The McLeod's Rehearsal Dinner

Congratulations to Joe and Natasha McLeod for getting married on November 8th, 2014. They celebrated the whole weekend with friends and family. The festivities began the night before at The Grand Ballroom for a rehearsal dinner. The excited couple was surrounded by close friends and family while they anxiously waited to tie the knot the next day. The party enjoyed great food and drinks from Ladyfingers catering and danced the night away with music provided by the band Big Love. The whole night was captured by professional photographer, Julie Livingston. There was so much fun energy all night long and even when the music stopped, the celebrating and dancing kept on going. 

The loving environment was decorated with decadent fall accents, florals and candles, created by Martha with Artfully Arranged. The beautiful table clothes were provided by CE Rental. 

The beautiful fall sunset made the cheerful evening more 

vibrant and exciting for the young couple to begin

their lives together.

Congratulations again to Mr. and Mrs. McLeod and we wish the happiest of times for the both of you!

Cheers,

Megan

The Newell Wedding

Congratulations to Henry and Elaine Newell for tying the knot this past Saturday, October 18th! The sweet and loving couple, both living in Raleigh, had family and friends from near and far come celebrate their special day. The ceremony was held at Halifax Park and then the party congregated at The Grand Ballroom for the reception. The fun and energetic couple danced the night away with their friends and family, listening to past and popular hits provided by the entertaining DJ Nixx. Irregardless Cafe catered the reception, serving a mouth watering 3 course meal as well as cheese and crackers for an appetizer. Beautiful flowers, made by the florist Nikelle Reyes, brightened up the room to add a personal touch for the couple. This night could not have been any greater for this awesome couple. Now they're off to Hawaii for a two week honeymoon! 

               

The floating candles with vases full of greenery were simple but warmed up the room next to the beautiful floral center pieces! The little berries, plums and pears added a little extra touch to the table.

The beautiful flower, berry, plum and pear accents on the red velvet wedding cake made the plain cream color pop!

 Everyone cheered for the newly weds when they made their grand entrance!

When the sun went down, the candle center pieces glowed and the party danced the night away!

 The Sweetheart Table

Before                                                                                                                                   After

Congratulations again to Henry and Elaine Newell and we wish you both the best!

Cheers,

Megan

Planning on a Budget

Planning a wedding on a limited budget? Well, don't fret because there are plenty of ways to create your fairy tale day and still keep the cost down. Simple DIY ideas for decorations, food, and even invitations are just a few ways to help stay within your limit. Here are some easy ideas for planning a luxurious wedding without all the dollar signs!

Votive Wine Glasses

http://www.thelittleroundtable.com/2011/06/take-two-votive-wine-glasses.html

Take a wine glass of any size and flip it over and put some fresh flowers (or fall decor) inside then add votive candles on top for some extra flare! This is an easy and cheap center piece idea that looks beautiful on the table and is easily out of the guests' way. You can also add different sizes/heights of wine glasses to add variation on the table!

Apple Cups

http://www.weddingfavors.org/blog/2012/09/06/elegant-fall-wedding-reception-ideas-for-brides-on-a-budget/

These cute apple cups are perfect for a fall wedding! They are cheap and easily made just by cutting off the top of the apple and scooping out the insides. Put a nice apple cider in it with a cinnamon stick as a straw. This will save you from going through and picking out expensive glasses and this adds a homey little touch!

DIY Invitations

http://www.capitolromance.com/2012/05/08/capitol-wedding-ngoc-jasons-modern-multicultural-diy-wedding-in-virginia/

This idea for invitations is creative and can easily be done by you. All you need is some cute paper for the background and nice printer paper (or any kind really). You can type it all out on the computer or you can even write it yourself. This gives your guests everything they need to know about your special day without hardly spending anything!

Flower Chandelier 

http://www.weddingchicks.com/15-popular-diy-projects-50/

This idea might be my favorite yet. This looks like it would be tedious but it isn't as difficult as it seems. Plus it is cheap and super cute! The full directions with pictures is linked here:

http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-flower-chandelier/

Some other tips would be to ask family and close friends for donations or to borrow some things. Not everything has to be brand new and expensive to look luxurious and one of a kind. Another idea would be to ask for gift cards/money towards the wedding for birthdays or the holidays. Also, if you go to vendors, make them like you because there is a chance they could negotiate a cheaper price for you. There are so many more ideas for cheap and easy DIY projects. Who needs a big budget when you can have the best wedding and hardly spend a dime? It just takes a little of your own time but I promise it is exciting and well worth it in the end!

Cheers,

Megan

Look like the Next Miss America!

Congratulations to Kira Kazantsev for being crowned Miss America 2015! Her stunning beauty was captured perfectly when she wore her all white, elegant long sleeve gown. She wasn't wearing the only eye catching gown that night that gave inspiration for a wedding dress. Some of the other contestants rocked the all white look that made them stand out while walking across the stage. Here are some of my favorite dresses from the evening that would be breath-taking walking down the isle. 

Kira Kazantsev, Miss American 2015

http://thepageantplanet.com/miss-america-2015-hit-miss/

This simple but elegant white evening gown is perfect for this time of year. Its simple embellishments around the end of the sleeves is the perfect added touch for this fitted but flowing gown.

Megan Swanson, Miss Nebraska

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news

This dress is a little bit of scandalous but still very elegant. The fancy embellishments on the shoulders and waist add beautiful style. Talk about head-turning!

Nina Davuluri, Miss American 2014

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/09/miss_america_2015_pageant_live_blog.html

We can't forget Miss America 2014! This sweetheart neckline is the perfect go-to style for any dress. The gold embroidery down the sides of the dress gives the perfect extra pop for a stunning gown.

Miss Kentucky, Ramsey Carpenter 

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/09/miss_america_2015_pageant_live_blog.html

This dress might be my favorite. The beautiful crochet-looking design is unique and trendy. This dress is fitting for most styles and is just stunning and fun!

Miss Virginia, Courtney Paige Garrett 

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/09/miss_america_2015_pageant_live_blog.html

This sparkling halter dress is a beautiful look for any bride. If you want to light up a room, this style of dress is the perfect way to do it!

So many stunning dresses and you can only choose one! You can look just as beautiful as all these pageant queens by first deciding what kind of style you want. The sky is the limit and any gown you wear is going to make you look like the next Miss America! 

Cheers,

Megan

All Day Dance Party!

Want to unleash your inner dancer? Come join us Saturday, September 13th at The Grand Ballroom for a fun filled day of danceSPARK classes, provided by SPARKcon instructors! SPARKcon is an interdisciplinary creativity, art & design festival produced by the non-profit creativity incubator, Visual Art Exchange. It is the 9th annual SPARKcon event and it celebrates the diverse creativity in the Triangle region so that artists and the community can come together. Various events such as art, music, film, fashion, dance, etc. will begin on Thursday, September 11th and end Sunday, September 14th in downtown Raleigh.

The schedule for Saturday at The Grand Ballroom is as follows:

9-10am: Dance Yoga

A mix of Vinyasa yoga and Horton modern dance technique, presented in a way accessible to adults of all levels. No prior yoga or dance experience is required. Ages 16 and up. 

10-11am: Modern Dance

An intermediate modern dance class for ages 12 and up.

11-12pm: Creative Dance

Specifically designed for dancers 12 years and younger. Learn to use BEST in movement – Body, Energy, Space, and Time – in a variety of creative and imaginative activities. And all dancers will work together to choreograph their very own dance phrases! No experience is necessary for this class.

12-1pm: Karate

 A karate demonstration and beginning karate class to learn basic stances and techniques.

1-2pm: Hip Hop

A blend of hip-hop basics with jazz and funk for all ages and levels. Learn pop video style dancing after a vigorous warm-up, body isolation work and stretching. Ages 12 and up. 

2-3pm: Bhangra

 A high-energy folk dance from India! It is all about having fun, expressing your joy, and bringing out the best in you. Students will not only learn the fundamentals, but also get some cultural insights as well.

7pm-10pm: Ballroom Dance Party with guests performances from ballroom dancers

Featuring Live Music from local bands and showcase performances throughout from local Ballroom Dancers, join us for our first annual Ballroom Dance Party. The event is FREE and open to the public, we hope to see you on the dance floor!

Get away from your life for a day and come dance with us! Hope to see you there! 

For more information, visit the SPARKcon website: http://www.sparkcon.com/

Cheers,

Megan

Look like an Award Winning Actress!

The 66th Annual Primetime Emmys were last night! How exciting is it to watch all of the beautiful actors and actresses strut down the red carpet? From their manicured nails, one of a kind dresses, and flawless hairstyles made me feel a little envious. Don't worry! We have some ideas and instructions on how to make your hair look as gorgeous as theirs so you can look like a superstar on your wedding day.

The Low Bun

Melissa Raunch let her fly-aways loose but still looked elegant with this simple low bun style.

Get the look:

http://www.oncewed.com/diy/diy-knotted-bun-wedding-hairstyle/

The Wavy Curls

Melissa McCarthy looks classy with her loose curls. Perfect for a bride who wants a laid-back but still beautiful hairdo. 

Get the look:

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a23517/wavy-to-curly-hair-how-to/

The High Bun

Sarah Hyland rocked this chic bun. This look really brings out your natural facial features.

Get the look:

http://thebeautydepartment.com/2011/07/in-a-rush-forget-the-brush/

The Parted Low Pony

Kiernan Shipka looks elegant with this fun and easy twisted ponytail.

Get the look:

http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2013/11/the-twisted-phonytail/

The Half-up, Half-down

Mindy Kaling jazzed up the normal half-up hairdo to make her own unique style.

Get the look:

http://www.bobbyglam.com/blog/2013/01/vintage-half-up-hair-tutorial/

The Parted Updo

Taylor Schilling proved that even women with short hair can rock a glamorous updo.

Get the look:

http://thebeautydepartment.com/2013/05/all-hair-all-week-4/

These hairstyles are just a few out of hundreds of ideas you can create on your special day. Don't hold back! Be as crazy and unique as you want. Every look is elegant and beautiful and you'll look just like a celebrity. For more about these photos and tutorials check out: 

http://www.brit.co/emmys-2014-hairstyle-tutorials/

Cheers,

Megan

Fall Colors

Summer is coming to an end and fall is right around the corner! The crisp air and changing leaves creates a serene beauty that makes this wedding season breathtaking. Getting away from the bright summery decor can be difficult but fall has so much to offer with it's earthy tones and cozy neutral blends. Deciding what color scheme to go with for your special day can be stressful so here are some ideas to help:

www.theperfectpalette.com

www.afabulousfeteblog.com

The cranberry colored flowers compliments the light tan earth tones. You can still throw in even more color with a splash of light pink. The pink and gold leaves are simple DIY by just spray painting some dried out leaves! These would be nice accents on tables or even as the bride walks down the isle. 

www.theperfectpalette.com

www.completely-coastal.com

The white and light blue flowers give a calm feeling and could be a great color scheme if you want to get away from the brown/tan earth tones. The pumpkins are a simple and inexpensive idea for centerpieces or table decor that can brighten up the room and make your wedding dress pop. 

www.theperfectpalette.com

www.shelterness.com

This lovely purple and pink scheme is the perfect blend of light and dark contrasts. The purple flowers with small white candles adds a romantic accent. Any purple flower could be used to decorate around the candles in a unique but simple way.

www.theperfectpalette.com

http://storyboardwedding.com

Don't be afraid to go bold! The bright pink and oranges are really complimented by the cranberry and green. The bright colors add a vibrant and lively feel while the cranberry and green bring it back to feeling like fall. The blue mason jars are simple centerpieces that don't take away from the beautiful essence of the flowers and gives that rustic, fall feel. 

Cheers,

Megan

Coburn Wedding

On June 14th The Grand Ballroom had the pleasure of hosting Rebecca and Josh's reception! We felt right at home with all of the red, white, blue, and rustic touches.

CookShack provided a delicious southern style buffet including barbeque and local cheeses.

Pinterest helped the bride come up with unique touches all around the venue.

They even had their own hashtag so that guests could share their own memories with the newlyweds.


The Cupcake Stop Shop baked beautiful cupcakes with the bride and grooms own special cake.

Brett & Jessica's Photography even made it to our very own Bennett Bunn Plantation. They snapped this beautiful photo that guests were able to sign on the way out.

xoxo,
bre

 

Here Comes the Bride!

The exit is the last impression guests get of you and your new spouse. After a wonderful ceremony and reception you must top it off with the perfect exit! There is always the classic rice or sparkler exit but some venues do not allow either of these options. Here are some unique alternatives that will still leave your guests in awe. 

www.stylemepretty.com 

Balloons allow for the perfect photo opportunity through out the entire exit

www.stylemepretty.com 

Glow sticks are the perfect spin-off of the sparkler exit

www.frostedpetticoatblog.com

A hand tunnel lets guest be right in the middle of the action

www.etsy.com

You can even customize these cute paper airplanes found on Etsy

www.projectwedding.com

These sprinkles are a great way to add color instead of just plain rice

xoxo,
bre