Maggie Walker 2/10/21 Maggie Walker 2/10/21

5 Great Locations for Spring Engagement Photos

Spring is a beautiful time to capitalize on nature’s beauty and announce your soon-to-be “I-Do’s.” Check out these great locations in the Chattanooga region for spring engagement photos!

The temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming, and the grass is getting greener. You know what that means…engagement photo time!

Spring is a beautiful time to capitalize on nature’s beauty and announce your soon-to-be “I-Do’s.” Check out these great locations in the Chattanooga region for spring engagement photos. Bonus…all these locations allow pets, so this is a great option if you want to include your pup in your photos!

A Glorious View

Want a dramatic and gorgeous mountain view as your backdrop? Sunset Rock and Point Park on Lookout Mountain have gorgeous views, especially at sunset, and are accessible for the super adventurous or the not-so-daring trailblazers.

Coolidge/Renaissance Park

Whether you want to stroll down the Pedestrian Bridge or show your more fun-loving side by hopping on the carousel, Coolidge and Renaissance Park provide so many great options for photos. Water features, metal structures, and greenways can provide many different interesting backgrounds.

Urban Options

Want a cool downtown vibe? Hang out in front of the newly renovated gold building (Westin Hotel) or go streetside in West Village or Station Street.

If you’re truly wanting to embrace spring and announce the “birth” of your relationship, what better way than with butterfly wings in the background? An artist from Nashville recently painted a butterfly wing mural outside the Market South building, and people are lining up to get their picture taken with this beautiful and engaging (see what we did there?) work of art.

The Outdoor Enthusiast

If you and your partner are children of nature, you may want to go for a more rugged outdoor shoot. Hit the trails at Greenway Farms for the “woodsy feel,” or hike up to the Blue Hole for scenic water and mountain background options.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

It’s always special to incorporate something about family history or share your story as a couple in your engagement photos. The steps of the church where your grandparents were married, the location where your parents were engaged, or the spot where you and your partner had your first date could all be special places to incorporate in your engagement photos.

Remember, while location is important, the priority of your engagement photos is to focus on the love between the bride and groom. Your photographer and wedding planning professional can help you solidify the perfect location to capture the beauty and intimacy of your relationship.

Maggie Walker 11/18/20 Maggie Walker 11/18/20

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

“Whether you are the bride that thinks every detail is already planned because you have been planning your big day since you were a child (Monica Geller, we’re looking at you), or you’re the bride that simply wants to show up to the wedding, you need a planner.”

You’re engaged and so excited about planning your big day. However, through the excitement, you start to get overwhelmed by all the details. What’s my budget? What’s the best venue? What are my colors? What kind of flowers and décor do I want? Should I hire a band or a DJ? Do I need to do a table layout for guests? Do I need ushers? What if it rains? What if my venue gets double-booked? AAHHHHH! So many details!

Breathe, it’s okay. That’s why you hire a wedding planner. An experienced wedding planner can help you think through all these details and all the possible “what-ifs,” so you are well prepared to have the wedding of your dreams.

Wedding Planner vs. Wedding Coordinator

First, let’s answer a question we hear often: What’s the difference between a wedding planning and a wedding coordinator? An easy way to describe the difference between a wedding planner and wedding coordinator is that a wedding planner will be your best friend through the whole planning process, and a wedding coordinator will be your best friend on your wedding day only.

A wedding planner is someone who will help you identify and execute all aspects of your wedding vision. They are the ones you call before you begin your planning. From creating a budget, to searching for the perfect location, to reviewing vendor contracts and planning all the other event details, your planner will ensure your day is perfect.

Why Do I Need a Planner?

Whether you are the bride that thinks every detail is already planned because you have been planning your big day since you were a child (Monica Geller, we’re looking at you), or you’re the bride that simply wants to show up to the wedding, you need a planner. Besides thinking through every possible detail and scenario, a planner will ensure you are able to enjoy the process – and most importantly – your wedding day. Your wedding planner will, also, help be the liaison between you, your family, your guests, and all of your vendors. Your wedding planner will know what you, as a couple, want most out of your wedding, and can help make tough decisions during the planning process, whereas, a coordinator has little insight into the engagement and what matters to you, and cannot assist you as well on the wedding day. This is one of the biggest days of your life, so you shouldn’t be stressed out about event details!

Is Hiring a Wedding Planner Expensive?

The cost of hiring a wedding planner can vary. Some planners charge a flat fee, an hourly rate or a percentage of the overall wedding budget. If a planner doesn’t charge a flat fee, prepare to set aside 10 to 20 percent of your overall budget for full-service planning services. While this may sound expensive, it’s buying your piece of mind.

Hiring a planner can often actually save you money in many areas, as experienced planners have relationships with other vendors and can often score discounts that you wouldn’t receive on your own. Planners also can advise you on the best places to spend your money for the most impact on your big day. Want proof? Check out my feature in Budget Savvy Bride!

Most Importantly, Enjoy the Process!

Your wedding planner will serve in a variety of roles during the process (legal counsel, therapist, bestie, whatever you need) all while helping you plan all the details of your day. No matter if you are a hands-on or hands-off bride, hiring a wedding planner can truly help you make the best decisions for your wedding to ensure the day lives up to what you’ve always dreamed about.

Ready to Hire a Wedding Planner?

Contact me! I offer a variety of planning packages to make planning your Chattanooga wedding affordable and fun. I’ve got you, and I’ll handle the details, so you can enjoy your special day!

Maggie Walker 10/27/20 Maggie Walker 10/27/20

How to Handle Weather Changes on Your Wedding Day!

OUR JOB, AS PLANNER AND COUPLE, IS TO BE PREPARED WHEN MOTHER NATURE STRIKES. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU LEARN HOW TO HANDLE WEATHER CHANGES ON YOUR WEDDING DAY.

A sudden cold snap. A strong wind advisory. A swarm of mosquitos. The downpour. All of these are things that you pray don’t happen on or during your wedding day. However, things happen. They just do. As much as we want to think we can control every single detail, Mother Nature will do her thing. Our job, as planner and couple, is to be prepared when Mother Nature strikes. Here are a few tips to help you learn how to handle weather changes on your wedding day.

Always Have a Plan B

First and foremost, if you are having an outdoor wedding, have a Plan B that includes an alternate location indoors, or at least somewhere with cover.

You will also want to coordinate with your photographer and arrange back-up locations if any of your pics are planned to be captured outdoors. Think of your wedding venue, reception venue, someone’s home or another special place where photos can be captured, if needed. Also, if you and your photographer are flexible with timing, you could possibly make outdoor pics work. If it’s supposed to rain at 5 p.m., and that’s when you are supposed to take photos, maybe you could push up your photo session to 3 p.m. if the weather looks better.

The Extras

Whether you are having an indoor or outdoor wedding, you need to think about your guests’ experience. Even indoor weddings typically have some outdoor component – pictures, the walk from the car to the venue, the reception, the send-off, or other special activities.

If it’s raining, have umbrellas available. If it’s cold, have heaters. If the roads are icy, have reliable transportation available for guests. If mosquitos are out in force, have cute little baskets of bug spray available. If it’s a heat wave, don’t be stingy with the water.

Having these “extras” available can actually enhance the wedding and make your guests feel extra special as you showing them that you truly appreciate them and are going the extra mile for their comfort.

Communicate the Plan

If you do have to make alternate plans for your wedding, you have to communicate these new plans effectively with all your guests. This can easily be done on your wedding website. You will want to include the weather forecast, how to dress, and what to bring for their maximum comfort.

Also, remember when we talked about having a “Plan B?” This goes for your vendors as well. Communicate with your vendors to ensure they understand your expectations for the day and how plans may be changed.

With forethought, flexibility, and effective communication, you can still have the wedding of your dreams, even if the weather is not ideal. Your wedding planner can be a great resource to helping you figure out what an alternate plan looks like for your big day.

Maggie Walker 9/3/20 Maggie Walker 9/3/20

Get in the Mood! Set the Scene for a Moody, Romantic Wedding

PURPLE, BLACK, GOLD, OLIVE, AND BURGUNDY! Perfect for romantic, moody, and dramatic weddings.

Purple, black, gold, olive, and burgundy…all colors that make you think of weddings, right? Well, probably not, but they should! These rich, dramatic colors can make a major statement and create the perfect moody, romantic fall or winter wedding.

Don’t let the word “moody” throw you off. It’s not just about goth or Halloween. Moody is simply an adjective describing the dark, mysterious and romantic aspects of fall. So, get in the mood to throw a phenomenal wedding that will leave people in awe.

The Attire

For the more daring brides, you can wear a gorgeous alternative dress that matches your theme. A black lace gown, bridal separate with a white lace top and black skirt, or even a gown made of gold sequins can make a beautiful statement. However, if you are little more conservative but still want the moody feel, a white wedding dress with dark accessories and florals can achieve the same intense effect. Once you’ve chosen your gown and look, dress your partner in a black suit and your bridesmaids in dark-colored dresses.

The Makeup

A bold lip is a great way to channel your inner diva and “wow” your guests. A deep red or purple lip color will spice up your look. If you aren’t feeling the bold lip, try a dramatic eye with bold eyeliner and a dark eye shadow.

The Bouquet

A bold bouquet filled with dark flowers, deep red roses, succulents, and feathers can be a powerfully vivid accent. Leaves, berries and greenery are also great filler that helps create the moody, romantic wedding vibe.

The Décor

Continue with the dark flowers and rich color palette through your décor. Incorporate some of the flowers, greenery, berries and/or feathers used in your bouquet into your table centerpieces. Try navy blue or black candles. If you really want a theatrical effect, throw in some dark burgundy drapes. However, remember the key to bringing in the dark tones is balance. Offset dark linens with metallic charger plates. Lighten up the room with lots of flickering candles and romantic light displays.

Most importantly, remember your wedding day is about you and all the things you love. If rich, deep tones are your thing, don’t be afraid to shake things up by creating a stunning moody, romantic wedding vibe. You and your wedding planner can create an environment that you and your guests will love!

Need Help Creating a Romantic, Moody Look for Your Wedding?

Contact Maggie Walker Weddings+ Events! We help brides in the Chattanooga area set the scene for the wedding day of their dreams.

Maggie Walker 8/31/19 Maggie Walker 8/31/19

Things to Consider When Planning Your Barn Wedding

GORGEOUS SCENERY, COZY ATMOSPHERE, MOTHER NATURE AT HER BEST. OR, BUGS, EXTREME TEMPS, AND MOTHER NATURE AT HER WORST. TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE BLISSFUL WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS, THESE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING YOUR BARN WEDDING.

Rustic weddings…ah, they are beautiful.

Gorgeous scenery, cozy atmosphere, Mother Nature at her best. Or, bugs, extreme temps, and Mother Nature at her worst. To ensure you have the blissful wedding of your dreams, these are some things to consider when planning your barn wedding.

Practicality Pays

While barns can provide for an amazing wedding atmosphere, planning can be a little tricky. They typically don’t offer the common luxuries, like bathrooms, that traditional event facilities offer. When you’re saving all the barn wedding Pinterest boards, consider:

Does the venue have bathrooms? If not, you will need to make accommodations. There are lots of portable restroom options that can fit within your wedding style. (Tip: You can even add a special touch, like including a cute basket of monogrammed hand towels by the sink.)
What’s the electrical outlet situation? Will you need to bring in power, or are there enough options for all your electricity needs? (Caterer, band, DJ, etc.)
Is there enough lighting? Is there enough – or any – lighting in the barn? You may have to supplement or completely bring in lighting for your wedding.
How loud and long can we party? Even if the barn is remote, you will need to check the local sound ordinances to ensure you aren’t breaking any city or state ordinances. The last thing you want is to have to deal with the police on your wedding day.
Where will guests park? You will want to have a designated and easy-to-find parking area for guests. When determining the parking area, keep the proximity to the actual barn in mind. You don’t want your guests to have to walk too far before entering.
How’s the terrain? Is the ground muddy, hilly, hard to walk on? Keep this in mind as you determine the layout of your wedding celebration. Depending on the terrain, you may want to encourage your guests to wear flats, so heels won’t get stuck in the ground. (Tip: You could even provide flip flops for your female guests. They will appreciate you helping them not ruin their heels, and the flip flops are easier to dance in at the reception!)
Check the weather. Always have a plan B in case of inclement weather. Can your entire celebration take place inside the barn if it’s raining outside? Do you have enough fans/air conditioning or heaters if it’s extra hot or cold? Weather can turn on a dime, so be prepared to take extra steps to make your guests comfortable. (Tip: Have cute baskets of umbrellas stationed around the venue, if rain is on the radar. Have parasols and paper fans placed in baskets if it’s warm and sunny.)

BONUS TIP: A couple of our favorite barn locations: Howe Farms and Grey Dove

Sensational Styling

To create the perfect rustic barn wedding, there are lots of ways to customize and style your wedding to create those perfect little extras.

Candles – Candles may be the single best décor item. They are inexpensive and make for a cozy or elegant atmosphere. Pillars and/or votives all around the barn can truly make for an intimate setting.
Signs – Chalk anyone? Barn weddings make great venues for creative signage. Chalkboard signs and painted wooden signs are great ways to direct guests to various activities and venues.
Greenery – Embrace even more natural elements by incorporating greenery. Using various forms of greenery in bouquets, centerpieces, buffet table décor’ and pots/planters around the room brings in a simply elegant vibe. As a plus, greenery is often more budget-friendly than flowers, too.
Embrace the Fall – If your wedding is taking place during the fall, embrace seasonal elements. Use pumpkins and gourds for décor. Decorate using the rich fall colors of deep reds, oranges and browns. You can also incorporate scarves or woolen throws into your décor.