Embellished Weddings

Intimate, unique and special are three words that describe Amy and Chris’s wedding day. Surrounded by best friends and family, Amy and Chris said “I do” at one of Oklahoma City’s rustic-chic venues, Harn Homestead. As the pictures convey, October 19th was a gorgeous Fall day. Here are some of our favorite photos of their special day. Thank you, Kris Boevers, for capturing such special memories!

Centerpieces!

The first look

The wedding party

The vows: What a beautifully decorated gazebo!

The cake by Cuppies & Joe!

Cupcakes and weddings go hand-in-hand for us; they are both fun, unique and created with love! This is why Cuppies & Joe has a special place in the hearts of the Embellished Weddings team. Often described as quaint, cozy and inviting, this beloved Oklahoma City coffee shop is our go-to place to meet with brides. Creating a relaxed and sugar-friendly atmosphere for their sweet-craving customers, the fun Cuppies & Joe staff uses the finest ingredients to make a daily variety of cupcakes, pies and other goodies.

We are thrilled to be partnering up with Cuppies & Joe this week! A gift card for a dozen delicious cupcakes will be awarded to the winner of this contest. It’s the perfect treat to share with family and friends!

To enter this contest, complete the following:

1. Visit the Cuppies & Joe website and pick your favorite cupcake flavor.

2. Send a tweet with your favorite flavor, mentioning Cuppies & Joe.

3. Visit their Facebook page and tell Cuppies & Joe A) why you love to visit their shop or B) what cupcake you would like to try.

4. Comment on this blog post with the same answer as #3.

The winner will be announced Sunday, September 23rd at 1:00pm.

GOOD LUCK!

Are you ready for one of the most crazy wedding stories of 2012? Or perhaps, of every single wedding I have ever planned in my whole life? It was one wild day, and in the end, everything was perfect. But, let’s just say that nothing went as planned.

First, remember that one time we posted that blog about rain on your wedding day?

And we even included an incredible video about rain on your wedding day:

Well… I guess that was preparing us for what was coming!

May 20th at Harn Homestead. It was a Sunday. We started watching the forecast 10 days out. The percentage stayed around 20% the whole time. We decided to forgo the last minute tent idea. We didn’t care if it rained during the day. We just needed it to not rain around 4:00 when the wedding started.

I hate 20% chances. I am an all-or-nothing kind of girl. If it was 100% chance of rain, we go with Plan B. No questions asked. We go that route. If it was 0% chance of rain, great, we go with Plan A: get married at the gazebo outside. But 20%? Really? What are you supposed to do with 20%? Decide in advance to go with Plan B and take the chance that it might NOT rain and you missed the chance to have your perfect, dream wedding? Or do you go with Plan A, praying and hoping it just doesn’t rain at 4:00?

We wake up at 6:00am and watch the weather for an hour before we decide which route to take. If brides choose an outdoor venue, than most likely, they REALLY WANT an outdoor wedding and reception. I want to do everything I can to make their dream still happen, even with a 20% chance of rain.

8:00am we begin set-up. It is NOT raining. Not even close. We make the call to do everything as planned. We set up the gazebo just the way she wants it and get everything ready:

We wait to set up the outdoor table and chairs because we knew it was going to rain on and off the whole day possibly. We work on a lof of other details in the meantime.

Finally, we set up all of the tables and chairs and put the centerpieces on all the tables outside. We cover each individual table with a very large plastic tarp that we bought at Home Depot days before (we had to be prepared). That way, in case it were to rain, the linens and centerpieces would not be wet or ruined:

I do not want to bore you with all of the details of the day, but let’s just say it rained on and off all day long. We stayed in touch with Lauran, the bride, seeing if at any point, she wanted to make the call to move the wedding in the barn. We NEVER make that call. We offer advice and wisdom. But at the end of the day, the bride and her family (or other people involved with the wedding) will make that call.

3:30. 30 minutes before the wedding starts. Guests begin to arrive. It is NOT raining. We let them know the wedding is still taking place at the gazebo.

3:45. 15 minutes before wedding starts. Still NOT raining. About 225 guests have arrived. Still waiting on a few more.

3:55. It is almost go-time. Wedding starts in 5 minutes. It begins sprinkling. I get nervous, but act calm and peaceful and pray it doesn’t get worse.

4:00. Getting a little more nervous but still acting fine. It is sprinkling a little heavier but decide to start the ceremony. All the grandparents are ushered down the aisle.

4:05 Parents are ushered down the aisle. By this point, IT IS POURING down rain! The guests look miserable. I am freaking out on the inside but no one could tell from the outside. Here is a picture of the mother of the bride coming down the aisle. Please notice the pouring down rain:

At this point, the wedding has started. The grandparents are down the aisle. The parents are down the aisle. I go back and get the groomsmen and bridesmaids and open the door to see the bride and her father sitting there, and the father of the bride looks at me and says, “we cannot do this wedding in the pouring rain. Move everyone in the barn immediately.”

Father’s orders. I go and tell the ushers to please ask everyone to move in the barn as quickly as they can. I am not going to lie. It was a little chaotic. 225 guests. Umbrellas everywhere. Moving in the barn.

Here is where the wedding started:

And here is where the wedding ended:

Inside the barn. People on the 2nd floor looking down. People everywhere. They got married with their cake table as the backdrop! Was it what was planned? No. Was it perfect the way it happened? Yes!

I must say: This is the first and only wedding that I have ever done that we started at one location and ended at a different location. Very special memories. And a wedding guests will always remember!

Now, after the fact, I can’t help but think, as a planner, if I would have done anything different to avoid them moving locations. And honestly, we all did the best we could with a 20% chance of rain. I didn’t want to move it inside (the safe way) unless it was an absolute emergency. Lauran really wanted it outside. I wanted to do whatever I could to make that happen.

I think for future outdoor venue brides, we are going to talk about the 20% plan. We have the original plan we work on for months/year at a time. Then we have Plan B. Do we do plan B with 100% chance of rain? Or plan B with 20% chance of rain. I would love to hear what other planners do with a 20% chance of rain. Leave a comment and let me know!

With all of that being said, it is unbelievable how perfect the night was. I am not lying when I tell you that the minister pronounced them husband and wife, they kissed, and ran out of the barn, and the sun begins to shine. The reception starts and the evening is perfect for an outdoor reception and all of the guests are outside the remainder of the night.

That made us really thankful that we covered each individual table with a plastic tarp. When the wedding ceremony was over, we removed all of the plastic tarps and all of the guests sat around a perfectly dry table and enjoyed the reception:

Now to the fun part! There are so many incredible details that I have to show off.

I LOVED Lauran’s flowers! Birdie was her florist! I HIGHLY recommend Katie at Birdie!

I also loved Lauran’s centerpieces. Lauran bought a lot of the items used in her centerpieces. And she made all of the different frames for them. They were so cute!

And of course, the cakes were delicious. Amy Cakes did an incredible job. Lauran, the bride, made her super cute cake topper.

Want to know who one of my favorite vendors is at a wedding? Cake Evoke! Specialty coffee bars are my favorite. It might be because once I hit the 13-14 hour mark of work for the day, a little caffeine goes a long way, or it is because all of the guests always love their coffee bar that Cafe Evoke provides. I highly recommend Cafe Evoke to all of my brides.

We designed a really cute pergola for the bride and groom to sit under at their sweet heart table. I love how it turned out:

And last but not least, a few more details from Lauran and Mitch’s big day:

I have to brag on Lauran. She pretty much made EVERYTHING for her big day. One of the cutest DIY weddings we have done. She is a VERY talented designer and made her own invitations, RSVP cards, stamp, envelopes, burlap “Mr” and “Mrs” pillows, front gate sign, coffee sleeves for Cafe Evoke, cake topper, napkins, and more! Everything was VERY personal and that made their wedding so unique and so “them.” Those are our favorite weddings. When the guests walk in and we hear them say, “This is so Lauran and Mitch.”  Or, “This is so Ashley and Mike.” (enter you and your fiance’s name). We want your wedding to reflect you two perfectly!

Lauran and Mitch, thank you for trusting us to make your day perfect. I know it did not go as planned, but after talking with you after the wedding and after the honeymoon, it sounded like it was still better than you could have imagined. We loved getting to help you behind the scenes! We loved working with you and your mom, Cai. It was a joy to serve you all. We wish you the best of luck in all you do!

(All pictures provided by Holli B. Photography).

Here is an incredible video created by Scissortail Media:

View more fairy tale gowns at Alfred Angelo website.

We are so excited announce our Friday Giveaways starting this week! We absolutely love our brides and brides-to-be and are so thankful for incredible businesses in our area that help us create the most spectacular weddings. So, keep a watch on the blog, especially on Fridays; there might just be a special something waiting for you!

Today, our SWEET giveaway is provided by Apple Envy. Apple Envy candied apples are unlike any other. Flavors range from traditional to daring. Enjoy Apple Envy as a customized party favor or an everyday treat! Remember, only the Best Apples are Envied!

If you haven’t seen or tasted one of Apple Envy’s decadent apples, then here’s your chance to    win some oh-so-fabulous spring apples made by owner, Keri Yanchick!

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:

1. Like Apple Envy’s Facebook Page.

2. Browse through Apple Envy’s Facebook timeline and “Like” your favorite decorated apple.

3. Leave a comment here telling us why you want these sweet treats.

After you’ve done these three things, you will be eligible to win some amazing spring apples from Apple Envy! The winner will be announced on Monday, August 6 at 5:00 CST. Good luck!

There’s nothing more special than looking though wedding photos and reminiscing on your dream wedding, which is why choosing the ideal venue is of the utmost importance. As a Texas native, I’m often impressed with Oklahoma’s variety of excellent venues. From five-star hotels and restaurants to unique museums, barns and boathouses, Oklahoma has it all!

If’ you’re overwhelmed with finding that perfect venue for your dream wedding, don’t worry! The Embellished Weddings girls are here, not only to help with that big decision, but also to inspire you to create a wedding that is meaningful (and fabulous!) to you and your hubs-to-be! So, check out some my personal favorite Oklahoma venues with breathtaking view.

White Dog Hill

Are you planning a rustic-chic wedding? Consider White Dog Hill in Clinton. Noted for its restaurant on a hill, newly-renovated White Dog Hill has hosted several wedding ceremonies and receptions. What’s makes White Dog Hill a one-of-a-kind space is its incredible views of Oklahoma land.

Sherri Jones Photography

Gaillardia Country Club

Dreaming of a romantic outdoor ceremony with a lavish reception? Look no further. Gaillardia Country Club in Edmond has it all. With its exceptional staff, spacious patios that overlook the golf course and elegant ballroom, your big day is sure to be a smash.

Gaillardia.com

Post Oak Lodge

Post Oak Lodge in Tulsa is ideal for a weekend wedding bash. Though just minutes away from downtown Tulsa, Post Oak’s beautiful countryside is the perfect intimate retreat for your wedding. Offering several locations on its property, Post Oak lets you customize your wedding. Relaxing pools, walking trails, outdoor games and spacious cabins are just some of the amenities that make this venue unique to Tulsa.

postoaklodge.com

Needing help finding your perfect venue? Let us help! Embellished Weddings can customize any of our packages to fit your needs.

You know that you want a fabulous photographer at your wedding, and you might’ve considered capturing the big day on video, as well. why not hire one vendor to take care of both for you? We’d like to spotlight an fantastic option in the OKC area:

Based in Oklahoma, Industry405 is all about capturing the most memorable moments of your life in a beautiful and artistically styled film or with photos you can’t help but love. It’s all about capturing those moments and telling the story.

Jonathon and Michelle Meisner love to connect with their clients on a deeper level. Jonathan is the cinematographer, and is also a lover of the outdoors, all things awesome, and traveling. Michelle is the photographer, lover of blogging, reading, traveling, and music.

The Meisners are a great team and create great things together. They make fun happen and take every opportunity to make a memory.

Industry405 only accepts a limited amount of weddings and custom sessions each year, because they want to give their full attention and best efforts with every client. Sessions and events are booked on a first come, first serve basis, so contact the Meisners to reserve your date now!

We know how central food is to any celebration, so of course the caterer at your wedding will contribute significantly to the overall success of your dream wedding. Today we’d like to spotlight an OKC-area catering service that we love. With over 20 years of experience, the mission of Abbey Rd. Catering is to provide trusted personal service, an exquisite culinary experience, and unparalleled artistic presentation that will supersede your guests’ highest expectations. We want to help you get to know this excellent vendor better, so read below for a quick and informative four-question interview:

EW: What sets Abbey Road apart from other caterers?

AR: Hospitality is everything to us. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, your guests deserve the best. We build relationships with our clients established on a trust that we will serve and honor your guests, friends, and family. Our clients take comfort in knowing that we are here to help express their personal style and tastes through a high standard of hospitality and a carefully personalized menu and presentation.

EW: What are your menus like?

At Abbey Road Catering, we pride ourselves on creating vivid and strikingly original menus to excite your senses and marvel your guests. Our menus showcase our passion for the freshest ingredients and the finest products. We continually develop fresh menu items and new food trends to offer the perfect customization to your event needs and personality. We offer the finest of customized menus to meet your needs. You can explore menu samples on our website.

EW: What’s the meaning of the pineapple in your logo?

AR: The pineapple has served as a symbol of hospitality throughout the history of the Americas. In Colonial America, the concept of hospitality was very important and creative food display played a large role for both personality and family status. The pineapple was a true celebrity since it was rare, expensive, and visually attractive. A hostess’s ability to have a pineapple for an important dining event said much about her rank and resourcefulness. The pineapple in our logo represents our commitment to hospitality.

EW: What are the five top reasons that brides should consider Abbey Road Catering for their wedding?

AR: 1. We listen to our client and understand your needs.
——2. We create events that perfectly reflects your style and taste.
——3. We provide delicious food with exceptional service.
——4. We attend to every detail to exceed expectations.
——5. We are a perfect blend of quality cuisine and superior service.

If you would like to make the food at your wedding exceptional, contact Abbey Road to set up a consultation.

Last week we mentioned how your wedding stationary is important to the overall impact of your wedding style. Your invitations are the first thing your guests see, and other printed touches are woven throughout your big day: the programs, the table cards and menus, the personalized napkins, and perhaps even your wedding favors.

Choosing a paper company that can work with you on all these aspects, as well as offer services such as calligraphy and assembly and planning, is crucial to making sure these details come out just as you’d hoped.

Red Fox Paperie was established in 1962 in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma with a goal to provide customers with a great place to find quality stationary, invitations and unique gifts. 47 years later, and only the third owner of Red Fox, I am committed to offering that same quality of service and merchandise.

With an education in Graphic Design and printing and over 30 plus years in the industry. You will find the expertise, knowledge and customer service to be outstanding when it comes to the design of your stationary or wedding ensemble.

Check out Red Fox’s vast array of styles and design features for wedding invitations as well as their wide variety of accessories and gifts. If you like what you see, call or visit Red Fox to start designing your wedding stationary!

When planning your dream wedding, you’ll pay close attention to every detail of the ceremony and reception to crate the perfect day. But don’t forget the first glimpse of your wedding that your guests will see is your invitation or save-the-date. To make sure you make a fabulous first impression, choose a paper company that not only has an excellent selection of wedding stationary, but can also provide the all the services necessary to make your chosen design a reality.

You’ll find everything you could want with our vendor spotlight today. No Regrets is a gift boutique in OKC that specializes in custom stationary, personalized gifts, paper goods and accessories, event planning, calligraphy, invitation assembly, and more! You’re sure to find what you need to express your personal style, at any budget.

No Regrets offers a vast selection of all things wedding, including invitations, save the dates, announcements, programs, menu cards, place cards, personalized napkins, wedding favors, and much more! They can also design your invitations for showers and parties during your engagement, as well as your rehearsal dinner. With gifts and party-planning services as well, you’ll be glad you visited No Regrets. Call, email, or drop in to their new location to start planning. Celebrate your big day with…No Regrets!

The wedding location, attire, colors, and decorations all come together to create the just the right atmosphere for your wedding day. You want to make sure that the floral arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres, and other embellishments complement your style perfectly.

Last week we featured one Oklahoma City area florist that we love working with, and this week we’d like to introduce you to another: Morrison Floral.

Morrison Floral and Greenhouses began doing business in 1949 and the business quickly grew because of their healthy, quality plants and knowledge. The founder and his team studied different designers and created a unique style for the business. The Morrison conservatory has become one of the city’s most popular locations for intimate weddings and gatherings.

At Morrison they believe that you deserve the beauty and majesty of elegant floral design on your special day. Their wedding specialists can help you select just the right look for your big day. At Morrison, you’ll not only get quality flowers, but an affordable price. They’ll work with any budget to get you the most bloom for your buck. With award winning designers your wedding is guaranteed to be everything you dreamed of.

Take a look at their online galleries of beautiful wedding arrangements, then send them an email to set up your free consultation.

The floral arrangements and bouquets at your wedding can really set the tone for your ceremony and reception. From simple and sweet to ornate and extravagant, you want the flowers to fit your style. You can ensure that you get just the right design by choosing a florist that has experience, creativity, and a desire to make your vision become a reality. In the next few weeks we will feature a few of our favorite florists in the Oklahoma City area. Up first, Kelly Veal Long and her team at Poppy Lane:

Poppy Lane Design specializes in unique arrangements and bouquets that use only the highest quality blooms. Each event is carefully designed with precise attention to detail and unique flare. The talented floral designers at Poppy Lane strive to give you whatever your heart desires in the most beautiful way possible.

The owner of Poppy Lane and expert designer, Kelly Veal Long, was born and raised in Norman, OK. Kelly always has had a love for design in all aspects, from interior design to event and floral design. Kelly noticed there was a need for personalized, beautiful flowers for weddings in Oklahoma, and so in 2004 she started Poppy Lane design.

Poppy Lane Design has brought beautiful floral arrangements not only to the metro area of Oklahoma, but has made their way to the farthest points of the state as well as into Texas. Their creations have been featured in Brides of Oklahoma, Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings, Ruffled, and Mollie Makes.

Check out Poppy Lane’s entire gallery of gorgeous wedding flowers, then contact Kelly to schedule your event.

Tim Lewis of Lewis Jewelers meets engaged couples every day at his store, but last Saturday he had the joy of sharing the Big Day with an extra-special bride — his daughter, Megan.

Shirley Kay Photography

Megan and Stephen’s wedding (designed by Embellished Weddings, of course) was a sacred, sweet, and festive celebration that suited their beautiful relationship. And it all started with a gorgeous ring from Lewis Jewelers in Moore, Oklahoma.

For more than thirty-five years, Lewis Jewelers has been one of the most trusted names in jewelry in the southwest. What started as a means to pay the way through college for the Lewis brothers has grown into the largest single selection of bridal jewelry in Oklahoma. Their outstanding reputation has been built upon one customer at a time.

My own wedding ring was purchased at Lewis Jewelers, and my husband and I were so impressed with the quality, value, experience, and customer service, that we have returned several times for other gifts and would never consider going elsewhere. Nobody will work harder to help you find the perfect engagement ring (and more!).

Take a peek at a sample of their vast bridal collection, then contact the Lewis brothers or stop by their magnificent store and to see all they have to offer.

The wedding cake is the centerpiece of the reception. You want your cake to not only look gorgeous, but taste fantastic. If you are looking for a cake designer that consistently delivers these things to many happy customers, then take a look at Madison’s on Main.

Donna has been a successful cake designer since she decided to take her passion for baking and learn the creative aspect of cake artistry. After teaching cake decorating for a year in Phoenix, AZ, she decided to open McNeill Manor Cakes. Her business grew and she eventually relocated to Tulsa, where she spent  5 years servicing the Tulsa, OK metro area. Donna recently relocated to Norman, OK after marrying the amazing photographer Kevin Paul, and decided to open Madison’s on Main!  Donna is excited to now be servicing the OKC metro area.

What sets Donna’s cakes apart from others? Each cake is custom created for the client. She starts with the freshest ingredients, then makes all of the icings and fillings from scratch. Donna has one of the most extensive menus in the area, and regularly adds new items. Just as important as the cake flavor, filling, and presentation, is the one on one customer service that she provides for each client. Donna is continually praised for her attention to detail and personal touch with each client.

Madison’s on Main offers fabulous wedding cakes, creative groom’s cakes, scrumptious cupcakes, and phenomenal service for your wedding day. Wedding Consultations are by appointment only. Contact Donna to schedule your consultation.

Jennifer McLaughlin is a trained, highly skilled makeup artist based in Oklahoma. Originally from Boston, Jennifer has been a resident of Oklahoma for 4 years, and has successfully established herself as the most sought after makeup artist in the region.

(photo provided by Holli B. Photography)

Jennifer has ten years of experience in the makeup and beauty industry, and is regarded as one of the most skilled wedding professionals in the state. She has has worked with many of Oklahoma’s most recognizable faces, including Lauren Richardson-Brooks, formerly of Oklahoma’s Fox 25 Morning News, and the women crowned Miss Oklahoma USA in 2010 & 2011.

Jennifer specializes in Bridal Beauty, and will come to your wedding location to give you an amazing and flawless look that you will love. She can also apply makeup to mothers, the entire bridal party including flower girls, and any special guests upon request. You can see examples of her work online at her website and also at The Brides of Oklahoma vendor gallery.

To reserve Jennifer for your engagement photos, bridal portraits, or wedding day, contact her today to talk about her pricing and packages.

While planning a wedding, many detailed brides overlook an optional element that can be a treasured part of wedding memories for decades to come: a videographer. We all know that choosing the right photographer is a very important decision, and a videographer will capture those same moments…but in motion. My husband and I watch our wedding video every year on our anniversary, and re-living all the sweet and funny moments it is one of our favorite traditions.

For the past several weeks we’ve been highlighting some of our favorite Oklahoma wedding photographers, and so now we’d like to introduce you to some talented wedding videographers.

Jody Wickersham is an award-winning professional videographer based out of Oklahoma City. He started Glorious Day Films in 2008, and demand from discerning brides quickly grew for his high-end artistic approach to wedding films.

Jody absolutely loves shooting film and video, and considers it an art-form. H expertly fuses visual and audio elements, which take on a life of their own and seem to transcend reality, connecting with the viewer on an emotional and spiritual level.

Jody feels it is an honor to be a part of such a special and intimate moment in your life, and help tell your story. His presence at your wedding is discreet, capturing intimate moments without drawing attention.

If you think you’d like to hire a videographer for you wedding. contact Jody to talk about the Wedding Packages offered by glorious Day Films.

Each week we’ve been featuring one of our favorite wedding photographers, because we know that choosing the right photographer for your style and personality is important for capturing your wedding just how you want to remember it. Today we want to shine a spotlight on another of the best wedding photographers in Oklahoma.

Aaron Snow is a wedding and lifestyle photographer with a style that is fun, artistic, and real. He has a talent for capturing people in their best moments through his hands-off approach. He is known for his ability to see and use natural light to create his distinct images. Aaron has photographed weddings and events in 17 different states and even has international shooting experience. Aaron is a proud member of Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book as well as a distinguished advertiser with the Brides of Oklahoma.

image courtesy of Aaron Snow Photography

If you’re looking for a photographer who will give you a relaxed, individual experience and artistic photos of your wedding day, you can contact Aaron and rest easy knowing that your wedding day images are in the hands of an experienced photographer.

Recently we’ve been sharing some of our favorite photographers, because we know that one of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding is who will capture every moment of your special day into something you can keep forever. This week we’ll continue taking a look at some of the best wedding photographers in Oklahoma.

Amanda Watson’s interest in photography began in high school when she took a class with friends. The experiences in that class sparked a passion for photography which has followed her for over eight years.

Amanda’s philosophy is that photography is so much more than a medium – it is an experience, an expression, a glance, an emotion, a story. Her vision is to capture more than just a pretty picture, but also to let your personality and style shine through each frame.

If you’re looking for a photographer who will give you a comfortable, natural experience and cherished photos of your wedding day, contact Amanda to book your wedding date.