11.25.09
Letter To Carla
Dear Carla;
It would be almost impossible for Dena and I to adequately express our appreciation for the job you did planning Kelli and Ollie’s wedding. Not only was it a very large rehearsal party, wedding and reception, but it was, as you know, extremely intricate. Your attention to detail, outstanding communications, patience and overall professionalism are unbelievable. Your experience and personal commitment to our daughter’s “special weekend” helped provide all of us with memories for a lifetime. May God continue to bless you and your business. Forever grateful. . .
Dena and Tommy Todd
Lake Placid, FL
10.13.09
Your Beach Wedding Dress
One of the most important things to consider when you plan your beach wedding is your wedding dress. Whether you have chosen a beach wedding that is formal or casual, it all comes back to your personal taste and of course, making sure your choice is practical.
Most girls coordinate their beach wedding gown with the style and theme of their wedding. Beach weddings are almost always casual, although they can be very formal. If you decide to go with a formal beach wedding, then you will want to choose a formal style dress that is very light and simple.
Whether you have your beach wedding at an exclusive oceanfront hotel or on a favorite beach, your wedding attire and decor can be designed to suit your individual tastes. Before you buy your beach wedding dress, be sure the gown is beach-proof. Don’t let the sand or wind distract your appearance.
Important things to consider when shopping for your beach wedding gown:
- A short wedding gown train with a finger hold or no train at all is best for beach or outdoor weddings.
- A slip dress is a very popular choice for beach or outdoor weddings, as are halter, strapless, and sarong style dresses.
- A beach wedding dress can be short or long, however, if it is long, make sure it is short enough to allow for your feet sinking in the sand.
- The beach is most often very breezy or windy, shop for wedding gowns that are straighter lined rather than full and flowing.
- Remember to stay away from heavy fabrics and pantyhose. If you think you absolutely must wear pantyhose, be sure and wear a long and lightweight wedding dress.
- If you want to wear a veil, make sure it is weighted at the bottom so it does not fly away during the ceremony. If you have chosen a beach wedding dress with a hat to match, be sure to pin the hat down well so the wind does not carry it away. An orchid pinned behind the ear or a wreath of flowers worn like a crown is a very popular choice among beach wedding brides, as well.
- Shoes are another important thing to consider when planning your beach wedding. High heels and hose just don’t work for beach weddings. Most brides choose dressy sandals or even barefoot!
If you are in the market for a beach wedding dress, the best choice is one that fits your personality and style, as well as the theme of your beach wedding.
09.10.09
Rehearsal Dinner…..no prob!
The rehearsal dinner generally takes place after your wedding rehearsal and the evening before your wedding. It’s an opportunity for the wedding party to get together for a good time, but also for the bride and groom to thank all the people who have helped out with the wedding planning.
Traditionally the groom’s parents pay for the rehearsal dinner, but very often the couple includes this expense in their overall planning budget. Sometimes both sets of parents host the dinner together or another relative or friend may step in and pay for the rehearsal dinner as a gift to the bride and groom.
The groom’s mother is usually the rehearsal dinner planner, but it is a good idea to check with her to make sure she is willing and able to do so. If she wants to take on the responsibility, then that will work out great, and it gives her some participation in the planning process. If her taste is not the same as yours, don’t worry…..the guests will know that you were not involved in the planning.
During dinner, the bride and groom usually thank or toast their families and the wedding party. Many times there are many other informal toasts from the wedding party or family. Sometimes this toasting can become a bride and groom roast….. but remember it’s all in good fun. You can also plan to have games for everyone or even a fun home-movie of the couple. If you’re not having a bridesmaid’s luncheon, this is the best time to give bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts.
One important thing to remember is that printed invitations to your rehearsal dinner are typically sent a few days after you send the wedding invitations. They don’t have to be expensive, either. I would suggest printing invitations from a template on your computer, to save money.
A rehearsal dinner used to be only for the wedding party and the immediate family of the bride and groom. Proper wedding etiquette and many wedding magazines dictate that you should invite your out of town guests to your rehearsal dinner. My personal opinion is to give your out of town guests a list of restaurants that are close by, so as not to leave them stranded in an unknown city. Also, you can include a note in your invitations saying “If you’re in town the night before the wedding, we’d love to see you at the Oceanside Pub after 9 pm – please join us if you can make it.” Then order snacks or appetizers for your guests, which will still be less expensive than providing all your out of town guests dinner.
Before you decide on your rehearsal dinner, remember that it doesn’t have to be a big deal at a fancy restaurant or an expensive catering hall. Some of the best rehearsal dinners I’ve seen were relaxed backyard BBQ’s, cookouts, or potluck dinners. The most important thing is to provide a time which will allow your wedding party and family a chance to really get to know each other. But, by all means, do have a rehearsal dinner. You’ll want to take this time to thank all the people who mean the most to you and who made your wedding day happen.
Carla Pryor
Wedding Planner & Officiant
For more information, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com/ or e-mail me at stsimonselopements.com
07.30.09
Say I Do To St. Simons
If you imagine a Coastal City, the first thought that comes to mind is probably cheesy resort hotels, over commercialization, and an over abundance of tourist. While St. Simons is a tourist destination, most of the inhabitants of the island are actually residents of St. Simons and nearby coastal Georgia. If there’s an over abundance of anything, it’s ancient, live oak trees, draped in Spanish moss.
There’s a feel to St. Simons unlike any I’ve ever experienced elsewhere. An easy pace, relaxed atmosphere, and a feeling of permanence. That’s why I chose to make St. Simons my home.
St. Simons is a bargain as a honeymoon/elopement/wedding destination. By flying in to nearby Jacksonville, Florida, a couple can pick up a rental car, stay at their pre-arranged destination on St. Simons, have an intimate elopement, (couples only) or have a wedding extravaganza for much less money than if they were to do the same thing in many larger cities. Not only that, but you don’t have to leave afterwards to depart for a honeymoon because you are already at the beach. With the many boutique shops, historical points of interest, world class restaurants, and the occasional celebrity sighting, St. Simons is a great place to spend a honeymoon. With activities ranging from lounging on the beach, to golfing, to kayaking, there’s something that fits every interest and budget.
St. Simons is such a romantic location. To be married on the beach, in front of the lighthouse, under the oaks, in a park, or one of the many locations designed for weddings, St. Simons offers an abundance of choices. For receptions, the remodeled Casino, one of many restaurants, or even hotels, will more than meet your expectations.
And this is where I come in…….elopements and weddings are what I do. If this is something that you are interested in, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Share your vision for a wedding or elopement with me and together we can plan one of the most memorable events of your life in an atmosphere seemingly designed for it.
Kenny and Stephany Holshouser
07.26.09
The Wedding Kiss
The other day, I was talking with a photographer that I work with on occasion, and he asked me what I thought about offering advice to the bride and groom on kissing once given permission by the officiant during the ceremony. I thought it was strange at first but the more I think about it, it makes since. Sometimes, brides and grooms will go into the ceremony with no idea about how they are going to kiss or be kissed. This photographer said that he wanted our bride and groom to kiss in a certain way so that it would be better from an image standpoint and also add a little bit of romance to the ceremony.
This is what the photographer recommended as the way for a bride and groom to kiss once given permission by the officiant. Head should be kept as vertical as possible and whether you are a right side or a left side kisser, the noses should be as close together as possible at the moment.
Leading up to the kiss, the bride and groom should both keep their mouths as normal as possible without puckering lips or sticking their tongue out. And then pause or hesitate once their lips are about an inch apart. And then seal the ceremony with a kiss.
Passion is shown in the placement of the hands. If a groom places his thumbs in front of the ears of the bride with the rest of his fingers extending behind her ears and into her hair, and then the bride places her hands behind the groom’s head, from an appearance standpoint, it is a very passionate and heartfelt kiss. For a little more flair the groom can dip the bride and the bride can kick up a leg.
The kiss between the bride and the groom is the climax of their wedding ceremony and as a bride or groom, you will want everybody leaving the wedding with that moment galvanized in their mind.
If you’ve got a good photographer, they will be willing to spend the time with you to go over the visual impact of different things during your wedding day. From the bouquet toss, the garter throw, the cake cutting, the kiss, the dance, etc. It’s not necessary to manage these things, but when they ARE managed, the results can be just that much more breathtaking.
Wedding planning and elopements are what I do. In my experience, the more planned out every aspect of the wedding day is, the better it will go. It’s my job as a planner to ponder and plan for the things that might not have occurred to the bride and groom before hand. A wedding is more successful in my mind when there is a smoother transition from each scheduled occurrence during a wedding event. I never would have thought to plan a kiss, because in my mind, it’s highly personal. But on thinking about this, it’s no different than planning the schedule for the first dance or the bouquet toss. The bride wants everything to be as successful as possible…….and that’s why they hire me, after all.
Carla Pryor
http://www.stsimonselopements.com
07.03.09
Weddings From Dreams
As a wedding planner specializing in beach weddings along the Georgia Coast, I most often recommend that couples consider the time of day for their wedding. Weddings at Sunrise or at Sunset are gorgeous as well as comfortable. These times are considered “golden hours” to photographers, as well. They are by far the most intimate and romantic of ceremonies. I also watch the tide charts religiously to insure my brides and grooms are on the beach for the exact moment of sunrise or sunset and the tide is far enough out so as not to come crashing in over the wedding party and guests during their ceremony.
The Georgia Coast is beautiful and most often a cool breeze is flowing, but it can be very hot during June, July, and August. The best months for beach weddings and weddings under the huge live oaks along the coast are the Autumn months of September, October, November and the Spring months of March, April, and May. These months are warm, but not hot, and cool, but not cold. This is also considered to be the “off season” for hotels and motels and it’s a great place to save money on lodging for the couple and their guests. Also, by planning a wedding for September, October, or November, you will avoid most of the ever present insects that make these islands their home.
There are several islands along the coast of Georgia that are perfect for that intimate, romantic ceremony. Each island has different settings which give options for the bride and groom to consider. Whether it’s white sand, lighthouses, piers, gazebos, driftwood beaches, moss hanging from the live oak trees, sunrises, sunsets, or just total seclusion, these Georgia Islands offer it all.
Destination weddings or elopements are very popular and brides can save money by using a wedding planner that is local to the area. Some planners offer elopement packages with amenities that save you time and money . . . not to mention eliminating stress. The planner will be familiar with the best vendors to use and will be able to get discounts where they are not ordinarily given. She will know who will make the exact cake you want, the most gorgeous flowers, the most amazing photography, as well as hair and nail appointments, and many other vendors that you will need. She can also suggest the perfect location for the wedding of your dreams.
Come to the Georgia Coastal Islands for your wedding. We make weddings from dreams.
For more information on elopements or weddings to Coastal Georgia, please visit my website. I would be delighted to hear from you!
06.14.09
You Really Do Need A Wedding Planner
I had an opportunity to be 2nd shooter for a local photographer yesterday and had a fabulous time as well as having learned so much from the experience.
The beach wedding took place at 3 p.m., and barely a breeze to be found. It was so hot, we had to put rocks on each corner of our yard, just to keep it from rolling up . . . so you know it was hot at the beach at 3 p.m.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 1: Never plan a beach wedding during June, July, or August between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.. . . . UNLESS, you offer ice cold bottled water to all your guests. It is actually dangerous for some individuals and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
I arrived at the beach ceremony site at 2:30 pm and in plenty of time to get some pre-wedding shots of the groom and his best man and father. The wedding ceremony site was set up with a decorated arbor and 8 chairs. I found out later that there were many more chairs that had been rented for the ceremony, but no one got them out of the van.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 2: Hire a wedding planner to take care of the entire set up of chairs, arbor, etc., and clean up after the ceremony.
The ceremony was to begin at 3 p.m. but the bride did not arrive until almost 3:30 p.m. while all of her 150 + guests were standing on the pier in 98 degree weather, waiting for direction as to what they should do. So . . . nobody did anything. Nobody knew what they were supposed to do. The bride was sitting in the car while her Dad was out at the beach talking to people. I finally took it upon myself to summon the Dad back to the car to walk his daughter to the ceremony site and also tell all of her guests to go on down to the ceremony site so the bride could make her appearance.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 3: Hire a wedding planner to make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be at the time they should be there. The ceremony should begin at exactly the time specified.
The ceremony began while the musician played the horn of a song I did not recognize. The older relatives were seated in the 8 chairs, which were placed so far back from where the couple stood, that other guests stood in front of the seated guests. There was a huge trash receptacle to the right of the brides entrance which will most likely, NOT enhance the professional photography.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 4: Hire a wedding planner to make sure all chairs are placed properly and the ceremony site is not crowded with beach goers trying to walk through the site. Also, she will make sure the bride does not have to make her appearance next to a trash receptacle.
So the ceremony finally began. No one was smiling. Everyone was squinting and dripping sweat. The bride’s bouquet was still in the car. Her wedding dress was beautiful, although not a perfect fit and caused her to pull at it constantly.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 5: Hire a wedding planner to make sure no one forgets anything and the dress is altered properly to fit.
I thought the bride may have started crying at one point during the vows, but it may have just been sweat rolling down her face. The Groom and his Best Man wore tan suits with long sleeve shirts underneath. They wore black dress shoes.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 6: Wear only light weight wedding attire for hot summer weddings. Barefoot or sandals are preferred.
When the ceremony ended, the couple stood on the pier to thank all the guests for coming. Afterwards, we were able to get some excellent beach photography of the two of them together, although it was unbearably hot and all they wanted to do was get into the air conditioning at the reception.
The reception was held at a golf and country club nearby and was decorated quite beautifully with the newest colors for wedding chic. The food was beautifully presented by the caterer and the wedding cake was gorgeous with it’s beach theme and shells adorning the tiers. A DJ was also playing background music as the guests arrived thirsty and hungry while the bride and groom had more photographs taken outside.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 7: Hire a wedding planner to direct your guests into the reception and have them begin eating while the bride and groom finish their photography.
When the bride and groom arrived at the reception room, each member of the wedding party was introduced and then came the announcement of the newlywed couple. The couple and their immediate families were seated at the head table and after a prayer was said by the pastor, everyone lined up at the food table.
The happy couple danced together and then other couples joined in. No father-daughter dance or mother-son dance. The garter was thrown and the cake was cut before the last photographs of the families were taken outside with the golf course as a backdrop.
Wedding Planner Rule Number 8: Hire a wedding planner to take care of the organization of the reception so everything flows smoothly and everything happens in the order in which it should.
No doubt, this couple needed a wedding planner. I didn’t see a lot of happiness in the bride’s eyes and I am sure she was under too much stress from all the wedding decisions. The bride and her parents and her sister were seemingly at odds. This should have been the most wonderful day of their lives, although it looked to be the most stressful day of their lives.
You really do need a Wedding Planner.
Contact me at stsimonselopements@yahoo.com
or visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com
06.09.09
Hiring A Wedding Planner Can Save You Money
If you think Wedding Planners are just for the rich and famous, think again! The evidence is quite the contrary. Wedding Planners can help keep your wedding within budget, and save you money along the way.
Wedding Planners know just which baker to go to for the most delicious frosting. They know which venues are good for rain or shine. They also know which photographer will give you the best value or the most artistic touch. Your Wedding Planner will have lots of ideas to help save you money and in many cases, they can save you 10-25% off the list price from vendors because they have an established relationship with them. These discounts would more than pay for the cost of your Wedding Planner.
Once you set a budget, it’s easy to start adding a few more decorations here and there and before you know it, you’ve spent far more than you planned. A wedding planner will help you set a budget and stick to it. She’ll be able to give you pointers on what percentage of your budget should go to each aspect of your wedding, from music, to flowers, to decorations.
You’ll be able to continue focusing on your work, your hobbies, and your family while your Wedding Planner helps keep you on schedule and on target. She’ll be able to help you with the details, adding creative touches and industry know-how along the way. And having time to yourself in the weeks leading up to your wedding is priceless!
Most Wedding Planners offer various packages suited to a variety of budgets. They will be able to create a package to cater to your specific needs, as well. Another option that most Wedding Planners offer, in addition to “flat fee” planning, is “day of” services, to help just for your wedding day. This leaves you to plan your own wedding and she will help keep the ceremony day flowing smoothly.
Most importantly, hiring a good wedding planner can save you money. Wedding planners have special relationships with vendors and can get you great deals. They can also save you stress, put out fires on your wedding day, and generally give you peace of mind. You can hire them for a day, or for the whole event. They can negotiate contracts, keep you on task, and help you know what to ask when speaking to vendors.
For Wedding Planning, please contact me at
or visit my website at www.stsimonselopements.com
05.31.09
Elope To Savannah
To better serve you, I have developed this blog of the most frequently asked questions regarding an Elopement to Savannah, Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, or Jekyll Island. If you don’t see your question answered here, please feel free to call or drop me an email. I would be more than happy to help.
Do I have to get my license in Georgia?
If either of the applicants are a resident of the State of Georgia, the marriage license can be obtained from any Probate Court in any county in the State of Georgia. If neither of the applicants are a resident of the State of Georgia, the license must be obtained in the county in which the ceremony is to be performed.
May I have my family and friends at the elopement?
By Georgia law, you may be married on any public land without a permit as long as there are no more than 10. More than 10, using an alter, chairs, etc. would require a permit for your location and at this point, it is no longer an elopement and has become a small wedding.
Do I get to choose the location?
I offer services at the most popular locations in Savannah, Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island, but I am always up for an adventure. If there is additional driving and time required, there will be additional fees.
Are you available for a rehearsal?
There is no need for a rehearsal for a small wedding or elopement. Larger weddings do require a rehearsal and I would be available. I also offer “day of” coordination.
Do I have to use your vendors for photography, etc?
Not at all, however, I do recommend you at least look at the services they offer if you are in need. They have all agreed to offer their services at a major discount to Elopement couples.
What if I have to cancel the date and time?
The deposit is non-refundable.
What if it rains?
The ceremony must go on! I provide a large 10X10 white tent in case of showers or rain. Remember, it’s good luck if it rains on your special day! If you would like to secure an alternate location in case of rain, simply let me know.
Do you get the permits for us if we need one?
I will obtain permits for larger weddings as needed. Permits are not required for elopements.
Can we include our children?
Yes, of course, and it brings such a wonderful element to your ceremony.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to send me an e-mail at stsimonselopements@yahoo.com or you may visit my website at www.stsimonselopements.com .
05.23.09
Do I Need A Wedding Planner?
Did you know that the average bride spends approximately 250 hours organizing her wedding? That is like 6 weeks at a full-time job! Your wedding day will most likely be the most expensive day of your life, so it stands to reason that most couples, might need some guidance when spending this much money. You would consult an expert for advice when it came to buying a home, so why not for the most important day of your life?
Saving you valuable time and stress are huge benefits of using a wedding planner. Although couples with enormous budgets generally use a wedding planner, most couples are on a restricted budget and just want to do things right. A wedding planner will help you set a realistic wedding budget, based on how much you have to spend. In most cases, a wedding planner will save you money.
Since planning your big day can be the most stressful part of a your wedding, a wedding planner is the best place to start. You may have been dreaming of this day for a very long time, but feel completely overwhelmed with all the decisions to be made.
Also, not having the time to plan all the details is only one reason to consider a wedding planner. We have knowledge on etiquette, handling last minute emergencies, and negotiating vendor contracts. We also work with professional vendors and will recommend the best people for your special day.
Most people just don’t know if they need a wedding planner or not and need to ask themselves a few questions.
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Do I have unlimited time to plan everything?
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Will I be able to meet with vendors during the day?
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Do I want discounts from the best caterers, photographers, limo services, florists, print shops, bakers, rental companies?
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Am I prepared to deal with problems and misunderstandings about the details?
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Can I deal with last minute or unforseen issues that may come up the day of the wedding?
Having a wedding planner might seem over the top, but it is probably the best investment you make. Most planners charge a flat fee, or offer package deals. This ensures that your wedding planner is working for YOU and not the vendors. The best thing about a flat fee is that you’ll know exactly what your wedding planner will cost.
A wedding planner can cost as little as $500 depending on the size of your wedding and your individual requirements. Wedding planners can also save you quite a bit of money by negotiating discounts with vendors.
I have found that the most time consuming part of organizing a wedding and the most crucial is finding a venue that is right for the bride and groom. Venue finding services alone, can cost as little as $50 and you only pay on success. So, it saves lots of time and headache all the way around.
You should feel comfortable and confident with the person you choose to be your wedding planner. Remember that she acts on your behalf and you should trust her to help you make the right decisions.
The wedding planner you choose, will be a creative partner in your wedding arrangements and can offer practical advice and opinions. She will help you set priorities, plan ahead, consider risks, and help make your day the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
