Catch the interview HERE and be sure to check the archives for some other great interviews!

{the photographer}

The photographer, is often one of the most coveted vendors to couple. A great deal of thought and expense has gone into hiring the perfect person to capture the day. It is important to be conscious and aware that the hired photographer should receive the utmost respect and priority for all photographs. It is unfair to both the photographer and the couple when a guest tries to capture the cutting of the cake or other formality, often shoving the hired talent to the side. The same goes for cell phone pictures. Please be mindful and respectful of the job they are trying to do so you don't compromise the end result for the Mr. and Mrs. 

Next Week: What (not) to Wear

{image: Denis Reggie}

There is gorgeousness at every page of this issue, which celebrates all types of social events around the city.

Thank you to my team who made this vision come to life! Photography: Melissa Schollaert / Floral and Decor : Andy Beach and Co / Dessert Styling : J Park Events / Stationery: Paper Daisies / Linens: Party Tables 

Congratulation on a great issue! TOAST is thrilled to be included

{gifts}

If it’s feasible, I suggest sending wedding gifts ahead of time to the couple. No one wants to walk into a wedding reception with a blender. If you must arrive with a gift, try to keep it small and make sure the card is VERY securely taped to the gift. The wedding planner will be responsible for getting the gifts to the couple and cards sometimes fall off their correlating package, which makes writing  proper thank you  note quite a feat. I also personally, do not abide to the “one year” rule to send a gift. Try to make an effort to get the gift to them before the celebration, then it’s off your list!

{the invitation}

The invitation is addressed to the guests that are invited to the wedding. Those who are listed on the outer envelope(or inner envelope if there is one) are those who the hosts intended to invite. If children, or an “and guest” are not listed, this means they are not invited to attend.  Many couples are limited in space at their venue or with their budget which prevents them from inviting everyone they would like. As a planner, I know that getting the guest list to the desired number is one of the very hardest parts of planning a wedding. You put the hosts in a very uncomfortable position when responding for more seats than were allocated for you, and your added guest could take the place of someone who didn’t make their list due to restraints. It is also important to be mindful of the RSVP deadline. Many couples have to give their caterer a count and start assigning tables, so try to be prompt with your response. 

Stay tuned next week for our tips on Wedding Gifts!

{image: Melissa Schollaert}

I was so honored to be invited to create a Party Style spread for the next issue of Occasions Magazine! The editor gave me complete creative freedom to design and style a photo shoot and spread based on my ideas and trends for the coming season. I chose to collaborate with Andy Beach to create a modern party in THE color of the season...Tangerine. 

The issue debuts next month with a four page spread of our fabulous shoot. I enlisted some of my top preferred partners to help pull off the chic party spread. Andy Beach for decor, Melissa Schollaert photographed for us, Paper Daisies created the custom stationery, J. Park Designs styled the dessert bar and we set up in the Boxwood Gardens at the Swan House. 

The issue debuts in May but you can pre order now , we can't wait to show you the rest!

For a great article on this trend, see the entire feature on the Mother Nature Network HERE

Image: Melissa Schollaert

It is no surprise that our TOAST brides make up a collection of savvy, successful, fabulous women. One past client and dear friend of Lindsay, Natalie Dale is no acception. Dale is the director of the Georgia State Press Office, an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader, a newlywed and the daughter of a Leukemia survivor. Her mom, Judy Strong was such an intergal part of the wedding planning, and I grew to love her and her sweet Tennessee accent so much. 

Natalie has been given the extreme honor of competing for the Woman of the Year for the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society to honor her mother Judy Strong. 

From the LLS Website:

The candidates compete in honor of children who are local blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year.

Candidates, and their campaign teams, are judged solely on their fundraising efforts—each dollar raised comprises one vote.  During a ten-week campaign, beginning at the Kickoff Party and culminating at the Grand Finale Celebration, every dollar counts as the candidates who raise the most funds to help advance the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be named the 2012 Man & Woman of the Year.

TOAST is committed to team Dale by assisting and attending her fundraising events and spreading the news of her efforts to the community. We would be honored if you would consider supporting our bride and friend Natalie Dale. 

To learn more about her and the LLS Man & Woman of the  year please  visit: http://ga.mwoy.llsevent.org/NATALIEDALE

There are many opportunities for in-kind donations for the Gala on June 16th we would love to discuss these with you! 

I would also love for you to join me at the following fundraising events for Natalie!

• Tuesday, April 24. “Cocktails for a Cause” at the Buckhead Club. 
• Thursday, May 10. LLS “Halfway There” mid-campaign event, at Lenox Grill.
•  Wednesday, May 16.  “Ocean Street Benefit Concert” at The Ivy in Buckhead
•  Saturday, June 9. “3 Cheers for a Cure.” Falcons, GA Force, Hawks Dance Clinic at Street Studio in Roswell.
•  TBD: White Party / Silent Auction at Noche Brookhaven.
•  TBD: Shopping event at Festivity.
•  Saturday, June 16. “Grand Finale” at the Loews in Midtown.

Thank you for your support!

We are excited to use Honeysuckle Gelato this weekend, serving custom home-made gelato as the send off treat. This is one wedding trend we hope is here to stay.

Read the entire article on Mother Nature Network HERE