Image Courtesy of www.Michigan.Org

When two people choose to get married, it can be a very big decision. There is a great deal of planning that goes into many different kinds of weddings and choosing the right kind of venue for your ceremony can be a bit of challenge. There are so many different options that convey different emotions and contain different atmospheres that can help enhance the ceremony itself and provide a comfortable place for both family, friends and those who are undergoing the ceremony.  Here are some ideas for romantic venues for weddings – in honor of the most romantic day of the year!

Heaven Event Center, Orlando, Florida

One of the most important aspects of any ceremony is having everything perfect and exactly the way that you want. In order to make this happen, many people choose to hold their ceremonies in venues that they can decorate themselves such as the Heaven Event Center in Orlando, Florida. These give those, who are looking to undergo the ceremony, the ability to create a loving and romantic atmosphere that accurately reflects the love that the two people have for each other. Customizable venues can portray a loving, vital and vibrant reflection of the relationship between the two who are willing to tie the knot together.

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

One of the most important parts of ceremonies is making them memorable. Having your ceremony at the top of a building like the The Grand Hotel and seeing all of the surrounding area below can create a very memorable experience. Your events can be held in two locations, on the balcony or in the garden. Not only do you have everything (I repeat – EVERYTHING!) you may need on location – salon, hotel rooms, activities for your guests (golf, tennis, swimming, etc.), the beautiful scenery will create an even more memorable experience for all involved.

English Gardens, Winter Park, Florida

A garden, such as the English Gardens located in Winter Park, Florida, is a fantastic place to hold a wedding ceremony because of the natural beauty that the foliage and flora provide. It helps to give people fresh air and is a stark contrast from a stuffy, traditional church. What makes a garden so great is the fact that people can enjoy nice weather outside in a relaxing atmosphere and go right to the reception which can be held near the ceremony itself.

Any Cathedral or Chateau in France

Everybody dreams of having a traditional wedding where the bride and groom romantically exchange vows in a traditional church. This is how marriages have been done for quite a while and is the stand-by for those who wish to hold ceremonies. But, some people strive for something a little larger than a regular church.  Cathedrals like the gorgeous Chartres Cathedral (used as an example just to place an image!) in France offer a towering, grandiose and beautiful alternative to regular churches as they seem to mirror the importance and majesty of the occasion. Cathedrals, and Chateaus, are perfect for people who love the idea of marking an important time in their lives with a grand statement. These types of venues not only provide you with an incredible destination wedding, you and your loved one are also able to be married in one of the most romantic countries in the world!

Paradise Cove, Orlando, Florida

Many people who choose to have a less traditional wedding often opt for a ceremony by an ocean, such as Paradise Cove in Orlando, Florida. This can be extremely romantic for the same reason above (Mackinac Island) but because it is near the ocean and it adds a bit of fun to the mix. People can enjoy the sand and the sun as well as the water while they watch two people join together in holy matrimony.

All of these options present beautiful ways to get married to the person you love. One can be sure that picking a venue that is romantic and beautiful is exactly what is needed can bring lasting happiness to any relationship and marriage.

Image Courtesy of Wedshare Daily

A very important decision when planning a wedding is deciding the date. Many couples find that February 14th is a very special day to celebrate such an occasion. Why not enhance this special day by incorporating a Valentines Day theme in to your wedding? Here are some ideas for decorating an exciting Valentines Day wedding.

Cake is the centerpiece of a wedding and a very memorable feature of the special day. If you have not already set your mind on a design for your cake, consider giving it a Valentines Day theme. Perhaps a heart shaped cake with red and white frosting is to your liking. Adding red rose petals, hearts, and pink or red writing can really bring out the romantic vibe. You can also have a solid white cake with a red velvet surprise on the inside. Try checking out some bakerys for ideas; many of them have large catalogs and binders full of holiday themed cakes for you to browse.

Let’s not forget the flowers! No Valentines Day wedding would be complete without big red, white, or pink flowers. You can go beyond red roses and try lillies or lotuses. If you’re going for a black and red color scheme instead of white and red, then black lotuses or black roses can look gorgeous, especially at an outdoor wedding. You may also consider red ribbon or streamers as decoration to add a little more color to the atmosphere. Try talking with local flourists and see what kind of recommendations they can provide.

Overall, the decor is going to set the atmosphere of your wedding. The colors and decorations are what is going to make you really feel the Valentines Day spirit. Having an outdoor wedding on a sunny day will also greatly enhance the mood and theme of your wedding. Some decorations to consider are table cloths and seat covers. If you’re on a budget, simple red table cloths or seat coveres will add lots of color to your reception area. A good alternative is solid white table cloths with red rose pedals sprinkled over the top. Look around! The best wedding ideas can be taken from other weddings.

If you want to go all out for your Valentines Day theme, there is no better way than with the dress. Consider a red dress or a white dress with red accessories. If the bride must have a solid white dress, then you can also consider having the bride’s maids wear red dresses and have the groom or groom’s men wear red boutineers or ties. The smallest touches can make the most impact.

The most exciting part of a wedding is the planning. Do lots of research and take a look at other weddings that have done similar things to get ideas for your own wedding. You don’t need a lot of extra money to have a themed wedding, most of the ideas come by simply changing the colors of existing ideas and decoration. Change your cake, flowers, clothing, and other decor to create a colorful and memorable wedding day and Valentines Day that nobody will ever forget!

Image Courtesy of The Links at Gettysburg

There are many places to get married in Pennsylvania but these are the top five outdoor wedding venue standouts. Some of these venues can include everything for you in one place while others do not. You will need to verify what is available for your wedding. Each of the venues has a unique appeal to those who want a memorable wedding.

Hershey Gardens is a beautiful place to get married. There are not many outdoor wedding venues that offer several fairy tale options in one attractive location. This stunning and popular choice for weddings has 23 acres filled with a variety of flowers such as rhododendrons, tulips, and roses. There are flower covered arches, fountains, gazebos, and a reflecting pond, all of which are perfect for taking your wedding photos. The Japanese Garden is a popular choice for smaller gatherings with it’s stream and giant sequoias. This setting is truly serene. If you are having a larger wedding, the Seasonal Garden is an excellent choice with thousands of annuals and tulips during the warm summer months.

Another absolutely wonderful choice is Regent’s Glen at Box Hill Mansion. Located in York, PA, this outdoor wedding venue provides a feast for the eyes. The English gardens are simultaneously stunning and relaxing, something that few people experience. Surrounded by natural beauty, the pond with lily pads presents the perfect place to exchange your vows. Regent’s Glen accommodates wedding parties large and small. There is an on-site wedding coordinator and various options such as preparation rooms and full menus. Additional options include the ability to have all of your wedding events such as the bridesmaids luncheon and rehearsal dinner here for a one stop and unforgettable wedding experience.

Those preferring something lovely and unique should consider MSL Resort at Mountain Springs Lake for their special day. This location in Reeders, PA provides you and your guests views and an overall wedding experience that you will not find elsewhere. Getting married under the pergola with views of the pond will provide beautiful memories of your wedding day for the rest of your lives. The preparation area in the Spa building is also included as is use of indoor facilities should the weather not cooperate with your special day. Enjoy the renovated honeymoon suite with chilled champagne and Jacuzzi tub on your first nights together happily ever after.

The Links at Gettysburg is a very attractive outdoor wedding venue. Exchange your vows on the tri-level stone patio overlooking the greens, ponds, and a beautiful stone bridge. There are many places here to take your wedding photos and create lifelong memories of your wedding day. Even for large gatherings, the clubhouse can hold up to 250 guests if inclement weather arises. Opt for the fireworks display simply because you can!

Located in Washington Crossing, Crossing Vineyards is a gorgeous outdoor wedding option for your big day. Up to 160 guests can be accommodated in a variety of outdoor settings at Crossing Vineyards. At Johnathan’s Patio, you will be surrounded by a beautiful garden and fountain in an intimate and lush setting. The Ceremony Site has a charming stone cottage and flower beds that you may inspire you to grow your own at home. These are just two areas at Crossing Vineyards that are heaven sent for wedding photos. The bridal suite allows for all of the exciting preparations for your wedding event in a beautiful winery setting.

So simple yet so lovely!

This would be gorgeous at a botanical garden venue.

I’m obsessed with this shot.

I’m thinking this would be awesome for a vineyard theme.

The doors for the entrance are brilliant.

This would be great for a late afternoon/early evening wedding – an area for people to wind down and “chill” before they head home!

I love this dance area

Happy Monday, y’all!

Image Courtesy of Jet Fete Blog

If you are planning a 2012 wedding, you may want to consider incorporating Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango. The energetic reddish orange brings boldness to fashion and décor, and its place as the year’s top color will influence everything from bridesmaids’ garb to floral arrangements as it filters into 2012 wedding trends. There are many exciting ways to work this beautiful hue into your big day.

Fashion

Bridal fashion has come a long way from the pastels of days gone by. Bold colors are featured in the wardrobes of bridesmaids in all seasons, and while orange tones may not be what you pictured, when it’s referred to as tangerine, it brings a sense of the exotic to bear. Bridesmaids’ dresses and shoes in the deep hue are a potential use, but if you aren’t sold out on a full-fledged orange wedding, then consider contrasting pinks, yellows, or teals with Tangerine Tango accents. Ribbons, sashes and flowers are perfect sources of color, and that subtle use of just a little bit of bright color will speak volumes.

Floral

There are many flowers that boast hues that work into the Tangerine Tango theme. They don’t need to exactly match the color swatch, but light colored flowers can be dyed to match. Consider the Tangerine Tango Inca Lily, an exotic bloom which accents Pantone’s hue with shades of red, orange and yellow that capture the theme. Another outstanding flower to consider is the Mambo spray rose, available in shades of deep reddish orange. Incorporated into floral designs, consider actual use of tangerines, as 2012 trends in weddings include a return to a natural look. Centerpieces and bouquets will amaze, when tangerines are present in the design. For a simple splash of Tangerine Tango, pure white flowers tied with bold ribbon are stunning.

Stationary

Tangerine Tango fits perfectly into any invitation scheme, whether it is used lightly or liberally. Brides and grooms are trending toward more unique, self-made invitations in 2012, and the couple that wants to use the trendy hue of the year in the event can boldly create invitations on tangerine colored paper, or opt for tangerine lined envelopes.

Favors

Tangerine as an influence on favors can only be limited by the creativity of the bride and groom. Materials will be available in abundance, as will paints and accents. Tangerine candles, soaps, and bath and body products can be worked into a fragrant gift set for each wedding guest. Tangerine colored tins or boxes will hold any sort of edible treat, but what better way to keep with the theme than to use tangerine flavored jelly beans? This is one of the easiest elements of the wedding for fitting Tangerine Tango into the scheme and décor.

Cake

The vibrant use of Tangerine Tango can range from the icing atop the cake to the filling inside. An exotic tangerine filling will amaze guests. The more striking use of tangerine in cake décor is to accent a solid white color scheme with well-placed, lush ribbon. With the boldness of the tangerine scheme, less is more.

Food and Drink

Tangerine will easily work into the food and drink offered at your reception. Fruit salad, fruit fondue, or sweet and sour chicken with a tangerine twist will bring the color into the realm of taste. Fruity drinks are easily worked into the beverage selection. The possibilities are endless.

The most important thing to remember, if you want to consider using the color of the year in your 2012 wedding is that you can use as much or as little as you want. In keeping with many of the exciting wedding trends of the year, your wedding will be as unique as you want it to be, and you have the freedom to go against the grain, using interesting materials, colors and accents to make the big day everything you envision.

Image Courtesy of Outer Banks Event Rentals

It is 2012, and already some of the hottest ideas for wedding themes are already out. From dresses, to flowers to cake toppers it is going to be a great year to get married. The new dresses have already hit the runway and color combinations for this year are already being dreamed up. Hew are some of the themes that are going to be hot this year.

Victorian Weddings
One of the most popular themes for this year is an old theme that is making a major comeback. These weddings are elaborate and ornate focusing on the smallest details. A major detail about these weddings is the invitations. The Victorian era modeled polite society, so having invitations that show this is key. As far a venues go, outdoors is the most Victorian, since gardens were so important in the Victorian age. We must not forget about the dress. A long elaborate white dress with a long train will highlight your Victorian styling for a perfect wedding.

Beach Weddings
This year beach weddings are still a popular theme. These weddings feel fresh and spontaneous, even though months of planning go into them. Beach weddings can be simple or elaborate depending on what the bride wants. Invitations will have a fresh and sunny feel to them. The one thing that beach wedding should have in common is the wedding dress should be a shorter length. No matter if a walk-way is put down or not a shorter dress will work the best for a beach setting. Receptions are usually held at the host hotel instead of the beach. Many hotels offer wedding packages to make planning much easier.

Garden Weddings
While this theme has something in common with Victorian weddings, it can be vastly different. Garden weddings can be the most simple and breathtaking weddings of them all. Garden weddings should invoke feelings of spring freshness for everyone involved. Many brides are planning on doing simple dresses. Another popular style in this theme is brides are letting their hair down and putting flowers in it. Some brides even go barefoot for a Garden wedding. The other extreme of this is to give the Garden wedding the feel of a Garden tea. Where the Bride has is styled in all the glamour and the garden is simply a backdrop to her.

Winter Wonderland Weddings
Where once winter and snows were something brides wanted to avoid, now winter is embraced by brides. This theme incorporates the beauty and magic of the snow and turns the bride into a winter queen. Silvers and dark blues are colors that work well with in this theme. Sparkling snowflakes decorate the setting, and instead of rose petals lining the aisle soft fake snow might be what the beautiful bride glides over. These theme are already being used this year, and while they will take a break, they will be back for those special December weddings.

This perhaps is the most fun theme this year. This wedding celebrates the everlasting love of the bride and groom by comparing it to diamonds. Everything about this wedding sparkles. The invitations should have some type of diamond glitz. The flowers even sparkle. Florists are starting to put crystals on their flowers for the bouquets. Even if the bride does not want sparkling flowers the ribbon that holds them together can easily sparkle. As for the bride herself, she can cover herself in diamonds, or crystals. Some of the hottest dresses this year embrace the sparkling diamonds theme. Even the guest enjoy the theme as all the table decorations sparkle like diamonds.

Image Courtesy of Madi Flournoy

As brides-to-be look ahead to the plans they will make for their 2012 weddings, there are many things to consider. 2012 wedding trends will be at the forefront of their considerations, as they seek to plan a dreamy event that is marked with personal style, and a popular flair. There are many fun design elements to watch for in the coming year.

Wedding Gowns

Interesting embellishments and styles take the traditional white gown in an interesting direction. While some will opt for shorter wedding dresses, others will look to designers who incorporate unusual embellishment. Whether a bit of color is incorporated into the gown, or unusual textures, full length gowns will be individualized through the integration of contrasting materials and accents.

Bouquets

The natural look is among the preferences for the 2012 wedding season, with greenery and floral décor combined. However, another interesting trend to watch for is the use of non-floral bouquets. Silk and fabric flowers, beads, and materials, may be worked together to achieve a striking centerpiece for the bride to carry. Vintage elements, incorporated into a flower-like arrangement, will be the talk of the wedding, for many 2012 brides.

Centerpieces and Decor

In this same vein, the centerpieces and décor for many nuptials will use the same themes, whether vintage materials and jewelry pieces, or whether the natural look. Smaller is better and allows guests to appreciate each unique part of the décor.

Striking color combinations will be featured, as well. While traditional pastels are still popular, expect unusual combinations. Bold colors, such as Pantone’s “Tangerine Tango” (the color of the year), will be included in many wedding color schemes.

Invitations

Traditional invitations, with frilly printing and imagery, are set aside for more personal designs. Bride and groom may design their own invitations, with print-on-demand services, or with their own computers and printers. Incorporation of interesting imagery or photography, or coordinating colors with the wedding color scheme, will be an integral element of 2012 invitation design.

Favors

Customization is a key feature of the wedding favor for 2012. Whether artisan cookies, resembling the bride’s gown, are used as table favors, or boxed luxury cupcakes, edible is in. Cake pops are also very well received, and molds can be used to shape them into hearts, wedding bells, or doves, making these one of the newest, unique favors. Interests of the bride and groom will also be reflected in table favors, in many cases, with toy replicas or miniature stuffed animals bearing the wedding date, and names of the happy couple.

Food

Guests love unique food at wedding receptions, and brides and grooms love creating a fun theme for their receptions. The candy buffet has been one of the most popular trends in recent years. Watch for coffee bars, food trucks, and fun novelty treat stations. Cotton candy, sundae stations, and hot dog carts will be acceptable, when presented in creative, nostalgic manner.

In short, the wedding of 2012 will be all about personal preference, crowd pleasing fun, and creative design. Re-using materials, or supporting local businesses, the 2012 bride will combine color with creativity, to achieve the wedding of her dreams.

Image Courtesy of Paper Doll Romance

While brides spend their efforts putting together an amazing ceremony and reception, they can use their cocktail hour as a subtle transition between the two events.  With the proper lighting, music and open atmosphere, guests have a warm and welcoming time to relax and hang out before the party really kicks off.

Drinks can be a real defining moment for cocktail hour. A couple of nice drinks can make all the difference in the world. The martini or champagne drinks are nice, but one should also consider the season.  You can always add special holiday traits to signature drinks – eggnog or candy cane martinis, y’all? But you can also include beverages, such as hot chocolate or hot apple cider, that are perfect for a warm winter gathering. While planners cannot pull off hot drinks throughout the year, they are ideal for creative twists for weddings during the season.

No matter the temperature outdoors, some guests will always go with cool drinks. The internet is filled with a plethora of different recipes for occasions such as this. Some planners mix juices and champagnes together to conjure up delicious cold drink ideas. Champagne Pomegranate Cocktails, for example, use ingredients that call for both champagne and pomegranate juice.  Frozen eggnog is also a great drink idea for a winter wedding. This is a different twist from the hot beverage theme, but it still works well in the winter season. While these ideas are unique and ‘out of the box’, it ensures your guests will have a wide variety while they wait for you to arrive.

When it comes to the food, it’s best to keep it small and simple. You don’t want to overfeed your guests if you have a larger, more extravagant meal prepared for the reception.  One thing to keep in mind is that while some venues may have the menu planned out for both the cocktail hour and the reception, check and see how the food will match to whatever drinks you’re serving.  You don’t want beverages and hor d’oeuvres to leave an unpleasant aftertaste and leave people feeling awkward!

A nice wintery theme is great, but it is incomplete without the right music. Sometimes it takes a harp or a string quartet to set the mood – if it’s within your budget. Classical music is often perfect for setting the mood prior to the wedding and can appeal to the masses.

Decorating during the holidays may be the least stressful task on your planning list. It is easy to decorate when all of the other elements above are set in place.  Snowflakes decorations are a common way to bring out the look and feel of the winter season. Change the lighting and ornaments to match your color theme while selecting the appropriate centerpieces and floral arrangements…there’s not much left to worry about.

Images Courtesy of Madi Flournoy

Tennessee is arguably the wedding capital of romantic wedding destinations in the South… and the state certainly makes a great case in support of this. Tennessee’s scenic mountain backdrop and it’s numerous historic locations offer a variety of wedding venues. Couples will find options for traditional and simple weddings, as well as other options they probably never thought of.

We’ve listed 5 of the state’s top wedding venues below. You’ll enjoy reading about the unique and often historical features offered by each of them.

Carnton Plantation
Historic Carnton Plantation has been a popular gathering place for important ladies and gentlemen over the past two centuries. Guests have included at least two presidents and the property is utterly gorgeous.

Brides and Grooms can exchange vows in the garden under a 150 year old Osage orange tree or on one of the two Greek revival porches at the house. There is also the newly built Fleming center which is available for receptions and gatherings.

Tours of the family home are available for wedding guests. Guests should enjoy the diversion and the glimpse of Tennessee’s rich history.

Heartwood Hall
Heartwood Hall (located in Rossville, TN) is a historic residence featured on the National Historic Register. It was originally built by the Miller family as a wedding gift for one of their daughters. It also has a prominent place in Civil War history as union soldiers camped on the front lawn and used the residence as a hospital.

The house is 7000 square feet and has a gourmet kitchen, courtyard and pool. Servants quarters re-purposed as guesthouses are scattered about the property, as well as a gorgeous garden. Heartwood Hall has become a highly sought after venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions and it’s easy to see why.

The Hermitage
There is truly no place with more options for weddings than the Hermitage. It was once the home of American president Andrew Jackson and is a sought after venue for its historical connection alone. The property features a church and gardens as well as houses and a visitor center available for rent. The options for weddings are truly endless here.

Couples will be overwhelmed with all the choices and the opportunities for memorable photos abound at The Hermitage. The entire place is beautiful and you could spend a week just exploring it.

The Red House
This venue is unique, trendy, and affordable. It’s perfect for a wedding on a budget but the house still retains historic charm. The decor of the 130 year old home is accented with rock and roll memorabilia which offers a sort of chic style mixed with southern charm. The house appears historic on the exterior but is very modern inside. It’s the best of both worlds for any wedding.

Castleton Farms
Castleton farms are modeled after the New Orleans Plantation, Houmas House. It features five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The beautiful spiral staircase in the main foyer is perfect for photo opportunities as well as the 12 ft, 4 tiered Palazzo fountain. The place is amazing!

The exterior and grounds are just as awe inspiring as the interior. The in ground swimming pool with floating candles and the huge lawn are certainly impressive. Greek statues, lush flowers, and a multitude of greenery accent the property and make it a really wonderful wedding venue.

There is no doubt that options for romantic and historical weddings abound in Tennessee. The state is overflowing with such a rich history, beautiful mountains and lakes. This provides the perfect setting for a memorable wedding no matter which venue you might choose.

Image Courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Every woman about to get married wants her special day to be a memorable one. When choosing the date of her wedding day, a bride-to-be might pick New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to get married. Both days are sure to create opportunities to celebrate two events in one, and they have special meaning to host a marriage during this festive time of season.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are becoming extremely popular as days for getting married. Because both days symbolize a new beginning, many couples wish to embark on a life of marriage and the rest of their lives on such a day. They can also celebrate these two special occasions in one every year on their anniversary.

When planning and hosting a New Year’s Eve wedding, the best time to begin the festivities and celebration is around eight o’clock in the evening. Guests can begin the night with drinks and dinner, and dance and mingle until right before the New Year begins. The best time to exchange vows and make the marriage official would be at midnight. This would be an incredibly romantic and festive start to the New Year. Guests can make champagne toasts to both the newly married couple and the New Year.

New Year’s Day is another wonderful day to get married and start the year off in the best possible way. A New Year’s Day brunch would be an ideal start to a wedding on this holiday. Mimosa toasts can complement the brunch, and the official ceremony could start in the early afternoon. The first day of the rest of the lives of the couple as well as the beginning of a brand new year can both be celebrated.

When choosing decorations for a wedding on either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, elegant yet simple is the best way to go. Gold ribbons and light, airy pastel decorations create beautiful, romantic and festive effects. Centerpieces can include white and champagne-colored roses for a clean, modern look. Plenty of candles will make the atmosphere romantic and warm.

A possible setback of hosting a wedding on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day is the fact that many people go out of town and already have festivities planned in advance during these two days. Be sure to send invitations out extra early so that guests can plan accordingly. Ask for RSVPs as soon as possible so that the guest count will be accurate.