Here is your first installment of "the dish".  Each post will feature one of my brides, their day, and what
went right and what could have gone better.  This is a beta test, if you will, so you may not see the same
questions each time.  I want new brides to have unfiltered information at their disposal, and my
newlyweds to be able to relive the day again through this post.  I absolutely love reading about how brides
develop the style of their wedding from undergarments, shoes, veil, venue,
the month, the entertainment...it all totally fascinates me.  Thank you to those that are sharing with us, we
appreciate your advice and your openness!!
If you would like to participate, please send me an email and I will forward questions to you.  If there are
questions you would like to have included, please forward them to me.


Jen + Dominique- married 7 Nov 09

How did you develop your wedding style or the look and feel you wanted the wedding to have?

I looked at pictures in magazines and online to get a feel for what I wanted.

I was also in at least 11 weddings and had an idea about what I liked and disliked.  

Did you know exactly how you wanted to look or was it a process?

It was a process. I knew that I wanted a lace dress that was simple,

but elegant. I also wanted it to look classic/vintage. The birdcage veil idea

came from Ashley Brokop....thanks Ashley! The birdcage veil just topped it off.

Did you end up looking as you had envisioned? 

Yes. I wasn't sure about my hair, but it turned out beautiful.

 

How far out did you start planning your wedding?

one year

Did you have a wedding planner?

I had By Invitation Only for the "day of" help. They also gave some ideas

along the way.

Did they do a good job?

Yes.

Were you a thrifty bride?

At times :-)

Where did you cut costs?

Video, cake, decorations.

Where did most of your money go?

Attire, flowers, photography

In end, were the high dollar items worth their investment?

Absolutely! I LOVE my pictures and loved my flowers. I also loved my

entire outfit :-) I also loved my hair which was done by Jon Osbourne

in Chapin, SC. He did a great job!

Where did you purchase your gown?

Bride Beautiful in Altanta, Ga

Would you recommend the gown boutique to other brides?

Yes.

How many gowns did you try on before you found the right one?

Maybe six

What month did you get married? 

November

Would you choose that month again?

Maybe....I really love the spring.

Where did you get married?

Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Columbia, SC

Did you like the venue?

I would have done some things differently.

Where did you have your reception?

Mitchell House and Gardens

Was it catered?

The Mitchell House caters their own food

Did you enjoy the food?

Yes! I got TONS of compliments on their food. The Mitchell House really

seemed to know what they are doing and they did a great job.

Their mixed drinks were also great.

How was the space?

Great space

Who provided your cake?

The Mitchell House

How many bridesmaids did you have? 

six

Was that too many, too little- explain... 

It was fine.

Did your husband play an active role during the planning stages?

Yes, he was very helpful

Are there any tips you'd like to give to future brides?

Once you make a decision, stick with it. Don't "over think" the planning.

Also, it is cliche, but don't sweat the small stuff. It will be over before

you know it and so ENJOY!

Did you give away wedding favors or gifts?

Yes, praline pecans, roasted pecans and cinnamon pecans

After the wedding and reception were done, what was your reaction?

It is over so soon? I want to keep dancing!

What were your favorite photographs? 

Why? Too many to count...I love so many for different reasons.

Ashley is a great photographer.

Did you do an engagement session?

Yes

If you did, was it what you expected, or different and why.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting. I wanted to make sure that we

had fun and we did.

Did you do a bridal session?

Yes

If you did, was it what you expected, or different and why.

I didn't expect it to be so tiresome...I have a whole new level of

respect for models. Despite that, it was fun and I would do it all

over again. That may be the only time in my life that I can be

a model :-)  

Did you have your makeup done by a professional?  If so who did you use?

Yes, I used Kristin Williams.   I want everyone to know that I not only loved

the way that she made me look, but also the way that she made me feel. 

She is so friendly, positive and I found her to be "calming" on a crazy day!! 

I know that sounds weird, but it is true.  She is great and I would recommend

her to anyone!

Did you go on a honeymoon? If so where to?

Yes, Maui, Hawaii. Need I say more...paradise. I have never seen

so many rainbows in my life.

What was your craziest shower gift?

Body chocolate with a sex book...from my sister in law.

What was your favorite gift?

I loved everything.

Did you have any sentimental family items used in the wedding or reception?

No, really wish that I did. I made sure, however, that I bought

things that I could pass down to my children.