Cake-sipration!
You can search online for hours for that cake that makes you say “THAT’S THE ONE!” and we encourage it! Research can help you shape your own ideas into your fantasy cake or you can happen upon the creation. Start here at The Knot for some yummy inspiration.
6AM? Really?
Although this time of day is not for everyone, if you want a sunrise wedding it is going to come early! Check out the photos from this early bird’s wedding!
–Ashelynn Manor
Stones for Fall
Natural river stones and pebbles are definitely some of the organic wedding elements being displayed in creative ways for 2013 green weddings. Sprinkle stones to mark the boundaries of wedding aisles, like the styling from Designs by Courtney.
Our Chapel
See yourself here…
Wedding Security
Security means different things to different couples. Lately, the wild fires in Texas have gotten extreme and threatened to touch our gorgeous wedding facility. Although Ashelynn Manor is safe at the moment, it’s always a good idea to protect your special day with wedding insurance. We have recommended that all our families spend a little bit more to ensure that their wedding is protected from natural disasters and unforeseeable circumstances. We don’t like to think about bad things happening. Protect yourself and your wedding day with an insurance policy that makes sense for your needs.
Vintage Get-Away
Arriving in style is a must for any vintage inspired wedding. The Ashlynn Manor vintage truck is a popular fixture for our weddings, however, there are other vintage inspired options that are affordable and fun. Finding the right vehicle to match your theme is important too! A vintage Rolls Royce, old 57 Chevy, Ford Truck or Trolley can add just the right touch to your grand arrival and get-away.
If you are planning a vintage theme, don’t skimp on the details. Adding a vintage vehicle doesn’t have to cost a lot of money for a large impact. You won’t break the bank with this detail. One of our preferred vendors is Jordan Limousines. They have a variety of vehicles to choose from to make your vintage wedding day complete.
Vintage Charm
What constitutes vintage? The definition tells us “representing the high quality of a past time”. Vintage weddings continue to be popular themes for 2011. If you were around long enough to remember the term “shabby chic”, this too shall apply. Brides and Grooms are gracing the grounds at Ashelynn Manor with the latest vintage trends. Ashelynn Manor provides the perfect setting for this type of theme without appearing old and outdated. Simple vintage and antique elements are easy to spot and allow the modern bride to add her special retro touches to every detail.
This week, we are focusing on some trending vintage details that are perfect for your wedding day at Ashelynn Manor. If you see something you like, let us know about it! If there are details you aren’t sure how to execute at your wedding day ceremony or reception, post your questions here! We always want to help and provide you with the latest wedding trends.
Happy August!
The summer is still sizzling here at Ashelynn Manor. Our beautiful brides beat the heat with our serene country settings and warm Texas hospitality. Hot of the heels off The Bridal Extravaganza and our latest open house, we continue to reserve dates well into 2012 and even 2013! Don’t delay when planning your wedding. The reception facility and chapel are the first picks, next to the dress. Although there are dates available throughout the year, Saturday continues to be the most popular day to get married. If you are looking to save a little money, Friday evenings and Sunday’s are always an option.
Ashelynn Manor looks forward to making your wedding day dreams a reality. Be sure to check out our website and fan us on Facebook. We stay up to date on our beautiful brides and wish you all a blessed life!
Last Call!
Ashelynn Manor had a great time at the Bridal Extravaganza Show this past weekend. We are excited about our upcoming open house this coming Sunday from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Don’t forget to RSVP so we can save you a spot!
In Black and White
In our last post, we explored various color schemes, variations and combinations to help create options for your big day hue. But if you really can’t decide, why not go black and white? It’s elegant, classic and will always be on trend.
Your invitations are a great place to start with your black and white theme. Choose to keep them simple with a white or ivory cardstock printed in scripted black font, or go bold with big characters or decorative motifs.
Having your bridesmaids don black frocks will allow them to purchase a dress they can definitely use again. Better yet, request each of your maids wear a solid black dress they already have in their possession and then purchase matching black shoes (or red, if you ant a spot of color) for them to wear—this provides a little bit of unity amongst the different dress looks. Groomsmen won’t complain at having to wear traditional tuxedos or suits and ties!
Centerpieces and floral décor doesn’t have to be a bore. Take advantage of unique flowers that come in a near-black shade, or have black centers. Florists can also dye flowers to match your color scheme, as well. If you want to stick with all-white arrangements, bring in some black with satin ribbon tied around your bouquet or use black votive candleholders or vases on tables.
Ready to get the party started? Call Ashelynn Manor today to begin!
Finding Your Color Combo
There’s an endless color wheel of options when it comes to selecting your big day hues; and the choices can be a bit intimidating if you’re starting from scratch. But Ashelynn Manor shares a few pointers—and some gorgeous color-coordinated inspiration boards—to get the creative wheels turning for your upcoming nuptials!
If you don’t have a favorite color that makes it simple to use the right shade for your wedding, start with the season. If you’re getting hitched in the summer time, bright colors rock the house. Coral, yellows, neon pink, turquoise, stark white, and stunning purples are all on the board for the season. But don’t combine them all together! Select pairings that seem to complement your overall theme. Pictured below, from top to bottom: a fuchsia palette, turquoise hues and a citrus-themed inspiration board.
A wedding color scheme doesn’t always have to be based on a color, per say. Sometimes hues naturally come together through an overall theme—say, Victorian or vintage or modern and chic. Here’s an inspiration for each, respectively, to give you some, well, inspiration!
Hopefully these spark your creative juices for your big day color combo. Just remember Ashelynn Manor is here to help! Contact us today to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
Six Ways to Accessorize a Summer Wedding: Part 3
In the last of our summer wedding accessories series, we cover two of the most important parts of any big day: cakes and display tables! With these easy suggestions, you’ll be flying high for your summertime nuptials in no time.
5.) Have fun with your cake!
It’s the main attraction during your reception—guests love nothing more than to ogle gorgeous cakes as they arrive. Make yours the talk of the evening by thinking outside the box and considering unique summer-worthy ways of implementing the season. Lemonade is a popular hot-weather drink, so use lemons as a motif for your tiers! Or get really funky and craft a cupcake tower, but use items like mini clay pots or sandcastle buckets to hold the sweet treats.
6.) Display the display table.
Whether it’s for your guest book signing, gift table, card box, cake table or an arrangement of framed photos, display tables are a super easy way to captive guest’s attention and promote your theme. Color coordinating all the items on display—like the cake with the candies, or the guest book with the flowers—will pack an extra punch. Don’t be afraid to get bold!
That concludes our summer wedding accessories series… When you’re ready to tie the knot, call Ashelynn Manor! We’re here for you any time of year.
Six Ways to Accessorize a Summer Wedding: Part 2
We continue our series on how to best accessories a bright and cheery summer wedding with easy additions and options that will make you smile in the sunshine.
3.) Pick up a bright clutch.
Bridal jewelry often follows a close trend of crystals, diamonds and pearls—but your clutch that you carry post-ceremony doesn’t have to be lacking in the color department. Coral, turquoise and canary yellow are all beautiful summer hues that can beautifully accent your gown. For even more fun, match your clutch to your shoes or earrings!
4.) Create a summer photo booth.
Photo booths are a great addition to a wedding, but they don’t always have to consist of a simple photo booth and silly props. Consider stringing up a crisp white sheet and supplying fun accessories like oars, sailor caps, sunglasses, buoys and even the frame of an old sail boat. Guests will have a whale of a good time!
Next up for Ashelynn Manor is the final part of our series covers summer cakes and display tables! Don’t miss it!
Six Ways to Accessorize a Summer Wedding: Part 1
At Ashelynn Manor, creativity is key. We also know that the big picture relies on the little details to complete it, and what better way to do that than with fun summer-inspired accessories? Browse our top tips for creating a sizzling soiree your guests will rave about for months after.
1.) Set your tables abloom.
There’s nothing that shouts “Summer!” more than bright, cheery centerpieces when you walk into the reception. Give some thought to obvious summer flowers—petals that people generally associate with that time of year—like sunflowers, blue bonnets and wild flowers. On a tight budget? Oversized arrangements aren’t always necessary. Pinpoint the blossoms you want to use and use just a handful for each arrangement, letting their shape or color do the talking. Or use filler, like tropical green leaves or baby’s breath, to add volume without the hefty price tag. Lastly, you can also place various shaped vases on the table for variety (or get creative and use antique watering cans or other fun items) to showcase your flowers and also make a statement.
2.) Nab bright napkins.
Aside from centerpieces, tableware is another great way to brighten up the festivities for summertime. Use napkins with summer-worthy patterns, like coral or shells, for a themed touch. Or pair super bright linens with white plates for a cheerful contrast.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
Color Coded
Bridesmaids, rejoice! No longer are stuffy, uncomfortable, non-cute dresses the run of the mill for wedding wear. There are several new trends for your maids to don, and Ashelynn Manor has the scoop!
If you’re wanting to stick with the same hue, but are up for different styles, consider the same frock but in various shades. It’ll keep a unified look among your bridesmaids, without sacrificing the type of dress you’ve had your heart set on. It also provides better options for brides of different body types to choose a dress that fits them best. Keep the shoes the same if you really want “matchy matchy,” otherwise let your gals wear their own footwear in a nude color or easy-to-coordinate color like black or ivory.
Another option is to keep with the exact same dress, but change up the color. This adds an unexpected twist to bridesmaid wear and lets your wedding party choose a frock in their favorite color for the big day!
Whatever you decide, don’t forget to contact Ashelynn Manor to host your big day—we’ll bring all the tips and trends you need!
Bold Invitations
Your wedding invitation truly sets the tone for what’s to come. It not only announces your impending big day—undoubtedly one of the most exciting you’ll ever experience—but it also sets the stage. Invites can coordinate with your nuptial color theme, overall scheme, or play up your personalities in a unique and thoughtful way.
Here’s some trends worth considering for your special day (oh, and Ashelynn Manor looks forward to helping you coordinate all the details!):
Go big or go home.
These invites speak volumes by relying on various sizes and styles of fonts that seem to leap off the page and announce the big date!
Seeing stripes.
Change up the typical modern design with a bit of flair—add stripes! They come in any variety of color, and can be traditional or contemporary, big or small.
Branching out.
Spring, summer, fall or winter, these invitations are trendy year-round. They are fresh, contemporary, chic and can appear on alongside hues from hot pink to olive green!
We look forward to hosting your big day at Ashelynn Manor!
Tape it off!
Who knew that tape could have such a dramatic effect for your wedding? The Japanese sticky, known as washi tape, is basically like masking tape but with printed designers. It’s easy to peel and stick, cut and tear, and can be used in a multitude of ways to add a chic spot of color on your big day!
Use washi tape to make decorative mini flags to drape across dinner tables or certain areas of the reception space for a colorful detail. The tape comes in solids, stripes and prints so you can find one that’s easy to match the scheme you already have in place. Or use the tape to decorate seating cards or as an accessory at the place settings.
Whether we’re helping to assemble your centerpieces, or you’re doing them yourself, think of washi tape for jazzing up plain glass vases. Color coordinate the tape with the flowers or choose something bright and punchy to make a statement. It’s as easy as peel and stick!
When you’re ready to book your big day, call Ashelynn Manor!
“Sweet Eats”
Long ago, wedding cakes were boring vanilla-flavored, round in shape and came topped with the traditional set of newlyweds happily clutching hands while their feet lay buried in mounds of icing. Nowadays, brides and grooms are slashing the cake myths of old and paving the way for bolder, better, bigger confections that, well, take the cake!
When you begin considering the cake you want, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Cakes can be made in squares, rounds, “topsy turvy” shapes and they come in more flavors than you can shake a butter cream frosted-stick at. Go into your cake tasting with an open mind if you’re unsure of what you want, and choose your favorites. Your guests will appreciate the dessert when they see your sweet smile as you share a slice with your new spouse.
Don’t be afraid to change-up the cake stand. There’s no longer a traditional stigma associated with a plain, boring old stand. Metal, plastic, glass, ceramic—they come in all shapes, forms and colors. The important part is choosing one that helps elevate and highlight your cake so that guests can take it all in before you slice it up.
If you already know what kind of cake you want or even what baker you prefer to use, don’t wait to book it! Weddings are made by decision and if you’ve already made up your mind about something, there’s no reason to wait until that silly to-do list tells you its time. Reserve the baker, design, flavor and style that means the most to you and be done with it. It’s a sweet relief.
Ashelynn Manor is here for you! Call us today to schedule your appointment.
Topping the Table
At your wedding, one of the key focal points that will anchor the décor at your reception are the table tops. After all, guests will spend a fair amount of time at their assigned table sipping cocktails, chatting with friends and dining with each other. So why not ensure you have a beautiful centerpiece and a gorgeous tablescape to take their breath away?
There are a limitless number of options to address your reception tables. It’s important to start from the “ground” up and begin with your linens. If you have standard ballroom tables, then linens are going to be necessary. If you’re hosting an outdoor reception with rustic wooden tables, then perhaps only a table runner will suffice. Once you’ve decided on the amount of covering required, give some thought to the color palette that will work best without overpowering the flowers and other accessories that will be present. If you’re planning to have large floral arrangements, for instance, in extremely bright or poignant colors, then a neutral cloth in beige, taupe, tan, gold, white or cream will likely work best. Or, for added drama, coordinate your table linens with the blossoms to really make them pop (green cloths might work well with dark petals, keeping the room from being too deeply hued).
Centerpieces are often the piece de resistance when it comes to weddings. Tall, short, simple or elaborate, they are a direct reflection of the bride and groom’s personal taste. Choose with care and be sure that you’ve left enough room for the guest’s plates, glasses and silverware. There’s nothing worse than diners running out of room t place their water-glass on the table top!
If an evening wedding is in order, candles are always a great addition to any table. From low-lying votive candles to majestic candelabra with tapered wicks, candlelight adds a sense of romance and glamour to the big day. Just be sure that any flames aren’t close enough to wayward leaves or petals to ignite a fire! The only ones who should be burning hot for the night are you and your new spouse!
For more ideas and to get started planning your big day, contact Ashelynn Manor for your personal appointment. We’re ready to set the table for you!
Signing In…
The wedding guest book is a keepsake brides and grooms will always treasure. They are fun to break out during future anniversaries to reminisce about your guests in attendance and the advice and personal messages they chose to leave behind. But you don’t have to limit yourself to plain pen and paper. Here are some ideas for some creative guest books to remember!
Time capsules: Use vases, apothecary jars or any other containers and label them for every ten years, beginning with your first anniversary, then 10 years, then 20, all the way to 50. Place note cards and pens on the table with instructions for guests to leave a chose piece of advice or sentiment and then place in a “time capsule” of their choice for you and your partner to open on the appointed year!
Ad libs: Avoid the pressure to write an award-winning guest book note by simply challenging guests to fill in the blanks. You can have individual pieces of paper with various messages to the bride and groom and a few choice words left blank for guests to fill in with their own adjectives and verbs.
Frame it: Select your favorite bridal portrait, engagement picture or any special photo of you and your partner and place in a spacious frame with a large matted area. Provide fine-point Sharpies for guests to simply sign the frame or left a message behind. The keepsake will hang on your wall, proudly displaying your close friends and families heartfelt blessings.
Ready to sign up for a gorgeous wedding with us? Call Ashelynn Manor today, we look forward to meeting with you.
Flower Power
We all know the saying “less is more.” But in the case of fresh blooms for your wedding, it isn’t always true. There’s certainly nothing wrong with a size-conscious arrangement of blossoms, but there are ways to go above and beyond your typical array of posies.
First, there’s the most obvious: size. Take things up a notch with a fuller, fluffier or simply larger bouquet. Fillers, like baby’s breath or greenery, can be added amongst the flowers or around the outside edge for added dimension.
Bling things up—bouquet jewelry isn’t necessarily new but it’s certainly catching on. Jewels, pearls and crystals can be applied to a flower’s center on a bouquet of any size. Feathers, rosaries and other accoutrements can add drama to your petals as well.
If you really want to make a statement, skip the flowers all together. Some modern-day brides are opting for brooch bouquets or posies made of lace, pearls, fabric flowers and crystals. These are also a great way to incorporate family heirlooms, as well.
Let your big day bloom with Ashelynn Manor and call us for your consult today!
Etiquette 101
Weddings tend to be a never-ending source of questions. What’s the right way to serve the meal? How do you handle small and large affairs? Where do you put the gift table? Should you have a receiving line? And on it goes! Ashelynn Manor tackles some of the basics here today to help you get a clearer picture of how to prepare for your upcoming nuptials.
Does a smaller wedding still need a seating chart?
Generally, yes. The last thing you want is to spot guests awkwardly fiddling their way around the reception space looking for available chairs. Clichés are unavoidable when there’s no arranged seating, and folks will tend to clump together to the people they know. While there’s no need to go crazy with placement of your guests, it will help the flow of even a smaller wedding—say, around 50 guests—remain smooth and friendly. Your guests will then have no problem getting up to mingle after dinner.
Must undesired gifts be kept?
Not always. If a guest strayed from your registry list, or you didn’t have one to begin with, and gifts you with an item that finds more to be desired, you don’t have to simply grin and bear it. Cordially thank them for your thoughtful gift in a thank-you note, and see if the store it was purchased from will take the item back as an exchange or let you select something else that’s on your registry. It’s important, however, to be discreet and not call any extra attention to the switch. If the gift came from family, there’s a bit of a hitch. Hang on to the item for a visit or two from the family member—and be sure it’s on display when they arrive—before swapping or selling it off for something new.
Pretty in Pleats
Aside from pearls and crystals and blushing brides-to-be, pleats are a pretty big day accessory that never go out of style. They can be incorporated into any aspect of the wedding that you choose, from a colorful peep-toe pump or pleated gown to a stunning pleated frosted cake or an elegant clutch.
The key to infusing a specific trend, like pleats, into your wedding is like every good thing in life—use in moderation! You don’t want pleated hair, accessories, gown, shoes and décor. It’s important to choose just a few main areas in which to use the special detailing. For instance, if you’re gown is pleated, it’s best not to also choose a pleated shoe or clutch. Keep those accessories in a solid color and pattern, and let your big day frock do the shining!
For décor, perhaps a cake with pleated frosting or fondant would be a good match to bouquets set with pleated details like ribbon. Subtle touches could even include favors like mini fans (perfect for a summer or fall wedding in the heat) or edibles like boxed cookies or cupcakes garnished with a pleated bow or ribbon.
From perfect pleats to pretty décor, contact Ashelynn Manor to begin planning your dream day!
The Great Frame Up
Frames aren’t just for your wedding photos, there are multitudes of ways to incorporate them into your wedding reception for a fun, fresh take on picture-worthy décor! Use a frame from the very beginning by placing an empty one flat on your seating card table and lining the cards inside. Or you can place a frame on an easel, backed with cork board covered in colorful fabric or paper, and use push pins to secure seating cards to the board.
Frames can also draw attention to your big day menus—like a roster of specialty cocktails drawn on a framed chalkboard propped up at the bar or the appetizer menu suspended in the middle of an ornate frame. Mini frames can also be placed on the tables, citing table names, courses or a special note from the bride and groom.
Want more? Place frames in a photo booth for some fun photography, or make your own by suspending a large sheet or blanket behind frames hung at various heights and in a variety of sizes. Frames, and framed mirrors, can also be a source of décor, when displayed in a montage-like pattern behind the head table or at the reception entrance, or even as a fun backdrop at the gift table.
However you decide to frame it, Ashelynn Manor is here for you! Call us today and we’ll help draw up a frame for your perfect day.
