Mountain & Lake Weddings - Spring 2024 - 3.2

to the happy couple and welcome to the Spring Edition of Mountain & Lake Weddings. This special magazine invites you to plan your special day in the beautiful communities of North Georgia, Western North Carolina, and surrounding areas. We will feature many articles to

We invite you to explore our community of professionals in the pages of Mountain & Lake Weddings of planners, venues, photographers, florists, jewelers, and accessories in helping you plan your special day. Be sure to look throughout the magazine for articles and in the back of the book for or follow us on

Mountain & Lake Weddings is published by Mountain Lake Publishing, Inc. © 2021. Reproduction of any photographs artwork or copy prepared by MLP, Inc. is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. All Vendors advertised are independent businesses and are not affiliated nor owned

SPRING INTO YOUR DESTINATION MOUNTAIN & LAKE WEDDING

There is no better place to celebrate a love that will last a lifetime than amidst the timeless mountains and lakes of Appalachia.

Nestled within expansive views and pastoral landscapes are rustic farms, intimate chapels, lodges, and resorts ideal for any gathering. No matter your taste or style, many of our destination venues offer all the conveniences of an indoor or outdoor affair with settings that promise an endless stream of filter-free photos to be shared and cherished for years to come.

Our community of warm and welcoming wedding planners works to ensure no detail, big or small, goes unnoticed. In their hands, you and your loved ones are free to enjoy the mountains’ magic as you make unforgettable memories.

We at Mountain and Lake Weddings share your excitement for all that lies ahead and are proud you have chosen our community to be a part of your planning process. n

When it comes to Tuxedos and weddings, you may think, “What is there to know?” Black pants, a jacket, and a white buttondown, right? The truth is, there are as many variations on this classic ensemble as there are men who wear them. Here are some standout tuxedo considerations so your look takes the cake instead of looking like it belongs on top of one.

CONSIDER COLOR

Consider a tux in a color other than grey, blue, or black. Use the bridal bouquet as inspiration and choose a tux as bold in color as one of the blooms or opt for unexpected but refreshing natural tones like sandy tan, chocolate brown, or even green. Not ready to embrace color from head to toe? Then incorporate that pop of color into your shirt by choosing a bold solid or a patterned print.

DITCH THE SET

It’s your special day, who said you have to match? Literally mix things up by opting for a bold color pant with a neutral jacket,

Tuexdo TRENDS

or vice versa. Other ways to surprise your guest would be to do as the bride does and not match your groomsmen. Choose a suit that truly sets you apart.

PATTERNS ARE A PLUS

Whether it’s a sweeping floral or something more subtle like a window pane, wearing a patterned tuxedo on your special day is sure to make you stand out and add a nice contrast to your photographs.

EMBELLISHMENTS

Appliques and beading are no longer just for the wedding gown. Consider tuxedo jackets that accent the lapels, shoulders, or waist with embroidery, beading, or appliques in the same color as the jacket to offer an interesting detail.

The choices are limitless when it comes to the groom looking good on his wedding day, and while looking your best is certainly the goal, you’ll ultimately look best in whatever look gives you the most confidence and comfort. n

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BOLD

Boutonnieres

Who said the groomsmen had to wear flowers? Stand out by donning lapels with vintage brooches or pins, or make the accessory permanent with custom embroidery. Still attached to the idea or florals? Instead of wrestling with pins, opt for sticking flowers right in the breast pocket; secure them to a piece of cardstock and they’ll slide right in like a pocket square. n

For Spring

DAFFODIL The quintessential spring flower; perfect for outdoor weddings and simple, natural floral arrangements. February-May.

HYDRANGEA Add volume to any wedding arrangement with hydrangea. They come in a full range of colors and bloom from spring to fall!

PEONY Available in a variety of colors, peonies offer a romantic and charming touch to your wedding florals. April-June.

TULIP Another iconic spring flower. Not only do they come in a range of colors, but fringe tulips are on trend right now adding flair to the flower.

WISTERIA Cascading flowers everywhere! Use wisteria to brighten a table edge, wedding arch, or flowing bouquet. May.

POPPY Stunning, fragile blooms that are best alongside hardy flowers like ranunculus. SpringSummer.

SNAPDRAGON Looking for long stems without the thorns? Snapdragons are dramatic and colorful ranging from red to orange and white to pink. Early spring.

FlowerSEASONAL OPTIONS

For Summer

GARDENIAS Big in size and in scent. These flowers are perfect for boutonnières and stunning bouquets.

ORCHIDS Available in a huge range of colors and varieties. Orchids are an elegant flower for the modern bride.

DAHLIAS Gorgeous blooms with intricate textures and multiple sizes. Available in a range of colors. July-August.

ROSES The classic wedding flower. Dressed up or down for your unique wedding theme. There’s no shortage of color options, either.

CARNATIONS More than just a filler flower! Carnations are simple and perfect for any sophisticated wedding arrangement.

SUNFLOWERS What flower screams summer more than a sunflower? Bright and happy, the perfect bloom for an outdoor, rustic wedding.

GERBERA DAISIES Bright, bold colors and sturdy stalks make daisies perfect for a summer wedding. Classic and charming, full of summer vibes. n

Tiaras ARE TOP-NOTCH

Tiaras and crowns don’t have to be the “stuff of fairytales;” incorporate these well-adorned accessories into your overall look by choosing a style that highlights the details of your gown. If you’ve always wanted to feel like a princess, but don’t want the look to feel cliche, just remember that a little sparkle goes a long way, and even a delicate tiara will look stunning holding a veil in place. n

Add an element of play and surprise to your wedding day with fashion socks. Groomsmen have been using this fun splash of color at the heels for years, but what about the bridesmaids? Sheer socks with floral embellishments, touches of sparkle, or soft patterns are surprisingly elegant in a strappy heel and make for an easy wedding day gift to your party that they can enjoy for years. n

Bridal Showers FOR EVERY BUDGET

The best bridal showers are those that center the bride and celebrate who she is while making lasting memories. Luckily, regardless of your budget, there are plenty of ways to make your bride-to-be feel special before the big day.

SPENDY SPECIALS

• Host a wine tasting with a professional sommelier and theme the wines around the location of the bride and groom’s future honeymoon. The experience will be a delight for the bridal party and useful information to make the couple’s first trip even more special.

• Hire a dance instructor to teach the bride and her guests the moves to their favorite songs and shock the socks off the groomsmen and other guests when you all take the floor at the reception!

• Take a make-up class at a local boutique or hire a private make-up artist to guide the bride and her best girls through the steps necessary to look their absolute best on the big day and every day after.

THRIFTY THRILLS

• Host a craft night at someone’s home with some of the bride’s favorite snacks and drinks. Work together to complete the bride’s DIY wedding projects before the

celebration or creat something the bride will be able to use in her future home.

• Have a bride that likes to game? Set up a night of cozy gaming or an evening of board games. Even better, have each guest buy a game the bride can add to her and her partner’s collection, and test play them together for a fun filled evening.

Hosting a bridal shower can be intimidating at first, but you truly can’t go wrong if you focus on what activities and people will bring the bride the most joy and the least stress. And while big affairs can be fun, sometimes less is truly best. n

- 2,200 sq. ft. pavilion perched above the grapevines

- Luxurious dressing suite and wine bar

- Stone fireplace and outdoor fire ring on the lawn

- Family owned and operated 124 acre property nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest

- Excellent views of Rabun Bald, Blood Mountain, & Standing Indian Mountain

- Conveniently located above Lake Rabun equidistant from Atlanta, Asheville, & Greenville

Party Quizzes

FOR THE GUESTS

When is the guest-of-honor’s birthday?

Who was their first kiss?

Where did they meet their partner?

What’s the their drink of choice?

What’s their middle name?

How many siblings do they have?

Where is the honeymoon?

Who is the partner’s celebrity crush?

What’s the last TV show they binge watched?

What was their first concert?

What’s their biggest pet peeve?

What’s their shoe size?

What was their high school mascot?

What’s the their dream job?

How did their fiancé propose?

FOR THE BETROTHED

What would your fiancé say is his most embarrassing moment?

Where was your favorite date?

When was the first time you said “I love you?”

What nicknames do you have for each other?

What is your fiancé’s worst habit?

What would they say is yours?

How many kids do you want?

Where was your first kiss with your partner?

Who hogs the bed covers?

What is the most memorable present your partner has given you?

What was your first impression of your partner?

When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?

Bachelor Parties FOR EVERY BUDGET

Grooms want to feel seen and celebrated before their big day, and a wild night of drinking may be the long-standing tradition, more and more grooms (and their groomsmen) want to break the mold. Remember, the ultimate goal is to make lasting memories, so here are some great ideas to make your main man feel special before his big day, no matter your budget:

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!

• Have an outdoorsy groom? Send him packing with an overnight trip in the woods. Before you set out, have the guys gather for a class on survival skills with a trained expert. Nothing will bring you together

and stay with you longer than mixing practical skills with a party.

Need an evening of adventure without the outdoors? Consider a night of axe throwing or a fly-tying class.

GAME ON

• Is friendly competition something your groom enjoys? Take the gang out for a night of paintball, laser tag, or go-kart racing to make everyone feel like a kid again. Find a course with food and drink, and you’ll have a full party package. Want to keep things closer to home? Opt for an afternoon of disc golf with a mobile bar or take the competition to the screens with a video game tournament set up in someone’s home.

A QUIET NIGHT IN

• Not everyone is up for a loud and late night, and that’s alright! For the groom who enjoys being mellow, consider hosting a cookout or catered dinner at a friend’s. Theme the meal around the groom’s favorite dishes or choose meals connected to shared memories and enjoy retelling how everyone met.

No matter what creative idea you come up with to celebrate your groom, the most important ingredients to craft the perfect night are fun, fellowship, and food. As long as you have those, your groom will feel all the love and support he needs before his big day. n

Specializing

98 A Cleveland Street Call (706) 745-0754

to schedule a wedding consult or to order a bouquet www.blairsvilleflowergarden.com

Rings Styles (HIS & HERS)

When it comes to wedding rings, things don’t have to be “matchymatchy” to let others know you’re a set. Since the purpose of the ring is to show your connection, consider rings that share a matching pattern in the band, or incorporate the same inlaid stone. Unlike your dress or tux, the wedding ring is something you’ll be wearing for years to come, so it’s crucial you find a style you’ll both love. n

Premier Floral Designs for ALL

They said yes...

LET THE PLANNING BEGIN

Timeline Checklist

3+ MONTHS OUT

o Choose party dates

o Finalize party location

o Invite all party guests

o Decide travel logistics

o Book your flight

o Remind your guests to book travel

3 MONTHS OUT

o Finalize your guest list

o Start your group chat

o Agree on a budget

o Customize your itinerary

o Vote on the party hashtag

o Reserve & share accommodations

o Create expenses plan

2 MONTHS OUT

o Book your group activity

o Order your custom swag

o Choose party games

o Create a packing list including any gifts or party needs

1 MONTH OUT

o Finalize your itinerary

o Book all dinner reservations

o Finalize party games

o Remind guests of the packing list

o Don’t forget any COVID related item(s)

You don’t have to be Italian to understand the world’s love affair with pasta. No matter how it is served, pasta is a dish that holds all the qualities we look for in love: it’s reliable and easygoing with a classic charm that’s always satisfying. If you want your wedding reception to put a smile on everyone’s face (and leave your pocketbook smiling, too), here are some great ways to serve up pasta with class and pizazz:

PASTA AS HORS’D’OEUVRES

Having tiny cups filled with delicate, short pasta like gnocchi, ditalini, or confetti-like croxetti will be a welcome surprise to guests once their stomachs begin to rumble after the service and continue the festive mood. Serving a single, garnished ravioli, reminiscent of the ring bearer’s pillow, is another way to serve up some whimsy.

PASTA AS THE MAIN COURSE

There are too many great ways to eat pasta, so a buffet is the way! Provide your guests with various options, from different types of noodles with their choice of sauce and protein to baked pasta dishes like lasagna. Everyone from your eldest guests to the youngest will be continent as guests are guaranteed to get what they want and have the freedom to manage dietary needs without worry.

PASTA AS LATE NIGHT SNACK

If you plan to keep guests dancing long after you’re gone, they will need food that gives them energy, and nothing says energy like carbs! Since the formal meal will have ended, treat guests to some naughty late-night nibbles they can grab and go, like fried macaroni balls, skewers of Italian meatballs, or little spaghetti nests.

No matter how or when in your reception you choose to serve it, pasta is guaranteed to be a choice you won’t regret. n

ROMANTIC EXTRAS

o Tealight candles (if the hotel/resort permits them)

o Massage oils/essential oils

o Lingerie

o A honeymoon playlist with special songs

o Small gifts for each other

o A journal to write down your memories

CARRY-ON

o Passport/driver’s license

o Credit cards: Did you call your bank to say you’ll be traveling overseas?

o Cash

o Copies of all crucial travel documents

o Travel insurance documents

o Emergency contact information

o Prescription medications and a copy of the prescription

o At least one change of clothes

o Basic toiletries (face wash, toothbrush/ toothpaste, deodorant)

o Cell phone and charger

o E-reader and charger, or books and magazines

o A quality camera

o Wedding thank-you notes

CLOTHING

For him:

o Button-down shirts

o Tie

o Blazer or sport coat

o One pair of dressy pants

o Dressy (but still comfortable) shoes

For her:

o At least one dressy outfit for dining with matching sweater/shawl

o At least one nice top

o Nice pants or capris

o One pair of heels or dressy flats

For you both:

o T-shirts

o Shorts

o 1-2 bathing suits

o Pajamas/sleepwear

Honeymoon CHECKLIST

o Socks

o Underwear

o At least one sweatshirt or light jacket

o Rain jacket

o Cold-weather outerwear, if needed

o One pair flip-flops or sandals

o One pair walking shoes

o Sunglasses

o Prescription or reading glasses

o Hat

GEAR, SAFETY, TOILETRIES

o Backpack or beach bag for excursions

o Power outlet adapter, if you’re traveling abroad

o Sunblock and sunburn treatment

o SPF 15 lip balm

o Insect repellent

o Face and body lotion

o Deodorant

o Perfume

o Ear plugs

o Comb and brush

o Hair products

o Shower cap

o Toothbrush & toothpaste

o Mouthwash

o Contact lenses & solution

o Makeup

o Sanitary pads or tampons

o Floss

o Razor

o Nail file and clippers

o Tweezers

o Small first aid kit with Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment

o Baby wipes for quick cleanup

o Travel packs of tissues

o Pain reliever

o Cold medication

o Anti-diarrhea/nausea medication

o Sleep aid

o Hand sanitizer

o Travel clothesline

o Small flashlight

o Pocketknife or multi-tool (stash this in your checked luggage)

Registry BRIDAL

DINNERWARE:

o Butter Dish

o Cake Plate

o Dinner Plates

o Salad Plates

o Bread Plates

o Soup Bowls

o Cereal Bowls

o Cup & Saucers

o Coffee Mugs

o Platters

o Serving Bowls

o Salt & Pepper

o Cream & Sugar

o Teapot

GLASSWARE:

o Water Goblets

o Red Wine Goblets

o White Wine Goblets

o Champagne Flutes

o HighBalls

o Cordials

o Ice Bucket/ Tongs

o Punch Bowl

FLATWARE:

o Knives

o Dinner Forks

o Salad Forks

o Soup Spoons

o Spoons

o Tea Spoons

CRYSTAL:

o Pitcher

o Bowl

o Candlesticks

o Vase

COOKWARE:

o Cookware Set

o Casserole

o Double Boiler

o Dutch Oven

o Fry/Omelet Pan

o 10” Skillet

o 12” Skillet

o Roasting Pan

o Saute Pan

o Stock Pot

o Tea Kettle

BAKEWARE:

o Angel Food Cake Pan

o Bowl Set

o Bundt Pan

o Casserole Dish

o Cookie Sheet

o Loaf Pans

o Open Roaster

o Measuring Cups

o Measuring Spoons

o Muffin Pan

o Pie Plate

o Pizza Pan

o Quiche Dish

o Spring Form Pan

o Tart Pan

CUTLERY:

o Boning Knife

o Bread Knife

o Butcher Knife

o Cleaver Knife

o Kitchen Shears

o Paring Knife

o Potato Peeler

o Steak Knife Set

KITCHEN APPLIANCES:

o Blender

o Bread Machine

o Can Opener

o Coffee Maker

o Coffee Mill

o Deep Fryer

o Food Processor

o Fondue

o Hand Mixer

o Iced Tea

o Microwave

o Popcorn Popper

o Rice Cooker

o Stand Mixer

o Toaster

o Toaster Oven

o Waffle Iron

KITCHEN EXTRAS:

o Bottle Opener

o Canister Set

o Can Opener

o Coasters

o Collander

o Cutting Board

o Flour Sifter

o Grater

o Meat Thermometer

o Pastry Brush

o Pizza Cutter

o Rolling Pin

o Spatulas

o Tongs

o Trivets

o Whisks

LAUNDRY:

o Iron & roning Board

o Laundry Basket

o Steamer

Bride’s Checklist

6-12 MONTHS AHEAD

o Announce your engagement

o Set the wedding date and send “Save the Date” cards

o Create a wedding budget

o Determine your wedding style - formal or informal, big or small

o Decide on the number of guests you will invite

o Have your family and the groom’s family prepare their invitation lists

o Hire a wedding consultant, if desired

o Decide who will perform the ceremony

o Choose a location for the ceremony and reception

o Choose your attendants

o Start shopping for your dress and accessories

o Start looking for a caterer, florist, DJ or band, photographer and videographer

o If you are getting married in a church or synagogue, meet with the officiant to discuss the ceremony and to arrange pre-marital counseling, if required.

4-6 MONTHS AHEAD

o Order the invitations, announcements, programs, and thank-you cards

o Book calligrapher for the invitations, if using one

o Select and order Bridesmaids’ dresses and shoes

o Urge your mother and future mother-in-law to shop for their dresses

o Decide what the groom and his attendants will wear

o Register for gifts

o Plan your honeymoon and make reservations

o Purchase wedding rings

o Buy stockings and special lingerie that your dress requires

o Choose reception favors

o Choose gifts for attendants and your groom

o Make a hotel reservation for your wedding night

o Make hotel reservations for your out of town guests

o Book hairstylist and makeup artist for your wedding

o Take dance lessons

2-4 MONTHS AHEAD

o Meet with caterer and decide menu

o Attend cake tasting and decide on wedding cake and groom’s cake

o Discuss service with the officiant

o Choose readings and music for ceremony

o Write your wedding vows, if you choose

o Schedule your rehearsal time and dinner

o Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner

o Have your first dress fitting

o Mail invitations

1-2 MONTHS AHEAD

o Write thank you notes as gifts arrive

o Make arrangements for transportation for the two of you from the wedding site to the reception

o Buy a guest book and select someone to preside over it at the reception

o Have programs printed

o Obtain marriage license and request certified copies

o If you intend to change your name, prepare the necessary documents

o Have trial run with hairstylist and makeup artist, with veil and accessories

o Set wedding day appointments with your stylist and manicurist

o Send change of address information to the post office, if necessary

o Have your final dress fitting with your alterations

o Send wedding announcement to the local newspaper

2-3 WEEKS AHEAD

o Have final dress fitting with accessories and lingerie

o Draw up seating plan for the reception and make card for the head table if necessary

o Notify caterer of guest count

o Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception

o Address announcements

o Break in wedding shoes at home

o Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements

o Designate someone to look after your home and pets while on your honeymoon

o Confirm accommodations for out of town guests.

1 WEEK AHEAD

o Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception

o Go over final details with the reception site coordinator, florist, cake baker, DJ or band, photographer and videographer

o Be sure that the attendants have everything they need for the wedding such as jewelry, shoes, and stockings

o Finalize reception seating plan, if necessary

o Pick up wedding dress

o Confirm details with caterer

o Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages and boutonnieres, to members of your wedding party

o Pack for honeymoon

o Make sure that attendants know what time to be at the rehearsal and ceremony

1 DAY AHEAD

o Write checks to all vendors, put in envelope, and give to your Maid of Honor or Best Man to pass out

o Pack everything that you will need for the ceremony

o Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding

o Make arrangements with the Best Man to return all tuxedo rentals

o Have manicure and pedicure

o Rehearse ceremony

o Hold rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants and parents to show your appreciation for their support, if you desire

THE WEDDING DAY

o Eat something for breakfast - this will be a long day ahead

o Give your Maid of Honor and Best Man the wedding bands

o See your hair stylist and makeup artist for final preparations

o Gather your dress and accessories and head to the ceremony

o GET MARRIED!

NOTES

Grooms Checklist

6 MONTHS

o Decide division of financial obligations

o Set budget

o Set appointment with clergyman

o Prepare your guest list

o Choose your Best Man and ushers (one per every 50 guests)

o Plan your honeymoon

o Check passports and visas, if necessary

o Make reservations for rehearsal dinner

o Take dance lessons

4 MONTHS

o Select formal wear

o Find a new place to live, if necessary

o Make reservations for honeymoon

o Shop for honeymoon clothing

2 MONTHS

o Buy wedding bands and order engraving

o Set date with your fiancé to obtain marriage license (state laws vary as to the length a license is valid)

1 MONTH

o Select your bride’s gift and gifts for your groomsmen

o Review legal, medical, and church or synagogue documents

o Reserve limousine and/or arrange special transportation for bridal couple and wedding party

o Confirm honeymoon details and reservations

2 WEEKS

o Arrange to move your belongings into your new home, if necessary

o Have bachelor party or dinner

o Schedule hair appointment

1 WEEK

o Confirm time and place of wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner with all attendants

o Provide final guest count for rehearsal dinner to caterer or restaurant

o Pick up wedding bands

o Pick up formal wear

o Give best man the clergyman’s fee in sealed envelope for delivery

o Pack for honeymoon

o Relax and get ready to enjoy the most amazing day of your life!

NOTES

These are simply estimations of the cost distribution of a wedding. Decide what elements of the wedding are most important to you and start planning, beginning with the biggest expense and what is of the most importance.

NOTES