In the weeks leading up to your wedding weekend we suggest preparing a ‘bridal emergency kit’. Your wedding planner should also have one on hand throughout the day (JLW always does), but its a good idea to have a few essentials on hand in the bridal suite. Here are our recommendations;
Fashion Tape
Safety-pins
Needle and thread
Crochet hook (for all those buttons)
Mints
Tylenol
Bobby pins
Bandaids
Last November, we got to work with Blanche and Ethan to plan their beautiful Grand Hotel wedding. Blanche was extremely organized and easy going, which made the planning process go so smoothly. She had multiple family heirlooms as a part of her wedding day— which we loved so much. She wore her grandmother’s ring as her “something blue” and the loving cup on top of her cake has been used at every wedding in their family. Getting married on Iron Bowl Saturday was no issue for these two, as they are huge LSU fans. The groom’s cake was a fun way to bring that special part of their lives into their wedding day. We couldn’t have enjoyed working with these two any more. Cheers to the Harp’s!
Design, Planning, Coordination: Jenna Laine Weddings | Photography: Elizabeth Gelineau Photography | Florist: Wildflowers | Ceremony: Sacred Heart Chapel | Reception: The Grand Hotel | Rentals: SOHO | Cake: Couture Cakes | Band: Even Odds Band | Invitations: The Queen Bee | Hair: Salon Dolce Vita | Makeup: Ashley West | Transportation: Old Shell Trolley
The state of Alabama has officially changed the paper trail that it will require for marriages to be made legal in the eyes of the government. Our brides are used to the system in which they get a license ahead of the wedding date and have their officiant (minister, priest, etc.) sign and mail it in post wedding.
Photo Credit: Aimee Reynolds Photography
Beginning on August 29, 2019 couples will not be required to have a ceremony (of course you can if you wish). Instead, couples wanting to wed will submit a notarized marriage certificate that will be recorded – but not issued – by Probate Judges.
We have narrowed it down to a step by step for you to easily follow.
Couples must show proof they are legally allowed to marry.
In Alabama that means 16 years old (with parental consent), 18 years old or older. There is no waiting period, blood test, witness or residency requirements.
Obtain and fill out Marriage certificate form
You can get that form online here.
Have the form notarized by an Alabama State Registered Notary
This may have a fee of $5.00, and some notaries may have travel fees if they travel to you.
Return your notarized form to the Probate Court.
You have 30 days after notarization to file this form with the court.
You can mail this in to the court but you will need to enclose payment and ensure all lines are legible and free of correction markings. Baldwin County charges $73.00 (check with the county you file with).
You may request a certified copy if returning this to the Baldwin County Probate Court (other counties may also do this but be sure to ask if you are wanting this for your records).
Being a part of Celie and Michael’s Mobile wedding day was such a joy! Surrounded by friends and family, they tied the knot at St. Mary’s and then danced the night away on the lawn of the Bragg Mitchell Mansion. Some of our favorite touches from the day were Celie’s bouquet (it was the most beautiful collection of orchids) and the stunning linen on the cake table (it was custom made by a family member of Celie). We loved collecting some of our favorite pictures from their day, and Celie shared with us a little about her and Michael as well as the planning process- be sure to check it out. Cheers to the Henry’s!
Tell us your story.
Michael was living in NYC working and I was there for an internship my senior year of college. We met at a bar in the meatpacking district the night before I was flying back home to Alabama to finish my last semester. I moved back to NYC and our friends actually started dating so we would see each other every so often, but we were just friends, although we each knew we wanted to be more. I remember thinking he was the sweetest person I have ever met and he found me to be the most genuine person he has ever met. We stayed in touch for a bit but both did our own things for 5 years before we started dating :) Our first official date was at the same tragic bar where we met :) Falling in love in NYC is as amazing as they make it sound in the movies, YES THAT’S CHEESY… but true! We lived in NYC for the next two years and then moved to Santa Monica, CA!
What was your vision for the wedding?
Lots of orchids, greenery and people having a awesome time! We had people fly in from literally all over the world (Sweden, Thailand, Sri Lanka and more!) to help celebrate with us and wanted everyone to feel special, comfortable and appreciated.
What was your favorite part of the planning process?
Probably the end when all the details came together so perfectly. Picking out my wedding dress was a close second :)
If you could give advice to another bride in the process of planning her wedding what would it be? Don’t let the stress overwhelm you and make sure those around you know how much you appreciate all their help…. ESPECIALLY YOUR MOM….. and HIRE YOU!!
Day of Coordination: Jenna Laine Weddings | Photography: Jennie Tewell Photography | Ceremony: St. Mary’s | Reception: Bragg Mitchell Mansion | Florist: Belle Bouquet | Rentals: Port City | Lighting | Showbiz | Band: Shimmer | Cake: Pollman’s Bakery
How is August already over? It’s been a busy, but productive month. The kids are now in school and normal schedules have returned. We are gearing up for a busy fall season, which kicks off in just two weeks and we are so excited, but before we get there we wanted to give a shout out to all the things our team was loving this past month.
1) Goodr Sunglasses - Alex and Leslie love their Goodr sunglasses. They are $25 polarized, no slip or slide, comfortable fit. They come in so many different colors and have that classic Wayfarer look to them.
2) Qalo Rings - Jenna & Alex both love these rings in place of their wedding sets. These are great when working out, going to the pool or the beach ensuring you don’t lose any of those precious stones.
3) The Thomas Hospital Foundation - Grand Summer Ball- every year Jenna looks forward to attending this beautiful charity event with Amy and Josh Kohn- owners of SOHO Events and Rentals. The event takes places at one of our favorite venues, The Grand Hotel and it’s such a treat being a guest rather than the planner.
4) The Atlanta Braves - Jenna and her husband enjoyed a quick trip to Atlanta to see the Braves win their series against the Cincinnati Reds. Fingers are crossed for their continued success and chance at the World Series.
5) Rosebud Salve - Jenna keeps this beside her bed and in her purse and has recently started including it in our new client welcome boxes.
6) Olaplex Bond Smoother - A few members of our team often get the frizzies and Olaplex bond smoother has been a life saver.
7) it Bye Bye Redness concealer - This concealer is one of Jennas favorites. It’s great for covering up rosacea or any skin redness.
8) Tocca Giulietta Candle - The smell of Tocca candles fills our office. They can be purchased at Wildflowers here in Fairhope!
9) Lifestyle Influencer Claire P. Jones- Leslie & Meg have loved following Claire on instagram and try to soak up as many style and mommy tips as they can!
10) Lettered & Measured - Outside of wedding planning Leslie, and her husband, Justin own an Etsy shop that specializes in custom wood work and beautiful hand calligraphy.
During the months leading up to the wedding you’re bound to have one or two (or more) showers thrown for you by friends and family. Traditionally, the polite thing to do is get your hostesses a little token of appreciation for taking the time to put together one of these special gatherings, but deciding what to get them can be a bit tricky. To help we have compiled a list of hostess gifts from a few of our favorite stores.
1) A potted orchid in a beautiful vase can be purchased at Wildflowers.
2) Melamine Dish- This cake stand can be transformed into a serving tray or chip and dip by removing the base and turning it over. This can also be purchased at Wildflowers in Fairhope or for our Birmingham girls, At Home Furnishings.
3) Servings utensils can be purchased at Wildflowers.
4) Blanket can be purchased at Chapel Farm Collection.
5) Alabama Wood Cheese Boards can be purchased at At Home Furnishings.
6) Agate Coasters can be purchased at At Home Furnishings.
7) Candles in crystal container can be purchased at Chapel Farm Collection.
8) Custom linen napkins and drink coasters can be purchased from Bobbins Designs.
Wildflowers- 50 South Church Street #E, Fairhope, AL 36532
At Home Furnishings- 2921 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Chapel Farm Collection- 19130 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope, AL 36532
Bobbins Designs - visit her social media and website for ordering information
Mallory and Trevor had the sweetest Point Clear wedding in March! We loved getting to work with Mallory and her mom to plan this special day. The couple was married at St. Francis at the Point, and then celebrated at Little Point Clear. Cheers to the Thomas’s!
Design, Planning, Coordination: Jenna Laine Weddings | Photographer: Anna Filly | Ceremony: St. Francis at the Point | Reception: Little Point Clear | Florist: Wildflowers | Rentals: SOHO | Catering: Bay Gourmet | Cake: Couture Cakes | Bridal Gown: Bliss Bridal | Invitations: Soiree Signatures
