At the Ashland Springs Hotel we hosted our first Wedding Tasting. The evening consisted of meeting our Wedding Team and tasting a selection of our menu items. Our guests were able to ask our team many questions about their wedding day. It was a delightful evening and could not have been possible without the generous donations from our amazing vendors. Thank you to Jewel Maree Photography, Penny and Lulu Florist and Sweet Stuff Bakery for making this event possible. Our next event is planned for Thursday, June 21st where we will be hosting a dinner for our local vendors. Stay Tuned..

XOXO, Lora

Vendor Credits:

https://www.jewelmaree.com/

https://www.pennyandlulustudios.com/

http://www.sweetstuffcake.com/

Christia and Ashley were married here at the Ashland Springs Hotel in February 2017. Two of my most favorite women to ever work with. They were always so kind, thankful and fun!! Christia and Ashley did something that we’ve never done here before. They divided our Palm Room (the getting ready room) in half and they both got ready in the room. There was only a partition dividing them. There was such excitement and anticipation as they both got ready right next to one another, but unable to see each other. I love all the pictures of them getting ready, reading their notes to one another and the holding hands photo! Oh love!!! You are so grand!

Christia and Ashley just celebrated their 1 year anniversary here at the hotel. I was lucky enough to get to see them that night. In their true fashion, they showed up with smiles, happiness, love (and oh yea.. chocolate and wine!!)

Thank you both for being you and bringing so much light into this world.

XOXO-

Lora

The Ashland Spring’s Hotel wedding team is happy to announce our first “Meet and Greet and Sample Menu Tasting.” More details to come.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all our couples who said “Oui!”

We hope you are having a wonderful, joyful day of love!

XOXO,

Lora

After the engagement there are a lot of things to consider when planning a wedding. One of those things is choosing your “people!” I like to refer to them as your personal day squad. With any squad, you need Squad Goals! One of the most important things to think of when choosing your wedding party is setting realistic expectations and goals for each member.

A few things to do before asking away:

1. Make sure you want that person to be a part of your wedding day in the capacity of a wedding party member. You can’t really go back on asking someone, even if they are not turning out to be as helpful as you had hoped.
2. List out your wedding party expectations. Do you want help with everything pertaining to the wedding? Do you just want them to be there to celebrate with you? If you can be clear with what you are wanting, that will be very helpful.
3. Give them some things to be in charge of the day of the wedding. Your squad will probably be ready way before you are and then they will just be sitting around if not given tasks to help out. Squad members typically like having activities to be in charge of. It helps them feel connected to your vision.
4. Don’t let gender be a deciding factor. If your best person is a man/woman, there is nothing wrong with mixing up the genders on your squad.
5. Last but not least, can you envision having a lot of fun with your squad. In the end, you want to make sure they are supportive and fun and make your life easier!

Photograph courtesy of http://julietashleyphoto.com/

Wedding of Chelsea and Dan @ the Ashland Springs Hotel. Their Real Wedding story will be coming shortly

XoXo,

Lora

Some people might think that the Groom has the easy job of just getting dressed and “showing up” to the wedding. I have found in my 13 years of wedding planning that Groom Style is almost as important as the Bride’s wedding attire (ok, maybe a tad less, but it’s very important nonetheless). There are some necessary steps to getting ready for the Big Day when you are the Groom:

1. Make sure you are comfortable. Even if suit wearing isn’t your favorite attire, let’s make certain that it’s comfortable. Today there are many different styles and types of suits that can make any groom feel comfortable. Try on many different versions until you find the perfect fit for you. And make sure it “fits.” A tailored suit to your measurements will make all the difference.
2. Have fun with accessorizing your suit: put on a polka dot shirt under, a fancy tie or bow-tie, maybe some geometric cuff links to add a level of hipness to your attire.
3. One of my favorite things is seeing fun and funky socks on our Grooms. Add a little pizzazz with colorful socks.
4. It’s a good idea to make sure your attire is “on-theme” with your wedding party and the rest of the wedding.
5. I suggest wearing an undershirt. This is kind of a necessity because you are probably going to have some jitters and will be in a suit, and hence, we all know what’s happens when we get a little warm while wearing a suit. You will probably not wear your jacket the whole night, so let’s make sure everything looks good for after the ceremony.
6. Have fun with your wedding day attire. It’s your day! You probably don’t spend a lot of time in a suit, so make the most of it.

PS. This is our very own Groom, Matt, who was married at Ashland Springs back in June 2017. Just wait until I show you more of their wedding. It’s absolutely amazing. Stay Tuned!

XoXo,

Lora

Photo Credits: http://www.photographybylahnamarie.com/

One of my most favorite things about being an Event Planner is the amount of people I get to meet. From their first walk through, throughout the whole planning process, to the day of and then the after. It’s always the ultimate goal to make certain that things run smoothly. That the linens are set correctly, the chairs placed just right, but there is so much more to being an Event Planner. It’s that human connection you get the opportunity to have with the couple. You get to learn about people, work with them through their decisions, help them through their stresses. You get to form relationships and you get to experience their happiness. Not too many jobs go through that complete cycle and I am blessed to get to have that in my life.

I received this note from one of our bride’s from 2017. It warms my heart to know what we get to provide to couples and we are so thankful for our amazing clients! Enjoy!

More