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.

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!

The Swan House - Image Courtesy of Atlanta History Center

Atlanta, Georgia is home to many beautiful and historic locations. Planning a wedding can be very difficult, especially when trying to find the perfect location for an outdoor wedding. But there are a few places that stand out above the others as being the most beautiful sites for a wedding.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens
One of the most popular and most beautiful is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Whether the wedding is a small, intimate group of twenty or a large group of two hundred, the Botanical Gardens has a special garden for all weddings. The Rose Garden can accommodate up to two hundred guests. It is one of the most breathtaking outdoor areas in Atlanta. This garden is home to twenty-one varieties of climbing roses with the Midtown skyline provides the framing for the garden. For a smaller wedding, there is the Trustee’s Garden. This is a secret garden that is surrounded by walls. At each corner is a classical pavilion and a beautiful balustrade that extends to the entrance giving a phenomenal view of the Cascades Garden. For even smaller weddings, there is the Alston Overlook, which can accommodate forty people or the Japanese Tea Party for the very intimate party of ten. Every venue at the Botanical Gardens provides a beautiful backdrop of flowering shrubbery, blooming annuals or other amazing floral masterpieces.

Emory Conference Center
The Emory Conference Center is another beautiful location to hold an outdoor wedding. Located just minutes from downtown Atlanta, the center is nestled in twenty-six acres of lush forest. The Emory Conference Center often holds weddings in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard that is perfect for the most elegant of ceremonies. There are many colorful annuals in addition to the already beautiful scenery provided by the pristine forest. One bonus to holding a wedding here is that not only can this location provide chairs, catering and even rose petals, but guests from out of town can stay here over night. The hotel offers special rates for members of the wedding party and family members.

The Atrium
The Atrium, located less than twenty miles from Atlanta, in historic Norcross, Georgia, is another great option for a beautiful and memorable outdoor wedding. At this location there is a gorgeous two-story glass ballroom. This location provides a very intimate environment. It is tucked away in a pristine garden filled with annuals, perennials and shrubbery. The backdrop is breathtaking, with the romantic fountain, old world iron gazebo and magnificent courtyard.

Atlanta History Center
Located in Atlanta is the Atlanta Historic Center. On its property one can find the Swan House Lawn and the Boxwood Garden. Both locations provide a gorgeous and unforgettable setting for that once in a lifetime day. The estate and garden was built in 1928 and has been an Atlanta icon for decades. The Swan House Lawn is perfect for a very large wedding, accommodating up to five hundred people. The Boxwood Garden is ideal for the more intimate ceremony, seating fifty-two.

Glover Park Gazebo
The Glover Park Gazebo is located in Marietta on the square. This is perfect for those seeking a small and cozy feel for their wedding. This location can accommodate both large weddings and small, as there is both the gazebo and a stage available. Lush greens and beautiful florals provide a beautiful environment for both ceremonies and photographs. The only drawback is that the entire park can not be rented and therefore there could be other people attending the wedding that were just visiting the park.

Overall, Atlanta has many beautiful locations to choose from to host a dream wedding. But if looking for that perfect outdoor venue take a look at one of these locations.

The matter of setting up activities for kids also becomes easier when you are outdoors. After all, you do not want kids running around in a church or a wedding hall. They might damage something and they will make a lot more noticeable noise. However, if the wedding is outdoors you can always arrange stuff for them to do.

Kids are happy as long as they are entertained. You are going to want to set up games for them to play. Depending on how old they are, you might want to pick different games. Sometimes you can have kids board games set up on the lawn, so that they can play with each other and interact while not disturbing the wedding.

If there is a lawn that is large and nearby, and it is safe, you can send the kids there with someone to supervise them. This way they can play a small sports game or something like capture the flag or hide and seek. These games are going to keep them very happy, and chances are they will tire the kids out too. Once the kids are tired they will be more content to sit quietly and rest and enjoy the wedding.  If you end up having your wedding at an venue where an indoor option is allowed as well,  you might even be able to set up a different room where appropriate movies are playing.  Is Halloween near the big day? Play ‘Hocus Pocus” or something along those lines! This is a good way for kids who are tired of playing around to relax yet still be entertained while the “big kids” have fun. Another great halloween/kids’ activity would be to have a bunch of small pumpkins that they can decorate with non-messy materials such as stickers. If there are markers (washable, of course!) around that have a chance of getting on clothing, have spare t-shirts around to avoid unhappy parents.

You can also have the kids play a sport. Playing a bit of soccer or American football may be a good idea. Soccer is a good sport that will have them running around, and everyone loves to play American football. Sometimes, if you do not want them running around too much, you can also get them to play easy sitting down games. They can play charades with each other. That is a game where you have to give clues to a particular movie or book and the other people have to guess. That can be time consuming and a lot of fun. It will keep them occupied.

Having the wedding outdoors is great, and the children will really appreciate it as well. They will not have to be stuck in a boring room or church where they have nothing to do. This way they can run around, play, have fun and not be a disturbance to everyone else during the ceremony or during the pre/post ceremony events. You can also relax and rest easy, knowing no one is bored and the kids are having fun.

Weddings are stressful occasions at the best of times, so be sure to plan ahead. You want a list of activities prepared well in advance, as well as any equipment you may need for those activities. Stake out the area too and decide which games will be safe and which the kids can play without creating any problems. This way, you can immediately set off the kids and tell them what their options are. They can decide what sounds the most appealing and whoever is going to supervise them can take them away. Just double check the surrounding area to make sure it is safe and no one can get lost.

All About Dessert Tables

The dessert table could be put in place of a cake or you could have it as a part of your wedding décor. You will be surprised how well placed food could make for a great wedding accent.  A dessert table is one of the wedding accents that draw people in right away. Pretty colors, decadent sweets and a beautiful layout are sure to catch the eyes of your guest.

A few things to keep in mind before you set up your fabulous dessert table for your outdoor ceremony.

• Make sure you keep in mind of the outside temperature so you can take the appropriate measures to keep your sweet treats from melting.
• If you are having kids at or in your wedding, you may want to have someone keep an eye out for the dessert table. We wouldn’t want to little to make a mess.
• If you or your groom want to taste a certain dessert and you have more than enough to display for your guest, feel free to take one sweet treat aside and hide it. If not, the night will come and go and you wouldn’t have gotten a taste of your dessert.

#1.  Potted Plants—Try having a few potted plants as centerpieces for your wedding. Be unique, have different types of plants making a circle in the center of your table or if you are having long table you can have the potted plants going down the center of the table. The potted plants could act as favors and a great eco-friendly centerpiece.

#2. Birdcage with Flowers—This unique centerpiece will definitely be the talk of your reception. The birdcage adds a great touch for outdoor wedding, especially a beach wedding. While yellow flowers are very pretty, you can use any bright color that goes along with your theme to make your tables pop.

#3. Rustic Centerpieces—Get really creative and create a nice rustic or vintage style centerpiece by using an older base and some fresh colorful flowers. Depending on your wedding colors you could also incorporate bowls of fruit as your centerpiece; this will complete your rustic outdoorsy feel and add a unique touch to your ceremony.

How Do You Begin Planning Your “Enchanting Butterfly Theme”?

You should start focusing on the perfect outdoor venue.  You could choose from your local parks, zoos, aquariums or historic sites. You want to make sure that the scenery is magical and you are able to use nature’s gifts for decorations. For example, if you choose a garden venue—make sure the garden lawn is well manicured and the flowers are alive and the colors are popping. Using natural elements could also save you on your décor cost.

Let’s Talk Cake

Make sure your cake is decorated in line with your theme. Remember less is more. Have the cake decorator to add a couple of butterflies on the cake, depending how many tiers you have. This will add that special touch to your wonderful ceremony.

Great Escape

One way to make your “enchanted butterfly” theme wedding come to life is to have a horse and carriage as your means of transportation to and from the wedding ceremony. This will definitely bring that fairy tale aspect to life. Or you can rent an old, classic white car—which would have many people in awe as well as send out this fairy tale effect. Both of these choices would be perfect for your great escape.

Simple Things

Next, you could focus on the smaller things. Try putting a butterfly hair pin in your bouquet or wearing a butterfly necklace. Or you could have your flower girls throw out butterflies, instead of flowers.

Cherry Blossom Wedding Favors

If you’re looking for something that offers an Asian twist you will absolutely love cherry blossom wedding favors. With cherry blossoms being popular during the spring season and originating from Asia—this favor will add that perfect flair to your perfect day!

All About Going Green: Bamboo Wedding Favors

Now days who isn’t thinking about helping the environment and being eco-friendly? The perfect way to bring this element into your wedding day, is by gifting your guest with bamboo wedding favors. These eco-friendly wedding favors not only speak volumes on your love for the environment but they are also pretty chic! They will make a great accent to your eco-friendly wedding.

Plantable Wedding Favors

If can’t tell by now-I am a lover for the eco-friendly wedding favors. One of my favorites to be exact is the plantable wedding favors. What better way to say thank you to your guest, than have them take home a personalized plantable favor—that allows them to plant seeds, give it a little love and care and watch it grow. This is the perfect recipe for your marriage.

Wine Wedding Favors

Getting married at a winery is definitely one of the trends in 2010. If you’re looking to add that special touch, you can start by creating your own winery atmosphere for your wedding guest—saying “thank you” by giving wine wedding favors. With wine wedding favors, you have a variety to choose from. You could either go with bottle stoppers, wine glasses, cork place card holders or wine cork candles. With wine wedding favors there are a tremendous amount of ideas you can explore.

#1.  Beneath the Trees: Instead of using an arch, you can find a nice spot where nice, huge trees and act   as your arch. This natural arch makes for great photos and plus it makes for a great shaded area.

#2. Poolside: That’s right! If you have your very own pool in your backyard or a hotel’s pool you can have your very own poolside reception. With some great lighting and a nice tent your wedding is sure to be a showstopper.

#3.  Secluded Meadow:  Let nature take its course and be the perfect stage for your wedding.  You and your guest will enjoy a serene, grassy field located in between mountains.

#4.  A Sail Boat: Sail away with the love of your life. Having your wedding on a sailboat will make a great venue for an outdoor ceremony. Just imagine sharing this moment with your closest family and friends, this could be the picture perfect wedding. Just make sure you bring a couple of umbrellas and parcels just in case you run into some rainy weather.