Showing posts with label trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trends. Show all posts

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Vendor Spotlight Series-John and Angela Deaver of Main Street Productions


We are proud to feature Main Street Productions this week in our continuing Vendor Spotlight Series.  John and Angela Deaver and their entire team work to create films that will be watched over and over again. 


 

 

 

 

Main Street Productions celebrates 12 years of producing films with integrity, ensuring your satisfaction with their final product. The creative techniques used by the Main Street team during both the shooting and editing phases coupled with the industry's latest trends and equipment will make your wedding film the essential keepsake. There is simply nothing like it.

 

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent them a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities.  We hope you enjoy.





1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?

We joke that my degree is in VCR programming. But in reality, I(John) studied journalism broadcasting in college.  While I was teaching broadcasting at Spain Park High School, my cousin got married and Angela and I filmed it for her. I remember vividly having a conversation afterwards discussing how we could make a business happen.  That was 12 years ago! We have had wonderful success and are extremely grateful.

 

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

We just got back from Las Vegas for Wedding MBA. There are so many wonderful professionals in our industry that it really makes the day more fun! We, here in Birmingham, are so lucky that we have such a great community of professionals that we can support, network with, and refer business to each other.  It's like a family!

 

3. What sets you apart from others in your field?

Not only are we lucky to have such a great community of wedding professionals in Birmingham, but the videography community is pretty tight-knit as well. We try to get together often to discuss wedding trends or just stories "from the field."  Everyone is just a little different from each other so we are able to give brides several wonderful choices when it comes to picking their videographer.

 


 

 

 

4. Best piece of advice you can provide future brides?

It is well documented that not hiring a professional videographer for their wedding day is the biggest regret that they have after the wedding is over.  I believe it is 97% of brides that don't have a video, regret it.  So of course I have to say hire the best that your money can buy.  Just do it!  We have countless emails from our families that echo this sentiment.  Find someone whose style you love, whose personality is compatible with yours and who really takes the time to learn what you want in a wedding film.

 

 

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?

I like to joke that I am always working, but we are trying to do better about taking time off and enjoying life.  We heard once a videographers' conference: don't spend your entire life documenting someone else's life that you don't have time to live your own.

I do enjoy being an amateur photographer, and of course spending time with my family.  And if you know me at all, you know that Angela completely answered these questions so that it would get done!

 

For more information about John, Angela, and their entire team, please visit www.mainstreetav.com. The products that they produce are second to none, and will be a prized possession for years to come.  We appreciate them participating in our series, and we look forward to working alongside them again in the very near future.

 

Christy "CeCe" Todd

Monday, September 15, 2014

Vendor Spotlight Series-Handley McCrory of Windwood Weddings

Windwood Equestrian Farm is one of CeCe Designs favorite Birmingham wedding venues.   The description on their website describes their venue perfectly: "Windwood offers a unique farm setting with an old world inspired atmosphere perfect for your wedding. It is reminiscent of an old English Estate with the barn nestled in the valley. Whether you want photographs walking down the trails or by the horses there are limitless beautiful settings for your day. Windwood has more than enough space to host both your ceremony and reception or just one or the other. The Estate has three barns, many meadows and a beautiful courtyard. Windwood can accommodate any size occasion large or small and offers over 200 acres as the setting for your wedding day or occasion."
 
    Photo Credit: Arden Photography

One of our main reasons for loving Windwood so much is their Senior Event Coordinator, Handley McCrory.  We are so thrilled to feature her on this week's Vendor Spotlight Series Blog.

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities. We hope you enjoy!!

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?
"I started working with Sybil Sylvester at Wildflower Designs and that's how I met Arden and William(Upton). They then hired me to be the Senior Event Coordinator at Windwood Equestrian. I've been at Windwood since the very beginning, so it has been exciting to watch the business grow and to be a part of it."

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?
"My favorite thing about working in the wedding industry would have to be working with other wedding professionals. Being surrounded by creative people who are always looking for a new and innovative way to do something is just inspiring." 
   Photo Credit: Arden Photography

The photos above are Jaime and Andrew Manning's wedding. We had so much fun collaborating with Handley to bring this beautiful couple's dream to life. 

3. What sets you apart from others in your field? 
"If I had to say, I would say that what sets me apart from others in my field is the ability to walk in any place and always be able to make a connection with someone. If definitely makes the world a little smaller. When brides come to Windwood to meet with me and they are newly engaged, a little nervous to embark on this planning adventure....it really helps to be able to knock down some barriers and make connections with them. By the end of the meeting, we are already fast friends."

4. Best piece of advice you can provide future brides?
"The best piece of advice I could give to brides would be to hire a planner that will dot your "I's" and cross your "T's" because no matter how organized you may be now....6 months down the road you're going to be too excited for your wedding to want to worry about the little things."

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?
"Hobbies when I am not working.....hmm I have several. BUT, I would say that my favorite thing to do is get with my friends and cook dinner. We're all super busy, so it's fun to just get in the kitchen and catch up. Also, since I work every weekend....lazy week nights are about the only time I get to see anyone haha!!"

So, whether you are looking for the picture percent backdrop for your ceremony and/or reception, or you have always dreamed of being married outside in the calm of nature, then we would recommend calling Handley to discuss all of the amenities that Windwood has to offer. 

For additional pictures, information, and a calendar of open dates, please visit www.windwoodweddings.com or http://www.facebook.com/windwoodweddings

We look forward to working with many more couples at this beautiful venue with a tremendous staff. 

Friday, March 28, 2014

Wedding Shows and Photoshoots-An intimate look into my 2014

As March winds down, it is hard to believe that the 1st quarter of 2014 is coming to a close.  It has been a magical 3 months in the life of CeCe Designs and Events.  We have spent much of the year preparing for the traditional "wedding season" of April through October.  I hope you will take a moment and enjoy a few of the highlights of the things that we've been involved in as part of the Birmigham community and the wedding industry community.  Thanks to each of you who continue to support us in this journey.

In January, we were proud to once again partner with D'Armond Catering for the Southern Bridal Show at the BJCC.  If you or someone you know needs a cateror, then please visit their website: http://www.darmondcateringllc.com/ Here is a few of the pictures from our collaboration!

 
Pam and Danny of D'Armond Catering along with our Owner, Christy "CeCe" Todd
 


 
We had one beautiful wedding during the month of January, and want to take this opportunity to congratulate Leigh and Tyler.  They were married at one of our favorite venues, ShellB Acres.  Please check out their website for additional information: www.shellbacres.com/
 
 
 
We moved into February on a major high note as we completed a styled shoot for Valentine's Day with talented vendors and were featured on The Bridal Detective Blog. 
 
 
So much fun creating this inspiring decor with these amazing vendors:
 
Productions on Vimeo.
—————————- THE PARTICULARS —————————-
Photographer: Angela Blake Photography, LLC | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair Stylist: Tammy Howell of Brides and Belles Hair Design |Event Venue: BridgeStreet Gallery & Loft | Floral Designer: CeCe Designs| Equipment Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited | Linens and Coverings: Graceful Tables, Inc | Dress Designer: Heidi Elnora | Event Planner: Invision Events | Model:Kanon Burt | Model: Koli Nichols | Design and Decor: Prophouse | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Saks Fifth Avenue | Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Cinema and Video: SunDolphin Productions |Calligrapher: The Refined Pen | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Theory

 
 
We completed February on the same high note that we entered the month by participating in two great events.  On February 21st, we were proud to donate our flowers, decor, and time to The Bride's Against Breast Cancer event held at the historic Tutwiler Hotel in downtown Birmingham.  We did this in honor of our owner's Mother-in-Law, Sara Todd, who was battling stage 4 bone cancer.
 

 
Following this wonderful event, we were proud to be a featured vendor at The Charming Affair Bridal Show.  It was a great event at the newly opened Bridgestreet Gallery and Loft https://www.facebook.com/BridgeStreetGalleryandLoft
and provided an intimate look into our wedding world.

 
In March, we were so excited to partner with Invision Events to create the Head table for the 1st annual Not Wedding in Birmingham.  This is an extremely cool event where couples can come participate in a "ceremony" to see how wedding vendors work in real life.  Visit the following link for more details: http://www.thenotwedding.com/events/the-1st-birmingham-notwedding/  We had so much fun working with Courtney and Julie.  If you need a wedding planner, then we would highly recommend looking at their services: http://www.invevents.com/
 

 
 
We hope you have enjoyed the stroll through our first quarter.  We cannot wait to kick wedding season into high gear.  Thanks to each of you for following our progress.  Please check back often for more pictures and looks into our wild and crazy world!
 

 
 
 





Sunday, January 5, 2014

Top Wedding Trends for 2014

As we head into 2014, I thought I would take the time to look at the past year's trends and where things are going this year.  Couples are always looking for ways to be a part of the current trend while including their own personal flair and that is why we have compiled this list. Some are continued trends from last year that are carrying over, while others are new, fun, and fresh.

  1. Purple is still in!: The Pantone Color of 2014 will continue with lots of deep purples and plums.  Whether it's bridesmaid dresses, table linens or flowers...purple is in.  Here is a centerpiece we did for the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show. http://www.cecedesignsllc.com/portfolio/pwg-bridal-show/
  2. Rustic: While many of us have had enough of this trend with the mason jars and burlap, rustic has proven to be a top runner in trends we will continue to see in 2014.  Couples are mixing barn weddings with touches of lace and romantic florals.  For more on this trend, see our gallery at http://www.cecedesignsllc.com/portfolio/shellb-acres-open-house-event/
  3. Vintage: A return to romance ushers in a new love for the formality of days gone by.  Many brides will be taking inspiration from the 1920's with dramatic veils, cap sleeve gowns, fur wraps, hair embellishments, crystal candlesticks, and gold-rimmed china.  One major bridal inspiration for the return to tradition comes from Hollywood with "The Great Gatsby."  We are proud to share some pictures of our "Gatsby" inspired design from the Second Annual P.E.W.S Decorating Competition.  We were honored to be selected first in our category and Overall Bride's Choice. http://www.cecedesignsllc.com/portfolio/second-annual-pew-decorating-competition-pews/ 
  4. The flower garland is also back in a big way in 2014: Garlands can be used to make a beautiful look over doorways, bars, or fireplaces.  Fern garlands can also be used to make a statement when used down the center of a long table.  Here is one example of this popular trend and please click on the link for additional inspiring ideas. http://www.cecedesignsllc.com/portfolio/ivy-wedding/
     
  5. And the most exciting trend for 2014 is PINK!!  My favorite color since I was a little girl and now I get to help make dreams come true with a current trend.  Carry your sweet love over to your color scheme with blushes, peaches, and muted pinks.   
We love what we do and if you are interested in contacting us about your wedding, then please click on the following link http://www.cecedesignsllc.com/contact/