Antonia Christianson Events: May 2009

Steph and JJ: April 19

I had the pleasure of planning the wedding of Stephanie and JJ at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk. It was a great event that merged two very different families. I loved their colors (Blue and Orange)...her attention to detail...and most importantly the love of Stephanie and JJ shared. Steph and JJ had to move San Diego right after the meeting and I sure am gonna miss them! Congrats Scholten's!

Nicole & CJ

I have the honor of planning the wedding for Nicole and CJ this upcoming September. They live in Chicago but came back to their old "stomping grounds" for a fun engagement shoot with James Christianson Photography. I am really looking forward to the wedding and all of the little details that have been put into it...I'd elaborate but then nothing would be a surprise. You'll have to check back for more details!

By The Way... This first picture is where they met. I love it!

I'm a Bridesmaid...What's my Job?

Let's be honest...I'm obsessed with a great Bridesmaid's (notice I didn't say Bridal) Boutique out West called Twirl...and a few months ago while blog stalking I read a great little article about the jobs of a bridesmaid. While, I have been a bridesmaid several times in my life and even a bride (I've only done that once) I thought Keri from Twirl put it best. Now it's your turn to read it, direct from the Twirl Blog...

Put on your dress, grab a bouquet, and stand next to the chick in white for about 20 minutes- that’s all there is to being a bridesmaid, right? Oh so wrong, lovely ladies. As a bridesmaid, you have an important role – and not just for a day. From the time you are asked to be in the wedding, to well after you see those two off to their honeymoon, you have a job that includes responsibilities. This isn’t your typical 9-5 cubical gig. It’s fun and rewarding, so make it your goal to be a BM SUPERSTAR.
Here are 15 quick tips to get you off to a good start. We’ll go more in-depth on some of these in future blogs, so check back with us regularly.
Attitude and Behavior
1) Respect your bride’s taste and vision, even if they don’t match your own.
2) Be gracious at all times.
3) Be a friend first, a bridesmaid second.
4) Never be the “drunk chick” who guests are talking about a year later.
5) Be supportive of your bride’s decisions regarding your attire, who you walk with, where you sit at dinner, etc. Avoid complaining at all costs.
Fashion
1) If your bridesmaid dress isn’t your favorite color, make up for it with a light spray tan. Make sure to go to a professional – the orange bridesmaid is not a good look.
2) Wear wedge shoes if the wedding is in grass or sand, or go barefoot in the sand.
3) Whether you are a size 2 or 20 – buy Spanx .
4) Have dresser cups sewn into your dress instead of wearing a bra – they are much less expensive and much more comfortable.
5) Be ‘fresh’ for the wedding – get a pedicure, have your roots done, wax, shave, etc. You’ll look and feel even more fabulous!
Duties
1) Take an active role in throwing your bride a shower and bachelorette party.
2) On the wedding day, ask what you can do to help your bride stay calm and relaxed (ie: Keep the MOB or MOG at bay, pour her a glass of champagne, check on the groom and groomsmen, pass out any last minute checks or cash envelopes to vendors, etc.).
3) Be organized and on top of things you are asked to do like ordering your dress, buying shoes, and making your hair appointment.
4) Be the first to RSVP for her wedding!
5) You will need to buy three gifts: Bridal Shower, Bachelorette Party, and Wedding. Plan ahead so you’re not spending your money all at once.

Go get ‘em you BM SUPERSTAR!
-Keri

Natalia & Joe: The Day Finally Arrived

If you are a follower of the Antonia Christianson Events Blog you probably remember reading about my good friends Joe & Natalia. Well...after 18 months of planning the big day finally arrived this past weekend. Joe and Natalia were married at Epworth United Methodist Church in Norfolk and then our 200+ guests hopped on trolley (a little reminder of the beach) and headed to the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center. The day truly went off without a hitch and I was honored to be a part of the glorious day. Below are some amazing images from my good friend Kelly Lee ...both Kelly and I were booked together on this event over a year ago so we were both really excited to see everything come together so nicely. These images are just a snippit of the day so make sure to check out Kelly's blog every so often to see more pictures.

Of course, I'd like to mention everyone that helped out with the big event...and excuse me if I forgot anyone. Let's see: Debbie Pence with Fluttering Flowers, Jeremy Kilgore with Blue Steel Pro Lighting (his services really brought everything together), Megan Pence (our nanny for the event), Louise & Kate from Cuisine and Company, Strictly Bizzness (and MMG), a beautiful cake (make that 2) from Carolyn Neal, Venture Tours, Lynn & Sunmer for AMAZING HAIR & MAKEUP...and of course Thomas Newman (and staff) at the venue.

Bay Creek Marina

A few months ago I head the pleasure of visiting BayCreek Marina on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with my client Mandy, my best friend Melanie, her fiancee Beau Womble (the great photographer behind these pictures) and Debbie Pence, a great florist and MOB. We knew that Mandy would definitely be getting married at the resort but Melanie and Beau were along at the beginning of their wedding venue search.

I had been looking forward to visiting the marina and checking out their reception venue/restaurant called "Aqua". There is definitely a cool vibe about this place, lots of water, beautiful "beachy homes" and an award winning golf course...oh, and did I mention their wonderfully long pier that is perfect for wedding ceremonies.

Below are some shots of Bay Creek and "meeting time"... I am really looking forward to both of these fall weddings that are quickly approaching.

Debbie Pence, Mandy and I discussing flowers: