Feeding the Masses - Food Service Options

When planning a wedding, you have A LOT of decisions to make! From color schemes to first dance songs, every wedding detail is carefully calculated by you (or the fabulous girls at NoLo)! One of the most talked about debates in the wedding industry is what style of dining you should treat your guests to. Up until a few years ago seated or buffet style used to be the traditional options to consider. However, all of the new trends and ideas in the world of weddings mean there are more food options available to couples than ever before! I’ll break down a few of NoLo’s favorites below, including the tried and true seated and buffet styles.

Original Wedding: Ashley and Joe at Belmont Manor

From the moment I met Ashley and Joe I knew that they were a special couple. Their infectious smiles, excited energy and loving gazes at each other are every wedding planners dream! Then, when they told me that they were planning a carnival themed wedding at the beautiful Belmont Manor, I was sold!

Original Wedding: Jen and Kevin at Oregon Ridge

When I think back to Jen and Kevin’s wedding my first thought is about the heat on that scorching June day. But that is not my only thought, nor is it the most important. The important memories I have are how much fun the wedding was, how fabulous the venue and food was and most of all how in love and charming Jen and Kevin were.

Original Wedding: Joyce & Ray at The Liriodendron

Joyce and Ray met through an online dating site and had a quick connection. After a few dates they were inseparable and after traveling all over the world together their love blossomed. A few years later Ray set up the perfect proposal and it was official! It is extremely clear that this couple is perfect for one another! They have a magnetic energy between them and you can’t help but love their love!

Original Wedding: Amy & Buzz at the Baltimore Museum of Industry

At Amy and Buzz’s final appointment they were nothing but calm, cool and collected. All of their hard work and attention to detail had paid off and they were free to sit back relax and get married!

Fast forward to their wedding day. Despite the chill in the air and the heavy winds, that sense of calm remained. Buzz and Amy kept it simple with a smaller bridal party and a quick ceremony. They spoke vows from the heart and had gleaming smiles on their faces the entire time.

Saying YES to the dress!

The other day I was at a friends house and they had TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” on. Every once in a while you need to relax on the couch and veg out on reality TV. So, I was 3 episodes in and had a revelation-- Some women have no idea how to shop for the right wedding dress.

 

Here are my quick tips when you are going dress shopping:

Pinterest and Wedding Planning

When you type “Wedding” into the search bar on Pinterest, thousands of pins will pop up. With several sub categories to help narrow your search, it’s no wonder Pinterest is one of the biggest social media platforms used when planning a wedding. How on earth are you supposed to sift through the never ending pages of DIY tutorials, planning checklists and centerpiece ideas? Here are a few tips on how to use Pinterest to your advantage when planning your wedding!

Alternative Guest Book Ideas

A wedding guest book is a great keepsake and a reminder of who was there to share in your special day! Guest books can come in all shapes and sizes. Traditionally they are bound books with lines for your guests to simply sign their name. However, new and unique guest books are trending in the world of weddings.

Clearance Bin Wedding Finds!

I am my mothers daughter. If there is a deal to be had, a clearance section to sift through or coupons to be clipped, I am SO there! This passion and skill come in handy when planning a wedding.

Working with My Best Friend

Here we are on the brink of wedding season! There is a certain flutter in my heart and excitement in my veins. Another year of being part of the best day in our lovely couples’ lives. Another year of feeling accomplished with all the hard work we put into our passion. But most of all, another year I get to work alongside my best friend!

Getting Grooms Involved

More often than not the bulk of the wedding planning is done by the bride. This is probably because she has been planning her wedding even before you were in the picture...Sorry buddy, blame Pinterest!

However, as long as your groom is willing why not get him involved? Think about it, by delegating jobs and sharing responsibility that means less stress for you. When sharing in the planning of the wedding you are working towards a common goal i.e. the biggest day of your life! Plus, when your bridesmaids are sick of hearing about the cost of peonies for the 147th time your beau will there to lend an ear and help offer a solution. Keep your fiances strengths and weaknesses in mind. Don’t ask them to help you with tasks that play to their weaknesses, I promise you, they will not stick around for much of the planning process.

Featured: The Baltimore Museum of Industry

For those of you looking for a truly remarkable and unforgettable wedding venue in Downtown Baltimore, look no further than the Baltimore Museum of Industry! Whether you are looking for a more casual affair or a black tie gala, the BMI is perfect for you.

Conveniently located right off of Key Highway, the BMI offers several indoor and outdoor spaces for your private event. From the Decker Gallery and Industry Terrace to the Pavilion and Point, your guests will experience sweeping views of the Inner Harbor (my favorite photo opp is with the Domino Sugar sign!).

Photos by Maria Linz

Wedding Trends - The Outlook for 2015's Wedding Season

By now we all have heard that Pantone’s color of the year is...everybody say it with me - MARSALA! For those of you who aren't familiar with the color, and keep thinking about a chicken dish served at your company’s holiday party, Marsala is a deep, rich burgundy color. What does marsala and other wedding trends have to do with you? How can you incorporate them into your day? NoLo is breaking down a few of the top wedding trends of 2015.

Color
Let’s not let marsala hog all of the attention! There are several colors that you will see everywhere this wedding season! Soft pastels like blush and pale blue are taking over the wedding scene this year. With metallic touches in gold, silver and bronze you can add a hint of sophistication and glamour!

Bring More Than Your Appetite - Tips For Taste Tests

Phew! Just over 200 more days until our wedding! Being a wedding planner, I wasted no time diving into planning right after Brad and I got engaged in September. We crossed the big to-do’s off the list fairly quickly.. The venue was locked down within a few weeks of planning, I said YES to the dress, then it was on to the food and cake tastings! Which you have to admit is the best part!

Brad and I are excited to be working with Design Cuisine and DC Rental for our big day! Their staff and service has been impeccable thus far. The attention and care they give their clients is top notch and the day of our tasting was no exception. Brad and I had talked about and finalized a preliminary menu prior to the tasting, so we were very excited to taste the items we had decided on. Below are my top eight tips for you to get the most out of your taste test!