Grand Tasting at The Wentworth Hotel & Spa

As you may know, we are the exclusive preferred wedding planner at Wentworth Hotel and Spa in Newcastle, NH. We've written before about this amazing and historic location and all that it has to offer, but we wanted to share with you a fun night we just had on Friday at The Wentworth.

The historic (and newly renovated!) Wentworth Hotel and Spa

All couples getting married at The Wentworth are invited to tastings, at which they meet the vendors on the property's preferred vendor list. It's a fun night with lots of food and drinks where couples, their families, and their friends can get a real feel of what the day may look like.

A full shot of our As You Wish table in The Grand Ballroom before the other vendors arrived.

This table represents the Little Harbor package in The Wentworth Ballroom.

Little Harbor detail shot.

We designed two different tables at the event, one representing the Little Harbor package, and one representing the As You Wish package. (For more on The Wentworth's packages, look here!) Kathy Jardiniere, the Wentworth's preferred florist, brought our floral dreams to life with these gorgeous centerpieces. The linens on the As You Wish were provided by BBJ Linen. Be Our Guest provided the linens on the Little Harbor table, as well as the plates, glassware, and flatware on the As You Wish table. The plates, glassware, flatware, and napkins on the Little Harbor table are The Wentworth's very own supplies.

Our chair treatment of braided sashes were a big hit!

Thanks again to
Maine-ly NewHampshire!

Maine-ly New Hampshire provided all of the perfect paper accents (Mr. and Mrs. signs on the Little Harbor package, and Bride & Groom sign, escort cards, and menu cards on the As You Wish package).

The event is so much fun, as we get to not only meet the couples and their families, but hang out with some truly amazing vendors! We always have an awesome team at this location, and the Grand Tasting on Friday allowed the couples to experience just why the vendors have made it on the list.

Vendor Highlight: The Rivermill

Downtown Dover is home to some really awesome vendors, one of which is a venue that's great for all sorts of events...The Rivermill! Rivermill is one of those establishments that as gorgeous as the actual place is, the people who run it are just as amazing! Read below to hear from Michelle about this historic and intriguing building.

"At Rivermill, we believe that every event should be a unique expression of its host's personality, message or ideals. With this thought in mind, we invite you to choose your own seating plan, décor, entertainment and even your own caterer. Select one of our preferred partners, bring in your own vendors, or work with our experienced staff to find that elusive, defining component. Whatever the occasion, we’ll help you create the perfect atmosphere in which to welcome your special guests.

With lofty ceilings, 1800s brick-and-beam architecture and tall, arched windows offering views of the Cochecho River, Henry Law Park and Dover's historic City Hall clock tower, Rivermill is distinctive enough to stand on its own, or it can serve as a blank canvas on which to paint your entertainment masterpiece.

So whether you're looking for a traditional reception, a classic New England lobster bake, a black tie formal or a distinctive themed event of your own creation, Rivermill provides the ideal setting to make your dream a reality."

Visit Rivermill (and us!) in person

Rivermill at Dover Landing

2 Washington Street, Dover NH

603-343-2192

Or visit them online and on facebook!

Wedding Belle Wisdom: For the Low Key Couple

For some couples the idea of all attention focused on them makes them want to run. For others, they don't want a big formal to-do as the celebration of the wedding. In this case one great option is to host the reception, or maybe even the wedding itself, at a private residence.

Recently we worked with this amazing couple who had their wedding reception at the parents' house in Maine. It was a gorgeous setting right near Nubble Lighthouse, and worked perfectly for the relaxed lobster bake feel the couple wanted!

Whenever the wedding ceremony or reception is held at a private home, however, there are issues that inevitably come up. The reason they are bound to arise is that the location was not designed to host a wedding reception! While it sounds silly, it's true. Rather than rule out the option, we have some advice on how to alleviate some of the ails in order to make the space work for you. (All photos are just quick snapshots I grabbed with my phone. Professional photos to come from Shane's Maine Photography!)

1. Keep it more informal

View from the top of the informal vibe!

Different rooms will mean it's hard for guests to be gathered in one spot. Therefore many of the formalities of a traditional wedding (first dance, champagne toast, etc) can leave guests feeling left out rather than part of the special day. The setting lends itself to a relaxed atmosphere, so rather than fight it, embrace the comfortable and fun feel.

And if anything big is happening, make sure it's happening where everyone can see it. For example, toss the bouquet from a balcony into the yard where all the guests are gathered.

2. Match the number of guests to the space available

Maximum capacity is not the ideal in a private home reception. The right number of guests is the amount that can move comfortably through the house without feeling squished. It's also really important to consider bathrooms the number of bathrooms in the house. While having access to plumbing is definitely a plus when compared to some outdoor venues, too many guests can overwhelm the facilities. Consider that the guests will be at the house for some amount of time near 5 hours. They'll want to move around and explore without feeling crowded.

3. Pick one focal area

People gather around three things: food, alcohol, and other people. When planning the reception try to pick one big open area to focus decorations on. This will draw people to the space and keep the event social and entertaining for all.

Drinks and a candy bar helped to spread people out throughout the day.

We might even suggest lawn games should the space allow. It will get different people interacting in a fun way, as well as spread them out!

4. Be very clear about what is off limits

As the location's main function is most likely someones house, there are going to be things that are private or have been moved out of the way. This last weekend we used simple privacy signs, and then locked the one door behind which we were hiding many personal belongings.

5. Hire a caterer and bartender

Fun personalized drink holders were
available for all guests!

While this may seem like a no brainer, hiring both a caterer and bartender will allow everyone to sit back and enjoy much more. While it may seem like a cute idea to have your Dad grilling for everyone and Aunt Sue pouring drinks, it puts a lot of strain on everyone involved in background details.

Consider it as a backyard barbeque on steriods. Everything is more rushed with more pressure and it will lose the relaxed feel very quickly. And hiring a bartender will release you of liability when it comes to overserving. People are likely to drink more especially at a private home in a relaxed atmosphere. (Speaking of, have LOTS of bottles of water available!)

6. Stock up on cleaning supplies

The house is going to take a hit. I recommend buying double of what you think you need, as you will eventually go through it anyway if you don't on the day. Bathrooms will need restocking, guests will spill, dishes will amass. Just be prepared to wake up on Sunday with quite the to do list.

Don't Let the Rainy Weather Ruin Your Day!

Planning an event in New England adds an additional element to the planning process. While we are fortunate enough to have every season, New England occasionally gifts us with experiencing every season in one day. While picking a day in August may seem like a safer bet, consider this weekend when Hurricane Irene is sweeping in with storms all over the coast.

Dachowski Photography

So how do you prepare for the unexpected? We’re sharing some of our more last minute ideas on how to keep Mother Nature from raining too much on our parades. All of these are things that can be done within the last days before an event when weather.com is offering depressing news, except for the first. Our first rule is the golden rule of trying to plan any outdoor event.

1. A SOLID rain plan

We’re not talking about planning on everyone going inside if it sprinkles. We mean having a solution that will comfortably fit all guests and additional tables. This is why we ALWAYS recommend a tent at outdoor venues (which can also help with too much heat). If your rain plan is moving inside, be sure there is plenty of space for everyone and you can still do most of the activities you had planned. The rain plan should also take into account the following points.

2. Sides for the tent

If you are renting a tent, it is likely they offered the sides. If you initially refused, but the weather prediction has since soured, we recommend calling the company to see if they are still available. While they end up blocking views, they can be essential in keeping your guests dry and warm. The sides can also be pulled aside, taken off, or put up only on some sides. The versatility of the sides is a very helpful feature, provided you have someone there who knows how to properly put them up and take them down. This is a rather crucial piece that can become more complicated when trying to figure it out later. At the very least make sure someone from the tent company shows a few people how to handle the sides. Caterers and wedding planners will also often know as well.

3. Heaters

Even if the temperature doesn’t drop significantly, rain makes people want warmth. If it is a predicted rainy day, be prepared for cold guests. Whether this means renting a heater from the tent company or having blankets on hand for later in the night, try to anticipate guests wanting warmth.

Alexandra Daley-Clark Photography

4. Slip-proof surfaces

Even if the rain stops, the damage might not. If there is a dance floor or floors inside that may become slippery when wet, consider putting in a rug, an outdoor weather mat, or other slip proof surface for people to wipe their shoes on. It will save you clean up and twisted ankles all night.

5. Transportation

If it’s a day filled with sunshine, guests won’t grumble over a little bit of walking (well, most won’t). But if it’s raining or muddy, that short walk will become a major issue. If the space allows, consider seeing if a there is a trolley or shuttle available in the area. If they aren't, there's a good chance a school bus would be available.

6. Sand/Kitty Litter

This is another strategy for after the rain. If there is an area that guests will be walking through on the yard, placing sand can soak up the water and keep shoes from sinking in. Kitty litter also works, and can even be sprinkled on driveways or walkways and then swept up to minimize puddles.

7. Umbrellas and Ponchos

Everyone has umbrellas, but maybe they could become your favors! Umbrellas never go to waste, so some in your colors could be a fun touch and be super cute in photos. And if it's looking torrential, cheap plastic ponchos. They again can be really fun in photos, and come in every color (including clear). It's a nice, considerate touch that your guests will truly appreciate.

Dachowski Photography

We hope this helped! Do you have any other ideas on how to stay dry and warm? Leave them below!

How Lighting Can Transform Your Wedding!

Leslie recently wrote a piece on the easiest and most economical way to transform a venue for a reception. Not only do we have that advice, but also three of our favorite lighting vendors to work with! We've also included some photos from one of our weddings at the Wentworh Hotel to show you how dramatic the change can be! Thanks to Daniel Doke for the fantastic pictures.

When you think about redecorating your home, all design experts will tell you that the most economical way to make the biggest impact is to paint your walls! When you walk into your reception tent or room, you may like it, but feel that you wish you could paint the walls to incorporate your wedding colors. Clearly, this is not a possibility, most locations frown on painting the walls ;) However, most reception spaces today choose neutral colors for the walls and of course a tent is a blank slate! So, how do you accomplish getting your walls painted without actually painting the walls? The answer is simple and can be cost effective if you use the right resources and take time in the pre-design phase to get the most impact for your money!

The answer: LIGHTING! This used to be a very expensive endeavor. You had to hire a large lighting company, bring in tons of staffing to set-up, run and breakdown the equipment. Hiding wires, large display boards, and sometimes with all of that, you still only got a static color on your walls. Today, with the technical advances in the industry you can now have battery powered, single LED uplight units placed throughout your room to create an entire atmosphere! The best part, they are all controlled from a small computer panel and the lights can be changed during the reception at any time with a simple push of a button. Keep it relaxed for the dinner, then when the dance floor gets hopping, the lights can create a night club experience for your guests!

Small extras can also make a huge difference! A couple of popular options - Hang a light from the ceiling or a pole and light your cake table. Order a custom monogram for your dance floor.

Enjoy dreaming of all the possibilities! Your guests will feel that the room was built for you!

There are three particular companies we love working with that are spread throughout New England. Check out their websites below to become even more inspired!

New Hampshire: Event Lighting Concepts, http://www.eventlightingconcepts.com/

Eastern Mass (Boston): Advanced Lighting & Production Services, Inc. (ALPS), http://www.alpsweb.com/

Western Mass: CJC Event Lighting,

http://www.cjceventlighting.com/

Vendor Highlights: MAC Photography

We work with some truly fantastic vendors, and want to continue our series of sharing them with you! Up next, MAC Photography! Check out some of their photos below and read about why we love them!

MAC Photography, located in Downtown Portsmouth NH, consists of a team of professional artists dedicated to preserving your wedding memories. They offer over ten years of professionalism combined with a unique blend of classic and modern photography. It is their goal to find that special difference with each and every client. They pride themselves in capturing the fine points of your day with style and elegance and their professional artistry is well known throughout the Seacoast for doing just that!

Place cards from a Wentworth By the Sea event.

“There are three key elements that separate us from our competition! First is our digital enhancements. Digital imaging plays a hug role in photography, it is not only important to hire a great photographer but also someone who is well educated in the latest digital enhancing techniques. We offer digital enhancements free of charge, every single printed photograph whether it’s a wall portrait, wallet, or album page is retouched complimentary. Our standard enhancements include whitening and brightening of teeth, evening skin tones, and saturating colors but we can even go as far as changing blinking eyes, moving signs and cars, and make body parts slimmer."

"Second is the way we photograph client’s wedding details and use them as textures and graphic elements within the wedding pictures and album pages. This look transforms wedding images into custom artwork."

"And third is the amount of planning we do with clients to ensure the day goes smoothly. Approximately two months before the wedding we meet the couple at the reception site to scout out spots for pictures outside and inside in case it rains. It’s very important for us to establish an A & B plan before the wedding day. We complete a family formal questionnaire and create a wedding itinerary for the bridal party and wedding vendors. We started offering this service because we wanted to relieve our couples of any stress on the wedding day."

- Michelle Brewster and Jodi Ramos, MAC Photography.

Visit MAC Photography at www.mac-photography.com to view their full portfolio, pricing and packages, and review what past couples thought about their services.

MAC Photography

500 Market St #2B

Portsmouth NH 03801

603.373.8695

E: info@mac-photography.com

W: www.mac-photography.com

Dress from Madeleine's Daughter

Belle Turned Bride - Photographer Martin Haseman

My friends call me un-photogenic. I’ve been told that something happens the moment the flash goes off; they’ve seen it happen countless times. A twitch of the face and my normal, pretty smile is morphed into a frightening triple-chin sporting nightmare.

I’ve heard all the tips; weight on your back foot, don’t stand straight on, smile with your tongue on the roof of your mouth, close your eyes until I say “3.” I may be a lost cause but is it wrong of me to hope for a few perfectly frame-worthy pictures from my wedding day?? I don’t think so!

I know I speak for Spencer and I when I say that choosing a photographer was one of the most important decisions we had to make for our wedding. Pictures will be the one thing we can take away when the festivities are over. I want them to be artistic, romantic, emotional, and to capture the true essence of who we are. I also have a personal goal of having a photographer who is capable of capturing my best angle (if there is one).

Martin Haseman of Martin Haseman Photography

In my years of working weddings I have met some unbelievable photographers. I have spent countless hours scrolling through their colorful blogs in awe of their sheer talent. Martin Haseman is among them. I presented his work to Spencer shortly after we returned from Italy and he was (obviously) equally impressed. We are thrilled that Martin will be photographing our wedding. His work captures all of the aspects we were looking for in a photographer. I also know from personal experience that he is absolutely wonderful to work with. I am excited to have someone I know and trust behind the lens. I also think his cool-calm demeanor may have just what it takes to reign in the triple-chinned beast. I guess we will see during our engagement session next month!!!

It's finally here!!

Ever met someone so genuine and kind that your heart smiles a little bit when you’re around them? That’s the best way I can think of to describe Joe, Joanne, and their love for one another. Faced with unimaginable obstacles the two have been able to focus on what is truly important in life, which for them is each other. While they had dreamed of a wedding, the medical bills and uncertain future made that dream seem nearly impossible.

A photo of Joanne and Joe at the launch party taken in a ShutterBooth Boston photo booth!

Enter Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit national organization dedicated to fulfilling wedding dreams to couples that otherwise could not afford the celebration. Our involvement with the organization began with the creation of our local chapter. As they launched just this last month, Joanne and Joe will be Boston’s first couple whose wish will be granted! To read more about the organization and how we fit in, click here.

We’ve mentioned them before but today is even more important as it’s their WEDDING DAY!! So many amazing vendors have come together to make this moment possible, and we’re so excited it is here! Today is a day not about doctors, chemicals, and disease for Joe and Joanne. Instead today is a chance for them to be themselves, be happy, and enjoy their time together with friends and family.

Once we have professional photos and know we won’t be spoiling any last minute surprises, we will share many more details about this very special day. Until then, we wish Joe and Joanne all the happiness on this their wedding day. May it be as beautiful as they are, and filled with memories that all can cherish forever.

Not Your Plain Old Office!

When we opened our office in February we talked a lot about our beautiful design space. It is the space in which we design, plan, store, and display. Now we would like to introduce another use that is meant to help all people in the area!

One of our preferred vendors, Be Our Guest, has a substantial amount of inventory housed in our space. The idea is that when we have design meetings with our clients they can see a sample of all that is possible. Well, we'd like to open up this advantage to anyone looking to rent from Be Our Guest!

As they are based out of the Boston area it can be difficult and time consuming to visit their office. So why not see us instead! You don't have to be using our services to take advantage, and you know that you will be looking at the merchandise with someone who knows the products and Be Our Guest very well!

Our office is open by appointment, so please give us a call at 603-828-1525. We'd love to help!

Hot Ways to Stay Cool at Summer Events

Another post in our series of "Wedding Belle Wisdom" all about how to beat the heat and be everyone's favorite hostess. Enjoy and stay cool!

It's that time of year in New England, and we've all been feeling the heat!

Given that summer is the only time you can almost guarantee that your event won't be snowed out, though, it is an extremely busy event season. Aside from potential snow there are a multitude of reasons to have your event in the summer months, which is why we're devoting this blog to fun ideas for cooling off at these events.

Number One - Multi-tasking Fan!

Whether it's the program or a seat announcement, or even just a bit of Asian flair, a small fan is a great way to keep guests cool. The fan can really help to tie in the theme, and is very considerate towards the guests.

Number Two - High-Tech Mini Fan

We aren't talking about any old battery operated fan here, folks. For a more relaxed and casual event (read no expensive and sensitive clothes) a battery operated fan that also mists water is the way to go! Place a few of these around the backyard and watch your guests feel refreshed in seconds! This one (the aptly named 02cool) retails on Amazon for $19.99, but they can be found anywhere nowadays for a price that fits your budget best.

Number Three - A Cool Escape

For your fancier events, there is a pricey but invaluable option. While many are aware a tent could be heated, did you also know it can have AC? For those planning events in the dead heat of summer this is a great way to ensure that guests will feel comfortable, food will stay edible, and the dance floor will be filled! There are two versions; one is a blower and the other removes moisture. For more information check out this article.

Number Four - Frozen Treats!

A simple and sweet option to beat the summer heat! Popsicles and Ice-Pops have long been favorites of over-heated children, but they work their magic on adults as well! They come in a variety of flavors and colors, so pick to match your theme, your colors, or your taste buds! Just be careful, these sweet treats have a habit of becoming sticky messes.

Number Five - Your Very Own Ice Cream Truck

Consider it outsourcing the popsicle duty! By hiring an ice cream truck you take out the hassle of shopping and lugging while bringing back guests childhood memories! There are many more options of ice cream, and much less mess to be worried about. Last summer we hired an ice cream truck for the Josephs wedding and he was definitely a hit with everyone!

Number Six - Duh, shade!

Whether from a tree, tent, or side of a house, nothing is more essential to keeping guests from high temperatures than shade! Even if there is no breeze, a tent keeps the beating sun off of guests brows and will be welcome relief. Even though you waited to have the event until it was going to be sunny, when planning a summer time event it is essential that there is shade.

And there you have it folks! Six ways to stay cool this summer, no matter the event. Stay hydrated!

Vendor Highlights: Katrina Forrest

Recently we featured a favorite JP, and now we want to feature a health and life coach who we is a great resource for all those brides concerned about how they will look and feel on their wedding day. She's a great source of holistic and healthy inspiration! Below is a piece she wrote just for us!

Wedding Weight & Beyond!

Katrina Forrest

www.klfhealthcoach.com

Are you in a panic realizing that you need to start losing weight for your wedding? Are you focused on that one day, or the rest of your life? So many brides focus on looking thin and perfect for just one day and spend months in constant anxiety employing crash diets and punishing workouts to lose weight. By the time the wedding day comes, brides are frazzled and exhausted. When the big day has passed, the weight comes back like a freight train out of control. Losing weight should not be about how you look, it is about how you feel!

Here are 5 strategies that I work with clients with for losing weight for your big day and keeping it off forever.

1) Get rid of Deadlines. They create WAY too much stress. Stress creates discomfort in our minds and bodies. When we have discomfort, we search for ways of relief. And the easiest relief is rich, salty, sugary foods. Sound familiar? Lose the deadline and shift your focus on how to feel good everyday. Set mini goals each week; like starting each morning with a healthy breakfast or get to bed 20 minutes earlier each night. Not only will you have a happier engagement, but you will be creating habits you can carry with you long after the wedding.

2) Exercise to relieve stress or just have some fun. Find exercise that you love to do and schedule it in among the dress fittings and spa appointments. Make a date with your fiancé to go for a walk to reconnect. Promise him you will not talk about wedding stuff and just enjoy each other’s company. Try a Zumba class and learn some new moves for the wedding day. Need a challenge or never worked out before? Join a local fitness facility or hire a personal trainer to get you set up with a program that works best for you.

3) Eat a daily balanced diet. Do not cut out entire food groups or starve yourself. Your body needs carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats. Eat fruits and unlimited veggies to give you sustained energy. Give into your cravings, but choose healthier options. Want burgers and fries? Make them at home with whole, fresh foods. Use organic, lean ground beef, sprouted grain muffins and make your own sweet potato fires. Start your morning off with a balanced breakfast. Try a veggie frittata with a piece of whole grain toast or a quick fruit and veggie smoothie. Here are a few recipes to inspire you:

http://katrina-forrest.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/recipes

4) Planning is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Think about all the planning that you are putting into your wedding day and honeymoon. Focus some of that energy to scheduling in workouts, prepping and trying new recipes and taking some down time for yourself and fiancé. Take a few minutes at the end of each day to prepare for the next day. Before you know it, this will be a new, healthy habit forever.

5) Ask for HELP! Stress levels are already high. Don’t try and do it all on your own and let your health and sanity suffer. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Hire a wedding planning to help with wedding day details. Ask your fiancé to help out more around the house or have someone clean your house a few times a month. Work with a health coach to help you set small, realistic and attainable goals.

It is very easy to get caught up in how tight you want your arms to be or how you will look in your bikini on your honeymoon, but being so focused on the outside can actually prevent you from losing weight. You must create change from the inside out. This starts with having a very clear understanding about how you want to feel in your body on your wedding day- not just how you want to look.

Take some quiet time to picture your wedding day. How do you want to feel just before you walk down the isle? Picture your friends’ and families’ heads slowly turning to look at you. What do their faces look like? What you see in them should be a perfect reflection of how you feel. Practice this whenever you get a chance, and your body will naturally gravitate towards this state. All of the healthy habits you are creating will fall into place with far less friction.

Your engagement and wedding day should be one of the most exciting times in your life. Embrace this amazing opportunity to build a lifestyle and create a healthy body that you have always dreamed of.

Vendor Highlights: Dan Griffiths

Time to highlight another favorite vendor! Dan Griffiths is a Justice of the Peace that we've worked with many times and LOVE! Below he talks about his own experiences and what it all means to him. Also check out the pictures throughout of him in action at some of our weddings over the last few years!

Photo Courtesy of Garone Photography, LLC

"I became a JP as I had the experience of hearing someone perform a friend of mines ceremony and it touched my heart. I knew right then and there how important it was to have a really great Justice of the Peace. Since that time to now I work hard at each wedding to make it very special and meaningful not only to the couple but also for their family and guests.

I have been performing weddings for over 20 years now and I perform each one as if it was my first one.

Photo Courtesy of Sharyn Peavey

I cannot tell you how it brings me joy to be part of someone’s special day and then to receive a comment like this one!"

Matt and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts from making our wedding ceremony so perfect. We received such heartfelt and sincere comments of adoration from our guests—they said they had never attended such a beautiful ceremony! Thank-you for being so open and willing to let us orchestrate all the different elements of the evening; in particular, for your help in bringing our vision for the wine/letter ceremony to life! I can't say enough words to thank you for being such a kind and genuine person, and we feel so lucky to have had your lives joined together by you!

All the best, and thank-you again! Jill & Matt

"I help each couple to customize there own wedding and to make it special for them. I love what I do and people tell me all the time that it shows in my smile."

Photo Courtesy of Sharyn Peavey

Calling All Potential Interns!

We have a busy Summer and Fall coming up, and would love to give someone the chance to experience all that we do!

We're looking for an intern to become involved in all aspects of event planning. Below is the description of duties. E-mail any inquiries to rachael@theweddingbelle.net. We look forward to hearing from you!

We’re looking to grow our Wedding Belle family!

In the past we’ve had some really incredible interns and want to continue the tradition of this mutually beneficial relationship! Below is a description of duties we foresee the intern taking on. But above all, we are looking for someone positive, organized, and energetic! The wedding industry is fast paced and all about love, so a thirst for life is necessary in our intern. If this sounds like you or you have any questions, please contact Rachael at rachael@theweddingbelle.net with your resume and a cover letter.

We look forward to hearing from you!

“Other Duties As Needed”

While this is normally listed last on internship descriptions, we feel this one is the most important! Given the nature of this business, people working in the field have to be ready for the unexpected and go with the flow. While there will be some things we ask you to do on a more consistent basis, the beauty of this industry is that the majority of your work will depend on which wedding we’re working on that week.

Update and Oversee Social Media Sites

This will include both updating the website with appropriate text as well as coming up with ideas for our blog, facebook, and twitter.

Assistance at Weddings

A chance to see all your hard work in action! From coordinating when the bride makes her grand entrance down the aisle down to the couples exit at the end of the night, we make sure the wedding is as the couple imagined.

Institute and Organize a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Program

Our business runs off of fantastic word of mouth from past clients. We are looking to put a new system in place to keep in contact with past clients and remind them of the service we provided, as well as what we can do in the future.

Sourcing of Materials for Upcoming Weddings

Many times we’ll need specific items for upcoming weddings. Items can range from mini pink crystals to the perfect antique bird cage, and we need help finding all the details that make the wedding personal and beautiful.

Maintain Inventory

Nearly all we need for weddings are housed in our downtown office. In order to provide all that is possible for our brides, we need to know first what we have in house!

Wedding Belle Wisdom

Wedding Belle Wisdom: Making your wedding YOURS!

To correspond with our tidbits of wisdom that we post on facebook we're going to be sharing longer entries of tips, tricks, and ideas from the newest and youngest Belle! Sometimes a pair of fresh eyes makes all the difference, and this series of blog posts will highlight discoveries she's made that will help you become an expert at all things wedding. Whether you're planning your own, or just attending, our notes from the novice will keep you on track!

Rachael and Leslie at the recent Wish Upon a Wedding Launch Party

Photo Courtesy of Bleau Sky Photography

For the first of this series of blogs I would like to talk to those in the early stages of planning. It's an overwhelming and potentially scary time filled with expectations and uncertainty. For many it is their first experience planning something so monumental.

There are, of course, thousands of magazines, websites, online forums, and family and friends spouting out all sorts of sage wisdom. But when it comes to planning your wedding the biggest advice I can give is to make it YOURS!

While this sounds obvious, it is easy to get caught up in what is trendy and new. It may be a great idea, but the wedding will be much more personal, fun, and memorable if instead of being on trend, it is all about the happy couple!

So, how to make it all about you? Try building not just one, but a few inspiration boards! For instance put together one of things you and your partner love, another representing memories you've shared, another of places you've been, and one of things you both HATE.

Did you meet at a bar? Then place your centerpieces in beer mugs!

Did you climb trees on one of your dates? Check out these adorable trees that can be used as place cards!

By personalizing all the details, you'll make everything a conversation piece. It'll get your guests talking and relaxing, as well as take a great deal of the stress off of you.

Does this still sound overwhelming? You could always come in for a design session with Leslie! Or just look out for more words of wisdom from The Wedding Belle family.

Vendor Highlight: Joya Beauty

As wedding professionals we get to work with lots of different vendors week in and week out. This truly allows us to understand the quality of what makes a true professional!

Joanne from Joya Beauty, not only meets those standards, she exceeds them! Her customer service, genuine love of her work, attention to detail, knowledge and schooling in her craft and overall fantastic personality make her the perfect match for EVERY bride! Yes, I actually said, EVERY bride! That is not something I can say for many vendors but Wedding Belle clients have had the privilege of working with Joanne for the past 8 years and there has only been the most positive praise given during and after the wedding day! Our clients are lucky to grab her as her dates fill in quickly, so if you are still looking for a make-up artist…look no further!

Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Daley-Clark Photography

Joanne McDonough, founder of Joya beauty, is the Seacoast’s premiere Professional Makeup Artist and licensed Skin Care Therapist. Licensed in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts she continues to follow her passion for professional skin care, makeup, health and beauty by studying under leading makeup instructors and at the top skin care institutes.

Joanne’s diverse background and experience creates a unique, simply beautiful style accredited to her artistic talent. Joya beauty’s intimate studio, located in Dover, New Hampshire, offers Joya clientele the opportunity to relax, learn, and be pampered. Whether it’s for a skin care treatment, makeup lesson, or bridal consultation, Joanne has the innate ability to bring out the natural beauty of her subject, no matter the gender or ethnicity.

Joanne with our own Belle, Melissa, on her very special day!

Photo Courtesy of Erica Ferrone Photography

Joya beauty is also available “on location” for weddings, photo shoots, television appearances, or local benefits. Joanne specializes in photographic makeup that reflects your style, and will wear beautifully throughout the day.

Joanne’s makeup artistry has been seen on the cover of Grace Ormond’s Wedding Style and Marriage Magazine – New England, FOX 25 News, Maine PBS, New Hampshire Wedding Magazine, Runway Fashion Events for Grace Ormond Wedding Style and Marriage Magazine. She also coordinated the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program at Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire.