REAL WEDDINGS | WINTER TRENDS | DESTINATION WEDDINGS
features FEATURE ARTICLES 17| Destination Weddings 18| Venue Decoration Tips 62| DIY Wedding Checklist
REAL WEDDINGS & STYLED SHOOTS 24| Karleigh and Eric 34| Abbie and Zach 46| Pup Inspired
@Top Weddings Magazine // CDM Media Group, LLC All rights reserved. CONTACT Cheri Cranford // Owner//Founder//Designer info@cdmmediagroup.co www.topweddingsmag.co instagram//@topweddingsmagazine facebook//facebook.com/topweddingsmagazine BECOME A TOP WEDDING MEMBER Top Weddings offer several digital and online advertising opportunities to connect local businesses to our brides nationwide. We love bringing the top wedding professionals and our brides together. For information and a media kit email info@cdmmediagroup.co GET FEATURED We are looking for remarkable weddings, proposals and bridal showers. If you have an event or styled wedding shoot that you'd like for us to consider, please email us at info@cdmmediagroup.co Thank you to all of our Top Weddings professionals for contributing your talents to make this another amazing issue. FRONT COVER Photographer/KAYSEN PHOTOS
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Pl a n n in g a Dest in at io n W eddin g s In some areas, t he COVID-19 pandemic is waning while in ot hers, concerns over variant s are rising, even among t he vaccinat ed. Even while t he coronavirus cont inues t o evolve, weddings are st ill being planned, including dest inat ion weddings. If your dreams still include traveling somewhere magical, keep reading. We?ve got hot advice for keeping you safe and your dreams intact. BE FLEXIBLE The best advice experts from Brides magazine can give about planning a destination right now is to be flexible and be prepared. As restrictions lift in some areas, people are rushing to finalize wedding plans. But pay attention to health risks, including news on variants and travel restrictions, and to government COVID-19 guidelines. ?Unfortunately, we?ve seen that these two do not always align ? sometimes laws being too lax when risks are high and sometimes being too strict when risks are low,?Annie Lee from Daughter of Design and Plannie told Brides. ?There has been an unpredictability and capriciousness to when local government officials update COVID-19 rules, so couples continue to plan for both hopeful and cautious scenarios until this is truly all behind us.? PLAY IT SAFE Whatever you decide to do, make the best health decision for both you and
your guests. And that means guarding your mental health, too. Consider taking some of the stress out of any upcoming nuptials by downsizing guest lists and making decisions as far out as you can, including for the next year. ?It will be nearly impossible to secure the right talent once the world opens back up,?Alison Laesser Keck of Alison Bryan Destinations told Brides. ?Book everything as soon as possible! Whether you?re doing this by yourself or with a planner, you?ll want to book many of your vendors simultaneously as your venue to guarantee availability.? HIRING A PLANNER A destination wedding, with the added layers of travel and now a pandemic, is much more complicated than your average wedding. Hiring a planner that specializes in destination weddings can help make your big day as stressfree as possible. ?Definitely get one on board before you sign any contracts,?Laesser-Keck says. ?There are COVID-19 policies and other things to negotiate. Now, more than ever, these strategies are vital. Also, if you have to postpone again, your planner?s relationships with vendors will be everything.?
Venue Decorat ion Tip s One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is decorating the venues where you will say your vows and celebrate afterward. Winter encourages colorful displays of bouquets, romantic centerpieces and attractive treats. If the adventure of planning a wedding doesn?t fit into your busy schedule, hiring a planner can take much of the stress away. Allow them to be creative while sticking to your greatest desires. The event?s image will stay true to your expectations while taking the brunt of the responsibility off your shoulders. Whether you decorate yourself or hire an expert to help, here are some ways to make the most out of the spring atmosphere while making your wedding experience one to remember forever. BEAUTIFUL COLOR PALETTE Choosing a venue like an arboretum, conservatory or greenhouse can create a beautiful atmosphere for a winter wedding. Once you have the perfect place in mind, take advantage of attractive colors that are naturally present during this comfortable season. Flowers featuring pastel hues, buoyant blossoms and cheerful colors make a great contribution to a gorgeous backdrop. If you?re hosting an outdoor event, ask the venue owners about which flowers are typically in bloom during the month of your scheduled event. WINTER-THEM ED CENTERPIECE
Create an amazing display at your reception venue by building winter-themed centerpieces. For your guest tables, consider flowers that over flow from vases, sprigs of accent branches and astounding blooms. The bride and groom?s table should feature an impressive display of flowers related to your color palette. Think seasonal wintertime flowers that give your table plenty of pop. Peonies offer beautiful colors and boisterous blooms that serve as a perfect addition to your celebration photos. Hiring a local florist is an efficient way to obtain the most attractive blooms to give your wedding a natural appearance. Ask your friends, family members and colleagues if they know of any local professionals who can add some flair to your floral arrangements and centerpieces.
Wed d ing Planning Here are the first few things you need think about: PICK A STYLE Have a conversation with your fiance and discuss how you want your wedding to feel. Fun and festive? Intimate and sophisticated? Has one of you always dreamed of marrying barefoot on a beach or on the lawn of a stately mansion? What are the most vital elements of the wedding to each of you? Decide what?s most important to each of you and compromise. DECIDE ON A TIM ELINE While the availability of your most coveted vendors will help you choose an exact date, you still need to think about other factors that will impact your timeline: Is there a season or time of year you hope to marry in, or avoid? Holidays or other family events you need to work around? You also might consider how much time you need for planning and preparations. The answers to
all of these questions will help shape the time-line of your wedding. SET YOUR BUDGET This can be one of the most difficult tasks of wedding planning. You need to have sit-down conversations with each other, and with each set of parents, to be clear who will be contributing what when it comes to finances. These numbers will impact every other decision you make, and you don?t want to plan or purchase based on assumptions. BOOK PRIORITY VENDORS Priority vendors will be the people in charge of the
elements most important to you and your fiance. The most significant of these vendors will likely be your venue. Your venue will impact almost all other aspects of your wedding ? including your date. Another vendor who will likely take top billing is your photographer. Be sure to research all your options to to secure the best price with the extra amenities you want. Visit our website to start your wedding planning with the best wedding professionals in Missouri. www.missouribridal.co
Open Bar Here are the first few things you need think about: PICK A STYLE Have a conversation with your fiance and discuss how you want your wedding to feel. Fun and festive? Intimate and sophisticated? Has one of you always dreamed of marrying barefoot on a beach or on the lawn of a stately mansion? What are the most vital elements of the wedding to each of you? Decide what?s most important to each of you and compromise. DECIDE ON A TIM ELINE While the availability of your most coveted vendors will help you choose an exact date, you still need to think about other factors that will impact your timeline: Is there a season or time of year you hope to marry in, or avoid? Holidays or other family events you need to work around? You also might consider how much time you need for planning and preparations. The answers to
all of these questions will help shape the time-line of your wedding. SET YOUR BUDGET This can be one of the most difficult tasks of wedding planning. You need to have sit-down conversations with each other, and with each set of parents, to be clear who will be contributing what when it comes to finances. These numbers will impact every other decision you make, and you don?t want to plan or purchase based on assumptions. BOOK PRIORITY VENDORS Priority vendors will be the people in charge of the
elements most important to you and your fiance. The most significant of these vendors will likely be your venue. Your venue will impact almost all other aspects of your wedding ? including your date. Another vendor who will likely take top billing is your photographer. Be sure to research all your options to to secure the best price with the extra amenities you want. Visit our website to start your wedding planning with the best wedding professionals in Missouri. www.missouribridal.co
K arleighandEric Sh er i Hollow ay Ph ot ogr aph y / / Decem ber 18, 2021
TopWeddingP ros Live Music for Ceremony: Sara O'Dell and Evan O'Dell Cake: Ricks Bakery Fayetteville Mr. & Mrs. Sign: Alpha Lit NWA Rentals: Branson Rentals and Vintage Rental Company Food: Jamie?s Creative Catering Venue:Willow Brooke Farm
Ceremony Dress: Lows Bridal
Coordinator: Dallas Reading
Reception Dress: She Said Yes Bridal
Photographer:Sheri Holloway Photography
Bridesmaid Dresses: Tessori
Assistant Photographer: SWJones Photo?
Groomsmen Tux?s: Touch of Class
Videographer: Brooklin Edwards Florals: Pigment
Chandelier Decor& Design: MY MOM (I know she did that!!!)
Dance Floor and Drapes: Light Works
Menus: Bride, Printed by Quality Quick Print
Entertainment: Noah with Elevate Entertainment
Fireworks Display: Faith Fireworks
A bbieandZach Sh er i Hollow ay Ph ot ogr aph y / / Febr u ar y 27, 2021
Photography: Sheri Holloway Photography // Second Shooter: Anna Burgess On site Coordinator: Greenhouse Two Rivers Wedding Coordinator: Misty Willinger // Ceremony Venue: Greenhouse Two Rivers Wedding Dress: Robert Bullock Bride // Shoes: Bridal Extraordinaire Groom Attire: Men's Wearhouse // Florals: Flowerama of Springfield, Missouri Cake: Simply Delicious Catering // Hair Artist: Align Hair Salon Paige Roberson Makeup Artist: Emilyedgar // Invitation: Minted Catering: Simply Delicious Catering // Rentals: Eventful Rental Special Treat: NoBaked Cookie // Band/DJ: Elevate Entertainment Honeymoon Location: Kansas City
P upI nspiredStyledShoot Elegan t In spir ed Black + Em er ald Gr een Weddin g
TopWeddingP ros Venue:The Atrium; Wedding and Event Center Shoot coordinator: Sarah Bittner // Photographer: Sheri Holloway Photography Invitations: Caitlyn with Reverie?// Cake: Sugar Leaf Bakery DJ: Elevate Entertainment // Bartending: Shakers Bartending Service Florist: Rosewood Floral // Videographer: Tyler and Beka ? MUA and Hair: Kelsey with KKD Beauty Cafe Catering: Lillee's Catering Puppies: Harley and Miller // Models: Aidan and Brady Wedding Dress and Suit: Touch of Class Formals
Lig ht ing t he New Tent Rental When you?re looking for a wedding venue, you may not think of adding lighting. Depending on the venue?s rules and regulations, you may be able to add some extra wattage to your ceremony. Keep reading for tips on how to get the best and brightest big day. GO BIG OR THINK SM ALL Lighting can be as simple as adding candles or lanterns
(look for battery-operated LEDs if your venue doesn?t allow open flames). Or it could be as big as color washes on the walls, disco balls and a labyrinth of neon. Either way, you need your lighting to fit your budget and your venue. You need a lighting designer. Your venue may be able to recommend someone who has worked there in the past, or one of your other vendors may be able to point you in the right direction. M AKE A SITE VISIT Once you?ve found your pro,
make a site visit. If you?re indoors, look at how the sunlight comes in at different times of day so you don?t overwhelm any one space. If you?re outside, go after dark so you can make sure the areas that need illumination, both for looks are for safety, get it. Also talk to your planner and venue personnel about electricity needs. You don?t want a blown fuse to flip off the lights just as you hit the dance floor. Ask if you?ll need any permits, especially for extra lighting outside, and be mindful of the neighbors.
GET IT IN WRITING Of course, as with all your other vendors, get all the details of your lighting package in writing, along with a complete estimate of costs. Don?t be afraid to ask any questions up front and lay out all your expectations before signing on the dotted line. Also make sure your lighting vendor is property insured and permitted. Visit our website to start your wedding planning with the best wedding professionals in Missouri. www.topweddingsmag.co
Get Creat ive wit h Favor s Wedding favors of yore were almost always consigned to the bottom of a drawer or, worse, the trash bin. The new trend is for usable, creative wedding favors. Keep reading for some great ideas.
COFFEE, TEA, CANDY AND M ORE There is no better usable gift that one you can eat. Or drink. Even better if it has a sense of place. Does the town where you met or married have a great coffee shop? Order up some bags of beans, personalized with your special date. Same with tea bags, candies, beer or anything else. GROW THE LOVE Bags of wildflower seeds, tiny pots of succulents or a transplantable native plant all make perfect wedding favors that also give back. Bonus points if you used whatever plants you?re giving out in your arrangements. TO-GO SNACKS This is an even better idea if you expect your party to go late into the night. Ask your caterer to set up boxes of snacks for your guests to take with them on the way out. Chocolate chip cookies, macarons, homemade chips ? as long as it?s portable, it?s a possibility. FOR THE KIDDOS If there are going to be little ones at your ceremony, have special favors just for them. A bag full of toys, a pack of crayons and a table covered in paper tablecloths ensure little hands stay busy. SUN?S OUT Keep your guests cool in the shade with favors they can use to beat the heat at your summer ceremony. Sunglasses, parasols, paper fans and water bottles all rank high on this list, and are easily customized and good for the bottom line. CHARITY DONATIONS Here?s one that?s sure not to end up in the trash bin. Take the money you would?ve spent on favors for your guests and make a donation to your favorite charity instead. Leave room in the budget for printing cards to place on tables explaining your donation.
DIY Wed d ing Checklist So you?re engaged! Wonderful! Now comes the planning. Planning a wedding can be a beautiful headache and a second job. Deciding who will decorate, cater, provide the entertainment and photograph the event are all choices that can make or break the perfect wedding day. Here is a helpful checklist designed to ease process. DECIDE ON YOUR STYLE Whether you?ve already spent years planning your eventual wedding or you?re just getting started, compiling all the ideas you?ve culled from bridal magazines and friends?weddings into a binder will help you narrow your focus, from the venue to the decor, the theme to the all-important dress. CREATE A BUDGET Paying for your dream wedding is based on a variety of factors, but most importantly a budget will be determined how much you will rely on parents or your own money. Either way, creating a realistic budget will help you stay focused and pleased with the end results. M AKE A GUEST LIST The size of your wedding party will determine many elements of your wedding. Sitting down as a couple and making the easy and the tough decisions will spare both of you unnecessary disappointment. SAVE THE DATE, RESERVE THE VENUES Once you?ve chose a wedding date, now?s the time to choose the venue
or venues (if the ceremony and reception are separate venues). If the venues aren?t local, factor in travel and be sure your guests are willing and able to make the special trip with as much advance notice as possible. BOOKING THE VENDORS The people you choose to serve and host your wedding will play a huge role in the celebration. Choosing professionals in each category ? from the caterer to the florist, the officiant to the band or DJ and photographer or videographer ? as early as possible and with the proper amount of diligence and investigation will ensure your wedding day goes off as planned without a hitch, so to speak. IN THIS ORDER ? Purchase the dress. Register. Select and purchase the invitations. Plan the honeymoon. Book the rehearsal venue and dinner. Order the cake. Purchase the rings. Send the invitations. Have a party. Get your wedding license. Purchase gifts. Choose or write your vows. Stay calm. The Big Day is at hand. Congratulations ? you?re married!