An Engagement Session: Sirena and Derek

Today's post is a little more sentimental than usual! We would love to introduce you to Sirena and Derek! An awesome couple that are getting married on the Eastern Shore next May! Sirena is a long time friend of Antonia's...they were pals in Student Government in High School, fellow Christopher Newport University Classmates and even life long sisters in Alpha Phi! We are so honored that Sirena and Derek have chosen Team ACE to walk beside them again in another one of life's journeys...the walk to the altar.

Please Meet Sirena and Derek: (thanks Katie Nesbitt, photographer extraordinaire)

Real Wedding: Shawn and Page

AHHH! I could scream with all of the fun and excitement these clients brought to the table, literally...brought to the table. Meet Shawn and Page: A hilariously funny, extremely unique, out of the box, adorably in love couple! Their intimate affair was held at Bay Creek Resort in Cape Charles, Virginia. (one of our favorites!) Page is a creative soul, creating unique jewelry out of her Pennsylvania Shop, and Shawn is an IT guru...They were surrounded by the most inventive group of individuals I had ever met.

Their wedding was full of great details...and a lot of joy. We especially loved their pinata centerpieces (a request from the groom), Pages' "Mini" wedding gown (a little number that made our groom tell me he "loved his "guns 'n roses" girl moments before walking down the aisle) and their wedding bands (that of course our bride made). Here are a few images from Jen and Ashley Photography. This wedding was PERFECT for this fab photography duo to shoot...a bundle of FUN!

Did I mention that the couples creative friends made Pages gown for her? 

 

Yes! Pinatas! (with Teal  Runners and Lime Napkins!)

If I had legs like this, I'd wear a mini too! 

Who needs cake when you have homemade pies and cobblers?

Adored these paper flowers. Such a gorgeous pop of color walking down the aisle! 

Page looked stunning in her mothers wedding veil.

Remember when I said Page made their rings...Here they are....and they are swoonworthy. The touch of white enamel on her dainty band was so unique and stunning. 

Flowers: Palette of Petals

Planning: Antonia Christianson Events

Linens: Waterford Event Rentals

Venue: Bay Creek Resort

Photography: Jen and Ashley

Entertainment: A Lady and Her Gentlemen 

An Engagement Story: Chris and Adeena

We just love getting to celebrate when one of our own gets married! 

A few weeks ago, Antonia Christianson Events was honored to help with the proposal of our very own Adeena. Chris asked us to help in the preparation for the proposal. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, and Trivium Studios got some great photos of the proposal. I don't know if we are more excited about their wedding on the Eastern Shore or their tailgate style rehearsal dinner!  Their engagement story was featured on the "Oh Lovely Day" blog and you can see check out their story HERE!

{Vendors} Planning/Design - Antonia Christianson Events / Photography - Trivium Studios / Videography - Jeremy Mitchell / Venue - Sweetwater Cuisine / Floral arrangement - Vivid Expressions / Stationery -  RSVP  / Cake - Alicia Taylor / Hair Makeup: Rebecca Wood / Linens: ConnieDuglin Linens

Planner Panel: Thursday Round up!

Over the last six weeks I have had the great opportunity to sit on a "planners panel" for the great site Wedding Industry Experts...I truly am not sure why they picked me of all people but it is an absolute honor nonetheless (truly, some of my industry mentors and idols are on this panel). Myself along with some of the Worlds foremost event planners (yes, it's world wide, not nationwide! YIKES!) have spent time each week answering questions about the wedding and social event industry. Today I thought I'd post the first 6 questions in one place so you all can learn a bit more about myself and my team, Team ACE. Below is a screenshot of the site but you can also subscribe to receive these weekly updates as well!

1. Why did you become a Wedding Event Planner or Wedding Designer?

     I became a wedding planner for the emotional impact of the wedding planning process. I was raised in the behind the scenes hustle and bustle of the event world through my grandparents food distribution business. I remember attending conferences and events with my grandmother since I was young and always loved the details that went into these events thrown for her clients with their product. 

     After graduating high school and attending college I held numerous internships and positions that helped bring those detail oriented memories into a full time career. When I graduated college I held positions in radio promotion and for a large wireless phone provider as a corporate event planner but soon realized while I loved the details, organization and promotional aspect of my career I needed more… I needed emotion. I wanted to work with clients that were as passionate about their love and vision as I was. 

In 2007, this dream came to fruition with the opening of Antonia Christianson Events.  

2. What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming a Wedding Event Planner or Wedding Designer?

     I think I give the same advice to each person that contacts me about becoming a wedding or social event planner…Create realistic expectations with a clear vision of your future and research, research, research. I often hear through Antonia Christianson Events interns and newer industry professionals that they wish they had known more about the ins and outs of the event world before they went into business for themselves or chose the social events planning career path. 

     In our modern time, weddings are sensationalized and growing by leaps and bounds daily. The thought of becoming a planner is exhilarating and trendy but it is by no means easy or a  weekend job. If you are in a position that an internship would be applicable to you, I would recommend taking it, this will help gain real life experience and let you get a accurate vision of what it is that planners do on a day to day basis. 

     I would also invite event mentors from your community to lunch or for coffee, talk to them about when they were starting out, how you can grow and any advice that they might share with you. Having a mentor in your profession is key and something that has personally helped myself and my business grow. 

     Throughout these experiences and vendor research you will be able to create a clear vision with realistic expectations, and goals for your own potential business.

3. Before you built your reputation as a leading Wedding Planner or Wedding Designer, how did couples find out about your service and how did you land your first paying client?

     Luckily for me, I was born and raised in the market that I mainly plan out of. I had worked in radio promotion and corporate events for years so the transition to Social and Wedding Planning was easy and natural. 

     Many of the vendors that I had grown to know and love (and even grow up with) were already familiar with my level of professionalism and experience because they had worked with me first hand. 

     As I grew into the wedding industry many of my first paying clients were brought to me by the corporate event world. For me, it was an honor that these corporate professionals saw the need for me to grow outside of that bubble and to expand my planning business.

4. When you first started your business, If you could have done one thing differently, what would it have been? 

     If I had the knowledge that I do now about being a business owner when I first opened Antonia Christianson Events I would actually change two key things. First, I would have a more solid, proper contract. I look back at old contracts and laugh. I didn't have clients addresses, event dates, any detail of importance.  I had a simple one page “contract”  that listed what the client would get and no “fine print” to protect myself or my company…of even the client for that matter. 

     Thankfully no issues ever arose, but a strong contract is definitely something that should be taken seriously. 
     Second, I would have a stronger brand. It sounds silly for me to say coming from my marketing background but my “previous brand” was definitely lackluster. Our previous company logo, website, and over all company aesthetic or lack thereof makes me a bit uneasy to even think about. I am so proud of the steps that I took to make sure that myself, my staff and my company now exude the strong “Antonia Christianson Events Brand” that I had always envisioned.


5. What is the name of your business and why did you choose it?  Do you have any advice for people trying to decide on a name for their Wedding Planning or Designing business? 
     The name of my business is Antonia Christianson Events and I chose it for more than the obvious “It’s My Name”. When I was deciding what to name my business I had a million and one ideas running through my head, but a few key factors stood out. I wanted a name that showed my dedication to my clients and the industry along with something that could be abbreviated easily without ruining my brand.
     By naming my business my personal name it is a constant reminder that If I do something that I would be less than proud of, or my staff does…not only would business go down the drain, but so would my literal name. Many vendors and clients in my local market also call us “ACE” and I call my dedicated staff “TEAM ACE”. To me this represents not only that we are “top notch” but also that Antonia Christianson Events is a team effort, not just a one lady show.       If I were to give advice for new vendors trying to choose their business name I would say, think thoughtfully, make sure it is a name that can carry itself through many trends and decades of business along with something that you would be proud to call your own.


6. What type of people make the best Wedding Event Planners or Wedding Designers?
     I do not think there is one specific “type” of person that makes the best planner…but I do think there is definitely a common ground between most planners. In my experience, great planners always have their clients best interest at the forefront of their mind, they have a clear vision for the client (which goes past their personal opinion or taste), they are organized beyond belief and are able to speak eloquently and respectfully to couples and vendors alike.

Monday Meeting: Ava Clara Bridal

Happy Monday! Only one more day until spring, and you know what that means, time to pull out your sandals and sundresses (and "wedding season" is right around the corner!) This week in our Meeting Monday, we are featuring Ava Clara Couture Bridal, one of our favorite unique bridal shops in the Hampton Roads area! You can't officially kick off "the season" without your perfect dress! Ava Clara is owned by Karen Tilley and Alex Schneider...so today's post is a bit different! You get to hear two perspectives into the bridal wear business.

When and how was Ava Clara Couture Bridal established?

Ava Clara opened in June of 2010, after a whirlwind of brainstorming, big dreaming, and some late, late nights!

Karen: I started working in an Atlanta bridal shop after college, in 1996 (so…forever ago!), and the bug never left! Having managed other bridal shops, there was a lot of time to figure out what I would like to do differently, given the opportunity. Alex and I met while Alex was planning her own wedding.

Alex: Frustrated with the options and resources I found during my own wedding planning, I knew there had to be a better way! Why should brides have to be overcharged and pushed through like cattle? This is supposed to be fun! I left my job in the finance industry and started over.

How does a bride’s experience at Ava Clara Couture Bridal differ from other bridal shops in Hampton Roads or around the country?

Karen-First and foremost, we want everyone to have fun. There will be so many other stressors over the course of wedding planning; finding your bridal gown should never be one of them! We've heard so many stories about pushy salespeople, snobby environments…that is so not our speed. I'm proud to think that Alex and I have been able to provide a lighthearted, happy experience without sacrificing the style, quality, or integrity that matters.

Alex- I agree. I love knowing that so many of our clients are not just Ava Clara brides, but have become our friends. That speaks volumes to me about what we seem to be doing right. We also work very hard to offer different designers and styles from any other shop locally. Why should a bride have to leave Hampton Roads for a dress? Why can't we offer the same fashion that they'd find in D.C. or New York? Many of our designers are exclusive to Ava Clara, so brides really get to see some unique styles and fashion.

What are your favorite current wedding trends?

Karen-I love that there aren't as many trends anymore! There isn't one overwhelming style out there right now, so brides can really make it their own style! That being said, I love the whole retro, Audrey Hepburn-esque vibe, and I love subtle color and texture (pale pink Swiss dot makes me a happy girl!).

Alex-Lace! And deep, low backs-I love that classic look mixed with a dash of sex appeal! I also really love the sashes and belts we have. They are the perfect way for a bride to customize her look. The right belt takes a pretty dress and pushes it to perfect!

What tips would you give a bride looking for the perfect dress?

Karen-Don't shop with too many people-one or two at most. That flurry of opinions can be confusing. Be open minded. Bridal gowns fit differently than other clothes, and definitely look different than they do in those photo-shopped magazine ads!

Alex-I think it's important, too, to shop when you're ready to buy. If you're idea shopping or getting your feet wet, you don't approach the experience in the same way. If you find a gown you love but aren't ready to order it, it can be a letdown. Who wants to leave without their dress? Not to mention that prices can change, as can styles. You often end up having to start from scratch later down the line.

Here are a couple ACE clients in their Ava Clara Gowns!

Bridal Gown and Bridesmaid dresses from Ava Clara: Images from Dustin Lewis

Bridal Gown from Ava Clara: Images by David Schwartz

Images Courtesy Tracey Sanders

Image Courtesy David Abel

We love gowns so much we always have an Ava Clara gown in our studio. Image Courtesy Ashley Barnett

Monday Meeting: Jeremy Mitchell Cinema

Ahhh...Cinema! Here's the funny thing about wedding videography or cinematography...It's kind of a big deal! Throughout our years of business we have seem many peaks and valley's in terms of wedding videos. The video trend used to be really big and then it kind of went into extinction (probably because the amount of "stereotypes around cheesy wedding videographers and their more cheesy product")...but now thanks to companies like Jeremy Mitchell Cinema who take a backseat approach to creating a truly gorgeous product we are glad to say the trend is back and in full swing (hopefully...it is going no where soon!) 

Ladies of Gentlemen: Meet Jeremy Mitchell! 

Image Copyright: Justin and Mary (who the way i can't wait to work with at special wedding celebration October 2013!) 

How did Jeremy Mitchell Cinema get started?

Jeremy Mitchell Cinema got started in an odd series of coincidental events that just happened to work out. I used to film and edit skateboarding videos back in high school and my first few years in college. Nothing I ever really took seriously. As I slowly got out of it and focused on my career and in that timeframe I made friends with my partner Nick Godsell. He was working at the mall with a friend of mine and we had in common a huge love for music. Fast forward a decade later and my girlfriend (now wife) Ashley is having me tag along with her to help photograph weddings. At the same time Nick had been videoing his world travels for fun. I somehow got the notion to shoot weddings but with utilizing my film background and called upon Nick and the dynamic just worked!

How do you describe your style?

As far as style would go I would best describe it as honest. We shoot the day as it happens, with as little directing as possible. As lame as it sounds we capture the moments as they happen and won't interfere unless absolutely necessary. We also try to capture all the details and style of the day, almost from a photographer viewpoint. 

What is your favorite thing about videoing a wedding? 

If I had to pinpoint my favorite thing about shooting a wedding it would just be being involved in the insane amount of fun that is happening that day. A wedding is the best day of two peoples lives and I love that we get to share that and call it a "job." I mean seriously, have you ever met anyone that does't think weddings are an awesome time?

What is your biggest advice of couples looking for a wedding videographer?

The best advice I can give to a couple looking for a videographer is to make sure that they like the videographer(s) as people as well as the product they produce. A wedding is an intimate affair and you're really allowing the videographer into your lives so you should be able to trust them and enjoy the experience. There's so many people and studios out there that can make a great product but you should be able to enjoy yourself and your time with them throughout the whole process.

Here's a link to film I rather love. Also, I heard the planner of this one was pretty alright!

Jesse and Brandon from jeremy mitchell on Vimeo.

Venues to Love!: Sweetwater Cuisine

I thought i'd share a little gem of an event venue in Virginia Beach with you all... I often hear from my clients that they can't find a rehearsal dinner venue that will hold their larger guest count or we even smaller wedding venue that is quaint and reasonably priced. So, to those clients I say, check out Sweetwater Cuisine!

Sweetwater Cuisine started as a well known catering company in Hampton Roads and the Region surrounding that recently opened a delicious restaurant that is open to the public for lunch during the week and to private events during the evening and weekends. The venue holds 80 guests comfortably for a seated dinner and larger groups can be accommodate with cocktail style events. Check out a few images below and contact Sweetwater Cuisine for all of your on and offsite catering needs!

Thank you Ramone for these gorgeous venue image and Waterford Event Rentals for the linens pictured. 

Signature Drink Saturday:The Sarasota

In honor of the Oscar's this upcoming Sunday, we decided that no award show was complete without the bubbly!  Here is our version of the champagne fun from my favorite website, PINTEREST! of course!  Enjoy!

The Sarasota

Ingredients:

1 large bottle of Moscato or Riesling Wine

1 can of raspberry lemonade concentrate

A splash of sprite 

Crushed raspberries 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! 

Monday Meeting: RSVP Stationery

Happy Monday Meeting! Anyone that knows me or has been to my studio knows i'm a bit obsessed with Stationery! Not just any stationery, gorgeous, lush, event driven stationery!  So it only makes sense that today on our blog we introduce you to one of our favorite stationers, RSVP Stationery! 


RSVP is owned by Kim and Kristen a sister team that pretty much rocks. Or as their website says "Kim, Kristen and sometimes Mom!" We also love how this duo inspires our clients, "gets it" each and every time and only gets better with the ever changing world of stationery design. 

Image by David Schwartz Photography

How did RSVP Stationery get its start?

Stationery has truly been in our blood for years.  We come from a long line of stationers and printers in our family.  Family is very important to us, so when our mom decided to retire from teaching, we decided we should do something together.  She had the planning and coordinating background, and Kim and I had the stationery and printing background, thus starting RSVP Stationery in 2003.

What makes your stationery “one of a kind”?

I think what makes us and our stationery unique is that we always think outside of the box!  The word “no” is not in our vocabulary when it comes to stationery and paper design.  Our area is so saturated with the same invitation lines.  Who really wants to send out the same invitation their cousin sent the year before.  We hope that we can create or find an invitation for our clients in any budget that excite and wow their guests!  

How did you make the transition from printing and wedding coordinating to developing RSVP Stationery?

Wedding planning and coordinating was not our focus in the beginning; however, it was something we loved to do along with running our retail storefront.  When we finally let our mom retire for a second time, we decided to stop the planning portion as well, just taking on wedding coordination and continuing to run the stationery store.  However, when Kim and I started designing our own invitations in house, everything changed.  Due to the amazing response, our time has been consumed with designing and producing custom invitation orders.  Since Kim and I have a genuine passion for paper and design, we decided to end wedding coordination completely.  Now we are able use our time to focus more on our love for stationery, paper and design.

When we started our business:

We really felt our clients needed an alternative to the “cookie cutter” invitation.  We strive to stay abreast with the latest trends, styles and ever-changing etiquette.  Our hope is that every event that we order or design an invitation for is unique to that client. Even if it is as simple as suggesting a new font, ink color or modern wording layout; any change can make the unique difference!

RSVP Stationery offers many different kinds of stationery, what type of events do your clients seek stationery for the most?

Weddings and Mitzvahs are definitely the majority of our “paper fun”; however, we have a strong client following for our imprintable invitations and personal stationery.  Whether it is a fun birthday invitation, a wedding program, or custom cups and napkins, our clients always find something perfect for their event. 

What is your favorite Stationery trend that you have seen for 2012?

Custom design is a huge trend this year and we feel it is here to stay.  We really love to get to know our clients, and in doing so it makes giving them their custom look so much more successful.  Meeting their planners, sisters, moms or fiancées always helps to give insight into the kind of “look” our clients may want. 

Image by Digital Dreammakers

Image by Echard Wheeler Photography

Image by Veronica Dana Photography

Melissa and Ken: An Engagement Story

Yesterday we had the pleasure of interviewing Andi Grant Photography in our "Monday Meeting" blog series...so today we thought it was only right to share a great engagement session of one of our Spring clients shot by the one and only Andi.

Ken and Melissa are a super fun couple! They have been dating for nearly a decade, and have traveled the nation following each other to be supportive spouses for their career endeavors. We are beyond ecstatic that they have chosen Virginia Beach as their home. We are looking forward to their gorgeous Bay Creek Wedding right around the corner. What do you think?