Premier Weddings of Charlotte Summer 2018

Summer 2018

Exquisite

CHARLOTTE WEDDINGS! Grant + Melissa’s Cover Feature on Page 8

Contents

Grant & Melissa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sean & Alli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Jamyon & Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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Cakes & Sweets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Wedding Photo Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Thomas & Cynthia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Nathan & Ashley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Tips for Choosing the Best Caterer . . . . . . . 42 Sam & Dani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Nathanael & Becca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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Meredith & Brad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Charlotte’s Rehearsal Dinner Venues . . . 62 Thomas & Christa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Styled Shoot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Styled Shoot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Choosing a Venue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Charlotte’s Wedding Venues! . . . . . . . . . . 82

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Credits Page 38

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PUBLISHER Premier Weddings CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS OF REAL WEDDINGS Amanda McQuade Photography Critsey Rowe Photography E. Henigan Studios Hannah Hicks Photography Jessica Drew Photography Jessica Hunt Photography Katheryn Jeanne Photography Sarah Touchet Photography Tricia Coyne Photography A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alexander Cross Photography Ama Photography & Cinema C. Baron Photography CamillaRain Photography CHARD Photography Elly’s Photography Frances Photography Ivy Weddings Jonathan Ivy Photography Kaley Elaine Photography Krista Lee Photography Kristyn Hogan Photography Lacy Dagerath Photography Mark Thomas Photography Nyk+Cali Wedding Photographers SD Photography ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Email Nick Thiele at nick@premierweddings.com

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CREDITS Photo Credit: Ivy Weddings

Grant & Melissa

Grant & Melissa Photographer: Katheryn Jeanne Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / KATHERYN JEANNE PHOTOGRAPHY venue / THE ARBORS EVENTS florals / WILLOW BRANCH FLOWERS AND DESIGN hair / LINDSEY BURCHFIELD apparel / LADIES OF LINEAGE (BRIDAL WEAR & ACCESSORIES)

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Photo Credit: Ama Photography & Cinema

EXQUISITE SHOT

Sean & Alli

Sean & Alli

Photographer: Amanda McQuade Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / AMANDA MCQUADE PHOTOGRAPHY venue / BYRON’S SOUTH END hair / POPPY SOUTHEND SALON tuxedo and mens attire / JOSEPH A BANKS florals / CHARLOTTE WEDDING FLOWERS dress / J. MAJOR’S BRIDAL BOUTIQUE ceremony location / COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH dj / SPLIT SECOND SOUND

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Jamyon & Shannon

Jamyon & Shannon Photographer: Critsey Rowe Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / CRITSEY ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY venue / THE DUKE MANSION florals / THE BLOOM ROOM hair / CALI STOTT ARTISTRY cake / KATHY ALLEN CAKES invitations / MINTED event planner / SOMETHING PERFECT

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Cakes & Sweets

Photo Credit: CHARD Photography

CAKES & SWEETS

6 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Cake CHECK WITH THE VENUE

THE FROSTING

Some wedding venues don’t allow you to bring in an outside cake.

It’s important to check with your wedding venue first, and find out if there’s a fee for not getting your cake through them. You’d be surprised how much it can cost per slice to make arrangements to bring in your own cake.

Buttercream cakes typically taste a lot better than a fondant cake.

Fondant cakes are chosen by couples who want that perfect cake look that really adds to the overall look of your wedding. If you’re going for both amazing taste and beauty, then consider first frosting the cake with a buttercream frosting and then add a layer of fondant over the top.

SIZE IT CAREFULLY You should have a good idea of how many guests you expect at your reception. Let your cake decorator know that, as well as how confident you are in that number. You want to avoid getting more cake than you need, but you also don’t want to be short handed. Take the advice of your cake decorator on this topic. They do this for a living!

SHOP IT AROUND

Photo Credit: Jonathan Ivy Photography

Wedding cakes are an important part of your wedding, and like everything else, you should shop around for the best service. The best service isn’t always just who has the lowest price. You want to know how easy it is to communicate with the cake decorator. You’ll also want to read ample reviews to know how others feel about their experiences.

WEATHER & LOCATION Your options may be limited based on if you’re having an indoor or outdoor wedding.If you’re having your reception in July at a outdoor wedding venue, then you’ll need to avoid buttercream or whipped cream frosting. Nothing is worse than an icky mess that doesn’t hold up in warmer weather.

VENDOR COLLABORATION Many couples choose to put fresh flowers on their wedding cakes. If this is the case, you need to make sure your florist and cake decorator are able to communicate. Make sure you know whether it’s the florist or the cake decorator that’s going to add these final touches.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Ivy Photography

GET INSPIRED: Click Here to View Our Online Cake Gallery!

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Photo Credit: Lacy Dagerath Photography

Wedding Photo Checklist With the Bride q Bride alone – close up and full-length q Bride touching up makeup and hair q Bride with mother q Bride with father q Bride with both parents q Bride with grandparents q Bride with siblings q Bride with maid/matron of honor q Bride with groom’s sister(s) q Bride with all bridesmaids q Bride with flower girls q Bride with entire immediate family q Bride with father waiting to walk down the aisle

With the Groom q Groom alone – close up and full length q Groom with mother q Groom with father q Groom with both parents q Groom with Brothers q Groom with bride’s brothers q Groom with best man q Groom with all groomsman q Groom with ring bearer q Groom with entire immediate family

At the Ceremony Venue q Officiant q Groomsmen seating guests q Registry attendants & greeters

Photo Credit: Nyk+Cali Wedding Photographers

q Seating of grandmothers q Seating of mothers q Lighting of unity candle by parents q Groom waiting at alter with best man q Processional of wedding party q Maid/Matron of honor walking down the aisle q Ring bearer walking down aisle q Bride and father before walking down the aisle q Bride walking down aisle with father q Bride being given away q Entire ceremony scene once everyone is present q Bride and groom at the alter q Exchanging of rings q Exchanging of vows q Lighting of the unity candle q Exchanging of the kiss q Announcement of Mr. and Mrs. q Recessional

After the Ceremony q Bride with register attendants q Bride and groom with greeters q Bride and groom with readers q Bride and groom q Bride and groom with wedding party q Bride and groom with bride’s parents q Bride and groom with groom’s parents q Bride and groom with bride’s family q Bride and groom with groom’s family

PHOTOGRAPHY

During the Ceremony

Wedding Photo Checklist Reception Photos q Bride and Groom’s entrance to reception q Bride and groom’s first dance – full length q Bride and groom’s first dance – close up q Bride dancing with father q Groom dancing with mother q Bride and groom talking with guests q Toasting q Bride and groom cutting cake q Bride tossing bouquet q Groom taking off garter q Bride with all girlfriends q Groom with all best friends q Candid reception photos q Guests preparing for bride and groom’s “going away” q Bride and groom leaving reception

Miscellaneous q Wedding cake q Food table q Decorations q Musicians q Gift table q Decorated car q Bride’s bouquet

Download Wedding Photos Checklist

Photo Credit: Krystyn Hogan Photography

Photo Credit: Alexander Cross Photography

Thomas & Cynthia

Thomas & Cynthia Photographer: Critsey Rowe Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / CRITSEY ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY venue / MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS dress designer / CB COUTURE makeup / LASHES AND LACE BRIDAL HAIR AND MAKEUP tuxedo and mens attire / JOS A BANK cake / SUGAR BAKE SHOP design and decor / DUVALL CATERING AND EVENTS

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Nathan & Ashley

Nathan & Ashley Photographer: Hannah Hicks Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / HANNAH HICKS PHOTOGRAPHY venue / ALEXANDER HOMESTEAD WEDDINGS dress / SORELLE BRIDAL SALON florals / PINK PETUNIA DESIGNS

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Tips for Choosing the Best Caterer Every bride wants to be a good hostess and provide enough tasty food and drink to keep their guests in good spirits. Therefore, the most critical decision you will make for your wedding is the caterer. They can make your wedding reception a dream or a nightmare.

A good caterer can easily handle the preparation, service and clean up of the meal seamlessly. Many caterers also provide the rentals such as linens, dishes, and even tables and chairs as a service to their brides.

Some even provide bartenders and cut and serve the cake. This one stop shopping experience can be valuable on saving time and money.

First, contact your venue for a list of approved caterers.

Some venues require you to use one on the list. Ask who they recommend. If your venue does allow outside caterers, begin asking for recommendations from friends and family. If you use a caterer that has never worked at that venue before, request a list of the requirements they have to meet in order to work on their property.

Don’t sign on the dotted line until you have had a tasting. Once you have found one that makes your tastebuds happy, ask these 8 questions to finalize the details.

Photo Credit: Kurtis Kronk Photography

The service and atmosphere of the dinner hour is just as important as how the food tastes. Ask your caterer about the number servers they plan to provide for for your guest list. If you are having a buffet, you need one server for approximately every 20 guests. If you are having a plated meal, you can have one server for every 15 guests. Also, be sure their attire will match your atmosphere. You may assume the servers will be in black tie only to have them show up in the company polo.

Talk cocktails and cake.

This is where you will need to do some logistical work among your venue, cake bakery and caterer. You will want to make sure you (and your vendors) are clear on who is doing what. You do not want to pay double for both vendors planning to serve cake and cocktails or worse, no vendor planning to do so. Bartending and cake service may be options your caterer provides.

If you choose to utilize them, discuss each of these services and have your final decisions specified in your contract.

How is your pricing broken down (e.g. food, bar, tax, gratuity)?

A caterer should be upfront and clear about exactly what is included in their quote. If you are unsure, ask for an itemized quote. Many brides have blown their budget at the end of the wedding when they find that service and tax were not included in their pricing. For a large wedding, those two items could be several thousand dollars.

CATERING

What is the ratio of servers to guests, and how will the servers be dressed?

What is your payment policy?

While on the subject of pricing, discuss when and how you are to pay. Most caterers will require some sort of deposit when you sign your contract. You haven’t truly booked your caterer until this payment is received. It is also important to avoid late fees.

When is my final count date?

The final count date is the last day to tell your caterer how many to prepare for. It will save you money and stress to have this number as accurate as possible.

Make sure you are clear on this day so you can give the caterer the number.

What is your cancellation policy?

There are a number of things that could come up that could cause you to cancel your caterer even if you are not calling off the wedding. Make sure you know the cancellation policy when you sign the contract. Think of it as Murphy’s Law wedding repellant.

What if my event runs over?

Have this conversation with your caterer before all your guests are stuck in traffic. Again, no one plans for their wedding to run behind and the odds are, it won’t.

But, just to be safe, ask about their policy just in case.

Review question #6 for further explanation.

What is your policy on cleanup?

This is probably the last thing every bride thinks of in wedding planning. First, have a discussion on exactly what is considered clean up and who will be responsible for this service. Then, clarify who will clean up and when the cleanup will occur. While you’re at it, discuss what to do with the leftovers.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Ivy Photography

GET INSPIRED: Click Here to View Our Catering Image Gallery

Photo Credit: Kristyn Hogan Photography

Sam & Dani

Sam & Dani

Photographer: Jessica Hunt Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / JESSICA HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY venue / HOLLY TREE COUNTRY CLUB invitations / MINTED bridesmaid dresses / ALLURE BRIDESMAIDS shoes / SHOP4PROM apparel / JASMINE BRIDAL-MOTHERS groomsman attire / BELK florals / SIMPLE STEMS hair / THE BEAUTIFUL CO. SALON ceremony location / HOLY CROSS EPISCOPAL CHURCH bridesmaid dresses / DIMITRA DESIGNS BRIDAL EMPORIUM cake / SUGAR & SPICE BAKE SHOP dj / COMPLETE WEDDINGS EVENTS

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Nathanael & Becca

Nathanael & Becca Photographer: Sara Touchet Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / SARA TOUCHET PHOTOGRAPHY venue / ALIVE WESLEYAN CHURCH tuxedo and mens attire / MEN’S WEARHOUSE dress / DAVID’S BRIDAL cake / ANDREA BARNETT cinema and video / PAIGE ROUSE ceremony location / NICHOLSON-MITCHELL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CENTER

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Photo Credit: Elly’s Photography

EXQUISITE SHOT

Meredith & Brad

Meredith & Brad Photographer: Tricia Coyne Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / TRICIA COYNE PHOTOGRAPHY venue / IVY PLACE catering / BEST IMPRESSIONS florals / BLOOM-ROOM wedding planner/designer / JACKIE FOGARTIE EVENTS linens / PARTY REFLECTIONS officiant / REBECCA NAGY paper goods / VIRI LOVELY DESIGN transportation / ACADEMY band / BACK PORCH ORCHESTRA BOOKED WITH EAST COAST ENTERTAINMENT guest hotel, rehearsal dinner, & bridesmaid luncheon / BALLANTYNE HOTEL

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Choosing the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner Venue The rehearsal dinner is a casual or formal gathering for the wedding party before the wedding that provides an opportunity for both families to get to know one another in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s a time to mingle, do a gift exchange, offer toasts, and provide some lastminute instruction about the actual wedding details. Rehearsal dinners vary as much as the wedding itself. They can be formal banquets or garden parties, casual picnics, or even a BBQ.

WHERE TO HAVE IT A sit-down dinner at a hotel ballroom or nice restaurant is the norm, but there’s no right or wrong when you plan your rehearsal dinner.

Restaurants are ideal for many because couples can focus on the more meaningful details - knowing that the food is taken care of! However, relaxing in a nice backyard, at an art museum, or even on the beach are perfectly acceptable locations. It just depends on your style and budget.

WHO TO INVITE Turn the dinner into a fabulous welcome party - if your wedding is mostly local friends and family but a few key people traveled far to come to your wedding, extend the invitation to them as a thank you for their extra effort. If you’re throwing a destination wedding or a party where at least half of the guests are from out of town, show your appreciation by inviting everyone to some kind of night-before festivity.

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HOW TO INVITE YOUR GUESTS If your rehearsal dinner will be a fancy affair with lots of out-of-town guests in a hotel banquet room, a country club, or someplace similarly dressed up, you should send formal invitations. You’ll also want people to RSVP so you have a head count for the caterer. If, on the other hand, your rehearsal dinner will be fairly lowkey or small—a party at a restaurant or an intimate gathering at your future in-laws’ home, then you don’t need to be as formal with your invitations. You can send e-vites, use DIY invites, or call to personally ask people to join you. Just make sure it’s clear to your guests where they need to be and when. If you’re sending out invitations, get them out with, or shortly after, your wedding invitations to help everyone keep their schedules straight, book their travel plans, and ensure timely RSVPs. Give far-flung attendants the basic plans far in advance so they can book flights with the proper arrival time.

Charlotte’s Premier Rehearsal Dinner Venues Get to know some of the TOP-RATED rehearsal dinner venues in Charlotte!

Vendors in our

Preferred Vendors section on the following page are PREFERRED REHEARSAL DINNER VENUES that we trust to offer you the BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE! Please check them out before making your final decisions!

Preferred Vendors Heirloom Charlotte, NC 8470 Bellhaven Blvd Charlotte, NC 28216 Phone: (704) 5957710 www.heirloomrestaurantnc.com

Other Reputable Venues to Consider!

Bonterra Dining & Wine Room | 1829 Cleveland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 Phone: (704) 333-9463 | Web: bonterradining.com Dressler’s | 1100 Metropolitan Avenue, Suite 125-E, Charlotte, NC 28204 Phone: (704) 909-6295 | Web: dresslersrestaurant.com Fern, Flavors from the Garden | 1419 East Blvd Suite A, Charlotte NC, 28203 Phone: (704) 377-1825 | Web: fernflavors.com Gallery Restaurant | 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277 Phone: (704) 248-4100 | Web: gallery-restaurant.com Heirloom | 8470 Bellhaven Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216 Phone: (704) 595-7710 | Web: heirloomrestaurantnc.com The Cellar at Duckworth’s | 330 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (980) 349-4078 | Web: thecellaratduckworths.com The Fig Tree Restaurant | 1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 Phone: (704) 332-3322 | Web: charlottefigtree.com

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Thomas & Christa

Thomas & Christa Photographer: Sara Touchet Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / SARA TOUCHET PHOTOGRAPHY venue / LARKIN’S ON THE RIVER hair / CARNESSE GRIFFIN BLEND HAIR SALON makeup / BEAUTY BY KEY dj / ROCK U ENTERTAINMENT ceremony venue / GRACE CHURCH

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Styled Shoot

Styled Shoot Photographer: E. Henigan Studios

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Featured Vendors photographer / E. HENIGAN STUDIOS venue / FOUNDERS HALL dress / BLANC DE BLANC BRIDAL AND HAYDEN OLIVIA BRIDAL ring designer / WINDSOR JEWELERS invitations / VIRI LOVELY DESIGNS transportation / CHARLOTTE LUXURY RENTALS florals & decor / CLUX FLORALS hair & makeup / CALI STOTT ARTISTRY cake / CELESTIAL CAKERY event planner / SOMETHING PERFECT bridesmaid dresses / BRIDESIDE groomsman attire / THE BLACK TUX

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Styled Shoot

Styled Shoot

Photographer: Jessica Drew Photography

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Featured Vendors photographer / JESSICA DREW PHOTOGRAPHY venue / THE THOMAS HOUSE & GARDEN hair / DESIGNS BY TIA MEADOWS cake / SUGAR ON TOP CAKES florals / XPRESSION’S FLORAL AND EVENT DESIGN dress / LONDON AND LACE BRIDAL dress designer / NICOLE MILLER BRIDAL calligrapher / JADE CALLIGRAPHY equipment rentals / PARTY REFLECTIONS veils and headpieces / WHITE VEILS TORONTO handmade goods / BOUQUETS BY KAREN invitations / NINA BASHAW

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CHOOSING A VENUE

Venue: Alexander Homestead Photo Credit: Carolina Portrait Designs

CHOOSING A VENUE

Important Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue SCHEDULING AND ACCOMMODATIONS 1. Is my wedding date available?

2. How many other weddings are scheduled that day?

3. How many people can the venue accommodate?

4. How long will I have use of the event space(s) 5. I reserve? Is there an overtime fee if I stay longer?

6. Can I hold my ceremony here, too? If so, is there an additional charge?

7. Is there a bride’s changing area?

8. How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?

9. Is there room for a band and/or dancing?

10. Are there adequate bathroom facilities?

11. Is there a coat check?

12. Is the site handicap accessible?

13. Is there parking on site? If so, is it complimentary?

Do you offer valet parking?

MONEY MATTERS 1. What is the venue fee and what is included in that price?

2. Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or Sunday through Friday?

3. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable?

4. What’s the cancellation policy?

5. What’s the payment plan for the entire bill?

GENERAL QUESTIONS 1. Is there a backup plan for rain or inclement weather?

2. Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the decor, and when will it be completed?

3. Does the venue have liability insurance?

4. Will there be security guards on site, or do I need to make my own arrangements?

Photo Credit: C. Baron Photography

Important Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue VENDORS AND SETUP 1. Must I use in-house caterers, or choose from a preferred vendor list?

2. If I hire my own caterer, are kitchen facilities available for them?

3. Can I bring in a cake from an outside cake maker or must I use a cake made on the premises? Is there a cake-cutting fee? If I use a cake made on site is the fee waived? Do you provide special cake-cutting utensils?

4. When can my vendors arrive for setup?

5. Are there any decoration limitations?

6. Are candles permitted?

7. Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware and glassware provided? If so, is there an additional charge?

8. Can I move things around and decorate to suit my purposes, or do I have to leave everything as is?

9. Does the venue own sound equipment, or do I need to rent my own?

FOOD AND BEVERAGE 1. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service? If so, is alcohol priced per person? 2. By consumption?

Are there additional charges for bar staff?

3. What is the food & beverage cost on a per-person basis? What is the tax and service charge?

4. Can I bring my own wine, beer or champagne, and is there a corkage fee if I do?

5. Can I bring in other alcohol?

Download Important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue Photo Credit: Alexander Cross Photography

Photo Credit: Kristyn Hogan Photography

Charlotte’s Premier Wedding Venues!

Get to know some of the TOP-RATED venues featured in this issue!

Venues in our

Preferred Venues section on the following page are PREFERRED VENUES that we trust to offer you the BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE!

Please check them out before making your final decisions!

Preferred Venues Alexander Homestead Weddings Featured on Pages 38-41 4717 Shamrock Dr Charlotte, NC 28215 Phone: 704-737-1023 www.alexanderhomesteadweddings.com

Other Venues Featured in This Issue Alexander Homestead Weddings | Phone: 704-737-1023 Web: alexanderhomesteadweddings.com Featured on Pages 38-41 The Arbors Events | Phone: 704-614-5856 | Web: thearborsevents.com Featured on Pages 8-12 Bryon’s South End | Phone: 704-333-9744 | Web: byronssouthend.com Featured on Pages 16-18 Founders Hall | Web: foundershall.info Featured on Pages 68-70 Holly Tree Country Club Featured on Pages 46-48

| Phone: 864-967-9510 | Web: hollytreecountryclub.com

Larkin’s on the River | Phone: 864-467-9777 | Web: larkinsontheriver.com Featured on Pages 64-66 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | Phone: 843-571-1266 | Web: magnoliaplantation.com Featured on Pages 34-36 The Duke Mansion | Phone: 704-714-4400 | Web: dukemansion.com Featured on Pages 20-22 The Thomas House & Garden | Web: thomashouseandgarden.com Featured on Pages 72-74

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Photo Credit: Mark Thomas Photography

Available in our digital issue only!

PLANNING GUIDE

Advice from the pros to help you plan your perfect day!

WEDDING TIMELINE CHECKLIST YOU’RE ENGAGED!

q Determine Budget

q Start Compiling Guest List q Determine Possible Dates q Research Wedding Venues q Create a Wedding Website

12 MONTHS

q Hire a Photographer

q Begin shopping for wedding dresses q Choose your bridal party q Finalize date after considering venue and photographer availability q Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests

11 MONTHS q Plan wedding decor q Research floral design & book florist q Book caterer q Choose stationary vendor q Consider hiring a wedding planner

10 MONTHS

q Finalize guest list q Register for gifts

q Choose an officiant

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q Compile music list for ceremony & reception

9 MONTHS

q Order wedding dress

q Order Save the Dates!

8 MONTHS

q Order accessories

q Plan and book honeymoon (for international excursions)

7 MONTHS

q Choose and order wedding invites q Hair and makeup trial q Order bridesmaids dresses q Send out Save the Dates

6 MONTHS

q Order rental items (tables, chairs, etc.) q Arrange for additional sound equipment, if necessary

5 MONTHS

q Choose groom’s attire

q Purchase shoes, lingerie, and garter q Plan and book honeymoon (local excursions)

q Book wedding night accommodations!

2 MONTHS

q Mail Wedding Invitations q Finalize catering menu (don’t forget the alcohol)

6 WEEKS

q Purchase wedding bands q Confirm # of bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres

2 WEEKS

q Obtain marriage license q Create a wedding day itinerary to give to vendors and attendants q Give final head count to caterer q Finalize seating chart q Confirm vendor arrival times

Download Printable Timeline Checklist

THE COUNTDOWN!

3 MONTHS

PHOTO/VIDEO

ATTIRE

RECEPTION

WEDDING BUDGET

Photo Credit: Ama Photography & Cinema

Venue & Rentals Catering Beverages Cake Miscellaneous

Gown & Alterations Headpiece & Veil Bridal Accessories Hair & Makeup Groom’s Tux/Suit Groom’s Accessories Children’s Apparel Miscellaneous

Photography Videography Additional Prints Miscellaneous

ESTIMATE

ACTUAL

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ACTUAL

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ESTIMATE

ACTUAL

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Florals for Ceremony Bride’s Bouquet Bridesmaid’s Bouquets Boutonnieres Corsages Reception Decor Lighting Miscellaneous

Site Fee Officiant Flower Girl’s Basket Ring Pillow Miscellaneous

ACTUAL

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ESTIMATE

ACTUAL

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ACTUAL

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BUDGET

MUSIC FLOWERS & DECOR CEREMONY

Ceremony Musicians Cocktail Hour Music Reception DJ/Band Sound System or Dance Floor Rental Miscellaneous

ESTIMATE

TRANSPORTATION

RINGS

STATIONARY/GIFTS

WEDDING BUDGET

Photo Credit: Jessica Strickland Photography

Save the Date Cards Invitations & RSVPs Seating & Place Cards Menu Cards Thank You Notes Postage Bridal Party Gifts Favors Miscellaneous

Bride’s Ring Groom’s Ring

Limousine for Bride and Groom Limousine for Bridal Party Transportation for Out-of-Town Guests Valet Parking Miscellaneous

ESTIMATE

ACTUAL

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ACTUAL

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ACTUAL

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ESTIMATE

ACTUAL

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Download Printable Budget

BUDGET

REHEARSAL DINNER MISCELLANEOUS

Catering Bartender Liquor Rentals Decor Music Servers Miscellaneous

ESTIMATE

GUEST LIST Guest

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Download Printable Guest Checklist 92

Gift

Premier Weddings of Charlotte // Summer 2018

‘‘

“Determine your overall budget first and allocate your dollars per category. This will help determine the max number of guests that you can afford to entertain.”

“Nix plus ones for your friends who are in casual dating relationships. If your bridesmaid begins dating someone a couple months prior to the wedding and you approve of the guy then invite him for cocktails and dancing after dinner.”

-- NATALIE DAWLEY - Houston, TX “Weddings are an investment. Your guest on your guest list should be invested in your relationship as a couple and supportive in starting your new life together. If people end up on the guest list because you were invited to their wedding, or they go to your church, that is not a good enough reason.”

-- ANGELA PROFFITT - Nashville, TN “Couples should know the approximate number of guest before settling on a venue. Be selective with your guest list because cost per guest will most likely be one of your biggest expenses. ” -- SHARON PEOPLES, Houston, TX

THE GUEST LIST

Tips from the Pros on How to Compile Your Guest List!

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