Laurel Wedding Co.

Real Weddings

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Jamila & Noah
November 14, 2021

This wedding, where can I begin?! Jamila and I, like all of our sweet brides, hit it off right away from our first consult! Covid hit right after booking so our planning season like so many others last year was full of conversations about planning, re-planning, game-planning, and then planning again!

Jamila might have had some of the biggest transitions of all of our brides last year! More than just a covid-impacted guest list, Jamila & Noah navigated changing venues, changing catering, changing style and theme entirely, in addition to navigating new work-from-home schedules, a new job, two puppies, and more! And yet, Jamila and I’s conversations were always surrounded with excitement, laughter, and JOY! This girl keeps perspective unlike any other and by the time her wedding day came, it was truly bittersweet for us to see our planning come together, and then conclude at the end of the night!

Jamila & Noah, I can’t believe your wedding day was 4 months ago this weekend! I hope you two continue to celebrate and navigate life with all the positivity and joy you brought to your wedding day, our planning season, and more! We wish you every happiness, and can’t wait to see you BOTH again soon!

Vendors:
Venue: Hertzog Homestead
Photography: Philter Photo
Videographer: Chad Bowditch Films
Livestream: Ben Reeder Photographer
Catering: Global Flavors Catering
Rentals: A to Z Event Rentals
Rentals: Caroline’s Rentals
DJ: Mixed-Up Productions
Florist: Petals With Style
Cake: House of Clarendon
Dress: WONA Bridal NYC
Make-Up: Vero Leigh
Officiant: An Enchanted Engagement

Real Wedding

By

Brittney & Pietro
October 11, 2020

It’s the week of LOVE and I am so excited to share this wedding with you because not only does it involve the cutest pup, but let me tell you, sparks flew! Literally.

Brittney had a vision for this day from the moment she booked, and let me tell you, it was gorgeous, and she stuck to it! Bringing their families together around a gorgeous outdoor, creek-side ceremony followed by an amazing cocktail hour under a patio (with an amazing Italian spread), complete with a beautiful reception, amazing desserts, and dancing the night away!

Rain plans are a funny thing. We always have one (or two or three) depending on the time we make the call, and this one we held out to the last minute for our bride and it TOTALLY was worth it! The ceremony and cocktail hour were still able to be outside, and ALL the credit goes to our brave bride who knew the right thing to do was wait. The rain did come, and let me tell you we were all soaked during breakdown, but as you’ll see below, it was 100% worth it!

Brittney & Pietro, it was SO fun re-living your wedding day today, we wish you ALL the best and send you all our love! Especially with the best GIFTS on the way! Cheers to you both!

And, be sure to give this AMAZING vendor team a shout and a follow!
Venue: The Barn at Creek’s Bend
Photography: Sarah B Fotography
Catering: Catering by Wickey
DJ: Klock Entertainment
Florals: Sweet William Floral
Invitations: Minted
Rentals: Caroline’s Rentals
Hair: Paden’s Salon
MU: Rock, Paper, Scissors
Desserts: Beauty & The Sweets Bakery
Desserts: La Bella Sicilla Bakery


Real Weddings

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Sam & Tyler
October 3, 2020

Winter months for a Wedding Planner mean time well spent in the office planning, dreaming, and planning some more! Between organizing from wrapping up the previous season, getting and excited for the season to come, and all the tasks in between, winter months are anything but slow!

One of the best things we get to do is re-live and share all the magic we experienced in the past season! It seems like the magic is even more important to cherish in a year where so many changes came at us throughout the year.

This wedding was nothing short of perfect, despite planning, re-planning, and then re-planning again!

Let me tell you, Sam and Tyler are two very, very special people! We started planning their special day together BEFORE covid – so our planning journey together went through it all! Our planning consultations were half about planning and the rest about restrictions, the world around us, and half about new work from home lives, quarantine stories, and just all things life and the “new” that was going on with it!

Sam & Tyler knew from the moment they started planning a few key important things they wanted for their wedding, and most important was a wedding in the backyard of their gorgeous home! They wanted the upscale wedding at home so we considered that in every decision made – and it came together as I said, perfectly!

The guest list, tent, and even formalities got smaller and smaller as the year went on, but these two not only remained honest, hopeful, and calm – they embraced the new restrictions for their gorgeous October wedding day!

They incorporated a few decor elements and special touches they weren’t planning to include before (check out the “ceremony seating” and gorgeous linens on the guest tables!)

But maybe my favorite of all was a First Look that included the entire guest count! All 19 of their closest family and friends got to be involved in the joy we see behind-the-scenes during a First Look, and let me tell you – there was not a dry eye around. While there was no dance floor, there were memories made that might have been even better than anything we could have originally planned for!

Sam and Tyler, your planning journey was second-to-none and a true highlight of our 2020! We love you both, and continue to celebrate you, and wish you every happiness!

Vendors
Jessica Manns Photography
Spirit Forward Cocktail Catering
Sage Catering
Cottage Flowers Design
Lilac & Lace
Barnes Farm Tables
Bucks Mont Party Rentals
RSVP Love
Talulas Table

Real Weddings

By

Taylor & Drew
September 26, 2020

2020 was a year, am I right? We were so fortunate to walk with all of our couples through an unprecedented year, and plan weddings that were all unique and perfect for each individual couple! From changes and postponements and everything else in between, we kicked off our Wedding Season in September with Taylor & Drew’s wedding day, and it could not have been more perfect!

Taylor had a vision for her wedding day from the first moment we talked. Like so many of our brides, we instantly connected over the phone laughing, chatting about her soon to be husband, dreaming ideas for her wedding, and more! Taylor & Drew got married outside in a gorgeous courtyard in front of a dreamy stained glass window and danced the night away under a tent with their family, friends, and loved ones. Taylor looked gorgous, Drew made a handsome groom, but there is no doubt who stole the spotlight on their wedding day, their sweet pup Bella!

Taylor & Drew, it was truly my pleasure to help bring your wedding dreams to life! We are SO thankful to have been able to celebrate you both last Fall, we wish you every happiness! And of course, give Bella a kiss for us!

Vendors:
Venue: Fallen Tree Farm Bed & Breakfast
Photography: Lily & Lime, LLC
Catering: Grandpa’s Country Catering
Beverage: Just Bartending
Florist: Jeffrey’s Flowers
Hair & Make-Up: Rock Paper Scissors Salon
Cake: Sweet Confections Cakes
Pets: Furever & Always

Styled Shoot

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Summer 2020

In the Spring of 2020 (you know the one I’m talking about, when the world changed and wedding vendors weren’t sure which way was up!), I took a leap of faith on a sweet friend and with some extra time & office hours on hand, invested in Renee Nicolo Group Coaching! I learned SO many great business tools, tricks, and efforts that not only serve my business well – but connected with amazing fellow vendors, all trying to do the same thing! A couple of months later, those connections became LIVE as we put our talents together and created the most beautiful Late Summer’s Dream Styled Shoot at Cairnwood Estate!

Morgan approached me to join her on this shoot, which was the greatest compliment ever! She had the eye and the vision, and this one was truly my pleasure to help bring to life. Masks on and distancing efforts in place, we had Cairnwood Estate to ourselves for the day for a small group of highly talented wedding vendors to safely come in and let our work speak for itself. This Styled Shoot was about more than the pretty colors and theme (which you are about to fall in love with!) – it was a moment for all of us creatives to get out of our offices, away from our computers, and just be in a venue, in a place, where we could bring a touch of wedding magic to life! There was no better way to kick off our 2020 wedding season, a little later than planned but still better than ever!

A Late Summer’s Dream,

as featured in Contemporary Weddings Magazine!

Vendors:

Venue: Cairnwood Estate

Planner: Laurel Wedding Co

Photographer: Morgan Taylor Artistry

Photography Assistant: Melissa MacDonald Photography

Florist: Fabufloras Event Design

Vintage Rentals: White Glove Rentals

Invitations/Calligraphy: Elephant Limbo

Cake: Bredenbecks

Dress: La Bella Moda

Tux: The Groomsman Suit

Hair/Make-Up: Capelli & Trucco

Calligraphy/Mirror Table Chart: AlliCat Calligraphy

Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes

Timeline Tips & Tricks!

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If there’s one thing I love creating, its timelines!

We have done our fair share and while we are finally working on some for our Fall weddings, we really missed them this year. We missed them so much that I thought it would be fun to share a little bit about them, how they are made, why we do them, and what tips and tricks through trial and error we’ve found to work!

HOW

Program we use: Google Docs!

All of our timelines are made in Google Docs. We’ve used and tried other software and programs but the truth is, I love the interaction I can have with my brides and grooms via a google doc! They can go in and edit, I can edit live on the phone with them, it just makes life so much easier to create using a program that is user-friendly!

TIP: add page numbers to either the top or bottom of the page! When you are planning and your wedding is on your clipboard, things can get a little crazy and if you drop your papers, page numbers will help you stay organized throughout the chaos of the day!

WHY

It seems crazy to answer why we use timelines, but it’s a big reason my brides come to us!

We hear it all the time: I’ve planned most of my wedding day but can’t seem to put all the details together! We get it, and that’s why we are here.

By the 3-month-out mark (maybe sooner!), your vendors are booked, and you’re ready to put your wedding day together – but where do you start? You will probably have at least 5+ vendor contracts in your hands, all with different information, start times, end times, and more. That’s where we come in!

We actually take all of your contracts and put them into a Master Timeline so you can see everything from the Rehearsal the day before, to Breakdown at the end of your wedding!

We then break your Master Timeline out into VIP timelines for your vendors and your bridal party. Let’s face it, your DJ doesn’t need to know what time you will be starting Hair & Make-Up in the morning, nor does he need the address! We include all the important info, names, contact numbers, addresses, start and end times so that ALL questions are answered – and just in case a vendor has a question, they can call my cell phone and not yours the morning of your wedding 😉

Tip: we send out final copies and get confirmation from all of your vendors individually the Monday before your wedding! This way we are SURE your vendor team is connected and ready to go on your wedding day, and their weddings from the previous weekend are done!

WHAT

What next? Let’s start putting your timeline together!

Master & VIP Timelines are included in ALL of our packages from Day-Of, to Partial, to Full so rest assured, we’ve got you covered no matter what level of investment you are ready for!

Tip: timelines include ALL the details like First Looks or keeping you separated while getting ready, saving the top tier of your cake, addresses of all of your event locations for vendors, the card/gift table breakdown at the end of the night, and more!

Let’s put all the details together for your wedding day. Contact us so we can start creating your custom, Master Timeline!

WHY you should have an engagement session with your Photographer!

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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 🙂

Dream Wedding Venues

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This year has been one for the record books. I know we’ve all felt the restrictions in more than one way, and more than one emotion, probably more than one time over! In light of recent events, since we can’t be planning & traveling as freely as we normally would, I thought it would be fun to take traveling to the blog!

Amanda & Bobby, Love Me Do Photography
Mantoloking, NJ

Today I’m listing out some of my DREAM wedding venue and destination spots! If you hope to or are planning your wedding for any of these locations, let’s connect! I would love to break into destination weddings someday but for now, we’ll just look at the pretty pictures and dream of traveling again one day, hopefully soon!

NYC Wedding @ The Plaza

First up, I am dreaming of a New York City wedding! I have connected with wedding vendors and amazing pro’s who I ENVY every time they post or share anything in the city (shout out to Reel Feels Video!)

But, this particular location and venue I’ve always wanted to visit and stay since I was a little girl (probably thanks to Eloise!). So naturally, it’s top on my list to coordinate a wedding at The Plaza New York!

Beautiful in every season, the Plaza embodies so much classic, traditional charm that you could do almost any color palette and it would be elegantly beautiful in any room such as The Ballroom, the Terrace Room, The Oak Room – you name it and I’ll meet you there. 

The Lodge at Vail

When you think Colorado, you probably think amazing skiing and breathtaking winter views – and you would be right. But the Lodge at Vail is a gorgeous setting for a wedding all year ‘round! Imagine those mountains covered with Spring Blooms, maybe a cooler Summer evening reception thanks to winter-air. 

The town of Vail is absolutely adorable so just imagine saying “I Do” in front of the iconic mountain backdrop, celebrating in gorgeous ballrooms or settings, and treating your guests to explore and stay in the adorable alpine village!

Vail is calling and we can’t wait to explore and plan your amazing wedding there with you!

Cape Cod/New England

We all love a beach wedding and an ocean backdrop, but the New England coastline of a Cape Cod Wedding is second to none! I have always wanted to explore New England and what better way than to plan a wedding along the coast!

Bring out your nautical themes or go for the timeless Black Tie, however you choose to color your day let the natural beauty of a place like the Wequassett Resort speak for itself. 

Island Wedding!

This one is super personal, I would love to coordinate your Destination Wedding on a remote island – but no questions asked if you choose Grenada!

My husband and I spent the first 10 days of our marriage honeymooning in Grenada and it is one of my favorite places in the world. I can remember looking out the window on the plane, we were getting ready to land, and we were still over water! All of a sudden the tiny little runway was beneath our plane and were on the beach within the hour. White sand, crystal clear blue water, and breathtaking sunsets were truly paradise. When I looked down the beach and saw a wedding happening one day on our honeymoon, I was sold! 

Amanda & Bobby, Love Me Do Photography
Mantoloking, NJ

All of those places are gorgeous, and I’ve had those on my list for a while. But there are SO many gorgeous destinations and venues out there! Check out this list and if you are interested in getting married at any of them, contact us and lets start planning for your wedding at any of these Dream Wedding Venues!

Coffee Chat Q&A: Ask a Bridal Shop!

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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!

Coffee Chat Series: Ask Hair & Make-Up!

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One of the most important parts of your wedding day, Hair & Make-Up is on the blog today! We are chatting with the professionals from MKUP The Beauty Studio on all things hair, make-up, prep, schedule, and more! Grab your COLD BREW Coffee and enjoy this read by some of our favorites in the industry!

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

10 years! I was a fine arts major in college and then changed to a Fashion design degree. At Moore College of Art and Design where I met one of my BFF’s, Diva and she taught me makeup. While interning for Cynthia Riley in NYC I did my first printed makeup job for Cynthia’s ad campaign. I then worked for Gucci in Las Vegas and did some makeup jobs on the side for extra income. I was lucky to have a connection at QVC and did makeup there for a few years.  When I moved back to York Pa, I worked at Renaissance Bridals and sold wedding gowns. I started offering my makeup skills to Renaissance brides and that was how I became a “local” MUA and broke into the wedding industry. 

Popular question from Brides: skincare/prep! What do you suggest I do to make sure my skin looks its best on my wedding day?! Is there a month/week/night-before routine you prefer? Any special products you recommend?

If a bride has specific skin concerts she should visit a dermatologist and esthetician prior to the wedding (one year out to clear up any issues) There is laser, botox, facials, derma planning, retinol, skincare regiments that can prepare a bride’s skin and take their wedding day makeup. Each client/bride’s skincare needs are personal and they should seek professionals. Eye creams are a must and we at MKUP recommend derma planning to ensure makeup lays beautifully on our bride’s skin. Lash extensions are a natural enhancement that look much better than strip or faux lashes in beauty portraits. 

Photos By Mary

Do you recommend trials for hair and/or make-up? Why?

ABSOLUTELY! Would you buy a car without test-driving it? Or make another large purchase without researching and be assured you have the right fit for you? You want to see and feel and know the longevity of the makeup and hair application you will be investing in and receiving from your glam squad. You also want to clarify questions and concerns, sling with making sure you have a good relationship with the beauty professional the will be spending intimate time with you and your bridal party on the wedding day.

Photos By Mary

How long on average does Hair & Make-Up take in the morning?

We at MKUP schedule an hour for each service. Mothers and some bridal party members may only take 45mins – we prefer to have a buffer. This allows time for proper sanitation in between clients and wiggle room. For some clients who have hair extensions, we may allot additional time in the schedule based on the difficulty of the bride’s selected hair and makeup looks.

Photos By Mary

Any other Hair/Make-Up wedding day tips?!

I often tell our brides to have their MOH pre-set their details for the photographer and to do the talking for the bride. Sometimes videographers & photographers come in right as a bride sits in the makeup chair and they ask multiple questions and need items from the bride. It’s often hard especially as we are following a schedule to allow the bride to constantly move out of the makeup chair and talk. It’s nice for them to have their MOH or bridesmaid do this and discuss it prior to the wedding day with photographers. We follow a tight schedule to be completed for the wedding and photographers’ timeline so it’s respectful that other vendors try not to interrupt the bride when she is in the beauty process.

Photos By Mary
MKUP Artists Ivana & Samantha

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

Any cold brew coffee. I love our neighborhood coffee shop, Prince st. cafe in York. It’s right around the corner from our York studio location!

Our main goal at MKUP The Beauty Studio is to educate women on how to get the beautiful results they want and provide all of the services and products they need. With our experience and expertise, you can feel confident in your decision to book with us! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking to update your look, our goal is to enhance your natural beauty with unparalleled artistry. View our beauty services and schedule an appointment online through our website. We offer beauty classes, curated beauty products, and tools. Brow services, Waxing, facials in addition to in-studio and on-location hair and make services. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Wedding Wire to see vides and testimonials from Brides!

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