[google1]
Serendipity is the only word that I can think of to describe Lauren and Ben’s love story. From their chance meeting at Chili’s and a scribbled phone number missing a digit, to almost running into each other at a game, these two were destined to be! Lauren and I chatted on the phone for weeks about her creative wedding style and love of details-I enjoyed hearing her enthusiasm! You see, Lauren just graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design and as a photographer herself, she wanted every detail of her wedding day to be perfect!

The ‘gypsy’ sides of Khaled and I love to travel and we were excited to visit Georgia for Lauren and Ben’s wedding. Being that it was our first time there, we decided to head out a few days earlier to visit Lauren’s venue, Atlanta and Athens. We had a great time, ate awesome food, and met some of the locals. If you’re ever in Atlanta, you must eat at The Varsity- the world’s largest drive-in restaurant! If in Athens, be sure to visit Cali & Tito’s. Yum! Oddly, during our sight-seeing we noticed many stores and restaurants with a clear, plastic bag hanging from the door frame filled with water and a penny inside. We tried to come up with logical reasons for the bags and finally asked. We were told that it was a way to keep the mosquitos away. Not sure if that’s true, but I think I should start that habit here in Florida and see if it works!

With it’s gorgeous gardens, the Higdon House Inn was the perfect venue for Lauren and Ben’s wonderland wedding. Their ceremony was absolutely breathtaking. “Someday my prince will come” played as Lauren, in her gorgeous gown, walked down the aisle with her father by her side. Their flower girl was the cutest ‘Alice’ we’ve ever seen. Happy tears and laughter filled the air and the ceremony ended with a memorable snapshot of all the wedding guests cheering with the bride and groom!

Lauren and Ben’s peculiar ‘Alice in Wonderland’ details gave an adventurous feel as their guests enjoyed an absolutely ‘mad’ reception!

We thank Lauren, Ben and their sweet family and friends for letting us be part of their special day and we hope to visit Georgia again!

Click here to view the couple’s surprise slideshow we created!

Vendors:
Bridal Boutique: New Natalie’s Bridal
Gown designer: Stephen Yearick
Tuxedo rentals: Men’s Warehouse
Bridal shoes- designed by bride
Flower/Centerpieces: To be updated
Cake Sugar Kneads Bakery 
DJ: Burke Brennan
Paper products: Viva La Violette
Venue: Higdon House Inn

 

When I’m looking forward to something, my imagination paints a picture about what it will feel like, taste, smell, play out. Now, mind you, I have a very hyperactive imagination, but the Inspire Smart Success Experience was beyond anything I could have ever imagined! My talented friend, Lauren Harper Grove of Every Last Detail and new friend (thanks to Lauren and ISSE), Caroline Smith of CSE Photography decided to car pool and room together for this event. Let’s just say that it was an unforgettable adventure, right ladies? We stayed at the Waldorf  Astoria, where the ISSE event was held. Brides, this gorgeous hotel is a beautiful setting for an elegant and artsy wedding and we had a great experience on our stay. The evening of our arrival was the welcome party and what gal doesn’t like to get dolled up and mingle?! I met some amazing women, had fabulous conversations, and had my first inspire-tini! Delish! I have to thank Staci Francombe (founder of ISSE) for so much, but especially for creating the opportunity to finally meet two of my favorite online peeps, the fabulous wedding planner/coordinator,  April Dorsey of The D-Tales and the super-talented photographer, Garrett Frandsen, along with all the other talented individuals at this event! The Get Published and Get on TV ISS panel consisted of Diann Valentine, Tiffany Cook, exectutive producer-Dave Francombe, Leigh Duncan-editor of Orlando Weddings Magazine, Karlena Wallace-editor of Stiletto Woman Media, and Lauren Harper Grove-editor of the online blog, Every Last Detail. The knowledge, advice, and experience that Stacie and the panel provided was beyond overwhelming! To say that I left ISSE inspired is an understatement! I loved how approachable everyone was, how interactive the talks were, and the smooth flow of the day! Add in the mix the vivid and alluring colors, amazing details, yummy delicacies, the best vendors working together and a fun-filled atmosphere-you have one heck of a party!

I seriously wish I could attend every ISS experience! I recommend all entrepreneurs attend and experience this for themselves. Stacie also offers mentoring sessions, so contact her for more information!

A HUGE thank you to everyone involved in this amazing experience and to Stacie, for this wonderful opportunity!

Update: You can watch a recap film created by Key Moments Productions here.

Vendors:
The D-Tales
Diann Valentine
Waldorf Weddings
Every Last Detail
Orlando Wedding
Wrapped Couture
DJ Carl Entertainment
Over the Top Rental Linens
Cupcake Jubilee
Bottle Your Brand
Flourish Floral Productions – Event, Wedding and Floral Design
Sweet Maralyn’s Chocolates
Amy Raith Artistry
The Paper Shop, Inc.
A Chair Affair, Inc.
Our DJ Rocks
Natural Impression Design
Key Moments Productions
Christopher Confero

 

[google1]
As wedding photographers, we have the pleasure of experiencing the celebration of love in endless unique ways. Each couple selects the delicate details of their special day based on their very own style and vision-that is my favorite part of documenting weddings. It feels so intimate. We are an essential part of an important time in each couple’s life. That is definitely a big deal and we are honored. Ariel and Keith trusted us with their vision and we could not be more excited to feature their love story with our blog readers. Their engagement session in February gave a small glimpse of this couple’s bohemian style, natural beauty and creative soul and it was a true blessing to see how their ideas, lovely families and friends, and efforts came together to create a stunning and unforgettable wedding day. This was the perfect DIY wedding, and there was not one detail overlooked. From Ariel’s gorgeous gown, which her mother and mother-in-law exquisitely designed and altered to create a stunning masterpiece with feather details, to Ariel’s sister dedicating a song especially for the bride and groom during their reception(you can hear a snippet of the song and view more images on their custom website we created)- We were absolutely overwhelmed with their keen attention to each lovely detail. We loved seeing how their family members, each played an important role and contributed their special talents in Ariel and Keith’s wedding day. Their wedding ceremony was performed by Ariel’s parents and they had a sweet unity ceremony, unlike any that we have experienced. Their wedding day is so inspiring that it makes me want to renew my vows just to include some of these lovely elements! Enjoy some of our favorite images from their day and don’t forget to leave some blog love in the comments!

Venue: Starkey Ranch Odessa, Fl
Bride’s dress: Demetrios Bride (altered by MOB and MIL)
Groom’s attire: H&M
Wedding rings custom designed by: Nicole Shannon Design, LLC
Stationery/ Paper products: Charity LeBlanc with AltarEgo Media
Feather garter: Etsy

[google1]
Internet world, it wouldn’t be Khaled’s birthday without the small complication that arises every year. Yes, just when I am sure that I have my husband all figured out, the question of his date of birth pops up. Who is this tall, dark and handsome ‘mystery’ man? His mother claims that he was born on July 1st (and I must admit, I don’t see how anyone would argue with a mom), his passport says July 2nd, and his birth certificate, written in Arabic and based on the Hijri calendar, converts the date to July 3rd on the Gregorian calendar! Did you get all that?! So lets just say Khaled has a 3-day birthday, and if that means more cake, I’m all for it!

Calendars aside, I celebrate his birth everyday. Every time I see his smile. Every time I see how much he cares and blindly offers his all. Every time he holds me in his arms. I celebrate the blessing in my life of waking up next to this amazing man.

Khaled, I thank God for bringing you into this world and into my life. I seriously don’t know how your patience never runs out with me. How you are able to be so supportive and always be there for me, no matter what crazy idea I come up with, is yet another mystery to me. Today, we will lovingly fill up your special day with surprises, and I know how much you dislike that. But, all the gifts in the world could not show you what a wonderful gift you are in my life. I love you. Happy Birthday, mi amor.