SHE's Loved

Did you see the beautiful vineyard wedding album we posted yesterday?  If not, click HERE.  We are proud to share a review of SHE written by the bride...

"Do yourself a favor and hire a DOC!   I can't say enough good things about the work Stella Harper Events did for my recent wedding. I came to Emily in search of a day of coordinator and the only thing I would change is to hire her sooner! From our very first conversation I knew we were in good hands. Emily made us feel completely comfortable immediately and helped provide much needed guidance for us to finish up our plans. She went above and beyond on countless occasions and made herself available far more than I ever expected. Prior to the wedding she provided guidance on items we were unsure of, helped keep us organized and coordinated with all our vendors on the particulars. On the wedding day she and her staff kept me calm, helped set up our venue and the numerous DIY components that were involved and helped me feel like everything was under control (which is PRICELESS when DIY is involved)! She's worth far more than what she charges and her services are really invaluable."  ~ Ashley Eames posted 11/21/2011 on TheKnot.com

Mr. & Mrs. Eames

We are honored to have been a part of Ryan and Ashley's wedding. They chose to tie the knot at Montaluce Winery & Estates in Dahlonega, Georgia on 11.11.11. Montaluce was the perfect setting for this couple! The picturesque sunset ceremony took place on the balcony overlooking the vineyard. It was perfect! Ashley and Ryan are so in love and it was easy to see how happy they make each other. We are thrilled for them and are happy to share some of the amazing moments captured on their wedding day! For more on their story, click HERE our post from earlier this week.

Vendors
Event Planner: Stella Harper Events
Venue: Montaluce Winery & Estates
Photography: Janet Howard Studio
Videography: Three Ring Weddings
DJ: DJ Todd
Cake: Douceur De France
Flowers: Bride's family

Family, Friends, Wishes & Wine

Our November 11th wedding, in one word was, sweet.  From the couple, to the vows, and the dessert table; the evening was like extra frosting on a cake. 

Date: November 11, 2011
Venue: Montaluce Winery and Estates
Theme: Everything Wine
Ambiance: Romantic, Natural Chic
Included: Ceremony, Cocktails, Dinner and Dance

Their Wedding

To make it possible for Ashley's grandparents to attend the wedding, Ashley and Ryan brought the wedding to them and tied the knot at a lovely vineyard in north Georgia, at Montaluce Winery and Estates.  The couple chose November 11, 2011 as their wedding date so that whenever they see 11:11 on the clock, they'll take a minute and make a wish.  The venue and this small daily routine of making a wish for each other became the inspiration for the theme of the wedding.  All of the little details held to this wine theme: place cards held up by wine corks, wine cork key chain favors with the wedding date 11.11.11, a wine box ceremony, a wine bar, the table numbers held up by wine bottles, and cut wine bottles lining the mantle illuminated by candles giving a romantic glow to the room (Pictures to come this week).  Ashley and Ryan decided to meet beforehand so that they could take a majority of the pictures before the guests arrived (so they could enjoy their cocktail hour!).  Their first few moments together was filled with tears from both the bride and groom and extended to all those who were looking on- including myself and the photographer!  While our couple and bridal party went to continue taking pictures in the vineyard, we began setting everything up.  Their ceremony took place on the balcony at sunset with floating candles lining the aisle.  Ashley and Ryan met under an archway decorated with vines, grapes and flowers.  Their handwritten vows spoken to one another were so touching.  Once they said "I do," the couple stole a few moments alone while the guests made their way inside for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.  A few more pictures were taken before the couple joined their friends and family for the cocktail hour.  Next the guests moved into the dining area and found their seats for the dinner service.  The bridal party was introduced and the couple took their first dance in the middle of the room where all of their family and friends looked on with tearful smiles.  The DJ kept things going throughout dinner, getting each table to their feet to sing "a love song: to the bride and groom.  After the dinner service the party moved to the dance floor where the Mother-Son dance took place, followed later in the evening by the Father-Daughter dance.  Dancing only stopped briefly for desserts and toasts.  Throughout the night guests were encouraged to leave Ashley and Ryan a personalized message in the video room.  Friends and family danced the night away with Ashley and Ryan, and the couple made a bright exit through sparklers held by their guests. 

Highlights

• Father Daughter Dance: Ashley and her father got everyone clapping and laughing as they danced to a remix of music- we will post a video of this later!
• Wine Box Ceremony: The couple had a wine box with three slots that held a bottle of wine for their 1st, 5th and 10th wedding anniversaries.  They also wrote love letters to each other that will be opened and enjoyed with the aging bottles of wine to celebrate each major anniversary.
• Words of Wisdom: The DJ turned on a slow song and got all of the couples onto the dance floor.  He slowly divided the dancers to different sides of the dance floor- moving first those who had been married for a year or less and added years until one couple was left standing.  He then asked Ashley's grandparents, who have been married for over 60 years, how they have "done it."  Ashley's Grandpa responded by saying, "Well, I always have the last word: 'Yes Dear.'"  This was a fun way to celebrate marriage and show the appreciation for those who have really stayed true to their commitment years ago.
• Wedding "cake:" Ashley and Ryan chose to have a dessert table instead of just the wedding cake, and instead of the traditional wedding cake, they had a Croquembouche pastry cake.  The other desserts included various cakes, moon pies, mini cannoli and more!

We will be posting another blog with the wedding album this week so be sure to check back! 

Ashley & Ryan, thank you for letting us be a part of your wedding- you were such a wonderful couple that truly reminded us of the sweetness of love!

Pictures featured within this post are from Ashley & Ryan's engagement photo session with Janet Howard Studio.  Click HERE to find out more about Janet Howard Studio.

Thankful

The holidays are such a special time and we are so excited to have so many fun couples to add to the mix this year!  We've had a busy couple of weeks, wrapping up a fabulous vineyard wedding (check back this week for pictures), getting vendors squared away for our early 2012 couples and preparing for holiday parties and a wedding next month!  But in all the hustle and bustle, we want to say how thankful we are to have our family, friends, and the incredible couples we get to work with each and every day. We love what we do!  On top of all of the WONDERFUL and exciting things happening for all of us here at SHE, the company's namesakes, Stella & Harper are turning THREE on December 5th!!  Matthew and I are thrilled to have these little monkeys in our lives!  (And Mommy has had quite a bit of fun planning this little event- but who wouldn't love to plan a Princess party complete with a Disney Princess bouncy house!??!) 

My sister-in-law Ashlyn, who also happens to be an amazing photographer, captured some great moments with the twins recently.  I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out!  If you're thinking of having Christmas pictures done for your holiday card, engagement pictures, or just a family shoot to end the year (or ring in the New Year), or just "because," she's your gal.  For more on Ashlyn Smalling Photography, click HERE. 

Hopefully everyone has made it home safely from a long holiday weekend- stuffed with yummy food!  It's not long until Christmas so we can do it all again! 

We have so much to blog about this week!  Keep checking in!