Jenna Laine Weddings : Katie & Trent

Photographer Elizabeth Gelineau Photography

Last February, Katie and Trent were blessed with a perfect Spring like day at the Grand Hotel. They opted to do a first look under the hotels gorgeous Oak Trees, followed by an intimate ceremony along the bay and a fun filled reception inside the newly renovated Magnolia Ballroom. We love the soft color palette and loose garden style arrangements made by Wildflowers Fairhope. Working with Katie and her mom to plan this wedding was a dream, they really trusted our team and because of that were able to enjoy the entire planning process and their special day.

How did you two meet?

Trent and I met at a brewery in Athens, Georgia thanks in large part to my dog, CoCo. Her leash got wrapped up with Trent’s feet, we started talking, and the rest is history!

What were your favorite details of your wedding?

Having our wedding monogram on everything from our invitations to our welcome boxes and koozies was my favorite detail. It was a sentimental way to tie everything together since we plan on using the monogram on our Christmas cards and stationery for years to come.

What was your favorite moment of the day?

My favorite moment of the day was following the ceremony when Trent and I had a moment to ourselves. We took some portraits with our photographer and ate a private dinner prior to entering the reception. After planning and dreaming of this day for so long we finally had a moment to sit back and soak it all in.

If you could give any advice to brides currently planning their weddings what would it be?

First of all, I highly recommend all brides higher a planner or at the very least a day of coordinator. The last thing you want to be worried about on the day of your wedding is logistical things, like when is the cake going to be delivered? Jenna was a complete delight to work with throughout the planning process, but she also made sure our wedding day ran smoothly. Also, I tell everyone I know who is planning a wedding to trust their planner and vendors. It’s so easy as a bride to get bogged down in every little decision you have to make-what color should the napkins be, how many tables do we need, etc. Don’t stress yourself out over those little things. Your vendors know what they are doing, so trust them and them for advice.

What was your favorite part of the planning process?

My favorite part of the planning process was getting to spend quality time with my mom. She was just as excited (if not more) as I was about our wedding. Our trips to Fairhope to meet with Jenna and our other vendors are some of my fondest memories with her.

Rentals: SOHO Events and Rentals Florist: Wildflowers Fairhope Location Grand Hotel Resort and Spa Photographer: Elizabeth Gelineau Photography Cake: Couture Cakes Hair and Makeup: Becca Townley and Danna Smith Studio BM Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids







Meet Jenna

Owner and Executive Planner of Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC

Jenna Laine Rachal grew up in Fairhope, Alabama. She graduated from Bayside Academy and attended Auburn University. She then graduated from Auburn in May 2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and certification in event planning then moved to New York just a few weeks later. While attending Auburn, Jenna worked under the marketing and events director at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art for three years, which is where her love for wedding and event planning began. In New York, Jenna interned and worked with several top marketing and event producers, one of them being event designer Matthew Robbins Design. In late 2012, Jenna moved home to Fairhope to open Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC., formerly known as Weddings and Events by Jenna Laine. Her first year in business Jenna planned 8 weddings, now almost six years later Jenna Laine Weddings produces around 50 beautiful weddings a year!

What’s your favorite part of planning a wedding?

My favorite part of planning a wedding is the design. I love making each event unique and special for our clients. My favorite design element is the tablescape. I love a full place setting, custom place cards, a beautiful centerpiece and glowing candle light. I also think a patterned linen really goes a long way in elevating the overall wedding design.

Favorite wedding trend for 2018?

I think 2018 has brought a lot of texture and color to tables. The linens have beautiful patterns and feel, such as velvet, one of my favorites. I have also seen a lot of colored tapered candles, you can’t go wrong with a standard ivory or white, but adding even a subtle grey really adds to the overall look of the table.

Florist: Wildflower Photographer Rae Leytham Photography Napkins Chapel Farm Collection Rentals SOHO Events and Rentals

Most overlooked detail?

Lighting and a stage facade are my two biggest details I always try and get brides to work into their budget. Lighting can really change the entire feel of a room. Just adding soft amber lights around the edge of a ballroom can transform the space into a more intimate setting. Also, pin spotting your centerpieces and focal points, such as floral chandeliers or the cake, really make those elements pop, especially in photos.

A stage facade can come in many forms. You can rent a simple white facade or go with a ‘living’ boxwood facade or something patterned. Any of these options help to dress up the dance floor and hide the bulky black stages. At first thought you may not understand the necessity of a stage facade, but when you get your photos back you will.

Lighting: Willow Bridge, INC Florist: Jenn Sanchez Flowers Photographer: Sarah Kate Photography

What do you do when you aren’t planning weddings?

When I’m not planning a wedding I can usually be found at home or walking in our neighborhood with my 3 (almost 4) year old daughter Maddie, and husband Josh. My husband is a firefighter, which puts him out of the house for 24 hours or sometimes 48 hours at a time, so when he is off shift and I am home I try and close the computer and enjoy our time together. We live near several playgrounds, so most afternoons we take a family walk to the park or down to the water.

Finding the Perfect Bling.....I mean Ring!

Today's post is all about engagement rings, and what better day than Valentines day to talk about pretty diamonds!  No guy wants to go to the jewelry store without some knowledge about rings and what his future fiance likes. It's a big investment so you want to make sure its perfect and with so many options for cut, color, and styles it can be a bit overwhelming.  My friend Aimee, owner of Aimee Reynolds Photography, and I took a day trip to Stowe's Jewelers in Fairhope, Alabama to get a little insight on finding the perfect ring that will have her saying “I Do.” 

Budgeting for the Ring:  First, its important to note everyone’s budget is different, so you need to set one that you are comfortable with.  It may be helpful to ring shop well in advance of your ideal proposal date so you have time to save up. Also, keep in mind that most jewelers can work out a payment plan for you to pay off the ring over the course of several months. Beautiful rings come in all price ranges. Today while at Stowe's Jewelers we looked at rings that ranged from $1,500 up to $40,000.00. 

The Four C’s: Cut, Clarity , Color and Carat. Every guy should brush up on the four c’s prior to ring shopping. This will help to ensure you know the product you are getting is worth the price tag. Here is a brief description of the four c’s;

Cut: We often think cut refers to round, oval, pear, cushion, but the cut of a diamond is really about how well a diamonds facets interact with light, aka its sparkle. Even if a diamond has a perfect clarity and color it can still apear dull if the cut is bad. 

Clarity: The clarity of the diamond refers to its inclusions (blemishes) on the inside or outside of the diamond. The purer the diamond the more the value. 

Color: The color evaluation of most diamonds is based on the absence of color. A perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of water. The clearer the diamond the higher the value.

Carat: Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. The higher the carat, the higher the price. 

Popular Wedding Ring Shapes

Oval: Below the ring in the center of the display is an oval cut center stone. It is 2.71 ct accented with .61ct diamonds and .55ct of sapphires in a platinum setting. 

Cushion Cut: The ring on the top left is .74 cushion cut diamond accented with .50ct of diamonds in a platinum setting.  

Round: This is probably the most popular shape of all three. The top right corner is a 1.51ct round diamond accented with .45ct diamonds in the platinum setting.   

Three of the more popular cuts, round, cushion and oval. 

Three of the more popular cuts, round, cushion and oval. 

Popular Wedding Ring Styles

Antique Rings

Antique rings are usually easy to identify based on their ornate feel and ‘different’ settings. This one pictured below is a 14K Yellow Gold Setting and .68 ct diamonds. 

Antique Engagement Ring 

Antique Engagement Ring 

Oval Morganite

Morganite is a beautiful stone that will help those working within a tighter budget. This ring pictured below is 1.03 ct., .28 ct worth of diamonds accents and a 14k Rose Gold Setting. Rose Gold is also a very popular setting for 2018. 

Morganite and Rose Gold Engagement

Morganite and Rose Gold Engagement

Halo Rings

Halo rings became very popular about five years ago and still remain a top seller. The halo ring below features 1.0 ct worth of diamonds in a 14kt white gold setting. 

Halo ring and wedding band

Halo ring and wedding band

Colored Diamonds

Colored stones are a big trend right now. We have seen pink, blue and yellow all make for beautiful and unique engagement rings. One of the most popular colored diamonds, and one of the most expensive, is the canary diamond. This ring features a 1.02ct canary diamond, accented by .46cts in a platinum band. 

Canary Diamond Engagement Ring

Canary Diamond Engagement Ring

Traditional

You can never go wrong with a traditional ring like the one featured below. This 4 prong ring features a 1ct diamond with a white gold setting. 

Tradtional solitary diamond ring 

Tradtional solitary diamond ring 

Custom Rings

Stowe's also loves working with clients to design custom rings using all new diamonds and settings or turning family heirlooms into new one of a kind rings. The picture below is a custom ring designed and created at Stowe's Jewelers. It features at 2ct diamond with .25 carat baguettes flanking either side set in a platinum setting.

Custom Ring 

Custom Ring 

Horice and Joyce Stowe opened Stowe’s Jewelers in 1959.  Fifty-nine years later it continues to thrive under the ownership of their daughters Beth Fugard and Peggy Wiggins. Stowes specializes in fine jewelry with a wide range of prices, custom jewelry design,  fine china, crystal, silver and many other serving pieces. 

We hope everyone has a happy Valentines Day and best of luck to all the guys out there proposing to their favorite girls! We hope to hear from you in the coming day so we can help you plan your dream wedding. 

 

 

Best,

Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC

251-517-9530

info@jennalaineweddings.com

www.jennalaineweddings.com

 

 

Vendor Spotlight- RHR Media

RHR Media

Part of our 2018 blog resolutions is to connect more with our local vendors. Each month we are going to post a vendor spotlight to educate you on their journeys as small business owners and give you a more in depth look at their services. 

For our first vendor spotlight we connected with one of our favorite videographers Robbie Reynolds. Robbie is the owner of RHR Media, one of the fastest growing wedding film companies in the southeast. In 2014, after two decades of working with video as a hobby, and photographing hundreds of weddings, Robbie decided to begin this new adventure. We hope as you read through this post you learn a little more about RHR Media and be sure to watch the beautiful wedding video below featuring one of our 2017 couples. 

RHR Media Logo.PNG

Tell me a little about the services you offer? RHR Media offers three basic products: the highlight film, short film, and ceremony edit. Our highlight film is more like a music video, while the short film is significantly longer and more cinematic. The ceremony edit is simply the wedding ceremony in its entirety. Our pricing ranges from $2,500 to $4,800. Occasionally, clients want something outside of these packages, and we are more than happy to customize a product to fit their needs.

What do you love most about wedding films? There are so many things I love about filming weddings. The phenomenal vendors we get to work with, the uniqueness of each wedding, the creative outlet, and the constant opportunity for growth and improvement all make this more like a fun hobby than an job. But, what I love most about filming weddings are the clients. I constantly hear nightmare stories about working with Bridezillas. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I haven’t even come close to having an experience like that. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed to not only work with so many amazing couples and families, but to form friendships that continue to this day. When a bride or family member contacts me days after seeing their film for the first time, and says they can’t quit watching it…..when they tell me they cry every time they see it, that’s what I enjoy most about filming weddings.

Do you travel for weddings or stay local? Not only are we willing to travel, but we enjoy seeing new places. We’ve been fortunate enough to work weddings in New York City, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Key West, Florida. With that said, when our travel is less than 120 miles in one direction, there are typically no travel charges added.

How would you describe your style of filming? My style of filming would probably be best described as Romantic Storytelling. I love to push the boundaries of traditional composition, adding subtle special effects, and color grades. But at the end of the day, it’s all about highlighting the couples story.

What are some tips for Brides as they search for a videographer? When selecting a videographer, there are several things brides should consider. 

  1. Hire an experienced, competent professional. All sorts of unexpected obstacles occur in almost every wedding. Nothing beats experience in dealing with these issues.
  2. Meet your videographer in person prior to the wedding if possible. Forming a comfortable working relationship in advance helps to quell the nervousness some people feel in front of the camera.
  3. As much as possible, avoid choosing a filmmaker based on price. There’s a reason for the drastic differences in what videographers charge. The best equipment in the world is useless in the wrong hands, but the most experienced filmmakers out there would struggle to produce acceptable wedding films with consumer grade equipment. We use very expensive cameras and lenses, audio equipment, lighting, hired assistants, licensed music, etc. These things are essential to producing high quality wedding films. You get one chance at a wedding film. Good enough, just isn’t good enough. 

From a planner stand point we can not stress enough how important wedding films are.  Photos are great, but there's nothing like hearing your vows over and over again as you grow old together or seeing loved ones on film who are no longer with you or reliving that funny first dance.  We are proud to say that all of our brides who chose to work with RHR Media are so happy with their finished products. Robbie and his crew do a great job capturing the essence of the day and the love shared between every couple. Below is a short clip Robbie did this past October of our bride and groom Hannah and Andrew. To see more videos you can check out his profile page on Vimeo 

Contact information for RHR Media:

Email: robbie@rhrmedia.com

Facebook: RHR Media

Website: RHR Media

Wedding Registry

Aimee Reynolds, owner of Aimee Reynolds Photography, and I walked through the glass doors of Stowe's Jewelers and were greeted by warm smiles, sweet southern accents and a long wall of fine china, crystal, and beautiful serving pieces. Aimee and I had so much fun playing with Peggy Wiggins, one of Stowe's owners. She shared some very helpful tips on picking the perfect pattern and how not to get stressed out over their huge selection. Here is what we learned;

1) One of Peggys biggest recommendations is to come into Stowe's and taking a look around, snap a few photos, and go home and think about it. This process doesn't need to be stressful, so she said its perfectly fine to take your time and think about the patterns, price ranges and various pieces you will need. 

2) To create a finished look Peggy always recommends putting a charger on the registry. A solid color, like silver or gold, is very versatile and will work with most every day, formal, and holiday china patterns. 

3) If you want to add some pizzaz or interest to a traditional setting pick a fun salad plate. It can add a little dimension and color to the setting without being so overwhelming. 

4) A popular trend here in the South is monogramming your china. You can monogram your salad plate in the center, or even your dinner plate on the outer edge. This is a neat way to make a traditional and simple setting a little more fun and custom. Below you will see a monogrammed bread and butter plate and a unique salad plate paired with a more traditional dinner plate and charger. 

5) Be sure to check out their every day china. These are the plates you will use for taco Tuesday, spaghetti night or morning cereal. One of the top selling brands at Stowe's is Casafina. These plates and serving pieces could easily be mistaken for hand made pottery. They are also dishwasher, over and microwave safe, which make them great for every day use.  

Stowe's Jewelers has been open for 56 years and specializes in custom jewelry design, bridal registry, engraving, and fine jewelry at every price range. Stay tuned for another post on Stowe's Jewelers featuring  some of their gorgeous engagement rings and a few helpful tips on picking the perfect engagement ring! 

You can visit Stowe's at ;

393 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL

 

Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC

251-510-9530

info@jennalaineweddings.com

 

Wedding Day Yoga

Breath in and breath out...ahhh...feeling relaxed yet? 

Yoga is great for many things. It helps you relax, focus, and strengthens your joints and muscles, which is why we think this popular practice makes a great pre wedding workout. We have partnered with Core Studio owner, Lindsay Rainey, to discuss the benefits of yoga and her special day of wedding yoga session she offers to our clients. 

LINDSAY'S Reasons for incorporating Yoga into your wedding day:

  • First, Yoga gives you a great workout without the feeling of sore muscles, shortness of breath and being drenched in sweat, unless you opt for a hot yoga session. In that case, sweat is an understatement.

  • Next, its a fun activity for a group regardless of everyone’s athleticism. Yoga is a series of stretches and moves that can be altered for each person.

  • Third, it is mindful movement focused. Meaning you are making a mind and body connection and not just burning calories. This process helps to clear your mind and calm your nerves, and who couldn’t use that on their wedding day?

Wedding Day Yoga in Point Clear, Alabama with Core Studio

Wedding Day Yoga in Point Clear, Alabama with Core Studio

You can book Lindsay, or one of her certified Yoga instructors, to come to you at your home or hotel on your wedding day and conduct a 60 minute yoga session. In this class you will focus on breathing, movement, holding poses, and end with a three minute relaxation exercise that includes a eucalyptus soaked towel. You will spend time opening up your hips and pelvis region because as women, that’s where we hold stress. Some great poses Lindsay likes to include in a special wedding session would be lizard, pigeon, and a reclined bridge pose. “After hip openers it is most important to release your spine. If you don’t have a healthy spine, then you really don’t have a healthy body and one of the primary intents of a yoga class is to elongate your spine”, says Lindsay. This is just what you need to prepare you for standing at the altar and dancing the night away at the reception. 

Wedding Day Yoga in Point Clear, Alabama with Core Studio

Wedding Day Yoga in Point Clear, Alabama with Core Studio

“ Yoga can help manage anxiety, let go of fears, and release stress. Not only are you moving and sweating during a class, but you are going to pause, reflect, and find happiness in the moment that you are in now. Take the time to do something that enhance your wedding day and will make great memories with your besties. I promise you won’t regret it.” - Lindsay Rainey #sweatingforthewedding

Wedding Day Yoga in Point Clear, Alabama with Core Studio

Wedding Day Yoga in Point Clear, Alabama with Core Studio

BIOGRAPHY: Lindsay Rainey is RYT 200 certified and the founder of CORE Studio, located in Daphne, Alabama. She has been teaching yoga for over three years and sees the most joy from groups who practice together. She says, “my job as a certified teacher is to find out what works within your body, not to fix a body. Remember you are perfect as you are and sometimes that takes some reminding, which we try and do during all our classes. When I lead a class, I will offer effective sequences and techniques to teach you a new pose, but make sure to cover all the areas of the body from head to toe. It’s the combination of holding poses and moving that creates a therapeutic effect." 

You can learn more about Core Studio on their website where they have their pricing, membership information and class schedule. Lindsay and her staff would love to have you join their classes or help you relax on your wedding day. 

Call Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC today to find out how we can help you coordinate a perfect wedding and your wedding day yoga session! 

 

Best,

Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC

info@jennalaineweddings.com

251-517-9530

 

 

 

 

2017 in Review

2017 was a great year at Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC. We had so many exciting things take place this year where do we even begin? Lets start with the amazing brides and grooms we had the chance to work with. We did a total of 49 events, which is our best year yet and we loved getting to know each and every one of you. We also celebrated our 100th wedding back in February. The purchase of our new planning studio in July. Five years of business in November and we welcomed a few new faces to our team! Here's a little glimpse into all the fun we had! 

good confetti.jpg

100th Wedding Celebration

This year we celebrated our 100th wedding. Our first year in business five years ago we did 8 weddings, the following year 15, and this year we did 49! We are so thankful for this growth and can not wait to see what happens in the years to come! Hopefully we will be celebrating our 200th wedding in 2018 or early 2019! 

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THANK YOU! 

 

Thank you to all of our friends, family, and vendors for your love and support throughout this year. 2018 is shaping up to be just as amazing and we can not wait to see how it unfolds!

 

Best,

Jenna Rachal

Jenna Laine Weddings,LLC

24336 US Highway 98

Fairhope, AL 36532

251-517-9530

 

 

Branding Your Wedding

Keeping up with the ever revolving door of wedding trends is no easy task. The check list of "to do's"  not only include flowers, rentals, lighting, and invitations, but it also includes coming up with a unique brand for your wedding. This can include a catchy #, flashy filter or custom logo printed on everything from invitations, koozies, match boxes and drink stirrers. 

Social Media Branding

Snapchat GeoFilters: are fun overlays that you can add to your snapchat. Its a unique way for your guest to share where they are and what they are doing. They can be made up of the bride and groom's names, the date, a graphic or an Instagram #. Its a great place to incorporate a custom monogram to tie all your wedding accessories together. 

Created by: Weezie B Designs

Created by: Weezie B Designs

Insagram #

Coming up with a clever hashtag is no easy task, so here are a few helpful tips from The Knot. 

1) Start with your names: This may seem like a no brainer, but its a helpful starting point. Use your first, last and nicknames as a starter and then 'mash' them up. Think brangelina and bennifer. It may seem like a basic # , but it is helpful if guest can easily remember it when they go to instagram a cute photo. 

2)Use numbers to help your hashtag stand out. For instance #jackandjill is probably a pretty common hashtag around the world so add your zip code or favorite numbers to the end to make it unique. 

3)Get Punny: This is one part of your wedding you can really have fun with, especially when it comes to word play. Look for alliterations, rhymes, synonyms and puns for a hashtag that's both clever and memorable.

4) Don't Overthink it. You don't have to be extra clever or funny with your hashtag. At the end of the day, it's all about having easy access to the photos you your guest take throughout the evening

Wedding Accessories

A great way to personalize and brand you wedding is by creating a unique crest or monogram. You can introduce this design at the very start by placing it on your save the dates and then carrying it out on your invitations, koozies, cups, and even pillows and coffee stirrers. Below are a few examples from a recent wedding. 

Branding your wedding can be really fun and will help set your wedding apart from all your friends. Here at Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC, we not only help you come up with a unique wedding style, we can also help you to create a custom logo, GeoFilter, napkins, koozies, invitations and other wedding accessories right here in our office. So make an appointment today to get started!! 

Best,

Jenna Laine Weddings, LLC