Real Wedding: Elegance in Uptown Charlotte at the Mint Museum

I had the pleasure of working with the best couple ever last summer! Jana + Jordan are so much fun to be around - it made wedding planning an absolute blast! When I first met with Jana + Jordan, we talked about their wedding being centered around a really great party. And that's exactly what they got! Their wedding day was full of joy and laughter, as they were surrounded by all their friends and family on a beautiful summer North Carolina day. Jana's vision for her wedding was simple elegance with an air of sophistication, in a neutral color palette of champagne, blush, and ivory, with pops of greenery. I love the hanging lampshades over some of the long tables, with a lush garland along the center of the table! It was such a statement piece, and looked incredible in the Grand Room at the Mint Museum Uptown. The cake was absolute perfection, and the definition of simple elegance with textured icing and sweet little flowers clusters on the cake tiers. We had custom monograms created for Jana + Jordan that was incorporated into all their paper goods and details. I really love using monograms (or some sort of symbol) with my clients because it's a fun, memorable keepsake to have after your wedding is over. Plus, it's a great way to really brand your event! We placed their gorgeous monogram on wedding day details like the ceremony program, wedding koozies and cocktail napkins, which is another great way to personalize your special day.

I'm pretty obsessed with theses photos by Crystal Stokes Photography from Jana + Jordan's wedding day, and I'm excited to share with you some of my favorites from this gorgeous summer wedding at the Mint Museum Uptown.

These portraits in a little tucked away courtyard in Uptown Charlotte are my favorites!! How gorgeous are these two?!

Choreographed first dance for the win! This spin is everything, too!

Jana + Jordan, being a part of your wedding was such an honor! Seriously, can we do it again? I'm grateful to have had the chance to get to know you both and help you plan for your special day. So much love to you two!

And a huge thanks to the talented vendor team that made this wedding dreamy day so special
Planning + Design: The Graceful Host 
Photography: Crystal Stokes Photography
Floral Design: New Creations Flower Company
Paper Goods: Pink Toast Ink
Cake: Wow Factor Cakes
Videography: Crown Alley Films
Catering: Something Classic
Entertaining: The Retreat via Sam Hill Entertainment
Venue: Mint Museum Uptown
Hair: Mirror Bomb Studios
Makeup: Erin Ashley Makeup
Chair Rentals: Carolinas Luxury Rentals
Linens: Party Reflections  & Party Tables
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier Bridal from Nitsa's Apparel
Bridesmaid Dresses: J Crew
Brides Shoes: Kate Spade

XO,
A.

Real Wedding: Organic and Elegant North Carolina Mountain Wedding

This gorgeous fall wedding at Hawkesdene House in Andrews, North Carolina was the perfect way to close out 2016! At the peek of the fall season, surrounded by beautiful colors of nature, Jessica + Ryan celebrated amongst family and friends. Jessica's inspiration behind her wedding was the natural scenery of the North Carolina Mountains. We incorporated different types of lush greenery among the centerpieces. With rich, vibrant reds and lots of organic textures, we created an elegant evening with an organic inspiration in the mountains.

Jessica + Ryan met thanks to their moms, who were already good friends, and had arranged for Ryan to show Jessica around California, since it was her first time visiting. It was crazy how well their plan worked! The pair had so much in common, and flash forward 8 years later - they finally got married! Since both their families live all over the country, the couple choose the lovely Hawkesdene House, about 2 hours west of Asheville, for their destination wedding.  Our bride said that whenever the couple would visit the mountains, they always leave with such a sense of peace and happiness after getting away from the hustle and bustle of life. So, they wanted their guests to have a similar experience and feel leaving refreshed after a fun weekend away!

I think their plan worked because it was one heck of a wedding weekend. I am so excited to share photos from Jessica + Ryan's amazing wedding day! But first, a huge thank you to our fabulous team of talented vendors who helped create a magical day for our bride + groom.

Planning + Design: The Graceful Host
Photography: Josh Jones Photography
Flowers: New Creations Flower Company
Venue + Catering: Hawkesdene House
Cake: Sugar Cloud Baking Company
Linens: Nuage Designs + Party Reflections
Tent, Draping, Lighting: Classic Event Rentals
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth Charlotte
Live Artist: Wed On Canvas
Paper Goods: Elisabeth Rose
Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Jenny Le
Band: OnLive via Sam Hill Entertainment
Officiant: HeartLight Wedding Ministers
Videography: Five 18 Productions
Dress Designer: Amy Kuschel
Dress Boutique: Bellissima
Mens Attire: Mens Warehouse

I truly believe that wedding videography is such a worthwhile investment. While your photographer will capture your wedding day memories, a videographer will capture it in a way that photography just can't. So many nuances can be captured on video, not to mention your loved ones voices and mannerisms... and maybe some sweet dance moves? These are fleeting moments, never able to be repeated, are now frozen in time. It's a great way to relive your wedding day over and over again long after the wedding high has passed.

Jessie+Ryan {Full Wedding Video} from James Desuyo on Vimeo.

Jessica + Ryan, thank you so much for allowing The Graceful Host to be a part of your destination wedding celebration! You two were such a dream and a joy to work with, and the love you have for each other is captivating. I wish you a lifetime of happiness together and memories, just as sweet as your wedding day.

XO,
A.

Real Wedding: A Cherry Blossom Inspired Spring Wedding at Foundation For The Carolinas

This couple couldn't be any sweeter. And there is no doubt that they are perfectly matched for each other!  Which makes the story of how they met all the better. Angela + Charlie met during their first year of law school at UNC Chapel Hill. But they didn't exactly hit it off, Angela notes. Angela didn't care for Charlie after their first meeting, when a mutual friend introduced them. Fast forward a year later, after a few study sessions, Charlie finally got the courage to ask Angela out. And Angela accepted after getting to know Charlie a bit better. After their first date, they both felt the spark ...and the rest was history, as they say!

Their April wedding was the epitome of a spring wedding. Angela's inspiration was everything floral, especially cherry blossoms. Beautiful blooming flowers in blush and ivory, with delicate details, made this stunning wedding absolutely eye-catching! Following a church ceremony at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, guests headed to Foundation For The Carolinas where the celebration continued into the night.  We loved working with this sweet couple and helping them create such a dreamy wedding celebration! 

A very special thank you to our vendor team who helped make Angela + Charlie's wedding day perfect!
Planning + Design: The Graceful Host
Photography: Lauren Rosenau Photography
Floral Design: New Creations Flower Company
Invitations, Paper Goods: Elisabeth Rose
Hair: Mirror Bomb Studios
Makeup: Erin Ashley Makeup
Catering: Something Classic
Cake: Wow Factor Cakes
Band: The Business 
Ceremony Venue: St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Reception Venue: Foundation For The Carolinas
Musicians: Charlotte Strings For Events
Linens: Party Reflections and Nuage Designs
Welcome Box: The Graceful Host
Wedding Dress: Enzoani from J.Majors Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm from J.Majors Bridal Boutique
Groom and Groomsmen: Jos A Bank

Angela + Charlie, it was such a pleasure working with you both and your families! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your big day. 

XO,
A.

How To Set a Table

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, chances are you'll be setting the table with all the fancy china you would never use for just any ol' Thursday with family and friends. And I bet Google will see a surge in questions like "which side of the plate does the fork go on?". Well have no fear, friends! Because we're here to share some place setting etiquette to get you ready for Turkey Day!

All table top decor is from Crate and Barrel: Plates, Wine Glasses, Water Glasses, Silverware
Lettering by The Graceful Host

Happy Thanksgiving! May your tables be beautiful, your bellies be satisfied, and your hearts full!

XO,
A.

For Better or Worse, Your Guests Will Remember These Details

Here's the scenario: the love of your life has just proposed and you said yes! Now you're thrown into the exciting adventure called wedding planning. In the weeks and months following, you'll begin to plan for your special day. You'll quickly start to ask yourself questions like "do we need that...?" or "will anyone even notice if...?". And the answers to your questions may vary. Your wedding planner will help you determine what you need and how to make sure your money is best spent. That's our job, right?!

Yesterday, over on Style Me Pretty, I shared a few can't miss details that your guests will definitely notice! These are the details that impact your guest experience - transportation, menu selections, & even the cake! 

If you're in the middle of wedding planning, or even if you just slipped that gorgeous ring on your finger - you don't want to miss these tips! See the full feature on Style Me Pretty. 

I saw a few reader comments say things like "so basically thats everything". And to that I say, no not everything. (Trust me, I haven't even mentioned most of what is on a typical checklist for a wedding!) Planning a wedding requires a lot of details and a lot of coordination. Remember: you're planning a large scale event, not a dinner party at your home. You can expect a lot of these important details to be woven together. For example, the venue you select will determine your transportation needs and will also dictate your decor. You should pick your venues wisely. If you're on a budget or planning a wedding when the weather might not be favorable (i.e. it's freezing outside or dark out), then you should consider a venue that is near guest accommodations and would have an option for both ceremony and reception all at the same location. Trust your wedding planner to find solutions for you and to help you prioritize the important details of the day so that you spend your money where it matters!

Thank you for the interview, SMP! :)

XO,
A.

Featured: Creating Wedding Welcome Boxes

There truly is no better way to kick off a celebratory weekend than with a welcome box filled with the Bride and Groom's favorite sips and treats, packaged with care for their family and friends who have travelled near and far to join in the fun of the wedding weekend. Every couple wants their guests to feel appreciated and we know that traveling to weddings can be expensive. So I encourage my Brides and Grooms to budget for welcome boxes rather than a wedding favor because it's a better use of their money and makes a bigger impact in the guest experience. 

I love doing welcome boxes with my clients because it's a great way to greet guests! Don't be afraid to personalize your welcome boxes with your wedding colors, favorite treats (local treats are a plus!), a note of thanks and welcome, and something fun to drink! It's a great way to give a taste of what is to come - maybe you add in cake pops in your wedding cake flavors or include some custom made koozies they can use at the wedding. Welcome boxes show your guests that you went the extra mile to welcome them to your wedding weekend and that you can't wait to see them soon. 

We partnered with Carolina Bride to create a welcome box full of some local goodies. It's in the latest issue of Carolina Bride, on newsstands now! Huge thanks to Caroline Portillo and Brianna Crane at Carolina Bride and also to Belva Barringer for her photography!

We love using local creatives to create welcome boxes! Big, big thanks to:
Elisabeth Rose - Paper Goods
Hey Sugar Shop - Truffles and Cookies
Wow Factor Cakes - Cake Pops
Amelie's French Bakery - Macaroons
Honey Silks & Co - Silk Ribbons
When creating your welcome boxes, don't forget to look in your own backyard for vendors who can help you fill your box with lots of goodies. Votive candles, koozies, chocolates, cookies, candies, drinks - Charlotte (or your city!) has pretty much anything you can think of! Shop local! :)

And here are a few of our favorite welcome boxes we've created for clients over the years!

Photography Credits (Top, L to Bottom R): Lauren Rosenau Photography, Capture Me Candid Photography, Lauren Rosenau Photography, Lauren Rosenau Photography, Crystal Stokes Photography, iPhone)

As you can see, Cheerwine is always a favorite for couples wanting to give their guests a taste of the Carolinas! How will you personalize your wedding welcome box?!

XO,
A.

Featured: Winter Wonderland at the Mint Museum Uptown

Jumping for joy over here! Why, you might ask?! Well, Katie + Kyle's gorgeous winter wonderland inspired wedding has been featured on Inside Weddings! I'm so excited to finally get the chance to share the details from their amazing January wedding at the Mint Museum Uptown. Here is a peek at the highlight video from Munn Brothers. Don't miss the beautiful feature on Inside Weddings with stunning photography by Crystal Stokes Photography.

Katie + Kyle were an absolute dream to work with! Katie has such amazing style. I was so excited when Katie told me that she wanted a winter wonderland inspired wedding. (Yes, please!) We stretched this inspiration into every aspect of their design and the end result was absolutely stunning! Just see for yourself...

Huge thanks to all the vendors involved in Katie + Kyle's wedding day! It was a highlight of our 2016 season!
Wedding Planner & Designer: The Graceful Host
Photography: Crystal Stokes Photography
Videography: Munn Brothers Films
Floral Designs: New Creations Flower Company
Invitations: Pink Toast Ink
Calligraphy: Delighted Calligraphy
Bridesmaid Makeup: Erin Ashley Makeup
Bridesmaid Hair: Mirror Bomb Studio
Bridal Hair and Makeup: Studio Ruby Woo
Bridal Designer: Monique Lhuillier
Bridal Salon: Nitsa's Apparel
Bridesmaid Attire: Alfred Sung Bridesmaids Separates and Dresses via Bella Bridesmaids
Brides Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Grooms Apparel: Jos. A. Bank
Groomsmen Apparel: Men's Wearhouse
Cakes & Desserts: The Wow Factor Cakes
Catering: Something Classic
Draping, Uplighting, Rentals: Party Reflections
Rentals: Nuage Designs
Ceremony Musicians: Queen City Ensemble
Reception Entertainment: Sol Fusion
Ceremony Venue: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Reception Venue: Mint Museum Uptown

Congrats, Katie + Kyle! Working with you to help you plan for your special day was such a joy and honor! I wish we could do it all over again! Love you both! 

XO,
A.

Real Brides, Real Bridal Fashion Inspiration

I have a soft spot in my heart for bridal fashion. Wedding dresses are so intricate, so sweet, and they are such a powerful symbol. A wedding dress can transform a woman in a way that just takes your breath away, and I find that to be so special. I've loved wedding dresses for as long as I can remember. And I've been so fortunate to work with so many gorgeous and stylish brides! Seriously. I love how my brides embrace their personal style not only in the details of their wedding day, but also in their fashion choices! From the dress to the shoes to the jewelry to the hair and makeup. Every single detail reflects the unique personality of the woman in the spotlight. And in honor of all the gorgeous fashion coming out of NYC Bridal Fashion week, I give you just some the stunning brides of TGH over the past 5 years! (Side note: this was so hard!)

Photography by Crystal Stokes Photography, Gown by Monique Lhuillier

Photography by Lauren Rosenau Photography, Hair by Mirror Bomb Studios, Makeup by Erin Ashley Makeup

Photography by Lauren Rosenau Photography, Makeup by Erin Ashley Makeup, Gown by Erin Grey Couture

Photography by Julia Laible Photography, Hair by Mirror Bomb Studios, Makeup by Erin Ashley Makeup, Gown by Martina Liana Bridal

Photography by Crystal Stokes Photography, Hair by Mirror Bomb Studios, Makeup by Erin Ashley Makeup, Gown by Monique Lhuillier

Photography by Finch & Farrow Photography, Gown by Hayley Paige

Photography by Lauren Friday Photography, Hair and Makeup by Who's The Fairest

Photography by Lauren Rosenau Photography, Hair and Makeup by Lindsey Regan Thorne, Gown by Martina Liana Bridal

Photography by Richard Israel Photography, Hair and Makeup by Zara Milian, Gown by Ship To Shore

Photography by Lauren Friday Photography

Photography by Lauren Rosenau Photography, Hair and Makeup by Jenny Le Makeup, Gown by Victor Harper Couture

Photography by Smitten and Hooked, Hair and Makeup by Jenny Le Makeup, Gown by Alvina Valenta, Belt by Enzoani

Photography by Lauren Friday Photography, Hair and Makeup by Jenny Le Makeup

Photography by Capture Me Candid Photography, Hair and Makeup by Zara Milian, Gown by Monique Lhuillier

Photography by Lauren Rosenau Photography, Gown by Hayley Paige

Photography by Lauren Friday Photography

Photography by Jeremy Igo Photography, Hair and Makeup by Lindsey Regan Thorne, Gown by Vera Wang

Photography by Lauren Rosenau Photography, Gown by Victor Harper Couture

Photography by Lauren Rosenau Photography, Hair by Mirror Bomb Studios, Makeup by Erin Ashley Makeup, Gown by Modern Trousseau

Featured: Blush and Silver Wedding at the Ritz Carlton Urban Garden

I couldn't be more excited to see Kendra + Randy's beautiful Urban Garden wedding on Inside Weddings today! The whole day was a dream come true, and as our beautiful bride says, "It was the merging of not just two hearts, but two families." 

Working with this couple and their families was such an honor! We wish we could do it all over again! You can see the full feature and read more about Kendra + Randy's wedding day here on Inside Weddings. (And to see some of our favorite photos from this gorgeous wedding, click here.) 

Thank you, Inside Weddings, for the beautiful feature and for sharing Kendra + Randy's story!

XO,
A.

Featured + Real Wedding: A Modern Affair at The Mint Museum Uptown

We are honored to see Lauren and Andrew's modern & elegant Mint Museum Uptown wedding in the recent issue of Carolina Bride magazine. Lauren and Andrew met through mutual friends at Appalachian State University. If you're with either of them for even just a moment, you can tell that they are truly in love - as well as two of the most amazing human beings you'll ever meet. Being around them was like being in a Nicholas Sparks novel - two ridiculously good looking people, madly in love and sweet as pie!

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I first met Lauren and Andrew over brunch to talk about their big day. From the get go, I knew it would be a very good day! Lauren talked about her love of sparkle and that she wanted a day that was elegant and simple, yet luxurious feeling. We settled on a color palette of cream, black, champagne and gold. Lauren chose a gorgeous wedding dress that became a big source of inspiration for the detailing on the cake. Man, oh man did she take our breath away in this gown! Our bride carried a beautiful cascading calla lily bouquet created by New Creations Flower Company, and the ladies carried calla lilies as well. We intertwined sparkly elements throughout their design with the linens and centerpieces. The kings table was one of my favorites in our design, with a series of spray-like tulips cascading in the tall centerpieces with mirrored pillar candles and crystal votives going along the 24' table. It was stunning!

We had an amazing team of vendors who helped Lauren and Andrew have the best day ever. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work and for making this day as beautiful as it was!
Planning + Design: The Graceful Host
Photography: Julia Laible Photography
Flowers: New Creations Flower Company
Venues: Mint Museum Uptown
Wedding Cake: The Wow Factor Cakes
Entertainment: Split Second Sound
Hairstylist: Lindsey Pizzuti of Mirror Bomb Studios
Makeup artist: Erin Ashley Makeup
Wedding Dress Boutique: Belle Vogue Boutique in Kansas City
Gown designer: Martina Liana Bridal
Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo Ivory Shimmer Flats
Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxedos: Calvin Klein from Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: Minted.com
Transportation provider: R&R Pedicab
Clergy: Pastor Reggie Hunt of Cornerstone Summit (Lauren and Andrew’s church during college)

Here are a few of our favorite photos from Lauren and Andrew's special day!

We were so honored to be a part of your celebration, Lauren and Andrew! Thanks for letting us in on all the fun! And don't forget to get your copy of the latest issue of Carolina Bride to see Lauren and Andrew's full feature on bookshelves now.

XO,
A.

6 Non-Traditional Items You Should Add To Your Wedding Registry

When it comes to wedding registries, there are always questions: What do we need to register for exactly? Where should I register? How do I even start creating a registry? Registries can be confusing and overwhelming, but it shouldn't be! They should be a fun way for you and your future spouse to think about your future lives together - whether you're starting from scratch, or you already live together - and how you'll build your home. Of course there are some "must haves" when putting your registry list together. Things like china, kitchenware, & household goods are always popular - and let's face it, always needed! But how do you craft a wedding registry that you'll love and that reflects your personal style? Some couples get nervous about veering off the path of tradition, but I'm going to share with you 6 non-traditional items that should make you reconsider the road less traveled!

a.) A DSLR Camera
You're going to be honeymooning after your fabulous wedding. Ditch the iPhone and opt for a real camera to snap those memories of you and your spouse! Photo credit: beginner level DSLR, pictured is the Nikkon D3300

b.) Frames for a Gallery Wall
Couples invest in professional wedding photography to capture their memories. So it only makes sense that you consider displaying those happy memories proudly once you get your photos back for all who enter your home to see! It's so important to remember to print your memories. Just think about all the butterfly feelings you'll have looking at them each and every day! Photo credit: pictured is Framebridge via Haute Off The Rack.

c.) Bar Cart & Accessories
I don't know about you but after I got married I had a huge urge to host every party under the sun. What can I say - I love planning parties! ;) It's traditional to register for serving ware, dishes, glasses, etc. But what about your bar? Make sure you're ready for your first hostess gig with all the necessary equipment - and maybe a cute, stylish bar cart to display it all! Photo credit: Pintrest via Lydi Out Loud

d.) A Juicer
File this under a must have kitchen item! If you haven't discovered the joys of juicing, you're missing out. From fresh squeezed OJ for mimosas with brunch to a healthy serving of veggie/fruit juice for breakfast - the possibilities with this handy kitchen tool is endless. Photo credit: Jack LaLanne electric juicer via Target.

e.) An Ice Cream Maker
Who wouldn't want to make fresh ice cream every night? Okay, well maybe not every night - that would be counterproductive to the healthy juice you made earlier! But think about how fun it will be to make all sorts of yummy ice cream varieties with your sweetie, and one day your children. Talk about sweet memories. Photo credit: Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker via William Sonoma

f.) Herb Garden
You've registered for all the cookware and kitchenware under the sun, right? Well, now it's time to start cooking! An herb garden is a fun project for both you and your spouse to enjoy. I know in our home, we play "how long can we keep this plant alive" often. Not only will it add color, foliage, and fragrance to your home but it will add lots of flavor to your dishes! Photo credit: via House Beautiful - a perfect Ikea hack project!

Your friends and family ultimately want to buy you something that will make you happy. Take comfort in the fact that you can't really mess up a wedding registry. Remember that variety is key so that you can offer your guests different price points, and consider shopping at 2-3 stores. Any more than 3 and it gets a bit excessive. There are great websites like Zola that allows you to combine your registry from various shops in one convenient list for guests. But I wouldn't skip registering at each individual store. When it comes to getting the additional money off after your wedding has come and gone, you're going to want to make sure you've registered with that store in order to reap that benefit! So happy shopping, y'all!

XO,
A.