City Bride Photoshoot | The Results

So, to follow up with my behind the scenes post from last week, here are the professional photos, courtesy of Molly of m three studio photography.

And, these flowers, aren't they so gorgeous?

Not only were the flowers absolutely gorgeous but so were the models. Seriously, they were troopers. It was a typical (really cold!) March day in Wisconsin and I give them so much credit for looking fabulous while freezing.

And, here is my favorite shot of the entire shoot. Yes, it is clearly a detail shot but I love the assorted glassware, lilac plates, and my inspiration for the whole design, the linen.

Thanks again to all of the vendors that participated:

florals: freshdesign

photography: m three studio photography

hair and makeup: a fabulous Brew City Bride, Emily

dress and accessories: Miss Ruby Boutique

chairs: Lake Park Bistro

linen: BBJ Linen

And of course, thank you to my assistant for the day, Melissa!

How to Create a Timeline | Part 1

I apologize if this subject is along the lines of "Wedding Planning for Dummies," but it really is a task that brides struggle with.

First of all, if you are considering not creating a timeline (or production schedule as I call it) then stop right now. You need to have one. That doesn't mean that you need to carry it around with you all day, but someone should. The more you are aware of "what's next" and also the time the less stressed out you will be.

So, to create the schedule work backwards through the day. For example, to determine the time your hair appointment should start in the morning depends on what time the ceremony starts, what time you'd like to be at the ceremony site, and how long your hair will take to be styled. Deciding on the time of events is a process and you should try to break them down one by one, instead of looking at the day as whole.

Not only should your schedule include things like the time of family formals, the first look, and ceremony start but it also should include when vendors are arriving for day-of deliveries.

Once the schedule is created send it to all the vendors that are participating in any activities on the day-of. Don't worry about feeling like you are micromanaging, you aren't, they will appreciate how organized you are.

Any other questions? Let me know!

City Bride Photoshoot | Behind The Scenes

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen me recently mention a photoshoot that I was organizing. The purpose of the shoot was to further define my brand and allow brides to learn more about my personal style. The shoot was a couple weeks ago but before I share the professional shots, I'd like to give you a behind the scenes look.

The shoot took place in an alley (behind an awesome stationery store) in the Third Ward. Really, it was the perfect location. While designing the tablescape I really kept in mind that I wanted to inspire brides with this look and remind them that their wedding can be anything they want it to be to. I also tried really hard to use elements that were realistic for most brides to obtain. Sure, the shoots that use huge hanging chandeliers are beautiful but not always obtainable.

The patterned linen was rented from BBJ Linen, the glassware and candle holders were purchased from various Good Will stores in the Milwaukee area, the florals were done by freshdesign and the dinnerware was purchased from Ikea.

Want to see a photo?

This photo was taken with my trusty iphone but the professional photos will be coming your way shortly...and please, don't pay to much attention to the random stuff in the background!

A recap of the shoot wouldn't be complete without sharing that I also had a run in with the law that day. Since we were going to be blocking one side of the alley I contacted the surrounding businesses and made sure it would be okay to setup there for about 2 hours, everyone was obviously fine with it since I wasn't going to be blocking both entrances. However, I didn't realize that above all of these businesses were some condos. So, right as we have are putting the final touches on the table (read: it's now not moveable) a lovely gentlemen pulls into the alley right by our table and becomes very angry. Like I said we weren't blocking both entrances, he just felt inconvenienced that he'd have to drive around the block. Anyway, I don't know for sure but I believe this lovely gentlemen called the Police. The Officer that arrived at the scene was very friendly and only asked that we be cleaned up in 20 minutes. I was so thankful that he let us finish our shots... and he even set up orange cones, making us look very official.

So, other than my little run in with the law, it was a great success. Thank you to all of the fabulous vendors that participated!!

Please, don't be mad at me!

Hello lovely readers,

I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here and I apologize that it may appear like I abandoned this lovely blog and all of you dear readers.

But, I did not abandon you, I could never do that! So, are you curious what I was doing during my hiatus? Well, I have been working on some new big projects for the wedding industry. The details can't yet be discussed but soon, I promise. So, get excited for 2 big announcements coming your way soon and please come back tomorrow when we are back to our regular scheduled posting.

Have a lovely Monday!

The City's Best | J. Invites

I introduce to you J. Invites, owned by JoAnna Gibbons.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I have been designing wedding invitations and other products for four years.

2. Describe your style and approach.

Whether contemporary, traditional, or casual elegance is your style, we can create a one-of-a-kind look for you. We pride ourselves in creating a truly unique and remarkable experience that you and your guests will never forget. I love chandeliers and damask so those are my favorites, but by the end of the creation I usually end up loving all the invites.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

What sets us apart is that we are willing to work with any budget and don't charge a custom design fee. Also what the brides seem to love that we do is create an actual paper sample of the invitation for them, if they would like before they ever even sign a contract.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Don't feel like you have to stick to 1, 2 or 3 colors for your wedding. Many times brides come in with a swatch and want to match everything to that. I would say some of the weddings that we have done turn out best when multiple colors are used or many shades of greens or any color instead of just having everything be olive green because that is what color the dresses are.

5. Just for fun, tell us something unique about yourself.

I like to go to Barnes and Noble when I am bored and read/look at all of the bridal magazines. I just love weddings and think they are so different and beautiful every time. Hopefully soon I will be able to plan my own. :-)

Chat with J. Invites:

Ring: 414.897.2925

Web: jinvites.com

Blog: jinvites.blogspot.com

Twitter: @jinvites

JoAnna, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Don't Worry...

about how your wedding will look in 20 years.

A recent conversation with a bride made me realize that every bride at one time during their planning process thinks, "Oh my gosh, in 20 years, my wedding is going to look so dated." And my response to that is yes, it probably will, but that's okay.

My advice to any bride that is in this rut is to make decisions and selections based upon what you really want and are happy with now. You will be living this day now and not in 20 years, so stop thinking that way and allowing it to influence your decisions. Also, when you look back at your photos in the future you will be remembering the emotion and amazing memories from that day, not that you wore a feather in your hair, purple shoes, or a colorful bolero jacket.