Beyond Events, Inc.

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These submerged Calla lillies are ideal centerpieces. The tall, long flowers provide height for the centerpieces, which is needed for large round tables. Having high centerpieces draws the eyes up, and creates depth for the simple design. In addition to their beauty using a single flower (or three in this case) per table allows you to really trim down your costs. Floral centerpieces can get pretty pricey, so this is a nice alternative for brides that want a floral feel without a hefty pricetag. The floating candles at the top are also a nice touch. The candle light will both provide a contrast to the water and give your reception space a beautiful romantic glow (not to mention they are low cost, too!).

After seeing so many brides and grooms take home hundreds of dollars worth of coasters, travel candles, CDs and a million other things that have monograms on them, I was really excited when I heard about this idea. One couple decided to give away one scratch off lottery ticket to each guest, with a sign posted nearby that they were “lucky” to have so many special people in their lives. This is a great idea for several reasons; it is creative and different, it is inexpensive, and anyone that wins cash will never forget what you gave out as wedding favors. And at the end of the night you won’t be taking home tons of hershey’s kisses in mini-(chinese) take out boxes with a monogram on top. Lottery Tickets are a memorable, affordable and exciting way to send your guests home, and any left over are sure to be used!

This Afternoon I attended the Atlantan Brides’ Evening of Bridal Luxury at Hotel Palomar. It was a beautiful event to say the least. From start to finish every detail was impeccably designed. The invitations and programs supplied by Sam Flax were pearlized, embossed, and plush. I was surprised and pleased to find out the local art supply store on Northside Drive offers premium wedding stationary.  There was chocolate galore, from chocolate fountains, to chocolate ganache wedding cake and customized chocolate favors. Atlanta’s top wedding vendors were on-site to showcase amazing table top designs, custom photography and live jazz music. For brides searching for premium services this was the place to be. Anne Barge, Heidi Elenor and Andrew’s bridal were all featured designers for the fashion show. There were many breath taking looks, but my favorite was of the mini-skirt wedding dress that had a tutu underneath! The whole crowd was oohing and ahhing when the model to the runway.  I tried to snap a photo when she walked by, but she moved to past and the picture was too fuzzy. The picture above is of my favorite table top design, love the chandelier.

Tired of seeing the same old send off at wedding receptions? Want an impressive way to make your departure that leaves your guests in awe? Sky Lanterns, also known as Flying Lanterns, are the answer. Their sparkle can be seen flying up in the air for as long as 20 minutes and will travel several miles in distance, after which the flame will blow out and they will gently float back down for a safe landing. Sky Lanterns will fly to more than 1,000 meters in altitude, providing an enjoyable yet amazingly simple show for all ages.
The back ground on Flying Lanterns: otherwise known as Khoom Fay in the Asian culture, they were used next to fireworks in traditional Asian festivals for thousands of years. Paper lanterns were used to celebrate the Chinese New Year and as a signaling device. Countless paper lanterns were launched to rid the people of their worries and to decorate the city’s sky with light. The flame would symbolize knowledge and wisdom.
The Paper Lanterns are safe and easy to use. They are made of flame resistant paper, are 100% biodegradable and require only minimal assembly. They are calm and quiet, and let you sit back and enjoy the show.
A great interactive way to use these beauties is to order half as many as your guest count and let people pair up and light them right before your formal departure! This is an innovative way to invite your guests to participate in your send off. These lanterns are inexpensive and can be purchased for $4.99 ea. (or less depending on the quantity). Using them allows everyone to easily participate in an elaborate firework show with great effect. Simply let the air warm up inside for a couple of minutes and release!

After viewing thousands of wedding invitations, designs and monograms it is always refreshing in to see something customized and different. Recently in a wedding magazine I read there was a blurb on Ambigrams, these Angels & Demons-esque designs are really engaging and unique.

Wedding Ambigrams

An ambigram combines word-art and optical illusions ~ a word is drawn so that it will appear the exact same when flipped up-side down. This creates a beautifully symmetrical piece of artwork is sure to catch your guests’ eye and serve as a great conversation piece.

With a two word ambigram, the first word rotates to create the second word. These are a wonderful way to pair the names of a couple, a first and last name, a name with an adjective, or any two words. You can display one word at a time, or, when the words are placed together, the whole image appears the same when rotate. There are several websites that offer this service, just Google: Ambigram and wedding I you will find plenty of options.

Tired of the same old rose boutonnieres? Looking for something different and original to pin to your groom? If you answered “yes” to these questions you’ve got to check out www.rosenowfloral.com . With unique boutonnieres like the one pictured above these bouts are sure to get noticed. It’s all in the details!

Looking for an easy way to keep your entire bridal party, parents and guests in the loop without having contact everyone individually? If you are you have to check out www.onewed.com . It’s like facebook for your wedding. Guests can see who is coming to which of your wedding events, you can alert everyone at once about any changes you make (using your own “wedding wall”), and you can feature your wedding website and photos all in this one place. This is technology at it’s best! When you have a moment check it out and play with the different apps, it’s well worth the time.

Recently, I have seen several brides opt for luminaries instead of the traditional flower girl basket. And I absolutely love this idea for 3 reasons: 1.) the luminaries are different and a good surprise to spice up the traditional flower girl ensemble. 2.) they light up inside creating a beautiful glow, not to mention that the kids love it! 3.) they are really inexpensive and easy to customize. Because of their simple design it is easy to add ribbons, flowers, feather or anything else you like to make these little beauties your own. Check them out at www.paperlanternstore.com

Last Saturday, August 1st I had to pleasure of coordinating the wedding of Christy Morris and Zack McKinzey at the Peach Brandy Cottage in Dawsonvill, GA. We worked for months on the details, selecting decor, organizing vendors and planning the event. I am proud to say that it was a huge success. Additionally I would like to give credit to three outstanding vendors; Aimee Wheeler of www.aimeewheelerphotography.com, she was well prepared, had a great enthusiasm and kept the wedding party laughing! Brett from black tie events (www.btevents.com) was an outstanding MC, and Heather the floral designer from Stylish Stems (www.stylishstems.com) did an amazing job on the bouquets, the combination of lime greem mums and magenta gerber daises really popped. Thank you to all of the vendors that helped make Christy and Zack’s wedding a splendid affair.