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Wedding Blog

Sign In Book

Kyle Rae - Friday, December 16, 2011

The idea of having all of your guests sign a book for you to have as a keepsake is lovely, however it is probably safe to say that a majority of these books end up in a box under the bed, in the basement, in the attic…..or who knows where. Many brides and grooms are coming up with some unique alternatives to the standard guest book. Try one of these or consider coming up with an original idea of your own:

 

Artwork –Have guests sign fabric or paper and create artwork to hang in your home.

Jenga – For the games lovers. Take Jenga game pieces  and have guests write short messages that you can read every time you have game night.

Typewriter – Find a good ol’ fashioned typewriter (or purchase a new small vintage one in your wedding color) and have guests type short messages out for you.

Quilt – Have your guests write messages on fabric squares to later make into a quilt.

Polaroid Camera – Have a table set up (possibly with some props) and have your guests snap pics. of themselves or each other and leave behind for you to put into a scrapbook.

Puzzle – Custom order a puzzle and break the pieces apart for guests to sign. Once you both assemble pieces consider using puzzle glue and using it as wall art.

Dictionary – Have guests circle words that remind them of your wedding day. They can sign their name or write short messages in the column as well.

Questions – Use the traditional guest book, but write questions on the top of each page to help get guest’s creative writing juices flowing. Think: Where will we be in 10 years? What is your favorite memory of time spent with us? Etc.

Mad Libs – Use as a fun conversation starter at the tables, or have at a sign in table.


The Budget

Kyle Rae - Friday, December 09, 2011

Discussing a wedding budget is not something most couples look forward to as they start their planning process, but it is definitely one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your big day. With so many options for locales, décor, food and entertainment there is something for everyone, and any budget. Deciding what you are able to spend in each area will make both of your lives a lot easier as you meet with vendors and narrow down your options.

 

There are many websites that can help you come up with this *magic number* so that you don’t have to feel like you are pulling one out of thin air. I love this one at http://www.costofwedding.com/index.cfm/action/costest.index

 


2 in 1 Wedding Cake

Kyle Rae - Saturday, December 03, 2011

Bride and grooms seem to be split 50/50 on whether or not they will have a bridal cake AND a groom's cake at their reception. Some choose to stick with the traditional route and just have one cake, some groom's cakes are making their appearance at the rehearsal dinner, and many are following the trend to have both.  Think you would prefer to go for something a little different and still make both of you happy? Consider a 2 in 1 cake like this one from Shockley's Sweet Shoppe in Virginia Beach.


To Rewear or Repurpose?

Kyle Rae - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

You knew it would happen sooner or later. You Mom (Grandma, Aunt, family friend) has offered up her wedding gown for you to wear on your big day. The dress with the turtleneck or linebacker sized shoulder pads that more resembles the tent you would prefer to hold your wedding under was, at one time, believe it or not, in fashion. Rather than hurt anybody's feelings offer up a few ways that you feel would be a meaningful way to repurpose the gown.

Use the fabric from the dress to make a quilt, a baptism gown, or even dress up clothing items such as a tutu for your little girl to wear someday in the future. For more creative ideas to repuropse a gown or other other article of clothing visit http://www.diybride.com/blog/diy-projects-tutorials/15-ways-to-repurpose-your-moms-gown/


Cake Pulls

Kyle Rae - Tuesday, November 01, 2011

 

                                           Image courtesy Sterling Trends

The tradition of wedding cake pulls began in the Victorian Era as a tradition known as “ribbon pulling.” Charms of good luck and fortune were placed in the cake by her bride and single friends. This tradition of a bygone era is seeing a revival especially in the south, or more specifically in New Orleans.

Today the baker places the small charms or tokens under the bottom layer of the bride’s cake and all of the single ladies (or bridal party, or other selected group) have an opportunity to pull a charm from the cake right before it is cut.

Each charm has a special and specific meaning and can serve as a cute gift for your wedding party. For more information about the history of the cake pulls, how they are placed in the cake, or the meaning of the charms visit  http://www.scottish-wedding-dreams.com/cake-pull-charms.html.


Winter Wonderland

Kyle Rae - Wednesday, October 26, 2011

 

 As beautiful as weddings are in the warmer and sun filled months, nothing compares to the elegance and romance that can be achieved with a winter wedding. While traditionally this may not be the most popular time for many brides to consider there are some fabulous advantages that can come along with planning your big day during the winter months.

 The most sought after venues can book  1-2 years ahead, but often there is more availability between November and February. Often prices will be better and it may be easier to negotiate  with vendors as well, making it more likely you will be able to nail down your dream venue.

Weddings are a time spent with your friends and family so why not create an environment that is cozy, intimate and unique. Color themes for a winter wedding can be a fun twist. Rich and bold reds, blues, greens and purples can create a romantic ambiance and washing a room from top to bottom in white with metallic accents can make a space feel bright and inviting.

Use simple florals that are readily found during cooler months, i.e. lilies, poinsettias, amaryllis etc. Customize a traditional comfort food menu with items like soups, pastas, and meat carving stations.  Serve hot cider, toddies, or Irish coffees as a signature beverage. For dessert try serving a vanilla custard, pumpkin pie or cinnamon apples, and for favors decorate tables with assorted cookie cutters or homemade candies.

And maybe the best part of a winter wedding………the honeymoon. Winter is the perfect time to sneak away for some fun in the sun to beat the winter blues or to hit the slopes and cuddle up by the fire with your new Mr. or Mrs.


Say I Do to Food

Christiana McCarley - Wednesday, July 27, 2011

You have all your wedding day items ready to go and in place. You have your hair and makeup perfectly styled. Your dress is gorgeous and ready to be put on. All things seem to be falling into place perfectly, but have you done one of the most important things that will ensure you enjoy your wedding evening? EAT!

Most brides spend the entire day making sure that everyone and everything is taken care of except themselves. Start your day off right with a healthy and hearty breakfast. As you make your way to each appointment, make sure you have snacks packed to keep your energy level up.

To keep that "I just got married" smile on your face, make sure you partake in your dinner celebrations. Your guests will appreciate the fact you have the energy to mingle and dance while you will enjoy that you are able to have a cocktail without immediately feeling its effects.

The Courtyard on St. James takes care of their brides and grooms. We will provide you a take home meal for your hotel along with wedding cake.  You will be thankful at the end of the night for this extra service!

 


Personalized Wedding Cake Forks

Christiana McCarley - Thursday, July 21, 2011

 

Cutting your cake as husband and wife and serving it to each other is a moment your guests wait for at your wedding  just like the first kiss as bride and groom. These personalized cake forks from Beach House Living found on Etsy.com are a whimsical way to memorialize and personalize this special moment.

These would also make a perfect addition to your wedding or shower gift for the bride to be to use on her wedding day.


Style Me Pretty features Courtyard on St. James Bride

Christiana McCarley - Friday, July 15, 2011

We are proud to brag on one of Courtyard on St. James brides that was featured in one of the most popular wedding blogs: Style Me Pretty. This bride chose the Garden Room for her wedding reception that adjoins a private outdoor courtyard area. 

Inspiration for your wedding decor and or theme can come from anywhere. This bride's reception was inspired by Ralph Lauren Homes. The colors and style were a natural compliment to the Garden Room. Be inspired by her look.

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/07/12/the-courtyard-on-st-james-place-wedding-by-darryl-co/

 

 


Edible Wedding Favors

Christiana McCarley - Thursday, July 07, 2011

 

Have you ever noticed as you are leaving a wedding reception that the monogrammed favors marked with the wedding date of the happy bride and groom are left scattered on the tables instead of in the hands of the guests? As an event manager at the Courtyard on St. James, this is unfortunately a common occurrence.

 

 

If favors are a way that the newly weds share their gratitude to their friends and family, why not send them off with something they will truly appreciate. Late night snacks and edible goodies have become a popular option for wedding favors. It is a great customizable option that can reflect the personality of the couple, a favorite childhood treat, wedding theme, local setting, or cherished memory.

 

 

With an experienced onsite chef, the Courtyard on St. James offers a variety of fun edible treats for our brides that are usually butler passed towards the end of the wedding reception or set out on display. Some of the recent choices have ranged from breakfast tacos to beignets, banana pudding, and sweet potato cakes.

 

    

 

photo source:

banana pudding: Van Chaplin

beingets: Rachael Ray