Vintage Barn Wedding

Click on image to enlarge

Photography by Cable Photography

Jazmine and Cody

The Lovely Bride

Jazmine

Cody

Aisle Marker

Hydrangea and Roses on Arbor

Peonies and Roses

What was so funny?

Bridesmaids Procession

Ring Box

Ring Bearer

Announcing the Bride

Flower Girls

Father and Daughter

At the Altar

Vows

Just Married

Bridal Party

Happy Couple

Head Table

Guest Tables

Head Table

First Dance

Father Daughter Dance

Bouquet Toss

Going Away

Groomsmen work on Car

Weddings After Marriage

Photography by Rainey Day Photography

I see a new trend emerging. More couples are getting married and having their wedding at a later date.  In some cases, the groom is going off to war. In other cases, it isn’t a convenient time to have a wedding, or the expense of it isn’t feasible at the time. More are practicing abstinence and purity until marriage. These couples don’t want to live together before marriage, so they get married and have the wedding later. The desire to make a life-long commitment is taking center stage, placing the wedding lower on the priority list.  This speaks volumes to me about the current generation.  More often than not, today’s brides and grooms are victims of divorce. They know firsthand the pain that comes with that, so they aren’t entering the marriage with the flip attitude that “If it doesn’t work out, we can always get a divorce.” I applaud them for recognizing that marriage is sacred and not to be taken lightly.

Ben and Jen got married a year prior to their wedding.  Ben had taken a job out-of-state, and Jen wanted to go with him. They didn’t feel it was right for them to live together, so they got married. During the following year, Jen planned her dream wedding.  It turned out beautifully, don’t you think?  I loved the bridesmaids’ dresses. They had a southern belle look to them. The girls carried a simple bouquet of white calla lilies. Jen’s bouquet was very elegant, just like Jen! She carried a classic bouquet of white calla lilies with added jeweled adornment on the stems.

We lined the aisle with submerged calla lilies.

The submerged calla lilies and the arrangement of hydrangea, roses, and Callas set an elegant backdrop for the ceremony.

Guests released monogrammed balloons for a fun send-off

Isn’t this a beautiful photo by  Rainey Day Photography?

About her wedding, Jen wrote, “Where do I start?  So much to thank you for! My ceremony and reception were both absolutely breathtaking, perfect in every way! I absolutely loved it. I received so many compliments that it was the most beautiful wedding that they’d ever seen! More importantly, it was the most beautiful wedding I’d ever seen! And, I’ve been to a lot. You left me with wanting absolutely nothing more.  Thank you, Pam! you brought my vision to life! God Bless!”

What more can a designer hope for than to make a bride’s dream come true?

See more photos of Jen and Ben’s wedding at Pamela’s Event Design.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please leave comments. I would like to know who is reading my blog.

Warm wishes!

Pam Archer, President

Pamela’s Exclusive Floral & Event Design

Tiffany Blue Wedding Photos

I apologize for being absent for so long.  Abby’s wedding and a 20th wedding anniversary trip to Europe, along with designing weddings for other brides has kept me from having time to write any new posts.  I’ve also been waiting for the images from the photographers.  I promised some pictures of Abby and Jordan’s flowers and decorations.  Becky Artip from Save the Date Photography did a great job of catching some of the details, don’t you think?

Abby and Jordan saw each other before the wedding in a private moment.  This is their ceremony decor. (You can click on the picture for a closer look):

The aisle markers are Dendrobium orchids submerged in water.

The glass balls hanging from the arch have peonies and orchids in them; some have floating candles.

The flowers at the top of the columns were hydrangea, garden roses, peonies, and orchids:

Abby had a few minutes to go up to the reception hall and look at the decorations.  This table has cherry blossom on it:

Submerged Cymbidium orchids were on other tables:

Other guest tables had vases of roses or peonies.  This one had white hydrangea:

Maria and I made all of the napkin rings from diamond wrap, and I put all the diamond wrap on the vases.  The Tiffany Blue linens were by Cloth Connection:

The wedding cake was made by Jane Butcher.  The specialty linen was by Nuage Designs, in Miami:

Jordan had red velvet cupcakes. They were on vase pedestals with submerged orchids:

The Sweetheart table was flanked with urns of cherry blossom.  Peonies, tulips, garden roses, and lots of candles looked so pretty:

Maria and Beth’s bouquets were all garden roses:

Abby’s bouquet was all peonies, with brooches on the handle:

The couple signed a marriage covenant to hang in their home as a reminder of their wedding vows. (I’m the blonde sitting behind Jordan.):

Guests signed the letter of their last name as an alternative for a guest book.  They will hang this letter in their home.

Jordan’s boutonniere had mini-calla lilies and lily grass; wrapped with bling:

The Longevity Dance winners received a bouquet from Abby.  My in-laws, Lonnie and Ella Mae Archer won with 64 years of marriage! In 2nd place were my brother and sister-in-law, Reva and Sonny Payne, with 53 years, and my dear friends Ron and Peggy Leonard took 3rd place with 43 years of wedded bliss:

Abby and Jordan had their first dance as husband and wife, “There’s Nothing Fancy About the Way I Love You” I had their names projected onto the dance floor:

They wanted to enjoy every moment of their reception, so they were just about the last ones to leave.  William Bailey and his staff at The Charles made everything so perfect for them!

Thank you for taking the time to look at these wedding photos.  It was a very special day in our lives and I am so thrilled to share it with you.  Please come back and visit again, as you gather ideas for your wedding, or if you would like to hire us to design yours.

Pam Archer

Pamela’s Exclusive Floral and Event Design

423-323-1413

pam@pamelaseventdesign.com

Wedding Photo Fabulousness

I’ve been a little busy….with my daughter’s wedding! After all the weddings we have done and I have blogged about, I finally get to share some thoughts and photos from my own, so please indulge me for the next couple of posts.

Abby and Jordan got married on March 24th, only a couple of weeks ago. Later, I will write about the amazing venue and the incredible vendors, and will post pictures of the flowers and decor, but today I want to brag a little bit about the two photographers who photographed it.

Taylor Morgan, Taylor Morgan Photography, and Becky Artrip, Save-the-Date Photography are among the very best photographers, in my opinion, at capturing the emotion of a moment. They are also wonderful at creative shots. This blog post is to highlight a few of them.

The wedding was at The Charles, in Johnson City, Tennessee.  The Charles was a department store back-in-the-day, so it’s three storefront windows created a unique photo op:

Abby is the PR and Marketing Manager for the Greater Kingsport YMCA.  I LOVE this cute shot of her co-workers at the wedding:

And this picture of Maria (also my daughter) and Joe (son-in-law) at the reception:

Your wedding day can be stress-free and fun:

They had all of their pictures made before the wedding.  They were able to get over the nerves and have fun the rest of the day.  These pictures were taken in a park, down the street from The Charles:

Jordan and Abby, happy and in love:

The reception was so fun!  Abby, Beth (another daughter), and Jordan dancing:

Taylor and Becky captured lots of tender moments.  Beth, Abby, and Maria- SISTERS:

This one of the men praying touches my heart.  Abby and Jordan are blessed to have these Christian men in their lives:

I am close to my daughters.  Abby and I had fun sharing plans.  I felt very privileged to be able to do this with my daughter.  Maria, Joe, Beth, Chuck (my husband), the staff at The Charles, and I worked hard to make sure everything went according to plan.  Friends, family, and vendors were very supportive and played an integral part in making everything beautiful and perfect.  Abby and I shared many special moments, but none more tender than realizing the day had arrived:

It was time to kiss her (never goodbye) and give her my blessing:

Thank you Taylor and Becky for these beautiful, storytelling photos!!!  You two are simply the BEST!

The next post will feature the venue and the vendors, with the gorgeous decor, cake, and other details of the wedding.  Please visit again soon.  I read all of your comments, so don’t be shy about posting them.

Pam Archer (mother-of-the-bride)

Pamela’s Event Design

Through a Photographer’s Eyes

Stan Crabtree is an artist who found his true passion the first time he picked up a camera.  Since he started Crabtree Photography,  he has photographed more than 300 weddings.  Ever improving his craft and staying current with the trends, he uses some of the best equipment available.  He said that when he first started, he made a portfolio of all of his pictures.  He took this to all the women he knew and asked for their honest feedback.  He received all positive reviews.  Of this experience he says, “Just because your friends say they love your work and that you are a good photographer only means that you have good friends.”  He is way too modest!  I have known Stan for several years.  He is a very kind, honest, and caring man, devoted husband and father, and a wedding vendor that I am completely comfortable referring a bride to.  He loves what he does, and he is good at it!

Stan’s photography is good, no matter what the occasion, but I am particularly impressed with his rural style.  He has been generous enough to allow me to share a few of my favorite images on this blog.

I’m a pushover for any photo of children, so I chose these two precious pictures:

What country wedding would be complete without boots?  I love this shot of the boots, bouquet, and veil.  I am going to pin this on Pinterest…another obsession of mine!

Candid shots are my favorite!  I wonder what’s going through their heads as they sit and enjoy each others company and the scenery?

I think this photo is stunning!  Can you see the reflection of the bride and her bouquet in the mirror across from her?

Brides, don’t walk to the phone to call Stan…RUN!!!  You can trust him with your wedding day and any other special event in your life.  Check out his website, too at Crabtree Photography.  Stan primarily serves the Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee area, but will travel upon request.

276-328-2900

276-639-9355

Thanks for stopping by.  I read and appreciate all of your comments, so please post one.  Tell all your friends about this blog and encourage them to visit, too.

Have a blessed day!

Pam Archer

Pamela’s Event Design

Peacock’s Rule the Roost at Chateau Selah Wedding

Chateau Selah is located in Blountville, Tennessee.  You may not be able to touch the clouds from there, but you certainly are a lot closer to them.  The views are spectacular!  This is what makes it a popular choice for weddings.   The green, purple, and blue color palette of nature was the perfect companion to James and Metha’s peacock wedding theme.  I posted a teaser a while back, but here are more photos by Life Winds Photography

Inside the four-story French Chateau, is a quaint, stone, spiral staircase.  Isn’t Metha’s dress amazing?  There is a wine cellar beneath the staircase.

I totally loved working on this wedding.  Green Cymbidium Orchids, Blue Bombay Dendrobium Orchids, Fiddlehead Fern Curls, and Peacock feathers made vibrant display in the bouquets.

Isn’t this flower girl’s dress adorable?  It’s all just a little bit exotic, don’t you think?

 

Check out this spectacular view of the mountains.  There are several fire pits on the property.  You can see one in the picture below, in the right hand corner.

 

How about this special guest?  He looks like he belongs there.  It looks real, but it is metal.

 

The fascinators from the  Royal Wedding inspired these one-of-a-kind aisle markers.

 

The bridesmaids wore different colors.  The groomsmen’s ties matched their dresses.

How about these shoes!  Can you pick a favorite?

The theme was carried forward to the reception.  These shimmer linens complimented the centerpieces.  Isn’t that Fiddlehead Fern Curl fun?

Pier 1 had all the decorative accessories we needed to complete the look.  I couldn’t pass up the large vases.

I found these little mirrors there, too.  We used these on the cocktail tables.

I found the placemats, napkin rings, and votive holders for the bride and groom’s sweetheart table at Pier 1 also.

I might have gone a little crazy at Pier 1.  I went there to purchase this peacock feather wreath that Metha wanted.  I came out with a whole lot more than that!

Chateau Selah is as breathtaking inside as it is outside.  It boasts a catering kitchen, complete with a dumb-waiter.  There are two bedrooms on the second floor for the attendants and bride to get dressed, and a media room for the groom and groomsmen.  The outdoor kitchen and fireplace are a bonus, and are fabulous for a rehearsal dinner cookout.  The biggest surprise is the honeymoon suite on the fourth floor.  If it were rated, I would give it ten stars!  The walk-in shower could fit the entire bridal party…not that you would want to do that! HA!  Seriously, it is absolutely beyond your wildest imagination.  There are balconies, a soaking tub, a huge bed with a ruffled comforter, and a flat screen TV.  It has all the amenities you could ask for.  If you are looking for that extraordinary venue, this place has it all.  Contact them at 423.323.3157, or info@chateauselah.com.

To see more pictures from this and other of our weddings, visit our website at Pamela’s Event Design.

Thanks for stopping by.  Please take time to leave a comment.  I read all of them, and I would like to get to know you.

Pam Archer, President

Pamela’s Event Design

423-323-1413

 

Engagement Photos-Taylor Morgan Photography

Taylor Morgan

I’ve known Taylor Morgan for about ten years.  She is a beautiful person, inside and out.  She’s generous, kind, compassionate, and has a heart as big as Texas, where she was born and raised.  Along with being a favorite on-air personality on WTFM 98.5.  Taylor maximizes her platform with the radio program to reach out and help those in need and raises awareness for many worthy causes.  Thousands of lives have been touched and impacted by Taylor.  She is just an all-round awesome person!

Adding to her many talents and abilities, Taylor excels in photography.  As the owner of Taylor Morgan Photography, she specializes in family photography and weddings.  I could spend hours looking at her pictures.  What is special about her photography is her eye for capturing emotion.  Her photos tell a story!  So, when it came to trusting someone to take my daughter’s engagement and wedding pictures, she was my first choice.  I was so happy when Abby and Jordan decided that she would be their choice, too.  Okay, I must confess…Taylor is also my niece!!!  Nepotism aside, she quite simply ROCKS!

It’s January, which means it is winter in Tennessee.  Finding a day that is warm enough to take pictures outdoors was a challenge.  These “trial” engagement session images turned out so well, that an additional session wasn’t necessary.  What do you think?  Which one is your favorite?

I can’t choose a favorite!  They are all good.  Taylor took about 500 shots, so to choose one or two from so many fabulous images is impossible!  Thank you, Taylor, for creating these memories for my children, family, and me!  You are awesome!  You can contact Taylor for your photography session through Facebook, or by calling 423.367.2055.

This post is the first in a series of wedding photographers that, in my opinion, some of the best.  They are talented and easy to work with.  Check back soon to read about another talented photographer from the Sunshine State of Florida!

Thanks for stopping by!  Please leave a comment and let me know you were here.  I read all of them.

Pam Archer

Pamela’s Event Design

Crystals and Bling add Sparkle to a Winter Wedding

I love it when my team and I are able to bring a bride’s vision to life!  When I first met with Lindsey, she said she was obsessed with bling and pearls.  I understood that, because I am obsessed with them, too. 🙂  Taking her ideas and colors, I started my research to find some unique things to use at her reception.  We didn’t disappoint.  Lindsey’s mom said that she felt like she was at a celebrity event at the reception.  It certainly looked like a celebrity event.

We made bouquets of cream and cobalt blue roses and Blue Bombay Dendrobium orchids to accent the bridesmaids dresses:

We accented the pews with the same color combination and flowers:

Lindsey’s bouquet was made up of cream roses, stephanotis with Swarovski jewels, and freesia:

The ballroom looked spectacular.  I would have been excited to spend the evening here, were I a guest:

Joe is an expert at making dance floors look amazing.  He flanked this one with crystal beaded columns and up-lit them with lavender lighting.  Crystal curtains above the dance floor added to the look.  The result was dramatic and romantic, just what the bride and groom asked for:

Lindsey’s dream was to have some tall flower arrangements on some of her tables.  This one has more than 40 Dendrobium orchids and about 75 roses in it.  The linens were simply spectacular:

We are known for attending to every little detail of an event.  The napkin rings are made from the same diamond wrap that was used around the vases:

Don’t you love these crystal trees I found?  We wove lavender crystal and pearl strands into them to add her color and up-lit them for soft lighting:

Lindsey and her new husband, Trevor, made a grand entrance through a baseball bat arch.  Why?  Trevor is a professional baseball player!

You know how I love wedding cakes!  This was a very pretty one.  I had never seen a lavender cake before.  It was very nice.

Gary and LaDonna Cable from Cable Photography did an awesome job of capturing the magic of this wedding.   Hannah Meade made the wedding cake.  What a beautiful couple and wedding!

What was your favorite detail of this wedding?

Thanks for stopping by.  Come back soon!

Pam Archer, President

Pamela’s Event Design

 

A Rose Is A Rose

Roses have been a choice for wedding flowers for centuries.  I like them because they come in a myriad of colors.  They are versatile and romantic, and they can be formal or informal.  Different colors have different meanings.  In Victorian times, bouquets of flowers were sent as a way to send a specific message to the receiver of them.  Roses were a primary flower in these bouquets.  Each color had a special meaning:

Red = love and romance

Pink = love, gratitude, and appreciation

Yellow = joy and friendship

White = innocence and purity

Orange = passion, enthusiasm, and desire

Lavender = enchantment, majesty, or love at first sight.

Jason and Nana’s wedding was rose-themed.  The site of the ceremony was Rose Hill Wedding Chapel.  It’s a beautiful little church, perfectly suited to a romantic wedding.

The inside is just as pretty as the outside, as you can see by this awesome photo of Jason and Nana, taken from the balcony of the chapel.  Gary Cable, Cable Photography, did a great job of capturing a special moment.

Nana’s bouquet reflected her enthusiastic personality with its orange roses.  Mango calla lilies and white Bouvardia accented it.  It was a really beautiful bouquet, just like Nana!

We added lots of flowers to the pews, and made urns full of roses and calla lilies for the altar.

The reception was held at MeadowView Hotel and Conference Center.  The new ballroom was gorgeous!  Nana and Jason’s colors went perfectly.  We added more color to the flowers by adding the romance and love of the red roses.

We designed the tall centerpieces to compliment each other.  One design was for the roses to move in a circle.  The other was for the roses to go in a vertical design.  What do you think of these designs?

The wedding cake was pretty, too.  I wonder if it tasted as good as it looked?  I’ll bet it did, because Marji Chambers from Cake Art made it!  The callas are made from icing.  Don’t they look real?

We wish Nana and Jason many years of happiness together.

To see more pictures of this wedding, go to Pamela’s Event Design

Thanks for stopping by!

Pam Archer

Pamela’s Event Design

Fall Weddings

We love doing Fall weddings.  The colors of the flowers are so much more vibrant, due to the cooler weather.  Meagan and Aaron’s wedding color palette played to the colors of autumn so beautifully.  They chose teal and red, but in much more muted tones than what we normally see.  The end result was breathtaking!  Jim Goodwin did a great job of capturing this picture of the bridesmaids:

The reception was in  the Grand Soldier’s Ballroom, at The Carnegie Hotel.  The ballroom is a replica of the dining room on the Titanic:

The room needed very little added decoration.  We chose the neutral linen so it wouldn’t compete with the elegance of the room.   The couple’s colors were brought in with the flowers:

Lots of candles made it very romantic:

Meagan enjoyed some time with her guests.  Notice the water in the vases on the mantle:

Don’t you just love this peek of the wedding cake, by Marji Chambers?

Meagan and her mom, Teri, were a delight to work with.  It wasn’t like work at all!  I think the wedding was exquisite and everything turned out so perfectly.  Now that’s a success!

Thanks for stopping by.  Come back soon to see another lovely Fall wedding.

Pam Archer, President

Pamela’s Event Design