SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {Rustic Wedding Chic} Southern Holiday Wedding - Jessica & Chris

It's crazy to think Jessica & Chris' wedding took place almost exactly a year ago! Time has been going way too fast. Anyway, so excited that their Southern Holiday Wedding is up on Rustic Wedding Chic today!! This wedding took place a Whitefield Chapel and was the very first full wedding we have done out at Bethesda Academy with the event being tented on the grassy area and it was beautiful. Two Chics Photography captured all the details of their wedding from the gorgeous florals by Emily Wynn Wildes Floral Design to the yummy desserts from Lulu's Chocolate Bar to the rentals which brought the event together from Tent Factory, In Any Event, Carlson's Premier Rentals and Lillian's China. The event was catered by one of the most delicious southern caterers, Any Style Catering, which provided a delicious low country boil. Following the dinner the dancing and fun began as country singer, Chuck Courtenay took over and provided awesome country music while Hart to Heart videographed the entire event. For all the vendors scroll down and huge thank you to all you vendors for everything! Anyway, head on over to Rustic Wedding Chic to see the entire feature and thank you Maggie for having us on your blog!!! 

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Two Chics // Planner: Ivory + Beau // Venue: Whitefield Chapel at Bethesda Academy // Florist: Emily Wynn Wildes Floral Design // Catering: Any Style Catering // Rentals: Tent Factory // Hot Chocolate Station Rentals: In Any Event // Vintage Furniture Rentals: Carlson's Premier Rentals // Vintage China Rentals: Lillian's China // Desserts: Lulu's Chocolate Bar // Ceremony Singer: Friend of Bride's // Ceremony Pianist: Bill Peterson // Reception Music: Chuck Courtenay // Video: Hart to Heart // Bartender: Johnnie Ganem // Wedding Insurance: WedSafe // Charcoal Sketch Artist: Lauren Schwind

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {A Lowcountry Wedding} Vintage Savannah Wedding Inspiration

Woo hoo!!! Featured on A Lowcountry Wedding!! Loved helping out Ever Thine with this shoot photographed by Lone Pine Photography at Bethesda Academy. To check out the whole feature head on over to A Lowcountry Wedding and thank you Erin for sharing!! 

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Lone Pine Photography // Venue: Bethesda Academy // Stylist + Rentals: Ever Thine Vintage // Flowers: A to Zinnias // Assistance Styling: Ivory + Beau // Dress: J'Adore Bridal & Formal // Dress Designer: Justin Alexander // Hair & Makeup: Dollface by Jules // Cupcakes: Gigi's Cupcakes // Macarons: Maison de Macarons // Cake: Holli's Cakes

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Daisy Romantic + {VCD COLLECTION By The Cotton Bride POP-UP SHOP}

Happy Monday ya'll!!! Hope you had a fabulous + relaxing weekend! We are back in the shop today to share more about our Pop-Up Shop on February 27th-March 3rd featuring the VCD Collection by The Cotton Bride!!! Today we have some wedding inspiration featuring a gorgeous gown from the collection + lots of daisies!! These dresses are made of the lightest of materials and are so perfect for a summer weather in Savannah filled with rustic, romantic + Southern charm!! 

This event is appointment only so click here to set yours up or call us at (912)200-4794 to come and check out the entire collection of bridal gowns during this limited time event!! 

{Photo Credits} Dress via Wedding Lovely, Photography by Tricia McCormack, dress by The Cotton Bride // Tea cup with daisiees via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Erin Hearts Court, Flowers by Wendie Monrroy On Main // Chocolate Lab via Southern Weddings, Photography by Jodi Miller // Stationary via  Ruffled made by the bride, Photography by I Love Wednesdays // Flowers via Wedding Chicks, Flowers by Fujiko's Flowers, Photography by Harmony Loves

SIMPLY ENGAGED: Jessica + Chris

Get ready to see quite possibly the cutest engagement pictures you did ever see!!!! We recently got the pleasure of helping set up the engagement shoots for Jessica + Chris, who are getting married on December 7th, 2013 at Whitefield Chapel! The photos took place out on their family farm and were sooo cute I can't even handle it! Ever Thine Vintage Rentals provided the farm table, vintage china, and decor for the table where Jessica, Chris and the kids enjoyed apple, pumpkin + pecan pies!! After the family photos, Jessica + Chris huddled up by the fire for some s'mores and lots of kisses. Seriously though... they are way too cute right?!! Thank you Two Chics for capturing all the adorableness and we cannot wait to work with you this Saturday!!! Congratulations to Jessica + Chris! 

Photography: Two Chics Photography

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {DIY Weddings Magazine} Vintage Affair Savannah Style

I am so thrilled to share this feature with you guys today! This styled shoot at Whitefield Chapel at Bethesda Academy was featured in DIY Weddings Fall 2013 Issue! This shoot was my first collaboration with Tori of Ever Thine Vintage Rentals. Tori is such an inspiration to me because she's so successful, so creative and so young... so getting to know her has been awesome! She started up a vintage rental company not long ago and it has quickly grown into something amazing with the new opening of Wed Augusta!!! So anyway, when she told me she was coming to Savannah for a styled shoot with Luke of Lone Pine Photography I quickly said I want to play too!! Everything turned out so beautifully and so it was great to be a part of. Especially great because Tori has probably the cutest little boy ever, who is my boyfriend for life whether or not she will allow it. And even more especially great because Gigi's Cupcakes + Maison de Macarons provided lots and lots and lots of sugar. I mean... I think Tori will forevermore call me the skinny fat girl because I think know that I ate about 5 mini cupcakes, 7 French macarons, and then a few lot more mini cupcakes. This is reason #74 as to why Nicole needs an Herbalife coach to keep me on track (shoutout to Serwaah!) But seriously, it's no exaggeration trust me... I am the biggest sugar monster ever. Anyway, enough about my love for sugar... for more from the shoot go here! And in the meantime, hope you'll enjoy the feature and then go check out the entire DIY Weddings Issue here! 

Huge shout out also to all the incredible vendors who helped make this happen: flowers from A to Zinnias; Jessica Mock of Dollface by Jules; Cupcakes from Gigi's Cupcakes, cake from Holli's Cakes, and macarons from Maison de Macarons; Bethesda Academy; dress from J'adore Bridal; and last but not least, other rentals from Savannah Special Events! Thanks for lending your time to put together some pretties and I hope we get to play again soon!! 

{Photo Credits} DIY Weddings Fall 2013 Magazine by Lone Pine Photography

{Guest Post} SIMPLY PLANNING: What to Consider When Planning a Wedding

Today I have a special guest post from Isabelle Riley, a freelance writer who works at Ballara Receptions in Australia! So here's an article from her on things to consider when planning a wedding plus since she is from Australia I figured it would be cool to add in some awesome Australian wedding inspiration with pictures all from Australia. Also... what's even more cool about this is that I have an Australian intern coming to shadow me for 2 weeks starting this Tuesday!! Come back tomorrow for an intro blog post on my shadow, also named Nicole! Anyway, hope you enjoy today's post, learn a few things about wedding planning + like always enjoy some wedding pretties!

What to Consider when planning a wedding

 Your wedding day is something most people dream off their whole lives. The dress, the ceremony, the flower arrangements, the reception; there is no doubt it is a huge day and this can place a lot of pressure on your relationship, not exactly the ideal situation to happen before the wedding!

Considering this, we have put together a few tips to keep in mind when planning your big day. First of all, take your time; it’s not a race. Sometimes you need to plan a wedding quickly and in those circumstances you have no choice, but if you don’t have a set date within the next 6 months, take your time with the planning and give yourself at least a year to plan everything out. This way you have time to plan and save up for all the things you really want! One of the first things you should plan is the number of guests, this will determine most of the other aspects of the day, most importantly the ceremony and reception locations. You don’t want to choose a place that is too big or you could lose the atmosphere; many locations offer a variety of rooms or the option to join rooms, like Ballara Receptions, so you have a few options when it comes to guest numbers.

Consider having a “first look” photo, this is photo that is taken before the big day starts; you organise with your photographer and fiance to meet in a scheduled place before the ceremony where you and your partner meet for the first time and have the whole thing recorded. It is probably the most honest moment to be captured on your wedding day, away from all the guests and expectations, it is quite a beautiful way to capture the emotions of the day.

 Next, try to let things go. Of course you want to organise the day like crazy, and most things will have to be organised because you are catering to so many people, but when there are moments that are slightly unplanned, don’t panic. Acknowledge that things will go wrong and be prepared to let them be.

Finally, if you can afford it, consider hiring a professional to help organise your big day. A lot of couple choose to do it themselves to help save on costs, but if money is no option, a professional could help reduce a lot of stress!

Thanks Isabelle for the post on wedding planning with tips! xo, Nicole Rene

{Photo Credits} Bride on Swing via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Feather and Stone // Horse via Feather and Stone // Bouquet via Style Me Pretty, photography by Life in Still // Ceremony Decor via Ruffled, photography by Erin and Tara // Cake Pops via Feather and Stone // Triangle Garland via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Byron Loves Fawn // Couple in Boat via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Debra Eby

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Floral + BHLDN Bridal Shower

All it takes is one piece to get inspiration for an event. In this case, I spotted those Lenox Floral Fusion Plates on Hayneedle and I instantly was like... bridal shower!? Yes please. I think those plates deserve some gold flatware, like most other events to be completely honest... and lots of bold floral details. I loved the modern vases from Chive, which I think when combined with the more vintage looking plates will create a fusion of styles that is both girly, modern, vintage and pretty all at the same time... if that's even possible, which I'm going to say is of course possible because anything is possible, right? What are your favorite pieces from below?! 

{Photo Credits} Cube Phlox via Chive // 5-piece Domino Flatware Set via One King's Lane // Vintage Trinket Dish via BHLDN // Lenox Floral Fusion Dinner Plate via Hayneedle // Chantilly Cocktail Napkins via BHLDN // Jojo Oval Gold via Chive // Ruby Red Goblet via One King's Lane // Blooming Shoppe Straws via BHLDN

{STYLED SHOOT} Vintage Southern Shoot with Ever Thine Vintage Rentals at Whitefield Chapel

Layla first suggested to me to check out Ever Thine Vintage Rentals via Facebook to see what she had in stock. I instantly did and then right away added her on Facebook and I feel like her and I became instant friends. I secretly, well not secretly anymore, wish she lived in Savannah because she is not only the sweetest person ever but mostly because I have a big crush on her son... Anyway, we chatted it up about the possibility of her traveling to Savannah for some of my client's upcoming weddings and I am so excited to say that we will be working together this October for a wedding at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum!!! 

Anyway, when she mentioned she would be in Savannah for a styled shoot I instantly was like I'll help! Pick me!! And I was lucky enough because she welcomed me on board. Tori did an incredible job styling this shoot and I helped find some vendors to fill in the gaps and of course I added some signature "Nicole" details (i.e. antlers... gold mini animals... the necessity of having macarons and a floral halo...) Luke of Lone Pine photographed everything on the grounds by Whitefield Chapel; A to Zinnias provided the gorgeous floral centerpieces, bouquet, and floral halo; Jessica Mock of Dollface by Jules did the hair and makeup; Bethany of Gigi's Cupcakes provided the beyond delicious cupcakes that made me gain about 20 million pounds and Maison de Macarons provided the amazing French macarons; Holli's Cakes made the gorgeous cake; Savannah Special Events let us borrow the banquet table for our tablescape; the three gorgeous dresses were from J'adore Bridal!

Now with all that being said... as you guys can obviously now see how awesome her rentals are... I have a huge favor to ask ya'll!!!!! When I woke up this morning I saw on Facebook a picture of Amanda and AJ on Ever Thine's Facebook page and realized they were entered into her contest to win free vintage rentals. I squealed with excitement NO LIE. Probably because Amanda and AJ are maybe the sweetest, most gracious, incredible, and fun couples I have ever met. Not just that but they will always hold a special place in my heart since they are actually the first couple that signed with me and me alone after I purchased the business from Layla! Their wedding is going to be this October at the Tybee Wedding Chapel and it is going to be such a romantic and intimate candlelit wedding, I cannot wait!!! So now it's your turn to go vote for them here!!!!!! 

{Vendor Guide} Photography: Lone Pine Photography // Design & Concept: Ever Thine Vintage Rentals // Escort Cards, gold animals: Simply Savannah Events // Vintage Rentals: Ever Thine Vintage Rentals // Other Rentals (Table): Savannah Special Events // Flowers: A to Zinnias // Shoot Location: Bethesda Academy (Wedding Venue-Whitefield Chapel) // Cake: Holli's Cakes // Cupcakes: Gigi's Cupcakes // Macarons: Maison de Macarons // Hair & Makeup: Jessica Mock of Dollface by Jules // Wedding Dresses: J'adore Bridal

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: A Lacy Affair

I love how feminine and soft the look of lace is! I think it is so gorgeous and adds a very pretty look to any wedding... especially a rustic chic wedding! Some of my favorite wedding dresses are the all lace ones too. They are vintage and timeless. 

Day 13: A Lacy Affair

{Photo Credits} Invitations via Style Me Pretty, photography by Austin Warnock // Cake via Love Wed Bliss, cake by Sweet & Saucy Shop // Chair Cover via Style Me Pretty, photography by Sarah Kate // Lace Arch via Style Me Pretty, photography by Milk Photography // Bride with Horse via Ruffled, photography by Brumley & Wells // Garter Belt via Southern Weddings, photography by Haley Sheffield // Tablescape via Style Me Pretty, photography by Acres of Hope // Lace Cookies via Style Me Pretty, photography by Edison Photography

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Victorian + dinosaurs...

I have this one friend who is really pretty much amazing and is by far the funniest person I have ever known. She sends me great pictures and crazy things all the time. I laughed hysterically when she sent me a Thank You card that was victorian with dinosaurs on it. I told her I am all for planning her victorian dinosaur themed wedding. Anyway, Hallie this is for you! I hope you love it!

Day 9: Victorian (+ dinosaurs...)

{Photo Credits} Dessert Table via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Studio Fotografando // Donuts via Style Me Pretty, photography by One Love // Bride & Groom via Style Me Pretty, photography by Heather Roth Fine Art // Bride & Groom Chairs via Ruffled, photography by Amanda Watson // Reception Decor via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Dan O'Day // Wedding Cake via Every Last Detail, photography by Christina Gressianu // Gold Dinosaurs via Flickr // Birdcage via Ruffled, photography by Braedon

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Southern Weddings

Yesterday I bought the 5th edition of Southern Weddings and let me tell you I read every single last word. I am not going to lie, I am not Southern at all. I was born and raised in the very rainy Portland, Oregon and attended college in the even rainier Tacoma, Washington. But I will admit, there is something so charming and so intriguing to me about the south. Maybe it comes from my favorite novel, Gone With the Wind, or maybe it's my love for fried chicken, cheese grits, and low country boils. But whatever it is... I cannot listen to a country song without daydreaming about what it would be like growing up on a farm in a small southern town where your neighbors all sit on rocking chairs on their porches and where hosting dinner parties is a common occurrence. So this inspiration board is truly inspired by the South (i.e. my interpretation of using inspiration from Southern Wedding Magazine!) I hope you all are enjoying my 25 Days of Wedding Inspiration!

Day 3: Southern Weddings

By the way, if you haven't picked up your copy of Southern Weddings yet I would highly recommend it. I am almost tempted to go buy another just for keeping on the shelves since I know I will read this copy to death. :) Page 18 has a handkerchief that says, "Dad, Today a bride, tomorrow a wife, forever your little girl." Love love love love love. Melts my heart & brings tears to my eyes!

{Photo Credits} Bouquets via Style Me Pretty, photography by Peach Blossom Photography // Peach Wedding Cake via Style Unveiled, photography Jen Huang // Bride via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Trent Bailey // Grits Favor via Lady Letterpress // Sweet Tea via Martha Stewart // Powder Room Sign via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Simply Bloom Photography // Gingham beer coozies via Wedding Chicks, photography by Jeff Loves Jessica // Mason Jar Favors via Style Me Pretty

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Barn Wedding

{Photo Credits} Bride with Lamb via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Katrina Louise // Bride and Groom via Wedding Chicks, photography by Kate Price // Dessert Table via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Nancy Neil // Barn via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Nancy Neil // Wedding Dress in Barn via Style Me Pretty, photography by Brea McDonald //  Reception Decor via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Ken Kienow // Barn Wedding Invitation via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Skyla Walton

{Sneak Peak} SIMPLY WED: Melissa & Antonio

Last weekend's wedding was a really great wedding! I was so excited to finally have my first stationary project and was actually the designer of the escort cards and the ceremony programs! I loved putting them together and coming up with designs for the couple using the bride's Pinterest board for inspiration! The ceremony took place at Whitefield Square in downtown Savannah and the reception was at the Richmond Hill City Center. It was such a lovely wedding with one of my favorite color combinations, navy and orange. The decor was really cute with burlap table runners, lace overlays, and vintage candlestick holders. The amazing florals were done by Layla Mayville, previous owner and she did an absolutely amazing job! I cannot wait to see the professional photography by Alexis Sweet, the same photographer from the Bohemian photo shoot I modeled for! I think my favorite moment of their wedding was their last song! It was seriously adorable... the couple danced in the center of everyone holding hands. In the middle of the song Antonio held up Melissa and they danced in a circle. I am not going to lie, it was so cute I was definitely holding back a few happy tears. It was such a special moment and I feel so lucky to have gotten a chance to witness it. I would love to have a last dance like theirs. You could feel the love for the couple in the room and it was just... too precious for me to ever be able to describe fully. Congratulations to the lucky couple! And thank you so much for choosing Simply Savannah Events! Here are some sneak peaks of their big day with some photos from my iPhone via Instagram!

{Photo & Video Credits} All images taken with my iPhone // Ceremony Location: Whitefield Square // Reception Location:  Richmond Hill City Center

SIMPLY SUPPORT: Brides Against Breast Cancer

This weekend I had a booth at the Brides Against Breast Cancer event! Here's some pictures of the booth and the design. I was going for a pretty, vintage, rustic, and PINK look. :) It was a great event to be a part of & I was really glad I was able to contribute for a good cause that is close to home! 

Our table at the Southern Girls Bridal Show

Here is our vintage chic table at the Southern Girls Bridal Show. Thanks to Nicole, my assistant, for making the chevron placemats and adding to the pretty decor. You can see many of our items that we will let our clients rent on our table. There are so many fun ways to use them. See our inventory page for more details of which items are rentable. Also thanks to Carrie of Two Cakes for letting us borrow her cake demo, everyone thought it was so pretty. We had a great turn out at the expo and loved talking with everyone!! By the way, The Embassy Suites is a gorgeous hotel! Nicole also has a great post on her personal blog with some more pictures of the table. While I was running around finishing up she was able to capture some nice close up compositions with her iphone! Her blog post is here:
http://nicolerenedesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/southern-girls-bridal-expo.html