring to a wedding! Enjoy!

First, meet Kristin!

Thanks for including me in this Coffee Chat!  So let’s talk about flowers and a little bit about myself and this journey I’m on with Pickells and Posies! I’ve always had flowers and gardens in my life which I give credit to my Grandmother and Mom.  Growing up they both had such beautiful gardens and were always creating arrangements for dinner parties with friends and family.  Having this influence constantly around me got me to start making arrangements for my friends and family.  As I went through my twenties and saw how many people needed flowers for wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties, etc I kept taking each job as they came. 

I got my Floral Design Certificate from Temple University and started to get serious with designing flowers.  A couple of good friends trusted me for their wedding flowers and that’s when I started taking this ‘side gig’ to the next level. The feeling I felt after completing a full-service wedding by myself was just the BEST!  The confidence and feeling of accomplishment was something I had been missing since working in corporate America.  I don’t limit myself to just weddings,  I try and take advantage of every job that comes my way to keep growing and learning.  I specialize in floral design for any occasion because I love the ambiance a simple arrangement can make to any space.

Lauren Fisher Photography

Most popular question you get from brides?

I have to say the most common question I get is ‘can I get all of this for $1500?”.  Truth is, the bigger the wedding party the harder it is to keep your flower expenses down.  How many centerpieces?  That can add another big chunk of your total expense.  Arbor? Ceremony? Yup, add all that in.  Most arbors and ceremony installations are completed on-site so that takes a good amount of manpower.  Any extras, just keep adding up.  Budget is always a big topic for both the Bride and the florist so it’s good to start that conversation right away.

Crystal Wenger Photography

Let’s talk Seasonal! Best flowers for a Spring or Fall wedding?

I love doing seasonal flowers whether it’s in the Spring or the Fall.  There are so many options to pick from anymore!  I always like to include a statement flower in my bouquets, which is your peonies or dahlias.  Being in the suburbs of Philadelphia, both peonies and dahlias are grown locally which helps keep every sustainable.  Peonies have such a quick season in PA, but when I get to work with them they always steal the show.  Not just the pinks or white peonies, but the beautiful coral peonies.  Dahlias have been gaining so much popularity that they have become a great staple in Fall flowers.   These flowers can be spotted in many backyards, but cut flower farms in the area are growing all sorts of varieties.  Then there are all the filler flowers that are grown locally each season.  Throughout the Summer and into the Fall you can spot cosmos, zinnias, celosia, sunflowers, coneflowers, etc blooming all over.  All of these flowers add such beautiful color and texture to any bouquet.  These are also some flowers you can grow in your gardens!

Kerry McIntyre Photography

Tell me about centerpieces – what is your favorite kind, or the most popular flowers to use?

 Just like I said above, I love to have at least one statement flower in my arrangements.  That can be a peony, dahlia, garden rose (check out the David Austin Juliet Garden Rose!), hydrangeas, sunflowers, and so on.  These flowers offer such a wonderful texture and occupy a lot of space with their big flower heads.  To accent these statement flowers, I love to add spray roses and ranunculus.  They have become such a staple for me while designing, they’re easy to work with and add a great look to any arrangement.  Astilbe wins the show for me, it’s so fluffy and feather-like, but it can be tough when it doesn’t have enough water.  But my favorite flowers, or shall I say greens to work with, is a mixture of all the green foliage. The many types of eucalyptus are always something people are asking, silver dollar, gunnii, parvifolia, seeded.  I love mixing these textures with other greens like Italian Ruscus and asparagus ferns.  Greens are the most fun to work with and can save a lot of money!

Two17 Photo & Cinema

Let’s chat Bridal Bouquets! Do you have a favorite trend or a favorite you’ve created?

After figuring out my own style I’ve come to realize I make bouquets that are garden-like, flowing, but tight and lots of greens!  I love designing new color combinations that Brides challenge me with.  The most fun is when I get to work with a Bride that has a color theme but lets me run with the design.  Those kinds of bouquets have been the most challenging to design but the absolute best when they come out!  My last wedding before the quarantine was a moody and deep red color scheme with accents of succulents.  It was such a jump from light and airy colors that I was nervous to see it come together.  It turned out even better than I thought and is definitely one of my top favorite bouquets!

Last question: WHY go with a professional and not your friend who offered to do your flowers?

Before I started doing wedding flowers I would have answered this question and said to use a friend.  But let me tell you, there is so much more that goes into wedding flowers than just designing.  The designing is the fun part, and everything else is the hard work.  Because you are dealing with one of the biggest days in someone’s life, you want to make it right.  The stress of that day alone can make people go mad, but that’s why you leave it up to the professionals.  We’ve done it before, we’ve seen what can happen, and we’re able to make sure the day goes on without any problems.  We can literally make your dreams come true through flowers.  Yes, flowers are beautiful no matter what you do to them, but they can be transformed into such beautiful statement pieces that can change a room instantly.

I told you you’d enjoy Kristin! Be sure to give her a follow, and if you are a bride in the city-Philly-Central PA region, you know who to call!

@pickellsandposies

Filed Under: Florist, Marketing, Vendor Spotlight, Wedding Planner

Coffee Chat Series: Ask a Stationer!

June 24, 2020 By Erin Bacon

Happy #weddingwednesday, friends! This week, I am bringing you a highly anticipated blog post for both BRIDES & VENDORS: a Q&A with Elephant Limbo! Owner & Lead Designer Victoria is SO talented and nothing short of amazing when it comes to designing your Wedding Invitations! There is SO much good stuff in this blog, I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little bit like I have, and be sure to give her a shout at the end!

First, tell us about you! How long you’ve been in business, and why you got into all things stationery?

I’ve been in business since 2017! I have a degree in Fine Arts with a specialty in Editorial Design Projects. Weddings have always been so magical to me and I am obsessed (literally) with typography, paper, and printing techniques! My husband and his twin brother Sean jumped into the wedding industry and a year later I decided to quit my jobs and increase my passion for design!

Semi-Custom Suite “La Palapa”

We have to ask, where the name “Elephant Limbo” came from?!

The name (everybody asks about that, lol!) comes from Amanda and me, actually! Amanda is Sean’s wife. We used to spend time together making cards and day-dreaming about opening a card shop. She had the name “Elephant Limbo” in her head since middle school! I happen to love elephants and have a great memory, just like them. So it made sense! Plus, I like that it doesn’t shout out “weddings” 🙂 Now, Amanda owns Greets Card Co. which specializes in greeting cards. 

Photo by Lytle Photography Company

Popular question from Brides: Timing! When should I order my invitations? Save the dates? 

Save the Dates should be sent 12-10 months before the day-of! If it’s a destination wedding then 18 months would be the earliest that you should send them out. This gives your guests enough time to see if they’re available to attend, arrange any traveling plans, etc. 

Invitations-they should be mailed out 10-8 weeks before the day-of. Sending them earlier (even if your wedding is during “busy season” could (surprisingly) make guests lose track of the actual date and/or RSVP deadline! 

Semi-Custom Suite “Breeze” with “Carmen” envelope liner

You have SO much design and stationery experience – what is one of your most favorite or unique things you’ve created? OR, what is something that you are dying to create for one of your couples but haven’t had the chance yet?

Thank you so much for your kind words, I love letters, paper, and love <3 I absolutely love vellum! Layered invitations are so beautiful and allow you to increase the experience of your guests when opening your invitations. There is interaction with the layers, materials and it is less likely that they will just “throw it away”.

Photography by Stacy Salvatori Photography
collaboration with Haven & Hasbrook

Any other Wedding Stationery tips?!

Take the time to TALK to your stationer! There is creativity flowing in our heads and if you express your ideas/vision to the artist, your piece will evoke a stronger feeling! It will feel so you even if it’s a semi-custom suite.

Lastly, what is your coffee drink of choice AND favorite coffee shop?

I like black coffee. I had the chance to go to Australia, my brother is a barista at The Boat House- game changer. Never going to Starbucks with the same expectation (or to any other shop!)  But if I have to get something at Starbucks get an Almond Milk Vanilla Latte with no foam.

I’m Victoria Perez, Owner & Creative Director of Elephant Limbo! We offer fine art wedding stationery- beautiful, romantic, heirloom editorial pieces that reflect love. I am from Mexico and relocated to the USA in late 2012. I am a mom of 2 little ones ages 4 and almost 2 🙂 My husband Pat also works in the wedding industry, so our home is swimming in weddings at some point of the year, lol! We are currently actively looking for a new location 🙂 stay tuned!

Check out Elephant Limbo online, and give her a follow on Instagram @elephantlimbo! Be sure to tune in next #weddingwednesday for another Coffee Chat Q&A with a vendor!

Filed Under: Invitations, Vendor Spotlight, Wedding Planner Tagged With: Custom Invitations, Wedding, Wedding Invitations, Wedding Stationary

Coffee Chat Series: Ask a Videographer!

June 17, 2020 By Erin Bacon

I am so excited to introduce you to this week’s vendor in our Coffee Chat series! I connected with Vladimir of Studio Chest Films when we were planning our Central PA Styled Shoot last Fall. His humor is amazing, his energy is fantastic, and his style is absolutely gorgeous! If you are looking for a videographer for your wedding I cannot recommend him enough. Enjoy hearing a little from him, and his amazing work from our Fall Styled Shoot at Linwood Estate!

Linwood Estate Fall Styled Shoot

How did you get into filming weddings?

I’ve been making videos for fun for some time. One of my close friends were getting married and so I offered to film his for free. I really enjoyed it and so that is how I started.

What is one of your favorite moments to capture on wedding days?

One of my favorite moments to capture is the bride and groom portraits. Throw the sunset in there and we are golden. 

What is your coffee drink of choice OR favorite coffee shop?

Square One makes my favorite Caramel Latte hot and iced but Starbucks usually has the better vibes.

My name is Vladimir Mashkov and I get sunburned easily.
I am married and we have our first little one on the way.

For more of Vladimir’s work, check out his website and give him a follow @studiochestfilms!

Filed Under: Styled Shoot, Vendor Spotlight, Videography, Wedding Planner Tagged With: Wedding, Wedding Vendor, Wedding Video, Wedding Videography

Introducing the Coffee Chat Vendor Q&A Blog Series!

June 10, 2020 By Erin Bacon

I am SO excited to introduce a new Summer Blog Series today on #weddingwednesday: Coffee Chat Q&A’s!

Each Wednesday, you will hear the answers to some of the most popular questions wedding vendors get, from the vendor themself! Normally, we’d have these chats at a coffee shop BUT given current events, we decided to bring our coffee chats to the blog. We hope you enjoy these chats as much as we have enjoyed catching up with some of our favorite vendors. AND we hope you find a new coffee shop or drink to try from our vendors’ recommendations!

Coffee Chat Q&A: Ask A Planner!

What better way to kick off this series than with our favorite part of weddings: being a PLANNER! This is a combination of an #introduction from yours truly, so you can see the face behind the business, and some FAQ’s we have gotten over the years. My perspective comes from both planning weddings as a Planner AND as a Bride, as you might have noticed from the not so typical headshot we’re sharing today! Comment or message us with any questions, and I hope you enjoy the FIRST Coffee Chat Q&A!

First, a little about me & the biz! 

I have loved weddings as long as I can remember. My first internship in high school exposed me to the Hospitality world and by far my favorite event was weddings! I opened Laurel Wedding Co in the Fall of 2017 with the encouragement of my then boyfriend, now husband!, and it has been the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding adventure I could have imagined! 

I love to serve others AND I love weddings – this gives me the opportunity to do both!

My husband says I might be the only person who comes home at midnight from a 14-hour wedding day still jazzed and full of energy. He’s not wrong! No matter how much work or running around it takes, I love wedding planning, organizing, and bringing everything, and everyone, together for a beautiful wedding day!

From OUR Wedding, October 26, 2018!
Olivia Rae Photography

Popular question from Brides: WHY do I need a planner? I have friends and aunts who have offered to help me both plan and coordinate on my wedding day!

We believe you AND your guests should be fully present on your wedding day.

We love when friends, family, and anyone you want comes along on wedding planning appointments! Being able to include them will make them, and YOU, feel so special. We can offer assistance during the wedding planning season not just from our experience, but our connections and vendor referrals! We have gotten to know some AMAZING vendors in this industry and we would love to introduce you to them so you can meet and experience their high quality of service as well!

On your actual wedding day, we not only want you to be fully present – but your guests as well! We love being able to include your mom, aunts, friends, anyone you want in the details!  In fact, we often send out a summarized, VIP version of our timeline so they are in-the-know! 

We know they are important to you, so they are important to us.

We love including your VIP’s on detail shots helping you get ready, special portrait opportunities – anything to make sure they and you feel valued and honored on your wedding day. BUT, we believe there is NO reason for your Mom or Aunts to be with us doing your venue set-up, 4 hours before your actual wedding ceremony (sometimes earlier!). Allow us to take care of the nitty gritty details: setup, event management behind the scenes, and especially breakdown. 

We are here so that you can actually spend time and be present with your family, friends, and guests on your wedding day!

Olivia Rae Photography

If you had to pick, what is your FAVORITE moment during the wedding day?

This is a fun one, and a tough one! There are SO many favorite moments of a wedding day – helping you with your first look, bringing you drinks during cocktail hour, witnessing your vows and your first dance – but probably our FAVORITE moment, if we have to pick is a tie:

Being the last to send you down the aisle to get married with that final dress fluff! 

AND, being the first to congratulate you after you are married walking back down the aisle! 

It always gives me chills and happy tears to see the JOY in my couples’ faces. The rest is history and nothing short of happily ever after, no matter what happens-rain or shine!

Amanda + Bobby
Love Me Do Photography

What does wedding planning & the process actually look like?

I am SO excited to share about this because I think I cannot express enough there is SO much more than just showing up and coordinating your wedding!

The process starts with a consult. We love to hear more about you, your fiance, your wedding, your vision – everything! Little details make my heart pitter patter. Plus, this gives us the chance to connect and make sure we are a good fit!

From there, we will explore our packages and choose the right one for you:

Just need some help bringing everything together, and taking the load off on your wedding day? Our Event Management/Day-Of Coordination is the perfect package (and our most popular!) option!

Looking for more help finding vendors or creating some event design/theme? Our Partial Coordination Package is the best of both worlds! You might already have your venue, but not be sure how you want to style it. You might have half of your vendors, but still need to choose your Cake/Dessert or Flowers! That’s where we come in. (this is also a great option for you out-of-town brides!)

Lastly, want help along every step of the way?
Our Full Coordination Package is what you’re looking for! From the moment you’re engaged to the moment you say I Do, even after because we always stay to breakdown ;), this package is for you! We only take TWO Full Coordination Weddings a year so we can give you our utmost attention and priority! 

Once we choose a package, let the planning begin! No matter what package you choose you will always have full access to me, the Owner & Lead Planner, to answer any questions you have during regular business hours. If I’m not in a meeting or coordinating a wedding you can expect to hear back from me within 24 hours! All packages also come with a Custom Checklist, Master Timeline, and the Laurel Wedding Co Team to coordinate your special day! 

Olivia Rae Photography

Lastly, what is your coffee drink of choice AND favorite coffee shop?

One of my favorite things about moving to Mechanicsburg has been exploring new coffee shops around the area! I have to say my favorites are the Cornerstone Coffeehouse or The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop if you haven’t tried those – and my treat from a coffee shop is a Lavender Vanilla Latte! 

I am always open to trying a new coffee shop & YOUR drink of choice so bride, vendor, creative – let’s connect! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Filed Under: Vendor Spotlight, Wedding Planner

Fall Styled Shoot

November 22, 2019 By Erin Bacon

Hi Friends!

It has been an exciting Fall for Laurel Wedding Co. For those of you who haven’t noticed, we made a big decision over the summer and moved to Mechaniscburg, PA! Moving during busy season was nothing short of an adventure, but we are SO happy with our new place, sweet new town, and plugging into the Central PA wedding scene!

In an effort to meet vendors and get to know our new “local” venues, we pulled off what I thought was impossible and just a nice idea: a styled shoot in the middle of October! Yes, you read that correctly. In the middle of busy season, we got a number of different vendors to make the time and effort to bring a timeless, elegant, beautiful Styled Shoot to life – and it was nothing short of magical!

We can’t thank EACH of the vendors who participated enough. Check them out below, and scroll through to enjoy a behind the scenes look and final products from this chilly, rainy, wonderful October day!

Photography: Photos by Mary
Venue: Linwood Estate
Videographer: Studio Chest Films
Florist: Flourish Flowers
Cake: La Petite Patisserie
Vintage Rentals: Peachy Keen Event Rentals & Design
Stationary: Rachel Miller Calligraphy
Hair & Make-Up: MKUP The Beauty Studio
Dress: POSH Bridal
Suit: The Groomsman Suit
Models: Mac & Ashley Barnhill

A recurring theme you will see in this shoot is using as much real wedding elements as possible! Starting with the weather.
It POURED the day of the shoot. We decided to do the shoot even with the rain because
rain won’t stop your vendors from making your wedding day just as fun, if not more amazingly beautiful! So why would we let it stop a shoot?

The perfume Ash used is her mom’s. Since her Mom wasn’t at the shoot to help her get ready, this gave her a sweet reminder of her!
The bowtie Mac wore is the same he wore on their wedding day.
AND, check out those gorgeous rings. Mac & Ash let us use their real rings, which as you’ll see are custom made. The gold width on Mac’s ring is the same width as Ash’s wedding band, so as he said, he will always have her with her.
Hold your tears, there’s more.

Right as we got Ash in her dress, it stopped raining. Talk about divine timing!

Mac & Ash didn’t get a First Look on their wedding day. We were more than excited to give them one as part of this shoot after one year of marriage! Their joy was absolutely contagious.

As if we weren’t already all fighting back happy tears, they wrote each other vows!

We can’t take credit for the vows, that was all Mac & Ash’s idea. Which just shows how amazing of a couple they are! We recommend vows and turning your styled shoot into a meaningful event to everyone now. Talk about #allthefeels.

Mac & Ash, you two are some of my favorite people, ever. I can’t think of a better way to conclude this blog post other than the way you two did at the shoot, with a First Dance.

 Thanks to all of the amazing vendors who brought this styled shoot to life!

Interested in collaborating on a Styled Shoot? Email us directly for more information! erin@laurelweddingco.com

Filed Under: Styled Shoot, Vendor Spotlight, Wedding Planner

Stratford Hall Styled Shoot

June 21, 2018 By Erin Bacon

Hi Friends!
With Wedding Season in full swing, I am so excited to catch back up to all that has been happening for Laurel Wedding Co over the last two months! The FIRST thing we have to share is this beautiful styled shoot at Stratford Hall!
This shoot was rescheduled not one, not two, but THREE times due to that crazy, snowy winter we had! The timing was definitely on our side as Spring was just starting to bloom as you’ll see in the beautiful trees & grounds at Stratford. Read on & enjoy this beautiful, neutral palette!

Shout out to the BEST & most loyal vendors:
Venue: Stratford Hall
Photography: Abby Hudson Photography
Florist: Jane Guerin Flowers
Cake: Sorby Sweets
Dress: Ava Laurenne Bride
Hair & Make-Up: Bobby Pins & Blush
Models: the adorable Katie & Chris Myers!

Filed Under: Styled Shoot, Wedding Planner Tagged With: Wedding

Vendor Spotlight: Pretty Ink Press!

March 8, 2018 By Erin Bacon

Hey y’all! I hope you are enjoying this sunshine and watching the snow MELT as much as I am! To give you a taste of Spring, I’m so excited to share about a sweet friend, an exciting business venture, and one of our favorite parts of your wedding: wedding invitations & stationary!

small business marketing

When I was working with Cynthia Oswald Design & Creative Services to bring our logo & website to life, I couldn’t wait to get the beautiful designs we were creating on paper! I don’t know about you, but I have an old school desire to still use a planner, get lost writing in my journal, or send hand-written notes in the mail.
Before you call me a grandma, don’t get me wrong! I LOVE and live by notifications, reminders, and the calendar on my phone or computer. However, there is something about “checking” off a task or color coding meetings in my beautiful Erin Condren Planner (if you don’t know who she is, you’re welcome!) that bring me a little spark of joy! That being said, when Heather from Pretty Ink Press called to tell me the following designs were in, I couldn’t WAIT to see them in person, and share them with you!
Introducing the Laurel Wedding Co. Small Business Branding Package from Pretty Ink Press!

Working with Heather is a dream! She took my ideas and brought all of them to life. I am excited to show we have TWO, beautiful, different business cards that perfectly display how to get in touch with us!

small business branding

I love how Heather created this rack card to tell a story. As your Wedding Planner, we are involved in so many little details to make your day special. From the rings, to the flowers, to your hair, to the veil, to the cake, to the decor – we love all of the elements this card shows that help us bring your wedding vision to life!

rack card

I am MOST excited for this thank-you note. As you know, I am big on hand-written letters, and Heather knew how to celebrate this from the beginning! Her simple, clean, and perfect design captured exactly what I was hoping to send my Bride’s after all is said and done.
thank you card

Maybe one of the most fun parts of working with Heather, and writing this blog, is getting to brag on her business! Pretty Ink Press does beautiful small business branding packages as you can see, but that is only the beginning…
Wedding Stationary

Based out of Perkasie, PA Pretty Ink Press, LLC is a small home-based design studio that also offers custom wedding stationery throughout the greater Philadelphia area! Heather has been designing wedding invitations since 2012 and branding + web design since early 2010. Wedding invitations are such a fun, important part of your wedding! After all, they are the first glimpse that your guests will see into your wedding day! Designing wedding invitations should not be stressful, and Pretty Ink Press is sure to make it one of your favorite parts of wedding planning!

Pretty Ink Press makes designing your invitations simple by offering both Custom and Semi-Custom invitation sets.
Semi-Custom collections are pre-designed invitation sets that can be personalized with your names, details and colors. Semi-Custom sets are a great option for couples who need to get their invitations quickly. They are a bit more budget friendly since they’ve been pre-created. Plus, they don’t lack in any design or quality!
Custom Sets start with an inquiry where you can tell Pretty Ink Press what you’re looking for. After chatting a little, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while looking through samples with Heather. This is where she works her magic to “build” your invitation set!

Pretty Ink Press also loves to discuss details about your day of stationery. These are things like your seating charts, menus, programs, signage, and more!

When it comes to wedding invitations, Pretty Ink Press treats them like cherished heirlooms. Each couple who works with Pretty Ink Press knows they’re not just receiving a piece of paper but rather, a beautiful piece of art for one of life’s very special moments. It’s your own little piece of art that you can cherish for years and share with all of your loved ones!

Laurel Wedding Co. is excited to have Pretty Ink Press as a Preferred Vendor for Wedding Invitations & Stationary! When you see our small business materials, you’ll get a glimpse of the amazing quality and design PIP provides! Ask us about samples or connecting and setting up a meeting to start working on your wedding stationary with Pretty Ink Press, today!

Filed Under: Invitations, Vendor Spotlight

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Hi! Thank you for visiting the Laurel Wedding Co. Blog. My name is Erin and I am a native Virginian turned Wedding Planner in the Greater Philadelphia Area! I am so excited to share some of these beautiful events and amazing people I am blessed to have the opportunity to meet and work with! I hope these images, stories, and idea’s will inspire YOU during your special planning seasons!

“We love because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19

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