Planning a Destination Wedding

Photo by Corey Ann Photography

Whether you are having your wedding in New Orleans or Mexico, a destination wedding can be quite the experience (as with all wedding planning) however, the most important aspect in planning a destination wedding is research, research, research!!! After looking at many venues in New Orleans to have our wedding, I soon realized that almost every venue I liked had a minimum of 100-150 guest as well as a price minimum let's say $8,000 for the reception. I truly didn't mind paying the money but I have to tell you guys that I barely know 50 people to invite and that was pushing it. As my mom and I tried to come up with 100 people to invite, it just was not working so my dreams of a New Orleans wedding came to an end very fast. Since my mom and dad moved to West Palm Beach, FL after the storm, I then started to picture having a beach wedding in the sand with a nice reception to follow. If anyone knows south FL, the prices per person were almost triple the prices in New Orleans. I'm talking $120/pp :::blank stare::: After researching and more research I saw amazing pics from a wedding at a wonderful venue in Boynton Beach, FL. I took my mother along with me and it was very impressive. It was all-inclusive and the price was perfect. A couple of days go by and something just told me don't do it. I don't know if it was family drama or what but I said I am not doing it in Florida. I decided that I wanted to go to Jamaica so without any research, I booked a weddingmoon at Sandals Ocho Rios (BIG mistake) Thank God they give full refunds because after paying my deposit, I started seeing pics from weddings there and I was not happy. You also could not bring your own photographer without sneaking them in and acting like they are a guest. If anyone who knows me, photography is the most important vendor and you will see why in a few. So after realizing this I cancelled our trip waited on my refund and started over. While researching, I came across a gorgeous boutique hotel located on the cliffs in Negril, Jamaica called Tensing Pen. It took just one look at their website to know that this was the place!!! I called them to get wedding info and all they said was to book your rooms. I was a little hesitant because I was like"what if someone else books rooms the same time as me and want a ceremony the same day?" So I book the rooms and that was it. Now on to the search for an amazing photographer. Did I tell you I had a wedding planner while doing all of this myself and fired her once I realized she was not helping me at all and she lived in Jamaica. (Another story, another time) She also was my inspiration to becoming a wedding coordinator because I did so much work while I was paying her and she didn't do anything :::sigh::: So I find our photographer, pay deposit and we are ready to go. WRONG!!! After a few months I continue to have this anxiety about our photog after reading their blog and website and seeing some not so impressive pics from recent weddings. I just wasn't seeing the photojournalism that I had seen before. Maybe it was an obsessive compulsive mental issue I have with amazing photography but to make a long story short, I fired them at the last minute and hired a new photographer I flew in from the states. I am so happy I did. Our pictures are so amazing and with the beautiful location you really couldn't have gone wrong with photography but I didn't want to take that chance. If you have any doubts, nightmares or concerns about any vendor for your wedding, please take care of it before it is too late. Photography, in my opinion is the most important vendor you will hire for your wedding. Many brides (like myself) are so excited in the beginning and book a photographer too soon without doing much research and after the contract is signed or they see pics from another photographer, they change their mind. That also happens with dresses which is why there are so many 2 dress brides. There is nothing wrong with changing your mind. I did it but sometimes you can't afford to change your mind too many times because most deposits are non-refundable ;( I just wanted to share my destination wedding story with you and hopefully you can learn from my mistakes. Lastly, if you are planning a destination wedding to Jamaica, Bahamas, Mexico or almost anywhere not in the U.S., please be aware of what is called "Island Time!!!" This is when you call and nobody answers the phone or you send email after email and get no response. Don't worry. This is just how they do business I guess. Once you get to your destination is mostly when you will choose your flowers, decor, cake, etc. Sometimes the day before so just continue to plan as usual from home and bring everything you have with to show them the either the day you arrive or the next day. 

Couture Bridal Gown of the Week

I have never been a fan of the big, Cinderella poofy dress. I always wanted a sexy dress that would show off my figure. I also thought that a big dress would swallow me and I would disappear however, when I saw this gown I fell in love. Of course I am nowhere near traditional. I have to be different and unique with everything that I do so if I could buy a dress all over again, it would be this spring 2010 collection "Dorothy" Vera Wang. This is a gown that will make your guest gasp for air when they see you walk down the aisle ;)

We are featured on Alltop

I am so excited to announce that our blog, Couture Engagements is now featured on Alltop with all the top wedding news!!! I want to thank everyone who reads our blog. Without you there definitely is no blog ;)

Watch in AWE: Amazing New Orleans Wedding Video

Somesha and Olivier, Intro from Chris P. Jones on Vimeo.

While reading one of my fave blogs Style Me Pretty, I came across the amazing wedding of Somesha and Olivier. There wedding was a wedding that one could dream of. Above is the documentary style cinematography done by the amazing Chris Jones of Mason Jar Films. I am not a huge fan of videography just because I never found a style that I really love but I love Super 8 and maybe some video mixed together. I just love the vintage, old Hollywood feel of Super 8 film. Please view amazing their photography by the fabulous Chris Williams of Zoeica Images who also did my engagement pics. He is amazing!!! To view images from their wedding and to read their story, click here. The wedding was held at St. Louis Cathedral. The bride wore a stunning Monique Lhuillier which everyone knows how much I love. This couple had an all-star lineup of entertainment. If anyone knows who the wedding planner was please email me because the person who planned this wedding deserves their credit ;)

Couture Giveaway

While in Sephora I saw this bridal party gift set which includes a cute collection of 6 oz. bottles of shower gels for the bride-to-be. Each of the bottles comes with history behind each tradition right on the bottle which includes; wedding cake, bubbly and bridal bouquet. With each booked Couture planning package, each Couture couple will receive one of these bridal party gift sets. I want all of my brides to relax and enjoy this special and exciting time in their lives. Enjoy ;) 

*Offer excludes Tech Couture Package.

**Will receive after contract is signed and retainer is received.

Couture Beauty Review: Dylan's Candy Bar

So I went to Sephora and spent way more money than I wanted to but I had been looking for a shower gel that smelled like cupcakes ever since Caress discontinued the one they had not too long ago. While in Sephora looking at Philosophy's line with their yummy milk chocolate and wedding cake smelling shower gels, I walk a little and find Dylan's Candy Bar. Founder Dylan Lauren is the daughter of fame clothing designer Ralph Lauren. I promise you it took me almost 30 minutes deciding between the Chocolate Cupcake and Birthday Cake Batter Soda Pop shower gels. They both smell so good but I eventually decided on Chocolate Cupcake since I am a cupcake junkie. I was a little skeptical at first but once I saw all the great ingredients which includes; aloe vera, Vitamin E, jojoba seed oil and more, I was good to go. Once on my loofah, it lathered so well that I did not have to apply more like I sometimes have to with other body shower gels and it smells AMAZING!!! After my relaxing bath I applied the the Chocolate Cupcake Body Smoothie lotion which is very lightweight and not sticky like some lotions which I thought it would be. It's ingredients include; shea butter, Vitamin A & E, Chamomile Extract and Jojoba Seed Oil. It is also free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and synthetic preservatives. These 2 products get an A+ from me and I will be back soon to get the birthday cake batter. I think I'm about to go and bake some cupcakes ;)

Hurricane Katrina 4 years ago today

I hate to be Ms. Debbie Downer today but I had to blog about the 4 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It really feels like it happened yesterday. I remember being in Baton Rouge and I started crying when I saw on the news what happened to not just New Orleans but the entire Gulf Coast. I was actually put on active duty and had to respond the day after and start refueling all those helicopters that were rescuing people off of their homes. There was so much chaos because our unit was located on the Lakefront but it was completely gone. I was at the Laplace weigh station on I-10 refueling helicopters in jeans in a t-shirt because we had no uniforms. August 29, 2005 is a day that will be remembered forever. While there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, there has been a lot of progress. I'm also telling everyone that is not from here that they need to visit. There is no place like New Orleans. Please feel free to share your Katrina stories in the comments section ;)

What exactly does a "Day-of" Coordinator Do?

I couldn't have explained it better myself ;)
source: African American Brides

Great question! It’s the job of a day-of coordinator, to keep everything organized and running smoothly on the day of your wedding. Your coordinator is the point of contact for your vendors, hotel concierge and guests if questions/problems arrive on the day of the wedding. While your coordinator is responsible for the rehearsal and wedding day, he/she must do a lot of pre-work (prior to your big day) to be successful at her/his job.

I encourage couples considering a professional coordinator, to contact 2 or 3 as early as possible. The advantage - you can take advantage of all of services, knowledge and expertise early in the planning process. After all, the better the coordinator knows your wedding, the better they can advocate for you on your wedding day. Your coordinator will be your point of contact for logistical, procedural, and etiquette questions. Some might offer you vendor referrals within their “day of package”, allowing you access to the best vendors in the area. Your coordinator will keep you on target with what needs to be done as your big day approaches. They might give you customized timelines, or track your progress so that all tasks are being completed on time and in the correct order. Of course, if you hit any bumps along your journey, whether large or small, your coordinator can be your partner in helping you to smooth things out – making the process a lot less stressful for you.

About a month prior to your big day, your coordinator will begin working with you and your vendors to create a detailed and customized timeline. When done, this timeline will become the “bible” for your day – telling your vendors, your coordinator, and your wedding party “what happens when”. It’s very important to keep all of your vendors on the same page. Typically, this document is distributed 1-2 weeks prior to your wedding to wedding party members and vendors. The week prior to your wedding, your coordinator will complete all last minute confirmations with your vendors. It is his/her job not only to ensure that all of your vendors have maps, transportation itineraries, and directions; but also to make sure all details are attended to, and everyone knows what is to happen on your wedding day.

Most “day of “packages include rehearsal coordination – in which the coordinator will work with your officiant to make your rehearsal run smoothly and quickly – so that you can enjoy your guests/family members and rehearsal dinner with little stress worry. On your wedding day, he/she will be there to help set up and make sure everything is per your requests. Your coordinator is there to answer questions, field emergencies and make sure everything runs as you want it to run. Your coordinator will line-up your wedding party, cue musicians, make sure pictures run smoothly, manage the change-over (or cocktail hour) make sure your reception runs smoothly (and all vendors are present for the big moments), and will help clean up and make sure your important wedding materials and memories (gifts, guest book, pictures) get back to you safely.

Just like anything else, every coordinator is different. Some will not meet with you more than 6 months (or less) prior to your wedding day (all the time or during specific “peak” months) and some limit hours on the rehearsal/wedding day. Other coordinators will allow you to contact them anytime, and some will give you unlimited hours on your rehearsal and wedding day. Generally, coordinators range from $500.00-$2,500.00 – which is based on level of service, experience, training, and demographics. It’s important that you find someone who will fit your needs, personality, and budget.

Celebrity Couture: Danny Granger + Dionna Kann

New Orleans own Danny Granger recently wed his college sweetheart during NBA All-Star weekend at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona in surprise ceremony the day before Valentine's Day. For those that do not know, Danny plays for the Indiana Pacers and was a McDonald's All-American while playing for Grace King High School in Metairie, LA. We actually attended and played basketball at the same time when I attended Grace King my sophomore year. I'm sure he doesn't remember me though. Back to the wedding, the couple kept it casual with the gorgeous bride wearing a stunning short BCBG dress and the groom in khaki pants and a vest to beat the Arizona heat. I wish this couple the best and congrats!!!

photos courtesy of Angela Talley

Chic Couture

Look what I found while browsing Forever 21. These dresses are chic and yet oh so couture all for under $30. Like I said before, couture doesn't mean expensive. They can be worn for your bridal shower, rehearsal, bachelorette party or you can change and get sexy like Christina Aguilera did at your reception in one of these mini's. Not to mention you can where one of these dresses over and over again and even on a dinner date with hubby ;)

Couture Cake fit for a QUEEN!!!

I have been knowing this bride since she was very young and reconnected with her on Facebook so when she posted a picture of her cake from her wedding, I had to ask if I could blog about it. I have never been so excited to blog about anything in my life. When I saw pictures of this cake it took about a minute for me to close my mouth I was so in awe of how GORGEOUS it was. Everyone knows how much I love fleur de lis and seeing them around this cake seriously made my heart stop. This cake was designed by the bride, Katie who kept the design a secret the entire time. The cake was her favorite element throughout her entire planning experience. Her cake was so dramatic,  jaw-dropping and of course couture. Something straight out of a movie. This cake will be talked about for years. Of course this cake could not have happened without the amazing cake designer/baker Ms. Gwen Gilliand of New Iberia, Louisiana. I also heard it taste as amazing as it looked. Her wedding ceremony was held at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church on the campus of University of Louisiana Lafayette which is very special to them since they started dating while in college ;) The reception was held at City Club at River Ranch. Thank you Katie for allowing me to share your cake to the world and congrats again!!!

photos courtesy of Erin Falgout Photography

DIY Couture: Swarovski Monogram Cake Topper

Here is another fun DIY project for this weekend. I used a 4 in. letter "P" for my new last name and of course rose swarovski crystals. I used 12ss and 16ss crystals for the wider part of the letter. I first painted it white and then started placing the crystals on one by one until it was completely covered. Both pics were taken with my Nikon DSLR the first with flash the second without. If you do not have the time or patience to create your own cake topper and would like me to create one for you, email me at coutureengagement [at] gmail [dot] com.

Couture Shoe Candy

For the couture bride with an unlimited shoe budget check out these Christian Louboutin Bow T Dorcet, Stuart Weitzman, and throw in some color with these jeweled raspberry Manolo Blahnik d'orsay which I think I would sell my plasma to buy if I was doing it all over again. I love those Manolo's. I wish I could get a larger picture. FYI, Christian Louboutin's run much smaller than your regular size for anyone ordering online and not in the store.

DIY Couture: Cake/Sweetheart Table Letters

Here is a fun project I enjoyed doing. You can use these letters for your cake table or sweetheart table. Instead of rose petals, I decided to use acrylic clear gems I bought at Michael's. You can use different sayings like "love is sweet" and of course "I do" or even your new last name. You can paint your letters any color you choose. Of course my fave color is pink so almost every sample project will be pink ;) If you would like painted letters for your cake table but do not have the time or patience to DIY, feel free to email me at coutureengagement [at] gmail [dot] com.

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2010 Collection

Since I wore a beautiful Monique Luillier dress for my destination wedding, I wanted to share her spring '10 collection. To view more of her previous and current collections visit her website. 

Budget Couture: Ipod Reception

For the couture budget couple, having an Ipod reception can be a great idea. I receive many questions about the logistics of having an Ipod reception and it is quite simple. With the right speakers and sound system (which can be arranged with your venue) your guest will never even know you do not have a DJ. The biggest concern many couples have is who will operate the Ipod during the reception and who will be the MC? You can choose who you would like to man the Ipod or your "day-of" coordinator (ME!) I would be more than happy to make sure your first dance is perfect. I am also able to MC if you would like me to introduce the new Mr. & Mrs. and your wedding party. If having a DJ is not important to you then having an Ipod reception may be perfect for you and very cost effective.

Home Sweet Home

I had the amazing opportunity to spend time with my family in West Palm Beach, FL this summer. While I miss them very much, I am happy to be back in New Orleans. There's seriously no place like home ;)

Couture Scents

While I do not wear perfume often I do have my favorite wedding day scents. Every bride should smell extra great for her groom on her wedding day. Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue is probably my favorite scent on the list. I remember buying it for one of my sister's as a Christmas gift a few years back and I almost kept it for myself. It smells soooooo good and can also be used as your "something blue" even though it isn't really blue! If you have always wanted to wear Vera Wang but her dresses were a little out of your budget, her scent Princess smells amazing. And who doesn't want a little Romance on their wedding day. Please feel free to add you fave scents in the comments section for other brides ;)

Cash Bar Etiquette

I receive many questions about open bar vs. cash bar so I decided to post an article I read about cash bar etiquette. This is a debate that I believe will never end however I always leave it up to each couple. Here is an article about the cash bar issue from elegala.com. 

"Yes, weddings are expensive. Yes, couples should be on the lookout for budget saving tips. Yes, weddings are expensive - we know. But never - under any circumstances - should you ever consider hosting a cash bar at your reception. Think about it - you would never ask anyone to pay for a cocktail in your own home. People at your reception are still your guests, even if the event is not held in your house. That said, if a full bar is not within your budget, consider these alternatives:

Host a soft bar, in which guests can order champagne, beer and wine.

Find a reception site that allows you to bring in your own alcohol; you will save serious cash, and anything unopened can be returned for a full refund. 
Cut down the size of your guest list - the only significant way to reduce costs in the first place."

HTH!

Couture Cufflinks

These sterling silver fleur de lis cufflinks are the perfect gift for your groom, his best man and/or groomsmen. I found these at gurlygirl's etsy shop while researching more homemade couture wedding items. The fleur de lis symbol is a symbol that I wear loud and proud. I wore fleur de lis earrings and t-shirt for my engagement session last year. I just love to represent NOLA to the fullest. I also like to use local vendors as much as possible and definitely wanted to blog about gurlygirl when I read they are in New Orleans ;)

Celebrity Couture: Tia Mowry + Cory Hardrict

I have been a huge fan of the show Sister, Sister for years and I even watch it today in syndication so when I heard Tia Mowry was engaged I just knew she was going to be a classic beauty. Tia and Cory were married April 20, 2008 at the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California. When I saw her bouquet my heart skipped a beat. I love how she used different shades of pink instead of just one shade. It is breathtaking. She also wore a custom one-shoulder gown designed by Kevin Hall. Photos courtesy of Amy & Stuart.