Those of you that know me from a personal side know that my grandparents meant the world to me growing up (and they still do).  I have fantastic memories of swinging on the porch with my Grandpa Gose as we played bus stop (he drove a bus).  Listening to my Grandma Gose play the piano and singing "Over the River and Through the Woods."  Going shopping and doing inventory at my Nanaw's store - I think this is where I got my business side.  And going to Dairy Queen with my Papaw and all of my cousins  These are moments that make me smile and they are memories that only I can cherish.  

I can only imagine what the bride in this video's memories are of her grandparents.  They could only be as sweet as the ones I have of mine.  It is so touching that she went to the hospital with her wedding party to surprise someone that obviously means so much to her.  

Your wedding day is a celebration of life, love, and the future.  Take the time on your wedding day to honor and include those that made you who you are.  

So I was on Huffington Post tonight and I saw the article on The Very Real Struggle All Engaged Couples Face by Brie Dyas and I just had to watch the video.  This of course made me laugh which is now why you are reading this blog and getting ready to push play on the YouTube link.  

As a wedding planner, I always ask "What is your fiancé's name" or the bride to be will always offer up "my finance's name is...".  I guess I didn't realize it was such an issue.  

Do you remember it being weird?  How did you introduce your (insert word)?

Right before I send any bride and groom on their way for the grand departure, they all seem to say the same thing.  "It's already over?   Wow, that went by so fast."  
Your wedding day has the same amount of hours as any other day but for some reason it flies.  
If you have it in the budget, think about adding a videographer to your vendor list.  This is an excellent way of keeping the moment alive many years from now.  It allows friends and family members that were unable to attend a glimpse into the festivities of the day.  It is your diary of the most joyous day in your lives.  
The video above was produced through FingerSnappin' Entertainment; located in Charleston SC.  We hope you enjoy.  
Questions to ask while interviewing a videographer.

The wedding reception is a party centered on the commitment made between the bride and groom. By keeping guests relaxed and focused on this simple fact, a fun time will be had by all.

Despite the fact that the recent economic recession saw a downtrend in the wedding planning industry, it remains a multi-billion dollar business in the United States alone ($47.5 billion to be precise). And little wonder: with the seemingly endless stream of details involved, planning a wedding can be an overwhelming experience.

However, whether you are planning for a large or intimate wedding, in the middle of deciding about flowers and ice sculptures, it is best to remember that your wedding day should be about celebrating love and the beginning of a life together. Otherwise, it’s just another party.

Keep it Personal

In particular, the seating arrangement can be a cause of undue stress for the bride and groom. Seating Aunt Lydia next to Cousin Hank, who ran over her prize petunias in a summer long forgotten (except by Aunt Lydia), can be a recipe for disaster. However, random seating can be equally disastrous, with people shuffling around looking for open seats or accidentally taking someone else’s table.

One method of smoothing over potentially awkward or difficult moments among seating partners during the wedding reception is to give them something fun to do. Plan a table activity that will remind them that this day is about two people in love beginning their life together and not about a past best forgotten or at least set aside for the day.

Whenever possible, choose narrow rectangular tables over large round ones. A big round table discourages conversation with people on the opposite end. Seated along a narrow rectangular table however, your guests can talk to people on either side of them, the person in front of them, as well as the people on either side of this person. Be sure to seat your guests in comfortable, attractive seating like padded chiavari or banquet chairs. A wedding reception can last for three or four hours; that’s a long time to be fidgeting in an uncomfortable position.

A wedding reception is a special celebration. Keep it festive, keep it centered on the bride and groom, and keep your guests relaxed. There is no better way to end a long day and begin a new life together.

About the Author:
Beth is an Atlanta based writer who enjoys covering topics like event planning, home improvement, and pet care. She writes on behalf of Classroom Essentials Online, a family owned and operated business that offers a wide range of beautiful chiavari chairs for sale.  

At the end of a beautiful Lowndes Grove wedding, the bride came to me and said that she didn't want any of the centerpieces.  "Take it all - I don't want to deal with it."  Scanning the room all I could think of, "Is my car big enough to handle all of this?"  
The next morning, I unpacked my car and my living room was full of mason jars.  They were everywhere!  Close to 30 cases and I had no plans of doing any canning...I don't know how but maybe I should learn.  
I began doing calculations and approximately $450 + time + transport of mason jars were crowding my living room.  That is quite a bit to throw away for just one night.
Most brides dispose of their centerpieces or pack their items in a box that goes into storage after the celebration.  Vases, arbors, bows, card boxes, even dresses... you name it and it is either going to a landfill or into someones garage or closet.  
So after a glass of wine or two, I created the Facebook Group:  Charleston Weddings Recycled.  It is a place where brides can buy, sell, swap, trade with other brides their gently used ceremony and reception items.  Its a great place to find a deal!  
The group is growing quickly and all you have to do is find us on Facebook.  The more brides the merrier!!! 

He's the first man that held your hand.
To kiss your cheek.
To hold you close and whisper "I love you."
You probably stood on his feet while you danced your first dance in the living room.  

On your wedding day, he is the one that cries when he sees you dressed in white.  
It's his arm you take to walk down the aisle to the man of your dreams.
He's the one dance partner that you know has dreamed of twirling you on the dance floor since the day you met.  

For this bride, the absence of her father on her wedding day was devastating.  It was the thoughtfulness of her brother and the love and support of her family that allowed her still have this special moment that is usually only shared between a father and his daughter.  

Although I never met this bride, the moment that is shared in this video brought me to tears.  I wish her the best of love and luck and hope she knows that her father was with her in spirit at this joyous occasion.  

It's so weird, those songs that make you stop and actually listen to the words.  Well, that happened tonight when I walked downstairs and saw this video on Palladia.  I have heard many love songs played at weddings over the years and I believe that this one will definitely make its way onto many bride's playlist.  I hope you enjoy as much as me.  

Nestled in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant, SC is a gem of a location for wedding ceremonies and receptions - Alhambra Hall; located at 131 Middle Street.

This space has it all with the lush green lawn, a magnificent view of the Charleston Harbor, and an old oak tree that is perfect for ceremonies.  The main building on premise is two stories but it is the 2nd floor that  hosts the reception.  The space is approximately 3200 sq. feet (40x80) of open hardwood floors and exposed wood beams.  Two fireplaces are centered on both side and there are windows that surround the space so that you are able to enjoy the outdoor views.  Many guests enjoy the wraparound porch that surrounds majority of the ballroom.  If you are worried about space, you can also utilize this porch for bar service, cocktail tables, etc.  

There are many great reasons to take a look at Alhambra Hall:

• Open to outside vendors
• Available for setup throughout the entire day
• Very versatile
• Tables and chairs with the rental 
• Bridal Suite available to get ready (additional fee)
• Indoor space can accommodate groups up to 350 yet not overwhelming for smaller groups

With many of my clients we always try to utilize as much of the property as possible - ceremony outside followed by cocktail hour and then dinner and dancing indoors.  Of course with Charleston, the weather is never predictable and a concern for brides would be what to do in case of inclement weather.  Depending on the guest count, you could always use the indoor space for both OR there is always the option of renting a tent.  

Regardless of your event - rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, reception, after wedding brunch - Alhambra Hall is a must see.  

Give us a call if you would like to schedule an appointment.  

Choosing your wedding venue is extremely difficult especially when there are SO MANY wonderful venues in the Charleston locale. 

One of my favorite locations is the South Carolina Aquarium located at 100 Aquarium Wharf.  It could be because I spent 3.5 years as their Special Events Sales Manager but I really believe its because it is UNIQUE.  A favorite saying while showing this venue was "less is more when it comes to decor" because the venue itself has so much life. 

The Carolina Seas, a main focal point in the Great Hall, lends itself beautifully as the backdrop for wedding cakes, sweet heart tables, and food stations.  The Great Ocean Tank room has been used for many wedding ceremonies and dancing.  The deep ocean view of the Great Ocean tank (pictured above) is wonderful for food displays and stealing kisses.  The Riverside Terrace overlooking the Charleston Harbor and the Yorktown is fantastic for an outdoor ceremony or even a cocktail hour.  

Not only do your guests get to enjoy your wedding and reception, they also have the opportunity to view the many exhibits of the South Carolina Aquarium.  This is added entertainment that you can't get at any other location.  

Events are scheduled to begin at 7pm and run til 11pm.  Their current pricing structure is as follows:

• Sunday - Thursday:  $3000
• Friday:  $3500
• Saturday:  $4500

A $500 refundable damage deposit is also required.  

It truly is a magnificent venue that you and your guests will never forget.  

Interested in seeing the space?  Let me know.  

If there is one thing that makes my head hurt, it would be researching insurance.  There is insurance for everything and I mean everything!  

Adam Lambert insured his voice for $48M, Jennifer Love Hewitt's smile is insured for $10M, even Heidi Klum's legs are insured for over a $1M each.  

Yes, we are making our way down the checklist and insuring your ring is something that should be on everyone's "to do" list.  Better yet, you could put it on your honey's "honey do" list.  This doesn't mean that your insurance agent has to be the first person you tell but he/she does need to be informed.  

There are a few steps that you need to take to cover this investment:

• First get an appraisal - your local jeweler should be able to assist you with this.  You could also go to a private gemologist.  After a few days, you should be provided with a document stating the value of the ring and the diamond that you will pass along to your insurance agent.
• Do a bit of research - if you have homeowners or renters insurance, find out if these policies cover your jewelry.  You may have to have a "rider" that you would state specifically what you are covering.  You do this with many valuable items in your home so you may only need to add your ring to the already existing list.  Does it cover lost items?  What actually will you receive in place of the ring - check, jewelry from a specific jeweler, etc?  What is your deductible?
• Document, document, document - Keep all of your paperwork (receipts, copy of the appraisal, any paperwork on the diamonds themselves) on file as well as provide a copy of everything to your insurance agent.  If you have a safety deposit box or safe, store the information there.  Remember to also take a photo of the ring.  

You can also get jewelry insurance independently from your homeowner's insurance.  Whatever you decide to do, make certain that you research all options before settling on one.  

Since you are going to have your ring for - a lifetime, you will want to have your ring appraised throughout the years.  This would be for inflation purposes, you want to be sure that if something happened to your ring years down the road, that you are given a ring at its current value.  

Hope this helped - time for me to go update some paperwork...where did that ring go?