All You Need is Love, Part 2

In an earlier Hollin Hall blog, we posted some photos of  the recent wedding of Jessie and Matt.  

Wedding Planner Christina Baxter's  blog post  poetically describes a magical moment during the ceremony.  

"...The day was spectacular, the fall foliage was at its peak and the leaves danced like fire in the breeze against a cloudless blue sky.   A string quartet played Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles as the guests were seated and Cannon in D for the wedding party processional. Then there was a moment of magic, just as Jessie and her dad reached the entrance to the garden a gentle breeze blew and a swirl of leaves circled the Bride like confetti. At the conclusion of the ceremony the quartet played a lively rendition of All You Need is Love for the recessional."

You'll learn  more about Christina's events at www.CiBiEvents.com

Two Tips - Don't be Afraid to Ask For Help; Relax and Enjoy the Ride

  
Alicia and Charles were married in the Hollin Hall Fireplace Room on October 15. (See blog posted dated October 17).  She rated us a “5” out of “5.” Alicia said,

“...Hollin Hall’s fireplace room and surrounding gardens were PERFECT my wedding day! The fireplace room had the ambiance I envisioned for my wedding because it was welcoming, intimate and truly felt like it was just for us. There is absolutely nothing that I would change about the setting. Hollin Hall was charming, quaint and beautiful before my wedding and now has a warm and very special place in my heart. Thank you for all of your assistance in helping make our wedding day lovely.

“If I had any advice for other couples planning their nuptials I would offer these two recommendations:
1) Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I was so worried about burdening people with the tasks for my wedding and I tried to take everything on and got overwhelmed. I had to learn the hard way that your friends and family really will step up to help you because they want to make your day memorable and happy for you. Don't let the details destroy the experience! Additionally, Nina is the consummate professional, extremely helpful and so kind. I felt so fortunate work to with her in each phase of my planning because she is so knowledgeable and is organized. She will help you achieve whatever your vision is for your very special day, all you have to do is ask. Rest assured that you are in very capable hands!

"2) Breathe and enjoy the ride ;-)”

Harvest of Love Celebration

Amber and Julio were married on a splendid Fall Sunday afternoon in Hollin Hall's main walled garden.

The head table for the wedding party of twelve was set under the stained glass window in the Meeting House.

Photos by Nina Tisara, Hollin Hall & The Meeting House

Jessie and Matt - Photos by Marilynn Spindler

We asked Jessie and Matt's photographer to send some of her favorite shots that show scenes around Hollin Hall.  We're pleased to share these with you.

Photos by Marilynn Spindler - mmspindler@yahoo.com

Creating and Staying on Budget

A few tips to brides on how to create and stay on budget... 

First, have a budget and be very specific on what is and is not in the budget.  Does it include the cost of the the dress and alterations, hair & make up for the bridal party, tuxedo rentals, gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen? Also, what about the items the groom's family typically pays for?  

When I work with brides I create a very detailed spreadsheet which includes everything right down to the postage for the invitations and reply envelopes before we sign a contract.  When I have a bride who tells me her budget is 45K for 125 guests I put together a detailed budget which includes everything she wants and in a mid-range price, i.e., designer linens, a three-course meal, lovely flowers,  etc. so that when it comes to choosing vendors she doesn't have to do an "upgrade" on everything to get what she wants.

I will allocate the appropriate amount of money to the items that are most important to her and get savvy on the necessary, but less important items. I strongly recommend that before a bride signs with any wedding planner, she has them show (in detail) how they will stay on budget. My goal is to agree upon a detailed budget before signing a contract so once that has been established the planning process is enjoyable, not stressful. If I can't give a bride what she wants within her budget I will be the first to tell her so. However, I rarely find this necessary once we have had a chance to go over all of the costs related to having a wedding line by line.

Sometimes the golden horse drawn carriage has to go but I promise to get the bride to the church on time and in style.
 
Christina Baxter

CiBi Events
202.280.8481 
www.CiBiEvents.com

Alicia and Charles: I will love and honor you.....

Alicia and Charles were joined in marriage on Saturday morning, October 15, 2011.  The Fireplace Room in Historic Hollin Hall was the perfect setting for their intimate ceremony.

Each promised "I will love and honor you with my heart, words and actions...."  Jodi Arbor Johnson, www.waterfront wedding services, was wedding celebrant.

They ended with a traditional "Jump the Broom."  The jumping of the broom is symbolic of binding a couple in marriage and also can be used to symbolize fertility and prosperity of the couple.  Photos by Nina Tisara, Hollin Hall & The Meeting House

Jess and Matt - All You Need is Love

Jess and Matt were married in Hollin Hall's walled garden on a perfect Fall afternoon.

Jess and her dad about to enter the garden.

The couple exchanged vows framed by an arch of greenery and brightly colored fall flowers.  Mary Ellen Stanton officiated.

 

 

The Meeting House was aglow with fall colors and up-lighting provided

by DJ Andrew Logan of Black Tie DJs. Catering by Main Event Caterers.

Photos by Nina Tisara/Hollin Hall & The Meeting House

"The Most Wonderful Wedding Day Ever!"

This just in from Kelly who was married at Hollin Hall on September 24th...

"My experience with Hollin Hall and you were amazing, no complaints whatsoever. My experience with Matters of Taste was wonderful; they exceeded my expectations. Absolutely, without question, the most wonderful wedding day ever!"

 

(And this, despite the rain that caused the ceremony to be moved indoors!  nt)

 

First Dance.  Photo by Nina Tisara, Hollin Hall & The Meeting House.

Meg and Steve - A perfect Fall day for a wedding

Meg and Steve were married in the walled garden of  Hollin Hall on a perfect Fall Sunday afternoon.

Portrait of Meg by light of the Palladian window in Hollin Hall. 

Steve's uncle officiates.

The Kiss!

The Hollin Hall dining room sparkles in Wedding White.  Catering by R&R.

Calla lilies framed by votive candles make an elegant centerpiece.  Flowers by Yellow Door Floral Designs, www.yellowdoor.com

Above photos by Nina Tisara/Hollin Hall & The Meeting House

Meg and Steve

 Photo by Shannon Finney, www.ShannonFinneyPhotography.com

Kathleen & Ed -- A Lovely Fall Wedding

Kathleen and her mom exchange smiles before processing to the altar.

More smiles from Kathleen and Ed as they exchange vows.

  Red paper lanterns hung from the wisteria arbor carried out the color theme.

The head table was set in front of the stage.  Catering by R&R

.

 

Photos by Nina Tisara/Hollin Hall & The Meeting House.

Donna and Arthur Wedding Photos

Donna and Arthur were married at Hollin Hall on October 2.  

We recently published some of their ceremony photos.

These wedding portraits are by Kristi Odom, www.kristiodom.com

Celebrating Love, Family and Friends

The threat of Sunday's rain brought Donna and Arthur's wedding indoors.  They chose to be married under the stained glass window in the chapel framed by an arch of sparkling white lights.

Watch for photos soon from their official photographer.

Photos by Nina Tisara/Hollin Hall & The Meeting House

A Year In the Planning - Jocelyn and Alex

Determined to have their ceremony outdoors, Jocelyn and Alex waited for a break in the day's persistent rain and were married on the slate patio with a backdrop of foliage.

With the head table under the stained glass window in the Meeting House and the other tables set around the perimeter of the room, there was ample space for dancing.

Jocelyn smiles with a tear in her eye as she dances with her dad.

Alex's mom beams. 

Photos by Nina Tisara/Hollin Hall & The Meeting House.