Vintage Southern Weddings at Magnolia HIll

Vintage Southern Weddings at Magnolia HIll
Southern Romantic Weddings, Destination Weddings and Receptions at Alda's Magnolia Hill • 5110 Stageoach Road, Little Rock, Arkansas | call: 501-690-2574

Monday, February 22, 2021

You're Engaged! First thing to do!



engagement photoshoot

Soooo ....You are engaged! 
Sometimes it happens when you least expect it, 

or maybe you had a "feeling" but one day the
 love of your life asks you to marry him,
 he puts a ring on your finger, and you are engaged!


Engaged


 It is especially wonderful if Mr. Right 
has planned a surprise engagement 
for just the two of you.

      surprise engagement 


with a little planning, a photographer 
can be close by when needed.

 

And then there is the moment you want to share it 
with friends and especially your family. 
Share the news with family especially first hand...
not through social media. 

Let them hear the excitement in your voice. 

She said yes!

Most fathers like it if they are "asked"
 for his daughter's hand in marriage. 
It is an old tradition but still quite beloved. 

   

It is always nice if you can take a bit of time
 and let the commitment "sink in" 
.... just enjoy the process of things to come. 


Always let those closest to you know of your excitement... 
  It is rather 
heartbreaking sometimes
 if they "hear" of your 
news through the grapevine 
or through social media. 








Capture the moment...
Start thinking of a "season" that you want to get married for the actual 
date will depend upon the dates 
that are available of a venue you have your heart set upon.

One of the first things people ask, "when is the wedding"?  

Don't rush on a date, it may vary, depending on
when a convenient date for those closest to you 
or that you need IN your wedding .


Right after you are engaged, start thinking of an Engagement Photo session. 
Let a photographer capture the magic of the moment
 at this time of your life.



We love engagement photo sessions for they are so sweet to 
play and laugh as you celebrate together.


These photos will most likely be useful in "Save the Date" cards 
once a date has been nailed down.  




Guests will love seeing pictures of the two of you displayed at your reception. 




A favorite picture may be enlarged, framed and useful on the 
Guest Book Table 


This is such a special time, that maybe you want to have 
a book of pictures for a keepsake. It may be used for a guestbook 
if blank space is left for guests to sign. 


On picture day, bring a couple of outfits for you both to change in, 
depending on the mood of your shoot...is it casual or semi formal. 



                                                                                                       Benjamin Martin photography


A good photographer will capture the sweet spirit of the moment.


Any season is fine for an Engagement shoot, but I have to say, 
Fall is my favorite. 






Fall is perfect for boots and sweaters.


Sometimes "Family"members join in the picture



"Now at last they were 
beginning Chapter One 
of the Great Story
no one on earth 
has ever read,
which goes on forever;
in which every chapter is better
than the one before."
                        - C.S. Lewis



We have so many colorful trees around the lake in the fall 


The woods, fields and lake is so pretty in the fall air.


The lake and boats are most romantic...



and I saved a surprise for last...this couple decided
 to "jump in the lake" with a PLANNED canoe roll.

 The water was cold 
but it captured a most memorable kiss!


Enjoy your time of Engagement, and plan for a fabulous memory
...with your love of a lifetime. 

Friday, February 12, 2021

Valentine's Day Decor




Snow and ice are falling in Arkansas....WHAT? ...It has been some time as we are not used to such cold winters!  The second week of February is always seemingly the coldest of the year, and this year it is way over normal cold so I treasure the tie sitting by a warm fire while I write this post about the WARMEST season of the year....Valentines Day!  

Stone fireplace
Our stone fireplace throws out so much heat to warm the room. 
It  is a luxury to smell the perfumed woodsmoke 
and back up to the warmth especially on a day like today.  

"Winter ...is a time to gather golden moments, 
embark upon a sentimental journey, 
and enjoy every idle hour." 
- John Boswell 

frozen fountain

Here is what my garden fountain looks like...
I keep it running so the little birds will be able to drink.


Valentines day decor

 Earlier I pulled out my vintage candy boxes 
and love this red velvet one. 





This figurine of children sledding seems quite appropriate 
for now as I hope our two grand littles will 
come by this afternoon 
for sledding adventures on our hill. 



The front porch is dressed with a few more 
vintage chocolate Valentine boxes. 




And the wreath on the front door holds 
a red truck full of valentine hearts.





In the south, porches are considered another room, but not today!

I have pulled out some of my vintage Valentines along with the chocolate boxes. 

vintage valentine
This die cut lacey  one is so sweet. 
They are displayed on embellished vintage door knobs .  
The door knob displays are easy to make and dressed
 with a bit of broken jewelry.

Antique stores are usually full of vintage postcards 
and ephemera or small greeting cards. 
This little robin Valentine is a fold out favorite .
With their vintage appeal, some like this one
 with excellent graphics have become highly collectible. 

The first commercial Valentine's Day cards in America
 were designed in the 1840's by the Esther A. Howland, 
who embellished them with lace and ribbons.  
Through the ages, they were given as an expression of love, 
and also as tokens of friendship. 

doves valentine

Vintage cards with birds and especially doves steal my heart. 
 The ones from about 1895 to 1910 are very recognizable. 
It is easy to add a touch of seasonal decor with a simple postcard. 
Lots of valentines feature a locked heart and key too. 

"Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow 
or reap or store away in barns, 
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them..
 Are you not much more valuable than they?  
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"   

                                    __Matthew 6: 26-27

In the 1950's this cartoonish style became quite popular
especially grade school children to share with friends. 

As much as we love our wooden boats here at Magnolia Hill 
and handmade canoes, this one made me smile....

vintage boat valentine


I am glad I snapped a few photos of our camellia bush
that is so beautiful in bloom before all the ice.
 They are a favorite of southern gardens for something blooming 
in the middle of winter is a luxury. Glossy rich greenery 
in the middle of winter, and soft sweet blooms.  
I picked several blooms
to float in a bowl and enjoy. 
This one is called Mrs. Lincoln. 

Camellia bloom

 Here's hoping your Valentine's Day is spent warm and with someone you love. 
 
love is the key


valentine heart

You’ll find me on Instagram here:  Alda's Magnolia Hill 
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