Spring at Magnolia Hill

April is one of the most colorful months of all at Magnolia Hill. Now I know what it means to say "spring green".  It is a green like no other time of the year. This week and every week around Easter, our glorious Dogwood tree is in full bloom. Azaelas are showing off their colors, and purple Wisteria sets off a wave fragrant blooms.

An antique trellis supports a white climbing hydrangea 

A popular month for bridal portraits !

The White Dogwood tree makes a lovey backdrop for wedding day.

The Pink Dogwood in front of the Guest House was given in memory of my mother and her loss to Breast Cancer. 

A vintage postcard from my ephemera collection shares The Legend of the Dogwood.

Spring green table decor

"He fills my life with good things"  - Psalms 103:5

A stone path beckons you for a walk to the lake.

The dock is draped in purple wisteria.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

A bride and her daddy wait on the carriage to come.

 "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"  ~Robin Williams

Make Your Wedding Perfect

Make Your Wedding Perfect

A perfect day is the goal of every bride that walks through my door. Through weeks, or months of planning, we work toward that goal whether the budget is thousands of dollars or a “Do it Yourself” type of bride. Before we start, there are a few things to consider no matter the budget.

Establish A Theme

A wedding is the most important event you will ever plan in your life. A wedding is timeless, so make sure your theme is representative of who you are. Rustic, Elegant Vintage, Rosy Victorian, Laid Back Beach, Rhinestone Bling, Bohemian Whimsy or Traditional Southern… all wonderful themes to work with. Thank goodness for Pinterest to supply a plethora of pictures of inspiration.

The Invitation

The invitation reflects you, your taste and theme. It lets a guest know what, who, when and where. It will give a clue for dress…is it an outdoor wedding and a wrap is needed with comfortable walking shoes, or a formal church wedding?  Consider the guest list very seriously. You don’t want to forget anyone or hurt feelings by not including him or her. Always err on the side of kindness.

Planning Ahead

By planning ahead, you can be relaxed and enjoy your own wedding. Determine all the details, as this will eliminate problems, hazards and embarrassments.  Delegate duties for family and friends are usually delighted when asked to help.

Adding “Something Extra”

My goal at a wedding is to have at least one thing that will generate a “wow” comment.  A moss covered cake table, a monogram wreath on the door, grandmother’s wedding dress on display, homemade jam favors, fireworks…what is a special detail that would be your “wow” factor?

Helen Keller once said, “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”  That is certainly true for a perfect wedding. 

 

Fireworks add to the magic of the night at Magnolia Hill. 

Blush Wedding

Shades of Purple

This lovely fall wedding was styled around dozens of small details.  The bride asked for an intimate and romantic country feeling for guests. The historic countryside setting and natural environment was easily the focus.  Pulled together details were rustic-vintage elements in the chosen color  "shades of  purple". 

 

 

Guestbook Bench

A Peek inside the Big Red Barn

Diana and Trey wanted an elegant yet casual wedding that was rustic, fresh, surprising, different and comfortable.   Guests were flying in from all over the country and it was their wish to blanket them with Southern hospitality. The colors of mint green and coral were especially perfect for this spring wedding. Diana says, "and I wanted the special day to feel like a homecoming for family and friends."

   Enjoy this peek into the barn reception  and more through the delightful photography of Mary Buffington.

First course salad served in Mason Jars. A petite bottle of champagne served as a favor and place card.

Mint green details

The Sweetheart Table with mint green and coral

Fresh flowers and antique dishes

The portrait sits on an easel next to the cake to be revealed during the reception.

Magnolia Hill has over 80 doves in the aviary for release at the end of a ceremony. Birds and  nests are found throughout.

Chandeliers over the dance floor

When the groom hears the cowbell, he must run and kiss his wife! Almost a hundred years ago, Magnolia Hill was a dairy farm, so paying tribute to the cows may be seen throughout the venue.

Our "Welcome Ladder"

Plenty of room for our DJ in the corner

Buddy's handbuilt canoe hangs over the door.

Pets In Your Wedding

            Pets are such a part of our family, that we cannot imagine celebrating with out them. They can play a part in your wedding, but require a bit of planning beforehand making sure both pets and people are all happy.  There are a lot of ways to involve your “family member” as a member of the wedding party, or just honored guest.

            If you are thinking about including your pet in your wedding, research your venue to see if pets are even allowed. Some venues, pets are just not appropriate as in houses of worship or fancy hotel ballrooms and may not be a viable option at all for wedding day. Even if your venue does allow pets, consider the personality of your pet. Loud music, large crowds, and unfamiliar people may all be upsetting and overwhelming. Animals that do not deal well with these conditions may not be the right guests to have at your wedding.

            Decide who will watch your pet at all times, if you do make the choice to have a pet at your wedding. A bride and groom will be too busy with many distractions to give undivided attention and a professional pet sitter may be needed. To look (and smell) their best, the pet will need to be taken to the groomer just before the event. Choose an appropriate pet wardrobe, as there is a world of wedding attire including bejeweled and bedazzled collars, leashes, bows and ties. Above all, make sure your pet is comfortable and safe with their new attire and don’t make them wear it any longer than necessary.

            If you cannot have your favorite pet at your wedding ceremony or reception, there are other ways to incorporate them into your event.  Talk to your photographer and find a location where pets will be accepted for a photo-shoot. An engagement photo with a pet may be top priority and the photos can be displayed at your reception for your guests to enjoy. By including a pet in an engagement photo-shoot, it involves fewer people, and a much less stressful environment for all.

            If your guests are animal lovers like you, give out pet friendly favors. An apple for horses, birdseed for the birds, or dog biscuit treats let your guests share in the joy with their own special loves.  My favorite - in lieu of handout favors, make a gift donation to an animal rescue organization …with a picture of your love in the display.

            Pets play an important role in our lives, and may be included in your big day if carefully considered.  After all, Love is a four-legged word!