Great Shots from 2007

WATERFRONT WEDDING

It was a lovely fall day for the wedding of Lauren and Baldwyn in Annapolis. The flowers by Sharon Gordon of Flora et Fauna were beautiful and the guests raved about the catering from Ken's Creative Kitchen. Our heros Loane Brothers provided the wonderful tent, dance floor, stage and many other essential details of the wedding venue set-up. They are truly the best in the biz and make all of us look good!

The fireworks at the end of the evening were a fun surprise for everyone including the bride and groom.

We enjoyed working with the bride and groom from Belgium to create a Maryland wedding that they will remember always.

What an Honor!

The Knot recently featured Elizabeth Bailey Weddings in their "Best of Weddings 2007" Magazine. It was voted on by actual brides which means so much to us. We love our brides and it's lovely to know they love us too!

Top Ten Reminders

Things tend to get a little bit hectic around your wedding day. Here is my Top Ten List of Reminders. Print them out or jot them down - you are going to need them.

1. Don't forget about the marriage license. You have to actually give it to your officiant. It doesn't count if you leave it at home.

2. Remember a hankie. It does not matter if you rarely cry. It is just like the umbrella theory - if you have a hankie you will not cry. And if you do, well, then you have a hankie.

3. Scuff your shoes, please. Do a shimmy in your front yard in your wedding shoes. Actually, wear them around the house for a few hours too. Break those puppies in.

4. Leave your cell phone at the hotel. You do not need your phone. You will not be taking calls. I am certain someone will have a phone if you need one.

5. Eat. Please. Before the ceremony AND during the reception. There is plenty of time to visit the tables.

6. Pre-pack. Start the packing process a few weeks ahead. Pack everything separately for different events, especially if you will be moving around. Pack for the honeymoon at least two weeks before the wedding. It will save you a trip to Rite-Aid on the way home from the Rehearsal Dinner for sunscreen.

7. Your camera. Remember to bring it or have someone else bring it for you.

8. Hold hands with your Groom. Look him in the eye when you say your vows. Try your very best to feel comfortable in front of all of your guests during the ceremony.

9. Take a minute if you need it. Have your wedding planner schedule in some time for you to be alone with your brand new husband after the ceremony. It will give you two a chance to chat and breathe.

10. Have fun. This is an amazing time. Enjoy yourself. Try not to let the little things annoy you. Remove yourself from people that are causing problems.

Wedding Day Eve

The night before the wedding you'll have your Ceremony Rehearsal and then a chance to celebrate with the people closest to you at the Rehearsal Dinner.

You may or may not have much "say" in the Rehearsal Dinner if it's being planning by your in-laws-to-be. But here are some tips if you will be taking the reins.

How can we make it fun?

1. Make a slideshow.
Slideshows are easier than ever with PowerPoint and other presentation software. The biggest hassle is scanning in the images, which you can do on your own scanner or with the help of a local photography shop. Put in some captions and set it to music!
Elizabeth Bailey Tip: Start this project months before the wedding. It may be frustrating at times and you'll want to be able to put it aside and work on it slowly. Better yet? Assign this take to someone else!

2. Get the best shots.
Ask your photographer about shooting the Rehearsal Dinner. You'll be celebrating with your closest friends and family and there are sure to be plenty of photo opportunities.

3. Keep it casual - if you can.
If your wedding reception is going to be a formal affair - keep the rehearsal dinner a bit more casual. It may help you stay more relaxed. And, come on, we're in Maryland - a crab feast just works.

4. Splurge.
Was there something you really wanted for the wedding reception, but couldn't work it into the budget? You will be entertaining fewer guests at the rehearsal dinner so you might be able to get those extra special treats after all.

5. Show your gratitude.
Take a few moments during the toasts at dinner to say thank you. This is a great opportunity to speak to the people to whom you are closest and tell them how much you appreciate their presence. You might get wrapped up in the day tomorrow, so take the moment the night before.

Finally, if you are letting your in-laws-to-be plan this party then let it go completely.

Want to offer help without actually doing any work? Send them to us!

The Team at Elizabeth Bailey Weddings are happy to help plan the Rehearsal Dinner. Email Christina for more information.

Candy Bar: Treat you guests to your favorite candies and add a colorful display to your reception!

Candy Bars have become very popular at weddings, birthdays, and celebrations of every kind. They make a huge impact and provide a shot of great color. The display becomes an activity at the reception - a place for guests to mingle and chat.

Theme your Candy
By color - all red, all white, all pink
By decade - favorites from your childhood
Family Favorites - each persons favorite candy. Label them Sally's Favorite, Jim's Favorite.

Wrapped or loose candy?
Either works well. The wrapped candy will stay fresh longer. Loose candy will require more to fill the jars and requires scoops.

Where do I get the candy?
There are a variety of online candy stores that sell in bulk or you can stop by your favorite warehouse store, grocery, or candy store.

What about candy bags and ribbon?
We can help you there too. We can custom imprint bags in low quantities and help you select a complimentary ribbon.

Is this just for kids?
Certainly not! Adults love candy and definitely enjoy the candy bar experience. Though occasionally they tell us they are "taking candy home for the kids" we know most of that candy will not make it inside the house.

ESB Weddings Tip: Pre-cut your ribbon into 1/2 yard lengths and decide how the bags and ribbon will be displayed. Order or pick-up your candy and pack it up along with your other reception items. If the candy needs special unpacking be sure to do that before wedding day. We like to add a sign to the display with a note or simply to wish Sweet Dreams to your guests.

Assign someone to unpack the jars, set them up, and load them up with the candy. Your guests will love filling up their bags with their favorite goodies!

Autumn at its Best

It was a gorgeous Autumn day on Saturday for Sally and Jeff's wedding. The Baltimore Country Club looked amazing with linen from Table Toppers, flowers by Simply Beautiful, and lighting by Accent on Events.

Onyx, our band for the evening, kept the crowd jumping and played all our favorites. I even heard "It's Hot in Herre" near the end.

Guests wrote notes to the Newlyweds in the Polaroid photo albums and were treated to custom mixed ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.

The evening ended with cake from Sugarbakers and a sparkler send off.