Showing posts with label vendor spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vendor spotlight. Show all posts

Friday, February 6, 2015

VENDOR FRIENDOR FRIDAY: Valentine's Day + Silver Lining Spa Fabulousness

I find it a little ironic that I am sitting down to write this blog post mere minutes after leaving from a meeting with an accountant that left me feeling tense, stressed, overwhelmed and anxious. You know, that kind of anxious where you speed off from the meeting and head straight to the bookstore to buy a book about small business taxes. That being said this post has absolutely nothing to do with taxes or anything stressful at all. Nope, this post is about the complete opposite... the most intense state of relaxation I have ever experienced in my life thus far. Insert Body Scrub by Lynn of Silver Lining Spa. So today I am here to talk about how ridiculously amazing body scrubs are and that you should all experience this at some point very soon in your life. And for all you guys out there who have yet to purchase a gift for your lovely woman for Valentine's Day and for all you girls out there who know your guy is probably a little stressed over what to get you or maybe you just know your guy will completely forget and give you something lame, well I am here to tell you that a gift certificate from Silver Lining Spa is exactly what any girl could ever want.


Upon entering Silver Lining Spa you are encased in the most amazing scents and the relaxation begins. Lynn first showed me her bridal trial studio with its glamorous mirrors and cushy lounge area. Perfect for a bridal party on their wedding day for getting ready as well. After this we headed into her spa room where I laid on a warm heated blanket and got ready for what was to come. And it was so amazing. The body scrub smells amazing and I just don't know if there is anything much better than having your body exfoliated while being in a relaxing environment that is warm and comforting and filled with soft melodies. It is just divine. After she is complete she left me there for a few minutes and I am not even lying for a second when I say that I fell into such a deep sleep that I was actually dreaming within seconds. When Lynn came back in to wake me up it reminded me very much of when I had my wisdom teeth out, but minus all the pain. It was similar to the feeling of being on a cloud surrounded by sugarplums, pixie dust, and cotton candy while frolicking in a field filled with dandelions just waiting to be blown away into a wish and then someone comes and taps you to bring you back down to earth. I fortunately for Lynn's sake was easier to wake than after my wisdom teeth surgery where I refused and refused and it took them over an hour to get me to finally wake up. But I still felt just as loopy and relaxed. It was pure utter fabulousness that I have never in my life experienced and I would highly recommend to anybody and everybody. Especially a bride who may be a little stressed before her wedding or a special someone getting ready for a Valentine's Day weekend.

That being said, Silver Lining Spa has some fabulous Groupon deals right now just in time for Valentine's Day so to save on these fabulous spa treatments head on over here to check them out!

Huge thank you to Lynn for everything!!!

Friday, January 30, 2015

VENDOR FRIENDOR FRIDAY: Wicked Cakes

I begin this post by saying I can barely move right now and may have just gained 50 pounds and I have a mild case of a sugar high. So if my gibberish starts to make no sense at all that may be why. But you know what I am completely and utterly okay with all of the above because these cupcakes were so worth it. So today I am here to talk about a new cake vendor in town: Wicked Cakes. We met Abby, the owner, last week at a vendor networking event and she invited us to come try out the cakes for ourselves before referring to our clients. And of course we aren't going to say no to free cake. I mean obviously that would be the stupidest thing anybody could ever do. So today we went down to Wicked Cakes, which is in an adorable little shop off of Broughton Street downtown and is decorated wickedly of course in bold black, white and red. The shop smells amazing upon entering and some tourists were perusing the display case trying to pick out which dessert to get. We sat down with Abby to talk some fun cakes and see some of her cakes she has made. Afterwards she gifted us with the most amazing treats so we did what any 3 girls would do... had an afternoon cupcake break tasting time on the floor while ranking each cupcake and taking detailed notes on them all to prepare for this blog post. Of course we did this for you guys so now you know the amazingness that we experienced and now you can be jealous of course.


So in order here you have it... in order from top left.

COCONUT: Nic (the Australian's) favorite, my (Nicole's) 2nd favorite + Adrienna's 2nd to last favorite. We (Nic & Nicole) loved that it was coconutty but not too overly coconutty. The cake itself is moist with bits of real coconut in it that is just divine. The frosting is a cream cheese frosting with more coconut. Very nice all around.

S'MORES: Umm hello who doesn't love s'mores?! This was the first time I've ever tried a S'mores cupcake and I was pleasantly surprised although it wasn't my top favorite, it was Adrienna's #1 pick. The best part about it is that in the bottom is a little surprise we never saw coming... graham cracker crust. The marshmallow gelatin topping is a real treat. This came in 4th for myself and 5th for the kangaroo.

STRAWBERRY: While strawberries are my absolute favorite fruit this was my (and everybody else's) least favorite cupcake. However, that does not mean it wasn't delicious but this is definitely the cupcake for someone who loves sugar and a whole lot of sweetness. The frosting was a buttercream and sweeter than can be.

LEMON: Hands down best one. I absolutely love lemon and key lime anything and this was just perfect. The lemon-y frosting was amazing... not too tart, not not enough tart, but just right tartness. Plus we all agreed we love how these cupcakes have a crispy outer layer while the inside is very moist. While I could eat this everyday, the wombat ranked this #2 (a close call though with the coconutty) and Adrienna ranked it #3 (only because she loves chocolate though.)

BANANA: The cake part of this we all absolutely loved. Maybe the best banana bread we have ever tried. However, poor banana got 5th for me, 4th for Adrienna and the quokka but only because we felt that the banana bread part was too good for the frosting and would have been perfect without the extra sweetness. Still delicious though don't get me wrong.

CHOCOLATE: I have tried a lot of bad chocolate cake and this was not one of them. Not too sweet but seriously just right. This came in 3rd for me and the koala and 2nd for Adrienna. But again for Adrienna she was stuck between the chocolate and the s'mores.


That being said... these were all oh so delicious and we did work. All 3 of us have gained an inch or 2 around our waists and have no regrets because every bit was amazing, scrumptious and yummy. We all would highly recommend Wicked Cakes for your wedding desserts. To check out their wedding cakes head on over to their facebook page!! And thank you Abby for the delicious treats!!

Happy Friday ya'll!!!

{Photo Credits} Nicole's iPhone

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} SIMPLY VENDORS: Plantation Landing

A few weeks ago I got a call from Plantation Landing... after quickly Facebooking it to see what it was all about I knew I had to go check this place out in person. The pictures do not do it justice. It is such a gorgeous Southern estate tucked back in a marsh on Wilmington Island. The house has a very antebellum feel to it and would be the perfect backdrop for a Southern wedding. The surrounding trees, marsh, and landscape is very picturesque and there are so many different places you could hold your ceremony. Some other things the house provides:

  • Sleeps 14-18 guests (6 bed + 7.5 bath and a 3 bed + 2 bath guest house)
  • 300 ft. of floating dock space for fishing, crabbing & shrimping
  • 5 acre pond
  • 50 ft. heated swimming pool access
  • Billard room
  • Theater room with 12 foot dropdown screen
  • 48 ft. Bristol Ketch sailboat available for private charter
  • Playground outside for the little ones

Seriously it is a gem! I am so excited they opened up the estate to host weddings there! 


{Photo Credits} All images taken by Nicole Rene Schwalge.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Izzy Hudgins Photography

WOW! It's been awhile since I did a photographer vendor spotlight and so I asked Izzy if she would like to share her images and more about herself. I really like to do this with some photographers who I have recently met and also those who I TOTALLY click with or plan to work with in the future. Izzy is super fun, very smart, witty and talented! Sit back and enjoy our little interview.......

Layla: Which are your 5 favorite images and why?

Izzy: It’s so hard to pick only 5! But I chose ones I felt best represented my style of photography and the experience I give my clients.

1) I really loved how easy this couple opened up to me. Establishing a great connection with my clients is my number one priority. I love catching these laugh out loud moments and I definitely love when my clients have a blast during their session.
2) This image signifies to me the importance of my job as a photographer. I absolutely enjoy my responsibility of documenting some of the momentous occasions in a person’s life but its always most rewarding knowing how much it means to those people. This beautiful girl was unhappy with her wedding photography, which made me so sad, especially with how GORGEOUS she is, her dress is, her man is and her venue was, oh dear! So I promptly offered to photograph her in her dress. Afterwards, she wrote to me saying she was on the verge of tears at how happy just ONE of my images made her compared to the whole of her wedding images. That’s powerful stuff.
3) This is just the magic of pretty pictures. I love the colors, the light, the pretty bokeh (that buttery out of focus background), the happy couple, all of that just fills me with goodness.
4) This is an example of how I like to mix in more fashiony editorial poses with the more natural relaxed images. Fashion photography was always my first love and I continue to draw inspiration from that industry. I love pushing myself in this way and I love when my brides fully embrace how beautiful they are and really bring that confidence out in their pictures. But its OK if you feel shy in front of the camera, I totally am…by the end of a session with me, though, you’ll be having a blast, pinky promise.
5) This image is important to me for two reasons: 1st it shows the other facet to my style. And 2nd, on top of capturing silly fun laughing moments and super fierce editorial poses, what makes me love being a wedding photographer most are these sweet intimate melt your heart moments. Its really what makes the world go round. This wedding was a highlight in my career. It took place in a little town outside of Madrid, Spain in a gorgeous, ancient hotel/restaurant right off of the most quaint plaza. I couldn’t have asked for a prettier location or a better couple.

Layla: How did you get started in photography?
Izzy: I started photography in highschool at the tender age of 14. I immediately fell in love it, with creating stories and fantasy worlds, with connecting with people through portraits, with the magic of film and processing, all of it. I absolutely knew I wanted to do photography for the rest of my life. I continued my education at SCAD, focusing on portraiture and fashion photography, and graduated with honors in 2006.  While living in TN, I discovered that my fashion flair portraiture had a place and I fell in love with wedding photography.

Layla: What has been your most memorable wedding thus far?
Izzy: One of my most favorite weddings was the wedding of my dear friend Julie Roberts. She was actually my mentor in TN and the one responsible for turning me on to the wedding industry. She photographed my own wedding and I photographed hers. It was such a full circle moment for me and a wedding I am most proud of!

Layla: When you’re not working, what do you do with your time? 
Izzy: You can find me neck deep in social media and Pinterest. I swear, every time I sit down to get some work done, hours go by and all I’ve done is look at pretties all day. I also am a complete bookworm.  Favorite books include Water for Elephants, The Book Thief, The Pillars of the Earth, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and The Help. I am currently reading Eat Pray Love (I know, I know Im behind!) and next I plan to re-read all the Harry Potters in Spanish. Also, I have a new puppy! So most of my time these days are spent playing with her.
Kahlo

Layla: Something my readers would be surprised to know about you?

Izzy: I lived in Spain for nearly 3 years – I actually walked across the whole country, took 31 days! Also, I still sleep with my blankie.

Layla: What inspires you?
Izzy: The reason that I love photographing weddings is that I am truly inspired by people in love. Nothing makes me happier than to capture that emotion, its just so sweet and beautiful. I’m also very much inspired by traveling. Its what I’ve done with the majority of my adulthood and I couldn’t have it any other way. Its deliciously exciting to see other parts of the world, to connect with people from all over, to eat amazing and strange food and to see sights that would knock you off your feet!


Layla: What’s your current obsessions?
Izzy: Music is always an obsession. My current playlist includes: The Naked and Famous, Foster the People, the XX, Passion Pit, Cloud Cult, Stars, Menomena….I mean the list could go on and on. Also, my most favorite activity is to dance like a fool to 80s music, so if you play any, I WILL dance at your wedding! Oh yeah, and food. I’m totally a fat kid at heart.--- (side note by Layla, um yah right, you are a skinny minnie LOL!!)

Layla: How would you describe your style?
Izzy: The biggest element of my photography is FUN. I really love having fun with my couples, like belly laughing, knee slapping fun. This always makes for amazing photos. I mix these photos with sweet intimate moments and more high fashion editorial poses. I’m always inspired by anything vintage, so often my pictures carry that feel.

Don't forget to check out her website at www.izzyhudgins.com and facebook at http://www.facebook.com/izzyhudginsphotography
Favorite wedding so far!!

Friday, July 6, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Chocolat by Adam Turoni

I lurve chocolate!! Yep, if I could eat chocolate everyday 24-7 I would, so when a local chocolatier contacted me about tasting his gourmet handmade luxury chocolate, I said YES of course. Adam has a long history with chocolate and many years in perfecting his skill. He says that, "with lessons learned from the kitchens of my grandmother to Chez Panisse to Chef Greweling I am spinning chocolates that taste like the magic of memories". You will remember his chocolate too!!! You can find his chocolates at all Wright Square cafe and Paula Deen's store or place an order with him for your event.
I was impressed with Adam's beautiful presentation of chocolates seen below, his gorgeous office space which is located on Desoto Row one of the few certified “green” buildings in Savannah, but more so by how delicious the chocolates were! Adam supports local businesses such as Savannah Bee Company, PERC, Brighter Day, and local spice and tea shops. He only uses premium chocolate chips to start with in order to make his delicacies. All of his chocolates tasted amazing, but my favorites were:

  • Raspberry Mouse ganache, always a favorite combination but WOW he is good!
  • Peanut Butter Cup, he makes the peanut butter from scratch and you can tell since it's so fresh and smooth.
  • Sourwood Sea Salt Honey Caramels are soooo good and my husbands favorite (I let him sample my leftovers!)
  • Cafe Americano has a nice robust infusion of local PERC coffee which is right across the street from Adam, perfect for an after dinner dessert with fresh brewed coffee!
  • Blood Orange and Grand Marnier Truffle is very BOLD and sophisticated.
  • Chocolate Covered Candied Orange Peel is also potent and a nice compliment to the orange truffle.

I loved this wall in his office that he painted and created a fun frame display!
Here is a close up of his signature Almond Bark Lion Medallion
Chocolat by Adam Turoni
2423 Desoto Ave, Savannah, GA
(570) 510-1820
chocolatat@ymail.com
http://www.chocolatat.com
facebook

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Starland Dining Group

Today's {Vendor Spotlight} is also an {Organic Wednesday}

Nicole and I had a delicious tasting yesterday with a local caterer at the Jepson Center. We had 3 samplings of their specialty items, of which, the Georgia shrimp & grits was my favorite! Their food is locally sourced and has an international influence. The Starland Dining Group has been in operation for the last 8 years which includes the Starland Cafe, Cafe Zeum, and private catering for local events. I'm super exciting to know that they use NO STYROFOAM and are in the process of becoming certified green, plus they use all natural cleaning products. They offer so many different kinds of catering, and will build a menu based on your budget, dietary needs and overall likes. Also if you have not been to the Jepson Center since they created the atmospheric lunch area in their atrium, you must!! I love all the wooden tables and terrariums with air plants. "Our motto being: "From 4 to 400" specializing in private events, weddings, private dinners, catered/delivered lunches, Corporate retreats, Board meeting lunches, boxed/brown bag lunches,  Crew Catering/Craft Services for Film crews 24/7 food services, Magazine shoots, etc". - Starland Dining Group.
--photos of our tasting--
Catering Food Spread
 Starland Cafe Front
Cafe Zeum - Photo bLily Lewin

Cafe Zeum is located at: 207 West York StreetSavannahGA
The Starland Cafe is located at: 11 E. 41st StreetSavannahGA

Friday, June 29, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Dryden Custom Design

***Update - Here is my new business card holder made by Beth!! She makes really neat one of a kind items that are upcycled. "Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products (bernice london uses scraps of leather for example) into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value".***
Recently I sat down and chatted with a new local designer, Beth Dryden, who owns a boutique design house offering custom logo design, business card design, identity design, custom invitations, styling & art direction and more. She also has Bernice London, a shop on Etsy where you can purchase handmade journals, business card holders, ink prints and also request custom items such as photo books, journals, ink prints with your favorite quote and more. What intrigued me about Beth's work is her use of textures, interesting fonts, and completely personalized invitation suites.
 Hold it. Feel it. Pin it up. Twirl it. Pass it out. Write on it. Stick it on your moving vehicle. Mail it out.

About her Custom Invitation Design (Wedding Suites, Party & Event Invites, etc.)
If you are looking for unique and custom invitations, she can design a custom experience that will set the tone for your party, event or wedding. 
She can design a whole Invitation Suite or parts of it, or just invitations by themselves. To design these gems with unique touches and attention to detail she likes to only do 50 or less per event. If your event requires more and you want that custom touch please contact her for further information.

Her newest project seen below is one of my favorites!!! Beth describes, "My clients were looking to get married with just a few close friends and family. It was to be held in a square in Savannah, GA underneath a gazebo. The bride to be was looking for a fun, vintage inspired "we are finally getting married" feel with a cantaloupe and pistachio color scheme. She also requested that a "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" DVD be sent along with the invites to give her guests an insight into the fabulous city". Just look at the fab details that were put into the design: cigar boxes, suede tabs, and gift tags!!
 
See more of Beth's work here:
etsy shop | http://www.etsy.com/shop/bernicelondon#

Monday, May 21, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Charles Dane of Savannah Massage

I recently had the pleasure of receiving a relaxing massage from Charles Dane of Savannah Massage. Charles is very knowledgeable and educational about what he does and how your body works. He personalizes your massage on what you need. Since I spend a lot of time at the computer he showed me the proper way to sit to help with posture, plus gave me stretching exercises to alleviate tension in my shoulders. Contact him for Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Pregnancy Massage, and Chair Massage. The chair massages could also be utilized for your wedding events- bridal showers, rehearsal dinners at your vacation rental, or maybe even at your wedding!! He has been newly added to the Vendor page on my blog too. Charles has a very sweet personality, he is very professional, and suggested a super fun idea about how the chair massages would be a great treat for your guests who maybe don't drink or are the D.D. or would enjoy a mini massage at your event.
Charlie Dane LMT
6203 Abercorn Street in Savannah, GA
http://savannahmassage.com 
CharlesDane@msn.com
912-231-9298

Thursday, May 3, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Gladius Flamenco Guitar

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a very talented young musician at The Wedding Studios and was surprised by receiving a private preview of live music by Andrew Connors, AKA Gladius. I was wowed by his talent and really impressed by his Flamenco guitar skills. Andrew is formally trained from Georgia State University School of Music in Atlanta. He has just moved to Savannah and already getting gigs at local venues in town. He is inspired by the great classical composers (Vivaldi) and Spanish flamenco legends (Paco De Lucia). Besides classical music he does also play some pretty heavy metal rock, if you like that too! I would love to refer him to clients looking for classical acoustic guitar or maybe something more expressive and lively with the Flamenco style. He is available for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and reception music. 
Here is a sampling of his music:






Music on his repertoire:

Ethnic/Traditional:
Malaguena – Spanish Traditional
Morrison’s Jig – Celtic Traditional

Pop/Rock (Played Instrumental-Acoustic-Style):
Paint It Black – Paint It Black
Sound of the Silence -- Simon & Garfunkel
Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix
Billion Dollar Babies – Alice Cooper
While My Guitar Gently Weeps -- Beatles
Lady In Black -- Uriah Heep

Classical:
Romanze  – Traditional
Fur Elise – Beethoven
Medley:  7th Symphony/24th Caprice/Rondo Alla Turka -- Beethoven/Paganini/Mozart
Packington’s Pound  – Traditional
In the Hall of the Mountain King – Edvard Grieg
Moonlight Sonata  (1st Movement Excerpt) -- Beethoven
Bouree In E Minor -- Bach
The Harmonious Blacksmith -- Handel
Greensleeves – Traditional
"Gladiator" Movie Theme (Excerpt) -- Hanz Zimmer

Christmas:
Auld Lang Syne
Deck the Halls
We Three Kings
What Child Is This
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen


Contact Information:
404-372-0007
andrewconnors@gladiusmusic.com
http://www.ourstage.com/epk/gladiussolo
http://www.gladiusmusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/gladiusmusic

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Metal Pressions




I love supporting local companies especially ones that are a family business!! A little information about this husband/wife company that you can read on their website too: 

"For as long as Elisha can remember she has been dabbling in all things crafty. Her forays into the handmade crafts and jewelry world started back in her college days with custom designed oil lamps that she sold to local shops. As time went on her horizons expanded into other types of crafts like stamping and scrapbooking. Around 10 years ago she was introduced into the world of hand stamped and handcrafted keepsake and photo jewelry by a close friend. Her skill and expertise developed quickly as did her passion for making beautiful jewelry.

At the time her full time career limited her to practicing her craft as a part time affair or, as her husband likes to describe it, an accelerated hobby. Like many other hand made jewelry designers around the country, the crossover from part time hobby to full time work came when Elisha left her career to raise her children. In her spare moments she somehow found the time to grow her business.

After a little of prodding, she convinced her husband, Andreas, to help with the business by developing a website for her jewelry designs. With a background in internet business systems analysis, web marketing, and a stint in technical manufacturing, he was quick to identify opportunities to help her make and market great products. Together they have created a vision to bring you outstanding crafted hand stamped jewelry, an innovative shopping experience, and exceptional customer service. The end goal is to provide jewelry products at the quality, price, and convenience of the big internet jewelry sites but with the hometown feel of your local mom & pop shop.

We are constantly working hard to source the best silver, gold, and copper necklaces, bracelets, key chains, earrings, charms, pendants, and gems. At the same time we are always working to improve our process to deliver you a superior product than the competition. We have spent countless hours refining our process of stamping, texturizing, blackening letters, and polishing. There are lots of options for customized & personalized jewelry on the internet and we are confident that our handstamped jewelry is the best."

Some of my favorite ideas for bridesmaid gifts, or mother's gifts, plus they have great ideas for groomsmen and engraved wedding bands.

These Sterling Silver Initial Dangle Charms hang from a Sterling Silver Cable Chain Necklace. ~ $65.96 
It is great piece of personalized Jewelry for initials, names or dates. 
This Necklace is Hand Stamped giving the next a much deeper impressions than engraved jewelry.
The pictured necklace contains:
  • Two Sterling Silver 1/2" discs
  • Disc thickness 18g
  • One 4-6mm Pearl (other stones available)
  • One Sterling Silver Cable Chain

This is our Sterling silver disc charm with a custom cut out. We offer this charm in a variety of sizes, as well as a variety of different cut out shapes you can pick from. The cut out will be placed in a position on the disc that works best for the letter and font you choose. ~$67.98
This Necklace Includes:
  • 1 Sterling Silver Circle Charm
  • 1 Sterling Silver 1.5mm Flat Cable Chain up to 24"
  • 1 Cut out shape of your choice



This would be perfect for my brother Will Cady and some of you may also have musicians in your family!

Nothing says "Rock Star" more that a customized sterling silver guitar pick. Yes you can play with this pick! It is a rigid feel that lends itself to some blues, slick picking styles, or strumming on an acoustic with a slightly heavier gauge set of guitar strings. You absolutely get major cool points for having one of these. ~ $49.99 
Check out this demonstration of a sliver vs. plastic pick and a song recorded with a silver pick.
Playing With Silver Guitar Pick
Guitar Pick's Measurements
  •  Height: 1 1/4" (31 mm) 
  • Width: 1" (26 mm)
  • Thickness: 20 Gauge
  • Material: Sterling Silver

Contact Elisha or Andreas to personalize your bridal party, wedding, anniversary, mother's day, father's day, or birthday gifts! **Make sure you tell them you saw their post on my blog too**
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST)
Phone
800-554-8196
Address
P.O. Box 15578
Savannah, GA 31416

Thursday, April 5, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Robert Charles Wedding Films


IF you were to splurge on something for your wedding what would it be??? Would you hire a cinematographer to create your very own feature film? There are very few, and I mean, few talented wedding cinematographers in the area, of which Robert Charles Wedding Films is one of the TOPS! These wedding clips are just absolutely gorgeous. If you have the time sit down and watch his films and consider if you would want a film too.


This video gives me chills and tears to my eyes!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...