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As Seen on DelightfulBlogs.com

Friday
08Jan2010

Real Bliss Wedding: Patricia + Jay in Atlanta

Where to start, where to start!  Working with Patricia and Jay was such a dream.  Patricia came to us just a month away from her wedding with the classic DIY bride conundrum: she had spent months crafting a labor of love of a wedding, handling everything from vendor booking to budgeting by herself, and then realized that she wanted to make sure her very specific and beautiful vision was carried out on her wedding day.  Patricia is a textbook example of the sort of bride we hope to work with on month-of coordination: someone who's already planned a beautiful wedding and simply needs someone to make that plan a reality.

Of course, we certainly didn't execute this wedding single-handedly!  Everyone at the Park Taven, where the ceremony and reception took place, was a joy to work with.  It was great to meet and work with so many new-to-us Atlanta vendors, including Heather and the team of Stylish Stems; Melissa of Melissa Schollaert Photography; Luna Strings, the string quartet for the ceremony; Mark Brickman of Baker's Man who created the wedding cake below and an INSANE Fruity Pebbles groom's cake; Magnum Companies, who was responsible for the dramatic dance floor lighting; and Diane of the DM Band, who kept the party going all night and even extended the band's contract because no one was ready to leave.  And last but not least, we were thrilled to have the chance to work with Eliana of EllyB Events.  She went above and beyond for us and we are so thankful!

It was also an exciting wedding, as you may remember from this post: Lara almost got attacked by a heckler mid-ceremony, and Emily nearly had her hair set on fire during the sparkler exit!  No one ever said being a wedding planner was boring...

Patricia and Jay, we wish you so much happiness!  Congratulations on an absolutely beautiful wedding and what we're sure will be an even more beautiful marriage!

Thursday
24Dec2009

Merry Christmas from Bliss!

Merry Christmas from the Bliss Event Group staff!  We don't blog much here because we're busy with this other blog that you may have heard of.  Trust me, we eat sleep and breathe weddings 24/7 and love every minute of it! If you don't already know, we also publish the wildly popular Southern Weddings magazine.  Be sure to check out the daily blog for loads of big day inspiration.

It's been a truly Blissful year and we've sent so many wonderful couples down the aisle.  Merry Christmas to all of our 2009 and future 2010 brides!

Tuesday
08Dec2009

Altar Alternatives

We love when our brides think outside of the box.  Often couples only get creative with the reception details, but there is a way to make a ceremony beautiful and different while still focusing on the sacredness of the occasion.  Especially when the ceremony is outdoors, the customizing options are endless.  Here, a few of our favorites.

For a garden party, this over-the-top distressed shutter, vine, and rose confection (via Once Wed, photo by Jose Villa).  For a seaside soiree, this driftwood arch (photo by Corbin Gurkin via Once Wed).  For a rustic-vintage celebration, this twining grapevine huppah (photo by Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty).

For a graphic punch, consider typography and one of your favorite quotes (photo by Justine Ungaro via SMP).  For a laid-back party, choose streamers -- in abundance, they go from children's birthday party to punchy picnic faster than you can say "celebrate!" (Lower right photo by Tec Petaja)

Want an interior feel in the great outdoors?  Construct your own deconstructed chapel with old lumber.  A bright yellow dresser as an altar and a chandelier as a focal point are unexpected touches. (Photos by Stephanie Fay via Style Me Pretty)

Another way to make your guests feel at home in the out of doors: usher them into your ceremony through an elaborate door, as photographer Jessica Claire did at her wedding (photos by Jose Villa).

Which one's your favorite?

Tuesday
10Nov2009

Blissful Day-of Coordination

Hello, Bliss brides!  We are starting to get VERY excited about the fabulous ladies and gents we will have the pleasure of working with this spring and summer.  Among others, we have a green and white garden party, a pink and blue beach soiree, and an all-out, three day Indian extravaganza in the works.  Needless to say, we feel very lucky to get to collaborate with such fabulous couples.

From its inception, Bliss has always specialized in "the works" coordination -- taking every step of the wedding planning journey alongside the bride, from budget formulation to design consultation, to producing the event on the wedding day from the moment the bride opens her eyes until long after she and her groom have left the reception space. We strongly believe this kind of service and attention to detail from the beginning makes for a flawless wedding day and a fun and relaxed planning experience.

But recently, we've been getting more and more requests from brides who, at the last minute, realize they can't do it all on their own.  So, we're accepting a very limited number of day-of contracts based on location and logistics. Day-of service (which is essentially month-of planning, giving us enough time to wrap up all your details and confirm your vendors) ranges from $2000 to $5000, depending on your needs.

If this sounds like just what you're looking for, please email Emily for more information.  We can't wait to hear from you!

Friday
06Nov2009

Real Bliss Wedding: Rachel + Lee

What's not to love about Rachel + Lee's colorful and fun July wedding?  We had such a blast working with these two, as well as with some of our very favorite vendors, including the Pensacola Beach Hilton, Kebbie Hollingsworth AIFD of Kebbie Hollingsworth Floral Designs, and Betty Webber (love her cupcakes!).  Rachel was a dream bride to work with; she had an impeccable design sense and fabulous ideas (she made the favors herself!).  And of course, it was a pleasure, as always, to work with the very talented Meg Baisden Photography.

Lots of love and luck to you, Rachel + Lee!

Tuesday
20Oct2009

Inspiration: Two-Tone Bridesmaid Dresses

Image credits, clockwise from top: Brooke Schwab, A Bryan Photo, Stephanie Williams

We love all of the different looks we're seeing on bridesmaids lately, from a range of colors to a range of styles.  Our new favorite twist, though, has to be the two-tone bridal party.  The blocks of color look so fresh, don't you think?  Best of all, the look can be classic and preppy (top), flirty and modern (left) or simple and romantic (right).

Here are some of our favorite sources for mix-and-match dresses, skirts, and tops to get you started:

Anthropologie

BCBG

J. Crew

Melissa Sweet

Shoshanna

Thread Bridesmaids

Vineyard Collection

Happy shopping!

P.S. We haven't forgotten about you, Bliss brides!  We're in final crunch mode over at Southern Weddings as we prepare to send our November issue off to the printers.  More regular posting will be back soon, we promise!  In the meantime you can follow us on Twitter: Bliss, Lara, Emily, Katharine, + Whitney.

Thursday
01Oct2009

Pink Inspiration for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Happy October, friends!  Just as this month is a time to celebrate our favorite things about fall (crunchy leaves, crackling fires, corduroy, fuzzy wool scarves), it's also a time to remember loved ones who are fighting and have lost the battle with breast cancer.  In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the SW ladies wanted to provide a little pink inspiration.  This board has a very ladylike vibe and would work well for a brunch or a shower -- perfect opportunities to celebrate the strong women in your life!

Look for more information and for ways you can help at the NBCAM website and the site of the American Cancer Society.

Inspiration board from Emily's personal blog, Peach and Pearl

Sources from top left: Lisa Lefkowitz via Style Me Pretty; Brides.com; Lilikoi Design via 100 Layer Cake; Martha Stewart Weddings; Jennifer Behr via Perfect Bound; Lisa Lefkowitz via Style Me Pretty; Lovin' Sullivan, Martha Stewart Weddings; Brides.com; dogwood bouquet, favor boxes, and taper candles all from Martha Stewart Weddings

Friday
25Sep2009

Real Bliss Wedding: Danielle + Justin

We've had such a busy year that we're just now getting around to blogging gorgeous Bliss weddings from forever ago!  Our blogging tardiness is no reflection on how much we LOVE these weddings and still talk about the incredible couples behind them.  Incredible images from Cook Images, flowers by Fiore of Pensacola, location Hilton Pensacola BeachCongrats Danielle and Justin!

Thursday
17Sep2009

How to Handle Bad Service: Lara Weighs In

Lara, along with Senior Editor of Brides.com Anne Chertoff, was recently asked to weigh in on how to handle bad service from vendors - when you should let it go, when you should step in, and, if you choose to confront, the best way of doing so.  We know you don't want to think about something going wrong on your wedding day, but -- just in case! -- this article is a great read.  Our thanks to Anna Sachse, the reporter, for thinking of us!

P.S. The article was syndicated to more than 200 news outlets across the country - exciting!  Here are links to a few examples:

My San Antonio

Chicago Wedding & Party Resource

The Monitor

Thursday
10Sep2009

Inspiration: Mismatched Chairs

{Image credits, clockwise from top left: Artfool, Ngoc Minh Ngo, Flickr, and Country Living}

I've always been inspired by juxtaposition in design, and lately tables and chairs which don't quite seem like they should go together but somehow mesh perfectly have been on my mind.  It's certainly safer to pair perfectly matching white chivaris with a traditional draped table at your reception, but it can be rewarding - and more exciting! - to switch things up.  If you're having a smaller wedding and won't need tons of rentals, this could be a great opportunity to make a big impact without spending oodles of money.  To recreate this look, raid your own furniture stash and try borrowing from family and friends.  For example, you could mix...

...vintage plastic lawn chairs with a long, rough wood table

...painted metal garden chairs with a simple folding table

...caned wooden chairs with a turned-leg farmhouse table

...wrought-iron flea market finds with a draped, hemstitched tablecloth

What do you think -- too much work, or totally worth it?  Would you ever try something like this at your wedding?

Monday
24Aug2009

Poonam + Chirag on Maharani!

Poonam + Chirag have been making the rounds of the blog world!  Last week it was Smitten, this week it's Maharani!  Maharani provides inspiration for modern Indian brides, and we're thrilled that the editors included Poonam + Chirag on their site.  See the four posts here, here, here, and here!

Tuesday
18Aug2009

Happy 1 Month Anniversary Rachel + Lee!

Rachel and Lee had a gorgeous ocean-front wedding in Florida last month!  I took these with my iPhone, but the real shots are coming soon from Meg and Charles Baisden.  Happy 1 month, Rachel and Lee! We hope NY is fabulous and you are enjoying married life together!  Isn't Rachel a stunning bride?

Monday
17Aug2009

Real Bliss Wedding: Lindsey + Chad

We loved having the chance to work with Lindsey + Chad on their intimate seaside wedding this past June.  Like so many of our couples, these two included fabulous personalized details throughout their day, from sea star boutonnieres to a vintage rowboat filled with drinks at the reception.  We were particularly happy to have one of our favorite photography duos, Rae and Wes Leytham, capturing the celebration as it unfolded - see more of Lindsey + Chad's photos on their blog!

The hydrangea-decked cake was by Betty Webber, the floral design (including the jeweled wrist corsages - beautiful!) was by Kebbie Hollingsworth, the ceremony music was by Jonathan Clark, and the reception music was by Joe Occhipinti.  Lindsey's lovely look was accomplished with the help of Renee of Two Fishes Artistry.

Thank you so much, Lindsey + Chad, for letting us share in your happy day!  Wishing you lots of love and luck in your future together!

--The Bliss Team

Friday
14Aug2009

Real Bliss Wedding: Danielle + Michael

We are thrilled to finally get a chance to blog Danielle and Michael's wedding from fab photographer Meg Baisden.  The images brought back so many great memories of their day, which started with a serene, light-filled ceremony under a seaside tent and transitioned into a colorful, high energy dance party later that night.  We were also reminded of all the ways Danielle and Michael infused their personality into the celebration, from the whimsical groom's cake and late-night putting green action (seriously!) in honor of Michael's love of golf to Danielle's sweet bouquet, mirrored in the delicate bow detail of the wedding cake.

We were lucky to work with several talented vendors on this wedding: Kebbie Hollingsworth took care of the flowers, Betty Weber delivered on the beautiful cakes, and the Pensacola Pier Park and MySpayce were gracious hosts of the ceremony and reception, respectively. 

Danielle and Michael, we wish you a lifetime of joy together!  It was such a pleasure working with you both, and now, months later, to relive your wedding day through Meg's photos.  Much love to you both!

 - the Bliss Team

Wednesday
05Aug2009

Poonam + Chirag on Glamour!

We were SO excited to hear from one of our lovely brides, Poonam, that her and Chirag's recent wedding was featured on the Glamour "Smitten" blog.  Writer Joanna Goddard fell in love with the rich colors of their three-day celebration and by the looks of it, so did her readers (39 love notes and counting!). 

We can't say we're surprised!  Between Poonam's fabulous sense of style and the stunning photos taken by one of our favorite photography duos, Our Labor of Love, this wedding was one that we'll never forget.  Lara joked at the end of the weekend that if she could work on Indian weddings for the rest of her career, she would be a happy woman... and we couldn't agree more!

 

See the full post on Glamour here.

And see more of this fabulous wedding on Our Labor of Love's blog here, here, and here, as well as on the Bliss blog here.

Wednesday
15Jul2009

Bridalbar Atlanta's Big Launch + FL Wedding This Weekend

Hi y'all! We're headed to Hotlanta today for the big Bridalbar Atlanta opening! I couldn't be more excited to see my good friend Harmony open this fabulous location of her already fabulous bridal boutique. Bridalbar is a one-stop-shop for the bride who really wants the best. And speaking of THE BEST... the invite I got in the mail last week blew my mind! (perspective = this ring could fit my WRIST) Brides, don't get any crazy ideas about sending massive diamond rings out for your wedding invites. BUT if you do want something equally as amazing, check out Cherry Blossom Creations.

Be sure to check in with me on Twitter for all the updates on the PINK carpet tonight... it's sure to be quite the event with the best in the South turning out! Cant wait to see everyone!

And a big welcome to Katharine who just joined our team this week. She's wonderful and Whitney and I are excited to bring her to Atlanta today to introduce her to everyone. Welcome, Katharine!

We'll be heading to Florida after the launch event for a fantastic wedding on Pensacola Beach.  Rachel and Lee, I couldnt be more excited to see you say your vows and for all the joy that is to come for you two.  We'll be sure to post pics here and on Twitter throughout the event.  We are excited to once again work with Meg Baisden Photography, Betty Weber, Brian Oden Lighting, Coconut Dave, and the amazing team at the Hilton. What a fab week we have ahead of us!

Wishing everyone a blessed week,

Wednesday
08Jul2009

Wedding Wire: Blissful Reviews

{Wedding Wire} is a marvelous resource for engaged couples. Brides have the opportunity to read reviews on thousands of vendors and also have the chance to leave their own two cents! Many of the clients we have worked with in the past have taken the time to review Bliss, and we would like to thank them for their glowing words! Nothing means more to us than knowing that we have helped bring a bride's dream to life.

Bliss was voted as a 2009 Weddingwire Bride's Choice Award!

We are so pleased with the {reviews} on {Wedding Wire}. We will work hard to continue providing the best full-service wedding planning in the South!

"If there were 10 stars for recommendation, Lara and her entire crew would get all ten!! They are absolutely wonderful to work with. As mother of the bride all I can say is that nothing, and I truly mean nothing, went wrong from the beginning of the planning to the end of the reception. ... I have made a friend for life with Lara and cannot praise her enough for making our daughter's wedding so perfect." - Didi Petersen, Mother of the Bride from DeAnna and Allen's gorgeous wedding

"Bliss Event Group was absolutely a necessity in my planning and execution. Every vision I had in mind was brought to life, and exceeded. I even had to change locations for the wedding 36 hours before the event due to hurricane weather, and Bliss was there to make my wedding as great as, or even better than orinally planned. I cannot say enough....." - Brittany, Bride from this stunning Florida fete. Be sure to also see Part II, Part III, Part IV, and Part V for all the lovely details from Brittany and Jarrod's big day!

"Bliss Event Group is absolutely amazing. They have incredibly fresh and exciting ideas for each of their brides, and somehow always come up with something unique that perfectly compliments the taste and visions of the bride for her wedding day. They are constantly in contact with you, which is particularly helpful for those brides who are planning long distance with lots of other obligations. I was completely happy with leaving the event in the hands of such capable and creative women." - Laura, Bride from one of our favorite at home weddings: Laura and Matt. This wedding was also featured in The Knot's print edition.

"Any bride who wants a fabulous wedding with the most exceptional service needs to hire Bliss Event Group! They made my dream wedding a reality. I am forever grateful to them! They deserve more than 5 stars!!!!!" - Natalie, Bride from the ultra-chic wedding of Natalie and Beau.

more

Tuesday
07Jul2009

New Bliss Business Cards

Oh how I love new business cards!  Lucky for us, the Bliss girls now have new cards to show off! We went with a very thick letterpress design created by {Thomas Printers}. Nothing like great letterpress to start an exciting new season ahead!

Monday
06Jul2009

Lindsey + Chad: Gulf Breeze, FL {Preview}

Our Baton Rouge, Louisiana, couple Lindsey and Chad always wanted to be married near the ocean. That is how we came into play, helping them have their dream wedding. Lindsey and Chad were married in Gulf Breeze, Florida, at a gorgeous private home on the beach. Our good friends, Rae and Wesley Leytham of {Rae Leytham Photography} were the photographers for this intimate wedding of 50 guests. We had a blast working with Rae and Wes as usual... and as usual they took some amazing pictures. Check out their {blog} for more pics from Lindsey + Chad's gorgeous seaside wedding! The delicious cake was done by Betty Weber, Floral Design by {Kebbie Hollingsworth for Bliss Event Group}, Ceremony Music by {Jonathan Clark} and Reception Music by Joe Occhipinti. We'll be sure to post more images from Lindsey + Chad's wedding, but for now just a preview...

Now for a little teaser here are some of the fun little details from Lindsey + Chad's wedding. We are all about the little details that made their wedding unique and personal for them.

Check back later for more on Lindsey + Chad's beautiful beachfront wedding!

To see some of the inspiration behind their wedding design check out our past post for their wedding day indspiraton board! {Lindsey + Chad Wedding Inspiration}

Monday
06Jul2009

Poonam + Chirag: The Epic Indian Wedding {Preview}

I'm so excited to share these images of one of my favorite couples of all time: Poonam and Chirag!  Until I have a second to do a full post with details, here are THREE stunning posts from the phenomenal Whitney and Jesse of Our Labor of Love.  The images are seriously unreal.  Enjoy! Lara

First the DETAILS

The WEDDING

and last but not least... the infamous SMILEBOOTH

SO much more to come....