I have a special treat to start your week with today. Boston-based event planner, Lo McShay, of LoLo Event Design, has created her top tips for stress free wedding planning and is here to share them with you. And, she's also sharing a gorgeous backyard wedding that I know you will love. Just think . . . fire pit and s'mores to end the night with . . . yum!

Winter is finally over and that means engagement season has ended and wedding season is here. Newly engaged couples have undoubtedly stocked up on the prerequisite wedding magazines and have a newfound appreciation for the serious condition that is Pinterest addiction. To help make sense of it all, Lo McShay, founder of LoLo Event Design, a premier entertainment specialist company based in Boston, shares her top tips for a stress-free wedding planning process:  

The venue search: 
​Your wedding planning ultimately starts with the venue because the venue selection is the biggest decision of the wedding planning process (a couple’s combined venue and food & beverage costs reflect on average 46% of their total budget). The venue search can be daunting but Lo McShay tries to remind couples that there’s no such thing as a "perfect" venue; the key is finding the venue that’s "perfect for you."  By prioritizing your wish list and asking the right questions, it’s possible to find your perfect venue. To help couples with their search process, McShay has compiled a list of must-ask questions in this venue questions check list. Getting the answers to these questions will aid in ensuring you stay on budget, while also ensuring your venue fits your wants and needs. 

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And, now before Lo shares more of her wedding planning tips with you, I just have to show you this backyard fall wedding - I'm totally in love with it. The couple wanted to create a comfortable and tranquil atmosphere for their wedding guests. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's aunt {a place where Erin, the bride, holds fond childhood and family memories}. Along with the location, the entire wedding incorporated their family. Their officiant was the groom's brother and instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen standing by the couple - their families stood by them. The relaxed backyard vibe was carried out thru the use of picnic blankets on the grass for the cocktail hour and there was even a fire pit for late-night marshmallows and s'mores. There was also seasonal décor that included pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, mums and natural wood to complement the autumn wedding.

And, now back to the wedding planning tips to make your day stress-free . . .​

Design your wedding around YOU: 
​Striving to make every event truly unique, Lo McShay emphasizes to couples that their wedding is the first time they're hosting their family and closest friends as a couple, so the principles they apply to their everyday lives should translate into their wedding. McShay starts the design process with a laundry list of questions for her clients and does not stop until their vision is brought to life. "When I first engage with a couple I try to unearth what exactly makes them tick, what makes them unique," says McShay. “I ask questions such as, how did you meet, what do you like to do on a Friday night and where did you spend your childhood summers? From there we develop high-level story boards with interior design and fashion imagery to nail their personal aesthetic.” These answers fuel the event design process and truly make the wedding unique to the particular couple.

The event timeline: 
​The biggest piece of advice for clients and what LoLo Event Design spends a lot of time organizing is the event timeline. McShay’s timelines are typically upwards of 10 pages long and include all drop-off/set-up details and key points throughout the night. The timeline may go off course a few minutes here and there, but it’s key to have a plan and to have someone who’s going to help you stick to that plan. McShay always suggests keeping your guests in mind, thinking through each transition and keeping a few surprises for the end of the night to keep spirits high. “When it comes to the end of the night, you’re exhausted and your guests are too, so we suggest having your bartenders serve guests espresso and tequila shots on the dance floor. No one has to wait in line, everyone can keep dancing and this will ensure you get the most out of the last hour at your reception.”

Keep your guests relaxed: 
​To really make your guests feel welcome and that they’re special enough in your life to be invited to your big day, the key is making them comfortable. McShay suggests having cocktails ready for them as soon as they walk into the event. Whether it’s a signature drink or lemonade before the ceremony, it’s these little touches that really make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. The more relaxed your guests, the more fun they’ll have and ultimately the more fun you’ll have.

LoLo Event Design is a full service event consultation and design firm offering imaginative entertaining opportunities for discerning clients throughout New England. Ms. McShay – considered one of area’s premier entertainment specialists – is known for signature hand-crafted details and her ability to transform spaces with a custom twist. Whether it’s styling for a photo shoot, a fundraiser for the Guidance Center at the Charles Hotel, a wedding at the Chatham Bars Inn, an intimate New Years’ Eve party at Battery Wharf, or a small private dinner party for two at home, LoLo Event Design custom tailors each and every event.  For more inspiring ideas or information, visit www.loloeventdesign.com or call (617) 838-5921.

Vendor Credits for Wedding:
​Kelly Benvenuto Photography, Jules Catering, Peterson Party Center, Party Designs, New England Country Rentals, Wedding Flowers by Annette, Beaunita Bakery, Shear Illusions Hair Studio and Spa, Wedding Paper Divas, Ellas Paper, Berklee School of Music, Groove Entertainment.

Rob of Robert Holley Photography says the most frequent question he is asked by potential clients is . . . "Why do we need an engagement shoot?" His answer is always the same . . . "Let me count the ways....". Today, Rob joins us with a fresh look at the engagement session as he believes it's the key contributing factor to the success of his business. Read on for Rob's take on why you should have an engagement shoot with your photographer . . .

In order to give life to a client's vision, a photographer's work starts well before the wedding day. The engagement session allows for the development of a rapport with the client. They have a chance to observe them as a couple and establish an atmosphere of relaxation. Many insights can be garnered during this process.

• Are the couple comfortable with each other?  
• How is the "chemistry" between them?
• How is their love demonstrated?  
• Are they at ease in front of the camera?  

The answers to these questions dictate which direction to take with the e-session.

Here is a specific example: 

The client was booked through email and the engagement session is the first meeting. I would start the session with a discussion of their expectations and concerns. The majority of people will convey "they do not photograph well" or "they always look awkward and stiff".

Start off by walking them through the process. Explain to the client exactly how the shoot is going to unfold. Chances are they have never worked with a professional photographer before so now is the time to explain how the process is going to work. 

Begin shooting the couple doing something simple. Have them walk while holding hands and chatting. It's not important that these images may not end up being used. The idea is to get the couple into the process. Let them have the experience of being shot by a professional. Encourage them, scold them, play with them, but most of all keep shooting. You never know when that perfect moment between two young lovers will appear.

An engagement session is like a dress rehearsal before the "big show". It is designed to be a more casual photo session of the couple but lessons are learned that serve well on the wedding day. Most couples hire a photographer for their creative approach but the engagement shoot helps the photographer determine just how creative the couple wants to be. The ability to produce unique photos on the wedding day is greatly enhanced by an understanding of the personalities of the bride and groom.  

And, now in Robert's voice . . . "Following the engagement shoot I meet with my clients to share the photos and compare notes. I find that a thorough discussion of the engagement session enlightens both the client and me. This meeting builds confidence in my abilities to achieve the goals the client sets forth. Most important, it provides me with another chance to observe the bride and groom together. I look for the ways that their love and commitment expressed itself, so I can document some of those same emotions at the wedding. In my view, good wedding photographers are paid to capture love. Great photographers also archive the hopes and dreams of a couple about to start their journey in life together."

Thank you Robert for joining my blog today with a great article on "Why Do We Need an Engagement Shoot?" If you would like to see a real wedding by Robert , please click here.

photos shown throughout the post are courtesy of Robert Holley Photography

guest blogging with Nusair of Group Travel

What is your number one responsibility towards guests as they arrive? To make sure that their experience is stress free and filled with fun. From the moment they touchdown at the airport, they become your responsibility. And guess what? They will look towards you to provide them direction on where to go and what to do.

Today, we are going to go over the things you need to do to ensure that your guests are comfortable when they arrive at your destination.

1. Arrange for airport transportation
Remember that most of your destinations wedding guests have traveled a long distance to get there so it would seem rude to let them fend for themselves once they arrive.

Ideally, you want to have someone from the bridal party or the family greeting guests at the airport. This person should know most of the guests and should have a welcoming personality. They should be someone that your guests would be glad to meet. In many cases, brides will have an immediate family member (brother, father etc.) take care of this responsibility.

As wedding guests arrive at the airport, they can coordinate shuttle runs, help with luggage and make arriving guests feel welcome.

As for transportation, make sure to arrange for either the hotel shuttle to pickup guests or rent a van. Doing so will alleviate any stress that wedding guests may have about getting lost if they rent a car or getting ripped off if they use a cab.

2. Arrange for express check in at hotel
The last thing you want guests to do is to have to stand in line at the hotel to check in. An easy way to avoid this is to ask the hotel to provide express check in to your wedding group.
— How can you set this up?
When you are reserving your room block, ensure that your hotel sales manager can guarantee express check in for the group. Let them know that this is very important to you and that you really need guests to be able to bypass any long check in lines.
— How does it work?
As soon as your guest arrives, inform the front desk so they can provide a registration card to sign. Once signed, they will hand over a room key, with nothing else needed. The process should not take longer than thirty seconds. Note that you will need someone near the front desk that knows all the guests and can help make the process smoother.

3. Welcome bags for wedding guests
As part of the check in process, hand out a welcome wedding gift bag. This should contain some of the following:
- An itinerary or agenda of the destination wedding weekend with all events, timings, dress code, and directions
- A welcome letter from the bride and groom thanking guests for making the trip
- Contact information should they need to speak to someone on the bridal party
- An area map
- A list of things to do in the area, along with any coupons to nearby restaurants and activities
- List of local restaurants that deliver. Make sure to include distance, and telephone number
- Snacks and bottled water
- A themed gift or item that is reflective of the destination itself.
  {ex: if you’re getting married on the beach, then provide sunscreen and a pair of flip flops}

4. Wedding get together
Host a small get together on the night that most of you wedding guests arrive. Most couples will ask guests to meet them at the hotel or resort pool at a certain time. This way, the couple getting married can say hello to all their guests in one place rather than having to visit each one individually.

In addition, the welcome get together also provides guests a chance to mingle, catch up, and get to know new faces.

By arranging for transportation, putting together welcome bags, and setting up a welcome party, you will have accomplished your task of ensuring that guests are comfortable and having fun. Moreover, you will have set the right tone for the rest of the destination wedding.

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Nusair Bawla is the founder of GroupTravel.org. They help brides reserve a block of hotel rooms for wedding guests without making a single phone call. Fill out one form and hotels will email you their group rates in less than five minutes.

Photo Credits: "Love is Sweet" Welcome Bag, "Plan to Get a Tan" Canvas Bag,
South Carolina Welcome Bag, Destination Wedding Welcome Bag, Hello Sunshine Tote,

Happily welcoming guest author Rob Lowry with us today... I will now turn the blog over to him :)

As your wedding is the most important day of your life, you must take extra care when hiring your caterer to ensure it’s a great success. The last thing you want is a less than special meal to ruin it for you and your guests. A bad catering service reflects badly on you. So with this in mind I have prepared 7 questions you must ask them before you hire . . .

1. How many weddings have you catered for in the last year?
Recent and regular experience is what suits best here. You want your caterer to know what to expect and how to plan their wedding catering so the day can run as smoothly as possible. Regular bookings are a great recommendation for their standard of work, so don’t be afraid to ask this question and get the answers you want before hiring.

2. How many guests can they cater for?
This may seem an obvious question, but what you should also find out is on average how many guests they cater for. They may be able to cater for 300 guests, but if they normally cater for 100 they may struggle to handle 300. Ideally you want caterers with experience with weddings of similar size to yours.

3. Can they arrange a testing session?
You really shouldn’t hire your wedding caterer without a tasting session. You don’t want your special day overshadowed by the poor standard of the food served. The exception could be if you have attended a wedding catered by that company, and have been very impressed with their food.

4. Can they cater for the different needs of guests?
Everyone has their own tastes, but sometimes a vegetarian and non-vegetarian option isn’t enough detail for each guest. Some may even have severe allergies to certain foods or ingredients that can’t come into contact with anything served on their plate. This is an extreme case, but one that should be covered nonetheless. Allow your guests the chance to note any allergies in a space provided on the rsvp card. It’s vital that you have a caterer who can cope with these demands, as these errors could prove costly.

5. Do they have a catering license and insurance?
A licence shows they have met the recommended health and safety standards. And insurance protects you and them against any mishaps which happen on the day. Remember anything can happen when food is involved, people can be burnt, poisoned or have severe allergic reactions. Insurance is a required safety net.

6. What’s the ratio of staff serving to the number of guests?
To ensure smooth service and happy guests this is important. I once attended a wedding which was so understaffed that you had to wait for ten minutes on each portion of food being served, which ruined the day for everyone. Ideally you want one waiter for every 8-10 guests to ensure service runs smoothly.

7. What serving style do they use?
Some people get so caught up in the excitement of food suggestions that they forget to ask what serving style will be used. Seated service is when the food is put on plates in the kitchen and served to each guest. In Russian style the food is plattered and served by portion to each guest. French style is similar only the plattered food is set tableside and the guests serve themselves and pass the platters along. More table space is required for this and it takes longer to serve. Family style is where the food is left in bowls in the middle of the table and guests help themselves. Buffet style is where guests queue in a line for their food. Which would you like on your wedding day? Decide and be sure to ask if the caterer can offer this service.

So there you have it, 7 simple questions that you must ask your caterer before hiring. Everyone gets caught up in the excitement and stress of planning a wedding, so make sure you make a note of these questions and don’t forget to ask them.

About the Author:
Rob Lowry specialises in making sure your big day really is the best day of your life. His expertise has been sought by brides nationwide as well as by www.personalisedweddinggifts.co.uk where he advises on creating wedding lists for themed and seasonal weddings.

Are you looking for beach-theme wedding cake ideas? Well, I have a fabulous line-up just for you from Susanna of Kiss Weddings. And, the timing of this post is just perfect since I've just returned from our yearly vacation to the beach and my mind is still on the wonderful sounds of the ocean waves and walking barefoot in the sand :)

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When planning a beach themed wedding your options for cakes, beach wedding colors, decor, and themes are truly endless. Whether you prefer contemporary, traditional, or even whimsical – the most important thing is that you pick a look that you love - and then you make it your own.

1. The Simple Look Cakes

Trying to keep it super simple so that you can save? If so, simple sugar toppings or a simple (but unique) wedding cake topper on a homemade cake will do the trick.

The first is a simple homemade cake. But it looks so pretty and whimsical. We love it! The ocean makes the PERFECT backdrop for this fun little ensemble – don’t you think? The second beach wedding cake just uses a few delicate flowers creating a simple and sweet look.

2. The Seashell and Starfish Cakes

Everyone loves starfish! With this super cute starfish wedding cake topper you can’t go wrong. Another element that we just love about this cake – if you look closely at the bottom you will see there is faux sand and the bride and groom’s names are written in it. How cute is that?

In the second starfish cake you see how you can implement any flower you love into your beach theme and it still works! With the white on white look of the cake and the starfish it creates a very elegant look as well.

3. Tropical Flowers

There are so many beautiful tropical wedding flowers available that you may be tempted to go with these as your flower selection even if you aren’t planning a beach wedding. And this cake below featuring these beautiful green tropical flowers is to die for. Love it!

If you are considering a tropical wedding cake and are looking for a tropical wedding cake topper you CANNOT go wrong with using fresh flowers. 

4. Cupcakes

Who doesn’t love cupcakes? Since beach weddings are usually more casual they make the perfect fit with one another. Just imagine your guest sitting beach-side nibbling on one of these adorable and yummy creations. Does it really get any better than that?

5. The "Muskoka" or Adirondack Chair

Don’t feel like you have to go with the traditional bride and groom "mini-me’s" when deciding on the topper and design of your cake? Think outside the box and find other elements that represent your theme - like these super cool Muskoka Chairs. Here in Canada nothing says lazy summer days like these chairs. Add in a few seashells and it’s automatically a little more tropical.

Just because you are having a beach themed wedding does not mean you can’t have a sensational cake that still fits within your theme. Whether you desire something fresh and fun or something all-together fancy – if you love it, go with it!